CINCINNATI — Ten years ago, there were five Game 7s in the First Round of the NBA Playoffs. Spoiler alert: I think there could be that many Game 7s this season in the First Round.
What’s interesting about the 2014 NBA Playoffs is that they were the last Playoffs before the Warriors dynasty. It was the last Playoffs where there was so much unpredictability, where there wasn’t a clear-cut favorite or popular pick to win the NBA Finals. How competitive was the NBA Playoffs that year? In the First Round alone, there were 24 wins by road teams in the eight series including at least one road win on the first 11 days of the First Round. Plus, eight of the 50 First Round games went to overtime. Games 2-5 of the Memphis-Oklahoma City series all went to overtime.
This year’s Playoffs has First Round matchups that look great on paper. As we saw last year, with Miami making a run to the NBA Finals as a No. 8 seed and the Lakers going to the Western Conference Finals as a No. 7 seed, there is more parity now in the NBA than maybe there has ever been. Sure the Nuggets are going for a repeat Championship, but it’s not going to be an easy road back to the NBA Finals. Waiting for them in the First Round is LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers, a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals. If the Nuggets get past the Lakers, the Timberwolves or the Suns will be waiting for them in the Western Conference Semifinals. Speaking of which, how exciting is Phoenix-Minnesota going to be in the First Round?
And for as great as Boston was in the regular-season, 64-18 and 14 games ahead of the two-seeded Knicks in the Eastern Conference, they have been a number one seed twice since 2017 and both times lost in the Eastern Conference Finals. In fact, since winning their last NBA Finals since 2008, the Celtics have lost six times to lower seeds in the Playoffs, including when the Warriors were a three-seed coming out of the Western Conference in the 2022 NBA Finals. Also worth noting: the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference has not advanced to the NBA Finals since 2016. In fact, the number one seed in the Eastern Conference has only advanced to the NBA Finals twice in the last 15 years. And since the First Round went to a best-of-seven since 2003, only three No. 1 seeds in the Eastern Conference have made it to the NBA Finals.
Let’s take a look at the eight First Round Playoff series. I’ll go through them based on my rankings of the eight series that are based on interest and intrigue. The NBA Playoffs are fun. Think of them as an extended version of the NFL Playoffs, two months of games with enough days off in between games to create a Super Bowl flavor. So here are my rankings of the eight First Round series and a look inside them.
8. Eastern Conference: 5. Orlando Magic (47-35) vs. 4. Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34)
Game 1: Magic @ Cavaliers (Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse – Cleveland); Saturday, April 20th (1 p.m. on ESPN) Commentators: Beth Mowins, Stephanie White, Angel Gray
Game 2: Magic @ Cavaliers (Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse – Cleveland); Monday, April 22nd (7 p.m. on NBA TV) Commentators: Kevin Calabro, Brendan Haywood, Lauren Jbara
Game 3: Cavaliers @ Magic (Kia Center – Orlando, Fla.); Thursday, April 25th (7 p.m. on NBA TV)
Game 4: Cavaliers @ Magic (Kia Center – Orlando, Fla.); Saturday, April 27th (1 p.m. on TNT)
Game 5 (if necessary): Magic @ Cavaliers (Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse – Cleveland); Tuesday, April 30th
Game 6 (if necessary): Cavaliers @ Magic (Kia Center – Orlando, Fla.); Friday, May 3rd
Game 7 (if necessary): Magic @ Cavaliers (Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse – Cleveland); Sunday, May 5th
Even though I have this as the eighth-ranked series of the First Round, this is still an interesting series. When I first started following the NBA in 2009, this was the Eastern Conference Finals matchup. It was the 66-win Cavaliers led by LeBron James, who at that point was an unbelievable star and on the best Cavs team in his first stint with Cleveland, against the 59-win Magic led by Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard. James was sensational in Game 1, scoring 49 points. Orlando had no answer for him, yet somehow managed to win the game 107-106. The Cavaliers answered with a 96-95 win in Game 2, with James hitting a ridiculous buzzer-beating three-pointer for the win. But Orlando took the next two games, eventually winning the series in six games. The series was played amid one of the heights of the Cleveland Sports Curse, making it a tough loss for the Cavaliers and their fans. Even though LeBron James came home and led the Cavaliers to the NBA Championship in 2016, the Cavaliers have not won a Playoff series since he left for the Lakers in the Summer of 2018. Here’s a great chance for them to do so and get revenge 15 years in the making along the way.
