NBA Playoffs: Lakers Upset Grizzlies, Other First-Round Predictions

The NBA playoffs are finally here after a long regular season and there are a number of exciting matchups to look forward to. This could be one of the more exciting playoffs in recent years as the outcome is very unpredictable. Here is a preview for each first round matchup.

Eastern Conference

#1 Milwaukee Bucks vs. #8 Miami Heat

The Milwaukee Bucks have been unbelievable this season, particularly after the All-Star break, making them the clear favorites in the East. The Miami Heat are a gritty team and will cause havoc on defense, but they unfortunately got matched up with the best team in the Eastern Conference.

After being expected to breeze past the Atlanta Hawks in the play-in tournament, most people were prepared for a matchup with the Boston Celtics. That said, they played terribly on the biggest stage, causing some concern for the playoffs. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez is a core four that is extremely hard to compete with. They have a near perfect balance of offense and defense, making them a matchup from hell.

The regression of Butler, Lowry, Herro, and Adebayo as a group this season will prevent them from being able to keep up with the star power of the Bucks.

Prediction: Bucks win 4-1

#2 Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks

On paper, this matchup heavily favors the Boston Celtics as they have been insanely good this season, led by an even further improved Jayson Tatum. If Jaylen Brown plays like he did in the Finals last season in this year's playoffs, the Celtics could dominate the entire postseason.

That said, that’s a big ask, and nothing’s guaranteed. The Hawks seem to come alive in the playoffs and could give Boston a run for their money. They played outstanding against Miami in the play-in and it could be a preview of their fight against Boston. The Celtics should still take care of business, but they can’t take this matchup lightly.

Prediction: Celtics win 4-2

#3 Philadelphia 76ers vs. #6 Brooklyn Nets

This matchup is likely the least anticipated in the East unless you’re a Sixers for Nets fan. After trading away Durant and Irving midway through the season, the Nets essentially threw their chances at a title away. Though the Sixers have struggled in the playoffs in the past, they typically handle business in the first round. They have been playing really good basketball as of late, led by the likely MVP Joel Embiid and James Harden.

You can’t ever be certain with the Sixers, but the Nets just lack the extra edge needed to succeed in the postseason, and the Sixers have too much star power for this Nets team to handle.

Prediction: Sixers win 4-1

#4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #5 New York Knicks

As most four-five seed matchups are, this will likely be the best matchup in the Eastern Conference as both teams can have their moments. Neither team is very consistent, so this matchup will likely be who is playing better this particular week. Julius Randle lit a spark in the last few weeks of the season, giving the Knicks some hope for the playoffs.

Donovan Mitchell completely changed the look of this Cavaliers team and gave them that superstar talent that they were missing. They could be a sleeper team in the playoffs if Mitchell is on one of his hot streaks. Though the Knicks should cause some uncomfort for the Cavs, Cleveland should be able to take care of them and move on to the second round.

Prediction: Cavaliers win 4-2

Western Conference:

#1 Denver Nuggets vs. #8 Minnesota Timberwolves

Despite being the one seed in the West, the Nuggets aren’t one of the most feared teams in the playoffs. Teams like the Suns, Clippers, and Lakers are all viewed as more threatening than the top-seeded Nuggets. That said, the Timberwolves are likely the least feared team in the Western Conference playoffs as they appear to be a mess.

While they did take care of the Oklahoma City Thunder convincingly in the play-in, the off-court drama, paired with the questionable rotations/play from Minnesota puts them in a difficult situation playing the No. 1 seed in the first round. Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets should easily handle the Timberwolves and leave Minnesota’s front office with a lot to think about for next season.

Prediction: Nuggets win 4-0

#2 Memphis Grizzlies vs. #7 Los Angeles Lakers

This is the first matchup in the playoffs that the higher seed is on serious upset alert. After a rough start to the season, the Lakers’ record plummeted. That said, after making a few key acquisitions at the trade deadline, the Lakers are a completely different team and could make some noise in the playoffs.

The Ja Morant drama was a distraction for the Grizzlies for some time and it definitely affected the team as a whole. The Grizzlies will also be without Steven Adams for the entirety of the series, giving the Lakers a huge advantage with Anthony Davis in the post. Memphis does have potential DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr. but there are too many players to worry about on the Lakers for Jackson alone.

The Lakers will also dominate on the defensive end and be complete disruptors of the Grizzlies’ flow.

Prediction: Lakers win 4-2

#3 Sacramento Kings vs. #6 Golden State Warriors

The Kings, much like the Grizzlies, are also on upset watch. The Kings have been great this season, having the best year they’ve had in nearly two decades. That said, they will have to play one of the best point guards of all time in Steph Curry, and a highly-experienced Warriors team coached by the incredible Steve Kerr. Though the Kings were better this season, they have little-to-no playoff experience on their roster. Perhaps that won’t be a huge factor, but the playoffs are a completely different atmosphere. The Warriors will also be getting Andrew Wiggins back, adding a key piece to the lineup. It will be a hard fought California matchup but it will be very difficult for the Kings to light the beam in this series.

Prediction: Warriors win 4-3

#4 Phoenix Suns vs. #5 Los Angeles Clippers

Perhaps the most anticipated matchup of the entire playoffs, the Phoenix Suns will be taking on Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers. Two powerhouse teams, matching up in a showdown of superstars. The Suns’ addition of Kevin Durant makes them absolutely terrifying in the playoffs, but they can’t underestimate the talent of not only Leonard, but Paul George as well. If “Playoff P” is alive in this series, the Suns could be in trouble. Russell Westbrook has been an amazing facilitator next to two of the best players in the association. Even so, the Suns are still undefeated when Durant plays, and defenses are still yet to figure out how to guard the one-two punch of Devin Booker and Durant, not to mention Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton’s contributions. This heated matchup will be interesting to see play out, but the Suns have the edge of talent in their starting lineup, and it will be extremely difficult for the Clippers to figure out.

Prediction: Suns win 4-1