University of North Carolina Athletics
A Tar Heel's Guide To The NBA Playoffs
April 18, 2015 | Men's Basketball, Featured Writers, Adam Lucas
By Adam Lucas
Every first-round series except for one in the NBA Playoffs has at least one Tar Heel. Here's an easy guide to the UNC-related storylines in each series:
Eastern Conference
(2) Cleveland vs. (7) Boston
Tar Heels to watch: Brendan Haywood (Cleveland), Tyler Zeller (Boston)
Why to watch: One of the most intriguing matchups of the opening round of the playoffs features two Tar Heels. Haywood, who played in just 22 minutes this season and only one in April, will likely see limited minutes for the Cavs, but Zeller is a key player for the surprising Celtics. The UNC seven-footer, not surprisingly, has found a kindred spirit in Boston coach Brad Stevens. Zeller's minutes have gone up after the All-Star break, as he's averaged 11 points and 5.9 rebounds per game after the break.
When to watch: Sunday, 3 p.m., ABC
(3) Chicago vs. (6) Milwaukee
Tar Heels to watch: John Henson
Why to watch: Henson has had a variety of roles for Milwaukee this year, but as the Bucks made their playoff push, he became much more comfortable protecting the paint. Henson's minutes have been all over the place this season, so it wouldn't be unusual to see very little of him in one game and then watch him play an integral role in the next game.
When to watch: Saturday, 7 p.m., ESPN
(4) Toronto vs. (5) Washington
Tar Heels to watch: Tyler Hansbrough
Why to watch: Hansbrough averaged just 3.6 points per game this season, but Toronto found something they liked with him at the end of the year. Hansbrough averaged a season-best 28.1 minutes per game in April, and produced a season-high 8.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in that same month. The best description of Hansbrough's contributions are in this story, which includes the phrase "controlled chaos" and "thinking man's maniac."
When to watch: Saturday, 12:30 p.m., ESPN
Western Conference
(1) Golden State vs. (8) New Orleans
Tar Heels to watch: Harrison Barnes, James Michael McAdoo
Why to watch: Barnes has made some headlines in the last week for all the right reasons: reaching out to an Iowa boy and turning down a prom invitation in a gentle way. Starting this weekend, though, it'll be about his on-court production. Barnes' minutes have dipped just slightly as the season has progressed, but he still has played a major role under first-year head coach Steve Kerr. The third-year pro started all 82 games this season and has produced in the postseason in past years.
McAdoo, meanwhile, has had some ups and downs this year, but ultimately he's in the NBA playoffs and has a solid chance to end his year with a world championship ring.
When to watch: Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ABC
(2) Houston vs. (7) Dallas
Tar Heels to watch: Raymond Felton
Why to watch: It hasn't been an easy season for Felton in his first year in Dallas. But after being mostly absent throughout the first five months of the season, Felton's minutes suddenly spiked to 22.1 minutes per game in April. He hit a game-winner to beat Denver last week and has maintained an impressive attitude during a year that could have seen him sulk.
When to watch: Saturday, 9:30 p.m., ESPN
(3) Clippers vs. (6) San Antonio
Tar Heels to watch: Danny Green
Why to watch: A costly final week of the regular season means San Antonio will have to defend its NBA title the hard way, starting with going on the road to face the Clippers. Green displaced Chuck Person as the franchise's single-season three-point leader this season, and his postseason heroics are well-known. This is an important spring for Green. He's a free agent this summer, and a big playoff performance could push him to an even bigger payday.
When to watch: Sunday, 10:30 p.m., TNT
(4) Portland vs. (5) Memphis
Tar Heels to watch: Vince Carter
Why to watch: At the age of 38, Carter no longer jumps over people with regularity, but he's still found a way to contribute for Memphis this season. His biggest responsibility in this series might be providing some perimeter punch for a Grizzlies team that has struggled from the floor.
When to watch: Sunday, 8 p.m., TNT
