2019 NBA Playoffs

Photo courtesy of foxsports.com

For the first time since 2005 the NBA playoffs will not include LeBron James, as his move to Los Angles didn’t work out in the first season. But enough about LeBron, the NBA playoffs are finally here! Will the Golden State Warriors defend their title and be the first team to three-peat since the Lakers in the early 2000’s? With LeBron out of the Eastern Conference a lot more teams have stepped up and could become potential threats to dethrone the Warriors.

Eastern Conference

Milwaukee Bucks:

The Bucks have been the biggest surprise this year, Giannis Antetokounmpo is most likely as the front runner for league MVP. They have passed the sixty-win mark and own the best record in the NBA. They are the favorites to win the East with a 30.48% chance to represent the East in the NBA Finals(cbssportsom.com). I expect a Bucks win in five games.

Toronto Raptors:

With the big move of trading DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard. Toronto is trying to make the case that Toronto is the best fit for him as he goes into free agency in the summer. The best way to keep him up north is by getting and possibly winning the Finals. They are considered the best team that can beat Golden State. The Raptors locked the #2 seed with the Atlantic Division title. I expect a Toronto win in six over Orlando.

Philadelphia 76ers:

With the 76ers picking up Jimmy Butler from Minnesota, Philadelphia looks to Joel Emiid along with Ben Simmons and Butler to get through the post season. They are the three seed; and I see them winning in five or six games over Brooklyn.

Boston Celtics:

Most people have picked Boston to come out of the East with missing the Finals last year without their two-star players. But the Celtics have under achieved on the verge of not having home court in the first round. A lot of problems inside the locker room with Kyrie Irving possibly leaving. Their two all-stars will lead them to victory in seven over the Pacers.

Indiana Pacers:

The Pacers have been the most resilient team in the NBA. Even after their star guard Victor Oladipo ended his season with a ruptured quad tendon in his right knee, Indiana has been able to take every punch. I expect they’ll come up short against Boston in seven.

Brooklyn Nets:

For the first time in four years the Nets made the playoffs and have quietly been climbing up the rankings with D’Angelo Russell being a candidate for most improved player. The Nets could be a team that can possibly win a game or two at most.

Orlando Magic:

The Magic have not only clinched a playoff spot but also clinched the South East division. They are in the playoffs for the first time since 2012 when they traded away Dwight Howard. Orlando’s push in the second half of the season really helped them to make the post season, but their magic will run out against the Raptors in six.

Detroit Pistons:

With new head coach Dwane Casey the Pistons have made a big difference with Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond. There could be a case that Casey’s playoff success with Toronto could lead to an upset, though it is very unlikely that Detroit will get out of the first round against Milwaukee.

Western Conference

Golden State Warriors:

With the Warriors moving to San Francisco, this would be a great way to leave Oracle Arena, with a chance that Kevin Durant will sign with a different team. Golden State is still the favorite to win the West, winning the best record in the West. I expect a sweep by Golden State, they’re too overwhelming against the Clippers in round one.

Denver Nuggets:

After missing the playoffs last season, on the last day of the regular season, Denver has used this as motivation for this season. They are one of teams that can challenge Golden State, with Nikola Jokic leading the way for the Nuggets. They will be facing the Spurs, which I expect to go the distance with Denver in seven.

Portland Trail Blazers:

With one of the best back courts with Lillard and McCollum, Portland hopes to not have another repeat of last season getting swept with home court. Though they have their matchup with the Thunder, I think will go the distance with OKC winning game seven.

Houston Rockets:

After falling one game short of making it to the NBA Finals last year, Houston plans on to avenge their loss to Golden State. James Harden has been playing again at an MVP level with Chris Paul and could meet the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals for a shot at the Finals again. They’ll be facing Utah, which I expect Houston to win in six.

Utah Jazz:

The Jazz have a great chance to at most get out of the first round. With Donovan Mitchell having another fantastic season and Rudy Gobert averaging 2.3 blocks per game. They’ll be facing Houston losing in six.

Oklahoma City Thunder:

Russell Westbrook has been doing basically what he’s always done, putting up triple doubles night in and night out. Paul George has become one of the best players in the league. I won’t be surprised if they win their first round series. I think they can pull off the upset with their playoff experience to win game seven over Portland.

San Antonio Spurs:

With Leonard getting traded to Toronto, DeMar DeRozan will have to make this his team. He and LaMarcus Aldridge will be taking most of the load if they want to have a chance to get out of the first round, but without homecourt they’ll lose in seven to Denver.

Las Angles Clippers:

Most people thought that the Clippers wouldn’t be the better basketball team in LA, but they have been exceeding expectations this year. Lou Williams is the leading candidate to win 6th Man of the Year. I see the road ending in the first round against Golden State.