DTTWSB NBA Conference Semifinal Predictions

After what seemed like a boring 1st round of the playoffs, things have finally started to heat up. We currently have two Game 7s that have to be decided, but the Down To The Wire Sports Blog doesn't have time to wait because the conference semifinals start tonight! Injuries dominated the headlines when the playoffs started. There's no doubt they've impacted the outcome of some of the games. Since two of the Western Conference series have yet to be decided, I'll be making double the predictions on that side just to cover my basis. You all know who I feel is going to win though. Let's stop wasting time and get to the picks.

Eastern Conference

4. Boston Celtics vs. 8. Philadelphia 76ers: Celtics in 5

The best way to sum up this series is that the Celtics expected to be here, while the 76ers are happy to be here. There's no way Philly thought they could beat the Bulls until Derrick Rose tore his ACL at the end of Game 1. Boston is quietly playing some good basketball, especially point guard Rajon Rondo. He's the offensive catalyst for this team. I just can't see how the Sixers can make this a series. I see the Celtics winning the first two and then splitting on the road to blow Philadelphia out at home in Game 5.

2. Miami Heat vs. 3. Indiana Pacers: Heat in 4

Everyone knew we would see this series once the playoffs started, but we also thought we'd be seeing a better 76ers team. They aren't very good in my estimation. If Dwight Howard was able to play in the previous series I believe the Magic would have beat the Pacers. I do actually think the games in this series will be close, but the Heat will close them out in 4 games. The combination of James, Wade and Bosh is just too much for Indiana. I don't think they're ready for that kind of intensity.


Western Conference

1. San Antonio Spurs vs. 4. Memphis Grizzlies: Spurs in 6

Oh baby, this would be an excellent series in my opinion. Last year the Grizzlies shocked the Spurs in the 1st round and beat them in 6 games. With a healthy Manu Ginobili, I think the Spurs can flip the script and beat the Grizz in 6. San Antonio is not the sexy pick, but they've been playing the best basketball in the entire league if you ask me. They're efficient offensively and buy into defending the ball as a team. With Tony Parker playing lights out basketball, this team is going to be a tough exit if you ask me.

or

1. San Antonio Spurs vs. 5. Los Angeles Clippers: Spurs in 5

This series would bring up the age old discussion of style versus substance. The "Lob City" Clippers play with a lot of energy, but they don't defend the ball that well. San Antonio is probably one of the most boring teams to watch in the league, but for basketball junkies, it's poetry in motion. I believe Chris Paul will be able to pull out one game for the Clippers but that's about it. The Spurs are just too much for this young roster. A lot of the times in the playoffs, teams with experience are able to take out teams who are young.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 3. Los Angeles Lakers: Thunder in 6

If you're looking for stars, look no further than this series. It has all the stars you want to see plus more. Along with last series, this would be a coming of age type series for the OKC Thunder. They're still getting playoff wins underneath their belt, and none would be bigger than beating the Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers. In my opinion, LA simply doesn't match up with OKC, especially in the back court. The Thunder play hard every night and would be able to steal at least one game at the Staples Center while protecting homecourt.

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2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 6. Denver Nuggets: Thunder in 4

To be honest, I don't want to see this series. It would be a complete blowout if these two teams were to face. Denver plays hard, but they don't have nearly the same amount of weapons as OKC. The Thunder would out class them from the start if you ask me. For that reason, I do not wish to further analyze this series.