Cleveland at Boston 7:00 ET

Celtics (-) over Cavaliers- The fourth-seeded Cavaliers must win Wednesday to avoid elimination and in reality they know in their hearts that this series ends tonight. A strained left calf prevented Mitchell from playing Monday and Cleveland is 12-16 in the games he has missed this season. Boston's victory Monday was the first time it won a playoff game by fewer than 13 points this year. A victory Wednesday would advance the Celtics to the Eastern Conference finals for the sixth time in the last eight years. Take BOSTON!

Minnesota at Denver 10:30 ET

Timberwolves (+) over Nuggets- After losing the first two games at home to fall behind 2-0 in the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Nuggets went to the Midwest, where they won Games 3 and 4 to even the series 2-2. The Nuggets looked out of sync while going down 0-2 to Minnesota but three days between Games 2 and 3 gave them a chance to regroup. Denver coach Michael Malone, it has been all about his team showing its championship experience. Anthony Edwards hasn't received much help from the rest of the team in the last two games. The Timberwolves need more from Towns to counter Denver's suddenly balanced attack. Towns isn't the only player who regressed in Minnesota's two home games. The Nuggets have been able to score on Rudy Gobert, the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Take the points... MINNESOTA!

Indiana at New York 8:00 ET

Pacers (+) over Knicks- The undermanned Knicks will try to stop an ill-timed skid and the Pacers will aim to take the series lead Tuesday night. The Pacers tied the series 2-2 in dominating fashion Sunday afternoon, leading by as many as 43 points before beating the visiting Knicks 121-89. New York finally is feeling the effects of the spate of injuries that has decimated its rotation. The Pacers wasted little time establishing the tone Sunday. They posted their third-largest margin of victory in a playoff game in franchise history and their most convincing postseason win. The series-evening win provided multiple doses of relief for the Pacers, who were able to rest Nesmith and star point guard Tyrese Haliburton in the fourth quarter. Take INDIANA!

Oklahoma City at Dallas 9:30 ET

Thunder (+) over Mavericks- Oklahoma City, the top seed in the Western Conference, has struggled to contain fifth-year forward P.J. Washington. Washington made five 3-pointers and finished with 27 points in Saturday's 105-101 home victory. Dallas has needed Washington's contributions while Doncic plays through a right knee sprain and other ailments. Oklahoma City has lost two straight games after going 5-0 to begin the playoffs. The 7-foot-1 Chet Holmgren is 3-for-13 (23.1 percent) from 3-point range in the series after shooting 37.0 percent from beyond the arc during the regular season. I expect both of these players will move toward the center with Monday’s performances. Holmgren moves to the positive and Washington falls short. Take OKLAHOMA CITY!

New York at Indiana 3:30 ET

Pacers (-) over Knicks- This New York Knicks team is a team full of ‘True grit’ enough of t to make John Wayne proud. As a Knicks fan I am proud of their effort and how much ‘Game’ they ave but, Indiana has to do better. The price has been lowered as there was an overreaction to the Pacers coming home 0-2 and they were made a stronger favorite at home than the conference No. 2 seed. the New York injuries continue to mount and even their Mega Super Star Jaylen Brunson has been slowed and now it appears that New York has too many broken pieces. Take INDIANA!

Oklahoma City at Dallas 3:30 ET

Thunder (+) over Mavericks- The Mavericks became the first team to score more than 95 points against the Thunder in this postseason, with Doncic and P.J. Washington combining for 58 points Thursday. Oklahoma City the No. 1 seed in the west did not even make the playoffs last year and they didn't figure the team would run through the NBA playoffs without facing adversity. During the regular season, the Thunder and Mavericks split their two games in Dallas. The Mavs had dropped 8-of-10 meetings to the Thunder before their Game 2 win and I expect that trend continues. Take OKLAHOMA CITY!

New York at Indiana 7:00 ET

Pacers (-) over Knicks- I love the Knicks, I really do, they have heart guts and an injury list that is zapping their already thin bench. But, they must really be hurting with the odds maker making Indiana a stronger favorite at home than New York was for Games 1 & 2. The Knicks were on an emotional high and played extremely well especially during the second half shooting nearly 60% from the field including 50% from 3-point range. I expect a huge drop-off in energy and performance and better play out of the Pacers who could actually have won either game with a break once in a while from the whistle blowers. Take INDIANA!

Dallas at Oklahoma City 9:30 ET

Mavericks (+) over Thunder- Oklahoma City leads the series 1-0 after the Thunder's 117-95 victory Tuesday. Dallas star Luka Doncic was just 6-for-19 from the floor and 1-for-8 from beyond the 3-point arc. In seven playoff games this year and is just 17-for-75 (22.7 percent) from beyond the arc. He is battling a right knee sprain and is probable for Thursday's game due to his knee ailment. Look for the Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving to show up like Game Two against the Clippers. Take DALLAS!

Indiana at New York 8:00 ET

Knicks (-) over Pacers- The Knicks earned a 121-117 win in Game 1 Monday. Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals went exactly as the Knicks and Pacers expected as Indiana didn't benefit from last-minute officiating calls. The Pacers acknowledged they were displeased with the officiating down the stretch but also lamented their inability to close out the Knicks. New York shot 65.0 percent from the field (26 of 40) from the field in the second half, including 63.6 percent (7 of 11) from 3-point range. Crew chief Zach Zarba said following the game that the kicked ball call on Nesmith was incorrect. Replays showed Brunson's pass glanced off Nesmith's hand and toward Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard. Too much for the Pacers to over-come. Take NEW YORK!

