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NBA Playoffs 2016: 5 Bold Predictions

By Aaron Ferguson

January 25, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after making a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 25, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after making a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) is pressured by Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) is pressured by Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Or Charlotte Goes To ECF

Miami is fifth this season in point allowed per game, while the Hornets are ninth in points allowed per game and 11th in points per game. It’s a true meeting of defense versus efficiency. The Heat play the role of defenders and the Hornets are efficient on both ends of the court. The true winner of this playoff series will have to be efficient on both ends because there is little room for error.

The two teams split the season series with the Hornets having the point differential at +8. Each team won a game at home and on the road in the series, which should make for a tightly contested playoff series.

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Former Hornets guard credits Kemba Walker for 'switch flicking'
Former Hornets guard credits Kemba Walker for 'switch flicking' /

Swarm and Sting

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  • Charlotte Hornets' best NBA draft picks in history 5-1 Swarm and Sting
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    • The Hornets have gone to a three-pronged attack, as Eric Freeman points out, which has been fueled by Walker’s scoring and improved shooting. Guard Nicolas Batum, forward Marvin Williams and center Al Jefferson, when healthy, have all been featured in this offensive plan. Off the bench, Jeremy Lin has been electric and fuels the second unit. In total, nine players are averaging 7.5 points per game for the Hornets so they have options to spread the ball around.

    Dwyane Wade is in the playoffs again, but this time it’s without his friend Chris Bosh. The duo combined to score 38.1 points per game, but Bosh has been sidelined with an issue with blood clots that have ended his past two seasons early. However, the veteran-led team still has plenty of options with point guard Goran Dragic, forwards Joe Johnson and Luol Deng, and center Hassan Whiteside all averaging 12 points per game or better, including Wade’s 19.0 points per game.

    Charlotte may pose as the biggest threat to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals because they are efficient on both ends of the court, moreso than Miami on the offensive end. The Hornets also have a slight edge in the season series, including a three-point win over the Heat without Bosh. This series is sure to be a good one, and could see the eventual Eastern Conference champion come away winning this one.

    Next: Western Conference Showdown