Brandon Dill/Associated Press The 2019 NBA playoff schedule is officially set. After a long slog of a regular season, the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors locked up the top seeds in their respective conferences. Let's take a look at how things shake out as far as the first-round television schedule, per Marc J. Spears of ESPN's The Undefeated, and take a look at our title contenders. Schedule Information No. 1 Milwaukee Bucks vs. No. 8 Detroit Pistons Game 1 at Milwaukee, April 14 at 7 p.m. ET on TNT Game 2 at Milwaukee, April 17 at 8 p.m. ET on NBA TV Game 3 at Detroit, April 20 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN Game 4 at Detroit, April 22 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT *Game 5 at Milwaukee, April 24 at TBD on TBD Video Play Button Videos you might like *Game 6 at Detroit, April 26 at TBD on TBD *Game 7 at Milwaukee, April 28 at TBD on TBD No. 2 Toronto Raptors vs. No. 7 Orlando Magic Game 1 at Toronto, April 13 at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN Game 2 at Toronto, April 16 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT Game 3 at Orlando, April 19 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN Game 4 at Orlando, April 21 at 7 p.m. ET on TNT *Game 5 at Toronto, April 23 at TBD on TBD *Game 6 at Orlando, April 25 at TBD on TBD *Game 7 at Toronto, April 27 at TBD on TNT No. 3 Philadelphia 76ers vs. No. 6 Brooklyn Nets Game 1 at Philadelphia, April 13 at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN Game 2 at Philadelphia, April 15 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT Game 3 at Brooklyn, April 18 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT Game 4 at Brooklyn, April 20 at 3 p.m. ET on TNT *Game 5 at Philadelphia, April 23 at TBD on TBD *Game 6 at Brooklyn, April 25 at TBD on TBD *Game 7 at Philadelphia, April 27 at TBD on TNT No. 4 Boston Celtics vs. No. 5 Indiana Pacers Game 1 at Boston, April 14 at 1 p.m. ET on TNT Game 2 at Boston, April 17 at 7 p.m. ET on TNT Game 3 at Indiana, April 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC Game 4 at Indiana, April 21 at 1 p.m. ET on ABC *Game 5 at Boston, April 24 at TBD on TBD *Game 6 at Indiana, April 26 at TBD on TBD *Game 7 at Boston, April 28 at TBD on TBD No. 1 Golden State Warriors vs. No. 8 Los Angeles Clippers Game 1 at Golden State, April 13 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC Game 2 at Golden State, April 15 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT Game 3 at Los Angeles, April 18 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT Game 4 at Los Angeles, April 21 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC *Game 5 at Golden State, April 24 at TBD on TBD *Game 6 at Los Angeles, April 26 at TBD on TBD *Game 7 at Golden State, April 28 at TBD on TBD No. 2 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 7 San Antonio Spurs Game 1 at Denver, April 13 at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN Game 2 at Denver, April 16 at 9 p.m. ET on NBA TV Game 3 at San Antonio, April 18 at 9 p.m. ET on NBA TV Game 4 at San Antonio, April 20 at 5:30 p.m. ET on TNT *Game 5 at Denver, April 23 at TBD on TBD *Game 6 at San Antonio, April 25 at TBD on TBD *Game 7 at Denver, April 27 at TBD on TNT No. 3 Portland Trail Blazers vs. No. 6 Oklahoma City Thunder Game 1 at Portland, April 14 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC Game 2 at Portland, April 16 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT Game 3 at Oklahoma City, April 19 at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN Game 4 at Oklahoma City, April 21 at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT *Game 5 at Portland, April 23 at TBD on TBD *Game 6 at Oklahoma City, April 25 at TBD on TBD *Game 7 at Portland, April 27 at TBD on TNT No. 4 Houston Rockets vs. No. 5 Utah Jazz Game 1 at Houston, April 14 at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT Game 2 at Houston, April 17 at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT Game 3 at Utah, April 20 at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN Game 4 at Utah, April 22 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT *Game 5 at Houston, April 24 at TBD on TBD *Game 6 at Utah, April 26 at TBD on TBD *Game 7 at Houston, April 28 at TBD on TBD *If necessary Title Contenders Tier 1: The Champs 1) Golden State Warriors The only thing that can stop the Warriors from winning their third straight NBA championship is themselves. They've lacked rhythm on both ends of the floor since DeMarcus Cousins returned from injury. There's so much talent on the floor at all times, the Warriors resemble an Olympic team more than a cohesive unit most nights. That said, everyone on this roster knows the regular season was meaningless. It was a test phase to what will in all likelihood be the final run for this group. There have been rumors of Kevin Durant having one foot out the door all season. Boogie certainly won't be re-upping on another $5 million deal. Klay Thompson is a free agent as well. The Warriors' future is uncertain, but their present should be a breezy walk to another championship. Tier 2: The Three