Our Picks For Labor Day’s NBA Playoff Games
By A.J. Olona and Shawn Stewart
As we celebrate Labor Day which is the celebration of the formation of employment and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of the American worker , there is no sleep for the weary, and we will still be here for you with our NBA playoff Predictions. On slate today is a double header, which begins with the Boston Celtics visiting the Toronto Raptors in game 5 of their series, and in the night cap, we have the Denver Nuggets taking on the Los Angeles Clippers in game 3 of that series. Both Series are tied (Toronto and Boston 2-2 and Denver and Los Angeles 1-1).
Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors (Series tied at 2-2)
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Shawn’s Take:
The Celtics quickly jumped out to a 2-0 lead in their series against the Raptors, and I honestly thought the Raptors were finished, but they have battled back to tie the series, and I now believe they have all the momentum. This is now a best of 3 series and could be very hard to predict from here on out. In game 4, both Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry fueled the Raptors offense, with both players contributing a double-double. I expect the same to continue tonight. Kemba Walker struggled for the Celtics in the game three of the series. In fact Walker only took 9 shots, which he called, "unacceptable." If the Celtics want to take back the momentum in this series, then Walker will need to have a big game. I am going with the Toronto Raptors in this game, and I still believe they will win the series.
Shawn’s Prediction: TORONTO RAPTORS WIN
AJ’s Take:
After the start of the series, it looked like the Celtics were going to end it fairly quickly. However, Nick Nurse is proving that this teams championship run in 2019 was way more than just Kawhi Leonard. Nurse is showing his ability to make the proper adjustments that need to be made. Throughout this series, the Raptors have made adjustments coming out of the half and have subsequently won every third quarter so far. With Toronto stars Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby all playing over 80 minutes each so far, it shows that the Raptors are willing to do what they have to to close out. On the other end, the Celtics have been struggling to get their stars going the last few games. In game 4, Kemba Walker only took 9 shots and finished with only 25 points. If that continues, the Celtics will continue to struggle.
AJ’s Prediction: TORONTO RAPTORS WIN
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Rockets lead series 1-1)
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Shawn’s Take:
In the second game of our double header, we have seen a lot of up and downs from both teams. The Clippers had full control in game 1 , but the Nuggets defense really frustrated the Clippers offense in game 2. Jamal Murray has been on fire in the playoffs, and his partner in crime, Nikola Jokic has contributed in a big way, especially in game 2 with his 26 points and 18 rebounds. The Clippers have been up and down at times during the regular season and playoffs, and got into some bad habits that cost them some games. Now is not the time to get back into those bad habits. They really need some big plays on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, especially after that showing in game 2. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George offer a nice 1-2 punch for this offense, but they need to score early and often to take game 3. I like the Clippers to bounce back in game 3, but don't be surprised if the Nuggets make it interesting.
Shawn’s Prediction: LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS WIN
AJ’s Take:
In game two of the series, we saw more of the same from the Nuggets in terms of offensive strategy; get the ball to Nikola Jokic and/or Jamal Murray. As it has much throughout the playoffs, that strategy worked in game two against the Clippers. On the other end, the Clippers were terrible offensively, only shooting 40% on the night and a miserable 28% behind the arc. We have seen the Clippers struggle throughout the playoffs to get much going other than Kawhi Leonard. In game two, Leonard had one of his worst playoff games of his career. Despite that, the Clippers were still able to keep things close until the end. So far throughout the playoffs, the Clippers have been very inconsistent. If Kawhi Leonard struggles, it’ll make things that much worse for the team. Don’t expect Leonard to have another bad game but well see what Playoff P can do to help him out tonight.
AJ's Prediction: DENVER NUGGETS WIN
Follow A.J. on twitter @age_lona and Shawn @ShawnSportsNut.
