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The first round of the playoffs is over and entertaining, although some series have started at the time of this being posted but here are my predictions round two of these playoffs.
Eastern Conference
#1 Boston Celtics vs. #4 Cleveland Cavaliers
This series has a slim chance to be interesting with the long break for Boston, but unless Donovan Mitchell explodes, or Evan Mobley finally goes to the next level, which is doubtful, so I am picking the Celtics in five games and move on to the conference finals.
X-Factor of the Series: Evan Mobley
Evan Mobley is the x-factor of the series because his play on offense could make this series competitive especially with Porzingis out should be incentive for Cleveland to take advantage of in this series.
#2 New York Knicks vs. #6 Indiana Pacers
Knicks versus Pacers is a series that has great nostalgia. Pacers after upsetting a hobbled Bucks advance to round two only to play a Knicks team that prove they are certainly battle tested. Although Coach Thibs needs to grind his guys into dust, the continued ascension of Jalen Brunson will be too much for Indiana who do not put much of a resistance on defense. This series will be entertaining with hopefully Reggie Miller calling a couple of these games, but I am going with the Knicks in six games.
X-Factor of the Series: OG Anunoby
For this series, the x-factor could a variety of people but for me the play and durability of OG Anunoby will be pivotal because he could guard Haliburton, Siakam, and Myles Turner which would be a great weapon for New York.
Western Conference
#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #5 Dallas Mavericks
This series may tell us who be future western conference contenders with Mavericks after eliminating the Clippers will go against the young upstart Thunder who look ahead of schedule as a team. The matchup between the 2 MVP finalists of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic will drive this whole thing. As great as the duo Luka and Kyrie have been incredible, the Thunder have a little more depth and connectedness that will be the deciding factor as Oklahoma City will win this in a 7-game thriller.
X-Factor of the Series: Chet Holmgren
It may be a lot to put on a rookie, but Chet Holmgren is always up for the challenge and his play particularly protecting rim and stretching maverick big men on offense is going to be the difference whether the Thunder win or lose.
#2 Denver Nuggets vs. #3 Minnesota Timberwolves
This is not only the marquee series of this round but also is the most difficult one to predict. Denver the defending champions made easy work of the Lakers and Wolves swept the Suns have set this incredible match up earlier than most fans wanted. The continued ascension and evolution of Anthony Edwards makes this even more challenging to pick.
Yes the Nuggets are a wonderful team to watch and have been consistent all year, but their lack of depth may come to haunt them as the Timberwolves are the team built to give Denver problems. My heart and gut say to pick the Nuggets, but I am going to listen to my brain and go with the upset of Minnesota knocking off the defending in seven games.
X-Factor of the Series: Karl-Anthony Towns
Although I picked the wolves to win, my fear and complete lack of trust that Karl-Anthony Towns will not single handily cost them the series is too much to not ignore. His idiotic fouls, the commitment to defense and the team comes and goes should have Timberwolves fans and Anthony Edwards fans concerned but if Towns continues to excel in his new role, then Minnesota should win.