The Eastern Conference playoffs are officially set as the Miami Heat claim the #8 seed after their dominating victory over the Chicago Bulls. This sets up for the Eastern Conference Finals rematch from last year in the first round. Additionally, the Philadephia 76ers will take on the #2 seed, the New York Knicks. Below are my 76ers vs. Knicks and Heat vs. Celtics series previews and predictions.
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76ers vs. Knicks & Heat vs. Celtics Series Preview & Predictions
Philadelphia 76ers (7) vs New York Knicks (2) Series Preview
The second seed New York Knicks will face the Philadelphia 76ers, who won the first play-in tournament game in come-from-behind fashion against the Heat on Tuesday night. Now, these two teams will face off in the first round of the NBA Playoffs in the Eastern Conference.
The good news for the Philadelphia 76ers is they have Joel Embiid back for the playoff run. The biggest question is going to be how healthy is Embiid to carry this team past the Knicks.
These two teams played each other four times during the regular season and the Knicks won three out of the four regular season matchups. Additionally, all four games have gone Under the total. Now to be fair, Joel Embiid only played in one matchup this season against the Knicks.
In my opinion, this series is going to come down to which of the supporting role players can help Jalen Brunson on the offensive side. Jalen Brunson is going to get his but without Julius Randle it could be a struggle to score points. Meanwhile, I love what the 76ers did at the trade deadline adding depth around Embiid and Maxey. The 76ers added Kelly Oubre Jr. and Buddy Hield. If these two players can provide some shot making around Embiid they will be a tough out.
This series could go the full seven games but I do believe the Sixers come out on top. I believe the 76ers will get contributions from the supporting role players. Because the Knicks don’t have a reliable second scorer could end up being the determinant of the Knicks success in the playoffs.
Best Bet: 76ers To Win Series -110
Miami Heat (8) vs. Boston Celtics (1) Series Preview
We have a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics. This year they meet in the first round in the one versus eighth seed matchup.
The biggest storyline in this series will be the Miami Heat without their All-Star forward Jimmy Butler who suffered an MCL injury against the Philadelphia 76ers. However, this year’s Miami Heat team has a healthy Tyler Herro and also their rookie sensation Jaime Jacquez Jr.
On the other hand, this Celtics roster is the deepest team in recent history, next to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Celtics added Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. These two teams matched up three times during the regular season, and the Celtics won all three matchups.
The key in this series for the Boston Celtics will be closing out games. There were numerous times during the regular season the Celtics blew double-digit leads in the second half. Additionally, the one area in which the Heat have the advantage is going to be the coaching advantage. Coach Erik Spoelstra is one of the best, if not the best head coach in the NBA.
Will history repeat itself? It’s quite possible and I could not talk anyone off playing the Miami Heat on the series price. The Heat’s resume especially in the playoffs speaks for itself. However, I do think with the depth the Boston Celtics have they will pull it off and advance but it won’t be easy.
Best Bet: Heat +3.5 Games -150
