The NBA playoffs are heating up with Game 5s in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers. Both teams are facing the possibility of being eliminated in the first round, a scenario that seemed unlikely at the start of the season.
The Bucks, led by former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, find themselves in a 3-1 hole against the Indiana Pacers after dropping three straight games. Despite acquiring All-Star Damian Lillard in a trade last summer, injuries have plagued the team, leaving them with an uphill battle to stay alive in the playoffs.
On the other hand, the 76ers, with reigning MVP Joel Embiid, have also struggled with injuries and inconsistency throughout the season. Embiid’s left knee surgery in February derailed their momentum, and now they are on the brink of elimination against the New York Knicks.
The Knicks, buoyed by a strong performance from Jalen Brunson, have a 3-1 series lead and are looking to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic are locked in a tight series tied at 2-2, with Game 5 set to break the deadlock.
As the pressure mounts and the stakes get higher, the Eastern Conference playoffs are shaping up to be a thrilling battle to the finish. With key players battling injuries and unexpected performances shaking up the matchups, anything can happen as the teams fight for survival in the postseason.