Get ready for the Playoffs with full comprehensive reviews
Playoffs! The NBA is on fire. The first round is a collision course. The big dogs are hungry. The underdogs are scrappy. The stakes are high. Expect drama, intensity, and heart-stopping moments. The time is now. Game on.
As the NBA regular season comes to a close, it’s time for the highly anticipated NBA playoffs. After a tumultuous season marked by injuries, protocols, and unexpected performances, the stage is set for the top teams to battle it out for the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy. This year’s playoffs feature some exciting matchups, with perennial contenders looking to solidify their dominance and upstart teams hoping to make a deep run. From the Eastern Conference to the Western Conference, let’s take a closer look at the playoff series and predict who will come out on top.
Table of Contents
Eastern Conference:
Boston Celtics (seeded 2) and the Atlanta Hawks (seeded 7)
As the 2023 NBA playoffs get underway, the Boston Celtics are set to take on the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. Despite the Hawks’ impressive offensive performance over the last few months, the Celtics are widely considered the favorites to win the series. In this article, we’ll break down the matchup between these two teams, highlighting three things to watch, one X-factor, and offering a series prediction.
To start, let’s take a look at the regular-season results between these two teams. The Celtics won all three matchups, with scores of 126-101, 134-125, and 120-114. While these results suggest that the Celtics have the upper hand in this series, it’s worth noting that the Hawks were able to defeat the Miami Heat in the AT&T Play-In Tournament to earn their spot in the playoffs.
So, what should we be watching for in this series? Here are three things to keep an eye on:
Targeting Trae Young: The Celtics are known for their aggressive offense, and they’ll likely be looking to exploit Trae Young’s defensive weaknesses. Expect to see lots of ball screens set for Jayson Tatum, who will look to get Young switched onto him. The Hawks’ ability to defend against this strategy could be a deciding factor in the series.
Atlanta’s second chances: The Hawks were able to rack up an impressive 19.0 second-chance points per game against the Celtics in the regular season. While Boston led the league in defensive rebound percentage, the Hawks ranked second in offensive rebounding percentage after the All-Star break. Onyeka Okongwu and Clint Capela were particularly effective on the offensive glass, and the Celtics will need to find a way to limit their second-chance opportunities.
Al Horford’s 3-point shooting: Horford has been on fire from beyond the arc this season, shooting 44.6% from 3-point range. The Celtics rely heavily on the 3-point shot, and Horford will be a key factor in their offensive success. If he can continue to shoot at this clip, Boston will be tough to beat.
In addition to these three factors, one X-factor to keep an eye on is Celtics center Robert Williams III. Williams missed several games this season due to injury, but the Celtics were at their best when he was on the floor. He’ll be a key factor on the glass, and the Celtics will need him healthy if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
So, what’s our series prediction? While the Hawks have shown they can be a potent offensive team, we expect the Celtics to come out on top. They’ve been the best team in the league this season, and they have the talent and depth to make a deep playoff run. We predict the Celtics will win the series in six games, with Tatum and Horford leading the way.
Philadelphia 76ers (seeded 3) vs. Brooklyn Nets (seeded 6)
The next thrilling NBA playoffs series is between the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets is sure to be a thrilling one. Although the series doesn’t include some of the most high-profile players like Ben Simmons, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving, it still promises to be a closely contested battle.
Joel Embiid will be the Sixers’ most important player in this series, and his matchup against the Nets’ defense will be a key area to watch. Nic Claxton has the length to bother Embiid to a certain degree, but it will be a tough matchup for the Nets.
The Nets will need to find ways to score in the half-court, and their ability to hit the 3-pointer will be crucial. They saw a jump in their 3-point rate after trading Irving and Durant, going from 16th to fifth in the league. They will need to make a lot of 3-pointers to compete against the Sixers.
Another critical area to watch will be Embiid’s minutes off the floor. The Sixers have struggled to find a backup center, and they’ve been outscored by 0.6 points per 100 possessions in 652 total minutes with Harden on the floor without Embiid. Their ability to stay afloat when their star rests will be under scrutiny in this series.
