At this point, we already know some of the teams that would advance to the next round, the Conference Semi-Finals, due to their flawless record so far. For the other teams, they would have to still put in extra effort to win their next games. But one thing we have seen so far is that the teams are not dampened by the fact that they are playing in an unusual setting as they have brought their best to the court. Here are predictions for Friday’s games.
The first match on the list is Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic. The Bucks know that they have to do everything they can to advance to the next stage. They are the 1st seed, having earned their playoff spot before the bubble due to their outstanding record this season with the most wins. With that kind of history this season alone, they can only crown it by going as far as they can. MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead with points but other players, like Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, are also stepping up to the challenge to make sure they get to the next stage. With two games before Friday, the Bucks might clinch their Conference Semi-Finals slot without facing Magic on Friday.
Right after that, Indiana Pacers take on Miami Heat. But we might not have the match that day as Heat currently has a 3-game lead and there is very little chance that the Pacers would win their two fixtures leading to Friday.
Next, Los Angeles Lakers take on Portland Trail Blazers. LeBron James and his boys have shown us that the 7-year wait they had to endure to get a chance at the playoffs was not in vain, as they currently lead with two games. Their drive is strong and their games have been beautiful, even with the absence of Rajon Rondo. The Trail Blazers are also showing no sign of lag but they were not able to stop the Lakers in 2 games and there is little chance they can do that in the games to come.
We end the night with Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder. Thunder has not inspired any faith that they can take down the Rockets, with their only win secured after the game went into overtime. The Rockets can quickly put their Saturday loss and make up for it with their forthcoming fixtures and finish things quickly, so that they may not have to face Thunder on Friday anymore.
