Our Picks For 9/15’s NBA Playoff Games
By Shawn Stewart and A.J. Olona
If We have learned anything from the NBA playoffs, it is that some of these series and games have been hard to predict! We honestly did not see the Celtics beating the Bucks the way that they did. We are also a little shocked that the Clippers and Nuggets series has gone 7 games, but at the same time, we are looking forward to it! Let's get to our picks for today's playoff games! Today we have a double header with the first game between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, and the second game on tap will be game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers. We are thinking that both games could be difficult to predict, but here we go! It is going to be an exciting day in the NBA!
Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics (Series tied at 0-0)
Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler (22) looks to score against the Celtics star Jason Tatum (0). (Photo: The Athletic)
Shawn’s Take:
The Heat finished off the Milwaukee Bucks in 5 games and look to continue that momentum into this series with the Celtics. The Celtics did not have it as easy against the Toronto Raptors, but it is not how you start, but how you finish. I think the Heat are coming in well rested, but could that lead to some rust? I do not think so! Look for Jimmy Butler to come out and continue his solid playoff run for the Heat. I just hope the Celtics can keep up, because their offense has been a little inconsistent at times.
Shawn’s Prediction: MIAMI HEAT WIN
AJ’s Take:
After upsetting the number 1 seed in the East in the Milwaukee Bucks, the Heat enter the series against the Celtics with much needed momentum and much needed rest. By the time this game tips off, the Heat will have had a full week since they have played an NBA game. On the other end, the Celtics played 4 days ago, when they went 7 games against the reigning champions the Toronto Raptors. The Heat has been great at shooting the ball so far throughout the playoffs, shooting 55.2% from the field. The main problem the Heat has when they lost 2 games to the Celtics in the regular season was their shooting percentage. Still coming off of the high if winning in Game 7, look for the Celtics to carry the momentum over in this game while the Heat take a little while to get back up to speed.
AJ’s Prediction: BOSTON CELTICS WIN
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Series tied at 3-3)
(Photo: Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
Shawn’s Take:
Talk about a back and forth series, with a few nail bitters thrown in for good measure. I honestly do not know who will win this game. My gut keeps telling me the Clippers will move on, but the Nuggets will not go away easy! The Nuggets have been a thorn in the Clippers side in this series. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic have played well for the Nuggets, and on the other end, Kawhi Leonard continues to play well for the Clippers. I think this game comes down to defense and rebounding. I am still going with my original pick when the series started. I am picking the Clippers to move on and face the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, but the Nuggets will not go quietly into the night!
Shawn’s Prediction: LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS WIN
AJ’s Take:
The Nuggets have had a grueling playoff appearance thus far. Since the playoffs started, the Nuggets have had little time off, playing a game every two days for the last month. With as much as they’ve put in, don’t look for them to give up easily to the Clippers. This game is going to come down to the Clippers supporting cast. It has been hit or miss to see how everyone around Kawhi Leonard will play for the Clippers. After being up 3-1, the Clippers will need a big game from players like Paul George and Lou Williams in order to move on to face the Lakers. I see a big game coming from Nikola Jokic and Jamaal Murray to propel the Nuggets to the next round. And I wouldn’t be surprised if this game isn’t that competitive either.
AJ's Prediction: DENVER NUGGETS WIN
Follow A.J. on twitter @age_lona and Shawn @ShawnSportsNut.
