In the Eastern Conference, many of the higher seeds are at risk of early upset due to injuries, or plain out a wild regular season resulting in some better teams being lower seeds and vice versa. In this article, we will break down each matchup, talk about X Factors, and make predictions for each first round series.
eastern conference playoff preview and predictions
Eastern Conference Playoffs first round: 1 Celtics vs. 8 Heat/Bulls
This matchup is probably the only one in the Eastern Conference not up for debate. After dominating the entire regular season, Boston has been rewarded with the #1 seed. And while the 8th seed is not yet decided, neither the Heat nor Bulls bring real tough competition. Maybe, if Jimmy Butler wasn't injured in their first play in game the Heat would have a chance, but there is simply not enough talent besides him to make Boston worried. The Bulls, with a somewhat healthy squad, are just not as good. If they make it through, they owe it all to MIP candidate Coby White. Their slim chance to win that first round series will come down to getting production outside of Lavine, Derozan, and White.
X-Factor Players: Derrick White (BOS) Nikola Jovic (MIA) Ayo Dosunmo (CHI)
Boston in 4. Neither team really gives them a test, and the Celtics carry their strong regular season play over to the playoffs, starting off their hopefully long run with a dominant first round.
Eastern Conference Playoffs first round: 4 Cavaliers vs. 5 Magic
The Magic and Cavs, two teams with very different roster builds and paths to the playoffs, have one of the most interesting stories in this year's playoffs. Cleveland, filled with star talent, appear to be the favorites heading into game 1, and rightfully so. However, the Magic are not to be counted out. Although they are the 5 seed now, but this team was #3 just about a week and a half ago. They play well together, and when at their best, can beat anyone in the association.
X-Factor Players: Jarret Allen (CLE) Markelle Fultz (ORL)
Cavaliers in 5. Yeah, the Magic had a great regular season and played some great games together. But, for one thing, they are not built to beat a team like the Cavs 4 times. For another, they have nowhere near enough playoff experience to string that many wins together at such a critical time. They simply don't have enough people to keep track of Evan Mobley, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Jarret Allen. The Cavs will show their poise and simply dominate a lesser, and younger Orlando team. It was a good season that they can certainly build on next year, but for now, the Magic are headed home early.
Eastern Conference Playoffs first round: 3 Bucks vs. 6 Pacers
After barely escaping the play-in, Indiana faces a shorthanded Bucks team, without superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Combine that with the strong regular season the Pacers showed and all of their players playing together, and Indiana may just have a chance. In years past, this small injury could have sank the Bucks, But with Damian Lillard ready to lead, the Bucks and coach Doc Rivers can breath easier knowing they have another star to lean on.
X-Factor Players: Damian Lillard (MIL) Obi Toppin (IND)
Bucks in 7. The Pacers give them a scare, but the return of Giannis in the middle of the series gives Milwaukee a boost. On the bright side for Indiana, they can go into the offseason knowing that they can contend with top teams in the playoffs. For the Bucks, they tread lightly in their second round series, they know first hand what it is like to go out early as a top seed, and how it feels. As a result, they come out strong and ready to dominate.
Eastern Conference Playoffs first round: 2 Knicks vs. 7 76ers
Overcoming the Joel Embiid injury and staying in the playoff/play in picture was huge for this Philly team. Even after all that adversity, they beat the heat in their first ever play in game after being down double digits in the second half. Still, the worry for Sixers fans is Embiid not being 100%, and that showed in their Heat matchup. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson will need to continue his dominant play, especially in the continued absence of co-star Julius Randle. If he and the rest of the Nova 3 can play in their regular season form, they can beat the upset allegations. Additionally, keeping reigning MVP Embiid will be the top priority.
X-Factor Players: Mitchell Robinson (NYK) Nicolas Batum (PHI)
Knicks in 7. Another 7 game series with the higher seed on top, as the Knicks are able to hold off Philly, even with Embiid playing. They move on to face the Bucks after both teams have played 7 games in the first round.
Eli Knight
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