WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 2: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors hugs John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards after the game on March 2, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
#1 Toronto Raptors vs. #8 Washington Wizards
Ryan Aston: A tale of two teams. I was one of the many who expected the Toronto Raptors to take a small step back this season. Instead, Dwane Casey mixed it up, DeMar DeRozan‘s evolution continued and the Raptors were better than ever. Their net rating of 7.6 speaks volumes.
Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards continued to disappoint. Would it have been different if John Wall had remained healthy? I tend to think not, at this point. I’ve been burned by the Wiz too many times. I don’t see them pulling off the upset here, either. They’ll fight, but they’re overmatched. Raptors in 5
Zack Padmore: Toronto has been a great regular season team over the years, but have struggled at times in the postseason. However, with a new play style and dominating bench, I think they will enjoy some success this year. Washington comes into this series trending downwards, and despite the high expectations they had entering this season, I don’t see them giving Toronto much of a fight. Raptors in 5
Jared Barker: The Raptors need to win this one quickly to shake off some of their playoff demons. These Wizards don’t seem as formidable as the team in 2017 that took the Boston Celtics to seven games. The most interesting thing about this series is probably how Dwane Casey keeps this Raptors team playing it’s best basketball ever. Raptors in 5
Tyler Thorpe: Entering the season, many considered Washington a serious threat to take the East’s one-seed. Now they find themselves on the wrong side of the 1-8 matchup. The Wizards finished the season as cold as any playoff team, including losses against the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic in the season’s final weeks.
The matchup of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan against John Wall and Bradley Beal will certainly be a highlight of the opening round. Sadly, not much else appears to be too exciting about this series. I’d look for Toronto to begin to exorcise their playoff demons quickly with an impressive series sweep over the Wizards. Raptors in 4
John Keeffer: On paper, this has the potential to be a close series. Washington has the star power with John Wall and Bradley Beal to match up with Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. There is also the complicated history for the Raptors in the playoffs. Much like the LA Clippers last year, they are entering the playoffs with a lot of baggage and bad memories.
This has been a different year, though. The Wizards may struggle with consistency more than any other team in the playoffs. There seems to be tension brewing that could boil over at any time. On the flip side, the Raptors appear to have great relationships, and they’ve boasted one of the best benches all year. Raptors in 5
Austin Leonard: In December of 2014, Fred VanVleet led the Wichita State Shockers into the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City riding a 35-game regular season win streak while ranked #8 in the AP Poll to face the #25 Utah Utes led by Jakob Poeltl and Delon Wright. The Utes won by a single point in overtime. These three are now arguably the best three bench players on arguably the deepest team in the league.
Dwane Casey is getting considerable Coach of the Year consideration as he has taken a middle of the pack roster and guided them to the 1-seed in the East. Meanwhile, relations seem frayed between John Wall and the ‘Everybody Eats’ gang. The Raptors are known for choking come playoff time but going up against a roster with zero chemistry in the first round shouldn’t be a problem. We can worry about choking for a later round (when they are confronted with their arch-nemesis, LeBron James). Raptors in 5
Tyler Crandall: The Raps have been given a bad rap for their past playoff problems. People are overlooking the fact that Toronto has gone through a major stylistic shift in the way they play to a much more modern, three-point shooting and egalitarian system, with a heavy emphasis on a strong and deep bench. Depth matters less in the playoffs, but Toronto can keep their foot on the pedal for 48 solid minutes. They still have something to prove to the world, but I’m betting heavy on them. Raptors in 4
Hayden Van de Maat: The Raptors have continued to show that they belong as a regular season contender by taking the number one seed in the East. The next step is to show that they belong as a legitimate threat to LeBron’s throne in the playoffs. The Washington Wizards are standing in their way of a potential date with the King. It’s been an up and down season for the Wiz with John Wall missing two major stints and they’ve looked just as good without him.
There has always been some well-known chemistry issues stemming from John Wall, but their ability to compete without him has been impressive. However, the Wizards don’t run very deep and Toronto may have the strongest second unit in the NBA. It looks as though the Raps will just about have the edge in every facet of the game and at every position. Raptors in 4
Jared Woodcox: John Wall didn’t play against the Raptors a single time in the regular season and the Wizards still managed to split the series two games apiece. He’s back in action now and could add a whole new dynamic to this matchup as two impressive backcourts duel against one another. I think Washington is going to challenge the Raptors, who have struggled in the playoffs before, but even with Wall, they’ve been too inconsistent for me to believe they’ll win the series. Raptors in 6
General Consensus: Raptors in 5
Utah Jazz </a>make a return to the postseason for the second straight year in which they’ll face the Oklahoma City Thunder this time around, there are plenty of other matchups that are bound to be absolutely exhilarating as well!</p>
<p>And as such, we here at The J-Notes couldn’t wait to gaze into our respective crystal balls and try to determine the outcome of each compelling series. All of our thoughts and predictions have been compiled here for your viewing pleasure! Give it a look and see how your predictions line up with ours:</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #1 Toronto Raptors vs. #8 Washington Wizards </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 2: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors hugs John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards after the game on March 2, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>#1 Toronto Raptors vs. #8 Washington Wizards</h3>
<p><strong>Ryan Aston: </strong>A tale of two teams. I was one of the many who expected the Toronto Raptors to take a small step back this season. Instead, Dwane Casey mixed it up, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/derozde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">DeMar DeRozan</a>‘s evolution continued and the Raptors were better than ever. Their net rating of 7.6 speaks volumes.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards continued to disappoint. Would it have been different if<a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/walljo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow"> John Wall</a> had remained healthy? I tend to think not, at this point. I’ve been burned by the Wiz too many times. I don’t see them pulling off the upset here, either. They’ll fight, but they’re overmatched. <strong>Raptors in 5</strong></p>
<p><strong>Zack Padmore: </strong>Toronto has been a great regular season team over the years, but have struggled at times in the postseason. However, with a new play style and dominating bench, I think they will enjoy some success this year. Washington comes into this series trending downwards, and despite the high expectations they had entering this season, I don’t see them giving Toronto much of a fight.<strong> </strong><strong>Raptors in 5</strong></p>
<p><strong>Jared Barker: </strong>The <span style="font-weight: 400">Raptors need to win this one quickly to shake off some of their playoff demons. These Wizards don’t seem as formidable as the team in 2017 that took the Boston Celtics to seven games. The most interesting thing about this series is probably how Dwane Casey keeps this Raptors team playing it’s best basketball ever. <strong>Raptors in 5</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Tyler Thorpe: </strong>Entering the season, many considered Washington a serious threat to take the East’s one-seed. Now they find themselves on the wrong side of the 1-8 matchup. The Wizards finished the season as cold as any playoff team, including losses against the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic in the season’s final weeks.</p>
