The first round of the NBA playoffs is what separates the true contenders from teams that were simply lucky to play postseason in the first place. In the conference semifinals, the action heats up and contenders  will be sent home. Here is what MV basketball club officer junior Ray Chang expects in the second round of the playoffs.

EE: Who will advance to the conference finals in the East and West?

Junior Ray Chang: I think the Celtics and Cavs will advance in the East and the Rockets and Warriors will meet up in the West. They are just much better than the opposition.

EE: Will there be a rematch of last year’s finals?

Chang:  Yes, I can’t see the Celtics winning more than two games vs the Cavs, and also earlier in the year the Cavs blew out the Celtics. In the West, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a game 7 just because of Harden along with Beverley’s physicality and defensive presence, but ultimately I think the ball movement and shooting of the Warriors will be too much for the Rockets defense. The Cavs will win their series 4-2, and the Warriors will win 4-3.

EE: Who will emerge as an x factor in a potential finals rematch?

Chang: I think for the Cavs it would be J.R. Smith because he is such a streaky shooter and he can have unpredictable performances. For the warriors, it would be Javale Mcgee. His height, length, and athleticism is key to the Warriors offense. They even run lob plays for Javale and without him, they would have zero post presence and the Cavs could just ignore the paint completely and only guard the three pointers.

EE: Who will win it all?

Chang: I really don’t know. It just depends on which team shows up and plays their “A” game, but I’ll say the Warriors just because they are the home team.