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The first round of the NBA playoffs starts this weekend and I have to admit my excitement for this opening round is 8 out of 10 because so many talented teams or players that may go home earlier than usual. So, here is who I think will win in round one and enjoy the opening weekend of this awesome postseason.
Eastern Conference
#1 Boston Celtics vs. #8 Miami Heat: With the Heat winning the final play-in game last night setting up a rematch of last year’s conference finals against the best team this season the Celtics. This is the one match up that I’m sure Celtics nation didn’t want to see but the “Michael Myers” like Heat can potentially upset the number one overall seed causing panic but with Jimmy Butler hurt this should be a relief for Boston who should win this series in 5 games.
#2 New York Knicks vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers: The Knicks have had a wonderful turnaround this season but having a 76ers team that would have been a top 4 seed if Joel Embiid injury did not keep him out for an extended period of time. Philadelphia certainly can be a threat especially if Embiid is back to 100% but I’m going the Knicks and that connected Villanova core to win the series in five.
#3 Milwaukee Bucks vs. #6 Indiana Pacers: This series for me without question will be an #UpsetAlert with Bucks having a dysfunctional season which did not live up to expectations. While Indiana started of hot especially the play of Tyrese Haliburton but an injury to Haliburton cool things off even when he rushed along with trading for Pascal Siakam got the Pacers back to the playoffs.
This is bad series for the Bucks who will be without Antetokounmpo to start who is out of with a calf muscle injury opens the door for Indiana and fast-paced style to win this series, upsetting the Bucks in six games.
#4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #5 Orlando Magic: The final series in the east could be considered another upset but honestly is pretty even. The Cavs still don’t have their closing line up figured but are talented while the Magic are one of the best defensive teams but struggle offensively. Despite the probability of Donovan Mitchell just absolutely taking this series over can’t be ignored.
Other Cavs specifically their big men Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley cause enough concern against Paolo Banchero and their young and aggressive perimeter defends of Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Isaac as well as Orlando coach Jamhal Mosley is better than Cleveland coach JB Bickerstaff is enough to lean towards the young magic to win this in seven games while forcing the Cavs to make major changes this summer.
Western Conference
#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #8 Sacramento Kings or New Orleans Pelicans: Honestly it does not matter who won last night’s play-in game between the Kings and Pelicans because both teams come in hobbled with injuries to their key players like Zion Williamson for New Orleans and Malik Monk for Sacramento. Unless an unexpected injury or meltdown occurs, I’m going the young and surprising Thunder to win the series in the quick fashion of 5 games getting on the fly playoff experience in the process.
#2 Denver Nuggets vs. #7 Los Angeles Lakers: The rematch of the western conference finals also happens in round one as the dangerous Lakers face the defending champion Nuggets. While writing of any playoff team with LeBron James is usually not smart, but against Denver it is especially if LA leans heavy on James to do it all like always against the very connected Nuggets team. Short and sweet of this is the defending Champs will beat Lakers and send LeBron home early with a gentlemen sweep this year of five games.
#3 Minnesota Timberwolves vs. #6 Phoenix Suns: The Wolves certainly exceeded their potential this season especially with the rise of Anthony Edwards give Minnesota the chance to make a deep playoff run. While Phoenix struggled with a top-heavy roster that didn’t have much floor time together making this my trick or Treat series because both teams will suck you in with hope only to disappoint you inevitably.
With that being said, as much as I believe Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid there is overwhelming knucklehead vibe with Minnesota especially with Karl-Anthony Towns that can’t be ignored, so despite how fragile the Suns big 3 of Booker, Durant and Beal are I will take the gamble and say Phoenix wins in seven.
#4 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #5 Dallas Mavericks: This will be probably the most entertaining series of the first round and could be the start of some dark times for whoever loses. The Clippers should win this series on paper with their depth but James Harden’s playoff woes plus the likely injury history of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard makes the Clippers not a sure thing.
Where Dallas on the final stretch seems to come together and clicking on both ends but having the best player in the series with Luka Doncic who has had great playoff success against the Clippers give the Mavs an obvious advantage and having Kyrie Irving as plan B makes it clear to roll with the Mavericks to win this match up in six games.
