NBA Playoffs 2017

2017 NBA Playoffs

Western Conference

#1 Golden State Warriors vs #8 Portland Trail Blazers

Much like last year's 2nd round match-up between the teams, there is a lot of hype. Both teams ended the season very strong. But like last year, the Blazers won't win more than a game. This will be a good series for Durant and co. to get some rust off and be ready for their 2nd round opponents. GS wins 4-1.

#4 LA Clippers vs #5 Utah Jazz

As always, the 4/5 match-up will be one of the best series in the first round of the NBA playoffs. I see this series going 6 or 7 games with either team winning the series.The Jazz are a scary team to play because they have one of the best defenses in the league, anchored by the Frenchman, Rudy Gobert, who I think should win DPOY. My counter argument is that the Clippers also have one of the best defensive players in the league with Jordan, so they almost equal each other out. The Clippers win this series 4-2 and move on to face their hated rivals, the Warriors. Unlike last year's playoffs, the Clips are healthy and rolling.

#3 Houston Rockets vs #6 Oklahoma City Thunder

This is easily the most enticing series of the playoffs. The MVP voting should have had to wait until this series is over to truly decide who wins MVP. Clearly, Westbrook and Harden are the headliners for MVP this year and I expect them to keep up their phenomenal performances in this series. Unfortunately, one team has to lose and that will be the Thunder. I expect OKC to win 2 games, but Houston is a better and deeper team with an offense that even Russ and co. can't keep up with. Russ is still the MVP, but Harden and the Rockets win the series 4-2. Mike D'Antoni is my Coach of the Year.

#2 San Antonio Spurs vs #7 Memphis Grizzlies 

Much like last year's series, the Grizzlies are in a tough spot, with their defensive stopper and the guy who brings "grit" to the team, Tony Allen is out indefinitely. Memphis stands no chance beatng the Spurs in this series. They might get a win at home, but most likely this will be a sweep. SA sweeps 4-0 and goes on to play Houston for the battle of Texas.

Eastern Conference 

#1 Boston Celtics vs #8 Chicago Bulls

Experience, experience, experience...the Celtics have next to none, while D-Wade, Rondo and co have tons. Yes, Boston is a much better team, but playoff experience is invaluable and will play a part in this series. Boston earned the #1 seed, but personally I don't even think they are better than a healthy Toronto team. If Toronto was the #4 seed instead of #3, I would take Toronto over Boston. Boston wins this series in 6, 4-2.

#4 Washington Wizards vs #5 Atlanta Hawks

To me, Washington is by far a better team than Atlanta. If they (Washington) wouldn't have had that awful start, they might be the #2 or #3 seed. I think John Wall will shred Atlanta. I'm taking the Wizards in 6.

#3 Toronto Raptors vs #6 Milwaukee Bucks

Toronto, when healthy, can compete with just about anyone. It's awesome that the Bucks are in the playoffs and even more impressive that they did it without one of their best players, Jabari Parker. I don't think anybody expects Milwaukee to beat Toronto, but it seems like a promising future for a young and athletic Milwaukee team. Toronto wins 4-1.

#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs #7 Indiana Pacers

If anyone is doubting if the Cavs are ready for the playoffs, this series will be a good indication.  If LeBron says he's not worried about seeding, I don't think he is. 6 straight finals appearances in enough validation for me. Paul George might put the team on his back and win one game in Indy, but I don't see this series anything more than a warm-up series for the Cavs. Cleveland sweeps 4-0.

Western Conference Semis

#1 GSW vs #4 LA Clippers: GSW wins 4-2

#2 SAS vs #3 HOU: SAS wins 4-2

Eastern Conference Semis

#1 Boston Celtics vs #4 Washington Wizards: Boston win 4-3  

#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs #3 Toronto Raptors: Cleveland wins 4-2

Western Conference Finals

#1 Golden State Warriors vs #2 San Antonio Spurs: GSW wins 4-3

Eastern Conference Finals

#1 Boston Celtics vs #2 Cleveland Cavaliers: CLE wins 4-2

NBA Finals

Cleveland Cavaliers win in 6.

Follow me on twitter @jpsweets and @basketballguy61 and make sure to like my Facebook page Basketball Guy JP