After a thrilling round one has come to an end with many crazy finishes along with a couple of sweeps, it is time to get to our NBA Playoffs round two predictions!
NBA Playoffs Round Two Predictions
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (4) Atlanta Hawks
After a week long break, the Cavs are back in action for a match-up with the Hawks. This match-up features the two teams that faced off in the Eastern Conference finals one year ago. This time, the teams are in different positions. Cleveland swept the season series this year three games to none, while also sweeping them last year in the postseason in four games. Cleveland swept its way to the second round this year thanks to Kevin Love’s four straight double doubles along with James’ clutch shooting. In the six games it took to beat the Celtics, Paul Millsap led the Hawks in scoring and rebounding, averaging 16.3 points along with 8.8 boards. While Paul Millsap tries to do everything he can to make this a lengthy and hard fought series, it probably will not be enough. This year’s results will be similar to last year’s. Lebron James leads the Cavs to the East Finals.
Cleveland in 5
(2) Toronto Raptors vs (3) Miami Heat
The Raptors are off to the second round for the first time since 2001 and what a thrilling series the Raps had in round one! Their series against the Pacers came down to the last minute of game seven. Paul George was unstoppable pretty much all series, but when the Raptors had to turn their defense up a notch, they did just that. They now find themselves in a match-up with defensive powerhouse Miami Heat. The good news for the Raps is that they won the season series three games to one. The Heat just won a seven game series of their own against the Hornets, thanks to a huge performance by Goran Dragic in the final game, finishing with 25 points, six rebounds and four assists. This match-up screams defense first as both teams rank near the top in defensive efficiency. The Heat’s experience will give the Raptors all they can handle but ultimately, the Raptors will find a way to win with their dynamic duo of Derozan and Lowry leading the way. Raptors get to the East Finals for the first time in their history.
Raptors in 7
(1) Golden State Warriors vs (5) Portland Trail Blazers
The Warriors dismantled the Rockets in five games to make it to the Western Conference semi-finals. In game five, they beat the Rockets by a crazy 33 points even without Steph Curry. Portland, on the other hand, beat the Clippers in six games after Chris Paul and Blake Griffin went down with significant injuries. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum led the way combining for 45.9 points per game in the series, and they will have to do the same if they want any chance of getting past the Warriors and making it to the West Finals. Portland is one of the few teams that get to say they beat the Warriors during their historic season, but the Warriors won the three other contests in the season series. Curry could return at some point for this series but even if he doesn’t, the Warriors should be able to take care of business pretty easily.
Warriors in 5
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs (3) Oklahoma City Thunder
In most people’s minds, this is going to be the most exciting series of the second round and they are not wrong. This match-up between two of the best teams in the NBA is surely going to be as entertaining as they come. OKC is coming into this series with two of the best players in the NBA today in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The Spurs come into the series with the best defensive player in the world in Kawhi Leonard, and a team that has more playoff experience than anyone can imagine. It was a tightly contested season series as each team won two games apiece. This will be the third time that these two teams have faced off in the playoffs since 2012. It will also be one of the most important series OKC’s history, as free agency is just a couple of months away for Durant. Even with the two superstars, the defense of San Antonio will prove to be too tough for the Thunder. Spurs win in an epic battle.
Spurs in 7
