What a roller coaster ride it was in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs as teams put it all on the court. With the results of which teams secured an advancement to the Conference Semifinals,  let’s see what will happen in round two.

1. Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks

The Knicks and Heat both had a thrilling round-one series. The Heat and the Knicks both beat their respective opponent in round one by four games to one.

This matchup is going to be a special one and the key matchup to look at is Obi Toppin against Bam Adebayo. The Knicks’ star, Julius Randle is out with an injury and Toppin is the backup Power Forward. Toppin and Adebayo are both players that can attack the rim and stretch out the floor.

Knicks win 4-3.

2. Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics

The Celtics beat the Atlanta Hawks four games to two as the 76ers swept the Brooklyn Nets in four games. Both teams are stronger than their respective opponents from round one.

Something to take note of in this series is how Celtics Al Horford and 76ersJoel Embiid are both players who can pass, shoot and defend the ball. Horford has struggled a bit against the Hawks, but that doesn’t eliminate his ability to  hit the long ball when needed.

Embiid is officially listed as doubtful for Game One, but he can make an impact. The reigning MVP put up an average of 20 Points and 11.3 Rebounds. You also don’t want him to go to the foul line as his percentage is 95.8%.

76ers win 4-3.

3. Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets and Suns have both made it deep into the postseason in recent years, so these are two teams that are being heavily watched by fans. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic are two key players to watch.

Murray and Jokic averaged 27.05 Points and displayed their passing and rebounding skills as well. The Suns have their own weapons in Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Kevin Durant. All of them are excellent shooters and have a lot of postseason experience. They are likely to play smarter rather than harder, down the stretch.

Suns win 4-3

4. Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers

The Warriors beat the Kings in a thriller on Sunday afternoon with Stephen Curry’s 50-piece.  The Lakers beat the Grizzlies in six games being led by LeBron James’ 22.2 points and Anthony Davis’ triple-double average.

The Warriors and Lakers might be one of the favorite matchups in round two. They have both won the championship title within the last three years. Both teams are great offensively, but the Warriors’ defensive woes stood out against the Kings.

The Lakers have more players who can play offense and defense, but they have had some issues with sharing the ball. The Warriors have great ball movement with Draymond Green who led with eight assists per game in the round one series against the Kings.

Lakers win 4-3.

The second round is going to feature a lot of highly skilled teams who are all looking to wrack up wins this series. It’s going to be a great round with a lot of heart, effort, and physicality!