This series will be a tough one for Detroit. Perhaps, the only team that Detroit cannot do their bully theatrics with in the East would be the Magic.

Orlando’s physicality and wing size are their strong suits coupled with their frontcourt depth. Which is exactly what Detroit likes to exploit with Ausar Thompson and Tobias Harris on the wings and their frontcourt: Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, and Paul Reed.

However, historically a 60 win team with the best player in the series and perhaps, the second best as well, wins in convincing fashion. Given the previously stated reasons, I think it will go longer than people expect.

PREDICTION: PISTONS IN 6

No Embiid, no problems whatsoever. Not only is Boston on a tear since Jayson Tatum has came back into the lineup, the 76ers just do not have enough. I will admit that if Joel Embiid was healthy and playing, it would be a long series for Neemias Queta and Nikola Vučević.

That being said, even with Embiid, I would have had the Celtics winning because top to bottom they are the stronger team. Paul George has shown his age and Tyrese Maxey cannot do it by himself.

Finally, we haven’t mentioned Jaylen Brown yet, who was ridiculous against the 76ers all year averaging: 27.0 PPG 5.8 RPG 5.8 APG 54.2 FG% 45.0 3P%. The Celtics will make lightwork of Philadelphia.

PREDICTION: CELTICS IN 5

This Knicks/Hawks matchup is a very intriguing matchup. The Hawks are a wing, small ball, up and down team. While, the Knicks are one of the slowest teams in the league as far as pace with the much larger frontcourt.

You know what Jalen Brunson will give you on a nightly basis in the playoffs, but All Star Center Karl-Anthony Towns will be the X-factor. On the other side, how will the Knicks matchup with Atlanta. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, CJ McCollum, and their All Star Jalen Johnson are all formidable threats.

Ultimately, I think the Knicks playoff experience with this squad and the fact they have two of the top three players in the series along with the size difference will pull in the Knicks favor. I see this series being every bit of what the experts are saying, but the Knicks will come out on top for their rematch with Boston.

PREDICTION: KNICKS IN 6

We have arrived at the least interesting matchup in the eastern conference. The new look Cleveland Cavaliers taking on the hungry Toronto Raptors. The Raptors are young and are not ready to compete with the Cavaliers, who are not only on another level in many ways, but are more experienced.

It is very possible we are looking at the only sweep that will happen in the east playoffs first round. However, I do believe that Toronto with their awesome team defense and the excitement in Toronto to have the playoffs there will lead to a victory alone.

At the end of the day, Donovan Mitchell is a superstar and James Harden is an All Timer. When it comes down the stretch, the Raptors have to look to Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett to get them a bucket. And they are not “him”. Give me the Cavaliers in convincing fashion.

PREDICTION: CAVALIERS IN 5

The reigning defending champions have a cake walk matchup in the first round. The Suns played well in the Play-In Tournament to get that 8 seed, but they just cannot matchup.

With the Thunder, it is a matter of pick your poison. Whether it’s the MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander getting to the line, All Star Jalen Williams getting down hill, or All Star big man Chet Holmgren stretching the floor. The Suns just don’t have the personnel to compete.

That is not even mentioning numerous weapons the Thunder deploy from their bench, who shoot the ball, handle the ball, and defend. I give the Suns no chance to win even one game.

PREDICTION: THUNDER IN 4

I have the same confidence in the Spurs as I do the Thunder in their series. It is a mismatch of a series if there ever could be one. Top to bottom the Spurs are the superior team and they have one man that can disrupt everything you could try and do on the offensive end. Victor Wembanyama.

The Trail Blazers have no one that can matchup with Wemby (if there is even a guy that could in the NBA). I will give the Blazers their respect for fighting their way into the playoffs on the backs of: their All Star Deni Avdija, Jrue Holiday, Robert Williams III, and Scoot Henderson, but they just do not have enough talent to compete.

I would be predicting a sweep, but I do believe the Blazers are scrappy, play hard, and can steal one game. Especially with the inexperience and age of the Spurs, but I predict the Spurs will overwhelm the Blazers in five games max.

PREDICTION: SPURS IN 5

Once again we have ourselves a matchup between The Joker and Ant-Man. A rematch from the 2024 playoffs, where the T-wolves came out victorious. This is a different year and different teams. While I do think if any of the lower seeds (5,6,7,8) were to advance, the 6 seed T-wolves would be the one.

Two words are standing in their way: Nikola. Jokic. Anthony Edwards is a spectacular player and will dominate this league for years to come, but currently the league belongs to Jokic. With players like Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid having to guard Joker, I think he will have his way with their defense.

I do think these games will be very tightly contested as well as either team can lose at home. However, I give the slight edge to Denver because championship caliber players like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray make championship caliber plays. They will win Game 7 in their building.

PREDICTION: NUGGETS IN 7

This series would look very different if Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves were healthy. With that being said, to me it comes down to defense, coaching, depth, and LeBron James.

The Rockets are the better defensive team, they have the better coach in Ime Udoka, and they have the deeper team. BUT! They do not have LeBron James, and with his future being unsure I believe he has one last signature performance for us.

The Rockets defensive-minded wings: Amen Thompson and Tari Eason pose a great threat, but I trust LeBron James to make the right decisions with the basketball down the stretch of a playoff game even at 41.

It is up in the air how much Kevin Durant will play, but I anticipate him coming back and winning some games for Houston himself. Especially being their only shot creator. In the end: Durant named Kevin. Say your prayers to heaven. LeBron will teach them a lesson. Lakers in…

PREDICTION: LAKERS IN 7

Yeah. That Arnold Schwarzenegger.

So do Codie Sanchez, Scott Galloway, Colin & Samir, Shaan Puri, and Jay Shetty. And none of them are doing it for fun. They're doing it because a list you own compounds in ways that social media never will.

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