Looking into the Cavaliers: The Cavaliers have been a consistently good and ascending team over the last three seasons. It’s been impressive to watch this team rise to the top half of the Eastern Conference Playoff seeding, with two straight seasons as a No. 4 seed. There’s a lot of talent and versatility to this Cavaliers team, with Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt and Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley in the frontcourt. All four players average at least 15 points, with Allen also averaging 10.5 rebounds and Garland and Mitchell each averaging over six assists per game. The key for the Cavaliers is staying healthy. Garland, Mitchell and Mobley all missed significant time this season.
Looking into the Magic: When they are a Playoff-caliber team, the Magic are always a fun watch. It was that way in the late-2000s and early 2010s with Dwight Howard and in the mid-90s with Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway. Now the Magic are led by 2022 No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero, the reigning Rookie of the Year and an All-Star this year. Supporting him includes Franz and Moritz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony and Wendell Carter Jr. It’s a young Magic team but one that is rising. Head Coach Jamahl Mosley is in the Coach of the Year conversation. And while the Magic aren’t a great offensive team, they make up for it on the defensive end. Orlando ranks fourth in the NBA allowing just 108.4 points per game and went 21-2 when holding opponents to less than 100 points.
Regular-Season Matchups (Series tied 2-2)
Dec. 6, 2023: Cavaliers 121-Magic 11
Dec. 11, 2023: Magic 104-Cavaliers 94
Jan. 22, 2024: Cavaliers 126-Magic 99
Feb. 22, 2024: Magic 116-Cavaliers 109
Series Pick: Cavaliers in 5
I know Cleveland struggles to stay healthy, but their experience will matter in this series. They’ve gotten better through each of the last three seasons. The next step for them is to win a Playoff series. They have the talent and experience to do so in this series, even with Orlando’s talent. But this is the Magic’s first Playoff appearance since 2020 and just second since 2012. The Magic also haven’t won a Playoff series since 2010. Cleveland on the other hand, is poised to win their first postseason series since 2018 and first in the post-LeBron James era.
7. Western Conference: 8. New Orleans Pelicans (49-33) vs. 1. Oklahoma City Thunder (57-25)
Game 1: Pelicans @ Thunder (Paycom Center, Oklahoma City); Sunday, April 21st (9:30 p.m. on TNT) Commentators: Spero Dedes, Greg Anthony, Stephanie Ready
Game 2: Pelicans @ Thunder (Paycom Center, Oklahoma City); Wednesday, April 24th (9:30 p.m. on TNT)
Game 3: Thunder @ Pelicans (Smoothie King Center, New Orleans); Saturday, April 27th (3:30 p.m. on TNT)
Game 4: Thunder @ Pelicans (Smoothie King Center, New Orleans); Monday, April 29th
Game 5 (if necessary): Pelicans @ Thunder (Paycom Center, Oklahoma Center); Wednesday, May 1st
Game 6 (if necessary): Thunder @ Pelicans (Smoothie King Center, New Orleans); Friday May 3rd
Game 7 (if necessary): Pelicans @ Thunder (Paycom Center, Oklahoma City); Sunday, May 5th
These two teams met last year in the Play-In Tournament. Now, they meet in the First Round of the NBA Playoffs. Oklahoma City is their highest seed in the Playoffs since Kevin Durant left in the Summer of 2016, a No. 1 seed for the first time since 2013. New Orleans is back in the Playoffs for the second time in three seasons, but Zion Williamson, once again, will miss some time during the Playoffs with a strained left hamstring.
Looking into the Thunder: It’s amazing the Thunder are here. A number one seed, in the Playoffs for the first time since 2020. Two years ago they won 24 games. But give credit to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his MVP-caliber season, averaging 30.1 points in 75 games played and started. Chet Holmgren is the force inside with 16.5 points and 7.9 rebounds in 82 starts in the regular-season. The Thunder are one of the highest-scoring offenses in the NBA, averaging 120.1 points per game to rank third in the NBA.
