What's at Stake in First Round of NBA Playoffs?
by Sam Cox
Every NBA playoff series has begun, with some looking like they are all but over. Others still have plenty at stake, with the Houston Rockets trailing the depleted Los Angeles Lakers 2-0 and the Detroit Pistons losing Game 1 to the Orlando Magic.
The outcome of our NBA picks over the next week or so could have a long-term impact on the balance of the NBA. Certain teams have more at stake than others, given their relative expectations.
Trade Scenarios
Which star will become available or try to force their way out because of their team’s playoff performance? There’s usually at least one.
Paolo Banchero is a candidate if Orlando flames out after winning Game 1. Banchero’s on/off numbers remain problematic for the Magic, and breaking up the Banchero and Franz Wagner duo might be Orlando’s only path to building a contender.
Failing to live up to expectations could see Cleveland adjust the top end of its roster by moving on Jarrett Allen. Falling before the Conference Finals would reignite rumors that the Knicks could move on from Karl-Anthony Towns.
Giannis Antetokounmpo looms over the offseason. The Rockets become much more likely to make an all-in move if they don’t get past an undermanned Lakers team. What if the Hawks really push the Knicks deep in a series? Does Atlanta’s front office think it’s time to add more elite talent next to Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker?
Imagine how aggressive the Pistons could be after a first-round exit. This team is clearly ready to contend, so what would they give up to add a true third star next to Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren?
Rockets’ Future
Houston is down 2-0 to the Lakers without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Kevin Durant’s absence partly excuses the opening-game loss, though even with Durant in the lineup for Game 2, Houston has been unable to find a way to fight back.
The impact of a series loss to a significantly weakened Lakers team would potentially be seismic. Ime Udoka’s time with the team could quite feasibly come to an end this summer if Houston falls at the first hurdle. The construction of the team would rightly be questioned amid a clunky offense.
No one expects the Rockets to win the title. Fred VanVleet’s injury almost 12 months ago ensured they were no more than a second-round team. Still, there is pressure on the Rockets in these playoffs, and there is plenty to lose given how favorable their first-round matchup is.
Head Coaching Roles
It’s not just Houston that could be looking for a new head coach this summer. Despite a brilliant regular season, JB Bickerstaff’s job surely wouldn’t be safe if the Pistons lost to the eight-seeded Orlando Magic.
In that series, Jamahl Mosley has faced plenty of warranted criticism throughout this season. Mosley might have guided Orlando to a Game 1 win, but the front office should consider going in a different direction with how ineffective their offense has been.
Given that Toronto has banked on its costly core working together, could Darko Rajakovic be harshly replaced this summer if the Raptors suffer a sweep at the hands of the Knicks? Toronto’s front office doesn’t have much room to manoeuvre.
After reportedly low-balling Tiago Splitter, there’s a good chance the Blazers are going to be in the market for a new head coach regardless of their performance in the remainder of their series.
It’s Not All Results
How teams and players react to the playoffs isn’t just about how many series were won or the final score in a lost series. Tear downs have happened because of the nature of a loss, whether that’s falling to a perceived weaker team, or if specific issues repeatedly come to the fore.
Even with Durant back in play, there’s only so much that can be read into Udoka and this Rockets roster. In the same way, Minnesota falling to a full-strength Nuggets team doesn’t mean they should change course dramatically this summer.
Portland or Phoenix getting swept would be much less damaging than the Magic crumbling after winning Game 1. Portland and Phoenix entered the year with considerably lower expectations, plus they didn’t give up several first-round picks to build their current teams.
The Magic, Rockets, Knicks, and Pistons have the most to lose in these playoffs. It’s close to a free hit for the Sixers, Suns, Blazers, Lakers, Spurs, and Celtics.
Even without any upsets in the first round, these playoffs are bound to shake up the league in a big way.
