Eastern Conference playoff preview

We are currently in the midst of the NBA Play-In Tournament and with only one game remaining, we now have a good idea as to how the East will pan out.

No. 1 Boston Celtics vs. No. 8 (Miami Heat or Chicago Bulls)

We start with the beast of the east that is Boston, the heavy favorite to come out of the east with their stacked roster that goes deep into the bench.

Miami and Chicago will face off this Friday, April 19 at Miami to decide who gets the No. 8 seed and play Boston on April 21.

If Miami gets the spot, they’ve been a tough opponent for the Celtics to handle and even tougher to predict their play, so don’t expect them to go down without a fight.

If Chicago gets the spot, Boston should have a much easier time handling this team which has unfortunately been dealing with injury for the last few seasons.

PREDICTION: BOSTON (4-0) CHICAGO or BOSTON (4-2) MIAMI.

No. 2 New York Knicks vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers

The Knicks have been an absolute machine even without the likes of Julius Randle, who provides the bulk of the team’s physical offense.

The team’s guard play has done great in his absence, with Jalen Brunson becoming a bonafide superstar since the All-Star break.

If the playoff seeds were decided on actual team ability and not record, the 76ers would not be a seven seed but with Joel Embiid missing for 40+ games.

He seems to be easing his way back in, as he is definitely not moving the same as he was before, but still putting up good numbers. Co-stars Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. have done a great job filling in a supporting role behind him.

PREDICTION: PHILADELPHIA (4-3) NEW YORK

No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks vs. No. 6 Indiana Pacers

While not living up to the expectations that were set when they traded for Damian Lillard in the offseason and acquired Doc Rivers as their new head coach, Milwaukee has still managed to put together a solid season, only losing the No. 2 seed in the last game of the season.

The Pacers have seen hopeful growth as a team, going from missing the Play-In to securing a playoff spot, which is thanks to the development of All-Star starter Tyrese Haliburton and acquiring Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors in January.

With a healing Giannis and a lot in the air about the Pacers abilities in the postseason, don’t be surprised if this series is closer than most think.

PREDICTION: MILWAUKEE (4-3) INDIANA


No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Orlando Magic

This is not a series you’re going to see on primetime television, but it could in fact be the best of the entire first round.

Both teams have physical cores that excel in the paint, especially Orlando, which prides itself on its size and strength, currently shooting the least amount of threes in the league.

Paolo Bancero has flown under the radar this season even though he had his first All-Star appearance this season, showing great growth in his stats and even drawing playstyle comparisons to a young LeBron James.

Cleveland, under the leadership of 5x All-Star Donovan Mitchell, has shown flashes of greatness this season and when they have the engine going, they are near unbeatable.

PREDICTION: ORLANDO (4-3) CLEVELAND

Chris Vadnais is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email cmv5562@psu.edu.