With the Celtics and Raptors officially kicking off one half of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Sunday, it’s time to consider which two teams are most likely to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals next round.
The other half of the semis feature a much-anticipated series between the Heat and Bucks, with Game 1 scheduled to take place on Monday.
All four teams accrued impressive records during the regular season (Bucks at 56-17, Raptors at 53-19, Celtics at 48-24, and Heat at 44-29), and each have unquestionably earned the right to compete for a spot in the next round. Despite Miami finishing 12 games behind Milwaukee this season, the team is known for slowing down opposing stars and utilizing strategies such as zone defense when needed.
The Heat thrive on three-point shooting and are widely recognized as one of the top perimeter teams in the league behind the likes of Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro and others. Therein lies a weakness for Milwaukee, which prefers to pack the interior while allowing a high rate of attempts from behind the arc.
Nevertheless, a clear talent disparity exists between the Bucks and Heat, with Milwaukee having the Defensive Player of the Year and perennial Most Valuable Player candidate in Giannis Antetokounmpo. The club also has a second All-Star in Khris Middleton, who averaged a career-high 20.9 points per game on 50% shooting from the floor and 42% from deep this season.
As for the Celtics and Raptors, Boston managed to take Game 1 behind Kemba Walker‘s 18 points and 10 assists — his first career playoff double-double — and Jayson Tatum‘s 21 points. The team played without Gordon Hayward (right ankle sprain), who could return later in the series.
Toronto possesses a unique starting backcourt comprising of two smaller guards (Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet), both of whom are electric offensively and pesky on defense. However, it remains to be seen how successful the team could be in the playoffs with that undersized backcourt. The Raptors were able to force 22 turnovers on Sunday, but the team shot just 31-of-84 from the field (36.9%) and 10-of-40 from deep (25%).
What do you think? Who do you believe will reach the Eastern Conference Finals next round? Do you think the Raptors will return for a second consecutive year, or do you think the Celtics will make it for the first time since losing a seven-game series to Cleveland in 2018? Do the Heat have what it takes to defeat the star-studded Bucks, or will Milwaukee be too much to handle in a playoff series?
Vote in our poll, then take to the comments section below to voice your opinion!
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How do you rank the 4 coaches？
That’s tough, all great coaches. Heck after Pops they’re probably the best 4 coaches today
1. Spoelstra
2. Nurse
3. Budenholzer
4. Stevens
Ehh, I’ll correct myself….Kerr and Carlisle should rank above Stevens and Budenholzer.
agreed
Doc?
Here’s a rant complaining about a rant. Rivers’ postgame presser Tuesday before the boycott was pretty awful (We’re the ones getting killed” etc.). Sure he had issues and it fit with stated objectives of the restart and protest.
But his team is not in sync, and despite being a HC, hasn’t walked anything back. He’s always said he likes agitation for success— even when he’s happy!— calls it spark. Now he says the boycott was a breather and his team has new comraderie. Not an honest coach IMO when it comes to motivating players.
Budenholzer is a spectacular regular season coach.
Nurse
Stevens
Spoelstra
Budenholzer
Both series should be competitive. I think Heat vs Bucks series. Will be more of a battle, physical. They will push Bucks. Bucks better be ready.
People are all jumping onto the Celtics bandwagon after one game just like they did in the first round when the Blazers beat the Lakers.
You were one of those people that jumped on the Blazers bandwagon.
Heat have the best conditioning, which seems to be working of late. They will push pace and might be able to get Giannis in foul trouble. The Bucks are less smooth than they were back in the day (February).
I think Miami has a better chance of reaching the ECF than Boston.
I wanted Blazers more as a fan I guess. But after injuries it was over. Collins injury is what really killed it. I never expected them to win. But a full team could of gone 7. Don’t sleep on Celtics. Young team is growing up every yr. Kemba has never been in playoffs. I got Celts in this series. Bucks n Celtics, Bucks in Finals. Heat are not a team you can look ahead on. They are young too. It’s why I pick Bucks. Heat are coached well and Jimmy has always been a fav of mine. Love 2way players.
Boston & Toronto both beat teams harmed by injuries. I guess everyone EC has! Boston won game 1, but if history holds, that may mean the Raps will get mad & come back game 2. JD Shaw thinks the Toronto guards are too small. Keith Smart did finally get on track.
IDK, I agree.
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Just for fun, 42 pics if it goes through, including a Harden-Dort dance:
link to usatoday.com
They won the championship with the exact same guards lol
Okay, I meant Indy, Philly, Orlando & Nets all can have excuses ready. Sabonis, Simmons, 3 Magic, & how many Nets injured.
Agree with HardWest post. When I change screens, like to get the usatoday link, I lose the “Reply” spot on the page.
Lets make it heat and celtics
That would be a fun series
I went with Toronto/Miami, which appears to be the least popular choice.
I know the Raptors looked awful against the Celtics, but they endured a rough shooting night. I doubt they get held to such awful marks throughout the course of the series. I could see Nurse revamping his offense and using Ibaka/Gasol/Siakam to rock the paint. Remember, the Raptors still forced 22 turnovers.
The Heat are a feisty bunch and the Bucks look a bit lethargic to be honest. Middleton hasn’t been shooting to his normal numbers and Miami does match up fairly well with tough defenders in Bam and Butler along with perimeter shooting from Herro, Robinson, and Dragic.
That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if any of these teams made a Finals appearance. They’re all well-balanced and strong defensive squads