Continuing the theme from two weeks ago, when I previewed the Sixers-Pistons series for the EA Sportsdesk, I’ve taken a look this week at the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

I’ve previewed the much-anticipated matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers this week, and if Tuesday’s contest is any indication, I have a very good chance or being both right and wrong.

Of course, Game 1 of that series last night had to go down like it did, with Boston’s Kevin Garnett making clutch baskets late and Cleveland’s LeBron James laying perhaps the biggest egg of his career in a narrow 76-72 Boston victory.

It was as if the two players went out of their way to spite me, as I wrote:

“While they won’t guard each other, James’ production should at least nullify Boston power forward Kevin Garnett’s, and quite probably exceed it. Moreover, while Garnett is notably tentative with the game on the line, James relishes it — when the chips are down late, count on James to come through in the clutch in a way that no Celtic can match.”

Yeah, well… about that; while Lebron’s 2-for-18 with 10 turnovers doesn’t exactly scream “clutch”, it’s not like the Celtics had their way with the Cavs even with James’ atrocious outing. The Celtics’ Paul Pierce and Ray Allen combined to shoot 2-for-18 themselves and combined for a woeful four points.

Clearly, both teams can play better, and should play better now that the jitters are out of the way. The series is still one to watch.