As is the case in any NBA postseason, there are several teams with uphill battles in their first round match-ups. It’s difficult to envision the Trail Blazers getting past the Warriors, just as it’s hard to see the Pacers handing Cleveland an early exit. As opposed to the NCAA Tournament, the NBA’s best-of-seven format in each round of the playoffs makes significant upsets a rarity.
…With that said, we’re interested in hearing your thoughts on teams being overlooked this postseason. Over the last decade, we’ve seen the No. 8 seed Warriors top the Mavericks in 2007, the Grizzlies defeat San Antonio in 2011, and Philadelphia upset the Bulls in 2012.
Dieter Kurtenbach of Fox Sports is among the national writers calling for an upset; dubbing the Celtics “the worst No. 1 seed in history.” Bill Reiter of CBS Sports tabbed the sixth-seed Thunder to top Houston, and Danny Chau of The Ringer predicted the Bulls to defeat Boston.
So what do you think: Do any No. 8 seed teams have what it takes to pull off a major upset? Do you see any fifth, sixth, or seventh seeded teams moving past the first round? Let us know in the comments section!
The Jazz could easily beat the Clippers, but I wouldn’t consider that an upset since they have the same record. The East looks like chalk to me and the same goes for the other three Western conf series
Bucks over Raptors. Raps don’t have power at the 3 and Giannis will destroy Demarre Carroll. I have in 7 since Derozan and Lowry are both stars as well.
Wouldn’t be too surprised to see the Thunder beat the Rockets in 6 or 7.
Last, I see the Jazz taking down the Clippers in 6 games.
Raptors have defense (PJ, Demarre, and Iblocka), and will be able to slow down Giannis without the offensive 3. Giannis can’t shoot, and will have to go to a heavily protected rim. Bucks don’t have the experience or anybody to help out Giannis and Middleton.
Celtics lose in 6 to the bulls, thunder in 7 over rockets, pacers in 7 over Cavs. Cavs defense is terrible.
No way the Celtics lose to Chicago. I agree that Boston is definitely one of the worst one seeds ever. That’s just a testament to how weak the east is. They had less than 55 wins which is typically a 2 or 3 seed number in the east. However, that being said, Chicago is just terrible. Wade, Butler, and Rondo all need the ball and can’t shoot particularly well. Lopez is decent and he’ll probably destroy Boston down low, but if he can’t average 25-15 then there’s no way Boston gets knocked out. I have Boston losing to the Wizards in 6.
lol dude
The eventual seeding in the east may have effected my answer on that side, but I do think OKC theoretically matches up well with Houston, and could beat them. Memphis has too many injuries, so I don’t like them having as much of a chance against the spurs as maybe they could have had. I could see Milwaukee or indiana making it interesting, depending on Teague’s health, but I don’t think they end up beating healthy Cavs or Raptors teams. It depends on what Kyle Lowry is available for Toronti, having come off the injury
Memphis could have a chance if Parsons was adequate
Pacers defense isn’t good either
Celtics are going to the Semis at least
The only injury the Grizzlies have is Tony Allen. Selden can guard Kawhi respectively and he won’t drop 40 every night. They have a chance so don’t count out the grizz
Wayne Seldon out of the d league can guard Kawhi Leonard?
That actually made me laugh. No way Selden can lock up Kawhi.
The bucks I think has best chance to win a playoff series.