The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Around the NBA Playoffs and other stuff

By Ken Jaskulski

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 27: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers disagrees with a calll against the Indiana Pacers in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 27, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 27: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers disagrees with a calll against the Indiana Pacers in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 27, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers aren’t the only team in the NBA Playoffs.

As Philadelphia 76ers fans patiently await their round two opponent, other NBA playoff action continues.

UTAH BEATS OKC, WINS SERIES 4-2

Game 6 showed why Kevin Durant left and Paul George will be leaving OKC.  In Utah’s Game 6 closeout, Russell Westbrook took 43 shots to score 45 points.  No top player in the NBA wants to play with a ball-dominant point guard.  OKC should follow Houston’s lead and bring back a point guard and move Westbrook back to shooting guard spot.

Utah played inspired team basketball with Ricky Rubio stepping up his game and Donovan Mitchell playing like a star when Utah needed baskets. Utah may give Houston some problems, even if Rubio is out.  Rudy Gobert is one center that can cause problems for Clint Capela.

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TORONTO BEATS WASHINGTON, WINS SERIES 4-2

Washington is yet another example of a point guard-dominated team that says goodbye to the playoffs early. Toronto had the best record in the East this year because they were a more balanced team, with balanced scoring and a stronger bench.  Also Kyle Lowery took a step back offensively.

Toronto has finally learned how to close out games on the road, which will make them a tougher playoff out.  Washington has to figure out how to get better, which will be difficult with most of their cap space spent on John Wall, Bradley Beal and Otto Porter.

INDIANA CRUSHES CLEVELAND, GAME 7 COMING

Indiana forced a Game 7 by dominating Cleveland.  Even if Cleveland wins Game 7, they don’t have enough to get past Toronto.  James looks to be expending the same amount of energy he did in the finals against Golden State years ago.  As good as James is, he doesn’t have enough in the tank to carry Cleveland through a Game 7 and three additional series.

GOLDEN STATE-NEW ORLEANS SERIES

New Orleans is playing at a high level and can possibly take Golden State to six games.  Golden State wins either with or without Stephen Curry.  Defensively, Golden State has enough to slow up Jrue Holiday, and the Warriors have enough bodies in Draymond Green, JaVale McGee, Kevon Looney and Zaza Pachulia to at least slow down Anthony Davis.

Who will be covering Kevin Durant?

Related Story: Who should the Sixers want in the 2nd round?

MILWAUKEE-BOSTON GAME 7

Milwaukee and Boston are playing for the right to lose to Philly in the semi-finals.  Neither team has shown the ability to win on the road, while Philadelphia has.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

House money says that both Simmons and Mitchell are co-Rookies of the Year.  Simmons should win, however the continuing NBA conspiracy against the 76ers and the “process” players will not allow Simmons to win the award outright.

LEAGUE MVP

James Harden will win it because it’s his year and his turn, but LeBron James should win.  Without James, Cleveland is a lottery team.  Remove Harden from the Rockets and they still make the playoffs.

LEAGUE CHAMP

Next: 2018 NBA Draft Big Board 6.0

Take your pick of Golden State, Houston or Philadelphia.