Eastern Conference
No. 1 Toronto Raptors (5923) vs. No. 8 Washington Wizards (43-39)
Season series: Split, 2-2
Storyline: It was the best regular season in Toronto history and its first time going into the playoffs as a No. 1 seed, but the Raptors know it’s the playoff result that will determine if 201718 was a success. The Raptors got out of the first round once in their first 20 seasons; they’re now trying to do so for a third straight season. Washington was inconsistent all season, but now has All-star John Wall back from injury, and he’ll be needed.
Key matchup: Toronto’s Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan vs. the Wizards’ Wall and Bradley Beal. The teams mirror each other in that their backcourt stars lead the way. Lowry and Derozan have risen to challenges all season, and their playoff run starts with a very stiff matchup.
Prediction: Raptors in 5. No. 2 Boston Celtics (55-27) vs. No. 7 Milwaukee Bucks (44-38)
Season series: Split, 2-2
Storyline: The Celtics won’t have Kyrie Irving, probably won’t have Marcus
Smart for much of the first round, and haven’t had Gordon Hayward since the sixth minute of the season. But they earned the No. 2 seed anyway, and hear the whispers of naysayers suggesting they’re vulnerable. The Bucks will try to win their first playoff series since 2001 — when star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was 6.
Key matchup: Celtics coach
Brad Stevens vs. Bucks coach Joe Prunty. The chess match will be fun; Stevens is easily one of the NBA’S best at scheming, especially on the fly, and Prunty has done a strong job since taking over for Jason
Kidd around the midseason mark.
Prediction: Celtics in 6.