Playoffs are finally here! Each round my friends – CJ, Isaac and Malcolm – will break down each round and give our predictions.
Note: The order is from most interesting to least, according to me.
Portland Trailblazers (3) v. Oklahoma City Thunder (6)
Noah: The series will come down to Russell Westbrook and Damian Lillard. Lillard’s ability to shoot of the dribble and craftiness as a ball handler makes him a constant threat. Last year he was shut down by Jrue Holiday and will have to prove himself against an OKC defense that ranks fourth in efficiency. For Westbrook, his ability to control the tempo and his natural instincts will determine the Thunder’s success. Westbrook took 43 shots in the Thunder’s final playoff game last season and displayed how his competitive spirit can be a detriment to the team. OKC’s poor outside shooting may hurt them down the stretch when driving lanes are tighter for Westbrook and Paul George. OKC was 4-0 against the Blazers this season but history says Westbrook won’t be able to pick his spots for the betterment of the team. Blazers in 7.
Isaac: This is the hardest first round series to call, but for a bummer of a reason. If Nurkic is healthy I’m taking the Blazers in 6. But he’s not. So I expect the Thunder to feed Adams and for him to feast on whatever combo of Kanter/Leonard/Collins the Blazers throw at him. There are a ton of other story lines here, like two first round losses last year and Westbrook versus Lillard, but the real X factor is Paul George. I’m betting on MVPG. Thunder in 6.
Malcolm: Blazers in 7
Philadelphia 76ers (3) v. Brooklyn Nets (6)
Noah: Philadelphia is uber-talented but still integrating key pieces like Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. Joel Embiid’s health is a concern and Ben Simmons inability / unwillingness to shoot will be worth watching. The Nets have exciting combo guards in D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie but lack players with the size to match Simmons and Embiid on defense. Brooklyn will be feisty but it won’t take long for Embiid and Simmons to establish themselves as the best players on the floor. Sixers in 6.
Isaac: The Nets are another awesome story this season. They are playing with house money, and having nothing to lose can be a high-octane fuel. But the Sixers, despite their lack of depth and lack of time together, might have the second best starting five in the league. Sixers in 5.
CJ: As a Philadelphian, I am proud to say that booing works. Ben Simmons is the latest example of that truth. Following his poor effort in the Game 1 loss to Brooklyn, where he was met with boo-birds from the Philly faithful, Ben suggested that displeased fans should “stay on that side.” I joined the chorus of fans who didn’t take well to his response. I thought to myself, “does he not understand that booing is a Philly fan’s love language? This is how we show passion!” Well, based on his game 2 performance, I guess he learned. He responded with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, which contributed to a 22-point Sixers victory. If Ben continues to play aggressive on both sides of the ball and keep those boos in the back of his head, the Sixers shouldn’t lose another game. Sixers in 5.
Malcolm: Sixers in 6
Houston Rockets (4) v. Utah Jazz (5)
Noah: Breaking news, James Harden is having one of the greatest offensive seasons in NBA history! Harden averaged 36 points a game this year and is the most since Jordan averaged 37 in 1987. Utah is an elite defensive team and will rely on the length of Rudy Gobert to deter Harden from converting chances at the rim, without fouling. Utah’s greatest weakness in this series however may be their offense. Outside of Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz lack players capable of scoring off the dribble. Head coach Quinn Snyder will have Utah well prepared but keeping pace with Houston’s offense will be difficult, especially with Harden at this level. Houston in 6.
Isaac: Really excited for this series. The Jazz are a true grinder of a team, and Mitchell is a superstar in the making. The concern for the Jazz though, as always, is offense. Even if the Stifle Tower can slow down the unstoppable force that has been James Harden all season, the Jazz are going to need the “other guys” to hit their shots (Ingles et al). Bottom line is I’m hoping for some extra special effort from the Jazz to extend this series. Rockets in 7.
Malcolm: Houstin in 7
Denver Nuggets (2) v. San Antonio Spurs (7)
Noah:My love for Denver has been well documented. Denver is the youngest team in the playoffs and is their first playoff appearance with their new core. Jokic is the best player in the series but will Gary Harris or Jamal Murray to become consistent secondary scorers when he sits. Gregg Popovich will create a game plan that make Denver work for everything but my faith in Jokic is too deep. Denver in 6.
Isaac: I could say a lot here, but in short, I think this years Nuggets are last years Raptors, and Pop has just enough to work with. Spurs in 7.
CJ: For a young and talented Denver Nuggets team, the Spurs are the worst possible first round matchup for them. The Spurs are not a conventional 7th seed. Led by one of the 3 greatest coaches in NBA history, the Spurs contain key veterans in Demar Derozan, Lamarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay, and Patty Mills who can produce in big moments, at home and on the road. With Jamal Murray’s inconsistent scoring output and the Nuggets lack of a third scoring option, I expect the Nuggets to struggle on the road, ultimately costing them the series. Spurs in 6.
Malcolm: Denver in 6.
Toronto Raptors (2) v. Orlando Magic
Noah: The Raptors join the Bucks as the two teams with a top five offense and defense in terms of efficiency. With LeBron no longer in conference and the addition Khawi Leonard, the Raptors postseason struggles may be over. Meanwhile, Orlando is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2012. Their roster is unremarkable but have a good defense with versatile wings in Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac who can guard multiple positions. Toronto is better across the board and won’t work hard to advance. Raptors in 5.
Isaac: I’ve been trying to decide what to write about this series for longer than the Magic will hold a lead the entire series. Still, they Magic put together some impressive performances this season. Raptors in 5.
Malcolm: Raptors in 5.
Boston Celtics (4) v. Indiana Pacers (5)
Noah: After nearly making the Finals last season, the Celtics have struggled to meet their championship expectations. Kyrie Irving has had a career year but the once promising duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have struggled in complementary roles. The Pacers have remained viable despite losing Victor Oladipo to injury in November. The Pacers have a top-five defense but their struggles on the offensive end will make this series easy for the Celtics. Celtics in 5.
Isaac: The Pacers resoluteness since Dipo went down is something to be truly admired. And the Celtics have been up and down at best. With Oladipo, this could’ve been a nail biter for Boston. Injuries suck. Celtics in 6.
Malcolm: Celtics in 7.
Golden State Warriors (1) v. Los Angeles Clippers (8)
Noah: No explanation needed, not yet. Warriors in four.
Isaac: Not much to say here. I despise the Warriors and the Clippers have surprised everyone all season, so I’ll throw them a game. Warriors in 5.
Malcolm: Warriors in 5.
Milwaukee Bucks (1) v. Detroit Pistons (8)
Noah: This still haunts me. Giannis, that is all. Bucks in 3.
Isaac: Is Blake Griffin the second biggest “what if he was never injured” of the past two decades after Derrick Rose? Maybe. But that’s not really relevant here. You know what else isn’t relevant? The Pistons are still paying Josh Smith. But you know what IS relevant? Giannis. Bucks in 4.
Malcolm: Bucks in 4.
The Thesis 