The Timberwolves-Suns series could go in either direction, according to our NBA writers and analysts.
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Here’s who our TNT Sports experts are picking to advance past the first round:
Celtics in four. Boston is simply the much better team, especially with Butler unlikely to play. While Miami was able to stifle the Bulls’ 19th-ranked offense to get here, it now faces a much tougher challenge. The Celtics are a machine and they shouldn’t have much trouble reaching the conference semifinals for the seventh time in the last eight years. – John Schuhmann, who explains his pick and more.
(2) New York vs. (7) Philadelphia
Knicks in seven. The casual analysis of New York is that, like every Tom Thibodeau-coached team before this one, it plays harder during the regular season than many opponents. That edge fades when those rivals dial up to playoff intensity and Thibs’ groups seem to lack an extra gear. But with OG Anunoby to put out fires – they were 20-3 when he played – and Jalen Brunson as the little engine that does, the Knicks should be glad they outworked their way to the high seed. – Steve Aschburner, who explains his pick and more.
Pacers in six. If Giannis Antetokounmpo were healthy, if it were a sure thing he’d be ready for Game 2 or 3, or if the Bucks were facing a lesser opponent, they might still be favored here. But with only “hope” that he could return at some point in this series, it’s hard to pick a team that hasn’t been very good with their best player off the floor. – John Schuhmann, who explains his pick and more.
Magic in seven. If it goes this long, Cleveland gets the final game at home. The Cavs have more spring experience than Orlando — they were in the Play-In two years ago and lost to New York in the first round last spring. But they’re not exactly peaking at the right time. Since these teams last met, the Cavaliers have gone 12-16. Orlando is 16-10 since that night, improving by 13 victories over last season to thrust Jamahl Mosley into Coach of the Year conversations. – Steve Aschburner, who explains his pick and more.
(1) Oklahoma City vs. (8) New Orleans
Thunder in five. OKC was a top-five team offensively and defensively, showing the balance that produced a top seed. There really isn’t an exploitable area on this team — at least in this round — other than physical toughness in the paint. That, and with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being the biggest talent on the floor, it all screams a short stay for New Orleans. – Shaun Powell, who explains his pick and more.
(2) Denver vs. (7) L.A. Lakers
Nuggets in four. Nikola Jokic averaged a triple-double against Anthony Davis last year in the playoffs, and there’s no reason to expect a dropoff this time. Los Angeles lacks depth and the firepower in the starting group to keep up with Denver’s experienced core. The Nuggets finished the 2022-23 regular season in a slump. They enter this postseason rolling. This won’t be close. – Michael C. Wright, who explains his pick and more
Suns in six. The Wolves had the second-best season in franchise history and their “reward” is getting the worst possible first-round matchup. They’re spooked by the Suns, who led by double-figures during the second halves of every meeting this season. Anthony Edwards will need an epic nightly performance just to keep it suspenseful. And he might. – Shaun Powell, who explains his pick and more.
(4) LA Clippers vs. (5) Dallas
Mavericks in six. Luka Doncic and the Mavs ran off a 16-2 record near the end of the regular season before coasting to the finish line for extra rest ahead of the playoffs. Still, Dallas is carrying real momentum into the postseason against the banged-up Clippers. Yes, the Mavs are legit. They’re quietly the team nobody wants to see in these playoffs. – Michael C. Wright, who explains his pick and more
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