<p>The matchup of <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lowryky01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Kyle Lowry</a> and DeMar DeRozan against John Wall and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bealbr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Bradley Beal</a> will certainly be a highlight of the opening round. Sadly, not much else appears to be too exciting about this series. I’d look for Toronto to begin to exorcise their playoff demons quickly with an impressive series sweep over the Wizards. <strong>Raptors in 4</strong></p>
<p><strong>John Keeffer: </strong><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2">On paper, this has the potential to be a close series. Washington has the star power with John Wall and Bradley Beal to match up with Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. There is also the complicated history for the Raptors in the playoffs. Much like the LA Clippers last year, they are entering the playoffs with a lot of baggage and bad memories.</span></p>
<p class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-p2"><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2">This has been a different year, though. The Wizards may struggle with consistency more than any other team in the playoffs. There seems to be tension brewing that could boil over at any time. On the flip side, the Raptors appear to have great relationships, and they’ve boasted one of the best benches all year.<span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-Apple-converted-space"> <strong>Raptors in 5</strong></span></span></p>
<p><strong>Austin Leonard: </strong>In December of 2014, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vanvlfr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Fred VanVleet</a> led the Wichita State Shockers into the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City riding a 35-game regular season win streak while ranked #8 in the AP Poll to face the #25 Utah Utes led by <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/poeltja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jakob Poeltl</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wrighde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Delon Wright</a>. The Utes won by a single point in overtime. These three are now arguably the best three bench players on arguably the deepest team in the league.</p>
<p>Dwane Casey is getting considerable Coach of the Year consideration as he has taken a middle of the pack roster and guided them to the 1-seed in the East. Meanwhile, relations seem frayed between John Wall and the ‘Everybody Eats’ gang. The Raptors are known for choking come playoff time but going up against a roster with zero chemistry in the first round shouldn’t be a problem. We can worry about choking for a later round (when they are confronted with their arch-nemesis, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jamesle01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">LeBron James</a>). <strong>Raptors in 5</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Tyler Crandall: </strong>The Raps have been given a bad rap for their past playoff problems. People are overlooking the fact that Toronto has gone through a major stylistic shift in the way they play to a much more modern, three-point shooting and egalitarian system, with a heavy emphasis on a strong and deep bench. Depth matters less in the playoffs, but Toronto can keep their foot on the pedal for 48 solid minutes. They still have something to prove to the world, but I’m betting heavy on them. <strong>Raptors in 4</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Hayden Van de Maat: </strong>The Raptors have continued to show that they belong as a regular season contender by taking the number one seed in the East. The next step is to show that they belong as a legitimate threat to LeBron’s throne in the playoffs. The Washington Wizards are standing in their way of a potential date with the King. It’s been an up and down season for the Wiz with John Wall missing two major stints and they’ve looked just as good without him.</p>
<p dir="ltr">There has always been some well-known chemistry issues stemming from John Wall, but their ability to compete without him has been impressive. However, the Wizards don’t run very deep and Toronto may have the strongest second unit in the NBA. It looks as though the Raps will just about have the edge in every facet of the game and at every position. <strong>Raptors in 4</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Jared Woodcox: </strong>John Wall didn’t play against the Raptors a single time in the regular season and the Wizards still managed to split the series two games apiece. He’s back in action now and could add a whole new dynamic to this matchup as two impressive backcourts duel against one another. I think Washington is going to challenge the Raptors, who have struggled in the playoffs before, but even with Wall, they’ve been too inconsistent for me to believe they’ll win the series. <strong>Raptors in 6</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>General Consensus: Raptors in 5</strong></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #2 Boston Celtics vs. #7 Milwaukee Bucks </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 03: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics is defended by Tony Snell #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at the Bradley Center on April 3, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>#2 Boston Celtics vs. #7 Milwaukee Bucks</h3>
<p><strong>Ryan Aston: </strong>If you ask me (and you did!), this is going to be the best series of the first round from the Eastern Conference. The Boston Celtics have the D, but with <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/irvinky01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Kyrie Irving</a> sidelined, the best player on the floor is going to be <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/antetgi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> each and every night. That’s kind of a big deal.</p>
<p>A lot of people are picking the C’s to prevail in a relatively competitive series. However, I’m going to go on a limb and pick No. 7 to upset No. 2. <strong>Bucks in 7</strong></p>
<p><strong>Zack Padmore: </strong>Boston has been killed by injuries this season, and will be without both <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/haywago01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Gordon Hayward</a> and Kyrie Irving this postseason. However, Brad Stevens is a phenomenal coach, and they have some young players that have stepped up all season long. Milwaukee is talented, but they’ve struggled in the second half of the season. I think this banged-up Celtics team will step up and take this series. <strong>Celtics in 6</strong></p>
<p><strong>Jared Barker: </strong><span style="font-weight: 400">I really like Giannis but let’s face it, Brad Stevens vs. Joe Prunty is probably the biggest mismatch in this series. The Bucks have the best player but they don’t play like a team. I think Giannis is good enough to win a game or two but I just don’t know if he can overcome a very team oriented Celtics team by himself. <strong>Celtics in 6</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Tyler Thorpe</strong>: The Bucks ended their season with a doozy, falling to Philadelphia by a final score of 130-95. Many believed that the Bucks took the loss on purpose to avoid the Philadelphia 76ers in the opening round and set up a date with the walking hospital that is the Boston Celtics. While it will be interesting to see how Giannis Antetokounmpo and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/parkeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jabari Parker</a> fare in the playoffs, this is another series that will come down to coaching. Much like my trust in Quin Snyder with the Jazz, I feel similarly about Brad Steven’s ability to work magic in Boston.</p>
<p>There might not be another team as injury-plagued as the Celtics have been this season, yet Stevens has kept his squad near the East’s elite all year. While the loss of Kyrie Irving essentially eliminated them from the championship conversation, the Celtics are a good enough team and too well coached to fall to the Bucks in the opening round. <strong>Celtics in 6</strong></p>
<p><strong>John Keeffer: </strong><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2">No team has encountered more bad luck than the Boston Celtics this season. They lost Gordon Hayward minutes into the first game of the year and recently they lost Kyrie Irving to knee surgery. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smartma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Marcus Smart</a> has also been sidelined and will not be available early in the series.</span></p>
