The remaining two teams in the east had an entertaining second round. Boston and Indiana were more committed and better coached than Cleveland and New York. The Celtics look unstoppable and the Pacers are on a roll led by coach Rick Carlisle. It’s the first time since 2011 Carlisle has both won a series and coached a team to a conference finals. They’re rewarded with a conference finals matchup against the league’s best team in Boston, who easily dispatched their first two opponents. One of these two determined franchises must advance to the championship round. Time to break down which one has the best chance to represent the east in the finals.
#6 Indiana Pacers v. #1 Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum (white) and the Celtics get their first, true test of the playoffs against Indiana.
After two easy series, Boston finally plays a fully healthy opponent. Indiana may have gone a full seven game series against the injured Knicks, but the roster’s surging at the best time. The league’s best offense has maintained their high scoring despite playing shaky defense at times.
The Pacers have solid depth with forwards Obi Toppin and Doug McDermott. Without center Kristaps Porzingis the first two games, the Celtics will rely on their guard quartet of Jayson Tatum, Peyton Pritchard, Derrick White and Jaylen Brown to score more. Backup veteran center Al Horford could struggle against Indiana’s Myles Turner on both sides of the ball, so the Pacers have to take advantage of their matchups in the first three games if they want to be in the championship round.
Boston has reached the conference finals six of the last seven years, advancing to the finals just once. Indiana’s a great offensive team but inexperienced despite coach Rick Carlisle being in the conference and championship round last decade. Franchise star Jayson Tatum can easily pick the Pacers defense apart with or without Kristaps Porzingis in the lineup. It will be a fun series, but there’s little doubt who wins.
Prediction: Celtics win the conference and the series 4-2
Eastern conference playoff picks record after two rounds: 5-1
All the factors that will determine LeBron James’ future in the NBANOW PLAYING Will an early playoff exit to the Timberwolves tarnish Jokic’s 2024 MVP award? What’s at stake for the legacy of Luka Doncic in latest playoff run? Nikola Jokic wins third NBA MVP award, joins exclusive club Lakers need a new coach, but there’s still other areas to address Must-watch WNBA games to circle on your calendar as season kicks off Blake Corum to the Rams Series to watch in the second-round of the NBA playoffs Here is story that is a pleasant little blast from the past, of sorts.
The Seattle Seahawks focused their draft almost exclusively on building up both their offensive and defensive fronts. Their first pick was defensive tackle Byron Murphy, and essentially their second round pick was Leonard Williams. When it came time for their third round pick, they decided to beef up their interior offensive line.
Seattle managed to get one of the best guards available in Christian Haynes, but it was a bit of a process. Having such a long wait between picks can be an eternity in the NFL. It takes patience and a little bit of luck, but it also takes some consulting.
When it came to Haynes, general manager John Schneider got some key advice from an old friend in the form of Steve Hutchinson, per John Boyle at Seahawks.com:
“The Cowboys take Kansas State’s Cooper Beebe with the 73rd pick, one of the two interior linemen still high on Seattle’s board, meaning it’s going to be a long, nervous wait to see if the Seahawks are going to get Christian Haynes. In the back of the room, Hall of Fame guard Steve Hutchinson, who works for the team as a football consultant, a role that consists largely of helping evaluate offensive linemen, quietly chats with Schneider. In particular, Schneider wants Hutch’s opinion on Haynes. I think he’s going to be a really good (expletive) player,” Hutchinson tells Schneider…”
Hutchinson was originally a first round draft choice by the Seahawks all the way back in 2001, and was a stalwart along their offensive line for years. Paired with Walter Jones, Hutchinson helped create the best offensive line Seattle has ever seen, and it paved the way for Shaun Alexander’s 2005 MVP campaign.
Hutchinson would go on to play with the Minnesota Vikings and the Tennessee Titans, before retiring in 2013 and eventually being elevated to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Now, he is back in the fold with the Seahawks.
The first round of the NHL playoffs intrigued and entertained many viewers. In the west, the reigning Stanley Cup champions were eliminated after a seven game series versus Dallas. After a wild game one 7-6 loss, Colorado crushed Winnipeg on every side of the puck. Vancouver keeps winning even if Thatcher Demko or Casey DeSmith doesn’t start in net, and the Oilers power-play stayed hot against one of the league’s best defenses in Los Angeles. Four fantastic teams will show audiences why they made it this far, but only two will advance to the conference finals. It’s time to predict which two have the best chance of advancing to the conference finals.
