2020 NBA Playoffs Preview – Eastern Conference

Unlike the Western Conference, where we have four pretty exciting matchups, where each team can eliminate the other one (yes, we include the Trail Blazers), things are a bit different in the East. As you already know, the injuries have shaped the picture of this conference, starting with the Nets and now expanding to 76ers, and the Pacers.

Here we have all four pairs of the first round. Fasten your seatbelts; we are taking off.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic

The league-best Magic are facing the “hosts” here in the Orlando bubble. But be sure that Giannis and the boys won’t have any problems against the Magic who were 3-5 since the restart of the league.

The only player who might bring some trouble to the Bucks is Nikola Vucevic, who has been averaging 19.6 points and 10.9 boards this season. Without any disrespect, the Montenegrian center is the only guy here who might provide something against the most dominant team in the league.

On the other side, as you all know, we have Giannis, whose form didn’t drop one bit during the hiatus. Furthermore, the Greek Freak increased the tempo in the last few games, and the overall intensity of his game. That is why got ejected against Washington; he was pumped up too much. 

Overall, we see this series ending in four games, of course in Milwaukee’s favor.

Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets

A year ago, many saw this as a potential conference final. But without Kyrie and Durant reaching the playoffs was a success for the Nets. In the meantime, they added several more players to the injury list, among which DeAndre Jordan, Spencer Dinwiddie, etc, but still managed to play above all the expectations and keep place no.7. 

Right now, Caris LeVert is their only leader and a guy who is ready to fight. He was just once under 22 points in the last five games, and during that stretch, Nets lost one game.

Toronto was 7-1 in the bubble and saying anything else but praises, would be a bit cheeky. Right now, they are on a four-game winning streak, which saw them beating the Bucks. If we have to mention one player who stood above others (and that is never the situation in Toronto), we would say Fred VanVleet. He’s been looking pretty sharp these days. 

The Raptors in four matches.

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The great rivalry of two division rivals is not going to have the same intensity now as before. Why? Well, the injuries have taken their part here, shredding Philly’s starting lineup. Ben Simmons is out for the season, Glen Robinson III is questionable. At the same time, Joel Embiid has constant problems with his health, and after seeing him play over the last few games, it is quite possible that he picks up an injury or aggravate his current issues throughout the series. 

On the other side, the Celtics were calculating and didn’t want to overextend themselves during the seeding games. Brad Stevens was trying new stuff, keeping his players ready for the playoffs. 

The only potential problem is Kema Walker’s sore left knee, but that should be cleared by now.

Here we see the Celtics in five.

Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat

Even though Jimmy Butler said that his rivalry with TJ Warren doesn’t exist anymore, we can hardly believe in that right now. Warren posts 31 points and 66.4% of the FG percentage since the comeback and leads the Pacers in the moments when they have shaky Victory Oladipo, who is still far away from being 100% healthy. Kyles Turner has a slight injury but will be ok for the first match, while Domantas Sabonis won’t which is a massive handicap. Also, Jeremy Lamb ended his campaign in February. 

Miami is nasty, and we mean that. This is a team able to eliminate every opponent and be sure that Spoelstra slowly creates a unit that will attack the title in the years to come. Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro are already one of the best shooting duos in the league. At the same time, on the other side, another youngster, Kendrick Nunn, harasses the defenses with a routine seen with much older players. 

Here we have to back up the Heat to advance in six games.