Anonymous scout, coach and exec pick NBA playoff winners – The Athletic

Will the Los Angeles Lakers’ title defense end with a first-round playoff series loss to the precocious Phoenix Suns? Will the Washington Wizards’ dynamic backcourt of Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook upset the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers? And do the Boston Celtics have a chance against the Brooklyn Nets’ superstar trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving?

The Athletic asked NBA insiders who would know: a scout, a coach and a team executive.