NBA Playoffs 2013: Predictions for Every Conference Semifinals Matchup

Now that the conference semifinals are fully set for the 2013 NBA playoffs, let's break down and predict the results of each matchup.

In the Eastern Conference, we have three of the top seeds remaining with the No. 1 seed Miami Heat, the No. 2 seed New York Knicks and the No. 3 seed Indiana Pacers each advancing. The No. 5 seed Chicago Bulls were the only team to spoil the higher seed's home-court advantage in Round 1.

The Western Conference, however, is a much more intriguing story.

The No. 5 seed Memphis Grizzlies came back from being down 2-0 against the explosive No. 4 seed Los Angeles Clippers and rolled off four-straight victories. For their efforts, the Grizzlies will take on No. 1 seed Oklahoma City.

Elsewhere the Warriors acted as the biggest upset to tip off the postseason as the No. 6 seed in the West. Golden State squares off against the No. 1 seed San Antonio Spurs, arguably the most fundamentally sound team this century.

Chicago Bulls (5) vs. Miami Heat (1)

Honestly, it doesn't matter who the Heat play right now. Miami is rolling after smacking the No. 8 seed Milwaukee Bucks in the first round. Furthermore, Chicago is limping into Round 2.

After going up 3-1 on the Brooklyn Nets, the Bulls dropped two-straight contests but won Game 7. Without Derrick Rose, coach Tom Thibodeau's team has played admirably this season.

That said, Miami is capable of matching anything Chicago attempts.

The Heat can give a jolt to the tempo of the game and force the Bulls to keep up, which will be effective because Chicago does not feature a high-powered attack. LeBron James and Co. also play asphyxiating defense, as evidenced by their ability to limit the Bucks to an average of 85 points per game in the first round.

Plus, this season, the Heat ranked No. 5 in points allowed (95), No. 5 in points scored (102.9) and No. 1 in field-goal percentage (49.6). The Windy City just does not have the offense or starpower to equal Miami.

Prediction: Heat in five games

Indiana Pacers (3) vs. New York Knicks (2)

The regular season series between these two teams was split 2-2, with each team winning both games at home. So, naturally, the Knicks have the upper-hand as the higher seed right?

Strictly in terms of what's on paper, New York definitely looks like the better team.

The Knicks had a better home and away record, but they did struggle against the tougher defensive teams. On the contrary, Indiana proved to possess strong offensive capability in its 125-91 victory over New York in February.

Everything for the Knicks, though, is powered by Carmelo Anthony. The Pacers must simply isolate him all series long and force New York to win inside the paint and dish the ball around consistently.

Even though the Pacers don't feature a player like Anthony, Indiana's ability to crash the boards and share the rock better than they are given credit for will keep New York off balance. Factor in Indiana's defense—which is better than Boston's—and the Knicks won't score as easily as Round 1.

Prediction: Pacers in seven games

Memphis Grizzlies (5) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (1)

Although it's far-fetched to perceive Oklahoma City as being on upset alert here, the Thunder don't have a cakewalk path to the Western Conference finals.

The Grizzlies ranked No. 1 in points allowed during the regular season and that emerged as a drastic advantage over the Clippers. Los Angeles' offensive prowess was not only held in check, but the better offense actually came from Memphis, as the Grizz reached over 100 points in each of the series' final three games.

As for Oklahoma City, it is definitely a more complete team than Los Angeles on both ends of the floor. Presenting the talent to constantly challenge shots and win on the glass, the Thunder will up the tempo in transition.

Expect Kevin Durant and his crew to begin in this fashion as well

In short, getting ahead of a defense such as Memphis requires a relentless onslaught of scoring opportunities. The Grizzlies aren't programmed to put up 100-plus points every game, not to mention the fact that the Clippers played in the defensively-weak Pacific Division.

Oklahoma City will push the pace, but Memphis won't match to pull the upset.

Prediction: Thunder in six games

Golden State Warriors (6) vs. San Antonio Spurs (2)

Excluding the Lakers' offensive forte, their performance in their first-round series demonstrated just how easily San Antonio can dismantle a scoring team.

Now, a similar team in Golden State will challenge the Spurs in Round 2.

The Warriors are much younger than the Lakers, possess a more efficient offense and are rolling after upending the Nuggets 4-2 in their first-round matchup. A disadvantage, though, comes in the form of their shaky ball control and defense.

San Antonio ranked No. 1 in assists (25.1) during the regular season. Additionally, the Spurs didn't allow the Lakers to score more than 91 points last round. Unless the Warriors are able to cut down on turnovers and match San Antonio with field-goal percentage, Golden State will exit early.

Despite only ranking No. 21 in the league in rebounding, the Spurs shot 48.1 percent from the field this season. As a result, they didn't need offensive boarding and were able to get back defensively to minimize transition damage.

Prediction: Spurs in six games