2024 NBA Playoffs Preview
The play in tournament officially begins tomorrow night, with the Lakers vs. Pelicans and Warriors vs. Kings. The winner of Lakers vs. Pelicans will be the 7th seed, and the loser of this game will play the winner of Warriors vs. Kings for the 8th seed. Similarly on Wednesday, we will have Bulls vs. Hawks and Heat vs. 76ers. The winner of Heat vs. 76ers will be the 7th seed, and the loser will play the winner of Bulls vs. Heat for the 8th seed. Once the play-in tournament concludes, we will be back to the original 16-team playoffs format beginning on Saturday, April 20th.
Predictions:
In the West, I think the Lakers and Warriors will both win their first game. This will leave a Warriors vs. Pelicans for the 8th seed, which I think the Warriors end up taking. Lakers get the 7th seed and the Warriors get the 8th.
In the East, I am stuck with a little bit of bias since my Bulls are playing. Bulls play up to their competition, and I think they beat the Hawks. On the other side I think the Heat handle the 76ers. This will leave a 76ers vs. Bulls matchup that I would love to pick the Bulls in, but I think 76ers take. Heat 7th seed and 76ers 8th seed.
Just for fun, let’s predict the exact result of each series:
Thunder vs. Warriors: The Thunder are hot right now, but I think Warriors give them a nice run. 4-3 Thunder
Clippers vs. Mavs: Another fun series that should go down to the wire. I think Mars pull it off 4-3.
Timberwolves vs. Suns: The Suns have too much talent to not show up in the playoffs. I think they shock the Timberwolves and win the series 4-2.
Nuggets vs. Lakers: Going to be a tough series for the Lakers and they may barely win a game. 4-1 Nuggets.
Celtics vs. 76ers: I think the Celtics handles this series fairly convincingly 4-2.
Cavs vs. Magic: This series is going to end 4-3, and I am unsure who takes it. If I had to pick, I’ll say the Cavs.
Bucks vs. Pacers: Bucks are another team with too much firepower to struggle early. 4-2 Bucks.
Knicks vs. Heat: The Heat made a run last year, but I think the Knicks spoil that early this year. 4-2 Knicks.