JT’s NBA Playoff Predictions

The NBA Playoffs kickstart tomorrow starting with the Cavaliers hosting the Magic at 1 o’clock EST. The Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder come in as the one seeds from their respected conferences. Boston is the odds favorite (+135) followed by the defending champions Denver Nuggets (+300) and the Thunder (+1400). Pretty large gap from second and third if you ask me.

Quick Storylines

Milwaukee will be without their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo for the beginning of the series vs the Pacers as he recovers from a calf injury. A team that has gotten healthier entering the playoffs is the 76ers who got Joel Embiid back a few games ago. Embiid looked like the MVP favorite halfway through the season before suffering an injury. Philly is 31-8 when Embiid plays this season so the Knicks will have a handful with him. Last but not least, the Lakers will look for revenge against the Denver Nuggets in round one after losing to them in the Western Conference Finals a year ago.

Predictions

Winner is highlighted green

Western Conference

Round 1

1 Thunder vs 8 Pelicans

4 Clippers vs 5 Mavericks

3 Timberwolves 6 Suns

2 Nuggets vs 7 Lakers

Round 2

1 Thunder vs 4 Clippers

2 Nuggets vs 3 Timberwolves

Conference Finals

2 Nuggets vs 4 Clippers

Eastern Conference

Round 1

1 Celtics vs 8 Heat

4 Cavaliers vs 5 Magic

3 Bucks vs 6 Pacers

2 Knicks vs 7 76ers

Round 2

1 Celtics vs 5 Magic

6 Pacers vs 7 76ers

Conference Finals

1 Celtics vs 7 76ers

NBA Finals

2 Nuggets vs 7 76ers

Denver in 6 games.