As the NBA playoffs approach, let’s take a look at the Eastern Conference Playoff field and who is expected to make it to the next round:
(1)Toronto Raptors vs (8)Washington Wizards
This matchup seems like it might be a close one at first glance for a number of reasons. The Raptors are known for their poor playoff performances with their all-star point guard Kyle Lowry playing below his usual level and Washington has two-star players in Bradley Beal and John Wall.
However, the Raptors usually make it out of the first round and they look like a different team this year, chucking the third most three-pointers of any team this season. Meanwhile, the Wizards have seemingly spent as much time arguing with each other as they have on winning. Plus, they are still in the process of reintegrating John Wall back into their offense, which was playing with an “everybody eats” style.
Verdict: Raptors advance 4-2
(2)Boston Celtics vs (7)Milwaukee Bucks
Celtics vs Bucks has the highest potential for an upset purely due to injuries. The Celtics are without Kyrie Irving, Daniel Theiss, and Marcus Smart. While they have played above talent grade over the past few weeks, any weakness is magnified in the playoffs and they will sorely miss Kyrie Irving’s scoring ability.
For the Bucks, their hopes are riding on the greatness of Giannis Antetokounmpo. They have a middle of the pack defense ranking 17th in the league and are in the lower third of the league in three-pointers attempted and three-point percentage.
In defense and coaching is where the real advantage lies for the Celtics. Brad Stevens is one of the brightest coaches in the league and will find ways to spring open Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum against the Bucks defense.
Verdict: Celtics advance 4-2
(3)Philadelphia 76ers vs (6)Miami Heat
This matchup projects to be the most highly contested of the Eastern Conference Playoff bracket. These two teams are tied 2-2 in the regular season with two of the four games coming down to the final shot. Adding to the intrigue will be the absence of Joel Embiid, who will miss at least the first game an eye injury. This looks like it’s going to be a grind it out series with a few tightly contested games and that’s where past playoff experience will pay off.
The Miami Heat have a veteran squad which has plenty of experience in the playoffs. Pair that with head coach Erik Spoelstra, who will revel in the challenge of crafting a scheme to stop likely Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons. In the end, the veteran squad should be able to stop this younger 76ers team in their first year back to the playoffs.
Verdict: Heat advance 4-3
(4)Cleveland Cavaliers vs (5)Indiana Pacers
Victor Oladipo and the Pacers are going to present a difficult matchup for the LeBron James led Cavaliers but in the end, this should be the LeBron Show. Oladipo has transformed himself to possibly an all-NBA point guard and will most likely win the Most Improved Player award for 2018.
However, the Pacers have taken the season series 3-1 but all four games took place before the Cavs roster overhaul. The new Cavs roster has barely played at full strength with various injuries to Rodney Hood, Tristian Thompson, and most importantly Kevin Love. At the end of the day, playing the greatest player on the planet outweighs the small areas where the Pacers may have an edge against the Cavs. LeBron James is an NBA cheat code.
Verdict: Cavaliers advance 4-2