<p class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-p2"><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2">All that said, I don’t trust the Bucks to be able to pull this off. They have one of the best all-around players in the league with Giannis Antetokounmpo, and good talent with <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/middlkh01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Khris Middleton</a>, Jabari Parker and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bledser01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Eric Bledsoe</a>. They are very poorly coached, though. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kiddja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jason Kidd</a> was fired mid-way through the year, and they have made no real improvements since. Boston in the meantime, has Brad Stevens, one of the best coaches in the league. <strong>Celtics in 6</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Austin Leonard: </strong>Jazz fans may hate Brad Stevens for enticing Gordon Hayward to leave Utah, but he is undeniably a good coach. As such, despite missing their two best players and a handful of role players, the Celtics will not be an easy out. Can <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tatumja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jayson Tatum</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brownja02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">Jaylen Brown</a>, both former #3 overall picks in the previous two years, be enough to stop the Bucks? The answer will come down to the Bucks depth.</p>
<p>Despite having a lot of talent surrounding him (Jabari Parker, Khris Middleton, etc.) Giannis Antetokounmpo still carries the load for the Bucks. If these periphery players step up even marginally more than they did in the regular season, I believe the Bucks could sneak a series win over the depleted Celtics. This is what my prediction is banking on. <strong>Bucks in 7</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Tyler Crandall: </strong>The Bucks are an interesting team. They have a lot of athleticism and talent, but they’ve gone through a coaching change and have underperformed all season. Giannis is an MVP level talent, but the team is still pretty young and I’m not confident they can keep up, even with a broken and injured Celtics team. I think the Celtics will still surprise a lot of people, at least in the first round. <strong>Celtics in 7</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Hayden Van de Maat: </strong>The Boston Celtics suffered a major blow to their championship hopes within five minutes of their season tipping off as Gordon Hayward suffered a gruesome leg injury in his Celtics debut. Nonetheless, Boston went on to have a successful regular season behind Kyrie Irving, who will miss out on the playoffs entirely with a knee injury. It’s been a roller-coaster season for the talented young Bucks who could take advantage of the Celtics’ injury woes.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As Giannis Antetokounmpo’s play took a slight decline following an extraordinary start to the season, the Bucks have struggled to right the ship behind poor coaching and a scattered rotation. In my eyes, the Bucks are a solid center and a good coach away from being championship contenders. They have arguably a top-five player with an even higher ceiling, a terrific, underrated second option in Khris Middleton, a quality two-way point guard and an intriguing, upside big man duo of Jabari Parker and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/makerth01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Thon Maker</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">They also have no shortage of defense or three-point shooting. But their inability to put it all together has been very disappointing. Even still, they should have enough to get over the line against this injury-shredded Celtics lineup. <strong>Bucks in 6</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Jared Woodcox: </strong>If you ask me, Milwaukee should absolutely win this series. The Celtics are just so banged-up and the Bucks boast a lot of incredible talent in the likes of Jabari Parker, Khris Middleton, Eric Bledsoe and, of course, most of all Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, even while injured, the Celtics have been formidable and the genius of Brad Stevens will give Boston an enormous coaching edge over Joe Prunty. <strong>Celtics in 6</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>General Consensus: Celtics in 7</strong></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #3 Philadelphia 76ers vs. #6 Miami Heat </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">MIAMI, FL – MARCH 08: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat drives past Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of the game at American Airlines Arena on March 8, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>#3 Philadelphia 76ers vs. #6 Miami Heat</h3>
<p><strong>Ryan Aston: </strong>Word is that <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/embiijo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Joel Embiid</a> is an unlikely go for Game 1 between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat. If he’s out, it may be the Heat’s best shot at stealing a game in Philly. That aside, I think it will be hard for <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wadedw01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">Dwyane Wade</a> and Co. to win away from South Beach.</p>
<p>Kudos to the underrated Coach Spo and his scrappy squad for what they’ve done, but this is the Sixers’ time. The 16-game win streak was for real. <strong>76ers in 5</strong></p>
<p><strong>Zack Padmore: </strong>Philadelphia may be the hottest team entering the playoffs this season, but I’m going with Miami to win this series. The Heat have experience, they are well-coached and they may not have to deal with Joel Embiid, who is currently out after suffering a fractured orbital bone. Can the young Sixers stay calm, cool and collected on the biggest stage? That remains to be seen. <strong>Heat in 6</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Jared Barker: </strong>I think without Embiid, the Sixers may be vulnerable to a very motivated Heat team. Sixers probably still win. Let’s see how these young guns <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/saricda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Dario Saric</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/simmobe01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">Ben Simmons</a> do carrying their team in the playoffs. Spoiler alert – probably well enough to win. <strong>76ers in 6</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Tyler Thorpe: </strong>This Philadelphia team is so far ahead of schedule that if they lost this series, in many aspects, this season should still be considered a success. I don’t, however, see that happening. The 76ers defense has been surprisingly dominant and with Joel Embiid expected to return in the first round, the Sixers should easily take care of business against this Miami team. I wouldn’t be surprised if this series only lasted five games, however, Philly’s playoff inexperience could lead to a few unforced errors and a surprising loss or two along the way.</p>
<p>Philly’s lineup combined with Ben Simmons’ ability to distribute the ball to an army of pure shooters is a dangerous combo. As long as the moment isn’t too big for the “rookie”, Philly should find themselves in the second round. <strong>76ers in 6</strong></p>
<p class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-p2"><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2"><strong>John Keeffer:</strong> The health of Joel Embiid is going to be the main discussion of this series. As of today, he is listed as unlikely to play in Game 1. With Embiid out, Ben Simmons will be the main focal point for the Sixers. I like Simmons (as a player), and believe that he is a generational talent. For now though, he is still a “rookie,” who has never played in the playoffs. Erik Spoelstra is one of the best coaches in the league at exploiting matchups. Simmons cannot shoot, and I fully expect Spoelstra to make this a long series for him.</span></p>
