After watching Tuesday night’s games, my expectations of the bubble have been surpassed. The amount of purely great basketball we have seen despite all the obstacles off the court is truly amazing. The bubble itself has created an environment that even the fans cannot top. With the league now cut down to 4 teams, we have some stellar matchups lined up. Two teams in the East may have the better matchup on paper, but there may be some playoff heroics out West as well.

The Bubble Atmosphere

Much like a summer camp, the bubble has really brought the best or worst out in some players. Since this league is player driven, their personalities have really been able to shine without fans at the game. You may have seen the beef with Damian Lillard, Pat Bev and Paul George. That was an issue that if there were fans, probably would not have happened like that. Lillard heard Beverly laughing when he missed the free throws. If there are fans, there will be too many people screaming to hear him laughing from the bench.

On the flip side, we have seen players flourish in the bubble. Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Marcus Smart and Tyler Herro are some just off the top of my head. These guys have taken advantage of this situation where momentum is such a big factor. These guys are momentum players and thrive in more of the pickup attitude that the bubble is providing. All of this together is what has made this season’s playoffs even more fun to watch.

Now, let’s get to the takes.

Finals Predictions

The East:

After seeing two game of this series, you can already tell it has the potential to go seven games. Boston and Miami matchup so well against each other. You have Boston, with all the young talent and top heavy lineup. On the other hand, you have the best 1-9 lineup in the NBA in Miami. In both games one and two, Boston had two leads by at least 10 points in the second half. Those are leads you cannot squander if you want to go to the NBA Finals. This team has the talent and most of the experience needed. With their backs against the wall, they need to check what kind of heart they have.

Looking at it from the other side, all credit and props to Miami. They have been knockdown on the the offensive end and nothing short of tenacious on defense. they are forcing the Celtics out of their game on both offense and defense, forcing isolated shots and getting open looks on their side. Even though this team does not have a “superstar”, they have guys who are getting the job done when it matters. It does not even have to be Jimmy Butler, as you saw in game 1 with Tyler Herro’s huge 3.

I really do want to see this go seven games, but it may be too late for that. I will say Miami in six, because they really do seem to be a handful for Boston.

The West:

Out West, we have ONE of the Los Angeles teams in the Lakers against the Nuggets. In case you were under a rock last week, yes the Nuggets came back from 3-1 AGAIN. It is pretty crazy to see how well a team can play when they can’t afford to lose. L.A. has also been on their own trend as well in the playoffs. Lose the first game, then gentleman’s sweep. So, will Denver win the first? If so, what happens when they go down 3-1, will LeBron and AD close the door? I think so.

I am normally not one to root for LeBron, but this seems like the playoffs were tailor-made for him to go to the Finals. Catching all of these teams after they had to grind tooth and nail to get to the next round. In this series, I think the same will happen to Denver that happened to Portland and Houston, they will get tired.

Also, this is no disrespect to Denver either, they have had one hell of a run this playoffs. Jamal Murray and Jokic have been so impressive as a duo. The fact that they are only 22 and 25 respectively should have the rest of the league super scared. Right now is just not their time; their defense is not there yet and neither is the consistency from game to game (besides Jokic).

With that being said, veteran teams are the ones that normally make their way to the finals. For that reason, I say Lakers in 6.

Playoff Basketball continues tonight at 9PM ET. with game one of Lakers vs. Nuggets.