NBA Playoff Schedule 2016: Wednesday TV Coverage and Game 5 Picks

Some unfortunate injuries have put a damper on this year’s NBA playoffs, but there’s been plenty of entertaining basketball in the first round.

Many of the opening series were predictably dull. The San Antonio Spurs were always going to wipe the floor with the injury-ravaged Memphis Grizzlies, and the Cleveland Cavaliers weren’t going to be caught off guard by the inexperienced Detroit Pistons. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant (to a lesser extent) of the Oklahoma City Thunder were never going to fall victim to an old Dallas Mavericks squad.

However, four of the other five series ended up tied after four games. Two of those series return to action for Game 5 on Wednesday, along with the Stephen Curry-less Warriors as they try to close out the Houston Rockets at Oracle Arena.

We’ll check out the TV schedule for the three games and then preview and predict all three of Wednesday’s Game 5 matchups.

Game 5 Picks

Charlotte Hornets at Miami Heat (Series tied 2-2)

What happened to the Miami Heat offense? In Games 1 and 2 at home, Miami scored 123 and 115 points, respectively, making the Charlotte Hornets look helpless on defense. In Games 3 and 4 on the road, it quickly regressed to the mean, scoring just 80 and 85 points, respectively.

So, what should we be expecting in Game 5? Probably something between the Heat’s extreme showings at home and on the road.

Somewhat concerning for the Hornets is their lack of wing depth, as Nicolas Batum is struggling with a strain in his left foot. Courtney Lee has played 42 minutes in three consecutive games now, …

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