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NBA 2023 Playoffs: Semi Conference Finals Predictions

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The 2023 NBA playoffs are heating up as eight teams find themselves entrenched in the semi-conference finals. In the East, the fifth-seed New York Knicks are taking on the eighth-seed Miami Heat. On the other side of the Eastern bracket, the second-seed Boston Celtics battle against the third-seed Philadelphia 76ers. In the West, the first-seed Denver Nuggets are facing off with the fourth-seed Phoenix Suns. In addition, the other side of the Western bracket features the seventh-seed Los Angeles Lakers against the sixth-seed Golden State Warriors.

There is a uniqueness to this year’s NBA playoffs, as many of the final teams entered as lower seeds. Both the Lakers and Heat made the playoffs through the play-in tournament, and yet they have now positioned themselves to make a run at the championship. Because of this, predictions for the conference finals have been all over the place. As the semi-conference finals wrap up, here’s a look at our NBA playoffs 2023 predictions for the conference finals.

Knicks Vs. Heat

NBA Playoffs semi conference finals - knicks vs heat
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Winner: Miami Heat

The Miami Heat currently hold a 3-1 lead against the New York Knicks and it is likely that the Heat will be able to hold onto this lead and advance. While the Knicks showed great improvement this year, in large part due to their free agency signing of Jalen Brunson, the Heat’s playoff experience has gotten the better of the Knicks in this series. New York impressed in their series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the Heat have been in full control of this series since Game 1.

With Jimmy Butler leading, the Miami Heat’s defense has suffocated the Knicks throughout the series. In Game 3, the Knicks only scored 86 points and have barely cracked the 100-point mark in most games. Along with this, the Heat’s mix of experienced veterans such as Kevin Love and Kyle Lowry and young newcomers such as Gabe Vincent and Max Strus has played their individual roles perfectly. Despite being the eighth seed, Miami has figured it out come playoff time. The Heat made the NBA Finals as a fifth seed in 2020, so Miami is no stranger to winning as an underdog. Although there’s no telling what the Knicks have in store, our NBA playoffs 2023 predictions for the semi-conference finals are leaning towards the Heat.

76ers Vs. Celtics

76ers vs celtics semi conference finals
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Winner: Philadelphia 76ers

Perhaps the most competitive series so far has been between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics. The 76ers recently won two straight and took a 3-2 lead heading into Boston for game 6. Led by MVP Joel Embiid and James Harden, the 76ers’ star power has been on full display throughout the series. While the Celtics’ own stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have also played well, it is the difference of Embiid that will propel the 76ers into the next round.

The MVP has scored 30 or more points in the last three games of the series and Boston has been unable to find a way to stop him. While it seems this series may go to game 7, with Embiid healthy, it appears the 76ers will be hard to beat twice in a row. Because of their crucial game 5 victory, the 76ers look to be in full control of the series. Barring injury, the 76ers look like they will win this one. It is difficult to count the Celtics out, but it is even harder to bet against Joel Embiid.

Lakers Vs. Warriors

lakers vs gsw
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Winner: Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have been a curious case this year. Despite injuries and on-court struggles, much like the Heat, they found their rhythm at the right time. Both Anthony Davis and Lebron have played in top form throughout the playoffs. Along with this, mid-season acquisitions D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura have played significant roles in the Lakers’ late-season successes. While the Golden State Warriors are tough, a grueling seven-game series against the Sacramento Kings may have left the Warriors without much gas in the tank.

As the Lakers currently hold a 3-1 lead in the series, it seems that they will go on to win. Coming off a tough seven-game series, it appears that the Warriors do not have enough to overcome such a tall task. The Lakers’ offense has clicked all series and shows no sign of slowing down, as Lebron and AD combined for 50 points in game 4. The Lake Show will look to close out Golden State in the Bay Area in game 5.

Nuggets Vs. Suns

nuggets vs suns
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Winner: Denver Nuggets

The Phoenix Suns overloaded their roster with a trade for Kevin Durant at this year’s trade deadline in hopes of winning an NBA Championship. However, behind Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets currently hold a 3-2 lead and look ready to finish the series. Jokic posted a triple-double in game 5 and it seems that the Nuggets are on the brink of playing in the conference finals. While the Suns have been impressive in this series, an injury to Chris Paul has significantly hurt Phoenix’s chances.

