Tank and Jenks NBA Playoffs First Round Preview
Eastern Conference
- (1) Boston Celtics vs. (8) Miami Heat
- Celtics in Five
The Miami Heat are so well-coached that they will steal a game in Miami, but without Jimmy Butler, this is a bad mismatch for the reigning Eastern Conference Champions. The Celtics have too many scorers for this to stay competitive. The Boston Celtics should dominate this series, especially after falling to Miami last season. This year has all been about getting championship #18; anything less is a failure in Boston.
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- (2) New York Knicks vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers
- Knicks in Six
The New York Knicks drew a tough first-round opponent, but there is no hiding in the playoffs. To beat the Philadelphia 76ers, you need relentless team defense to swarm Joel Embiid. I think this Knicks team is up to the task, especially with Embiid hobbling at less than full health. Jalen Brunson will also need to close out games like he has all season and continue his playoff excellence. I believe he will.
- (3) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (6) Indiana Pacers
- Pacers in Six
Giannis Antetokounmpo's health is obviously the big X-factor here for the Milwaukee Bucks. It seems like his injury situation is serious, and even if he comes back, who knows if he’ll stay healthy. The Indiana Pacers have a solid young roster with several players who like to run the floor. I think this series will turn into a track meet where the Bucks can’t keep pace without Giannis.
- (4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Orlando Magic
- Cavaliers in Seven
This is one of the most odd matchups in the playoffs. The Cleveland Cavs are centered around Donovan Mitchell, who will leave the team, and the Orlando Magic are so young they have already exceeded all expectations. The winner of this series will likely get decimated by the Celtics, making this series almost irrelevant. The Magic will get their first taste of the playoffs in a 7-game war that Donovan Mitchell will ultimately win for Cleveland.
Western Conference
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- (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) New Orleans Pelicans
- Thunder in Six
The Oklahoma City Thunder have had a tremendous season and a bright future. It is essential for them to win this series and build some playoff experience. I expected the Kings to win the play-in and push this series deep, but they choked. The New Orleans Pelicans are feisty, but without a healthy Zion Williamson, I don’t see them pushing this more than six games.
- (2) Denver Nuggets vs. (7) Los Angeles Lakers
- Nuggets In Five
The Los Angeles Lakers' only chance in this series is if the referees throw on purple and gold and hand LeBron James a few wins. The Denver Nuggets destroyed the Lakers on their way to the title last year and should do the same this year with ease. Given LeBron's lack of help defense at this stage in his career, Jamal Murray will put up big numbers in this series.
- (3) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (6) Phoenix Suns
- Sun in Five
The Minnesota TIMBERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRWOLVES had a tremendous regular season, but the fun stops here. Kevin Durant quietly had a strong season for the Phoenix Suns, and I am not picking Mr. Softie Karl-Anthony Towns to beat him in a seven-game series. Anthony Edwards won’t be enough to stop the Wolves from going TIMBER again.
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- (4) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (5) Dallas Mavericks
- Mavericks in Seven
It’s April, and James Harden is in the playoffs. We have all seen this dark comedy enough times to know exactly what is going to happen. The second-greatest choker in the history of the NBA Playoffs (Chris Paul, GOAT) will not disappoint. This series will go seven games, and Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks will humiliate Harden and his Los Angeles Clippers when it matters most.
