The Conference Finals are upon us!
Eastern Conference
(5) Miami Heat vs (3) Boston Celtics
Who’d have thought the Heat and Celtics would be the last two teams standing in the East when the season began. But here we are. As far as confidence goes, we have to give the edge to the Heat. They just dismantled the Milwaukee Bucks in five games, and they play with the poise of an experienced team. The Celtics, in contrast, just topped the Raptors in a close seven-game series – that comes with its own type of confidence, to be sure, but Miami seemed to control games more than Boston. The Heat’s mentality? Defeating Giannis and the Bucks in a mere five games, a demonstration that, although they’re the 5 seed, they’re capable of beating anyone. The Celtics’ mindset? A close playoff series with Toronto, proof that they can handle the pressure when the games (and series) get close.
With all of that said, we think we’re leaning towards Boston. Here’s the thing; the Heat have definitely impressed this season – and this postseason – but so far, the matchups have actually been in their favor. The Pacers (Boston’s first round opponent), played without Domantas Sabonis, and don’t have as skilled a roster as Boston overall. They’re no pushovers, but that was a series Miami should have won. The vaunted Milwaukee Bucks (consistently overrated, in our opinion, but we won’t get into that here) were actually a pretty good matchup for the Heat. Their offense revolves around Antetokounmpo, so when a team can shut him down effectively, Milwaukee often has a difficult time adjusting and finding offense elsewhere. Bam Adebayo and Co. exploited that to great effect in round two. Boston, however, is different. The Celtics are skilled, play great defense, and can generate points from a number of different players and places on the court. This will be the first time this postseason that Miami will not be entering a favorable matchup. Don’t misunderstand, the Heat aren’t going to be completely outmatched or anything – this figures to be a close series – but Boston’s depth and experience in must-win games this postseason gives them the edge.
Prediction: 4-3, Boston Celtics
Western Conference
(3) Denver Nuggets vs (1) Los Angeles Lakers
Ok so we’re finally here. What everyone’s been waiting for since the start of the season. The showdown of LA. The Lakers against the Clipp – wait hold on… the Nuggets? The Nuggets? Like, from Denver? What!? The Denver Nuggets are in the conference finals? But they were down 3-1 against the Clippers! We never thought Denver was as good as a lot of people suggested they were, but this team has finally started to look like a real contender. Granted, they’ve been down 3 games to 1 in each of their past two series – a scenario you do not want to find your team in against a talented Lakers group – but in the games they’ve won they’ve looked like a true team. They play like a cohesive unit; and more importantly, they’ve played that way when it’s mattered. If you don’t think timing is important look at Milwaukee’s unceremonious ousting from the championship chase a couple of weeks ago. The Bucks had the best regular season record in the league, but when it mattered they couldn’t play the same way they had in the regular season.
Los Angeles (the Lakers, that is) finds itself one series win away from the NBA finals, as expected when this season began all those months ago. They’ve got lots of talent on the roster, led by LeBron James, who’s been having another great year. Anthony Davis is no slouch on the court either. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic will have their hands full. But you know what, it doesn’t even matter if it doesn’t make sense – we’re going with the Nuggets. Why not? If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. And seeing Denver come back from multiple 3-1 series deficits in the playoffs this year, why not pull for them? It would be awesome if they could knock off both LA teams. To be clear, the Lakers will probably win, but who cares? Time to get hyped for the Nuggets! We’re going with Denver.
Prediction: 4-3, Denver Nuggets