San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies: Game 3 Previews and Predictions
One year ago, the San Antonio Spurs were in this exact same position. They took the first two games of the Western Conference Finals at home. However, this time around, the opposition has transitioned from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Memphis Grizzlies.
After those two wins, the tables started turning rapidly. The Thunder won the next four straight, earning a spot in the finals. The Spurs were left scratching their head, trying to figure out what went wrong.
In 2013, the Grizzlies will be trying to befuddle those same Spurs. After falling down 0-2 in the series, they return home to FedExForum where they are 5-0 this postseason.
San Antonio simply torched the Grizzlies in Game 1. Memphis clearly wasn’t prepared for this level of play, and they fell, 105-83. Zach Randolph stood out in a bad way, going just 1-of-8 for two points. Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard had their way on offense, shooting a combined 16-of-24 for 38 points.
Game 2 saw the Grizzlies look more like a team deserving of a spot in a conference final. Though they lost, 93-89, Memphis’ bigs showed up with both Marc Gasol and Randolph posting double-doubles. Unfortunately for the visitors, Parker went off for 15 points and 18 assists, helping the Spurs spread the ball around on offense.
With a return trip to their home city, the Grizzlies will be looking to match what Oklahoma City did a year ago and get right back into this series.
Time: Saturday, May 25, 9 p.m. ET
Where: FedExForum, Memphis
Series: San Antonio 2-0
TV: ESPN
Game 5 Key Storyline: Defensive Savvy vs. Home Cooking
A common misconception is that to be a great defender in the NBA, one has to be athletically superior. While that helps and makes for great highlights, it is only part of the equation.
Seldom do Randolph and Gasol run into defenses that are as sophisticated and stout as their own. Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan are high-flyers and incredible athletes. Serge Ibaka is as talented a shot-blocker as you’ll find, and Kendrick Perkins is a massive body.
So, why is it that Tim Duncan, Tiago Splitter and Boris Diaw are giving the Grizzlies the most trouble. Randolph has shot 7-of-26 through two games, while Gasol is 11-of-28. As a team, Memphis is at just 38 percent in the series.
The Spurs bring the other half of the defensive equation—intelligence and communication. Facing facts, Vinny Del Negro and Scott Brooks are not Gregg Popovich, and thus, the defenses Memphis has played have not been as difficult to counter.
Until the Memphis frontcourt figures out a way to match San Antonio’s offensive production, they’ll be down and looking up.
The counter for this in Game 3 will be a return home for Memphis and a road trip for San Antonio.
While the Spurs are 4-1 on the road this postseason, they were a rather average 23-18 during the regular season. In comparison to their 35-6 home record, there is a definitive difference.
In the fist round, the Grizzlies were in the exact same position they are in now, down 0-2 to the Los Angeles Clippers. In the second round, Memphis dropped Game 1 on the road against the Thunder. After those three road losses in each series, Memphis didn’t lose another game.
The Grizzlies get to play at home in Game 3, and that should concern the Spurs.
Series Star So Far: Tony Parker
Running through a series against the Thunder without Russell Westbrook must have left the Grizzlies lost on how to defend the point guard position. Tony Parker has been relatively unimpeded in his dominance thus far.
Memphis was able to force Chris Paul out of his comfort zone in the first round, getting him to look for his shot more than he wanted. Though Paul was scoring 22.8 points per game, his assist numbers were way down at just 6.3 per game.
Through two games, Parker has been able to do whatever he wants, and more importantly, whatever the Spurs need him to do. In Game 1, he went 9-of-14 for 20 points and nine assists. Though his shot wasn’t falling in Game 2, Parker posted 18 assists, five rebounds and three steals.
Despite shooting 6-of-20 for 15 points, Parker was able to be a major contributor to the Spurs’ win. In the overtime period, he assisted on two of the team’s three baskets, hit 1-of-2 free throws and grabbed a steal.
With both Duncan and Manu Ginobili’s minutes being limited at this stage, Parker has to be at the top of his game for the Spurs to advance. Right now, he is unstoppable because of his versatility at the position.
Projected Starting Lineups:
San Antonio: Tony Parker, PG; Danny Green, SG; Kawhi Leonard, SF; Tim Duncan, PF; Tiago Splitter, C
Memphis: Mike Conley, PG; Tony Allen, SG; Tayshaun Prince, SF; Zach Randolph, PF; Marc Gasol, C
Spurs Injury Report: (via CBSSports.com)
None reported
Grizzlies Injury Report:
None reported
Spurs Will Win If…
Their interior defense continues to stymie the Grizzlies.
Memphis bases their entire attack around the post play of their starting frontcourt. Whatever Mike Conley and Jerryd Bayless can get going on the perimeter is all a credit to the space and attention Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are taking up on the interior.
The Spurs’ interior defense includes everything from throwing multiple and different bodies at Memphis to defensive rebounding. The Grizzlies simply aren’t talented enough on offense to keep up with San Antonio. If they can clear up all those missed shots, Memphis won’t have a chance.
San Antonio has also gotten some nice perimeter help from smaller places. Both Danny Green and Matt Bonner have come up big from beyond the arc.
