NBA: 10 Thoughts As The Stretch Run Begins

Predictions for 2-7 seeds

I have the Warriors and Cavs holding on to the 1 seeds, so how will 2-7 play out? Let’s start in the East. Boston is in the 2 seed and should hold on, due to Lowry’s injury and the Wizards tough schedule. I think the Wizards finish 3rd and the Raptors 4th. The Hawks have a two game lead for the 5 seed so they should hold on.

The Bulls and the Pacers are in a battle for sixth right now, but the Pacers have an easier schedule and should get the sixth seed, dropping the Bulls to 7th.

Now to the West. I think the Spurs will make a run for the 1 seed, but ultimately fall to the 2 seed. The Rockets have a five game lead on the 3 seed and will hold on.

This is where things get interesting seeds 4-7 in the west are now separated by two games. I think the Clippers get the 4 seed, Chris Paul is back, they will start playing better, and the Jazz still are prone to a few duds like the one they had at home to Minnesota. It could be close as a game, but the Clippers should end up at 4 and the Jazz 5, and that will be a great series.

Memphis and OKC have similar schedules, and the Thunder may need some time to work in their new additions. I like Memphis to hold on to the sixth seed, and OKC to fall to 7th.