If there’s anything that NBA analysts can agree on, it's that the bubble games have definitely been surprising, with some teams that were unstoppable being put in their place by squads lower down the rankings. Factoring in the changes caused by this new match environment, here is our preview for the NBA 2020 playoffs.
Conference predictions
In our preview below, we give NBA and sports betting fans a look into what the conference standings and NBA playoff matches might look like, as well as the NBA championship odds for the final match.
Eastern Conference standings
With the last matches still to wrap up, these are our predicted standings in the Eastern Conference going into the playoffs:
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Toronto Raptors
- Boston Celtics
- Miami Heat
- Indiana Pacers
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Brooklyn Nets
- Orlando Magic
Eastern Conference First Round
Milwaukee Bucks (1) vs Orlando Magic (8)
Winner: Milwaukee Bucks
Unfortunately, there’s not much to say here. The Bucks are miles ahead of the Magic and it would take nothing short of a miracle for Orlando to stand a chance.
Miami Heat (4) vs Indiana Pacers (5)
Winner: Miami Heat
If their last victory with Miami’s 114 to the Pacers’ 92 is anything to go by, Jimmy Butler will set the pace and lead the Heat to victory. However it ends, hopefully Butler and Warren won’t have another postgame locker room argument and embarrass both teams.
Boston Celtics (3) vs Philadelphia 76ers (6)
Winner: Boston Celtics
This is a classic rivalry which the Celtics have a tradition of winning. We’re expecting the Celtics to continue their bubble streak, beat the Wizards in their next match, and then defeat the 76ers in the first round.
Toronto Raptors (2) vs Brooklyn Nets (7)
Winner: Toronto Raptors
This matchup is less one-sided than it seems, with the Raptors actually losing to the Nets the last time they faced off in February. However, the Raptors have been performing well in the bubble, and are overall the stronger team, so it’s doubtful we’ll see an upset here.
Eastern Conference Semifinals
Milwaukee Bucks vs Miami Heat
Winner: Milwaukee Bucks
Despite a rough start versus the Heat in the last game they played, the Bucks managed to turn it around and end the game with a double-digit lead. Kudos to the Heat for giving the Bucks a tough time, but when the going got tough, Khris Middleton stepped up and delivered in the fourth quarter.
We expect the Bucks to take the win, even if they have another rough start against the Heat.
Boston Celtics vs Toronto Raptors
Winner: Boston Celtics
The Celtics are leading the Raptors 3-1 in this regular season, and lost by 22 points in their August 7th game. In this matchup, the Celtics will likely win, even if the Raptors are the stronger team on paper.
Eastern Conference Finals
Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics
Winner: Boston Celtics
Considering the Bucks’ overall performance this season, many people might label us mad for predicting a Celtics win over the Bucks. However, the Bucks’ performance in the bubble has been inconsistent at best, while the Celtics have been delivering wins far more regularly. Even with a single-digit loss to the Celtics in the bubble, if the Celtics can keep up their current performance, they have a good chance of winning.
Western Conference standings
Again, with a few matches still to be played out, these are our predicted standings in the Western Conference going into the playoffs:
- LA Lakers
- LA Clippers
- Denver Nuggets
- Houston Rockets
- Utah Jazz
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Dallas Mavericks
- Portland Trail Blazers
Western Conference First Round
LA Lakers (1) vs Portland Trailblazers (8)
Winner: LA Lakers
The Trailblazers have been showing up more than the Lakers in the bubble, but it would be hard to argue that the LA Lakers aren’t the stronger team overall.
Houston Rockets (4) vs Utah Jazz (5)
Winner: Houston Rockets
Another rivalry for the history books. While the Jazz have the lead in all-time series and regular-season results, the Rockets have a historic lead in the postseason. Then there’s the Rockets 4-1 win in the 2019 Western Conference first round, and the 4-1 win in the 2018 Western Conference semifinals.
The Jazz are also currently down 1-2 to the Rockets this season, with the two losses being double-digits. Factor in that the Utah team isn’t performing in the bubble, and we’re going to give the win to the Rockets.
Denver Nuggets (3) vs Oklahoma City Thunder (6)
Winner: Denver Nuggets
Neither of these teams are playing exceptionally well or badly in the bubble, and considering that the last time they faced off the game went into overtime, neither team seems to have the edge on the other. However, the Nuggets did take the win, and they have performed better this season overall, so we’re expecting the Nuggets to walk away the victors.
LA Clippers (2) vs Dallas Mavericks (7)
Winner: LA Clippers
With such a great gap in skill overall, it’s unsurprising that the Clippers beat the Mavericks with a healthy double-digit lead in their last bubble match. Don’t expect any surprises in the playoffs.
Western Conference Semifinals
LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets
Winner: Houston Rockets
The Lakers are another team that seem to have lost their mojo in the bubble, with a current score of 3-4. Given the Rockets’ recent win against the Lakers, and the fact that the Los Angeles team doesn’t seem to have answers for their poor play in the bubble, the Rockets have a good chance of beating the Western Conference favorites.
Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers
Winner: LA Clippers
With the Nuggets right on the Clippers’ tail in the Western Conference standings, as well as the fact that neither team seems to be playing exceptionally well at the moment, it is very difficult to judge which team will walk home the winner.
This brings it down to the potential of the individuals on each team, and the Clippers have the higher ceiling overall, especially with regards to their offensive power. With players like Leonard Kawhi finally starting to step up, we’ll give this win to the Clippers.
Western Conference Finals
Houston Rockets vs LA Clippers
Winner: LA Clippers
While analysts like Nick Wright may believe the Houston Rockets are the better team, the most recent game between the Rockets and the Clippers show the LA team winning with a double-digit lead. Again, there isn’t a clear cut difference between these teams, with either potentially taking the win depending on their performance on the day.
However, we believe the Clippers are a more complete team and are more likely to win more matches and walk away the winners in a conference final.
NBA Finals
Boston Celtics vs LA Clippers
Winner: Boston Celtics
Odds to win the tournament: 1800
Odds for these two teams to reach the final: 2200
Eastern conference team to win: 125
No-one else has predicted this matchup so far, and even statistics sites like FiveThirtyEight believe the Bucks should be playing against the LA Clippers. However, the bubble has definitely thrown the league on its head, and the idea that the Celtics could cause an upset has definitely gathered more support after their recent victory over the Raptors.
Even if the odds are not in their favor, if the current bubble trends and performances hold, the more consistent and efficient performance of the Celtics means they are more likely to win this potential final.
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