Predicting four NBA Playoff favorites that have the biggest chance to get upset in the first-round of the postseason.
For all its glitz and glamour, the NBA Playoffs isn't generally a place where we see a ton of upsets. And certainly not in the first round. However, over the past couple of seasons, that sentiment has begun to change. As parity around the league continues to grow, it's only going to open more possibilities for upsets.
Heading into the first round of this year's NBA Playoffs, there could be a few surprises. With the start on the horizon, we predict four favorites that should very much be on upset alert heading into their first-round playoff series.
4 playoff favorites that could be upset in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Looking at the matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic on paper, it may be easy to overlook the latter. However, with the uncertainties that the Cavs have battled all throughout this season, they're certainly a team that should be on upset alert. If the Magic aren't thrown off too much by their inexperience, they certainly have the talent to pull off an upset over the Cavs.
At least for me, the big question heading into this first-round NBA Playoff series is whether Paolo Banchero or Franz Wagner will be able to meet the intensity of Donovan Mitchell. Known as a big-time playoff performer, Mitchell has the capability to take over a series. Can the Magic limit him enough to the point where Banchero and/or Wagner can outplay him in a game or two in this series? If so, the Magic have a real shot to pull off the upset.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Even though the Minnesota Timberwolves have evolved into one of the best teams in the Western Conference this season, there's no question that they may have the toughest first-round matchup (on paper) than any of the favorites in the NBA. Facing off against the Phoenix Suns, the Wolves are going to have their work cut out for them. Having to game plan against an offensive trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal could prove to be an impossible task for even the best defense in the NBA. But that's what the Wolves will have to do if they want to avoid being upset in the first round of the playoffs.
To put into context just how much the Wolves should be on upset alert, just look at it this way - the Wolves went 0-3 against the Suns during the regular season. Despite their regular season inconsistencies, Phoenix consistently gave the Wolves fits when they played each other.
The big question for the Wolves is whether they can crack the Wolves code heading into the NBA Playoffs. Either way, this matchup could end up being the first-round series to watch in the Western Conference.
New York Knicks
No matter who the New York Knicks end up playing in their first-round NBA Playoff series, this is a team that is going to be on upset alert. The Knicks are going to get the winner between the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, who are set to match up in the 7-8 Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament game. The Sixers are one of the hottest teams in the league right now and the Heat, because of their experience, aren't one to overlook either. No matter who their opponent ends up being, the Knicks are going to have to play their "A" game in an attempt to avoid a first-round playoff upset.
The good news is that the Knicks are playing some of their best basketball of late too. Since OG Anunoby's return from injury, this is a team that has begun to hit its stride again. Here's an encouraging stat for the Knicks heading into the playoffs - New York is 20-3 with Anunoby in the lineup this season.
It seems to be, even without Julius Randle, if the Knicks can stay relatively healthy (including Anunoby), this team is going to be a tough out. However, the Sixers or Heat may not be a conventional first-round opponent for a 2-seed.
Milwaukee Bucks
It's easy to see why the Milwaukee Bucks should be on upset alert heading into their first-round NBA Playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. As one of the most underrated players in the Eastern Conference bracket, the Pacers are not going to be a pushover as they sport the No. 2 offensive rating in the league heading into the NBA Playoffs. Add in the fact that the Bucks have struggled all throughout this season with consistency, and an upset could be brewing.
But what could completely throw a wrench in this first-round series is the health of Giannis Antetokounmpo. A few games out from the start of this series, the expectation for now is that Giannis is going to miss the start of the playoffs. That could theoretically change but the Bucks are preparing to start their first-round series against the Bucks without Giannis.
And if Giannis is not going to play a big role in this series, it will only make the Bucks that much more vulnerable as a favorite. Considering the stakes that are on the line for Milwaukee heading into this playoff run, the Bucks-Pacers first-round series will naturally garner plenty of eyeballs. And if the Bucks do end up losing this series, oh boy.