NBA Playoff Predictions (2nd Round)

East:
Heat over Bulls (4-3)
Pacers over Knicks (4-2)

West:
Thunder over Grizzlies (4-3)
Spurs over Warriors (4-2)


East:

Heat vs. Bulls:
In Game 1, I was very impressed by Chicago. On the night where three of their best players were out (Rose, Deng, Hinrich), the Bulls regrouped around players such as Nate Robinson, Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer, and others in spite of their injury problems. Meanwhile, Miami was fully healthy with their franchise star, MVP LeBron James. However, Chicago came off of a tough 7-game series with the Brooklyn Nets, while the Heat were rusty coming off of an 8-day layoff. What made the layoff rust even worse was the fact that LeBron was openly awarded the MVP trophy the night of the game in Miami. In the first half, LeBron played nothing like an MVP. The first half overall was grueling and low scoring, where both teams were tied at 37 by halftime. Side note: Maybe it was the shoes. Just kidding. The Bulls have constantly had the Heat's number this season. Chicago was the team that ended Miami's 27-game winning streak. (2nd longest in NBA History) Whenever the Bulls play the Heat, they always bring their A game, especially Nate Robinson. Game 1 was no different. Chicago pushed the ball up the court, and knocked down their shots. They knew how to frustrate Miami. Nate Robinson led the way with 27 points, 9 assists. Jimmy Butler stepped up with 21 points, 14 rebounds. Joakim Noah made an impact as well, with 13 points, and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, LeBron led the way for the Heat as he finished with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. Dwyane Wade had 14 points. Everyone else on the Heat were involved, but not enough to get them over. Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers and Ray Allen went cold. In the end, this will be an intriguing matchup.

Pacers vs. Knicks:
These first two games have been up and down. In Game 1, the Pacers blew the Knicks away in Madison Square Garden. In Game 2, the Knicks returned the favor. However, I see Indiana having the advantage because of their physicality, just like it was with the Hawks, and even with the Heat last year. If the Pacers perimeter defense can neutralize Carmelo and JR Smith, this will turn even more in their favor. Overall, the Pacers physical play and big man Roy Hibbert will be the deciding factor.

West:

Thunder vs. Grizzlies:
With fellow star Russell Westbrook out for the rest of the playoffs, Kevin Durant was able to take what little he had and multiply it for victory over Houston in the 1st Round. In Game 1, the Thunder defeated the Grizzlies at home, with Kevin Durant once again leading the troops. (35 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 9/10 from the free throw line) Kevin Martin stepped up to the plate with 25 points, with Reggie Jackson bringing in 12 points. However, the Grizzlies made it even with Mike Conley leading Memphis with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. Marc Gasol scored 24 points, while Zach Randolph brought in 15 points. Kevin Durant dropped 36 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists 11/12 from the foul line. However, he missed 2 crucial shots, and the rest of the Thunder fell short. Gasol and Randolph are two of the best big men today. If they carry their weight like they did against the Clippers, they could have a chance. However, Oklahoma City is still a greater threat than what the Clippers were. I see the Thunder pulling this out.

Spurs vs. Warriors:
Monday Night's opener was incredible. Stephen Curry has really been raising his game, and those around him. Curry was lights out again in Game 1, where he lit up the Spurs defense with 44 points and 11 assists. San Antonio had their back on the ropes by the first half. However, the Spurs had the right answer. This was a Point Guard battle. Tony Parker led the way with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Danny Green dropped 22 points. Tim Duncan had a solid game with 19 points, and 11 rebounds. Rising star Kawhi Leonard gave 18 points, and 9 rebounds. Manu Ginobili also added 16 points, and 11 assists. San Antonio's experience, and chemistry will neutralize the youth and firepower of Golden State.