Dallas at Oklahoma City 9:30 ET

Maveriks (+) over Thunder- The Mavericks are in the second round for just the second time since their 2011 championship run. Dallas made the Western Conference finals in 2022. The Thunder won three of the four meetings between the teams this season, including both matchups in Oklahoma City. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said Doncic and Tim Hardaway Jr., who missed the last four games of the first-round series with an ankle sprain, have responded well. Doncic plans to grind through the injury, and even at less than 100 percent, he will be a focus of Oklahoma City's defensive efforts. Take DALLAS!

Indiana at New York 7:30 ET

Knicks (-) over Pacers- The New York Knicks into the opening game of the Eastern Conference second-round series against the visiting Pacers on Monday night. Sixth-seeded Indiana eliminated the third-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, while the second-seeded Knicks ousted the seventh-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in their opening series. Both series ended in six games. The Pacers went 2-1 against New York in the regular season. This will be the eighth time the Pacers and Knicks have met in the postseason with Indiana holding a 4-3 lead. Six of the meetings came in an eight-season span (1993-2000) when Reggie Miller was the star of the Pacers. Indiana will rely on its top-rated offense (123.3 ppg in the regular season) in this series, while the Knicks are stingy, ranking second in scoring defense at 108.2. Defense moves up front during the playoffs. Take NEW YORK!

Orlando at Cleveland 7:00 ET

Magic (+) over Cavaliers- Home cooking has proven beneficial for the hosts, as each team has won all three contests on its home floor heading into Game 7 on Sunday afternoon in Cleveland. Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley wants his charges to embrace the moment. Cleveland coach J.B. Bickerstaff, however, contends that his team will be ready for the winner-take-all game. After all, the Cavaliers have won eight of their past nine encounters against the Magic in Cleveland. The Cavaliers' bid to move to the conference semifinals could be hampered by injuries, however. In addition to Mitchell's issues. All-Star center Jarrett Allen sat out his second consecutive contest due to a rib contusion. Orlando has its own injury to address, as starting shooting guard Gary Harris sat out Friday after sustaining a right hamstring injury. Take ORLANDO!

Minnesota at Denver 7:00 ET

Nuggets (-) over Timberwolves- Last year, the Minnesota Timberwolves were a stepping stone to an NBA championship. This time around, Minnesota is a roadblock to the Denver Nuggets' quest for a repeat. Denver needed just five games to dispatch Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs in 2023, but it was a competitive series that former Nuggets guard Bruce Brown said was the toughest of the four rounds. Denver coach Michael Malone told reporters Friday that Caldwell-Pope has been a full participant in the two practices this week while Murray has been in and out. The Nuggets' chances of winning the series will greatly diminish without Murray, and they will have to lean even more on presumptive MVP Nikola Jokic, who will battle with Towns and Rudy Gobert up front. Take DENVER!

LA. Clippers at Dallas 9:30 ET

Mavericks (-) over Clippers- The Los Angeles Clippers try to avoid elimination and even their Western Conference first-round series when they visit the Dallas Mavericks for Game 6.  The  Clippers have their backs against the wall after a truly dismal effort in Game 5. The most startling development of the night was how poorly Los Angeles played when it had a chance to take the series lead at home. They will be without star forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) for the third straight game as it fights to stay alive. The Mavericks are very much aware that the Clippers will be delivering their best punch on Friday. The Mavericks reached the Western Conference finals two seasons ago before losing to the Golden State Warriors in five games. But in their previous two attempts, Dallas was eliminated by the Clippers. Pay-back is sweet! Take DALLAS! 

Cleveland at Orlando 7:00 ET

Cavaliers over Magic- The Magic look to stave off elimination in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference first-round series versus the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. They featured just four players with postseason experience prior to this series. Cleveland holds a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. The home team has won each game in the series, and should Orlando hold serve Friday, that would force the franchise's first Game 7 since 2009. Cleveland is bidding to win a playoff series for the first time since 2018. Of course, that was a different time for the Cavaliers as they finished a run of four consecutive NBA Finals appearances during LeBron James' second stint with the franchise. The Magic have covered the past three and yet trail in the series...that spells doom. Take CLEVELAND!

New York at Philadelphia 9:00 ET

Knicks (+) over 76ers- The 76ers have fought an uphill battle throughout the best-of-seven set, losing twice in New York to open the series before later dropping Game 4 at home. But seventh-seeded Philadelphia has managed to bounce back from its setbacks, first taking Game 3 125-114, then, in improbable fashion, living to see another day with a 112-106 overtime. The Knicks learned from their previous loss in the series, securing a key Game 4 win at Philadelphia on Sunday, when Jalen Brunson (47 points) nearly single-handedly outscored 76ers stars Joel Embiid (27) and Maxey (23). Take NEW YORK!

Milwaukee at Indiana 6:30 ET

Pacers (-) over Bucks- The undermanned Milwaukee Bucks were able to stave off elimination in their last outing despite being without the services of superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The Bucks still don't know if the two stars will be able to return to the court on Thursday night when they play Game 6 of their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis. Both players were listed as doubtful on Wednesday afternoon. Indiana missed a golden opportunity on Tuesday to record its first playoff series win since 2014. Before Tuesday’s upset win by the Bucks the Pacers had won five of the past six meetings. Take INDIANA!

Dallas at LA Clippers 10:00 ET

Mavericks (-) over Clippers- The best-of-seven series is tied at two wins apiece, but the path to get there has been anything but conventional. The teams split a pair of games at Los Angeles and another two at Dallas, with the Clippers forced into an alternate reality as Kawhi Leonard deals with knee inflammation. Leonard already has been ruled out for Game 5. The Mavericks are dealing with their own injury issues as Luka Doncic is playing through a right knee sprain, though he is listed as probable. Take DALLAS!

