NBA Playoffs Round One Predictions
Eastern Conference
Eight seed Detroit Pistons vs One seed Milwaukee Bucks
The Pistons barely hung on to their playoff spot surviving strong late season pushes from the Hornets and Heat. The Pistons don’t really pose a threat to the Bucks; I feel that this will be quick and easy for Giannis and the Bucks.
Bucks win series 4-0
Seven seed Orlando Magic vs Two seed Toronto Raptors
The Raptors know that it’s a deep playoff push or bust for them. After years of feeling like they would break through, never did we think that this may be the year with Kawhi Leonard leading the charge.
Congratulations to the Magic on their first playoff appearance since trading Dwight Howard. This series is bound to be short and sweet.
Raptors win series 4-0
Six seed Brooklyn Nets vs Three seed Philadelphia 76ers
In most cases, the 76ers would be a no-brainer in this series, but with the questionable health of star center Joel Embiid who has been dealing with back and knee issues, I don’t feel like the Nets have enough firepower to takedown the 76ers who still have star Ben Simmons and a really good supporting cast around him to hold off the Nets and allow Embiid to rest for the second round.
76ers win series 4-1
Five seed Indiana Pacers vs Four seed Boston Celtics
The Pacers have had a nice story after losing star Victor Oladipo to a season ending injury; they continued to play well and hold their own. If they had Vic, I feel like they would have a much better chance to win this series. However, without him, Boston just has too much firepower. Although Boston has been one of the more disappointing teams this season - especially after the high expectations they came into, I feel like they will turn it up a notch in the playoffs, especially with Kylie Irving, one of the games brightest and most clutch stars leading the charge, the Celtics should handle this challenge.
Celtics win series 4-2
Western Conference
Eight seed Los Angeles Clippers vs One seed Golden State Warriors
This is the time of year the Warriors have been awaiting! After making it through regular season, they can now hush the critics who feel they are the most vulnerable they have been since signing Kevin Durant. The Clippers are just the tune up for the Warriors get the broom sticks.
Warriors win series 4-0
Seven seed San Antonio Spurs vs Two seed Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are young and going against one of the greatest coaches ever in Greg Popovich, who can take advantage of their playoff inexperience. The problem is that the Spurs don’t have the talent necessary to take four games from this Nuggets team.
Nuggets win series 4-2
Six seed Oklahoma City Thunder vs Three seed Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers never seem to get the credit they deserve. After years of finishing as a top three seed in the daunting Western Conference, their streak has been impressive. Damian Lillard should have gotten more MVP consideration, but to a degree, I can also see why the Blazers weren’t discussed. After finishing last year as the three seed last season, the Blazers were swept in dominant fashion by the New Orleans Pelicans; so now the Blazers have a lot to prove. The Oklahoma City Thunder too have a lot to prove after being upset last season by the Utah Jazz. That is what I think makes this series so good - two teams who must bounce back after early playoff exits last season. Damian Lillard vs Russell Westbrook will be a great match-up, but I feel like Paul George aka Playoff P will be the deciding factor and he’ll bring Oklahoma City into the second round
Thunder win series 4-3
Five seed Utah Jazz vs Five seed Houston Rockets
For the second year in a row, the Jazz turned it up a notch in the second half of the season. They have arguably the leagues’ best defense. The problem with this matchup is that the Rockets have too much scoring for them to handle. The only consistent threat on the Jazz is second year stud Donovan Mitchell, but James Harden is on a mission. I feel that this guy will win MVP and show why he deserves it against this stingy Jazz defense.
Rockets win series 4-2
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