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.
Independent UN experts urge Yemen’s Houthis to free detained Baha'i followers
Riley Greene homers twice and Mark Canha goes deep to power Tigers past Rays 4
Eagles' Isaiah Rodgers reinstated by NFL after gambling suspension
I'm an end of care doctor who's studied 1,000 people on their death beds
NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 98
NBA says Tyrese Maxey was fouled
Sanders orders US and Arkansas flags flown at half
Bears GM Ryan Poles says 'tune in on Thursday' for No. 1 overall pick at the NFL draft
A warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest was requested. But no decision was made about whether to issue it
Everybody may love Raymond, but Ray Romano loves Peter Boyle
Our friends wriggle out of paying their fair share on holiday