#4 Edmonton Oilers v. #2 Vancouver Canucks
Both Canadian teams play more physical while retaining a top ten offense.
Both western Canadian teams in this series have top ten scoring offenses and are dangerous on the power play. They’re both great on the penalty kill and play lockdown, physical defense. Vancouver proved last round they can hang with and play better against aggressive veteran teams like Nashville. The Canucks also won by getting depth scoring from players like Nikita Zadorov. Likewise, Edmonton’s progress under coach Kris Knoblauch continued after the regular season. The Oilers improved their 1-4 defensive “trap” coverage (a conservative forecheck strategy involving one forechecker in deep and four skaters along the blueline. The one center forechecker, pressures the puck while both forwards and defensemen hang back ready to defend. This formation is designed to prevent rushes and breakaways towards your goaltender), leading to a more aggressive defense. This frustrates opposing offenses used to playing at a faster pace.
Despite the number of offensive playmakers on both teams, this should be a defensive series that again requires depth scoring from third and fourth lines. Both teams are aggressive, but Vancouver can switch their offensive tempo from fast to slow better than Edmonton. The Oilers have struggled against the better constructed Canucks before and after Knoblauch’s promotion. Coach Rick Tocchet also knows how to get the most out of his roster and get his team to switch up their coverages to maximize the defensive pairings. This should work well against the Oilers offense and special teams.
Prediction: Canucks win series 4-1
#4 Colorado Avalanche v. #1 Dallas Stars
Miles Wood (28) and the Avalanche struggled to score against Dallas’ Jake Oettinger (29) in the regular season.
This is the best matchup in the conference. Colorado surprised viewers with their scoring barrage against the best defense in the league last round. Dallas played one of the best series in the round one, knocking off the defending champs in a full seven games.
One of the best changes Avalanche coach Jared Bednar made in round one was having the offense play a north-south game against Winnipeg’s defense. Surrounding and boxing in the Jets defense led to a barrage of goals, half of which Vezina candidate Connor Hellebuyck couldn’t see. The defense around Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger can play with better spacing, but that technique won’t work on a defense that faced a more deeper, physical offense last round. Colorado needs more depth scoring from Zach Parise, Casey Mittelstadt, Ross Colton and former Star Andrew Cogliano to get past a more veteran Dallas defense.
Depth scoring could show which team wins this series. The above names are solid players, but the Stars had eight 20+ goal scorers for many reasons. This is the most balanced team on both sides of the puck remaining in the west and unlike Winnipeg, Dallas will make quicker changes to stay ahead of Colorado.
Prediction: Stars win series 4-2
NHL western conference first round playoff predictions: 2-2
The first round was fun but didn’t have many surprises or upsets. Cleveland overcame an 18 point deficit (the largest game seven comeback in NBA history) to beat Orlando in a full, seven game series. Boston took care of Miami in five games. New York and Indiana have advanced further than at any point the past decade. The Pacers have a great offense and the Knicks a great defense to make a great series while the Cavaliers will be more of a challenge for the Celtics. Two of the remaining four will advance to the conference finals. Time to break down which of the two have the best chance to make round three.
#4 Cleveland Cavaliers v. #1 Boston Celtics
Donovan Mitchell (45) and the Cavaliers will be a tougher opponent against Jayson Tatum (0) and the Celtics than Miami was last round.
The easiest of the second round matchups, both teams are opposite in team depth, coaching and health. Cleveland center Jarrett Allen will be battling bruised ribs like he did at the end of round one. Depending on the minutes Allen plays, this could be another simple series for Boston. The Celtics might start veteran Al Horford at center if Kristaps Porzingis isn’t ready to play the first two games due to his calf injury. Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard are important role players the Cavaliers have to stop in critical minutes.
Prediction: Celtics win series 4-1
#6 Indiana Pacers v. #2 New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson (blue) has to propel New York’s offense to the conference finals once their defense stifles the Pacers.
A refreshing matchup where both teams haven’t played in the NBA’s second round in at least a decade. Both Indiana and New York have talented young rosters and great coaches. The Pacers have a franchise star in point-guard Tyrese Haliburton and quality talent with center Myles Turner and forwards Obi Toppin and Pascal Siakam.
