Is it just me, or does it feel like the NBA regular season just started? Regardless, the many matchups within the tightly packed West and the mysterious East are bound to create existing games for the league. Here are my (unprofessional) takes about what will occur in the weeks to come.
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WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder v. (8) Sacramento Kings or New Orleans Pelicans
A very young OKC trio has finally made the push that fans have been waiting for. With the league’s number three offensive and number three defense, this team is no joke. The question becomes whether or not this young core has the guts it takes to conquer the playoffs. However, with the injuries of Zion Williamson and the absence of Malik Monk for the Pelicans and Kings respectively will probably lean the matchup in favor of the Thunder.
Prediction: OKC in 6 games
(2) Denver Nuggets v. (7) Los Angeles Lakers
As a Lakers fan, it’s hard for me to even see this matchup and have hope of making it to the second round. After witnessing the sweep from the 2023 playoffs, I cannot be certain if the Lakers have the depth or durability to deal with Nikola Jokic, let alone Jamal Murray. The latter is even confident that a title repeat is highly obtainable for this squad.
If the Lakers are able to pull off a series win, Anthony Davis cannot have the offensive consistency that was costly in last year’s run. But if there is any team in the Western Conference that has a remote chance of overthrowing the champs, with LeBron James, the Lakers always have slight potential.
I really hope the Lakers prove me wrong, but what can I say when Denver is as good as a team that there is?
Prediction: Nuggets in 6 games
(3) Minnesota Timberwolves v. (6) Phoenix Suns
A lot of people would choose the Wolves in this series, and I am one of those people. But it’s not that simple.
The defensive force of Minnesota is undeniable. Anchored by Rudy Gobert, scoring in the paint will be a nightmare. All-Star Anthony Edwards can be an unstoppable influencer on both sides of the floor. However, the Suns have a lot of potential counterplay. The Suns could put up a good fight if Bradley Beal steps up and can slow down Edwards just a bit. The odd position-4 assignment of KAT v. Durant is a funky one. A 3-0 season sweep with the Suns as victors is intriguing- Edwards has historically played poorly against them this season. And one of these games was very recent, so this trend is definitely applicable to the playoffs.
A Booker-Durant nonstop shooting duo is sure to create problems for Minnesota, especially when Minnesota likes to allow mid-range shots. But in the playoffs, defense wins games. If the Suns do come out victorious, they do have a shot at getting absolutely mauled by the Nuggets.
Prediction: Wolves in 6 games (The Wolves swept the series last night)
(4) Los Angeles Clippers v. (5) Dallas Mavericks
Don’t get me wrong. The Clippers are a great basketball team. But that’s when they are fully healthy. Will Kawhi and PG play every game? Is James Harden remotely the same player as before? The wing depth of this team is undeniable, but can the Clippers overcome the offensive juggernauts in Doncic and Kyrie?
This is a tough one. If Luka and Kyrie play as they have been, there is no doubt that the Clippers will be overwhelmed. But what comes after this duo? The Mavericks lack the depth of their opponents. Sure, PJ Washington has played well following the trade deadline, but how much of an impact can the rest of the team have?
If the Clippers want to make a run while they still have their two stars, right now is their chance. Their experience and depth are enough to provide a challenge for everyone. But frankly, I have full faith that Luka and Kyrie can carry the Mavericks on their backs.
Prediction: Mavericks in 6 games
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EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Boston Celtics v. (8) Miami Heat
Take what I said about the Thunder’s matchup and insert it here.
Except for the fact that the Boston Celtics have all the playoff experience that they could ever have! For pretty much the second half of the season, the Celtics have shadowed over the rest of the Eastern Conference. They are significantly a more complete team than the lower seeds will ever be. And to be honest, the Bulls stand no chance. As for the Heat, realistically the situation is the same. But I guess I can never be too sure about the failure of an 8th seeded Heat after seeing last year’s run.
Prediction: Celtics in 5 games
(2) New York Knicks v. (7) Philadelphia 76ers
This might be the most interesting matchup this year. Will Jalen Brunson & Co. be able to deal with the dangerous duo of Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid?
Even though this is a 2 – 7 playoff matchup, it is hard to imagine a world where this series is short. Because to be fair, the ceilings of these teams in the playoffs is hard to measure. Jalen Brunson has been balling, and I mean ballin’, despite the absence of Julius Randle after his season ending surgery. Donte DiVencenzo has always stepped up big time. As for the Sixers, Embiid finally has a teammate that he can rely on in Tyrese Maxey. Yes, Embiid can reach MVP status at many times, but the Knick’s center depth is sure to be able to slow him down. Additionally, the question arises of how effective he will be after returning from his meniscus injury. And so, Maxey needs to be the best that he can be. We have seen his offensive bursts, it’s just a matter if he can bring it all every game.
Whatever happens though, let’s just hope that the Sixers don’t blow a 3-2 lead again, or else the hate will never stop.
Prediction: Knicks in 7 games
(3) Milwaukee Bucks v. (6) Indiana Pacers
If I took a look at this series a bit earlier in the season, the Bucks would have my vote for a 4-1 win. But with Giannis hurt, this dream has been crushed. He will not play the first game in this matchup, and his date of return is really not known at the moment. Without Giannis, the Milwaukee defense essentially goes down the drain, because despite the presence of Brook Lopez, there isn’t really anyone else exceptional in this field. The Indiana offense is no joke either.
The key here is Damian Lillard. In Portland, we have seen him every year carry his team with him and give it all he can in the playoff setting. There is potential here for many Dame Time clutch performances. I am not sure if he can still do that right now, however. There is no doubt that he will put up a fight against a Pacers team that has a bursting offense that lives up to the team name.
At the end of the day, I will pick the Pacers to win a bloodbath of a playoff matchup, because it’s always good to know that your opponent is being coached by Doc Rivers. No offense, but should the Pacers intentionally go down 3-1 to guarantee the win?…
Prediction: Pacers in 7 games
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers v. (5) Orlando Magic
It’s tough for me to acknowledge that one of these teams is going to go home.
Cleveland will definitely have a hard time dealing with the youth and pressure of a persistent Magic team. The Cavaliers are somewhat known for having stretches of time in games where it feels like the offense isn’t just flowing right. Orlando has a choking defense. Paolo Banchero is well deserving of his All-Star nod. Franz Wagner doesn’t have anyone to guard him. The defensive tower in Jonathan Issac is quite scary as well.
But out of all the players in this matchup, Donovan Mitchell has the most experience, and is definitely my x-factor. If he has poor shooting nights, the Magic will topple over the Cavaliers. Darius Garland also needs to show out like he has in the past.
I really am not sure about this series. The Cavs are extremely reliant on two players, and are definitely a more inconsistent threat than the Magic. I won’t be surprised at all if the series doesn’t go as my prediction states. But it is hard for me to ignore Donovan Mitchell and the superstar that he is.
Prediction: Cavaliers in 7 games
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After looking at all of these matchups, this year’s playoff will without doubt be a banger. There are so many possible outcomes of the star-studded, compact Western Conference and the underdogs of the Eastern Conference. I for sure will be intrigued to find out the results, and hopefully discover that I made at least one correct prediction…
