OK, I admit, I’m a little biased in this one. Well, I’ll always hate the Lakers, but that’s not exactly what I’m talking about. I’m going to make a bold prediction about each series in Round Two of the NBA Playoffs. Here’s the twist: At least three games in each series in this round have already been played. Let’s see how I do…

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(2) Miami Heat vs (3) Indiana Pacers
Series Tied 2-2
The Series So Far: Although Indiana is the third seed in the Eastern Conference, they’re kind of a dark horse, since sports journalists only focus on five-or-so of the big-market teams. Especially against the mighty Heat, the Pacers surprised everyone by going up in the series two to one. The Heat were led by 40 points from LeBron James to an away win in Game Four.
My Bold Prediction - Pacers in Seven: LeBron has been a monster so far in the series…which is why I think he’ll lose steam by Game Five. After going down three to two, Indiana gets a big win at home in Game Six. With no one to replace the efficiency of Chris Bosh, the Heat fall apart and lose in front of a crowd of home fans, most of whom left by the end of the third quarter.

(4) Boston Celtics vs (8) Philadelphia 76ers
Celtics Lead 2-1
The Series So Far: Philly certainly has younger and more athletic players than the Celtics, yet the big green defense has held strong. Rajon Rondo continues to shine with at least 13 assists in each game, with the first game featuring his eighth triple-double of the season. Andre Iguodala and the rest of the 76ers have still played well, as the first two games were each decided by one point. Then Boston smothered Philly in Game Three.
My Bold Prediction - Celtics in Five: The Celtics’ defense is just way too good. The only reason Philly made it past the first round was because their opponent’s best player, Derrick Rose, was sidelined with a knee injury. After Game Four completes the Celtics’ sweep of the 76ers in Philly, they will play strong at home and finish the Sixers off in Game Five.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs (5) L.A. Clippers
Spurs Win 4-0
The Series So Far: Led by Tony Parker and the rest of San Antonio’s big three playing as if they were ten years younger, the Spurs owned the Clippers. Although Blake Griffin and Chris Paul’s team is on the rise and has drawn some attention from that other team in L.A., the Clippers just couldn’t make it past the Spurs’ suffocating defense. After the first quarter of Game One, the game was tied. Since then, the Spurs led in every quarter of the series.
My….bold…predic…tion?- Spurs in Four: Yeah, I called it.
(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (3) Los Angeles Lakers
Thunder lead 3-1
The Series So Far: You’re reading that right. The Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the smallest market teams, has the lead over the magnificent Kobe Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook (we never know which one is Batman, and which is Robin) simply score too many points to be beaten. After losing both games in Oklahoma City, the Lakers regained their footing in an intense Game Three. But the Thunder was lead by 37 points by Westbrook to smother the hopes of the Lakers that they could tie the series.
My Bold Prediction - Thunder in Five: I don’t see L.A. getting back into this one simply because the Lakers just aren’t clicking. Ironically, Derrick Fisher, who was traded away this season and eventually ended up in Oklahoma City, has put in some quality playing time for the Thunder. The Thunder come back home in Game Five and demolish the Lakers.