NBA playoff preview: Matchups almost set

We have one more week in the NBA regular season, and then the playoffs will be upon us. It has been a long time coming, with most of the postseason participants long been decided.

With three or four games left of the clubs, let’s take a look at how the current matchups are set, and what might be expected for the outcomes.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Indiana Pacers

This should be a four-game sweep, should it come to fruition. Cleveland will have to account for Paul George, who is having another fantastic season. Outside of George and occasional bursts from Myles Turner, Indiana simply doesn’t have the good to compete with LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Chicago Bulls

Boston might be the best-coaches team in the East, with Brad Stevens lording over the bench. Chicago is without Dwyane Wade and while Jimmy Butler is the best player in this series, he won’t have enough help to overcome Boston. With Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford, the Celtics should get through the Bulls within five games.

(3) Toronto Raptors vs. (6) Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee is going to go as far as the Greek Freak can take it. Giannis Antetokounmpo is another top player on an underdog, and again, he doesn’t have a ton of help. With Jabari Parker lost for the duration, the Bucks are a good team but nothing more. Toronto, meanwhile, has playoff experience and a lethal roster that features DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka. This should also be five games.

(4) Washington Wizards vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta has size, but that’s about it after dealing Kyle Korver away to Cleveland. The Hawks can bang inside with Dwight Howard and Paul Millsap, but Washington’s guard play with Bradley Beal and John Wall should be too much. Take the Wizards in six games.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) Portland Trail Blazers

Let’s save time here, for both of us. This is going to be a killing. The NBA might declare Portland dead after the first two games. Golden State will treat the Blazers like a speedbump on its way to the second round.

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis has been one of the better and more consistent teams in the league this decade, but it can’t make headway towards a title without offensive improvements. The Grizzlies will give the Spurs some tough games, but they won’t be able to make this matchup go more than five games.

(3) Houston Rockets vs. (6) Oklahoma City Thunder

This should be really, really fun. James Harden and Russell Westbrook are the two getting the most hype for the MVP conversation, with Westbrook averaging a triple-double. Houston has the better record, but Oklahoma City has the superior roster. Look for this to go seven, with Houston winning at home.

(4) Utah Jazz vs. (5) Los Angels Clippers

Nobody talks about the Jazz, but they are a damn good team. However, Los Angeles is a tough matchup for them, as evidenced throughout the regular season. This should also go seven games, but give the Clippers, who have the superior talent, the edge.