NBA Playoffs: Eastern Conference Round 2 Preview
By Tyler Watts
This article previews the NBA Playoff matchups for the Eastern Conference Second Round. It provides some nuggets why each team could win and my predictions.
The NBA Playoffs are in full swing, so I thought I would take a step back from the Sacramento Kings content and provide you loyal readers with a preview of the upcoming series. The second round of the playoffs is where everything usually heats up, and often we see a significant injury that changes the landscape of the entire playoffs.
Today, we will look at the Eastern Conference matchups. I will provide you with why each team can win and my prediction of the series to get you ready for the action. Let’s roll right into it.
(1) Boston Celtics vs. (4) Washington Wizards
Why the Boston Celtics will win
Former Sacramento King Isaiah Thomas may hold the key to victory for the Boston Celtics. Thomas has exploited the Wizards poor guard defense during the regular season including a 38 point performance on January 11 in Boston. Thomas has taken 18 or more shot attempts in all four meetings but struggled from the field in every game except that 38 point affair. If Thomas can connect on his regular season average of 46.3%, the Celtics will be victorious in this series.
Boston also holds advantages in rotation depth and the all mighty home court. The Celtics had a record of 30 wins, and 11 losses at home and Washington struggled to 19 wins and 22 losses on the road so the home court could be meaningful in this series.
Why the Washington Wizards will win
I have a theory that the team featuring the best player is the team that often wins a playoff series and the Washington Wizards have that in John Wall. Wall was phenomenal this regular season and took another step forward. He has blossomed into a truly elite player. He has struggled this year against Boston, though averaging 17.8 points and 8.3 assists per game in their four meetings (well below his season averages). I think if Wall can up his game in this series to his regular season averages, the Wizards win this series.
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The Wizards have the better starting five. Expect Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter to be the keys to this series. The Celtics are known for their great guard and wing defense, but the Wizards have three legit scoring options, and they need to break free to control and win this series.
Prediction
Washington Wizards in 6 games. Expect a chippy back and forth series that will involve plenty of fireworks, but John Wall has his playoff moment, and the Wizards advance to the Conference Finals.
(2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (3) Toronto Raptors
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
LeBron James. I mean do I have to say more? LeBron has proven himself to the toughest playoff out in the last decade. He always finds a way to lead his team to victory in playoff series. Expect another big series from King James if the Cavs find themselves back in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Cavaliers feature the better roster and perhaps the three best players in the series with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love flanking James. Cleveland won the regular season series against the Raptors three games to one, and the only Toronto victory came in a contest where both teams rested their star players. It is hard to see Cleveland being upset in this series especially given the home court and playoff experience advantages they have.
Why the Toronto Raptors will win
The path is difficult to find for Toronto winning this series. Short of James, Irving, or Love injury or just a ridiculous over the top performance by the Raptors I do not see them winning this series.
If Serge Ibaka, DeMarre Carroll, Kyle Lowry, and DeMar DeRozan (who all four rated as good defenders this season by Basketball-Reference’s defensive win shares) can hold the big three in check that would go a long way in pulling the upset. I think they would still need some hot shooting from Lowry and DeRozan to pull it off. It is hard to predict all that happening.
Prediction
Cleveland Cavaliers in 5 games. Sorry Toronto and all the Canadian basketball fans, but it is King James and his Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals again.
Final Thoughts
The NBA playoffs are a great time for basketball. Sure they would be better if the Kings were playing, but they are not. We should not let that stop us from enjoying the games, though. Tune in and enjoy both series. They should provide plenty of entertainment and the opportunity to watch history before your eyes in one form or another.
Next: Sacramento Kings Report Card: Buddy Hield
A Royal Pain is just getting starting with all the offseason content you desire about the Sacramento Kings. We will be covering the draft, free agency, and all the juicy rumors, so please check in with us often. Thank you for reading.