The NBA playoffs are here, and it’s time to crown a new champion for this year.
Sports Reporter Richard Martinez gives his predictions for this years’ playoffs, starting with the first round.
Western Conference First Round
#1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder vs #8 seed Memphis Grizzlies
Prediction: OKC in 4
I predict that OKC will sweep Memphis, as the Thunder have been the dominant team all season with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading them, and have no signs of slowing down any time soon.
#2 seed Houston Rockets vs #7 seed Golden State Warriors
Prediction: Rockets in 6
The Warriors have the experience needed in the playoffs. They’ve been there before. Most of the Rockets players, however, don’t have the experience, as their first game will be their first ever playoff game. It might affect them in some of their games, but I still think the Rockets can power through with their young squad.
#3 seed Los Angeles Lakers vs #6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves
Prediction: Lakers in 5
I see the Lakers mostly dominating this series. With LeBron and Luka, it’s going be hard stopping this team. The Timberwolves are going to have to work to try to win this series.
#4 seed Denver Nuggets vs #5 seed Los Angeles Clippers
Prediction: Nuggets in 6
This will be a close series. Both teams have the superstars that have the experience, which will make it close, but I think the Nuggets led by MVP candidate, Nikola Jokic, have what it takes to lead them to the next round.
Eastern Conference First Round
#1 Seed Cleveland Cavaliers vs #8 seed Miami Heat
Prediction: Heat in 4
I don’t see the Cavs slipping up this round, I only see them sweeping the Heat. The best team in the Eastern Conference all year, this team will make it far in the playoffs.
#2 Seed Boston Celtics vs #7 Seed Orlando Magic
Prediction: Celtics in 4
Again, I don’t see the defending champions slipping up in this round, as they will make quick work of the Magic.
#3 Seed New York Knicks vs #6 Seed Detroit Pistons
Prediction: Knicks in 6
This will be another good series, as the Knicks and Pistons are looking for a championship they haven’t won in so long. I think the experience that the Knicks have in the playoffs will factor into their wins, and the young star power of the Pistons will help them win some games.
#4 Seed Indiana Pacers vs #5 Seed Milwaukee Bucks
Prediction: Pacers in 7
This will be a tough series, they will go back and forth with the star power both teams have. I do think the Pacers will slip out with the series win with Tyrese Haliburton leading them. The Bucks might struggle without Damian Lillard, he will be out for the first game or more, but when he gets back they will be more competitive.