<p class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-p2"><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2">During the regular season, they split the series 2-2, with the home team winning each time. If Embiid misses multiple games, I am going to go with Miami pulling off the upset. If Embiid only misses the one game, I think the Sixers have what it takes to win. <strong>76ers in 6</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Austin Leonard: </strong>Will the absence of Philadelphia’s best player, Joel Embiid, for part of the first round allow Miami to pull off the upset? Probably not. Even with Embiid out, the 76ers still have <em>second</em> year pro Ben Simmons who is hands down better than any player on the Heat alongside last summer’s #1 overall pick <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/fultzma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Markelle Fultz</a>.</p>
<p>The Heat are nothing special. I’d wager money that casual NBA fans can’t even name a single player on the Heat besides shadow-of-his-former-self Dwyane Wade. With or without Embiid, the 76ers should win this comfortably. <strong>76ers in 6</strong></p>
<p><strong>Tyler Crandall: </strong><b></b>The Sixers are hot, even without Embiid. When he comes back into the lineup, things will get really ugly for the Heat. They are a young and playoff inexperienced team, but they are deadly. I’m not quite ready to say they will make the Finals this year, but they may be close. There are some weaknesses that Miami can try to take advantage of with an incredible coach in Spoelstra, but Miami won’t be able to stop Ben Simmons with Dragic. On top of that, I suspect Simmons will hold a grudge on Dragic for getting the All-Star spot he felt he deserved. <strong>76ers in 6</strong></p>
<p><strong>Hayden Van de Maat: </strong>Without Joel Embiid in the lineup for the 76ers, Ben Simmons will be tested as the primary option in Philly’s offense. The Sixers have been the subject of a lot of talk around the NBA in these past few weeks as they ended the season on a 16-game win streak. The streak isn’t quite as impressive as it first appears because only three of the 16 are playoff teams. But as the saying goes, you can only beat who they put out in front of you.</p>
<p>The first two games in Philadelphia will show whether the win-streak was an illusion or if Philadelphia is truly able to blow out a team in the playoffs. If Philadelphia plays at the level the national media think they’re capable of, they’ll have no problem getting through the Heat in the first round. <strong>76ers in 5</strong></p>
<p><strong>Jared Woodcox: </strong>The 76ers are playing with a lot of confidence, and rightfully so after ending the year winning 16 straight. However, they’re also largely inexperienced in the playoffs and that confidence could easily turn into over-confidence if they sleep on a gritty Miami Heat squad that plays well as a team and is well-coached. At the end of the day, though, especially if Joel Embiid comes back in time, I think the Sixers will edge out the Heat in a hard-fought series. <strong>76ers in 7</strong></p>
<p><strong>General Consensus: 76ers in 6</strong></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #5 Indiana Pacers </a>
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<h3>#4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #5 Indiana Pacers</h3>
<p><strong>Ryan Aston: </strong>There’s no denying the fact that the Indiana Pacers had a great season. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/oladivi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Victor Oladipo</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcmilna01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Nate McMillan</a> deserve all the props they’re getting. That said, this bit of seeding is the worst kind of luck for them.</p>
<p>Despite the craziness of their year, I’ve still got LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. <strong>Cavs in 5</strong></p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p><strong>Zack Padmore: </strong>This is a bold prediction, but I really think the Pacers have what it takes to upset LeBron James and the Cavaliers in round one. Cleveland’s defense is a legit concern, and the way Indiana plays offensively with pace, they will give the Cavaliers some problems. Victor Oladipo has been sensational this year, but they also get some great production from guys like <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/collida01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Darren Collison</a>, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/y/youngth01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Thaddeus Young</a>, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/josepco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Cory Joseph</a>, etc. This figures to be a fun, competitive series. <strong>Pacers in 7</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Jared Barker: </strong>Young, unproven and untested in the playoffs, the Pacers square off against King James and his crew. As much as I really like what Victor Oladipo, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/turnemy01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Myles Turner</a> and and the gang have done this year, none of them have ever been the guy in the playoffs. LeBron is probably the only player that matters in this series. <strong>Cavs in 4</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Tyler Thorpe: </strong>This is the year that LeBron’s incredible streak of consecutive first round playoff wins (21) finally comes to an end. This year’s Cleveland squad is far from one of LeBron’s most talented supporting casts. Meanwhile, this year’s sure-fire Most Improved Player, Victor Oladipo, has had an incredible year.</p>
<p>Despite the lack of talent around LeBron and Cleveland’s poor team defense, Indiana simply isn’t ready to take on the Cavs. Indiana’s surprising season already has them ahead of schedule in returning to relevance, however, this is not their year. Oladipo and Co. will defend home court and even the series at two games apiece, however, LeBron will ultimately be too much for this year’s Pacers squad. <strong>Cavs in 6</strong></p>
<p><strong>John Keeffer:</strong> <span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2">Is anyone brave enough to bet against LeBron James? Because I’m not. LeBron James has an astonishing 21 consecutive victories in the first round of the playoffs. His last loss in the first round was in May of 2012.</span></p>
<p class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-p2"><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2">Indiana has impressed all season, but tapered off a bit post-All-Star break. They posted just the 23rd ranked offense since the All-Star break, Cleveland had the 3rd. It is harder to increase your offensive production vs. your defensive production once the playoffs roll around. The Cavs may have a poor defense, but I expect them to ramp up their production to a slightly higher level with the playoffs here. If they don’t, they still have LeBron. <strong>Cavs in 4</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Austin Leonard: </strong>The <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/4/5/17200330/indiana-pacers-myles-turner-victor-oladipo-feature">feature article</a> that <em>The Ringer </em>recently put out on the Pacers should be mandatory reading for everyone before the playoffs start. Despite this surprise season the Pacers have had, one of these teams has Playoff LeBron and one of them doesn’t. LeBron could probably play 1 v 5 in the first round and still come out on top. The Pacers could get swept and their season will still be considered an overwhelming success. <strong>Cavs in 5</strong></p>
<p><strong>Tyler Crandall: <b></b></strong>Indiana has been fun this year. And a huge surprise. At this point, I think anything could happen with Oladipo and this squad, but is anyone really going to pick LeBron for a first-round exit? I didn’t think so. The Cavs, despite their flawed roster, are going to kick it up a gear at the behest of The King. <strong>Cavs in 5</strong></p>
<p><strong>Hayden Van de Maat: </strong>The Indiana Pacers have been a pleasant surprise this year as Victor Oladipo has broken out into superstardom and carried the Pacers to an incredible 48-34 record. But LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers have their eyes fixed on even more than a first round win. Indiana is never an easy place to get a road win, especially when the playoffs come around.</p>
<p>But I sense this freshly made-up Cavs outfit are about to kick it into high gear and bulldoze their way to the NBA Finals once again. As much as I’d like to say the Pacers can continue their fairy-tale ride into the playoffs, LeBron James is going to be far too much to overcome. <strong>Cavs in 4</strong></p>
<p><strong>Jared Woodcox: </strong>After trading away their All-Star over the offseason and coming into the year as a team hardly anyone thought would be a playoff contender, the Pacers have shocked the world by finishing two spots higher than last year’s squad. Their reward? Yet another first-round matchup with LeBron and the Cavs.</p>
