2019 NBA Playoffs First Round Watchability Rankings & Predictions

With the 2019 NBA Playoffs one day from kicking off, we’ll rank the watchability of all eight first-round series (and predict them, too). Personally, I think both 3-6 matchups are the best of the bunch, but that’s just me. More below…

#8: Milwaukee (1) vs. Detroit (8) — East

If Detroit wants to win even one game, they’ll need Blake Griffin. Unfortunately, he’s Blake Griffin, so injuries are in the picture. Right now, he’s day-to-day with a banged up knee, though I expect him to be ready for Game 1. If Detroit fans show up, they could steal one at home but it’s not likely; I think Giannis makes a statement off the bat.

MIL in 4

#7: Boston (4) vs. Indiana (5) — East

Without Victor Oladipo, the Pacers are a bore to watch. They do play good team basketball but they’ll have a tough matchup ahead of them. Boston, despite their drama, is a team that I feel has the ability to flip the switch. They will in this series and roll easily over the Pacers.

BOS in 4

#6: Golden State (1) vs. Los Angeles (8) — West

Although Stephen Curry has a questionable ankle, the Dubs shouldn’t have too much of a problem with the Clippers. That said, the Clippers are a feisty team that’s pretty fun to watch. Golden State wins easily but LA could catch them sleepwalking in Game 3 or 4.

GS in 5

#5: Denver (2) vs. San Antonio (7) — West

While I don’t find either of these teams particularly fun to watch, the series as a whole should be good. In fact, it’s one of the few that, in my opinion, could go the distance and/or end in an upset. The Spurs are a Patriots-like brand that just seems to win regardless of the team. Denver, on the other hand, is TOTALLY untested in the postseason. It’s going to be close but give me San Antonio here; they have two legit stars (LA and DD) and the postseason definitely needs at least one major upset.

SA in 7

#4: Toronto (2) vs. Orlando (7) — East

In any other year, Toronto-Orlando would be an awful series for television. This year, though, it’s looking pretty juicy. The Raptors, led by Kawhi Leonard, have one of the deepest teams in the playoffs right now. They had a solid base to start the year, then added Marc Gasol and Jeremy Lin to improve even further in recent months. On the other side, Orlando is playing like a college program; they’re just a solid group that enjoys playing together. Plus, they have something to prove because no one outside of Disney World really believes in them. Toronto takes it but Orlando puts up a decent fight.

TOR in 6

#3: Houston (4) vs. Utah (5) — West

Houston gets all the headlines but don’t sleep on Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz. They play great defense, they’re coached well, and they’re seasoned when it comes to postseason play. That said, I just can’t picture James Harden going down in the first round. And, I think he knows his reputation can’t afford it at this point. Utah wins at least one but their offense won’t be enough to keep up with Mike D’Antoni‘s system.

HOU in 6

#2: Philadelphia (3) vs. Brooklyn (6) — East

Brooklyn, if you haven’t seen them play recently, is a great watch. On top of that, I feel like they’ll have all the NBA nerd rooting for them to upset the dysfunctional 76ers. When push comes to shove, though, Philadelphia won’t lose this series, regardless of how fun and competitive it is. 

PHI in 5

#1: Portland (3) vs. Oklahoma City (6) — West

This series is definitely the one I’m looking forward to the most. If you’re an NBA fan or just a hoops junkie in general, you need to make these games appointment viewing. There will be an epic point guard battle between Westbrook and Lillard, as well as the first playoff series for Paul George since returning to an MVP-like level. Portland, in my opinion, gets upset like they did last year, but not without a fight. I can see this one going the distance.

OKC in 7