Eastern Contenders 2) Milwaukee Bucks The Bucks have been the class of the NBA during the regular season. They're the eighth team in NBA history to have at least 45 wins by double figures, per ESPN Stats & Info. The other seven each won the championship. Giannis Antetokounmpo is probably winning the league MVP, regardless anyone's stance on the matter. He's a deserving candidate, even if Harden's individual campaign is more memorable. He's the first player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975-76 to post 27 points, 12 rebounds and five assists per game. Only Giannis, Kareem, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson and Elgin Baylor have done so in their careers. The Bucks have the league's fourth-best offense and top-rated defense, per NBA.com, and have all the hallmarks of a championship team. They have a foundational superstar, a bunch of elite surrounding talent that makes their defense smart and switchable, and an offensive system that jacks up a ton of good, smart threes. Milwaukee could push the Warriors to six or seven games. The team's lack of deep playoff experience is the biggest concern holding them back from being the clear-cut favorite in the East. 3) Philadelphia 76ers Starter minutes skyrocket in the playoffs, which is good news for a Sixers team that's extremely top heavy. Per NBA.com, the Sixers' starting lineup has outscored opponents by 17.6 points per 100 possessions this season, the best of any Eastern starting group. An issue: That starting lineup has played only 161 minutes together. Injuries have played a major factor, with Joel Embiid, in particular, piling up absences after the All-Star break. General manager Elton Brand told reporters the big man may not be ready for the start of the first round. Provided everyone stays on the floor, the Sixers are the best bet to challenge Milwaukee in the conference finals. Much has been made of Ben Simmons' lack of shooting coming back to haunt Philly in the playoffs, but this isn't the same Sixers team. There's more playmaking around Simmons than a year ago, and the Sixers are frankly talented enough they could go without him for some spells. Toronto and Milwaukee can beat up on the Sixers bench, and Philly doesn't match up well enough against Golden State to be a true title threat barring injury. But the ceiling here is really high. 4) Toronto Raptors These Raptors aren't the chokers of past years. Mostly because Masai Ujiri went about reconstructing the roster in hopes of ridding the franchise of its May demons.<doc-sep>Playoff basketball is back! It has been a long regular season (177 days, to be exact), but the postseason has arrived, and it looks a lot different than it did a year ago. For the first time since 2010, a team not led by LeBron James will emerge from the Eastern Conference, and for the first time since 2005, James will not be involved in the festivities. As for the players, teams and matchups to know, well, we've got you covered. Jump to a series: West: Warriors-Clippers | Nuggets-Spurs Blazers-Thunder | Rockets-Jazz East: Bucks-Pistons | Raptors-Magic 76ers-Nets | Celtics-Pacers 2019 NBA playoffs: Matchups, schedules, news and more 2018-19 record: 57-25 BPI odds vs. LAC: 89 percent Warriors Playoff Tickets There were a lot of emotional highs and lows, but through it all, this group continued to churn out wins and locked up the top spot in the West. The process of trying to get up for most games in the regular season was emotionally draining, but the Warriors held to the belief that they'd be ready when it counted most. The push for a three-peat has begun. Season in a single game: Jan. 15 The Warriors came into a showdown against Denver hearing some chatter that the Nuggets were ready to give them a push in the Western Conference. OK. Klay Thompson & Co. proceeded to score a league-record 51 first-quarter points and demolish an overwhelmed Nuggets team. The game offered a reminder to the rest of the league that the Warriors are still better than anyone else when they want to focus and play at their peak. There's trouble brewing: The Warriors are confident that nobody can beat them if they stay healthy and play together. A potential Oklahoma City first-round series would have been interesting, given Kevin Durant's history with his former team, but the only team that would give the Warriors much pause in the West is the Rockets, especially if Chris Paul can stay healthy. But with home-court advantage at Oracle and the motivation of chasing history, the only thing that truly concerns the Warriors is the possibility of a star injury. One big stat and why it matters: Has the regular season become too boring, or does Golden State have some issues that might pop up late in the playoffs? The Warriors' point differential of plus-6.6 at home this season was their worst under Steve Kerr (since 2014-15), and it's a far cry from their plus-16.0 point differential two seasons ago. The Warriors also suffered eight 20-point losses this season, which becomes important when you realize that no NBA champion has suffered more than six during a title run. Get to know: Quinn Cook Cook is the Warriors' secret offensive weapon