Indiana at Milwaukee 9:30 ET

Bucks (-) over Pacers-  Third-seeded Milwaukee aims to keep its season going Tuesday night when it hosts the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series. Sixth-seeded Indiana holds a 3-1 series lead. The Bucks have been without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) for the entire series and lost star guard Damian Lillard (Achilles) with an injury late in Game 3. Regardless of who is available for the Bucks in the must-win game. The Bucks have badly missed Antetokounmpo in the series, but his teammates understand that he hasn't been able to physically go against Indiana. The Pacers dropped the first game of the best-of-seven series before winning the last three contests. It is ‘Do or die’...take MILWAUKEE!

Orlando at Cleveland 8:00 ET

Magic (+) over Cavaliers- The Cleveland Cavaliers recorded a pair of convincing victories at home to open their Eastern Conference first-round series before the Magic held serve in Orlando during the next two games. The fourth-seeded Cavaliers look to rebound following a second-half collapse in their last contest when they host the fifth-seeded Magic. They mustered just 10 points in the third quarter and were outscored 61-29 in the second half of Saturday's 112-89 setback. The Cavaliers couldn't throw it in the ocean from 3-point range. They made just 4 of 17 attempts, with Darius Garland going 2-for-5 to lead the team. Cleveland has failed to score 100 points in seven consecutive playoff games dating back to last year. In a surprise take ORLANDO!

Philadelphia at New York 7:00 ET

76ers (+) over Knicks-The Knicks are hoping to avoid a return trip to Philadelphia on Thursday night after they took over Game 4 by rallying from a 12-point deficit in the first half. New York won the first two games at home by a combined 10 points.Knicks rallied from a double-digit deficit for the second time in the series. The Knicks are attempting to reach the second round in consecutive seasons for the first time since doing it in nine straight postseasons from 1992-2000. Last season, they advanced out of the first round by winning Game 5 at Cleveland after winning Games 3 and 4 at home. Philadelphia is on the verge of its second opening-round exit when making the playoffs in the Embiid era. This time take PHILADELPHIA!

L.A. Lakers at Denver 10:00 ET

Lakers (+) over Nuggets- Los Angeles' 119-108 win over the Nuggets in Game 4 on Saturday night snapped an 11-game skid against the defending champions, counting regular season and playoffs, but the Lakers have plenty of work ahead. The Los Angeles Lakers ended nearly two seasons of frustration against Denver on Saturday night and stayed alive in the Western Conference quarterfinal series. Now the goal is to make NBA history. Los Angeles has confidence it can be the first team to rally from 3-0. The Lakers have led for most of the series and had double-digit advantages in all four games, only to have the Nuggets rally to win the first three. Denver still has home-court advantage but would like to close out the series on Monday night but you can’t ave everything. Take LA LAKERS!

Oklahoma City at New Orleans 8:30 ET

Pelicans (+) over Thunder- The No. 1 seed Thunder have a 3-0 lead and will try to sweep the No. 8 Pelicans in Game 4 on Monday night in New Orleans. Oklahoma City Thunder dominated Games 2 and 3 of their playoff series after a scare in Game 1. We are all aware that no team in NBA history has come-back from 0-3 in the playoffs and that OKC is a beast offensively. The Pelicans offensive struggles have involved all of the Pelicans as they are shooting 40.3 percent from the floor and 27.8 percent on 3-pointers for the series. But, you should expect an all out effort for the home club here. Take NEW ORLEANS!

Boston at Miami 7:30 ET

Heat Celtics-The Celtics won the series opener 114-94 in Boston and the Heat evened the series at 1-1 with a 111-101 victory thanks in large part to 53.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc (23 of 43). Boston focused on playing stingy defense against the Miami Heat in Game 3 to swing the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series in their favor the last time the teams met. The Heat remain without key players Jimmy Butler (right knee), Terry Rozier (neck) and Josh Richardson (shoulder). Delon Wright, who missed Game 3 because of personal reasons, is expected to be back and available to play. The Celtics are fully healthy with no one listed on their injury report. Take BOSTON!

Minnesota at Phoenix 9:30 ET

Suns (+) over Timberwolves- Third-seeded Minnesota leads a playoff series 3-0 for the first time in franchise history. A team with a 3-0 lead has never lost its series in NBA history. The sixth-seeded Suns are on the other side of the coin after a 126-109 home loss in Game 3 leaves them facing a monumental deficit. The Suns were viewed as an NBA title contender behind the star trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Yet, Phoenix is on the brink of not winning a single playoff game this season. The Timberwolves owned a 50-28 rebounding advantage while dominating the interior. Closing out a series is never easy, especially trying to finish if off on an opponent's home floor. The Suns now look for a turnaround performance that at least gets them to Minneapolis for Game 5. Take PHOENIX!

Milwaukee at Indiana 7:00 ET

Pacers (-) over Bucks- The Pacers are bidding to win a playoff series for the first time since reaching the 2014 conference finals. The Indiana Pacers will look to push the injury-riddled Milwaukee Bucks to the brink of elimination on Sunday. Damian Lillard's availability could be in jeopardy after he sustained an apparent left leg injury late in the first quarter. The eight-time All-Star returned to the game before aggravating an Achilles injury. The injuries are wreaking havoc with Milwaukee. Take INDIANA!

LA Clippers at Dallas 3:30 ET

Clippers (+) over Mavericks- The Game 3 matchup marked the third straight in which the Mavericks held the Clippers to fewer than Los Angeles' regular-season average of 115.6 points per game and less than Dallas' 115.6 regular-season allowance. It was also Dallas' second straight win in the series when they kept Los Angeles to fewer than 100 points. As Los Angeles looks to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole before heading home for Game 5 on Wednesday, the Clippers face uncertainty with Kawhi Leonard.  He said status for Game 4 is unclear. Los Angeles - a 38.1 percent shooting team from long distance during the regular season - is 18 of 59 (25.4 percent) from 3-point territory over the last two losses. The catch their shooting eye Sunday. Take LA CLIPPERS!

