Jeff Haynes/NBAE by means of Getty Images
The very first 2 video games in the Western Conference’s Play-In Tournament remain in the books, with the Los Angeles Lakers clinching the No. 7 seed and the Sacramento beating the Golden State Warriors in the 2nd contest to establish a match with the New Orleans Pelicans for the No. 8 seed.
Listed below, we’ll break down the upgraded playoff bracket and sneak peek the completed matches.
Eastern Conference Seeds
1. Boston Celtics
2. New York City Knicks
3. Milwaukee Bucks
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Orlando Magic
6. Indiana Pacers
7. Philadelphia 76ers or Miami Heat
8. Sixers, Heat, Chicago Bulls or Atlanta Hawks
Western Conference Seeds
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Denver Nuggets
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
4. Los Angeles Clippers
5. Dallas Mavericks
6. Phoenix Suns
7. Lakers
8. Pelicans or Kings
Breaking Down the Known Matchups
We begin in the East, where 2 series are set– the Bucks vs. Pacers and Cavaliers vs. Magic.
Whatever in the previous series will boil down to the health of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who supposedly will be out for a minimum of part of the series:
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN Sources: The Milwaukee Bucks are preparing to be without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for the start of their opening round series versus the Indiana Pacers, however are confident treatment on his left calf pressure will enable him to return at some point later on in the series. << a href="https://t.co/8p0wCiRSRl">> pic.twitter.com/8p0wCiRSRl
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
How is Giannis Antetokounmpo advancing?<< br><> < br>> Doc Rivers: “He’s succeeding. He’s walking and looks great. I can state he’s further than we believed he would be, however simply not all set yet.”<< br><> < br>> Still confident he can play?<< br><> < br>> Rivers: “I’m still enthusiastic, however I simply have no concept today.”
Even with a healthy Greek Freak, this series would not have actually been a walk in the park for a Bucks group that was 30-13 under Adrian Griffin however simply 17-19 under Doc Rivers. The Bucks likewise went simply 1-4 versus Indiana this season.
This has actually possible upset composed all over it.
In the other series, the Cavaliers will be preferred, and for great factor. The groups divided the season series, 2-2, however Cleveland has a lineup with more postseason experience than the young Magic, highlighted by Donovan Mitchell.
Still, the Cavs have actually been an odd group this year. This is a group filled with skill, however the Cavs have actually gone simply 13-18 given that Feb. 12, and it hasn’t assisted that Mitchell has actually played simply 11 of a possible 29 video games considering that the All-Star break due to different injuries.
The Cavs have actually more skill offered the frontcourt of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley and an explosive backcourt including Mitchell and Darius Garland,