The NBA season is in full swing, and teams are preparing for the final stretch. This is when the entire season is decided, as some teams will contend for playoff spots, while others will attempt to lose as many games as possible in an attempt to get Zion Williamson. Today, we will be predicting the final seedings for the NBA and go round by round in the playoffs to see who will win it all.
Eastern Conference Standings
Note: The record next to the team is Net's projected record for them.
1. Milwaukee Bucks (61-21)
The Bucks do not look like they can be stopped, and are the only team in basketball to be ranked top 5 in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
2. Toronto Raptors (59-23)
Led by Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors are once again among the top teams in the East. Now, the question is whether they can maintain their success in the postseason.
3. Boston Celtics (52-30)
Despite being on and off for much of this season, Brad Stevens will rally his troops for the final stretch and the Celtics will make a surge into the 3rd spot.
4. Philadelphia 76ers (50-32)
Philly has tons of superstar potential on its team, and has an absolutely stacked starting lineup. Their bench is a bit of a liability, and it has showed this season.
5. Indiana Pacers (48-34)
Despite losing all star shooting guard Victor Oladipo to injury, the Pacers are staying alive in the seedings. They will likely get overtaken as they do not have a true star anymore.
6. Brooklyn Nets (45-37)
Amid a breakout season, D'Angelo Russell has been phenomenal. The Nets are almost locked into the 6 spot, as they are 3 or 4 games ahead of everyone else.
7. Charlotte Hornets(42-40)
Kemba Walker is single handedly carrying the Hornets, so they will likely not get a much higher seed than this.
8. Detroit Pistons (40-42)
Blake Griffin, who is having a career year, is the reason the Pistons will get this spot over other competitors like the Miami Heat or Orlando Magic.
Eastern Conference Playoffs
Round 1:
Bucks vs. Pistons
The Pistons are completely overmatched in this matchup, and will have trouble winning even one game. 4-0 Bucks.
Raptors vs. Hornets
Once again, the Hornets are terribly overmatched by the Raptors, who could probably win this series without Kawhi Leonard. Raptors sweep too.
Celtics vs. Nets
This is probably the best first round playoff matchup out East. With the Celtics recent struggles, especially on the road, Brooklyn should be able to take at least a game. Boston in 6.
76ers vs. Pacers
The Sixers have way more firepower and explosiveness compared to the Pacers, and should take this series with ease. Philly in 5.
Round 2:
Bucks vs. 76ers
This series is incredibly good. It features two star studded teams that each can win this series. The Bucks will defeat the Sixers as Giannis, Eric Bledsoe, and Khris Middleton lock up the Sixers superstars. 4-2 Bucks.
Raptors vs. Celtics
This series is easily the best we have seen so far. The regular season matchups between these two were extremely exciting. While these two teams are even on paper, Brad Stevens will out-coach first year Nick Nurse. Celts in 7.
Round 3:
Bucks vs. Celtics
Throughout this season and last year, the Bucks have kicked into a new gear against Boston. The Milwaukee all-stars have dominated, and been especially good at home. However, the Bucks could not defeat a short handed Celtics team last year, so this series is dead even. Bucks win in 7, because of home court advantage.
Western Conference Standings
1. Golden State Warriors (61-21)
The Warriors caught fire at the start of the new year, and haven't showed too many signs of cooling down. The super team gets the one spot once again.
2. Denver Nuggets (58-24)
December was pivotal for the Nuggets, as they were able to win gams despite suffering many injuries. If they keep their play up, the two seed is locked up.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (56-26)
Behind the MVP level play of Paul George, and Russell Westbrooks consistent triple doubles, the Thunder are in a very good position. If they win a few tough games, they could be #2.
4. Houston Rockets (52-30)
Last night's win against the Warriors was a good sign for Houston, as they got a convincing win against the best team without their superstar. They should be able to win enough games to edge out Portland for the 5 spot.
5. Portland Trailblazers (50-32)
Portland has Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, and nobody else. In a stacked Western Conference, more options re needed for a top 4 seed.
6. San Antonio Spurs (47-35)
Despite losing Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, the Spurs are in conversation for a playoff spot. There is no way they miss with Greg Popovich calling plays.
7. Utah Jazz (45-37)
These spots were extremely tough to decide, as its anyones game. The Jazz have been playing well and should be able to clinch the 7 seed.
8. Los Angeles Lakers (43-39)
While they are currently in the 10th seed and are behind the Kings, Clippers, and just ahead of the Timberwolves, how can the Lakers miss the playoffs? They have LeBron James.
Western Conference Playoffs
Round 1:
Warriors vs. Lakers
The Pats in the Super Bowl, and LeBron playing the Warriors in the playoffs, two things that happen every single year. This time, LeBron is one a much worse team playing the improved Warriors. LeBron doesn't get swept, so Golden State in 5.
Nuggets vs. Jazz
The Nuggets are literally the Jazz's supply of talent, as both Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell have been drafted by Denver and traded to Utah. Fortunately for Denver, they held on to MVP candidate Nikola Jokic who will be unstoppable. Nuggets in 5.
Thunder vs. Spurs
While this series seems unfair on paper, it is actually pretty close. Both teams have all star caliber players and excellent coaching. Thunder win in 6 because of their stellar defensive play.
Rockets vs. Trailblazers
Mr. Quadruple Stepback vs. Dame Time. With both teams getting largely carried by one player, and other players occasionally contributing, Harden and Lillard will have an intense shootout each game. Rockets win in 7 because of Chris Paul's leadership and playmaking.
Round 2:
Warriors vs. Rockets
This series is actually much more competitive than it looks, and the Rockets have won all 3 games against Golden State. This series, Chris Paul proves he is a top 3 point guard of all time, and defeats the Warriors. Rockets in 7.
Nuggets vs. Thunder
This is also very interesting series. Both teams play very different types of basketball, and have different types of stars. The Thunder win in 6 because of their experience and Paul George.
Round 3:
Thunder vs. Rockets
This Western Conference will be one for the ages. Two of the MVP front runners will face off and are accompanied by two of the best point guards of our generation. PaulGeorge and Harden will probably go off for 40 each night, and Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook will each have 100 assists. Thunder in 7.
NBA FINALS
Bucks vs. Thunder
For the finals, we will go game by game.
Game 1 - Bucks win by 15, Giannis has a triple double and so does Russell Westbrook.
Game 2 - Thunder win a close one, Paul George scores 40 points and has game winning steal.
Game 3 - Thunder win by a lot in front of the home crowd, both Russ and George have over 30.
Game 4 - Bucks win by 2. Khris Middleton hits the go ahead three to silence the crowd.
Game 5 - In the most important game of the series, the Thunder go to Milwaukee and comeback 15 points in the 3rd quarter to win.
Game 6 - Facing elimination, Giannis and company play with new energy, and smoke the Thunder.
Game 7 - In dramatic fashion, Paul George hits a clutch three to go up one, and then blocks Giannis on the other end to seal the deal.
FINALS MVP - Paul George.
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