Apr 23, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; After 35 NBA seasons in New Jersey the Nets are playing their last game at the Prudential Center before moving to Brooklyn. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Well the season is over. We’ve been watching these six teams all season: Sixers, Nets, Hawks, Pistons, Clippers, and Wizards. There are rumors or really “leaks” that the Nets’ new color scheme (or at least their new logo) is White and Black. If this is the case, then the Nets are officially out of our little group. But we won’t really find out until April 30th. And I like to wait until the official word.

Do me a favor: Read the title of the post again. Red, White, and Blue rhymes with Playoff Preview. You are suppose to like that. Thank you.

Only 3 teams have made the playoffs: Sixers, Clippers, and Hawks. Sixers will face the Bulls, Clippers will face the Grizzlies, and Hawks face the Celtics. Here’s a small preview of each match-up. We’ll go by best record so Clippers first.

Clippers vs Grizzlies

Season match-up: 2-1 Clippers

FanSided Sites: Clippers (none for the Grizzlies)

Clippers have won by an average of 4 points after the 3 games. But, Grizzlies have been hot recently and Clippers are 5th seed vs 4th seed Grizzlies. The way I see it, I think the Grizzlies’ depth will come in handy. Clippers will miss Billups’ playoff play. I see Grizzlies winning the rebounding battle. While Chris Paul is the best player in this series, it won’t be enough. And the Clippers haven’t been getting much help from players like Caron Butler and new guy Nick Young. Young was brought on to provide a scoring spark at the two because Billups went down with his injury. Again, Clippers have Chris Paul. Paul is one of those guys that can make an impact in any area of the game. That should keep the Clippers competitive. I see Grizzlies winning in 6 games.

Hawks vs Celtics

Season match-up: 2-1 Celtics

FanSided Sites: Celtics Hawks

So…during their meetings they have both scored 86.3 ppg. So you can say things were close. This is shaping up to be what might be the most interesting 1st round match-up in the East. Hawks would be at a disadvantage in terms of big men. They recently lost Zaza Pachulia as well as Horford at the beginning of the season. Injuries are a concern for both sides. I would imagine whoever won this series would probably be worn out for round 2. But, who’s going to round 2? Both teams seem to be evenly matched. Wouldn’t be surprised if it goes to 7 games. Again, it comes down to who can stay healthy. I’d give the advantage to Hawks but the big man issues are there. I still want to give it to Hawks though. Hawks in 7.

Sixers vs Bulls

FanSided Sites: You’re already here for Sixers. Bulls

Sixers have had what we call the tale of two seasons. They went 20-9 and things were looking great. Then, something happen. Whatever. Call me crazy, but I think the 20-9 team will return for the playoffs. Sixers, for some reason unknown, are one of the best at defensive rebounding while Bulls are one of the best in offensive rebounding. Something’s gotta give right? If the Sixers can slow down Rose enough, they have a chance. Injuries are a small factor for the Bulls. Don’t think Sixers can pull off an upset. But again, I think the 20-9 Sixers will return. And, in that case, I have to go with 4-2 Bulls. This means that Sixers could steal a game on the road. Or maybe two in a row at home (doubt it). In any case, I think it’ll be better than what I’ve thought it would be. Still wish they didn’t make the playoffs though. Oh well, we’re here and I gotta cheer on my boys now.

So farewell to the Nets. And also do you remember my “NBA 2K12 Season” posts, or whatever I called them? During the lockout? Anyway, I’m doing it again for the playoffs. I know right? Crazy. It won’t be here though; it’ll be a my site National Sixers. But look, The Sixer Sense is the place you want to go for great Sixers playoff coverage. I’m in the world of fantasy folks. See ya around and go Sixers!

April 4, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) dunks over the back of Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) during the game at the Staples Center. Lakers won 113-108. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

Down to just two weeks left in this season. When it comes to team records, Clippers have the best. And so, the Clippers would be the RWB (red, white, blue) divisional champs. The Nets are getting a makeover and will probably go away from their current RWB color scheme. In that case, there would only be 5 teams next season (If I do these rankings again). Hornets just about have a new owner but doubt they would change the colors there. And the Kings…oh dear oh my. And also, The Sixer Sense has a new writer! 5 writers! We’re gearing up to be the next starting five for the Sixers (not really…well…maybe…) The name is Daniel Solis (but you can call him Danny). Already has a post up, in case you missed it. Here’s the link. Talks about the Sixers’ chances for winning their games for the rest of the season.

I’m in a fairly good mood even after watching the Sixers this past week. But hey, we got some rankings to do buddy. Let’s get a move on!

Week Review

Clippers: 1 (1)

Week Record: 3-1 (I predicted 2-2)

Clippers had a nice week. They really did. Oh sure they started off the week losing to the Grizzlies but then they beat the Thunder, Wolves, and Warriors. Can’t really complain about that. Clippers showing that they do want that Pacific divisional championship. And if they pull it off, they have certainly earned it. Just wonder how far they make it in playoffs.

