2017 NBA Playoff and Finals Predictions!
This afternoon the 2017 NBA playoffs begin with the defending champions the Cleveland Cavaliers playing the Indiana Pacers at 3pm ET. Can LeBron James and the Cavs repeat? Will the Warriors get redemption this season now that they have Kevin Durant? Will we get Warriors vs Cavs III or will we get a different finals matchup? Can Russell Westbrook lead his team to a championship by himself? So many questions that will soon be answered. The most interesting series in the first round is Oklahoma City Thunder versus the Houston Rockets; it's Westbrook vs Harden the two best players this season.
Eastern Conference:
(8) Chicago Bulls vs. (1) Boston Celtics
The two teams split the Season Series: 2-2
All-Time Playoff Series: Celtics 4-0 (1981, 1986, 1987 and 2008)
The Celtics come into the series having home court throughout the eastern conference playoffs. The Bulls won their last two games to get into the playoffs it came down to the last game of the season.
Prediction: Celtics in Five Games
(7) Indiana Pacers vs. (2) Cleveland Cavaliers
Cavaliers won Season Series: 3-1
All-Time Playoff Series: Pacers 1-0 (1998)
The Cavs come in losing the number seed to the Celtics. On the other hand the Pacers had to win their last game of the season just to get into the playoffs.
Prediction: Cavs in Six Games
(6) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (3) Toronto Raptors
Raptors won Season Series: 3-1
All-Time Playoff Series: First Playoff Series
This series will interesting to watch as the Bucks making the playoffs for second in three seasons time under Jason Kidd. The Raptors just got their All Star Point Guard, Kyle Lowry back last week.
Prediction: Raptors in Seven Games
(5) Atlanta Hawks vs. (4) Washington Wizards
Wizards won Season Series: 3-1
All-Time Playoff Series: Wizards 3-2 (1965, 1966, 1978, 1979 & 2015)
This series could go either way because you don't know which Hawks team will show up or which Wizards team will. However, I think the Wizards are a better team than the Hawks and I don't think it's close.
Prediction: Wizards in Five Games
Western Conference:
(8) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (1) Golden State Warriors
Warriors won Season Series: 4-0
All-Time Playoff Series: Warriors 1-0 (2016)
The Blazers are heavy underdogs against the best team in the NBA! Could we see an upset sure it's sports and anything can happen! Will it happen I don't see how it does unless there's an injury or two and the Warriors aren't playing well.
Prediction: Warriors sweep 4-0
(7) Memphis Grizzlies vs. (2) San Antonio Spurs
The Teams split the Season Series: 2-2
All-Time Playoff Series: Spurs 3-1 (2004, 2011, 2013, 2015)
This series is gonna be interesting because they're division rivals and know each other really well. You get a matchup between the Gasol brothers that's pretty cool I guess otherwise I could care about this series.
Prediction: Spurs win in Five Games
(6) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (3) Houston Rockets
Rockets won Season Series: 3-1
All-Time Playoff Series: OKC/Seattle 6-1 (1982, 1987, 1989, 1993, 1996 & 1997 as Seattle, 2013 as OKC)
This will likely be the highest rated series of the first round because of Russell Westbrook and James Harden two of the best players this season. Both players are the top two MVP candidates no question it's between those two. I just don't think OKC has enough besides Russ to win this series.
Prediction: Rockets win in Five Games
(5) Utah Jazz vs. (4) Los Angeles Clippers
Clippers won Season Series: 3-1
All-Time Playoff Series: Utah Jazz 2-0 (1992 & 1997)
I think this will be the closest series in the first round. The Clippers clinched the fourth seed on Wednesday to get the home court. This series could go either way.
Prediction: Clippers win in 7 Games
2017 NBA Finals Prediction: Boston Celtics vs Golden State Warriors sticking by my Preseason pick. Click here to view mine and Ryan's Preseason predictions.
Prediction: Warriors in 6 Games
I will post the next rounds Predictions when the series are all over. I'll do round by round.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the playoffs.
