Matt Johnson
The second round of the NBA playoffs tipped off Monday night, with the New York Knicks winning Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in a blowout and the Minnesota Timberwolves upsetting the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.
That leads us into the NBA games today, with Game 1 matchups between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder. With two great matchups on deck, we’re making a pair of predictions for each contest.
Donovan Mitchell Drops a 30-Burger
The Pistons will bring a level of physicality that may result in some inconsistency from game-to-game for Donovan Mitchell. What they don’t have, however, is a standout defender like Scottie Barnes to truly cause him problems. Mitchell averaged nearly 21 shots per game in the first-round series and we should see similar volume in Game 1. We’re projecting him to score 32-plus points tonight, he’ll be the only Cavaliers players to clear 20 points.
Detroit Pistons Beat Cavaliers in Game 1
While Mitchell will do his best to help propel the Cleveland Cavaliers to a Game 1 victory on the road, it’s going to be a one-man operation. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley will both struggle with the physicality provided in Detroit’s frontcourt with Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. We also see James Harden having an off night in this one, turning it over 7 times with only four shots made. It’ll be relatively close in the fourth quarter, but Detroit wins it.
- Prediction: Detroit Pistons 116, Cleveland Cavaliers 108
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Approaches 50 Points
We think there’s a chance we see a 50-point game tonight. The Los Angeles Lakers have no answers defensively for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As highlighted by The Athletic’s Law Murray, SGA put up 83 points and shot 55.2 percent from the field versus Los Angeles in the regular season. He’s willing to take 20-plus shots if necessary and it’s a near lock that he’ll make it to the free-throw line 10-plus times. On national television in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, SGA is putting up 48-plus points.
OKC Thunder Blow Out LA Lakers in Game 1
With Luka Doncic out, this feels like the only lopsided matchup in the NBA Conference semifinals. The Lakers are too reliant on Austin Reaves, coming off an injury, and a 41-year-old LeBron James to carry this team. It worked against Houston, but there’s not going to be any success against a Thunder team that is deeper, better coached and more well-rounded. Playing at home in Game 1, Oklahoma City will win in dominant fashion. When it’s over, the only question will be if the Thunder will have to deal with rust in the next round because this will be a short series.
- Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder 122, Los Angeles Lakers 95
