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• Celtics come back from down 18, go up 3-0 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)

Andrew Nembhard had a career high 32 points as he took over the starting PG spot for the injured Tyrese Haliburton, and it looked like Indiana was going to ride that wave into a victory to keep their series hopes alive. Up 18 in the 3rd quarter, it looked like Indiana’s fast paced, pass happy offense was going to beat Boston. Things turned around however, behind a huge night from Jayson Tatum. He had 36/10/8, and shot over 50% from the field and from three. Late in the game with Indiana looking to take the lead, Jrue Holiday locked down Nembhard, picking his pocket and sealing the game for Boston. No team has ever come back from being down 0-3, and the Pacers may miss Haliburton for the next game. Game 4 is Monday in Indiana.

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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 3-0

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.

Prediction: Celtics in 5

Western Conference

(3) Minnesota vs (5) Dallas: Series is 0-2

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.

Prediction: Wolves in 6

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Overtime Thoughts