(3) Chicago Bulls vs. (6) Milwaukee Bucks
The Bulls are now up 3-0 in the series thanks to a 34-point performance from Derrick Rose in a double overtime victory in Game 3. The Bulls were down by nearly 20 points in the early goings, but climbed back and forced overtime. Rose has been the MVP of the series, averaging 24 points and eight assists over three games. But while the health of Rose has been crucial, the X-Factor has been Jimmy Butler, who scored 31 points in Game 2 and is averaging 26.7 points-per-game in the series. The Bucks have been capable of winning all three games of the series but have been outmatched in nearly all facets. Khris Middleton has been the MVP for the Bucks, who will need elevated performances from Michael Carter-Williams and Giannis Antetokounmpo, among others, if they hope to climb back in the series.
(1) Atlanta Hawks vs. (8) Brooklyn Nets
The Hawks have had five players in double figures in both games in the series. After losing Game 1 by a score of 99-92, the Nets had a chance to win Game 2 at the buzzer, but Deron Williams missed a baseline jumper. He has been a non-factor in the series and was held to just two points in Game 2. His backup, Jarrett Jack is the X-Factor for the Nets. Jack dropped 23 in Game 2 and has scored in double figures in both games thus far. The MVP of the series, however, has been Al Horford. Horford has a double-double in each of the first two games, including 14 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in Game 2. The Nets return home for Game 3 Saturday as they work to tie up the series.
(2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (7) Boston Celtics
The Celtics were able to get off to an early lead in Game 1 and hung tough against arguably the best team in the Eastern Conference. Now down in the series 3-0, the Celitcs will look to avoid a sweep on their home floor on Sunday. Kyrie Irving dropped in 30 points in his playoff debut, while James followed with back-to-back 30+ point performances. Kevin Love and J.R. Smith were devastating from three-point range, scoring 23 and 15 points, respectively, on a combined 9-18 shooting beyond the arc. Timofey Mozgov looked strong in Game 1, but fouled out in the second game of the series. He has been an X-Factor for the Cavs, giving the Celtics big men serious trouble in the paint. King James has been the MVP of the series, effortlessly blowing up the stat sheet, while surpassing playoff greats in the process. The Celtics have had a chance to win each game, but their youth and inexperience has been their downfall.
(4) Toronto Raptors vs. (5) Washington Wizards
While five Raptors were in double figures in Game 1, only one of them-DeMar DeRozan-was in the starting lineup. Kyle Lowry fouled out with just seven points. In what has been the most surprising series in the East, the Raptors struggled with foul trouble again in a Game 2 loss. Lowry was again held to under ten points. Meanwhile, the Wiz Kids led the way with 26 points and 17 assists from John Wall and a game-high 28 points from Bradley Beal. Wall is shaping up to be the MVP of this series, while Ageless Wonder, Paul Pierce, had a game-high 20 points in Game 1 and will likely be the X-Factor for the Wizards. As for the Raptors, Jonas Valanciunas will be the X-Factor and needs to be disruptive on both sides of the ball to gain an edge in the paint over Nene and Marcin Gortat. A Valanciunas double-double was not enough in Game 2 and, through two games, the Raptors' bench has outscored the starting lineup. Lowry needs to wake up and smell the coffee and do it fast as the Raptors take to the road in search of their first win of the series.