NBA Special: Preview of the matchups to come

DESH GAURAV SEKHRI

It’s been an exciting first round of the playoffs in the NBA. Five of the eight matchups were decided in the final game of the best-of-seven series. Both top seeds—the Indian Pacers and the San Antonio Spurs—had to wait for game seven to advance. The conference semi-finals began Monday and the Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder have already lost their first matches. Here’s a preview of the matchups to come.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Indiana Pacers Vs Washington Wizards The Pacers struggled against the Atlanta Hawks in the first round and lost Game 1 to the Wizards on Monday. The team has been in a slump since January, and with internal troubles the cause of uncertainty, the Pacers seem headed for an early exit.

The Wizards are brimming with confidence after upsetting Chicago Bulls 4-1 in the previous round. It’s quite possible the Wizards continue their success. Miami Heat Vs Brooklyn Nets Miami were the only team to record a sweep in the first, beating the Charlotte Bobcats 4-0. However, the Heat had struggled against Brooklyn in the regular season, losing all four.

They used their experience to upset the Toronto Raptors in a closely-fought 4-3 win, and are clearly tough to beat. However, it’s likely that the combined talent and championship experience of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will get them through the Nets.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

San Antonio Spurs Vs Portland Trail Blazers The Spurs outlasted the Dallas Mavericks in seven games in the first round. With championship experience, an accomplished roster and possibly the best coach in the NBA, Greg Poppovich, the Spurs are a legitimate championship threat.

Portland surprised many with their win over the Houston Rockets in round one, but will find it much tougher against Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. Oklahoma City Thunder Vs LA Clippers This is the most competitive series of the semifinals. The Clippers overcame adversity off court and a battle on court to win their series against the Golden State Warriors in seven hard games.

The Thunder, on the other hand, won a tougher-than-expected first round against the Memphis Grizzlies. Considered early favourites for the championship, the Thunder seem to lack the confidence, and are down one game after a one-sided loss. The Clippers are young, aggressive and very wellcoached and could eliminate Oklahoma.