Today’s slate features a quartet of pivotal Game 4 matchups.
- Knicks 94, Pistons 93 (Final)
- Lakers 113, Timberwolves 116 (Final)
- Celtics 107, Magic 98 (Final)
- Pacers 129, Bucks 103 (Final)
Bucks Fall Down 3-1
Tonight was a homerun for the Pacers. They got going early, and shut the door on any attempted comebacks by the Bucks. The story that will loom for Milwaukee, potentially beyond this series, is the loss of Damian Lillard. He went down in the first six minutes and was ruled out soon after. Expect more clarity on his injury in the coming days.
Game 5 on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/HHNpuGX9pG
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 28, 2025
Tyrese Haliburton was a maestro, collecting 15 assists to go along with 17 points and eight rebounds. The team was dialed in from downtown as well, led by Andrew Nembhard and Jarace Walker with four threes apiece.
Tyrese Haliburton’s got 15 AST 🔥🔥
Pacers leading in the 4Q of Game 4 on TNT!#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google pic.twitter.com/Jjt44GRoHo
— NBA (@NBA) April 28, 2025
🏁 Indy’s Two-Way Excellence 🏁
The Pacers successfully extended their lead in the third, through some electrifying highlights on both ends. ON multiple occassions, defense turned to offense for Indiana in this quarter. Myles Turner’s block tally keeps climbing, while Aaron Nesmith also turned heads with a chasedown on the bigger Bobby Portis, creating a transition opportunity for Tyrese Haliburton who finishes through the foul.
Check out some of the quarter’s best plays below.
NESMITH STUFF.
HALIBURTON AND-1.
Incredible sequence from the Pacers 🤯
IND (2-1) MIL | Game 4 | TNT pic.twitter.com/APNhCvKTHI
— NBA (@NBA) April 28, 2025
Myles Turner denies ’em for the third time tonight and Andrew Nembhard knocks down his third triple 👏 pic.twitter.com/mPu0rzWYaS
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) April 28, 2025
MYLES TURNER POSTER 💪😳
The Pacers big man was active in the first half, and he followed suit to open up the third quarter. He uncorcked a filthy one-handed jam over the Greek Freak to give his team a jolt of energy to begin the half.
MYLES TURNER MY GOODNESS 💥💥
WINDS UP AND PUTS DOWN THE POSTER SLAM!!!
Pacers/Bucks | Game 4 | TNT pic.twitter.com/W0GTPzXE1t
— NBA (@NBA) April 28, 2025
Bucks Bench Battling 🦌
Bench points have been the stat of the day for Milwaukee, as the reserves outscored the starters in the first half 32-18. Kevin Porter Jr. has a team-high 15 points in so far for the Bucks. Indiana is looking for a commanding 3-1 series lead and enter halftime leading 63-52.
KPJ with the tough 2.
Haliburton with the stepback 3.
Pacers/Bucks battling in Game 4 on TNT 🍿 pic.twitter.com/GVPlElSUHD
— NBA (@NBA) April 28, 2025
Pacers Hold Early Lead, Lillard Out
As the 2nd quarter rolls on, the Pacers are trying to build on their first quarter lead. Indiana enjoyed a hot start from Myles Turner, while TJ McConnell made multiple plays with the second unit. Milwaukee will be without Damian Lillard for the remainder of this one, after the team ruled him out with a lower left leg injury.
playing with pace 👏 pic.twitter.com/Dg0sI7sNzu
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) April 28, 2025
T.J. McConnell fires a cross-court dime to Obi Toppin, who drills the three. pic.twitter.com/n4EvGQ7ksN
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) April 28, 2025
T.J. McConnell goes coast-to-coast and finishes strong 😤 pic.twitter.com/89dG9HIKjY
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) April 28, 2025
Lillard Helped Off Floor 🚨
Damian Lillard (left lower leg injury) will not return to tonight’s game.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 28, 2025
Right at the 6:00 mark of the first quarter Damian Lillard goes down on a non-contact play, while lunging for a long offensive rebound. He stays on the ground as both teams go the other way before the Bucks intentionally foul to prevent the 5-on-4 advantage.
