AS OF this writing, the 2021 NBA Playoffs are underway. These are the current standings for round 1.
Western Conference
Grizzlies(1) vs. Jazz(0)
Clippers (0) vs Mavs (1)
Nuggets(0) vs Blazers (1)
Suns (1) vs. Lakers (0)
With the surprising no-show of Donovan Mitchell in Game 1, the Grizzlies were able to capitalize on it and carry over their momentum from their recent play-in win over the Dubs. The Jazz has the firepower to recover led by 2021 Sixth Man of the Year, Jordan Clarkson, and can probably advance to the second round. Jazz in 6.
The Mavs have the Clippers numbers in this series. Luka has been stellar for the Mavs’ whole season and has carried the team on his shoulders. Who will carry the Clippers? Mavs sweep.
In what was supposed to be an exciting matchup, the Blazers are proving otherwise. The Blazers have dominated the Nuggets in Game 1 and are still expected to do the same in the next three games. Blazers sweep.
All the drama of the Lakeshow has carried over in this series. The play-in to the Game 1 loss adds to the Hollywood experience of being a Lakers fan. The Suns are playing their antagonist role perfectly for the defending NBA Champs. Lakers in 6.
Eastern Conference
76ers(1) vs Wizards(0)
Knicks(0) vs Hawks(1)
Bucks(1) vs Heat(0)
Nets(1) vs Celtics(0)
Trust the process. The 76ers are poised to go all in this season, and a Larry O’Brien trophy at the end will be very fitting. Standing in their way are the Wizards, who can probably steal a game or two. Sixers in 6. This series is an exciting matchup between two young and upcoming teams. This matchup also heralds the coming of the new generation of playoff superstars. It will probably go all the way, but I’m picking the Knicks in 7.
A rematch of last year’s 2nd round matchup, the Heat looks to return to the NBA Finals, but Giannis and Co. might have other plans. With a 2-0 lead, the Bucks need to sustain, or else the Heat and their experience might derail their advancing plans. Heat in 6.
The super team of the Nets will probably cruise through the Celtics. Jason Tatum cannot do it all for the Celtics, and the Nets are just heavy favorites in this series. Nets sweep.
These are my predictions for round 1; see you again in round 2 of the playoffs.