NBA Playoff Bracket 2022: Complete Guide to Every Matchup and Schedule

As I sit down to analyze the 2022 NBA playoff bracket, I can't help but reflect on how dramatically fortunes can shift in professional basketball. Having followed the league for over fifteen years, I've seen championship contenders emerge from unexpected places and powerhouse teams crumble under pressure. This year's postseason landscape presents one of the most fascinating tournament structures I've encountered, with compelling storylines developing across both conferences. The journey to the Larry O'Brien Trophy began with the Play-In Tournament on April 12th, setting the stage for what would become one of the most unpredictable playoff runs in recent memory.

Looking at the Eastern Conference first round matchups, the Miami Heat securing the top seed with a 53-29 record positioned them against the Atlanta Hawks in what turned out to be a surprisingly competitive series. Having watched Trae Young's development over the past three seasons, I genuinely believed the Hawks had the offensive firepower to challenge Miami's defensive schemes. The Philadelphia 76ers versus Toronto Raptors series particularly caught my attention, mainly because of the James Harden trade that reshaped Philadelphia's entire offensive approach. As someone who's analyzed hundreds of playoff games, I've rarely seen a mid-season acquisition integrate so seamlessly into a team's system. The Boston Celtics against Brooklyn Nets matchup was, in my professional opinion, the most intriguing first-round battle, featuring two legitimate superstars in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving facing a Celtics team that found its defensive identity during the second half of the season.

The Western Conference first round delivered its own share of dramatic moments that kept fans like myself on the edge of our seats. The Phoenix Suns, coming off their incredible 64-18 regular season, faced the New Orleans Pelicans in a series that proved far more challenging than many analysts predicted. I'll admit I underestimated the Pelicans' resilience, especially after they lost Zion Williamson for the entire postseason. The Memphis Grizzlies versus Minnesota Timberwolves series showcased the explosive talent of Ja Morant, whose playoff performance cemented his status as one of the league's most electrifying players. Having watched Golden State's dynasty years closely, their matchup against Denver felt like a classic case of playoff experience versus regular season excellence, with Stephen Curry demonstrating why he remains one of the most clutch performers in postseason history.

What struck me most about this playoff bracket was how it reflected the league's ongoing evolution toward positionless basketball. Teams like Boston and Golden State demonstrated the value of versatile defenders who could switch across multiple positions, while the dominance of three-point shooting continued to reshape offensive strategies. From my perspective, the teams that succeeded were those that could maintain defensive intensity while spacing the floor effectively on offense. The conference semifinals particularly highlighted this trend, with Miami's upset victory over Philadelphia showcasing how disciplined team defense could neutralize individual offensive brilliance.

The championship journey culminated in what I consider one of the most compelling Finals matchups in recent years. Golden State's return to dominance against Boston's revitalized franchise created a perfect narrative storm, blending established championship pedigree against emerging excellence. Having followed Stephen Curry's entire career, watching him secure his first Finals MVP felt like a fitting conclusion to his legacy. The Warriors' victory in six games demonstrated the enduring value of championship experience and systematic continuity, lessons that other franchises would do well to study during their offseason preparations.

Reflecting on the complete playoff picture, I'm convinced this postseason will be remembered as a transitional moment for the league. The emergence of new contenders alongside established powers creates a fascinating dynamic that should shape team-building strategies for years to come. While analyzing these matchups, I'm reminded that even the most carefully constructed playoff predictions can be upended by injuries, momentum shifts, and individual brilliance. The 2022 bracket ultimately reinforced what I've always believed about playoff basketball: regular season success provides the foundation, but postseason performance reveals a team's true character.