Bucks personnel then assisted Lillard to the locker room. The veteran Star returned from an extended absence in game two of the series.
Setting the Tone 😳
The Pacers received a wake up call courtesy of Brook Lopez on the field goal attempt of the game. Lopez sends a Pascal Siakam floater out of bounds, as the big man is also feeling it from deep on the offensive end.
Get that out of here! pic.twitter.com/LZG8Oy1ZVh
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 28, 2025
Game 4, Take 4 🎬
The finale of today’s four-game slate moves to Milwaukee. The Bucks host the Indiana Pacers, coming off of their first win of the series in game three. Check out tonight’s starting lineups as this one tips off now on TNT.
who’s starting it off on Sunday night ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/0dP2v5cr62
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) April 28, 2025
First five for Game 4. pic.twitter.com/ktDJf4Dcoa
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 28, 2025
Tatum Ices Magic 🧊
TATUM’S GOT 30 🔥🔥
Couldn’t come at a bigger time for Boston!
BOS-ORL | 4Q | Game 4 | TNT pic.twitter.com/Ts9PNQ3UEx
— NBA (@NBA) April 28, 2025
Jayson Tatum finishes with 37 points in the Celtics game 4 road win. This fadeaway jumper was part of a 16-7 run for Boston in the closing minutes. The Magic are now up against a wall, headed to Boston down 3-1 in the series.
CELTICS PULL AHEAD LATE TO WIN GAME 4!!!
THEY TAKE A 3-1 SERIES LEAD HEADING BACK TO BOSTON 🍀 pic.twitter.com/BLNcL69OE5
— NBA (@NBA) April 28, 2025
Cleaning Up 🧹
Kristaps Porzingis made up for failing to convert on an alley-oop with an impressive putback slam. He finished through the Paolo Banchero contact, sending him to the line to put his team back ahead by three, breaking a tie and slowing Orlando’s momentum.
KP THROWS IT DOWN 🤯 pic.twitter.com/26TyWjUEl5
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 28, 2025
All Tied at 91 🚨
A failure to box out Wendell Carter Jr. led to a game-tying putback with just over four minutes left in this game, leading to a Boston timeout. It’s now a race to see which team outlasts the other in regulation. The first two games of today’s slate came down to the final shot of the game and this could be a similar situation.
WENDELL CARTER JR pic.twitter.com/ZunMgzAKjZ
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 28, 2025
Horford with the Help 🚫
⚠️ BLOCK ZONE ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/rHZZAnUFUP
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 28, 2025
Porzingis Foul Trouble
Kristaps Porzingis heads to the bench with nine minutes to go after picking up his fifth personal foul. It came on a Franz Wagner and-one finish that pulled the Magic within two, 84-82.
4Q On Deck
With twelve to go in game four, it’s still completely up for grabs. The defending chamion Celtics are hoping to avoid losing back-to-back road games to the seventh-seeded Magic.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have a combined 40 points, but Paolo Banchero leads all scorers with 25.
To the 4th we go ⏳ pic.twitter.com/kFd9e8DGW4
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 28, 2025
Duke v. Duke 🔵🏀
Paolo Banchero 😵💫 pic.twitter.com/Nf7Q0vbbDr
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 28, 2025
Hard Foul Under Review 🎥
Wendell Carter Jr. delivered a hard foul to Derrick White that caused both teams to mix it up a bit before needing to be separated. After gathering to see if the foul on Carter Jr. was a flagrant, the referees determined it was a common foul. White would go on to split the free throws, giving the Celtics a 58-56 lead with eight minutes in the third frame.
Open Lane 💨
JB ready for takeoff 🆙 pic.twitter.com/hbTLyAIrpl
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 28, 2025
No Rim Needed 💦
Jayson Tatum is leading the charge for Boston tonight, and helped secure a five-point halftime lead with this pretty size-up triple. He’s up to a team-high 15 points for Boston. The only player with more points so far is Paolo Banchero with 18.
