Eastern Conference
#1 Atlanta Hawks vs. #8 Brooklyn Nets
Atlanta
outscored the Nets by 69 points in their four victories against them this
season, and there is little reason to expect Brooklyn to turn it around.
Atlanta’s issues won’t pop up until the Eastern Conference Finals.
Hawks in 4
#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #7 Boston Celtics
Brad
Stevens is the best coach in the NBA not named Gregg Popovich. In a year where
Boston actively tanked by shipping Jeff Greene and Rajon Rondo out of town,
Stevens led the Celtics’ plucky group of castoffs and youngsters to a shocking
playoff appearance (big ups to all 15 people who had the Celtics making the
playoffs this year instead of the Bruins). It’s also fitting that Lebron plays
his first playoff series against the team he lost his last playoff series as a
member of the Cavs in 2010. We’re predicting Boston’s home crowd will propel
the Celtics to one home win, but that’s about it.
Cavaliers in 5
#3 Chicago Bulls vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks
There’s
a lot to like with Milwaukee long term, but they don’t have nearly enough
offense to deal with a Bulls team that is finally healthy.
Bulls in 4
#4 Toronto Raptors vs. #5 Washington Wizards
The
only series in the entire first round featuring two teams that both have 0% chance
of making it to the NBA Finals, we’re guessing Washington’s awful coaching will
prevent them from matching last year’s feat of winning a series.
Raptors in 6
Western Conference
#1 Golden State Warriors vs. #8 New Orleans Pelicans
Golden
State had to be a little bummed out that Oklahoma City’s one man band didn’t
make it in instead of New Orleans (we love Russell Westbrook here at No
Credentials, but there was no way he could single-handedly win a game against
the Warriors in the playoffs), but they should make quick work of the Pelicans.
Kudos to The Brow though for making the playoffs in a stacked Western
Conference.
Warriors in 4
#2 Houston Rockets vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks
If
2012 playoffs Rajon Rondo comes out for this series, Dallas can win. That’s
probably not happening though.
Rockets in 5
#3 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #6 San Antonio Spurs
Here’s
your winner for most compelling first round series of the 2015 NBA Playoffs. We’re
expecting the Spurs to make it difficult for both Blake Griffin and DeAndre “SECOND
COMING OF BILL FUCKING RUSSELL ACCORDING TO DOC RIVERS” Jordan to share the
court together, and the Clippers extreme lack of talent off the bench will bite
them in the end.
Spurs in 6
#4 Portland Trail Blazers vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies
Both
of these teams have had a tough go of it injury-wise since the All-Star break,
so it’s fitting they catch each other in Round 1. Mike Conley’s availability is
a huge variable, but ultimately we expect the Grizzlies to find a way.