<p>This Pacers team honestly presents some matchup challenges for the Cavs and their lackluster D, so I think it will be a hard-fought series. They’ve shocked the world all year long, can they do it again? I hope so, but I’m not counting on it. LeBron turns into a different player in the playoffs while elevating his teammates as well. Indy’s depth and team-first approach will make them a tough out, but it ultimately won’t be enough to topple LeBron. <strong>Cavs in 6</strong></p>
<p><strong>General Consensus: Cavs in 5</strong></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #1 Houston Rockets vs. #8 Minnesota Timberwolves </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 18: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets boxes out Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves for a free throw during the game on March 18, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>#1 Houston Rockets vs. #8 Minnesota Timberwolves</h3>
<p><strong>Ryan Aston: </strong>Mark my words: <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hardeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">James Harden</a> was the best player in the league this season and, as a team, the Houston Rockets are probably title-bound. The fact that they can have a future Hall of Famer running the offense for all 48 minutes is insanity. Couple that with a roster loaded with weapons and their improved defense and you’ve got yourself a legit juggernaut.</p>
<p>The pesky Minnesota Timberwolves will be no match. And is it just me or, for all the progress they made this year, aren’t the Wolves just a little disappointing? I’ve always been a Thibs guy, but the fact that he ran his key guys into the ground and this was the result is souring. I also wonder about <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wiggian01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Andrew Wiggins</a>‘ slippage and KAT’s underwhelming defense. <strong>Rockets in 5</strong></p>
<p><strong>Zack Padmore: </strong>The Rockets have played some incredible basketball this season, and I don’t see very many teams giving them any problems. Minnesota ended a 13-year playoff drought, but they got stuck with a nightmare opponent. James Harden is the MVP, and the Rockets are set for a deep playoff run.<strong> Rockets in 4</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Jared Barker: </strong>Wolves in 4. Okay, there’s my joke. Jimmy can’t save this team. Paul and Harden are going to take turns decimating the competition either via easy assists or isolation play. Jimmy is only one defender and the Wolves don’t even have a second decent defensive player other than Taj Gibson. Rockets will switch everything defensively and stymie the wolves potent attack. In other words, the Rockets will be scraping the Wolves off the bottom of their shoes in four. <strong>Rockets in 4</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Tyler Thorpe: </strong>While Houston achieved the West’s top seed after a 65-17 regular season record, they may not have drawn the easiest path to the Finals. Minnesota is not your typical 8-seed. They hovered around the top half of the conference for much of the season. A late injury to star two-way player <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/butleji01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jimmy Butler</a> saw the Timberwolves nearly fall out of the playoffs entirely. Despite the late season slip, the T-Wolves are much better than their seeding would tell you. Their 47-35 record, though impressive, looks even better after considering they went 10-13 in Butler’s absence.</p>
<p>The Rockets, however, are simply on another level. This year appears to be the year that <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/paulch01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Chris Paul</a> finally makes it to the Western Conference Finals (at least). While I expect Minnesota to make it uncomfortable for the Rockets, Houston will do all they can to finish their business as quick as possible with an impending date with either Utah or Oklahoma City looming in the second round. <strong>Rockets in 5</strong></p>
<p><strong>John Keeffer: </strong><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2">This matchup is actually more interesting than your typical 1-8 series. Just a month and a half ago, Minnesota was the number three seed in the West prior to the Jimmy Butler injury. If you choose to view them as having the talent of a three seed, then this is going to be a competitive series.<span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>
<p class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-p2"><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2">With Jimmy Butler in the lineup, Minnesota had the third best offensive rating in the NBA. However, they had just the 26th ranked defensive rating. Houston’s offense is one of the few better than Minnesota, and they have a better defense. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Wolves steal a game or two, but the Rockets are winning this series. <strong>Rockets in 5</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Austin Leonard: </strong>Jimmy Butler is back! Rejoice! The Timberwolves will beat the Rockets now! Wait a minute… no they won’t. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/townska01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> and Andrew Wiggins need to develop more before this team makes noise in the playoffs. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mbahalu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Luc Mbah a Moute</a> being out with a dislocated shoulder may harm the Rockets later on in the playoffs if he doesn’t recover before the later rounds but shouldn’t make much of a difference here.</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong, I would be thrilled if the Timberwolves won this series because it would mean an easier match-up for the Jazz in the second round, but the Rockets are too talented to join the considerably small list of 1-seeds to get bounced in the first round. <strong>Rockets in 5</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Tyler Crandall: </strong>The<strong> </strong>Timberwolves finally made the playoffs by the skin of their teeth. They were an inch away from extending their playoff drought at least another season. Unfortunately for them, with a bottom 3 defense playing against history’s best offense, they don’t stand a chance. If Houston has a cold shooting night and Minnesota gets a good game from KAT and Jimmy Buckets, they could steal a game. <strong>Rockets in 5</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Hayden Van de Maat: </strong>The Timberwolves will be high on confidence after scraping into the playoffs with a tough, overtime win against the Denver Nuggets. The heavily favoured Houston Rockets await, and despite what many think of their championship hopes, I think they could still fall victim against a physical, well coached squad. Fortunately for Rockets fans, the Wolves are far from that. Quite frankly, its baffling that coach Tom Thibodeau survived their late-season skid given that he had overplayed his starters all year and they have been unable to physically compete down the stretch.</p>
<p dir="ltr">When paired with his inability to put together a system that benefits someone not named Jimmy Butler, it’s laughable that he’s held on to a coaching job this long. As has been the story all year, Minnesota will go as far as Jimmy Butler can take them, and if he locks in and can somehow stay healthy, he is more than capable of making life very difficult for Houston’s dynamic backcourt duo. And despite Houston’s vast improvements at the defensive end this season, guarding the individual scoring power of Butler, Wiggins, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/teaguje01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jeff Teague</a> and Towns may be difficult.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/capelca01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Clint Capela</a> will have to go out to the three-point line to guard the pick-and-pop, and defensive specialist Luc Mbah a Moute will likely miss the entire first round with a dislocated shoulder. All in all, I don’t think the Timberwolves will be able to make all the adjustments necessary to stir the Rockets. <strong>Rockets in 5</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Jared Woodcox: </strong>Jimmy Butler’s return has given this Timberwolves team some more life, which is good because they looked absolutely defeated while he was out. He’ll help make the series interesting, but it won’t be enough. Houston swept Minnesota in the regular season and I think they’ll do the same in the postseason. <strong>Rockets in 4</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>General Consensus: Rockets in 5</strong></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #2 Golden State Warriors vs. #7 San Antonio Spurs </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 19: Danny Green #14 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors on March 19, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>#2 Golden State Warriors vs. #7 San Antonio Spurs</h3>
