The Eastern Conference semifinals are shaping up to be the most anticipated second-round series in years, matching together teams with much on the line, and so much to gain or lose. The Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers — the “Core Four” teams right now in the East — have put together sturdy and talented rosters expected to make deep postseason runs.



All four teams expect to reach the NBA Finals this season. One of them will make it. Three will be eliminated before that point and have a season labeled as a disappointment. Two, however, will be eliminated in round two — a tremendous blemish and possible burden entering important offseason for each.



“We could be playing for our future,” said one high-level Core Four executive. “Lot at stake.”



That’s because the future of several players will be on the table. Milwaukee’s prime offseason focus will be...