Second Round Predictions

I wanted to get these off before the first game of the second round between the Celtics and Wizards tips-off at 1pm this afternoon. I know, the Clippers and Jazz play in a decisive Game 7 later on today, but I couldn't wait. Assuming the Clippers win at home, I will have gone 8-for-8 on first round series. Here's hoping for the same conversion rate in round two.

(4)Wizards vs. (1)Celtics .... The biggest question in this series will be who can Isaiah Thomas guard? Will it be Bradley Beal or John Wall? Either way that spells trouble for the Celtics. When your best offensive player is just 5'9" and can't guard a trash can, I don't have much hope for you. Ultimately, I think this will be a competitive series, but I'm siding with the Wizards. Wizards in 6.

(3)Raptors vs. (2)Cavaliers .... A rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Finals. The Raptors have vamped up their roster by adding Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker (whose sole responsibility is to aggravate LeBron). That still won't prove to be enough to take down the Cavs. Look for Kyrie to have a big series and the Cavaliers to move on to the next round. Cavaliers in 6.

(4)Clippers/(5)Jazz vs. (1)Warriors ... This shouldn't need much explaining. The Warriors are simply the better team. They might lose one game, but that's it. Warriors in 5.

(3)Rockets vs. (2) Spurs ... This is the series I am most excited for. Two very unique styles going head-to-head. I am going with the Rockets simply because Kawhi doesn't have the necessary help around him. Pau Gasol is past his peak, as is LaMarcus Aldridge, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker. Pop asks a lot of Kawhi - guard the oppositions best player (in this case James Harden), while at the same time breaking out his best Kobe impersonation offensively. That is just too much to ask of one player. The Rockets also have a bevy of offensive weapons. Rockets in 6.