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After an exhilarating opening spherical of the NBA playoffs that noticed the NBA-best Phoenix Suns getting examined by the New Orleans Pelicans and their trio of unheralded rookies, Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks sending the Utah Jazz into an uncertain offseason and the Boston Celtics breaking out the brooms in opposition to the league’s preseason title favorites, right here we’re within the convention semifinals.
And though the upper seeds superior in each sequence in Spherical 1, one thing tells us that will not occur once more alongside the street to the NBA Finals.
The Memphis Grizzlies, who wanted three double-digit fourth-quarter comebacks to oust the Minnesota Timberwolves in six video games, could possibly be susceptible in opposition to Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole and a revitalized Golden State Warriors squad that simply eradicated the reigning MVP.
The Celtics have been the most popular group within the league for the reason that begin of the season’s second half. Their reward? Giannis Antetokounmpo and the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks.
What drama awaits within the second spherical? Our NBA specialists break down every sequence.
Collection odds and stats
Basketball Energy Index (BPI): Miami 75%
Caesars Sportsbook: Miami -420 | Philadelphia +320
Offensive rankings: MIA (113.0, 12th) | PHI (113.0, 11th)
Defensive rankings: MIA (108.4, 4th) | PHI (110.2, 12th)
MIAMI HEAT (1)
How the Warmth acquired right here
The common season was a warfare of attrition for a Miami group that trotted out 23 totally different beginning lineups due to numerous accidents however nonetheless managed to seize the No. 1 seed within the Jap Convention.
That plug-and-play perspective got here in useful within the first spherical, with Kyle Lowry (hamstring) lacking Video games Four and 5 and Jimmy Butler (knee) out for Sport 5, and the Warmth discovered a solution to defeat the Atlanta Hawks with out them.
“I simply assume that we now have one another’s again,” Warmth ahead Caleb Martin mentioned after eliminating Atlanta.
Sneaky first-round MVP: P.J. Tucker
Tucker’s numbers won’t overwhelm — he ranked sixth on the group in factors per sport (9.6), third in rebounding (6.2) and seventh in assists (2.4) — however his total affect shouldn’t be underestimated.
“He is the lifeline of our protection. He does not get as a lot credit score as he ought to, for my part,” Warmth heart Bam Adebayo mentioned after the membership’s closeout win over the Hawks, a sequence by which Miami’s protection fully flummoxed Atlanta All-Star guard Trae Young.
“Sure nights, he solely will get two pictures and does not say something. So simply to have a teammate like that, I believe he is the actual purpose our protection is the way in which it’s.”
Tucker will probably be referred to as upon to infuse that very same depth into Miami’s second-round matchup in opposition to Philadelphia and former teammate James Harden.
— Dave McMenamin
How the 76ers acquired right here
After escaping the Ben Simmons saga and buying Harden to pair with MVP finalist Joel Embiid, Philadelphia completed fourth within the East. That set them up with a difficult first-round matchup with the Toronto Raptors, who managed to push the 76ers to 6 video games even after falling behind 3-Zero within the sequence. The excellent news: A dominant Sport 6 efficiency in Toronto acquired Philly again on observe heading right into a matchup with Miami. The unhealthy information: Embiid is out indefinitely with a facial damage and concussion.
Sneaky first-round MVP: Danny Green
Inexperienced has been by way of quite a lot of playoff battles over his prolonged NBA profession. However the veteran confirmed his price even at this late stage together with his play in opposition to Toronto. With Matisse Thybulle sidelined for video games in Canada due to not being fully vaccinated, Inexperienced’s minutes skyrocketed from just below 22 per sport to over 31.
In the meantime, as Philadelphia’s solely true 3-and-D participant, Inexperienced made essentially the most triples (16) of anybody on the 76ers throughout the six video games in opposition to the Raptors. His mixture of expertise and robust taking pictures ought to preserve him in a large function in opposition to Miami.
— Tim Bontemps
Stephen A. Smith discusses Joel Embiid’s damage and the way it impacts the 76ers’ sequence vs. the Warmth.
