NBA Playoffs Preview - April 18-24
Summary
The NBA playoffs are in full-swing, and the first weekend of games has been nothing but spectacular.
The matchups should be good for some entertaining series, and if the first games are any indication of what is to come, fans should be in for a good next two months.
Playoff Basketball is a different experience, and there are so many different variables that come into play.
Whether it be player experience, coaching decisions, or shot making, the different pressure and anxiety that the playoffs bring, will tell who’s real and who’s fake.
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Analysis
Game 1 - Boston Celtics versus Brooklyn Nets (Game 2) - Wednesday, April 20th, 2022
Game one of the series between the Celtics and the Nets was an absolute instant classic, and a thriller to fans and neutrals.
The composure that the Celtics are playing with is something they did not have in previous iterations of this roster, and it makes them firm contenders if they can find their game from the tip-off.
Jayson Tatum is clearly an elite superstar and pairing him with Jaylen Brown can only reap so many rewards for Boston.
They are well-coached and were the number one defensive team in the NBA in the regular season, which bodes well for the rest of this series against a scary Brooklyn side.
Kevin Durant will feel like he did not do nearly enough to clinch the win on Sunday, as he and his squad are in an average position with 23 points on the night.
His poor shooting performance does not come around often, and the Celtics are lucky it happened during game one at home.
Kyrie Irving and KD will need to find deeper chemistry and make sure that their shots are getting up consistently, without troubling each other.
Once they find the balance, the Nets should be on their way to make this series competitive and tilt it into their grasp.
Prediction for Game 2 of Celtics vs. Nets: Nets Moneyline, in a game that will prove to be crucial for the rest of the series.
Game 2 - Memphis Grizzlies versus Minnesota Timberwolves (Game 2) - Tuesday, April 19th, 2022
The Memphis faithful didn’t receive the result they wanted last time out in game one against the Timberwolves this past weekend.
There was no cohesiveness on the defensive end of the floor, and that led to bad shots on the offensive end with pressure.
Ja Morant needs to assert himself on the court this game number two, and make sure his team does not fall down an 0-2 hole.
Jaren Jackson was particularly poor shooting from three, and he will be eager to get that percentage up come game-time.
Home-court advantage is huge for the Grizzlies, and the fire they will have should push them to a decisive win.
Karl Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards are clearly a duo made in heaven.
The young duo has been electrifying throughout this season and look to be only becoming stronger as the playoffs progress.
They were lights out in game one, but game two looks to be a bit tougher.
Prediction for Game 2 of Grizzlies versus Timberwolves: Look for Ja Morant and company to force themselves on the opposition, and level up the series heading to Minnesota.
