The first-round matchups for the NBA playoffs are officially set. As with every NBA season, there are plenty of storylines to follow, so predicting a champion for each conference is always tricky. Could it be the dominant Cavs? Will the Celtics march back to the NBA Finals? Let’s set some predictions.
One of the biggest surprises during the NBA regular season was the Cleveland Cavaliers. With multiple win streaks exceeding ten games, it’s not shocking they finished with a strong 64-18 record to sit on top of the East. The Bulls, Hawks, or Heat have the task of trying to upset them in round one. The Hawks matchup would have some interesting storylines given the De’Andre Hunter trade earlier in the season. Nonetheless, Cleveland should take care of business against either of these teams. Prediction: The Cavaliers reach the second round in five games.
The Pacers—Bucks series has the potential to be the most entertaining first-round matchup. While the Pacers have seemingly taken a step back from last season, they still pose a threat with their offensive firepower. For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been on an absolute tear recently. Yet, with lingering health concerns for Damian Lillard, the Bucks will struggle to win the series. Prediction: The Pacers win in six games.
During the regular season, the New York Knicks struggled against the top teams in the league. On the other hand, the Pistons found their footing around the midpoint of the season and reached their first playoff appearance since the 2018-19 season. This series is a classic experience vs youth situation, though. Despite their struggles, the Knicks are still the superior team with more playoff exposure. Prediction: The Knicks take the series in six games.
The reigning champion Boston Celtics will face the Orlando Magic in round one. The series would be highly entertaining if not for Orlando’s injuries to key players Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner. Unless the team learns actual magic, there isn’t a reason to go against the Celtics here. Prediction: Boston sweeps the series to advance.
Continuing with the Celtics in round two against the Knicks. Given the Knicks’ inability to beat Boston in the regular season, it seems wrong to have them go over here. Still, with the star power in this series, anything is possible. Can Jalen Brunson put on the cape once again for the Knicks? Will Karl-Anthony Towns be the difference maker the team needs him to be? Perhaps, but it still isn’t likely enough to take down the Celtics, who have been there, done that, and are looking for more. Prediction: Boston reaches the conference finals in five games.
That takes us to the Cavs and Pacers. Throughout his career, Donovan Mitchell has never made a conference finals appearance. Contrast that with the Pacers coming off a conference finals run, and the storylines flood. Can Donovan Mitchell get it done when it matters? Are the Cavs truly a different team this season? These have been a topic of discussion throughout the year. There isn’t a team under more pressure than the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers could use that pressure to their advantage and return to the conference finals. Things are constantly changing in life and the NBA, though. The Cavs look destined for greatness sooner rather than later. Prediction: Cleveland wins in six games.
The Eastern Conference Finals…
It all comes down to the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers, two of the league’s top three teams, for a chance to play in the NBA Finals. The pressure is on for Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs. They have everything to prove and even more to lose. Boston was in a similar spot last season and got it done. These are legacy-defining moments.
In the regular season, Boston and Cleveland split the series 2-2. In every game, Boston looked dominant until the Cavs stormed back and made the games close. Being forced to overcome deficits is undoubtedly not the key to success. Being too confident against an opponent and taking your foot off the gas isn’t a key to success either. Besides a trip to the NBA Finals, respect is on the line for Cleveland—respect from the Celtics, the league, and the media. It’s all reaching its boiling point for this team, and unfortunately, it will be too much for them to handle. Prediction: The Celtics return to the NBA Finals in seven games.
Despite a fantastic regular season to remember, pressure is ultimately the Cavs’ downfall. The Celtics have lived through it, came out on top, and have the poise to do it again. The only question is: What team awaits them in the NBA Finals? That question will be answered soon enough.
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