Here are the predictions as these four Game 6's hit our televisions Friday evening. It's the New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies, Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks and Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets as four teams will have a chance to clinch second round playoff berths, but only two of these four will advance tonight.
The Knicks have simply looked ugly after winning the first three games of this series. The Celtics have summoned the Boston Red Sox's 2004 attitude thinking only of the game they are playing and repeatedly asking themselves, "What do we have to lose?" If anything, they are making the NBA world respect them as many considered them too old.
Prediction: The Knicks will win today in Boston because it's this simple. The Knicks will not waste the 3-0 lead they had in the series and if they lose tonight, they will not win Game 7 despite playing at home in MSG.
Final Score: 101-88 Knicks
The Grizzlies have completely dominated the Clippers at home. In Game 3 & 4 the Grizzlies beat the Clippers by double digits. Chris Paul has been the only effective Clipper as of late. Jamal Crawford has gone cold and with an injured Blake Griffin, there is no offense in the Clippers' lineup.
Prediction: Grizzlies close out at home and once again dominate the Clippers.
Final Score: 113-102 Gasol and Randolph combine to score 51 points.
Now these are the two teams who are in real trouble as Game 6 approaches their way.
The Pacers go to Atlanta where they haven't won a game in years. It's been 13 games since the Pacers won a game at the Philip Center. This was noticeable as the Hawks were able to crush the Pacers at home. The Pacers were able to hold Game 5 and show who's the No. 3 seed in this series, but as soon as they play in Atlanta, for some reason, they play completely different basketball.
Prediction: Pacers lose to the Hawks 96-82 in Game 6
The Thunder are suffering. Suddenly, after being criticized for being too wild and lacking composure in his game, Russell Westbrook has proven he's a huge part of this team. Kevin Durant hasn't been able to do enough to lead his team to victory after they took a 3-0 lead. With Jeremy Lin out, the Rockets have shut down Durant with Francisco Garcia. Though Durant is still knocking down shots, he could probably sink 50-plus points per game had Garcia not been defending the lethal scorer.
Predictions: Thunder lose to the Rockets 116-106.
