#3 Knicks vs. #2 Celtics
The Celtics steamrolled through the Orlando Magic in the first round winning in five games. The returning champions look like big favorites as we enter the second round of the playoffs. The Celtics’ three point shooting ability creates a matchup nightmare against the Knicks, as the Celtics drained 17.8 three pointers per game this regular season. The Celtics’ championship experience and deep roster give them a big advantage against the slim Knicks.
The Knicks have been playing their starters more than any other team this season. This usually comes back to bite the Knicks with injuries as starters see their minutes continue to increase in the playoffs. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby both averaged over 40 minutes per game in the first round against the Pistons. The Knicks boast Brunson who was the leading scorer in ppg in the first round. However the Celtics will be too much to handle for the Knicks, I’ll take the Celtics in 6.
#7 Warriors vs #6 Timberwolves
The Golden State Warriors just finished a full 7-game war with the Houston Rockets. It will be a quick turnaround for the Warriors, who are one of the league’s oldest teams. Led by Stephen Curry (age 37), Jimmy Butler (34), and Draymond Green (35), the Warriors will struggle facing the young and fresh Timberwolves. Containing Anthony Edwards will be a strong task for Gary Payton ll, the Warriors’ top on-ball defender.
The Timberwolves enter fresh after a five game victory against the Lakers. Edwards led the offense while Rudy Gobert dominated the boards averaging just under 10 per game, including 24 rebounds in the final game. Rudy will be a problem for the undersized Warriors who struggled to rebound against Steven Adams and Alperen Sengun. I’ll take the Timberwolves in 6.
#1 Thunder vs #4 Nuggets
The top two MVP candidates from this season, Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilegous-Alexander, face off head to head in a battle between two Western Conference heavyweights. The Nuggets barely squeaked by the Clippers, thanks to a strong performance in game seven and an Aaron Gordon buzzer beater earlier in the series. The X-factor for the Nuggets is Jamal Murray, who often heats up in the playoffs and can give Jokic a legit #2 guy who can score lights out.
The Thunder enter as the favorites to win the title, thanks to Shai and co-stars Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. The depth of the Thunder give them a big advantage, along with the ability to put great wing defenders like Williams, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace to guard the Nuggets. The only problem for the Nuggets is if Holmgren can size up with Jokic, who is almost 80 pounds heavier than Chet. However the Thunder are the favorites for a reason, and I’ll take Thunder in seven.
#1 Cavaliers vs #4 Pacers
The Cavs enter as the heavy favorite against the Pacers, and have much greater star power. The Cavs took their momentum from the regular season into the first round, as they bested the Heat in a four game sweep. The Pacers could be a bit of a surprise for the Cavs though, as despite having one all-star, Pascal Siakam, have consistently been challenging to face in the playoffs. Last season the Pacers went all the way to the Eastern Conference finals. Evan Mobley, the defensive player of the year, should slow down the Pacers’ inside game. I’ll take the Cavs in 6.
