We are finally at the conference finals after a great first two rounds. These conference final match ups are pretty intriguing and we shall see what happens. Onto the predictions.
Eastern Conference Finals
(1) Indiana Pacers vs (2) Miami Heat: A rematch of last years eastern conference is what was expected back in November and here we are. Despite all turmoil surrounding Indiana within the past two months, they are in the conference finals, which is where they wanted to be. It's just a matter of which Pacer team shows up in this series. Miami on the other hand, has been beatable in their last few games against the Brooklyn Nets. The reason why Miami was able to win games two, four, and five against Brooklyn was because Brooklyn could not make clutch baskets down the stretch in crunch time and Miami had made their clutch baskets at the right time (Ray Allen in particular). I do have concerns with both teams. Indiana it's whether they are "back" or if their slump has been a mirage. Miami it's obviously whether they can stay healthy (Dwayne Wade, Allen, Shane Battier in particular). I am also curious to see who the two head coaches Frank Vogel for Indiana and Erik Spoelstra for Miami do in terms of match ups and what players they'll use to come off the bench to have an impact on the team. When it's all set and done, the two-time defending champion Heat will get the job done because I am not sold whether Indiana is really back to being who they once were and Miami has the worlds greatest basketball player and sports figure on their team. Heat in 6.
Western Conference Finals
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs (2) Oklahoma City Thunder: This matchup is what many people had seen coming back in November as well. A rematch of the 2012 Western Conference Finals when Oklahoma City rallied back from a 2-0 series whole to win in six games. There are so many intriguing story lines in this series too. This series can define whether Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook can get the job done once again without home court advantage and more importantly, the future of the big three in San Antonio (Tim Duncan in particular). San Antonio has been nothing short of dominant in these playoffs from game seven in the first round against the Dallas Mavericks and throughout last round against the Portland Trail Blazers. During Oklahoma City's playoff run, if it weren't for referees giving them their calls, their opponents making mistakes, and miracle plays from Durant and Westbrook, they could've very well been ousted against either the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round or the Los Angeles Clippers last round. This series is absolutely bound to go to distance for sure. I just do not see Oklahoma City making these miracle plays again by Durant and Westbrook and this dominant San Antonio team making mistakes down the stretch. Bring it on finals rematch! Spurs in 7.
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