NBA Playoffs 2019

Post/Article by Eric Jesse

4/20/2019

Corn Fed Sports and Entertainment

NBA Playoffs

People rag on the NBA consistently, which I can understand from some of the regular season games, but there are also 82 games in a season. That is a ton of games in a short period. My only advice to them would be to watch the NBA playoffs, they are on an entirely different level. The 2019 NBA playoffs started April 13th which means we are a little over a week into this year's postseason tournament. The matchups so far have mostly lived up to the hype and there truly is nothing like the NBA playoffs. The atmosphere, intensity, desperation, and overall talent is not matched by any form of basketball throughout the entire world. These players want to win so badly and are competing so hard. I have found myself tuning into each and every game so far this postseason. There are so many different storylines to watch just alone in this year's first-round matchups it is difficult to not want to check in on the action. Let's recap what we have seen so far this postseason. Let's start in the Eastern Conference first. 

1. Milwaukee Bucks vs. 8. Detroit Pistons

Bucks lead 2-0

Let's be honest this matchup was lopsided from the day the seeds were finalized. It has only worsened since star Detroit Pistons player, Blake Griffin, has not participated in either contest so far. The Bucks are pretty much getting whatever they want offensively, and Giannis Antetokounmpo has played like he was all season being a dominant force on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. The series is shifting to Detroit, but I don't see that being much of a factor at all. The Bucks just have too much shooting and the Pistons do not have the overall talent, even with Griffin, to make this series very competitive. I see this series being over rather quickly. Prediction: Bucks in 4

Remaining Schedule:

Game 3 (at DET): Saturday, April 20, 8 p.m. -- TV: ESPN

Game 4 (at DET): Monday, April 22, 8 p.m. -- TV: TNT

Game 5* (at MIL): Wednesday, April 24, TBD -- TV: TBD

Game 6* (at DET): Friday, April 26, TBD -- TV: TBD

Game 7* (at MIL): Sunday, April 28, TBD -- TV: TBD

* denotes if necessary 

2. Toronto Raptors vs. 7. Orlando Magic

Raptors lead 2-1

This series has been a good one since the start. The Magic knocked the Raptors off in game off the series and overall has been a super competitive series. The Raptors have bounced back winning the last two games and running the series to 2-1 in favor the Raptors. The Magic is extremely long and athletic which can spell trouble on the offensive end for any team. From watching this series, it reminds us how truly great Raptors forward, Kawhi Leonard, is. He can do it all on both ends of the basketball court and is special to watch. We do not notice it much in the regular season because he sits out so many games, but he is an elite talent in the NBA. I see this series continuing to be competitive going forward. The x-factor of this series is if All-Star point Guard, Kyle Lowery, can play up to his capabilities and not sputter like he has in past playoff performances. At the end of the day, I see the Raptors moving on. Prediction: Raptors in 6

Remaining Schedule: 

Game 4: Raptors at Magic, Sunday, April 21, 7 p.m. -- TV: TNT

Game 5: Magic at Raptors, Tuesday, April 23, TBD -- TV: TBD

Game 6*: Raptors at Magic, Thursday, April 25, TBD -- TV: TBD

Game 7*: Magic at Raptors, Saturday, April 27, TBD -- TV: TBD

* denotes if necessary 

3. Philadelphia 76ers vs. 6. Brooklyn Nets

76ers lead 2-1

This has been an extremely fun series so far. There has been a lot of physical play and trash talk thus far. It's no secret that the 76ers have far more talent than the Nets do. The Nets have a great mix of young, talented players and smart veterans. The Nets point guard, D'Angelo Russell is starting to blossom into an elite NBA point guard, and it has been fun to watch against a great defense like the 76ers possess. He took over in the second half of game one and led them to a victory. Since then the 76ers have won the next two games fairly easily. The 76ers point guard, Ben Simmons, came to play in game 3 of the series and showed why he is an all-star. A key factor to watch going forward is if the 76ers all-star center, Joel Embiid, can stay healthy. This is needed if the 76ers want to make a deep playoff run. Overall, I do not see his lack of a presence affecting this series too much. Prediction: 76ers in 6

