It’s over, and yet it’s just about to begin. With the NBA regular season finished, the league shifts gears into Playoff mode, the time of year when the best clubs come to the fore and the games truly begin to matter. 2017 has, like most seasons, delivered some incredible storylines, from the compelling MVP race between Russell Westbrook and James Harden, to the latest implosion of the two New York-based teams. That seems set to continue in the Playoffs where, despite the absence of the Knicks and the Lakers, the seedings have delivered some truly impressive match-ups.
Eastern Conference
Boston (1) vs. Chicago (8)
Perhaps it may be simplistic to say, but having the best player and best Coach in the series makes it hard to see beyond Boston in this one. With Brad Stevens scheming on the sidelines and Isaiah Thomas – who has emerged as one of the NBA’s most dynamic scorers and most entertaining players – doing the same at point guard, the Bulls are in for a tough series.
Of course, Chicago has Jimmy Butler, a formidable all-around player who can take over a stretch of games and both ends of the floor, not to mention “Playoff Dwyane Wade,” a combination that will make them a tough out. Bulls guard Rajon Rondo being back in Boston will also undoubtedly add to the drama.
Prediction: Celtics win series 4-2
Cleveland (2) vs. Indiana (7)
LeBron James vs. Paul George is perhaps the marquee matchup in the first round out east. When these two last went head-to-head just a few short weeks ago, LeBron dropped a 41 point, 14 rebounds and 11 assist performance, while George had 43 points, nine rebounds and nine assists of his own.
The game eventually saw the Cavs win a 135-130 double-overtime thriller, and a few more games like that will certainly be welcome as the two stars battle. However, outside of PG-13, the Pacers simply do not appear to have the depth to hang with Cleveland in a seven-game series, despite the latter’s recent struggles.
Prediction: Cavs win series 4-1
Toronto (3) vs. Milwaukee (6)
If the previous matchup was about two stars locking horns, this one is very different, pitting Buck do-it-all phenomenon Giannis Antetokounmpo – arguably the league’s most improved player over the past 12 months – against a well-rounded and deep playoff team who are hungry for success.
Indeed, Toronto have struggled to make a dent on the playoffs over recent seasons, but now return with a squad of players who know exactly what to expect. Raptors wing DeMar DeRozan will hope to continue the form that saw him finishing fifth in the NBA in scoring average with a career-high 27.5 points. The Raptors figure to be the favourites to advance, but it will be fascinating to see if Giannis can lead the Bucks to an upset on the big stage. Don't rule it out!
Prediction: Raptors win series 4-2
Washington (4) vs. Atlanta (5)
Last month, it seemed as if Atlanta could actually miss the playoffs, but they regrouped following Paul Millsap’s return from injury, once again looking entertaining, competitive and perhaps even dangerous. A vastly underrated talent, Millsap is once again delivering quality performances with consistency, while Tim Hardaway Jr. is looking sharp as the Hawks defied even their own expectations.
However, waiting for them in this series is one of the best backcourt pairings in the league, with John Wall’s speed, creativity and defensive brilliance meshing perfectly with Bradley Beal’s scoring prowess. The Wizards have grown as a unit as the playoffs came into foxus, and two of the match ups between these teams this season were decided by four points or less so we could well be in for some late-game drama.
Prediction: Wizards win series 4-1
Let's watch 5+ minutes of highlights from the regular season! 🔥🔥🔥
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