Second Round Playoff Predictions

Tyler Steinmetz, Staff Writer

Western conference

Warriors vs. Trail Blazers
The Warriors will take this one in 5 games because they are overall the best team by far. However, the Trail Blazers will win atleast 1 game. But they definitely don’t have the talent to win 4 games.

Clippers vs. Jazz
The Jazz will win this one in 6 because they are younger but i think just have more talent and the clippers have bad history in the playoffs. The Clippers were at the peak of their franchise a couple years ago and didn’t make it to the NBA finals.

Rockets vs. Thunder
The Rockets will win this one in 5 because they are the better team and they play great defense. Meanwhile, the Thunder only have Russell Westbrook. Even though he might drop 5 50 point games, it won’t be enough to win 4 games.

Spurs vs. Grizzlies
The Spurs will win this one in 4 because the grizzlies are not good enough to beat the spurs even once. Their point guard is the highest paid player in the NBA and is not a top 10 point guard. Meanwhile their only big is Marc Gasol because Zach Randolph is just too old.

Eastern Conference

Celtics vs. Bulls
The Bulls will win this one in 7 because they have more superstars and are just on the rise to be a really good team and they could potentially make a big run in the playoffs. Also Isaiah Thomas’ sister passing away has a huge effect on them as a team.

Wizards vs. Hawks
The Wizards will win this one in 5 because they have John Wall and he is a just a beast. Marcin Gortat is too much for the Hawks to handle. Also the Hawks backcourt doesn’t even compare to the Wizards backcourt.

Raptors vs. Bucks
The Bucks will win this one in 6 because Giannis will have a breakthrough series. He already showed this in the first game dropping 28 points and beating the Raptors by 14. It would be a big upset but I think that the Bucks can do it.

Cavs vs. Pacers
The Cavs will win this one in 5 because they are the better team and the Pacers aren’t skilled enough to beat the Cavs 4 times. Lebron is too clutch in the playoffs and Kyrie has the best handles in the world and I don’t see Paul George stopping that.