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CGTN Sports Talk: What to watch in the NBA Conference semifinals
Updated 22:14, 07-Jun-2021
CGTN

CGTN Sports Talk EP61 Semifinals 2.mp3

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The Brooklyn Nets beat the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of the first NBA Conference semifinals on Saturday. Two more semifinal series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks, the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets will follow soon.

Trae Young (C) of the Atlanta Hawks faces Joel Embiid (R) of the Philadelphia 76ers in the game at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., April 30, 2021. /CFP

Trae Young (C) of the Atlanta Hawks faces Joel Embiid (R) of the Philadelphia 76ers in the game at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., April 30, 2021. /CFP

Joel Embiid, who suffered a small lateral meniscus tear with his right knee in the last series, became the biggest variable for the 76ers. He's the team's most powerful weapon against opponents. If Embiid cannot return immediately or does not come back 100 percent healthy, the Hawks will have the chance to make things interesting.

Nikola Jokic (front) of the Denver Nuggets posts up against Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns in the game at Phoenix Suns Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., January 22, 2021. /CFP

Nikola Jokic (front) of the Denver Nuggets posts up against Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns in the game at Phoenix Suns Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., January 22, 2021. /CFP

Deandre Ayton may be the biggest X-factor in the series between the Suns and the Nuggets. The 22-year-old will face the NBA MVP-to-be Nikola Jokic on the floor. Ayton's defensive performance will basically decide which team will become the winner in the end.

Host: Li Xiang

Guest: Matthew Watson

Cover designer: Feng Yuan

Chief editor: Chen Ran

Supervisor: Zhang Shilei

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