NBA First Round Playoff Predictions: Eastern Conference
The NBA regular season has concluded, and the playoffs are about to begin. With 16 teams fighting for the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy, the Eastern Conference has many exciting first-round playoff matchups.
From the youthful Orlando Magic returning to the playoffs to face the determined Cleveland Cavaliers, to the young and hot New York Knicks hosting the fiery Philadelphia 76ers. Who will move on into the second round? Here are my 2024 NBA Playoff Eastern Conference First Round Predictions and analysis. *note: at the time this article was written on April 18, the eighth seed had not been determined yet due to the ongoing play-in.
#1 Boston Celtics vs #8 Miami Heat/Chicago Bulls
The Boston Celtics were the only team in the NBA to reach the 60-win mark this season and should be able to make a deep run. While the Miami Heat are likely to take down the Bulls in the final play-in game, even possibly without Jimmy Butler, don't expect Miami to upset the Celtics for the second year in a row. Celtics take care of business. Celtics over Heat/Bulls in five games
#2 New York Knicks vs #7 Philadelphia 76ers
The Knicks enter the playoffs on a five-game win streak, which secured the East's second seed. They are led by Jalen Brunson, on a sevengame streak of 30 or more points scored. Meanwhile, the 76ers are on an eight-game win streak and have been 7-0 since superstar Joel Embiid returned from injury. It should be a close matchup, and I'll take Philadelphia to upset. 76ers over Knicks in seven games.
#3 Milwaukee Bucks vs #6 Indiana Pacers
The championship is the goal in Milwaukee this season, but it will be tough to do without superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is expected to miss the start of the series. Meanwhile, the Pacers are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2019-20 and are led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Depending on how long Giannis is out will factor into who wins this series, but I see Milwaukee to sneak into the next round.
Bucks over Pacers in seven games.
#4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs #5 Orlando Magic
The young Orlando Magic are in the playoffs for the first time since 2019-20 headlined by 2022 first-overall pick Paolo Banchero. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers expect a series win after a quick exit in last year's postseason. Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff may be playing for his job, and the result of this series could affect where superstar Donovan Mitchell wants to play in 2025. Cleveland should hold on for the win.
Cavs over the Magic in six games.
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