Eastern Conference
The series: Bucks vs Pacers
The outcome: Pacers in 6
The reason: The Pacers are simply too hot on both ends of the floor and it’s not crazy to think they could wind up giving the top of the East problems in a 7-game series. On the other side, the Bucks have Giannis and if Lillard comes back to round out the top-scoring duo in the NBA, they could absolutely avenge last season’s playoff lost to Indiana. If the Bucks can steal a game in Indiana with KPJ and Ryan Rollins running the point until Dame is ready, the series could flip. A Giannis-led team should never feel like an underdog, so there’s always hope for Milwaukee.
The series: Pistons vs Knicks
The outcome: Knicks in 6
The reason: It should surprise nobody that the Knicks starting five played more minutes per game than any other starting group in the league this season. They should be rested and healthy for their first-round matchup against Detroit. The Pistons improved by an amazing 30 wins over last season and it wouldn’t shock me to see them push the Knicks to seven games, but I think they’re still a year of way from serious contention.
The series: Magic vs Celtics
The outcome: Celtics in 5
The reason: I’ll give the Magic a game simply because they were 2-1 against Boston in the regular season while Boston sat key pieces in both losses. The Magic are talented and can score in bunches, but the Celtics are simply too loaded to be given a real scare here.
The series: Heat vs Cavaliers
The outcome: Cavaliers in 4
The reason: The Cavaliers have an incredibly efficient offense and had a stronghold on the top spot in the East all season. I see them taking care of business quickly and having a few extra days of rest to prepare for round two.
Western Conference
The series: Clippers vs Nuggets
The outcome: Nuggets in 7
The reason: Jokić. No need to get too in-depth here. This series could go either way, but it’s yet to be determined how the Nuggets will respond after Michael Malone was fired just prior to season’s end. At the end of the day, Nikola Jokić is a walking triple double who will see 40 minutes per night and this gives the edge to the Nuggets.
The series: Timberwolves vs Lakers
The outcome: Lakers in 7
The reason: I’m sure LeBron, Luka, and the Lakers team would prefer a first-round series victory that doesn’t take seven games, but they’d settle for getting out of the first round after losing in five games in the opening round to Denver last season. Anthony Edwards is capable of carrying the Timberwolves to a series victory on his own, but I think LA will get their first taste of a clutch playoff Luka and it’ll be enough to move on the round two.
The series: Grizzlies vs Thunder
The outcome: Thunder in 4
The reason: OKC is the best team in the league and the/my favorite to win it all. They are top three in both offense and defense and can go deep into their bench to keep fresh legs for any game. Anything other than Thunder in five or less would be shocking.
The series: Warriors vs Rockets
The outcome: Rockets in 7
The reason: The Warriors are much improved with the addition of Jimmy Butler, and Steph Curry is can’t-miss playoff basketball. However, the Rockets are the deeper and more-talented team and I see this a fun series with game seven going to the home team in Houston.
John Fritz - Bleav in Fantasy
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Robbin Marx
NBA Fantasy Analyst
Experience: NBC Sports - Rotoworld, HashTag Basketball, Bleav Network
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