Covering the Bronco Nation.

The Rider Online | Legacy HS Student Media

Covering the Bronco Nation.

The Rider Online | Legacy HS Student Media

Covering the Bronco Nation.

The Rider Online | Legacy HS Student Media

Album Review: Everybody Can’t Go by Benny the Butcher
All About the APs
Bronco Minute 3-22
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Album Review: Everybody Can’t Go by Benny the Butcher
All About the APs
Bronco Minute 3-22
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2017 NBA Playoffs Predictions

Jorden Melson shares his predictions for the NBA playoffs.
Photo by Used with permission from commons.wikimedia.org
Jorden Melson shares his predictions for the NBA playoffs.

The NBA playoffs kicked off on April 15th, and originally I had imagined the Oklahoma City Thunder going all the way and earning their first NBA Championship. That obviously won’t happen, since the Thunder have already been eliminated from the playoffs. So, now that the Thunder are gone, I’ll analyze the remaining teams and determine which team has the best chance of walking away with the championship.

REMAINING TEAMS:

EAST

1.) Boston Celtics

The Celtics finished as the number one seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 53-29. They beat the Chicago Bulls (4-2) in the first round of the playoffs. Their success mainly comes from point guard Isaiah Thomas (25.6 PPG). Although the Celtics don’t have too many great players, they have good team play which gives them an edge.

2.) Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs won a NBA championship last season and already made their way to the Eastern Conference Finals, sweeping Paul George and the Pacers in the first round (4-0) and embarrassing Toronto in the second round (4-0). The Cavs, in my opinion, have the best player in the NBA right now with LeBron James. The duo of LeBron (34.4 PPG) and Kyrie Irving (23.8 PPG) has been unstoppable, and it is going to take a perfect game to beat this team. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cavs are back in the Finals this year. The winner of the Celtics/Wizards will play the Cavs in the Conference Finals.

3.) Washington Wizards

The Wizards finished fourth in the Eastern Conference and knocked the Hawks out of the playoffs (4-2) in the first round. The team is led by sharpshooter, Bradley Beal (23.6 PPG) and a very talented John Wall (28.8 PPG). I can see the Wizards possibly getting into the Finals, but it’ll be tough road for them.

WEST

1.) Golden State Warriors

The Warriors probably have the best starting line-up in the league. Four out of five of their starters participated in this year’s All-Star Game. Although the team lacks a true big man, they still have found a way to win. The team swept the Trail Blazers in round one (4-0) and the Jazz (4-0) in the second round. They will play the winner of the Rockets/Spurs. When they play as a team, the Warriors are a dominant and will be tough to beat in the postseason.

2.) San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs have made the playoffs 24 of the last 25 seasons, and that’s really impressive. The team is led by Kawhi Leonard (28.4 PPG), and to me, the Spurs can play with any team when they’re being coached by one of the greatest coaches ever: Gregg Popovich.  

Out of these remaining teams, my pick to win the Finals is the San Antonio Spurs. Sure, I know they don’t have a stacked lineup like the Warriors, but what they do have is a great coach and great teamwork. Everyone on the team knows their role, and they’re a fundamentally sound basketball team, I can’t imagine them not winning.  

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