With the first edition of the NBA Play-In Tournament concluded, the true form of the NBA Playoffs is in full swing. In this article, SBS will preview two games in the Eastern Conference portion of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. In the first game of this showcase, the Nets will face the Celtics in Boston as they try to rebound from a one-point loss in game one of the series. After that, the Bulls face the Bucks in Milwaukee as they try to even the series.
Below, SBS breaks down each team, what to look for and who will prevail in each matchup.
| NBA Playoffs Picks (Eastern) | The Pick |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nets vs. Celtics | Celtics -3.5 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Bulls vs. Bucks | Bucks ML | -520 | -520 | -520 |
What to look for from: The Boston Celtics
Following a harrowing one-point victory at home, the Celtics are looking to gain an even bigger advantage over the Nets. In game one, Boston was able to outlast Brooklyn even though they had an inferior shooting percentage (53.8% to 47.2%), but vastly outrebounded the Nets, 43 to 29. Boston’s Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 31 points on 50% shooting while center Al Horford was able to lead all players with 15 rebounds. A tough battle, Boston did lead for a good portion of the game and even led by 11 points at the end of the third quarter. However, Brooklyn battled back to make it a close contest, but Tatum’s layup at the buzzer sealed the victory for the Celtics.
What to look for from: The Brooklyn Nets
A tough season for the star-studded Nets, Brooklyn will need the services of all its star players if they want to outlast Boston. In game one, the Nets’ Kyrie Irving led all players with 39 points to go along with six assists in his playoff return to Boston. Behind him, Kevin Durant chipped in 23 points, but had a terrible plus/minus rating of -13 during the contest. In fact, only Irving and bench players Nic Claxton, Goran Dragic and Patty Mills had positive ratings in the contest. After a 29-point spurt in the fourth quarter, the Nets looked like they might steal the win on the road, but alas Tatum and Celtics had other ideas. Look for this to be another dogfight in Boston.
Prediction: In what should be another blistering contest, the Celtics have not lost to the Nets in the 2022 calendar year, so look for this trend to continue with Boston winning again.
What to look for from: The Milwaukee Bucks
Coming off a solid victory over the Bulls at home, 93-86, Milwaukee certainly does have the offensive firepower to sweep this series. In their game one matchup, the Bucks controlled most of the contest until the third quarter when the Bulls outscored Milwaukee, 28-23. After that, the Bucks were able to hold off the pesky Chicago squad with a four-point advantage in the final quarter. Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo led all players with 27 points and a tremendous plus/minus mark of +19. He also had four different teammates in double figures with Kris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday and Bobby Portis all having solid nights.
What to look for from: The Chicago Bulls
For the Bulls to win, they will need some stellar performances from their superstar players – DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. In the first game of the series, The former played an astounding 43 minutes, but had a poor shooting night by going 6 for 25. Though he ended up with 18 points, DeRozan had a plus/minus of -5. LaVine on the other hand, had an even tougher evening with a -11 mark on plus/minus and 2 for 10 shooting from three point land. If the Bulls want to stay competitive with the high-flying Bucks, their best players need to play better when it matters most.
Prediction: This game should be another win for Milwaukee, but look for the Bulls to keep it close again. Take the Bucks moneyline.
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About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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