Denver at L.A. Lakers 8:30 ET

Lakers (+) over Nuggets- The Nuggets continued their domination of the Lakers, winning their 11th consecutive game against their Western Conference rivals. Making that even more impressive is that a win Saturday would give Denver consecutive playoff sweeps over Los Angeles. History says the Lakers can make their offseason plans now. No team has ever overcome an 0-3 deficit in a best-of seven NBA playoff series in 151 attempts. Lakers are 28-13 ATS at home while Denver is 18-23-1 ATS on the road. There comes a point where the adjustment by oddsmakers can go just so far. Take L.A. LAKERS!

Boston at Miami 6:00 ET

Heat (+) over Celtics-  Sunday, host Boston prevailed 114-94. The Celtics made 22 3-pointers, shooting 44.9 percent from deep. Miami made just 12 3-pointers, shooting 32.4 percent. In Game 2 on Wednesday, the Heat made 23 3-pointers, setting a franchise postseason record. The Heat shot 53.5 percent from deep. Boston made just 12 3-pointers, shooting 37.5 percent. Jimmy Butler, who is out for several weeks due to a knee injury he suffered in the play-in round, is the Heat's spiritual leader and they are also missing Terry Rozier. Miami returns home with confidence as they know that they knocked off the Celtics, 4-3, in last year's Eastern Conference Finals. Heat burn Celtics! Take MIAMI!

Oklahoma City at New Orleans 3:30 ET

Pelicans (+) over Thunder- The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder had to battle to the buzzer to win their Western Conference first-round series opener against New Orleans. The Thunder had a much easier time in Game 2, routing the Pelicans 124-92 Wednesday night. The eighth-seeded Pelicans will look to break through at home Saturday afternoon in Game 3. Oklahoma City's defense was excellent in both games as New Orleans scored fewer than 100 points in consecutive games for just the second time this season. In Game 2, the Pelicans shot 45.2 percent from the floor (including 7 of 26 from 3-point range) and the Thunder scored 22 points off 18 New Orleans turnovers. New Orleans, which had the best road record in the NBA at 28-14, lost six straight home games before defeating Sacramento (NBA ‘Do or Die’ GOY winner) in a play-in elimination game. Oklahoma City, which won eight more games than the Pelicans during the regular season, was 24-17 away from home. The Thunder were 2-0 at New Orleans in the regular season, prevailing 107-83 and 119-112. Turn about...take NEW ORLEANS!

L.A. Clippers at Dallas 8:00 ET

Clippers (+) over Mavericks- The Mavericks got much more production from their supporting cast, especially from distance, when they evened the series 1-1 with a 96-93 road win on Tuesday. While the Mavericks improved from 30.3 percent to 42.4 percent on 3-pointers from Game 1 to Game 2, the Clippers went from 50.0 percent to 26.7 percent. From strictly a scoring standpoint, Los Angeles dominated 54-30 from the arc in its win before Dallas enjoyed a 42-24 advantage in its three-point victory. One big difference for the Clippers was the return of Kawhi Leonard, who had missed nine consecutive games including the series opener with a sore right knee. The teams split two games in Dallas in the regular season. Leonard had 30 points in the most recent Dallas meeting, a 120-111 Clippers win in December. It’s the Clips turn...take LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS!

Milwaukee at Indiana 5:30 ET

Bucks (+) over Pacers- Milwaukee's Damian Lillard will look to continue his trend of strong starts on Friday. He scored all 35 of his points in the first half in the series opener before scoring 26 of his 34 points over the first two quarters on Tuesday. Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo has missed his team's last five games dating back to the regular season due to a left calf injury. Bucks coach Doc Rivers was optimistic about how Antetokounmpo looked in practice on Thursday, but the club listed him as doubtful. Indiana (Megabucks winner) exploited the interior on Tuesday with Antetokounmpo reduced to the role of a spectator. Bucks suck it up here. Take MILWAUKEE!   1

New York at Philadelphia 7:30 ET

Knicks (+) over 76ers- have you seen what I’ve seen? I don’t believe that the New York Knicks should be an underdog to anybody, anywhere, (maybe OKC) or anytime. Tibs has them playing the best of all and with the way Boston looked (vulnerable) and that can only help the Knicks mindset. It seems obvious to me that Embiid is not 100% although he is still the best Philadelphia has and they felt with him that they could be unbeatable...not! There is a karma teams acquire when together and in sync. Like Connecticut in the NCAA’s! Right now I will have to see them break down before I will be looking for it. The Sixers are a little bit too distracted by the attention being paid to referee's calls. Take NEW YORK!

New Orleans at Oklahoma City 9:30 ET

Thunder (-) over Pelicans- In Oklahoma City’s playoff opener against New Orleans a 94-92 victory Sunday, head coach Mark Daigneault played 11 players. Nine of them played in the first quarter and final quarters. The Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made the late shots and Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren came up big offensively as well. Without Zion Williamson, New Orleans needs more production from forward Brandon Ingram, who had 12 points Sunday while going 5-of-17 from the floor and hasn’t return to form yet. Williamson has missed the last two games with a hamstring strain and will be out again Wednesday. Take OKLAHOMA CITY!

Indiana at Milwaukee 8:30 ET

Pacers (+) over Bucks- Former two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (strained left calf) missed Sunday's 109-94 victory in Game 1 and could be out of the lineup again on Tuesday. The Pacers only led in the opening few minutes against Milwaukee. After trailing by nine at the end of the first quarter, they were outscored 39-21 in the second. The Bucks led 69-42 at halftime and cruised the rest of the way. The Pacers averaged an NBA-best 123.3 points per game during the regular season and failed to reach 100 just once. But one game into the playoffs, that season low of 99 points is standing out now.Take INDIANA!

