Port Jeff NY- Greetings. Happy Easter and Belated Happy Passover. Let’s talk some playoff basketball: Knicks Win, NBA Picks and Preview
Knicks/Pistons
After trailing heading into the fourth quarter, the Knicks would go on a 21-0 to secure a comfortable victory in game one against the Pistons. This Knicks team is far and away better then the Pistons who are just a year removed from winning just 13 games. The Pistons have had a very impressive turnaround led by Cade Cunningham, however the Knicks should have no trouble getting through them with relative ease. The real test will come in round two against the Celtics barring a stunning round one upset. I don’t think this Knicks team has enough firepower to compete with Boston. The Celtics are the best team in basketball and are frankly one of the best teams we’ve seen in recent years.
Celtics/Magic
I expected the Magic to take a big leap forward, however injuries to Paolo Banchero early in the year and Mo Wagner severely handicapped them. The magic have a bright future but have almost no chance against this Celtics team. Boston 4-0
Cavs/Heat.
The Cavilers have arguably been the best team in the league all year long. None of that matters now, for several years the Donovan Mitchell led Cavs have underachieved in the playoffs. They traded for De’Andre Hunter mid season and it’s worked out phenomenally well. The Cavs are the only team in the East that can truly challenge the Celtics. They should have no trouble getting through the 37 win post Jimmy Butler Heat. Cavs 4-0
Pacers/Bucks
The bucks are a very odd team to me. On paper they should be among the top teams in the east. Yet for the last few years things just aren’t clicking. The pacers dominated game one and I think they win the series.
They’re the better team and they don’t have Doc Rivers coaching them which is always a plus to play against. It wouldn’t stun me if this is Giannis’ final season in Milwaukee.
Thunder/Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies in a bizarre decision decided to fire their coach with just a week left in the season despite having a very good year. I’ll keep this one short, the Thunder are incredible and have the MVP. Thunder 4-1
Clippers/Nuggets
In an even more stunning move, the Nuggets fired Michael Malone before the postseason. The nuggets still have the best player in the world and have now taken game one against a very good clippers team. Despite that I think the clippers comeback and win the series. Kawhi Leonard and James Harden have turned the clocks back and have been playing like superstars for the last few months. I think the Clippers are legit title contenders and advance here defeating the Nuggets in seven games.
Warriors/Rockets
This should be an incredible series. The Warriors have been arguably the best team in the NBA since acquiring Jimmy Butler and the Rockets have one of the most exciting young cores in the NBA. When everyone thinks the Warriors run is finally over they continue to find ways to win games. Steph Curry is still playing at an MVP level and playoff Jimmy Butler is a very real thing. While the Ausar Thompson led Rockets should give Golden State a great series I think the Warriors advance in six games and contend for yet another title run.
Lakers/Wolves
The wolves stunned the lakers on Saturday night, taking game one in blowout fashion. I wasn’t sure what this wolves team would look like after trading Karl Anthony Towns, but they’re once again a very good team. Julius Randle has meshed very well, Anthony Edwards is still ascending as one of the best players in the league and Rudy Gobert is a perennial DPOY candidate. Despite all of that, I think the Luka and LeBron led Lakers still win this series. Everyday since the trade I continue to be beyond baffled at how the Lakers were able to get a generational player like Luka for an aging oft injured Anthony Davis. I’m not sure this lakers team is equipped for a deep playoff run, but I certainly wouldn’t put it past them. Lakers in seven
