NBA Playoffs 2015: Updated Postseason Schedule, Dates and Predictions
Although the NBA playoffs are just getting started, it seems like we have a handle on how many of the series are going to play out.
It obviously takes four wins to advance in any series, so just a game or two doesn't necessarily mean anything. A squad that is losing always has the opportunity to turn things around, especially after changing locations.
That being said, here is a look at predictions along with a schedule for the rest of the first round in each series.
Eastern Conference
No. 1 Atlanta Hawks vs. No. 8 Brooklyn Nets
| 2 | April 22 | 7 p.m. ET | Hawks |
| 3 | April 25 | 3 p.m. ET | Nets |
| 4 | April 27 | TBD | Nets |
| 5 | April 29 | TBD | Hawks |
| 6 | May 1 | TBD | Nets |
| 7 | May 3 | TBD | Hawks |
Through one game, the biggest story for the Atlanta Hawks is injuries. Al Horford is dealing with an injured finger, while Paul Millsap is dealing with shoulder problems.
Although both players are likely to play through their issues, Millsap admitted it's something he will think about, via Dan Wolken of USA Today:
"The shoulder is probably going to be a nagging thing but I feel like I can work my way back into myself. I had a lot of looks tonight that normally fall. Mobility with the shirt (is an issue). It's still sore at times but it's manageable. The mobility is what has to get better, and if not, I have to learn how to adjust, man. Can't make any excuses. This is playoff basketball.
"
Atlanta is still the more talented team in this series, but the inability to play at its normal level will make things a bit harder than one would expect from a No. 1 vs. No. 8 matchup.
Prediction: Hawks win in 6
No. 2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 7 Boston Celtics
| 3 | April 23 | 7 p.m. | Celtics |
| 4 | April 26 | 1 p.m. | Celtics |
| 5 | April 28 | TBD | Cavaliers |
| 6 | April 30 | TBD | Celtics |
| 7 | May 2 | TBD | Cavaliers |
The Boston Celtics are a pesky team full of players who aren't afraid of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Head coach Brad Stevens has done a great job of getting his squad prepared for this series, and it has resulted in two good games.
Unfortunately, both tough fights resulted in a loss, which is what you should continue to expect for the rest of the series. Even if every game is close, the Cavaliers are too good to beat more than once in the next few games.
Prediction: Cavaliers win in 5
No. 3 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 6 Milwaukee Bucks
| 3 | April 23 | 8 p.m. | Bucks |
| 4 | April 25 | 5:30 p.m. | Bucks |
| 5 | April 27 | TBD | Bulls |
| 6 | April 30 | TBD | Bucks |
| 7 | May 2 | TBD | Bulls |
Some solid defensive work and total domination on the boards allowed the Chicago Bulls to pull away in Game 2 and secure the 2-0 lead in the series. The squad is clearly more talented from top to bottom in this series and has a lot of postseason experience throughout the roster.
With this team focusing on taking one task at a time and not looking ahead, there should be few issues preventing Chicago from walking away with an easy first-round win.
Prediction: Bulls win in 5
No. 4 Toronto Raptors vs. No. 5 Washington Wizards
| 3 | April 24 | 8 p.m. | Wizards |
| 4 | April 26 | 7 p.m. | Wizards |
| 5 | April 29 | TBD | Raptors |
| 6 | May 1 | TBD | Wizards |
| 7 | May 3 | TBD | Raptors |
The Toronto Raptors had home-court advantage for the first two games and came away with two losses. That is not how you begin a series if you want to win.
While there is still a chance the Raptors can bounce back, this seems like it's over. It will remain especially one-sided if John Wall and Bradley Beal play like they did in Game 2 with 54 combined points.
The Raptors were a solid road team this season, but they likely will not have the focus to bounce back after a rough start to the series.
Prediction: Wizards win in 4
Western Conference
No. 1 Golden State Warriors vs. No. 8 New Orleans Pelicans
| 3 | April 23 | 9:30 p.m. | Pelicans |
| 4 | April 25 | 8 p.m. | Pelicans |
| 5 | April 28 | TBD | Warriors |
| 6 | May 1 | TBD | Pelicans |
| 7 | May 3 | TBD | Warriors |
The New Orleans Pelicans are a talented team that would give just about any team in the league some trouble. Unfortunately, they drew a first-round opponent that has clearly been the best in the NBA this year.
Brian Murphy of KNBR 680 noted the variety of players who contributed to the Warriors' Game 2 win:
This doesn't even include potential MVP Stephen Curry, who can take over games at any time. None of the games will be easy, but the Warriors are simply too talented to lose in this opening round.
Prediction: Warriors win in 4
No. 2 Houston Rockets vs. No. 7 Dallas Mavericks
| 3 | April 24 | 7 p.m. | Mavericks |
| 4 | April 26 | 9:30 p.m. | Mavericks |
| 5 | April 28 | TBD | Rockets |
| 6 | April 30 | TBD | Mavericks |
| 7 | May 2 | TBD | Rockets |
Even without James Harden performing at his best in the first two games, the Houston Rockets have managed to get out to a 2-0 lead in the all-Texas series.
While the Dallas Mavericks get to return home in Game 3, they will have to play much better to turn around this series, especially in the fourth quarter. With the veterans in the lineup, there will be some solid performances, but it won't be enough to come back in this series.
Prediction: Rockets win in 6
No. 3 Los Angeles Clippers vs. No. 6 San Antonio Spurs
| 2 | April 22 | 10:30 p.m. | Clippers |
| 3 | April 24 | 9:30 p.m. | Spurs |
| 4 | April 26 | 3:30 p.m. | Spurs |
| 5 | April 28 | TBD | Clippers |
| 6 | April 30 | TBD | Spurs |
| 7 | May 2 | TBD | Clippers |
This will likely be the best series of the entire first round, although it was vital for the Los Angeles Clippers to win Game 1. They showed they weren't afraid of the defending champions, and they played at a level we have rarely seen before, as noted by Magic Johnson:
It will be a challenge to keep defending their home building, but that is all they will need to do to escape with a close victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
Prediction: Clippers win in 7
No. 4 Portland Trail Blazers vs. No. 5 Memphis Grizzlies
| 2 | April 22 | 8 p.m. | Grizzlies |
| 3 | April 25 | 10:30 p.m. | Trail Blazers |
| 4 | April 27 | 10:30 p.m. | Trail Blazers |
| 5 | April 29 | TBD | Grizzlies |
| 6 | May 1 | TBD | Trail Blazers |
| 7 | May 3 | TBD | Grizzlies |
Although it will not always be a pretty series, it is likely to be close throughout. The Portland Trail Blazers might be fortunate to have the No. 4 seed, but they have the talent to take advantage of it.
On the other hand, the Memphis Grizzlies remain one of the best defensive teams in the NBA and have the ability to shut down key players like LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard. The duo combined for 46 points in Game 1 but needed 55 shot attempts to get there.
Assuming the Grizzlies get the production they need offensively, they should be able to come away with a series win.
Prediction: Grizzlies win in 6
Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
