![Anthony Davis gives the Pelicans star power. [Image via ID 44488576 © Natursports | Megapixl]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/4/23/660x290/b_502x220x82/anthony-davis-gives-the-pelicans-star-power-id-44488576-c-natursports-megapixlcom_1954641.jpg "Anthony Davis gives the Pelicans star power. [Image via ID 44488576 © Natursports | Megapixl]")
One of the problems with the NBA is that there is usually little doubt as to who has a shot at the championship. This year, there is a little more suspense than most seasons. The usual suspects, like the Warriors, Cavs, and Rockets are there, but there are more possibilities emerging. The Rockets and Warriors are progressing without a lot of resistance, but the Cavs are having a tough go of it. In addition, the big three may no longer be the most interesting teams in the playoffs.
Cavs and Pacers are providing more drama than expected
The Cavs and Pacers are currently tied at two games each in their first-round series.
Look for the Cavs to prevail, but it's going to wear on LeBron to carry the team in this series. The Pacers had a chance to go up 3-1 in this series but didn't execute down the stretch. There is a feeling they had LeBron and the Cavs the ropes. They'll regret not putting them away.
The 76ers are becoming a force, and quickly
The most interesting team in the East is the Philadelphia 76ers. They polished off the Miami Heat Tuesday night (April 24) by a score of 104-91. The game was tied at the half at 46. But even then, the 76ers looked like a cat playing with a mouse. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid did what they generally do. Simmons put up 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Embiid had 19 points and 12 rebounds.
In addition to their young stars, the Sixers are getting excellent play out of their veterans. The underrated Marco Belinelli scored 11 points to go with three rebounds and three assists. JJ Reddick has long been a one trick pony, but that one trick is a very good one. He's one of the best pure shooters in the game. He proved that again by scoring 27 points in the 76ers' clincher Tuesday night.
The Sixers have a legitimate chance at getting to the NBA Finals. They will be a tough matchup for anybody and after taking the Heat in five games, they've got some playoff experience.
All that Jazz is drowning out the Thunder
The Utah Jazz are the verge of eliminating the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder's Russell Westbrook's tunnel vision has hurt his team.
His focus on the Jazz's Ricky Rubio at the exclusion of the overall game in Game 4 of the series was a big factor in the Thunder's loss. The Thunder have far more name recognition than the Jazz, but it appears the pieces on the Jazz fit together better.
Rondo might be the most underrated guy in the playoffs
One team seemingly playing under the radar is the New Orleans Pelicans, otherwise known as the Bulls South. Three former Bulls played a significant role in the Pelicans sweep of the Portland Trailblazers. Rajon Rondo, Nikola Mirotic, and E'Twaun Moore are their names. It seems those guys were an excellent supporting cast looking for a superstar to support. They found one in New Orleans in Anthony Davis.
Davis averaged 33.0 points and 11.8 rebounds during the series. Rajon Rondo averaged 13.3 assists and even shot well, hitting 48.7 percent of his shots from the field.
Nikola Mirotic was strong offensively and on the boards, averaging 18.3 points and 9.5 rebounds. Mirotic also shot an outstanding 57.1 percent from the field. Not to go overboard on statistics, but Jrue Holiday also contributed mightily with 27.8 ppg to go with 6.5 assists.
