NBA Playoffs - Second Round

The second round of the NBA playoffs is upon us. We predicted round 1 decently, Greg did a better job than Andrew, but not we're ready for more. We made our predictions yesterday morning before any of the games took place. We've been busy and didn't get to post until now. So here you go:

1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 5 Memphis Grizzlies

Oklahoma City cruised early in the first round before struggling a little late in the series after the Westbrook injury. They are functioning differently as a team without him, but they have coped pretty well. I guess having Kevin Durant makes it easier. But Kevin Martin needs to step up too. Memphis got hot and won four in a row to overtake the Clippers last week. An injury to Blake Griffin helped, but they played solid ball on both ends of the court. It will take play like that again to beat the Thunder.

The keys for the Thunder will be for Durant to take over games like Lebron does. That means scoring and setting up teammates. I think Kevin Martin and Serge Ibaka have to play great also. The Grizzlies need to make life difficult for the Thunder by playing hard-nosed defense. The big boys down low (Gasol and Randolph) must dominate.

Andrew - Memphis Wins in 6

Greg - Memphis Wins in 6

2 San Antonio Spurs vs. 6 Golden State Warriors

The Warriors have been one of the best stories in the playoffs so far. Steph Curry has been the postseason MVP in my opinion, and a lot of credit should be given to Mark Jackson. It would be nice if David Lee could return and give some good minutes, because the Spurs looked dominate in the first round. In fact, they may have been the most impressive team overall in the NBA.

Keys for the Warriors will be to up the tempo early and often. They need to control the glass and knock down their triples. San Antonio needs to contain Curry, maintain their balance, and play to win (as opposed to "not to lose"). I think they can only beat themselves.

Andrew - Spurs Win in 5

Greg - Spurs Win in 6

1 Miami Heat vs. 5 Chicago Bulls

The Bulls have been beat up all year, and the playoffs has beat them up even further. But they have found ways to win and now find themselves underdogs once more. They played the Heat well this season, but in the playoffs Miami is a different animal. Lebron was just recently named the MVP, and he's played like it so far this month. Does Chicago even have a chance?

The keys for Chicago will be to beat Miami up inside. That is a weakness that can be exposed. They must shoot the basketball well also. For the Heat, I think they need to score in transition and rebound well. If they do that, they can't lose.

Andrew - Miami Wins in 5

Greg - Miami Wins in 6

2 New York Knicks vs. 3 Indiana Pacers

This is by far the most even matchup in my opinion, and it's a classic playoff rivalry. They played similar first round series (both winning in six games), but they way the get it done is vastly different. The Knicks are all about star power and isolation. Carmelo is their go-to guy and they simply let him have free reign. Indiana is a defensive based team, and their offense is all about the team. Paul George is their star, but they typically run stuff through the post. Both teams have very different strengths.

The Knicks must take advantage of the Carmelo matchup on offense. Since he plays the PF spot, he will be much quicker and can take the Pacers big (typically a true 4-man) outside. They also must match Indiana's intensity. On the flip side, the Pacers must throw it inside and make Carmelo play defense. He can easily get in foul trouble if that happens which will open up a huge advantage.

Andrew - NYK Wins in 7

Greg - Indiana Wins in 7

By: The Sports Guys