Looking into the Pelicans: I was really impressed with the way the Pelicans played in their Play-In game against the Kings, especially without Zion Williamson. Six players averaged double-figures, and they only took 19 three-point shots even with Williamson’s absence. Their shot selection led to a 51.8 percent shooting night, and their performance was led by Jonas Valanciunas’s 19 points and 12 rebounds. The Pelicans went 7-5 without Williamson in the regular-season, so they have shown they can win without him.
Regular-Season Matchups (Thunder won 2-1)
Nov. 1, 2023: Pelicans 110-Thunder 106
Jan. 26, 2024: Thunder 107-Pelicans 83
March 26, 2024: Thunder 119-Pelicans 112
Series Pick: Thunder in 6
Oklahoma City is the No. 1 seed, but they haven’t been in this position in a long time. New Orleans is down their best player, but they have veterans on their team that have played a lot of basketball throughout their careers. New Orleans took Phoenix to six games as a No. 8 seed in 2022, so they’re not going to be intimidated by the Thunder and their electric offense. I think this series will go longer than expected.
6. Eastern Conference: 8. Miami Heat (46-36) vs. 1. Boston Celtics (64-18)
Game 1: Heat @ Celtics (TD Garden, Boston); Sunday, April 21st (1 p.m. on ABC) Commentators: Mike Breen, JJ Reddick, Doris Burke, Lisa Salters; ESPN Radio: Marc Kestecher, P.J. Carlesimo
Game 2: Heat @ Celtics (TD Garden, Boston); Wednesday, April 24th (7 p.m. on TNT)
Game 3: Celtics @ Heat (Kaseya Center, Miami); Saturday, April 27th (6 p.m. on TNT)
Game 4: Celtics @ Heat (Kaseya Center, Miami); Monday April 29th
Game 5 (if necessary): Heat @ Celtics (TD Garden, Boston); Wednesday, May 1st
Game 6 (if necessary): Celtics @ Heat (Kaseya Center, Miami); Friday, May 3rd
Game 7 (if necessary): Heat @ Celtics (TD Garden, Boston); Sunday, May 5th
When it comes to the Playoffs, the Celtics and Heat have the best Playoff rivalry. This is the seventh time since 2010 that these two teams will play in the Playoffs, with the Heat winning four of the previous six matchups. Miami has won as an underdog to Boston before, beating them in the Eastern Conference Finals as a No. 8 seed. They are not intimidated by Boston, and the Heat will give the Celtics all they can handle in this series.
Looking into the Celtics: This is the first time since 2008 that the Celtics finished the regular-season with the best record in the NBA. Put their disappointments in the Playoffs aside, this team is vaunted. They were the best team bar none in the NBA the entire regular-season. They have young stars and veteran stars. They are a product of their success in seasons past and their disappointments. Beating them will take an incredible effort by whoever they face in a particular series in the Playoffs.
Looking into the Heat: If any team can beat Boston, it’s Miami. Erik Spolestra does not get nearly enough credit for what he had done in Miami. They’re always in contention, always tough to get out of the Playoffs. Why? Because he adjusts. He makes things tough on opponents. His teams grind you out. His teams have championship DNA. The way Miami responded after losing Jimmy Butler to beat the Bulls Friday night was impressive. That’s a team out there. It’s a confident team, one that respects their opponent but knows they can beat them. Miami has been to the Eastern Conference Finals three times in the last four seasons and the NBA Finals twice in that span.
Regular-Season Matchups (Celtics won 3-0)
Oct. 27, 2023: Celtics 119-Heat 111
Jan. 25, 2024: Celtics 143-Heat 110
Feb. 11, 2024: Celtics 110-Heat 106
Series Pick: Celtics in 6
I think the Heat not having Jimmy Butler will catch up to them. But given their Playoff success in recent seasons and Boston’s inability to put opponents away early in Playoff series, I think this series will go on longer than some maybe think. Boston has the deeper roster, which will enable them to prevail. But Miami will make this series anything but a cakewalk.
