Eastern Conference
Cleveland Cavaliers (1) vs Miami Heat (8)
Results: Cavaliers 4-0 sweep
Series MVP: Donovan Mitchell
Summary: The Cavaliers continue to be a revelation this season, coming off one of their most dominant regular seasons since "that guy from Akron" played there. Kenny Atkinson has rejuvenated the once-dying franchise into one of the favorites to go all the way. Donovan Mitchell has been instrumental in the Cavaliers' form and has shown that no matter the conditions or occasion, "the Spider" is as All-Star quality as it gets.
Make no mistake, this is not a one-man army but potentially the tallest and most talented "boy band" Cleveland has ever produced. Continuing to go from strength to strength, it will be a tall order to stop such a dominant team over a seven-game series.
Boston Celtics (2) vs Orlando Magic (7)
Results: Celtics 4-1 win
Series MVP: Jayson Tatum
Summary: The defending champions kicked off their title defense with an impressive 4-1 victory against a somewhat young but ever-growing Orlando Magic team. The Celtics seem to have an unstoppable aura about them—a team that's already been to the top of the mountain together. They know the job at hand and understand that if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to be champions of the world, you go together.
The Celtics certainly have the tools to go all the way, but they also have a big target on their backs, making the journey back to the top all the more difficult.
New York Knicks (3) vs Detroit Pistons (6)
Results: Knicks 4-2 win
Series MVP: Jalen Brunson
Summary: Like Frank Sinatra and Alicia Keys keep singing, "New York, New York, New York!" A Game 6 win has this city off to the races again, with Spike Lee smiling from ear to ear as the city that never sleeps cements itself as a real contender in the East. The Knicks had a dogfight against the Detroit Pistons but showed they are the "dawgs." This Knicks team has the city dreaming—good all over the floor with the vibes to match, and "Clutch Man of the Year" Jalen Brunson always ready to put the final dagger in. The New York Knicks look ready for any and all comers, with nothing to lose and uncharted territories for this new-look squad to conquer. They'll certainly be a dark horse heading into the conference semifinals.
Indiana Pacers (4) vs Milwaukee Bucks (5)
Results: Pacers 4-2 win
Series MVP: Tyrese Haliburton
Summary: The Indiana Pacers extinguished the Milwaukee Bucks' chances of winning with a brutal headshot kill in Game 6 to advance to the second round. The biggest Buck of them all, Giannis Antetokounmpo, put up some incredible playoff stats and a valiant effort to relive the glory of the Bucks' recent past. But not even MVP-caliber performances by the "Greek Freak" were enough to stop the Indiana outfit from outpacing the Bucks to the first-round finish line. Another well-balanced side with All-Star quality, led by Tyrese Haliburton, this Pacers team has flown under the radar among the big hitters in the East. But they've shown they can punch with the best of them and will be looking to go one step further after last season's heartbreak.
