Buster's Conference Finals Matchups and Predictions

The second round is over in a very disappointing matter for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oklahoma City was out maned in the series against Memphis. Now Memphis looks to take it a step farther and advance to the Finals. Miami didn't surprise anyone with their 4-1 victory over the Bulls, and the Pacers upset the Knicks in six games. Now that the Conference Finals have officially ended, lets take a look at the matchups.

Eastern Conference:

 

#1 Miami vs #3 Indiana

 

After a dominating performance from both of these teams in the second round, this is bound to be an outstanding series. These two teams met up in the semifinals last season. It was a series that Indiana very well could have won, but they did not have the experience. LeBron was on a search for his first title and was more focused than ever. Indiana has acquired the two keys that they were lacking last season. They did not have a dominating big man and they did not have experience. The Pacers now have both of these things and are ready to take on the Heat.

It is always scary to pick against LeBron and the Heat, but I have to go with Indiana in this series. I think the Heat will come out too relaxed and unfocused. The Pacers will take a quick jump on this and the series will be too far gone by the time Miami wakes up. I think the Pacers win the battle on the inside with Roy Hibbert. This is honestly a series that could go either way. With Paul George and David West I think the Pacers will win the back court as well. If the Pacers are going to win this series it has to be in six, if it goes to game seven Miami will take advantage. Pacers win in a close series 4-2.

 

Western Conference:

 

 

#2 San Antonio vs #5 Memphis

 

This is going to be a series of some great old school basketball. Both teams are going to play excellent defense and play with fundamentals on offense. Both teams will try to take advantage of the size and experience of their big men. There is no doubt that Memphis has the best front court in the NBA. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph not only play outstanding offense, but they work their butt off on the defensive side of the ball. It will be interesting to see how Tim Duncan responds to the defense of these big guys.

The Spurs are a fantastic team, but I do not think they have the size or energy to play with Memphis. I think the Grizzlies will wear them down in the first two games and then make their move. It will be important for the Spurs to perform well enough to give Duncan and Parker a rest. However, I think Memphis will take advantage of the time that Duncan and Parker spend on the bench and make it almost impossible to give them a breather. Zbo and Gasol are just too physical on the inside for any team to keep up, Memphis wins 4-2.

These series have the potential to make this one of the most entertaining Conference Finals in a long time! I am picking two underdogs, and I am feeling fully confident. Make sure you stay tuned in to see how our picks come out. Maybe I will finally beat CMan!