The NBA Playoffs are off to a fast start. Don’t miss all the action and be sure to check out ZCode System’s NBA Playoff predictions before every game, wager and win.
The NBA Playoff first round is off to a stellar start. Each series is now on to game two and Wednesday night will see three NBA Playoff series take to the court. Will these series go to 2-0 or will each go to game three locked up at 1-1? Let’s find out.
Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers fell to defeat at home in game 1 by 18 points. The Indiana Pacers owned the first and fourth quarters, and their defense kept the Cavs in check throughout the game.
Pacers’ guard Victor Oladipo scored 32 points in 37 minutes while center Myles Turner recorded 16. It will be difficult for the Pacers to put in another performance in Cleveland like they did in game 1. Indiana’s defense was on form against LeBron James, holding him to just 24 points.
Indiana didn’t just win game 1, but the team destroyed a Cavs side that has been in the NBA Finals three years running. If the Pacers can win again, then the Cavs’ Eastern Conference dominance can be declared dead. But don’t sleep on James after getting beaten down in game 1. King LeBron still has plenty of fight left in him.
Prediction: Indiana Pacers
Utah Jazz vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder recorded an eight point win in game 1 over the Utah Jazz. Now, the Jazz must respond in game 2 and they may do so without star rookie guard Donovan Mitchell. The guard suffered a contusion to his foot in game 1 and his participation in Wednesday’s game will be made before game time.
Mitchell scored a team-high 27 points and collected 10 rebounds. Without the guard, Utah will be missing a major piece to the team’s puzzle.
OKC’s big three rose to the occasion in game 1. Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony combined to score 80 points. Perhaps the three can play together and get the team deep into the playoffs. However, winning the NBA Finals and a playoff series are two different things.
Playing at home, OKC will have a raucous crowd behind it. Utah was below .500 on the road during the regular season, so don’t expect the Jazz to rebound with a win until they get back to Salt Lake City. With or without an injured Mitchell, the Jazz will struggle on Wednesday night.
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets eked out a three point win in game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The slim margin of victory was unexpected from the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed. What wasn’t unexpected was the impact of guard James Harden. The NBA’s top scorer tallied 44 points in 41 minutes of play. Teammate Clint N’Dumba-Capela added 24 and 12 rebounds, while Chris Paul scored 14.
The Timberwolves’ scoring was done by committee as no Minnesota player reached 20 points or more. Minnesota missed a great opportunity to upset the Rockets in game 1 as the Timberwolves outscored Houston in both the third and fourth quarters. Now, Minnesota has it all to do as its back is up against the wall in Houston.
Prediction: Houston Rockets
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