Round 1 is complete
The NBA Playoffs have been nothing short of exciting this year. Every night for the past 2 or so weeks has been packed with several great games. Now that all 8 of the first-round series matchups are finalized, let’s discuss the results.
Indiana Pacers win 4-2 versus Milwaukee Bucks
My Predicted Winner: Pacers
I knew that Giannis Antetokounmpo being out was going to be a huge factor in this series. As with last season’s first-round exit for the Bucks, it happened the same way. Even with the addition of Damian “Mr First Half” Lillard. Milwaukee squeezed out a few wins, but Indiana, despite their playoff inexperience, was just a much better team.
The Pacers have a balanced starting lineup with a deep bench. Milwaukee on the other hand just cannot seem to play together well consistently. It didn’t help that Dame also missed a few games due to injury. This season was an absolute bust. I would not want to be in the front office for the Bucks, all of the strategic moves they made this season didn’t pay off.
Indiana has it rough next round going to New York. The next series will be another time that the Pacers have an advantage of roster depth over their opponents. The Knicks lack bench scoring and all of their starts usually play 40+ minutes a game, some players such as DiVincenzo play the entire 48 minutes. It’s going to be a battle in round 2.
Pacers face Knicks in the second round
Cleveland Cavaliers win 4-3 versus Orlando Magic
This was the only first-round series that went to 7 games. Pretty much all NBA fans agreed at the start of the playoffs that this was the least interesting season of them all. Turns out it was one of the most competitive of them all.
I had the Magic winning this one, and they almost did. Game 7 was in their hands during the first half, but Cleveland made a huge comeback and ended up winning the final game at home.
I trust that the Magic will come back next season and continue to be one of the best Eastern Conference teams. If they manage to add a solid veteran to their young core, somebody like Klay Thompson perhaps, then their dynamic could become even more powerful.
As for the Cavs, I don’t think they stand much of a chance against the Celtics. It’s not impossible for Cleveland to make it to the semi-finals, but they’re going to have a difficult time with the stacked Celtics.
Cavs face Celtics in the second round
Boston Celtics win 4-1 versus Miami Heat
This series was nothing like last year’s conference semi-finals where the Heat upset the Celtics. Boston was in full control of this series outside of one random blow-out loss at home that made absolutely no sense.
Miami was without Jimmy Butler, which contributed largely to their underwhelming performance.
Boston’s Kristaps Porziņģis went down with an injury and very well may miss all of the next round. This is the main factor that I think could allow their next opponent Cleveland to slither out on top in the upcoming series.
Celtics face Cavs in the second round
Dallas Mavericks win 4-2 versus Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers came out red hot in game one and it looked like Dallas was in big trouble. Neither Kyrie nor Luka were going to let that remain the case. These two superstars both had numerous unforgettable performances. The Clippers could not contend.
This was another playoff year where the Clippers were without their best player
Kawhi Leonard. It’s sad to see the former NBA Finals MVP unable to perform in the playoffs. If you’re a Clippers fan, you have to be ready to blow the team up and move on to something new by now I’m sure.
Dallas may not have a super deep team, but Luka and Kyrie combine to be a truly lethal threat. With each of them easily capable of being a #1 option on pretty much any team in the NBA, it’s never safe to assume you are in the clear versus the Mavs. I cannot wait to see how OKC’s young team handles these two studs in the next round.
Mave face Thunder in the second round
New York Knicks win 4-2 versus Philadelphia 76ers
This was in my opinion the most entertaining series in the first round. New York and Philly fans absolutely hate each other. There was multiple occasions where vulgar chants from the crowd could be heard through the commentator's microphones.
Joel Embiid was still nursing an injury and illness, yet gave us some impressive performances. Embiid paired with Tyrese Maxey is incredibly fun to watch.
The Knicks on the other hand feel like the most resilient team in the playoffs. Jalen Brunson had some insane output every single game. the same can be said for their entire starting lineup who are basically the only players on NY’s rotation outside of a couple of quick subs here and there.
It’s become painfully obvious to me that Julius Randle doesn’t belong on this team. He’s been injured most of the season and all of the playoffs and the Knicks have played fantastic without him. I think it’s imperative that they trade him away for somebody who fits better into the flow of their team.
Indiana may have more overall talent and a deeper team, but playing in Madison Square Garden and battling with the Villanova (I mean New York) Knicks is going to be a serious challenge next round.
Knicks face Pacers in the second round
Denver Nuggets win 4-1 versus Los Angeles Lakers
I’ll admit it, I was an idiot to pick the Lakers over the Nuggets here. I thought for sure the league was going to find a way to push LeBron and AD to the next round simply for how many people they draw to watch games.
The Nuggets are looking more and more like repeat champions. Nikola Jokic has continued to be unstoppable and an all-around MVP-like player. That and the ideally crafted roster of the Nuggets with the likes of Murray, Gordon, KCP, and Porter Jr are going to be scary for any team they face.
The next round is arguably the best matchup of the entire playoffs. Denver faces Minnesota, a team that is seemingly constructed specifically to dismantle the Nuggets. This has already shown to be true as the Wolves won game one in Denver. I expect this one to go to 7, but then again Minnesota could blow our minds again and win 4-0. I can’t wait to see how it all goes down.
Nuggets face Timberwolves in the second round
Oklahoma City Thunder win 4-0 versus New Orleans Pelicans
OKC is playing with the likely MVP winner for this year in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He’s the leader of a very young squad that managed to claim the #1 seed in the competitive Western Conference.
The poor Pelicans were without Zion Williamson and I knew they stood no chance in this series without him. I was correct as the Thunder easily won four games straight and ended this one swiftly.
The next round is versus Dallas, which I think on paper may seem like another easy one for OKC. As I mentioned before, Luka and Kyrie are most likely the best-scoring duo in the entire league. I’m anxious to see how OKC handles this offensive dynamo and whether or not they can continue to be the best team in the West.
Thunder face Mavs in the second round
Minnesota Timberwolves win 4-0 versus Phoenix Suns
Wow! I was shocked at how this series went. I had Minnesota winning, but really did not expect them to go 4-0 versus the lethal offensive prowess of Phoenix.
Even with Durant, Booker, and Beal all healthy the entire series, this overpaid trio didn’t have what it took to slow down Minnesota.
Anthony Edwards is still only 22 years old, but he’s playing at elite levels and has arguably been the best performer during these playoffs so far.
If Minnesota can get past Denver in thge next round, then they have a very high chance of winning the championship this year. I’m honestly hoping it happens because I’d love to see ANT rise to be the face of the league. I’m really hoping my Grizzlies make a comeback next year as I’d love to see a Wolves vs Grizzlies series featuring Edwards vs Morant, two of the most explosive players in the league.
Timberwolves face Nuggets in the second round
I correctly predicted 6 out of 8 series winners
I not have been perfect with my predictions, but I was pretty darn close. I watched a lot of basketball these past few weeks and will continue to keep up with the rest of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Comment below with who you think will be NBA Champions this year.