It’s that time again: the SCH playoffs are here.
Let’s get started with predictions for the opening round of playoff basketball in the Sim City Hoops league.
(1) Pelicans vs. (16) Mavs
Is this the year for Rook and the Pelicans to win it all? A dominant regular season leads the No. 1-seeded Pels into a matchup with the Mavericks, who have the talent to compete in this matchup. Another positive for the Pels? The Nets aren’t in the big dance, which puts a smile on Rook’s face for many reasons, such as the fact that he won’t have to match up with Brooklyn for the third straight postseason. Many are picking Rook to win it all, but he won’t have an easy matchup in the first round.
Prediction: Pelicans in five
(8) Hornets vs. (9) Cavaliers
Coming off a title win in Los Angeles, Coach Dave is now trying to migrate the young Hornets into the playoffs for the first time this OA. Standing in his way is Coach Sean, who has brought activity, flair, and talent into the SCH league. Although an eight-versus-nine matchup, this series has the potential to be one of the best, and it could go the distance.
Prediction: Hornets in seven
(5) Knicks vs. (12) Spurs
With the defending champs likely waiting for the winner of this series in Round 2, this just feels like a series in which the winner is setting up for a quick elimination. Both the Knicks and Spurs have talent on the court, but it’s hard to see either them making a run this season.
Prediction: Knicks in 5
(4) Wizards vs. (13) Suns
It’s great to see Brandon back in the playoffs, although he likely was hoping a different first-round matchup. Kevin Durant is now in Washington and hoping to bring back-to-back titles to his hometown of D.C. The Suns are fun, young and have talent everywhere, but the combo of Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton can’t control the series enough to make some noise.
Prediction: Wizards in 4
(2) Pacers vs. (15) Bucks
Coach Jake finally landed Steph Curry and will make his playoff debut as the No. 2 seed. Unfortunately, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are waiting in the wings as Coach Dez is one veteran coach you don’t want to see in the playoffs, especially as a nothing-to-lose No. 15 seed. Will we see the Greak Freek defend Steph Curry? This series is sure to present many thrilling matchups. Expect Dez to put up a great series, but side with Indiana here.
Prediction: Pacers in 6.
(7) Heat vs. (10) Kings
This is a fabulous series and should be a fun, high-scoring, seven-game thriller. Coach G and Coach King, both SCH veterans, feel confident heading into this series.
Prediction: Kings in 7
(6) Nuggets vs. (11) Lakers
Coach Rob’s last few playoff runs have ended in defeat, including last year’s finals loss. This first-round matchup doesn’t seem great on paper for the Nuggets with the deep Lakers and Coach Mic on the other side. The Nuggets will go as far as Nikola Jokic takes them, and that’s a huge question in this series. How will Mic defend Jokic? This will be a fun series.
Prediction: Nuggets in 6
(3) Jazz vs. (14) Bulls
The entire SCH community was excited for Coach Clip to make the playoffs. Ironically, he gets to face the HNIC, who granted Kawhi Leonard to Chicago right before the season began. Can Leonard and the stacked Bulls take down the great Coach Ame, or will the Jazz’s gritty style of play on both sides of the ball be able to toss aside the star-power from Chicago? Ame could use his strategic, smart play that has gotten him so many titles to eliminate the Bulls rather quickly.
Prediction: Jazz in 5
