Bucks Host Celtics in Game 1
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals at Fiserv Forum on Sunday.
The Celtics absolutely cruised through the first-round. as they finished off the Indiana Pacers in just four games. While many of those games were close, it's a great sign for this Boston club that had such high expectations at the beginning of the season. Kyrie Irving carried the load in that series and it's a wonder if that form will carry over here. Irving's production will always be there but they simply need their role players to be more consistent. Players like Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward have been much better over recent weeks and they'll obviously need to continue that against this stout Milwaukee team. The Celtics allowed just 92 points per game in that four-game sweep over Indiana and they'll need to continue that stingy defense against the best offense in basketball.
The Bucks looked like the best team in the NBA in the regular season and that clearly carried over into the playoffs. In fact, Milwaukee swept the Detroit Pistons in epic fashion, winning that series by the second-largest margin in NBA history. That's become common trend for this club, with the Bucks leading the league in double-digit victories. The simple fact is, Milwaukee is the most dynamic team in basketball. They were actually the only team in the league who finished top-five in both offensive and defensive efficiency. That says a lot about this club and the sky is the limit for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the boys.
These teams played three times in the regular season, with Boston winning two of three.
The Celtics absolutely cruised through the first-round. as they finished off the Indiana Pacers in just four games. While many of those games were close, it's a great sign for this Boston club that had such high expectations at the beginning of the season. Kyrie Irving carried the load in that series and it's a wonder if that form will carry over here. Irving's production will always be there but they simply need their role players to be more consistent. Players like Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward have been much better over recent weeks and they'll obviously need to continue that against this stout Milwaukee team. The Celtics allowed just 92 points per game in that four-game sweep over Indiana and they'll need to continue that stingy defense against the best offense in basketball.
The Bucks looked like the best team in the NBA in the regular season and that clearly carried over into the playoffs. In fact, Milwaukee swept the Detroit Pistons in epic fashion, winning that series by the second-largest margin in NBA history. That's become common trend for this club, with the Bucks leading the league in double-digit victories. The simple fact is, Milwaukee is the most dynamic team in basketball. They were actually the only team in the league who finished top-five in both offensive and defensive efficiency. That says a lot about this club and the sky is the limit for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the boys.
These teams played three times in the regular season, with Boston winning two of three.
Warriors Host Rockets In Game 1 Of Western Semi Finals
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals, at Oracle Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The Rockets made quick work of their first-round matchup with a 4-1 series win over the Jazz, while the Warriors had a bit more trouble with their matchup, as the Clippers pushed them to six games. After a solid first four games, Kevin Durant blew up with 45 points in Game 5, followed by 50 points in Game 6, to ensure a first-round series win for the Warriors. On the contrary, neither Stephen Curry nor Klay Thompson could come up with the firepower needed to lift the team in those final games. However, both Curry (ankle) and Thompson (ankle) may have been slowed by injury, as they are both questionable for action in Game 1. Unfortunately for Golden State, DeMarcus Cousins (quad) went down in Game 2 of the first round and is not expected back soon.
Meanwhile, the Rockets looked good and consistent in their first-round matchup, as the starters all performed their duties, while a bench rotation of Danuel House Jr., Austin Rivers, Gerald Green and Kenneth Faried supplied enough support to keep the squad rolling. The Jazz did everything possible to slow James Harden, including playing defense behind him to block his patented step-back three, and ultimately managed to keep him well under his season scoring averages, as he averaged 27.8 points per game in the series. The problem is that by any standard other than his own from this season, those are great numbers. The Warriors will certainly need another strategy to overcome this well-balanced Houston team. This series could easily become one where the best defense is a high-powered offense.
The Rockets made quick work of their first-round matchup with a 4-1 series win over the Jazz, while the Warriors had a bit more trouble with their matchup, as the Clippers pushed them to six games. After a solid first four games, Kevin Durant blew up with 45 points in Game 5, followed by 50 points in Game 6, to ensure a first-round series win for the Warriors. On the contrary, neither Stephen Curry nor Klay Thompson could come up with the firepower needed to lift the team in those final games. However, both Curry (ankle) and Thompson (ankle) may have been slowed by injury, as they are both questionable for action in Game 1. Unfortunately for Golden State, DeMarcus Cousins (quad) went down in Game 2 of the first round and is not expected back soon.
Meanwhile, the Rockets looked good and consistent in their first-round matchup, as the starters all performed their duties, while a bench rotation of Danuel House Jr., Austin Rivers, Gerald Green and Kenneth Faried supplied enough support to keep the squad rolling. The Jazz did everything possible to slow James Harden, including playing defense behind him to block his patented step-back three, and ultimately managed to keep him well under his season scoring averages, as he averaged 27.8 points per game in the series. The problem is that by any standard other than his own from this season, those are great numbers. The Warriors will certainly need another strategy to overcome this well-balanced Houston team. This series could easily become one where the best defense is a high-powered offense.