The sphere for the 2024 NBA playoffs is ready after the Pelicans and Warmth sealed the 2 closing spots on Friday. 4 first-round collection bought underway on Saturday, and the opposite 4 tip off on Sunday. You’ll be able to view the complete first-round schedule for all collection right here.

This has the makings to be a wild postseason trip with mainly each collection feeling prefer it might go both method. That mentioned, I am personally going all chalk within the first spherical aside from one collection: I believe the No. 5 Mavericks take out the No. 4 Clippers (who’re as soon as once more taking part in the annual “will he or will not he play” recreation with Kawhi Leonard). This is not actually an upset because the sportsbooks are favoring the Mavs to win the collection.

I additionally would not be shocked within the slightest if the Suns beat the Wolves, or if the Sixers bought previous the Knicks, or if the Pacers took out the Bucks, who’re going to be with out Giannis Antetokounmpo in Recreation 1 and probably longer than that. However I am not selecting that method.

Do my CBS colleagues agree with me, or do they see a number of extra upsets on the board? Test it out, as our first-round picks are under.

Botkin: Celtics in 5. There is no such thing as a logical a part of my mind that may make any case for the Warmth successful this collection, and but I totally count on them to drag off some sort of magic act and take this factor to 6 or seven when Jimmy Butler can presumably return with sufficient strain on Boston’s shoulders to carry down a skyscraper. No matter. I will by no means be taught my lesson. The Warmth simply do not have sufficient firepower. Boston wins in 5.

Herbert: Celtics in 5. Boston’s the (method) higher staff, Jimmy Butler has a sprained MCL and I would be shocked if Miami manages to place every thing collectively the way in which it did final season. I can envision the Celtics dropping a recreation, I suppose, however, after taking part in with their meals within the first spherical in 2023, I really feel like they’ve realized their lesson.

Maloney: Celtics in 5. Everyone knows what occurred final yr, however this Celtics staff is a lot better and the Warmth aren’t going to have Jimmy Butler for at the very least a part of this collection.

Quinn: Celtics in 4. Properly, the Celtics went 64-18, and the Warmth will not have their greatest participant. I believe that is cause sufficient to name for a sweep.

Ward-Henninger: Celtics in 6. On paper this may increasingly appear to be a sweep, particularly with Jimmy Butler probably out for the entire collection, however in the event you assume being undermanned goes to cease the Warmth then you have not been watching them over the previous a number of years. The Celtics have been on cruise management for some time, so it would not shock me to see Miami steal one in Boston. Finally, although, the Celtics are simply too good to lose this collection.

Wimbish: Celtics in 5. Certain the Warmth pummeled the Bulls with out Jimmy Butler, however Boston is a distinct beast. Even when Butler managed to play by means of the MCL sprain, he would not be at 100% and I do not assume the Warmth have sufficient to take care of Boston.

Knicks vs. 76ers

Botkin: Knicks in 7. New York wins a troublesome collection on the energy of Jalen Brunson’s constant shot creation and a significant offensive rebounding edge that provides the Knicks too many further possessions over the course of a collection.

Herbert: Knicks in 7. Had I made this choose earlier than the play-in, it might’ve been Philadelphia. I used to be spooked by the way in which Joel Embiid was transferring in opposition to the Warmth, so right here we’re.

Maloney: Knicks in 6. The Knicks are rolling and Joel Embiid didn’t look nice within the Play-In recreation vs. the Warmth. If Embiid can’t be his regular self and dominate inside, I do not assume the Sixers could have sufficient in opposition to a super-confident Knicks staff with maybe the very best home-court benefit within the league.

Quinn: Knicks in 7. If Joel Embiid was 100%, I would rethink. He clearly is not. The Knicks have two certified facilities to defend him in Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson. We’ll seemingly see OG Anunoby entrance him a good bit as properly. Philadelphia has solely two dependable sources of offense in Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The Knicks, even with out Julius Randle, are simply the far deeper staff proper now.

Ward-Henninger: Knicks in 7. his is a fairly even collection in my view, so I will lean on the Knicks’ home-court benefit. Joel Embiid could have a few unstoppable video games, however the Knicks’ offensive rebounding may very well be the distinction in a good matchup.

Wimbish: 76ers in 6. The Sixers barely escaped the Warmth, however I am betting on them to place forth a a lot better exhibiting in opposition to the Knicks. I do not assume New York will be capable of comprise Joel Embiid, and if the Sixers actually needed to play the Knicks like Paul Reed mentioned earlier this week, then they need to present precisely why they most popular this matchup.

Bucks vs. Pacers

Botkin: Bucks in 7. Indiana is the favored upset choose however I believe Milwaukee has sufficient to get by means of this one. I count on Damian Lillard to go large with a contemporary begin on what has been a troublesome season.

Herbert: Pacers in 6. It is a bizarre one as a result of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s standing is unclear and all their regular-season matchups passed off earlier than Milwaukee modified coaches and Indiana made an enormous commerce. The Pacers aren’t a catastrophe on protection anymore, and I am undecided the Bucks can sustain with them on offense proper now.