JT dancin’ 🕺 pic.twitter.com/ULj4DLTJUq
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 28, 2025
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 28, 2025
Game of Runs 🏃♂️
Orlando is playing with confidence after winning game three on their home court. They took an early eight-point lead in this one, but Boston answered. The Celtics would then go on to take a lead, but Anthony Black stole momentum with this buzzer-beating layup.
Anthony Black takes it coast-to-coast for the buzzer-beating bucket 🔥
Celtics/Magic in an early battle in Game 4 on TNT! pic.twitter.com/ak66i7HGoO
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
The Tatum triple was part of an 11-0 Celtics run 👀
We’re going back and forth in the first quarter of Game 4 on TNT!#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google pic.twitter.com/UD6oEOCQix
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
Paolo’s World 🌎
Expect another big night from Paolo Banchero. In his second postseason trip, he’s averaging 32.3 points through three games. He’s got nine first quarter points toinght thanks to multiple trips to the free throw line.
His defensive presence doesn’t get as much attention as his scoring, but this early highlight demonstrates he can play on both sides.
Paolo with the block
Paolo with the and1 😤 pic.twitter.com/SDJqB1w4uk
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 27, 2025
Starting5️⃣’s
The action for the day has wrapped up on ABC after two nail-biting matchups that came down to missed threes at the buzzer, leading to the Knicks and Timberwolves each going up 3-1 in their respective series’.
Now the action shifts to a TNT double-header, which is also streaming on Max, with the Celtics and Magic tipping off at 7 ET.
Despite being questionable with a knee injury, Jaylen Brown will suit up and be in Boston’s starting lineup, although they remain without Jrue Holiday.
Tonight’s Starting 5️⃣@DraftKings pic.twitter.com/knICT9h3VT
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 27, 2025
Meanwhile, Orlando will run out with their usual starters.
first five out let’s get it pic.twitter.com/zz2xZE8VfJ
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 27, 2025
🐺Timberwolves go up 3-1🐺
Minnesota outscored the Lakers 32-19 in the fourth, carrying them to a 116-113 win over the Lakers and they now have a 3-1 advantage in the series.
Edwards was massive down the stretch, finishing with 43 points, including a pair of clutch free throws to give the Timberwolves their three-point lead with 10 seconds left.
ANT HITS THE CLUTCH FTS!
TIMEBRWOLVES GET THE STOP ON THE OTHER END!!
MINNESOTA TAKES A 3-1 SERIES LEAD 🔥 pic.twitter.com/gCzJIuTpEV
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
Austin Reaves was able to get a good look in the corner before time expired but was unable to get it to go.
Joining Edwards in the department of notable performances was Randle, who finished with 25 points, seven boards, and three assists, and Jaden McDaniels, who supplied a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double.
Luka finished with 38 points for the Lakers, while LeBron stuffed the stat sheet with 27 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and three blocks in the defeat.
🔥Ant🔥
Anthony Edwards is on fire, with 19 second-half points, and is now up to 38 in the game, with five made triples.
ANT’S RED HOT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0xyxKyZe2j
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 27, 2025
We’re headed for an electric finish with the Lakers holding just a two-point lead, 104-102, with a little over four minutes remaining.
Catch the finish live on ABC!
Putting up a wall🧱
The Lakers started the second half on an 11-0 run, but Minnesota is clawing back and they’re getting it done by protecting the rim and attacking their own.
First, it’s Mike Conley shutting down James at the rim,
MIKE CONLEY SAYS “NOT ON MY WATCH!” 😤 pic.twitter.com/lsMIdJxAR1
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
then it’s Randle attacking the offensive glass and getting the putback.
too tuff Julius 😤 pic.twitter.com/uaXDO3YrCU
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 27, 2025
However, they still trail the Lakers 90-80 late in the third quarter.
Then Jaden
Wolves storm back
Minnesota finished the half on a 21-12 run capped by a Randle triple to beat the buzzer and end the first half,
Julius Randle caps off a fantastic half with a three to beat the buzzer ‼️ pic.twitter.com/SzNdyzRmvj
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 27, 2025
Randle finished the half with 21 points, while Anthony Edwards also cooked, getting up to 19 on 6-for-9 shooting, while adding four boards and four assists.
