ROUND 1
Heat vs Bucks – Bucks 4, Heat 2
The Bucks took Game 1 on a miraculous Khris Middleton shot, but hope remains for the Heat. Jimmy Butler had an abysmal Game 1, but Bam Abedayo was a stud, nearly recording a triple double from his center spot. Giannis was his usual MVP standard and Jrue Holiday continues to make a huge impact on defense. The Heat have elite shooters in Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, and if they get hot, things could get interesting. However, in the end, there will be a victory in Milwaukee.
76ers vs Wizards – 76ers 4, Wizards 1
Philly took Game 1 and they will likely take the series. The Wizards are a huge surprise, considering they had almost zero percent chance of making the postseason – let alone winning the play-in game. Ben Simmons was special in Game 1 recording almost a triple double and Tobias Harris had 37 points. Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook carried the Wizards to this point, but I don’t think that they will go much farther.
Knicks vs Hawks – Knicks 4, Hawks 1
The Hawks snagged victory from the jaws of defeat in Game 1 with Trae Young dropping in a tear drop shot straight from Steve Nash’s book. But this may be the high point for the Hawks. Let’s be realistic, the Knicks are a tenacious defensive team and can drop threes with ease. Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and Derrick Rose form a very good core for New York. Thibs should piece together a good bounce-back game plan for the Knicks. Therefore, the Hawks will be hard-pressed to get another win.
Nets vs Celtics – Nets 4, Celts 2
The Nets’s roster should NOT be allowed! Insane. Kevin Durant is playing at an MVP level; meanwhile, James Harden and Kyrie Irving are slicing up defenses with precision. The Nets have some high-tier role players in Deandre Jordan and sharpshooter Joe Harris. The Nets outshot, outrebounded, and outplayed the Celtics in Game 1. The Celts, led by Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker, have some work to do to win this series.
Mavericks vs Clippers – Mavs 4, Clips 3
Hands down, Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA. The ice-cold Slovenian assassin dropped a triple-double on one of the best defensive units in the NBA. The Mavs rode Luka’s momentum into a victory over the Clips. Kawhi Leonard was good. But Paul George was off his game against the Mavs and Serge Ibaka was missing rebounds and blocks that he usually grabs. Tyronne Lue will really need to help the Clips against the surging Mavs.
Nuggets vs Blazers – Nuggets 4, Blazers 2
The Blazers took Game 1 on the heels on the Damian Lillard’s 34 point game and hit 8 treys’, but the Nuggets should bounce back. Nikola Jokic, future MVP, was his usual self, but they have to see more from their role players in Game 2. Jamal Murray is a mid-range beast, but has to step up his deep game. Aaron Gordan needs to pound the boards, as he is only averaging 3 rebounds a game, laughable for a power forward. The veteran presence of Paul Millsap should help this inexperienced team get over this obstacle.
Lakers vs Suns – Suns 4, Lakers 1
The Lakers may have met their match and the CP3 has a lot to do with that. CP3 was injured in the 2nd quarter, but returned and helped the Suns to a victory. Anthony Davis needs to turn it on for LA, 13 points and 5 rebounds is not enough for a former MVP candidate. Dennis Schroder only had 1 assist, not great for a point guard. Yes, I’ve seen the memes and agree, the only thing LeBron will win this postseason is an Oscar for his flop. Oh yeah, and Devin Booker is ice-cold sharpshooter.
Jazz vs Grizzlies – Jazz 4, Grizzlies 2
The Grizzlies defeated the Jazz in Game 1 solely due to Donovan Mitchell’s absence. Mitchell’s return in Game 2 should give the advantage back to the Jazz. Utah held their own without their star player, but Defensive Player of the Year candidate Rudy Gobert needs to up his game to counter the great center play of Jonás Valacianus.
