NBA Playoff Schedule 2015: TV, Live Stream Guide for Sunday's Bracket
The second round of the 2015 NBA playoffs gets underway with a pair of games Sunday. While many of the opening-round series failed to create drama, the lack of upsets creates a more intriguing set of matchups for this round.
Right now, the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers feel like the favorites to emerge from their respective conferences. The Cavs' journey becomes a little more challenging without Kevin Love, who's out due to a shoulder injury, however.
Let's check out all of the important coverage details for Sunday's action. That's followed by a preview and predictions for the start of Round 2.
Sunday's Viewing Info
| 1 p.m. | Wizards | Hawks | ABC | WatchESPN |
| 3:30 p.m. | Grizzlies | Warriors | ABC | WatchESPN |
Game Predictions
Washington Wizards at Atlanta Hawks (Game 1)
The Wizards have been waiting a week for the next round to start after a dominant sweep of the Toronto Raptors. In contrast, the Hawks just finished their series with the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. It raises the rest versus rust debate for Game 1.
One thing neither side will lack is motivation. Both sides have been overshadowed by LeBron James' Cavaliers throughout the season—this despite earning the East's top seed, in Atlanta's case. And Michael Lee of The Washington Post notes both franchises are seeking a rare foray into the next round:
Just how easy the Washington offense made it look against Toronto was impressive. It was able to spread the floor effectively. John Wall and Bradley Beal attacked the paint, often finding open shooters on the perimeter. They made nearly 11 threes per game while shooting 44 percent from beyond the arc.
Now the question is whether the Wizards can replicate that success against the Hawks. Atlanta was fifth in points against and seventh at defending the three in the regular season. David Aldridge of TNT wonders which side will be able to gain the advantage:
The Hawks must play a physical brand of basketball right out of the gates. They cannot afford to allow the Wizards to get comfortable and find that same rhythm they did in the last round. Make the Washington guards pay a toll for driving the lane.
Kevin Arnovitz of ESPN.com passed along comments from DeMarre Carroll after eliminating the Nets. He thinks the Hawks are at their best when playing that hard-nosed style anyway.
"When we get mad, we play the right way," Carroll said. "I think that's the biggest thing for us—we should be mad more often."
Since it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Wizards come out a bit sluggish after the extended layoff, the Hawks need to come out and impose their brand of basketball on the game. If they do that, they should score the Game 1 victory.
Prediction: Hawks 103, Wizards 100
Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors (Game 1)
So much of this series will depend on the health of Grizzlies star Mike Conley. Gary Parrish of CBS Sports notes the point guard will travel with the team but isn't expected to play in Game 1. He suffered a face injury in the last round, and his status is very much up in the air.
To illustrate exactly how much of a difference Conley can make, Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman states he thinks the Grizzlies could be a legitimate title contender if he's healthy:
Conley is a vital element of what Memphis does at both ends of the floor. If he does indeed miss the opener, it's going to put a lot more pressure on the post duo of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. They are going to get more touches and need to slow down the pace while working an inside-out game plan.
If they can be efficient at that end of the floor, limiting turnovers and converting chances around the rim, they'll at least have a chance in Game 1.
That said, the Grizzlies defense is the biggest factor in terms of the series. The team ranked second in points allowed during the regular season. Memphis' proficiency at that end along with what should be a concerted effort to slow the pace could give Golden State some headaches.
Marc Stein of ESPN highlighted one reason defending will be so important:
Curry is one of several incredibly dangerous shooters on the Warriors roster. Give them any space and they are going to make you pay most of the time.
Despite what seems like a potentially tricky matchup, Golden State big man Andrew Bogut is confident. He explained why to Ethan Sherwood Strauss of ESPN.
"The offense changed this year. Last couple years, we ran a lot of isolation stuff and that plays right into Memphis' hands. You keep the ball on one split line of the court and try to iso and that's what they're all about," Bogut said. "When you swing the ball side to side, and get their guys in pick-and-rolls, move the ball, I think it's a bit more tough to guard."
This has the potential to become a long, entertaining series if Conley is able to make an impact. As far as Game 1 goes, however, the Warriors should be able to score a comfortable win.
Prediction: Warriors 107, Grizzlies 97