5. Western Conference: 5. Dallas Mavericks (50-32) vs. 4. Los Angeles Clippers (51-31)
Game 1: Mavericks @ Clippers (Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles); Sunday, April 21st (3:30 p.m. on ABC) Commentators: Ryan Ruocco, Richard Jefferson, Cassidy Hubbarth
Game 2: Mavericks @ Clippers (Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles); Tuesday, April 23rd (10 p.m. on TNT)
Game 3: Clippers @ Mavericks (American Airlines Center, Dallas); Friday, April 26th (8 p.m. on ESPN)
Game 4: Clippers @ Mavericks (American Airlines Center, Dallas); Sunday, April 28th (3:30 p.m. on ABC)
Game 5 (if necessary): Mavericks @ Clippers (Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles); Wednesday, May 1st
Game 6 (if necessary): Clippers @ Mavericks (American Airlines Center, Dallas); Friday, May 3rd
Game 7 (if necessary): Mavericks @ Clippers (Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles); Sunday, May 5th
If you want stars, this series is for you. There are stars galore in this series. And these two teams are no strangers to meeting each other in the Playoffs with two previous matchups this decade.
Looking into the Clippers: The Clippers are who you think they are: fun, talented, and headache-inducing for their fans. Here’s a team that last six straight early in the season, when they traded for James Harden, then went from 8-10 to 34-15 at one point in the season. Even though they have only gone 17-16 since, the Playoffs are a time where the stars come to play. Now I say this knowing James Harden, Paul George and Russell Westbrook have all had their disappointments in the Playoffs prior to this season. But Kawhi Leonard is a two-time NBA Champion and Finals MVP, not to mention played on another Finals team that came this close to winning the Championship. If you know, you know.
With a team that has four superstars, and you could make a case for all four players to be future Hall of Famers, there’s reason to believe a deep run through the Playoffs is in the cards for the Clippers this season. The Clippers rank 12th in scoring and sixth in field goal percentage. This team may be a punching bag for fans, but they are 43-21 since starting 8-10. And with the top half of the Western Conference bracket wide open, the Clippers are not to be underestimated.
Looking into the Mavericks: You can’t start talking about the Mavericks without talking about Luka Doncic. Doncic led the NBA in scoring with 33.9 points per game, and he also had 9.2 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game. He is ridiculous, with 57 30-point games, 13 40-point games, two 50-point games and a 73-point performance on January 26th at Atlanta- did you know that Doncic was drafted by Atlanta?
But what makes Dallas dangerous is also having Kyrie Irving. Irving is in his 13th season in the NBA, and this season he averaged 25.6 points, five rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. If your second-best player is averaging those numbers, that indicates a dangerous team.
Regular-Season Matchups (Clippers won 2-1)
Nov. 10, 2023: Mavericks 144-Clippers 126
Nov. 25, 2023: Clippers 107-Mavericks 88
Dec. 20, 2023: Clippers 120-Mavericks 11
Series Pick: Clippers in 7
This series can go either way. I think it’s going to be really good, really entertaining and down to the wire. Dallas has two really great stars, two future Hall of Famers. But the Clippers have four, which is double the go-to-scorers in this series. If a team has four of those players in the Playoffs, in a series that can go seven games, I’m picking that team to win. I know the Clippers have had their postseason disappointments in the past, but they made it to the Western Conference Finals in 2021. Their star power will prevail in a seven-game battle in a First Round series that features potentially six future Hall of Famers.
