We’re now two games into every second-round series in the NBA playoffs, and all four are knotted at one win apiece.
Following a rare night off Thursday night, the second round will pick up again with a pair of games Friday night, followed by two more Saturday. Here is what each of the eight remaining teams will have to do in order to find a way to advance to the conference finals:
Hawks vs. Wizards
Hawks win if: Al Horford and Paul Millsap continue to dominate their counterparts inside. The two Hawks big men are the keys to their success, as they proved by combining for 36 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists in Atlanta’s Game 2 win.
Wizards win if: John Wall can somehow play through five non-displaced fractures in his left hand and wrist. Without their all-world point guard, however, it’s hard to see how the Wizards have enough firepower to pull off the upset.
What to expect: Before the severity of Wall’s injury was revealed Thursday, the Wizards seemed to be the favorites to emerge victorious from this series. But with Wall’s effectiveness now compromised — if he is even able to play — the Hawks should find a way to advance to their first conference finals since moving to Atlanta.
Hawks in 6
Cavaliers vs. Bulls
Cavaliers win if: They keep getting surprise contributions off the bench. James Jones was huge in Game 2, going 5-for-9 from 3-point range, scoring 17 points. The Cavs need to keep getting performances like that with Kevin Love out for the rest of the playoffs.
Bulls win if: They get Good Derrick Rose more than Bad Derrick Rose. The latter showed up for Game 2, going 6-for-20 as the Bulls were routed.
What to expect: The Cavs not only are missing Love but also could be without Iman Shumpert, their best wing defender. That, combined with home-court advantage now in Chicago’s favor, should be enough to see the Bulls advance.
Bulls in 6
Warriors vs. Grizzlies
Warriors win if: They do what they’ve done all season. The Warriors shot just 6-for-26 from 3-point range in their Game 2 loss — including 2-for-11 by MVP Stephen Curry. It’s hard to see something similar happening three more times.
Grizzlies win if: They continue to control the tempo. Memphis wants the game to be played in the 80s and 90s, like its Game 2 victory. If the Grizzlies can do that, they have a chance to pull off the upset.
What to expect: The Grizzlies aren’t intimidated by anyone, and there should be an incredible atmosphere at the Grindhouse in Memphis for Games 3 and 4. But the Warriors have too much talent — and too much shooting — for the Grizzlies to contain.
Warriors in 6
Rockets vs. Clippers
Rockets win if: They get to the foul line. Houston went to the stripe an astounding 64 times in its Game 2 win Wednesday night, including a perfect 15-for-15 performance from James Harden. The MVP runner-up lives at the line, and by getting there helps keep Houston’s offense humming.
Clippers win if: They get Chris Paul back healthy. The All-Star point guard missed the first two games with a hamstring injury, and though the Clips did split the first two on the road, they’re going to need Paul to play if they want to win.
What to expect: Though hamstring injuries are tricky, expect Paul to find a way to make it back onto the court soon. Assuming he does, the Clippers will find a way to knock off a second straight Texas team and make it to the conference finals.
Clippers in 7