Western Conference

The 2021 NBA Playoffs are finally here, and the Western Conference is stacked with talented teams. Let’s break down each matchup and make our predictions.

Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The top-seeded Jazz will take on the young Grizzlies in the first round.

Despite having the league’s best record, the Jazz have struggled with injuries in the second half of the season.

However, they still have the firepower to get past the Grizzlies in five or six games.

Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers

The Suns were the surprise team of the regular season, earning the second seed in the West.

Unfortunately for them, they drew the defending champion Lakers in the first round.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both healthy again, and the Lakers should take care of business in six games.

Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The Nuggets had a terrific season behind MVP candidate Nikola Jokic.

The Blazers, led by Damian Lillard, are always dangerous in the playoffs.

This series could go either way, but we’ll give the edge to the Nuggets in seven games.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks

The Clippers are looking to erase the memory of last year’s playoff collapse against the Nuggets.

The Mavericks are led by superstar Luka Doncic, but they lack depth beyond him.

The Clippers should win this series in five or six games.

Eastern Conference

The Eastern Conference may not be as tough as the West, but it still has some intriguing matchups.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards

The top-seeded 76ers should have no trouble dispatching the Wizards in the first round.

Assuming Joel Embiid is healthy, the 76ers could sweep this series.

Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics

The Nets are the betting favorites to win the championship thanks to their “big three” of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving.

The Celtics have struggled at times this season, but they still have Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker to lead them.

The Nets should win this series in five or six games.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat

The Bucks are looking to finally break through in the playoffs behind two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Heat, who eliminated the Bucks in the second round last year, are a tough first-round matchup.

However, the Bucks should have enough to win this series in seven games.

New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Knicks are back in the playoffs for the first time in eight years and have been a great story all season.

The Hawks, led by point guard Trae Young, will look to spoil the party.

This series could go either way, but we’ll give the Knicks the edge in seven games.

Conclusion

There you have it, our predictions for the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Of course, anything can happen in the postseason, and there will surely be some surprises along the way. But based on what we’ve seen in the regular season, these are the matchups we expect to see and the teams we expect to advance. Let’s enjoy the ride! Dive deeper into the topic and discover new viewpoints with this specially selected external content. Learn this!

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