NBA 2nd-round playoff predictions

Getting six of eight predictions correct isn’t too bad, especially since the Clippers managed to take their series against the Nuggets to seven games. That said, hopefully no team makes me look silly like the Lakers did.

The Indiana Pacers vs. The Cleveland Cavaliers:

I am excited to watch these two teams play each other. Both pass the ball and generate explosive offense all over the court. Both excel at limiting the shooting of their opponents on the defensive end. Between the two, I have more confidence in the underdog Pacers. They made the conference finals last year for a reason — they’re one of the best teams in the league. I have faith in their ability to outshoot the Cavaliers and pull off the upset in seven games.

The Boston Celtics vs. The New York Knicks:

For a moment, I was scared that both of these teams weren’t going to make it past the first round. The Knicks almost let the Pistons back into the series, and the Celtics gave up a game to the Magic that had me worried. Now that both teams are in the second round, I’m leaning toward Boston taking the series. The Knicks can win this series if Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson take over offensively. If both don’t produce at a high level in every game, the Celtics will beat the Knicks in six.

The Denver Nuggets vs. The Oklahoma City Thunder:

The Nuggets impressed me with their win over the Clippers. However, I don’t think they have what it takes to beat the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the Thunder already overcame a 29-point deficit in their sweep of the Grizzlies. I don’t think the Nuggets will give them much difficulty unless Nikola Jokić plays out of his mind. Even if he does, I don’t think Jokić alone can beat the Thunder. I see the Thunder taking this series in six.

The Golden State Warriors vs. The Minnesota Timberwolves:

The Warriors have a tall task ahead. They’re going on almost no rest to face a Timberwolves team that just dominated the Lakers. That said, I think this series is going to go seven games. The Timberwolves have the size and athleticism to take the series. The Warriors have the experience and 3-point shooting to keep it close. I wouldn’t be surprised if the series goes either way, but I’m picking the Timberwolves to win in seven.