Worst first-round opponent for each NBA Eastern Conference playoff team
Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets: Milwaukee Bucks
In the interest of time and sanity, lumped together are the two current Eastern Conference playoff teams with sub-.500 records. Neither likely has more than a single postseason victory in their future. However low that ceiling is, it shrinks even further against the best team in the NBA.
The Milwaukee Bucks took all four matchups against Orlando this season, including one without the pending two-time MVP, and emerged victorious in their lone battle against the Nets.
Brooklyn is a shell of the team that took the floor throughout most of the year with their two leading scorers outside the bubble along with several other rotation pieces. A swift exit will be a merciful one.
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Despite an offensive surge before the season’s stoppage — fifth in offense in their last 15 games – the Magic lack the scoring punches to counter the league’s top defense. As evidenced by an average of just 96.8 points per game in their four meetings.
We can break these matchups down to a science by dissecting coverages and schemes. Recognizing Milwaukee’s season-long dominance over the rest of the league, including these two teams, is as convincing an argument as one needs, basic and everything.