Typically, the road is where those types of players shrink from their home personalities. If guys like them can continue giving a boost in Memphis, the Spurs are in good shape.
Right now, Memphis is still a little lost offensively. San Antonio must stop them from finding a groove at all costs.
Grizzlies Will Win If…
They figure out Tony Parker and crash the offensive glass.
In their 33-point third quarter during Game 2, Memphis racked up a bunch of offensive rebounds and easy buckets. Since the Grizzlies can struggle to get offense elsewhere, their second-chance points are incredibly important. The work inside frees up their perimeter scorers for open threes on kick-outs as well.
In the first round, Mike Conley was able to play Chris Paul pretty evenly. While he hasn’t been bad through two games, we have yet to seem his raise his play. A great gage this postseason has been his free-throw shooting. When Conley is aggressive and senses something, he gets to the line a lot.
In the clinching game of the first round, Conley got to the line 17 times, scoring 23 points. In Game 1 of this series, he also didn’t attempt a single three.
In each of the first two games, the Grizzlies received outlier performances from different bench players. In the return home, Memphis will hope to catch both Jerryd Bayless and Quincy Pondexter at their best in the same game.
The Grizzlies defense will fix itself in their home gym, but they’ll still have to score enough points to win.
Prediction:
The Grizzlies have yet to lose in Tennessee this postseason, and it is hard to believe they will start in Game 3.
Though their dominating series win over the Thunder seems far away, following two losses, it wasn’t long ago at all. All the Grizzlies needed to take control of that series was a trip home. Same went for the first-round matchup with the Clippers.
These are two teams that split the regular season, with two of the games going into overtime. Memphis and San Antonio are more tightly matched than a 3-0 series would dictate. The Grizzlies will win Game 3 and bring this matchup back into balance.
As poor of an offensive team as Memphis was overall this season, Gasol and Randolph are not as inefficient as they are showing right now. The Spurs should also have more trouble guarding Conley with the confidence of a home crowd behind him.
If those three guys figure out an offense, the rest will take care of itself.
Grizzlies 92, Spurs 86
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Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat: Game 2 Preview and Predictions
The Indiana Pacers gave the Miami Heat their best shot in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Unfortunately for the road team, LeBron James and the Heat were the ones who narrowly escaped with a 103-102 victory.
James’ late-game heroics trumped Paul George’s big shots when it was all said and done. The two leaders came up huge during crunch time, but when you give James the last look, you’re gambling with one-on-one coverage.
As well as Indiana played in the first contest, the big topic of the night became Roy Hibbert’s absence on the final play. With the 7’2” center on the bench, James took advantage of an empty painted area and finished in the lane with nothing but space between him and the rim.
If Frank Vogel could do it again, you have to believe he’d put Hibbert near the hoop to at least challenge the game-winning field goal.
But no game has ever truly been decided by one possession. Both teams played well enough to win, and with overtime, physical play and last-second shots still on our minds, we can believe that Game 2 will live up to its lofty expectations.
Time: Friday, May 24, 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, FL
Series: Miami 1-0
TV: TNT
Game 2 Storyline: How Indiana Bounces Back
Losing a contest the way Indiana did can be far more draining than getting blown out. That sentiment only gets stronger in the playoffs, and the way the Pacers bounce back will speak volumes to their character and willingness to compete.
If you’ve watched the Pacers at all during the 2012-13 season, you know they’re not a team to give up. They’re young enough to ignore the fact that the Heat are the favorites, but mature enough to hold their heads high and recognize how close they were the first time around.
According to the Associated Press (via ESPN), Vogel believes that his team is “very encouraged” by the play in Game 1. Forgetting the loss and honing in on what went right is going to be key, while also focusing on where the team can improve along the way.
On that same note, Miami knows that it also needs to play better (per the AP report). If Indiana comes into Game 2 feeling more invigorated than hung over, the Heat must be ready for a group that is highly motivated.
Star Watch: LeBron James
Has it become cliché to call James the best player in the world? If it has, it’s for a very good reason.
James made headlines with his late-game execution in Game 1, once again proving that the clutch gene is something you can develop. He didn’t settle for jump shots, he played to his strengths and just as importantly, he recognized what the defense was willing to give him.
According to ESPN, James is 7-of-16 in his career on potential game-tying and game-winning shots in the final 24 seconds of postseason contests. That’s 43.8 percent shooting in those situations, and the most makes of anybody since James entered the Association.
But as much as everybody will remember the last-second layup that sent the home crowd into a frenzy, you can’t ignore the fact that James had 30 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in 47 minutes. Paul George played him tightly throughout much of the game, but he’ll have to do more if he wants to be successful in the second go-around.
Speaking of George, we’d be remiss not to mention his name in this category. The youngster has established himself as a franchise player and a superstar in the making, and he’s proven he’s capable of hitting big shots when it counts.
The problem for the 23-year-old comes when he is forced to expend too much energy on defense. James is one of the toughest covers alive today, and George has the unfortunate task of keeping up with him on both sides of the floor.
