NBA PLAYOFFS 2015 2ND ROUND PREVIEW

With the 1st round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs in the books, we move forward into the 2nd round, where the cream of the crop will rise to the top on their way to the conference finals. The semi-final round will not include the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, who were looking to add a 6th title to their collection. Even with the defending champions ousted, there are still many quality teams that are capable of raising the Larry O’Brien Trophy this June. (Author’s Note: Predictions were made on 5/2/15 before the start of round 2, which was 5/3/15.)

#1 Golden State Warriors vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies: With the top team in the NBA sweeping their matchup and with their opponent taking care of Portland in 5, this matchup poses some intriguing match ups for both teams. The fast paced style of the Warriors will pose a problem for a big Memphis that bases its game on grinding it out and being tough. Memphis is also affected by the absence of their top point guard in Mike Conley, who suffered a face injury in round 1 and is questionable for the start of round 2. The balanced scoring from the Warriors plus the play of Steph Curry will determine whether this series is a short one or not.

Solly: GSW 5, Steve: GSW 6, Greg: GSW 5, Danny: GSW 6, Jeff: GSW 6

#2 Houston Rockets vs. #3 Los Angeles Clippers: A matchup of two high octane offenses with world class players on each side, most notable being Chris Paul of the Clippers and MVP candidate James Harden of the Rockets. Both teams can run the floor very well, but it will come down to the way Dwight Howard performs against the bigs of the Clippers. This series has the potential to be a high scoring affair that goes the distance.

Solly: HOU 7, Steve: HOU 6, Greg: HOU 7, Danny: HOU 7, Jeff: LAC 6

# 1 Atlanta Hawks vs. #5 Washington Wizards: The top seeded team in the East over the last two years have seemed to struggle in the first round, and for Atlanta, it was no different as they dispatched Brooklyn in a competitive six game series. They will need to get back to the fundamental sound game that led them to the best record in the East against a Wizards team that thoroughly dominated Toronto. Al Horford and Kyle Korver need to continue to perform at a high level against a young and hungry Wizards team with the likes of Wall, Beal, and Pierce.

Solly: ATL 6, Steve: WSH 5, Greg: WSH 7, Danny: ATL 7, Jeff: ATL 7

#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. # 3 Chicago Bulls: This is the matchup that most pundits think will produce the eastern conference champion. Even though the Cavs won three out of four matchups this season, they will have to play the Bulls without Kevin Love, who is out 4-6 months with a shoulder injury. The Bulls can definitely match Cleveland in the secondary scoring department, but will need Derrick Rose to be performing at a high level if they want to move on to the next round.

Solly: CLE 7, Steve: CLE 7, Greg: CLE 7, Danny: CLE 6, Jeff: CLE 6