2023-2024 NBA Standings Predictions: The Nets silence haters

Oct 20, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring a basket in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring a basket in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 20, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring a basket in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring a basket in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Eastern Conference Playoffs

Round one

#1 Milwaukee over #8 Orlando

#4 Cleveland over #5 Miami

#3 New York over #6 Brooklyn

#2 Boston over #7 Philadelphia

Unfortunately for Brooklyn fans, their surprise season will end at the hands of their crosstown rivals, the New York Knicks. At this stage in roster building, Brooklyn does not have the horses outside Mikal Bridges to keep up with Bridges’ Villanova teammates.

Cleveland improved their roster this offseason and will show Miami they should have traded for Damian Lillard when they had the chance.

Round two

#1 Milwaukee over #4 Cleveland

#3 New York over #2 Boston

Giannis and Lillard are a lethal combo that will prove to be a historic duo. There is always one upset in the NBA playoffs, and the Knicks over the Celtics could fit the bill. The Knicks beat the Celtics in three out of their four matchups last season and somehow have a much deeper roster than Boston, who sacrificed significant depth this offseason to obtain Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. I cannot trust Jaylen Brown or Kristaps Porzingis in the playoffs, and we all saw last year Jalen Brunson can score on anyone.

Eastern Conference Finals

#1 Milwaukee over #3 New York

The Bucks have the two best players in this series and favorable matchups at all five positions on the floor. New York is just not in Milwaukee’s league yet.