NBA Playoffs: Predicting the Eastern Conference First Round

No. 5 Orlando Magic OVER No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers in Six Games (+500)

I don’t know how anyone who watched the Cleveland Cavaliers play basketball the last two months can believe this team can take four of seven games from any playoff-caliber squad. Since returning from the All-Star break, the Cavs have a 12-17 record, and while injuries can take some blame, the collective effort of this team isn’t there. While the Orlando Magic may be young, I trust Jamahl Mosley immensely as the Magic’s coach. The Magic’s stout defense is enough to get the Cavs to struggle. I’m taking Orlando in six to be safe, but honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Magic finish the job in fewer.

No. 1 Boston Celtics OVER No. 8 Seed in Four Games

The Boston Celtics have been the best team in basketball the entire regular season by far, and I can’t envision a scenario where they don’t sweep in the first round. The Chicago Bulls have competitive players but would have a talent disadvantage, and the Miami Heat don’t stand a chance without Jimmy Butler.

No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers OVER No. 2 New York Knicks in Six Games (+360)

This will be the most intense and entertaining first-round series to watch, and I’m ready for it. The New York Knicks have put together a great season, and Jalen Brunson had an excellent year, which earned them the No. 2 seed. Take a bow. However, the Philadelphia 76ers should win this series. They’ll have the best player on the floor in Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey can offset much of what Brunson does, and they boast the deepest team Philly has had in years. Most importantly, they have Nick Nurse, someone who knows how to win playoff games, giving the 76ers an advantage they haven’t had in recent seasons with Doc Rivers and Brett Brown. This is the easiest path the 76ers have ever had to reach the Eastern Conference Finals in the Embiid era. They’ve won nine straight games heading into Madison Square Garden, so buckle up.

No. 6 Indiana Pacers OVER No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks in Six Games (+370)

The Milwaukee Bucks are hot trash right now. There is no way to beat around the bush. Without Giannis Antetokounmpo for the entirety of this series, do the Bucks have a chance? Yes. Damian Lillard might be able to get hot for a game or two, and the Indiana Pacers might have an off night, but can this Bucks team take four of seven from anyone? Let alone against a Pacers team that took four of five games from the Bucks this season? I don’t see it. The Pacers will advance on their home court in Game 6.

No. 5 Orlando Magic OVER No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers in Six Games (+500)

I don’t know how anyone who watched the Cleveland Cavaliers play basketball the last two months can believe this team can take four of seven games from any playoff-caliber squad. Since returning from the All-Star break, the Cavs have a 12-17 record, and while injuries can take some blame, the collective effort of this team isn’t there. While the Orlando Magic may be young, I trust Jamahl Mosley immensely as the Magic’s coach. The Magic’s stout defense is enough to get the Cavs to struggle. I’m taking Orlando in six to be safe, but honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Magic finish the job in fewer.