Projected Starting Lineups:
Indiana: George Hill, PG; Lance Stephenson, SG; Paul George, SF; David West, PF; Roy Hibbert, C
Miami: Mario Chalmers, PG; Dwyane Wade, SG; LeBron James, SF; Udonis Haslem, PF; Chris Bosh, C
Pacers Injury Report (via CBS Sports)
N/A
Heat Injury Report
Mario Chalmers (Shoulder), Questionable for Game 2
Pacers Will Win If…
They take care of the basketball.
In a game of inches, turnovers can sway the result one way or the other. George had the most notable turnover of the contest when he threw the ball to his own bench late in the game, but the Pacers as a whole turned the ball over 20 times.
In losses this postseason, the Pacers are averaging 19 turnovers per game. In wins, that number drops to 13.6.
They played well enough in Game 1 to take down the defending champs, but those pesky giveaways are to blame for Miami’s constant confidence and momentum.
In Indiana’s defense, it also forced 20 turnovers. The Heat, however, recognize that they need to play a cleaner brand of basketball, and we saw how well they can adjust after falling to the Chicago Bulls in the first game of Round 2.
The Pacers defense is going to remain imposing, and if their offense can take advantage, life will be a little bit easier as the series continues.
Heat Will Win If…
They continue to attack the paint.
The Heat scored 60 points in the paint Wednesday night. They shot just 27.8 percent from the three-point line, and while fans in South Beach would like to see that number improve, attacking the rim has to remain a constant.
Miami is shooting just 33.5 percent from deep range during the playoffs. That’s notably better than their current Eastern Conference opponent, but it’s a far cry from the 39.6 percent that nearly earned them the top spot in the regular season.
Almost as important as getting to the rim, the Heat must keep Indiana out of the paint. The Pacers scored 48 points of their own in the key, but the bigger story is offensive rebounds.
Indiana collected 17 offensive rebounds in Game 1. The number itself is only one more than what Miami was able to grab, but the bigger theme is that those rebounds put a halt on any run the Heat were trying to make.
Miami was never able to truly pull away, and it’s because poor rebounding negated otherwise solid defense. Rebounding has been a problem for Miami throughout 2012-13, and this is where we learn if it keeps them from reaching the Finals.
Prediction
When it comes to predicting this outcome, Game 1 is going to influence a lot of opinions. The Pacers played the Heat down to the wire, and they showed that they can compete in a long, grueling series.
That said, we can’t forget that the Heat are still the favorites, and with another game in Miami, it’s possible that Indiana missed out on its one true chance of gaining all momentum.
While both teams can play at a higher level, the Heat appear to be the ones who can boost their game the most. There’s a reason they’ve won 46 of their last 49 contests, and with Ray Allen yet to have an impact, the Pacers have to be ready for an improved unit come Game 2.
What Indiana will look to do, aside from clean up its own execution, is get even more physical. Teams have shown that when you bully the Heat, you gain a slight advantage, and that’s the blueprint the Pacers must follow.
Indiana will win games in this series, and it will keep the drama high. But with the Heat re-focused and playing at home, they enter Game 2 with an edge over their foes out East.
Heat 98 – Pacers 93
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NBA Playoff Schedule 2013: Conference Finals Viewing Info and Predictions
And then there were four.
The Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies traversed the first two rounds of the NBA playoffs without much resistance to secure a place in the conference finals, but don’t expect any of the four teams to waltz into the NBA Finals without some bumps along the way.
In the Eastern Conference, Miami faces arguably its most difficult matchup of the season in the Pacers, who finished the regular season second in scoring defense and stifled the New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs. Miami demolished the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls, but it will be in for a monumental test against Indiana in the conference finals.
Like Indiana, Memphis boasts a stifling defense (No. 1 in the regular season) and surprised many with upsets over the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder. In each of those series, the Grizzlies dispatched their opponent in six games or fewer, never encountering enough resistance to suggest Memphis can’t upend the No. 1 Spurs in this series.
Let’s take a look at Game 1 for each conference finals series and preview each matchup, complete with viewing information, regular-season series records and predictions for each game’s score.
| Date | Matchup |
| 5-19 | San Antonio vs. Memphis (3:30 p.m. ET on ABC) |
| 5-21 | San Antonio vs. Memphis (9 p.m. ET on ESPN) |
| 5-22 | Miami vs. Indiana (8:30 p.m. ET on TNT) |
| 5-24 | Miami vs. Indiana (8:30 p.m. ET on TNT) |
| 5-25 | Memphis vs. San Antonio (9 p.m. ET on ESPN) |
| 5-26 | Indiana vs. Miami (8:30 p.m. ET on TNT) |
| 5-27 | Memphis vs. San Antonio (9 p.m. ET on ESPN) |
| 5-28 | Indiana vs. Miami (8:30 p.m. ET on TNT) |
| 5-29 | San Antonio vs. Memphis (9 p.m. ET on ESPN) |
| 5-30 | Miami vs. Indiana (8:30 p.m. ET on TNT) |
| 5-31 | Memphis vs. San Antonio (9 p.m. ET on ESPN) |
*Full schedule can be found at ESPN.com.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs
Where: AT&T Center; San Antonio, Texas
When: Sunday, May 19, at 3:30 p.m. ET
Television: ABC
Season Series: 2-2
Memphis Injuries: None
San Antonio Injuries: Kawhi Leonard (knee, probable)
Betting Lines (per Bovada.lv): Spurs minus-4.5, Over/Under 183
The Spurs have been one of the most dominant NBA franchises of the last decade, but how much longer can we expect that dominance to continue?
