2017 NBA Playoff Predictions: Breaking down each series

It’s time for my 2017 NBA playoff predictions, with all of the series being secured.

There’s a lot at stake this post-season. Of course, there’s also no doubt that a Cavaliers-Warriors NBA Finals would be a perfect finish to a championship trilogy.

But honestly, the competition this year could prevent that from happening.

Surprisingly, there are road blocks for both Golden State and Cleveland in their respective brackets. Almost immediately, teams outside of the Warriors and Cavaliers that come to mind are San Antonio, Boston, and arguably Toronto or Washington.

Also, what’s likable about the way this bracket played out is that upsets are bound to happen. Unlike March Madness, of course, it’ll take winning four out of seven games — but it’s a possibility.

In particular, the Los Angeles Clippers will face a unique foe in the Utah Jazz. For the first time in seven seasons, Utah has a 50-win season. Not only that, but given the way that the Clippers have been in previous playoff opportunities, we could see a new team reach the second round for the first time in too long.

Here’s a look at each first round series as well as predictions for future rounds all the way to the NBA Finals.