Hawks: 2 ( 2)

Week Record: 1-1 (I predicted 1-1)

Pretty much what I said. But, Dwight Howard did go down so Hawks kinda had it easy. Still, I think Hawks were gonna win even if Howard played. Plus, Hawks sweep the season series 3-0. And again, the Celtics are reborn and are ready to start the playoffs. Hawks lost in OT and blew out the Magic. Can’t really complain as a Hawks fan I guess.

Sixers: 3 (5)

Week Record: 2-2 (I predicted 2-2)

Sixers make it back into the top 3. But I was right about this team at the start of the week. Started it off by getting destroyed by the Celtics. I mean really. I knew Sixers would lose to Nets once this week but after the first win, I kinda was expecting another one. Beat the Raptors though. Figured they would redeem themselves from the previous blowout. Also, I think I did a good job of keeping myself together as I write this. Let’s quickly move on before I think about it too much.

Nets: 4 (4)

Week Record: 2-2 (I predicted 1-3)

The Cavaliers game was my deal breaker. And, it went into OT. Nets won. Also I saw the Sixers’ loss coming. Nets lost to Sixers and Celtics. Even though the Nets were blown out by the Sixers, they bounced right back and won the next meeting. Lost by 12 to the Celtics which was their smallest defeat against them this season. The first game was a 19 point loss, then they improved to just 13 point loss. Hey…you take your positive where you can as a Nets fan this season.

Wizards: 5 (6)

Week Record: 2-2 (I predicted 1-3)

Wizards won’t make the playoffs but it’s not stopping them from winning games. It was actually a decent week. I mean, they started it off right by blowing out the Bobcats. Then they beat the Magic. But then they faced the Knicks. And lost by 38. That’s not a typo. Thirty-eight. 3. 8. So…yeah. Lost to the Cavs the next night. By 9.

Pistons: 6 (3)

Week Record: 1-3 (I predicted 2-2)

Wizards lost by 38 but Pistons lost by more than 20 points, twice this week. Pistons won vs the Bobcats this week. Everybody’s doing it so it’s not that big of a win. Lost by 30 to the Magic. So, not 38 but still pretty bad. Also lost to the Heat by 23. And lost to the Bucks by 16. Average deficit: 23. Yup, it’s all over.

Week Preview: 4/15-4/21

Clippers continue to fight for Pacific supremacy this week but are in for a fight. Thunder, Nuggets, and Suns. Beat the Suns and perhaps lose to the Thunder. Nuggets game is toss up for me but Clips can win that one too as Denver has been hit by some injuries (isn’t everybody?). Let’s go 2-1.

Hawks had a nice two game week last week but have 4 this week. They have 3 games at home and the one on the road is vs the Raptors. In fact, it’s Raptors twice, Pistons, and Celtics this week. Without thinking you would say 3-1. It’s possible that Hawks lose one to Raptors but I’m not too sure about that. Eastern seeding is still up for grabs so I would expect Hawks to show urgency. So yeah 3-1.

Sixers have that dreaded back-back-back this week. Magic-Pacers-Cavaliers. Then, they face the Pacers again. 4 games. I don’t even know what to say. Which team will show up? Hm? Please tell me because I don’t really know anymore. Gun to my head says 2-2.

Nets have 3 tough games this week. Heat, Knicks and Bucks. Now the Heat are stuck in second place. This season has been something fierce on injuries. Nets could catch a sleeping giant in the Heat. It’s possible. Heat are gearing up for playoffs. Resting players a little more. But, obviously the best chance of winning comes on the Bucks and Knicks. The Sixers-miss-the-playoffs fan in me wants the Nets to lose both games. But, I think Nets get at least one game. So 1-2.

Wizards shouldn’t lose by 38 again, right? Well, let’s look at the schedule. Ok so 3 games. Hm…I see the Bucks in there. So that’s nice. Oh wait they face a team before the Bucks. Oh, it’s the Bulls. And there seems to be a team after the Bucks…oh it’s the Heat. Both Heat and Bulls games are on the road, while being home vs Bucks. Oh this will be fun. 0-3.

Pistons will win a game this week. I think. Bulls, Cavaliers, Hawks, and Wolves. Oh to be in the -80′s again, huh Piston fans? Anyway, the target games are Wolves and Cavs, Pistons can win a game this week but will they? My gut says 0-4 but I’m very hungry so it could be telling me that it’s empty. So I’ll listen to my heart. 1-3.

Alright so that’s it for this week. Make sure you read Danny’s post and then follow him on Twitter. Also…uh…for those of you that honestly care for a playoff run: GO SIXERS!!!!

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