The 2013 NBA Playoffs will have a different look in the standings after Friday's results as the Chicago Bulls host the Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors welcome the San Antonio Spurs. It will be Game 3's for both series and the winner will take a 2-1 lead in the series, standing just two games away from advancing to the Conference Finals.
The Heat and Bulls series will be entertaining to watch, though things are bound to get a little scrappy after Game 2. There were way too many fouls, the game was extremely physical and the action had no flow. Well, expect the same for the rest of the series as these referees will have a tough time keeping these guys off each other.
The Heat completely destroyed the Bulls in Game 2, which is probably why Chicago was so frustrated. They also complained about not getting any calls throughout the game. They are a prideful, physical team and there was only so much they could do in Game 2. The Bulls tried playing their usual tough and intimidating basketball, but that backfired as the Heat roared to a series tie.
The Warriors are carrying the momentum. The clearly have the advantage over the Spurs. It's hard to believe, but the Warriors have been ahead by a lot and could have easily been up 2-0 in their series had they not blown the lead late in Game 1. They led big in Game 2 and they made sure not to let that lead escape. It's now Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the dynamic duo in Golden State.
The Spurs are the veterans and they have what it takes to come back in this matchup. However, they do look a step slower and unless the Warriors shoot themselves out of a game, the Spurs look like they're in trouble in this series. It's time for the Spurs to change their game plan or find themselves down in this series.
Here's what the standings look like heading into Friday's Game 3's.
MIA 1-1 CHI
SA 1-1 GS
NYK 1-1 IND
OKC 1-1 MEM
The New York Knicks play the Indiana Pacers on Saturday as the Memphis Grizzlies will host the Oklahoma City Thunder befoer the Knicks game. Both of these will also be Game 3's.