SnoTap NBA Conference Finals Preview

2014 NBA Playoffs delivered the best first round in NBA history. The second round didn't deliver like the first round did, but it still brought a ton of fun. The two seeds in each conference are in the Final Four meaning it went completely chalk, but that doesn't mean we will not have great games. It should be very exciting. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1.) San Antonio Spurs vs. 2. Oklahoma City Thunder 
Game 1: Monday May 19th 8:00 pm TNT
Game 2: Wednesday May 21st 8:00 pm TNT 
Game 3: Sunday May 25th 7:30 pm TNT
Game 4: Tuesday May 27th 8:00 pm TNT 
Game 5 (Thursday) Game 6 (Saturday) Game 7 (Monday) -  If Necessary

Reason Spurs win: They are at full strength... sorta - Oklahoma City swept San Antonio in the regular season, and Brooklyn-Miami thought us that it is meaningless in the postseason, but if you look at how many key players for San Antonio missed an Oklahoma City is pretty interesting. Manu Ginobli missed two of them, Tiago Splitter missed one, same goes Kawhi Leonard. Tony Parker's hamstring is a concern, but other than that, San Antonio is coming in with their full unit. Also Gregg Popovich getting a couple extra days and an extra game to look at this version of Oklahoma City is always a good thing.  
Reason Thunder win:  Reggie Jackson, the Spurs killer - There are not many people whom have their best games against San Antonio, but Reggie Jackson is one of those rarities. He owns San Antonio. Jackson averaged 21 points against the Spurs which was his highest total against any Western Conference opponent. If Tony Parker is hurt plus Patty Mills not being a great defender, Jackson could have a transcendent series off the bench. It will be interesting to see how Scott Brooks manages the minutes between Jackson, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant.  

X Factors:  Spurs - Kawhi Leonard, Thunder - Steven Adams - Leonard is going to be the Durant stopper. He could do some of the similar things Tony Allen did in the first round. And Leonard has done some good work against KD as he only averages 27.3 this season which was second worst against a Western Conference team along with only shooting 43 percent, one of his lowest numbers. If Serge Ibaka's calf is worse than we think, Adams becomes an even bigger player, but he showed some real promise in extended minutes in Game 6. He will obvious frustrate Tim Duncan and Splitter, but in no way get under the skin like he did in Los Angeles.   

Prediction: Thunder in six - Doesn't it just feel like it is Oklahoma City's year? After coming back in Game 5 against Memphis, Zach Randolph getting suspended, the refs controversy in Game 5 of the Los Angeles series, everything seems to be breaking for them. I also think Durant has been on another level and poised to make it back to the NBA Finals. It really does seem like KD is possessed to get back to the NBA Finals.  

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1.) Indiana Pacers vs. 2. Miami Heat 
Game 1: Sunday May 18th 2:30 pm ABC 
Game 2: Tuesday May 20th 7:30 pm ESPN 
Game 3: Saturday May 24th 7:30 pm ESPN 
Game 4: Monday May 26th 7:30 pm ESPN 
Game 5: (Wednesday) Game 6 (Friday) Game 7 (Sunday) - If Necessary

Reason Pacers win: Paul George plays like a superstar - There have been a couple shining moments for George whether it be Game 4 against Washington or Game 7 against Atlanta, but the consistency hasn't been there. In five of the 13 games in the playoffs, George scored 18 or less points which isn't what you want from a superstar. Now he has a thrill for playing against Miami so maybe George elevates his game to another level, but he will need to be much better than he was for the majority of the Washington series.  

Reason Heat win: Dwyane Wade needs to be a true second banana. LeBron James is obviously important to Miami winning basketball games, but Wade will be needed in this series. Indiana's defense is still good no matter how dysfunctional they have been for the last couple of weeks. They will shutdown James at some point and will need a solid second option. In three games against Indiana, Wade scored 21.3 points plus he showed some signs of life on offense in the past few games. He needs to actually be a factor rather than a guy whose just there with a big name. We have seen in this rivalry before where Wade has a throwback game so don't be surprised if he throws out a 35 point night. 

X Factors:  Pacers - George Hill, Heat - Chris Bosh - Because Roy Hibbert has been subpar, no one is realizing how poorly George Hill is playing right now especially in the last couple game as Hill turned in two single digits effort. He needs to be a factor with Indiana's offense. Chris Bosh had one big shot against Brooklyn, but other than that, he really just been another guy. Bosh will face a tough inside game with David West and Hibbert, but his ability to spread out the defense could pay off huge dividends.  

Prediction: Heat in five -  You know how movies will come out with sequels or trilogies based on the success of the first two movies? And sometimes the sequel is great, and then the third movie is complete shit. Godfather Trilogy is a great example of this and basically, the third serving of Indiana-Miami feels like this will be the Godfather III. Not really that exciting of a series leading to Miami dominating in five games.   

-Charlie. 

NBA Playoff Recaps: WE'RE GOIN' TO GAME SEEEEEVEN!

Every night there is some sort of drama about the NBA Playoffs. Every game is worth talking about even if it is just to make fun of somebody. The recaps look at the game itself and what could be upcoming for the teams.  

Indiana's furious late comeback saves their season 
It appeared like Atlanta was going to do it. They were up five points with three minutes left to go in the game, but then the #lemonbooty hit the Hawks like it has so many times before. Indiana went on a 14-1 run to force a Game 7.  Much of it was led by David West who played terrific with 24 points, eleven rebounds and six assists including some key shots to finish off the Hawks. Paul George had 24 points as well, but most came in the first three quarters of the game although he hit a big 3-pointer late to help push Indiana past Atlanta. For George, more is being talked about him leaving the bench during the George Hill and Mike Scott scuffle. Technically, George could be suspended for Game 7 for leaving the bench. I doubt Adam Silver will bring the hammer here eve though people will cry out conspiracy if George does not get suspended. George barely leaves the bench and he doesn't try to start the fight. Best game of the night in my opinion.

Mike Scott v. George Hill


DOY: Mike Scott - Probably the best one of the playoffs thus far.


Durant drops 36 in a blowout road win 
Earlier on Thursday, a  newspaper, The Oklahoman came out with a headline that read 'Mr. Unreliable' referring to Kevin Durant and his struggles against Memphis. Durant's people including his brother and mother took offense as well as others in the media. This led to the paper saying they overreacted a bit, but Durant shrugged it off. But you cannot tell me Durant had some added motivation dropping 14 first quarter points and finishing with 36 in a convincing 20-point win over Memphis plus he added 10 rebounds. He played with a chip on his shoulder that we haven't seen in a little bit from Durant. He seemed angry and wanting this game more than anyone on the court. He dazzled out there. Russell Westbrook wasn't shabby either as he went for 25 points, nine rebounds and five assists. The bash brothers were back, and I have a feeling they are sick of everyone's shit which could be trouble for Memphis.

Warriors hang on in an ugly, choppy game 
There is nothing from the box score that makes you happy. Three of the major players fouled out in the game - David Lee, J.J. Redick and Blake Griffin. Each team shot horribly from the free throw line with Golden State missing 14 attempts while Los Angeles missed eleven. Neither team shot the ball well either. But someone had to win the game, Golden State took it as they got a boost from their crowd and Andre Igoudala. In games where nothing seems to work, if you have a raucous crowd behind you, it can be the difference in the game. That's what it felt like on Thursday night at the Roracle.  Also it didn't hurt Iggy had seven big points down the stretch for the Dubs.  Out of the three Game 7's on Saturday, this might be the most unpredictable. I am not sure what exactly will transpire, but it has the potential to be a great finish into the wee hours of the night.

Charlie.