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.
Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
China take three golds at Badminton Asia Championships
Storms damage homes in Oklahoma and Kansas. But in Houston, most power is restored
Teixeira brace sees Shanghai go top in CSL
Supreme Court rejects an appeal from a Canadian man once held at Guantanamo
Sport climbing season kicks off in China
'The Apprentice,' about a young Donald Trump, premieres in Cannes
Nanjing lose to Liaoning, miss CBA playoffs