The NBA playoffs are here, and the excitement is palpable as teams gear up for the first round starting this Saturday. Predictions are flying around as fans and analysts alike try to determine who will advance to the conference semis. Here’s a rundown of our staff predictions for each series:
EAST
WEST
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(2) Celtics vs. (7) Magic
Dan Devine: Celtics in 4
Vincent Goodwill: Celtics in 5
Tom Haberstroh: Celtics in 4
Morten Stig Jensen: Celtics in 4
Ben Rohrbach: Celtics in 4
Dan Titus: Celtics in 5
Advertisement
The Celtics seem to have an edge in this matchup with their firepower led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Magic may struggle to keep up with Boston’s depth and offensive prowess. — Rohrbach
Get ready for an exciting Celtics-Magic series with key matchups and the full schedule.
(3) Knicks vs. (6) Pistons
Devine: Knicks in 7
Goodwill: Knicks in 7
Haberstroh: Knicks in 6
Jensen: Knicks in 7
Rohrbach: Knicks in 7
Titus: Pistons in 7
Advertisement
The Knicks are favored to win this series, but the Pistons shouldn’t be underestimated, especially with Cade Cunningham leading the charge. Will Detroit be able to pull off an upset against the Knicks? — Titus
Check out the Knicks-Pistons series preview for insights on key matchups and game schedules.
(4) Pacers vs. (5) Bucks
Devine: Pacers in 6
Goodwill: Pacers in 7
Haberstroh: Pacers in 6
Jensen: Pacers in 6
Rohrbach: Bucks in 7
Titus: Bucks in 6
Advertisement
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance in the playoffs could be a deciding factor in this series, but the Pacers are not to be underestimated. Will Milwaukee be able to secure a victory against Indiana? — Rohrbach
Find out more about the Bucks-Pacers series, including key matchups and the schedule.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(2) Rockets vs. (7) Warriors
Devine: Warriors in 6
Goodwill: Warriors in 6
Haberstroh: Warriors in 7
Jensen: Warriors in 6
Rohrbach: Warriors in 7
Titus: Rockets in 6
Advertisement
The Rockets face a tough challenge against the experienced Warriors, but Houston’s defense and grit could give them an edge in the series. Will Golden State continue their winning streak against Houston? — Titus
Don’t miss the Rockets-Warriors series preview for a breakdown of key matchups and game schedules.
(3) Lakers vs. (6) Timberwolves
Devine: Lakers in 6
Goodwill: Lakers in 6
Haberstroh: Lakers in 7
Jensen: Lakers in 6
Rohrbach: Lakers in 7
Titus: Wolves in 7
Advertisement
A star-studded matchup between the Lakers and Timberwolves promises to be thrilling, with key players on both sides ready to make an impact. Will LeBron and company be able to overcome Minnesota’s challenge? — Rohrbach
Get the inside scoop on the Lakers-Wolves series, including key matchups and game schedules.
(4) Nuggets vs. (5) Clippers
Devine: Nuggets in 7
Goodwill: Nuggets in 7
Haberstroh: Clippers in 6
Jensen: Nuggets in 7
Rohrbach: Nuggets in 7
Titus: Clippers in 6
Advertisement
The Nuggets and Clippers are set for an intense showdown, with Nikola Jokić and Kawhi Leonard leading their respective teams. Who will come out on top in this highly anticipated series? — Devine
Don’t miss the Nuggets-Clippers series preview for insights on key matchups and the full schedule.