No. 2 Boston Celtics Vs No. 3 Philadelphia 76ers 

The Boston Celtics took on the Atlanta Hawks in the first round and won in 6 games, but the Celtics statistically have one of the league’s best defenses and struggled against Trae Young and the Hawks. The Celtics do indeed have a very talented roster from top to bottom and will have to be in their best form to beat the 76ers. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will look to lead the way offensively for the Celtics in case they can’t stop Joel Embiid defensively. 

The 76ers offensively have Embiid who is nearly unstoppable in the paint and James Harden who’s turned up the heat in the playoffs. The 76ers team is full of players who can shoot the ball efficiently, but there’s probably nobody who can hold Embiid under 20 points on the Celtics. As long as the 76ers stay healthy they can pose a serious threat for the Celtics as they are the reigning Eastern Conference Champions who lost in the finals just last year. 

Series Prediction: Boston Celtics Win in 7 Games (4-3)

No. 5 New York Knicks Vs No. 8 Miami Heat

The Miami Heat were the 8 seed in the playoffs but didn’t seem that way when they knocked out the number 1 seeded Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat beat the Bucks in five games. Jimmy Butler was red hot in the series against the Bucks despite losing Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo to injury. This Heat team does have some good chemistry but will have to rely less on Butler in case the Knicks shut him down defensively. 

The Knicks absolutely dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers and won the series (4-1), they will have home court advantage and their fans have rallied behind them. Jalen Brunson has been on a mission with the Knicks as he’s led them to an impressive playoff run so far. They’ll have to take on Butler who has been one of the best scorers in the playoffs this year, so defensively they may have their hands full with the likes of Butler and Bam Adebayo. 

Series Prediction: Miami Heat Win in 6 games (4-2)