NBA Playoffs: Then There Were 8

The second round of the NBA playoffs is upon us and the intensity is picking up. With aging teams like the Celtics an Lakers going fishing early, the stage is set for an up and coming team like the Knicks, Grizzlies, or Warriors to break through.

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Heat vs. Bulls

The Bulls shocked the Heat in game of one with a stunning road win in Miami. The defending champs have a chance to tie the series at one a piece Wednesday evening. The 4-time MVP LeBron James and company will be coming out in full force to tie this series up. However the Heat could find themselves in big trouble if they drop a second home game to Nate Robinson and the Bulls.

Knicks vs. Pacers

The Knicks tied up the series with the Pacers Tuesday evening led by Carmelo Anthony. The Knicks are now going to have to go on the road and win at least one game in Indiana to reclaim home court advantage in this series. Roy Hibbert and the Pacers big men have big out playing the Knicks big men thus far in this series. The Knicks will get some help with the return of Amere  in game 3. However will Stat's return help the Knicks restore some balance in the paint or will the return of the former Sun throw off the Chemistry of New York?

Thunder vs. Grizzlies

After squandering a chance to steal game one in OKC, the Grizzlies out played Kevin Durant and the Thunder to send the series back to Memphis tied up at one game a piece. Mike Conley has proven that he is a top tier point guard with his play against LA and now OKC. With Russell Westbrook out for the series the Grizzlies have the advantage in the backcourt and the front court with Marc Gasol and Zack Randolph playing inspired basketball. Memphis has been a consistent contender over the past few years, and if they manage to upset the Thunder in this series they may just be the clear cut favorite to represent the west in the finals.

Warriors vs. Spurs

The Warriors squandered a chance to steal game one on the road. Despite a 16 point lead in the fourth quarter and a monster game from Stephen Curry, the Warriors lost game one to the battle tested Spurs in double overtime. Mark Jacksons young Golden State team has proven they are mentally tough beyond their years. That mental toughness will come in handy as the Warriors look to shake off game one and try to steal game two on the road and tie the series up before traveling to Golden State over the weekend.

-Joe Passarelli