NBA Playoffs Update: Second Edition

The NBA Playoffs are all over the place as the second round started before the first round wrapped up, which I absolutely hate. Instead of doing a traditional review/preview of things, I’ll just catch you up on all the action.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks

Round One Recap: The Pistons put up a good fight, but the Cavs were far too talented even though the Pistons had the second coming of Michael Jordan. It was a competitive sweep, if there is such a thing. The Celtics put a scare into the Hawks, but the injury of Avery Bradley really hurt them and Isaiah Thomas could only carry the team so much. This is a rematch of last year’s conference finals, won by the Cavs despite not having home court and missing Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.

Preview: The Hawks play hard and have a good system, but the Cavs have far too much individual talent. LeBron or Kyrie can takeover the game and there won’t be anything the Hawks can do about it. The Hawks will need everyone to contribute because when one individual plays well, they seem to lose. LeBron beat this team without his star teammates, so imagine what’s going to happen now that they have other guys not named LeBron. This series could get ugly.

Prediction: Cavaliers in Four.

Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat

Round One Recap: Both teams went to a game seven in round one. I expected the Charlotte Hornets to give the Heat all they could handle, and they did, but Dwyane Wade once again proved why he’s such a great player as he led his team to victories in Game 6 and 7. Meanwhile, the Raptors proved to be the worst two-seed ever, barely beating a mediocre Indiana Pacers team. I don’t know what’s up with the Raptors. They have talent and are well-coached, but their guys shrink in the playoffs.

Preview: I would’ve favored Toronto in this series if they beat the Pacers in five, or even six, but needing seven to win and not even winning, but surviving, makes me nervous to pick them. The Heat is an experienced team and it’s possible that Chris Bosh returns during this series. Even without Bosh, the Heat have enough firepower with Wade, Deng, Dragic, and Whiteside to give a tight Toronto team a lot of trouble. Unless, of course, the Raptors loosen up now that they’ve won their first playoff series.

Prediction: Heat in Seven.

Golden State Warriors lead Portland Trailblazers 1-0

Round One Recap: The Warriors, even without Steph Curry, rolled through a mess of a Houston team, once again proving why they’re the best team in the league and why Draymond Green might be the real MVP. The Blazers caught a lucky break as Chris Paul and Blake Griffin both got injured in game four, allowing the Blazers to win the series in six despite losing the first two games.

Preview: The Warriors are already up 1-0 and they made it look easy, even without Steph. Curry will likely miss Game 2, but could be back for Game 3, not that the Warriors need him for this series. They might be better off holding him out until they lose a game, then bringing him back just to shoot the rust off. The Blazers don’t really have a chance in this series unless Damian Lillard can keep pace with Klay Thompson. And even then, the Warriors have too many weapons that the Blazers can’t match.

Prediction: Warriors in Five

San Antonio Spurs lead Oklahoma City Thunder 1-0

Round One Recap: The Spurs destroyed a short-handed Grizzlies team while the Thunder destroyed an overmatched Mavericks team.

Preview: I initially thought San Antonio in six, but after seeing Game 1, I have no clue how the Thunder is going to win a single game in this series. The Spurs are a well-oiled machine. They’re always in the right position, they never lose focus, and they play well as a team. OKC is pretty much the exact opposite. They rely on their athleticism to bail them out when they’re in the wrong position, they lose focus a lot, and their two stars must carry the team if they hope to win. I still think the duo of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are good enough to win at least one game, not that that’s any sort of accomplishment.

Prediction: Spurs in Five.