DAY FOUR -- Ron Artest is suspended for game two against the Spurs, LeBron James looks for a repeat performance against the Wizards, and the New Jersey "Carters" try to transform back into the Nets, all in day four of the NBA playoffs.
Day four of the NBA playoffs treats us to three games, two of which should be interesting. The Wizards, down 0-1, visit Cleveland to take on LeBron James and the Cavs and try to even things up. The Pacers and Nets meet for game two of their series after a questionable call by an official and a missed three by Richard Jefferson left Indiana with the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. The final game of the night is between the Spurs and the Kings. And that's where my predictions for the night start...
Kings at Spurs, 9:30 PM, TNT
Winner: Spurs
Thoughts: After taking a severe beating in game one, you'd expect the Kings to come out firing tonight in game two, and they will. But a little extra energy doesn't make up for the gap between the Spurs and the Kings, not having Ron Artest, suspended for throwing a forearm to Manu Ginobili's head, doesn't help either. The Kings will make this game closer than game one, but not by much.
Pacers at Nets, 8:00 PM, NBA TV
Winner: Nets
Thoughts: It took some help from the refs and a load of missed shots from Vince Carter(and one from Jefferson) for the Pacers to get a win on Sunday. Expect Jason Kidd to take more control of the offense and spread the ball around more. We have to remember that Jason Kidd has taken the Nets to the Finals twice, and for all the attention paid to Carter, this is still Kidd's team, he'll play like it tonight.
Wizards at Cavaliers, 7:00 PM, TNT
Winner: Cavaliers
Thoughts: To me this series comes down to who shows up more: LeBron James or Gilbert Arenas? Arenas is sure to explode one of these games, but figuring that out is a little beyond my range. We know LeBron will show up big for his team, we can't be so sure of Arenas.
*all times Eastern
Jordan's Playoff Picks so far:
6/10 - 60%
Be sure to check in daily for my picks on the NBA playoffs. And if you haven't already, check out my picks for the All-NBA Teams.