05-01-2022, 09:34 AM
Alright, before The Conference Semi-Finals tip-off, it's time to see if anyone here cares...
The first round went total chalk, though Phoenix and Philly got scares.
WEST - These series are REALLY close and I have no conviction in these picks
(4) Mavericks - (1) Suns
Got to say I like Dallas. They are playing really well and Luka Doncic can win a game or 2 almost by himself. Chris Paul needed to go 14-14 from the field ignorer to avoid a Game 7 with Pelicans. I realize Devin Booker is back from pulled hammy, but I'm not convinced it isn't going to bother him.
(3) Warriors - (2) Grizzlies
Conventional wisdom is the experienced team prevails over young talent in the NBA playoffs, but sometimes a team arrives a year early. The Warriors do poorly what the Grizzlies do well, so I am going to hope I'm wrong and pick Memphis.
EAST - I don't see as much drama with these series and feel certain about who will win them
(4) Sixers - (1) Heat
Poor Philly. Even with a fully healthy Joel Embiid this would be a really difficult match-up for Sixers, but anytime you've got a guy as dominant as he can be, you have a chance. Now that he has both a torn thumb ligament and a fractured orbital bone, this series is pretty much over before it starts. Could even be a sweep.
(3) Bucks - (2) Celtics
I've had Boston winning the whole thing since early March, so I'm not picking against them here. Obviously the Bucks are pretty potent even without Khris Middleton, with Giannis, Brook Lopez, and Jrue Holiday, but I don't see how they survive with or without him. That's how good Boston is.
The first round went total chalk, though Phoenix and Philly got scares.
WEST - These series are REALLY close and I have no conviction in these picks
(4) Mavericks - (1) Suns
Got to say I like Dallas. They are playing really well and Luka Doncic can win a game or 2 almost by himself. Chris Paul needed to go 14-14 from the field ignorer to avoid a Game 7 with Pelicans. I realize Devin Booker is back from pulled hammy, but I'm not convinced it isn't going to bother him.
(3) Warriors - (2) Grizzlies
Conventional wisdom is the experienced team prevails over young talent in the NBA playoffs, but sometimes a team arrives a year early. The Warriors do poorly what the Grizzlies do well, so I am going to hope I'm wrong and pick Memphis.
EAST - I don't see as much drama with these series and feel certain about who will win them
(4) Sixers - (1) Heat
Poor Philly. Even with a fully healthy Joel Embiid this would be a really difficult match-up for Sixers, but anytime you've got a guy as dominant as he can be, you have a chance. Now that he has both a torn thumb ligament and a fractured orbital bone, this series is pretty much over before it starts. Could even be a sweep.
(3) Bucks - (2) Celtics
I've had Boston winning the whole thing since early March, so I'm not picking against them here. Obviously the Bucks are pretty potent even without Khris Middleton, with Giannis, Brook Lopez, and Jrue Holiday, but I don't see how they survive with or without him. That's how good Boston is.