Phoenix at Minnesota 7:30 ET

Suns (+) over Timberwolves- Minnesota is coming off a dominant 120-95 win in the series opener Saturday. Phoenix trailed by four points in the third quarter before the Timberwolves went on a 21-5 run to grab a 20-point advantage and never looked back. The Suns swept the T’wolves during the regular season. Phoenix was humbled in Game 1 as it struggled to unlock its offense. A rebound for the Suns! Take Phoenix!

Los Angeles Lakers at Denver 10:00 ET

Lakers (+) over Nuggets- Denver has beaten Los Angeles nine straight times, dating back to the final regular-season game between them in 2022-23. Los Angeles coach Darvin Ham said after the loss there were adjustments he didn't use Saturday night that he will try in the rest of the series. The Nuggets can expect a bounce-back game from the Lakers, and a more aggressive James. After scoring 19 points in the first half on Saturday, he had just eight in the second half and didn't attempt a shot in the fourth quarter until the final 1:20. Take LOS ANGELES LAKERS!

Orlando at Cleveland 7:00 ET

Magic (+) over Cavaliers- The Cavaliers star got off to a strong start in the first-round matchup against the Orlando Magic. Cleveland led by as many as 20 and never trailed in the Game 1 victory. The easy win was obtained despite 8-of-30 shooting from 3-point range and 18 turnovers. Orlando seeks to avoid a 2-0 deficit after the effort was there, but the shooting wasn't in Game 1. The Magic shot 32.6 from the field, including 8 of 37 from 3-point range, and also missed 11 free throws (19 of 30). Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley is well aware the shooting must improve if his club wants to return home with the series tied. Take ORLANDO!

 Indiana at Milwaukee 7:00 ET

Bucks (-) over Pacers- Indiana (47-35) won four of the five meetings against Milwaukee (49-33) this season, including in a tournament setting during the in-season tournament in December. The Milwaukee Bucks lost six of their last eight games to limp into the playoffs as the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged a robust 42.2 points and 13.0 rebounds in Milwaukee's season series against Indiana. He erupted for a franchise single-game-record 64 points in the Bucks' lone victory over the Pacers. He is a on a wait-and-see approach as to playing Sunday. Take MILWAUKEE!

Los Angeles Lakers at Denver 8:40 ET

Lakers (+) over Nuggets- Last year, Denver broke through against the Lakers in the Western Conference finals on its way to the first NBA championship in franchise history. The Lakers get an early shot at redemption when the teams meet in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. The Nuggets, the No. 2 seed, host Game 1 against seventh-seeded Los Angeles on Saturday night. The Nuggets have won eight straight against the Lakers, including the sweep in the Western Conference finals, and they won the three meetings this year by an average of 10 points. The four games in last year's playoffs were close, with only one, Denver's 119-108 win in Game 3, by a double-digit margin, and the circumstances are different this year. Lebron James, even at 39 years old, is capable of taking over games but knows his team has a small margin for error against the Nuggets. Take LA LAKERS!

Philadelphia at New York 6:00 ET

76ers (+) over Knicks- The Knicks earned the second seed in the Eastern Conference after going 50-32 -- their best seed and top record since the 2012-13 team also was seeded second after finishing 54-28. The 76ers (47-35) clinched the seventh seed Wednesday night by coming back from a 12-point halftime deficit to edge the Miami Heat 105-104 in a play-in game. The Knicks haven't made the NBA Finals since 1999 and haven't advanced beyond the second round since 2000. They had only four players participate in at least 70 games. Three of those players, Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart were teammates on national championship-winning teams at Villanova. New York was 20-3 in games in which OG Anunoby played following his acquisition from the Toronto Raptors Dec. 30, but he missed 27 games due to an elbow injury. Joel  Embiid was limited to 39 games by a chronic left knee injury but averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per contest. The 76ers went 31-8 with him in the lineup but just 16-27 when he was in street clothes. The Knicks won three of the four games in the season series. Embiid had 30 points and 10 rebounds in his lone appearance against New York. Take PHILADELPHIA!

Phoenix at Minnesota 3:40 ET

Suns (+) over Timberwolves- To say that Phoenix has owned Minnesota is an understatement as they have won nine of the past 10 meetings and have covered nine straight games between the two.  But, Minnesota still managed to put together its best regular season in 20 years. The Timberwolves grabbed the No. 3 seed in the West by going 56-26, their most wins since the 2003-04 campaign (58-24). The Timberwolves haven't fared well in the playoffs as of late, though, getting bounced in the first round in each of the past two seasons. They were knocked out by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2022 before the Denver Nuggets got the best of them last year. Minnesota hasn't made it past the first round since 2004. Phoenix managed to close the regular season on a high note, putting together a three-game winning streak to cap a 10-4 stretch dating back to March 20. That spurt allowed the Suns to lock down the No. 6 seed in the West. The Suns are in the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. They are coming off back-to-back second-round exits following a Finals appearance in 2021. Take PHOENIX!

Sacramento at New Orleans 9:30 ET

Pelicans (+) over Kings- I couldn’t have asked for a better set-up (in my mind anyway) as the Kings fly into New Orleans after eliminating their perennial nemesis. It was more than a just setting the Warriors aside it was the manner in which they dismantled Golden State and were in complete command. New Orleans of course with be without Zion Williamson which is not so unusual but it did come when he appeared to be reaching his potential. The Pelicans were 8-4 ATS without Williamson this season  and there is more. The line jumped from the home team Pelicans at -2 to the visiting Kings to -1.5 and I expect it to go higher from their. But, here is the dirty little secret that the bookies are aware of and now you will be aware of it. New Orleans actually has played and is rated a half-point better in the 12 game played without Williamson. I love that the expectations have shifted but no the players will. Take NEW ORLEANS!

