The first round  

MILWAUKEE vs MIAMI - As of this writing, both teams are yet to play Game 4.  The Heat lead their series, 2-1, but Giannis Antetokouonmpo, after a 2-game absence due to a back injury, was supposed to play on this game. Had Giannis not been injured, the Bucks could have doused the heat out of Miami.  Count on Coach Spo to use more of Duncan Robinson’s outside shooting.

BOSTON  vs ATLANTA - With lots of playoff experience, the Celtics hope to close their series with the Hawks today. They’re getting ample support from their reserves, specifically Robert Williams III and Malcolm Brogdon.  Trae Young could be firing at will but the suspension of Dejounte Murray is not helping Atlanta’s cause.  Boston likely will move on to the next round and face off with Philadelphia.

PHILADELPHIA vs BROOKLYN - The Nets were simply overmatched and they have no answer for the Sixers big 3 of MVP front runner Joel Embiid, James Harden and Tobias Harris.  Brooklyn surrendered in 4 games, even without Embiid. 

NY KNICKS vs CLEVELAND - The Knicks are up 3-1 and had been in control of their series against the Cavs even with the almost non-existent prodcution of their top scorer Julius Randle.  Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart had been most effective and could move on the next round with a victory tomorrow and face the winner of the MIL-MIA series.

DENVER vs MINNESOTA - Wolves avoided elimination when Anthony Edwards decided that they wanted another to play another game. This was a one-way matchup that somehow had the Nuggets allowing Minnesota a win.

PHOENIX vs LA CLIPPERS - Russell Westbrook had been a blessing for the Clippers and is producing vintage Westbrook-like post season numbers. But without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George who seem to be perpetually injured,  LAC will have to hope that Kevin Durant and Devin Booker will have bad games.   With a 1-3 series deficit, the Clips already have one foot on the exit.

SACRAMENTO vs GOLDEN STATE - This is one exciting matchup.  The Warriors have two of the best shooters in the league, the Kings being the league’s highest scoring team.  The Kings are making a statement with their first trip to the playoffs after almost twenty years. GSW trying to preserve their dynasty and defend their title.  They’re tied at 2-2 and whoever prevails in the next game will have the momentum.

MEMPHIS vs LA LAKERS - We have drama here.  There’s supposed to be one ball on the playing court but Dillon Brooks tried to dribble two smaller balls between LeBron’s legs.  Jaren Jackson, Jr. was crowned as the Defensive Player of the Year and Anthony Davis reportedly was not happy with it.  With the NBA’s rule of playing a minimum of 65 games for a player to win an award, AD didn’t make the cut.  Unless Ja Morant will be chained on the bench, he’s almost impossible to stop.