2021 NBA Playoffs: Eastern Conference First Round Predictions and more

By Lourence Alturino

Image from NBA

16 teams. 2 teams in the Finals. 1 team wins it all. Who will be the 2021 NBA Champion? The Eastern Conference has a lot of good competition, but who is making it out this year. But before these teams can even think about the championship, they have to get through the first round. Let's see who I have moving on to the second round.

No. 1 Philadelphia 76ers vs No. 8 Washington Wizards

The 76ers have MVP candidate, Joel Embiid and DPOY candidate, Ben Simmons. The Wizards have one of the best backcourts in the league with Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal. While the Wizards have been a very hot team as of late, I believe the 76ers win this series. Throughout the regular season, Embiid has averaged 30 points and shooting 60.4% from the field against the Wizards. I don't see that stopping in this series.

Prediction: 76ers in 5

No. 4 New York Knicks vs No. 5 Atlanta Hawks

The Knicks have the most improved player in the league in Julius Randle. The Hawks have star PG, Trae Young and a ton of depth. Atlanta does seem like the logical pick with their depth, but I have the Knicks winning. Julius Randle has averaged 37.3 points against the Hawks this season. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau can definitely draw up a game plan to stop Trae Young from scoring.

Prediction: Knicks in 6

No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks vs No. 6 Miami Heat

This is honestly the most interesting first round matchup in the East. Last year, the Heat defeated the Bucks in the second round, which was a huge upset. The Bucks have star Giannis Antetekounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday. The Heat have their star forward, Jimmy Butler. Could we see a repeat of last year? I actually don't think so. Giannis has struggled against the Heat during this regular season, but I think that changes. The Bucks are a better team than last year just to add.

Prediction: Bucks in 6

No. 2 Brooklyn Nets vs No. 7 Boston Celtics

If everyone was healthy, this series would be a lot closer than I imagine it will be right now. The Nets have the best team in the league. Brooklyn has 3 superstar players in Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. Boston notably only has their star SF, Jayson Tatum. As good as Tatum is, there is just no match for the Nets. If the Celtics had Jaylen Brown, then this could easily be a closer series, but the Nets will win this one definitively.

Prediction: Nets in 5

The 76ers, Knicks, Bucks, and Nets are moving on to the second round in my prediction. Will this all happen? Let's find out as the playoffs start tomorrow.