NBA Playoffs: One intriguing matchup from each Eastern Conference series
By Dylan Carter
With intensity at an all-time high, the Eastern Conference first-round features matchups that will determine the course of the 2020 NBA Playoffs.
In a season like no other, the picture for the 2020 NBA Playoffs is set up for a ton of action. The intensity is greater than ever before with home-court advantages and strenuous travel eliminated from the equation. Historically, it’s been said that the Eastern Conference is weaker than the Western Conference. Maybe the depth of talent is greater in the West, but there are serious contenders that shouldn’t be taken lightly in the East this year.
Even a depleted Orlando Magic squad missing multiple key players came out and snagged the first game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Every team has their X-Factors and certain players who need to step up. Luckily, there haven’t been a ton of injuries inside the Orlando bubble, but certain crucial players are sidelined for the most important part of the season — the postseason.
Star players come and go but in a team sport, you need others to step up to be the best of their ability. The reigning champion Toronto Raptors leaned heavily on Kawhi Leonard in their 2019 title run but epitomized team effort over individual output. No contender’s situation is perfect, but just about every team has a chance to advance past the first round. The conference is up for grabs for any team so long as they play their cards right and leave it all on the court.
These eight players need to manage their matchups for their team to hit their stride.