The 2012-2013 NBA season tipped off last night, giving fans a potential early look at some potential playoff matchups. Now, I know it's early and there's still plenty of season left, but who doesn't expect the Lakers, Heat, and Celtics to be in the playoffs? NBA 2K13 sure did, as 2K Games used their basketball game to simulate the entire 2012-2013 season and predict this year's championship team.
Here are the predicted standings:
Western Conference
1. Los Angeles Lakers 62-20
2. Oklahoma City Thunder 61-21
3. San Antonio Spurs 57-25
4. Los Angeles Clippers 53-29
5. Denver Nuggets 50-32
6. Memphis Grizzlies 47-35
7. Golden State Warriors 44-38
8. Minnesota Timberwolves 43-39
Eastern Conference
1. Miami Heat 62-20
2. Indiana Pacers 52-30
3. New York Knicks 48-34
4. Boston Celtics 46-36
5. Chicago Bulls 45-37
6. Brooklyn Nets 41-41
7. Milwaukee Bucks 39-43
8. Philadelphia 76ers 38-44
Along the way, 2K Games paid attention to several key storylines like King James defense of the crown, the new-look Lakers, the return of Derrick Rose to the Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder's ability to improve on last year's season, and things of that nature.
According to the simulation, the Heat had no lapse in their play, finishing with a record of 62-20. The Lakers, led by newcomers Dwight Howard (25 points and 12 rebounds per game) and Steve Nash matched Miami's record of 62-20.
NBA 2K13 also predicted Derrick Rose to make a full recovery, averaging nearly 24 points a game and leading the Bulls to 45 wins. He also helped defeat the Celtics in the first round of the simulated playoffs. Speaking of playoffs, the simulation predicted an "all New York matchup" between teh New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, in which the Knicks take the series in five games.
As for the Oklahoma City Thunder who lost in last year's championship, NBA 2K13 predicts a "banner season" for cover athlete Kevin Durant. The game expects Durant to not only win his fourth consecutive scoring title, but his first MVP award as well. Durant will apparently average 28.5 points a game.
Of course, when it's all said in done, only one thing matters: bringing home that championship trophy. And NBA 2K13 predicts that will go to the Los Angeles Lakers who will edge out the Miami Heat in a seven-game series. So there you have it, Kobe Bryant's game-high 28 points in game seven will lead the Lakers to their 17th NBA championship over the Miami Heat.
Check out NBA 2K13's playoff simulation recap below:
The top-seeded teams in the Western Conference all advanced easily with the exception of the Clippers, who had to survive a seven-game series against the Nuggets. The Battle for Los Angeles lived up to the hype, with the Lakers needing seven to outlast the Clippers. In a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals, the Thunder defeated the Spurs in the same six games it took them last year.
Out east, much of the same. The 1-4 seeds advanced out of the first round, renewing a couple of old rivalries in the past: Heat-Bulls and Pacers-Knicks. The Heat’s balance was too much for the Rose-reliant Bulls, defeating them in five games. And in the only upset of the conference semifinals, the Knicks overcame a 2-0 deficit to beat the Pacers in seven games. Carmelo Anthony scored 39 for New York in the decisive game seven.
This set up starpower galore in the Conference Finals: Lakers-Thunder and Heat-Knicks.
For the Lakers, it was the chance to avenge last year’s defeat to the younger, more athletic Thunder. For the Thunder, they were hoping to get back to the NBA Finals. The series did not disappoint, as four of the series’ seven games came down to the final possession. In the end, it was too much Los Angeles. Dwight Howard’s 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks combined with Kobe’s 26 was enough for the Lakers to get back to the NBA Finals.
In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Heat advanced to their third consecutive NBA Finals with a five-game win over the Knicks. Coming back to the Garden down 2-0, the Knicks were able to take game three behind Carmelo Anthony’s 36. But the Heat regained control and took the series in five, led by LeBron’s 40 in the clincher.
This set up the NBA Finals matchup that many fans around the world wanted: Lakers vs. Heat, with Kobe and LeBron squaring off for the first time in an NBA Finals. Based on their two head-to-head wins in the regular season, Los Angeles had home court advantage in the series despite identical 62-20 records. But that advantage was short-lived, as the Heat stole game one at Staples Center, and led the series 3-2 after taking two of three in Miami. But much like the 2010 Finals, the Lakers were able to make good on their home court advantage and took the series in seven. Kobe Bryant’s game-high 28 points were enough to win him a sixth title and bring the Lakers their 17th NBA championship.
***Author's Note***
We all know that none of that will happen. Want to know my prediction? Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Ray Allen will dominate the NBA this season and will win their second consecutive championship. Sorry Celtics fans, the Heat proved last night they are in a league of their own. The Lakers proved they still have a long way to go as they struggled in their loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
GO HEAT! HEATSANITY!
