NBA Playoffs Bracket 2024: Predictions, Dark Horses, and Early Upsets

NBA Playoffs Bracket 2024 Playoffs bracket shaped up to be one of the most unpredictable postseasons in recent memory, with several championship contenders, dangerous dark horses, and potential first-round upsets. As the regular season concluded, basketball fans eagerly anticipated a playoff run that could feature dramatic storylines, emerging superstars, and perhaps the crowning of a new NBA champion.

Breaking Down the 2024 NBA Playoffs Bracket

Eastern Conference First-Round Matchups

1. Boston Celtics (1) vs. Miami Heat (8)

   • Celtics’ historic 64-win season

   • Heat’s playoff experience vs. Boston’s depth

   • Key matchup: Jayson Tatum vs. Jimmy Butler

2. New York Knicks (2) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (7)

   • Jalen Brunson’s breakout season

   • Joel Embiid’s health concerns

   • Physical battle in the paint

3. Milwaukee Bucks (3) vs. Indiana Pacers (6)

   • Giannis vs. Haliburton showdown

   • Pacers’ league-best offense

   • Doc Rivers’ playoff coaching

4. Cleveland Cavaliers (4) vs. Orlando Magic (5)

   • Young teams’ first playoff experience

   • Donovan Mitchell’s scoring vs. Magic’s defense

   • Battle of rising Eastern Conference teams

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Western Conference First-Round Matchups

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (1) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (8)

   • SGA’s MVP-caliber season

   • Zion Williamson’s playoff debut

   • Youth vs. experience

2. Denver Nuggets (2) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7)

   • NBA Finals rematch

   • Jokić vs. LeBron/AD

   • Nuggets’ championship pedigree

3. Minnesota Timberwolves (3) vs. Phoenix Suns (6)

   • Ant-Man’s coming out party

   • Suns’ Big 3 under pressure

   • Defensive battle

4. Los Angeles Clippers (4) vs. Dallas Mavericks (5)

   • Kawhi’s health concerns

   • Luka vs. Harden/PG

   • Most intriguing first-round series

Championship Contenders: Tier Breakdown

1: The Favorites

1. Boston Celtics

   • Best record in NBA (64-18)

   • Elite two-way lineup

   • Championship or bust

2. Denver Nuggets

   • Defending champions

   • Best starting five in basketball

   • Jokić’s prime years

2: Serious Threats

1. Milwaukee Bucks

   • Giannis/Dame duo

   • Defensive questions

   • Doc Rivers factor

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

   • Young but talented

   • SGA’s superstar rise

   • Playoff inexperience

3: Dark Horses

1. Los Angeles Clippers

   • If Kawhi stays healthy

   • Championship window closing

   • Harden’s last chance?

2. Phoenix Suns

   • Big 3 potential

   • Defensive concerns

   • Vogel’s coaching

NBA Playoffs Bracket 2024, For expert playoff predictions, check NBA NewsZ.

Potential First-Round Upsets

1. Lakers Over Nuggets

• Playoff LeBron factor

• Denver’s bench questions

• Revenge motivation

2. Mavericks Over Clippers

• Luka’s playoff brilliance

• Clippers’ health concerns

• Kyrie’s championship experience

3. Pacers Over Bucks

• Indiana’s regular season success vs. MIL

• Bucks’ defensive struggles

• Haliburton’s playmaking

Players Who Could Break Out

1. Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)

• Potential superstar leap

• Two-way dominance

• Next face of NBA?

2. Chet Holmgren (Thunder)

• Rookie in playoff spotlight

• Elite rim protection

• Perfect modern big

3. Jalen Brunson (Knicks)

• All-NBA regular season

• Playoff proven

• New York’s leader

Key Storylines to Watch

1. LeBron’s Potential Last Run

• 21st season

• Father Time battle

• Legacy-defining moments

2. Jokić’s Repeat Bid

• Back-to-back titles?

• Best player in world?

• Historic center legacy

3. Celtics’ Championship Pressure

• Best regular season team

• Tatum’s legacy moment

• 18th banner chase

Predicting the 2024 NBA Finals

Eastern Conference Finals

Celtics vs. Bucks

• 7-game classic

• Giannis vs. Tatum

• Celtics advance

Western Conference Finals

Nuggets vs. Suns

• Offensive fireworks

• Jokić vs. Durant

• Nuggets repeat

NBA Finals Prediction

Celtics over Nuggets in 6

• Boston’s depth prevails

• Tatum Finals MVP

• Banner 18 arrives

Conclusion: Most Unpredictable Playoffs in Years

NBA Playoffs Bracket 2024 Playoffs bracket sets up what could be the most competitive postseason in recent memory, with no clear favorite and multiple teams capable of winning it all. From the veteran-laden Celtics and Nuggets to the young Thunder and rising stars like Anthony Edwards, this playoff run promises drama, breakout performances, and unforgettable moments.

For live playoff updates and analysis, visit NBA NewsZ.