The first round of the NBA playoffs is set to begin, and there are several intriguing matchups to keep an eye on. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key games and why certain teams have an edge:
Phoenix Suns vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Suns dropped the opening game of the series but showed signs of life in the third quarter before fading away. They’ll need to clean up their turnovers and shoot better from deep in Game 2 to stay competitive. However, the Timberwolves dominated the boards in the first game, and it will be crucial for the Suns to improve on the glass.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors
The 76ers blew their chance to take a commanding lead in the series and return to Philly facing elimination. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey have been outstanding, but they need more support from their role players. The 76ers have a strong home record in the first round, but the Raptors will be looking to steal a game on the road.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Following a narrow victory in Game 1, the Thunder look poised to take advantage of their home-court advantage. OKC is the more talented team, and they’ll need to capitalize on the momentum gained from the first game. The Clippers will need to play better defensively and find a way to limit the Thunder’s star duo of Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum.
In addition to these matchups, the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Denver Nuggets are favored to win their respective first-round series. The New York Knicks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Oklahoma City Thunder are among the teams with value and could potentially pull off an upset.
