Tank's NBA Playoffs Round 1 Preview

Eastern Conference

• 1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 8. Miami Heat
  
• Cavaliers in 7

The Cavaliers had the best record in the Eastern Conference, winning 64 games. The Heat, meanwhile, finished 37-45 and won two games in the play-in tournament on the road to grab the eighth seed. Something happens every spring in Miami, as the Heat exceed expectations. Coach Erik Spoelstra knows how to win in the playoffs, and despite the Cavs' significant edges, you know this will be a series that will not be easy. Look for Miami to go down, but don't be shocked if it goes the distance, as Tyler Herro goes hero mode. 

• 2. Boston Celtics vs. 7. Orlando Magic
• Celtics in 4

The Celtics won their 18th NBA Championship last season and spent the entire season acting like it was a mere warm-up. When they needed to win a big game, they showed out, but most of the season, they had a healthy jog on the way to 61 wins. The Magic won a division title, but at 41-41, they need to get through the play-in to get in.  Look for Boston to make an example of the Magic by winning this series in four straight, as the Celtics' depth and experience will make mincemeat of the Magic. 

• 3. New York Knicks vs. 6. Detroit Pistons
• Knicks in 7

The Knicks are a heavy favorite facing a Pistons team that had a remarkable turnaround after last season. The Pistons won three of four games against New York, as the Knicks had no answers for Cade Cunningham. This will not be an easy series for the Knicks, as young physical teams pose a problem for them, especially Karl-Anthony Towns, who often struggles in pressure situations. The Knicks will need Jaylen Brunson to be at his best if they are to win this series, which will go seven games. 

• 4. Indiana Pacers vs. 5. Milwaukee Bucks
• Bucks in 6

The Bucks are getting a big boost, as Damian Lillard has been cleared to play after missing the final 14 games with Deep Vein Thrombosis. The Pacers made a surprise run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, beating an injured Bucks team in the first round. With Giannis Antetokounmpo looking healthy and ready to go, the Pacers will not be as fortunate this time, as the East will once again need to Fear the Deer. 

Western Conference

• 1. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 8. Memphis Grizzlies
• Thunder in 5

The OKC Thunder won a franchise record 67 games, ranking in the top three in offensive (third) and defensive rating (first), and had the league’s best net rating at plus-12.7 points per 100 possessions – the second-best net rating in NBA history. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a favorite to win the NBA MVP. It is hard to imagine them not making quick work of the Grizzlies, who clawed their way in after getting the eighth seed in the play-in.  

• 2. Houston Rockets vs. 7. Golden State Warriors
• Warriors in 6

Playoff time means Steph time, as the demise of the Warriors was greatly exaggerated. The Warriors had their ups and downs, but played much better after acquiring Jimmy Butler to earn the seventh seed via the play-in. The Rockets had a great season and finished second in the West, but they lack the playoff experience that the Warriors have, and they will be taken to school as the Warriors could make a run.

• 3. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 6. Minnesota Timberwolves
• Lakers in 5

Last year, the Timberwolves advanced past the first round for the second time in franchise history but saw their run end at the hands of the Mavericks and Luka Doncic. Doncic was traded to the Lakers in the most baffling trade in NBA history. You can't say Timberwolves without saying Timber. Look for Doncic to take over and relegate LeBron James to secondary status as the Lakers begin a match to the NBA Finals. 

• 4. Denver Nuggets vs. 5. Los Angeles Clippers
• Nuggets in 6

In a surprise move, the Nuggets fired coach Michael Malone in the season's final weeks. The Nuggets won the NBA Championship two years ago, but the team felt they needed a shake-up going into the playoffs, with David Adelman named interim coach. Very rarely does this move work. Denver has the home court edge and the winning pedigree, as the Clippers need to overcome their history of playoff disappointments.