The Nets have a date with the Milwaukee Bucks in the conference semifinals.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images.)
The whole field isn’t set; we still have the Los Angeles Clippers fighting the Dallas Mavericks in Game 7 for the right to face the Utah Jazz. Otherwise, here are my picks for the three other conference semifinal series. They should be juicy.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1 PHILADELPHIA 76ers vs #5 ATLANTA HAWKS
Here’s the thing: Joel Embiid has a minor meniscus tear. And even if he plays, his movement cannot be 100 percent. So this really makes it interesting.
The Knicks couldn’t slow down Trae Young. They couldn’t exploit him on the other end, either. I expect the Sixers to do that; they’re a huge team. Expect the Hawks to send help when he needs it. This would be way more effective if Embiid is playing. That, unfortunately, is the biggest variable hanging in the balance.
Still, some Embiid is better than no Embiid. And I expect him to play despite the dangers of a knee injury. Joel being in there merely as a threat can change some things for the Sixers.
This series is not a gimme but…
PREDICTION: SIXERS IN 6.
#2 BROOKLYN NETS vs #3 MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Many people (including myself) have said how overwhelming the Nets are in terms of offensive talent. You try to stop a team with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden.
However, this Bucks team seems to be well-equipped to slow them down. We know what Giannis Antetokounmpo can do. Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday are two of the best perimeter defenders in the league. It’s going to be such a clash of styles.
It’s easy to root for Giannis and the Bucks, who didn’t reach the Finals the last two seasons. Still, it’s going to be a slugfest and I think the Nets just might have too much firepower up top. It’s not going to be easy, though.
PREDICTION: NETS IN 7.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#2 PHOENIX SUNS vs #3 DENVER NUGGETS
While the Nuggets don’t have Jamal Murray, it showed in the Blazers series that Denver is going to be fine without him.
The Suns are better defensively, though. Chris Paul and Mikal Bridges can take care of the perimeter. Devin Booker is an improved defender. Jae Crowder irritates everybody. Deandre Ayton has worked as an old-school big in the space-and-pace era.
We do have the MVP candidate, Nikola Jokic. Michael Porter, Jr. and Monte Morris were immense in the last two games against Portland. Austin Rivers has hit some big shots.
It’s honestly a toss-up. But Devin Booker has taken it to the next level. And that, to me, is the difference.
PREDICTION: SUNS IN 6.
Jazz vs Mavs/Clippers prediction will be done in a future Hangover entry. Likely on Monday.
Everyone, please take care of yourselves during this pandemic. And that goes for everyone involved with the NBA as well.
You can find Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
You can also check out Rey-Rey’s podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental, for more basketball content and, really, whatever else.
R.I.P. Nala.