<p><strong>Ryan Aston: </strong>The Golden State Warriors may have lost 10 of 17, but they’ve largely been in cruise control. I expect they’ll try to flip the switch now that the postseason is here, but no <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/curryst01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Stephen Curry</a> means things won’t come easy against the San Antonio Spurs. If <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/leonaka01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Kawhi Leonard</a> resurfaces, they could even be in trouble.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one, though. I expect GSW to hang on in a tight one, just in time for Steph to return and the Warriors to make life hard on the Rockets in the Conference Finals. <strong>Warriors in 7</strong></p>
<p><strong>Zack Padmore: </strong>Stephen Curry, arguably the most important player on the Dubs, is expected to miss the first round. The Warriors are a lot more vulnerable without him, but they will be just fine. San Antonio is going to have a tough time scoring, especially since Kawhi Leonard has no return in sight. The Spurs are great, they have been for a long time, but it’s going to be a tough task for them to take down the Warriors in round one. <strong>Warriors in 6</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Jared Barker: </strong>If Kawhi Leonard pulled a surprise appearance out of his hat this series would be such a treat because NBA fans would be treated to an incredible matchup in the first round and there would be an even greater possibility that Cavs v. Warriors IV wouldn’t happen this year. As it sits now, I expect the playoff Dubs to defend like they mean it and crush the Spurs in four games. <strong>Warriors in 4</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Tyler Thorpe: </strong>This is as vulnerable as the defending champs have looked in years. The Spurs, however, are an extremely favorable draw for the two-seeded Warriors. The Warriors have not just looked like a below elite-level team without Steph Curry, they have looked average. What better matchup than against another team missing their franchise corner stone? Steph or no Steph, The Warriors still have talent to be a top four team in the entire league and should take care of business against the Spurs.</p>
<p>The Spurs, however, have the biggest X-factor of either team in Gregg Popovich. Without coach Pop, I don’t believe this Spurs roster is a playoff team. Popovich alone gives the Spurs at least one win in this series. The playoff savvy duo of <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/parketo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Tony Parker</a> and Manu Ginobli combined with <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aldrila01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">LaMarcus Aldridge</a> will land the Spurs a second win against the Dubs. This series, however, will ultimately be won by the more talented team. Remember, even without Curry, the Warriors boast three other All-Star talents. <strong>Warriors in 6</strong></p>
<p class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-p2"><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2"><strong>John Keeffer: </strong>The upset potential of this series is enormous. Golden State has not been the same team this season, and they have multiple players dealing with injuries. Since <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">March 1st</span></span>, the Warriors are just 10-10, and they have sported a middling offense and defensive rating.<span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>
<p class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-p2"><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2">All that said, they still have <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/duranke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Kevin Durant</a>, and more often than not, the team with the best player wins. The Spurs have done a terrific job of closing the season on a high note, and dealing with the absence of Kawhi Leonard. This will be a long series, but I expect the Warriors to survive another round. <strong>Warriors in 6</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Austin Leonard: </strong></p>
<p>A rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals with both teams missing their best player. This should and will get interesting. I’ve been praying for a while that the Warriors would get knocked out in the first round before Curry gets back and the Spurs will pose as tough a challenge as they come. Meanwhile, my cousin Kawhi is nowhere to be found and most likely won’t make a return to the Spurs until the beginning of next season at the earliest.</p>
<p>The Warriors look weak without Steph Curry (see their recent 40-point loss to the Jazz) and Gregg Popovich is known for not losing in the first round. While Warriors > Spurs might hold true, I’m starting to believe that (Warriors – Curry) < (Spurs – Leonard) as the Warriors have looked completely out of sorts even with their other three All-Stars healthy. <strong>Spurs in 7</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Tyler Crandall: </strong>Could Kawhi make a sudden emergence from a season-long obscurity to alter the course of the postseason? I don’t think so either. San Antonio is superbly coached, but are severely outmatched physically to the Warriors team. The Warriors are different without Steph Curry and have struggled, but I think we’ll see them kick it up a notch to a level that other teams just don’t have, even if it takes a few games to do so. <strong>Warriors in 7</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Hayden Van de Maat: </strong>As evidenced by their 40-point blowout loss to the Jazz last week, the Golden State Warriors aren’t in tip-top shape. And without Steph Curry for the entire first round, LaMarcus Aldridge and the San Antonio Spurs may be in with a chance. Gregg Popovich has more championship rings than first-round playoff exits in his illustrious coaching career and may be able to pick apart this weakened Warrior team.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The biggest storyline all year for the Spurs has been the health status of Kawhi Leonard. Without any real updates as of late, it’s safe to assume we won’t be seeing Kawhi out there for the Spurs regardless of how deep in the playoffs they go. With this being said, I’m going to have to side with the defending champs. <strong>Warriors in 6</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Jared Woodcox: </strong>If only Kawhi Leonard were healthy and could take on this Curry-less squad. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like such will be the case. The Warriors haven’t looked great of late, but they’ll turn it on for the playoffs and the Spurs have looked worse. They didn’t end the season well and despite the greatness of Gregg Popovich, I don’t like their chances. They’ve remained an excellent team at home (33-8 in regular season) so I think they’ll get at least one there, but that’s about it. <strong>Warriors in 5</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>General Consensus: Warriors in 6</strong></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #3 Portland Trail Blazers vs. #6 New Orleans Pelicans </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 27: <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lillada01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Damian Lillard</a> #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dunks the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 27, 2018 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>#3 Portland Trail Blazers vs. #6 New Orleans Pelicans</h3>
<p><strong>Ryan Aston: </strong>The Portland Trail Blazers may have beaten the Jazz on the final day of the regular season, but they did not have an impressive close to the year. Over their last five games, they were outscored by five points per 100 possessions. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mccolcj01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">C.J. McCollum</a>‘s April was particularly rough — he made just 36 percent of his shots and 24 percent from distance.</p>
<p>None of this is what you want in your logline when you’re preparing to face <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/davisan02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Anthony Davis</a>. These teams had a competitive regular season series, but I expect the Brow’s will to win will rule out in the end here. <strong>Pelicans in 7</strong></p>