James ended the half with a game-high 22 points on just 4-for-5 shooting while adding 12 points at the charity stripe. Luka is right behind him with 21 but isn’t adding much else, recording just one rebound, one assist, and a steal.
Trading triples👌
Both teams have been active from deep, shooting a combined 34 attempts halfway through the second quarter.
First, we have Luka nailing his third of the game to reach 16 points,
Luka from DEEP 🎯
He’s got 16 PTS so far in the 1H 😤 pic.twitter.com/4mLMRBf6N5
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 27, 2025
Then Randle hit his second to match Luka with 16 points,
Julius Randle with another triple 💦
He’s up to 16 PTS in the first half 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8ZfDBDnCsp
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 27, 2025
The Lakers have extended their lead to six, 46-40.
The Lakers lead after Q1
Luka Dončić is off to a quick start scoring 13 first-quarter points, aiding the Lakers in getting out to a 32-28 lead with a quarter in the books.
Also delivering is LeBron James, who is now up to 12 points, and has yet to miss, including making this tough corner three while falling away,
LeBron hits a fall-away corner triple 👌
Lakers look to even the score against Minnesota in Game 4 pic.twitter.com/e5U1xpgDP2
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 27, 2025
For now, the Timberwolves are being led by Julius Randle, who has scored 13.
Knicks win🗽🏙️🍎🚕🍕
The Pistons couldn’t stop New York down the stretch, and more specifically Towns, who hit two daggers to secure the lead.
First, a tough baseline fadeaway jumper to bring the Knicks within two,
THAT’S A TUFF BASELINE SHOT KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS pic.twitter.com/dBxzDIvDvD
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 27, 2025
Then, a deep three, that gave them a 94-93 lead, which they wouldn’t relinquish.
https://x.com/NBATV/status/1916577488785826274
Detroit had a chance to earn the victory with the ball in hand and 11.1 seconds left, but Cunningham missed the middy, then Hardaway Jr. was unable to knock down a tough three in the corner after Detroit got the offensive rebound.
KNICKS HANG ON IN WILD ENDING 😱
TAKE 3-1 SERIES LEAD 🗽 pic.twitter.com/V9H4flJmEe
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
Brunson was vital down the stretch again, finishing with 32 points, while Towns finished with 27.
Cunningham secured just the second-ever playoff triple-double in Pistons playoff history with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
The Knicks now have a 3-1 lead in the series and will have a chance to finish it Tuesday in New York.
Knicks fighting back🥊
New York has outscored Detroit 15-10 thus far in the fourth and has pulled within two, 81-79.
Spurring the narrowing of the deficit have been back-to-back triples by Bridges,
big bridges 3️⃣ pic.twitter.com/EYmg2FPCrH
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 27, 2025
and the return of Brunson attacking the basket,
JB (25 PTS) with ANOTHER tough finish and Spike is loving it 😂
3-point game approaching crunch time on ABC! pic.twitter.com/6pN1gmZKAf
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
Less than six minutes are remaining in this one, and you can catch the finish on ABC!
Fourth quarter coming up🍿
The Pistons stayed in control finishing the third quarter by outscoring the Knicks 28-14, to take a 71-64 lead into the final frame.
Malik Beasley came to life late in the quarter, hitting his first two triples of the game, and now has eight points.
Malik Beasley answers with a triple to close the 3Q ‼️
4th Quarter up next 🍿 pic.twitter.com/gbp5IglsZV
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 27, 2025
Brunson has returned to the game for the Knicks.
Cade brought the🔨
The action has intensified as the third quarter has progressed, and Detroit has shot ahead of the Knicks 65-61.
Part of Detroit’s takeover has been none other than Cunningham, who scores two of his 12 third-quarter points on this strong left-handed slam,
WITH THE LEFT 😤
Detroit is ROCKING on ABC. https://t.co/c69Y3RLHgD pic.twitter.com/hx9BojPvMB
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
To make matters worse for the Knicks, Jalen Brunson has just gone to the locker room after suffering an ankle injury.
