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.
I was 'brokefished' by my friend for £400
JASON GROVES: Rishi Sunak has survived
Ministers told to redraw green plans after High Court rules UK's current net zero strategy unlawful
The government wants to buy their flood
Jordan Spieth got elbowed back in the fairway, but missed cut at hometown Nelson
Stanton and Rizzo help Yankees rally in 9th inning for 2
Everybody may love Raymond, but Ray Romano loves Peter Boyle
F1 now makes 3 stops a season in the United States. Could Miami become a victim of oversaturation?
Amtrak train hits pickup truck in upstate New York, 3 dead including child
Williams brothers star for Athletic Bilbao in win over Getafe