NBA Playoffs: Picking the second round
And it’s on to the next round!
The first round went as predicted. The Heat made light work of the Hawks, and the Grizzlies finally griddyed on the Timberwolves.
The Warriors dispatched Nikola Jokic and the helpless Nuggets, and the Mavericks dismantled (and probably broke up) the Jazz.
The Bucks put the Bulls out of their injury-plagued misery, and the Suns fended off the ascending Pelicans.
The Sixers – luckily – avoided making history for all the wrong reasons.
The biggest shocker of the first round was the Celtics’ sweep of the Nets. The world had never seen KD – even Kyrie – so discombobulated, out-of-sorts and defenseless. I’m still wondering what KD makes of the whole series and if he believes the Nets can contend for a championship.
More on that soon.
For now, it’s time for second round picks.
BEASTS OF THE EAST
Milwaukee Bucks (3) vs. Boston Celtics (2)
CELTICS IN 6
Listen, I don’t mean to overreact but Khris Middleton’s injury changed this whole series.
Yes, he’s that important to the Bucks. He’s not only their second leading scorer with 20 points per game, he is also their big shot maker.
Can Jrue Holiday make big shots? YES. Can Giannis? I’m not sold he can yet. Especially against THIS version of the Celtics. They are gritty, cold-blooded, fearless and out to prove they should’ve been competing in the Finals years ago.
They have that look in their eyes that says “We got next,” and that spells trouble for a less than 100% Bucks team.
Milwaukee is deep enough to make up for the absence of Middleton but NOT his clutch gene that they’ll miss in tight games.
Can the Bucks win this series without Middleton? YES. But Giannis has to up his scoring average from 28.6 to at least 35 points per game, win the rebound battle down low and make his free throws at a higher clip.
No more time to be giving up easy points. He shot 68% from the charity stripe in the first round.
They need to also play on the streaky play of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown – something the Nets didn’t do. If those guys are cold, the Bucks better find a way to get hot and fast. They have a group of shooters who can change a game or two in this series – which may be what they need.
THIS is Giannis’ opportunity to show us he is ready to earn the honor as the best player in the world. There are people that already believe that but others who are still not sold.
I’m in the latter camp. Show me something, Greek Freak.
Philadelphia 76ers (4) vs. Miami Heat (1)
HEAT SWEEP
As soon as I heard of Joel Embiid’s injury, I knew the series was over. He’ll miss Games 1 and 2, but there is some hope he could return when the series shifts to Philadelphia.
Even with Joel, I pick Miami in five. Without him though, they won’t win a game.
At least the Bucks still have their best player and a deep roster. The 76ers may not have either.
Am I dismissing James Harden? Against this Heat team, YEP.
Jimmy Butler, the great Erik Spoeltra and that talented roster are going to DEVOUR Harden. The only thing that may get them a game is if James Harden turns back into regular season James Harden.
You know the dude that could get you a 60-point triple double. THAT guy. Oh and, of course, injuries.
Outside of that, it’s been real, 76ers. After this season is over, they have a lot to reconsider if they’re going to get Embiid a championship in his prime.
Embiid’s injury history plays a big part in that.
WESTSIDE
Dallas Mavericks (4) vs. Phoenix Suns (1)
SUNS IN 6
Luka is back and his supporting cast is legit. Like really legit.
Jalen Brunson puts the fear of God in teams – and me, – and Spencer Dinwiddie is flat-out clutch. Those two are scared of NOBODY.
Mix that with the stardom of Luka and the brilliance of Jason Kidd, and we have a thrilling series.
But Devin Booker is back. And even though Luka is a bigger star than Book, Luka doesn’t have Chris Paul and a deep roster to match the Sun’s gang of studs. The Mavs also don’t have a star big who can terrorize the Suns.
The Mavs will get two games just from the sheer greatness of Luka and those other two great guys. And listen, I’m proud of Luka for getting out of the first round for the first time. Excellent work.
But that was his first step. Maybe next year, he and his budding team will make it to the third round and beyond.
I can’t wait to see it.
Golden State Warriors (3) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (2)
WARRIORS IN 6
This will be my favorite series of the second round because of the bazillion storylines and drama in it.
The older experienced team vs. the hot young team; Steph vs. Ja; the epic trash talk and the jabs on Twitter.
Oh it’s going to be special.
But when the smoke clears from the fireworks, it’ll be the Warriors advancing to the next round.
You don’t pick against the Warriors unless you have two transcendent stars and a decent roster that can give them problems (See 2016 Cavs).
The Grizzlies have one star and I don’t think he has reached transcendence yet. That roster IS great though. I LOVE Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Grizzlies are special together, but this is not their year and not their matchup.
They’ll get there in due time. And when they do it, it’ll be glorious. The important thing is that they stay together and grow together like the Warriors did.