NBA Playoffs: Conference Semifinals Predictions

Round one featured a few sweeps and a few down-to-the-wire seven game series. However, the big story of the opening round was injuries and the affect they had on many teams (Bulls, Magic, Knicks). From 16 down to 8, here are our Voice sportswriters predictions for the Semifinals.

Eastern Conference:

(2) Miami Heat vs. (3) Indiana Pacers

Ryan Tartaglia: Heat over Pacers in 5 -- This is going to be a competitive series but Miami will be too much for the Pacers.

Brandon Crosby: Heat over Pacers in 6 -- Pacers are underrated and have a good big man which is Miami's kryptonite, but the Heat are just too experienced.

Eric Russo: Heat over Pacers in 7 -- The Knicks may not have been much trouble for the Heat but the upstart Indiana Pacers will pose much more of a threat for the Big Three. However, in the end the Heat will prove that they are the favorite to win it all for a reason.

Andy Deossa: Heat over Pacers in 6 -- It’ll be an interesting series for sure, but Miami will beat Indiana with speed and power. It’s going to take a strong effort to stop the Heat and I don’t see the Pacers being capable of doing so. Also, Miami beat Indiana three of the four times they met in the regular season.

Ethan Hartley: Heat over Pacers in 6 -- The Pacers can't match the firepower of the Heat. I expect Miami to blow a game or two in Indiana but they'll prevail on their home court.

(4) Boston Celtics vs. (8) Philadelphia 76ers

RT: Celtics over 76ers in 6 -- Boston should sweep, but I have yet to see the entire Big 4 play well in one game.

BC: Celtics over 76ers in 6 -- Both teams are very similar but the experience of the Celtics will just simply win out at the end.

ER: Celtics over 76ers in 7 -- The Celtics struggled at times against Philly in the regular season, but they are the better team on paper and have been given a golden opportunity to advance to the Eastern Conference finals. If Kevin Garnett continues to play like the KG of back in the day, there's no way Boston squanders that opportunity.

AD: Celtics over 76ers in 7 -- Whether it was Paul Pierce taking over without Rajon Rondo in Game 2 or Kevin Garnett stealing the show in Game 6, the Celtics' veterans showed why they are such a feared playoff team. Experience in itself will advance Boston to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, believe it or not, the end of the road is coming up for the C's.

EH: Celtics over 76ers in 7 -- The Sixers are well equipped and young enough to give the Celtics fits away from the Garden. But the Sixers have also shown serious offensive inconsistencies and Boston's defense will be the deciding factor.