NBA Playoffs Conference Semi-Finals Matchups

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Tony Peoples, Reporter

As the NBA playoffs enter the conference semifinals, here is a breakdown of the teams in each series.

Eastern Conference

Celtics vs. 76ers

Two of the most storied franchises will face off. They’ve faced off in 21 series and 109 total playoff games. Their rivalry predates Bill Russell. They’ve met in the playoffs at least once in every decade in NBA history except for the 1990s. Celtics are led by star duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown and a solid supporting cast of Marcus Smart, Al Horford, Robert Williams, and more veterans. On the other side, Philadelphia is led by MVP frontrunner Joel Embiid and former MVP James Harden. With Embiid out the first game, it will still be a great series that could potentially go to 7 games.

Knicks vs. Heat

A team has just came off winning a play-in game and later a winning series against the Bucks, the No.8 seed Heat are looking to be one of the best in East right now. The Heat are led by Jimmy Butler and the Knicks are going to have a time trying to guard him. The Knicks are going to keep this series competitive led by Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.

Western Conference

Lakers vs. Warriors

Two of the greatest players of this generation face off another time in this series. The Lakers are coming off a series win against the Memphis Grizzlies and Warriors from a 7-game thriller against the Sacramento Kings. James and Curry have gone head-to-head 22 times in the playoffs over the course of four consecutive meetings between the Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals from 2015-18.

Suns vs. Nuggets

The Suns have a strong group of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Chris Paul but with the 2-0 start it’s looking rough for them. The Nuggets are led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic with his dominant scoring, passing, and rebounding, with a great supporting cast of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr, and Aaron Gordon.