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NBA Playoff Schedule 2016: TV Info, Predictions for Conference Finals Matchups
- Updated: May 22, 2016
The NBA Conference Finals are producing plenty of storylines leading up the Finals.
In the East, the Raptors finally showed some life in a series that appeared to be headed toward one-sided domination. Toronto put on a great performance in Game 3, closing the Cavaliers’ lead to 2-1 on the heels of a 99-84 win.
The Western Conference matchup was never difficult to sell. The star power of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant taking on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors built expectations and has lived up to those thus far with both teams split at one apiece heading to Oklahoma City.
With both series getting interesting for different reasons, you won’t want to miss the action. Here’s a look at the complete schedule for both series and a prediction as to who will emerge.
Eastern Conference
Through the first two games, it appeared that the Toronto Raptors were dead on arrival in the Eastern Conference Finals. After their grueling seven-game series with the Miami Heat, they were run out of the gym by the Cavaliers in Games 1 and 2.
But a return to Toronto was exactly what the Raptors needed. They made the series interesting with a 99-84 win in Game 3. Now Game 4 will determine what the rest of the series looks like.
Historically speaking, the Raptors winning Game 3 shouldn’t actually be surprising. According to ESPN Stats & Info, most teams in Toronto’s situation find success in the third game.
Teams that lost Games 1 & 2 in Conf Finals by 15+ Pts are now 6-1 in Game 3. However, each of prev 6 lost series. pic.twitter.com/IYBne0lZLZ
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 22, 2016
Unfortunately, that success doesn’t last. Looking at how the Raptors won Game 3, they’re likely to add to that trend.
The win was fueled by performances that aren’t sustainable. Bismack Biyombo is a good rebounder, but the odds that he can continue to track down 26 boards like he did in Game 3 on a nightly basis are roughly the same as Drake actually picking a team and sticking with it.
Biyombo had nine …
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