On April 15th, Beijing time, with the Timberwolves defeating the Thunder, all the quarterfinals of the East and West playoffs were released. It is worth mentioning that two groups of black eights are expected to be staged, and the Lakers also have a chance of black sevens.
In the duel between the Nuggets and the Timberwolves, although the Nuggets are the most expensive in the West, the Timberwolves’ lineup is quite targeted. The two teams tied 2-2 in the regular season. It is worth mentioning that the Timberwolves won both games. If the twin-tower lineup of Gobert and Towns can limit Jokic, then their black eight chances are not small.
In the match between the Grizzlies and the Lakers, the Grizzlies lineup is balanced inside and outside. The combination of Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. will be a big problem for the Lakers. They also have a good bench depth. However, the Lakers are the team with the best record after the trade deadline, and the new lineup is running well. The important thing is that both Nongmei and James have maintained their health. Moreover, the schedule is also conducive to the Lakers. Playing one game in two days guarantees the Lakers rest time. In this group of matchups, the Lakers have a good chance of black seven.
In the matchup between the Kings and the Warriors, Brown was the chief assistant coach of the Warriors last season. He made the Kings the league’s top offensive team this season. However, the Warriors have rich experience in the playoffs and are also the defending champions. The Kings entered the playoffs for the first time in 16 years. Dream Chaser has already stated that he wants to blow up his opponents and wait for the Lakers in the semifinals.
In the duel between the Suns and the Clippers, Xiaoka single-core led the team to fight against the Big Four. After Durant joined the Suns, the Suns remained unbeaten in the games he played. Durant quickly integrated into the team.
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Bucks (1) VS Heat (8)
Celtics (2) VS Eagles (7)
76ers (3) VS Nets (6)
Cavaliers (4) VS Knicks (5)
The matchup between the Bucks and the Heat is the fourth time the two teams have played in the playoffs. In the previous three games, the winners of the series have finally reached the finals. In the first round of the Eastern Conference in the 2012-13 season, the Heat defeated the Bucks 4-0, and finally the Heat defeated the Spurs 4-3 in the finals to win the championship. In the Eastern Conference semifinals of the 2019-20 season, the Heat defeated the Bucks 4-1, and finally lost to the Lakers 2-4 in the Finals. In the first round of the Eastern Conference in the 2020-21 season, the Bucks defeated the Heat 4-0, and finally the Bucks defeated the Suns 4-2 in the finals to win the championship. Spoelstra’s famous defensive wall locked Antetokounmpo. Therefore, it will not be surprising if the Heat stage a black eight this time.
In the Celtics-Eagle duel, the two teams played against each other 3 times in the regular season, and the Celtics maintained a complete victory. The Celtics are eager to return to the Finals and avenge themselves. There is no solution to the offense of Shuang Tanhua, and the Celtics still have many defensive champions. I am afraid that it will not be a big problem to win the Eagles. It is worth mentioning that all 17 ESPN experts are optimistic about the Celtics’ advancement.
In the matchup between the 76ers and the Nets, the Nets’ ability to make it to the playoffs relied on the capital accumulated by the Duou combination before leading the team. After Durant and Irving left, the Nets’ record declined. Although Bridges is eye-catching, compared to the 76ers, the Nets’ lineup still appears to be lacking in star flavor. Moreover, Harden is the league’s assist leader and Embiid is the score leader. The combination of the two is probably the best duo at present.
The matchup between the Cavaliers and the Knicks is probably the most unpredictable matchup in the first round of the Eastern Conference. However, Randall’s injury may affect the direction of the series. If he can come back in time, the Knicks have a chance to go further.Return to Sohu to see more