Power rankings system devised and compiled weekly by Stemshul. “Expert” analysis by paradroid.

All right, no faffing about, let’s get to it! Atlanta took out Cleveland and New Orleans eventually dispatched the Paul George-less Clippers, so we have our 8-seeds and are ready to roll. We’ll start in the East.

#1 Miami Heat vs. #8 Atlanta Hawks

Miami is tough, well coached, and really hard to score against (4th in opponent’s PPG). Trae Young scored 38 points and added 9 assists to lead the Hawks past Cleveland, but the adventure ends here. Miami wins this series easily.

#2 Boston Celtics vs. #7 Brooklyn Nets

This is the series everyone is looking forward to. This is a terrible reward for the Celtics after surging all the way up to second in the East. I think Brooklyn coming up with an extremely rare 7-seed upset will be a popular prognostication. Even though defensive lynch-pin Robert Williams III is out via injury, I still think the Celtics can slow down Durant, Irving, and co. enough to squeak out a Boston victory.

#3 Milwaukee Bucks vs. #6 Chicago Bulls

This one is easy; Milwaukee is the defending champion who kind of cruised through the regular season, but all the important pieces who got it done last year are still there. Also, the Bulls have a terrible record against good teams this year. Milwaukee in a blowout.

#4 Philadelphia 76ers vs. #5 Toronto Raptors

This one is tough. Toronto is a well balanced and young team with a great coach, and the 76ers have easily the two best offensive players in the series (Joel Embiid and James Harden). I’m leaning towards the Raptors just for an upset, but I think the stars win out here. Philadelphia in a very close series.

And now for the Western Conference picks!

#1 Phoenix Suns vs. #8 New Orleans Pelicans

Phoenix was easily the best team in the league and the Pelicans only managed 36 wins in the regular season. The Suns will have no issues with N.O. Phoenix breezes through.

#2 Memphis Grizzlies vs. #7 Minnesota Timberwolves

Memphis broke out this year and seemed to be the best of the rest after the Suns. Young stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson are facing another good young team in Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and the rest of the ‘Wolves, but the Grizzlies at least a year ahead. Memphis will get it done.

#3 Golden State Warriors vs. #6 Denver Nuggets

G.S. looks like it’s getting their talisman Steph Curry back. This is interesting because Nikola Jokic, who is Denver’s, just had one of the greatest statistical seasons in modern NBA history. Who can will their team to victory? Well, Curry will have some help in Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins, while Jamal Murray and Micheal Porter, Jr. are still not back for the Nuggs. Golden State moves on.

#4 Dallas Mavericks vs. #5 Utah Jazz

I feel like I need at least one upset, and Luka Doncic being out for at least game 1 and likely game 2 gives me an excuse to select the perpetual playoff disappointment Utah Jazz to provide me with just that. Utah gets my pick here.

Ok, there you go! We’ll see how I did and pick the next round when the first is done.

[table id=205 /]