Brooklyn Nets vs the Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen is out, rehabbing a fractured left finger. His absence will definitely affect the Cavs on both ends of the floor. Allen was a force to be reckoned with in the post, getting rebounds and especially defensively.
As it goes for the Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving may be ready to light it up but the Cavs are no sleeper team. Led by rising All-Star Darius Garland and rookie Evan Mobley. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has done a great job bringing this young team together with the help of veteran big man Kevin Love.
I'm expecting a high-scoring game, but I believe Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving will figure out a way to defeat the young Cavs. The duo has been almost unstoppable when playing together.
Now the Brooklyn Nets haven't been great defensively this season, this will be the area the Cavs will have the advantage. Garland, LeVert, and Love will have to be great to defeat the Nets. I got the Nets overcoming the Cavaliers to advance to the first round to face the Boston Celtics.
The Los Angeles Clippers vs the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Both teams have had surprisingly effective seasons. While star forward Paul George is back in the starting lineup to lead the Clippers. As it goes for the Timberwolves Karl Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards and D'angelo Russell are ready to make a splash in the playoffs. If they win. The Timberwolves will be making their 1st playoff performance since 2004.
With Paul George returning I believe the Clippers have the upper hand over the Timberwolves. Although the Timberwolves are hungry and if the Clippers come in slipping, they may find themselves on the outside looking in.
The Charlotte Hornets vs the Atlanta Hawks
The young bulls in Charlotte have pulled together a winning season, led by point guard LaMelo Ball. The Hornets will have their hands full with Ice-Trae Young and Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks made it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals last postseason, and I believe they are more motivated than ever to make another incredible run.
Two high-powered offenses ready to go head to head. I’m expecting a high-scoring game that could come down to the wire. Hornets Lamelo Ball has the ability to break down defenses and get his teammates involved. While Hawks Trae Young has mastered the pick and roll, one of the main components of their offense.
I’m calling a close game with the Hawks pulling it out down the stretch. Experience over Youth.
The San Antonio Spurs vs the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Spurs have been up and down all season long. They are a tough team but I don’t believe the Spurs will have enough firepower to stick with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Spurs beat out the Los Angeles Lakers to advance to the play in tournament. This may very well be their stopping point.
Since the Pelicans acquired CJ McCollum their performance has been on the rise. McCollum and Brandon Ingram have been great together. The duo in the NOLA is ready to climb their way into the playoffs.