Role players such as Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Bruce Brown have been crucial for the Nuggets’ success and the entire team is executing at a high level, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Aside from game 1, each of the following games has been a shootout, and without Chris Paul, it will be difficult for the Suns to go bucket for bucket with the Nuggets. Much like Joel Embiid and the 76ers, it is difficult to bet against Nikola Jokic, especially when his team holds a 3-2 lead. Because of this, the Nuggets will finish off this series in the next few games and become one step closer to an NBA Championship.

Kim Kardashian “Absolutely Not” Dating Any Lakers Players: Report

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Kim Kardashian is “absolutely not” dating any players on the Los Angeles Lakers, despite rumors to the contrary. TMZ reports that she is merely a big fan of the team. She’s been in attendance at several games throughout the NBA Playoffs. At games Games 3 and 4 of the Lakers’ second-round series against the Golden State Warriors, Kardashian sat courtside with her friend Sarah Staudinger.

Staudinger is married to Kardashian’s agent, Ari Emanuel, who TMZ says owns the courtside seats. Kardashian has also sat with Kris Jenner. Khloe Kardashian’s ex, Tristan Thompson, currently plays for the Lakers, although sources say Kim would be in attendance regardless.

Read More: Kim Kardashian’s NBA Courtside Outfit Makes It Clear She Likes Smart Men

Kim Kardashian & Sarah Staudinger At Game 4

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: Kim Kardashian (L) and Sarah Staudinger attend a playoff basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on May 08, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

It appears that Kardashian is still single since her split from Pete Davidson last year. In recent weeks, she’s been seen continuing to co-parent her four children with ex-husband Kanye West. On Sunday, the two attended Saint’s soccer game and were reportedly on amicable terms.

Kardashian previously spoke about co-parenting with West during an appearance on the Angie Martinez IRL podcast in December. “It’s hard. Shit like co-parenting, it’s really fucking hard,” she shared while beginning to cry. “I had the best dad. And I had the best memories and the greatest experience. And that’s all I want for my kids. As long as they can have that, that’s what I want for them. So, if they don’t know things that are being said, or what’s happening in the world, why would I ever bring that energy to them? That’s real heavy, heavy grown-up shit. And they’re not ready to deal with it, you know? When they are, we’ll have those conversations. And I’ll be so prepared. But until then, I’ll do anything to keep their life as normal as possible.”

Read More: Ye & Bianca Censori Attend North West’s Basketball Game, Kim Kardashian Also There

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Nia Long And Adele Sit Courtside Together At Lakers Vs. Wariors Game

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The NBA playoffs are not only home to the season’s best teams, packed-out games, and some of the best scoring all season. Fans are surprised with which celebrities have earned the game’s best view of being courtside. During Saturday’s game three matchups of the Los Angeles Lakers against the Golden State Warriors, Nia Long was spotted sitting next to vocal powerhouse Adele. The two were spotted leaning in and smiling in conversation. Additionally, the two add beauty to the game’s courtside.

Both Nia Long and Adele are not new to courtside life. Adele is engaged to NBA Agent, Rich Paul. Paul is the agent of Lebron James. He is also the head of sports at the United Talent Agency. As for Nia Long, she is the former girlfriend of now Houston Rocket’s coach Ime Udoka. Udoka is the former head coach of the Boston Celtics, who tied their series with the Pillidelpia 76ers last night. Last year, Udoka was fired as the head coach as his cheating scandal became public. The firing was due to the league’s strict regulation of an inappropriate relationship with female staffers. Nia and Ime share an 11-year-old son together from their 13-year-long relationship.

Nia Long & Adele at Game Three

Adele attends the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half in game three of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 06, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Moreover, Nia has expressed her feelings about the breakup numerous times on social media. Her latest post stated “The best revenge is no revenge. Move on. Be Happy.” She has also made several public appearances on movie premiere red carpet events. During January’s red carpet of the You People premier, she took a series of photos with Omarion which created dating rumors. She has maintained her single status addressing the claims.

Furthermore, Nia’s public appearances have all received praise following the breakup. Her courtside appearance adds to the celebration as she continues to partake in public activities. The Lakers will face the Warriors on Monday night for game four of the series. The Lakers are leading the series by one win.

Jarred Vanderbilt Accused Of Returning Tunnel Fit

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The Los Angeles Lakers are currently locked in the midst of a fierce battle in the second round of the NBA playoffs. After historic performances saw the seven-seed Lakers steal a game on the road against the Warriors, they suffered a 27-point rout in Game 2.

