NBA: Conference Finals preview, predictions
#2 Phoenix Suns (51-21, 9-2) vs. #4 Los Angeles Clippers (47-25, 8-5): Devin Booker led the Suns to their eighth straight victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, dropping 40 points and 11 assists on 51.7% shooting from the field. This series is likely going to come down to Chris Paul and Kawhi Leonard’s availability. According to Arizona Sports, Phoenix is hopeful that Paul will return within the week after testing positive for COVID-19 recently. On the opposite end, Kawhi Leonard is out indefinitely with an ACL injury and is expected to miss the entire series. Even though Paul George, Reggie Jackson, and Terance Mann have been outstanding, it's going to be difficult to outlast the Suns without Leonard. Phoenix ranks 4th in turnovers and 5th in field goals made per game, and should advance to their first Finals since 1993. Game 2 is set for Tuesday night.
Staff Picks:
Blake Stoll: Suns (4)
Charles Post: Suns (5)
Chinedum Wejinya: Suns (6)
Danny Murphy: Suns (7)
Max Heningburg: Clippers (7)
Series MVP:
1. Devin Booker (Suns)
2. Chris Paul (Suns)
3. Paul George (Clippers)
4. DeAndre Ayton (Suns)
5. Reggie Jackson (Clippers)*
*Depending on Leonard's availability.
#3 Milwaukee Bucks (46-26, 8-4) vs. #5 Atlanta Hawks (41-31, 8-4): Giannis Antetokounmpo was absolutely phenomenal in Milwaukee's overtime win at Brooklyn in Game 7, finishing with 40 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists to combat Kevin Durant's 48-point performance. The Bucks will turn their attention to Atlanta and Trae Young, who escaped Philadelphia with a 103-96 win in Game 7 on Sunday night. Young took over down the stretch, scoring 21 points and 13 assists to win their 5th road game of the playoffs. Nate McMillan's team has proven they're able to win close games all postseason and they'll look to keep that up against the Bucks, who rank 1st in points per game and 5th in opponent shooting percentage. Atlanta will have another shot at an upset if Bogdan Bogdanović and John Collins can outplay Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday.
Staff Picks:
Blake Stoll: Bucks (7)
Charles Post: Bucks (7)
Chinedum Wejinya: Bucks (7)
Danny Murphy: Bucks (6)
Max Heningburg: Bucks (6)
Series MVP:
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
2. Khris Middleton (Bucks)
3. Trae Young (Hawks)
4. Clint Capela (Hawks)
5. Jrue Holiday (Bucks)
Playoff Records:
Max Heningburg: 13-3
Blake Stoll: 12-4
Charles Post: 11-5
Chinedum Wejinya: 11-5
Danny Murphy: 10-6
Photo Credit: SB Nation.