Riding the momentum
The Pistons have started the second half just like they ended the first half and are now trailing by just one, 52-51.
They’ve done it by playing physical and active defense while attacking the rim on offense, and both are on display in this play.
Cade CHASEDOWN BLOCK ➡️ Harris bucket
We’ve got a GAME in Detroit 🔥 pic.twitter.com/igP3PXPLF9
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 27, 2025
Pistons finish the half strong
The Knicks hold a 50-43 advantage at the break, but an 11-2 run from the Pistons has them heading into halftime with the momentum.
Detroit was able to get things going offensively by attacking the paint, first with back-to-back and-1 opportunities from Harris,
TOBIAS HARRIS HYPING UP THE CROWD 🗣️🔊#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google https://t.co/eoNBIU8Tb0 pic.twitter.com/5DC7Aa9kUG
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
then with the clock winding down in the half, Cunningham found Thompson for the alley-oop,
Cade finds Ausar for the alley-oop 🔥
Detroit ends the half on an 11-2 run 👀 pic.twitter.com/2n5eH5iDhh
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 27, 2025
The two keys for the Knicks so far continue to be capitalizing on Detroit’s 10 turnovers, and they’ve also created several second-chance opportunities with 12 offensive rebounds.
Harris leads all scorers with 14, despite his 4-for-12 shooting, and Duren has 11 rebounds and four points. Cunningham has struggled thus far, scoring just six points on 3 of 9 shooting.
The Knicks have received double-digit scoring from Towns (13), Brunson (12), and Hart (10).
🚫No crossing Bridges🚫
New York continues to control the action, currently holding a 44-30 lead late in the first half.
They continue to make things tough on Detroit’s offense, as evidenced here with Mikal Bridges making a key swat at the rim on Ausar Thompson,
OKAY MIKAL WE SEE YOU 😳
NYK leading DET on ABC! pic.twitter.com/HkddDUHo4j
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
Q1 in the books📖
The Knicks owned the first quarter, finishing it with a 29-19 lead over the Pistons.
A big part of their success has been hitting five of 10 triple tries, and capitalizing on Detroit’s six first-quarter turnovers.
Trying to keep the Pistons in it, has been Jalen Duren, who already has nine rebounds, and four points, including this putback on a Harris miss.
JD put it away pic.twitter.com/54O5pWNqql
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) April 27, 2025
Triple barrage🎯🎯🎯🎯
New York is on fire from deep early, making four of their five triple attempts, and have doubled up the Pistons 24-12 late in the first quarter.
Two of their four have come from Josh Hart, with Miles McBride and Jalen Brunson each hitting one as well.
It’s raining triples in Detroit!
NYK seeking a 3-1 lead today on ABC. pic.twitter.com/SatTlYPmMI
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
OG strength💪🏾
We’re underway in Detroit and the intensity is high as you would expect, and the Knicks have jumped out to a 10-8 lead just over five minutes into the first quarter.
Towns is a factor already, scoring four points and also getting a blocked shot here on a Harris bucket attempt that sets up a break that is finished with a strong slam from Anunoby.
KAT BLOCK 🚫
OG SLAM 💥
Knicks coming out with ENERGY on ABC! pic.twitter.com/qzD7JBv9cv
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
Starting 🖐️’s
No surprises here.
The Pistons and Knicks will keep their usual starting units intact.
The first five out for New York are Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
first up for game four pic.twitter.com/IyUA4KvuUe
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 27, 2025
Detroit will be putting Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren on the floor first.
First five out tonight. @Kia pic.twitter.com/F1xHBwCrZH
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) April 27, 2025
Warming up🌡️
With tipoff nearing, the Pistons and Knicks are warming up.
A win for Detroit would essentially turn the series into a best of three and have these squads knotted up at two victories each. A win for the Knicks would put them firmly in control of the series, up 3-1 with Game 5 in New York.
This should be a must-see matchup on ABC at 1 ET.
🎯 JB: 30 points G3.
🎯 KAT: 31 points in G3.
