Western Conference
It was a great upset for the Grizzlies in the first round, not as great as this one, but still deserving of accolades. They ended an era of San Antonio basketball, and this is a team that will not be beaten easily. They played excellent against the Thunder today, and it looks like Z-Bo and brother Marc will be a huge problem through out the series. That still doesn't change my opinion of the series however. I still think the Thunder will get it together. Kevin Durant needs to be more aggressive and Russell Westbrook needs to stop chucking jumpers repeatedly. Perkins will be more of an enforcer inside and "Iblaka" won't allow Zach Randolph to continue to look like the best power forward in the league. The Grizzles will win one more in the series at home, but the Thunder will move on.
Series: (4-2) - Oklahoma City Thunder
The battle of old men should actually be a very fun series to watch. The Dallas Mavericks are not the same team that falters in the playoffs that we've seen in the past. They are resilient and it was evident in the way they bounced back after blowing game 4 to the Blazers and definitively finishing off the series in six games. As for the Lakers, I still believe their biggest opponent in defending their title is themselves. The Lakers live for the unnecessary drama. They still believe they can turn on the switch whenever they want and that attitude needs to end immediately. Pau Gasol needs to grow a pair and Derek Fisher needs to find a fountain of youth. In the end Kobe won't allow an exit in the semis. The ankle injury? That was Hollywood, he'll carry them to the next round, but how many more series can he do that before it takes its toll. He needs help, and hopefully it comes this series.
Series: (4-2) - Los Angeles Lakers
Eastern Conference
The Atlanta Hawks finally broke their curse of first round exits and they look like their starting to get it together. It's just unfortunate their next series is against the Bulls. I don't see much of a series here and with Captain Kirk most likely out for the series, Derrick Rose should have a field day. When I watched the Bulls in the first round, I expected them to struggle a bit, but the slow starts in games were overblown. This team is the real deal. They handled their business and outplayed the weaker Pacers down the stretch the way they should. The Hawks will probably get one at home, but Derrick Rose is unbelievably great, Joakim Noah is crazy, and they'll take care of the Hawks with ease. ATL Hawk down.
Series: (4-1) - Chicago Bulls
This is probably the most anticipated series of the semis and the intensity of the series was quite evident today. Although the Celtics dominated the season series, the Miami Heat are a much better team now. They still play the take-turns game with D-Wade and Bron Bron, but the difference is everyone compliments that now very well, and the game is coming easy for Chris Bosh the way it should've been for him all season. For the Celtics, they swept the Knicks, but I can't call Carmelo Anthony vs. The Boston Celtics a legitimate series. They have the experience and they have the big 4, but their lack of firepower and aging core were exposed greatly today. The Celtics still have Rajon Rondo and he is the difference in the series. The ability to takeover a game without scoring goes a long way. James Jones will not score 25 points again in this series and the Celtics will shake game 1 off, I'm positive. Until the road team wins, this is not a series. I've gone with the C's all season and I still believe in experience over LeBron James's playoff curse, so I can't change my pick now. Prove me right Rondo.
Series: (4-3) - Boston Celtics
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