NBA Playoffs 2013: Schedule and Predictions

2 of 9

Lebron James and Monta Ellis

Miami Heat (1) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (8).

Game 1 – Sun April 21, Milwaukee at Miami, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 2 – Tue April 23, Milwaukee at Miami, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV
Game 3 – Thu April 25, Miami at Milwaukee, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 4 – Sun April 28, Miami at Milwaukee, 3:30 p.m., ABC
Game 5 * Tue April 30, Milwaukee at Miami, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Thu May 2, Miami at Milwaukee, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 4, Milwaukee at Miami, TBD, TNT

I don’t even think the Bucks believe that they are going to be able to win this series. Most people predict that Milwaukee will either get swept or possibly win one game at home. There have even been rumors that Lebron James or Dwyane Wade would sit out a game or two in the series to be prepared for the 2nd round. I think the idea of that happening is preposterous. Both players have already taken off a lot of time this month and neither is very old. And this is the playoffs. All it takes for Miami to go home is lose 4 games and all these players are professionals. Miami will be at full strength the whole series.

Player to watch: Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings

With both these players possibly becoming free agents at the end of this season, it will be interesting to see how they go about this series. If they manage to do the unthinkable and pull off the upset, the value of both players would increase exponentially. However, because that is nearly impossible, what these guys need to do is make Milwaukee competitive. Pretty much don’t get blown out of every game. Keep a couple of them close and maybe you can pull out a win or two.

Prediction: Miami sweeps 4-0.

As a Net fan, I am not rooting for this outcome. I would prefer Miami to be challenged because if the Nets beat Chicago, they will meet Miami in round 2. But Miami is just way too good and Milwaukee is way too bad. It’s as simple as that. Milwaukee is an under .500 team whose defense is awful. I expect the Bucks to keep one of the games they play at home close-ish, but as long as Miami plays all their players, they won’t lose a game in this series.