The regular-season results were in favor of the Sixers, who won all four games against the Nets. However, the playoffs are a different beast, and anything can happen. This matchup will be a battle of strength versus strength, and the team that can execute better in critical moments will come out on top.
Cleveland Cavs (4) and NY Knicks (5)
The Cavs-Knicks series is finally here, and it’s shaping up to be quite the showdown. This series is not only about the two teams battling it out on the court but also a referendum on their summer moves.
Many people are talking about the Knicks’ decision to not pursue Donovan Mitchell, the scoring star that Cleveland traded for. Mitchell, a New York native, was surprised that the Knicks didn’t show interest in him, and instead opted to sign free-agent guard Jalen Brunson, and nurture young players like Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes. But despite their unconventional approach, the Knicks still managed to secure the fifth seed in the East and are making their second postseason appearance in the past 10 years.
On the other hand, Cleveland went all out to acquire Mitchell, and it paid off big time. He had the best season of his NBA career, averaging a career-high 28.3 points and making every other Cavalier a little better with his presence.
So, who made the better move? That’s what this series is going to decide. If the Knicks win, they will prove that their approach was more prudent, but if the Cavaliers come out on top, they will have shown that going big was the right decision.
Let’s take a closer look at the matchup. In the regular season, the Cavs won two games, and the Knicks won two games. So, this series is anyone’s game. Here are three things to watch out for:
Mitchell vs. Brunson: Both of these players elevated their teams into the playoffs and were the leading scorers in their respective matchups. Mitchell scored an average of 31.8 points against the Knicks, while Brunson burned Cleveland for 25.3 points. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top in this showdown.
Cavs’ Defense vs. Knicks’ Offense: The Cavaliers had the top-ranked defense this season, but their defense slipped to 112.7 in their four games against New York. The Knicks had a 117.0 offensive rating overall, but only 112.7 against Cleveland. The Cavs like to play at a slow pace, which might give them an advantage, but the Knicks are capable of grinding gears in a half-court slog.
Where’s Danny? Veteran guard Danny Green was supposed to be a valuable addition to the Cavaliers’ postseason roster, but he has only played 71 minutes in seven appearances for Cleveland. His involvement in the series will be worth watching.
Julius Randle will be the center of attention for the Knicks, but his ankle injury is a cause for concern. If he’s not able to compete or is limited, it could be a repeat of last spring when he averaged 18 points and shot 29.8% in the five-game elimination by Atlanta. Knicks fans will be hoping he can test Cleveland’s Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen inside and out.
Finally, let’s talk about a surprising stat. The Cavs had the second-best point differential in the league (+5.6), but they were tied for the fifth-best record. They ranked higher than the Milwaukee Bucks (best record in the league) in both offensive and defensive efficiency and were one of three teams that ranked in the top 10 on both ends of the floor. They were a much better team than their record would indicate.
It’s going to be an exciting series, folks. Who do you think will come out on top? Let us know in the comments!
Milwaukee Bucks (1) vs. Miami Heat (8)
Miami Heat Faces a Tough Challenge Against the Top-Seeded Milwaukee Bucks and MVP Finalist Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Miami Heat will face off against the Milwaukee Bucks in a playoff series that promises to be a thrilling matchup. The Bucks are the top-seeded team in the East, and their MVP finalist, Giannis Antetokounmpo, is one of the best talents in the game, particularly with his impact at both rims. The Heat, on the other hand, are a perplexing team, having suffered injuries and unable to break into the top six in the East standings.
The Bucks are flexing their muscles and have a solid starting five, good help off the bench, splendid defense, and plenty of chemistry, which is a big deal come playoff time. In contrast, the Heat will need to step up to the challenge if they want to make an impact in this series.
The Bucks and Heat have played each other four times in the regular season, with the Heat winning two games and the Bucks winning two. So, this matchup promises to be a close one.
Here are three things to watch for in this series:
Jrue Holiday vs. Jimmy Butler: Holiday is an excellent on-ball defender with size, and he is likely to be guarding Butler, who is one of the three finalists for the Kia Clutch Player of the Year award. The potential drama between these two players will be worth the price of admission.
