USATSI
It’s hard to remember an NBA playoff landscape as open as this, which means predictions are even harder than usual. The 64-win Phoenix Suns are the favorite to emerge from the Western Conference, but there are several teams like the blue-blooded Golden State Warriors and the up-and-coming Memphis Grizzlies ready to ruin their journey.
For the first time in years, the Eastern Conference has several teams that appear capable of winning a title, from the top-seeded Miami Heat to the second-half juggernaut Boston Celtics to the defending champions Milwaukee Bucks. And then there’s the Brooklyn Nets, once title favorites, with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving one of the most competent offensive duos in the NBA.
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The Dallas Mavericks were a sneaky choice to reach the NBA Finals, but now they may not even make it out of the first round thanks to a calf injury suffered by Luka Doncic that will sideline him for at least Game 1 of their inaugural series against the Utah- Jazz.
Despite the uncertainty, our NBA experts at CBS Sports have predicted every series in the playoffs, including the eventual champion. Make sure you take your screenshots now so you’ll have the ammunition to either praise us or ridicule us in a few months.