The Quarterfinals are underway in the NBA playoffs. The top team in the East is out and the sky’s the limit in the West. Who are the favorites and who doesn’t stand a chance? Let’s take a look at a Round II Preview!
Bulls Bang
The Chicago Bulls were ranked #2 in the NBA, but when they lost Derrick Rose, their best player, and arguably the best player in the whole league, the Philadelphia 76ers walked right overtop of them. In the very first game, Derrick tore his ACL, a small ligament that holds the knee together when the leg twists. The injury prevented Derrick from being able to play, and without their star, the Bulls folded like a bad poker hand.
Derrick RoseCourtesy of the NBA
With the Bulls out, it should be a cakewalk for the Miami Heat to get to the NBA Finals. Here are the Round II matchups:
Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers
Lebron JamesCourtesy of the NBA
Even with Chris Bosh hurting himself, the Heat are heavy favorites. The Pacers don’t stand a chance against Lebron James. Even if Chris and Dwayne Wade get knocked out with injuries, you can expect Lebron to carry the Heat past Indiana.
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers
Rajon RondoCourtesy of the NBA
The 76ers had it easy against Chicago, but now they are up against a healthy Boston squad with experience and their star healthy as ever. Rajon Rondo is probably the quickest player in the NBA averaging 3.5 steals a game in the playoffs. He’ll steal this series and it’s an easy guess… Miami-Boston semi-final.
San Antonio Spurs vs LA Clippers
Tim DuncanCourtesy of the NBA
The Clippers had one of the greatest come from behind playoff victories ever, and they just squeaked by Memphis to get to the second round… but they have run into a brick wall Tim Duncan tall. San Antonio finished the season on a 10 game winning streak, and their chemistry has carried over into the Playoffs, as they look unbeatable right now.
LA Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Kobe BryantCourtesy of the NBA
This is the closest matchup in the second round. Kevin Durant and the Thunder are slight favorites, but if there is any one player that can beat any team single handed… it’s Kobe Bryant. Expect a back and forth battle in this one!
Have Your Say
Who do you think will be make the next round? Let us know with a comment below!
