The Cleveland Cavaliers, coming off an impressive regular season, are set to take on the Miami Heat, who made a remarkable late-season surge from the 10th spot to secure the No. 8 seed. However, experts don’t see this as much of a contest. With Jimmy Butler absent, the Heat will face an uphill battle against a Cavs team loaded with depth and defensive prowess.
Expert Picks:
- Botkin: Cavaliers in 4 – “Don’t even think about doing some crazy, Miami. Be happy with your historic 10th seed to 8th seed climb.”
- Maloney: Cavaliers in 5 – “The Heat making the playoffs was impressive, but Cleveland’s depth will simply overwhelm them.”
- Wimbish: Cavaliers in 4 – “Miami’s lack of depth will be their undoing. The Cavaliers are a different animal entirely.”
No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 Orlando Magic: Can the Magic Steal a Game?
Series Odds: Celtics -8000, Magic +2200
The defending champion Boston Celtics are heavy favorites against the Orlando Magic. Despite Orlando’s strong defense, it’s hard to see them overcoming the Celtics’ firepower, especially without Jalen Suggs. The Celtics have been on a mission this season, and this matchup appears to be one of the easier ones in the first round.
Expert Picks:
- Herbert: Celtics in 4 – “The Magic will struggle to score against Boston’s elite defense.”
- Quinn: Celtics in 5 – “Orlando could steal a game, but they pose no real threat without Suggs.”
- Wimbish: Celtics in 4 – “Orlando simply doesn’t have enough shooting to keep up with Boston.”
No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 6 Detroit Pistons: A Clash of Youth and Experience
Series Odds: Knicks -420, Pistons +330
The Knicks face off against the Detroit Pistons in what promises to be a tight series. Detroit’s Cade Cunningham is a force, and his dynamic playmaking ability could give the Knicks some trouble. However, New York’s experience, led by Jalen Brunson, should give them the edge in this matchup.
Expert Picks:
- Botkin: Knicks in 7 – “Detroit will make life tough for the Knicks, but their secondary offensive options will pull them through.”
- Herbert: Knicks in 6 – “Cade Cunningham can give the Knicks problems, but Detroit’s inexperience will ultimately cost them.”
- Ward-Henninger: Knicks in 6 – “The Pistons have a great story, but New York’s experience and the leadership of Jalen Brunson will prevail.”
No. 4 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks: Can Giannis Lift the Bucks?
Series Odds: Pacers -176, Bucks +148
A matchup filled with intrigue, the Pacers’ speed and defensive prowess meet the Bucks’ star power in Giannis Antetokounmpo. The biggest question mark here is the availability of Damian Lillard, who has been cleared to return but will miss at least Game 1. Regardless, the Pacers have been one of the most consistent teams since the All-Star break, and their balance might be too much for Milwaukee.
Expert Picks:
- Botkin: Pacers in 6 – “Even without Lillard, the Pacers’ depth and defense will prove too much for the Bucks.”
- Quinn: Pacers in 6 – “Milwaukee is at too much of a talent disadvantage to contend, especially without Lillard to start the series.”
- Wimbish: Pacers in 7 – “The Pacers’ defense and Tyrese Haliburton’s leadership will give them the edge.”
No. 1 Thunder vs. No. 8 Grizzlies: The Thunder’s Dominance
Series Odds: Thunder -4000, Grizzlies +1500
The Oklahoma City Thunder, coming off one of the best regular seasons ever, are heavy favorites against the shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies. Despite some grit and determination from Memphis, the Thunder’s overall talent and strength are just too much for them to handle.
Expert Picks:
- Botkin: Thunder in 5 – “The Grizzlies are a very good team, but they won’t be able to match Oklahoma City’s firepower.”
- Herbert: Thunder in 4 – “Memphis is far from full strength and won’t pose much of a challenge.”
- Wimbish: Thunder in 4 – “Without key players like Ja Morant fully healthy, Memphis stands no chance.”
No. 2 Rockets vs. No. 7 Warriors: Houston’s Athleticism vs. Golden State’s Experience
Series Odds: Rockets +138, Warriors -166
This matchup is bound to be a brutal and physical series. While the Houston Rockets have the athleticism and defensive ability to challenge Stephen Curry and the Warriors, the latter’s championship experience and offensive prowess will likely see them through.
Expert Picks:
- Botkin: Warriors in 7 – “Houston is dangerous, but Golden State’s championship experience will carry them through.”
- Herbert: Warriors in 6 – “The Rockets’ athleticism will make this a tough series, but the Warriors’ offense is far superior.”
- Wimbish: Warriors in 7 – “Houston has the potential to challenge Golden State, but I trust the Warriors’ playoff experience to carry them.”