Eastern Conference
(5) Boston Celtics vs. (8) Philadelphia 76ers
Boston is making one final run with the Big Three (Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen) and Rajon Rondo. They will play hard. Philadelphia defeated the injury-riddled Chicago Bulls to advance and are a team on the rise. But they're not a contender, yet.
The pick: Boston
(2) Miami Heat vs. (3) Indiana Pacers
The Heat are all in. Expectations are through the roof, particularly with the Bulls being eliminated in Round One. Indiana, a surprise 3-seed will battle and play as a team. That won't likely be good enough.
The pick: Miami
Western Conference
(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (3) Los Angeles Lakers
Oklahoma City is young, exciting and plays fast. Can Kobe will the Lakers to advance? Will Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum play big, literally and figuratively? If they do, this could be a great series. If not, Showtime will lose to the small market Thunder. Watch for tight officiating as James Harden and Ron Artest (aka Metta World Peace) are back on the same court.
The pick: Oklahoma City
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers
The Spurs are rested (having swept the Jazz) and tested (veteran leadership by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili). The Clippers have a great leader in Chris Paul and Blake Griffin brings excitement every night. But the Clippers don't always play smart defensive basketball. San Antonio usually does.
The pick: San Antonio
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.