The first round was simply this: AMAZING!!! Outside of
Miami’s sweep, each series had excitement, intrigue, drama, and storylines.
There were multiple upsets (Portland, Brooklyn, and Washington), and plenty of
others that were close (Dallas, Memphis, GS, and Atlanta). There were five Game
7’s, and three were on the same day (NBA first). There would have been another
had Lillard not gone all Reggie Miller on us. I can’t wait for the second
round!
Of course, the Sports Guys will be competing throughout the
playoffs. For every round, we’ll post our predictions. If we predict the winner
correctly, we get 2 points. If we predict the length of the series correctly,
we get an additional 1 point. Here are the results after the first round:
Greg – 16 Points
Andrew – 14 Points
So without further ado, here are our predictions for the
second round:
Western Conference
1 San Antonio Spurs vs. 5 Portland Trailblazers
The Spurs struggled with Dallas after owning them all
season. But when they had to step up and win, they did so emphatically (Game 7
blowout). Portland meanwhile seemingly coasted to a series win over Houston.
Aldridge was unstoppable, and Lillard capped it off with a game winner in Game
6.
The matchups to watch are obvious, as Parker vs. Lillard
will take place on the outside, and Aldridge vs. Duncan will commence in the
paint. Each one is a vet vs. young gun. No matter what, it should be fun.
Andrew: Spurs in 6
Greg: Spurs in 7
2 Oklahoma
City Thunder vs. 3 Los Angeles Clippers
OKC
quietly struggled in the first round, and advanced in a Game 7 that featured
their opponent without one of their best players (Z-Bo suspended), and others
playing injured (Conley, Allen). LA also escaped a Game 7 in a series marred
with racial talk surrounded owner Donald Sterling. Both squads came together
and got it done when it mattered though.
So
now they both enter playing great basketball, led by stars such as KD,
Westbrook, CP3, and Griffin. These teams split 2-2 in four regular season
meetings. OKC is the better team with home court, but the Clippers have that
team of destiny thing going after they united together after Sterling’s
comments. It’s gonna be a good one!
Andrew: Thunder in 7
Greg: Clippers in 7
Eastern
Conference
1 Indiana
Pacers vs. 5 Washington Wizards
We
all watched Indiana struggle against the Hawks and Washington pound Chicago. So
does that mean Washington is favored now? Absolutely not! The Hawks were a bad
matchup for Indiana due to their big men that could shoot and kept Hibbert/West
out of the paint. Washington doesn’t have that with Gortat and Nene, so the
Pacers can get back to doing their thing.
Now,
John Wall can have his way, so that will be a concern. Washington also has
great confidence right now compared to Indiana. Bradley Beal is the X-Factor,
as he dominated the Bulls. Paul George and Lance Stephenson better be ready!
Andrew: Pacers in 7
Greg: Pacers in 6
2 Miami Heat
vs. 6 Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn
swept Miami during the regular season, so don’t think this will be a walk in
the park for the 2-time defending champions. The Nets simply match up well
against the Heat, and Paul Pierce is one of Lebron’s greatest rivals. Miami
will be the more rested team however, which is key since both are full of
veterans.
Paul
Pierce vs. Lebron James is a classic rivalry, and Chris Bosh vs. Kevin Garnett
is as well. What could decide the series is what veteran 2-guard shows up more:
Dwayne Wade or Joe Johnson…
Andrew: Heat in 7
Greg: Heat in 7
Tell
us what you think, and who you agree with. Enjoy the second round! Here’s to
hoping it’s as good as the first one was!
By:
The Sports Guys
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