The NBA Playoffs: A tradition unlike any other

2022 NBA Playoffs: First Round

Welcome back! Writing this during halftime of the Jazz Mavs game so enjoy.

Eastern Conference:

(1) Miami vs. (8) Atlanta

• This could be really, really fun. #HeatCulture taking on the best villain in the NBA in decades. Trae Young was built for the playoffs and this is a fantastic stage for him to perform.
• This is an experienced Heat team that should be suited for the playoffs.
• Heat in 6. However, the Upset Meter has been set to high alert.

(2) Boston vs. (7) Brooklyn

• The NBA’s best defense against two of the most gifted scorers in NBA history. Also, the skill level in this series is incredible. Expect exceptional scoring from Durant, Irving and Tatum/Brown.
• Ben Simmons is a big X factor. If somehow he comes back, that’s a huge upgrade for the Nets.
• Celtics in 6.

(3) Milwaukee vs. (6) Chicago

• The fairytale is over. Giannis is going to send the Bulls packing. The best player on planet earth is hungry for another ring and Chicago will be the first team to fall.
• Bucks in 5. DeMar could win a game on his own.

(4) Philadelphia vs. (5) Toronto

• Get your popcorn, this is gonna be fun. A lot of people are going with a Raptors upset here, I’m not one of them. I think Joel is the best player on the floor and understands how much is at stake. The Sixers cannot afford a first round exit and I don’t think Joel is gonna let that happen.
• Toronto is incredibly skilled and well coached. The team is built with athletic wings that can score and defend, that’s a scary combo.
• James Harden may struggle at first but he’s having a big series.
• Philadelphia in 6.

Western Conference:

(1) Phoenix vs. (8) New Orleans

• Mom, can you pick me up? I’m scared. The Suns are going to show the Pelicans how big of a gap there is between the two teams.
• Booker and Paul want to get back to the NBA Finals. They’ve been on a mission all season long and a CJ McCollum fun storyline isn’t gonna trip them up.
• Suns in 4.

(2) Memphis vs. (7) Minnesota

• One of the most exciting first round matchups. A talented, hungry and youthful Grizzlies team taking on a Timberwolves team loaded with skill. Ja’s health is gonna play a big factor in this series. Yes, Memphis is still good without Ja but he is still the best player on the team and they need him in the playoffs.
• Timberwolves got clowned for celebrating the play in game, so here’s their chance to not embarrass themselves. Show up and shock the Grizzlies and those celebrations don’t seem as goofy anymore. KAT must have a better series than the play in performance or the Twitter slander will be unbearable.
• Grizzlies in 6. Upset Meter set to simmering.

(3) Golden State vs. (6) Denver

• How healthy is Steph? If he’s hobbled, Denver might have a chance to steal a game or two. If Steph’s healthy, I don’t see this being much of a series.
• Warriors in 5. A sweep wouldn’t surprise me but neither would Joker stealing a game or two.

(4) Dallas vs. (5) Utah

• Similar to Steph, how healthy is Luka? The worry with a calf injury is that if he rushes back, there’s a legitimate chance he ends up getting injured even worse. However, with Jalen and Spencer, the Mavs actually are pretty solid in the point guard position. Dallas needs Luka to win this series.
• Utah has had a bizarre season and it wouldn’t surprise me if Quin Snyder gets the boot after the season. At the same time, they are extremely talented and have experienced players. The Jazz should feel like they can win this series.
• Mavericks in 7.