4. Eastern Conference: 6. Indiana Pacers (47-35) vs. 3. Milwaukee Bucks (49-33)
Game 1: Pacers @ Bucks (Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee); Sunday, April 21st (7 p.m. on TNT) Commentators: Ian Eagle, Grant Hill, Jared Greenberg
Game 2: Pacers @ Bucks (Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee); Tuesday, April 23rd (8:30 p.m. on NBA TV)
Game 3: Bucks @ Pacers (Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis); Friday, April 26th (5:30 p.m. on ESPN)
Game 4: Bucks @ Pacers (Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis); Sunday, April 28th (7 p.m. on TNT)
Game 5 (if necessary): Pacers @ Bucks (Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee); Tuesday, April 30th
Game 6 (if necessary): Bucks @ Pacers (Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis); Thursday, May 2nd
Game 7 (if necessary): Pacers @ Bucks (Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee); Saturday, May 4th
There are always games and series in the Playoffs of the four major professional sports that you think is going to go one way, then end up with a completely different outcome. This is that series. There are just too many unknowns. Which Bucks team will show up? Can the Pacers offense keep up their relentless pace they played at in the regular-season? Will we see Giannis Antetokounmpo at all in this series? Can the Bucks play consistent enough basketball to make a run through the Eastern Conference? Will Indiana be overwhelmed by the moment?
Looking into the Bucks: Their season has been one a sports psychologist would have a fun time studying. How does a team that’s 30-13 fire their head coach, Adrian Griffin? Even more perplexing, the head coach the Bucks hired to replace Griffin, Doc Rivers, only led the Bucks to a 19-20 record over their last 39 games. Keep in mind, this is a Bucks team already with one of the best players in former MVP Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, who the Bucks signed as a free agent in the offseason. Add in the likes of Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis Jr., Pat Connaughton among others, and this team should have been better than 49-33. Here’s the thing to remember, though: the Bucks were the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference when they won the NBA Finals in 2021. And given Doc Rivers’s success in the Playoffs, in spite of the disappointing losses his teams have suffered, it’s very possible the Bucks saved their best basketball for when it matters most.
Looking into the Pacers: Indiana led the NBA in scoring, but they gave up the fourth-most points in the NBA. The Pacers scored 140 or more points 10 times, including 150 or more points four times. But they allowed 140 or more points five times, including 150 or more points three times. Nine players average double-digit points including two averaging 20 or more points in Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Eight players shoot 50 percent or higher from the floor and five players shoot 40 percent or better from three-point range. Indiana is an offensive machine. But can they outscore their opponents, which, in a way, may be their defense?
Regular-Season Matchups (Pacers won 4-1)
Nov. 9, 2023: Pacers 126-Bucks 124
Dec. 7, 2023: Pacers 128-Bucks 119
Dec. 13, 2023: Bucks 140-Pacers 126
Jan. 1, 2024: Pacers 122-Bucks 113
Jan. 3, 2024: Pacers 142-Bucks 130
Series Pick: Bucks in 7
I was going to pick Pacers in six. But the more I think about it, Indiana plays with too much fire. Their defense must give their fans a headache. When Indiana was one of the best teams in the NBA from 2012-2014, their defense was elite. Roy Hibbert was a force in the frontcourt, and he had David West, George Hill, Paul George alongside him. That defense got after teams and shut them down. It was the backbone of two straight Eastern Conference Finals trips, but this Pacers defense is nowhere near that of the Pacers defense 10 years ago. Even though the Bucks have had their inconsistencies, there’s enough talent to overcome Antetokounmpo being out at least in the short term. Long-term is a different story, but I think the Bucks Playoff experience will also help in this series as they hold off a ferocious Pacers offense.
3. Eastern Conference: 7. Philadelphia 76ers (47-35) vs. 2. New York Knicks (50-32)
Game 1: 76ers @ Knicks (Madison Square Garden, New York); Saturday, April 20th (6 p.m. on ESPN) Commentators: Mike Breen, JJ Reddick, Doris Burke, Lisa Salters
Game 2: 76ers @ Knicks (Madison Square Garden, New York); Monday, April 22nd (7:30 p.m. on TNT) Commentators: Brian Anderson, Stan Van Gundy, Chris Haynes; ESPN Radio: Marc Kestecher, P.J. Carlesimo
Game 3: Knicks @ 76ers (Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia); Thursday, April 25th (7:30 p.m. on TNT)
Game 4: Knicks @ 76ers (Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia); Sunday, April 28th (1 p.m. on ABC)
Game 5 (if necessary): 76ers @ Knicks (Madison Square Garden, New York); Tuesday, April 30th
Game 6 (if necessary): Knicks @ 76ers (Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia); Thursday, May 2nd
Game 7 (if necessary): 76ers @ Knicks (Madison Square Garden, New York); Saturday, May 4th
If this feels like a throwback to the 80s or the 70s, it’s because it is. This is the first time the 76ers and the Knicks are squaring off in the Playoffs since 1989. Whenever Philadelphia and New York get together in the Playoffs, it’s always going to be physical, intense, haymakers thrown. This series should be no different.
