2021 NBA Playoffs: Thoughts on First Round in the East

Philadelphia 76ers (1) v Washington Wizards (8): Sixers up 2–0

Exactly what the Sixers needed — no drama until the next round. Ben Simmons needs a strong showing throughout these playoffs to silence the never-ending doubters — who rightfully wonder how a modern NBA playoff contender will function when their point guard can’t shoot. Simmons’ defense will help give the Sixers a chance against the SuperNets…if his transition skills and rebounding aren’t neutralized by his shooting, and if Harris, Green and Seth Curry can consistently make the Nets work on defense, tiring them out.

Brooklyn Nets (2) v Boston Celtics (7): Nets up 2–0

James Harden playing against the opposing team’s bench players in the 2nd quarter and late 3rd quarter might be the difference in who wins the East. Milwaukee will have to stagger minutes to match up Middleton or Holiday on Harden during those minutes. Philadelphia will have to hope Matisse Thybulle can neutralize Harden to some extent. Without Jaylen Brown, these Celtics are a .500 team. Their record this year (36–36) represents the team’s collective youth and their constant injuries. With a healthy Jaylen, this would have been a more interesting series, but not one the Celtics would have won. The trademark defensive tenacity of Brad Stevens’ recent teams is not here. The lack of depth, the constant COVID absences, the compressed schedule, and the youth have made…