Western Conference
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors
Golden State swept the Pelicans and Memphis took out Portland easily, setting up this conference semifinal between teams with completely different styles. The Warriors attempt a ton of three pointers with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, while the Grizzlies will want to pound it down low with Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. The status of Memphis PG Mike Conley, who is day-to-day with facial fractures will determine how long this series lasts, but ultimately Golden State is too talented for Memphis.
Warriors in 5
Clippers in 6
Eastern Conference
Golden State swept the Pelicans and Memphis took out Portland easily, setting up this conference semifinal between teams with completely different styles. The Warriors attempt a ton of three pointers with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, while the Grizzlies will want to pound it down low with Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. The status of Memphis PG Mike Conley, who is day-to-day with facial fractures will determine how long this series lasts, but ultimately Golden State is too talented for Memphis.
Warriors in 5
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Houston Rockets
The Clippers eliminated the defending champion Spurs in a spectacular 7-game series and will face my hometown Rockets, who disposed of Dallas in 5 games, in the 2nd round. As much as I want James Harden and Dwight Howard to lead my Rockets to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1995, I think Chris Paul (assuming he's not bothered by the strained hamstring he suffered in Game 7 against the Spurs on Saturday) will be too much for the us to handle, as without PG Pat Beverley, we don't have a player that can stay in front of him. (JJ Barea torched us in last round, and CP3 >> Barea)Clippers in 6
Eastern Conference
Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Wizards used a small-ball lineup to sweep away the horrid offense of the Raptors, while Atlanta survived a scare from the 38-win Nets, needing 6 games to put them away. John Wall vs. Jeff Teague is the key matchup in this series at the PG position, but I think Atlanta will be ready for the small-ball of the Wizards and their team-oriented offense will pose a much greater challenge to Washington than Toronto's isoball.
Hawks in 7
Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Bulls played around with the Bucks for 6 games, while Cavs swept Boston in round 1, but not without a price, as Cleveland lost Kevin Love for the rest of the playoffs with torn ligaments in his shoulder. How Chicago defends Kyrie Irving will determine whether or not they advance. Derrick Rose still looks rusty, and with Jimmy Butler having his hands full guarding LeBron, the Bulls need their front line of Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, and Taj Gibson to dominate the boards and control the pace. In the end, too much LeBron and Kyrie.
Cavaliers in 7
My First Round Record: 6-2
The Wizards used a small-ball lineup to sweep away the horrid offense of the Raptors, while Atlanta survived a scare from the 38-win Nets, needing 6 games to put them away. John Wall vs. Jeff Teague is the key matchup in this series at the PG position, but I think Atlanta will be ready for the small-ball of the Wizards and their team-oriented offense will pose a much greater challenge to Washington than Toronto's isoball.
Hawks in 7
Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Bulls played around with the Bucks for 6 games, while Cavs swept Boston in round 1, but not without a price, as Cleveland lost Kevin Love for the rest of the playoffs with torn ligaments in his shoulder. How Chicago defends Kyrie Irving will determine whether or not they advance. Derrick Rose still looks rusty, and with Jimmy Butler having his hands full guarding LeBron, the Bulls need their front line of Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, and Taj Gibson to dominate the boards and control the pace. In the end, too much LeBron and Kyrie.
Cavaliers in 7
My First Round Record: 6-2
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