With the NBA postseason approaching, attention turns to predicting the playoff matchups.
Eastern Conference First Round Projections
A potential first-round series sees the Detroit Pistons (1) facing the Charlotte Hornets (8). Despite their seeding difference, the two teams have a similar profile. Since Jan. 1, Charlotte ranks second in the league in net rating, while Detroit is third. The Hornets boast an elite offense, and the Pistons have a strong defense.
The two teams also engaged in a brawl in February, leading to suspensions for Diabate, Miles Bridges, Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart.
Detroit was 3-0 against Charlotte in the regular season and outscored the Hornets 188-96 in the paint during those games. Ultimately, the Pistons should advance because their superior size makes them a bad matchup for the scorching Hornets.
The Boston Celtics (2) could face the Philadelphia 76ers (7). The season series was tied 2-2. The teams have played just once since Nov. 11, and Jayson Tatum didn’t play in any matchup against Philadelphia this season.
The 76ers would be an intriguing upset pick if Joel Embiid were definitely available. But with the 76ers’ MVP center potentially sidelined because of an emergency appendectomy, at the same time that Boston’s rotation is fully healthy, there’s no reason to expect Philadelphia to challenge the most complete team in the conference.
The New York Knicks (3) might play the Atlanta Hawks (6). New York and Atlanta staged an entertaining playoff preview last week, when both teams shortened their rotations in a 108-105 Knicks win. Hawks guard CJ McCollum’s would-be tying half-court heave came a fraction of a second too late.
The Hawks have a strong starting five and have been hot for months, and Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will make a spectacle out of trying to slow down Jalen Brunson. But the Knicks’ superior depth, particularly in the frontcourt, will be the difference: X factor Mitchell Robinson averaged 10.5 rebounds (four offensive) and 2.0 blocks in 19.0 minutes per game against Atlanta this season.
Play-In Tournament Projections
- East 7 seed: Philadelphia 76ers
- West 8 seed: Portland Trail Blazers
The NBA postseason is set to begin this week.