In the ongoing Eastern Conference first-round playoff series, the Orlando Magic will aim to equalize the score when they face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4. The Cavaliers currently hold a 2-1 series lead after securing victories in Games 1 and 2. The crucial Game 4 matchup will take place on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, at 1 p.m. ET at the Kia Center in Orlando.
The Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers are facing off in a pivotal Game 3 of their Eastern Conference playoff series. The best-of-seven series is currently tied 1-1, with the Bucks winning Game 1 and the Pacers winning Game 2. Game 3 will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the game live on ESPN, TNT, or NBA TV, or stream it online with Sling TV, FuboTV, or Hulu + Live TV.
The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat will square off in a crucial Game 3 of their opening-round NBA Playoff series. This highly anticipated matchup promises an intense battle between two Eastern Conference powerhouses.
The Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder secured victories in the NBA Eastern and Western Conference playoffs, respectively. Heat upset the top-seeded Boston Celtics 111-101, tying the series at 1-1. Tyler Herro led Miami with 24 points, while the team sank a franchise playoff record 23 three-pointers. The Celtics, led by Jaylen Brown’s 33 points, struggled to match Miami’s long-range accuracy. Meanwhile, in the West, the Thunder took a commanding 2-0 lead against the New Orleans Pelicans with a dominant 124-92 win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 33 points, while Chet Holmgren added 26. The series now shifts to New Orleans for game three on Saturday.
The Boston Celtics faced a surprising challenge in their Eastern Conference opening-round playoff series against the eighth-seeded Miami Heat, losing Game 2 at home 111-101. Despite missing key players Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier, the Heat made key adjustments and set a franchise playoff record with 23 made 3-pointers. Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis struggled to find his rhythm, while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown lacked sufficient support. Miami’s swarming defense and Porzingis’s isolation proved problematic for Boston, sending the series to Miami with the Celtics facing pressure.
The Miami Heat shocked the Boston Celtics with a stunning 111-101 victory in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference opening-round playoff series on Wednesday night. Despite being without Jimmy Butler, the Heat connected on a franchise-record 23 3-pointers, led by Tyler Herro and Caleb Martin’s combined 11-of-17 shooting from beyond the arc. The Celtics, who led by 9 points early in the fourth quarter, were unable to keep pace with Miami’s long-range shooting and fell to 1-1 in the series.
In January, the Indiana Pacers acquired Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. Since joining the team, Siakam has been a key contributor, helping the Pacers clinch the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, Siakam has elevated his game, averaging 36.5 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists per game while shooting 64.6 percent from the field and 50 percent from the three-point line.
Siakam’s success is due in part to the Pacers’ offense, which has allowed him to thrive. Additionally, the Bucks’ lack of defense has given Siakam an advantage. With Giannis Antetokounmpo out of the lineup, the Bucks have struggled to contain Siakam, who has taken advantage of the opportunity to lead the Pacers on offense.
Siakam’s experience and poise have also been key factors in his success. He is a player who doesn’t get rattled and plays the game at his own pace. This has allowed him to continue playing at a high level against the Bucks, even in the absence of Antetokounmpo.
The Boston Celtics have emerged as the frontrunners in the Eastern Conference, showcasing their dominance in the first game of their playoff series against the Miami Heat. Despite the Heat lacking their star player, Jimmy Butler, the Celtics remain cautious, acknowledging the Heat’s renowned resilience and determination. Celtics forward Jaylen Brown emphasized the need for his team to stay focused and maintain their current momentum.
The Boston Celtics host the Miami Heat in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference playoff series, with the Celtics holding a 1-0 lead. Boston is heavily favored despite Miami’s strong performance in Game 1. The Heat will again be without Jimmy Butler and potentially Terry Rozier, while the Celtics are healthy and looking to take control of the series.
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce suffered a non-contact lower-body injury at the end of Game 2 against the New York Islanders and is likely to miss the remainder of the first-round series. The Hurricanes currently hold a 2-0 series lead and are favored to advance to the second round, where Pesce could potentially return to the lineup. Pesce is a pending unrestricted free agent who has been a key part of Carolina’s defense for several seasons, averaging around 20 minutes per game. Despite not being considered an elite defenseman, Pesce is highly underrated and plays an effective role in the Hurricanes’ system. His absence will be a blow to the Hurricanes, but they are fortunate to have depth on their blue line to absorb the loss.
