Our Picks For Tuesday’s NBA Playoff Games

By Shawn Stewart and A.J. Olona

If predictions have taught us anything,  it has taught us that we are going to be wrong, a lot! Hell, even the experts don't get it right all the time. We honestly did not expect the Raptors to lay an egg yesterday against the Celtics, but on a positive note, the Nuggets and Clippers game did not disappoint. On tap today we have another double header which include game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Miami Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks (Miami leads 3-1), and the second game is Game 3 of the Western Semi Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets (Series tied 1-1).

Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks (Miami leads series at 3-1)

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Shawn’s Take:

I am going to stick with my gut on both these picks. Milwaukee could be without their star,  and  recently crowned MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, due to a severe ankle sprain.  Giannis was forced to leave early in Game 4 due to reaggravating the same ankle, but Khris Middleton saved the Bucks season with a huge game 4 performance, in which he contributed 36 points and was 9 for 9 from the free throw line. If the Bucks stand any chance, Middleton will need to duplicate that performance, especially if Giannis is unable to play. I still like Miami to win Game  5, and close out  the series and move on to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Shawn’s Prediction: MIAMI HEAT WIN

AJ’s Take:

As of the time of this writing, Giannis Antetokoumpo has still yet to be ruled out of this game. The Bucks star player has injured his ankle the last two games of the series and is visibly hindered by these injuries. The Bucks were finally able to get some offensive help from someone other than Antetokoumpo in Khris Middleton. Middleton was finally able to show up in game 4, scoring 36 points and only being 2 assists and 2 rebounds away from having himself a triple double. Middleton will have to play his heart out again in order to avoid elimination, especially if Giannis doesnt play at all. I don’t expect Middleton to be able to repeat it two games in a row and see the Heat punching their way to the Eastern Conference Finals tonight.

AJ’s Prediction: MIAMI HEAT WIN

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockers (Rockets lead series 1-1)

Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press

Shawn’s Take:

The Lakers offense seems to be struggling a little bit against the Rockets defense. The two big stars,  James and Davis, helped the Lakers hold off the Rockets in game 2, but the Lakers might need some of the other players to contribute more. The Rockets have been more of a balanced team in this series, which of course has been led by MVP finalist James Harden, but if the Rockets have any chance in this series, Russell Westbrook needs to put on his big boy pants, and be a leader on this team. I still like the Lakers to win in game 3 and the series, but I could definitely see this going 7 games, especially if Westbrook plays like Westbrook.

Shawn’s Prediction: LOS ANGELES LAKERS WIN

AJ’s Take:

Through two games of the series, the Lakers have looked very much so like a two many squad. Anthony Davis and LeBron James have been their typical great selfs but the rest of the Lakers team is inconsistent. While Rajon Rando and Markieff Morris played well in spurts in Game 2, lets not count on it happening again. James and Davis are good enough by themselves to will this team to a win on any given night. On the other end of the court, the main talking point has been the play of Russell Westbrook. Westbrook has been horrible throughout the entire series. On Sunday night, he shot the ball 1-7 from the 3 while also committing 7 turnovers. Luckily for James Harden, the rest of the Rockets team were able to chip in with six different players putting up double digit points in scoring. And that was still not enough to win this game. Rockets fans have to be hopeful that Westbrook snaps out of it soon or they will quickly see themselves down in this series big time.

AJ's Prediction: LOS ANGELES LAKERS WIN

Follow A.J. on twitter @age_lona and Shawn @ShawnSportsNut.