<p><strong>Zack Padmore: </strong>This is another very intriguing first round matchup. Anthony Davis and the Pelicans are back in the playoffs, and despite losing Boogie Cousins, I think they have a real shot to win this series. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/holidjr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jrue Holiday</a>, one of the better defensive guards in the league, will have a tough task defending Portland’s elite guards, but he is capable. I see the Pelicans’ size giving the Blazers some problems. <strong>Pelicans in 7</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Jared Barker: </strong>The Blazers don’t have anyone that matches up particularly well with Anthony Davis so this is intriguing. Jrue Holiday can only cover McCollum or <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lillada01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">Damian Lillard</a> so pick your poison on the perimeter for the Pellies. This should be a really fun matchup but I expect the Blazers to win in six because I’m not sure Anthony Davis can play for 48 minutes a night. His roster is pretty thin. I’m not sure I trust five of the Pelicans in the playoffs. I also don’t believe in playoff Rondo. <strong>Blazers in 6</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Tyler Thorpe: </strong>#DameTime vs. the Anthony Davis show. The Utah Jazz saw first-hand how deadly Portland’s offense can be when their talented backcourt is knocking down shots. The scary thing is, Damian Lillard seems to elevate his game as the moments get bigger. The Pelicans, led by Davis, continue to play some of their best ball of the season, however, the Trail Blazer’s backcourt and offensive potency give them the upper hand in this matchup.</p>
<p>Portland struggled to close out the regular season. Before defeating the Jazz 102-93 on Wednesday night, Portland was trending in the wrong direction. Whether or not they have their mojo back is still to be determined. I wouldn’t be surprised if New Orleans stole the opening game of the series on the road. Ultimately, Lillard and CJ McCollum will knock down enough shots to set up a second-round matchup with Golden State. <strong>Blazers in 6</strong></p>
<p class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-p2"><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2"><strong>John Keeffer: </strong>In the Western Conference, this is going to be one of the hardest series to call. Post All-star break, the Pelicans and Blazers have almost played to a standstill. The Pelicans went 17-8, the Blazers went 17-7, and the two teams had an identical offensive rating. They also split the season series 2-2.</span></p>
<p class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-p2"><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2">I am going to go with the Pelicans in this series because of the matchups. The two best players on the Blazers are Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, but the Pelicans have Jrue Holliday and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/rondora01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Rajon Rondo</a> to throw at them. As amazing as Lillard has been this season, Anthony Davis is still the best player in the series. Whenever a series is too close to call, I use the method of picking the team with the best player on the court, and that will carry the Pelicans to the second round. <strong>Pelicans in 7</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Austin Leonard: </strong>Imagine the Pelicans without Anthony Davis (with or without <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/couside01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">DeMarcus Cousins</a> healthy, doesn’t matter). Would they even scrap 30 wins? The fact that most people struggle to answer that question is a testament to what a transcendent talent he is. I can see Davis going nuts and powering his team to a win or two but the one man wrecking crew won’t be enough to top the Portland Trail-Lillards.</p>
<p>Not much has changed from this year’s Portland roster (3-seed) and last year’s roster (barely 8-seed). The difference has been Lillard’s ascension into true superstar territory. Who would’ve thought that the best NBA player to ever come out of a college in Utah would be from Weber State? Not me. <strong>Blazers in 6</strong></p>
<p><strong>Tyler Crandall: <b></b></strong>Damian Lillard is playing the best basketball of his life. He’s motivated and he’s deadly and there isn’t a player on this planet that can stop him right now. Jrue Holiday is a good defender. Really good, actually. But Dame will make mincemeat out of him. Portland is one of the best paint-protecting teams in the league, and the Pelicans will struggle to get going. Anthony Davis is going to fight, and he’s also hard to stop, but it won’t keep up long enough to make a difference. <strong>Blazers in 5</strong></p>
<p><strong>Hayden Van de Maat: </strong>Both the Blazers and the Pelicans have overachieved this season due to mammoth seasons from MVP caliber players. For Portland, Damian Lillard has further solidified himself as the go-to guy, partially because of somewhat of a letdown year from C.J. McCollum. But Lillard’s play has been nothing short of spectacular. For New Orleans, Anthony Davis has carried them the entire season and is putting up some historical, eye-catching numbers since DeMarcus Cousins went out with an Achilles injury.</p>
<p>In this series, it looks as though it will be determined by the ‘other guys’. In other words, if you take out Lillard and Davis, what’s left? And it’s simple really, the Blazers have a top five coach and one of the best systems in the league that compliments the talent on the roster. The Pelicans have an underrated point guard in Jrue Holiday, and…that’s about it. Therefore, I think the Blazers are going to take this one quite comfortably. <strong>Blazers in 5</strong></p>
<p><strong>Jared Woodcox: </strong>This one’s tough for me, especially considering that New Orleans ended the year on a five-game winning streak while Portland (aside from their win over the Jazz) didn’t close the season out well. The winner here will depend on which star – Damian Lillard or Anthony Davis – can carry his team the furthest. When all is said and done, I suspect Portland’s backcourt and their exceptional play on their home court will be enough to seal the deal. <strong>Blazers in 6</strong></p>
<p><strong>General Consensus: Blazers in 6</strong></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #5 Utah Jazz </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 23: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz hug after the game on December 23, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>#4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #5 Utah Jazz</h3>
<p><strong>Ryan Aston: </strong>Of all the teams that were possible first-round matchups for the Utah Jazz over the last week of the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder were the team that scared me the most. That said, I don’t think OKC’s 3-1 regular season advantage will mean much in the end. This is a different Jazz squad than the one the Thunder saw through most of the season.</p>
<p>The Jazz had a D-rating of 96 after the return of <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/goberru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Rudy Gobert</a>. OKC’s big three notwithstanding, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westbru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Russell Westbrook</a> and his crew are going to feel that pressure in this series. On the other end, the absence of <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/roberan03.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Andre Roberson</a> is going to loom even larger during postseason play. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/breweco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Corey Brewer</a> playing is no small thing, but it won’t be enough. <strong>Jazz in 6</strong></p>