If this year’s playoffs are any indication, San Antonio is far from finished, and Tim Duncan and company appear focused on securing their first title since 2007.
But it certainly won’t be easy.
The Grizzlies have embarked on one of the best postseason runs we’ve seen in recent years, taking the No. 5 seed all the way to a marquee matchup with the old guard of the Western Conference. There isn’t a better defensive team in the league, and this matchup has the potential to be a thrilling seven-game affair.
While all eyes have been fixed on Tim Duncan as he attempts to lead his team to at least one more title before his eventual retirement, Tony Parker has quietly put together one of the most impressive playoff performances of the season. In 10 postseason games this year, the point guard is averaging 22.4 points and 6.3 assists, including four performances of 25 points or more in San Antonio wins.
Memphis counters with an exceptional point guard of their own in Mike Conley, who has averaged 17.6 points and 7.6 assists in 11 postseason games. While there’s sure to be a lot of action in the paint in this series, the matchup between Parker and Conley will be a lot of fun to watch.
As well as both teams have played this postseason, home-court advantage will play a huge role in this series. Look for the Spurs to edge out the Grizzlies on their home floor in Game 1 by a slim margin and create some momentum for Game 2 on Tuesday.
Prediction: San Antonio 89, Memphis 86
Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers
Where: AmericanAirlines Arena; Miami, Florida
When: Wednesday, May 22, at 8:30 p.m. ET
Television: TNT
Season Series: Pacers 2-1
Miami Injuries: None
Indiana Injuries: George Hill (head), Danny Granger (knee, out for season)
Betting Lines: Unavailable as of May 19 at 11 a.m. ET
If there’s any team in the Eastern Conference that matches up well against Miami, it’s Indiana.
The Pacers have been phenomenal at the defensive end this year and rebound as well as any team in the league. Against a Heat squad predicated on perimeter scoring, the Pacers hold a big advantage in the paint and on the glass.
Indiana edged out Miami in their regular season-series 2-1—a good sign that we could be in for a long series in the Eastern Conference Finals.
But the Heat haven’t exactly looked shaky thus far. In fact, they’ve looked unstoppable.
Miami dismantled Milwaukee in four games in the opening round and went on to decimate a depleted Bulls squad in the second round. In nine playoff games, the Heat are averaging 98.6 points per game, led by LeBron James and his 24 points per contest.
For Indiana to have a chance in the conference finals, it has to continue rebounding at a torrid pace to limit Miami’s second chances at the offensive end. If the Pacers can build on their 47.3-reounds-per-game clip in the postseason, Miami will be at a serious disadvantage.
But like the Memphis-San Antonio series, home-court advantage stands to play a big part in how this series shakes out. The Heat are well-rested and on a roll, and they shouldn’t struggle too much in taking Game 1 from Indiana at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Prediction: Miami 94, Indiana 87
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New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers: Game 6 Preview, Schedule and Predictions
The New York Knicks kept their season alive with an 85-75 triumph in Game 5 at home, so the series now turns to Bankers Life Fieldhouse for Game 6 as the Indiana Pacers try again to close things out.
Chris Copeland provided Mike Woodson a huge boost off the bench, as he notched 13 points in 19 minutes. New York led early and was in control for nearly the entire game, as Carmelo Anthony regained his shooting touch, and the Knicks were the more aggressive unit.
Indiana struggled without point guard George Hill, who was ruled out due to a concussion suffered in Game 4. The Pacers dished out just 12 assists and committed 19 turnovers en route to 36 percent shooting.
Frank Vogel hopes to have his floor general back at full strength to clinch the series at home.
Date/Time: Saturday, May 18, 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Series Record: 3-2 Pacers
TV: ESPN
Key Storyline: Will George Hill’s return do the trick?
Without George Hill in the lineup in Game 5, Indiana simply lacked offensive consistency.
D.J. Augustin wasn’t able to generate consistent offense in his stead, and consequently, Indiana relied on a combination of Paul George and Lance Stephenson to help out with the facilitating.
ESPN Stats & Info explained just how weak the Pacers are in pick-and-roll situations without Hill:
The Pacers’ pick-and-roll ball handlers shot 3-of-11 (27.3 percent) with four turnovers in Game 5 against the Knicks. The Pacers struggled on those plays without George Hill, who shot 50.0 percent as the pick-and-roll ball-handler in the first four games of the series.
Hill is questionable to return for Game 6, as he was scheduled to take another concussion test Friday night.
Indiana’s odds of clinching the series ride heavily on Hill’s status, as it depends on him for more than just playmaking and shooting. His return would significantly upgrade Frank Vogel‘s defense: He’s done a terrific job on Raymond Felton for much of the series.