Lakers power forward Jarred Vanderbilt is having a decent series against the Warriors. While not a prolific shooter, Vanderbilt earned praise for his ability to lock down Steph Curry in Game 1. Overall, his tangible stats are 4-for-14 shooting, 14 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals in 46 minutes across the first two games of the series. However, it’s not Vanderbilt’s on-court performance that has him generating headlines.

Saks Fifth Avenue Employee Accuses Vanderbilt Of “Wearing To Return”

Vanderbilt’s tunnel fit for Tuesday’s Game 1 was a patterned overshirt and blue courtesy calf-length pants. However, there is now an allegation surrounding his outfit. According to the Instagram user “sfc.og”, who claims to be an employee at Saks Fifth Avenue, Vanderbilt bought the outfit on Monday, only to return it later in the week. “Nice guy but…bought 2k worth of clothes Monday. This outfit specially. Wore it to tunnel and post game Tuesday. Then returned it yesterday. I wasn’t at the store and someone took the return. Lord knows why. Obviously used clothing. Mayn if I didn’t have a reason to hate the Lakers and root for home turf now I have more reason. Boooooo @jvando. Ya bum.”

While there is a culture of wearing to return (consignment), that clearly isn’t what is being alleged here. According to this self-professed Warriors fan, Vanderbilt bought a fit for the tunnel for $2,000 and then returned it after he was done with it. Obviously, this is one side of the story and Vanderbilt has not commented on the allegations as of yet. The claim does need to be taken with a grain of salt given the source’s anti-Lakers bias, and the fact that they did not see the return themselves. Meanwhile, people are split in the comments of The Neighborhood Talk post that collated the information. Some people shared their own experiences of people trying to return worn clothing. Meanwhile, many others warned the source that they were likely about to get fired. But what do you think about the situation? Let us know in the comments below.

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Tom Holland And Zendaya Spotted At Warriors-Lakers

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On May 4, the Warriors showed out to even their second-round NBA playoff series against the Lakers. The Warriors routed the Lakers 127-100 in front of their home crowd at Chase Center. There were plenty of famous faces in the crowd including Joe Montana, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Sam Darnold. The official attendance was 18,064, a sell-out crowd at Chase Center. The Warriors have been a dominant force at home this season. They have lost just 10 games at the Chase Center.

Also present, representing the world of acting, was the young power couple of Tom Holland and Zendaya. The pair, who co-star in the Marvel Spider-Man films, have been dating since 2017. They are one of the best-known, and most-loved, young couples in Hollywood. The couple was seen eagerly cheering on the home team as the Warriors balled out.

Tom Holland And Zendaya Cheer For The Warriors

The couple’s Warriors fandom makes sense as Zendaya is originally from the Oakland area. Zendaya was especially vocal, cheering for every big moment from the Warriors. She also sported a Black Golden State cap for much of the game. Dutiful as always, Holland joined his girlfriend in celebrating the big moments of the game. The Warriors hit 21 threes during the game, with the Splash Brothers fully on display. The series moves to LA for Game 3 on May 6.

However, there’s only so much entertainment that can be found in a 27-point blowout win. As the game wore on and any chance of a Lakers comeback was extinguished, Holland in particular noticed the crowd having a bit of fun with him. At one point in the game, with the Warriors up 30, the trio of active 49ers began miming shooting spiderwebs at Holland. As Fox 40 producer Sean Cunningham noted on Twitter, “30 point Warriors blowout, so I was entertained by Zendaya and Spider-Man actor Tom Holland catching 49ers players George Kittle, Sam Darnold and Christian McCaffrey practice shooting spiderwebs while seated courtside.” Of course, this is a reference to Holland’s stint as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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Warriors Bounce Back With Blowout Win Over Lakers

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The Lakers were historic in Game 1 of their second-round series against the Warriors. With Anthony Davis becoming the first Laker to drop a 30-20 since Shaq, the Lakers pulled off a 117-112 victory. The Lakers once again made a statement as they took the lead on yet another higher seed. LeBron and co had already seen off the two-seed Grizzlies.

That left the Warriors in a hole, and with a lot of soul-searching to do. They had played well, putting up 21 threes, but they had let the Lakers slip by them. They needed to lock it down on the backcourt while keeping their volume shooting high. But most importantly, they couldn’t fall to 0-2. Not again.

