The second round of the NBA Playoffs wraps up with two Game 7s. Jarael and Ryan continue their predictions for the Western Conference and Eastern Conference Finals.
Western Conference
Golden State Warriors (3) v Dallas Mavericks (4)
Jarael: This is an unlikely match-up but what I like about the conference finals is how the two teams who greatly improved the second half of the season are still finding a way to win. The Mavs and the Celtics have been in a great rhythm and it is nice to see them find success. However, all good things must come to an end and the elite play from Luka will not be enough to beat the Warriors. You often need consistent scoring from your number two guy and the Mavs cannot depend on Brunson to do that every night. Looks like we will be seeing the return of the Golden State Warriors to the NBA Finals (Warriors 4-2).
Ryan: Luka vs Curry. We are truly blessed to be able to watch this match-up of a 4 vs 3 seed. Luka will be tested more against Green and Wiggins with the Warriors, but Luka is going to Luka and give the Mavs a chance. But I think this game is going to come down to experience. Steph, Green, and Klay have that deep playoff experience. I predict a high-scoring series with the Warriors edging out the Mavs. (Warriors 4-3).
Eastern Conference
Miami Heat (1) v Boston Celtics (2)
Jarael: If you like good defense then you should be excited to watch this match-up. I am a little salty, I think if the Bucks were healthy they would have beat the Celtics in 7 and cruised to the NBA Finals BUT here we are. The Heat have had a great season and they play hard but I cannot see them winning a championship. The Celtics have had the hardest road thus far and I think that prepares you to show up in big moments like the Conference Finals. I like the Celtics if they can stay confident to finally give the Heat its first real playoff series. A bad Hawks team, an injured 76ers team, the Heat have been lucky and it is about to run out. Smart is about to flop his way into the NBA Finals, Celtics (4-2).
Ryan: I never would have thought I would be so excited to watch a series between the Heat and Celtics. These two teams seem to be playing at their highest potential with Miami looking unbeatable. Jimmy Butler is that dude. During these Playoffs, in half of Jimmy Butler’s games, he has scored more than 30 points. But as I mentioned in the last series, this Celtics core has finally pieced it all together. I see the Celtics preventing Jimmy from going off and I predict he won’t score more than 30 in any game this series. (Celtics 4-2).