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ESPN Forecast: New playoff predictions for each Round 1 series

NBA, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers

Who are the new favorites in the NBA playoffs?

Our ESPN Forecast panel predicts the outcome of all eight Round 1 series after two games.

Note: All predictions were made before Game 3 of every series.


(1) Rockets vs. (8) Timberwolves

More:

  • Harden's 'amazing' D atones for 2-of-18 night

  • KAT: 'Can't be frustrated' by poor playoff start

Game 3: Saturday | 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/WatchESPN

(4) Thunder vs. (5) Jazz

More:

  • Mitchell tops MJ with 55 in first 2 playoff games

  • How did Donovan Mitchell turn into Utah's go-to scorer? Check the tape

Game 3: Saturday | 10 p.m. ET, ESPN/WatchESPN

(2) Warriors vs. (7) Spurs

More:

  • The Undefeated: Klay Thompson lets his play do the talking against Spurs

  • The Undefeated: Spurs' Rudy Gay relishes return to postseason

Game 3: Thursday | 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT

(3) Trail Blazers vs. (6) Pelicans

More:

  • Lowe: The chessmaster play NBA playoff teams love to run

  • FiveThirtyEight: New Orleans' breakout star was always there

Game 3: Thursday | 9 p.m. ET, NBATV

(1) Raptors vs. (8) Wizards

More:

  • DeRozan shows form that could take Raptors a long way

  • Wizards' Wall, Brooks confident in slumping Beal

Game 3: Friday | 8 p.m. ET, ESPN2/WatchESPN

(2) Celtics vs. (7) Bucks

More:

  • Celtics' Horford: Kyrie's message helped team

  • Bucks' Bledsoe on matchup vs. Rozier: 'Who?'

Game 3: Friday | 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/WatchESPN

(3) 76ers vs. (6) Heat

More:

  • Pythons and PowerPoints: How the Sixers cracked the culture code

  • Ranking the must-see NBA playoff series this round

Game 3: Thursday | 7 p.m. ET, TNT

(4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Pacers

More:

  • Cavaliers ride LeBron's hot start to Game 2 win over Pacers

  • Kevin Love suffers thumb injury but should be ready for Game 3

Game 3: Friday | 7 p.m. ET, ESPN/WatchESPN

To join the fan panel, click here. ESPN Forecast is conducted in collaboration with The Wharton School and Microsoft Research.

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