What to look at: Embiid’s damage standing
How lengthy it takes Embiid to get well from an orbital bone fracture and concussion — he suffered each late within the fourth quarter of Sport 6 in opposition to Toronto — will decide whether or not this sequence turns into a battle or a blowout.
Embiid, who caught an elbow from Raptors ahead Pascal Siakam with 3:58 remaining within the sport, is now out indefinitely, robbing Philadelphia of its franchise centerpiece at each ends of the court docket.
It is a devastating stroke of unhealthy luck for Embiid, who mentioned on many events this season how a lot satisfaction he took in lacking simply 4 video games this season resulting from damage and shedding his injury-prone label. Within the span of 1 week, he is suffered each a torn thumb ligament on his taking pictures hand and this damage.
The 76ers will try to figure out where to go from here, however not one of the choices — taking part in DeAndre Jordan, taking part in Paul Reed extra, or going extremely small — are interesting. This group is constructed to be powered by Embiid.
— Bontemps
Collection odds and stats
Basketball Energy Index (BPI): Boston 62%
Caesars Sportsbook: Boston -200 | Milwaukee +170
Offensive rankings: BOS (113.6, ninth) | MIL (114.3, third)
Defensive rankings: BOS (106.2, 1st) | MIL (111.1, 14th)
BOSTON CELTICS (2)
How the Celtics acquired right here
After a rocky begin to the season, the Celtics discovered their rhythm after Christmas — and simply stored rolling. They pulled off a formidable first-round sweep over Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets — doing an incredible defensive job on the previous MVP. Boston comes into this sequence brimming with confidence after dominating the preseason NBA title favourite.
Sneaky first-round MVP: Marcus Smart
Jayson Tatum took his sport to a distinct stage in the course of the Nets sequence, offering the kind of constant celebrity performances that outlined his group’s wins (however within the shadow of Tatum’s greatness was the regular play), particularly on the defensive aspect of the ball — from the 2022 Defensive Participant of the 12 months.
Good averaged 16.5 factors, seven assists and 4 rebounds in the course of the sequence, however his skill to be a difference-maker defensively was an enormous purpose why the Celtics had a lot success in opposition to Durant and Co. The 6-foot-Four Good is not afraid to combine it up with a lot greater gamers — which can serve him properly in opposition to MVP finalist Antetokounmpo and the Bucks.
— Nick Friedell
MILWAUKEE BUCKS (3)
How the Bucks acquired right here
The Bucks have been constructing to this second, the primary true check of their title protection. Milwaukee completed with an an identical document as Boston in the course of the common season, however the Bucks rested their starters on the season’s closing day, establishing a first-round matchup with the Bulls (a sequence they received in 5 video games), however ceding homecourt benefit on this second-round showdown.
Sneaky first-round MVP: Jrue Holiday
Vacation put up modest scoring totals in the course of the first spherical in opposition to the Bulls, even with Khris Middleton sidelined for most of the series, however Vacation turned up the depth on Chicago’s All-Star duo for the whole sequence. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan mixed to shoot 30% from the sphere within the sequence when guarded by Vacation, who shadowed the 2 alongside Wesley Matthews. General, the Bulls shot 29% within the sequence when Vacation was the closest defender, in keeping with ESPN Stats & Data analysis. Vacation shot a career-high 41% from Three in the course of the common season, which could possibly be necessary contemplating the Bucks are nearly sure to require extra offense from Vacation on this sequence.
— Jamal Collier
0:43
Monica McNutt discusses what to anticipate within the upcoming Jap Convention semifinals matchup between the Bucks and Celtics.
What to look at: Giannis vs. Boston’s inside protection
The winner of this sequence will possible be decided within the paint in a conflict between an irresistible drive and an immovable object.
Bucks star Antetokounmpo, one of many league’s greatest rim attackers, is up in opposition to Boston’s inside protection, one of many stingiest within the league.
