2019 NBA Playoff First Round Predictions

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (8) Detroit Pistons

I don’t see Giannis Antetokounmpo having any trouble leading his team in this matchup. He is the top MVP favorite and it is averaging 27 points and 12 rebounds a game and is shooting 58% against Detroit this season. I see the Bucks sweeping in this first round.

Giannis lead his team to the #1 seed in the east.

(2) Toronto Raptors vs. (7) Orlando Magic

Although the Magic have won four games in a row to end the season Toronto is going to be too much for them in this round of the playoffs. Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry have been playing very well together this year and I predict that they are going to win this series in five games.

(3) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (6) Brooklyn Nets

The 76ers have a very young and explosive team. The Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid duo is going to be too much for the Nets. I see Embiid going off in at least one of these games for 40+ points because there is nobody to guard him. I think they are going to sweep Brooklyn.

(4) Boston Celtics vs. (5) Indiana Pacers

I really don’t see a way for the Pacers winning this series. Boston outmatches them at every position. Kyrie Irving has shown his dominance once again this season. I see the Celtics winning this series in five games.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) LA Clippers

I don’t have much to say on this series besides Warriors in four games. Lou Williams is not going to be able to carry the offensive load for the Clippers. Golden State’s lineup is far too powerful.

The Warriors are poised for a three peat this year.

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (7) San Antonio Spurs

I think this series is going to be very close even though the Spurs are having a down year compared to the past. They have a veteran team and coach Popovich will find a way to beat this Nuggets team who has a dynamic duo of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. I see a San Antonio Victory in seven games.

(3) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (6) Oklahoma City Thunder

I think this will be a very close matchup and I think at least one game will go into overtime. Russell Westbrook and Paul George are playing much better together and learning how to mesh their gameplays. Although they are having a great season, I see Portland coming out on top. Damian Lillard and Cj McCollum are both averaging 20+ points a game and I think this series will go to seven games as well.

The two guards both came from mid major programs in college.

(4) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Utah Jazz

James Harden is going to lead his team to an easy victory in this first round. I see him averaging at least 30 a game in this series. Utah might win one strictly based on their defense and home record. I think the Rockets are going to win in five games.