Western Conference Semis
Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs
This series could turn into a classic. Both teams looked great in their first round series, although I would say the Spurs played better and didn't have any bad games, while OKC had that one blunder in Game 2. The teams split their regular season series 2 wins a piece, the home team winning each time. I think the Thunder are very capable of winning in the nearly impossible AT & T Center, but I don't think they will. If the Thunder can steal one game on the road, I think they have a chance. Spurs win 4-1. Mental toughness will come into play in this series.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Golden State Warriors
The whole Blazers team has the Lillard mindset now and I love it. As Birdman would say "put some respek on my name." Seems like Lillard and the Blazers have been yelling this to the media all year, now it's time they should. The Blazers have earned my respect, but I don't think they can pull of the upset even with Curry questionable to return. The Warriors are deeper and can win without Curry in this series. I think the Blazers will keep the series competitive and even win a game at the Moda Center, but the Warriors shouldn't have a problem. If the series is tied after Game 4 and Curry has yet to play, I think he would return for Game 5 and finish off the series. Warriors win 4-1 and go on to play the Spurs in what could be the best Western Conference Finals in the last 10 years.
Eastern Conference Semis
Atlanta Hawks vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Props to the Hawks for finishing off the Celtics and not allowing the upset I called, but they have their hands full with the Cavs. The Cavs have looked like the best team in the playoffs so far after sweeping the Pistons, in a series that many people thought the Pistons could win at least 2 games. I didn't think that though. Lets hope for the Hawks sake, they play better than they did in last years's ECF, where they were swept and looked terrible. I can't see the Hawks getting swept again, but they are nowhere close to beating the Cavs in a series. The series against Detroit showed a lot of maturity from Irving as well. I was highly impressed that he lead the team in scoring and I think that is a great strategy for the Cavs to succeed. Have LeBron get Love and Irving points rather than each of them going one on one in isolation plays. Cavs win 4-1.
Miami Heat/Charlotte Hornets vs Indiana Pacers/Toronto Raptors
What a treat! Two game 7s on the same day. Regardless of who wins, the underdogs (Charlotte & Indiana) have been great. Unfortunately, I think the higher seeds will win in both series, but who knows, that's why they play the game and we write about it. My biggest concern is the Toronto Raptors. Are they going to fold again? I honestly thought they were over the hump after their great regular season, but Lowry and DeRozan can't buy a shot and haven't played well at all. The reason I think the Raptors will win is because Demarre Carroll will be the difference and one or both Lowry and DeRozan will actually have a good game and of course because Views came out on Friday and Drake will be hyping them up.
Follow me on twitter @jpsweets and @basketballguy61 and make sure to like my Facebook page Basketball Guy JP
No comments:
Post a Comment