With the first round of the playoffs starting on Saturday me (JT) and Ron decided to give a quick prediction filled post for each series. (S/O to my dog Will for the ideal)
#1 Atlanta Hawks vs #8 Brooklyn Nets – The Brooklyn Nets have been in playoff mode for the last two weeks, but Brook Lopez, Deron Williams and crew won’t be able to save them in this series. The Hawks have a complete team and I plan on them making light work of the Nets. Millsap and Teague will take one more step in becoming household names and this series Thabo Sefolosha’s loss won’t be felt as much. Hawks win the series 4-1.
#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs #7 Boston Celtics- This will be an interesting matchup to say the least. The Celtics are clearly at a disadvantage, but with Brad Stevens as a coach they will be able to remain competitive throughout the series. I feel that this opening series is a great way to get Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love accustomed to the playoff atmosphere since this is their first time making a playoff appearance. LeBron will be LeBron so that means I have the Cavs taking the series in a sweep 4-0.
#3 Chicago Bulls vs #6 Milwaukee Bucks- First off I want to give Jason Kidd some props for getting the Bucks to the playoffs. Who would’ve thought they would’ve been decent this year? Especially after star rookie Jabari Parker tore his knee up around mid-season. Kudos to Kidd for holding it down, but the Bulls are going to run the proverbial train on them. The Bulls are too deep and too good for the Bucks. All the Bulls fans will be worrying about this series is health, points to Derrick Rose. Bulls win the series 4-1.
#4 Toronto Raptors vs #5 Washington Wizards- I feel that both teams peaked too early into the season, and since then it has been a drop off. I think homecourt advantage will be huge for the Raptors as they face the Wizards. The Wizards doesn’t have any depth outside of their starting five, and I believe that it can hurt them in the opening round. Raptors win the series in a hard fought battle taking it 4-3.
