Results for: Home-Court Advantage

The Philadelphia 76ers will look to rebound from a disappointing loss when they host the New York Knicks in Game 3 of their playoff series. The Sixers are expected to come out determined after dropping Game 2 on the road. Despite some frustration with the officiating, the Sixers recognize their own shortcomings, particularly in rebounding. However, they have been effective in their defensive strategy against Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson. With the home crowd behind them, the Sixers will need improved performances from key players like Tobias Harris and Georges Niang to complement the leadership of Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Nicolas Batum is also expected to bounce back after a quiet offensive performance in Game 2. While the Knicks have had some success in the series, the Sixers are poised to secure a significant victory and turn the tide in their favor.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, who currently hold a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Orlando Magic, are preparing for a hostile environment in Orlando for Game 3. The Magic, who boasted the sixth-best home record in the NBA during the regular season, will be eager to protect their home court. The Cavs, however, remain confident and aim to extend their winning streak. They recognize the importance of a road win and the impact it will have on the series. Despite the Magic’s strong defensive performance, the Cavs are aware of their need to improve their offensive production and maintain their defensive prowess. They are also relying on their shooters to find their rhythm from beyond the arc. With the series poised to shift, the outcome of Game 3 will be crucial in shaping the narrative of this matchup.

Home teams have started the NBA playoffs strong, winning their first game in the first round for the first time since 2013. The Oklahoma City Thunder survived a close game against the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Cleveland Cavaliers all won their openers by an average margin of 13.25 points. In other news, Jaylen O’Conner, a 23-year-old Oklahoma City fan, won $20,000 by making a half-court shot during Game 1 against New Orleans.

Home teams have remained undefeated on their home floors through the early stages of the NBA playoffs. With an impressive 16-1 record, home teams have enjoyed a significant advantage, winning all eight first-round Game 1s and holding an 8-3 spread record. This trend marks the first time since 2004 that home teams have swept the first 11 games of the first round. Bettors who placed moneyline bets on every home team would have profited handsomely, accumulating a $905 return on a $100 investment.

Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi return after the first round of playoff games to discuss the significant home-court advantage observed thus far. They analyze games where they expect teams to bounce back and highlight matchups requiring strategic adjustments. The episode also features insights into Anthony Edwards’s impressive performance in the Timberwolves’ series against the Suns.