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.
Elon Musk gets approval from FDA to implant his Neuralink brain chip into a second patient
Once praised, settlement to help sickened BP oil spill workers leaves most with nearly nothing
Denver Nuggets realize defending their NBA championship will be a tough task in improved West
Champions League rules leave teams chasing a moving target in the Bundesliga
Ship that caused Baltimore bridge collapse has been refloated
Muslim teaching assistant claims being awarded the Christmas Grinch prize at 'light
Italy starting Davis Cup title defense against Brazil and US plays Chile
Having a stressful job could stave off dementia, according to new analysis
Hollywood star Shia LaBeouf is spotted on the streets of Gavin and Stacey's hometown Barry
Urgent warning over shortages of life
Saudi Arabia is going to sponsor the WTA women's tennis rankings under a new partnership
Portuguese bodybuilder 'Monster', who claimed to be the 'most shredded ever', dies aged 46