I previously discussed my Western Conference First Round predictions for the 2019 NBA Playoffs. This post will be for my Eastern Conference predictions. Let’s get right on to it.
Milwaukee Bucks wins 4-0
The Detroit Pistons had to win its very last game of the regular season to qualify for the playoffs. There is no way they’re scoring a win, much more a series upset, against the best team in the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks. Yes, the Bucks are dealing with a number of injuries to key rotation players, but true MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to feast against the Pistons.
Boston Celtics wins 4-2
As a Lakers fan, it is my sworn duty to root against the Celtics regardless of circumstances.
As a basketball fan in general, I think the Boston Celtics are winning this series over the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers surprisingly remained a solid team despite losing star guard Victor Oladipo to injury midway throught the season. But that’s the thing, I can’t see the Pacers winning a series without Oladipo, even with strong performances from Myles Turner, Bojan Bogdanovic and Domantas Sabonis.
While the Celtics have been pretty dysfunctional for most of the season, they do have Kyrie Irving, one of the most clutch players in the NBA, and a dude who’s been to the Finals three times. I’m sure a first round exit is not on their card, even if beloved sophomore Jayson Tatum (who’s only 19!!!) struggles.
Philadelphia 76ers wins 4-1
Nobody expected the Brooklyn Nets to be in the playoffs this year. But with the huge leap that All-Star point guard D’Angelo Russell (favorite ex-Laker) has made along with a solid roster and coaching staff, the Nets are the sixth seed in the East. This alone is victory enough, but of course advancing to the second round would be even better.
They are, however, facing the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that has the league’s best center in Joel Embiid, along with Jimmy Butler, Ben Simmons, and Tobias Harris — all All-Star caliber players (Tobias should’ve been one this year). That combined with the Nets’ youth is why the Sixers get this series.
I’m giving the Nets a win, though, because I can see them stealing one at home in Brooklyn — fueled by the fans’ excitement of watching playoff basketball for the first time since 2015.
Toronto Raptors wins 4-0
The Orlando Magic have made the playoffs for the first time since 2012, Dwight Howards last year in Disney World. I’m actually rooting for them to turn things around, and qualifying for the playoffs in their second to the last regular season game is definitely a milestone. But that’s as far as they can go this season.
They’re facing a Kahwi Leonard-led Raptors team that’s hungry and ready to claim the East after having been thwarted for years and years by LeBron James, who left to the West Coast by joining the Lakers.
I’m sure the Magic will fight valiantly, but they will fall. Maybe next year.
My second round predictions will be posted as soon as matchups become clear once the first round for both conferences concludes.
patrickkennan.com 