The Knicks have one of the best starting rosters in the league. Guard duo Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo have great chemistry going back to their Villanova days. Forwards OG Anunoby and Josh Hart play well together. Center Isaiah Hartenstein could determine the series with his solid play on both sides of the ball. New York plays great defense and well-rounded offense. Indiana’s been one of the best offensive teams in the league, but they don’t play defense well and that will hurt them this series.
Prediction: Knicks win series 4-1
Eastern conference first round playoffs record: 4-0
The first round of the NHL playoffs intrigued and entertained many viewers. The President’s trophy winning New York Rangers were the first team to advance to the second round after sweeping Washington (the only first round sweep). Boston became the first NHL team to win four straight game sevens over a single opponent. Florida won their first Battle of Florida matchup against Tampa Bay. Carolina proved they can take care of business with depth scoring and goaltender Frederik Andersen still finding his groove. Four fantastic teams will show audiences why they made it this far, but only two will go to the conference championship. It’s time to predict which two have the best chance of advancing to round three.
#3 Carolina Hurricanes v. #1 New York Rangers
Mika Zibanejad (left) and Sebastian Aho (center) will have a lot of scoring opportunities this series.
Almost everyone who watches the NHL knew this would be a second round matchup once the Rangers clinched first in the Metropolitan. Obvious or not, Carolina versus New York will be one of the funnest series. Both teams are loaded with scoring and defensive depth, play well on special teams and are led by great veteran coaches. The Hurricanes and Rangers mostly mirror each other and are even in many categories.
The tipping point will be goaltending. Former Vezina winner Igor Shesterkin isn’t just the better of the two starting netminders in the series, he’s also the healthiest and plays better. The Hurricanes Frederik Andersen can steal wins and give Carolina a deep run, but he’s not playing at Shesterkin’s level and still needs to find his rhythm after missing half the regular season with deep-vein thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolisms.
Prediction: Rangers win series 4-2
#4 Boston Bruins v. #2 Florida Panthers
Despite a re-match from last year’s series, Florida is the stronger, deeper team.
This is a re-match of last year’s first round series where Florida overcame a 3-1 series deficit and shocked the sports world, pulling off the biggest upset in NHL history. This year the Panthers won the atlantic division and the Bruins are the underdogs.
Many believe this will be an easier series for Florida after they eliminated Tampa Bay. It’s important to remember Boston swept the Panthers in their four game regular season series. Yes, Florida brings a different level of physical play and has a better coach than Toronto, but the Bruins are the best veteran team remaining in the east that can counter the aggressive Panthers.
If Boston wants to make this a long, close series, they need to attack Florida’s defense in the first two periods each game. The Panthers have yet to blow a lead in the third period (regular or postseason) this season. They also play better if there’s overtime. Don’t be surprised if the Bruins tire easily after game four.
Prediction: Panthers win series 4-2
NHL eastern conference first round playoff predictions: 3-1
The first round was exciting and fun. Minnesota shockingly swept Phoenix. Denver barely led most of their four wins against the Lakers. Dallas and the Clippers had an entertaining series. Oklahoma City had no playoff jitters as they confidently swept the more experienced Pelicans. The Thunder and Mavericks will show viewers how close they are to becoming complete teams while Denver and Minnesota have the best second round matchup in either conference. Two of the remaining four teams will advance to the next round. Time to break down which of the two have the best chance to make the conference finals.
#5 Dallas Mavericks v. #1 Oklahoma City Thunder
Dallas and Oklahoma City have great guard duos. Forward and center play will determine who wins this series.
The Mavericks and Thunder have many similarities but many differences. They have great starting guards who score at will. They have young, dangerous centers starting to find their rhythm on both sides of the ball. Dallas and Oklahoma City also have starting forwards facing a lot of pressure to defend well and score better. Both coaches also know how to get the best out of their improving rosters.
The differences are in expectations. The Mavericks face growing pressure to make a championship run with star guard duo Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving playing their best basketball these last three months. The Thunder’s starting five is the youngest in the league and hasn’t faced adversity in the postseason. Doncic and Irving have enough experience to help center Daniel Gafford, and forwards P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. gain advantages on Oklahoma City’s center Chet Holmgren, and forwards Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort. It will be interesting to see how both teams counter each other’s strengths and styles.
