The NBA Playoffs continue tonight with the beginning of the conference semi-final match-ups. Here are my thoughts on each series:
Eastern Conference
(1) Indiana Pacers vs. (5) Washington Wizards
Indiana struggled down the stretch in the regular season and then struggled to eliminate the Atlanta Hawks in 7 games in Round One. Paul George must step up and Roy Hibbert must show up against the Wizards for the Pacers to advance.
Washington looked amazing in Round One against the Chicago Bulls. They had a strong inside/outside attack that was more impressive than at any time in the regular season.
There's a reason the Pacers were the #1 seed in the East but the Wizards are hot right now. Has Indiana righted the ship?
Pacers in 7
(2) Miami Heat vs. (6) Brooklyn Nets
Miami wasted no time in dispensing the Charlotte Bobcats. 4 games, all business. Interestingly, Miami lost all 4 games against Brooklyn in the regular season.
Brooklyn played an extremely even Round One series against the Toronto Raptors. The series was not settled until under one second remained in Game 7.
Miami can coast at times in the regular season but this is the playoffs.
Heat in 6
Western Conference
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (5) Portland Trailblazers
San Antonio had the best record in the league during the regular season and then had to battle their in-state rival Dallas Mavericks for a full 7 games to advance. But in Game 7, they looked amazing.
Portland impressed in Round One with a young, powerful inside (LaMarcus Aldridge)/outside (Damian Lillard) attack that the Houston Rockets could never solve.
Until proven wrong, go with the future hall of famers.
Spurs in 6
(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (3) Los Angeles Clippers
Oklahoma City consistently struggles to match-up against their Round One opponent Memphis Grizzlies. After escaping in 7 games, the blueprint to defeat the Thunder is out there: great defense and a solid half-court game.
Los Angeles (aka Lob City) is exciting to watch. Chris Paul directs a team as well as anyone, Blake Griffin can jump out of the building and they have a deep bench. But they're not the best defensive team.
This should be the best series in the conference semi-finals but Kevin Durant is the MVP for a reason.
Thunder in 7
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