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With the Celtics and Raptors As the middle of the Eastern Conference Semifinals officially begin on Sunday, it’s time to consider which two teams are most likely to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals the next round.
The other half of the semis feature a highly anticipated series among the Hot and Dollars with Game 1 scheduled to start on Monday.
All four teams amassed 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 of them has certainly earned the right to compete. for a spot in the next round. Even though Miami is 12 games behind Milwaukee this season, the team is known for playing down rival stars and using strategies like zone defense when necessary.
The Heat thrive on 3-point shots and are widely recognized as one of the league’s best perimeter teams behind players like Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro and others. Therein lies a weakness with Milwaukee, which prefers to pack the inside while allowing a high rate of attempts from behind the arc.
However, there is a clear talent gap between the Bucks and the Heat, with Milwaukee having the Defensive Player of the Year and the perennial MVP candidate at Giannis Antetokounmpo. The club also has a second All-Star in Khris Middleton, who averaged 20.9 points per game, the highest of his career, with 50% shooting from the ground and 42% from deep this season.
As for the Celtics and Raptors, Boston managed to take Game 1 behind Kemba walker18 points and 10 assists, the first playoff double-double of his career, and Jayson tatum21 points. The team played without Gordon hayward (sprained right ankle), which could come back later in the series.
Toronto has a unique starting backcourt consisting of two smaller escorts (Kyle lowry and Fred VanVleet), which are electric offensively and foul on defense. However, it remains to be seen how successful the team could be in the playoffs with an undersized backcourt. The Raptors were able to force 22 turnovers Sunday, but the team shot just 31 of 84 from the field (36.9%) and 10 of 40 from deep (25%).
What you think? Who do you think will make the Eastern Conference Finals next round? Do you think the Raptors will return for the second year in a row, or do you think the Celtics will return 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 head to the comment section below to voice your opinion.
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