<p><strong>Zack Padmore: </strong>Oklahoma City vs Utah is one of the more intriguing first-round matchups, and I think the surging Jazz will come out on top. The trio of Russell Westbrook, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/georgpa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">Paul George</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/adamsst01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Steven Adams</a> may scare some fans, but the Jazz play as a team, and are coached extremely well. I think a big part of this series will be the play of the bench. Utah’s bench is much more talented and they are going to need the second unit to produce. <strong>Jazz in 6</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Jared Barker: </strong>This is probably the series I think is the most evenly matched. You have great match-ups like Steven Adams vs Rudy Gobert,<a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mitchdo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow"> Donovan Mitchell</a> vs Russell Westbrook or to a lesser extent Russell Westbrook vs <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/rubiori01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Ricky Rubio</a>. The Jazz lost a lot of their playoff roster from last year so they’re fairly green when it comes to postseason experience. The Thunder may be battle tested but they also have the worst defender who may play major minutes in the series. Whoever the Jazz have matching up with <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/anthoca01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Carmelo Anthony</a> needs to cook him like a steak made to order for Donald Trump. <strong>Jazz in 7</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Tyler Thorpe: </strong>Despite several intriguing first-round matchups across both conferences, this is the only series I see going seven games. After failing to capitalize on a golden opportunity to capture the third seed, Utah will open the series on the road. If recent history repeats itself, Utah will have no problem competing away from Salt Lake City. Last year’s first-round series against the Clippers saw the Jazz collect three of their four victories on the road. While that is more of an exception than the rule, Utah has fared quite well on the road as of late.</p>
<p>Utah’s 1-3 regular season record against OKC is concerning, but Utah is an entirely different team than the one that lost two games in three days to the Thunder in December. I still feel like OKC is one of Utah’s toughest matchups across the Western Conference playoff teams. OKC has the obvious advantage in star power, however, Quin Snyder is the X-factor in my opinion. Russell Westbrook and Paul George will present a unique set of challenges to Utah’s elite defense, but I expect coach Snyder and his staff to make the needed adjustments to squeak out a hard-fought series victory. <strong>Jazz in 7</strong></p>
<p class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-p2"><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2"><strong>John Keeffer: </strong>The hardest thing about this series is that Gobert only played against OKC during the early parts of the year when the Jazz weren’t the same team as we know them today. Only one of the games features the Jazz at full strength, but that was way back on <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">October 21st</span></span>. Gobert had 16 points and 13 rebounds, and the Jazz won by nine. </span><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2">These two teams match up well together on paper. Gobert/Adams, Favors/Anthony, Ingles/George, Mitchell/Rubio/Westbrook. </span></p>
<p class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-p2"><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2">The scary thing for the Jazz is OKC has the star power. I believe Utah is the better team, but in any game, Westbrook and George could put the team on their back and make it difficult for the Jazz to win. Even Anthony, who has underperformed all year, has the potential to go off and be a difference maker (a la <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsjo02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Joe Johnson</a>). </span><span class="m_-1811242852205255418gmail-s2">I’m still going Utah. Not just because I’m a homer, but because the Jazz play a team game. Both teams have an inconsistent offense, but Utah has the far better defense. That’s enough in my mind to give them the edge. <strong>Jazz in 6</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Austin Leonard:</strong> Ask anyone that knows me and they’ll say I am a pessimist when it comes to predicting my teams’ games. That said, my gut is telling me the Jazz win this series handily. While the Jazz may have lost the season series 1-3 against the Thunder, not a single one of those games came after the Jazz January Renaissance.</p>
<p>With phenomenal defensive specialist Andre Roberson out for the season and a starting lineup that features notable abysmal defenders (Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony), the Thunder simply don’t have enough defense to counter the Jazz Death Lineup (Rubio, Mitchell, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/inglejo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Joe Ingles</a>, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/crowdja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jae Crowder</a>, Gobert). Meanwhile, the Jazz boast the best defense in the league alongside one of the best Net Ratings post All-Star break. I’ve developed a simple equation that helped me calculate this series’ prediction: Better Coaching + Better Offense + Better Defense = Series Sweep. <strong>Jazz in 4</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Tyler Crandall: </strong>In the second half of the season, the Jazz have the NBA’s top net rating, historically a good indicator of postseason success. Overall, they are fourth. While the Jazz lack “star power” and some playoff experience, they excel in some areas that could be a kryptonite for OKC. OKC is a poor team at contesting, denying and defending the three-point shot.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Snyder’s offense gets more wide open looks and uncontested shots than any team in the league. Utah needs to focus on limiting the Russ-Adams pick and roll and hope Westbrook decides to shoot instead of drive and kick to Paul George. This could end up being a ‘make or miss’ series. But it will be a dogfight. <strong>Jazz in 7</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Hayden Van de Maat: </strong>Ah. The one we’ve all been waiting for. A tremendous turnaround from the Utah Jazz has turned their lottery-bound, pivot year into a second straight playoff appearance. Although being the fifth seed is a tremendous accomplish on its own, I can assure you that neither the players, nor the coaching staff are at all satisfied. Standing in their way of a second-straight second-round appearance are the fiery Oklahoma City Thunder.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This contest is all about the matchups. In my opinion, the two best centers in the NBA in Rudy Gobert and Steven Adams will square off in the middle, rookie sensation Donovan Mitchell will go toe-to-toe with one of the greatest playoff performers in recent memory in Paul George. But the most intriguing matchup will be Quin Snyder against <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/donovbi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Billy Donovan</a>. This is where the series takes a drastic turn in Utah’s favor. Watching Donovan get thoroughly outcoached last year by Mike D’Antoni was really something to see. And I’d be astonished if we saw anything different in the coaching department this time around.</p>
<p dir="ltr">From a Jazz fan’s perspective, I’m hoping that Westbrook continues to stat-pad and play hero ball (which is impossible to deny). But if the Thunder can somehow blend together to the point where the makeup of the team is as strong as the sum of the parts, they could be hard to beat in this series. I think it’s a real possibility, however, that we see a lot of dysfunction from this Thunder team, and Quin Snyder and company will be able to sharply pick them apart. But I’m going to assume they meet in the middle of the continuum for my prediction. <strong>Jazz in 7</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Jared Woodcox: </strong>Welp, I guess I’m the pessimist of the group. I’ve covered the Jazz-Thunder series in some detail in <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/12/utah-jazz-okc-pros-cons-first-round-series-against-okc/">a recent piece</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/13/utah-jazz-the-j-notes-composite-first-round-playoff-predictions/2/"https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/12/three-point-threat-episode-29-utah-jazz-playoffs/">my latest podcast</a>, so be sure to check those out for my full thoughts. I truly think there’s a lot of reasons to be optimistic about Utah’s chances in this series, beginning with their coaching advantage and their team-focused style of play, but I worry that at the end of the day, OKC’s stars and exceptional home court advantage will be too much for Utah to overcome. <strong>Thunder in 6</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>General Consensus: Jazz in 6</strong></p>
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