Miami at Philadelphia 7:30 ET

76ers (-) over Heat- The Philadelphia 76ers are a much better team with Joel Embiid in the lineup and he is the Most Valuable Player in the NBA if you count wins and losses. There is a noticeable difference in the way the 76ers play when the reigning NBA MVP is on the floor. Jimmy Butler who was traded from the 76ers to the Heat in the summer of 2019, has guided Miami to two NBA Finals appearances in the last four seasons. The loser of Wednesday's contest will play an elimination game on Friday against either the Chicago Bulls or Atlanta Hawks for the eighth seed -- and the right to play the top-seeded Boston Celtics. Take MIAMI!

Golden State at Sacramento 10:00 ET

Warriors (-) over Kings- The winner of the game between the No. 10 seed Warriors (46-36) and No. 9 Kings (46-36) will advance to play either the No. 8 Los Angeles Lakers or No. 7 New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. The winner on Friday advances to play the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs the loser-goes-home Western Conference in this play-in contest. The history of losing to the Warriors made last season's postseason ouster feel even harsher for Sacramento. They floundered down the stretch with five setbacks in six games prior to hammering the visiting Portland Trail Blazers 121-82 in Sunday's regular-season finale.The Warriors had a hot finish with 10 wins in 12 games, including Sunday's 123-116 home win over the Utah Jazz. The teams split four regular-season meetings this season, going 1-1 in both Sacramento and San Francisco. The Kings have been favored in the past six home game against the Warriors and yet the 10-seed is favored on the road over the 7-seed. Smells...take GOLDEN STATE!

Houston at L.A. Clippers 8:00 ET

Rockets over Clippers- Okay, this is easy to explain...I think. Houston is 40-41 looking to keep from finishing under .500 for the regular season and currently out of the playoff picture.   The Clippers are 51-30 (21 games better than the Rockets) and are 25-15 SU at home. The visitor despite winning only 17 of 41 road games are favored against a team that they have lost to nine straight times. If this doesn’t qualify as the ‘Don’t Make Sense’ Game ...what does! Take HOUSTON!

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Chicago at New York 1:00 ET

Knicks (-) over Bulls- The Knicks realize that they have a legitimate shot at moving into the No. 2 spot in the east as Milwaukee will be at Orlando and a loss with a NY win give them the seed. this is the third meeting in the past two weeks between theses two and the line was NYK -5 and -1.5. I believe it is a tell...take NEW YORK!

Milwaukee at Orlando 1:00 ET

Magic (-) over Bucks- I’ve been watching and what I have gathered is that the Bucks are just waltzing through the final stages and will have a different attitude in a week. Milwaukee lead by Doc Rivers were all smiles after their recent blowout loss at OKC and they are not all that concerned with seeding. Orlando is off a 4-game win-less road trip and will be ready to clinch the No. 5 seed with a victory. Magic have lost 9-of-10 to the Buck but that doe’t seem to bother the odds-makers...take ORLANDO!

New Orleans at Golden State 10;00 ET

Pelicans (+) over Warriors- The Pelicans (48-32) have a one-game lead over the Phoenix Suns (47-33) in their tussle for the sixth and final guaranteed playoff position in the Western Conference. The Suns hold the tiebreaker over New Orleans, meaning the Pelicans must retain their advantage in the standings over the final two games of the regular season in order to secure the No. 6 playoff spot. The Warriors (45-35) can't catch the Pelicans in the standings and thus cannot avoid a spot in the play-in tournament. Golden State, which has won three straight games and nine of its past 10. The line is too short. Take NEW ORLEANS!

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Milwaukee at Oklahoma City 8:00 ET

Thunder (-) over Bucks- After Milwaukee posted a dominating win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 24. In their next seven games they went 1-6 and put themselves in danger of dropping out of the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks (49-31) need one win in their last two or losses by the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers to secure the position. The Thunder own the tiebreaker over the Nuggets but would likely lose out on a tiebreaker with the Timberwolves thanks to conference records. The Bucks won that first meeting of the season, 118-93, in Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo won't be playing Friday after suffering a strained left calf in Tuesday's win over Boston. Take OKLAHOMA CITY!

New Orleans at Sacramento 10:00 ET

Pelicans (+) over Kings- The Pelicans (47-32), winners of two in a row, have moved into sixth place in the West. But each remaining opponent has a chance to catch New Orleans by the end of play Sunday. The Kings' chances of winning the final game of the season series against the Pelicans and then potentially passing them in the standings involve more than just Ingram's status. Sacramento has injury issues. The Kings squandered a chance to stay within one game of the Pelicans in the loss column when they blew a 20-point lead in a 112-105 loss at Oklahoma City. Take NEW ORLEANS!

Dallas at Miami 7:30 ET

Heat over Mavericks- Dallas (49-30) is in fifth place in the Western Conference. The Mavericks appear likely to avoid the play-in round, which is for teams in spots seven through 10 in the standings. Miami (44-35) is eighth in the Eastern Conference, and it looks like the Heat again are destined to compete in the play-in round. The Mavericks, who have won 15 of their past 17 games, started this week with a thrilling 147-136 overtime win at home versus the Houston Rockets on Sunday. Heat guard Tyler Herro, playing just his third game since returning from injury, scored 33 points on Tuesday. He made 13 of 25 shots from the floor. Herro is the difference. Take MIAMI!

