Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Clippers withstood a rugged series with Memphis, but not without Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and Caron Butler all picking up injuries. Coming into this series against a rested Spurs team which is firing on all cylinders offensively thanks to PG Tony Parker, this has the opportunity to be a short series if San Antonio continues its hot shooting, and the Clippers continue to become a stagnant offensive team in the fourth quarter of games.
Spurs in 5
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
OKC swept the defending champs out of the playoffs, while LA struggled to hold off a resilient Denver team in Round 1. The key for the Lakers is the play of their bigs in Gasol and Bynum. They had some issues in having subpar games against Denver's undersized front-line, and now have to face two great defenders in Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins. Should be fun to watch down low. Kevin Durant and Kobe should be great outside, but ultimately the x-factor is Russell Westbrook, who I don't see Ramon Sessions will be able to stop defensively.
Thunder in 6
Eastern Conference
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
Philly took advantage of the depleted top-seeded Bulls in the first round, using absolutely stifling defense to survive and advance. They pulled off the upset despite scoring just 86 points per game in the series. Meanwhile, the Celtics recovered from injuries to Ray Allen and Paul Pierce (in addition to a suspension for Rajon Rondo) to beat a gritty Atlanta team in six games.
I think this series comes down to the playoff experience of the Celtics. Philly, the second youngest team in the postseason, have grown up a lot this year, and have the young legs to pull off the upset if they can continue to force turnovers and get out on the fast break. The veteran Celtics, led by Rondo, though, should be able to take care of the ball, and I don't see enough offense from Philly to keep pace and outgun Pierce, Allen, and a resurgent Kevin Garnett.
Celtics in 6
Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat
Indy and Miami both took advantage of depleted opposition in the first round, with Orlando minus Dwight Howard and the Knicks, already without Jeremy Lin, losing Iman Shumpert and Baron Davis, as well as having to endure the idiocy of Amare Stoudamire.
Now it'll be Miami's Big 3 against the grit and tenacity of Indiana in round two. Talentwise, Miami has the chance to run Indiana out of the gym every night. However, the Pacers are a good defensive team anchored by All-Star center Roy Hibbert, and if they slow the game down, Indiana has a chance of putting a scare in Miami by relying on David West and Danny Granger. In the end, though, Miami is just too talented.
Heat in 6
My First Round Record: 6-2
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