off the bench. The diminutive point guard has found his stride the past few weeks, going 48-for-78 in his past 10 games. He is shooting the ball with confidence while providing Kerr a solid option off the bench. Cook has the ability to be a difference-maker in short bursts. What to watch in Round 1: DeMarcus Cousins vs. Montrezl Harrell. This marks the first playoff series for Cousins, and he will oppose Harrell, an active big man who will try to move him around. Cousins' teammates and coaches have been looking forward to seeing how he would perform on this stage; he'll have a chance to spread the floor when needed and bang down on the blocks against the Clippers. Cousins has played against the Clippers three times this season, which is impressive given he has played only 30 games total since returning in mid-January from an Achilles injury that kept him out for almost a year. In those three games, Cousins averaged 13.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists. -- Nick Friedell 2018-19 record: 48-34 BPI odds vs. GS: 11 percent Clippers Playoff Tickets No team in the league has existed in a greater state of flux the past two seasons than the Clippers, yet here they are -- improbably -- in the NBA playoffs. A far cry from the perennial Lob City squads, this Clippers team is a collection of lunch-pail journeymen and young prospects, many of whom didn't arrive until the trade deadline, when the Clippers dealt away Tobias Harris. Rather than close up shop and ready themselves for a busy offseason after losing one of their most productive players, the Clippers caught fire and secured themselves a playoff berth as the ultimate energy team. Season in a single game: Feb. 9 Three days after trading Harris and playing with two new starters who had yet to step foot in the team's training facility in Los Angeles, the Clippers found themselves down 28 points in the second quarter in Boston and trailed by 21 at the half. After intermission, the Clippers held the Celtics to a 12-point third quarter before exploding for 42 points in the final frame. Rookie Landry Shamet, acquired from Philadelphia as part of the package for Harris, drained four 3-pointers in his Clippers debut. "We broke out the JJ Redick package with him," said Doc Rivers, referencing his old shooting guard in praise of his new one. Why they're dangerous: By nearly every projection, the Clippers shouldn't be playing playoff basketball, which means they have nothing to lose. Lou Williams believes he can score against anybody. Montrezl Harrell plays with reckless abandon, big moment be damned. And there isn't a shot from distance that Danilo Gallinari doesn't think he can drain. The kids -- Shamet, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ivica Zubac? They're too young to know any better and are propelled by the confidence earned during the Clippers' sizzling post-All-Star-break run. Best plus/minus in clutch time (2018-19) TEAM Clutch +/- LA Clippers +65 Denver Nuggets +55 Philadelphia 76ers +43 Toronto Raptors +41 One big stat and why it matters: The Clippers have been arguably the best team in the NBA at closing out tight games. They have a plus-65 plus/minus in clutch time this season, first in the league. Lou Williams' play is a huge reason. His plus-92 plus/minus in clutch time ranks first in the NBA among individual players. The next-best individual plus/minus in clutch time this season belongs to Denver's Nikola Jokic, at plus-89. Get to know: Montrezl Harrell A second-rounder made good, Harrell is more than a mere energy guy who buzzes around the floor. He might not start for the Clippers but is a good bet to play crucial minutes. The Clippers' backup big man has serious skills as Lou Williams' dance partner in one of the most effective pick-and-roll attacks in the league, and he is an efficiency machine with a nose for the rim. Among players who log more than 24 minutes per night, Harrell ranks second to Giannis Antetokounmpo in true shooting percentage. What to watch in Round 1: Gilgeous-Alexander has enjoyed a superb rookie campaign and has shown flashes of the lanky, defensive presence at the top of the floor that he projects to be. Now comes his graduate exam: Stephen Curry. Veteran Patrick Beverley will spend much of his time hounding Curry, but the Clippers' 20-year-old point guard will get a prime opportunity to use his length and agility against the Warriors' ballet in preparation for a day when the ask is more reasonable and the Clippers find themselves in a high-stakes series. Depending on how the Clippers fare this summer, that could be sooner than later. -- Kevin Arnovitz 2018-19 record: 54-28 BPI odds vs. SA: 71 percent Nuggets Playoff Tickets There are times when a team ends a season in disappointment but on an upward tilt that leads to expectation the next season that is difficult to meet. Well, the Nuggets didn't just meet that expectation. They jumped in a jet and zoomed past. Nikola Jokic blossomed into an All-NBA star, and the mix of role players and emerging talent has led to an excellent team. The Nuggets play defense, move the ball and have terrific chemistry. But as it goes for any young team, it's unknown how they will look in the pressure cooker of the postseason. Season in a single game: Jan. 13<doc-sep>PHILADELPHIA -- Joel Embiid's achy left knee may prevent the All-Star from playing in the Philadelphia 76ers' playoff opener. General manager Elton Brand said Wednesday that Embiid was expected to play in the postseason, but added it was "possible" the 7-foot center wouldn't be ready for the first game. Embiid sat out Wednesday's regular-season finale against Chicago, his fifth absence in seven games to close out the season. Embiid is averaging 27.5 points and 13.6 rebounds but has missed 14 games since the All-Star break due to rest and injury. Philadelphia, the No. 3 seed, will play Brooklyn in the first round of the playoffs.<doc-sep>
