The 82-game gauntlet has come to an end, and we officially have a playoff bracket. The NBA has been unpredictable this season, both on and off the court. Just two days into the season, the Trailblazers fired Head Coach Chauncey Billups after he was involved in a gambling scandal, now his former team is primed to take on the defending champions in round one.
Aside from the theatrics we experienced off the court, we still have a great month or two of basketball ahead of us, let’s start with those Blazers, taking on the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
OKC v. POR
This series is predicted to be one sided in favor of the Thunder. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP favorite, OKC had a top-five offense, with SGA averaging 31 points-per-game this season on a ridiculously efficient 55% from the field. Gilgeous-Alexander also has a juggernaut of a team around him, including defensive player of the year candidate Chet Holmgren, and the ever-dangerous and seemingly positionless Jalen Williams.
If Portland wants to put up a fight in this series, Deni Avdija will have to elevate his game. The breakout superstar has battled his way into contention to make an All-NBA team this year and has been the focal point for Portland. Both Avdija and second-year center Donovan Clingan will have to anchor their offense and defense respectively, and play nearly perfect to take down the champs.
Series Prediction: 4-0 OKC
SAS v. PHX
Victor Wembanyama has arrived, and he’s not alone. The over seven foot Frenchman has dominated all year, and solidified himself a fair chance at the MVP award. But San Antonio’s strengths lie within their team as a whole, a name that jumps out is second–year breakout guard Stephon Castle. Last year’s rookie of the year has improved across the stat-sheet, most importantly in the shooting department. The Spurs will be a tough out for any team this postseason.
Phoenix has had an odd couple of years, from an NBA Finals appearance in 2021, to little success since then, they have struggled to find their groove. Luckily for them, they still have elite guard Devin Booker and his All-NBA jumpshot. Alongside him, the Suns re-tooled this offseason with the additions of guard Jalen Green and forward Dillon Brooks, who have both taken a step forward from their previous teams. The Suns do struggle at the Center position, rotating between Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro, neither of which will have fun trying to guard Wemby.
Series Prediction: 4-1 SAS
DEN v. MIN
Nikola Jokic and Denver are back once again, and can make some noise this post-season. They still heavily revolve around the duo of Jokic and Jamal Murray, but the formula has proven to work. Denver and their high powered offense enter the playoffs on a 12 game winning streak.
The only bad thing going for Denver, is that Anthony Edwards awaits their arrival. The young superstar is not eligible for awards this year because of injuries, but if he were, he’d be in the First-Team All NBA mix. Unfortunately, the majority of the scoring will have to come through him, as most of his teammates are defensively oriented. Still though, they are a tough team and I wouldn’t be surprised if they stole this series.
Series Prediction: 4-3 DEN
LAL v. HOU
The final series from the West, LeBron James and the very injured Lakers come into the playoffs as over-achievers. The main storyline surrounding them this playoffs, for once, does not revolve around James. Instead, it has to do with MVP candidate Luka Doncic and talented shot-creator Austin Reaves. Both scoring guards are out for the beginning of this series. If Los Angeles can survive until just one, or hopefully both can return, they should win this series.
Houston is in the same boat. The Rockets have been inconsistent all season, and are also entering this series hurt. Former MVP Kevin Durant will miss at least the first game, leaving Houston without their leader. They are not without hope though, as Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson will both make big plays to keep Houston afloat until KD can come back.
Series Prediction: 4-3, whoever gets healthy first.