If Hill comes back and is near 100 percent, the blue and gold will be that much closer to this year’s Eastern Conference Finals.
Series Star So Far: Carmelo Anthony
It hasn’t been a pretty series for ‘Melo, and he’s endured a couple rough games along the way.
However, he’s the best player in the series, and he saved New York Thursday night.
Anthony has drawn a lot of criticism for his one-on-one exploits, and in Game 3 in particular, they hindered the Knicks’ efficiency. Nevertheless, he’s scoring 28.7 per night and grabbing 6.9 boards, and he has given his club a chance to force a Game 7.
He shot 12-of-28 (43 percent) in Game 5, including eight crucial points in the fourth quarter to keep Indiana at arm’s length.
Taking care of business at home is one thing, but can Anthony translate it to Indy for Game 6?
Projected Starting Lineups
Knicks: Pablo Prigioni, PG; Raymond Felton, SG; Iman Shumpert, SF; Carmelo Anthony, PF; Tyson Chandler, C
Pacers: George Hill, PG (questionable); Lance Stephenson, SG; Paul George, SF; David West, PF; Roy Hibbert, C
Knicks Injury Report (via CBSSports.com)
Tyson Chandler (back), probable for Game 6
Pacers Injury Report
George Hill (head), questionable for Game 6
Knicks Will Win If…
…at least three players generate efficient offense.
Getting three or four players to produce at a healthy clip is easier said than done, but the Knicks have the resources to make it happen.
If Raymond Felton can shoot a high percentage while doling out five to eight assists, that’s a good start. His effectiveness might hinge on George Hill’s return for Indiana.
Now, we get to the tricky part. Can ‘Melo and J.R. Smith both produce on the same night?
Although Smith has yet to find a rhythm in this series, he’s gradually playing better. He was driving with purpose, dishing to teammates, and clamping down defensively in the Game 5 win. A hot shooting night might be just around the corner.
Getting Chris Copeland to chime in with these three would be magnificent for Woodson.
Will all four keep the flow going, or will Indy enjoy a stagnant version of the Knicks?
Pacers Will Win If…
…Hill returns and the team wins the aggression battle on both ends.
Hill’s absence was certainly a factor in the Pacers’ Game 5 loss, but it wasn’t the only factor.
New York was more aggressive and confident, and that manifested itself in the undersized Knicks nearly winning the rebounding battle against the bigger Pacers. ‘Melo and Tyson Chandler were assertive early and often, so Paul George and Roy Hibbert got into some serious foul trouble.
The Pacers can’t afford to commit 19 turnovers while forcing only 10. They also can’t afford to shoot 19-of-33 from the charity stripe.
Their passes must be crisper, their cuts and post-ups must be more purposeful and they must reclaim dominance in the rebounding department. At this point in the series, it’s about who wants it more, and Indiana needs to use its home crowd to fuel that extra edge.
Prediction
Even if Hill isn’t 100 percent, his presence in Indiana’s lineup and comfortability in the pick-and-roll will give them steady production from quarter to quarter.
Don’t expect New York to go quietly, as it will unlikely deliver another ugly road performance as it did in Games 3 and 4. ‘Melo will be driven, and I would be surprised if he scored fewer than 30 points.
Ultimately, the Pacers have the personnel and the home court to wear the Knicks down. Hill will challenge the Knicks’ perimeter shooting; George will make Anthony work for everything, and Hibbert and West will remind New York that the paint is Pacer territory.
A Game 7 would have been fun, but it’s not in the cards.
Prediction: Pacers 94, Knicks 88
Follow Daniel on Twitter for more playoff hoops talk: @DanielO_BR
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Updated Predictions for 2013-14 NCAA Basketball Preseason Top 25 Poll
It’s been over a month since our first look at which NCAA basketball teams might top the preseason polls in the fall, and a lot has changed in that time. Some players expected to jump to the NBA haven’t; some who were expected to stay are gone, and the biggest name of the recruiting class has finally made his decision.
That last player, of course, is Andrew Wiggins, who immediately becomes the best player on an inexperienced Kansas team. Of course, “inexperienced” is a far cry from “untalented,” and Naadir Tharpe and the Jayhawks jump into the top 10 with Wiggins’ arrival.
Read on for a look at a full, updated projection of which teams will land where when the preseason rankings come out in November.
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NBA Playoff Predictions 2013: Why the Knicks Still Have a Fighting Chance
The New York Knicks packed their bags and headed to Indianapolis after Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals feeling confident and rejuvenated.
They had just tied the series at 1-1 after winning in blowout fashion at The Garden, and things were looking up as they went to Indiana for two straight games.
After getting roughed up in Games 3 and 4 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the confidence and swagger that the Knicks possessed in Game 2 seems just about nonexistent.
The Knicks shot just 35 percent from the field in both Games 3 and 4, and below 30 percent from three-point range. It is no secret to any Knicks fan, or any basketball fan for that matter, that the Knicks do not succeed if they are not shooting the ball well.
