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The Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers gave us a barn burner worthy of being part of these 2014 NBA Playoffs. To this point, few second round games can say the same.
With that said, Saturday night offers up some promise, as the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs have to head to Brooklyn and Portland, respectively. The change in scenery could potentially increase the competition of both series, which have started out 2-0 in favor of the Heat and Spurs.
The Nets and Trail Blazers might have something to say about a potential sweep when it comes to their home court. Let’s break both games down and see if either team can steal a win and keep these series competitive:
Miami Heat (2) @ Brooklyn Nets (6) – 8:00 PM ET
Brooklyn obviously has a shot at catching their breath and stealing a win at home here in game three, but it’s beyond clear the Heat are on a mission through the first two games. Kevin Garnett isn’t playing big enough down low, while Brooklyn simply has been unable to find their offense against a tough Miami defense.
Even when game two was close, the Nets couldn’t find a way to close the Heat out. Despite taking all four of their regular season meetings, the Nets really don’t look up to the challenge. They could still get the upset here and extend the series, but it’s not likely at this point. A Heat win in game three likely means a series sweep.
Pick: Heat 89, Nets 87
San Antonio Spurs (1) @ Portland Trail Blazers (5) – 10:30 PM ET
The Spurs have owned the Blazers through the first two games, as their bigs have dominated inside and their guards have shot the lights out. Portland hasn’t put up much of a fight, although they did hang closer with the Spurs early in game two than they did in game one.
Through two games, Portland can’t seem to get in sync, as stars Damian Lillard and LeMarcus Aldridge have been effective in one game each, but not yet in the same game together. That’s going to have to happen, or else the Blazers will keep looking over matches and inch closer to a series sweep. In reality, that might happen, anyways.
Pick: Spurs 101, Blazers 97
