OK, so that went well. First-round predictions included Western Conference 3rd-seeded Portland over 6th-seeded New Orleans in six games. So of course, Rajon Rondo reverts to yesteryear and the Trailblazers not only lose, but get swept. Then Oklahoma City loses to Utah in a series where the reluctant third member of their so-called Big Three was so ineffective they couldn’t use him in the fourth quarter. Everything else held to form, which brings us to the final eight teams, and our 2018 NBA Conference Semifinal Predictions.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) TORONTO RAPTORS versus (4) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
The Cavaliers had a difficult time putting the Indiana Pacers away as their defensive struggles continued. Toronto handled their business against the Wizards, but past playoff disappointments have them spooked to the point of talking about treating Game One of that series like a Game Seven. Fortunately for them, the Wizards were even more of a mess. For that reason–along with the still-lurking presence of Lebron James–the prediction here is a split of the first two games and a series win for Cleveland.
PREDICTION: CAVALIERS IN SIX.
(2) BOSTON CELTICS versus (3) PHILADELPHIA 76ers
Another tough call. The Celtics are without Kyrie Irving, but it didn’t hurt them against Milwaukee as Terry Rozier outplayed Eric Bledsoe, their youngsters came through and their defense made Giannis Antetokounmpo work for every basket. But these Sixers don’t lose much anymore, and even their journeyman veterans are making contributions while the youngsters are figuring out what they’re doing under a national spotlight. They’ll have to solve a lockdown Celtic defense to advance. The severity of Jaylen Brown’s hamstring injury may ultimately decide things.
PREDICTION: SIXERS IN SEVEN.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) HOUSTON ROCKETS versus (5) UTAH JAZZ
The Utah Jazz emerged from a nasty six-game set with Oklahoma City without their point guard, Ricky Rubio. The Jazz would have been a longshot to beat the Rockets four times anyway, but they’ll fight until they’re bounced. Trash-talkin’ Joe Ingles will make sure the ball continues to move, but Utah will miss Rubio’s defense and rebounding, too. Houston has too many weapons and will now guard you as well; history suggests their biggest challenge will be keeping Chris Paul in one piece for the entire series.
PREDICTION: ROCKETS IN SIX.
(2) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS versus (6) NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
New Orleans’ backcourt tandem of Rajon Rondo and Jrue Holiday outplayed Portland highly-regarded guard duo, and Anthony Davis controlled the paint as the Pelicans won four straight. A monumental step up in class awaits them as the Golden State Warriors–having waited 10 months for a reason to get serious–now have it. Even without having to expend energy chasing Stephen Curry around, the Pelicans will have to scramble defensively and will not find the open spaces they did in Round One. Warriors move on, and it might be quick.
PREDICTION: WARRIORS IN FIVE.
