Morant took over late, scoring the Grizzlies’ final 15 points.
Warriors hang around in physical game, but too much Ja Morant wins it for Grizzlies — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
As Giannis Antetokounmpo walked into the tunnel, a Boston fan pushed him in the arm.
Led by Al Horford and Grant Williams, Celtics bottle up Bucks in Game 2 — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
Eastern Conference:
#1 Miami over #4 Philadelphia 4-2
I really thought the Raptors would win Game Six last night to force a seventh game, however, the Sixers quickly dispatched that notion. However, I believe the James Harden “curse” of not getting out of the second round continues another season
#2 Boston over #3 Milwaukee 4-1
The defending champs are shorthanded in this series, missing Khris Middleton, while the Celtics’ defense is for real.
Western Conference:
#1 Phoenix over #4 Dallas 4-2
The Suns got a big boost with the return of Devin Booker for the series close out win over New Orleans. I like them to move forward.
#3 Golden State over Memphis/Minnesota 4-1
Regardless of who comes out of the Grizzlies/Timberwolves series, they will run into a buzz saw in the Warriors in round two.
Curry scored 11 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter — and not by hitting deep threes but by getting to the rim.
Nuggets go big, but too much Stephen Curry has Warriors winning Game 5, advancing — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
Boston showed off an elite defense, depth, great chemistry, plus it had the best player in the series in Jayson Tatum.
Celtics take on challenge, sweep Durant/Irving Nets out of playoffs — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
With the Timberwolves up big on the Grizzlies in the first half of Game 3, Karl-Anthony Towns blustered to his teammates.
Grizzlies stun Timberwolves with 26-point comeback in Game 3 — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
Eastern Conference:
#1 Miami over #8 Cleveland/Atlanta 4-1
In a post this morning, I picked the Hawks to eliminate the Cavs. That said, I’ll take the Heat in five games in this series.
#2 Boston over #7 Brooklyn 4-2
The Celtics look like they are for real, but they will get a challenge from Brooklyn in this series.
#3 Milwaukee over #6 Chicago 4-1
The defending champs gets perhaps the most favorable draw in the first round, as the Bulls are trending in the wrong direction.
#4 Philadelphia over #3 Toronto 4-3
I question the Sixers’ depth going forward.
Western Conference:
#1 Phoenix over #8 LA Clippers/New Orleans 4-1
I picked the Clips in the play-in game, but they run into a buzz saw here.
#2 Memphis over #7 Minnesota 4-1
Ja Morant and company cruise in round one.
#3 Golden State over #6 Denver 4-3
Will the Warriors be able to physically hold up long enough to battle the playoff-tested Nuggets?
#5 Utah over #4 Dallas 4-3
Donovan Mitchell vs Luka Doncic. Should be fun.
Friday, April 15, 2022:
Eastern Conference:
#9 Atlanta over #8 Cleveland
The Hawks will use their playoff experience to leapfrog the Cavs into the #8 seed. Their reward will be getting the #1 Miami Heat in the first round.
Western Conference:
#8 LA Clippers over #9 New Orleans
The Clippers move on to play the top seeded Phoenix Suns.
Eastern Conference:
#9 Atlanta over #10 Charlotte
The Hawks have playoff experience and seem like a tough out for someone in the East.
Western Conference:
#10 San Antonio over #9 New Orleans
I like Gregg Popovich to guide his team over this hump and get to a showdown with the Clippers.
Eastern Conference:
#7 Brooklyn over #8 Cleveleand
The Nets pose a fairly serious threat to the Celtics and the rest of the Eastern Conference as a scary seven seed. Meanwhile, the Cavs must win another play-in game to move on.
Western Conference:
#8 LA Clippers over #7 Minnesota
The Clippers are just starting to get it together, while the Wolves will need to regroup after losing this one at home.
Whipped Owl 