Khris Middleton’s comeback: Middleton missed last spring due to a wrist injury, but he seems fresh and ready to go. He is the secondary 20-point scorer the Bucks need to be complete and keep defenses honest when it comes to doubling Giannis. If Middleton has a big series, everyone in Milwaukee will feel optimistic about a second title in three years.
Miami’s 3-point shooting: The Heat need to stretch the floor as much as possible and pray their 3-pointers fall, given the Bucks’ solid defenders. Miami shoots just 34% from deep, so they will need players like Max Strus and Tyler Herro to step up.
The X-Factor in this series will be Bobby Portis. He is sneaky good as a top sixth man and brings hustle and a streaky 3-point shot. In a sense, he’s a Pat Riley-type of player.
The Miami Heat faces a tough challenge in this series, but they have the talent to surprise us all. It will be interesting to see how they fare against the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks and their MVP finalist, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Western Conference:
Memphis Grizzlies (2) and the LA Lakers (7)
The first-round matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers is shaping up to be a spicy one, with a budding rivalry between the two teams adding to the excitement.
The Grizzlies, a young and brash yet experienced squad, are not intimidated by the presence of LeBron James and the defending champions. In fact, Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks recently stated that he wouldn’t mind taking on LeBron in a seven-game series, and knocking him out right away.
This matchup is not without its history, as tensions between the two teams first surfaced back in January 2022 when Memphis guard Desmond Bane and LeBron James got into a minor altercation on the court.
So, what can we expect from this first-round clash? Let’s dive in and take a look.
First up, we have the matchup between Brooks and James, with Brooks eager to guard James and limit his effectiveness on the court. In their previous encounters, Brooks has been successful in keeping James to just 23 points on 8-of-21 shooting, and he’ll be looking to repeat that performance in the playoffs.
Another key factor in this series will be the depth of the two teams. The Lakers have improved in this area since the trade deadline, adding D’Angelo Russell and Jarred Vanderbilt to their starting lineup, along with solid backups Rui Hachimura and Malik Beasley. However, the Grizzlies’ second unit, led by quality reserves Tyus Jones and Luke Kennard, could pose a challenge for the Lakers.
The X-factor for the Grizzlies will be Jaren Jackson Jr., who has been on fire in the latter part of the regular season, scoring 31 points or more in three of his last four appearances. He’ll be looking to bring that offensive momentum into the playoffs and provide a threat alongside Ja Morant, who finished ninth in paint scoring this season.
One area where the Lakers could struggle is in transition defense, as they allowed 23.4 transition points per game during the regular season, the fourth-most in the league. With the Grizzlies ranking second in transition points per game, this could be a significant advantage for Memphis.
So, who’s going to come out on top in this series? While the Lakers certainly have a puncher’s chance with their talent and experience, it feels like Memphis’ time to shine. This young, hungry squad has steadily advanced further in the playoffs in recent years, and they’ll be looking to make a statement against the defending champions.
Get ready for a thrilling series full of spice and intensity, as the Grizzlies and Lakers renew their budding rivalry on the court.
SAC (3) vs. GSW (6)
The NBA playoffs are here, and the Sacramento Kings, after a 17-year absence, are back in the race. The team is currently the No. 3 seed in the West, with home court advantage at least through the first round. However, the Kings’ welcome back to the playoffs is not going to be an easy one. They will be facing off against the NBA’s defending champions, the Golden State Warriors, in what should be an intense matchup.
The Warriors clinched the final full-fledged playoff berth on the regular season’s final day, and they are excited about the matchup. It is only a 90-mile journey for them, which is just up the road, and they have no travel issues, which is great for them. The Kings’ advantage of playing on their home court has gone sideways, as the Warriors took three of the four meetings between the two teams.
Despite this, the Kings see themselves as favorites. They have a pair of All-Stars in Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, surrounded by a strong ensemble cast. Their offensive rating of 118.6 dwarfs anything Golden State was putting up in its golden era (2015-19). The Kings won the Pacific Division, but they were only four victories ahead of the Warriors overall.