Antetokounmpo punished the Bulls inside throughout their first-round sequence, averaging 18 factors per sport within the paint. Throughout the season, Antetokounmpo led the NBA in made layups and dunks, averaged essentially the most factors per sport within the restricted space and scored essentially the most factors within the league on direct drives, in keeping with Second Spectrum monitoring.
Now the actual check begins, particularly with Milwaukee lacking one in all its greatest perimeter scorers in Middleton.
Boston allowed the fewest factors within the NBA on direct drives and allowed the bottom paint discipline aim share within the league. They ranked second within the league in discipline aim share allowed on the rim and have been the very best within the league since Jan. 1.
The Celtics have a number of defenders able to matching up with Antetokounmpo, together with Robert Williams III, Grant Williams (who held Antetokounmpo to 1-for-7 taking pictures on matchups within the half court docket in the course of the season) and Al Horford, who has guarded Antetokounmpo on shot makes an attempt extra ceaselessly than any defender within the league, per Second Spectrum.
— Collier
Collection odds and stats
Basketball Energy Index (BPI): Dallas 54%
Caesars Sportsbook: Phoenix -300 | Dallas +240
Offensive rankings: PHX (114.2, fifth) | DAL (112.5, 14th)
Defensive rankings: PHX (106.8, third) | DAL (109.1, seventh)
PHOENIX SUNS (1)
How the Suns acquired right here
The Suns cruised by way of the common season with a franchise-record 64 wins however had some adversity thrown at them within the first spherical, when Devin Booker went down with a hamstring damage in Sport 2 in opposition to the New Orleans Pelicans. They bounced again with wins in Sport 5 and 6 to shut out the pesky Pels.
Sneaky first-round MVP: Mikal Bridges
Bridges’ Sport 5 was an all-time efficiency. Bridges performed all however 66 seconds and had 31 factors and went 4-for-Four from deep with 4 steals. He turned simply the seventh participant in playoffs historical past to have 30 factors, 4 3s and 4 steals in a sport, becoming a member of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter.
Bridges was additionally his normal defensive drive all through the sequence. In response to ESPN Stats & Data analysis, Bridges held the Pelicans to 37% taking pictures (32-of-86) as the first defender. He additionally compelled 14 turnovers (tied for second most this postseason) and held New Orleans to 0.82 factors per play as the first defender.
— Andrew Lopez
DALLAS MAVERICKS (4)
How the Mavericks acquired right here
Dallas received its first playoff sequence since its 2011 title run — coach Jason Kidd was there … at level guard — regardless of Luka Doncic lacking the primary three video games in opposition to the Jazz resulting from a strained left calf. Guard Jalen Brunson, who averaged 27.Eight factors and dedicated solely 4 complete turnovers, had a breakout sequence.
Sneaky first-round MVP: Dorian Finney-Smith
Brunson was far too spectacular to qualify as sneaky, so let’s go along with Finney-Smith. The small ahead was the first defender on Jazz star Donovan Mitchell, who credited Finney-Smith all through the sequence as the largest think about his inefficiency (39.8% from the ground, 20.8% from 3-point vary).
Finney-Smith was additionally a big offensive contributor, averaging 13.2 factors and a pair of.Eight assists whereas going 17-of-43 on 3s. His rebounding (6.Three per sport) was key to the success of the Mavs’ small lineups, typically with the 6-foot-7 Finney-Smith at heart. And he performed 260 of 288 minutes within the sequence. The four-year, $55.5 million extension Finney-Smith signed in February already seems to be like a discount.
— Tim MacMahon
2:05
Chris Paul goes an ideal 14-for-14 from the sphere because the Suns defeat the Pelicans 115-109 to advance to the Western Convention semifinals.
What to look at: Luka vs. Phoenix’s perimeter protection
It figures that Suns coach Monty Williams will need his Defensive Participant of the 12 months candidate on the celebrity on the opposite aspect. However simply how a lot Bridges will guard Doncic when the pictures are going up will rely upon how the Mavericks hunt their matchups.
