Predicting The NBA Playoffs In A Wild Second Round
After a lackluster first round, the NBA Playoffs have rounded into form in a big way. Forget sweeps and blowouts - this round could feature four Game 7's if things shake out. And with surprises galore, the Conference Finals look wide open. So let's make some predictions halfway through the round and guess what we'll have in store next week.
All images via ESPN/AP/Getty
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Miami-Chicago
This is a throwback series. With Jeff Van Gundy calling games, it's impossible not to think of the bruising Heat-Knicks matchups in the 1990s, which featured hard fouls, technicals, ejections, and fights aplenty. Even LeBron James got into the fray in Game 3, earning a tech and drawing an ejection after being shoved to the ground by Nazr Mohammed.
At times, Miami has looked like the inferior team. But eventually, talent wins out in a seven game series, and Chicago faces a must-win at home Monday night if they want a chance at taking this the distance.
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Key Players: For Chicago, it's Nate Robinson, who has been electrifying on offense and has taken over large stretches with his scoring. Without Derrick Rose and Luol Deng, it's fallen to Robinson, Joakim Noah and Jimmy Butler to pick up the slack.
For Miami, it's Dwyane Wade. Wade has been injured for weeks and has looked off in this series, and if he is unable to step it up, the Heat suddenly become a pretty conventional team.
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Knicks-Pacers
As soon as the Knicks dropped Game 1 of this series, it became clear that their only path to victory was to get to Game 7. The Pacers have played decently, but NY has played so poorly at times that it's unclear how they beat Boston or won 50 games in the first place. They were somewhat bolstered by the return of Amar'e Stoudemire, but with continued struggles for Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith, it's hard to see them winning another game in this series.
As for the Pacers, if Roy Hibbert is going to keep playing the way he did in Game 3, Indiana can go far. They gave Miami a scare last year, and they have the size to give them some nightmares. If they can cruise in five games and get some extra rest while Miami battles it out with the Bulls, even better.
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Key Players: For the Knicks, it's obviously Carmelo Anthony. Everything starts and ends with Melo, for better or for worse, and if he's shooting 30% and averaging one assist a game, that's a lock for a loss. If he doesn't find his shot again, the Knicks are toast.
For Indiana, it's Hibbert and Paul George. Hibbert was just average this year, but George was a breakout player, and if both of them can step up the next few weeks, this team can go far.
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Thunder-Grizzlies
On paper, Kevin Durant is the best player in this series. In practice, it's actually Marc Gasol - at least so far. That's why OKC is in the hole, and that's why the Grizzlies may take a commanding 3-1 lead tonight. This series is wild so far, and Gasol has dominated from the post with his array of scoring moves and his pinpoint passing. Durant is playing about as well as can be expected without Russell Westbrook, but he has to hit another level if the Thunder are going to force a Game 7. With that crazy OKC crowd, they may just have a chance.
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Key Players: Durant is a given, but if anyone else on OKC can step up, that may be enough to push the Thunder over the edge. Reggie Jackson had a breakout Game 3, but if no one else makes a leap forward, there's no chance OKC can win.
For Memphis, Mike Conley has come on strong to compensate for a struggling Zach Randolph. When the Grizzlies get both their big men working, they are very, very tough to beat.
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Spurs-Warriors
A near lock for seven games. The surprising Warriors continue to look strong, and should be up 3-1 in this series save for two terrible collapses. If they can put a complete game together on Tuesday in San Antonio, they have a chance to win at home in Game 6. If not, it's going to come down to the final game in Texas.
This has been a coming out party for Stephen Curry, and another turn back the clock series for the veteran Spurs, and it's clear that San Antonio isn't done yet and Golden State will be a force next year. Does that mean the Spurs will win out of desperation? Game 5 is crucial, especially if Curry is injured.
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Key Players: Obviously Curry for the Warriors, but also the sweet shooting Klay Thompson and the revitalized Jarrett Jack, who came through in a huge way for GS on Sunday. Harrison Barnes and Thompson both played 51 minutes Sunday, so fatigue may be a factor after hoisting a combined 39 shots between them.
For the Spurs, it's Manu Ginobili, who was vintage on Sunday and logged a lot of minutes. He can't break down, or else the Spurs are in trouble.
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