Top Stories

• Celtics go up 2-0 on Pacers

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Games of the day

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

Two nights after his game-saving 3-pointer, Jaylen Brown scored 10 points during a 20-0 Boston run that turned a first-quarter hole into a lead that the Celtics never gave up on his way to 40 points. Jayson Tatum and Derrick White scored 23 points apiece and Jrue Holiday had 15 points and 10 assists for the Celtics. Pascal Siakam scored 28 points for Indiana, which heads home for 2 games in an arena where they have won 11 straight games, including six in the playoffs. Tyrese Haliburton, who had 25 points and 10 assists in the series opener, had 10 points and eight assists Thursday before leaving the game in the third. Games 3 and 4 are on Saturday and Monday nights in Indy.

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Around the League

• Injury Updates: Kristaps Porzingis (calf) is still out indefinitely. Maxi Kleber (shoulder) is out indefinitely. Benedict Mathurin (shoulder) underwent surgery and is out for the season. We wish all these guys speedy and successful recoveries.

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NBA Playoff Matchups

Eastern Conference

(1) Boston vs (6) Indiana: Series is 2-0

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.

Prediction: Celtics in 5

Western Conference

(3) Minnesota vs (5) Dallas: Series is 0-1

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.

Prediction: Wolves in 6

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Overtime Thoughts