The Eastern Conference standings were set, and with the matchups confirmed, ESPN promptly released its playoff predictions.
Bucks vs. Bulls.
This was probably the least suspenseful matchup in the East, if not the entire league.
After a mass exodus of Eastern Conference stars, teams began competing to tank, and talented tank commanders emerged one after another. The Bulls had benefited from that trend to return to the Playoffs.
Against the East's strongest team, the Bucks, their chances were pitifully slim.
Raptors vs. Magic.
The two teams had vastly different regular-season records, but the series would be full of suspense.
The Raptors' backcourt duo would turn into the Trash Brothers in the Playoffs, while the Magic's Vucevic had been brilliant this season.
Considering the Raptors had previously failed to trade for Gasol, Valanciunas would struggle against Vucevic. This matchup had a high probability of producing an upset.
Celtics vs. Pacers.
Walker's arrival had returned the Celtics to the ranks of the powerhouses. Against a Pacers team without a superstar to hold things down, the Celtics would likely advance with ease.
Nets vs. Pistons.
This matchup was full of uncertainty. With two young, energetic teams, no one knew who would ultimately prevail until the series was over.
The Bucks stood alone atop the East, while the West remained a battlefield of competing powers, just as it had been in recent years.
And just like a few years ago, two 70-win teams had emerged in the West in the same season.
The Lakers went 71-11, taking Western Conference First Place and the league's best record.
James averaged 26.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, with a 51% field goal percentage and a 33% Three-Point Percentage.
Durant averaged 30.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, with