Prediction: Mavericks win series 4-2
#3 Minnesota Timberwolves v. #2 Denver Nuggets
Guards Jamal Murray (blue) and Anthony Edwards (white) will have one of the best series of their careers.
This could be the best NBA playoff series of 2024. Minnesota and Denver have split their last two regular season series and have the right players to counter each other. This could be the only Denver series we see a one-on-one matchup on Nikola Jokic, as he’ll be guarded by Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert.
Nuggets guard duo Jamal Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have as much skill as Timberwolves guard duo Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards. You could go as far to say Conley’s experience and better defense presents a problem for Denver. Since Gobert can do what most teams can’t and cover Jokic by himself, Minnesota can double cover Caldwell-Pope or Murray (depending on who’s playing better each game). Roster depth will be more important since Sixth Man of the Year winner Naz Reid can play well at both power forward and center for the Timberwolves, and Nuggets guard Reggie Jackson can play both sides of the ball well when Murray rests.
The winner of this series will be decided on the play of Minnesota star forward Karl-Anthony Towns against Denver forward Aaron Gordon. Gordon’s played better each postseason series since he was traded to the Nuggets in 2021. He can play physical on both sides of the ball and is a consistent rebounding threat. Towns is a great three point shooter, but his rebounding and preference of playing away from the basket and interior poses a problem Denver can exploit further into the series.
Prediction: Nuggets win series 4-3
First round western conference playoff predictions: 2-2
The NHL’s western conference was the first to have every playoff spot clinched. However, seeding was finished after the last game of the regular season. Many wonder if either of last year’s conference finals participants can replicate their success and represent the west in a championship slugfest. The conference wants to win the Stanley Cup two years in a row. Winnipeg improved this season and drew an easier first round opponent. Vancouver and Edmonton have enough balance on offense and defense to shake a series in their favor.Finally, Vegas has returned to their Stanley Cup champion selves after serious roster moves before their playoff run. Only four teams will advance to the second round. Time to break down which four have the best chance.
#6 Los Angeles Kings v. #4 Edmonton Oilers
For the third year in a row, captains Connor McDavid (left) and Anze Kopitar (right) square off in the first round.
It’s the third year in a row these teams will play each other in round one. Los Angeles has a top three defense and penalty kill but the offense has struggled to play past quick transition. That’s a bad game-plan against the improved Oilers defense.
The Kings have struggled this season to consistently beat Edmonton’s goaltender duo of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. While Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch has improved the defense, the offense isn’t one dimensional scoring from captain Connor McDavid and former MVP Leon Draisaitl anymore. Forward Zach Hyman and defenseman Evan Bouchard will frustrate the Los Angeles defense.
Prediction: Oilers win series 4-2
#5 Colorado Avalanche v. #3 Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg showed audiences in their April 13th 7-0 thumping over the Avalanche that Colorado’s depth on both offense and defense is strained.
This pick will either be bullseye accurate or stunningly wrong due to how the Jets mauled Colorado in Ball Arena April 13th. Winnipeg’s mindset has shifted and they looked ready for the playoffs after their remaining regular season games. The Jets are getting depth scoring from centers Sean Monahan and Adam Lowry, forwards Tyler Toffoli, Morgan Barron and Gabriel Vilardi, and defensemen Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo.
Colorado’s scoring depth fizzles out once the first line of Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin and Mikko Rantanen don’t tally points. It’s concerning goaltender Alexandar Georgiev has played tired most of April. Winnipeg has to take advantage of these weaknesses and quickly eliminate the Avalanche.
Prediction: Jets win series 4-1
#7 Nashville Predators v. #2 Vancouver Canucks
Hits reminiscent of Dakota Joshua’s on Alexandre Carrier in the regular season will be a common theme in this playoff series.
Vancouver surprised many with their consistent, quality play even when starting goaltender Thatcher Demko was injured the last few months of the regular season. Their reward: drawing the hottest wildcard team in either conference.
Nashville’s been one of the league’s best teams since the March seventh trade deadline. More importantly, the pairing of Ryan McDonagh and Roman Josi has both stabilized the defense and opened up scoring opportunities in transition offense. McDonagh’s playoff success on defense combined with former captain and Stanley Cup champion center Ryan O’Reilly on offense presents more of a challenge to the Canucks.
