**ESPN's Starting 5: Bucks-Sixers, Clippers-Suns**

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Post on Oct 24, 2024

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ESPN's Starting 5: Bucks-Sixers, Clippers-Suns

The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the second round is heating up with some fantastic matchups. This week, ESPN's "The Jump" analysts broke down the key players to watch in the Bucks-Sixers and Clippers-Suns series, highlighting the "Starting 5" for each matchup.

Bucks-Sixers: A Battle of Giants

Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Joel Embiid is the headliner in this series. Both are MVP-caliber players who can dominate the paint and create their own shots. Giannis's athleticism and relentless drives to the basket will be a tough matchup for Embiid, who will look to use his strength and post moves to try and neutralize the Greek Freak.

Jrue Holiday's ability to guard multiple positions and create offense will be key for Milwaukee. He will likely be tasked with slowing down Tyrese Maxey, who has emerged as a scoring threat for Philadelphia.

The battle in the paint will be a crucial factor. Brook Lopez's size and shooting will be a matchup nightmare for the Sixers, who have struggled defensively against big men all season. On the other side, De'Anthony Melton's energy and tenacity on defense will be critical in trying to limit Lopez's impact.

Khris Middleton, the Bucks' veteran wing, will look to provide scoring alongside Giannis. His ability to knock down shots from the perimeter will be crucial against a Sixers defense that can be vulnerable to outside shooting.

Finally, P.J. Tucker, the veteran forward, will bring a defensive intensity and rebounding presence that the Bucks need. He will need to battle against Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton, who will try to exploit any weaknesses in the Bucks' defense.

Clippers-Suns: A Western Conference Showdown

The Clippers-Suns series features two of the West's best teams, and it promises to be a closely contested battle.

Kawhi Leonard's return has been a game-changer for the Clippers. His ability to score at all three levels and lock down the opponent's best player will be key in this series. He will face a tough matchup in Kevin Durant, who can explode for big scoring nights.

Paul George, the other half of the Clippers' star duo, will need to step up against a Suns defense that will focus on slowing down Leonard. His playmaking and ability to create shots for himself and his teammates will be vital.

The Suns' offense will rely heavily on Durant and Devin Booker, who can both get hot at any moment. Booker's scoring ability and mid-range prowess will challenge the Clippers' defense, especially with Leonard's return putting more pressure on George.

Russell Westbrook's energy and playmaking will be important for the Clippers. He will be tasked with providing scoring and attacking the Suns' defense, who may be more focused on Leonard and George.

The key for the Clippers will be Ivica Zubac's ability to hold his own against Deandre Ayton, who will look to dominate the paint and provide offensive rebounding.

Predictions

Both of these series are extremely close, but with the Bucks' home-court advantage and Giannis's dominance, Milwaukee has a slight edge in the Eastern Conference semifinals. In the West, the Clippers' star power and defensive intensity could give them the upper hand, but the Suns' offensive firepower and Durant's brilliance make this a true toss-up.

The next few weeks will be crucial in these series, and it will be fascinating to see which teams can emerge victorious.