NBA Playoffs: 4 individual East matchups to watch in the first round

Nikola Vucevic vs. Brook Lopez

Here’s one that not too many people are probably thinking about heading into the 1 vs. 8 series of Orlando vs. Milwaukee. Brook Lopez has completely molded his game into fitting well in the system Mike Budenholzer runs in Milwaukee. As we’ve gotten to know Brook over the years for the Nets, he made a name for himself by becoming a tremendous low post scorer and rebounder, accumulating an all-star appearance in the process.

Now in Milwaukee, Brook Lopez has adapted into becoming a dynamic shot blocker, averaging a career-high 2.4 blocks per game on the year, and a knockdown 3-point shooter, two things we haven’t been very accustomed to seeing from Lopez throughout his prime years.

Nikola Vucevic, on the other hand, is one of the league’s fiercest big men but doesn’t get much praise due to playing in Orlando. Nikola can score from anywhere on the floor, including from three, grab 10-plus boards a game, and provides great low post defense. With the way both Brook and Nikola can stroke the 3, it’s going to provide a major stretch on the floor on both sides and will be something to really look out for.

Although this a very lopsided matchup, as most 1 vs. 8 series’ is, this specific player matchup is going to be the main thing I look forward to in this series.