NBA/NHL Weekend Wrapup, May 18-20

Heat/Pacers

Well, we now know what it takes for the Heat to win with Bosh out.  Lebron throws down a near ridiculous triple-double with 40-18-9 and the Pacers can't quite put enough balls in the basket to beat the Heat.  Miami will end up winning this series, but next round will be tough with a likely matchup against the impressive Celtics.

Celtics/Sixers

Speaking of the Celtics, they are tied at two games apiece, but they have impressed with their experience and strong play from Garnett in the middle.  The Sixers have put up a good fight and will force the Celtics to take the series from them, but in the end the Celtics will be too much.  I like Rondo to continue on his near triple-double pace and win in six games.

Lakers/Thunder

The Lakers sit on the verge of elimination, and once again it all rests on their "bigs".  Gasol has not shown up again and against a front court that should not be able to contain both him and Bynum.  Kobe has played like himself and Metta World Peace has had a solid series, but there has just been too much Durant.  He has made clutch baskets and led a calm and collected Thunder team to a 3-1 lead in the series that should end in a game five massacre back in OKC.

Spurs/Clippers

The west is ending quickly and the Spurs will be the first to move on.  The Clippers were the darlings of round one, but the high flying style has be thwarted by great team defense and excellent all around shooting.  Parker continues to cement himself as one of the premier point guards, Duncan a premier leader, and Popovich a premier motivator.  It's the same old same old with San Antonio, and they will be a difficult out for anyone they see the rest of the playoffs. Look for the sweep tonight.

Kings/Coyotes

The Kings have been the best team in the NHL during the current playoff run.  Apparently they needed a game off after today's lackluster effort.  They did not have the jump from previous games and looked like a team that knew it was in control and could afford giving one game away.  It's not a good mindset and I would expect them to jump all over the Coyotes in game five to lock up the series before Phoenix gets any upset thoughts.

Rangers/Devils

This series is just getting more and more exciting.  We have a suspension with Prust serving a one game elbowing penalty.  Coaches are going back and forth.  It's New York and New Jersey!  Goaltending has been the continued story and this should be no different as it moves along.  The Rangers look like the stronger team and could finish things out in six games, but I'm still calling for seven and exciting end to this eastern conference final.

mf