We're 48 hours into the real NBA playoffs, and it was a helluva weekend for upsets. Five underdog teams picked up W's in eight games leading for some big-time Takes and Feelings.
Remember, it's just one game, though. Let's assess our reality and whether we should we believe in the answers we've been given so far.
Take 1: The Phoenix Suns don't have enough time to jell
I won't lie. Game 1 didn't look great for a Suns team that's been asking themselves this question ever since their shocking February trade for Kevin Durant, who was only able to play in eight regular season games.
Though Durant was stellar in a near triple-double (27 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds), the Suns struggled with Russell Westbrook's defense and Kawhi Leonard's all-world talents. That's without Paul George, whose injury is expected to keep him sidelined all series. Yikes.
Verdict: There's a very real question of their bench (scored a total of 10 points on 12 shots). But it's still far too soon to say anything definitive about the Suns.
How to watch Suns vs. Clippers Game 2:
When: April 18
Time: 10 pm ET
Channel: TNT
How to bet:
Take 2: The Bucks are in trouble with a limited Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo's first-half back injury was frightening, and the Heat were able to put the Bucks to bed in his absence. It's worth noting two things, though. For one, Giannis is expected to return and play through the pain, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. And secondly, the Heat and Bucks tied the second half, scoring 62 points apiece.
Verdict: Despite Jimmy Butler's deer in the headlights post on Instagram, the Bucks are probably fine.
How to watch Bucks vs. Heat Game 2:
When: April 19
Time: 9 pm ET
Channel: NBA TV
How to bet:
Take 3: The Grizzlies are goners without Ja Morant
After an injury to his shooting hand, Morant called his own status for Game 2 "in jeopardy" and was reportedly unable to undo a rolled up pair of socks. That's a yikes. And an even bigger yikes when you're playing against Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
It's also unlikely that Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves will combine for 52 points again, but the same can be said for Jaren Jackson Jr.'s 31 points on 60% shooting.
Verdict: It won't be an easy ride for the Lakers, even if Morant remains sidelined, but the Grizzlies' vibes haven't felt right. It no longer feels like the Lakers are underdogs in this series.
How to watch Grizzlies vs. Lakers Game 2:
When: April 19
Time: 7:30 pm ET
Channel: TNT
How to bet:
Take 4: The Timberwolves are in panic mode
Someone on Reddit said this game could've been an email and they're correct. That's probably why the NBA scheduled it for 10:30 pm ET.
Minnesota is completely outmatched in this series, which is a terrifying prospect for a franchise that traded its entire draft future for a player who attempted to punch a teammate last week and the team is arguably better without in the playoffs.
Verdict: Yeah. This team is a mess.
How to watch Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Game 2:
When: April 19
Time: 10 pm ET
Channel: TNT
How to bet:
Take 5: The Hawks need a reset
A second series which probably could just be an email. The Hawks haven't had a single good vibe since beating the Knicks in the playoffs two years ago. Things were so bad in Game 1 that they were outscored by 20 points in a single quarter.
Verdict: This team isn't scaring anyone. They can't bring back this same group next year.
How to watch Celtics vs. Hawks Game 2:
When: April 18
Time: 7 pm ET
Channel: NBA TV
How to bet:
Take 6: The Cavaliers aren't ready
Losing Game 1 at home stinks, but any Cavs or Knicks fans overreacting to the result are doing themselves a disservice.
This series is one of the most interesting ones to me as their fanbases assess how good their teams actually are, but after 48 minutes, no true conclusions can be drawn — with the exception that Jalen Brunson is, as we already knew, for real.
Verdict: Sit tight.
How to watch Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 2:
When: April 18
Time: 7:30 pm ET
Channel: TNT
How to bet:
Take 7: The Warriors don't have it this year
They were one Steph Curry 3-point floater from overtime, and Andrew Wiggins played his first game in weeks. If anything, Golden State looked good on the road, and this series may be the best of all first-round matchups.
Verdict: The Kings are real. The Warriors are a scary No. 6 seed. No need to be dramatic yet.
How to watch Kings vs. Warriors Game 2:
When: April 17
Time: 10 pm ET
Channel: TNT
How to bet:
Take 8: There's no point in watching these Nets
I'm not submitting this series to "This Could Have Been An Email" treatment even if it's likely Philly wins in a sweep, or at most in five games. The Nets are auditioning for free agency, and the development of Mikal Bridges (30 points on 12-of-18 shooting) is worth the watch.
Verdict: We know how this series ends, but it's enjoyable in the right context.
How to watch Sixers vs. Nets Game 2:
When: April 17
Time: 7:30 pm ET
Channel: TNT
How to bet:
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
