The Eastern Conference games have already begun and the West will catch up tonight and tomorrow. There are some intriguing matchups, but in the end it is really clear who will reach the conference finals.
Miam took game one from the Pacers, and while Indianapolis put up a good fight and Chris Bosh is possibly done for the season, I like the Heat in this series. Lebron, regardless of past fourth quarter woes, is playing at a high level. No Pacer can dream of matching up against him. Wade, as he always does, has shown up big for the playoffs, and the Heat's supporting cast is solid led by Battier's lockdown defense. With the absence of Bosh, Chalmers and Mike Miller will need to step up their outside shooting and Haslem will have an increasingly important role. Lebron and Wade should be enough to breeze through these Pacers however. Heat in 5.
Boston and Philadelphia is a tale of two completely different teams. Aging teams like to slow things down and get their stars their shots. Boston is no different and will look for Rondo to continue his triple-double assault setting up Pierce and Ray Allen consistently. The big surprise for the Celtics is certainly the elevated play of Kevin Garnett. He looks young and rejuvinated, averaging a double-double in the playoffs and dominating Lavoy Allen and Elton Brand in game one. The Sixers gave the Celtics a hard time in the regular season and will try and push the tempo to get as many fast break points as possible, but that will not be enough against the experience and high level of play the Celtics are bringing to these playoffs. Celtics in 6.
Oklahoma City Thunder should be salivating at their chance to take down the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have beaten the young Thunder in the playoffs a few times, but those times have changed. Even if World Peace can continue the strong play from game seven against Denver, the Lakers have no way of containing Kevin Durant and especially Russell Westbrook. Combine the domination they will bring with James Harden's outstanding play all season and this should be a quick end to the Lakers season. Bynum and Gasol have the ability to make things difficult on the Thunder, but based on their lackluster play thus far, it's hard to see them turning things around. And just so we say his name, Kobe. Thunder in 6.
Finally, we have the San Antonio Spurs. They will win their series against the Clippers. Chris Paul is the best point gaurd in the series, but Tony Parker has the best team. Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan will lead this deep Spurs team past the banged up and tired Clippers. The Clippers have been entertaining and seem to have a bright future assuming some of their young players can continue to grow and learn to contribute in more ways than highlight reel plays. Meanwhile the Spurs just keep winning and do so regardless of whether anyone appreciates their methodical style of play. Spurs in 5.
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