Maloney: Pacers in 6. The one time the Bucks received in 5 regular-season conferences in opposition to the Pacers is when Giannis Antetokounmpo had a profession (and franchise) report 64 factors. Quite a bit has modified since these video games for each groups, however the Pacers stay a foul matchup for the Bucks. I would not be shocked if the Bucks find yourself successful, however I am unable to choose them with Antetokounmpo’s standing unclear.

Quinn: Pacers in 6. Indiana’s complete protection is designed to surrender layups to forestall 3s. Giannis Antetokounmpo can make the most of that. The remainder of the Bucks? Not a lot. Antetokounmpo has been dominated out for Recreation 1. Calf accidents are tough, and if the Pacers take a sufficiently big lead within the collection, it won’t even be worthwhile for Milwaukee to carry Antetokounmpo again in any respect.

Ward-Henninger: Pacers in 6. The Bucks have seemed misplaced all season, and now they might not have Giannis Antetokounmpo for the complete collection. Each groups bought higher defensively over the second half, however I belief the Pacers’ offensive machine to put on down Milwaukee over the course of the collection.

Wimbish: Pacers in 6. The Pacers are deadly after they’re cooking on offense. Their protection is abysmal, however I do not assume Milwaukee has sufficient firepower on offense to maintain up. Giannis being hobbled additionally makes me nervous for the Bucks.

Cavaliers vs. Magic

Botkin: Cavaliers in 6. Cleveland must win this collection from past the arc and I imagine the Cavs will. With Donovan Mitchell again and Sam Merrill, Georges Niang and Max Strus spacing round him and Darius Garland, Cleveland will rise up sufficient 3s to win on math.

Herbert: Cavaliers in 6. My confidence degree is not excessive, based mostly on how badly Cleveland disillusioned in final yr’s playoffs, however I am optimistic that it’s going to stagger its rotation in such a method that it may possibly recapture among the rhythm it had earlier than the All-Star break. Additionally, as superior as Orlando is defensively, I fear that the staff simply will not be capable of rating sufficient.

Maloney: Cavaliers in 6. The Cavs’ latest kind and their efficiency within the playoffs final season makes me cautious, however they’ve the very best gamers within the collection in Donovan Mitchell and much more expertise. Greater than something, it is a choose in opposition to Orlando’s poor offense and youth.

Quinn: Magic in 6. Donovan Mitchell has performed far under his commonplace for the reason that All-Star break. Neither Darius Garland nor Evan Mobley have improved as Cleveland had anticipated. I simply do not see how they are going to rating a lot in opposition to an Orlando protection that ranked No. 3 within the common season and is able to unleash Jonathan Isaac, the very best per-minute defender within the NBA, in an even bigger function now that the playoffs have arrived.

Ward-Henninger: Cavaliers in 7. This shapes as much as be an unsightly, grind-it-out collection, and in the end I belief Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland to make performs down the stretch greater than I belief Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner (at this stage of their careers). It ought to undoubtedly be a detailed one, although.

Wimbish: Cavaliers in 7. I believe this can be essentially the most compelling collection within the East out of the gate. It might not have the star energy of different matchups, however Orlando has been a troublesome defensive staff this season. I do not assume the Magic have sufficient constant shooters to win this collection however I do assume this might be a drag out combat and it will not be simple for Cleveland.

Botkin: Thunder in 5. Even when Zion had been wholesome the Thunder are simply too good on each ends. With out Zion, neglect about it.

Herbert: Thunder in 6. Two tremendous enjoyable, deep groups right here. Since Zion Williamson might be sidelined for at the very least the start of the collection, although, that is as beneficiant as I might be to New Orleans. (I am not going to concern-troll OKC about its lack of expertise or no matter.)

Maloney: Thunder in 5. I might have picked the Thunder on this collection it doesn’t matter what, however the Pelicans do not have an opportunity with out Zion Williamson.

Quinn: Thunder in 5. Zion Williamson would have made this matchup fascinating. His bulk would’ve prompted issues for the comparatively small Thunder. With out him? The expertise disparity is simply too nice. The Thunder are the No. 1 seed for a cause.

Ward-Henninger: Thunder in 5. Those that might not know simply how good the Thunder are will quickly discover out, and the Pelicans might be their first sufferer. With out Zion Williamson, New Orleans simply does not have sufficient punch to compete with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co.

Wimbish: Thunder in 6. This turns into a fully completely different collection if Zion Williamson by some means performs, however because it stands I will give New Orleans two video games on the Thunder, however in the end I believe OKC’s depth wins out.

Nuggets vs. Lakers

Botkin: Nuggets in 5. Robust break for the Lakers, who I believe are a convention finals staff, drawing Denver in spherical one. The Nuggets are simply too nice, plain and easy.