NYK’s two stars warming up from downtown ahead of their 1pm/et Game 4 matchup vs. DET on ABC! pic.twitter.com/ZhC0VgbfEI
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
Cade has three straight 20+ point double-doubles 🔥
The Pistons look to even the series today at 1:00pm/et on ABC 👀 pic.twitter.com/jb6yZix4vu
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
Stars arrive✨
Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Cade Cunningham arrived earlier this morning at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Each is certain to be essential to their respective team’s success this afternoon when the action tips off at 1 ET on ABC.
BRUNSON, KAT IN THE BUILDING 🗽
🆚 Knicks-Pistons (NYK leads 2-1)
⏰ 1:00pm/et on ABC pic.twitter.com/n63uqLvszv
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
Cade Cunningham arrives for a crucial Game 4 in Detroit!
Knicks (2-1)/ Pistons | 1pm/et, ABC pic.twitter.com/YZkt7BXvgp
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2025
Looking closer at today’s games🔎
Today features an afternoon double-header on ABC tipping off at 1 PM ET, followed by a back-to-back nightcap on TNT.
🗽New York vs. Detroit🛠️
After stealing homecourt advantage from the Knicks in a Game 2 win at Madison Square Garden, the Pistons gave it back with a Game 3 loss at home. Like every team trailing 2-1 in their respective series’ today, Detroit faces a virtual must-win situation. No team wants to face a 3-1 deficit en route to a Game 5 on the road, which the Pistons will be working to avoid this afternoon.
The key for the Pistons will likely be keeping Jalen Brunson in check in the fourth quarter. The star point guard is averaging 12.7 points per game during the final frame in the series, where each game has been decided. Karl-Anthony Towns has also been a significant factor, shooting a combined 20-32 in their victories, but taking just 11 shots in their loss. To counteract Towns, expect the Pistons to get back to attacking the basket early and often, making Towns work on the defensive end.
🌴Los Angeles vs. Minnesota🌲
The second game to tip off during today’s four-game slate will feature a star-studded clash between the Lakers and Timberwolves. Despite being the lower seed in the matchup, Minnesota has earned a 2-1 advantage in the series, and with Game 4 in their building have a prime opportunity to take a commanding lead.
For the Lakers to even things up, they will likely need standout performances from their dangerous duo of LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Both have performed excellently on average when trailing in a series in their careers, with James averaging 29.6 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.9 STL, and 1.0 BLK in 65 career Playoff games with his team trailing in the series – all above his career averages. While Dončić has put up 32.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 7.9 APG, and 1.9 STL in 18 playoff games with his team behind.
🍀Boston vs. Orlando🎢
Orlando defeated Boston 95-93 on Friday to avoid a dreaded 3-0 series deficit. The win has them in position to knot the series up 2-2 with a win at home this evening. Boston has missed a key piece in each of the last two games, with Jayson Tatum (wrist) missing Game 2, and Jrue Holiday (hamstring) missing Game 3. This will be the case again in Game 4, as Holiday has already been ruled out for today’s contest, while Jaylen Brown (knee) joins him on the injury report, and is considered questionable to take the floor tonight.
For Orlando to even things up, they’ll need to rely on their stifling defense, especially on the perimeter, and keep the Celtics’ three-point shooting in check. It’ll also benefit them to control the rebounding advantage as they did for the first time in Game 3. Of course, they’ll also need elite performances once again from Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who combined for 61 points Friday.
🏎️💨Indiana vs. Milwaukee🍺
Like the Magic, the Bucks avoided a 3-0 deficit with a 117-101 win over the Pacers on Friday. Key to the victory was the switch from Taurean Prince to Gary Trent Jr. in the starting lineup. Trent Jr. took full advantage of the opportunity, providing a substantial effort, scoring 37 points on 11-for-16 shooting.
To pull off another victory over Indiana, Milwaukee will likely need a notable performance from someone outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s averaged 35.7 points and 14.0 rebounds through the first three matchups. That player could be Damian Lillard, who will be suiting up for the third time in his return from a blood clot. Lillard has struggled in his two appearances, shooting just 24% from the field, including 18.8% from three. If he can find his shooting stroke here, the Pacers could be in trouble.
