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We will now lastly say it for actual: the NBA Playoffs are again. As our custom at the moment of the yr, we’ll be making our preview of the playoffs by taking picks for first spherical of postseason. So with out additional ado, let’s get to our NBA Playoffs First Spherical Predictions 2023.
NBA Playoffs First Spherical predictions 2023
Western Convention
(1) Denver Nuggets versus (8) Minnesota Timberwolves/Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Head-to-head matchup in 2022-23 common season: Tied (2-2)/Nuggets gained sequence, 3-1
Preview to return…
(4) Phoenix Suns versus (5) Los Angeles Clippers
Head-to-head matchup in 2022-23 common season: Tied (2-2)
In line with Shams Charania of The Athletic, Clippers injured star Paul George (leg) is more likely to miss the start of the workforce’s first-round matchup towards the Suns. That’s too dangerous, because the Clippers want each alternative they’ve towards a stacked Suns squad with a totally wholesome (or nearly) Kevin Durant.
However even in an alternate universe the place the Clippers have a wholesome George to begin the sequence, it won’t be sufficient to beat the Suns in a seven-game sequence. Durant has been undefeated in a Suns uniform, albeit a small pattern measurement of eight video games. I even have a sense that Chris Paul may need been saving his finest for the playoffs.
Prediction: Suns win 4-1 to advance to the second spherical
(3) Sacramento Kings versus (6) Golden State Warriors
Head-to-head matchup in 2022-23 common season: Warriors gained sequence, 3-1
After such a protracted, lengthy drought, playoff environment is lastly actual in Sacramento. As one of many greater seeds within the first spherical, they are going to host their return to the playoffs with a matchup towards the….defending champions.
The Warriors aren’t simply the reigning champions; the core of this workforce have gained 4 championships within the final eight years. Positive, the Warriors have been uncharacteristically dangerous on the highway this season. However come playoff time, search for the veteran stars of this workforce to get their elbows out and bask within the stress of the postseason.
The Kings will put up a combat, however the Warriors’ expertise and sheer willpower will ultimately win out.
Prediction: Warriors win sequence 4-1 to advance to the second spherical
(2) Memphis Grizzlies versus (7) Los Angeles Lakers
Head-to-head matchup in 2022-23 common season: Lakers gained sequence, 2-1
No Brandon Clarke. No Steven Adams. Jaren Jackson Jr. is at the moment a frontrunner for the Defensive Participant of the Yr award, however can he take the whole lot that the Lakers’ frontcourt will throw at him?
With a wholesome pair of Anthony Davis and LeBron James, the Lakers have the heavy artillery to convey the Grizzlies down. Their protection has vastly improved within the latter a part of the season, and so they’re nonetheless trending upward as they accumulate extra video games as a gaggle.
Grizzlies star Ja Morant may common 30 factors on this sequence, and it nonetheless won’t be sufficient to advance to the subsequent spherical.
Prediction: Lakers win sequence 4-2 to advance to the second spherical
Japanese Convention
(1) Milwaukee Bucks versus (8) Miami Warmth/Chicago Bulls
Head-to-head matchup in 2022-23 common season: Tied (2-2)
Preview to return…
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers versus (5) New York Knicks
Head-to-head matchup in 2022-23 common season: Knicks gained sequence, 3-1
We may have seen a few of the greatest NBA playoff games of all-time when this sequence involves a conclusion. Each the Cavaliers and the Knicks are hungry for playoff success, and so they have the celebs who can ship the products.
However the query now could be this: will Julius Randle return to motion in Sport 1? The Knicks star ahead suffered an premature ankle damage a few weeks in the past, with reviews saying that he has participated in restricted observe on Tuesday.
The Knicks want Randle to be at his finest, particularly towards the Cavaliers’ twin towers of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. One other matchup to observe for on this sequence can be on the backcourt, the place Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley attempt to degree towards the Cavaliers’ Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.
Prediction: Cavaliers win 4-3 to advance to the second spherical
(3) Philadelphia 76ers versus (6) Brooklyn Nets
Head-to-head matchup in 2022-23 common season: Sixers gained sequence, 4-0
Mikal Bridges has been a revelation for the Nets, averaging a career-high 26.1 factors on 60.7% True Capturing within the 27 video games that he performed for his new workforce. Cameron Johnson and Spencer Dinwiddie have additionally impressed since being traded to the workforce halfway by means of the common season.
However can they cease the freight practice that’s Joel Embiid? The Sixers large man is at the moment main the league in scoring, and he may very properly be crowned the Most Valuable Player this year. Together with Embiid, additionally search for James Harden to make his mark on this sequence.
It’s good that the Nets are nonetheless within the playoffs regardless of all of the drama they went by means of, however the Sixers will convey out the brooms on this one.
Prediction: Sixers win 4-0 to advance to the second spherical
(2) Boston Celtics versus (7) Atlanta Hawks
Head-to-head matchup in 2022-23 common season: Celtics gained sequence, 3-0
The Hawks could have stunned lots of people by successful in South Seaside and grabbing maintain of the seventh spot within the East. 4 of the gamers that got here off their bench scored in double digits within the play-in win towards the Miami Warmth, and also you additionally need to have in mind the injury that Trae Young and Dejounte Murray can do within the backcourt.
Nonetheless, they’ll be matching up with the Celtics’ vaunted protection. They’re at the moment ranked third in defensive ranking (111.5), and their switching protection can be very efficient towards the Hawks’ pick-and-roll performs. On offense, the Celtics aren’t too shabby both, particularly with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown round.
The Celtics are one of the balanced groups within the NBA, making them a precedence choose in any NBA playoffs first spherical predictions 2023 listing. The Hawks can be an impediment that the Celtics will simply overcome.
Prediction: Celtics win sequence 4-1 to advance to the second spherical
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