The series is bound to be an exciting one, and here are three things to watch for:
De’Aaron Fox vs. Steph Curry: This is a microcosm of the series as a whole, with a team and star on the rise against an established legend. Fox averaged 25.2 points per game, made his first All-Star team, and established himself as one of the NBA’s most “clutch” players. Curry’s 29.5 ppg didn’t show up among the official leaders because injuries cost him too many games. However, many scouts would still prefer Curry to have the ball in his hands late, so this matchup could change that.
Playoff Sabonis: The Kings’ All-Star center, Domantas Sabonis, who will get some Kia MVP love when ballots are counted, averaged 19.1 ppg, 12.3 rpg, and 7.3 apg on 61.5% shooting. He joined elite company by becoming only the third center in NBA history with at least 1,500 points, 900 rebounds, and 500 assists in a season, with the previous two being Wilt Chamberlain and Nikola Jokic. Now, it needs to transfer to the postseason, as Sabonis has only played in 13 playoff games, none since 2019 with Indiana, and his stats are mere shells of the player he is now: 9.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 1.6 apg.
Counting by threes: Twenty players made 200 or more 3-pointers this season, and five of them are in this series: Curry, Thompson, and Jordan Poole for the Warriors, and Kevin Huerter and rookie Keegan Murray for the Kings. Thompson became only the third player in NBA history to reach 300 (301), joining Curry and James Harden on that list. Murray (206) zoomed past Donovan Mitchell’s 2017-18 rookie record (187). Golden State ranked first in arc attempts, second in accuracy; Sacramento was sixth and ninth.
The X-factor for the Warriors will be Andrew Wiggins. He redefined his career last season, earning an All-Star spot and proving himself to be Golden State’s third-best player throughout the 2022 championship run. However, this year has been a mess for him, with a month in the middle lost to injuries and illness.
Series Prediction:
This series has the potential to be one of the most exciting matchups of the first round. On one hand, you have the young and hungry Kings, led by the dynamic duo of Fox and Sabonis, who have a lot to prove in their first playoff appearance. On the other hand, you have the experienced and battle-tested Warriors, who know what it takes to win a championship and have the added motivation of proving they can do it without Kevin Durant.
Ultimately, the Warriors’ experience and championship pedigree will give them the edge in this series. While the Kings have the talent to make it a competitive series, they lack the playoff experience and defensive prowess to slow down Curry and company. The Warriors will advance to the second round in six hard-fought games.
Final Prediction: Warriors in 6
Denver Nuggets (1) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (8)
It’s time to get ready for the Western Conference playoffs as the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the top-seeded Denver Nuggets in Game 1 on Sunday (10:30 ET, TNT). The teams are tied 2-2 in the regular-season series, but the Nuggets will have had precious little prep time, going almost a full week between their regular-season finale and the emergence of their first-round opponent.
Denver coach Michael Malone is confident in his team’s abilities, citing their clutch defense and impressive record against top teams in the NBA. However, the Timberwolves are a force to be reckoned with, as they proved in their recent destruction of Oklahoma City in earning the eighth seed for the playoffs.
So what should we be looking out for in this series? Here are three things:
Battle in the paint: Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert and Denver’s Nikola Jokic have a history of intense matchups, with Gobert coming out on top more often than not. However, Jokic is a formidable opponent, averaging 21.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in games against Gobert. The key for Gobert will be to neutralize Jokic’s scoring ability while limiting his playmaking and keeping him off the glass.
Clash of power forwards: Karl-Anthony Towns is back healthy and presents a formidable threat for Denver’s Aaron Gordon to defend. The Nuggets’ defense finished the regular season rated 15th, and they allowed 52.5 points in the paint per game, which isn’t a good sign considering Towns’ ability to score from close range and beyond the arc. This matchup represents the first time these two have faced off in the playoffs, and Towns has a winning record against Gordon in the regular season.
Youth vs. experience at PG: Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley has played in 67 playoff games, while Denver’s Jamal Murray hasn’t participated in a postseason outing since 2020. Murray is still a dangerous player, but he’s currently nursing a thumb injury on his shooting hand. Conley may have the advantage in this matchup.
Keep an eye on sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr., who could be the X factor in this series. He’ll be guarded by Minnesota’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who stepped up in the absence of Jaden McDaniels during the Play-In Tournament. Porter ranks eighth in the NBA in 3-point percentage, and with Jokic’s elite passing, he’ll be looking to find Porter often.
