Now that the first round of the playoffs is over, the conference semifinals are just underway and this round should prove to be quite an interesting round of the playoffs. The Celtics beat the Sixers 92-91 in the first conference semifinals matchup on May 12th. Rajon Rondo had his eighth career playoff triple double with 13 points, 17 assists, and 12 rebounds. Kevin Garnett also chipped in 29 points and 11 rebounds.

This might be the “last run” for the Celtics with their aging core continuously being riddled with injuries and criticism. However, with Rondo competing at the high level that he’s playing at, the Celtics can be very hard to beat. With Ray Allen back coming back from injury and Avery Bradley finding his role on his team, it seems as if the Celtics can find a way to pull out this series.
Celtics win in 7.

The Heat beat the Pacers on May 13th 95-86 in the first game of their conference semifinal matchup. LeBron James had 32 points and 15 rebounds, and Dwyane Wade had 29 points. Chris Bosh suffered an abdominal strain during the first half of the game, and he’s been ruled out indefinitely. This is a major blow to the Heat, but it will not cost them the series. The Pacers are an underrated team, but they will not be able to stop all the momentum that the Heat have.
Heat win in 6.

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Lakers play the first game of their series later today, May 14th, and this series is expected to be a dramatic one. The last time these two teams faced each other, Metta World Peace elbowed James Harden so hard that Harden got a concussion. World Peace was suspended seven games, and his first game back was in Game 7 of the Denver series. This is bound to be a physical, emotional series. Even though the Thunder are a young team, they are still the more well-rounded team, and they will ultimately win the series.
Thunder win in 6.

The San Antonio Spurs take on the Clippers tomorrow night, May 15th. The Clippers are coming off a seven-game series against the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Spurs are coming off a sweep of the Utah Jazz. It could be said that the Spurs are also on their “last run,” but the experience and veteran leadership that this team has is invaluable. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the league, but he will not be able to lead this team to a victorious series.
Spurs win in 5.