My Picks for the 2024 NBA Playoffs:

1st Round

Celtics vs Heat

The Heat won this series a year ago, but I doubt they can do it again without Jimmy Butler. I think the Celtics are much improved this year, while Miami is severely undermanned.

Celtics win series 4-0

Thunder vs Pelicans

This series could get interesting if Zion Williamson returns, but I’m not sure if he is going to be back in time to make an impact. The Pelicans are still pretty good without him, but the Thunder are on another level as they have all of their stars healthy.

Thunder win series 4-1

Knicks vs 76ers

This is a tough series to pick. I think the Knicks are among the best teams in the NBA, but Philadelphia has been near unstoppable with Joel Embiid on the floor. As he gets more healthy, the Sixers will just get better and better. If the Knicks want to win this series, they need Brunson to put up 30+ points every game, and I don’t think he can do that.

76ers win series 4-2

Nuggets vs Lakers

The Lakers have been hot recently, and I possibly would have picked them to beat anybody in the western conference… except the Nuggets. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic are just so good playoffs, and Denver has shown they can go all the way.

Nuggets win series 4-2

Bucks vs Pacers

If the Bucks had Giannis, this would be a no-brainer; however, they may not have him until after the series is over. The Pacers have done very well against the Bucks this season, but the playoffs are another animal. Pascal Siakam is really the only person for Indiana that has ever had any playoff success. I like the Bucks to win this one as Lillard carries their offense.

Bucks win series 4-3

Timberwolves vs Suns

The Suns have dominated the Timberwolves all season and here’s why. The Timberwolves strength is defending the paint, and the Suns strength is 3rd and 2nd level shooting with KD, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, as well as 3pt shooting from Grayson Allen and Toyc O’Neale. The Suns matchup so well in this series and I don’t know if I can trust Rudy Gobert in the playoffs.

Suns win series 4-2

Cavaliers vs Magic

These two teams haven’t had much playoff success in the last several years, so that con evens out. While I don’t love the Cavs, I know that Donovan Mitchell can consistently score the ball. The Magic on the other hand, have been carried by their defense this season, and have struggled to score. I just don’t think Orlando has that guy that can put up 40 when they need it.

Cavaliers win series 4-1

Clippers vs Mavericks

This was the hardest series to pick. I really like both of these teams chances at a big run, but only one can advance. If the Clippers were at full strength, I believe I would pick them, but I am unsure about Kawhi Leonard’s availability. Luka and Kyrie are healthy and ready to play for Dallas, so I’m gonna roll with them.

Mavericks win series 4-3

Conference Semi-finals

Celtics vs Cavaliers

The Celtics have been dominant all season, and the Cavs have been very inconsistent. The key to a championship is consistency. I like Boston to win this series easily.

Celtics win series 4-0

Thunder vs Mavericks

This series would be so fun to watch with SGA vs Luka. While Mavericks have two elite scorers to OKC’s one, I think the supporting cast leans much in favor of the Thunder.

Thunder win series 4-2

Bucks vs 76ers

Giannis should be back by now, but I’m still not sure they can win this series. The Sixers are on fire and have been consistent with Joel Embiid healthy, while the Bucks have had some pretty bad games with healthy line ups all season. I like the Sixers’ consistency.

76ers win series 4-2

Nuggets vs Suns

Denver and Phoenix will play each other for the millionth time in the playoffs. While I think the Suns have been getting better over the season as their chemistry has improved, I don’t think they have quite reached the level of the Nuggets.

Nuggets win series 4-2

Conference Finals

Celtics vs 76ers

Finally the Celtics will be challenged. Tyrese Maxey is having a career year, and Embiid is as good as ever. The Celtics look a lot different than last year, but are better for it with better 3 point shooting. In the end, I think the Celtics are too deep for Philly a the Celtics have 6 guys I trust while the Sixers only have 2.

Celtics win series 4-1

Thunder vs Nuggets

This series will be awesome. OKC and Denver finished with the same records this season, but the Thunder juts happened to have the tiebreaker. Shai versus Jokic will be fun matchup between MVP candidates. Both teams have good supporting casts and legit stars outside the MVPs as the Thunder have Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren while the Nuggets have Jamal Murray. The difference? The Nuggets have been here before. The these Thunder players have never been to the playoffs. When it comes down to it, the Nuggets will make it when it matters.

Nuggets win series 4-3

Finals

Celtics vs Nuggets

The Celtics have been the best team all season, and the Nuggets are the defending champs. The Celtics are a better team than the Nuggets. They have better shooting. finishing, defense, depth, almost everything is better… But I’m still picking Denver. The Celtics have choked again and again, more specifically, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have choked again and again. Jokic is going to dominate Porzingis down low, and Justin Holiday won’t be able to keep up with Jamal Murray. The Nuggets will repeat in a classic 7 game finals series.