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With the NBA playoffs underway, the fun part of season has begun. So here are my predictions for the first round of these playoffs.
Eastern Conference
#1 Miami Heat vs. #8 Atlanta Hawks- We begin with one vs. eight between the Heat and Hawks. The Hawks coming in from an impressive two play-in game wins over the Hornets and Cavaliers gave them the eighth seed and the Miami Heat. The Heat come in a little restless but should be able to win this series respectively in five games but expect an amazing performance from Hawks star Trae Young in a losing effort.
#2 Boston Celtics vs. #7 Brooklyn Nets– Now to the most unpredictable series as the Celtics who came on strong in the second half of the season take on a dangerous Brooklyn Nets team that was optimistic coming into the season are in the seventh spot and could potentially upset the Celtics. However, despite the offensive efforts of Nets star duo Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving it will not be enough to overcome the Celtics who will win this series in six games.
#3 Milwaukee Bucks vs. #6 Chicago Bulls- The defending champion Bucks begin their road to repeating as champions against a surprising Bulls team that has overachieve this season. This is a Bucks series to win easily against a hampered Bulls teams in four games.
#4 Philadelphia 76ers vs. #5 Toronto Raptors- The 4 vs. five matchup is interesting with the heavily favorite 76ers take on a risky Toronto Raptors who could cause a major upset. But as much as I love my Raptors, I know year is not the year but should be a proud season for the Raptors, but I expect Philadelphia to win a tight series in seven games.
Western Conference
#1 Phoenix Suns vs. #8 New Orleans Pelicans- The Suns begin their road to redemption with a possibly easy match up against the Pelicans. Despite the Pelicans efforts to win the final play-in spot against the Clippers was impressive but the Suns are on the verge of something special and this series will be over in 4 games.
#2 Memphis Grizzlies vs. #7 Minnesota Timberwolves- This match up is going to be fun between two young upstart teams going at it. The Grizzlies come in with an incredible regular season take on a tough young Timberwolves team that will not back down from a challenge. However, I am going to go with Memphis to get the ball rolling for a deep run in the playoffs and beat the Wolves in six games.
#3 Golden State Warriors vs. #6 Denver Nuggets- Nuggets/Warriors is a toss-up series for me, the Warriors with their dynamic trio of Curry, Thompson and Green will be together along with the surge of Jordan Poole pose a threat to the Nuggets postseason hopes. But the Nuggets have the reigning and hopefully back-to-back MVP in Nikola Jokic who can dominate a game if not series at any giving moment so I will go on a limb and pick the Nuggets to upset the Warriors in seven games.
#4 Dallas Mavericks vs. #5 Utah Jazz- This series could make or break the Utah Jazz who are in desperate need of a win this round to validate their current team and its success. While the Mavericks came on strong in the second half of the season could run away with this series, but with the unfortunate injury of Mavs star Luka Doncic leaving him uncertain of his return gives the Jazz an opening to take this series and I am going against my gut and picking the Jazz to survive a tight series in 7 games.
This weekend has been filled with excitement so sit back, relax, and enjoy these NBA playoffs.