2015 NBA Playoff Predictions: The Finals

Golden State Warriors

Cleveland Cavaliers

Prediction: Warriors in 6

Why?: It's been a long time since the Dubs won a title, and it's been even longer since the city of Cleveland had won anything. The best player in the world, LeBron James, taking on the best team in the NBA. Cleveland is missing Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving was really banged up in the Chicago and Atlanta series. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson had head injuries but should be back to 100% by the time the Finals start. I think Golden State had a more talented starting 5, and easily a better bench, they are too good and too deep and think with the injuries, and the wear of 5 straight finals on LeBron will take a toll as the series goes on.  The Cavs may look to slow down the Warriors, which is nearly impossible, and out rebound them, but Golden State showed they can still beat that game plan against Memphis.  I don't think the games will be blowouts, but I do think that Wardell Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors will win their first title in 40 years.

2015 Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions: Finals

Tampa Bay Lightning
Chicago Blackhawks
Prediction: Lightning in 7
Why?: If you've read any of my other predictions for the Stanley Cup Playoffs you've seen that I don't know a ton about the NHL, just enough to slap some predictions together.  Here is what I do know, both teams have star power, Chicago probably has more but they're older.  The Hawks have been here before, twice in the last 5 years, now looking to win their third cup since 2010.  The Tampa Bay Lighting can flat out score, they lead the NHL in goals this season.  Both teams played great in the conference finals against the other two best teams in the NHL this season.  So this could go either way, but it should be a long, entertaining series that I think the Lightning will win.