Keys to Playoffs Round 2

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs 4. Boston Celtics

Well, this should be a dandy match.  And might I add a tough one to conclude.  As much as I am for the Celtics winning this series, I don't think it is going to happen.  If they are able to win in 6, then yes Celtics in 6.  But if it goes to a game 7, I expect Cleveland's home court advantage to take effect.  The Cavs every answer for the Celts and I don't think it is likely that the Celts can win.  The only way for the Celts to win is if the Cavs falter in the post, along with Rondo running circles around Mo Williams.  Paul Pierce will be most likely locked up by LBJ, and KG and Kendrick both struggled against Miami...

WildCard : Cleveland Cavaliers - 3 point shooting, Boston Celtics - Senior citizen's bench

Result: Cleveland in 5 or 7, Celts in 6..(unlikely)
Actual: Celtics in 6 (what do you know.) haha

2. Orlando Magic vs 3 Atlanta Hawks

This match up is in favor of the Orlando Magic.  There is no upset the Hawks can provide since they lack heart.  The only one who shows heart is Al Horford, who will be upset when Dwight Howard dunks on him.  haha  Vince Carter is warming up, and Jameer Nelson's on a roll.  Mike Bibby can't guard anyone, and Marvin Williams and Mo Evans are two guards that will try to contain Vince.  I might add that, Rashard Lewis has been shooting the ball relatively well.  Joe Johnson has been struggling too.  If the Hawks want to win, they'll need to play like Utah.  Hungry and heavy-hearted.  It depends on their stars, Joe Johnson and Al Horford, to carry and lead the team.  But there's also going to be a sufficient amount of supporting cast in Mike Bibby, Marvin Williams, ZaZa Pachulia, and Josh Smith.

Wildcard: Orlando Magic- 3 point shooting Atlanta Hawks- Winning on the road...Josh Smith
Result: Orlando in 5.  They are a great road team unlike Atlanta, and they show more poise and heart.
Actual:Orlando in 4

Western Conference
 1. Los Angeles Lakers vs 5. Utah Jazz

This match up isn't a fair match up because the Jazz have been plagued with injury like Portland and Golden State.  Well, Portland didn't make it, and Golden State didn't even show up.  I don't think the Utah Jazz have enough in them for another upset.   Actually, being a 5th seed isn't really an upset.. but yeah.  The Lakers are still the best overall team in the NBA even though they got ran by OKC.  The Jazz don't have enough speed to do that, and they don't have a superstar shooter named Kevin Durant.  The only way the Jazz will win this game is if Kobe gets locked down, and Pau gets in foul trouble.  Oh and on the opposite side, The Jazz need Matthews, Milsap, and Miles to step up their game.  If the Jazz do this, they'll get a victory, or two. Oh and Ronnie Price needs to run the bench like Shannon Brown does, cause we all know Ronnie can get up almost as high as Shannon.


Wildcard: Los Angeles Lakers: Andrew Bynum Utah Jazz: Carlos Boozer and AK47
Result: LA in 5.
 Actual: LA in 4
3. Phoenix Suns vs 6 San Antonio Spurs

Haha well this match up is in favor of the Spurs.  I don't care about seeding. Whoever thinks the Suns can beat the Spurs, good luck to you.  Steve Nash and Amare are awesome along with J Rich.  But their bench is too inconsistent to play San Antonio and their defense. I think the Suns have a better chance and better team than their previous matchups, but I still think San Antonio will dominate in the paint with Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.  The Suns are very good this year, but I believe San Antonio is like Boston...They know they can win, they just didn't do it consistently this year.  Well it's  understandable because they were saving themselves for the playoffs! haha  If the Suns want to win, their 3point shooting needs to be off the chains.  If the Spurs want to win, then they'll need penetration from Ginobili and Tony Parker

Wildcard: Phoenix Suns 3 point shooting San Antonio : George Hill and Dejuan Blair
Result: San Antonio in 5, 6, Phoenix in 7
Actual: Phoenix in 4