The NBA Playoff Matches Are Set! Part 2
I’m a few days late on this post. A lot of NBA action has taken place since my last NBA article. The Memphis Grizzlies got a gutsy win against the Utah Jazz on Sunday. I’m loving the Grizzlies the more I learn about them. The Phoenix Suns surprised the heck out of me by winning the first game against the Lakers.
Just when it felt like the Lakers could of gain all the momentum in the fourth quarter when the game got mucky, the Suns double down and make sure they got the win against the Lakers. I hope they win the series. So far a few teams got me wondering if I chose the right teams in my last post so far? Teams like the Dallas Mavericks.
That was a heck of a win by Dallas against the Clippers. Luka Doncic, Tim Hardway Jr., and Dorian Finney-Smith went off on the Clips. I was surprised that Kawhi Leonard didn’t take over to win the game in the fourth quarter. He’s gonna have to step up if the Clippers want to win the series against the Mavericks.
Now here are my picks for the teams in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Washington Wizards
I haven’t seen a lot of Philly games this year, to be honest, but the ones I’ve seen look dominant in a way I haven’t seen before. Plus they’ve added depth including a really good coach in Doc Rivers & players like George Hill, Danny Green, Dwight Howard, and Seth Curry.
The Wizards have some solid talent on their team with the scoring machine in Bradley Beal and a triple-double hurricane in Russell Westbrook. I believe the Wizards could win a game or two but the 76ers just have too much for the Wizards to overcome. I have 76ers in five games.
Philadelphia 76ers wins 4–1
Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks
Both teams have really made a big leap this year by not only making the playoffs but as the fourth and fifth seeds in the EASTERN CONFERENCE! Those are amazing achievements for both squads. Big credit goes to the coaches Tom Thibodeau & Nate McMillian for getting their players to buy into what they wanted to achieve.
I wish I could add James Borrego to this conversation, but my Charlotte Hornets flamed out in the last six games and the play-in. Alas, maybe next year. This series should be a tight one. Julius Randle from the Knicks has really elevated his game in a monster way. I’m happy for the guy and wish him continued individual & team success.
The Hawks have a really good scorer in Trae Young and a really good supporting cast that can win them games. This is a tough choice but I’m gonna go with the Atlanta Hawks in seven games.
Atlanta Hawks wins 4–3
Milwaukee Bucks vs Miami Heat
Welp! The Bucks already have a 2–0 lead on the Heat. I picked the Heat to win this series and, I’m gonna stick with them because I don’t want people to think I’m gonna choose the Bucks after the whooping they put on the Heat in the first two games.
The Bucks look like they got this series, but I’m gonna stick with my pick and go down with the sinking ship. Maybe Jimmy Butler, Bam, and the crew can put it together. But the Bucks have Giannis, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, Bryn Forbes too? Forget it. The Bucks got this series. I’ll stay with Miami in seven games.
Miami Heat wins 4–3 (Yeah, my pick is wrong)
Brooklyn Nets vs Boston Celtics
As I write this, the Celtics are getting blown out by the Nets with the score being 80 to 55. The Celtics once again (like the first game) put up a fight against Brooklyn only this time, the Nets took control very early instead of later in the game.
I honestly feel sorry for the Celtics, even though they’ve struggled all season long, they have a good roster with Jason Tatum, Jaylen Brown (another player that the injury bug got), Kemba Walker (miss you on the Hornets), Marcus Smart, Evan Fourier, and Robert Williams. The Brooklyn Nets have a video game team that’s hard to hang with.
You got the three superstars in Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. I would add Blake Griffin in the mix, but, I’m not sure if he’s still in his prime or not? Plus a supporting cast of? Honestly, that group I just mentioned, their clouds just overshadow the rest of the team. I got the Brooklyn Nets winning in a sweep. Sorry, Boston.
Brooklyn Nets wins 4–0.
Let the NBA Playoffs continue!
