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.
IMF approves immediate release of final $1.1 billion tranche of $3 billion bailout to Pakistan
Paramount Global's Bob Bakish is stepping down as CEO
Iconic arch used as Iditarod finish line collapses in Alaska
Cachin receives souvenir from Nadal after losing to the 22
Philips will pay $1.1 billion to resolve US lawsuits over breathing machines that expel debris
Elon Musk visits China as Tesla seeks self
Map reveals where headless torso and further human remains have been found by locals in Salford
Gunnar Henderson becomes youngest player to hit 10 homers before May 1 as Orioles defeat Yankees 2
Immersive Studio Ghibli exhibition opens in Shanghai
‘Welcome to Wrexham’ returns for a ‘nail