As anticipated the NBA Bubble was something to behold. The league saw an unlikely hero come through in the clutch to overtake the eighth seed. Fans also watched the Phoenix Suns go on a miracle 8-0 run to end their season. As many wanted them to become the final seed in the West, however, it was not quite the Cinderella story that everybody received. With all 16 teams now set, the NBA playoffs are about to begin as with the predictions of every series.
#1 Los Angeles Lakers versus #8 Portland Trail Blazers:
Lakers in 7
Damian Lillard has been nothing but spectacular. Dropping over 40 points in his past three games of the regular season. His play has given the Trail Blazers a playoff Cinderella story. Unfortunately, the story is very short as the Lakers have two of the best players in the NBA. Lillard will still have the hot hand, but the talent around might not be enough.
#2 Los Angeles Clippers versus #7 Dallas Mavericks:
Clippers in 6
Luka Doncic will be the NBA’s MVP winner in the future. Individually he is one of the most talented players the league has to offer. But outside of Doncic, the Mavericks have only Kristaps Porzingis. The Clippers have way too much shooting on their roster and the Mavericks will not be able to keep up with defending all the talented shooters on the court at once.
#3 Denver Nuggets versus #6 Utah Jazz:
Nuggets in 6
The Nuggets’ future with Michael Porter Jr. and Bol Bol is brighter than their playoff run. Although the Nuggets are still a good team their lack of a great point guard will be their undoing. Fortunately, the Utah Jazz has not played spectacular since coming to the bubble. And the team has proven to not be talented enough to make it past the first round in a few years.
#4 Houston Rockets versus #5 Oklahoma City Thunder:
Rockets in 7
Both teams have been struggling since coming to the Orlando Bubble, excluding James Harden. The Rockets’ lack of rebounding and post presence has shown to be a problem for their defense. Steven Adams should lead all players in rebounds and will have the paint locked down. If the Thunder can hold James Harden to a mediocre three-point percentage, then the Thunder could upset the higher seed.
#1 Milwaukee Bucks versus #8 Orlando Magic:
Bucks in 4
Do not be fooled by this sweep. The Magic are not as bad as they seem. The team has immense potential to even steal a game or two against the Bucks. Even with Giannis Antetokounmpo playing like he is, the Magic have plenty of offensive talent to keep them in games.
#2 Toronto Raptors versus #7 Brooklyn Nets:
Raptors in 6
Many doubts cloud over Toronto. Can they make a deep playoff run without DeMar DeRozan or Kawhi Leonard? Can this team beat another playoff team, as they struggled mightily against teams that were playoff-bound? The Nets have also shown that without their star players that they can win games relying on any player any given night.
#3 Boston Celtics versus #6 Philadelphia 76ers:
Celtics in 5
Nobody going into the bubble expected to see this matchup until the second round. But for Boston fans, this early series is like having Christmas in August. The 76ers are a mess of a team, as they are struggling to win games since coming back into the bubble. Ben Simmons will be out for this series after having knee surgery, and Joel Embiid will not be 100% as he is also dealing with some minor injuries.
#4 Indiana Pacers versus #5 Miami Heat:
Heat in 6
Indiana is not fully healthy. With Oladipo still recovering and put on a minute restriction for most games the team will not be at their best. The Heat, however, has their starting five healthy and playing as if the season had never taken a four-month hiatus. Butler defensively has been incredible, along with the rising stars of Kendrick Nunn, Duncan Robinson, and Bam Adebayo. The Heat will not blow by the Pacers but will have a full grip on how the series plays out.
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