NBA Perfect Ten First: Round Edition
The NBA First Round is underway so let’s look at the matchups and potential winners in round one for each conference.
Eastern Conference First Round
#8 Miami vs. #1 Milwaukee: The Heat stole game one against a rusty Bucks team that lost Antetokoumnpo with a back injury in the second half. Antetokoumnpo appears to be ok while the Heat lost a major scoring piece in Hero, who broke his hand in game one. Miami doesn’t have enough firepower to be able to lose 20+ points per game. Milwaukee will bounce back and advance.
Prediction: Bucks in Six
Conference/NBA Title Odds: Milwaukee (+160, +330)
#7 Atlanta vs. #2 Boston: The Hawks just do not match up well with quality wing players and the Celtics have two of the best in Brown and Tatum. Rob Williams III was a shot eraser in the opener and changed countless shots. The Celtics should make short work of the Hawks.
Prediction: Boston in five.
Conference/NBA Title Odds: Boston (+125, +160)
#6 Brooklyn vs. #3 Philadelphia: The Sixers cruised in game one by 20 points but I do expect the series to be a bit more difficult due to the wing play of the Nets. I expect the Nets to break through for a win in the series and to keep it relatively close.
Prediction: Philadelphia in five.
Conference/NBA Title Odds: Philadelphia (+425, +900)
#5 New York vs. #4 Cleveland: Game one heightened the Knicks’ strengths over the Cavs. A better bench and an experience edge at point guard with Brunson over Garland. Mitchell can will the Cavs to two wins but this is the Knicks series to lose.
Prediction: New York in six.
Conference/NBA Title Odds: New York (+1800, +4500)
Western Conference First Round
#8 Minnesota vs. #1 Denver: The Nuggets overwhelmed Minnesota in game one on Sunday night. The Nuggets have the ability to slow down Towns and the depth to wear down the T-Wolves. This will be a short series.
Prediction: Nuggets in five.
Conference/NBA Title Odds: Denver (+350, +950)
#7 LA Lakers vs. #2 Memphis: The Lakers were rather methodical in taking down the Grizzlies in game one. Morant’s availability could determine the Grizzlies’ fate. The Lakers dominated the glass in game one as well, exposing the absence of Steven Adams.
Prediction: Lakers in six.
Conference/NBA Title Odds: LA Lakers (+500, +1200)
#6 Golden State vs. #3 Sacramento: Sacramento pulled out a thrilling win in game one but the Kings gave way too many good looks to both Curry and Thompson. Wiggins’ rust on offense will improve and the Warriors will eventually wear down a very game Kings team.
Prediction: Golden State in six.
Conference/NBA Title Odds: Golden State (+450, +1100)
#5 LA Clippers vs. #4 Phoenix: The Suns dropped the opener and the team’s lack of depth was evident. I think the Suns have enough to get by the Clippers without George but this might not be the cakewalk to the NBA Finals that everyone thought.
Prediction: Phoenix in six.
Conference/NBA Title Odds: Phoenix (+225, +500)
In parenthesis, conference odds and finals odds. All odds Courtesy of Draftkings.com.
By Mark Ruelle