The NBA playoffs are warming up with the Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors taking a two games to zero lead in last night’s game over the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans respectively. Statistics show that the team that takes a 2-0 lead in a series goes on to win the series 94.7% of the time. So let’s preview tonight’s matchups and get into some winner predictions for Game 2 and the series.
Cleveland Cavaliers (1-0) vs. Boston Celtics (0-1)
The Boston Celtics will face Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena in the first game of the night. After putting up an impressive fight in the first half of Game 1, Boston was unable to close the deal and the Cavs went on to a convincing 113-100 win. In large part, due to an amazing playoff debut by the offensive assassin himself Kyrie Irving. Irving was 11 for 21 and scored 30 points; the first player in Cavaliers history to have 30 or more points in a playoff debut since King James scored 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assist back in 2006.
So what are the odds that the Celtics win Game 2? I would say they have about a 15% chance of evening up this series. The Celtics will need a big performance from guard Isaiah Thomas; despite the fact he comes off the bench, he is their best player. The zone defense Boston played in Game 1, to limit James and Irving from getting to the rim, opened up the perimeter shot for Cleveland. If the Celtics want to have any chance at stealing a game, they will have to change up their defensive game plan.
Prediction:Expect Lebron James to have an offensive explosion. Cavs win 111-90.
Toronto Raptors (0-1) vs. Washington Wizards (1-0)
Just when we all thought Paul Pierce best years were behind him, he lead his team to a 93-86 win over the Raptors in Saturday’s game. While Bradley Beal and John Wall struggled offensively, combining for 26 points and going 11 for 41 shooting; Pierce chimed in 20 points and 4 rebounds. The Raptors as a whole struggled offensively as well, with their leading scorer Demar Derozan scoring a dismal 15 points on 6 for 20 shooting. Don’t expect tonight’s performance from the Wizards or Raptors to mirror those figures. The self proclaimed best back-court in the league, will definitely perform better tonight and so will the 2014-2015 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams. What you can expect is for Williams to knock down more outside shots and give Toronto the lift they need to keep this series competitive.
Prediction: Toronto pulls away late for 90-81 win over the Wizards and ties the series.
Houston Rockets (1-0) vs. Dallas Mavericks (0-1)
James Harden seems to have exercised his playoff demons and opened up the post-season grabbing 24 points and 11 rebounds. The Rockets outplayed the Mavericks for the better part of the game despite a solid performance from Dirk Nowitzki. The Mavs couldn’t seem to get a good offensive rhythm; Monta Ellis and Chandler Parsons were just 10 for 31 and also combined for just 26 points. Former Rockets forward Chandler Parsons is listed as questionable for Game 2 and will likely be a game time decision. Although the odds are stacked against the Mavs, I predict “Playoff Rondo” will make an appearance tonight and keep this one close.
Prediction: Mavericks pull off a close win. Mavs over Rockets 91-89.
Source:”ESPN
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