Happy NBA Playoffs Day. It feels wrong that there is not a game going on right now. We will have to wait a couple hours before the first tip-off between LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers face off against Indiana Pacers who get the most face time they’ve received since the days of Reggie Miller. I’m hearing to make a few predictions. If you didn’t listen to our podcast this week, you missed out on some great NBA takes so do that before the playoffs get underway. Here are my predictions for the first round.

Eastern Conference
Toronto over Milwaukee in 6 – I would love Bucks to prove me wrong, but Raptors have too many things to throw at Milwaukee overall. Today’s game is huge for Bucks’ confidence against this team.

Boston over Chicago in 7 – Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler are going to be a real problem for Isaiah Thomas. The only way this goes sideways is if Dwyane Wade still thinks he’s 28.

Washington over Atlanta in 5 – Hawks haven’t been the same team since mid-March. I know Millsap is back, but yeah, it’s not great.

Cleveland over Indiana in 4 – I would have much rather see Heat in the playoffs than goddamn Pacers who hate each other. Could Lance Stephenson swing a game? Perhaps. This is going no longer than five.

Western Conference
Golden State over Portland in 6 – If Warriors drop an early one, we’re going to hear so many takes about how this team was better off without Kevin Durant. It’s going to be the best.

Utah over Los Angeles Clippers in 6 – This is one I flipped on from the podcast. Clippers have the Jazz number for the most part, but this Clips team is much like Bulls where they need to blow everything up. I think it happens here with a Jazz team who might be a year away from a top team in the West.

Houston over Oklahoma City in 7 – An all-time classic series. We’re going to see a helluva back-and-forth between the two teams with Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

San Antonio over Memphis in 5 – I’ll give Grindhouse one game as they run into Spurs for the second straight year. Not having Tony Allen will hurt.

Enjoy NBA Playoffs, y’all.

Charlie.