Quijano: NBA first round predictions

THE NBA playoffs are upon us, and the landscape sure looks a bit different without the great LeBron James around. Because James had dominated the Eastern landscape for eight straight seasons, his absence has opened the field for any team to make a push for the Finals. Here are our predictions for the first round.

Western Conference

Golden State (1) vs. LA Clippers (8). This is not even close. The Warriors are intent on getting that three-peat and they mean business. They would prefer to get this over and done early to get ready for the second round. Warriors in five games.

Houston (4) vs. Utah (5). They split the four games in the regular season, but the Rockets have too much firepower for the Jazz. James Harden is playing like a madman right now and unless the Jazz find a way to neutralize him, it will be the Rockets in five.

Oklahoma City (6) vs. Portland (3). I smell an upset here. I admit I am partial to Paul George but my prediction has basis. The Thunder won all of their four encounters in the regular season. Closely fought games but apparently, the Thunder have their number. As long as Russel Westbrook doesn’t unravel and distributes the ball well, they should defeat Portland in 6 games.

Denver (2) vs. San Antonio (7). Another potential upset. The Spurs are very comfortable in the playoffs behind veteran coach Greg Popovich. The Nuggets need to win the first two games at home. If the series becomes close, and it goes to a Game 7, the Nuggets will be in unfamiliar territory. Still I think the Nuggets will win in six games on the strength of their terrific outside shooting.

Eastern Conference

Milwaukee (1) vs. Detroit (8). This one won’t be close. Giannis Antetokuounmpo has arrived and will probably be this year’s MVP. The Nuggets have the best regular season record in the league and will sweep the Pistons.

Boston (4) vs. Indiana (5). The Celtics now have a healthy Kyrie Irving in the playoffs and this is the time of the year where Kyrie thrives. The Pacers will probably steal a game, but that’s about it.

Philadelphia (3) vs. Brooklyn (6). The Sixers are just too talented. The chemistry is not all there yet, but the disparity in firepower is too huge for the Nets to overcome. Sixers in five.

Toronto (2) vs. Orlando (7). Kawhi Leonard has a chip on his shoulder and he has a lot to prove this season. He also has a great supporting cast in Serge Ibaka, Marc Gasol and Kyle Lowry. The Magic did good in making the playoffs but the Raptors will defeat them in five games.

VERBATIM. “Tomorrow, I would have to affect somebody’s livelihood and life, and I thought about it and said, that’s not fun for me. That’s not who I am. I want to go back to having fun. I want to go back to who I was before taking on this job.”---Magic Johnson on resigning as president for LA Lakers basketball operations.

LAST ROUND. It’s on a dear friend, Liezl A. Siu who recently celebrated her birthday. Cheers!

Trending

No stories found.

Just in

No stories found.

Branded Content

No stories found.
SunStar Publishing Inc.
www.sunstar.com.ph