The 82 games of regular-season professional basketball have finally been completed, and the 2018 NBA playoffs are here. Here are some predictions for the rest of the first–round series:
Eastern Conference
1. Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards: Raptors
I almost chose the Wizards here, especially since the Raptors haven’t been playing well lately, and the Wizards have John Wall back. However, I still would give the Raptors the edge in this matchup since they have a stacked bench and have had a consistent season, being one of the top five teams offensively and defensively this entire season. Regardless of my prediction, I wouldn’t count the Wizards out in this series. It wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if Wall and Bradley Beal come out with a bang this series and outplay Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. If this is the case, we may be able to see the makings of a major upset.
2. Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Celtics
The excitement and anticipation for this series has been killed by the news of Kyrie Irving’s injury, forcing him to sit out for this year’s playoffs. Even though it seems that the young Bucks may now have a chance in this series with an injured Celtics team (which would be the Bucks’ first win in a playoff series since 2001), they can’t seem to get their act together. They're just too untrustworthy. These athletic Bucks may be able hold off the Celtics to get to round seven; however, the Celtics still have just enough talent left in their lineup and will take this series.
3. Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat: 76ers
The Miami Heat may be able to hold off the 76ers for at least a little in the beginning of this series, especially with Joel Embiid out. However, even with Embiid gone, the 76ers have been playing great lately, so his absence shouldn’t matter too much. The Heat may be able to share at least some small victories in this series through experience and coaching. But overall, the Sixers hold way more talent, especially if/when they get back a healthy Embiid mid-series.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers: Cavaliers
Can anyone pick against Lebron? Even with the Cavs’ uneasy performance in the regular season, Lebron can finish a first round by himself. He’s never lost there before, and he won’t let that streak end now. I still feel bad for the Pacers, though. They worked hard this season, and I think everyone will always respect the work of Victor Oladipo this season, bringing the Pacers to the No. 5 seed in the East.
Western Conference
1. Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Rockets
The Rockets have swept the regular-season series between these teams 4-0. Their closest game was still a nine-point difference, and the other three games were pure blowouts. On top of that, the Timberwolves lack playoff experience. Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, two of Minnesota’s most important players, have never played in the postseason before. Rockets have this series in the bag.
2. Golden State Warrior vs. San Antonio Spurs: Warriors
Is anyone really surprised by this pick? Everyone, even non-sports fans, know about the dominance that is the Warriors. They are the model sports team of this league, and people either love them or hate them for it. Even with Stephen Curry out with an injury, they’ve got enough to wrap up this series shortly. The Spurs may sneak a win during the first few games. They just do that kind of thing. But still, this series is in the hands of the Warriors.
3. Portland Trailblazers vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Trailblazers
This pick was harder to determine since it seems like the talent is halved between the two. However, I think the Blazers have a bit more oomph to bring to the table. Anthony Davis may be enough to carry the team by himself, but the Blazers have enough players to pitch at him to stir up some trouble.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Utah Jazz: Thunder
Truthfully, I don’t know which to pick. I put down the Thunder as more of a guess than a call, just because I have a slight favoritism to Russell Westbrook. This series will probably be the most interesting out of the four Western series. I predict that it will easily get to seven, and each game will definitely be a battle.