In true NBA fashion, the standings weren't settled until the final day of the 2018-19 regular season. But late Wednesday night, the league's 16 playoff participants locked into their positions ahead of what should be an entertaining postseason run. The Eastern Conference is looking top-heavy to start with the Bucks, Raptors, Sixers and Celtics all expected to advance to the second round. The East bracket could have a far-reaching impact on these teams beyond the playoffs with a pivotal offseason on the horizon. Get bounced early, and it could prove costly in free agency. But all of that is down the road. Let's just break down each Eastern Conference first-round series to start and come up with some playoff picks. NBA PLAYOFFS 2019: Full schedule | West predictions NBA playoffs bracket 2019 (SN Illustration) https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/75/86/nba-playoff-bracket-2019-ftrjpg_1gpu87ztq6tpi1mlqx8hgsc44p.jpg?t=216014194&w=500&quality=80 NBA playoffs 2019: Eastern Conference first-round predictions (1) Bucks vs. (8) Pistons The backstory The Bucks enter the playoffs as the only 60-win team in the NBA, a mark they hit for the first time since 1981. They started the year 7-0 and finished with the highest-rated defense in the league (104.9) and the third-rated offense (113.5), for a league-best net rating of 8.6. Of the Bucks’ starters, only Eric Bledsoe and Tony Snell have every been out of the postseason’s first round (each made one appearance in a conference semifinal), and on the bench, George Hill is the only player with extensive playoff experience, at least until Pau Gasol gets healthy. As a franchise, the Bucks have not won a series since 2001, so there’s some pressure on this bunch to back up what they did in the regular season. On the sidelines, this matchup features last year’s Coach of the Year, Dwane Casey, against this year’s likely recipient of the award, Milwaukee’s Mike Budenholzer. Safe bet that Budenholzer will enjoy a better fate than Casey, who was fired after last season despite his award-winning performance in Toronto. This year, he did an admirable job leading a team that had been 17-23 to a .500 record and a playoff spot. The key player Milwaukee swept four games from Detroit in the regular season, and while Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton are the All-Stars for the Bucks, point guard Eric Beldsoe led the charge against Detroit, averaging 20.5 points and 6.5 assists while shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from the 3-point line in the four games. Bledose will also be the primary defender against Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson, who improved as the season went on and was a big part of Detroit’s second-half turnaround. (Getty Images) https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/f6/78/eric-bledsoe-100918-getty-ftrjpg_22f7lx1059ae1vubhizrzfyvg.jpg?t=1501313686&w=500&quality=80 The big number 42.2. No team was stingier when it came to yielding points in the paint this season then the Bucks, who thrived by sticking center Brook Lopez near the rim and allowing his presence to deter drives. Milwaukee will allow opponents to shoot 3s — it led the league with 36.3 attempts against per game — and teams shoot 36.1 percent against the Bucks. But they’re not going to allow you to get to the rim on them. The Bucks allowed only 23.9 percent of opponents’ shots to be at the rim, lowest in the NBA. The prediction The Pistons rallied nicely late in the year, but the Bucks are a terrible matchup for them. They could make a series of it if they’re hot from the 3-point line, but they can’t win four out of seven. Bucks over Pistons, 4-1 (2) Raptors vs. (7) Magic The backstory The Raptors enter the playoffs under as much pressure as any team, certainly in the East. Not only are they looking at a history of postseason flops, including the sweep at the hands of the Cavaliers in last year’s conference semifinals (which pushed the team to make Nick Nurse coach and let Dwane Casey go), there was, too, the blockbuster deal for Kawhi Leonard, who will be a free agent this summer. His interest in staying with the Raptors could be influenced by how far the team goes in the playoffs. They’re going against the worst kind of foe — a Magic team that has nothing to lose, that was not supposed to be a playoff team entering the season and was left for dead at 20-31 before rallying to finish 22-9.