NBA Playoff Schedule 2015: TV Coverage Guide, Odds and Tipoff Times for Friday
No matter what has happened to this point in the NBA playoffs, it's important to remember that no series is officially over.
While some teams are down 0-2 through the first two games and others suffered disappointing home losses, there is always time to make up this ground. At worst, these best-of-seven-game series are half over.
This is something to keep in mind as we head toward Game 3 in three highly competitive series.
No. 2 Houston Rockets at No. 7 Dallas Mavericks (Rockets lead 2-0)
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Spread (via Odds Shark): Dallas -1
This series was leaning toward the Rockets from the start, but it has only gotten more one-sided with a few injuries. After Rajon Rondo was declared out indefinitely with a back injury, the team announced Chandler Parsons would miss the rest of the year with a knee injury.
As a result, the Mavericks will have to rely on an aging roster that has not been too effective this series.
Despite this problem for Dallas, Houston remains focused on finishing out this series. Dwight Howard explained the squad's need to focus on itself, per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle:
"We can’t worry about their issues. We have to stay focused on what our goal is. That’s to win a title. In the process, teams are going to have bad games. They’re going to have problems throughout games, especially in the playoffs. Everybody is super emotional during this time of year. We have to make sure we keep our heads and stay focused on what we’re trying to accomplish.
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With James Harden still capable of hitting another level of production he hasn't reached in this series, there is a good chance the Rockets keep up their current momentum and move one step closer to a sweep in the series.
Unless Monta Ellis and Dirk Nowitzki put together some great performances, this should be another win for Houston.
No. 4 Toronto Raptors at No. 5 Washington Wizards (Wizards lead 2-0)
Where: Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Spread (via Odds Shark): Washington -4
While this was expected to be one of the closest series in the first round, the Wizards have taken command with two road wins to start things off. Returning home to Washington will give the squad a chance to truly close things out in dominant fashion.
Still, Kevin Rashidi of Canada.com provides an optimistic look for Toronto going into Friday:
If the Raptors are going to turn things around, they will need to improve a lot defensively. Washington scored 117 points in the Game 2 win, including a combined 54 by the backcourt duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal.
Although these players are obviously talented enough to beat most defenders, the Raptors might have been better off putting folding chairs out there defensively. They simply could not stop the penetration, and it led to an easy win for Washington.
With Kyle Lowry not looking like himself and the rest of the roster struggling to put up points, the Raptors will not be able to outscore the Wizards unless they play much better defense in Game 3.
No. 3 Los Angeles Clippers at No. 6 San Antonio Spurs (Tied 1-1)
Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Spread (via Odds Shark): San Antonio -4
The Clippers have the talent to survive an extremely difficult matchup against the Spurs, but they will have to bounce back from a disappointing loss in Game 2. Magic Johnson explained the difference between the two teams in the four-point San Antonio win:
Although there is usually a decent difference between the No. 3 and No. 6 teams in the standings, only one game separated these squads during the season. The Spurs also happen to be the defending champions, with one of the most veteran lineups in basketball.
All of these factors make the Clippers' job even tougher in the opening round. Of course, they still have Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and others capable of making plays on both ends of the court. When they play at their best, the Clippers have what it takes to win this series.
It all comes down to the ability to finish out close wins. Paul especially has to be aggressive and take the big shots—and make sure the team avoids any mistakes.
Otherwise, San Antonio will be able to take control of the series in these next two games.
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