Toughest Obstacle in the East

[footey]

I'm curious which team you think will be our toughest playoff opponent in the Eastern Conference.  Most will probably say the Bucks, and I get it. But psychologically I think we have figured them out, and really believe we can handle them in a 7 game series. 

I don't fear Philly.  Embiid just doesn't perform that well in the playoffs.  We seem to own them.

The team I fear the most are the Cleveland Cavs.  Their inside length and athleticism pose a big matchup problem for us, and are very difficult to penetrate offensively.  Plus their guards are so quick, we really don't have the athleticism to stay in front of them.  I think this would be a very tough series.

How about you?

[nebist]

1000% the Bucks.

[Moranis]

Milwaukee is the best team in the conference when they are healthy.  They have the best player in the world and a credible supporting cast that fits well.

[SparzWizard]

For some reason, last year's ECF against the Heat went to 7 games and I thought we was gonna blow that series after clawing back from a hard-fought 3-2 deficit against the Bucks. I thought last year the Bucks were the Celtics' biggest obstacle in the East.

I'd say this year is still the Bucks. The Cavs are definitely a dark-horse and one to not overlook, too.

[Neurotic Guy]

Milwaukee is the best team in the conference when they are healthy.  They have the best player in the world and a credible supporting cast that fits well.

Assuming health on both teams it depends on how wide the gap between Giannis and Tatum is as to which team is better.  After these 2 superstars, it takes some serious contortion to argue that the Bucks roster is better.  It’s an opinion one can argue, but not much merit imo.  But since basketball is so influenced by players at the top, the degree that Giannis > Tatum is the major determining factor. I think it’s Giannis by a length with Tatum closing.
Healthy - Celtics by a nose.

[greenhead85]

The Heat.
They got excellent ball movement and cover/defend opposing teams/players with great anticipation.
I get so uncomfortable playing them when the game score is so close. They get to position their scorers so well in tight situations.

[W8ting2McHale]

The health of Rob Williams III.

[Donoghus]

Milwaukee. 

I feel like we're on a crash course with them to another epic series.

[Csfan1984]

I can see all those match ups going at least 6.

 Nets bowing out is probably the smart move.

[kraidstar]

The health of Rob Williams III.

TP

If he's 100% healthy we are going to hoist the trophy. I think people still don't realize just how good this guy is when he's right. On defense and on loose balls it's like he's magnetically attracted to the ball. I've never seen somebody who wins so many 50/50 balls.

He is a total freak and will swing key possessions in key games.

[Roy H.]

Yes, the biggest obstacle is health, and always will be for any team.

But, the toughest team is Milwaukee, and I don’t think it’s close. 

[Phantom255x]

Definitely Milwaukee.

I'll add though, I think the 3rd best team in the East may actually be the Cavaliers though. They are my dark horse pick. They are 36-22, currently the 4 seed and just 1 back of PHI for the 3 seed. They've also won 5 in a row, and the way their roster is built with a strong frontcourt and good guards, they can give any of BOS/MIL/PHI some fits in a playoff series.

[PAOBoston]

The health of Rob Williams III.

TP

If he's 100% healthy we are going to hoist the trophy. I think people still don't realize just how good this guy is when he's right. On defense and on loose balls it's like he's magnetically attracted to the ball. I've never seen somebody who wins so many 50/50 balls.

He is a total freak and will swing key possessions in key games.

Pretty safe to assume at this point that he will never be healthy. He’s an unreliable boon or bust player due to his health.

[droopdog7]

 LOL, the only surprising thing about this poll is that it isn't 100% bucks.  But I guess nothing is ever 100%.