Vancouver can counter some of the Predators optimism with the return of Demko in net. Playoff-mode Thatcher Demko was feared after his 2020 miracle series loss against Vegas. Coach Rick Tocchet’s mentality mirrors former coach and current general manager Barry Trotz. Nashville knows how to play with and against this thought process well. Coach Andrew Brunette will challenge and want his players to hit and bully the Canucks stars. The physical play will throw Vancouver’s scoring leaders off their game and make them play a brand of hockey no one’s challenged them to all season.
Western conference upset prediction: Predators win series 4-2
#8 Vegas Golden Knights v. #1 Dallas Stars
Dallas is the favorite this time but the return of playoff-mode Jonathan Marchessault (81) does boost Vegas’ championship chances.
The best first round matchup in the conference. In a rematch of last year’s conference finals, this time Dallas has home ice and touts both a top five offense and top ten defense. The Stars might be the most complete team in the league with eight 20+ goal scorers on the roster.
The Golden Knights are fortunate to have the defensive depth to counter. Captain Mark Stone returns and the newly acquired Tomas Hertl is playing better since he returned from injuring his left knee. Similar to last year’s postseason matchup, Vegas has bigger defensemen and more overall depth than Dallas, but the goaltending has been inconsistent for the Golden Knights. Jake Oettinger might be the best netminder in the conference while Logan Thompson and Adin Hill could split starts, throwing off Vegas’ defensive rhythm.
Prediction: Stars win series 4-2
Regular season western conference playoffs prediction record: 6-2
The 2023-24 NBA regular season ended on a high note for the eastern conference. New York clinched the second seed in their final game before the play-in tournament. Indiana and Orlando are young teams that exceeded expectations and will use this postseason to learn how to improve for future playoff appearances. Most believe the east is Boston’s to lose. Milwaukee’s inconsistency even before hiring new coach Doc Rivers solidifies this belief. Regardless, four talented and competitive teams will advance to the second round. Time to break down which four have the best chance.
#8 Miami Heat v. #1 Boston Celtics
While Jayson Tatum (left) will have one of the best statistical series of his career, it’s up to Miami’s Tyler Herro (right) to keep the Heat close in each game.
This couldn’t be a more lopsided series. Miami’s without star forward Jimmy Butler against the league’s best team. Boston’s starting five and their dangerous scoring depth makes this a one-sided matchup. No matter how well the Heat play, the Celtics will quickly advance to round two.
Prediction: Celtics win series 4-0
#6 Indiana Pacers v. #3 Milwaukee Bucks
Tyrese Haliburton (left) and the Pacers are heavily favored to sweep Giannis Antetokounmpo (right) and the Bucks after sweeping them in the regular season.
It’s not as easy a prediction Indiana will sweep their first round opponent like Boston will, but many expect it. Milwaukee didn’t win 50 games during the regular season after they hired Doc Rivers (they had 30 when Adrian Griffin was let go). The Bucks have regressed on defense since Jrue Holiday was traded to Portland for star point-guard Damian Lillard. Lillard’s also struggled shooting from three-point range most of the season.
Indiana decisively swept their central division rivals, and this was before they traded for forward Pascal Siakam mid-January. The Pacers averaged 123 points per game and were over 50% in field goal percentage in the regular season. Indiana never faced a dip in offensive production. That’s bad news for the Bucks.
Prediction: Pacers win series 4-0
#7 Philadelphia 76ers v. #2 New York Knicks
Former league MVP Joel Embiid’s still easing back into playing full-time minutes, but Isaiah Hartenstein and the Knicks have a shutdown defense that can frustrate Philadelphia.
This series would look different if 76ers franchise star center Joel Embiid was at full health and consistently playing 40 minutes a night. Since Embiid’s easing back into his major roles, New York will take advantage of this weakness and attack both the former MVP and Philadelphia’s complimentary players. Forward OG Anunoby and the guard duo of Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo will be too much for coach Nick Nurse’s adjustments.
Prediction: Knicks win series 4-1
#5 Orlando Magic v. #4 Cleveland Cavaliers
No matter who wins the series, both Paolo Banchero (5) and Donovan Mitchell (45) should play well and give audiences the best series of the first round.
The hardest series to decide a round one winner in either conference. Both Orlando and Cleveland are young and inexperienced, but play hard and are fun to watch. They have similar stats and both excel playing inside the three-point line. This will probably be a physical, seven game series.
