It’s that time of the season. The NBA Playoffs are underway this afternoon, and we’ve got a plethora of great matchups. From the Pistons to the Magic, all teams have a great shot to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. Could we see shocking upsets or upper-class domination? Let’s dive into the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
(5) Toronto Raptors – (4) Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are hosting the Toronto Raptors in this 4-5 matchup. On one side, you’ve got James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, along with an outstanding supporting cast including Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Conversely, the Raptors have one of the best young cores that no one is talking about in the NBA with RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, and Scottie Barnes.
This series will be one of the more underrated battles of the entire postseason. I believe the Raptors have the length and talent to give Cleveland some trouble. Toronto ranks 9th, 10th, and 4th in OPPG, OFG%, and O3P%, while the Cavaliers rank 4th, 7th, and 8th in PPG, FG%, and APG. However, the difference in this series will be the Cavs’ playoff experience and depth.
Lastly, since March 13th, Toronto’s point guard, Immanuel Quickley, has played only three games due to a hamstring injury. Harden and Mitchell’s offensive prowess lifts Cleveland to the second round of the postseason for the 3rd straight season.
Cavaliers Def. Raptors 4-2
(6) Atlanta Hawks – (3) New York Knicks
This series has the potential to be the most exciting series of the first round. The red-hot Atlanta Hawks are taking on the New York Knicks. Since the All-Star Break, the Hawks have been one of the best teams in the NBA, record-wise. Have they had a semi-easy schedule? Absolutely. Now all the pressure is on the Knicks in this spot. It’s time for Jalen Brunson and the rest of the star power that is on this roster to step up and show out.
The Knicks have been one of the best teams in the league all season. Mike Brown has kept his stars fresh by playing his bench more than Tom Thibodeau last season. They rank 10th, 4th, 9th, & 5th in PPG, 3FG%, FT%, & turnovers per game. Defensively, they rank 4th, 5th, and 7th in OPPG, OFG%, and rebounds per game. Meanwhile, the Hawks rank 6th, 5th, 1st, & 10th in PPG, 3FG%, APG, and turnovers per game. On the defensive side of the court, the only stat they rank in the top ten is steals per game
The New York Knicks‘ talent will be too much for this young Atlanta Hawks team. I do have this series going the distance. I believe this is a seven-game series, and New York’s high-end talent will outshine Atlanta’s youth in Game 7.
New York Knicks Def. Atlanta Hawks 4-3
(8) Orlando Magic – (1) Detroit Pistons
Speaking of series that could get a little nerve-racking for the higher seed, the Detroit Pistons are hosting the Orlando Magic. Now the Magic have the length and physicality to give the top seed in the Eastern Conference issues. The only problem is that the Pistons are one of, if not the most, physical teams in the NBA.
Like the Raptors, the Magic have great size and length on the wings that could give Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris trouble. The matchup I am interested in seeing is Jalen Duren going against Wendell Carter. Two talented centers who refuse to give up an inch in the paint.
However, I don’t see this series going past five games. The Pistons have been a top-three defense in the NBA all season long, and it won’t change now that the playoffs have arrived. We’ve seen officials swallow their whistles come the postseason, which favors Detroit. The depth of the Pistons proves to be too much as they roll past the Magic in a tough, five-game series.
Detroit Pistons Def. Orlando Magic 4-1
(7) Philadelphia 76ers – (2) Boston Celtics
This will be short and sweet. The Boston Celtics are going to dismantle the Philadelphia 76ers in a 4-0 sweep. Some things are certain in life: death, taxes, and Philly losing to the C’s in the NBA Playoffs. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will dominate this series on both ends of the court. I would give the 76ers a puncher’s chance if Joel Embiid were healthy. However, to no one’s surprise, he’s not healthy and might miss the entire series.
Boston Celtics Def. Philadelphia 76ers 4-0
Final Thoughts on NBA’s Eastern Conference First Round
I am extremely excited for the NBA Postseason. The Eastern Conference might have the more intriguing series in this first round between them and the Western Conference. What did you think of my preview and predictions? Do you believe the Knicks/Hawks will be the best series of the four? Lastly, do you think any of the top four seeds should be on upset alert?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts, preview, and predictions on the First Round of the NBA’s Eastern Conference Playoffs! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.
