It’s NBA Playoff time, and whereas the Hornets may not be within the playoffs this season, we’re nonetheless being attentive to see who might be referred to as the 2024 NBA Champions! We’ve reached out to our Hornets specialists, hornets.com Lead Author Sam Perley and the Voice of the Charlotte Hornets, Sam Farber. It’s Sam P vs. Sam F the remainder of the best way – whose playoff predictions will ring true. Comply with alongside every spherical with us to search out out.
- SAM P: Though Miami all the time appears to discover a approach, Jimmy Butler’s knee harm will in the end be an excessive amount of to beat in opposition to the star-studded Celtics: Boston in 5
- SAM F: Since Jayson Tatum turned an All Star degree participant the Celtics are 3-1 in opening spherical sequence with two sweeps. I feel they get a 3rd right here. Boston in 4
#2 New York vs. Philadelphia
- SAM P: Although the 76ers have received nine-straight outings, 2023 MVP Joel Embiid nonetheless doesn’t look fairly proper, and this Knicks group feels constructed for the playoffs: New York in 6
- SAM F: New York received the season sequence 3-1 and the Knicks largest win over the 76ers got here with Embiid on the ground. Knicks will advance. New York in 5
#3 Milwaukee vs. #6 Indiana
- SAM P: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s calf harm mixed with the Bucks nonetheless not absolutely clicking underneath Head Coach Doc Rivers (17-19) seems like an upset ready to occur: Indiana in 7
- SAM F: Indiana received the common season sequence 4-1 (together with the play in event semifinal) however all these video games had been accomplished earlier than the Bucks modified coaches. I’ve Milwaukee’s playoff expertise successful out. Milwaukee in 7
#4 Cleveland vs. #5 Orlando
- SAM P: After shedding to New York, 4-1, with homecourt benefit in final 12 months’s first spherical, the stress is on for Cleveland in opposition to a younger, hard-nosed Magic group: Orlando in 7
- SAM F: I most likely ought to have picked extra upsets within the East given the 2-8 seeds had been separated by a complete of 4 video games. I’ll seize an upset right here. Orlando in 6
#1 Oklahoma Metropolis vs. #8 New Orleans
- SAM P: The Pelicans’ playoff familiarity may make this a closer-than-expected sequence, however they received’t have Zion Williamson and might be at a depth drawback: Oklahoma Metropolis in 6
- SAM F: First off, it’s loopy that the 8 seed within the West is 10+ video games over .500. Two seasons in the past the 8 seed within the West was 10 video games underneath! Regardless, by avoiding the Lakers and Warriors, there’s not loads of playoff expertise awaiting the Thunder, and I feel they’ll roll. Oklahoma Metropolis in 5
#2 Denver vs. #7 Los Angeles Lakers
- SAM P: Counting the 2023 Western Convention Finals, Denver has received eight-straight in opposition to the Lakers, although this sequence might be just a little nearer than final 12 months’s: Denver in 6
- SAM F: Denver swept the common season sequence and each sport was determined by a minimum of three possessions. I’ve acquired the defending champs. Denver in 5
#3 Minnesota vs. #6 Phoenix
- SAM P: Phoenix received six of its remaining eight common season video games – which included two over Minnesota – and boasts extra star energy and expertise on this sequence: Phoenix in 7
- SAM F: Whereas 6 over 3 feels like an upset, the Suns swept this season sequence so I don’t really feel it’s farfetched to say Phoenix wins the playoff sequence as nicely. Phoenix in 6
#4 LA Clippers vs. #5 Dallas
- SAM P: Courting again to March 7, Dallas closed the season with the NBA’s finest file (16-4) and protection (107.3), whereas the Clippers went an up-and-down 11-10: Dallas in 7
- SAM F: That is going to be a GREAT sequence. Both squad may win all of it. I feel it comes all the way down to residence court docket benefit in sport 7. Los Angelesin 7