Simulating The Playoffs (1st Round)
The NBA is on halt, but one question that we all have is how will the playoffs look like if the NBA season resumes. Some teams who were on a roll before the hiatus could now fall off and disappoint, but other teams could surprise all of us during the playoffs.
Today, I will be giving my predictions on all 1st round playoff series from both the East and the Western conferences.
Western Conference
#1 LA Lakers vs #8 Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies magical season has been a surprise to all, but to any who say this series will be close, you are crazy. Lebron and AD will pace the Lakers in the series. The Grizzlies had a good run, but not many teams can control the Lakers. The Lakers will cruise to a 4-0 sweep into this series.
#2 LA Clippers vs #7 Dallas Mavericks
The Clippers, when healthy, have proven to be the best and most talented team in the NBA this season. The Mavericks are a young team, but they could be very scary in the playoffs with Luka Doncic leading the way. The Mavs will give the Clippers some trouble, but the Clippers have so many offensive weapons it will be tough to stop them all. All the Clippers have to do is make sure Luka Doncic is contained, and they will win this series. This series will be tough for the Clippers, but they will win 4-2.
#3 Denver Nuggets vs Houston Rockets
The Nuggets are poised for the Western Conference Finals after being one game away last season. Though the Rockets small ball success has been mystifying to many since the Clint Capela trade, this type of ball will not translate to the playoffs. The Nuggets can clog the lane with their good defenders like Jerami Grant and Gary Harris. Nikola Jokic will use his passing and play-making ability to pick apart the Houston series. The Nuggets will win this series easily, 4-1.
#4 Utah Jazz vs #5 Oklahoma City Thunder
This will be the most even series in the West. The Jazz have had an up-and down year, showing signs of being a top 3 team in the Western Conference, and other times being very mediocre. The Thunder have surprised everybody with their 3 guards of Dennis Schroder, Chris Paul and SGA. I think that the Thunder will use all of their offensive weapons to slow down the Jazz. Unless the Jazz click like they were, then this series will be tough for them to win. I see the inconsistency of the Jazz hurting them the most. The Thunder will win this series 4-2.
Eastern Conference
#1 Milwaukee Bucks vs #8 Orlando Magic
The Bucks are ready for a Finals run, and the Magic stand no chance against this juggernaut. 4-0 sweep.
#2 Toronto Raptors vs #7 Brooklyn Nets
The Nets have been a mess all year. We all knew that they would be better next season with KD healthy, but this year was bad. Kyrie was hurt for most of the year, Kenny Atkinson was fired, and the team never really gelled. The Raptors will cruise to a 4-1 series win. The Nets won’t really care as they prepare for next season with KD and Kyrie healthy.
#3 Boston Celtics vs #6 Philadelphia 76ers
With the recent explosion of Jayson Tatum, the Celtics have found their footing in the East. The 76ers have been great at home, but atrocious on the road. Most likely, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid will not be 100% for the playoffs, either with health or rust. The 76ers will not be at full strength, and they will be on the road, both of which are worst-case scenarios. The Celtics will dominate this series, 4-1.
#4 Miami Heat vs #5 Indiana Pacers
The Heat have meshed very well with a mix of young talent (Bam Adebayo, Kendrick Nunn, Tyler Herro), and good leadership from Jimmy Butler. The Pacers were playing very well without Oladipo, but they have not been the same. The Heat could be a very dangerous team, and I don’t think that the Pacers can handle them. The Heat should win this series handily 4-1.
I hope you have agreed with all the playoff projections for the 1st round. Please leave a comment on anything you would change about these projections, and any surprises that could arise during the playoffs.
