The NBA Playoffs

By: BHS Sports Staff

April 20, 2023

The NBA Playoffs have arrived, and basketball fans are excited for what this year’s playoffs have in store. 

The postseason began last Saturday and is currently in progress. You can see the full playoff standings here on the NBA’s Main Website.

There have been some entertaining games in these opening series thus far. Let us break down where each matchup stands.

*Eastern Conference

8 Miami Heat vs. 1 Milwaukee Bucks: This series is currently tied 1-1; however, Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro broke his hand in Game 1, and Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo had a back injury in Game 1. The Heat took the opener, 130-117. In Game 2, Milwaukee flipped the switch and got the victory, 138-122, without Giannis.

7 Atlanta Hawks vs. 2 Boston Celtics: The Celtics are the clear favorites in this series, and they have come out winning both games, giving them a 2-0 series lead. The Celtics won both of their games by double digits with a 112-99 victory in Game 1 and a 119-106 victory in Game 2.

6 Brooklyn Nets vs. 3 Philadelphia 76ers: The 76ers have been dominating their series against Brooklyn, winning both of their games by double digits and leading the series 2-0. The first game was 121-101 and the second 96-84.

5 New York Knicks vs. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers: Cavs fans brought the energy into Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse as they finally made it back into the playoffs, the first since 2018. However, the Knicks pulled off Game 1, 101-97. But, the Cavs came with force in Game 2 and earned the win 107-90, evening up the series at 1-1 heading into New York.

*Western Conference

8 Minnesota Timberwolves vs. 1 Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets were favored to win this series, and so far, they have dominated the Timberwolves, winning both games easily. The Nuggets dominated in Game 1 winning 109-80 and took a step back in Game 2 but still got the 122-113 victory on the backs of a Jamal Murray’s 40-point performance. The Nuggets are up 2-0.

7 Los Angeles Lakers vs. 2 Memphis Grizzlies: The Lakers started off strong in this series, upsetting Memphis in the first game 128-112. However, when the Lakers got to the FedEx Forum for Game 2, the fans and Grizzlies were ready to tie the series. The Grizzlies came back and scored 103 points to the Lakers 93. The series is now tied 1-1.

6 Golden State Warriors vs. 3 Sacramento Kings: The energy in Sacramento was insane because the Kings made the playoffs for the first time since 2006, and they have taken both games thus far despite having no playoff experience, while the hated Warriors have won four NBA championships in the last eight years. The Kings won Game 1, 126-123 and won Game 2, 114-106. Light the Beam, twice!

5 Los Angeles Clippers vs. 4 Phoenix Suns: The Los Angeles Clippers came into Phoenix and started off the series with a Game 1 victory, 115-110. But, the Suns turned it around and got the Game 2 victory, 123-109. The series is tied 1-1.

Since we are such terrific, analytical, and accurate basketball predictors (hence our awful March Madness picks), we will try to redeem ourselves as to who we think will advance to the next round.

*Youssef: Bucks, Celtics, 76ers, Cavs / Nuggets, Lakers, Kings, Suns

*Jacob: Bucks, Celtics, 76ers, Cavs / Nuggets, Grizzlies, Kings, Suns 

*Ayman: Bucks, Celtics, Nets, Cavs / Nuggets, Lakers, Warriors, Suns

*Jaiden: Bucks, Celtics, 76ers, Cavs / Timberwolves, Lakers, Kings, Clippers

*Mr. Holko: Heat, Celtics, 76ers, Cavs / Nuggets, Grizzlies, Kings, Suns

Who do you think will advance to the conference semifinals? Leave your picks in the comment section below. 

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