We’re close enough now to take a first hot take on the first hot round of the playoffs. Sure that’s going to mean figuring out who wins the play-in but since it’s all for fun, it shouldn’t be difficult to pick a few winners.
Eastern Conference
Let’s look at the Play-in:
#7 Nets play #8 Atlanta. With the loss of Ben Simmons, the Nets are now down to a skeleton crew. Atlanta wins.
#9 Raptors play #10 Bulls. Inconsistent all season, the Raptors can’t make their shots and the Bulls win.
In the final game for 8th spot, the Nets trips and the Bulls pull it out.
Playoffs
Milwaukee vs. Chicago – Chicago might come out of the play-in but they aren’t coming out of the 1st round. Milwaukee in 5.
Boston vs. Atlanta – No surprises here, Atlanta gets a playoff series but won’t win a game. Boston 4-0.
Philadelphia vs. Miami – Miami has struggled all year while Philly has been rounding into playoff shape on the back of potential MVP, Joel Embiid. Philly in 5.
Cleveland vs. New York – New York is going to try mightily to win a playoff round for the first time in what seems like forever but it was actually 10 years ago when the Knicks beat the Celtics in 2013. Not going to be a good series for New York with the young Cleveland team winning in 6.
So no upsets in the East in round one and it’s not surprising; These 4 teams have lead the standings since very early in the season.
Western Conference
Let’s look at the Play-in:
#7 Wolves play #8 Lakers. Nothing is stopping the Lakers getting to the playoffs this year. Lakers win10 Thunder.
#9 Pelicans play #10 Thunder. The Pels, in a deathrole since the loss of Zion Williamson mid season, roll over and succumb to the Thunder.
In the final match, Thunder vs Wolves for the 8th spot, the Wolves have too much firepower not to stop the upstart Thunder.
The Playoffs
Denver vs Minnesota – Jokic is going to show Minny’s 2 big men, KAT and Gobert what a big man is capable of. Denver in 5.
Memphis vs. LA Lakers – The Lakers are setting it on fire with LeBron out with injury. This is definitely a different team after the trade deadline and one that is going to surprise Memphis. Lakers in 6.
Sacramento vs. Golden State – This is going to come down to a matter of experience in one play at a time, grind it out basketball. As great a season as the Kings have had, it’s going to be the Warriors in 6. Maybe 7.
LA Clippers vs. Phoenix – The 4 seed vs the 5 seed and homecourt may be enough to swing the balance. Will KD help the Suns overtake the Clippers for the 4th seed and secure homecourt? Yes, and the injury to Paul George will almost certainly make sure that happens. Suns in 6.
So big upsets in the West in the first round as time and tide take their toll. No, I don’t have a clue what that meant either but I liked it and I’m leaving it in.