We are 4 games into the NBA playoffs conference semi-finals, and here are my bold predictions for the remainder of the round:
Indiana Ends the Series Tuesday
The Pacers have a 3-1 lead and show no signs of letting up. Indiana’s pace of play and ability to move the ball around have led to 30.3 assists per game. Cleveland hasn’t found an answer for slowing Indiana’s offense, and this shouldn’t be expected to change Tuesday.
Donovan Mitchell’s ankle is a concern. After averaging 35.6 MPG in games one through three, Mitchell accumulated 20 minutes in game four. Darius Garland is back, but Mitchell is Cleveland’s catalyst. If he misses game five or plays in less than 30 minutes, the Cavaliers’ offense will be unable to keep up with Indiana.
The Celtics/Knicks Series Goes to Seven Games
Jayson Tatum has yet to dominate this series, and a breakout is coming. After games one and two saw FG% of 30.4% and 26.3%, Tatum increased his FG% to 40.0%. He also increased his three-point percentage from 26.7% and 20% in games one and two to 55.6% in game three. His increased production is not the sign New York wants to see. The Celtics should expect to see their star carry them the remainder of the series and win in seven.
Minnesota Closes Out the Series Wednesday
Following game one, Minnesota has dominated Golden State. The Timberwolves lead the series in PPG, assists, steals, blocks, FT%, and FG%. Golden State struggled in game three with Stephen Curry unavailable, and the team does not have a way to tread water in his absence. Jimmy Butler saw his MPG increase from 37.5 between games one and two to 43 in game three. His field goal attempts skyrocketed from 16.5 in games one and two to 26 in game three. Butler was efficient in game three, but he will never be a threat from the three-point line. Curry’s hamstring injury is a major blow to Golden State, and this series will not make it past Wednesday.
The Thunder/Nuggets Series Goes to Seven Games
Through four games, the series has seen a Denver victory followed by an Oklahoma City victory. This matchup has the makings of going the distance. Oklahoma City’s Jaylen Williams has been the most interesting player through four games. In the Thunder’s victories, he played in 33 minutes or less. It’s head-scratching as Williams finished the regular season second in PPG, MPG, and AST. However, Oklahoma City’s bench was more involved in their two victories, where Williams played in less than 33 minutes. This series will go seven, with Oklahoma City winning.
