Weber: Pacers and other NBA Playoffs predictions
By ROSS WEBER
ISL Correspondent
We all know how much the Indiana Pacers have struggled recently, but if there is any other team that has struggled about just as much heading into the NBA Playoffs, it’s the Atlanta Hawks. Certainly, Indiana’s struggles have been more public across the country, but the 12-13 record since March 1 is something each of these teams share.
The Pacers are far more talented than the Hawks, especially when Atlanta doesn’t have star center Al Horford, so it seems like Indiana should run away with it. But Atlanta split the season series with Indiana and seems to have one key advantage that it uses extremely well: quickness. Indianapolis native Jeff Teague is a good point guard, and in transition, he is really quick and can create baskets for his teammates.
The key for Indiana is if Roy Hibbert and David West can step up in the post and play to the All-Star ability we’ve seen each of them play in the past, they will be able to demolish Atlanta’s front line of Paul Millsap and Pero Antic. Hibbert’s horrific March and April don’t make the case for him to be someone to rely on, West on the other hand averages 15.0 points and 8.6 rebounds against Atlanta this season while shooting 50% (19.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 55% shooting in two wins).
If the Pacers can get back to their normal selves, and hold on to home court advantage, they should win this series. That’s easier said than done with this group recently.
My pick: Indiana in 6
And that’s too many games as it is.
Other series:
Brooklyn over Toronto in 6
Miami over Charlotte in 5
Chicago over Washington in 6
San Antonio over Dallas in 4
Oklahoma City over Memphis in 4
Los Angeles over Golden State in 7
Portland over Houston in 7