If any side can claim an advantage, it would be the Cavaliers with guard Donovan Mitchell leading the offense. The Magic can counter with guard duo Gary Harris or Jalen Suggs, but it won’t be enough to contain Mitchell. Cleveland can counter Orlando’s star trio of Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner with their trio of Evan Mobley, Max Strus and Jarrett Allen. This puts more pressure on Harris and Suggs to score more than Mitchell, but that will be hard to do each game.
Prediction: Cavaliers win series 4-3
Regular season eastern conference playoffs and play-in prediction record: 6-2
The 2023-24 NBA regular season ended in anticipation for a thrilling western conference playoff race. MVP runner-up Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are the favorites to make a deep run to the championship while the young Thunder and Timberwolves want to prove they can compete and beat the best veteran teams left. No one should underestimate the resurgence of New Orleans, and Phoenix is still the team everyone wants out in order for a fair chance at the finals. Four talented squads will advance to the second round. Time to break down which four have the best chance.
#7 Los Angeles Lakers v. #2 Denver Nuggets
Fans are blessed with another LeBron v. Jokic series, but it could mirror last year’s lopsided results after Denver’s game one win.
The easiest series out west. Nikola Jokic is an MVP front runner and his supporting cast of Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope outmatch LeBron James, Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell. Lakers coach Darvin Ham struggled to adjust against Jokic and Denver’s offense in every second half of their regular season games. Don’t expect that to change in the series.
Prediction: Nuggets win series 4-0
#8 New Orleans Pelicans v. #1 Oklahoma City Thunder
If New Orleans wants to drag Oklahoma City into a long series, point-guard CJ McCollum (3) has to be their top playmaker.
Similar to Miami versus Boston in the east, New Orleans is without their star franchise player this series. Unlike the Heat, the Pelicans have a good amount of scoring depth to make their first round series fun. They’re also fortunate the west’s number one seed is both in their first playoff series and as young as the University of North Carolina’s basketball team.
If New Orleans has any chance of taking advantage of Oklahoma City’s young starting five, the veteran starters have to be their best players each game. Point-guard CJ McCollum has been phenomenal in previous playoff series, but he needs to get out of his scoring slump. Shooting guard Brandon Ingram and center Jonas Valanciunas can add more on offense and help slow down Thunder center Chet Holmgren and guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.
The number one seeded Thunder had a top three offense, but their youth will make this a longer series compared to a more experienced team like Denver or Phoenix. The Pelicans are desperate to stay in the playoffs long enough for franchise star Zion Williamson to return. It might not be enough to slow down a resurgent and determined team coached by Mark Daigneault.
Prediction: Thunder win series 4-2
#5 Dallas Mavericks v. #4 Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles forward duo Paul George and Kawhi Leonard will be a great counter to Dallas guard duo Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
This was the first clinched matchup before the regular season ended. The series stars are Los Angeles forward duo Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, while Dallas counters with guard duo Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Two factors will determine the winner: coaching and which team can slow down the other’s elite duo. James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Terance Mann can counter Doncic and Irving with how their offensive playmaking, but P.J. Washington Jr. and Daniel Gafford might struggle against George and Leonard if this series goes more than five games.
Coaching favors Tyronn Lue over Jason Kidd. Lue’s been in harder situations ranging from championship finals experience to roster depth issues in previous playoff rounds. His adjustments will determine how many games the Clippers can beat Dallas.
Prediction: Clippers win series 4-2
#6 Phoenix Suns v. #3 Minnesota Timberwolves
If Phoenix wants to replicate their regular season success against Minnesota, they must attack the interior early and often.
The Suns dominated the Timberwolves during the regular season. Yet Minnesota looks different with guard Anthony Edwards and center Rudy Gobert elevating the team’s nightly performances.
There’s no doubt Phoenix forward Kevin Durant will play some of his best postseason basketball, but he’ll need more help from guards Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, forward Grayson Allen and center Jusuf Nurkic. The Timberwolves match up well against Phoenix’s starting five. Point guard Mike Conley and center Naz Reid bring the needed veteran presence and scoring depth. It depends on how franchise star Karl-Anthony Towns continues to ease back into heavy minutes and if he comes off the bench compared to his regular starting role. If Towns continues coming in from the bench like he did in game one, Phoenix will have a hard time winning the series.