They live and die by the three-point ball, and 27 percent and 28 percent as a team just won’t cut it against a defensively efficient Indiana squad.
Mike Woodson’s team has had to deal with plenty of distractions outside of the gym, mainly the harsh New York media who’s job it is to scrutinize every move the team makes.
The Knicks now find themselves with their backs against the wall, facing elimination as they head home for Game 5 on Thursday.
Despite their horrific performances in back-to-back games in Indiana, there is still hope for the New York Knicks, although many people are counting them out.
The Knicks will look to accomplish what the Boston Celtics were able to do to them in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, and that is to gain momentum.
The series is headed back to Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks went 31-10 this season.
If they can find a way to break out of their abominable shooting slump and defeat the Indiana Pacers on their home floor, it is a whole new series.
The Knicks saw Carmelo Anthony, Raymond Felton and J.R. Smith combine for 36 points in Game 3, and shoot a combined 37 percent from the field in Game 4.
These are some of the worst numbers that these three have put up all season, and if even just one of them can find a way to break out of his slump, the Knicks have a fighting chance.
Yes, they would still need to win two games in a row, one of them being on the road in Indiana where they haven’t won a playoff game since 1999.
But a win in Game 5 can change the entire momentum of a series, and the Knicks witnessed that first hand against the Celtics.
The Celtics were unsuccessful in their comeback attempt against the Knicks, but after winning two straight games, things began to change.
The players, the fans and the media all began to change their outlook on the series, and if the Knicks can pull off a win in Indiana in Game 6, they become the favorites again as they head home for Game 7.
Of course there are a lot of things that need to go in the Knicks favor for them to win this series, and it may seem very unlikely after their performance in the past two games, but one great game can change a series and everybody knows the Knicks are capable of winning in blowout fashion.
The New York Knicks are down 3-1 and appear as if they are out for the count, but don’t be surprised if you see them roaring back to make this a series to remember.
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Bold Predictions for Boston Celtics Franchise-Defining 2013 Offseason
Franchise-defining offseason is right.
The Boston Celtics will enter the summer of 2013 with more questions than probably any other team in the league.
You can only imagine what it must be like to be in Danny Ainge’s shoes right now. He has to make the right moves for the most historic organization in professional basketball, and none of those moves are going to be easy decisions to make.
Will Ainge “bring the band back together” for one more run?
Will he decide to scrap everything and go for an all-out rebuild?
It remains to be seen, and at this point, all we can do is form our own opinions and theories.
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New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers: Game 4 Preview, Schedule and Predictions
The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers have traded haymakers for the first three games of their second-round series, with Indiana taking a 2-1 series lead into Tuesday’s Game 4.
An ugly, physical contest was exactly what the Pacers needed in Game 3, as they bottled up Carmelo Anthony and company for an 82-71 victory. They put New York in a tight spot, as the Knicks will be under immense pressure to win Game 4 in Indy.
Paul George played lock-down defense in addition to his 14 points and eight assists, and Roy Hibbert absolutely owned the paint Saturday.
New York needs to figure out how to get high-percentage looks in a bruising road scenario. Anthony was the only player in double figures in Game 3, and it was far from a banner night for him: 6-of-16 shooting and one assist.
Meanwhile, the Pacers want to transfer that defensive output to the rest of the series, and continue to keep Hibbert rolling on the other end.
Will Amar’e Stoudemire’s improving health make a difference? Can Indiana put New York in a vice grip with a 3-1 lead? Find out as we break down Game 4
Date/Time: Tuesday, May 14, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind.
Series Record: 2-1 Pacers
TV: TNT
Key Storyline: Can New York Punch Back on the Road?
Each of the first three games of this series was a decisive victory for the winning club.
Indiana started the series by dropping 105 points on the Knicks in Madison Square Garden, with the Knicks responding with a landslide Game 2 win. Indiana then defended their home court by clamping down on the defensive end in Game 3.
Now the question is whether New York can win on the road. Do they have the mental and physical fortitude to fight back against the bigger, stronger Pacers?
Not if Tyson Chandler gets manhandled by Hibbert again. Not if the Knicks trio of point guards combines for six points and seven assists. And not if ‘Melo struggles against Paul George again.
Hibbert grabbed a lot of headlines for his production in Game 3, and the attention was well earned. But George’s defense on Anthony was critical in holding the Knicks star to 21 points and one assist.
Stoudemire supplied nine decent minutes in his return from knee injury, as he was aggressive offensively, albeit a bit rusty. He could provide New York a gigantic boost in Game 4, and actually give them the juice to punch back in this series. A chunk of 10-20 high-energy minutes from Stoudemire would help chip into the Pacers’ rebounding superiority and give Mike Woodson another scoring option.
The Knicks can’t expect to outboard the Pacers in this series. However, they do need to do better than the 53-40 drubbing they endured in Game 3.
Series Star so Far: Paul George
Hibbert may have been the star Saturday night, but George has been the MVP of the series.
His versatility is invaluable to Frank Vogel’s club, as there’s not an area of the game he doesn’t impact.
