NBA 2023 Playoffs | Semi-finals Projection and Prediction

2023 NBA Playoffs

The playoffs are where some players shine while some wither. The first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs was extremely wild. Two Play-in teams – the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat – have made it past elimination and have advanced to the semi-final round. We are now left with 8 teams to compete for the NBA championship. With the competition getting tighter, let’s take a look at the matchups in the semi-final round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs and decide who will advance to the Conference Finals.

Western Conference (Semi-final Round)

Denver Nuggets VS Phoenix Suns

Both Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns may have had an easy first round, but these two talented teams will face off in the semi-final round with both squads healthy. The frontrunner for the 2023 MVP, Nikola Jokic, has been phenomenal in the first round of this year’s playoffs. Jokic has also been very consistent since the tournament began. With the help of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon, this team could go deep into the playoffs again.

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Denver Nuggets VS Phoenix Suns

Although the new superteam of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and DeAndre Ayton in Phoenix looks more talented, the Nuggets are favored to win the series. The Suns may be a great scoring team with Booker and Durant manning the offense. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are a pretty well-rounded team considering how great and consistent Nikola Jokic can be even in the playoffs. Regardless, this is going to be a battle of superstars and could go to seven games.

My pick to advance to the Western Conference Finals: Denver Nuggets in 7

Golden State Warriors VS Los Angeles Lakers

At long last, Stephen Curry faces LeBron James in the playoffs again. This is going to be a classic battle between two rivals, with each looking to solidify their legacies. It’s obvious that the reigning NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors, are the better team. But, LeBron and the Los Angeles Lakers made a great feat by turning their season around.

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Lakers vs Warriors

Photo Courtesy of NBAThe biggest problem the Lakers would have is Anthony Davis getting injured (probably). Although AD is playing like a monster so far, his health cannot be guaranteed. They have been battling since the Play-In tournament and we can’t say how long LeBron or AD can hold their strength. Other players from the Lakers like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, and Dennis Schroeder need to step up their game more if they want to win against the battle-tested Warriors led by Stephen Curry.

My pick to advance to the Western Conference Finals: Golden State Warriors in 6


Eastern Conference (Semi-final Round)

Philadelphia 76ers VS Boston Celtics

Joel Embiid, James Harden, and the Philadelphie 76ers easily swept the Brooklyn Nets in the first round. To be fair, that Nets team was already a shadow of what they used to be after Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving left. The top in the 2023 MVP ladder, Embiid, of course, would be a problem for any team. With James Harden becoming the ultimate floor general, the Embiid and Harden duo is as deadly as it gets. After a 4-0 sweep, the Sixers are probably well-rested now.

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Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics

On the other hand, the best defensive team in the NBA right now, the Boston Celtics, struggled a bit against Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks. They do have a very deep roster and with Jayson Tatum slowly becoming an MVP-caliber player, it’s going to be a tough battle in the semi-finals between these two superstars. But, can they guard Joel Embiid in the paint? The Celtics have some great defenders down low like Al Horford and Robert Williams III, but none of them can hold Embiid to less than 20 points. Moreover, the Sixers surrounded Embiid with shooters, and with his size and ability to shoot, he can spread the floor for his teammates. Don’t get this wrong though. The Celtics are also scary on offense. Boston has some talented scorers like Jaylen Brown, Malcolm Brogdon, Danilo Gallinari, Derrick White, and of course, Jayson Tatum

My pick to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals: Philadelphia 76ers in 7

Miami Heat VS New York Knicks

Need I say more? Jimmy Butler has already activated his playoff form and playoff Jimmy is very hot! The 8th-seeded Heat just managed to eliminate the top seed in the East, the Milwaukee Bucks, in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs. He outplayed Giannis Antetokounmpo as he advanced to the semi-finals after beating the Bucks, 4-1. From being a play-in team to advancing to the semi-final round, Butler deserves his flowers.

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Miami Heat vs New York Knicks

Amongst all the matchups in the semi-finals, the Heat vs the Knicks battle is an easy choice. Not to discredit the New York Knicks – they’re a great team by the way – but Jimmy Butler is on another level now. We’re going to be generous and maybe allow the Knicks to win one game, so Heat in 5!

My pick to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals: Miami Heat in 5


Who do you think will come out on top and advance to the conference finals? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.

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