2013 NBA Conference Finals Previews and Predictions

Grizzlies vs. Spurs (Prediction: Grizzlies 4-2)

Basketball purists will love this series.  There will be great coaching, interior play, and execution. After all, it is the Conference Finals, and only the best teams make it this far. While this series seems predictable considering the similarities in rebounding and youth, expect at least 2 of these games to be decided in the final 3 minutes, or by 5 points or less.

For the San Antonio Spurs, Future Hall of Fame Center Tim Duncan, Head coach Greg Popovich, All-Star point guard Tony Parker, and 6^th man Manu Ginobili. The Spurs are locked in, healthy, and ready to make a move to the NBA Finals for the 5th time in the last 14 years. For the Spurs, the key to getting there is to play through Tim Duncan. He is a 16 year veteran still playing at a top-10 level, and has to be itching for the chance to get back to the Finals.

On the Memphis Grizzlies side, you have Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. Staying out of foul trouble, controlling the paint, and being the most dominant front line in recent memory. While they will score the basketball, will they win the rebounding battle over the Spurs? Up to the Conference Finals, the Grizzlies have the edge over the Spurs by 3 in total rebounds, but 10 in offensive rebounds so far in the Playoffs.  The Spurs have depth at the power forward and center positions that can push Randolph and Gasol away from the basket on offense and keep them away from loose balls. This is the struggle the Grizzlies front line will have to overcome in order to win.

Marc Gasol scored at least 20 points in each of the first 4 games of the series against the Thunder, but it will have to be his production combined with Zach Randolph to win this series. Mike Conley Jr., Quincy Pondexter, Tayshaun Prince, and others are able enough to match or even exceed any production from Spurs role players.

The Spurs are coming off of a battle with the Golden State Warriors that they were fortunate to finish in 6 games, where Manu Ginobli came and went. They were dealing with sharp shooters like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The ultimate test for the Grizzlies will be if Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are prepared for their most formidable challenge yet of Tim Duncan and co., by eliminating an NBA juggernaut. I believe they will get the job done.

The Grizzlies will win this series in 6 games

Heat vs. Pacers (Pacers 4-2)

This series just feels like it is 1993. I say that because it’s refreshing to see someone that have seen frequently at this time of year, like an old friend or something. That’s a testament to the management of each of these teams, who will be East Conference Contenders for the next 5 years. And while the Eastern Conference has been sub-par this year, expect each of these teams to bring the absolute best out of each other.

For the Miami Heat, Ray Allen, Norris Cole, Sane Battier, Chris Bosh, and Chris Andersen make them a special team. These role players are the key to the Miami Heat moving on their 2^nd consecutive NBA Finals. If the Indiana Pacers can find a way to defend these players, or prevent the playmaking of LeBron James from getting them easy baskets, they will have a much better chance of winning this series.

George Hill, Danny Granger, Lance Stephen, and Sam Young are good enough to do it, but it will be up to Head Coach Frank Vogel to keep them focused on the task at hand.

The advantage for the Pacers is big, tall, and apparently ready to play (if the Knicks series was any indication). Roy Hibbert and David West must control the paint with the same effectiveness as they did when Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith were attacking. Four-times MVP LeBron James will be attacking them this time, so it is going to be a little bit harder. The reason being, James’s drives can put Hibbert and West in foul trouble, taking away from their advantages in rebounding and shot blocking.

Like the Western Conference Finals, this series has the potential to confirm that the 7 footer still exists in the NBA, and is an effective counter to the high speed small ball, 3 point shooting heavy line ups that teams have become more intent on putting on the floor. By limiting the production of the Heat’s role players, and taking advantage of an unhealthy Dwayne Wade, the Pacers have a great opportunity in what otherwise seems impossible.

The Pacers will win this series in 6 games.