NBA Playoffs: Which team should a soccer fan support?

Eastern Conference bottom 4

5. New York Knicks – AC Milan

The New York Knicks are among the most well-known sporting brands the world over, with AC Milan not too far behind in footballing circles at least. The Knicks have been carried all season by Julius Randle, who is going to win the Most Improved Player award. Milan, while building a stronger squad with players such as Theo Hernandez, Sandro Tonali and Franck Kessie is still dominated by one man.

His name is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and although currently injured, his arrival (for the second time) brought with it a reversal of fortunes at the club. The key difference though is that Ibrahimovic is 39, but at this moment in time seems ageless. Milan have watched city rivals Inter win the league this year while the Nets are better than the Knicks, but both are engrained franchises in their respective sports who are capable of picking up some big wins.

6. Miami Heat – Juventus

No, Jimmy Butler is not basketball’s answer to Cristiano Ronaldo. But both the Miami Heat and Juventus just find ways to constantly make sure that they are in the mix come the business end of the season. Juventus didn’t win the league this year but had won the last nine. They are yet to get to a Champions League final with Ronaldo and possibly never will but are among Europe’s elite.

The Heat came out of nowhere to make it to the NBA Finals last year, and in a seven-game series, they are a nightmare to face. Well-coached, well-conditioned, and with a strong will to win, much like a Juventus squad with Paulo Dybala, Weston McKennie and Matthijs de Ligt. Just two teams that are very good overall, with superstar talent at the top.

7. Boston Celtics – Arsenal

Although not the power they once were, in England at least Arsenal are an institution in the same way the Boston Celtics are in the NBA. Both are among the most successful organizations of all time, both have won championships in the last two decades, and both are going through a rough period at this moment in time.

Head coach Brad Stevens should and will be given all the time he needs in Boston. The same may not be true of Mikel Arteta, but there are signs that he’s righting the ship at Arsenal. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are stars already, while Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe will be very soon. They’re not winning it this year, and Arsenal are further away than the Celtics from being at the very top again, but both have large fan bases and when look great when they get it right.

8. Washington Wizards – Newcastle United

A bit unfair because Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal are better than any combination of star players Newcastle United could put out, but you never know what you’re going to get with this team. On the plus side though, both were determined enough to make the play-in game (at the second attempt by the Wizards), and remain in the Premier League another year (a terrible run of form had pushed Newcastle into a relegation battle for part of the season).

Newcastle, despite being relegated twice in recent memory, are a big club. One of the biggest outside of the top six in England. Their fans act as such as well, despite not winning a major trophy since 1955. In football, there are far more chances to win silverware. Westbrook carries himself the same way. No longer a top-six player, but just try telling him that. Both teams to exit early.