This weekend, the NBA playoffs will begin. In each conference, there will be four series played, each series in best of 7, the higher seed having home field advantage. Below, Sports Editors Nathan Faber and Matthew Rilli share their predictions about the first round of the NBA playoffs.
East (Matt)
- Detroit Pistons vs 8. Magic/Hornets Series score prediction: Pistons in 4
Having a 60-22 season and securing the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons are looking to continue their success into the playoffs. They will have to wait to see if they will be playing either the Magic or Hornets after tonight’s play in game; however, they should handle either team with ease. The Pistons are relying on star player Cade Cunningham to return in order to make a good playoff run. This first round should be a breeze for the Pistons, winning in 4 games.
- Boston Celtics vs 7. Philadelphia 76ers Series score prediction: Celtics in 7
One of the biggest rivalries in all of sports will take place in the first round of the playoffs this NBA season. The Boston Celtics, coming off a disappointing playoff run last season, are looking to turn things around, with the return of star Forward Jayson Tatum. With Tatum missing most of the season this year due to an achilles injury suffered in the playoffs last season, Jaylen Brown has stepped up big time for the Celtics. Averaging 28.7 PPG, Brown has led this Celtics team to the second seed in the Eastern Conference. With that being said, expect this to be a competitive series, with the Tyrese Maxey led 76ers looking to make a run. Tyrese Maxey put up 31 points while beating the Magic in the play-in game on Wednesday night. Expect this series to go to 7 games, with the Celtics coming out on top at home.
- New York Knicks vs 6. Atlanta Hawks Series score prediction: Knicks in 6
In a playoff series that has high expectations, expect it to be just as predicted. All games in this series should come down to the wire. Numerous last second buzzer beaters/score changes can very well occur for either team in this series. Star Guard Jalen Brunson has led this New York Knicks team all season. Suffering a quick right ankle injury earlier in the season, Brunson has bounced back and averaged 26 PPG. This series will be very entertaining, but the Knicks will handle business in 6 games.
- Cleveland Cavaliers vs 5. Toronto Raptors Series score prediction: Cavaliers in 4
In a battle between a 4 and 5 seed in the East, expect this series to be a complete blow out. Ever since the Cavaliers traded for James Harden midway through the season, they have had a record of 21-9. Scoring 27.9 PPG this season, and leading the Cavs to the number 1 seed in the East last season, Donovan Mitchel is looking to cap off another stellar season he performed. This series will most likely have no close games, and the Cavs will win all with ease.
West (Nate)
- Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Warriors/Suns Series score prediction: Thunder in 4
The team the Oklahoma City Thunder will play in this series is either the Golden State Warriors or the Phoenix Suns, depending on the NBA play-in result. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the defending champions and they had just as good a regular season as they did in the 2024-25 season. Unless the Thunder don’t get production from MVP favorite, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they will have a breeze of a first round.
- San Antonio Spurs vs. 7. Portland Trail Blazers Series score prediction: Spurs in 6
For the first time since 2019, the San Antonio Spurs are back in the playoffs and are facing off against a young team in the Portland Trail Blazers. This season, MVP candidate Victor Webenyama has averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, and a league leading 3.1 blocks per game. While many people think this will be a walkover series for the Spurs, they are facing a talented Trail Blazers team. In his second season with the Trailblazers, all star forward Deni Avdija has been the anchor of this young team. In 66 games this season Avdija has averaged a career high 24.2 points and 6.7 assists. I believe that while the Trailblazers could make some noise in the series, but the Spurs will contain Deni Avdija and win this series.
- Denver Nuggets vs. 6. Minnesota Timberwolves Series score prediction: Nuggets in 7
This will be the second playoff meeting between both teams since the 2024 season, and in the previous series, the Minnesota Timberwolves got the best of the Nuggets in six games. Three time MVP, Nikola Jokic, is looking to take the Nuggets to their third straight conference semi-finals, this season he was the rebounds and assists leader in all of the NBA. While the Nuggets could make a deep run in the playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a talented roster that is looking for their first finals appearance in their teams history. Young guard Anthoney Edwards is the leader of this team, averaging 28.8 points this season, third in the league. While I think this is going to be a close series, Jokic is a three time MVP for a reason, Nuggets win.
- Los Angeles Lakers vs. 5. Houston Rockets Series score prediction: Rockets in 5
After two late season injuries to key players Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, the Lakers are massive underdogs this season—and for good reason. Without Doncic, the Lakers are 10-8; while that isn’t terrible, it isn’t good enough to win a playoff series. The leader of this team will be 41-year-old LeBron James. The Rockets, despite some clear team chemistry issues, have made it to the playoffs and have a solid chance of advancing. Meanwhile, Houston’s star, Kevin Durant will attempt to win his third NBA title in what could be one of his final seasons in the NBA. While I would love to see LeBron win another championship, I believe his time has run out. I expect the Rockets to win this series with ease.
