Shaq, Charles Barkley predict NBA Playoffs first-round matchups / News - Basketnews.com

Shaquille O'Neal sees the Los Angeles Lakers beating the reigning champions Denver Nuggets in the 1st round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Credit: AP - Scanpix Credit AP - Scanpix

The 2024 NBA Playoffs have arrived, and well-known names have shared their predictions for the first-round matchups.

The Eastern Conference pairs involve Celtics vs. Heat, Knicks vs. 76ers, Bucks vs. Pacers. and Cavaliers vs. Magic. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, matchups include Thunder vs. Pelicans, Nuggets vs. Lakers, Timberwolves vs. Suns, and Clippers vs. Mavericks.

The 'Inside the NBA' crew agreed that predicting the West matchups is tougher due to the teams being more evenly matched.

Shaquille O'Neal picked Boston, Philadelphia, Indiana, and Orlando to advance in the East, while he chose Oklahoma City, Lakers, Phoenix, and Dallas to progress in the West.

Charles Barkley shared the same Eastern Conference picks but opted for the Nuggets instead of the Lakers in the West. His choices were Oklahoma City, Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas.

Kenny Smith went with Boston, New York, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Oklahoma City, Denver, Minnesota, and the Clippers advancing to the next phase.

NBA playoffs bracket

Eastern Conference

Teams 1. Boston Celtics 8. Miami Heat 2. New York Knicks 7. Philadelphia 76ers 3. Milwaukee Bucks 6. Indiana Pacers 4. Cleveland Cavaliers 5. Orlando Magic

Western Conference

Teams 1. Oklahoma City Thunder 8. New Orleans Pelicans 2. Denver Nuggets 7. Los Angeles Lakers 3. Minnesota Timberwolves 6. Phoenix Suns 4. Los Angeles Clippers 5. Dallas Mavericks

Eastern Conference predictions:

Westenr Conference predictions:

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