NBA Playoffs: Day 9 Picks

Welcome to the Truda Report everybody.  I'm sorry for not getting a post out yesterday, but I had no free time to write. Today I'll be giving my picks for the games this afternoon, and then hopefully as the work week begins Monday I'll be able to get back on top of posting every day again. Make sure to follow my Instagram @thetrudareport for updates on when I post.

Update on my picks:
Games: 16-6
​Series:0-0

​Cleveland Cavaliers @ Indiana Pacers:
I originally picked the Cavs to win, which is clearly going to happen, but I said I thought it was going to be a 5 game series. The Pacers have had blown 2 chances to win games now, so I'm backtracking on my 5 game series prediction. I'm taking Cleveland in this afternoon's game, just because the Pacers have shown an inability to win. This game would clearly be the time for Indiana to win because they are on the brink of elimination and they are at home, but I have no faith in them after watching LeBron single handedly carry his team to victory after down 25 points.

​Houston Rockets @ Oklahoma City Thunder:
​Just like I said, the Thunder always have a chance when at home. It worries me though that the game was decided by only 2 points. The Rockets have either been in control or have had a shot to win every game of this series, and this next game could come down to one James Harden shot at the end. Despite this, I'll take the Thunder to win today's game just because I said this series was going 6 games. I think that it will be another close one, and to reinforce what I just said, this game could go either way if it stays close. Anyways, I'm going to ride with the Thunder.

Boston Celtics @ Chicago Bulls:
​The Bulls looked anemic on Friday night, and I think the loss came down to crappy point guard play and Jimmy Butler struggling early in the game. I don't expect Butler to play that poorly again, but the Chicago backup guards are less than encouraging. I think the Bulls can win this game  with good play off the bench and good three point shooting, but I'm not sure if they will be able to do that. As a Bulls homer, I'm going to have to take the Bulls for the fourth straight game, but I am truly scared to death that this series is going to be tied 2-2 at 9 PM E.T. tonight.

​Los Angeles Clippers @ Utah Jazz:
​Blake Griffin has played his last game as a Clipper. For the second straight year he has been injured in the first round of the Playoffs, and without Chris Paul turning back the clock dropping 34 on Friday night, LA would be losing this series. I picked the Jazz incorrectly last game, but I will take them to win tonight because I don't see Chris Paul putting the team on his back two straight game. I still think the Clippers can win this series, but I don't see them winning tonight.