In the previous installment, we analyzed the possible keys for the first round of the NBA playoffs. Now, it's time to analyze the next rounds. Here are the details:
Second Round
According to the projections, we have the following series:
Eastern Conference
- Milwaukee Bucks win 4. Cleveland Cavaliers (4-2)
- Boston Celtics defeat 3. Philadelphia 76ers (4-3)
In the first series, the Bucks face a full team in the Cavaliers. However, Milwaukee possesses one of the biggest stars of the moment in Giannis Antetokounmpo. It's hard to bet against the Bucks given the offense they possess. Despite a good battle by Cleveland, they will drop 6 games.
The other series in the East is shaping up to be the best of the second round. The Celtics have a balanced team, which will give the 76ers a lot of trouble. Philadelphia, on the other hand, has this year's presumptive MVP so the 76ers will be a formidable opponent. This series is expected to go to 7 games. Either team could take the series. However, the Celtics experience wins out in this series.
Western Conference
- Phoenix Suns beat 1. Denver Nuggets (4-3)
- Memphis Grizzlies beat Sacramento Kings (4-2) 3.
In what is shaping up to be a real upset, the Suns defeat the Denver Nuggets. Denver has had a rough patch of late, while the acquisition of two-time champion Kevin Durant has put Phoenix in the spotlight. The Nuggets will need a superb performance from Nikola Jokic to put the Suns away. However, Phoenix has a solid team so an upset would not be out of the question.
The series between Memphis and Sacramento should not produce any surprises. Memphis is clearly superior, so a win in 6 games would be expected. Sacramento would have to play an incredibly perfect series to pull off the upset.
Conference Finals
Eastern Conference
- Milwaukee Bucks defeat 2. Boston Celtics (4-3)
This series could favor either team. The duel between Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum would be legendary. However, the better player will take the Eastern Conference title. In this case, Antetokounmpo is expected to lead the Bucks over the Celtics in an epic 7-game series.
Western Conference
- Phoenix Suns defeat 2. Memphis Grizzlies (4-2)
The Suns' magical streak continues. While Memphis has had a better regular season, Phoenix is positioned for an impressive run in the playoffs. As long as Kevin Durant is healthy and fit, anything is possible. Suns pull off the upset in 6 games.
NBA Finals
Milwaukee Bucks beat Phoenix Suns in 7 games.
This epic series will leave nothing to the imagination. Any other Western Conference team would be easier prey for Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. However, the Suns will be in the fight throughout the series. While it is feasible for the Suns to pull off the upset, the Bucks will be the NBA champions in 2023.
