NBA Playoff Predictions, 2023-2024

After boldly (and often incorrectly) making my NBA Predictions at the start of the season, I thought I would update this now that the playoffs are set up:

Eastern Conference:

Play-ins:

• Philadelphia 76ers defeat the Miami Heat
• Chicago Bulls defeat Atlanta Hawks
• Miami Heat defeat the Chicago Bulls

First Round:

• Boston Celtics defeat Miami Heat, 4 games to 2
• Phialdelphia 76ers defeat the New York Knicks, 4 games to 3
• Milwaukee Bucks defeat the Indianapolis Pacers, 4 games to 2
• Cleveland Cavaliers defeat the Orlando Magic, 4 games to 3

Second Round:

• Boston Celtics defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 4 games to 1
• Milwaukee Bucks defeat the Philadelphia 76ers, 4 games to 2

Conference Finals:

• Boston Celtics defeat the Milwaukee Bucks, 4 games to 2

Eastern Notes:

• The Celtics have been dominant, and I expect that to continue, as long as they remain healthy
• Outside of the Celtics, it's a weird division.  The most dangerous teams might be the 7 and 8 seeds, as the 76ers are finally healthy and the Heat always get into gear in the Playoffs
• I love my Cleveland Cavaliers- and I hope they grow as a team and defeat Orlando.  I can't see them or anyone else beating Boston in the Eastern Conference

Western Conference:

Play-ins:

• Los Angeles Lakers defeat New Orleans Pelicans
• Golden State Warriors defeat the Sacramento Kings
• Golden State Warriors defeat the New Orleans Pelicans

First Round:

• Oklahoma City Thunder defeat Golden State Warriors, 4 games to 1
• Denver Nuggests defeat the Los Angeles Lakers, 4 games to 1
• Minnesota Timberwolves defeat the Phoenix Suns, 4 games to 3
• Dallas Mavericks defeat the Los Angeles Clippers, 4 games to 3

Second Round:

• Oklahoma  City Thunder defeat the Dallas Mavericks, 4 games to 2
• Denver Nuggets defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 4 games to 2

Conference Finals:

• Denver Nuggets defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder, 4 games to 1

Western Notes:

• There's no way the Lakers and Warriors don't win the Play-In Games, right?
• The best teams are real young and inexperienced (OKC, Minnesota).  The veteran teams have not played well (Lakers, Warriors, Suns).  But I do think the young teams have too much firepower...
• Until they run into Denver, who is a nightmare for anyone.

NBA FINALS:

At the start of the season, I went with Boston.  They've been the best team with the best record.  I love Denver, but I think they have a tougher road to make it to the finals.  Everything is set up for Boston to win, and I think they pull it off, 4 games to 2