Dallas and Phoenix met 3 times this season, however Doncic didn’t play in two of these video games. Within the one sport Doncic did play, Bridges had 31 half-court matchups in opposition to him, double every other Suns participant, in keeping with ESPN Stats & Data analysis.
Nonetheless, NBA.com/stats reveals that Doncic was simply 1-for-2 in opposition to Bridges. Dallas’ aim was to get Bridges off of Doncic after they might. Bridges switched 9 occasions when guarding Doncic, with both Booker or Chris Paul turning into the first defender on six of these switches.
Regardless of the Suns did labored. Doncic was 9-of-23 total and 2-of-9 from distance in 38 minutes. How Phoenix tries to defend Doncic this time round might decide the result of the sequence.
— Lopez
Collection odds and stats
Basketball Energy Index (BPI): Memphis 67%
Caesars Sportsbook: Memphis +200 | Golden State -240
Offensive rankings: MEM (114.3, 4th) | GS (112.1, 16th)
Defensive rankings: MEM (108.9, sixth) | GS (106.6, 2nd)
How the Grizzlies acquired right here
Memphis posted the second-best document within the NBA regardless of not having Ja Morant for 25 video games. The Grizzlies are within the second spherical, although, as a result of they performed their greatest within the clutch. They trailed an unbelievable 68.5% of the time in opposition to the Timberwolves however outscored Minnesota by 62 factors within the fourth quarter within the sequence. It’s going to be quite a bit more durable doing that in opposition to a group with championship expertise just like the Warriors.
Sneaky first-round MVP: Desmond Bane
Bane continues to emerge as a big-time participant for the Grizzlies. He led Memphis within the first spherical with 23.5 factors, 4.Three rebounds, 1.2 blocks per sport whereas taking pictures 48.2% from 3. He will probably be wanted to not solely assist Memphis preserve tempo from lengthy vary with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole, however Bane should deliver the power and explosiveness on each ends of the ground. The Warriors cannot let Bane get off within the second spherical like he did when he buried a complete of 15 3s in Video games Three and Four in opposition to the Timberwolves.
— Ohm Youngmisuk
How the Warriors acquired right here
The Warriors’ common season was riddled with accidents to star gamers, stopping any true glimpse of their full potential. Then, within the playoffs, the Warriors confirmed simply how good they are often. Their new-look small-ball lineup led them to 2 blowout wins over the Nuggets, whereas Golden State’s different two wins proved this group can shut out tight video games.
Sneaky first-round MVP: Gary Payton II
It is easy to offer this honor to Poole, who in the course of the first spherical loved his official popping out celebration as a rising star within the NBA. However Golden State’s true sneaky MVP of the sequence was Payton. It is no coincidence that each time Payton checked right into a sport in opposition to the Nuggets, the Warriors went on a bit run. All through the whole sequence, Payton gave the Warriors his grade-A protection, going up in opposition to rookie spark plug Bones Hyland for a lot of the sequence, whereas additionally spending time on Monte Morris, Will Barton and even reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. Payton additionally gave the Warriors an offensive increase, flattening wide-open pictures the Nuggets dared him to shoot. His most memorable — and most necessary — bucket was the dagger over Jeff Green that clinched the sequence.
— Kendra Andrews
1:20
Steph Curry describes the similarities between this 12 months’s Grizzlies and the Warriors groups he was on early in his profession.
What to look at: Morant vs. Payton II
Payton has typically taken the task in guarding the opponents’ greatest guard, and this showdown with Morant would be the matchup to look at.
Per Second Spectrum monitoring, Payton defended Morant in 88 half-court matchups in the course of the common season, the third most of any participant, behind the New York Knicks‘ RJ Barrett (109) and the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ Patrick Beverley (108). And in keeping with NBA Superior Stats, Payton held Morant to 2-for-12 taking pictures (16.7%), the second-lowest discipline aim share allowed in opposition to Morant this season with a minimal of 10 pictures defended.
Payton needs to be cautious about racking up fouls in opposition to Morant, but when he could make issues tough on the Grizzlies celebrity, it might present an enormous increase for the Warriors within the second spherical.
— Andrews
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