NBA Playoff Predictions, Round 1

 


Round One of the NBA Playoffs is upon us, well, almost. It begins August 17, which is Monday. But the seeding is pretty much set, so below I'm going to offer my predictions for the East and West.

Eastern Conference, Round One:
1. Milwaukee Bucks vs. 8. Orlando Magic
About: The Bucks are the top seed in the East for a reason, while the Magic aren't even a .500 team. This shouldn't be close.
Prediction: Bucks in four games.

2. Toronto Raptors vs. 7. Brooklyn Nets
About: The Raptors have done quite well despite the loss of their best player from a year ago. They won't go quietly. But the Nets have some talent and are a feisty team as well. Still, Raptors should advance.
Prediction: Raptors in five games.

3. Boston Celtics vs. 6. Philadelphia 76ers
About: The Celtics are a solid squad, but the 76ers have talent. Unfortunately injuries seem to have taken their toll. At full strength, the 76ers would be a tough out. At this point, I think it will be easier for Boston.
Prediction: Boston in six games.

Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers
Prediction: These teams will meet in Round One, but heading into the final bubble games they're tied. One will be the four and the other the five. It should also be a fierce series, and possibly one of the best in Round One.
Prediction: Miami in seven games.

Western Conference, Round One:
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8 Seed
About: There are four teams vying for the eight seed in a play-in competition, the Phoenix Suns, Portland Trailblazers, Memphis Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs. I think the Trailblazers will be the ones that ultimately get in, and it will be a fun and competitive series with the Lakers.
Prediction: Lakers in five games.

2. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks
About: The Clippers are one of the best in the Western Conference, while the Mavericks are a feisty team. This should be a fun series, too, but I think the Clippers will make it through pretty easy.
Prediction: Clippers in four games.

3. Denver Nuggets vs. 6. Utah Jazz
About: The Nuggets and the Jazz are young teams with plenty of talent. This could be a heck of a series between a couple decent teams.
Prediction: Nuggets in six games.

Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
About: The Rockets and Thunder will meet as the four and five seeds, but they're tied at the moment. I predict the Rockets will end up the higher seed, not that it matters a ton. This should be a strong and competitive series.
Prediction: Rockets in six games.

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