NBA Playoffs- Eastern Conference First Round Preview and Predictions

According to many, this is the most interesting first round of the Eastern Conference in the last decade. We have at least five teams attacking the NBA title, with two of them squaring off right now – the Celtics and the Nets. Besides a short preview of each series, we advise taking a look at our NBA betting guide, which could be handy for everyone.

Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Heat was close to collapsing some two weeks before the end of the regular campaign, with the frustration due to poor results overwhelming the team and escalating publicly (Spoelstra vs Butler clash). Yet the franchise from Florida bounced back to take back the top spot and calmly close the campaign.

They are one of the best teams when looking at the performances on both ends, with guys like Butler, Adebayo or Lowry, who are among the best defenders in the league besides being superb offensively. On top of that, they have Spoelstra and a very deep roster.

The Hawks are in the playoffs following wins over the Hornets and the Cavs in the play-in tournament. They have Trae Young and a few other young guys, but to be honest, throughout the entire year, this team wasn’t at the expected level. That is why we predict Miami’s swift win in this series.

Pick: Heat in four

Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets

The biggest matchup of all. Two division rivals and title contenders. Boston had a tremendous finish to the year, being the best team in the league since the start of February. Meanwhile, the Nets had a lot of trouble, but in the end, managed to squeeze into the playoff through the play-in tournament.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie are playing well, but something is missing in Brooklyn’s performances. We can’t say what it is, but simply this team isn’t confident enough. That is why we are going to drop a bomb here and suggest betting on the Cs’ advance to the next stage.

Pick: Celtics

Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls

The reigning champions have the easiest task of all, as they meet the struggling Bulls, who were at one point atop the conference. However, Billy Donovan’s unit experienced a massive drop in all the aspects of play, sinking down to the sixth place in the East.

At the moment, Chicago is in the worst form of all the teams in the conference, and we really doubt that they can take at least one win in this series.

Pick: Milwaukee in four

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors

Joel Embiid and the Sixers still remember Kawhi Leonard’s game-winning basket in 2019, which later led to the Raptors winning the title. They want revenge for that. Though, it will be hard for Philly here, because the Raptors play the best basketball of all the Eastern teams right now.

They closed the season with eight wins and two losses, perfectly targeting the form for the playoffs. On the other side, the 76ers are solid as usual, with Embiid smashing and bashing all of his rivals. Of course, everything is much easier with James Harden involved.

This will be close, but we are giving a slight edge to the Sixers due to the home-court advantage.

Pick: Sixers in seven