After the first round of the NBA playoffs eliminated eight teams, eight teams remain battling for the chance at a championship. Four teams are remaining in each conference and two games are scheduled for May 12. The Cavaliers host the Celtics while the Mavericks host the Thunder.
Boston Celtics versus Cleveland Cavaliers
The Celtics cruised into the playoffs with the best record in the NBA with 64 wins and 18 losses. They disposed of the Miami Heat in five games in the first round. The Cavaliers were the 4th seed in the conference with 48 wins and 34 losses and advanced to the second round after defeating the Orlando Magic in seven games. Both teams are “average” on the Team Strength Oscillator, splitting the first two games of the series. Boston has a +26 to +23 edge on the Power Ranks Indicator. The series has trended “over” the line and the score prediction is 109-104 in favor of Boston with 73 percent confidence. The Celtics were 27-14 on the road this season, better than the Cavaliers home record by a game. Boston won two of three during the regular season over the Cavaliers, both teams winning at home. I like the Celtics to take control with a road win in a game “over” the line.
Oklahoma City Thunder versus Dallas Mavericks
The Thunder finished with the first seed in the Western Conference with 57 wins and a tiebreaker edge over the Denver Nuggets. They defeated the Pelicans in four games in the first round of the playoffs. The Mavericks were the 5th seed in the conference after winning 50 games during the regular season and advanced to the second round after defeating the Clippers in six games. Oklahoma City is “burning hot down” versus “average up” on the Team Strength Oscillator and +28 to +25 on the Power Ranks Indicator. The teams had one game “over” the line and one “under” the line this series and the score prediction is 120-108 in favor of Dallas with 77 percent confidence. Dallas was 25-16 at home this season and Oklahoma City was 24-17 on the road. The Thunder won three of four during the regular season. The pick for this one depends on what happens in game three. If the Mavericks win game three, I like the Thunder, if not I like the Mavericks in a tight one in a game “over” the line.
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