For basketball fans, today is Christmas because the NBA Playoffs begin today. Here is a look at the first-round match-ups in the Eastern Conference.
#1 Milwaukee Bucks vs #8 Orlando Magic. The only advantage that the Magic have in this series is that this series is being played in the NBA bubble in Orlando.
#4 Indiana Pacers vs #5 Miami Heat. Out of all of the NBA playoff series, this one has the biggest beef between two players that started this season. Indiana SF TJ Warren and Miami SG Jimmy Butler were looking to throw down in a game from earlier this season.
#3 Boston Celtics vs #6 Philadelphia 76ers. One of the biggest rivalries in NBA history is brought to the forefront once again between the Celtics and the Sixers. Boston has one of the best perimeter groups in the NBA, while Philly has one of the best frontcourts in the NBA. Whichever team can best maximize their respective mismatch will win this series.
#2 Toronto Raptors vs #7 Brooklyn Nets. The defending champs will look to repeat, but Toronto has to get past Brooklyn first. Brooklyn has been the most surprising team in the bubble because I did not think that they were going to win a game in Orlando. However, Nets guard Caris LeVert gives them a chance.
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Question of
Milwaukee or Orlando?
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Bucks
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Magic
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Question of
Indiana or Miami?
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Pacers
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Heat
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Question of
Boston or Philadelphia?
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Celtics
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76ers
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Question of
Toronto or Brooklyn?
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Raptors
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Nets
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i am going chalk except picking miami over the pacers.
I’m liking Miami as well – Sabonis is out for the Pacers, which I should have mentioned in the post. I agree with the rest though
i knew he was out, plus Oladipo is solid but not 100% on that knee.
overall i like the Pacers (used to go all the time when McGinnis was there, and then later after Reggie Miller left)
McGinnis was one of the best ever
i saw him play in the old fieldhouse at Indiana University. He was a monster. He was the most dominant player i ever saw until I saw Michael Jordan in the exact same gym.