Remaining Schedule:

Game 4 (at BKN): Saturday, April 20, 3:00 p.m. -- TV: TNT

Game 5* (at PHI): Tuesday, April 23, TBD -- TV: TBD

Game 6* (at BKN): Thursday, April 25, TBD -- TV: TBD

Game 7* (at PHI): Saturday, April 27, TBD -- TV: TNT

* denotes if necessary 

4. Boston Celtics vs. 5. Indiana Pacers 

Celtics lead 3-0

It's no secret that the Pacers are down a huge piece, superstar Victor Oladipo. This series has been competitive, but a lack of a superstar is killing the Pacers. The Pacers have a ton of talent but lack the playmaking ability of Oladipo that drives their team. The Celtics have also seemed to regain their expected form since the start of the 2019 playoffs. Kyrie Irving has been nothing but spectacular and is needed if the C's want to make a deep playoff run. No team has ever come back from an 0-3 deficit to win a series and I see this trend continuing. Prediction: Celtics in 5

Remaining Schedule: 

Game 4 (at IND): Sunday, April 21, 1 p.m. -- TV: ABC

Game 5* (at BOS): Wednesday, April 24 -- TV: TBD

Game 6* (at IND): Friday, April 26 -- TV: TBD

Game 7* (at BOS): Sunday, April 28 -- TV: TBD

* denotes if necessary 

Now it’s time to talk about the much-anticipated Western Conference playoffs. The Western Conference will be a dog fight for the entire playoffs. There is so much talent in the West this season and it is expected to one of the most competitive playoffs in recent years. Compared to the Eastern Conference, where only 4 teams are expected to compete, the West could easily see 6 or 7 teams representing the Western Conference in this year's NBA finals. Let's dive right into recapping the Western Conference playoffs so far. 

1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. Los Angeles Clippers

Warriors lead 2-1 

What a great story the Clippers have been all season. The Clippers are a team full of "castaways" and still managed to grab the 8th seed in a loaded Western Conference. The Clippers are competing and playing extremely hard against the defending back-to-back champs. Longtime pest, Patrick Beverley, is making headlines once again in this series and I must say it is entertaining to watch. The Clippers even made history coming back to win while facing a 31 points deficit. Unfortunately, the Warriors are still the Warriors and have entirely too much talent. There is no way the Warriors lose this series. I expect the Clippers to continue to push the Warriors but end up just being outclassed. Prediction: Warriors in 5

Remaining Schedule: 

Game 4  (at LAC): Sunday, April 21, 3:30 p.m. -- TV: ABC

Game 5 (at GS): Wednesday, April 24, TBD -- TV: TBD

Game 6*  (at LAC): Friday, April 26, TBD -- TV: TBD

Game 7* (at GS): Sunday, April 28, TBD -- TV: TBD

* denotes if necessary 

2. Denver Nuggets vs. 7. San Antonio Spurs

Spurs led 2-1

What a series this has been so far. This has probably been the most entertaining in the NBA playoffs so far. The Spurs are getting great contributions from their young players on both ends of the court which has propelled them to a 2-1 series lead. Coach Gregg Popovich continues to prove that he is the best coach in the entire NBA with a masterful coaching job leading into game 4 of the series. Nuggets point guard, Jamal Murray, has been inconsistent so far and he needs to pick his play up if the Nuggets want to advance. Nikola Jokic is an unbelievably talent big man and needs a touch every possession on offense for the Nuggets. He has the elite passing ability and is the Nuggets best playmaker even from the center position. If you have not watched him yet in his career, I suggest you do so he is special. I expect this series to come down to game 7 and expect the coaching to make the difference. Prediction: Spurs in 7

Remaining Schedule: 

