Playoff Matchups Are Set, And It's Officially Time For A New NBA Rivalry
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The Playoff Pacers are back as the 7th seed in the East, which means they will be matching up against the Milwaukee Bucks. Last week when the playoff picture was still shifting I blogged about who I'd like to see the Pacers matchup against - the Cavs were #1 on a short list of teams I thought the Pacers could beat in the first round, while I said I'd like to avoid the 76ers and Magic at all costs.
But, going up against Cleveland is the most meh series in the east. I need drama, I need excitement, I need the Bucks. These two teams HATE each other after Haliburton did the Dame Time celebration when hitting a dagger 3 against Milwaukee during the In-Season tournament, then you had Gameball-gate where Giannis and his brother tried to fight the entire Pacer's roster. With ill-will simmering during the regular season, we needed a playoff series to bring this budding rivalry to a full boil.
The Pacers were 4-1 against the Bucks in the regular season, but both teams look completely different since the last time they met all the way back on January 3rd. The Pacer's got rid of two starting guards in Bruce Brown Jr and Buddy Hield for the Pascal Siakam trade, Haliburton has come back down to Earth after his injury, and the Bucks now have Doc Rivers at the helm. Not to mention the Bucks got the ultimate "don't fuck with my team, guy" in Pat Bev. I have no doubt in my mind Bev and Bobby Portis are going to have the Bucks team ready to stand on business when the Pacers visit Milwaukee.
One interesting element about the Pacers opening the series in MIL is that Haliburton gets to start in his first ever playoff game in his home town. Some added motivation for a series that is probably the most exciting in the east. Which is crazy because these are two small market teams that people normally wouldn't care about, but if this becomes a full blown rivalry with whatever happens in the series, it will be great for the NBA. My only worry is this is going to be a be careful what you wish for scenario. Will the Bucks get their wish of humbling the CERS? The Pacers low key owned the Bucks during the regular season, but the playoffs are far different than somewhat meaningless regular season games. I'm not sure what Giannis' calf injury will look like, but a healthy Giannis out for Pacer blood terrifies me. Still, I want ALL THE SMOKE. BRING ON THE BUCKS.