The 2024 NBA Playoffs tip on Saturday, April 20. Most first round matchups in the Eastern Conference are set. The only one that isn’t set won’t be until Friday night after the Miami Heat takes on the Atlanta Hawks. However, just because we’re waiting on Heat versus Hawks, it doesn’t mean we’re not going to handicap and make a pick for Boston’s first round playoff matchup. Check out the 2024 NBA playoff Eastern Conference matchups, analysis, and our picks.

2024 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference First Round Matchups

WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS- The Miami #Heat lost last night, both their play-in game and their star player as Jimmy Butler went down with a possible MCL injury. @GottliebShow breaks down the #NBA Eastern Conference Play-in Tournament…

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1-Boston Celtics vs. 8-Miami Heat/Atlanta Hawks

Whether it’s Miami or Atlanta, the result is going to be the same. Boston should have no trouble taking it to the Heat or Hawks, sending both home after 4 games.

The C’s won 64 regular season games while losing just 18. Boston’s starting five of Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porzingis is as good, if not better, than the Denver Nuggets’ starting five. Miami or Atlanta has no chance.

2024 NBA Playoffs Round 1 Series Pick: Boston Celtics

2-New York Knicks vs. 7-Philadelphia 76ers

Knicks versus 76ers has the makings of a classic series. New York has a decent starting five. Also, Jalen Brunson steps it up in the postseason.

But the Sixers got Joel Embiid back. In addition, even though NYK is the second seed and Philly is the seventh, the Sixers lost just 3 more games than the Knicks. Philly moves to the second round.

2024 NBA Playoffs Round 1 Series Pick: Philadelphia 76ers

3-Milwaukee Bucks vs. 6-Indiana Pacers

Rumor is Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t put on the shoes for this series. If that happens, Indiana is a sure fire 4 to 5 game series winner.

Even if Giannis plays, this is a bad matchup for the Bucks. Tyrese Halliburton is going to control the pace of the match and Milwaukee’s front court should struggle against Indiana’s. The Pacers win the series.

2024 NBA Playoffs Round 1 Series Pick: Indiana Pacers

4-Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5-Orlando Magic

Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell list as day-to-day, which may open the door for the Magic to score the upset series victory. While the Cavaliers top player, that’s Mitchell, is banged up, the Magic’s top player, Paolo Banchero, isn’t.

Banchero and Franz Wagner are two of the NBA’s best forward. Both are playing lights out. Give this series to Orlando.

2024 NBA Playoffs Round 1 Series Pick: Orlando Magic

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