Blaze Review

1. Clippers vs Nuggets: The Clippers have shattered expectations this season and have lots of momentum going into the playoffs. The two-man game between James Harden and Ivica Zubac is lethal, forcing defenses to pick their poison. Kawhi Leonard is averaging nearly 26 points on 62% shooting over his last 20 games. Norman Powell is having the best season of his career, and the Clippers’ depth is unmatched. Nikola Jokić finished the regular season averaging a triple-double and ranking in the top three in points, rebounds, and assists. I think the Clippers just have more ways to beat you at the moment and have momentum. I’ll take the Clippers in six.

2. Lakers vs Timberwolves: This feels like a changing-of-the-guard series in more ways than one. Will LeBron take a “backseat” and let Luka dominate this Timberwolves team like he did in last year’s Western Conference Finals? Or will Anthony Edwards stay hot and take down the Lakers? The Timberwolves aren’t the same team as they were a year ago, especially on the defensive end. LeBron and Luka are two of the biggest anomalies in the history of the NBA; both can drop 30+ points while still setting up their teammates for success passing the ball. On the other side, Minnesota leans heavily on Edwards to do everything offensively. If this series is going to stay competitive, someone else needs to step up and be his Robin. I’ve got the Lakers in six.

3. Warriors vs Rockets: The Rockets season was not a fluke, this is really a team to be on the lookout for moving forward. They are young, energetic, and have some veterans sprinkled throughout the roster. Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler have been awesome since they paired up and have taken care of business, Houston just makes a living on the defensive end of the floor. They finished the regular season fourth in defensive efficiency, 10th in steals and 13th in blocks. Golden State will certainly put up a strong fight, but the Rockets’ size, physicality, and elite scoring depth will carry them. I’m picking Houston in seven.

4. Pistons vs Knicks: Both teams have struggled against elite teams this year, but the Pistons won the season series against New York 3-1. Surprisingly, I like the Pistons in this series. I have said all year I think Cade Cunningham is a top five guard this season and he’s torched the Knicks all season long. His scoring isn’t the only thing that makes him unique but his rebounding and playmaking have elevated Detroit to another level. The Knicks found a way to win 51 games this season despite injuries and multiple different lineups. We all know what Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony-Towns are capable of offensively, but can Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby find their rhythm and chip in? The Knicks success this postseason will depend on if they can get a third guy going on offense. It’s risky but I’ll go Pistons in seven.

5. Cavaliers vs Heat: Most people think all the marquee games are happening in the West this year, but the Cavaliers had a historic regular season and are looking to make a serious run. This is actually the first-ever playoff meeting between the Cavs and the Heat. Miami is always a threat when April rolls around, but this Cavs team is well-rounded offensively and has the Coach of the Year leading the way. If Darius Garland brings his A-game, it’s going to be tough to stop Cleveland’s backcourt. The rebounding battle between Bam/Ware and Allen/Mobley will be a huge deciding factor in this series. Miami managed to stay in the game against Atlanta and ultimately win thanks to second-chance points and clutch offensive rebounds down the stretch. In the end, I like the Cavs in five. They’ve played excellent basketball and dominated all year long.

6. Thunder vs Grizzlies: The Thunder finished the regular season with the seventh-best record of all time, finishing with 68 wins, four of which came against the Memphis Grizzlies, completing a season sweep. Memphis hasn’t beaten OKC since 2022, and I don’t see much changing in this series. Maybe the Grizzlies win a game, but that’s about it. The Thunder have so many rotations even with their playoff roster that will just be hard for Memphis to defend. OKC in five.

7. Bucks vs Pacers: Giannis is in a similar situation to Nikola Jokić, he’s putting up big numbers, but lacks a strong supporting cast. The Bucks and Pacers met in the first round last year, with Indiana taking the series in six games. Indiana plays an uptempo, fast-paced style that Milwaukee may struggle to keep up with. And when Giannis is off the floor, where does the offense come from? I’m not sure how deep Indiana’s run will be this year, but I think they get past a depleted Bucks team in six games.

8. Celtics vs Magic: The Celtics are overwhelming favorites to beat the Magic in this series and rightfully so. I had higher expectations for Orlando this year, but injuries derailed their season and the offense is pretty much nonexistent. This is the only series I expect to be a clean sweep. Boston in four.