Western Conference
#1 seed Utah Jazz vs. #4 seed Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers continue to put forth head-scratching performances, but they were able to squeak by the Dallas Mavericks in seven games. The duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George cannot be counted on, and the Clippers roster construction leaves a great deal to be desired. The Jazz, while a great team, does not have a star player that can take over a series. On the other hand, both Leonard and George can take over a playoff series.
The Jazz, while a great story, are not built for a deep playoff run. Team defense and ball movement only get you so far when the other team has both of the series’ best players.
Prediction: Clippers in 6
The Phoenix Suns were able to dethrone the defending champion Lakers and looked like the better team all series long. The Suns Devin Booker also was the best player on the floor in their first round series. The injuries to the Nuggets Will Barton and Jamal Murray will stop the Nuggets from advancing past Phoenix. As long as Chris Paul is healthy the Suns will be on their way to the Western Conference Finals.
Prediction: Suns in 6
Eastern Conference
#1 seed Philadelphia 76ers vs. #5 seed Atlanta Hawks: The status of the Sixers Joel Embiid will hang over this series, but luckily for Philadelphia Embiid will not even need to play in every game for Philadelphia to defeat the Hawks. The Hawks played well in the first round of these playoffs beating the Knicks in five games, but the Hawks playoff run ends in the second round. Trae Young is an emerging superstar but will struggle against the Sixers. Regardless of how much Embiid plays, and how effective he is when out on the floor, the Atlanta Hawks do not stand much of a chance.
Prediction: Sixers in 5
These are not the Milwaukee Bucks from the past few postseasons. This is a much better team than the one that bowed out of the postseason in 2019 and 2020 earlier than expected. Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are an extremely formidable trio and will give Brooklyn all they can handle in what could ultimately be a series to decide the 2021 NBA title. This series will boil down to one simple thing: chemistry. Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving have barely played with one another, and even though Brooklyn looked spectacular in round 1, the lack of playing time together will cost Brooklyn against a team as talented as the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Nets historically awful defense has gotten worse in the postseason, and players like Harden and Irving have a checkered playoff past. These two perennial All-Stars will come up short when the lights are the brightest.
Prediction: Bucks in 6
Comentários