The Eastern Conference playoffs has three teams that have separated themselves from the pack. Milwaukee, Toronto, and Boston all have legitimate chances get to the NBA Finals.
No. 1 Milwaukee Bucks vs No. 8 Orlando Magic
The Bucks are looking to use the Magic to get back in a groove. Milwaukee used the bubble to get guys healthy and cement the rotation. If head coach Mike Budenholzer wants to continue to tinker with the lineup, this series should give him the opportunity.
Prediction: Milwaukee in 4
No. 2 Toronto Raptors vs No. 7 Brooklyn Nets
Toronto is on another level even without Kawhi Leonard. Raptors head coach, Nick Nurse, gets everything he can out of this lineup. Kyle Lowry is long past the days where LeBron James-led teams terrorized him. Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet have taken their games to the next level.
Brooklyn has outperformed everyone’s expectation in the bubble leaving the Nets with an important decision on interim head coach, Jacque Vaughn. If they could’ve avoided Toronto, this team could make some noise.
Prediction: Toronto in 4
No. 3 Boston Celtics vs No. 6 Philadelphia 76ers
The question for the Celtics is how healthy is Kemba Walker? There’s no doubt he isn’t 100% but if Boston wants to make a deep run, they’ll have to have him close to 100% by the second round.
The Sixers are without Ben Simmons which means they’re without their primary defender on Jayson Tatum.
Prediction: Boston in 5
No. 4 Indiana Pacers vs No. 5 Miami Heat
Miami Heat could be a sleeping giant if they can get their offense on the consistent level. With the playoffs here, you can expect Miami’s defense to take it up a notch.
Jimmy Butler will be motivated by having T.J. Warren on the other side.
The Pacers are too banged up to being to withstand the Heat.
Prediction: Miami in 6
