Eastern Conference First Round Predictions

#1 Milwaukee Bucks vs #8 Orlando Magic:

Many have stated their optimism for the future of the Magic in the past. This series is hard to be optimistic about. Believe it or not, I was actually looking forward to this series before the events within the Bubble. The Magic have two unique and uber-talented defenders to throw at Giannis in Jonathan Isaac and Mo Bamba, both of which would’ve posed a difficult stylistic matchup for the Greek Freak. Giannis preys on smaller and less athletic defenders in offensive sets and in transition. Isaac and Bamba are both more than capable of hanging with Giannis by utilizing their freakish length and strength akin to Antetokounmpo himself. Three weeks later, Isaac and Bamba have left the Bubble for individual injury concerns, leaving their team more vulnerable than ever. At this point it’ll be a miracle if Orlando is able to stay competitive with such a juggernaut like Milwaukee. - Simon Pruitt

Owen: (4-0) Bucks

Simon: (4-0) Bucks

#4 Indiana Pacers vs #5 Miami Heat:

Despite the efforts to ease tensions between Jimmy Butler and TJ Warren by both sides, their feud will remain in the minds of viewers as Miami and Indiana square off for the 5th time this season. Miami won 3 out of the 4 previous matchups, only losing the last one after resting all five starters. Indiana’s disadvantage continues with the potential absence of both Domantas Sabonis and TJ Warren due to plantar fasciitis. While Sabonis has been sidelined for the entirety of the Bubble, Warren emerged as the league’s most proficient scorer and carried the team through most of their 6-2 record. Indiana has been optimistic so far about Warren’s chances of returning for the playoffs but I’m not sure how much of a difference it’ll make. Miami is one of the most well rounded teams in the league on both ends of the floor. They have an identity and are aware of it, a concept that many teams are desperate to achieve. To that point, they have Bam Adebayo, the defensive anchor and unstoppable physical force in the paint. I have little to no confidence in Myles Turner being able to slow down Bam after what we’ve seen from him this season. He’s the X factor in what would’ve been a evenly matched series without him. - Simon Pruitt

Owen: (4-1)

Simon: (4-2)

#3 Boston Celtics vs #6 Philadelphia 76ers:

Even before the announcement that Ben Simmons would miss the rest of the season after getting surgery on a loose body in his knee, I did not “Trust The Process”. The Sixers have not been very impressive this season, star players Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons performing worse statistically then they did in the season prior. After a rough start for the Celtics in the Restart, Jayson Tatum has yet again elevated his game and led the Celtics to an impressive 5-3 record. The Celtics are a definite favorite for this first round matchup, however one uncertainty for them is the matchup inside. We can only expect for Embiid to have some big time games facing off against a below average defender in Enes Kanter and a decent defender who is still no match for Joel in Daniel Theis. However I do not believe that Joel Embiid has proven himself to be the type of player to perform in a way that he can carry his short handed team to the win in this best of 7. - Owen Daryani

Owen: (4-2) Celtics

Simon: (4-1) Celtics

#2 Toronto Raptors vs #7 Brooklyn Nets:

After seeing the hard fight that the Nets gave the Portland Trail Blazers Thursday night, I want to have faith in them to win at least one in the first round of the playoffs, but against the well coached powerhouse that is the Toronto Raptors I simply cannot. These young players that make up the reigning champ Raptors team along with Marc Gasol have shown that even after losing their best player in Kawhi Leonard, they can still be one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. Coach Nick Nurse (my pick for the Coach of the Year award) has done a great job of getting players such as Pascal Siakam to take on bigger roles on the team, as Siakam earned his first trip to the all star game as he improved on his game even more after having a breakout year last season. The Raptors are in pursuit of back to back championships and after their performances this season deserve to be taken seriously. The Nets have been pretty much screwed over for the postseason by things out of their control. Several key players on their roster have opted to not play in the bubble for various reasons such as COVID-19 risk and injuries. Caris Levert has been a bright spot for them after logging 37 points in their close battle with Portland Thursday. Once their players get healthy they will be a serious contender, but for the time being I don’t think they stand a chance against the Raptors. - Owen Daryani

Owen: (4-0) Raptors

Simon: (4-1) Raptors

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IMAGE CREDIT: Ashley Landis