After about a month of NBA Playoff basketball, the teams have narrowed down to four. The Miami Heat, the Indiana Pacers, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Memphis Grizzlies. One of these teams will be crowned a champion and I am pretty sure that the only team expected by everyone to be here is the Miami Heat. Last time I made predictions, I went 2 out of 4 predicting that the Heat would win against the Bulls in 6, they won in 5 and that the Grizzlies would beat the Thunder in 6 games, they won in 5. The ones I got wrong was that I thought the Warriors would win in 6 games, but the Spurs won in 6 games. I also thought that my Knicks would win in 7 games, but the Pacers won in 6 games. I went 2 out of 4 in my 2nd round predictions. Let's see how I do in the Conference Finals predictions.
Let's start in the West with the #2 seeded Spurs going up against the #5 seeded Grizzlies. I think the Grizzlies will win in 6 games against the Spurs. The reason why is because I think the Spurs are too old and I think the Grizzlies are too good at defense and are much younger. I think that Mike Conley is too much for the Spurs and if Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are playing well then it is over, and the Grizzlies are going to the NBA Finals in my opinion. I, once again, believe that the Grizzlies will defeat the Spurs in 6 games.
Now the Eastern Conference, where the #1 seeded Heat will go up against the #3 seeded Pacers. I think the Heat will win in 7 games. I think that each team will defend home court. I cannot really say any more about it. I just think that Miami will win in 7 because of the home court advantage. If these are both correct, the Grizzlies will play the Heat in the NBA Finals. That would be exciting to watch. Again, I think the Heat will defeat the Pacers in 7 games.

My predictions for the Conference Finals are the Grizzlies win in 6 and the Heat win in 7. These are only my predictions but what do you think? Do you think differently? Tell me in the comments. Please comment. Thanks for reading!

The loss of our most recent playoff game, when the Knicks fell to the Pacers 82-71, still has that stinging feeling from it. This was a huge loss for us because game 4 still gives them home court advantage. Moving into game 4 on Indiana’s soil makes it that more challenging and that more important for the Knicks. They need to tie the series now and regain winning momentum. 
 
One sure way to win game 4 is to let Carmelo loose and let him do what he does best. I’m expecting 40+ points from him to help us secure the win.  It’s do or die time. This is what all the hard work during the season is for and Carmelo needs to shine.  So far, each playoff game that the Knicks won this season, Carmelo has averaged 29.8 points per game and led the team in scoring. He is key to our success in this next game.  He has to show he is clutch and can lead us back to MSG in victory. 

Another big factor in my opinion for game 4 is Raymond Felton. What happened to him in game 3? He had 6 points, shot 1-8 from the field and only dished out 2 assists in game 3, but he gave us 34 minutes. That added up to 34 minutes of wasted time in the game because he didn’t show up. Come on, man!  You can do this Raymond!!! 

#1: Melo must have a great scoring night. 

#2: Felton must be more involved and show up for game 4.

  #3: Stop Paul George. 

Paul George is clearly the best player on the Pacers and will be very difficult to shut down. I think the way to stop him is by putting our best defender on him, Iman Shumpert. He has to work hard and frustrate George. If we stop him, I say a win for the Knicks. The Pacers in game 3 were certainly working hard like they always do and a lot of their shots were dropping. I  mean, come on, everything was going in for them last game. Three-pointer is good by Hill. Paul George with an outstanding move. Hibbert tips it is again!  We heard those three sentences A LOT in game 3! Things have to change moving forward. 

I believe we will win game 4 in a nail biter decided by 6 or less points. I would prefer to blow them clear out of Indiana but I will settle for a win of any score.  That is, of course, if the refs haven’t decided the game before the first jump ball. Some of their calls have certainly been questionable. I remember one specific play where Shumpert got pushed out of bounds but he was on defense, and then Hansbrough got the ball and barely got touched and they called a foul. Shumpert had been guarding Paul George and George drove down the lane and became wide open because Shumpert got pushed out of bounds and he passed it to Hansbrough where he missed the shot, barely got touched, and a foul was called against the Knicks. It was just unbelievable. So, hopefully the referees will be a little bit less lopsided and let the teams play ball. Only time will tell…Tuesday at 7pm New York time to be exact!! 

Let me know what you think? Are we going to tie the series on Tuesday?