The NBA Playoffs are nearing the end of the first round, and they have been pretty exciting. The first round matchups are Heat versus Cavs, Thunder versus Grizzlies, Celtics versus Magic, Rockets versus Warriors, Pistons versus Knicks, Lakers versus Timberwolves, Bucks versus Pacers, and Nuggets versus Clippers. All of these matchups have had exciting games, and two of the series are already finished.
The one seeds rolled in the first round as expected, as both the Cavs and OKC swept while having multiple blowouts throughout. The Cavs will take on either the Bucks or Pacers, which would be fun either way. The Thunder will either take on the star-studded Clippers or the Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic.
The four-five matchups have been exciting. The Nuggets and Clippers series is tied at 2-2, and all of the games have been excellent. The Pacers and Bucks have also had great matchups, but the Pacers lead Milwaukee 3-1.
The Timberwolves have rolled against the Lakers in thrilling games led by Anthony Edwards, who has been balling out all series as the T-wolves lead 3-1. The other three-six matchup is Knicks and Pistons, which has been physical and fun, and the Knicks lead 3-1 as expected. All three seeds have the potential to go a long way in the playoffs, but the T-Wolves look to upset the Lakers and make a run for themselves.
The final matchups between the two and the seven seeds have had exciting games, but both are at 3-1. The Warriors lead the inexperienced Rockets 3-1 and have the potential to go a pretty far way if they can close this series out. The other two-seven matchups are Celtics and Magic, as the C’s lead 3-1. The Celtics are looking to go back-to-back and certainly have the talent to do so, and they will just need one more win to advance.
The end of the first round should be entertaining, as well as the playoffs going forward, and it should be exciting to see what happens.