Bob Haynie: NBA Playoff Picks Part Deux
The NBA Conference Semi-Finals are upon us, and it's time to share my predictions. In the first-round, I didn't do all that great. I wasn't horrible, mind you, but I was wrong about the Bulls, Grizzlies and Warriors. They all advanced when I said they wouldn't.
That's old news, however. Let's move on and see if we can pick it up a notch.
Eastern Conference
(1) Miami Heat vs. (5) Chicago Bulls: As I predicted, the Heat rolled through the overmatched Bucks in four straight games. The undermanned Bulls upset the Nets in seven. Even without Derrick Rose, Chicago played Miami tough during the regular season. Of course, this is the postseason. The Bulls will be pesky, but that's not good enough to knock off the defending champs....Heat in 5.
(2) New York Knicks vs. (3) Indiana Pacers: These two teams split during the regular season. Both are very tough at home, but the Pacers took Game One at Madison Square Garden. Paul George vs. Carmelo should be an interesting battle. Roy Hibbert will be key for the Pacers. Expect a lot of physical play....Pacers in 6.
Western Conference
(1) OKC Thunder vs. (5) Memphis Grizzlies: The Griz took two of three during the regular season and almost stole Game One. Kevin Durant would not allow that to happen. Minus Russell Westbrook, Durant is going to have to take his game to yet another level. Memphis is playing well as Mike Conley and Zach Randolph were outstanding against the Clippers....Griz in 7.
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Golden State Warriors: These two split during the regular season. The Spurs have been off for a while after sweeping the Lakers while the Warriors survived an exciting series against the Nuggets. David Lee will be active for Golden State, but will he be effective? Stephen Curry is fun to watch and hard to stop. That being said, San Antonio is too experienced, too deep and too good....Spurs in 5.
