The NBA playoffs are underway, and we have seen each contender take the court twice so far. This is a great time to evaluate how the prospective champions have looked thus far, and there are still great first round predictions to be made. The NBA odds are still up in the air for many of these series, as the NBA first round is notorious for the largest upsets of the year. Let’s dive right in to see which of these first round matchups still have upside for your NBA predictions.
Eastern Conference:
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Miami Heat: Current Score 2-0 Cavaliers
The Miami Heat are no longer the same team without Jimmy Butler, and their ability to pull off big playoff upsets is gone. The Cavaliers have a talented backcourt with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, and they have the size needed to handle Bam Adebayo in the paint. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Heat steal a game at home, but anything more than that is hard to imagine happening.
Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers in 5 Games
Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic: Current Score 2-0 Celtics
The reigning champions have done a good job at shutting down the Magic, but the job is far from over. An injury to Jayson Tatum has dented their aspirations, and the Celtics will want to take care of business as soon as possible to give Tatum time to rest for the second round. However, Orlando has a strong defense and nearly stole game two, and they will be able to extend the series as it shifts to Florida. The Celtics are too good to lose, but this one will end up closer than expected.
Prediction: Boston Celtics in 6 Games
New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons: Current Score 1-1 Tie
The New York Knicks stumbled against the Pistons in Game 2 and will need to dial in as the series heads to Detroit. The Pistons are happy to be in the postseason after breaking the record for most losses in a row last year, and they don’t have the credentials needed to make a deep run. The Knicks haven’t looked completely dominant thus far, but they will find a way to win and take control of this series before ripping off three in a row to send the Pistons packing.
Prediction: New York Knicks in 5 Games
Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks: Current Score 2-0 Pacers
The Milwaukee Bucks dug themselves a hole to start off this series, but there is no doubt they can turn things around. Damian Lillard is back from injury, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is as dominant as ever. The Pacers were fortunate to get hot from behind the arc in the first two games of the series, but the Bucks’ physicality will remind the league that they are still a threat not to be ignored.
Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks in 7 Games
Western Conference:
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies: Current Score 2-0 Thunder
This one will be short and sweet. The Oklahoma City Thunder have dominated the Grizzlies in both games of this series, and it’s difficult to see them losing momentum now. They have the odds-on favorite for the NBA MVP, a stacked starting five, and a deep bench. Memphis has an easily distracted Ja Morant leading the charge, and this one will almost certainly be a sweep.
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder in 4 Games
Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors: Current Score 1-1 Tie
The Golden State Warriors lost game two and Jimmy Butler to injury last night. Things could not have gone worse for the Dubs, but the series does shift back to California for the next two games. Despite this being a 2v7 matchup, this is one of the closest series this year, and that is unlikely to change. The Rockets’ youth has been discredited, but this team can upset the aging Warriors in a winner-take-all game 7.
Prediction: Houston Rockets in 7 Games
Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Current Score 1-1 Tie
LeBron James and Luka Doncic secured a massive Game 2 victory to level this series. It is hard to see this incredible duo being bounced in the first round, but that is precisely what may happen. This is the closest series of the first round as the Timberwolves’ defense has given the Lakers real trouble on the offensive end. However, when the season is on the line, Doncic and LeBron will find a way to get the job done. They simply have to, right?
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers in 7 Games
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Current Score 1-1 Tie
A healthy Kawhi Leonard is a dangerous man to try and slow down. The Nuggets have a superstar of their own, but the depth advantage for the Clippers will send Nikola Jokic and company home early. Leonard is a two-way threat, and his dominant play, combined with the shooting of James Harden and Norman Powell, is too much for the Nuggets to slow down. Denver has been reluctant to give Jokic any real help, and they will pay the price with a first round exit in 2025.
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers in 6 Games
How to Make NBA Playoffs First Round Picks?
The best place to make NBA first round playoff picks is on Sportzino. The ability to make free picks and predictions is unmatched, and the competitive NBA odds make it the perfect place for the NBA playoffs. You can make NBA picks on the moneyline, spread, total, and countless player props. Make sure you get your predictions in before tip-off, as you do not want to miss out on these first round matchups.
