NBA Playoff Guide Round Two
Now that the first round of the NBA playoffs is over. Lets take a look at an early preview of the second round. Only the Utah Jazz and L.A. Clippers went to a game seven in their opening-round series. That means that teams will be well-rested and ready for a grueling second round. Let’s take an inside look at some of the most anticipated series in this years playoffs.
Western Conference
1) Golden State Warriors vs. 5) Utah Jazz
This should be one of the most intriguing matchups of the second round of the NBA playoffs because of the difference in style. Golden State is a smooth, fast-paced team that prefers to shoot three-pointers. On the other hand, the Utah Jazz are a strong defensive team that likes to overpower other teams in the paint. The sharp-shooting trio of Klay Thompson, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant leads the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors’ enforcer, Draymond Green, will play a pivotal role in this series. The Utah Jazz are a confident team after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round. If the Utah Jazz are going to have any chance of winning this series, they must dominate the paint, and Power Forward Derrick Favors and Center Rudy Gobert will have to play well if the Jazz are going to win. The Jazz are coached by Quin Snyder who was the head coach of the Missouri Tigers basketball team from 1999 to 2006.
Prediction: Golden State Warriors win in 5 games.
2) San Antonio Spurs vs. 3) Houston Rockets
This is going to be one of the best second-round series of all-time. The Spurs are definitely the favorites, but Houston looked very impressive knocking the Oklahoma City Thunder out in five games. Both rosters are loaded with talent and both teams have incredible coaching staffs. Their superstar, Kawhi Leonard, leads the Spurs, coached by future Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich. Leonard is an uber-talented wing who is not only the Spurs best offensive players, he is also the heart and soul of the defense. He will have the difficult task of guarding James Harden, one of the best scorers that the NBA has to offer. Harden, who is in the running for the Most Valuable Player award, is the clear-leader for this inexperienced Rockets team. Both the Rockets and Spurs prefer an up-tempo game with lots of three-point shots. This should be a wildly entertaining second-round match-up.
Prediction: Coach Popovich and Kawhi Leonard will prove to be to much for the Rockets to handle. San Antonio Spurs win in seven games.
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