NBA Playoffs: Second Round Predictions

Round Two of the NBA Playoffs started off with the Cavaliers holding on to beat the Celtics and the Lakers playing great late in the fourth quarter to beat the Jazz. Atlanta overwhelmed the Milwaukee Bucks to advance to the second round and is set to face the Orlando Magic. With the Hawks advancing, the roster for the second round of the playoffs is now complete. Big questions surround the second round — Can the Celtics make one last push and beat the Cavs? Will the Suns finally beat the Spurs in the playoffs? How will the Lakers respond after struggling against the Thunder? Can Orlando continue their playoff dominance? Too many questions, so many factors — indeed the NBA Playoffs is hitting stride and it’s time to separate the contenders from the pretenders.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics. The Celtics had an opportunity to steal Game One from the Cavs but they couldn’t find the bucket in the last two minutes. And of course LeBron James scored 12 of his 35 points in the fourth despite playing with a sprained elbow. Boston kept the game close until James and Mo Williams exploded down the stretch. Boston should be confident they weren’t blown out despite Paul Pierce struggling.

Cavs in 6. Cavs lead 1-0

Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic. The Hawks struggled against a Buck team that was missing their talented center. They were beaten in two games by the Bucks perimeter game. Is Joe Johnson still playing? He struggled mightily against the Bucks. Rashard Lewis, Matt Barnes and Vince Carter are tough match-ups for the inconsistent Hawks. Expect Dwight Howard to dominate in the paint after having a miserable series against the Bobcats.

Orlando in 5

Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Lakers. Phil Jackson is 45-0 in the playoffs when winning the first game of a playoff series. If that wasn’t bad enough for the Jazz check this stat out: Utah hasn’t won in the Staples Center in the last 15 games against the Lakers. Pau Gasol dominated Utah’s smaller frontline in Game One. Either the Jazz add a few inches to their height or they’ll be eliminated by the Lakers again.

Lakers in 6. Lakers lead 1-0

Phoenix Suns vs San Antonio Spurs. This will be another exciting match-up between two teams that know each other all too well in the playoffs. Grant Hill needs to slow down Manu Ginobili. But that still leaves Tony Parker and George Hill to worry about. The Spurs have too may weapons and play superior defense to the Suns. Simply put, the Spurs had the Suns number since the dawn of time. Jason Richardson needs to be more consistent if Phoenix wants to finally get past the Spurs. Channing Frye’s outside shooting will be the x-factor in the series.

Spurs in 5.

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