New York at Chicago 8:00 ET

Bulls (+) over Knicks- The Knicks (46-32) enter Tuesday's visit to the Chicago Bulls in fourth place in the East but still can finish as high as No. 2 in the conference with four regular-season games remaining. Fighting with the Atlanta Hawks for home-court advantage in the East play-in tournament game between the Nos. 9-10 seeds, the Bulls topped the Knicks 108-100 on Friday. Chicago (37-41) was unable to sustain the momentum at Orlando on Sunday, losing 113-98. The Bulls maintained a one-game edge on Atlanta for ninth place and also hold the tiebreaker. The Bulls have won two of the past three meetings against the Knicks, who will host Chicago in the regular-season finale. Take CHICAGO!

Sacramento at Oklahoma City 8:00 ET

Kings (-) over Thunder- the Kings (45-33) and Thunder (53-25) need to win but also get help to move up the Western Conference standings over the final six days of the regular season. Currently in play-in position as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, Sacramento will take the court Tuesday one game behind the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans, who are tied for sixth. The Suns host the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, while the Pelicans visit the Portland Trail Blazers. The home team has won all three Kings-Thunder meetings this season, with Sacramento prevailing 105-98 and 128-123 at home during the 2023 portion of the schedule, before Oklahoma City ran off with a 127-113 victory in February. Take SACRAMENTO!

Boston at Milwaukee 7:30 ET

Bucks (+) over Celtics- The Bucks (47-31) have lost six of their past seven, and the four straight losses represent their longest skid of the season. Milwaukee is trying to hold off the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee Bucks will attempt to end a four-game losing streak when they host the Boston Celtics. The Celtics have been on cruise control since they secured the NBA's best record and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla has been resting his top players in the fourth quarter recently, but it hasn't prevented the team from winning. The Celtics will enter on a five-game winning streak. Boston has won two of the three meetings with Milwaukee this season. Both victories came in Boston. The Bucks prevailed 135-102 when the teams played in Milwaukee on Jan. 11. Take MILWAUKEE!

Purdue vs Connecticut 9:30 ET

Huskies (-) over Boilermakers- Like I said last time out, ‘until someone beats this team there is no reason to play against the Huskies.’ Yes, of course, unless you are up against Zack Edey the Two-time NCAA Payer of the Year! Both of these clubs are championship worthy and I was surprised the opening number was as high as it was at -6.5. Most of my west coast Vegas friends like I believe the price would be Connecticut around -3...but of course my east coast people showed their bias and said it could have been higher. Now, my thoughts are who’s instincts are better. Las Vegas is very sharp and I respect their opinion as I do New York but in actuality as to who would have more influence over the outcome?...Straight-up, if this game was played without referees (I was one of them) I see Connecticut getting the best of a very good team The key of course is Zack Edey and I wonder after what I saw if he has been up against a player with the size and the talent of  UConn’s  7’2’ 285 Lbs center Donovan Clingan who had four blocks against Alabama and controlled the boards. Take CONNECTICUT!

Miami at Indiana 5:00 ET

Heat (+) over Heat- The Heat, who are set to visit the Indiana Pacers on Sunday in Indianapolis, are 43-34 good enough for seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Indiana (44-34) is in sixth place, just a half-game ahead of Miami. Tyler Herro is finally back, and that could make the Miami Heat extra dangerous. Herro ranks second on the Heat in scoring (20.7), trailing only Jimmy Butler (21.0). Aside from the playoff implications, Sunday's contest will be interesting because the Heat have been better on the road (23-16) than at home (20-18). In fact, only the Boston Celtics have more road wins than Miami among Eastern Conference teams. Indiana, meanwhile, has been just about as good at home (24-15) as Miami on the road. Take MIAMI!

Cleveland at LA Clippers 3:30 ET

Cavaliers +) over Clippers- The Los Angeles Clippers (49-28) will aim for a complete effort when they face the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers (46-32) on Sunday. The Clippers have won five of its past six games and holds the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings. Cleveland is in third place in the East and will look to avoid its third straight loss after falling 116-97 to the host Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. Los Angeles is looking to avenge a 118-108 road loss to the Cavaliers on Jan. 29, when Cleveland star Donovan Mitchell finished with 28 points and 12 assists. The Cavaliers, who are concluding a five-game trip. They will end the season with three home games. Take CLEVELAND!

Alabama vs Connecticut 8:50 ET

Huskies (-) over Crimson Tide- UConn is two games away from back-to-back NCAA men's basketball championships, and the Huskies have history on their side as they prepare to face Alabama in the second national semifinal Saturday night. UConn (35-3), the top-ranked team in the nation, is 10-1 in Final Four and championship games all-time. No program has a better mark. The Huskies own a 69-32 record in the NCAA Tournament, and they won both their meetings with the Crimson Tide. While all five of UConn's starters average in double figures and the Huskies can be just as dangerous on defense. The Huskies haven't allowed more than 58 points to an opponent since March 15. Alabama (25-11) is in its first Final Four, and the Crimson Tide have also played strong defense to get to within two wins of a national championship. Alabama leads all NCAA Tournament teams in blocked shots per game with six. Until proven otherwise...take CONNECTICUT!

NC State vs Purdue 6:05 ET

Boilermakers (-) over Wolfpack- Purdue has won 21 consecutive non-conference, regular season or postseason games against power conference or nationally ranked teams. That equals the second longest such streak in NCAA history. Purdue is looking for its first national championship. The Boilermakers have played for the title just once, losing to John Wooden's UCLA team 92-72 in 1969. Their last trip to the Final Four came in 1980, when they lost again to UCLA. On the line for Zack Edey and Purdue (33-4) and DJ Burns Jr. and the Wolfpack (26-14) is a trip to Monday's championship game against the winner of the semifinal between UConn and Alabama. Edey will take center stage Saturday in the first national semifinal when the Boilermakers, the No. 1 seed in the East Region, meet tournament Cinderella North Carolina State, who advanced despite being the No. 11 seed in the South Region. The Wolfpack were never ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 all season. The big man too tough for State...take PURDUE!

