Simulating The Playoffs (2nd Round)

Yesterday, I simulated the 1st round of all the playoff series in the NBA. Today, we will be giving predictions for the 2nd round of the playoffs from both the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Western Conference

#1 LA Lakers vs #5 Oklahoma City Thunder

The Lakers are going to be fresh off of a 4-0 sweep of the Grizzlies, and the Thunder will have won a hard fought battle with the Jazz in 6 games. The Lakers will be easily winning this series. There is no real game plan for it. Lebron and AD will pace the Lakers again, but it will be a tougher series than the Grizzlies. But, the Lakers should win this series 4-1.

#2 LA Clippers vs #3 Denver Nuggets

The Clippers won their previous series in 6 games vs the Mavs and the Nuggets dominated, winning 4-1 over the Rockets in the 1st round. The Clippers have so many offensive weapons, it will be very tough to stop all of them. If Kawhi Leonard and Marcus Morris carry most of the scoring load, then other guys like Reggie Jackson, Paul George and others will step up. The Nuggets are a tough opponent, but I see the Clippers powering through this one as well. The Nuggets cannot guard all of the Clippers dynamic scorers. The Nuggets don’t have the same the offensive output as the Clippers, and they don’t have as many good defenders. The Clippers will win this series in 6 games once again, 4-2.

Eastern Conference

#1 Milwaukee Bucks #4 Miami Heat

The Bucks swept their first round series, and the Heat won in 5 games vs the Pacers. The Heat bested the Bucks twice in the regular season, and one time they slowed down Giannis and they looked pretty dominant. I think that this series will go one of two ways. Either the Bucks dominate like usual, or the Heat will make this series go to 7 games. I think that the Bucks will win this series, but in 7 games. The Heat will definitely be a pest for the Bucks, but I still think that the Bucks are going to get through this series and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

#2 Toronto Raptors vs #3 Boston Celtics

The Raptors won their 1st round series 4-1 against the Nets, and the Celtics beat the 76ers in 5 games as well. The Raptors will be a tough team to stop because of their balanced offense with Pascal Siakam, Norman Powell and Kyle Lowry. The Raptors have championship experience and this will help them a lot. The Celtics are still very young, and most importantly, inexperienced. But, I do like this Celtics team. If they are able to slow down Pascal Siakam, then they have a great chance to win the series. I think that the Celtics will win this series in 7 games, 4-3 over the defending champs.

Please leave a comment on your predictions for the 2nd round, and when do you think that the NBA season will return?