Top Stories

• Boston sweeps Indiana, advances to the Finals

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Games of the day

Last Night’s Top Games! (link to the box scores of the game(s) from yesterday)

Jaylen Brown led Boston with 29 points while Jayson Tatum added 26 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists to help erase a nine-point second-half deficit. Indiana played without All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, andlost its second straight at home, both in the final minute after giving up leads. Andrew Nembhard had 24 points, 10 assists and six rebounds but missed a tying 3-pointer in the final seconds and the Pacers never got the ball again. Indiana didn’t score in the final 3 mins of the game. The Celtics will play the winner of the Dallas-Minnesota Series. The Mavericks are up 3-0 and have a chance to win the series on Tuesday night.

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Around the League

• Injury Updates: Kristaps Porzingis (calf) is still out indefinitely. Maxi Kleber (shoulder) is questionable for Game 4. Derek Lively (neck) is out for Game 4. We wish all these guys speedy and successful recoveries.

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NBA Playoff Matchups

Eastern Conference

(1) Boston vs (6) Indiana: Celtics win 4-0

The Pacers proved they have the toughness to compete and win a series, but Boston is a different monster. Indiana has to be nearly flawless to win this series.

(Game 1) The Pacers had a chance to win after a great game, but a pair of turnovers in the final 30 seconds cost them the game.

(Game 2) Jaylen Brown scored 40, and the Pacers lost Tyrese Haliburton to a lingering injury in the 3rd. We’re still due for the stinker game Boston puts up every series, but if that doesn’t happen, Indiana might not win a game.

(Game 3) Indiana blew a 18 point 3rd quarter lead, and gave up a chance to keep themselves alive in this series. Jayson Tatum had a signature game, and Boston moves to within one game of the NBA Finals.

(Game 4) The Pacers couldn’t close the deal again, and Derrick White won Boston the game late. Now they’re in the Finals for the 2nd time in 3 years.

Prediction: Celtics in 5

Western Conference

(3) Minnesota vs (5) Dallas: Series is 0-3

The Wolves have all the size to deal with Dallas on the interior and perimeter, but Luka is going to be a problem either way. KAT and Kyrie will be the X-factors for this series.

(Game 1) The Wolves weren’t ready for Luka and Kyrie, as Irving had 24 first half points, running Anthony Edwards ragged across the court. Luka had 15 points in the 4th, shredding the Wolves defense. Chris Finch and Micah Nori have some serious adjustments to make.

(Game 2) Minnesota made adjustments, and they worked for most of the game. By playing up on Irving/Doncic pick and rolls, they took away the Mavs duo scoring, but that led to 30 points for Lively and Gafford almost exclusively off lobs. Now they go into a situation they haven’t been in yet, down 0-2 on the road.

(Game 3) Luka and Kyrie scored 33 apiece, and were unguardable down the stretch for the Mavs. KAT and Ant continued to struggle, and despite a late run, Dallas’ star duo put the game away. Now down 0-3, this series is all but over.

Prediction: Wolves in 6

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Overtime Thoughts