Presto’s Complete 2013 NBA Playoffs First Round Predictions And Series Previews

Apr 19, 2011; Orlando, FL, USA; General view of the NBA playoffs logo on the court prior to game two of the first round of the 2011 NBA playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports

The regular season concluded, and it’s time to make some predictions about the 2013 NBA playoffs. While Vegas oddsmakers, analysts and fans alike have all favored the Miami Heat to repeat, nothing is certain in professional sports where teams can exceed expectations just by a few players catching fire, or another team going cold.

This principle likely won’t come into play much in the first round for Miami, or other premier contenders in either conference. But it is what allow teams that are vastly inferior to steal a game or two in a series, and the Thunder are the team most likely to experience a heart palpitation or two due to their opponent’s ability to heat up and go on substantial runs.

Let’s take a brief look at each series and see why I feel the way I do about each particular series.