On a night when his shooting was ugly, he still managed to put his stamp on both ends of the floor. He attacked the basket and dished out eight assists, snatched eight rebounds and punctuated his stifling defense with five steals.
Carmelo certainly isn’t looking the part of a champion against him:
George’s work against Anthony sets the tone for the Pacers’ team defense. When he can effectively keep ‘Melo out of his rhythm, it’s tough for New York’s offense to excel. Saturday’s 71-point effort is Exhibit A.
Projected Starting Lineups
Knicks: Pablo Prigioni, PG; Raymond Felton, SG; Iman Shumpert, SF; Carmelo Anthony, PF; Tyson Chandler, C
Pacers: George Hill, PG; Lance Stephenson, SG; Paul George, SF; David West, PF; Roy Hibbert, C
Knicks Injury Report (via CBSSports.com)
No injuries reported
Pacers Injury Report
Danny Granger (knee), out for season
Knicks Will Win If…
…they limit the rebounding damage and get J.R. Smith going.
New York is at its best when it defends well, rebounds well and buries assisted triples. Even though the Knickerbockers looked atrocious Saturday, it’s still possible for them to achieve those goals in Game 4.
Tyson Chandler, Kenyon Martin and Amar’e Stoudmire must combine for 25 or more boards, with ‘Melo chipping in six to eight rebounds. It’s a top priority, because the Pacers will relentlessly crash the offensive glass in hopes of scoring second-chance points and drawing fouls.
As for the scoring dilemma, Carmelo needs help. Raymond Felton, Pablo Prigioni and Jason Kidd seemingly have lost all confidence in their perimeter game, and that must be corrected in a hurry. If they can’t knock down shots, they at least need to trigger better ball movement.
One man who never lacks for confidence is Smith, who must work hard to get open away from the ball and then be decisive once he gets it. When Smith scores 15-25 points to supplement ‘Melo’s 25-30, New York’s offense will be that much tougher for Indiana to match.
Pacers Will Win If…
…they defend and keep the Knicks off the three-point line.
Indiana will make some adjustments and changes heading into Game 4, but they can’t lose sight of what brought them a decisive win in Game 3: defense.
New York shot 3-of-11 from three-point land, and that wasn’t by accident. It was a coordinated effort by the Pacers to prevent New York from settling into comfortable long-range shooting opportunities. If the Knicks had their way, they’d make 11 threes instead of taking 11 threes, as a 12-of-20 night suits them much better.
Obviously, Indiana can’t let that happen.
The defense of guards George Hill and Lance Stephenson is critical in this effort. If they patrol the perimeter as well as they did Saturday, the Pacers will be sitting pretty.
Another slow-paced, grind-it-out defensive game favors the blue and gold.
Prediction
New York will move the ball better and shoot it better and get better offensive production from both Anthony and Smith.
That doesn’t mean they’ll win.
Indiana has some shooting woes to iron out—namely Paul George and George Hill’s combined 9-of-33 in Game 3. Expect these two each to have a better shooting night, which will mean an uptick in scoring for the Pacers.
In the trenches, Indiana will take care of business, barring a breakout masterpiece by Stoudemire. George will continue to wear down ‘Melo, and Indiana will simultaneously harass Knick shooters.
Expect a bit more scoring from both sides than we saw in Game 3. But don’t expect a different outcome.
Prediction: Pacers 90, Knicks 87
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OKC Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies: Game 4 Preview, Schedule and Predictions
After a strong defensive outing in Game 3, the Memphis Grizzlies took a 2-1 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder and now have a chance to put a stranglehold on the series in Game 4.
The series has been a low-scoring one, and that favored Memphis on Thursday. Lionel Hollins got just enough production from Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Tony Allen to outlast the Thunder.
Despite its rebounding success, Oklahoma City has several maladies to remedy, including the shooting woes of Serge Ibaka and the lack of facilitating from the supporting cast. Memphis will make life tough for the Thunder, but Scott Brooks’ bunch will be equally determined to earn a road win to even the series.
How will each team approach this pivotal game, and which club will be smiling on the way back to OKC?
Game 4 Time: Monday, May 13, 9:30 p.m. ET
Where: FedExForum, Memphis, Tenn.
Series Record: 2-1 Grizzlies
TV: TNT
Game 4 Key Storyline: Can Oklahoma City Dig Themselves Out? Must-Win Scenario
Even though Oklahoma City notched 23 fast-break points, 51 rebounds and 44 points in the paint, it didn’t come away with a victory in Game 3.
Why? Offensive inefficiency and lack of execution in crunch time.
The Thunder had more turnovers (12) than assists (10), and shot 36 percent from the field. That’s not a good recipe for a road win, so adjustments must be made for Game 4.
Memphis wasn’t a model of offensive brilliance in Game 3, but the Grizzlies brought their usual defensive toughness, and they’ll do it again in Game 4.
The question is whether OKC can get enough production outside of Durant. He was the only player to notch more than two assists, as he’s the only player who can survey the floor while operating with the ball.
A combination of Tayshaun Prince and Tony Allen was able to slow down Durant enough to force other Thunder players into shots.
