NBA Playoff Preview: Round 2
Eastern Conference
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (4) Indiana Pacers
Current Series: Pacers 1-0
Regular Season Series: 3-1 Pacers
Cleveland cake walked through the first round with a convincing sweep of the Miami Heat. They did have a long wait to start their second series since they won so quickly. Indiana took care of Milwaukee in 5 games again in the first round. This series is going to be determined by which offense can score more efficiently and at a better pace then the other. The Pacers did win the season series, but two of those games came after the Cavaliers had locked up the first seed.
Prediction: Cavaliers in 7
(2) Boston Celtics vs (3) New York Knicks
Regular Season Series: 4-0 Celtics
Boston took care of Orlando in 5, where the Knicks took one extra game and some questionable officiating to beat the Pistons in 6. If the Knicks have any shot in this series, they will need to figure out a way to give up less three's to Boston. During the regular season Boston made a butt load of the threes in the 4 game regular season sweep of the Knicks. A small wrinkle for Boston, Jrue Holiday's health, as he has the toughest matchup with Jalen Brunson.
Prediction: Boston in 5
Western Conference
(1) Thunder vs (4) Nuggets
Regular Season Series: Tied 2-2
This is the best series of the 2nd round and it's not really even close. The top two MVP candidates are going head to head. The Thunder took care of the Grizzlies in 4 and the Nuggets took the full 7 games to beat the Clippers. It’s just like any matchup with the Nuggets, the Thunder are going to give up points to Jokic, but can the rest of the team step up? The difference is OKC has defenders who can at least stick with Jokic, whereas Denver has no answer for SGA. Denver will need to defend as a unit against this deep, young and athletic Thunder team.
Prediction: Thunder in 5
(6) Timberwolves vs (7) Warriors
Regular Season Series: Warriors 3-1
The only series featuring lower seeded teams. Minnesota beat the Lakers in 5 (ugh), and Golden State of course broke Rocket fans hearts again with a game 7 win in Houston. Minnesota has 2 massive advantages, rest and size. We have spoken about Golden State's lack of size and it was one of the main reasons Minnesota handled the Lakers. Anthony Edwards is here to take down legends, first Lebron and now he has Steph Curry in his sights. Steph and Jimmy will need to be great, and Draymond will need to do his best on the defensive end against Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid.
Prediction: Timberwolves in 6