NBA: First Round Predictions

Western Conference: The Clippers are exactly the group of players you want to face the Warriors, who don't have anything to lose and will lay it all on the floor. However, Golden State has shown that they can still be the best team in basketball when they feel like it. In the Rockets series, James Harden (36.1 points, 7.5 assists) is on a tear unlike anything we’ve seen and that will surely continue against the Jazz. The Trail Blazers and Thunder series is one of two that can go in either direction with no clear cut winner. We give the advantage to OKC because of Paul George (28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds) and his ability to impact both sides of the ball at a high level. The Nuggets and Spurs should also be tight. Even though Gregg Popovich is a genius and guided his team to 48 wins, Denver has too much firepower.

Eastern Conference: The Bucks have MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo (27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds) and a bunch of shooters, so they should win this series going away. Not to mention that Blake Griffin suffered his unfortunate but usual playoff injury. Bucks should sweep. Even without Victor Oladipo, the Pacers will be able to put up a a fight because the Celtics haven't been very consistent. Boston will eventually pull it off, though. Guard play is especially important in today's game and although D.J. Augustin is a terrific player, he's more serviceable as a backup. Toronto will prove to be too deep and should win in four or five games. The Nets are the feel-good story of the season but the 76ers have Joel Embiid (27.5 points, 13.6 rebounds), who has made things miserable for the Nets every meeting.

Western Conference Picks:

Eastern Conference Picks:

Photo Credit: Man of the Hour.