2019-2020 NBA Preview: Playoff Predictions

East Quarter-Finals West Quarter-Finals

1 PHI vs 8 ATL PHI in 5 1 LAC vs 8 SAS LAC in 5

2 MIL vs 7 MIA MIL in 5 2 DEN vs 7 GSW DEN in 7

3 BOS vs 6 TOR BOS in 6 3 UTA vs 6 POR UTA in 7

4 IND vs 5 BKN IND in 6 4 HOU vs 5 LAL LAL in 6

• In the 1st round, I only see one upset. The East has a clear top 4 in Philly, Milwaukee, Boston and Indiana. As we know, the West is much more loaded and I wouldn’t be shocked if any of those teams upset the higher seeds. I do think the Lakers will beat the Rockets because I don’t trust Westbrook and Harden playing together when the offense slows down.

East Semi-Finals West Semi-Finals

1 PHI vs 4 IND PHI in 7 1 LAC vs 5 LAL LAC in 6

2 MIL vs 3 BOS MIL in 7 2 DEN vs 3 UTA UTA in 6

• In a year of parody, the 2nd round is going to be a real tossup. I really like Boston and Indiana but I think Philly and Milwaukee will win at home. In the battle of Los Angeles, the Clippers are just better than the Lakers. They’re younger and deeper than the Lakers who have to play perfect to beat the Clippers. I do think the Jazz will top the Nuggets. Adding Mike Conley should elevate Donovan Mitchell as the Nuggets may need another year of losing before they can win.

Eastern Finals Western Finals

1 PHI vs 2 MIL MIL in 6 1 LAC vs 3 UTA LAC in 6

• Starting in the East, Philly and Milwaukee is pretty much a toss up. While the 76ers have more talent, I’m going to the Bucks. Obviously, Giannis is the best player in the series but the Bucks just have a better overall team. As for the West, the Jazz will put up a good fight. But ultimately, the Clippers will prevail and advance to the Finals.

2020 NBA Finals

The Milwaukee Bucks over The Los Angeles Clippers in 7

• Kawhi got the better of Giannis in the playoffs last year. But even with a less talented team, I think Giannis gets his revenge and brings a title to Milwaukee. I love the Bucks’ balance and continuity over the Clippers’ talent. This Finals would be a pick em but I’m going with the Bucks and the Greek Freak. Basketball is back everyone. Enjoy the season!

Steve Santoro

Personal note, this is my last article at Couch Guy Sports. Thanks to everyone whose read my stuff over the past 3 years. Go Celtics! Bring home #Banner18.