Something We Learned From the First Games Of The NBA Playoffs

The first games of each series have taken place. Hear a few quick thoughts and predictions for the rest of the series.

The West Side

• Warriors Thoughts: No PRESSURE! After breaking the record held by the Bulls and winning 73 games, the Warriors have their feet even harder on the pedal. Curry's ankle injury is something to watch out for but they honestly do not really need him this series.
• Rocket Thoughts: OUTMATCHED! The Rockets fought hard to make it to the playoffs but after this game, their run might not last long. The Rockets recorded their second losing scoring game of their season with 78 points. Micheal Beasley had been a force to be reckoned with coming off the bench but only played a mere six minutes in the first game. I expect him to play more because Houston needs the buckets.
• Series Prediction: SWEEP for the Warriors

• Spurs Thoughts: Ready! The Spurs did not have the best ending to the regular season but in typical Spurs fashion, they shifted into playoff mode and showed why they are always a title contender. 
• Grizzlies Thoughts: INJURED! The Grizzlies made the playoffs because they are fighters. This just is a fight they have no chance in due to all their injuries. They will have to find scoring to be more competitive. 
• Series Prediction: The Grizz will be vacationing soon. 

• Thunder Thoughts: The Thunder are on a mission. So many people have already counted them out of the playoffs in the second round against the Spurs. They dominated every aspect of this game and I do not know if even an off night could slow them down in this series.
• Mavericks Thoughts: My poor Mavs. This is the worth matchup we could have received in the playoffs. The Thunder athleticism is too much for my elderly Mavericks team. Dirk played well but nobody else on the roster scored over 10 points. Starters not named Dirk went 5-25 in this game. That cannot happen if the Mavs want to live to see another round.  
• Series Prediction: I believe my Mavs will get swept but I trust Rick Carlisle so I will go with a gentleman's sweep. Five games.

• Clippers Thoughts: It looks like the Clippers are starting to jell. Many speculated they would not when Blake Griffin returned to the lineup but this first game is looking like a step in the right direction. Three Clippers starters recorded double doubles. The frontcourt for the Clippers dominated the Blazers and Griffin continues to embarrass poor Mason Plumlee.
• Trailblazers Thoughts: The Blazers have to have better shooting night and avoid getting bullied in the paint by Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan. Dame Lillard has to perform better. He went 7-17 and was completely outperformed by Chris Paul.
• Series Prediction: Clippers in 6. Dame is bound to have at least TWO monster games but all in all it will not be enough to cancel out the Clips.

the East Side

• Cavaliers Thoughts: Impressive outing by Cleveland's big 3. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love put up huge scoring numbers and LeBron James had a double double. Despite the impressive outing from the three, the Cavs were still losing early in the fourth quarter. They will definitely need a fourth scorer to step up if they want a shot at the championship. JR Smith scored nine points but that will not be enough going forward if he is going to be the fourth option.
• Detroit Thoughts: The Pistons are talented enough to compete with the Cavs but their inexperience in the playoffs will most likely be their downfall. The team has only one starter with playoff experience and even he did not play like it down the stretch. Reggie Jackson sort of self-destructed in the fourth quarter especially with the late game technical. They will have to grow up fast if they want a chance to win.
• Series Prediction: Cavs head to the next round after a six game series with the inexperienced Pistons.

• Raptors Thoughts: What we clearly saw from the first game of this series, the Raptors will go as far as Kyle Lowery and Demar Dorazan take them. The two combined to go 8-32 from the field for 25 points. They have to play better; it is as simple as that.
• Pacers Thoughts: The Pacers win showed us star power matters in the playoffs. Paul George is the biggest star on both teams and he showed why in the first game. He went 10 of 13 in the second half and ended the game with 33 points. The Raptors are the more talented team so he will have to have more performances like this to win the series for his team.
• Series Prediction: Lowery and Derozan will get rolling on the offensive side of the ball and the Raptors will win the series in seven at home with Drake sitting courtside.

• Heat Thoughts: After watching the Heat play this game, I understand why I thought they could win the East. This team is loaded but they do not have Chris Bosh. They maybe could maybe if he did but for now they are just getting their fans hopes up
• ​Hornet Thoughts: The Hornets have made it to the promise land again and have lost another game. It is their 11th consecutive lost in the postseason. They seem to fold up in the playoffs for some reason and this is one of the most talented rosters they have ever had so hopefully they can shake off the gitters.
• Series Prediction: I see the Heat winning in five. They are the more talented team but I believe Kemba and company will manage to pull off at least one W. Miami might just be a little too much for them.

• Hawks Thoughts: Hawks are not playing with a sense of urgency. This could be their last year as somewhat contenders due to pending free agency of key players. They have to play better defensively after giving up 19 point lead and barely walking away with a victory.
• Celtics Thoughts: Celtics have to get the ball rolling earlier. The Cs showed (like they have all season) that they are fighters. They fought back from a deep deficit but still fell a bit short. They need to be more effectively offensively.
• Series Prediction: This series is going seven games! I believe the Celtics are coached better and Brad Stevens will put his team in better positions to win going forward. Let us be honest, do we really trust the Hawks? No.

What are your playoffs thoughts so far? #SpeakYourMIND in the comments below.