The 2016-2017 NBA season has definitely been one to remember so far. From the extremely disappointing season for the new-look Knicks to the rise of the 76ers and Joel Embiid, it’s been a year some teams don’t want to remember, while others hope it concludes with an unforgettable ending. The emergence of the Celtics star Isaiah Thomas has certainly been a joy to watch for Celtics fans as well as fans around the league. Most recently, the Kings agreed to send the Pelicans their star big man Demarcus Cousins in exchange for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, and the Pelican’s first and second round picks in 2017 in an attempt by the Pelicans to make a late playoff push. The playoffs are nearing and here are the playoff matchups that I believe will occur:
East West
- 1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 8. Detroit Pistons 1. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. Denver Nuggets
- 2. Boston Celtics vs. 7. Indiana Pacers 2. San Antonio Spurs vs. 7. Memphis Grizzlies
- 3. Washington Wizards vs. 6. Chicago Bulls 3. Houston Rockets vs. 6. Oklahoma City Thunder
- 4. Toronto Raptors vs 5. Atlanta Hawks 4. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 5. Utah Jazz
There will not be many first round upsets, except for the Thunder beating the Rockets in an exciting seven-game series led by Russell Westbrook, and the Jazz out bodying the Clippers who have been extremely injury prone. The Celtics and Spurs will get all the way to their conference finals just to be stopped by the two NBA powerhouses, the Cavs, and the Warriors, despite Kevin Durant’s recent injury. Finally, the finals everyone wants to see, The Cleveland Cavaliers versus the Golden State Warriors will be just as exciting as it has been the last two years. Lebron and his Cavs will defeat the Warriors for the second year in a row and leave Golden State and their fans hanging their heads. The Cavs will take home the trophy, and Lebron will have his fourth ring.
