NBA Playoffs Predictions

With the NBA just one week away from the start of the playoffs, teams are looking to position themselves for the best spot for the postseason. It's time to check out our NBA playoff predictions for 2022-23. Here are the details on these interesting predictions.

Golden State will defend its title

The Golden State Warriors are coming off their fourth title in eight years. With their core group returning, they were the favorites to repeat as champions before the season began. However, it has been a difficult road as the team hovers around a .500 record.

Meanwhile, there are a few other stories that have swept the league. The Phoenix Suns made one of the biggest trades in league history by acquiring Kevin Durant, while the Dallas Mavericks landed star guard Kyrie Irving. The Los Angeles Clippers also acquired many players as the Western Conference becomes a powerhouse. On the other hand, the Eastern Conference has weakened.

While there are strong contenders to dethrone the Warriors, they will face a group led by Stephen Curry. That's no easy task, so Golden State looks well positioned to repeat.

Eastern Conference standings

The standings in the Eastern Conference are expected to look as follows:

1. Milwaukee Bucks (59-23)
2. Boston Celtics (57-25)
3. Philadelphia 76ers (53-29)
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (51-31)
5. New York Knicks (48-34)
6. Brooklyn Nets (45-37)
7. Miami Heat (43-39)
8. Toronto Raptors (41-41)

These rankings show how the Bucks are the favorites to come out of the East. However, the Celtics will provide plenty to talk about throughout the postseason. Also, Joel Embiid and the 76ers are positioned to make a good run so they should not be discounted. The rest of the teams in the East do not loom as strong contenders for now.

Western Conference standings

The standings in the Western Conference are expected to look as follows:

1. Denver Nuggets (54-28)
2. Memphis Grizzlies (52-30)
3. Sacramento Kings (49-43)
4. Phoenix Suns (46-36)
5. Golden State Warriors (43-39)
6. Los Angeles Clippers (42-40)
7. Los Angeles Lakers (42-40)
8. New Orleans Pelicans (41-41)

The Nuggets are in position to take the Western Conference title. Next, Golden State, despite entering the postseason as the No. 5 seed, has the experience, talent and opportunities to do great things. However, the team to watch is the Phoenix Suns. With Kevin Durante, the Suns have the potential to do great things.

First Round Predictions

Here the predictions for the first round in the Eastern Conference:

•       1. Milwaukee Bucks beat 8. Toronto Raptors (4-1)
•       4. Cleveland Cavaliers win 5. New York Knicks (4-3)
•       Boston Celtics defeat 7. Miami Heat (4-1)
•       3. Philadelphia 76ers beat 6. Brooklyn Nets (4-2)

No surprises are expected in the Eastern Conference. The most interesting series will be Cleveland vs. New York, as the Knicks could pull off a mild upset.

Here are the predictions for the first round in the Western Conference:

•       1. Denver Nuggets beat 8. New Orleans Pelicans (4-1)
•       4. Phoenix Suns win 5. Golden State Warriors (4-2)
•       2. Memphis Grizzlies beat 7. Los Angeles Lakers (4-2)
•       Sacramento Kings beat Los Angeles Clippers (4-3) 6.

The odds place Phoenix over Golden State. While the odds would be in favor of the Suns, it's hard to bet against Golden State. Those looking for an upset will be able to find it in this series. In addition, either Los Angeles team could pull off the upset so the Western Conference offers plenty of possibilities for risky bets.

Predictions for the second round will be reviewed soon.