In all professional sports, there is a playoff. One of the most rigorous playoffs in professional sports is the NBA playoffs. For all the basketball fanatics, the playoffs are a time if your favorite has made it to the dance; there is more yelling at the TV than usual. As a fan of the game, I can appreciate the effort, grit, film study, and amazing performances that these players give en route to the NBA Finals.
This year’s playoffs in the Eastern Conference consist of the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and the Miami Heat. In the Western Conference, the teams competing are the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. All teams are listed in order of their respective seeding, which is 1-8 for each conference. Teams earn their spot through the 82-game regular season, then face off against each other this time in the best-of-seven-series. The first seed plays the eighth seed, while the second plays the seventh, the third seed plays the sixth seed, and the fourth plays the fifth seed. So far, the first round has been interesting as many factors have played into the outcome of some games and series. The Warriors have shown the world to not be an effective team playing on the road, but back at home, they are just as good as anyone in the league, but it just feels like the Kings are better overall. The Lakers vs. Kings series would be a tough battle for either team, but the Lakers seem to have the edge considering the Grizzlies’ injuries and Ja Morant not being 100 percent healthy. Milwaukee is looking at a different series or journey to the Finals, considering Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury. The 76ers are strong, especially with Joel Embiid leading the team. and hopefully, James Harden steps up despite having terrible postseason runs. The Cavs finally had a great season without Lebron, but the Knicks are no joke, and the series can go either way. The Suns have a lot of offensive firepower, but the Clippers are physical, however, the variety on the offensive side of the ball and the absence of Paul George give the Suns the edge. The Nuggets should take care of the Timberwolves easily, but it is a nice superstar matchup seeing Anthony Edwards vs. Nikola Jokic. I see the 76ers, Celtics, Bucks, Cavs, Nuggets, Lakers, Kings, and Suns getting out of the first round. Overall, it is either the Bucks or the Celtics going home with the Larry O’Brien trophy when it is all set and done.Thomas
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NBA Playoff Predictions
April 25, 2023
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