NEW YORK (AP) — Perhaps neither Milwaukee nor Philadelphia would’ve been good enough to beat a Boston team that ran away to the NBA’s best record.
The Bucks and 76ers surely never thought about going out in the first round of the playoffs, though.
Both teams will be facing that possibility Tuesday on a night of Game 5s in the Eastern Conference, with the New York Knicks able to eliminate the 76ers and the Indiana Pacers in position to knock out the Bucks.
Cleveland and Orlando are tied 2-2 in the only series that can’t end Tuesday.
With both clubs being led by a former MVP, the Bucks and 76ers expected to at least contend for a spot in the East finals. Milwaukee even added All-Star help for Giannis Antetokounmpo by acquiring Damian Lillard from Portland in last summer’s biggest trade.
But with both players hurt, the No. 3-seeded Bucks have dropped three straight games to fall into their 3-1 hole against the No. 6 Pacers.
Patrick Reed withdraws from US Open qualifying and ends streak of playing the majors
Row as Rishi Sunak lines up ex
My friend's sausage dog ripped off a chunk of my cheek
Kenya to invest 1.9 mln USD to boost EV adoption in 3 years
Macron is making a surprise trip to New Caledonia amid deadly unrest and indigenous frustration
Do YOU think St George's Day should be a national holiday?
Montana minor league baseball team in dispute with National Park Service over arrowhead logo
Bobrovsky makes incredible save during Panthers
Queen Camilla reveals she's seen the first season of Bridgerton
Six winners of the Mail's Inspirational Women Awards are honoured in glittering ceremony in London
Culture festival showcases integration
Travis Kelce accepts a 'friendly' $14m Chiefs contract 'to keep the team together', claims ex