Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks absolutely destroyed the Pistons in Round 1, sweeping them with an average margin of victory over 20 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo was particularly dominant late on, dropping 41 points and 9 boards in the series-clinching win. Khris Middleton also looked like a very solid second option throughout, averaging 19 points and 5.5 boards per contest. The absence of Malcolm Brogdon to start the series will definitely felt, although Sterling Brown has filled in admirably so far.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics also managed a first-round sweep, although their series with Indiana was much closer. Kyrie Irving remains their main man offensively, averaging just under 23 points and 8 assists for the series. Jayson Tatum could be due for a huge second round after averaging over 19 a game in round 1. Gordon Hayward has also looked much better of late, dropping 20 points in the game 4 win.
Prediction: Celtics +7.5
The Celtics have been very solid as a road underdog this season, a trend that I can see continuing here. Milwaukee has been incredible at home all season, although facing Boston is on a completely different level to Detroit. I think Boston has the defenders to halt Giannis and limit Milwaukee’s effective 3-point shooting. Getting 7.5 points, I’ll happily take Boston in what I expect to be a close affair.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors return home after one of the least competitive 6-game series in recent memory. Kevin Durant was absolutely dominant in game 6, dropping an efficient 50 points, 6 boards, and 5 assists. Steph Curry looked solid with 24 points, 6 boards, and 6 assists, although he did pick up a potentially nasty ankle injury. Mercurial Forward Draymond Green also had one of his better recent performances, closing things out with a strong triple-double.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets ultimately got over the line in what was a hard-fought 5 game series with Utah. James Harden’s scoring average dropped from 36 points to 27 in round 1 and he shot a measly 35% from the field. Point Guard Chris Paul appeared to pick things up, averaging over 17 points, 5 boards, and 5 assists throughout the series. Clint Capela continues to loom as a strong interior option, dropping yet another efficient double-double in game 5.
Prediction: Under 227.5 Points
The Under has been very profitable in Houston road games this season, a trend which has also proved profitable in Golden State home games. This is another spot where I believe the public is overrating the offence of these two sides. We saw last season in the Conference Semis just how slow paced and isolation heavy the games were. Especially with Golden State on minimal rest and a potential Steph Curry injury, I really like the under in this spot.