Evaluation of Each 1st Round Series Going Forward
Image from MARCA
The playoffs have been incredible to watch so far as almost every game has been very intense. Looking at each series so far, I want to evaluate what I have seen and what I think will happen going forward.
East
1. Miami Heat vs. 8. Atlanta Hawks
Currently, the Heat lead 2-0 in the series after a dominant game 1, followed by a Jimmy Butler masterclass in game 2 where he finished with 45 points, including some massive jump shots down the stretch. Going forward, I do not think that Atlanta can match Miami’s output, although I believe they could fight for a game in Atlanta.
Winner: Heat in 4
2. Boston Celtics vs. 7. Brooklyn Nets
After 2 games of Boston taking Brooklyn’s offensive punches to the chest, I have no reason to take Brooklyn under any circumstance. I think that Brooklyn will win one of game 3 or 4, just because I think Durant is good enough to not be awful for the entire series, as well as production from Dragic and Mills, with the possibility of Nash actually playing some bigs. However, with Ben Simmons returning, I do not trust Nash to play Simmons properly. This could be a sweep, but I want to go to game 5, so I will not predict a sweep.
Image form CelticsBlog
Winner: Boston in 5
3. Milwaukee Bucks vs. 6. Chicago Bulls
This series sits tied at 1-1 after a dominant DeRozan performance in game 2, and now Middleton is out with a sprained MCL. I don’t like what I have seen from Milwaukee’s offense as they seem to be freelancing a lot of it, without ever running any successful plays back-to-back. Chicago, on the other hand, has been playing stress free as they were definitely not the favorites going in to this series. At the end of the day, Giannis isn’t going to go down to these Bulls if his matchup is consistently favorable, which is gonna fall on Budenholzer to get Caruso off him, which I think he will eventually do, as last year he finally became willing to make switches in his schemes. I think Chicago takes one more at home, but Milwaukee prevails.
Winner: Bucks in 6
4. Philadelphia 76ers vs. 5. Toronto Raptors
Embiid just hit a redeeming game winner. This series is done.
But in all seriousness, the Raptors have not had a chance in the first 2 games, with last night being their real first possible chance of winning, especially after fouling out Harden. Toronto has to make their free throws, and keep trying to get the ball out of Embiid’s hands, while trying to make Tobias Harris be the primary creator, as he tends to struggle when that put on that mantle. Also, no team has ever blown a 3-0 lead, but Doc Rivers might just be the guy to do that. Again, though, in all seriousness, this one is over.
Winner: Sixers in 4
West
1. Phoenix Suns vs 8. New Orleans Pelicans
I thought this series was over before it started, but boy was I wrong. After Devin Booker’s monstrous first half, he was forced to sit the end of the game, and likely the next 2 games. I have gone on the Full Court Press Podcast and said that Ingram’s scoring comes within the offense and when he gets a takeover mode, it usually doesn’t result in wins, and WOW was I so wrong. Ingram went nuclear in that 2nd half, as well as the Pelicans defense holding up against CP3 pick and rolls. Overall, I still like Phoenix’s chances, given how much they have relied on their bench all season to make big plays while starters have been dealing with issues.
Winner: Suns in 5
2. Memphis Grizzlies vs 7. Minnesota Timberwolves
Image from SportingNews
Memphis has to try to get Ja Morant more catches and touches inside the paint, as that is where he creates a lot, rather than on the perimeter. The tough part of that is, he is the primary ball handler, so he usually has to dribble into defenders before getting into the paint. Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks have to be able to create off the dribble more for themselves in this series, or else Minnesota is going to steal this series.
Looking at Minnesota, Anthony Edwards also has to attack the basket more, as he requires so much attention, that settling for his step back long 2’s is only going to hurt them in the long run. KAT has to stay aggressive, but if the Grizzlies are going to give him 3’s, he needs to pull that thing. Defensively, Minnesota is all over the place. Sometimes locked in, sometimes not. They need better communication to make this a better series.
Winner: Memphis in 6
3. Golden State Warriors vs. 6. Denver Nuggets
The lineup of Curry, Poole, Klay, Wiggins, and Draymond has scored 70 points in 19 minutes. That type of production is stupid, but understandable against a sloppy defensive team like Denver. To be honest, the Warriors just have to keep playing Warriors basketball, which is non-stop movement and passing. The Nuggets, however, should try some switching? Although, the Warriors blow past them anyways. But, it’s better than giving up open 3’s to the 2 best shooters ever. Jokic is doing everything he can, but unless there is insane production from the other guys, this series is going to the Warriors
Winner: Warriors in 5
4. Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz
A lot of my prediction banks on Luka coming back for game 4. Utah cannot defend the perimeter, and Luka would help exploit that to a higher degree than the Mavs already have. I still think Utah wins a game at home, but if Luka is back for game 4, the Mavs are winning every game for the rest of the series.
Winner: Maverick in 6
