(1)
Heat
vs. (5) Bulls
The banged-up Bulls fought through a
tough series with the Nets, outlasting the Nets in seven. The talk of Chicago
is whether star Derek Rose will make an appearance, but latest reports say this
to be highly unlikely as Rose wants to be “100%.” The Heat cruised past the
Bucks through four, but an eight day layoff might cause some rust in the first
couple of games for the team. Lebron James is coming off the news of his fourth
MVP title, proving his dominance. It will be extremely hard for the Bulls to
combat the Heat’s star power, trying to use their grit and determination to get
past them.
Prediction: Heat in 5
(2)
Knicks
vs. (3) Pacers
After outlasting the Celtics in six
games, the Knicks need to regroup. Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith are in
prolonged shooting slumps (Carmelo is 25-83 from the field in his last three
games.) The Knicks will also need more production from their bench, having
gotten nothing from Jason Kidd and Chris Copeland last series. Rumors are
floating around that Amar’e Stoudemire might return to the team in Game 3,
adding a much needed spark off that bench. The Pacers are playing to plan. Paul
George is the real deal, a budding star, with Roy Hibbert and David West
providing tremendous length down low. The length and athleticism of the Pacers
is hard to combat.
Prediction: Knicks in 7
(1)
Thunder
vs. (5) Grizzlies
Kevin Durant continues to take on the
majority of the ball-handling and other point guard responsibilities in the
absence of Russell Westbrook. He has shown a tendency to become fatigued in the
fourth quarter though, allowing teams to make up ground on the Thunder in the
closing minutes. The Thunder need more offensive production from Serge Ibaka,
who now has the responsibility of one of the main offensive contributors for
the Thunder. The Grizzlies stormed back and took the series away from the
Clippers in six games. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are playing like the beasts
they are down low, and with Mike Conley feeling more confident in his shot, the
Grizzlies are a tremendous team. Kevin Durant us going to have tough time with
the physical Grizzlies this series.
Predictions: Grizzlies in 6
( (2)
Spurs
vs. (6) Warriors
The aging Spurs are against the
up-and-coming Warriors. The backcourt duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, a
backcourt which prompted Coach Mark Jackson to call “The best shooting of all
time” is absolutely lights out. Curry is transforming to a star before our very
eyes. Andrew Bogut brings dependable toughness to the team. The Spurs still
maintain their big three of Tim Duncan. Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, but
Kawai Leonard and Danny Green are tremendous complementary pieces. Coach Pop is
a great mastermind, one of the best ever. The Warriors shooting and athleticism
will be tough for the Spurs to handle.
Prediction: Warriors in 6
