The Warriors are through to the Semi Finals after defeating the Sacramento Kings in game seven, the side is well poised to take on the Los Angeles Lakers.
(Photo: NBA Facebook)
The race for the NBA championship has been broken wide open after two huge upsets. Eastern Conference first seed, Milwaukee was knocked out after losing to the Miami Heat in five games. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers advanced, thanks to a LeBron James masterclass. As we progress to the second round of the NBA playoffs, we look at some enticing encounters which could dictate the rest of the season.
Denver Nuggets v Phoenix Suns
Before the playoffs, this series would have been a lot more predictable. However, with the resurgence of bubble Jamal Murray, the series will be closer than first imagined. In their respective first round encounters, the Nuggets disposed of the Timberwolves in five, while the Suns took the same amount of time to get past the Clippers.
The addition of Kevin Durant at the valley has added more scope to a Suns outfit that previously ensued a heavy reliance on Devin Booker. For the Nuggets, they still have a heavy reliance on reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic. However the first round series from Jamal Murray should have given their fans some confidence that they are more than a one-trick pony.
Despite this, with the experienced trio of KD, Chris Paul and Booker, they should pull their side over the line, regardless of any superhuman efforts from the Joker.
Predictions: Suns win 4-3
Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers
Both underdogs in their respective first round series, this contest should live up to expectations, going by their opening matchups. Taking on a strong Sacramento outfit, the Warriors overcame a 2-0 deficit to advance in seven games. Stephen Curry was at his vintage best in the final and deciding game, en route to the most points ever in a playoff match.
The Lakers too found their way into the next round after defeating the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in six games. A 38-year-old LeBron James wound back the clock, averaging 22.2 points, 11.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. The win took his first round series record to 15-1.
Although LA managed to breeze past Memphis, this series won’t give them the same luxury. For the purple and gold to be any chance of advancing to the Western Conference finals, they need one of two things to happen. Either the whole squad needs to go to another level, or we need to see 2016 finals LeBron enter the building. As the Warriors are multi-faceted, LeBron will be clamped up, so the likes of Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell will need to become household names.
Golden State are best positioned to take out this series, given their endeavour against the Sacramento Kings, but one slip-up could leave the door slightly ajar for their divisional rivals to pounce. I expect the Warriors to take it home in six and turn the corner in their championship defence.
Predictions: Warriors win 4-2
LeBron James will have a big role to play in the outcome of the series.
(Photo: NBA Facebook)
New York Knicks v Miami Heat
A playoff match-up reminiscent of their 90s duels, expect this contest to be a spiteful one. The Bronx-type grit of the Knicks against the rulers of the South Beach in the Heat, led by the most tenacious player in the league in Jimmy Butler. For the Knicks, they go into this series making light work of the Cavs in five games. Jalen Brunson made the series his own, averaging 24 points a game. As for the Heat, they are riding a wave of confidence after knocking off the Bucks, also in five games. Butler did what he does best and left everything on the court, which included an incredible 56-point performance in game four.
Facing the Bucks would have almost been an easier contest for the Knicks, playing against a less than a 100 percent Giannis. Miami meanwhile have made a living of starting off slow and then priming themselves for the postseason. Experienced members of the Heat such as Butler, Lowry and Adebayo will end one of the biggest turnarounds of the season.
Prediction: Heat win 4-1
Boston Celtics v Philadelphia 76ers
A storied rivalry, expect nothing but fireworks in this series. The best team in the competition for three quarters of the season, the Boston Celtics have found themselves as the favourites for the title given Milwaukee’s early exit. That being said, the 76ers are no easybeats. Sweeping the Brooklyn Nets, Philly are coming off the longest break out of the remaining eight sides.
The key match-up which will decide this series is Robert Williams III vs Joel Embiid. As both teams are ranked in the top 10 for scoring and defending the long ball, this aspect will go a long way to deciding the series. Defending the likely MVP candidate, Williams must limit the scoring output from Embiid.
While the 76ers have the advantage with Embiid on the offensive end, as well as James Harden to feed the star, the Celtics have got one of the most dominant scoring duos in NBA history. The side is 22-1 when both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown score 30-plus in the same match, the 76ers will have their work cut out for them on the defensive end. For this reason and the fact that the Celtics are a more well-rounded side, I think that the Celtics will progress in a tight one.
Prediction: Celtics win 4-2
Comments