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NBA: Grading would-be playoff teams in the Eastern Conference

TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles during the first half against the Toronto Raptors in game three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles during the first half against the Toronto Raptors in game three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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NBA
NBA Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

1. Milwaukee Bucks (53-12)

Grade: A+

It would be criminal to give the Milwaukee Bucks any other grade than an A+. The reigning MVP and Coach of the Year both reside in Milwaukee and have them sitting not only as the top seed in their respective conference but in the entire league.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the most dominant player in the league and he has proven that once again this season. Averaging 29.6 points per game, 13.7 rebounds per game, and 5.6 assists per game, he is putting up MVP like numbers. He is shooting jumpers more this year as well which is a welcome sign. He is nowhere near the shooter that poses real threats but he is keeping the defenses honest and improving his game, making him even more dangerous.

Mike Budenholzer has made life much easier for Giannis, surrounding him with shooters and implementing the 3-ball system which is so popular in today’s NBA. The entire team can shoot which makes them so deadly. Kris Middleton has become a 20-point scorer this year as well and would need to step up big time if the playoffs end up being played.

The Bucks have dominated the regular season these two years but it will come down to more than Giannis if they want to run away with it in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Kris Middleton, who is their second-best player, does not match up well with other No. 2’s around the league and really struggled last year in the postseason. If Giannis is neutralized to a point, which is much easier said than done, the game will be in the hand of the role players, which teams facing the Bucks will live with.

Now more than ever, the Eastern Conference is wide open. As great as the Bucks are in the regular season, last year’s Raptors team did a number on them come playoff time. That same Raptors team is now without Kawhi Leonard but still has the overall squad to come out of the East.

The Celtics are talented enough to make a finals run as is the Philadelphia 76ers. The Pacers and Heat are sleeper teams who can beat you on any given day and the Nets will be added into that mix with their squad next year.

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