This year’s NBA playoffs have been nothing short of spectacular! With plenty of surprise packages, huge upsets and stand out performances so far, Mali Nyembe looks takes us through this weekend’s best picks.
The first week of the playoffs is done and dusted and there are a few surprise results, one of them being the Sacramento Kings leading 2-1 against the reigning champions Golden State. Not many would have predicted the Kings to be leading the series, but with Golden State’s woeful record on the road this season, some see this as an even contest!
Over in the East, the Boston Celtics have a 2-0 lead against the Hawks and will be looking to put one foot in the Conference semi-finals where they will face either the Brooklyn Nets or Philadelphia 76ers! Number 1 candidate for this season’s MVP Joel Embid can secure a conference semi-final spot this Saturday with a win that would take them 4-0 against the Nets.
The in-form Milwaukee Bucks suffered a shock 117 – 130 reverse against the Heat in the first game and go into game 3 on Sunday tied 1-1 in the series. A huge boost would be Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return from injury. Earlier this week, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said that Giannis has been progressing a lot and should be available for game 3.
There is still a long way to go and a lot to play for in the remaining games, with most ties evenly poised going into this weekend and considering the unpredictable nature of the playoffs, The Boston Celtics remain favourites to reach the NBA Finals from the East.
This weekend’s picks:
Boston Celtics 9/20
NY Knicks 74/100
Denver Nuggets 69/100
Philadelphia 76ers 39/100
LA Lakers 46/100
LA Clippers 33/20
