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.
Four people killed in a house explosion in southwestern Missouri
'Challengers' review: Prepare to get hot and bothered
Former MIT researcher who killed Yale graduate student sentenced to 35 years in prison
Former school cop Elias Huizar 'shoots dead' teacher ex
Company wins court ruling to continue development of Michigan factory serving EV industry
Celine Dion reveals the reason she NEVER borrows clothes from top designers like other celebs
Google fires more workers who protested its deal with Israel
Family pay tribute to 'vibrant and loving' mother, 25, found dead in car in Hackney
The fightback begins: Boss of London's Queen Mary University tells pro
Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
Orioles call up another top prospect in OF Heston Kjerstad, who hit 10 HRs in 21 games at Triple