Finally, the number to know is Jokic’s *true shooting percentage of 70.1%, the highest in NBA history for a player who averaged at least 20 points in 40 games or more. While his scoring is slightly down from last season, he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
So there you have it, folks. Get ready for an exciting series between the Timberwolves and the Nuggets.
PHX Suns (4) vs LA Clippers (5)
one of the most highly-anticipated matchups of the first round is between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers. Both teams have had their share of challenges this season, with injuries and inconsistent play causing some bumps in the road.
But one thing is certain: the addition of Kevin Durant to the Suns’ roster has completely changed the game. His impact as a scorer, impact player, and clutch performer is undeniable, and he has disrupted the dynamics of the Suns’ playbook and scouting report in a good way.
On the other hand, the Clippers have been trying to capitalize on their acquisitions of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for the past four years, but injuries have kept them from reaching their full potential. Now, with George entering the series with a limp, his effectiveness may be reduced, which is a tough pill to swallow for a team that has done a solid job of surrounding their stars with help and depth.
The matchup between these two teams promises to be exciting, with a number of things to watch for. The first is the showdown between Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant. The Clippers lack anyone with the size to effectively defend Durant, but Leonard is an elite defender and will likely guard Durant for scattered minutes throughout each game. This mano a mano matchup will be must-see TV and could determine the outcome of the series.
Another key factor will be the impact of Chris Paul. While he is coming off a season where his production plummeted, his experience and ball distribution skills will be critical to the Suns’ chances. He will likely face off against a Clippers team lacking an All-Star point guard, giving him an opportunity to make a significant impact on the series.
Finally, the availability of Paul George will be a major factor. He injured his knee in March and has not played since, and the Clippers are not expecting him to return for the start of the series. If he is unable to play at 100%, it will be difficult for him to keep up with Devin Booker, who has the skills to drop 40 points on any given night.
Norman Powell will also be a key factor for the Clippers, especially with George out. He has been consistent and dependable throughout the season and emerged as one of the game’s best sixth men. His shooting range and defensive skills will be crucial in filling the gap left by George’s absence.
In the end, the matchup between the Suns and the Clippers promises to be a battle between two talented teams with something to prove. With the addition of Kevin Durant, the Suns have become a serious contender, but the Clippers have the star power to make it a difficult series. Fans will be on the edge of their seats as they watch these two teams go head-to-head in what promises to be an unforgettable first-round matchup.
Final Recap Thoughts
In the world of basketball, nothing compares to the excitement and anticipation of the playoffs. For the players, it’s a chance to compete at the highest level and to prove themselves as champions. For the fans, it’s an opportunity to witness the most intense and dramatic moments in the sport.
As the regular season draws to a close, teams begin to shift their focus towards the playoffs. For some, the road to the postseason is a grueling one, filled with countless challenges and obstacles. For others, it’s a journey that has been years in the making, and they are eager to take the next step towards greatness.
Once the playoffs begin, the intensity ramps up to a whole new level. Every possession, every shot, and every defensive stop carries added weight and importance. Teams that were once evenly matched can suddenly find themselves in a fierce battle for survival.
For the players, the pressure can be overwhelming. The weight of expectations and the knowledge that every mistake could be costly can take a toll on even the most experienced athlete. But for those who can rise to the occasion, the rewards are immeasurable.
The playoffs are where legends are made. Moments like Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game” or Kobe Bryant’s iconic game-winning shot in the 2004 Western Conference Finals are etched into the annals of basketball history. These are the moments that fans remember for years to come, and they are what make the playoffs so special.
As the playoffs progress, the drama only intensifies. Teams that once seemed invincible can suddenly find themselves on the brink of elimination. Every game is a battle, and every victory is hard-earned.
But for those who can weather the storm and emerge victorious, the reward is a shot at immortality. The chance to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy and to be crowned champions of the basketball world is a dream that every player and fan shares.
So as the playoffs begin, the excitement is palpable. The world will be watching as the best teams in the league battle it out for supremacy. Who will rise to the occasion and cement their place in basketball history? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – the playoffs are where legends are made.
