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NBA Playoffs: Day 9 & 10 – Injuries Dominate

By Jared Mueller

Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles against the Houston Rockets in the first half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Golden State Warriors won 121 to 94. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles against the Houston Rockets in the first half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Golden State Warriors won 121 to 94. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NBA Playoffs have been tough to watch. In the last two days, injuries have dominated the storylines.

The Cleveland Cavaliers made work to start the NBA Playoffs while the rest of the Eastern Conference is stuck tied at 2 – 2. The Cavs now await their opponent for a series that starts next week. A long, long wait for Cavs fans but a good time for the team to rest and get prepared to the rest of the NBA Playoffs.

Over the last two days injuries have become the big storyline. Let us take a look at the rest of the series, where they are and how injuries could impact them.

Raptors Vs Pacers

Series 2 – 2

With a game tonight in Toronto, this series is far from finished. The two teams have split their home games with the 7th seeded Pacers taking Game 1 on the road. Toronto hasn’t gotten great games from their star guards while the Pacers have rode Paul George while Monta Ellis continues to struggle.

For the Cavs, either the Raptors or Pacers would make for an interesting Eastern Conference Finals. The more talented Raptors are scarier but the Pacers’ veteran presence could make the series a dog fight, especially after the Regular Season matchups. At this point, many are expecting either team to get beat in the 2nd Round.

Heat Vs Hornets

 Series 2 – 2

Both teams have held serve on their homecourt. The big question becomes whether the veteran Heat bounce back from 2 straight losses or do the young Hornets carry their momentum into Game 5. Nicolas Batum could be back sooner rather than later. The Heat have run out of steam on the road, can the home crowd fuel the older players? Will the Hornets hit shots? Could be an interesting 7 game series.

Before the NBA Playoffs kicked off, these two teams seemed like they could be the most difficult for the Cavs on the road to the Finals. The Heat have a hex on LeBron James while the depth and shooting of the Hornets could make things difficult for the Cavs. Thankfully, the East Finals is where that match-up might happen. Finishing this series then playing either Toronto or Indiana stands between then and now.

Celtics Vs Hawks

Series 2 – 2

A series full of swings, energy and explosive outings. The Hawks have more overall talent but Isaiah Thomas has made all the difference in the world. Missing Avery Bradley, the Celtics have had to milk every ounce out of their diminutive guard. The Hawks, on the other hand, can’t get out of their own way and finish off Boston. This series has the feeling of going 7.

For the Cavs, rematching against either team that they swept last year would be fine. They have the Hawks number while locking down Thomas would be job #1 for some combination of Kyrie Irving, Matthew Dellavedova, Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith and even LeBron. Neither team worries the Cavs much.

Cavaliers Vs Pistons

Series 4 – 0 Cavs Sweep

A tough series of close games, all won by the Cavs, was just what the doctor ordered. The team seems to be coming together as a unit, found confidence in each other and, most importantly, are healthy with a week off of rest. The perfect start to their run through the NBA Playoffs on their way to the NBA Finals.

Spurs Vs Grizzlies

Series 4 – 0 Spurs Sweep

Memphis played hard but just didn’t have enough players to really give the Spurs any problem. San Antonio came out of the series healthy and with time to rest. Perfect as they look to face off with the Oklahoma City Thunder full of young, athletic players that have given them a tough time.

For the Cavs, anyone but the Warriors seems to be the hope in the NBA Finals. The Spurs are a tough team for sure but are beatable while the Warriors seem far from it. San Antonio’s system, which includes some very talented players, against the star laden Cavs would be a fun one for sure. It would also give Cavs fans hope.

Thunder Vs Mavericks

Series 4 – 1 Thunder win

The Thunder had one hiccup on their way to a series win. Mark Cuban’s comments should both spark Russell Westbrook while unifying him and his teammates. The Thunder have an interesting matchup against the Spurs in the next round. Will OKC play within a system or will they try to win with just talent?

For the Cavs, the Thunder are a version of themselves: ultra-talented players who sometimes don’t fit together perfectly. Athletically, the Thunder are a tougher matchup against the Warriors while the Spurs system is more consistent. This 2nd Round series should be the best in the NBA Playoffs up to that point.

Clippers Vs Blazers

Series 2 – 2

This series took a quick turn. After holding the Blazers down in the first two games, LA is now tied up 2 – 2 and will be without Chris Paul, reportedly for the rest of the season, and possibly missing Blake Griffin for a game or two, at least. The Blazers are finding their groove and could be the Warriors 2nd Round opponent.

For the Cavs, a healthy LA team would be a threat to the Warriors. Without CP3, the Blazers backcourt could be the better situation. Portland doesn’t have the firepower from top to bottom to threaten Golden State but their resolve is much higher than LA’s, especially with the injuries the latter is dealing with.

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Warriors Vs Rockets

Series 3 – 1

Saving the most important for last, Stephen Curry will be reevaluated in 2 weeks. After watching Irving struggle last year, Cavs fans know that this could be a long term issue in the NBA Playoffs for Curry, if he returns. The Warriors will beat the Rockets, probably in Game 5, but without Curry, the rest of the NBA Playoffs are up in the air.

While not rooting for injuries, Cavs fans have to be excited about possibly not meeting the Warriors in the Finals. We watched a hobbled Irving most of last year then lost him in Game 1 against Golden State. We know the impact a limited star PG can have. The Warriors are deep and likely to make the Western Conference Finals without Steph but getting beyond there is very up in the air.

What sticks out to you about the NBA Playoffs so far?