What are the main highlights of this year’s NBA playoffs? How is Stephen Curry’s injury impacting the Golden State Warriors? Which teams have successfully come back from significant deficits in recent playoff games? What are the upcoming key matchups in the playoff schedule? Who has received recent NBA awards, and what are their achievements?
Road teams and buzzer-beaters remain the story of this year’s NBA playoffs. And now, there’s a giant injury concern for Golden State surrounding Stephen Curry’s hamstring as well. Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers became the third road team in a two-day span to erase a big deficit, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-119 after being down by 20 points. For the Pacers, it was another rally from seven points down in the final minute, just like the one they pulled off to oust Milwaukee in Game 5 of their first-round series. And for Haliburton, it was another game-winner—this time, a 3-pointer—with about a second left.
Golden State went into Minnesota and won Game 1 of that Western Conference series 99-88. The Warriors are now bracing for Curry—who left in the second quarter Tuesday night—to miss some time with a hamstring issue. Wednesday’s slate has a pair of Game 2s: New York at Boston and Denver at Oklahoma City, the road teams both looking for 2-0 leads in those series.
Wednesday’s national TV schedule
All times Eastern
7 p.m. — New York at Boston (TNT)
9:30 p.m. — Denver at Oklahoma City (TNT)
Thursday’s national TV schedule
All times Eastern
8:30 p.m. — Golden State at Minnesota (TNT)
Friday’s national TV schedule
All times Eastern
7:30 p.m. — Cleveland at Indiana (ESPN)
10 p.m. — Oklahoma City at Denver (ESPN)
Saturday’s national TV schedule
All times Eastern
3:30 p.m. — Boston at New York (ABC)
8:30 p.m. — Minnesota at Golden State (ABC)
Betting odds
Oklahoma City (+170) is favored to win the NBA title, according to BetMGM Sportsbook, followed closely by Boston (+200). Cleveland’s odds took a big hit after it fell into a 2-0 series hole against Indiana. The Cavaliers are now at +1000, followed by Denver (+1300), Minnesota (+1400), Golden State (+1500), Indiana (+1600), and New York (+2800).
This is the closest the odds have been from lowest to highest so far in these playoffs. And Denver’s odds, about two weeks ago, were around 125-1; backers who took advantage of that must be thrilled right about now.
Award season
On Monday, Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers was announced as this year’s NBA coach of the year. It was a sweep for Atkinson; he had already been announced as the winner of the award given out by the coaches’ association. On Tuesday, Oklahoma City’s Sam Presti won executive of the year. The social justice champion will be announced Wednesday.
Other awards so far include:
- Boston’s Jrue Holiday won the sportsmanship award.
- Atlanta’s Dyson Daniels won most improved player.
- San Antonio’s Stephon Castle won rookie of the year.
- Golden State’s Stephen Curry won the Twyman-Stokes teammate of the year award.
- Golden State’s Draymond Green won the hustle award.
- Cleveland’s Evan Mobley won defensive player of the year.
- New York’s Jalen Brunson won clutch player of the year.
- Boston’s Payton Pritchard won sixth man of the year.
The league has not announced when MVP, as well as the All-NBA, All-Rookie, and All-Defensive teams, will be revealed.
Scoring leaders
The highest-scoring games by players so far in this year’s playoffs include:
- 48 — Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland vs. Indiana, May 7
- 43 — Jamal Murray, Denver vs. LA Clippers, April 29
- 43 — Anthony Edwards, Minnesota vs. LA Lakers, April 27
- 42 — Nikola Jokic, Denver at Oklahoma City, May 5
- 40 — Jalen Brunson, New York at Detroit, May 1
Key upcoming events
- May 12 — Draft lottery, Chicago.
- May 18 or 20 — Game 1, Western Conference finals.
- May 19 or 21 — Game 1, Eastern Conference finals.
- June 2 — Last possible date for Game 7 of Eastern Conference finals.
- June 3 — Last possible date for Game 7 of the Western Conference finals.
- June 5 — Game 1, NBA Finals.
Stories of note
- Preview of Wednesday’s games: Knicks-Celtics, Nuggets-Thunder.
- New Suns GM Brian Gregory ready to get started.
- Gregg Popovich steps down as Spurs coach.
Comeback season
There have been four wins by teams that trailed by 20 points or more so far in these playoffs. That’s the most in any postseason during the play-by-play era, which started with the 1997 playoffs.
Quote of the day
“I’ll take that fine, gladly.” — Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, who expects to be fined for his celebration after hitting a 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to beat Cleveland on Tuesday night.