In Game 4, it’s imperative for Serge Ibaka to find his offensive rhythm. His 6-of-17 shooting performance makes him 12-of-39 (31 percent) for the series. The much-improved outside shooting he was lauded for throughout the year has been nonexistent this week.
There’s no room for error for either squad. Memphis doesn’t want to head back to Oklahoma City tied 2-2, and the Thunder certainly don’t want to go down 3-1.
Series Star So Far: Kevin Durant
The Durantula is unquestionably the star and best player in the series, as he leads all players in points (32 per game), rebounds (12.3) and assists (6.7).
Game 3 was considered a so-so game for him, but he still shot 47 percent, scored 25 and grabbed 11 boards.
His two missed free throws in the final minute prevented the Thunder from drawing within one possession of the Grizzlies, so he’ll be under the microscope in the clutch in Game 4. Durant is the most sure-handed free-tosser in the game, so it shouldn’t be an issue moving forward. But if he does happen to miss late again, it will be a big deal.
It will be interesting to see if he can break loose at all against Prince or Allen, because all it could take is a couple of quick outbursts for him to push OKC to 95-100 points.
If his jumper is smooth and his decision-making is sound, it’s going to be up to his comrades to meet him halfway.
Projected Starting Lineups
Oklahoma City: Reggie Jackson, PG; Thabo Sefolosha, SG; Kevin Durant, SF; Serge Ibaka, PF; Kendrick Perkins, C
Memphis: Mike Conley, PG; Tony Allen, SG; Tayshaun Prince, SF; Zach Randolph, PF; Marc Gasol, C
Thunder Injury Report (via CBSSports.com )
Russell Westbrook (knee), out for season
Grizzlies Injury Report
No injuries reported.
Thunder Will Win If…
Reggie Jackson can create and Serge Ibaka can hit outside shots.
Oklahoma City has relied heavily on Durant to pick up the slack lost when Russell Westbrook went down, but it also turned to Jackson for playmaking.
He enjoyed stretches of successful facilitating in the Houston Rockets series, including an eight-assist outing in Game 6. He has yet to create substantially for his teammates against the Grizzlies.
Jackson can make plays in the open floor and has been dangerous in transition lately, but he needs to execute in the half court. He must use his athleticism to draw help defense and find the open man.
Ibaka, on the other hand, must find his shot one way or another.
If he can get a few putbacks and close attempts to fall early, it could help fuel his mid-range game. OKC can’t afford for him to shoot 6-of-17 again. A 7-of-12 or 8-of-12 night is a realistic goal.
Grizzlies Will Win If…
They continue to defend and get Zach Randolph going.
Defensively, Memphis fans can’t ask for much better than what they’re getting. The only area that needs to get cleaned up is the defensive glass, as OKC snatched 14 offensive boards in Game 3.
From a matchup standpoint, Hollins‘ unit is doing quite well against each Thunder attacker. The Grizzlies are also strong collectively, rotating efficiently and providing plenty of help defense in the paint.
As long as they keep that up and limit the turnovers and transition scenarios, they will be in good shape.
When they have the ball, it’s imperative for them to achieve balance and let Conley make good decisions. Gasol dropped 20 in Game 3, but they can’t count on that kind of production throughout the series.
That’s where Conley and Randolph come in.
Conley needs to be an efficient quarterback, taking what the defense gives him, including jump shots. Ideally, Hollins would like him to attack, get the defense off balance and find Randolph in good position.
Randolph was effectively guarded by Ibaka for most of Game 3, and Memphis doesn’t want him to post another single-digit night in Game 4. If he can score 18 to 24 to go along with Gasol’s 15 to 20, Memphis can win this in the low 90s.
Prediction
Memphis was fortunate to pull out Saturday’s win, and that’s on a night when Oklahoma City shot 28 percent from distance.
The Thunder will likely get a few more shots to fall Monday, including key free throws.
Kevin Martin and Serge Ibaka combined to connect on 12-of-34 from the field in Game 3. That will change in Game 4.
Why? Because Kevin Durant will raise his game, attack with purpose and poise and find them better shots. And then they’ll do their part and finish the play.
Defensively, the Thunder have played well as a whole in this series. It’s impressive considering Westbrook, their lethal perimeter stopper, is out.
More of that defense, plus an efficiency upgrade offensively, will lead to a Thunder “W.”
Prediction: Thunder 94, Grizzlies 91
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Early Predictions for Top Restricted NBA Free Agents in 2013 Offseason
The NBA’s top restricted free agents during the 2013 offseason won’t be given nearly as much attention as their unrestricted brethren. Nonetheless, they are still talented players whom NBA general managers will look to target this summer in order to improve.
Big names like Chris Paul, Dwight Howard and Josh Smith don’t fall into the “restricted” category in 2013, but a handful of viable NBA players do.
The Milwaukee Bucks will have the final say regarding Brandon Jennings’ NBA destiny, so another NBA team would have to step up with a big offer to try and pry him away.
More often than not, restricted free agents end up staying put if their teams have the financial capability to keep them in town. So will the restricted free agents in 2013 remain with their current teams, or switch uniforms as their careers move forward?
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