The NBA playoffs are here and the playoff seeding is now set in stone. Eight NBA Teams from the eastern conference will fight for their right to reach the NBA finals this season.
No. 1 Boston Celtics Vs No. 8 Miami Heat
The Boston Celtics are yet again the number one seed in an uncompetitive Eastern Conference and were clearly the best team in the East. They are a much different team than last season and have a lot of experience and veteran presence heading into the playoffs. They will have to rely on Jayson Tatum and their defense to win this series and it will be smooth sailing. As for the Miami Heat they come off a blowout win against the Chicago Bulls in the Play In tournament, they will likely be tired and fatigued in this series and they’ll be without Jimmy Butler who is out with an MCL injury. It’s unfortunate that the Heat are without their superstar and are not at full strength.
Series Prediction: Celtics win the series in five games (4-1)
No 2. New York Knicks vs No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have been without Joel Embiid most of the season and now that they have him at full strength, this team might be the dark horse in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks have had themselves quite a season securing the number three seed and Jalen Brunson leading the way. If the Knicks want to win this series they’ll have to limit Embiid and his ability to score in the paint. The 76ers are a lot bigger and physical compared to the Knicks but that doesn’t mean the Knicks can’t hold their own. This series will be a tough battle between the two and I believe it will come down Six games.
Series Prediction: 76ers win in six games (4-2)
No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks Vs No. 6 Indiana Pacers
The Milwaukee Bucks struggled heavily towards the end of the season and are a completely different team from last year. The Bucks may be without Giannis Antetokounmpo for a few games so that’s a significant factor in the series. The Bucks defense is not all there and will have to rely on their offense to score points. As for the Indiana Pacers they are a young team that has played very well this season led by Tyrese Hailburton. The Pacers will have to take advantage of Giannis not playing the first few games, they’ll have to limit Damian Lillard’s scoring abilities to win and rely heavily on their offense to keep them in prime position to steal games one and two.
Series Prediction: Indiana Pacers win in seven games (4-3).
No 4. Cleveland Cavaliers Vs No. 5 Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic have been an underrated team this year sneaking their way into the playoff picture at number 5. The team is led by Paolo Banchero and this talented young team. But the Magic are more of a defensive team than a high scoring offensive team so keeping up with the Cavaliers will be a challenge. The Cleveland Cavaliers have the advantage in this series as they have the veteran experience and necessary depth to win this series. Garland and Mitchell will have to lead this Cavaliers team to victory in this series and a lot of the pressure will fall in their hands.
Series Prediction: Cavaliers win in five games (4-1).
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