Second round of the NBA Playoffs:
Western Conference, Round 2
- Lakers vs Thunder
This could be another stiff test for the Los Angeles Lakers. LA won the first two games back in November and also triumphed in January, but OKC thumped them by 19 points last week in a game that wasn’t even that close.
If both James and Davis perform to expectations, and the Lakers are reasonably accurate from deep, LA should move on to the next round.
The pick: Lakers in 6
- Clippers vs Nuggets
The teams split two games before meeting in the bubble. LA won that game by 13 points, but no Nugget played more than 28 minutes.
This series could mark a historic chapter for the Clippers, which has never advanced past the second round of the playoffs, even when the franchise played in Buffalo. Denver won’t make it easy for them, but the playoff experience of players like Leonard should make the difference.
The pick: Clippers in 6
Eastern Conference, Round 2
- Bucks vs Heat
This is not a match-up Milwaukee wants. The Heat beat the Bucks twice before the season was delayed, and Miami built up a 23-point lead in Orlando without Butler in their lineup before the Bucks staged an amazing comeback to win by 11.
It won’t be easy, but Milwaukee should prevail in this series.
The pick: Bucks in 7
- Raptors vs Celtics
Toronto seemed to over-achieve all season. But despite their championship experience, they will find the playoffs much more difficult without Leonard. Meanwhile, Boston looks ready to take the big step forward.
The pick: Celtics in 7