The moment of truth arrives and main candidates to reach the NBA Finals they are planted in the first round of the playoffs with their homework done and the squad practically intact and in good physical condition. In the Eastern Conference, these playoffs mark a battle for hegemony between three top favorites: The Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks.
There is obviously, covered and room for surprise in an NBA season plagued with uncertainty and marked by the devilish calendar that has compressed the pandemic.
We review the first round matches below:
(1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards (8)
The Sixers have won every regular season matchup against the team of Mr. Triple-Double, a Russell Westbrook designed for the tense and important games of the playoffs. The problem for Washington is that Joel Embiid has made them a suit every time the paths have crossed: 30 points and 60.4% in correct answers field shooting.
One more time, inner play can make a differenceBut the reality is that the Wizards have come up with the right thing and have accomplished a feat by entering the postseason. Philadelphia is a team designed by and for the title, and they shouldn’t be sweating a lot despite the exploits of Russ and Bradley Beal.
(2) Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics (7)
A tie very sweet for fans, although without history in how much to result. Celtics will miss Jaylen Brown when trying to contain the New York ‘big-three’. Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving have the title between eyebrows and they start as top favorites among fans and critics.
The fragile physique of the trio this season is one of the few drafts concerns for Brooklyn, a team that boasts the best attack in the competition despite showing holes in defense. They can afford them, and their only concern against the Celtics is likely to be how to stop a Jayson Tatum in a state of grace.
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(3) Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat (6)
The Bucks have wanted for years please Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the greek he is ambitious and wants the ring. What does not want is to repeat the embarrassment of yesteryear against the Heat, black beast of the Wisconsin franchise. Miami defense will try frustrate the current MVP again, but he probably learned his lesson.
The reinforcements of the squad have worked and the scheme of Mike Budenholzer has relaxed to give the team more chances in these playoffs. The Heat will be uncomfortable and will give war despite not having woken up until the last month of the regular season. The tie could easily go to six or seven games, and it is that the fight of Butler, Dragic, Adebayo and company is well known.
(4) New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks (5)
The most even tie on paper in this first round of the East, with two very hungry teams on the track. The Hawks have greater depth and more offensive resources, but the Knicks’ final stretch of the season makes them a contender to win. an immense joy.
They haven’t been in the playoffs for eight seasons, and the atmosphere in the Big Apple will be tremendous with 15,000 fans in the stands. The lack of experience of the staff may take its toll on New York, but the Tom Thibodeau’s defensive system can also annoy Trae Young’s rush.
Julius Randle has averaged 37.3 points and 12.3 rebounds against Atlanta this year, and New York has won its series 3-0 against those of Georgia. Everything points to a seven-game ‘thriller’.
