SWISH SUNDAY VOL. 7

Swish Sunday

Written by Luke Rowntree

Well, I think it's safe to assume the play-in tournament was a success. After a couple of duds, we had a 50-point Tatum takeover, an overtime thriller that put young Ja Morant on the road to global fame, and another LeBron game-winner. This week's look ahead will give you some insight into the upcoming matchups to see who will be holding the Larry O’ Brian at finals end.

Western Conference

Jazz (1) vs Grizzlies (8)

The Grizzlies live to fight another day because of Ja and now are rewarded with getting to face a jazz team that won 14 more regular-season games than them. Including sweeping them in the regular season. Morant will have one big game, but Gobert will control JV and the Jazz will win easily.

Jazz Win in 5

Suns (2) vs Lakers (7)

The Suns, unfortunately, got the short end of the stick in having to match up against the champion Lakers in their first-round series. In addition to this being this young core’s first playoff experiences, it's just plain evil of the basketball gods.

The Suns have no single player to answer for James or Davis. They will pick up a victory if CP3, Booker, and Ayton get hot. However, they could win the whole thing if either of the two LA stars are injured. Like I said last week I won't bet against the champs this early.

Lakers Win in 6

Nuggets (3) vs Trailblazers (6)

The Nuggets will not be able to cover up Murray's absence, it is way too much to ask against a Portland team that owns the second-best offense and a solid defense since Nurkic returned in May.

Jokic & Porter Jr. will put up solid numbers, but the Blazers have will be able to unleash all the offensive talents of Lillard, McCollum, and Powell to overpower the backcourt of the Nuggets.

Blazers Win in 7

Clippers (4) vs Mavericks (5)

Luka, KP, and the Mavs will make a great early test for the Clippers who still need to answer to last year's 3-1 collapse to Denver. Dallas will get a game but, in the end, Kawhi PG-13 will run one of the NBA's most talented rosters right through this Dallas club.

Clippers Win in 5

Eastern Conference

76ers (1) vs Wizards (8)

These teams played three times this year with Philly sweeping and Joel Embiid averaging 30 points on 60% percent shooting. He will feats on the Washington frontcourt as they have no hope in stopping him. The Wizards maybe will get a game because both Beal and Westbrook are that good. This should be an easy series win for Philly.

76ers Win in 5

Nets (2) vs Celtics (7)

The Nets have the 22nd ranked defense going into the playoffs. Tatum will put up 30-plus points for the series, I even think Kemba, and Fournier will combine for at least 40 points a game. However, it just won't make any difference, as KD, Harden, and Kyrie will have this number one ranked offense make quick work of a Boston team missing Jaylen Brown.

Nets Win in 5

Bucks (3) vs Heat (6)

Jrue Holiday is the difference this time around. The Heat will build a wall to stop Giannis, which that will lead to big games from Holiday and Middleton. When Miami then starts to pay attention to them, Giannis will go off like a young Shaq and allow the Bucks to exorcise their playoff demons from last year.

Bucks Win in 6

Knicks (4) vs Hawks (5)

The Hawks would be a safe pick because they are deeper and can score at every position. However, I believe in New York. Julius Randle will flourish against ATL. This season alone averaging 37 points and 12 rebounds a game against the Hawks. Tom Thibodeau will make his defense get the ball out of Trae Young's hands. Not to mention home court at MSG is like no other atmosphere in basketball.

Knicks Win in 7

Sources:

- Sportskeeda

- NBA

- CBS Sports

- DK Nation

- Sports Bookwire