NBA Playoff Guide: Who Plays When, How to Watch, and What the Odds Are
As the NBA regular season draws to a close, the excitement builds for one of the most thrilling times of the year: the NBA Playoffs. Fans are eager to see which teams will make their mark in the postseason and vie for the coveted championship trophy. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the playoff schedule, how to catch all the action, and the current odds for each contender.
Playoff Format
The NBA playoffs feature 16 teams—eight from the Eastern Conference and eight from the Western Conference. These teams compete in a best-of-seven series, with the first team to win four games advancing to the next round. The format features the top eight seeds, with the first seed facing the eighth, the second facing the seventh, and so forth.
This year, the playoffs will commence shortly after the conclusion of the regular season in mid-April, running through June. The Finals typically feature the conference champions battling for the ultimate prize.
Key Dates to Remember
Play-In Tournament: Before the playoffs officially start, a play-in tournament will be held, allowing teams that finish the regular season ranked seventh through tenth in each conference a chance to qualify for the playoffs. This tournament takes place in the week following the end of the regular season.
First Round: The first round of the playoffs will begin shortly after the play-in tournament concludes, taking place over the span of two weeks. Each matchup will be announced based on final seeding and will kick off with the higher-seeded team having home-court advantage.
Conference Semifinals: Following the first round, the conference semifinals begin. These matchups are crucial as they will determine which two teams from each conference advance to the Finals.
Conference Finals: The final two teams from each conference face off in a showdown to determine who will represent the East and West in the NBA Finals.
- NBA Finals: Typically held in June, the Finals are the pinnacle of the NBA season. The champions from each conference will clash in a series format for the championship title.
How to Watch the NBA Playoffs
The playoffs are broadcast across several major networks, ensuring that fans have multiple options for following their favorite teams. Here’s where you can catch the action:
ESPN & ABC: These networks provide extensive coverage, including playoff games, analysis, and special features. ABC typically hosts the Finals games, ensuring a primetime broadcast.
TNT: Known for its entertaining and insightful basketball analysis, TNT airs playoff games throughout the postseason, including critical matchups in the first and second rounds.
- NBA League Pass: For fans who want to watch every playoff game, subscribing to NBA League Pass is an excellent option. This service allows fans to tune into all playoff games, including those not broadcast on national television.
Top Contenders for the Championship
As we look into the playoffs, various teams have emerged as strong contenders based on their performance during the regular season. Here are some teams to keep an eye on:
Los Angeles Lakers: With a star-studded lineup that includes LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers are always considered threats in the playoffs. If they can maintain their health and chemistry, they could make a deep run.
Milwaukee Bucks: The reigning champions have maintained their status as one of the league’s top teams, thanks in large part to the dominance of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Their combination of experience and talent makes them formidable in the postseason.
Brooklyn Nets: With star players like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Nets are a team built for playoff success. Their ability to score and perform under pressure will be crucial in their quest for a title.
Golden State Warriors: Led by Stephen Curry, the Warriors are known for their explosive offense and playoff experience. If they can stay healthy, they have the potential to return to championship form.
- Phoenix Suns: With a young core that has shown significant talent, the Suns are poised to take the next step in their playoff journey. Their success will depend on their ability to perform in critical moments.
Current Odds
Betting odds are an integral part of the sports experience for many fans. While these can fluctuate based on team performance and injury reports, the following are some early favorites to win the championship:
- Milwaukee Bucks: +300 (favorited)
- Los Angeles Lakers: +500
- Brooklyn Nets: +600
- Phoenix Suns: +700
- Golden State Warriors: +800
These odds reflect both the teams’ performance in the regular season and the expectations as they head into the playoffs.
Conclusion
The NBA playoffs are a thrilling spectacle filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. With each team giving it their all for a chance at glory, the next few months promise to be action-packed. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, be sure to catch the games, analyze the odds, and enjoy the electrifying atmosphere that only the NBA playoffs can offer.
To enjoy the NBA playoffs, follow these key points:
### Schedule
The playoffs typically feature a series of best-of-seven matchups, starting with the first round, moving to the conference semifinals, finals, and culminating in the NBA Finals. Check your local listings for exact game times and dates.
### Viewing Options
Games are broadcast across various networks including ESPN, TNT, and local sports channels. Streaming options might be available through NBA League Pass or other platforms that offer live sports coverage.
### Team Matchups
Each playoff round showcases exciting matchups. Keep an eye on team performance during the regular season and any recent injuries that might impact the games.
### Betting Odds
Sports betting often accompanies the playoffs. Check betting sites for current odds, as they can fluctuate based on team performance and player status.
Stay updated on the teams’ journey through the playoffs for an exhilarating viewing experience!