Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs
I expected both teams to advance, but I didn't expect San Antonio to struggle so much with Memphis. After winning the first game by 29, looking like the team I thought they were, they started game 2 well, but almost let that game slip away. Losing the next 2 on the road, but eventually closing out the series in 6, the Spurs aren't as good as I thought they were. Their offense looked very one dimensional, i.e. Kawhi Leonard go 1 on 1 and he will make something happen. What happened to the infamous Spurs ball movement? *See 2014 NBA Finals vs Heat. Maybe it was just Memphis' game plan and style, but that series has put a lot of doubt in my mind for any chance of the Spurs beating the Warriors in the WCF. As for Houston, I thought they played incredible, most of the series. They let Westbrook do his thing, but Westbrook couldn't finish the job, due to his fatigue. I wouldn't be surprised one bit if Houston pushes this series to 7. I'm taking the Spurs in 7 with no consecutive wins by either team.
Utah Jazz/LA Clippers vs Golden State Warriors
Seems odd that there is only one game 7 in the first round, but it will a good one. You couldn't ask for a more competitive series with both teams winning on the road in very close games. Whatever the outcome, neither team stands a chance against the Warriors. Personally, I think the Jazz are going to win today and face the Warriors, even though I originally picked the Clippers to win the series. Even though some people think the Clippers play better without Blake Griffin, I refuse to believe that because in the playoffs, teams need all of their star players to play in order to win. If the Clippers win, I have the Warriors winning 4-1. If the Jazz win, I think they would put up a better fight against Golden State due to their style of play and defense. That being said, Warriors would still win the series 4-2.
Eastern Conference Semis
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Before the playoffs started, I thought the Raptors were the 2nd best team in the East, disregarding their record. They held on to the 3 seed without Lowry and now with him back they were poised to make a deep playoff run. Can't say I still feel that way after watching their series with Milwaukee. It seems Lowry and co. are going back into their shells once the playoffs start.I thought they should have destroyed Milwaukee in 4, maybe 5 games with the return of Lowry and addition of Serge. At least DeRozan looked better down the stretch, I can't say I'm expecting much from them in this series with the Cavs. Cleveland may have swept Indiana, but all 4 games were super close. I expect Toronto to be competitive at least at home, but much like the Pacers, they won't be able to close out at the end of games. Cavs win 4-1.
Washington Wizards vs Boston Celtics
Is John Wall a superstar or what? He keeps pushing the envelope in terms of people talking about him as one of the best PGs in the league. Some people might say Kyrie, some might say Wall. John Wall was the reason the Wizards won their series vs Atlanta. I really want to take the Wizards over the Celtics in this series, but the Celtics have one of the best closers in the league with Isaiah Thomas. Maybe if Rondo wouldn't have gone down, the Bulls may have pulled off the upset, but I think that series woke up the Celtics. I'm sticking with the guys in green in an epic 7 game series. Celtics in 7.
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