East
(1) Boston Celtics vs (8) Chicago Bulls - Celtics in 6
Celtics are hot, well organized, deep and I think Thomas will have something to proof after how his last playoffs went vs the Hawks. He will be guarded closely, even double teamed, but he has become a quality playmaker. He could have a field day facing a team with little to no identity right now, either scoring or passing. Bulls will win at least one, perhaps even two games based on their playoff experience, but that's probably all they have going for them.
(2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (7) Indiana Pacers - Cavaliers in 6
The Cavaliers have been struggling mightily the second half of the season. There have appeared some cracks in their reputation and status as league's best, showing a lack of chemistry and defensive flaws at certain occasions. Still, they will find their groove sooner or later these playoffs and march their way into the finals. They are healthy and should build on last years playoffs more so than on the recent bad stretch they went on. Pacers will win one or two. George is a fine playoff contributor and had his best game of the season vs the Cavs not too long ago.
(3) Toronto Raptors vs. (6) Milwaukee Bucks - Raptops in 7
I have a soft spot for the Bucks and I think this would've been the closest one to an upset if Parker didn't tear up his ACL. It still will be a tough series for either side, but the Raptors have just too much firepower. Their core has remained the same for a while now and they should have an advantage in experience with their trip to the conference finals last season. Plus, Derozan has found another offensive gear this season it seems. The Bucks possess the best player on either side in the Greek Freek, underrated Monroe and Middleton and here and there some players who could surprise, such as Brogdon or Dellavedova. Hoping they could stretch the series to a decisive game, but it'll likely be done in six.
(4) Washington Wizards vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks - Wizards in 7
Close one. I like the emergence of Beal, alongside John Wall. They might be the best backcourt in the East. The Hawks are tough, defensive, have a plethora of decent to good players and should have an advantage on the glass. The series could go either way, but the Wizards might have the only two game changers this series has to offer.
West
(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) Portland Trail Blazers - Warriors in 5
I think Durant's injury was a blessing in disguise. The Warriors found their groove without him and showed they weren't anything less than the record breaking side of 2015/2016, despite being less deep. The Warriors will cruise to the second round, but Lillard might steal one in Portland during game 3 or 4.
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Memphis Grizzlies - Spurs in 6
The Spurs usually either sweep or have tremendous problems with their first round opponents. The Spurs finished the season losing 4 out their last 5. Despite resting a few key players during some of these games, it's not exactly a confidence booster. Yet, Pop should have all faces in the right direction come playoff time. Some nice matchups in this one: Gasol vs Gasol and Leonard vs Allen (though the latter is doubtful for game 1). Memphis is a tough, deep side with little weaknesses in it's starting five, but the Spurs should come out on top. I could see it going to game 7 if Aldridge and Parker fail to show up.
(3) Houston Rockets vs. (6) Oklahoma City Thunder - Rockets in 5
The Rockets are too much of an offensive powerhouse. They are fast, good in transition and share the ball tremendously well. They probably have six or seven guys who could all drop 20 points here and there. The Thunder are a one man show and would need for Russ to come up with another multiple 40/50 point games stretch. I predict we'll see a less stat-padding, more careful Russel Westbrook, but his supporting cast is just too meh. I expect their bigs in Adams and Kanter to do well, though.
(4) L.A. Clippers vs. (5) Utah Jazz - Clippers in 6
The Clippers are so unpredictable, but their core of Paul, Jordan, Griffin and Crawford is just too much for the playoff inexperienced Jazz. Hayward has surprised me a lot this year, but he's pretty much the only star calibre player they have. Yet, the Jazz are well organized and strong defensively. This will be a close series, but with the Clippers prevailing.