2014 NBA Playoff Odds and Predictions: Washington Wizards vs Indiana Pacers Eastern Conference Semifinals Picks

2014 NBA Playoff Odds and Predictions: Washington Wizards vs Indiana Pacers Eastern Conference Semifinals Picks: While it isn’t a surprise to see the fifth-seeded Washington Wizards and top-seeded Indiana Pacers meeting in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the manner in which each team reached this point was definitely a bit of a shock. While Washington overpowered the normally scrappy Chicago Bulls, Indiana needed seven games to get past an Atlanta Hawks team that finished with a sub-.500 record. Of course, the beauty of the playoffs is that the slate is wiped clean each team a new series begins, and despite the different paths to the semifinals, both sides are now four wins away from a trip to the conference finals.

After years of being irrelevant, the Washington Wizards have finally amassed enough talent to make some noise in the Eastern Conference. The team’s dynamic young backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal gets a lot of the attention, but Trevor Ariza has developed into a great two-way player, and Marcin Gortat and Nene form a formidable frontcourt. Overall, Washington has the weapons to be an explosive offensive team, and the Wizards showed against Chicago that they can hold their own against a stout defensive team.

Indiana’s championship dreams nearly died in the opening round, but despite looking largely out of rhythm, the Pacers found a way to get the job done. Paul George looked like the star he is supposed to be in the final few games of the series, and after sending center Roy Hibbert to the bench, Indiana was able to regain control against Atlanta’s smaller, perimeter-shooting lineup. While the performance did little to solve the offensive woes that have plagued them recently, the Pacers did show that they have the mental toughness to prevail when things aren’t going as planned.

The Wizards Win If:

For Washington to win this series, the Wizards have to play well on offense and force Indiana to have to score consistently in order to keep pace. The Pacers’ weakness all season has been scoring points, and they have looked really out of sync the last month or so. Washington has to exploit Indiana’s spotty offense, and Wall dominating from the point guard spot will be a great first step. Meanwhile, Gortat and Nene have to keep Hibbert struggling on both ends of the court in order to prevent both Indiana’s defense and offense from playing at its best. Overall, the Wizards have more offensive firepower, and if they make sure Indiana has to play at their up-tempo pace more often than not, they are going to be in business.

The Pacers Win If:

If the Pacers are going to return to the conference finals, they need to rediscover their identity on both ends of the court. For that to happen, Indiana’s defense has to control the pace and style of this series. It starts with containing Wall and keeping him from getting easy penetration and opening up shots for teammates. Inside, Hibbert and David West have to get the better of Washington’s frontcourt, and Hibbert in particular has to go back to being a disruptive rim-protector. Offensively, Indiana has to find some sort of offensive flow, and at the very least, they need to limit turnovers and take decent shots in order to limit Washington’s transition opportunities. Overall, Indiana has to do everything it can to make this a slower-paced, low-scoring series that becomes a battle of defenses.

Bottom Line:

Washington no doubt has the edge in offensive firepower in this series, but while Indiana’s offense is sputtering, the Pacers are still a more dynamic offensive team than the Chicago team the Wizards just faced. When push comes to shove, guys like George, Lance Stephenson and West can at least create their own shot and have a chance to generate some points. Meanwhile, Gortat and Nene are both post-oriented big men, which should allow Hibbert to resume his more traditional role as a rim-protector and allow Indiana’s defense to be at its best. Granted, Wall is going to eat Indiana point guard George Hill alive, but overall, the Wizards are a better matchup for the Pacers. It might not be pretty, but Indiana’s defense and experience will allow them to grind out another series.

Prediction: Indiana Pacers Win in 6 Games

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