Warriors Rout Lakers By 27

While the Warriors didn’t make history with their three-point shooting like in Game 1, it was a key to their victory. Behind Steph and Klay, Golden State shot 21-42 from three. That was combined with holding the Lakers to just 10 makes from beyond the arc. In total, the Splash Brothers combined for 50 points with Klay Thompson leading all scorers with 30 points. The Warriors’ defensive efforts were also crucial, putting up 42 defensive rebounds. Overall, Golden State out-rebounded the Lakers by 15. They also won despite the decision to bench Kevin Looney in favor of Jamychal Green to start the game. However, the small-ball approach worked, with Green putting up 15 points in 13 minutes.

The Lakers’ attempt to go up 2-0 was led by LeBron and Rui Hachimura. LeBron had a team-high 23 points, while Hachimura added 20 from the bench. Anthony Davis was not able to replicate his Game 1 performance, putting up just 11 points in 33 minutes. The other Lakers starters, Jarred Vanderbilt and Austin Reaves, combined for 13 points. Now it’s the Lakers’ turn to be on the back foot, striving to find answers on how to bounce back. With the Warriors as deadly as ever from the three-point range, perimeter defense is a must for the Lakers. The Warriors can’t be allowed to make 21 threes, let alone attempt 42. The series heads to LA for May 6’s Game 3. Be sure to make HotNewHipHop your go-to place for all the latest sports news.

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Lakers Put Up Historic Performance To Top Warriors

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After dominating the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers had made their intentions clear. They may be the seven-seed, but they are no underdog. Meanwhile, the Warriors overcame an 0-2 deficit to top the Sacramento Kings in the first round. After Draymond Green’s mid-series suspension, the Warriors came alive. Behind Steph, Klay, and their deep supporting cast, they flashed their potential once again.

Those two series victories set up an all-star, all-California second-round series. However, despite the tantalizing premise of LeBron versus Steph, the two teams have surprisingly little playoff history. This 2023 series is just the eighth playoff matchup between the Lakers and Warriors. Furthermore, it is the first time they have met in the playoffs since 1991. Heading into Tuesday’s Game 1, the Lakers led the Warriors 24-11 in playoff matches.

Lakers Prevail in High-Scoring, Historic Matchup

The Lakers came into this matchup knowing that if they wanted to stand any chance of winning, they needed to lock down on defense. Specifically, they needed to defend the perimeter in a way they hadn’t against the Grizzlies. They would also need to dominate the backcourt paint to ensure Steph and Klay didn’t spend the whole night being fed second chances. In this regard, they absolutely succeeded. Anthony Davis pulled down 19 defensive rebounds on a 23-rebound night. He also recorded the first 30-20 game by a Laker since Shaq. LeBron also put up a double-double, with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

However, the Warriors never let the Lakers run away with the game. Despite increased perimeter defense, Golden State made some history of their own. Steph, Klay, and Jordan Poole became the first trio in NBA playoff history to all make at least six threes in a game. In fact, with 9.1 seconds remaining, Poole had the chance to tie the game at 115. However, his three-point attempt from 28 feet out didn’t sink and the Lakers held on for a 117-112 win. This was just the tenth loss the Warriors had suffered at home this season. Despite the disappointment, they have shown that they can keep pace with the Lakers. The series will resume on Thursday.

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Dillon Brooks Breaks Silence On LeBron James After Subtweet

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Dillon Brooks has broken his silence on his beef with LeBron James following the Memphis Grizzlies’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the NBA playoffs. James appeared to subtweet Brooks by quoting JAY-Z lyrics on Saturday night as the Lakers advanced to the second round. Despite the defeat, Brooks says he has no regrets about angering LeBron James.

“That’s who I am,” he told reporters on Sunday. “I’m a competitor. I compete. I don’t think it got LeBron ‘geeked’ up. He’s back in the playoffs, it’d been a little while. He was ready to play.” Prior to the comments, the NBA announced that it had fined Brooks $25,000 for “failure to participate in team postgame media availability during the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs.”

Dillon Brooks Guards LeBron James

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – APRIL 16: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at FedExForum on April 16, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

“Unlike you little ****, I’m a grown ass man,” James’ tweet reads. “Big shoes to fill, grown ass pants. Prolly hustled with your pops, go ask your parents. It’s apparent you’re staring at a legend. Who put a few little **** in they place before. Trying to eat without saying they grace before!” The quote comes from JAY-Z’s song, “Trouble,” off of 2006’s Kingdom Come. James also posted on Instagram, “If you ever see me fighting in the forest with a Grizzly bear, HELP THE BEAR.”