Herbert: Nuggets in 5. I will give Los Angeles a recreation this time, however, wanting certainly one of Denver’s starters getting damage, it is laborious to examine the Lakers’ path to victory right here. Is D’Angelo Russell going to get performed off the ground the way in which he did final season?

Maloney: Nuggets in 5. I do know it occurred final season when these two groups met within the Western Convention Finals, however I am unable to choose a LeBron James-led staff to get swept, so I am giving the Lakers a recreation. That is all I believe they’re going to get, although. The Nuggets are simply too good.

Quinn: Nuggets in 5. The Nuggets have received eight in a row in opposition to the Lakers. These two groups have performed 18 clutch minutes for the reason that begin of the 2023 Western Convention Finals and the Nuggets have received these minutes by 32 factors. I will give LeBron James a recreation, however the Lakers have completed nothing to show they will match Denver’s late-game execution.

Ward-Henninger: Nuggets in 5. With a lot of the similar items again once more, I do not see why this collection will go any in a different way than final yr’s Western Convention Finals. The video games might be shut, however Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are simply too excellent in the case of clutch execution.

Wimbish: Nuggets in 6. I believe L.A. goes to carry numerous baggage to this collection after how the Western Convention Finals ended a yr in the past, in order that they’ll make it fascinating for awhile. It would not even shock me if it was tied 2-2. However Denver is a troublesome draw over the course of a collection and the Lakers lack of depth and capturing and rely an excessive amount of on LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Timberwolves vs. Suns

Botkin: Timberwolves in 6. There is a temptation to say the Wolves cannot rating sufficient on this collection, however they are going to pressure the Suns into so many robust 2s that ultimately the pictures will cease stepping into at an environment friendly sufficient price.

Herbert: Suns in 6. Minnesota is simply too good to dismiss and I’m to see what Chris Finch has up his sleeve, however this has been a horrible matchup. Karl-Anthony Cities goes to be put in extraordinarily uncomfortable conditions defensively.

Maloney: Timberwolves in 7. I’ve gone backwards and forwards on this collection a number of instances. The Suns’ regular-season dominance on this matchup does really feel significant, however I don’t belief their protection or anybody on their bench, and it seems like they’re going to need to be excellent on offense to win this collection. They very properly may be given their expertise, however I’ll play the odds right here and take the Wolves.

Quinn: Timberwolves in 7. That is by far the toughest collection to choose. Phoenix goes to feast on Minnesota’s drop protection. I do not know how the Suns plan to defend Anthony Edwards. Ultimately, Minnesota’s depth and home-court benefit give it the slimmest of edges, however this one might go both method.

Ward-Henninger: Suns in 7. I am in all probability falling into the identical outdated lure in the case of the Suns, but when any staff goes to get previous the league’s greatest protection, it is one with two of the league’s greatest particular person scorers. There’s additionally going to be rather a lot on Anthony Edwards’ shoulders, and Frank Vogel will design a protection to make different gamers beat them. I’ll remorse it, however give me KD and Ebook.

Wimbish: Timberwolves in 7. I might actually see the Suns successful this collection, however I’ll go along with the staff that has been extra constant this season. I am selecting this to go the space as a result of Phoenix lacks the depth, however the expertise between Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal is simply an excessive amount of assume they will not go down with no combat.

Clippers vs. Mavericks

Botkin: Mavericks in 6. Even when Kawhi comes again you need to query if he can really final an entire collection. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are making candy music and the Mavs are defending with 48 minutes of rim safety between Dereck Energetic and Daniel Gafford.

Herbert: Mavericks in 7. I would choose the Clippers if Kawhi Leonard had been coming into the collection wholesome, even though Dallas ended the season a zillion instances stronger. With out being certain that Leonard might be out there and at his greatest, although, I’ve to lean Mavericks.

Maloney: Mavericks in 6. The Mavericks have been among the best groups within the league for some time now and Luka Doncic at all times rises to the event. I in all probability would have picked them it doesn’t matter what, however I am much more assured given Kawhi Leonard’s knee damage.

Quinn: Mavericks in 6. Kawhi Leonard’s well being does not assist issues, however the fact is that the Mavericks have simply been a much better staff for the reason that All-Star break. Their present beginning lineup is 15-1. James Harden goes to get hunted into extinction by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. I simply cannot see the Clippers getting the stops they’re going to have to win this collection.

Ward-Henninger: Clippers in 7. That is clearly a wager that Kawhi Leonard will return someplace near 100% (if in any respect), and that the Clippers will get again to the staff that was so dominant for a piece of the season. Dallas has been pretty much as good as anybody within the league not too long ago, however — as nice as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are — the Mavs should be one man quick in opposition to a full-strength Clippers squad.

Wimbish: Mavericks in 6. Kawhi not being totally wholesome is a crimson flag. Couple that with the truth that the Mavericks are coming into the playoffs as maybe the most popular staff within the league after ending the season so sturdy and I am going with Luka Doncic to lastly overcome the Clippers.