WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
Golden State (1) vs. Utah (5)
The Jazz were the only lower seed to progress to the second round of the playoffs. Their task doesn't get any easier, matching up against championship favourites Golden State. The Warriors swept Portland in their first round series.
Utah did manage to take a game off Golden State in the regular season. Klay Thompson missed that game, as did Gordon Hayward, and Rodney Hood.
It's going to be a tough task for the Jazz. The Warriors scoring power is immense, while their defence was on show in their first round match-up against Portland. Kevin Durant has played limited basketball in the past few months, while Steve Kerr may again be absent from the sidelines. Despite this, Golden State's firepower should still be too much for the Jazz.
Tip:ย Warriors in 5
San Antonio (2) vs. Houston (3)
This match-up looks to be the series of the round. San Antonio had to fight past a dogged Memphis side in the first round, while Houston overcame Russell Westbrook and the Thunder.
These two sides play very interesting types of basketball. Houston let James Harden run the show, his vision allows him to find outside shooters, while also hitting the scoreboard himself.
San Antonio tend to have more hands touch the ball, but of late have put heavy reliability on the broad shoulders of Kawhi Leonard.
The Spurs will need to see an aggressive LaMarcus Aldridge and Tony Parker if they are to win this series. Houston's defence could decide their fate, while if Gregg Popovich's men can limit outside opportunities, the Rockets will be tested.
This should be an exciting series, but the all round game of the Spurs, plus home court advantage, should see them over the line.
Tip:ย Spurs in 7
EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
Boston (1) vs. Washington (4) - BOS leads 1-0
The battle at the point guard position, makes this series an enticing one. Isaiah Thomas, and John Wall, are two of the star players in the league, and will battle it out in this one.
Earlier today, Boston took game one in a high-scoring affair at home. It was Thomas (33pts & 9asts), and Wall (20pts & 16asts) who stood out.
This series could very well be decided by the role players from each side. If either bench, or 3rd/4th option, can step up and play big, they may give their team the advantage, and potentially the series.
Tip:ย Boston in 7
Cleveland (2) vs. Toronto (3)
Last year these two teams played it out in the conference finals. Now they will clash to make it back to that point.
The Raptors suffered a scare in round one, almost succumbing to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. Cleveland on the other hand swept the Pacers, behind the strong play of Lebron James.
After watching the Raptors in round one, it's impossible to imagine them taking four games off the Cavs. However Lebron's side did struggle towards the end of the season. Despite this Cleveland should be too strong, and should get one step closer to going back-to-back.
Tip:ย Cleveland in 5
