Eric Gould ’19

Two rounds of the NBA playoffs have been played. So far, they have arguably been the best NBA playoffs we have seen in a couple of years. Here are my predictions for the remainder of the postseason:

Bucks vs. Raptors

Winner: Raptors

Out of the two conference final matchups, this one will be much more entertaining. Two of the front runners for MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard, matching up head to head. Even though Giannis is almost unstoppable, we may see his numbers dip slightly in this series. If anyone can match up well with Giannis and stop him, it will be Kawhi Leonard. Other than these two superstars, the rest of the teams match up well with each other. I see the Raptors taking this in a close Game 7. Here’s why: other than Giannis, the Bucks consist of shooters. If the Raptors defense can close out on the Bucks shooters, they will be forced to isolate Giannis. It’s going to be difficult for Giannis to consistently score against one of the best defensive players in the league. You know the saying: defense wins championships.

Warriors vs. Trail Blazers

Winner: Warriors

Any basketball fan (other than Warrior fans) hates to admit it, but the Warriors will probably be headed to another NBA Finals. The Warriors are honestly just too good. Kevin Durant is indisputably a top 3 player in the league and Steph Curry was an unanimous MVP. Even with this, their bench outweighs the Trail Blazers bench. The Trail Blazers rely way too much on their two star guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Once the Warriors are able to stop these two, the rest of the game will be a blowout. I see the Warriors wrapping this series up in 4 or 5 games. Maybe the Trail Blazers could steal a game at home, but that’s probably it.

Warriors vs. Raptors

Winner: Warriors

Here we are, the NBA Finals. This matchup could be an interesting one. The Warriors have 4 all stars in their lineup, 2 of these all stars being past MVPs. The Raptors have Kawhi Leonard, a past defensive player of the year and NBA Finals MVP. Along with Leonard, they have a bunch of solid role players and a Kyle Lowry. The Warriors have proven that they are capable of winning championships consistently over the past couple of years. I think this series will be over in 5 or 6 games. The Raptors should be able to steal a game or two at home along with their insane Canadian fanbase. Unfortunately for most NBA fans, the Warriors will most likely three-peat and become the 2018-2019 NBA champions.