We get to the heart of the off-season. Milwaukee is the first semifinalist in the East; three series tied. Utah, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Brooklyn very close to the next round
Overseas, for a few weeks now, it’s time for the NBA Playoffs: after the Play-in formula, 16 of the best American teams are facing each other to be able to declare themselves new champions. In the West, the situation is uncertain for many teams: last night, at 9.30 pm game 4 was played between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns; the hosts, during the match, had to do without Anthony Davis, who went out due to injury. The Arizona team, on the other hand, thanks to a newfound Chris Paul, wins a crucial away game against the reigning champions: the series, now at 2-2, is more open than ever. During the night, the other team from Los Angeles faced Doncic and his teammates: led by a great Leonard, the team coached by coach Tyronn Lue mended the gap by bringing the series into a draw. Still from the left side of the scoreboard, Utah, with a 2-1 lead against Memphis, would seem to have the qualification under control but, be careful: never bet against Ja Morant who in the first three games has combined more than 100 points, a record for him. Another interesting and balanced series is the one between Denver and Portland: the Oregon team won the last game played which allows them to play the next few games with greater confidence dragged by Damian Lillard and Carmelo Anthony, the former on duty.
If in the West there is still everything to decide, in the East the situation seems very clear, except for sensational twists: Milwaukee is the first semifinalist of the Playoffs after having easily beaten the Miami Heat which, after a great off-season in the bubble, this year has disappointed expectations: the Bucks, led by the usual Antetokounmpo, are proving to be a very mature team compared to previous years and will try to go all the way. In the night, Brooklyn and his big three led the series to 3-1 against Boston who, with only Tatum (author of 40 points), can do nothing against the number one candidate for the final victory. Similar situation between Atlanta and New York: the Big Apple franchise is not repeating the good things seen in the regular season, trailing 3-1 in the series they can’t find the right countermeasures against Trae Young who is traveling at medium incredible. Another series destined to end with a “coat” is the one between the Washington Wizards and the 76ers led by an Embiid in great shape: another favorite for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, even if the road is still long, the Playoffs have just begun and the best is yet to come.
