NBA First Round Power Rankings

The first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs will be wrapping up this weekend. With the exception of two series, (we're looking at you DEN-SAS and GSW-LAC) the second round match-ups are set.

Outside of a few chippy games, an otherworldly Damian Lillard buzzer-beater, and Jared Dudley's complete heel turn, the first round delivered very few surprises. However there is much to glean from the first round action, and after watching an unhealthy amount of playoff basketball, I am going to give my first ever NBA power rankings!

The rankings will encompass all 6 teams that have advanced so far at the time of writing and will only grade off of their playoff performances, not taking into account anything from the regular season. So without further ado, I present Max's first annual Playoff Power Rankings:

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1. Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee's first postseason series win since 2001 went exactly as many people, myself included, suspected. Playing against an injured Blake Griffin and an already outmatched Pistons team proved to be no challenge to the No. 1 seed, as they swept them four games. I am a noted Bucks skeptic, and the Pistons were never going to be a challenge, but Milwaukee looked incredibly impressive in this series. Giannis Antetokounmpo continued his surging MVP candidacy averaging a cool 26.3 PPG while adding 12 rebounds per game on 52% shooting. He did all this while only playing 28.3 minutes a game. If I'm the rest of the east...I'm scared.

The real test, however, starts soon against a loaded Boston team that seems to be clicking at the right time. Despite all of Milwaukee's regular season success, they have yet to really prove themselves in the postseason. Until then, congrats Milwaukee, you're solidified at No. 1.

2. Houston Rockets

Houston surprised me by completing a gentleman's sweep of the Jazz. What get's them so high in these rankings however is the fact that James Harden didn't even play like himself. Sure he averaged 27.8 points, but he only shot 37% from the field, a step down from his 44% throughout the regular season.

Instead the Rockets other players really stepped up. Chris Paul played stingy defense that stifled Donovan Mitchell and Ricky Rubio. Clint Capela kept Rudy Gobert at bay. Even the Houston role players like Danuel House Jr. -- who I will never forgive Ernie Grunfeld for letting go -- and Austin Rivers -- who I will forgive Ernie Grunfled for letting go -- came forward to hit big shots and frustrate the offensively challenged Jazz.

The Rockets are going to be a dangerous team and a formidable foe to Golden State. Once James Harden returns to MVP form, Houston might just do what they could not last year.

3. Boston Celtics

It pains me to write this, but Boston finally looks dangerous again. After an inconsistent regular season, the Celtics dispatched the feisty and Victor Oladipio-less Pacers in four. Kyrie Irving was brilliant, averaging 22.7 PPG and 7.8 assists and consistently knocking down tough shots anytime Indiana came close.

What is most encouraging is Gordon Hayward's play. Throughout the four games Hayward averaged 12 points per game on 48% shooting, but his impact was much more than what has shown up in the stats. His play-making was on full display in games three and four. Also encouraging for the Celtics was the play of Jaylen Brown and Marcus Morris, who both took over games at certain stretches.

Boston's second round match-up vs Milwaukee is bound to be exciting, and the Celtics are playing their best basketball in a while at the perfect time.

4. Toronto Raptors

After a maddening game one in which the Raptors made D.J. Augustin look like a member of the 1992 Dream Team, Toronto got things sorted out and crushed the Magic on the way to four straight wins and a second round date with Philadelphia.

Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam were both fantastic putting up monster stat lines of 27.8/3.0/6.6 and 22.6/2.9/8.4 respectively.

Toronto is absolutely loaded. With Leonard, Siakam, and Kyle Lowry leading the way and Marc Gasol and Fred VanVleet being complimentary options, the Raptors are going to be a tough team to beat.

5. Portland Trail Blazers

I was tempted to put Portland higher, based solely on the fact that I have still not come down from the high of watching Damian Lillard physically and mentally send the Oklahoma City Thunder back to the stone age. Lillard was absolutely sensational against the Thunder, scoring at will in the paint, shooting 5 for 5 on shots beyond thirty feet, and toying with Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroeder, all to the tune of 33 points per game on 48% 3 point shooting. Simply put, Dame was electric, and should warrant serious MVP consideration for next season.

However, the Trail Blazers don't crack the top four because I'm worried Lillard won't be able to continue putting up atmospheric numbers and the rest of the roster may take a step back. Enes Kanter proved that he can play meaningful playoff minutes without being hunted on the defensive end. However, I am skeptical he can continue that trend against a possible match-up with Nikola Jokic of Denver or Lamarcus Aldridge of San Antonio, both significantly more polished offensive players than Steven Adams. Same goes for CJ McCollum, who played great this series, but will have his hands full in the next round.

Despite these concerns there is hope in Rip City, and with such a dominant display in round one, this hope is legitimate.

6. Philadelphia 76ers

What many considered to be the most exciting first round match-up ended indecidedly non-exciting fashion Tuesday night when the 76ers beat the Nets 122-100. After losing game one at home, Philadelphia roared back to take the next four in dominant fashion, with game four being the only game to go to the wire.

Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid were both fantastic in the series, despite the latter missing game two. Jimmy Butler played tenaciously as expected and Tobias Harris had perhaps the most well-rounded performance of any player in the series.

But problems linger for the sixers, mostly internal. The health of Joel Embiid will always be a concern for Philadelphia. The 76ers have an abundance of elite and near-elite players, but ultimately they will go as far as Embiid will take them. Butler and Simmons are both game-changing player in their own right, but both are no strangers to cold spells.

This team is unpredictable, and their star power will make for a very interesting series with Toronto. Philadelphia has the talent, it just a question of whether or not it will show up.

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