Cleveland at L.A. Lakers 3:30 ET

Lakers (-) over Cavaliers- Los Angeles (44-33) entered Friday holding on to a spot in the play-in tournament, sitting ninth after a successful 5-1 road trip that ended with Wednesday. Securing a guaranteed playoff spot isn't out of the question, though, as the Lakers are just 1 1/2 games behind the Phoenix Suns, the first team above the play-in line. Cleveland (46-31) finds itself in a much more favorable position at third in the Eastern Conference, it still has to watch its back. The Cavaliers were just a half-game ahead of both the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks but Inconsistency has started to plague Cleveland, which has alternated wins and losses over its past seven games getting blow out in their last four losses. Opponents have scored an average of 111.8 points while shooting 50.4 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from deep over Cleveland's past five games. Take CLEVELAND!

Minnesota at Phoenix 9:00 ET

Suns (-) over Timberwolves- Phoenix has won 10 of its past 15 games and a lot is at stake as it enters its final six games of the regular season. Just one game separates the Nos. 5 through 8 spots in the West entering Thursday, with the ninth-place Los Angeles Lakers just one game further back. The Suns are a half-game behind the fifth-place Dallas Mavericks. Phoenix has the same record as the Pelicans but owns the tiebreaker while the Sacramento Kings are a half-game back in eighth place. Minnesota (53-23) is in its own battle at the top of the West. The Timberwolves are streaking, winning nine of their past 11 games. They are fresh off a 133-85 rout of the visiting Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. Phoenix has won eight of the past nine meetings, including a 133-115 home victory on Nov. 15. Take MINNESOTA!

Sacramento at Boston 7:30 ET

Kings (+) over Celtics- In their first game since clinching the NBA's best record, the Boston Celtics continue a three-game homestand against Western Conference foes when the Sacramento Kings pay a visit on Friday night. The Celtics (60-16) have responded to their second pair of back-to-back losses since October with a three-game win streak. Boston has not entered the postseason as the No. 1 team in the NBA since 2007-08. Its 13-game lead over the second-place Milwaukee Bucks would be the largest season-ending lead in the NBA since 1980. Sacramento remains just one game behind sixth place in the Western Conference, the last spot that avoids the play-in round, after missing a chance to tie New Orleans and Phoenix with a win at New York. Take SACRAMENTO!

Oklahoma City at Indiana 7:00 ET

Pacers (-) over Thunder- Oklahoma City (52-24) has dropped back-to-back games, including Wednesday's 135-100 loss at Boston. The Thunder come into Friday's game in third place in the Western Conference, just behind Minnesota and Denver. But as the Thunder try to make their push for one of the top spots in the Western Conference, they're also working to navigate life without their top two scorers. There's a good chance both will sit out Friday when Oklahoma takes on the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis. The Pacers (43-34) are coming off a 115-111 loss in Brooklyn on Wednesday. With five games remaining, Indiana is trying to climb out of play-in position and into the playoff field. The Pacers were mere percentage points behind Miami for sixth place in the Eastern Conference before the Heat played Thursday night. Take INDIANA!

Denver at L.A. Clippers 10:30 ET

Clippers (+) over Nuggets-  The Clippers is they will play six of their last seven regular-season games at home. The Clippers (47-28) went 3-1 on a just-concluded four-game road trip that crisscrossed the country. The Nuggets (53-23) arrive in Los Angeles after a 110-105 victory at home over the San Antonio Spurs, Denver's sixth win in eight games. The Nuggets play four of their final six regular-season games on the road as they try to lock down the top playoff seed in the West. They are tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves and have a one-game lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder but do not have the tiebreaker versus either team. Take...CLIPPERS

Golden State at Houston 8:00 ET

Rockets (+) over Warriors- Houston is three games back of the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. It looked like the Rockets (38-37) were destined for the postseason when they rattled off 11 straight wins from March 8-29 to pull within one game of Golden State for the final play-in spot. But Houston has since slipped, dropping back-to-back to fall further out of the playoff picture. Golden State is riding a five-game winning streak, most recently edging the Mavericks 104-100 on Tuesday. Thursday marks the finale of the three-game season series between the teams. Golden State won at Houston 106-95 on Oct. 29 before prevailing in San Francisco 121-116 on Nov. 20. This time...ROCKETS

Sacramento at New York 7:30 ET

Kings (+) over Knicks- Sacramento (44-31) is jockeying with the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors in the race for seeding in the play-in round. The Kings also are trying to catch the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks to avoid being in the play-in. The Knicks (44-31) were in the midst of a 7-1 run when Jalen Brunson scored 42 in their 98-91 win at Sacramento on March 16. They were third in the East after a 145-101 win over the Toronto Raptors last week and are trying to avoid their second four-game losing streak of the season. The Knicks, who have been clear of the play-in round, are two games in front of the seventh-place Heat and trying to fend off the sixth-place Indiana Pacers. Exact records have these two in the playoff mixed in opposite conferences. Take...KINGS

Indiana State vs Seton Hall 9:00 ET

Pirates (+) over Sycamores- Indiana State (32-6) and Seton Hall (24-12) are both No. 1 seeds and certainly have looked the part over the last four games. The Sycamores have been impressive offensively, averaging 90.5 points in wins over SMU, Minnesota, Cincinnati and Utah. The Sycamores took advantage of a partisan crowd in the win over Utah, as the Final Four is being played fewer than 100 miles from the Indiana State campus in Terre Haute. Hinkle Fieldhouse will likely be loaded with Indiana State fans again on Thursday, but not much has rattled Seton Hall in this tournament. The Pirates slipped past Saint Joseph's in overtime in their NIT opener before posting double-digit wins over North Texas, UNLV and Georgia. Take SETON HALL!