We took a quick look at the play-in game matchups for the NBA playoffs this year, and now it is time to look at what is in store for the first round. Here’s a quick overview after the first game of each series.
First-round playoff matchups
Eastern Conference
Matchup: Washington Wizards (8) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (1)
Currently: 76ers up 1-0
There’s certainly no lack of star power in this series with Philadelphia’s dynamic duo of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons facing off against the Wizard’s own duo of Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook. The 76ers just have too many weapons to exit this early, including Tobias Harris who led the team with 37 points in the game 1 victory.
Our pick: 76ers in 5
Matchup: Boston Celtics (7) vs. Brooklyn Nets (2)
Currently: Nets up 1-0
The Celtics survived the play-in round to set-up a battle with the heavily favored Brooklyn Nets. The Nets will have all of their star players available and have a starting five that includes Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Blake Griffin, and Joe Harris. Boston’s bench played well but they simply don’t have enough firepower to beat this Nets squad.
Our pick: Nets in 5
Matchup: Miami Heat (6) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (3)
Currently: Bucks up 1-0
Both teams are not really favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference but they could easily sneak up on teams. The Bucks have underperformed in the playoffs in recent years while the Heat surprised everyone by reaching the Finals last year. Game 1 perhaps set the tone as Khris Middleton hit a clutch shot to give Milwaukee the victory. This isn’t the series with the most buzz but it could end up being the most exciting and competitive.
Our pick: Bucks in 7
Matchup: Atlanta Hawks (5) vs.New York Knicks (4)
Currently: Hawks up 1-0
This is certainly an intriguing matchup featuring two teams that haven’t been in the playoffs much. The Knicks are a nitty gritty squad with a young up and coming roster. Atlanta has a superstar in Trae Young and some very capable supporting players in Bogdan Bogdanovic, D’Andre Hunter and Clint Capela. While the Knicks success has been one of the best stories of 2021, the Hawks simply have too much talent. Game 1 showed Young and the unheralded Hawks stars can deliver in the clutch and come out on top.
Our pick: Hawks in 6
Western Conference
Matchup: Memphis Grizzlies (8) vs. Utah Jazz (1)
Currently: Grizzlies up 1-0
The Jazz are heavily favored in this series but it could certainly be closer than many might think, especially after the Grizzlies pulled off a game 1 upset in Salt Lake City. Ja Morant will have to have a huge series for the Grizzlies to have a chance, while Utah’s full of weapons that make them quite well rounded. If Donovan Mitchell stays healthy after missing the opener, the Jazz should prevail. Dillon Brooks’ huge game does give Memphis a ton of hope for this series but the Jazz were the best overall team in the NBA for a reason with Mitchell healthy.
Our pick: Jazz in 6
Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers (7) vs. Phoenix Suns (2)
Currently: Suns up 1-0
The Suns have crept up on many casual fans in the Western Conference and came away with both homefield advantage and a game 1 win against the defending champs. Health is already a huge factor as Chris Paul had a few scary moments. The Suns might be in a better position now but winning on the road against LeBron and Davis will be tough.
Our pick: Lakers in 6
Matchup: Portland Trail Blazers (6) vs. Denver Nuggets (3)
Currently: Trail Blazers up 1-0
Portland surprised most NBA fans by taking game 1 on the road and did a good job limiting the likely MVP Nikola Jokic. This is another series that could bring a dark horse out of the West. The injury of Jamal Murray is huge though, and though we picked the Nuggets to come out of the West, this injury is a huge difference-maker.
Our pick: Trail Blazers in 6
Matchup: Dallas Mavericks (5) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (4)
Currently: Mavericks up 1-0
This should be another very competitive series. While Luka Doncic essentially catapulted Dallas to a game 1 victory by himself, he can’t do it alone in a full series against a well-built Clippers squad. LA just has too much experience with “Playoff Rondo”, two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and several key bench players.
Our pick: Clippers in 7
