NBA: Milwaukee Bucks must handle the Heat or Giannis’ play-off dream is all over

THE NBA playoffs have now officially entered the second round for all but one team. Some teams have already played two of their games, while others will be looking to get off to a strong start against new opposition. 

Pride is at stake for every team at this juncture of the tournament, while players can increase their stature within the game with a couple of strong showings. Here are the top three games to watch for in the coming days with some stellar match-ups, rivalries, and a bevy of star talent. 

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat – Game 2, Wednesday 11:30 pm 

The immovable object meets the irresistible force. Milwaukee finished the regular season with the best record, and one of the league’s best offenses, led by the association’s premier talent in Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, Miami ended the regular season 5th in the Eastern Conference, yet, their player acquisitions at the trade deadline helped build this squad into a defensive menace. 

In young break-out star Bam Adebayo, the Heat has someone capable of containing the Bucks’ superstar. In game one, Antetokounmpo failed to have his usual impact, scoring just 18 points while accumulating ten rebounds along the way – for the Heat, that's a victory in itself. 

However, don't read too much into the Bucks’ game one loss. They fell to the Orlando Magic in game one of the first round too before rallying to win the following four. Miami are no pushovers, and it will take a strong Milwaukee showing for them to come out of this series and into the Eastern Conference finals.

Bucks’ coach Mike Budenholzer can’t afford to loser, knowing a second straight defeat against a robust Miami outfit would give his team a mountain to climb. In contrast, the Heat will be keen to add further space between themselves and Milwaukee, as they look to get to their first conference finals since the LeBron James era. 

Game day! pic.twitter.com/HEDQI54kxC

— Giannis Ugo Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) August 8, 2020

Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics, Thursday, 11:30 pm

Boston are on a six-game unbeaten streak in the playoffs, having swept the Philadelphia 76ers and finding ways to win against a well-coached Toronto Raptors. 

The Celtics have all the star-power in this game, with young stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum backed up by 4x All-Star Kemba Walker. The Raptors, however, feature multiple wings with impressive speed and length, making them hard to break down once the defence sets in the half-court.

If the Celtics win this game, the series is effectively over. The Raptors would have to win the next four consecutive games to advance. Coach-of-the-year Nick Nurse will know this and ensure his team ready to counter Boston's plethora of young sharpshooters out on the wings. 

Celtics head coach Brad Stevens has a reputation for approaching each game in a relaxed, collected manner and will be preaching a high-tempo switchable defence to withstand the inevitable offensive barrage in the paint from Toronto's wings and big-men. 

For all the Raptors bring to the table, Boston should edge this contest out – just like they did in game two. The Celtics have too much firepower across their starting line-up and barring any injuries or foul trouble, which won't change by Thursday night. 

Denver Nuggets vs. LA Clippers, Thursday, 2 am. 

This game has LA written all over it. Star power, championship know-how throughout the roster, and arguably the best bench unit in the NBA. Doc Rivers and his Clippers team will be happy to put their tough series against the Dallas Mavericks in the rear-view. 

On the other hand, Denver boasts the most in-form guard in the playoffs right now, with Jamal Murray lighting it up on a nightly basis while feeding off the ever-impressive Nikola Jokic's point-guard play from the centre position. 

Unfortunately for Denver, their defence has looked suspect at times, especially when Michael Porter Jr has been on the floor, and are likely to get exposed against the Clippers. 

After truggling to get going when the NBA bubble experience began, Paul George has found touch, making it a daunting challenge for any team to contain both him and Kawhi Leonard. 

Looking to Denver for a win here is a long shot. They will require more than just Murray to step-up to the plate. Against the champions-elect, with a point to prove, the Clippers will be heavy favourites going into this game after struggling in their last series.