Seeding a revolution

The National Association (NBA) play-offs begin today on a different note. The enter the post-season as the sole owners of the No. 1 spot in the play-offs for the rst time in franchise history. The Philadelphia 76ers clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the rst time since 2001 – ve years after their 10-win season. Yet the title favourites are the , who in a year of change are looking to become maiden NBA champions.

WESTERN CONFERENCE EASTERN CONFERENCE

Wins Losses Wins Losses 1 Utah Jazz 52 20 1 Philadelphia 76ers 49 23 8 / 39 33 8 34 38 38 34

Wins Losses Wins Losses 4 47 25 4 41 31 5 42 30 5 Atlanta Hawks 41 31

Wins Losses Wins Losses 3 47 25 3 Bucks 46 26 6 42 30 6 Miami Heat 40 32

Wins Losses Wins Losses 2 51 21 2 Brooklyn Nets 48 24 7 42 30 7 Boston Celtics 36 36

First-round clash to watch: First-round clash to watch: Suns v Lakers Bucks v Heat The Suns, with their All-Star backcourt of This is a rematch of last season’s East semi- nals, and , have been one of the biggest which Miami won in ve games en route to reaching surprises this season. Phoenix’s reward for their rst the Finals. Bucks star and two-time reigning MVP play-off game in 11 years is a meeting with the will attempt to lead the defending champions, who have LeBron James and league’s most offensive team (120.1 points per game) healthy again. past and the Heat d efence.

With fellow NBA All-Star ’s tness Sixers centre Joel Embiid averaged 28.5 points, 10.6 doubtful, centre will be the Jazz’s rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in the regular season, leading man. He was the regular season leader in making him a Most Valuable Player (MVP) candidate. total rebounds (960) and total blocks (190).

PHOTOS: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS STRAITS TIMES GRAPHICS