The No. 2 vs. No. 7 seed series in the NBA playoffs are often not very competitive and end fairly quickly, and that's because the team with homecourt advantage is typically a much better squad.
The upcoming first-round matchup between the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets is likely to be an exception.
Udoka reacts to Bruce Brown's trash talk before Celtics-Nets playoff series
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE The Nets are not a normal No. 7 seed. They came into the 2021-22 season as one of the championship favorites, but a bunch of different setbacks (injuries, Kyrie Irving not playing most home games, etc.) and the trade of superstar James Harden created plenty of adversity for Brooklyn.
But the Nets finally have some continuity entering the playoffs. Kevin Durant is healthy and in the lineup. Irving can play in Brooklyn because New York City's COVID-19 vaccine requirements have been eased. Players such as Bruce Brown, Nic Claxton and Andre Drummond are settling into their roles.
It all adds up to a real challenge for the Celtics, one not lost on star forward Jayson Tatum. He explained to reporters Wednesday why the Nets are not a typical No. 7 seed.
"Everybody knows the talent they have. It's not a traditional seventh-seed team," Tatum said. "They had some ups and downs this year, but, you know, for the most part they have their full team. They're really good -- well-coached and have some great players, obviously. I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be fun. Should be very exciting. We're ready for it."
Oddsmakers favor the Celtics to emerge as the series winner and reach the second round, but they're only slight favorites.
The last time these two teams played was March 23 in Boston. Tatum scored 54 points and Jaylen Brown added 21 as the Celtics earned an impressive 126-120 win.
Boston Celtics
Find the latest Boston Celtics news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
If this series is as entertaining as that game, basketball fans are in for a treat over the next three weeks.