After a thrilling first round of NBA playoffs comes to an end, we now get ready for the conference semi-finals. Out of the 16 teams that began the playoffs, only 8 remain. We've seen some fascinating encounters as Jimmy Buttler and the Heat made beat the Bucks, New York won their first playoff series since 2013, and Steph Curry cemented his name as an all-time great carrying his team past Sacramento after 7 games. This post will provide a rundown of the upcoming playoff series for the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers
The chances are that the winner of this series will most likely find their way to the NBA finals, both these teams were favourites to make it through the East but one of them will have to go out in the second round. The Celtics will be looking for revenge after losing the NBA finals in 6 games against the Warriors. The Celtics have dominated the 76ers throughout the regular season, and if that trend carries on they may storm past Philadelphia. Joel Embiid was listed as doubtful for game 1 of this series, if the MVP candidate doesn't play then the Celtics probably won't have that much trouble. I think if Embiid is healthy, then this series could very well go to 7.
New York Knicks vs Miami Heat
Both these teams are considered underdogs this season, the Heat had to go through Giannis and the Bucks while the Knicks had to get through Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs. On paper the 2 teams match up quite evenly, Miami does have a slight edge, however. Game 1 has already been played, and the Heat came back from a 14-point deficit to win the game 108-101. However, in the process, their star player Buttler suffered a slight ankle injury. The Knicks were also missing Julius Randle, who is a key offensive player for them. If the Knicks want to pose a challenge to the Heat it seems they will need Randle healthy.
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