Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
I am what some might call a casual fan when it comes to basketball. Growing up, it was likely I’d be laughed at if I watched basketball over a “more exciting” sport like golf. But in recent years, I’ve had the pleasure of getting more into watching the NBA.
So — as The Northern Light’s football enthusiast and someone who’s taken an interest in basketball — these are my predictions for the first round of the NBA playoffs.
The Milwaukee Bucks vs. The Indiana Pacers
I don’t see how the Bucks can win this series. Damian Lillard missing any games at all because of his injury obliterates the team’s depth. I see the Pacers overwhelming the Bucks in any games Lillard misses. If he can make it back by Game 3, the series could still be winnable. In all likelihood, I see the Pacers winning this series in six.
The Denver Nuggets vs. The Los Angeles Clippers
This series is a toss-up. I would have picked the Nuggets two months ago; but with the recent turmoil and firings within the organization, there are questions heading into the series. The Clippers secured their spot in the playoffs following a monster game from Kawhi Leonard and James Harden against the Warriors. This team has momentum, and I think they have what it takes to beat the Nuggets in seven.
The Detroit Pistons vs. The New York Knicks
I have to admit, I am a little biased toward this matchup. Between not taking Tobias Harris seriously after his run with the 76ers and avidly following Knicks basketball last year, I have doubts about the Pistons winning this series. No doubt they’ll keep it close, but I see the Knicks gentleman’s sweeping this series in five.
The Minnesota Timberwolves vs. The Los Angeles Lakers
The Timberwolves are an exciting team. Watching Anthony Edwards explode from the paint to dunk on opposing players is a sight to behold. That said, I find it foolish to predict wins against LeBron James. Between him, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers are hard not to pick. So, doing my best Shannon Sharpe impression — Naz Reid, Riley Reid, saxophone reed, Lakers in five.
The Memphis Grizzlies vs. The Oklahoma City Thunder
The Grizzlies don’t have what it takes to beat the Thunder. The Thunder are the one seed in the West for a reason, and they could probably sleepwalk through this series. The Grizzlies had a good run sneaking into the playoffs, but the Thunder will take this series in four.
The Orlando Magic vs. The Boston Celtics
The Magic is an odd team. Throughout the regular season, it felt like they were winning games they should have lost and losing games they should have won. I don’t expect that to continue here. The Celtics are on a mission to go back-to-back, and the Magic would be lucky to take a game off them. Barring a Rockets-esque 3-point shooting drought over multiple games, the Celtics will win this series in five.
The Cleveland Cavaliers vs. The Miami Heat
In recent years, the Heat have made it a habit of being the underdog that no one wants to play. I see that run stopping here. The Cavaliers move the ball incredibly well after fully buying into the vision of head coach Kenny Atkinson. The Heat are overmatched. The Cavaliers will take this series in five.
The Houston Rockets vs. The Golden State Warriors
The Rockets finished off the season as the No. 2 seed in the West. They also ended on a three-game skid. During the season, they did not play well against the Warriors, especially following their trade for Jimmy Butler. If there is a play-in team that can pull off an upset, it’s the Warriors. I see them winning this series in six.
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