After a thrilling second round that saw two of four lower-seeds advance, the Conference Finals round of the NBA Playoffs is set to begin in the coming days. Here is a full preview, with some added predictions from yours truly.
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: (5) Memphis Grizzlies vs. (2) San Antonio Spurs
The west side of the NBA Playoffs bracket has most definitely lived up to its potential, as the conference finals match-up consists of two teams with excellent guard play and outstanding big men.
After dispatching the upstart Golden State Warriors in six games, the veteran-laden San Antonio Spurs have reached the conference finals in search of their 5th NBA title in the last 15 years. 1997 1st overall pick, Tim Duncan, leads the Spurs down low, with Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili manning the guard spots.
San Antonio will take on the Memphis Grizzlies, who sent the Oklahoma City Thunder packing after winning their second round series in five tough games. Many could argue that the Grizzlies would not have defeated the Thunder without the injury to OKC’s star guard Russell Westbrook, but the Grizzlies are out to show they belong and pull off another upset in these playoffs.
While Memphis has been a great story throughout this postseason, I do not think that they will have the firepower offensively to pull off yet another upset. The Spurs are too experienced, talented, and well-coached to lose this series, and I expect them to find a way to pull it out. The pick: Spurs in 7
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: (3) Indiana Pacers vs. (1) Miami Heat
This is a rematch from the last year’s Eastern Conference Semifinals, where the Heat came from 2 games to 1 down to defeat Indiana in six games. Now, these two teams meet again in what should be a very physical, tough, and draining series for both sides.
After pulling off four straight victories against the injury-riddled Chicago Bulls, Miami comes into the Conference Finals on a lot of rest after not playing in almost a week; Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh look to lead the Heat to their 3rd straight Finals appearance.
As for the Pacers, they are coming off defeating the New York Knicks in six tough games in the conference semifinals and will look to use their size against the Heat to outerbound them and score points in the paint.
The Pacers are a very good basketball team, but I give them very slim odds of beating the Heat four games out of seven. Miami is just too talented and full of depth, and Indiana will have to play perfect games every night to have a chance of beating the Heat. I think the Pacers will win a few games in this series and certainly give Miami a run for their money, but the Heat will move on to the NBA Finals. The Pick: Heat in 6
