The Sixers are the #1 seed in the East.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Reaves/Getty Images.)
The playoff field is set. Everything is official. So let’s make picks for the first round of the postseason!
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1 PHILADELPHIA 76ers vs #8 WASHINGTON WIZARDS
As hot as the Wizards are right now, they just don’t have the talent and depth to compete with the Sixers. Also, how are they going to stop Joel Embiid?
I suppose we’ll see a beef reignite between Russell Westbrook and Embiid. That could be the most interesting thing about this series. Otherwise…
PREDICTION: SIXERS IN 5.
#4 NEW YORK KNICKS vs #5 ATLANTA HAWKS
This is such an exciting match-up between two young, up-and-coming teams. This honestly feels like a toss-up. Both teams are playing really well. Julius Randle made the leap. Trae Young has been having an awesome season even if it’s being mostly ignored.
Flip a coin.
PREDICTION: KNICKS IN 7.
#2 BROOKLYN NETS vs #7 BOSTON CELTICS
This could be extremely overwhelming for the Celtics. Jayson Tatum might have to average 45 points to keep them competitive. The only thing worrying about the Nets is their health.
Something the Celtics don’t have right now. Whoops.
PREDICTION: NETS IN 4.
#3 MILWAUKEE BUCKS vs #6 MIAMI HEAT
I don’t know what the Heat have this year but they’re certainly a threat if everyone is healthy. Unfortunately for them, this Bucks team is different from the one they faced last season. Jrue Holiday makes such a difference for them and he gives the Bucks another dimension on both sides of the floor.
I don’t think the Heat are going to surprise anyone this season.
PREDICTION: BUCKS IN 5.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 UTAH JAZZ vs #8 MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Well, there’s certainly the storyline of former Grizzly Mike Conley playing against his old team. And as I said before, Memphis looked unfazed against Golden State. And they should have that attitude against the Jazz.
But if Mitchell plays like he did last playoffs, which I EXPECT him to do this time…
PREDICTION: JAZZ IN 5.
#4 LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS vs #5 DALLAS MAVERICKS
A rematch of last year’s series. Luka Doncic is going to have to do everything again. Their offense was still really good but it’s not as potent as it was last season.
The Clippers are on a mission. I mean, they should be. Erase the bad taste in their mouths.
PREDICTION: CLIPPERS IN 5.
#2 PHOENIX SUNS vs #7 LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Oh, boy. What a bad draw for the Suns. The Lakers are back in full strength. And they seemed to come together against the Warriors after overcoming bad starts from LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Bottom line: the Lakers have been here before. The Suns, outside of Chris Paul and Jae Crowder, haven’t been here in 11 years.
PREDICTION: LAKERS IN 6.
#3 DENVER NUGGETS vs #6 PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
A rematch from 2019. Obviously, not having Jamal Murray hurts. But Nikola Jokic is MVP for a reason. Michael Porter, Jr. has stepped in as their #2 option. Dame Time is going to be fun, of course. This one’s going to be close but the clocks might stop here.
PREDICTION: NUGGETS IN 7.
Have fun with the postseason, everyone!
Everyone, please take care of yourselves during this pandemic. And that goes for everyone involved with the NBA as well.
You can find Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
You can also check out Rey-Rey’s podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental, for more basketball content and, really, whatever else.
R.I.P. Nala.