Predictions & Previews for Games 3 & 4 of the NBA Conference Semifinals-
Cavs-Celtics
Tied at 1-1, Cleveland is in a tough spot with two upcoming games in Boston. The Cavs would be favorites but LeBron's elbow has slowed him down in the last two games. He put up good numbers in Game 1 but he's been reluctant to shoot from the outside in both games.
Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer
LeBron must be more aggressive from the perimeter if Cleveland wants to take control of the series. His ability to break down defenses requires that opponents challenge his outside shot. Right now the Celtics are backing off LeBron since he's reluctant to shoot. This allows the Celtics' defense to counter his penetration without giving up good looks to everyone else. The other Cavs (Z, Moon, West, & Anthony Parker) are much more effective when they're attacking a scrambling & slow-rotating Celtics defense.
If LeBron's elbow is better (after what seems like a week off) then Cleveland will win both games. If not, look for a split in Boston and the series to move back to Clevland tied at 2-2
Orlando-Atlanta
This series is all but over with both teams heading in opposing directions after Game 2. Mentally, the Hawks imploded during the third & fourth quarters of Game 2. Josh Smith lost his composure & Joe Johnson dribbles to much slowing down the rest of the offense. Al Horford, the Hawks' third or fourth option on offense, was their best option in Game 2 (24 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 9-13 fgs, and only 1 turnover). And he had to score most of his points against Dwight Howard, the Defensive Player of the Year. Teams that advance in the playoffs don't have this many chemistry & mental issues. Look for the teams to split in Atlanta & Orlando to finish the series in Game 5.
Los Spurs-Los Suns
With any Suns' playoff series you have to wonder if their up-tempo style will work. So far it has as the Suns are heading to San Antonio with a 2-0 lead. I thought the Spurs would win in 5 or 6 but that's looking less likely as they've been unable to dictate tempo and keep the score under 100. For the Suns to win they need to score 105+ points in San Antonio, which i don't think they'll be able to. Look for the momentum to swing back in the Spurs' favor with two home wins this weekend.
Lakers-Jazz
This series is all but over as the Jazz haven't grown any taller since the series started. They've played valiantly but they just don't have a chance against the length of Bynum, Gasol, & Odom. The Lakers will probably fall asleep during Game 3 or 4 so that they have to finish the Jazz in Game 5. I'm still impressed with what the Jazz have accomplished especially when they're achievements are compared against Denver & Atlanta's- two teams achieving so much less with much more talent- inability to put up a good fight. Give a lot of credit to Jerry Sloan, Williams, Boozer, Millsap, and Jazz management.
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