The 2022-23 NBA regular season has officially wrapped up with the race for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy down to 16 teams. There are three or four clear contenders for the championship, but a blemish from any of them in the opening round could force the door wide open for any outside chances.
Denver Nuggets v Minnesota Timberwolves
Although Denver took out the first seed in the west, they finished off the season in ordinary fashion (lost five of their last seven matches). The Nuggets have been in favourable positions like this in the past and have failed to take the opportunity. As for Minnesota, four wins in the last five games (including the play-ins) tells a tale. Synergy between Karl Anthony-Towns and Ruby Gobert has helped the Timberwolves claim the eighth spot and can be deadly in the context of this series. In an upset, I expect Denver’s playoff woes to continue.
Predictions: Timberwolves win 4-3
Phoenix Suns v Los Angeles Clippers
11 years ago, KD and Russ were agonisingly close to winning a championship at OKC. Now, they do battle in the first round of the playoffs. The Suns have been scorching hot of late, winning eight of their last nine, with their loss coming against their next opponents. While the series will be competitive, the addition of Durant for Phoenix diminishes LA’s hopes of advancing. The Clippers have the ability to prolong the series, but the Valley will advance unscathed.
Prediction: Suns win 4-2
Sacramento Kings v Golden State Warriors
For the first time in 17 years, the Sacramento Kings will play playoff basketball, but face the tough task of an experienced Warriors outfit. Arguably the most anticipated matchup of the first round, if not for the match above. If Sacramento plays its best basketball, Golden State’s title defence could end abruptly. Although Andrew Wiggins returns to the Warriors rotation for the first time since mid-February, I expect the Kings to cause a boil over.
Prediction: Kings win 4-2
Memphis Grizzlies v Los Angeles Lakers
Nobody expected the Lakers to make the playoffs when they started 2-10. Reminiscent of the 1996/97 Suns who were 1-14 to begin the season, LA secured the seventh seed after storming home with the second-best record in the league. The Grizzlies also had their fair share of challenges throughout the year with Ja Morant only playing 61 games. That being said, Memphis should wrap up the series comfortably, but anything is possible with LeBron in the other corner.
Prediction: Grizzlies win 4-1
LeBron James will be a very important player for the Lakers if they are to get it done against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Milwaukee Bucks v Miami Heat
The Bucks and the Heat have faced off in the playoffs twice in the last three years, and while both teams split those series, the opposing team was blown out of the water. Milwaukee will easily go into this series as favourite, as it looks to put together a championship-winning run. The team from South Beach can’t be ruled out though, having proven in the past that they can wreak havoc at this time of year. It will be a hard-fought contest, but the Bucks get it done.
Predictions: Bucks win 4-2
Cleveland Cavaliers v New York Knicks
Two teams who have suffered immensely in recent years, both the Cavs and the Knicks have turned it on this season. Cleveland has cashed in on the acquisition of Donovan Mitchell to guide it to third in the east, while the Knicks formed a handy big three in Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett, clinching a playoff spot for the second time in the last decade. As for the matchup, either team could advance to the next round and make a case to beat the Bucks, but the Cavs seem to have a more rounded roster than New York.
Predictions: Cavs win 4-2
Philadelphia 76ers v Brooklyn Nets
Philly were something special in the final portion of the regular season, firming as a potential championship contender. Their counterparts however, have had to bear the brunt of KD and Kyrie Irving walking out at the trade deadline. Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson have helped steer the Nets into sixth. The 76ers have stumbled in the past where they have been heavily favoured to win the series, making this a potentially difficult task. Despite their best efforts, the Nets will struggle to contain Joel Embiid who is having an MVP-calibre season, making him the difference in this matchup.
Predictions: Sixers win 4-3
Brooklyn Nets' Cam Johnson takes the ball to the ring.
Boston Celtics v Atlanta Hawks
For the first half of the season, the Boston Celtics were head and shoulders above the rest. But since the All-Star break, they have struggled to generate the same momentum. Despite this, the Celtics still have the firepower to contend for the championship, allowing for a potential sweep. For the Hawks to get it done, Trae Young needs to put up video-game numbers to stay afloat in 2023.
Prediction: Celtics win 4-0
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