Last night marked the start of the fourth and final conference semifinal in the NBA playoffs. We also got a rare sight in the form of overtime in Game 2 between Boston and Washington. Since every series is now underway, today’s “Heat Check” will be looking out how the rest of these four series will play out. Truthfully, it is looking like there won’t be much in terms of drama so here’s to hoping that we get a few surprises.

San Antonio vs. Houston (HOU leads 1-0)

How will San Antonio respond to Houston’s offensive onslaught in Game 1? Photo Credit: USA Today Sports

We’ll start with what should be the best series of the bunch. San Antonio flew under the radar for much of the regular season, while Houston was right in the spotlight due to James Harden’s MVP push. This has the potential to go the distance and be a truly epic best-of-seven series.

If Game 1 taught us anything, Houston’s dominant series win over Oklahoma City was far from a fluke. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has done a masterful job in crafting this team in the image of coach Mike D’Antoni around its superstar in Harden. Pace, space, and three-pointers are the hallmark of the Rockets, who showed that they can give the Spurs issues. Houston absolutely dominated Game 1, 126-99 in a game that stopped being competitive around halftime.

This series is going to come down to the adjustments made from game to game by each team. Houston was able to run its high-powered offense seemingly at will against San Antonio in Game 1. Spurs coach Greg Popovich will need a much more concerted effort by his team in Game 2, otherwise this series could be over quickly.

However, Game 1 might be more of the exception than the rule. San Antonio was one of the best teams at defending the three-pointer in the regular season. It would be hard to imagine that the Spurs will allow the Rockets to make it rain from downtown like Monday night.

Despite the fact that San Antonio can play much better than they did in Game 1, Houston might have their number. The Rockets lineup exposed a serious matchup problem for the Spurs. Ryan Anderson and Clint Capela were a combined +67 in Game 1 due in part to getting the Spurs frontcourt out of their element. San Antonio plays a much more traditional brand of basketball and had some serious problems dealing with the stretch 4-5 combo of Anderson and Capela. This opened up the Houston guards for a ton of open jumpers.

Winner: Houston in 6

 

Cleveland vs. Toronto (CLE leads 1-0)

With King James playing at a historic rate once again, will Toronto’s trade deadline moves be enough to topple the champs? Photo Credit: Associated Press

The true test of Toronto’s all-in push at the trade deadline came earlier than they could have imagined. Toronto made moves specifically to try and finally defeat Cleveland in the postseason. Game 1 wasn’t exactly a sign that those moves would work.

As far as the rest of the series goes, I think we all know how this story will play out. LeBron James leads the way as Cleveland makes short work of its opponent. Since James made his prodigal son’s return to “The Land” in 2014-15, the Cavaliers are 29-4 against the Eastern Conference in the postseason.

This is probably the most versatile roster that Cleveland has had during the second LeBron era, so its difficult to see how Toronto will win four out of the next six games against them. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry both need to catch fire just for starters. Then someone in the Toronto frontcourt will need to dominate the boards similar to how Bismack Biyombo did in Game 3 and Game 4 last season (40 rebounds in those games).

Toronto is a different team at home, but there is not a good chance of an upset here.

Winner: Cleveland in 5

 

Golden State vs. Utah (GS leads 1-0)

Game 1 showed that the Warriors might not have to worry about Utah’s top-ranked defense. Photo Credit: USA Today Sports

On the court, it’s been so far so good for the Warriors. Off the court has been a different story. Kevin Durant’s injuries have been a mild concern, but the real bombshell was the departure of coach Steve Kerr due to complications from his back surgery last season. It’s a real testament to how well constructed this roster and coaching staff is in Golden State.

Utah made some serious stride from last season, and found a way to scrap its way through a seven-game series against the Clippers. Unfortunately, this is where their playoff run will come to an end. As good as the Jazz are defensively, they don’t have enough offense to win this series. Also, if Rudy Gobert reinjures himself, this series could get ugly.

Last night, Utah played right into the strength of Golden State. The Warriors are an elite transition team, turning missed baskets for the opposition into easy layups or momentum building three-pointers on the other end. While the Jazz might take a game at home, this series won’t last too long (barring injuries).

Winner: Golden State in 4

 

Boston vs. Washington (BOS leads 2-0)

Usually, you try to save the best for last. Despite the fact that Boston is up 2-0 on Washington, the best in this series has yet to come. Boston needed a ridiculous 53-point performance from Isaiah Thomas to take Game 2 in overtime. Thomas overshadowed an equally great performance from John Wall (40 points and 13 assists).

The series shifts to Washington for Game 3 and Game 4, which is where this series should get really good. To put it nicely, the Wizards are not a good road team. At the friendly confines of the Verizon Center, they are a completely different team. This season, Washington was tied for the league’s fifth-best home record. In fact, both teams are among the best home teams in the NBA.

That means one road win will seriously shift the balance in this series. However, will either team steal one on the road? The jury is still out on that one. Regardless, the Thomas-Wall matchup should provide plenty of fireworks in this series. With both of these players carrying the load for their teams, someone is going to have to step up to give their stars some help.

If Washington has any chance to upset the Celtics, they will need to finish games. In both of the first two games, the Wizards opened up giant leads through the first quarter. The problem is they let the Celtics get off the mat and back into the game. That is a serious problem.

The other issue for Washington is a historical one. Boston has never lost a series when leading 2-0.

Winner: Boston in 7

 

That’s it for me today. I’ll be back tomorrow with “Curtain Call” with a column about the unwritten rules of baseball and the issues between Manny Machado and the Boston Red Sox. Follow me on Twitter @thereal_jmooney and go like the Shooting the Moon page on Facebook.