The NBA Playoffs are underway on Saturday, and I will break down each first round series and tell you who I think will be moving on.
Timberwolves vs. Rockets
Minnesota won on the final night of the regular season to ensure their spot in the playoffs. With that said, the Houston Rockets have been the best team in the Western Conference this year ,and they win this series in four games.
Spurs vs. Warriors
This is a no-brainer that the Golden State Warriors will win this series, and I think they win it in four games. The Spurs have had their time, but I think it is coming to a close. They have made 21 straight playoffs, which is impressive — but it will be short-lived this year.
Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers
This is my upset of the first round, as I think New Orleans is due and will win this series in six games. Many people are buying Portland after a convincing win against Utah on the final game of the regular season, but the Pelicans could be dangerous as they win this first round series.
Jazz vs. Thunder
Oklahoma City will win this series in seven games at home in front of their home fans. This will be the best series of the first round, but Russell Westbrook will be a bit too much for Utah to handle in this series.
Wizards vs. Raptors
Toronto won’t make the NBA Finals this year, but they will take down Washington very easily in five games. With John Wall, the Wizards will win one game but not more than that.
Bucks vs. Celtics
A not-so-much upset in the Eastern Conference will be the Bucks over Celtics in six games. Giannis Antetokoummpo will own this, and Boston can’t handle the Milwaukee Bucks without the injured Kyrie Irving.
Heat vs. 76er’s
This will be a dull series with Philadelphia winning in four games. The 76er’s are a sleeper team to make the NBA Finals, and it will be interesting how they fare in the playoffs.
Pacers vs. Cavaliers
Indiana got a bad seeding here having to face Cleveland in the first round. This is the time where Lebron steps up and plays his best basketball, and the Pacers don’t stand a chance.
Avery Osen is a graduate student in mass communications. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Collegian. Please send comments to opinion@kstatecollegian.com.
