Eastern conference

1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 8. Miami Heat

The Miami Heat faced the Cleveland Cavaliers. The prediction favored the Heat, despite acknowledging the challenge.The expectation was that Cleveland would advance, which ultimately occurred.

Alas, my residual feelings for the Heat, even without Playoff Jimmy, have me rooting for them — but it likely won’t matter. In the second round, I assume I will be choosing between the Cavs and either the Bucks or Pacers.

Original Analysis

4. Indiana Pacers vs.5. Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks clashed with the Indiana Pacers. Despite hoping for a Pacers victory, the Bucks dominated the series. The initial commentary on Damian lillard’s injury recovery proved optimistic.

While the latter two have departed, the Bucks still have Giannis, which is enough for me, especially if Damian Lillard comes back from his Wembanyama-like injury

Initial Prediction

2. Boston Celtics vs. 7. Philadelphia 76ers

The expectation was that the Celtics would win in four or five games, indicating a lack of investment in this series.

3. New York Knicks vs. 6. Philadelphia 76ers

There was mild support for the Knicks over the 76ers, driven by personal connections and team composition.

As time has gone by, I started rooting for my friends’ teams so my friends would be happy. Odd concept, I know. I have several good friends who are big Knick fans, so I will root for their happiness over the great story that is this year’s Pistons. It also helps that the Knicks have all those Villanova guys.

Though,the Knicks’ playing style,particularly Jalen Brunson’s isolation-heavy offense,is not particularly appealing.

The Knicks’ offense, especially in fourth quarters, is Jalen Brunson dribbling the ball around until his defender gets off-balance so he can shoot. Even though it effectively works fairly well,and Brunson is very good at it,I don’t enjoy watching it. I am sure Gregg Popovich feels the same.

The Knicks’ style of play might lead to rooting for the Celtics, especially with the presence of ex-Spur Derrick White.

Will the Knicks offense upset Pop and me enough that we start to root for the Celtics and ex-Spur derrick White? If so, I blame Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau.

Western Conference

1. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 8. new orleans Pelicans

The Thunder’s series against the Pelicans was deemed uninteresting.

Like a car accident on the road, nothing to see here. Just move along.

4. Los Angeles Clippers vs. 5. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets’ series against the Clippers was considered an easy call, favoring the Nuggets.

In my April Fools’ post a few years back, Adam Silver re-named them the El Segundos becuase they will always be LA’s second team. Adding James Harden moved the needle even further away.

Despite being closely contested through six games, Game Seven saw the Nuggets dominate, highlighted by James Harden’s poor performance.

The focus now shifts to the Nuggets facing the Thunder, with concerns about the Nuggets’ depth.

The Nuggets essentially play only 7 guys, one of whom is Russell Westbrook, who will either make great or terrible plays, with nothing in between.

6.phoenix Suns vs. 7. minnesota Timberwolves

The decision to root for the Timberwolves over the Suns caused some friction.

my buddy Mike announced he was revoking our friendship and implored me to just “root for the damn laundry”.

This decision stems from a long-standing preference, predating the Warriors’ recent success.

So, while I was at the game, and happy the Clippers lost (no band-wagon fan am I), it was rather surreal.My favorite Laker Pau played only 24 minutes. Former laker Jordan farmer returned and played well – but did so playing with the aforementioned No.7, Shawnee, some guy named Johnson, who cares about him Kaman, and ex-Trojan bad shot taker nick Young. It was hard for me to root for the guys wearing this color laundry just because in years past Laker players I really knew and cared about wore that same laundry.”

The Warriors’ roster and connections further solidify this preference.

Steph Curry went to Davidson, where he hung out with the son of Haverford College roommate and soccer legend Phil Zipin – Phil’s son says Steph is a good guy. He is also a great shooter, like I dream of being. So that’s one. Laker announcer and former Laker player Michael Thompson’s son is the other guard,also seems like a good guy. Also a great shooter. that’s two. Andrew Bogut is from Australia, and we have 2 great friends from Australia. and he is a great passer. that is three. Iguadola is a great defender, team player, seems like a real good guy. That’s four. Harrison barnes, now back as 6th man, went to North Carolina, who I normally don’t like, but Tar Heel legend Bob Bennett is one of the best people in the world. So that helps. I really liked Warrior great Rick Barry growing up. And former Claremont player and All-American Chris Greene is a Warrior fan from way back. That is enough for me. Warriors all the way, baby!

After the Warriors’ notable win at Houston, we have a 6 vs. 7 showdown, and you know who I want to win. Warriors all the way, baby!