NBA Playoffs 2022-2023 Are Here

 


Written By: Dylan Grodner of Swish Tribune 
Date: April 24th, 2023

The 2022-2023 NBA Playoffs are well underway, and there's a lot to unfold. We are midway through the first round and this is where each series stands:

Western Conference: 
  • 3-1 Nuggets - Timberwolves
  • 3-1 Suns - Clippers
  • 2-2 Warriors - Kings
  • 2-1 Lakers - Grizzlies
About 4 games into the Western Conference series, there is a lot to talk about. Starting with the Nuggets V.S. Timberwolves, we all came in knowing the Nuggets would win in 4 or 5 games. Nikola Jokic is a back to back MVP and makes a case for a third straight MVP this year as well. In addition, Jamal Murray is taking his game to another level come playoff time, already dropping a 40 piece earlier in the series. As for the Timberwolves, their team is just a mess. With the entire Rudy Gobert and Kyle Anderson fight to wrap up the regular season, coming into the playoffs, to them losing out on their defensive stud, Jaden McDaniels, it seemed like this series was over from the beginning. The only reason they were able to pick up a single game is because of Anthony Edwards who is growing into a future superstar. However, Anthony Edwards alone, is not enough to win 4 games against the Nuggets, and therefore I have the Nuggets winning in 5.

The Suns V.S, Clippers had the potential to be the most exciting series in the playoffs, but injuries have prevented that from happening. With a Clipper-less Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, they have stood no chance of beating the Suns in this series. However, one huge takeaway is the level that Russell Westbrook has been playing at, averaging 26 PPG this series. That being said, even if Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were miraculously able to make a come back, they would have to win three straight, which doesn't happen against a team like the Suns. 

The Warriors V.S. Kings has been a thriller, tied 2-2, four games into the series. The Kings are proving that even with their inexperience in the playoffs, they are able to put up a fight against one of the most proven playoff teams in NBA history. De'Aaron Fox is proving why he was a first time All-Star as well as the NBA Clutch Player Of The Year, averaging 31.5 PPG in this series. These next games should be really interesting, yet I still think the Warriors take this series in 7 games.

Finally the Lakers V.S. Grizzlies has been another exciting series with one of the biggest rivalries between LeBron James and Dillon Brooks. The Lakers are showing what they are capable of and are starting to make some noise over in LA. Although Ja Morant has been injured the first few games of this series, he is back and playing strong, yet it seems like he may not be "fine in the West".

Eastern Conference: 
  • 2-1 Heat - Bucks
  • 3-1 Knicks - Cavs 
  • 4-0 Sixers - Nets
  • 3-1 Celtics - Hawks
In the Eastern Conference, there have sure been some shocking games thus far. Between the Heat and the Bucks, Jimmy Butler is proving to be one of the best playoffs performers in the NBA, winning 2 out oof 3 games into the series. As good as the Heat have been these first three games, they have only faced the Greek Freak for 11 minutes, and as soon as he comes back is when the havoc begins. Even if the Heat take game 4 and go up 3-1, the Bucks are just one team I can't count out. They have the best player in the world when healthy, 2 All-Stars this year (Khris Middleton would be one had he not been hurt), and 3 DPOY candidates this year. Had this team been healthy from the start of the series, they would have swept the Heat. With that being said, I have the Bucks in 7, with them winning it all if healthy. 

Between the Knicks and Cavs, Jalen Brunson has clearly been the best player on the floor for the majority of this series. You sure know that the Mavs are fuming when they watch Brunson cook. The Knicks are proving that they didn't need to trade their entire future away to succeed in the playoffs in order to get a guy like Donovan Mitchell. Although this series may still take a turn, I have the Knicks winning in 6. 

As for the Sixers V.S Nets, the Sixers made this an easy one, even without Embiid for a game, sweeping the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets are a competent, young team, however, they were never ready to win a series against a team like the Sixers. 

Finally, between the Celtics and Hawks, the Celtics can just take it easy next game and still win. Although they gave up a win to the Hawks, this may be the most lopsided match up in the entire playoffs. The Celtics are clearly the better team in almost every category. There is really no comparison between the two. With that being said, the Celtics should and will win this series in no more than 6 games. 




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