For those of you looking for more video breakdowns, more will be up later tonight and tomorrow so keep your eye out for that.
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Anderson Varejao with a big assist to Lebron.
Manu Ginobili making plays against the Mavericks.
Russell Westbrook big time athleticism.
For today, a few quick thoughts about the playoff series thus far and how I think they’ll end up:
EAST
Cavaliers vs. Bulls (Cavs. lead 3-1) – What can you really say? LeBron is the best player in this series and the entire NBA. For the Bulls, their work needs to come in the reg. season in trying to avoid the 8th seed and thus avoid LeBron. They’ll fight in Game five but ultimately lose.
Magic vs. Bobcats (Magic lead 3-0) – Another series that is going just as expected. Although the Charlotte has some playoff tested players, the franchise is in it’s first series and are going against the defending Eastern Conference Champions. I’d be shocked to see this series extend to a game five.
Hawks vs. Bucks (Hawks lead 2-1) – This series is interesting. I think once Andrew Bogut went down for Milwaukee most people ruled out their chances of making any noise in the playoffs. They have certainly taken on the mold of their head coach and been a scrappy tough out. That being said, the Hawks are too talented and the better team, Hawks finish this in six games.
Celtics vs. Heat (Celtics lead 3-1) – Well there was some chatter about the Heat possibly being able to pull off the upset in this series, but the Celtics have played the role of old veteran battle tested team to perfection. The Heat were saved from a sweep by a monster Dwayne Wade performance, but it only breathed life into them for one game, Celtics win this in Boston in game five.
WEST
Lakers vs. Thunder (Series tied 2-2) – Who would have thought this would have been the most compelling series of all the first round match-ups?? The Thunder have certainly proved they aren’t scared of LA and in game four, beat them to a pulp. It’s going to be interesting to see how the Lakers respond in game five and can the Thunder bring they’re level of play on the road. I give the edge to experience, Lakers in seven.
Mavericks vs. Spurs (Spurs lead 3-1) – I think this series is destined for seven games. I’m not worried so much about home court advantage in this series because I think either team is capable of winning on the road. I think this series stretches to seven, but I’m going to pick the Spurs to prevail.
Suns vs. Portland (Series tied 2-2) – Surprised with the fight in the Blazers, especially after the news of Brandon Roy missing some games. His return in game four definitely gave a good psychological boost to the Blazers and helped them win. Still, I don’t expect Steve Nash to play so poorly again and I think the Suns regain their confidence at home and take care of things in Portland in game six.
Nuggets vs. Jazz (Jazz lead 3-1) – Make no mistake, Deron Williams is the real deal and a leader. We may even be seeing, to a certain degree, the passing of the torch of the ‘big physical point guard who makes big shots’ from Chauncey Billups to Williams, though I think Williams has arrived already. Jazz win at home in game six.
Justin DeFeo is a contributor to SirCharlesInCharge.com.
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