Game 4 (at SA): Saturday, April 20, 5:30 p.m. -- TV: TNT

Game 5 (at DEN): Tuesday, April 23, TBD -- TV: TBD

Game 6* (at SA): Thursday, April 25, TBD -- TV: TBD

Game 7* (at DEN): Saturday, April 27, TBD -- TV: TBD

* denotes if necessary 

3. Portland Trailblazers vs. 6. Oklahoma City Thunder

Trailblazers lead 2-1

This is shaping up to be another great series. The Thunder's lack of shooting has really made the biggest difference so far into the series. The Thunder could potentially be up in this series if they were even average from behind the three-point line in the first two games. The Thunder need there shooting to keep the consistency from game 3 if they want to win this series. Russell Westbrook was special in game 3 and they need Paul George to play like the MVP candidate that he is. Coach Billy Donovan made some great adjustments in game 3 that look like they could help swing the series in OKC's favor. The Blazers have been shooting the ball absolutely incredible this series. Point guard, Damian Lillard, is out to prove he is one of the best players in the entire league and so far, has lived up to his own expectations. He has been absolutely playing like one of the best players in the league. The Blazers need their "others" to step up if they want to close out this series. This series is starting to get a little chippy. Get your popcorn ready for the rest of the series. Prediction: Thunder in 7

Remaining Schedule: 

Game 4 (at OKC): Sunday, April 21, 9:30 p.m. -- TV: TNT 

Game 5 (at POR): Tuesday, April 23, TBD -- TV: TBD

Game 6* (at OKC): Thursday, April 25, TBD -- TV: TBD

Game 7* (at POR): Saturday, April 27, TBD -- TV: TBD

* denotes if necessary 

4. Houston Rockets vs. 5. Utah Jazz

Rockets lead 2-0

Through the first two games of the series, James Harden and the Rockets have looked unbeatable. Harden is doing whatever he wants offensively, and the Jazz's defensive strategy seems a bit interesting. The Jazz is basically giving Harden a clear path to the lane, to his right hand, every time down. It is freeing him up to be a playmaker and get all of his shooters and other teammates involved. The Jazz needs big games from their star, Donovan Mitchell if they want to get back into this series. Going back to Utah is maybe the recipe they need to get back into this series, However, the Rockets look like they are on an entirely different level and I see them winning this series rather easily. Prediction: Rockets in 5

Remaining Schedule: 

Game 3 (at UTA): Saturday, April 20, 10:30 p.m. -- TV: ESPN

Game 4 (at UTA): Monday, April 22, 10:30 p.m. -- TV: TNT

Game 5* (at HOU): Wednesday, April 24, TBD -- TV: TBD

Game 6* (at UTA): Friday, April 26, TBD -- TV: TBD

Game 7* (at HOU): Sunday, April 28, TBD -- TV: TBD

* denotes if necessary 

To me, the NBA playoffs are such an exciting time because I remember growing up and literally just watching basketball all day during the playoffs. My family loves the NBA and is a huge passion of ours. The NBA continues to be a staple in our discussions. The NBA playoffs are shaping up to some of the best playoff basketball we have seen in some time. If you have not been watching I suggest you start because there have been some unbelievable games so far this postseason.  The NBA is the best drama on television, and it isn't even really close or comparable to anything else. Feel free to give me your thoughts or opinions on who you think will be winning these series or winning the title this season. The Larry O'Brien trophy is at stake and I for one am ready to see who will be hoisting the trophy at the end of the playoffs this year. I couldn't be more excited to watch the drama unfold. To me, the NBA playoffs are the best professional sports tournament in the world the competitiveness and level of play are just so special to watch. Don't believe me? Well, check it out for yourself. 

Reference 

Maloney, J. (2019, April 20). NBA Playoffs 2019: Bracket, scores, results, series schedules, path to Finals for all 16 postseason teams. Retrieved from https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-playoffs-2019-bracket-scores-results-series-schedules-path-to-finals-for-all-16-postseason-teams/

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- post by Eric