Looking into the Knicks: The Knicks are the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time in 11 years. I’ve heard this season’s Knicks team is reminiscent of the 90s Knicks, those rough-and-tough teams in the Garden. New York ranks in the top five in the NBA in points allowed (2nd, 108.2), rebounds (5th, 45.2), and point differential (5th, +4.5).
The Knicks have overcome their fair share of injuries, most notably to defensive leader Julius Randle. Jalen Brunson has carried a heavy load, averaging 28.7 points in 77 games played, and he has a solid, and healthy, supporting cast around him. The question is can that cast, that includes Donte DiVincenzo, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Isaiah Hartenstein, etc., can that cast show up in this series against a Philadelphia team that enters the Playoffs with momentum?
Looking into the 76ers: The 76ers are one of those teams that’s better than their seed. They’re only in this position, as the No. 7 seed, largely due to Joel Embiid missing two months after undergoing knee surgery. Embiid averages 34.7 points per game and 11 rebounds per game. Tyrese Maxey is going to have to be a great No. 2 player in this series, a player who averages 25.9 points per game and 6.2 assists per game. Philadelphia has won at least one postseason series in five of the last six seasons. Talk about their Playoff disappointments all you want, but this team at least wins in the First Round. In fact, they have dominated in the First Round in each of the last three seasons with only one series going six games.
Regular-Season Matchups (Knicks won 3-1)
Jan. 5, 2024: Knicks 128-76ers 92
Feb. 22, 2024: Knicks 110-76ers 96
March 10, 2024: 76ers 79-Knicks 73
March 12, 2024: Knicks 106-76ers 79
Series Pick: Knicks in 7
This is going to be a series seeped in physicality, toughness and passion. You have two teams, and two cities, that love their basketball. Embiid may be the best player, but Brunson has been the more durable and consistent player this season. The Knicks may be battling health issues, but I think Brunson and his supporting cast will do just enough to win a seven-game grinding battle.
2. Western Conference: 6. Phoenix Suns (49-33) vs. 3. Minnesota Timberwolves (56-26)
Game 1: Suns @ Timberwolves (Target Center, Minneapolis); Saturday, April 20th (3:30 p.m. on ESPN) Commentators: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Jorge Sedano
Game 2: Suns @ Timberwolves (Target Center, Minneapolis); Tuesday, April 23rd (7:30 p.m. on TNT)
Game 3: Timberwolves @ Suns (Footprint Center, Phoenix); Friday, April 26th (10:30 p.m. on ESPN)
Game 4: Timberwolves @ Suns (Footprint Center, Phoenix); Sunday, April 28th (9:30 p.m. on TNT)
Game 5 (if necessary): Suns @ Timberwolves (Target Center, Minneapolis); Tuesday, April 30th
Game 6 (if necessary): Timberwolves @ Suns (Footprint Center, Phoenix); Thursday, May 2nd
Game 7 (if necessary): Suns @ Timberwolves (Target Center, Minneapolis); Saturday, May 4th
I am fired up for this series. The thing about the NBA that I like, similar to the NFL, is that you can get great series between two teams from mid-market cities. That’s what Phoenix and Minnesota can give us. This series reminds me of the Warriors-Kings series in last year’s Playoffs. The experienced, veteran team is the lower seed while the fun, exciting, up-and-coming team is the higher seed.
Looking into the Timberwolves: It’s been 20 years since the Timberwolves last won a Playoff series, and this year is their best chance to break that drought. This is a really fun team to watch play. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards are a dynamic duo, and they’re supported by Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, Mike Conley and Jaden McDaniels. Towns is a former No. 1 overall pick, and he’s an easy guy to root for. He embodies the traits of the Midwest: hard-working, tough and humble. Edwards is a dynamic, highlight-reel player with confidence that is full throttle.
