(PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images.)
*Originally posted April 30th. Updated May 3rd to add in Raptors/Heat prediction.
It’s time for some conference semifinals predictions. Three of them are set in stone while one will be decided by Sunday. But one is starting today. I’ll update this entry once everything is set.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS vs #4 ATLANTA HAWKS
So the Hawks get their rematch with the Cavs. This time around, the Hawks are a bit healthier than they were in last season’s match-up.
Unfortunately, their offense isn’t as potent as Cleveland’s. Defensively, the Hawks are stronger but the Cavs are just too talented for this team. Plus, the Cavs suddenly like each other on the court; the first round was the best we’ve seen Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving, and LeBron James play together.
If the Hawks can get on fire from behind the arc, they might have something. But this is also another overwhelming match-up in favor of the Land. I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I won’t call it that anymore.
PREDICTION: CLEVELAND IN 5.
#2 TORONTO RAPTORS vs #3 MIAMI HEAT
Both teams BARELY escaped the first round. But we’ve also seen how Toronto doesn’t do so well in the postseason.
The backcourt of the Raptors can’t afford to play like they did in the first round and for them to get past the Heat, they really have to outplay Goran Dragic and the legendary Dwyane Wade. Normally, I would take the Raptors if it turns into a shootout but they can’t even provide that offense these days.
Again, experience is about to trump everything else here.
PREDICTION: MIAMI IN 6.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Kelley L. Cox/USA Today.)
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS vs #5 PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
To win the championship, you have to be good AND lucky. The Clippers were seemingly on their way to a favorable series against the Warriors before BOTH of their stars went down. Portland took advantage and got the duke. Now the Blazers are matched up against the short-handed Warriors. We all know the Warriors are missing one Stephen Curry.
But the Blazers just aren’t as talented, even though the Warriors are missing their MVP. Klay Thompson is capable of volcanic eruptions; remember that he scored 37 points once in a quarter. And the Warriors’ depth is ridiculous compared to Portland’s. Damian Lillard didn’t have to carry the Blazers against the Clippers but he might have to on more than one occasion if they’re going to win this series.
The cinderella run ends here for the Blazers. And the Warriors got good luck here after receiving bad luck of their own last week. It’s what you need to get the championship, though, as much as they’ve disagreed with it. But how dare we defy the Blazers again, right? We’ve been defying them all season.
PREDICTION: GOLDEN STATE IN 5.
#2 SAN ANTONIO SPURS vs #3 OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Again, we don’t need any other reasons than Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook if you were to pick the Thunder to win any series.
But it comes down to defensive discipline and poise in this one. It’s going to be a delight to watch new and improved Kawhi Leonard against Durant. OKC is not great when things have to be slowed down and that’s where the Spurs are masterful. The Thunder is going to have to get everyone else to step up because I’m sure the Spurs are focused on stopping one of their stars; it’d be impossible to stop both.
OKC bothers the Spurs with their length and if they can be consistent on the defensive end, they can unseat the Spurs. I just don’t see it happening. Plus Gregg Popovich vs Billy Donovan? Maaaaaan. I can just imagine Donovan cowering against Pop’s death stare.
PREDICTION: SAN ANTONIO IN 6.
Follow Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass for all tweets about the NBA and terrible pop music. Also, check out his podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental.
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