Avid follower of basketball here and Toronto Raptor fan. We cheered when we heard the Lakers failed to make the playoffs - gave me another reason to love Pop. Difficult to imagine the Suns not coming out of the West with the year they've had and their big guns healthy, but you never can be sure in the playoffs. I'm really interested to see if the Grizzlies can make some noise, Ja Morant has had such a great season and the Warriors would be formidable if they get a healthy Steph Curry back. Luka Doncic could pull something off for Dallas with his talent, the friendly giant Nikola Jokic shouldn't be underestimated and the Clippers with George back, well who knows.
Wide open is an apt description of the East. Brooklyn could get Simmons back in the first round, although they've been saying that for a long time, and win the East still. Miami has a good team but so does Milwaukee and Philly. Even so, the hottest team in the league in the 2nd half was the Celtics and I'd be surprised if they aren't in the Eastern Finals. The Raptors have 4 guys who can get hot and the entire team plays tough defense so while I'd be surprised if they get out of the first round, there is a chance they could beat Philly. However, if Boston loses tonight, the Raptors will face the Celtics in the first round and I'm certain we couldn't beat them 4 out of 7. Also, Atlanta could sneak into the 8th spot and while it would be shocking if they upset Miami in the first round, it's a fool who counts Trae Young out too early.
There are many interesting story lines this year in the NBA playoffs, I just hope injuries don't derail too many of them.