Looking into the Suns: It wasn’t that long ago when Phoenix was halfway to an NBA Championship, up 2-0 in the NBA Finals against Milwaukee. But the past two Playoffs have not been kind to the Suns. They have been bounced in the Western Conference Semifinals each of the last two seasons, including being swept by the Nuggets last season.
But this Suns team is still stacked with talent with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen and Eric Gordon. Jusuf Nurkic also averages nearly 11 points and rebounds per game, while Durant and Booker each average 27.1 points per game. Bradley Beal came over in the offseason and averaged 18.2 points per game in his first season in Phoenix.
Regular-Season Matchups (Suns won 3-0)
Nov. 15, 2023: Suns 133-Timberwolves 115
April 5, 2024: Suns 97-Timberwolves 87
April 14, 2024: Suns 125-Timberwolves 106
Series Pick: Timberwolves in 7
I struggled with this one. The Suns have the experience, but Minnesota has been building towards this for the past couple of seasons. This series could go either way, but I think Minnesota can outlast the Suns with their defense and depth. Phoenix has been inconsistent this season, while Minnesota has been at the top of the Western Conference all season. I like the Timberwolves in what should be an exciting series.
1. Western Conference: 7. Los Angeles Lakers (47-35) vs. 2. Denver Nuggets (57-25)
Game 1: Lakers @ Nuggets (Ball Arena, Denver); Saturday, April 20th (8:30 p.m. on ABC) Commentators: Dave Pasch, Bob Myers, Katie George; ESPN Radio: Sean Kelley, Kelenna Azubuike
Game 2: Lakers @ Nuggets (Ball Arena, Denver); Monday, April 22nd (10 p.m. on TNT) Commentators: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Jamal Crawford, Allie LaForce
Game 3: Nuggets @ Lakers (Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles); Thursday, April 25th (10 p.m. on TNT)
Game 4: Nuggets @ Lakers (Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles); Saturday, April 27th (8:30 p.m. on ABC)
Game 5: Lakers @ Nuggets (Ball Arena, Denver); Monday, April 29th
Game 6: Nuggets @ Lakers (Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles); Thursday, May 2nd
Game 7: Lakers @ Nuggets (Ball Arena, Denver); Saturday, May 4th
No question this is my No. 1-ranked series of the First Round. A rematch of the Western Conference Finals from last season that this season features the reigning NBA Champions Denver Nuggets against LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers. This series has all the makings of being a classic.
Looking into the Nuggets: I think what makes the Nuggets just as dangerous this season in the Playoffs is they are battle-tested. They’ve scaled the NBA Playoff mountain, and they know what to expect. Nikola Jokic is the best player in this year’s Playoffs. He is all-around great. And his supporting cast makes him better. Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope all shoot 39 percent or better from three-point range. The Nuggets didn’t face a series longer than five games in the Playoffs last season. They will this season, but they are battle-tested enough to win it.
Looking into the Lakers: I think the Lakers getting swept by the Nuggets will turn out to help them against Denver in this series. LeBron James isn’t going to let a team he plays for get swept two seasons in a row. The crazy thing about James is he isn’t slowing down. He payed 82 games this season at the age of 39 in his 21st season. This Lakers team has the experience of last season’s surprise run, and they know they can play with Denver.
Regular-Season Matchups (Nuggets won 3-0)
Oct. 24, 2023: Nuggets 119-Lakers 107
Feb. 8, 2024: Nuggets 114-Lakers 106
March 2, 2024: Nuggets 124-Lakers 114
Series Pick: Nuggets in 7
I think this series can go the full seven games. The Lakers are better than they were last season, and there’s more pressure on Denver this season. James-led teams have been swept just three times in the NBA Playoffs or NBA Finals. This could be one of the final runs for LeBron James in his NBA career, so don’t expect the Lakers to go quietly. Denver will prevail with the best player on the floor, but you can never count out LeBron James in the Playoffs. His teams are 14-1 in the First Round all-time.
Let me be Frank and Cut to the Chase 