NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals Preview

Boston Celtics Lead Philadelphia 76ers 1-0

This series just got started on Saturday night with the Celtics pulling out a tough win.  I thought this series should go easy for the Celtics, but looks like Philly wants to prove otherwise.  The Sixers need to figure out how to stop the old vet in Kevin Garnett as he’s looked impressive over the past few games.  In game one, he put up 29 points in the one point win of the Celtics.  Rajon Rondo put together another triple double as he’s had a few of those over the playoffs and regular season.  Philly started off the game well as they built a ten point lead, so they need to figure out what they did there and use it the whole game.   I truly think Boston is the better team, and wins tonight, and will win this series. Philly could steal a game at home, but it won’t go much further than that.

Prediction: Boston in 5 games

Miami Heat lead Indiana Pacers 1-0

The Indiana Pacers had some shots at taking this first game, but couldn’t stop Dwayne Wade and Lebron James as those two outscored the Pacers team in the second half.  That’s how great Wade and James are, which is no secret.  It’s obviously hard to stop those guys, but the Pacers could possibly slow down one or the other, and make the other one work harder.  Wade actually didn’t shot too well in that first game as he was 8-23.  But he did get to the free throw line 14 times and made 13.  That’s not good enough stoppage, and the Pacers will have to improve upon that.  The Heat will be without Chris Bosh for the rest of this series, which could prove an advantage for the Pacers. I would look for them to pound the ball inside more so David West and Roy Hibbert can take advantage of that.  Danny Granger needs to get going offensively to give the Pacers a real shot at winning.  Paul George needs to step up as well. It’s going to take an all around team effort, but I’m going with the Pacers in this one.  Just to shock the masses!  The way I see it, Pacers win game 2, then take both the games at home, and win back here for game 6.  It’s that easy!

Prediction: Pacers in 6 games