Several NBA teams are expected to make significant changes after disappointing playoff exits. The Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, and Milwaukee Bucks all face major roster decisions this summer.
Results for: NBA Playoffs
The NBA playoffs are underway, and the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves have already taken commanding 2-0 leads in their respective series against the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns. Both conferences follow a traditional bracket format during the playoffs, featuring best-of-seven series in each round. The team holding home-court advantage hosts games 1, 2, 5, and 7. This format has been in use since 2014, and once the playoffs commence, the bracket remains fixed and teams are not reseeded. While the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers are level after two games, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Los Angeles Clippers to level their series. The Celtics, Knicks, and Cavaliers have also shown good form in their first-round games.
Anthony Edwards announced his arrival as the NBA’s next superstar in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Game 1 victory over the Phoenix Suns. The young guard exploded for 33 points, leading his team to a commanding 120-95 triumph. Edwards’ performance evoked comparisons to six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan, with ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith proclaiming him his new ‘favorite player.’ Like Jordan in Game 1 of the 1992 NBA Finals, Edwards showcased his efficiency with 4-of-8 three-pointers. Even more notably, he dominated Kevin Durant, one of the league’s all-time greats. Jordan himself reportedly sees shades of his own game in Edwards, according to Fox Sports analyst Chris Broussard. The Bulls icon expressed his admiration for the rising star, a testament to Edwards’ exceptional talent and potential.
The Phoenix Suns’ playoff run has gotten off to a disappointing start, with the team trailing 2-0 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Former NBA player Lou Williams has suggested that head coach Frank Vogel make some changes to the starting lineup, including bringing Bradley Beal off the bench. Williams believes this move would provide the Suns with a much-needed spark and increase their production on the second unit.
Pascal Siakam led the Indiana Pacers to a 125-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series, tying the series at 1-1. Siakam scored 37 points and added 11 rebounds and six assists, while Damian Lillard had 34 points for the Bucks. Despite Lillard’s strong first-half performance, the Pacers pulled away in the second half, led by Siakam’s leadership and consistent play.
The NBA’s Last Two-Minute Report has validated Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers’ complaints about crucial referee mistakes that significantly influenced the outcome of Game 2 against the New York Knicks. The report acknowledges that officials overlooked an attempt by 76ers coach Nick Nurse to call a timeout, which allowed a dramatic sequence that resulted in a Knicks victory. The report also confirms missed foul calls against Tyrese Maxey, giving the Knicks an unfair advantage. While the missed calls undoubtedly had an impact on the game, the 76ers had opportunities to overcome them, such as securing a rebound or avoiding an offensive foul by Maxey. The incident highlights the complex nature of officiating in high-stakes NBA games and the impact of human error on outcomes.
The Miami Heat, already down 0-1 in their first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics, will be looking to find a way to compete with the historically talented Celtics roster in Game 2. Tipoff for Game 2 is scheduled for 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET (5 p.m. MST) on Wednesday, April 24 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics will be massive -14.5 point favorites in this game as they look to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.
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.
The Boston Celtics, the Eastern Conference’s top team during the regular season, will face off against the Miami Heat in Game 2 of their first-round NBA playoff series on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 7 p.m. ET. The Celtics dominated the Heat in the first game of the series on Sunday, winning 114-94. The Heat are without star player Jimmy Butler, who is expected to miss the entire series due to an MCL injury. The best-of-seven playoff series will be televised between ABC and TNT.
Anthony Edwards, the rising star of the Minnesota Timberwolves, has boldly claimed that he and Karl-Anthony Towns form the top duo in the NBA. His statement has sparked discussions, as there are numerous formidable pairings in the league, including the likes of LeBron James-Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown, and Giannis Antetokounmpo-Damian Lillard. Edwards’ confidence and on-court swagger are well-known, but he now needs to prove his claim by guiding the Timberwolves through the playoffs and towards the Western Conference Finals.