The Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat all swept their way into the Eastern Conference semifinals, while the Milwaukee Bucks, after a Game 1 hiccup against the Orlando Magic, cruised through the rest of a five-game series to the second round.
Here’s where the battle to win the East gets interesting.
Can the defending champs contain the rising Jayson Tatum? How many players will the Heat throw at MVP favorite and new Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Our NBA experts are making their predictions for Raptors-Celtics and Bucks-Heat.
Note: Experts’ predictions for the Western Conference semifinals will be added once matchups are set.
Eastern Conference semifinals
Jerry Bembry: Celtics in 7
Nick DePaula: Celtics in 7
Nick Friedell: Raptors in 6
Andrew Han: Raptors in 6
Chris Herring: Celtics in 7
Andrew Lopez: Raptors in 7
Zach Lowe: Celtics in 7
Tim MacMahon: Raptors in 6
Bobby Marks: Raptors in 5
Dave McMenamin: Raptors in 7
Kevin Pelton: Raptors in 7
Jorge Sedano: Raptors in 7
Ramona Shelburne: Raptors in 6
Andre’ Snellings: Raptors in 7
Marc Spears: Raptors in 7
Eric Woodyard: Celtics in 6
Royce Young: Raptors in 6
Ohm Youngmisuk: Raptors in 7
Final tally: Raptors (13), Celtics (5).
Nick DePaula: Heat in 6
Nick Friedell: Heat in 6
Andrew Han: Heat in 7
Chris Herring: Bucks in 6
Andrew Lopez: Bucks in 6
Tim MacMahon: Bucks in 6
Bobby Marks: Heat in 7
Dave McMenamin: Heat in 7
Kevin Pelton: Bucks in 6
Jorge Sedano: Heat in 7
Ramona Shelburne: Heat in 7
Andre’ Snellings: Bucks in 5
Eric Woodyard: Bucks in 7
Royce Young: Bucks in 6
Ohm Youngmisuk: Bucks in 7
Final tally: Bucks (8), Heat (7).