Eastern Conference Second Round Preview + Predictions

       What a first round it was for the east. The Celtics are really the only team who should feel completely comfortable. They made quick work of a lesser heat team without their best player, and got a long rest before playing a Cavs team coming off a 7 game series. The rest of the east however, Cleveland included, should be worried about this red hot Boston team. In this article, we will breakdown each matchup, give the most important players, and make predictions for each. 

Eastern conference Playoffs 2nd round: (1) Celtics vs. (4) Cavaliers

       As we have already mentioned, the Celtics had by far the best first round out of any team in this conference. However, the value of squeaking out a series that you had to fight for cannot be overlooked. The Cavs have all the talent they need with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, but they all need to be healthy. Jarrett Allen will need to be back in time to capitalize on Kristaps Porzingizis's absence, and Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley need to remain in full health. Along with that, they all need to be at or near their full potential, and at the very least Darius Garland needs to turn up his offensive game just a little bit after his Game 7 performance (although he did hit a big momentum shot). If all of that goes right, this squad might just have a chance. 

       Porzingis going down didn't have a huge effect on their first round series, but against a stronger center in Jarrett Allen, his absence will certainly be felt. Not only will it hurt the starters, but they are losing their 6th man in Al Hereford as he is forced to fill in at the Center position. Their short bench will revolve around  Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, and likely more minutes for Luke Kornet. This shallow depth will up the anti for superstar duo Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, who have shown in the past that they are up for the challenge. However, it will be interesting to see the adjustment from the Heat's zone defense to the Cavs's man to man. 

X Factor Players: Luke Kornet (BOS) and Darius Garland (CLE)

Prediction: Celtics in 6. The Cavs will give them a test, but Brown and Tatum are too much for them to handle. The Celtics are able to survive without Porzingis as Al Horford steps up and shuts down Jarrett Allen while supplying solid perimeter shooting. It's a good gut check for Boston, who goes into the Eastern Conference Finals confident. 

Eastern Conference Playoffs 2nd round: (2) Knicks vs. (6) Pacers

       Some might say that the Pacers got the luck of the draw facing a Bucks team without Giannis for the entire series and Damian Lillard for a chunk of it, but they still fought hard all the way through. Halliburton and Siakam were able to elevate their games against a still strong Milwaukee squad, and the supporting cast did their job well. To win this series, they will absolutely need to carry over that offensive play into the second round and maybe even elevate it. The most important part, however, is keeping Brunson (somewhat) in check and holding Hartenstein and Robinson off the offensive glass, to things Philly failed to do in Round 1 that ultimately led to their demise. 

       The Knicks played well for most of their first series, but I wouldn't exactly say their opponents played great. Against Indiana, they have to expect more intensity on boards, more fighting on screens, and quicker shifts on defense. They will need continued shot making from Josh Hart + Donte DiVincenzo, and strong bench minutes from Miles McBride, especially with Bojan Bogdanovic done for the season. Too many people are expecting the Knicks to run through this one, but the Pacers can give them a run for their money. 

X Factor Players: Josh Hart (NYK) And Obi Toppin (IND)

Prediction: Pacers in 7. Call me crazy, but I don't think Josh Hart's numbers are sustainable, and his production was a huge factor in their first round series win. With a solid core and great depth, the Pacers will move past the Knicks and go head to head with the 1 seeded Celtics in the Conference Finals. 

                   Eli Knight

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