NBA Playoffs 2024 First Round Predictions

Welcome to the first round predictions of the 2023-24 NBA Playoffs.

I always enjoy the first round because it's packed with games, and even though it's an elimination round, the pressure doesn't feel as intense. Below, I've shared my thoughts on each series, though they're based on limited information.

Let's not hesitate to draw wild conclusions from just one game!

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Magic vs Cavaliers‍

The NBA TV Special Series. Just as I predicted, the Magic, despite years of top draft picks, have built a fascinating, tall team that struggles to score. They're young in Orlando, and their draft strategy of avoiding shooters seems to be a problem.

Cleveland needs to win this series, especially after last year's failure against the Knicks. Donovan Mitchell's cryptic comments hint at some dissatisfaction, and re-signing him might prove to be a double-edged sword, revealing the limits of teams led by him.

Winner: Magic

Suns vs Timberwolves‍

Many favored the Suns, and they might still win. But if you've seen the Suns play, you'd know they struggle to maintain leads, a serious issue in playoff games.

Winner: Timberwolves

76ers vs Knicks‍

If you're into James Harden's endless dribbling and quirky shot selection, then Jalen Brunson vs the 76ers is the matchup for you. The Knicks are enjoyable, and I'm rooting for them. The perpetual excuses for the 76ers' playoff flops, unlike the harsh scrutiny faced by the Rockets, are puzzling. Maybe the Rockets should have also made dramatic gestures for the cameras whenever they were down?

Winner: Knicks

Lakers vs Nuggets‍

The Nuggets are defending champions for a reason. They are formidable, and no team has found an answer for Jokic yet. The Lakers are not far behind, but still not on the Nuggets' level, and I see them losing in five games.

Winner: Nuggets

Celtics vs Heat‍

The first game was a blowout in favor of Boston, raising their fans' hopes for a dominant postseason. But never underestimate Miami's bizarre ability to upset, despite having the same resources as every other team. The Heat's roster might not be stellar, but they're positioned as scrappy underdogs who work harder. Boston fans have a unique talent for boasting and complaining simultaneously, so it would be quite entertaining if they had real reasons to gripe.

Winner: Heat (mostly because it would be funnier)

Mavericks vs Clippers‍

The hype is all about the Mavericks. "They're a threat to Denver! Dallas is amazing. Kyrie is a born leader. Their defense is both real and spectacular!" But can they handle four future Hall of Famers when it counts? And if Dallas falls behind, how quickly will Luka or Kyrie claim an injury? Who will be first?

Winner: Clippers (again, for the laughs)

Pacers vs Bucks‍

I'm curious to see if the Bucks end up paying for four coaches by season's end. Budenholzer has a knack for maximizing his teams' regular-season performance, which often leaves them peaking too soon without an extra playoff gear. Bringing in a new coach might not change much, especially with Lillard visibly aging and living a tumultuous life in the Midwest. Giannis' reputation as a coach killer is growing, and it won't be helped if Doc is dismissed...

Winner: Pacers (I want to see four coaching changes in Milwaukee in less than a year)

Pelicans vs Thunder‍

Both teams are irritating for different reasons, and the fault lies less with OKC than with those who discuss them. Can they both lose? I'm not a fan of many players on the Pelicans or the Thunder. The most amusing outcome would be for OKC to be decisively beaten by the often-overlooked Pelicans.

Winner: Pelicans (once more, for the humor)