This past Saturday was the start of the NBA playoffs. The playoffs are a four-round best-of-seven event which consist sf the top 8 teams in each conference. Here are the matchups for the first round of the playoffs.
First up is in the Western Conference the top seed warriors face off against the 8 seed Clippers in a beat of seven series. The Warriors should win this series as they have been stellar all year with 3 all stars on their team. They have also won 3 of the last 4 NBA championships dating back to 2015. The Clippers were never expected to make it this far after they have traded all of their best players over the past couple of years. They have proved doubters wrong and made the playoffs but it will take a lot for them to knock off the Warriors.
Next in the west is the 2 seed Nuggets playing against the 7 seed Spurs. The Spurs upset the Nuggets in the first game making Greg Popovich the all time winningest coach in NBA history. The Nuggets have been on a roll this year ,behind NBA all star Nikola Jokic. I think the Nuggets will win this series in 6 games but it will be a good series to watch.
Next is the 3 seed Trail Blazers against the 6 seed Thunder. The Thunder have been on a roll this season as Paul George is in the top 3 in the MVP race, and Russell Westbrook has averaged a triple double for the third season in a row. These two have great chemistry together but the Trail Blazers duo of CJ McCoulum and Damien Lillard are even better together. These two can take control of a game whenever the want. And that is why I believe the Trail Blazer swill win this series in 5 games.
Lastly for the West is the 4 seed Rockets as they face off against the Jazz. The rRockets have been led by James harden who has had one of the best seasons by any player ever. Harden is leading the MVP race trying for back to back MVP awards. He had 9 games scoring over 50 points and a 32 game streak of over 30 points in a game. He has done everything by himself this season. The Jazz are lead by Donavan Mitchell and one of the best defensive players Rudy Gobert. I think the Rockets will win this series in 7 games.
Now these are the teams in the Eastern Conference
First up is the top seed Bucks facing off against the Detroit Pistons. The Bucks are led by Giannis Antetekumpo who is really close in the MVP race to James Harden. Giannis has completely turned around this organization and will probably lead them to the NBA finals this year. The Pistons are led by Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond who is averaging 15 rebounds a game. I think the Bucks will take this series in 5 games.
Next are the 2 seed Raptors and 7 seed Magic. The Magic shocked the NBA by defeating the Raptors in the first game. As they were lead by Nikola Vucevic and Dj Augustine. But I think Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry , and the Raptors can pull it off in 6 games.
Next is the 3 seed 76ers against the Brooklyn Nets. Last season the Nets were nearly 15 games away from making the playoffs. The whole organization was going downhill. This season D’angelo Russell took charge and led his team to the NBA playoffs. They took the first game and are on a roll. Joel Embiid and the 76ers will have trouble against this team as I think the Nets will win this series in 6 games.
Lastly is the 4 seed Celtics against the 5 seed Pacers. The Celtics are led by Kyrie Irving who can dominate that floor getting to the basket whenever he wants. He is gonna give Myles Turner, and the Pacers trouble anywhere he is. That is why I think the Celtics will win this series in 5 games.
These are the matchups in this years NBA playoffs. In the end I predict the Warriors to defeat the Bucks in 5 games to win their 3rd straight NBA title.
