NBA Playoffs Round 2: Who will advance to the Conference Finals?

Eastern Conference

Philadelphia 76ers (1) vs. Atlanta Hawks (5)

So far: Tied, 1-1

The Hawks were able to beat the Knicks fairly easily in the first round and also steal game one on the road against the 76ers. Philadelphia has gotten huge performances from MVP qualifier Joel Embiid with 39 and 40 in the first 2 games of the series along with excellent performances from their bench. The series should come down to whether Ben Simmons can improve his game and if the 76ers can win in Atlanta.

Our pick: 76ers in 6

Brooklyn Nets (2) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (3)

So far: Nets up 2-1

The Nets have routed the Bucks in the first two games, even without the help of James Harden in game 2. The series moves to Milwaukee where a good Bucks team should at least be able to split the games. With that said, the Nets have looked dominant and hungry to move on and send Giannis home early yet again.

Our pick: Nets in 5

Western Conference

Utah Jazz (1) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (4)

So far: Jazz up 2-0

The Clippers managed to come back from 3-2 to beat the Mavericks in an excellent early 7 game first round matchup. Utah looked like a different team with star Donovan Mitchell on the court and easily beat the upstart Grizzlies.

Our pick: Jazz in 5

Phoenix Suns (2) vs. Denver Nuggets (3)

So far: Suns up 2-0

This is likely to be the most competitive series after the Suns sent the Lakers home and the Nuggets did the same against Portland.

MVP Nikola Jokic will need help from his supporting cast to defeat a tough Suns team that took game 1. The exact same could be said about Phoenix’s star, Devin Booker, who is playing at the top of his game. 

Our pick: Suns in 7