The NBA playoffs are back… finally. One of the greatest times in sports throughout the year are the NBA playoffs. High-intensity games with everything on the line makes for intriguing entertainment.
Let’s get into some predictions our writers have for the 1st round of the 2023 NBA playoffs…
Eastern Conference
Milwaukee Bucks vs Miami Heat
Bucks vs Heat will be a very underrated matchup to watch for. Jimmy Butler is a different beast in the playoffs and the Bucks and Heat have had their true battles in the playoffs. Whether it was the Bucks getting over them to win their recent ring or the Heat creating a wall the first time around to stop Giannis. A series to keep an eye on for sure.
Prediction by Writers: Bucks win in 5 (10 votes)
Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks
Jayson Tatum and the Celtics have been great playoff performers recently and it seems like the Writers think it will continue. The Hawks have shown the ability to make noise though, making it to the Conference Championship recently. If the Celtics aren’t careful, the Hawks can cause issues.
Prediction by Writers: Celtics win in 5 (10 votes)
Philadelphia 76ers vs Brooklyn Nets
This series was chosen to be closer than many might think by our writers. The Nets have a star in Mikal Bridges that has shown the ability to lead a team and it will be interesting to see them going against the Embiid and Harden led 76ers. Another decent playoff matchup to look towards.
Prediction by Writers: 76ers win in 6 (10 votes)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks
Arguably one of the best playoff series we can expect this first round. Cavaliers and Knicks are very close in their record and also team success this year. They’re very leveled with both teams having great scorers from the perimeter and also down low.
Prediction by Writers: Cavs win in 7 (9 votes)
Western Conference
Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Battle of the bigs. KAT and Gobert vs Jokic is going to be quite intriguing to watch for in this series. Who will win? Will the MVP take the Nuggets past the Timberwolves who are looking better and better recently? We shall see.
Prediction by Writers: Nuggets win in 5 (8 votes)
Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers
One of the more polarizing series to watch and arguably going to be the most watched, Grizzlies vs Lakers. LeBron James going against a young Memphis team as an underdog is going to be interesting. Can King James take the Lakers above the 2nd seeded Grizzlies?
Prediction by Writers: Lakers win in 6 (6 votes)
Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors
Another upset predicted by our writers, the Warriors as the 6th seed to upset the Kings as the 3rd seed. Kings have made the playoffs after a very long time while the Warriors have become seasoned playoff veterans with 4 rings in the past decade.
Prediction by Writers: Warriors in 6 (9 votes)
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers
Kawhi Leonard vs Kevin Durant will be a super fun matchup to look for and also Russell Westbrook going against his former teammate in KD. Another close matchup to keep an eye on for sure.
Prediction by Writers: Suns in 6 (7 votes)
