Second Round Predictions

Before I dive into Round 2 of the NBA playoffs, let's briefly recap how Round 1 concluded (or will conclude): 

WEST

Warriors beat Blazers 4-0

DUH

Clippers and Jazz tied 3-3

I think Clippers take this one and advance to play Warriors.

Spurs beat Grizzlies 4-2

Kawhi Leonard played like the best player in the NBA throughout the series. 

Rockets beat Thunder 4-1

Expected if you look past James Harden and Russell Westbrook.

EAST

Celtics beat Bulls 4-2

I knew it was to good to be true the second the Bulls went up 2-0 in this series. They may not be a good 1-seed, but they are still..um... a 1-seed. This collapse from the Bulls or resurgence from the Celtics didn't surprise me.

Wizards beat Hawks 4-2

Two words: John. Wall. Played like another person who is better than John Wall at basketball in this series. 

Cavaliers beat Pacers 4-0

It didn't matter who took the last shot for the Pacers after all. Cavs roll. 

Raptors beat Bucks 4-2

Even with the Bucks playing Barney music to introduce the Raptors, the northern-most team in the NBA held their ground.  

SECOND ROUND

WEST

Warriors vs Clippers/Jazz

No matter who wins Game 7 tonight, I think the Warriors will advance to the Conference Finals with ease. The Jazz don't have enough firepower, and the Clippers are (wait for it) injured. 

PREDICTION: Warriors in 4, regardless of opponent 

Spurs vs Rockets

This series will be interesting because it is a complete clash of styles. We have the run-and-gun Rockets, and the slow-it-down Spurs. The X-factor in this series is Kawhi Leonard. If he played like he did against Memphis, the Rockets don't stand a chance. Ultimately, it's all about defense, and the Spurs have a significant advantage in that category. Unless Houston shoots 80% from 3, the Spurs will win. 

PREDICTION: Spurs in 6

EAST

Celtics vs Wizards

Nobody really seems to be talking about this series, but that's stupid because it's going to be the best one in this round. Isaiah Thomas vs John Wall? Two teams who hate each other? Count me in. I honestly think the Wizards are hitting their stride at the right time, while the Celtics seem a bit shaky. And again. John. Wall.

PREDICTION: Wizards in 6

Cavaliers vs Raptors

I don't see this series being as good as last year's Eastern Conference Finals. Cleveland is starting to get in their playoff groove, while the Raptors struggled mightily in their series against the Bucks. I don't really have any confidence in Toronto right now, and the other team has LeBron James. 

PREDICTION: Cavaliers in 5