Yesterday NBA fans were hyped up because the most wonderful time of the year has started; the NBA playoffs. Saturday saw us get four amazing games, the most entertaining being the Timberwolves and Anthony Edwards dominating the Memphis Grizzlies. Today we get another four-game schedule that is bound to keep us thoroughly entertained.
With that being said, I wanted to take this time to make some yearly playoff predictions; more specifically, who exactly is coming out of the NBA Eastern Conference and moving onto the second round of the playoffs. I know that two teams have already played, but that shouldn’t be too big of a detriment in analyzing who might win the series. So without further ado, let’s jump right in and see who captures their respective series and moves onto the second round.
Raptors vs 76ers
These are the two teams Eastern Conference teams who have played a game so far, and it was dominated by the 76ers and their young guard Tyrese Maxey. He exploded for 38 points in a win that saw the 76ers trounce the Raptors by 20. I really liked the way the Raptors played, I just think they were showing some rust and hesitation that comes with being off for a week straight. Overall, I’m not worried about the Raptors coming back. What I am worried about is Scottie Barnes and the injury he suffered in Game 1.
As I write this there still hasn’t been an update on how serious of an injury it is, but if Barnes is out for the series, then this can spell trouble for the Raptors. The rookie forward is a jack of all trades who has all-star written all over his game, so losing him would be a huge detriment to the Rap’s second-round hopes.
Overall, if the Raptors get back to playing the way they did during the regular season, I have them taking this series and moving onto the second round.
Raptors in 7
Nets vs Celtics
Another player whose health has me concerned is Kevin Durant. When he’s healthy, the 33-year-old can lead any team to the promised land. Now with Kyrie Irving being able to play home games as well, it seems like the Nets have everything going for them. The Celtics shouldn’t be counted out just yet, as they have some of the promising young talents on their roster, and mixed with the grit their depth pieces bring to the table, this series is definitely going to be the most interesting coming out of the first round.
As stated above, if Durant can stay healthy I don’t see how Brooklyn can drop this series to the Celtics. I think he and Kyrie have way too much to prove, and anything short of a championship is a bust.
Brooklyn in 6
Atlanta vs Miami
This is the hardest series for me to judge, seeing as on one side, you have the Miami Heat who are an absolute monster of a roster to come up against, and on the other side, you have Trae Young, whose heroics have been carrying this Atlanta team for quite a while now. The biggest determining factor may come down to an injury, namely Clint Capela’s injury. The big man was injured in their last play-in game and it looks like he will be out for at least the series.
Does Trae Young have what it takes to take down an entire Miami Heat roster? I don’t think so. Miami is too competitive to let themselves bow out in the first round to a play-in team.
Miami in 5
Milwaukee vs Chicago
This is the easiest series for me to judge. Although I do like and respect the Bulls for the significant turnaround they’ve displayed this past season, my heart lies with my fellow countryman Giannis Antetonkoumpo and the Chicago Bulls. No more words need to be said, but if you want to know why just think about the former MVP terrorizing the Bulls in the first round. Enough said. I can see it now.
