NBA Playoffs 2017: Predictions for All Playoff Matchups


The NBA playoff matchups are set, and it's time to dig in to all eight playoff series. Boston was able to secure the number one seed in the East thanks in part to Cleveland's collapse down the stretch. The Celtics will take on the Bulls while the Cavaliers square off with the Pacers. Both the Bulls and Pacers are thankful to be in the postseason as they were fighting the Heat for the final two positions. Their "reward" is taking on the top two teams in the East. In one of the more entertaining matchups, the young Bucks team will go against a veteran Raptors squad. The Wizards will battle the Hawks in the middle of the bracket. Unlike the East, the West matchups have been set for a days in a unique end to the season. The Warriors were able to secure the No. 1 seed despite missing Kevin Durant during the end of the season. Golden State will have home court advantage for as long as they are in the playoffs including the NBA Finals if they are able to make a return trip. The big question everyone wants to know is whether fans will get a Finals rematch between the Warriors and the Cavs. The Warriors will open up the playoffs against Damian Lillard and the Blazers. San Antonio may not have won the top seed, but they are not going anywhere. The Spurs take on the Grizzlies. The one series everyone has circled is the Houston Rockets against the Oklahoma City Thunder. It features the two MVP candidates, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, going at each other in must-see television. Another matchup to watch is Steph Curry taking on Lillard, who has a flair for playoff theatrics. Heavy is here to breakdown every series offering our prediction for each matchup. Click the arrow on the right side to see Heavy's NBA playoff predictions. (Getty)