NBA Playoffs 2nd Round Predictions by AL

Playoffs first round have passed full of turn over's and surprises; we have seen giants like the Bulls fall, and climbing teams like the Thunder wipe their contenders. Now, it may won't be so accurate, but let's try to make a few NBA playoffs 2nd round predictions.

San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics are the teams who advanced to the second round. They will also be moving to the conference finals. Maybe not at the same rhythm but they will win their semifinal encounters. It's clear that this year top seeds for each conference have a strong game that highly surpasses the quality of their lower seeds counterparts. Teams like the Lakers and the 76ers have the weapons and the talent to make the fight, but they will require a huge effort to stop the advance of the heavy machines that the Thunder and the Celtics have become; however, with the court advantage at the big guys favor the probabilities are low, so the higher seeds will prevail. The Heat and the Spurs will wipeout the competition; a slightly more difficult rate for the Heats due to Chris Bosh absence, but nothing that Miami dynamic duo can't handle.

Two matchups may extend to seven games. As mentioned above, teams like the Lakers and the 76ers could do some damage. Los Angeles counts with more experienced talent and their edge will be sharp against the Thunder and both have playoffs experience, which will take the seven game series to find out the outcome. The Sixers' bench is strong and competitive, and during the regulars they get results and won every matchup at home. Against the Celtics they will endure the seven games, and they may give the fight but everything will be decided at Boston by the end.

The Spurs and the Heat will wipe their opponents in five games. During the 1st round of the playoffs, the Spurs dispatched Utah Jazz with absolute control of the game, something that they will repeat against the LA Clippers in the coming series. During the regulars, they beat the Clippers in two occasions of the three times they met, and also made it with overwhelming results. The Spurs offensive efficiency will be the doom of the young and still green defense of the Clippers.

The Heat just lost in one occasion against the Indiana Pacers during their meetings in the regular season; even if the playoffs are a higher level of game, the Heat will sweep out the Pacers again and they will do it in five. Pacers playoff average production of 11 points and 10.8 rebounds per game won't do any valuable difference against the Heat in the coming series, what makes me think it will be the second team to take down their opponents in just five games even with the absence of Bosh.