The NBA Playoff Bracket is set, who you got?

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 24: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against the Washington Wizards on October 24, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

It’s the most competitive season we’ve seen in recent years with no runaway favourite to win the chip or even MVP. The first playoffs since 2018 where LeBron James has not featured (2nd in his career) and the 6th time in franchise history where the Lakers are missing. Play Off spots were all up for grabs this past week and with the season being the most competitive in recent years the Play-Ins seem to be the best way to resolve it. Most expected the Cleveland Cavaliers balanced core to advance but an ice cold Trae Young and the Atalanta Hawks had other plans. The bigger surprise entrant are original 10th seed New Orleans Pelicans who beat the LA Clippers and are the only team with a below .500 season record in the playoffs. Both hang on for more court time but just how far can these teams go? This years playoffs feature 4 teams who have won the NBA Championship within the last decade but even experience doesn’t make them clear favourites to win it all. It’s the hardest playoffs to predict in years and really anyone’s call. There’s every chance we could be in for an upset but here’s our predictions for round 1.

Let’s take a look at the matchups!

Eastern Conference

1st vs 8th – Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks

HeatHawks

Top seeded Heat were waiting for their opponent and may have been handed a olive branch by not meeting the Nets in the first round. They do however come up against the tenacious Atlanta Hawks who have a very preppy Trae Young. Atlanta are still a relatively young team with little playoff exposure which could be their downfall. Miami on the other hand have a championship winning coach, a number of veterans hungry to win it all and youngsters who have really stepped up and grown into their own. This will be a great learning experience for the Hawks who may be one year too early to make a deep playoff run. That’s not to say the Heat will sweep as they are a team that need to find their rhythm to make a deep run and this could be just what they need.

Prediction: Heat in 5

2nd vs 7th – Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets

By far the toughest matchup in the whole first round and it’s matchups like these which really test the analysis of sports reporters. Boston has the best defensive rating in the league but the Nets have arguably the best offensive weapons in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The Celtics are missing centre Robert Williams however which could slightly hurt their chances whereas the Nets have a chance of Ben Simmons returning to add a defensive presence of their own. With the level both of these teams are playing at this should be its very own finals! If the Nets win this they have a strong chance of winning the East but it’ll by no means be an easy road for either. The saying goes offence wins games, but defence wins championships, I’m going with the different animals that are playoff KD and Kyrie in this one.

Prediction: Nets in 6

3rd vs 6th – Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls

As these teams lock horns both are all about heart. By now we’re familiar with the game’s best student, Giannis, as we smile at how he’s adapted to humbly dominate and achieve even more accolades. For the Bulls it’s always nice to see them in the playoffs. A team which was iconic in the 90’s and captured our hearts with the explosive Derrick Rose in the early 2010’s. Now they do it again with the resurgence of DeMar DeRozan and an exciting core of Zach Lavine, Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso. It would have been harder to call but alas injuries to the latter two players have dampened Chicago’s chances quite significantly. There’s no room to play nice in the playoffs and it’s unforgiving for anyone who gives an inch. Bucks are looking to repeat and build a dynasty, with that in mind it’ll be a comfortable ride for the reigning champs.

Prediction: Bucks in 5

4th vs 5th – Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors

Joel Embiid is the first centre to win the scoring title since Shaq in 2000 and is a top contender for MVP honours. He’s looking very good on paper and is there to handle his business. Somewhat new teammate James Harden is a former league MVP and a 3 time scoring champion himself so this should be a sure win right? He’s all too familiar with high expectations but why is the pressure is the highest ever for The Beard? He’s been there, done that but doesn’t have the NBA Champions T-Shirt. It’s a legacy defining season for Harden who’s now on his 4th team and adds seasons biggest trade to his achievements. He’s been known to disappear in the playoffs so it’s ring or nothing to silence the critics and he has the best chance to do it this year. The Raptors look to get in the way of any such redemption as they have some proving to do themselves. They’re a recovering team from losing Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry since winning their first championship in 2019 but where most teams crumble from losing big players, they stayed competitive. However the lack of a superstar is what’s going to hurt them here.

Prediction: Sixers in 5

Western Conference

1st vs 8th – Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans

SunsPelicans

Suns have the best record in the league and by a long shot. MVP candidate Devin Booker has won 12-3 without point guard supreme Chris Paul and now that he’s back it’s time to define a legacy. Where they were so close in 2021 there’s now no room for error. New Orleans still without Zion Williamson surprised us by beating the Clippers but they were without Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. It’ll be valuable playoff experience for the Pelicans and Brandon Ingram who will have another stage to hone his craft as a leader and a versatile two way player. It’s the Sun’s championship to lose who are out for revenge and have been nothing but consistent all season.

Prediction: Suns in 4

2nd vs 7th – Memphis Grizzlies vs Minnesota Timberwolves

Sharpening their claws the Grizzlies take on the Timberwolves in what’s sure to be an electrifying match up. Minnesota are going into this full of passion like they already won the chip (well mostly Patrick Beverly) but just how far can momentum take you? Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards are two of the most electrifying players in the league, but as the aim is to win we might not see the highlight reel series we’d like. Memphis have the better season record, discipline and core whereas Minnesota come with an all or nothing mentality. It won’t be a cake walk for the Grizzlies but it’ll be entertaining to say the least as both these small city teams shine amongst the big boys.

Prediction: Grizzlies in 6

3rd vs 6th – Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets

Denver has the formula of consistency and their jack of all trades Nikola Jokic. The reigning league MVP who’s a top contender to repeat the honour this year and only player to score 2000 points, 1000 rebounds and 500 assists in a single season. Golden State on the other hand have the second reunion of their big 3 and are playoff veterans at this point. Where Jokic will be orchestrating the main events, he has to rely heavily on the rest of his team which may or may not see Jamal Murray return from a season long injury. Even though the Warriors see Steph Curry returning on limited minutes, they have more than enough players to be a problem for the Joker. Steve Kerr has created a system where he can string together a play with any combination of players star or not. It’ll all depend on how long the Joker can hold up and outsmart the Warriors but it’ll be a thrilling series regardless.

Prediction: Warriors in 6

4th vs 5th – Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz

On paper there aren’t high expectations for either team and would have been a more exciting match up under different circumstances. Luka Doncic is one of the most exciting young players in the whole of the NBA who has skill beyond his years. But the calf strain he picked up in the final game of the season was both careless and pointless. Not only does he miss out on game 1 but there’s a high chance of missing game 2 too. With the young magician out this creates a golden opportunity for Utah to rally and make to the next round. Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Jordan Clarkson are healthy, time for the rest of the Jazz to step up.

Prediction: Jazz in 4

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