Things between Brooks and James really heated up as the games went on between the Lakers and Grizzlies. After taking Game 2, Brooks told reporters, “I don’t care, he’s old. You know what I mean? I was expecting him to do that game four, game five. He wanted to say something when I got my fourth foul, he should’ve been saying that earlier on. I poke bears, I don’t respect no one until they come and give me 40. I pride myself on what I do.”

LeBron James Appears To Subtweet Dillon Brooks

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Saint West Rocks Tristan Thompson’s Lakers Jersey While Sitting Courtside With Kim Kardashian

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Kim Kardashian most often makes headlines for her time spent with her 9-year-old daughter, North West, but on Monday (April 24), it was her and eldest son Saint West’s turn to shine. The duo arrived at Crypto.com Arena last night along with Kris Jenner and her beau Corey Gamble to watch the Los Angeles Lakers face off against the Memphis Grizzlies. While the socialite looked like a cast member in The Matrix with her futuristic all-black outfit, the young boy took the opportunity to pay tribute to his cousin’s father, Tristan Thompson.

The basketball player and his ex, Khloé Kardashian, are said to be working on their relationship right now (though she was just seen dining with Lil Baby), and he was recently traded to the California-based team. Over his own black outfit, West wore an oversized #9 jersey with Thompson’s name on the back, obviously excited to cheer his extended family member on. While some saw the moment as cute, others called the SKIMS founder “sick” for letting Saint wear Tristan’s jersey after his countless bouts of infidelity against her sister.

Saint West Sits Courtside with Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian and Saint West attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena on April 24, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

Though she previously gave the Canadian the cold shoulder when he first cheated, Kim has since formed a friendship with the athlete. As he and Khloé work through their issues together, the mother of four has always been supportive of their relationship and actively works to keep her children out of any family drama that may be circulating in the media. The internet may think Kardashian is being shady, but in truth, Saint likely knows little about the problems unfolding around him.

Prior to her night out with the 7-year-old and her own family matriarch, Kim Kardashian and North turned heads this past weekend while walking the red carpet together. At the time, the TikTok starlet’s attitude undeniably stole the show and has earned many laughs online. Scroll on to see more photos of Saint West and his mom at the NBA playoffs. Afterward, let us know if you’re excited to see Tristan Thompson join the Lakers in the comments below.

More Photos from the NBA Playoffs

Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Saint West attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena on April 24, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Corey Gamble, Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Saint West attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena on April 24, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Kris Jenner watches Kim Kardashian takes a selfie with Saint West during a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena on April 24, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

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LeBron James Makes Dillon Brooks Look Small With Game-Winning Basket: Watch

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LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were not looking so good at the beginning of the NBA season. With Russell Westbrook on the roster, the team had absolutely no chemistry. However, they have since added a ton of great pieces that gel well with LeBron and Anthony Davis. Although it is not going to be an easy road as a seventh seed, the Lakers are looking like a team that can upset the Western Conference. Overall, this would be fantastic for the NBA, as LeBron remains the most popular player.

In the first round against the Memphis Grizzlies, there has been a lot of trash talk. This is especially true when it comes to Dillon Brooks. The hated Grizzlies star has called LeBron “old” on numerous occasions. Although, since that time, LeBron James has had his number. Call it karmic justice, but there is no doubt that Brooks probably regrets those comments. That was especially true last night, as the Lakers and Grizzlies found themselves in overtime in Game 4. With a 3-1 series lead on the line with under one minute to play, LeBron scored over Dillon Brooks, ensuring the victory.

LeBron James Gets One Over Dillon Brooks

In the video clip above, it is very clear that Brooks was simply no match for LeBron and his incredible athleticism. Even at the age of 38, James can still notch 22 points and 20 rebounds in a game. It is phenomenal to watch, and we hope to see more of this throughout the playoffs. However, LeBron James and his teammates will need to go to Memphis for Game 5. It will not be an easy match to win, although James and his teammates have been in this spot before. Perhaps the experience will prove to be too much for the Grizz to handle.

No matter what, it is clear that this has been one of the best series of the entire playoffs thus far. It is only going to get better from here on out, especially with both of these teams staring down either the Sacramento Kings or the Golden State Warriors. Let us know who you think is going to end up winning this series, in the comments section below.

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