NBA Playoffs: East Game 1's in 100 Words or Less

(1) Milwaukee Bucks vs (8) Detroit Pistons

Bucks, 121–86

Four minutes and 22 seconds into the game, Milwaukee was up 22–4. In case anyone had any doubt: a) The Bucks are legit, b) The Pistons without Blake Griffin would be one of the worst teams in the NBA. Now Milwaukee gets to save all their energy for the next three rounds. Blake Griffin’s injury is a gift for Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, though the Bucks would’ve swept anyway. Milwaukee waits to add injured shooters Nikola Mirotic and Malcolm Brogdon to their depth soon.

(4) Boston Celtics vs (5) Indiana Pacers

Celtics, 84–74

After losing the 3rd Quarter most of the year, Celtics defense smothered Indiana into 2–19 shooting, outscoring them 26–8 in the quarter. In a league where shooting range is more critical than ever, Pacers have only one legit shooter and zero dynamic play-makers. The Celtics are lucky they avoided Nets and Magic. Never underestimate the power of a matinee to keep the scoring low. Wrapping the series up in 4 or 5 would allow Horford, Tatum and Brown to get some extra rest heading into a likely match-up with Milwaukee, but Indiana won’t go down easy.

(3) Philadelphia 76ers vs (6) Brooklyn Nets