The Play In Tournament has concluded and the playoff field is set. 16 teams are now competing for the right to become champion. The first round of the playoffs are about to begin and the next two months we will decide a champion. Let’s take a look at each series and make some predictions for who will come out of the first round.
Eastern Conference
1) Miami Heat vs 8) Atlanta Hawks:
The Atlanta Hawks were in the Eastern Conference Finals last year and aren’t your typical 8th seed. Just like last season, the Hawks are playing their best ball of the year heading into the postseason. Trae Young was at his best in the 2nd half vs the Cavs to clinch the 8th seed. Miami has to be feel disrespected as the number one seed hearing all the noise about people picking Brooklyn, Boston and Milwaukee to win the East. Bam Adebayo is still in health and safety protocols, but when he returns I expect Miami to win this series.
Miami in 6
2) Boston Celtics vs 7) Brooklyn Nets
This series could be one of the best of all the playoffs. Kyrie and KD will have to be spectacular for the Nets to get past the Celtics’ defense, which is one of the best in the NBA. For Boston, can Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown go toe to toe with Kyrie and KD? The difference could be the role players for Boston. Marcus Smart is a defensive player of the year candidate and the Celtics have other role players who can contribute. Can the Nets get enough from their role players to put Kyrie and KD in position to put them over the hump? In the end I think Brooklyn squeaks by Boston.
Nets in 7
3) Milwaukee Bucks vs 6) Chicago
The Bucks are the defending champs and the Bulls struggled down the stretch versus elite teams. Chicago is without Lonzo Ball and they won’t have an answer for Giannis. No Lonzo means Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday should be able to cook on the perimeter. Brook Lopez has returned and is rounding into form as the Bucks look to repeat as champs. They’ll handle the Bulls relatively easily.
Bucks in 5.
4) Philadelphia 76ers vs 5) Toronto Raptors
Can James Harden come through in the postseason and can the Sixers overcome Matisse Thybulle not being eligible to play in Canada because of his vaccination status. Philadelphia already gave up a lot of depth to bring in Harden and will have less depth when they play on the road. Nick Nurse will have schemes ready for Harden who struggled versus the Raptors this season – 15 points per game on 33% shooting. Joel Embiid will be double and triple teamed often and Toronto has more depth, so it will be up to Harden and Tyrese Maxey to help take pressure off Embiid. This is a toss up series, but I’ll go with my gut.
Philly in 7
Western Conference
1) Phoenix Suns vs 8) New Orleans Pelicans
Pelicans played strong down the stretch and earned their way into the 8th seed with two wins in the play-in-tournament, but the Suns are the best team in the NBA for a reason.
Suns in 4
2) Memphis Grizzlies vs 7) Minnesota Timberwolves
Expect a lot of entertainment in this series. Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards are two of the highest flyers in the NBA and both are dawgs. These are young teams that play with confidence and edge, but Memphis will be too much for the Timberwolves.
Grizzlies in 5
3) Golden State Warriors vs 6) Denver Nuggets
Steph Curry will return for game one after nursing a left foot injury. If he can be close to his normal self that will make a huge difference for the Warriors. Nikola Jokic will get eat versus the smaller Warriors’ front line. While Denver will have to worry about the threat of Steph Curry, Jordan Poole will be a player to watch in this series. Poole averaged over 25 points and six assists since Curry went down with his injury and Klay Thompson played well down the stretch of the season. With Steph returning the Warriors can attack Denver in multiple ways.
Golden State in 6
4) Dallas Mavericks vs 5) Utah Jazz
Luka Doncic will miss game one with a strained calf and his status for game two remains in doubt. If Luka returns for the second game and can be effective I believe Dallas can win this series. The Jazz had several collapses in games I felt they were supposed to win. All signs point to another postseason meltdown again for the Mavs, but if Luka can give it a go Dallas finds a way to beat Utah.
Mavs in 7 (If Luka returns game two)
UNC Continues to Shine into the Final Stretch