Prediction: Suns win series 4-2
Regular season western conference playoffs prediction record: 5-3
Every playoff series in the eastern conference was set almost a week before the regular season ended. In a surprising twist, Pittsburgh misses the playoffs for the second straight year and Detroit came up short despite a thrilling overtime win. Only Carolina and Tampa Bay acquired more than one major player by the trade deadline. The other six will rely on scoring depth and coaching changes to get through another tough postseason. Each team has their hands full against veteran playoff franchises wanting a championship appearance. It’s time to break down which four teams have the best chance of advancing to the second round.
#7 New York Islanders v. #2 Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina’s Seth Jarvis (24) was fun to watch throughout the regular season. He’ll have a tough time keeping up with New York’s Mathew Barzal (13).
Two months ago, it was inconceivable the Islanders wouldn’t just make the playoffs, but get as high as the seventh seed. New York won eight of their final ten regular season games and have adjusted to a postseason mindset led by center Mathew Barzal.
Unfortunately for the Islanders, they drew the red-hot Hurricanes. Goaltender Frederik Andersen is back to full health and the acquisitions of Jake Guentzel and Evgeny Kuznetsov are another layer of playoff depth few teams can counter. New York had a great run to end the regular season, but Carolina’s depth will overwhelm them early and often.
Prediction: Hurricanes win series 4-1
#8 Washington Capitals v. #1 New York Rangers
Jimmy Vesey and the Rangers offense will give Washington’s defense and Charlie Lindgren (79, white) problems.
The Capitals almost drew a favorable first round matchup against Carolina. Instead they drew the President’s Trophy winning (awarded to the team with the league’s best record) New York Rangers. The Rangers have a top five offense, and goaltender Igor Shesterkin is among the best at shutting down opposing offensive playmakers.
Washington coach Spencer Carbery has proven resourceful and will find ways to frustrate a deep, veteran New York offense to take some pressure off goaltenders Charlie Lindgren and Darcy Kuemper. Don’t be surprised if this series lasts longer due to the Capitals new, scrappy mindset.
Prediction: Rangers win series 4-2
#5 Toronto Maple Leafs v. #4 Boston Bruins
Two original six franchises in another physical and mean first round series. This will be a ratings success.
The last power rankings discussed Toronto’s disadvantages facing any atlantic division rival in round one. Auston Matthews didn’t even get 70 goals in the regular season and the celebratory gift for the team is another first round matchup against their long-time rival Boston.
The Bruins have many advantages over their Canadian rival, but the big ones are the goaltending duo of Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark, and their home play versus their rivals. The Leafs netminder duo of Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll are streaky and not ready to face a veteran team like Boston.
The latter advantage cements this pick. The Bruins are 7-0 against the Leafs (with total goals being 25-13) in their last seven games. Toronto’s also lost the last eight of nine games at TD Garden. While this series might go seven games, it’s clear who advances.
Prediction: Bruins win series 4-3
#6 Tampa Bay Lightning v. #3 Florida Panthers
The 1980s-1990s had the Battle of Alberta. The 2010s-2020s have the Battle of Florida. Like the winner of those glorious western conference series, the winner of these eastern matchups are favored to represent the conference in the Stanley Cup finals.
There’s nothing better than a state or provincial rivalry in the NHL playoffs. It’s juicier if both teams are heavily favored to reach the championship.
Coaching doesn’t get better than Jon Cooper versus Paul Maurice. Goaltenders Andrei Vasilevskiy and Sergei Bobrovsky will have games where they frustrate opposing offenses and give up four or more goals depending on how both teams attack the net. Both Florida teams again feature the best forward and center depth in the conference. One could say it’s a deadlock and the winner might be decided in game seven.
If there’s a decisive factor for which team advances, it’s defensive depth. Both Aaron Ekblad and Victor Hedman will return, but Tampa Bay’s Darren Raddysh, Erik Cernak, Matt Dumba and Calvin de Haan are a better core than Florida’s Gustav Forsling, Brandon Montour, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Dmitry Kulikov. The Panthers core defensive players will struggle whenever the Lightning have power-play opportunities.
Eastern conference upset prediction: Lightning win series 4-2
Regular season eastern conference playoffs prediction record: 6-2
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