NBA Prelims Update

Six is the operative number thus far in the NBA playoffs as six preliminary series will go at least six games.

While the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs swept the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers respectively (all eight times the Lakers have been down (3-0) in a playoff series they were swept out in four games), the other six series have some intrigue and will go at least six games.

Three series favorites, with home court advantage, still have that advantage and three to two, series leads. Those teams, the West one seed, Oklahoma City Thunder, (vs the Houston Rockets) the New York Knicks (vs the Boston Celtics) and Indiana Pacers (vs the Atlanta Hawks) are still big favorites to advance. The Thunder, however, have lost one of their stars Russell Westbrook to injury.

Meanwhile series underdogs, sans home court advantage, the Memphis Grizzlies, (vs the Los Angeles Clippers), Golden State Warriors, (vs the Denver Nuggets) and Chicago Bulls (vs the Brooklyn Nets) get a chance to win their series at home in game 6. A home team loss results in a decisive seventh game on the road.

Russell Westbrook