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Tag: NBA

  • NBA Playoffs: What to expect in Thunder-Lakers series

    NBA Playoffs: What to expect in Thunder-Lakers series

    Can Luka Dončić return to action to help the Lakers against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the top-seeded Thunder?

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    The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder were 4-0 against the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers this season, and it was a convincing season sweep.

    The Thunder beat the Lakers by an average margin of 29.3 points per game, which was the largest regular-season point differential between two teams from the same conference in 2025-26.

    Now, there are caveats. LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves played in the same game just once and were minus-16 in 17.9 minutes. Dončić and Reaves sustained injuries in the April 2 contest, and all three were out for the final meeting a few days later.

    Dončić (strained left hamstring) remains out while Reaves just returned from a strained oblique in Game 5 of Los Angeles’ first-round series against the Houston Rockets. If Dončić returns in this series, here’s another stat to consider: The Lakers were outscored by 56 points in the 59 minutes Dončić was on the court against the Thunder.

    No matter who is available for the Lakers, they have offensive and defensive puzzles to solve if they want to make this a competitive series against the defending champions.

    Series schedule

    Here’s how to watch the Thunder vs. Lakers series:

    All times Eastern Standard Time

    • Game 1: Los Angeles at Oklahoma City | Tuesday May 5 (8:30 ET, NBC/Peacock)
    • Game 2: Los Angeles at Oklahoma City | Thursday May 7 (9:30 ET, Prime Video)
    • Game 3: Oklahoma City at Los Angeles | Saturday May 9 (8:30 ET, ABC)
    • Game 4: Oklahoma City at Los Angeles | Monday May 11 (10:30 ET, Prime Video)
    • Game 5: Los Angeles at Oklahoma City | Wednesday May 13*
    • Game 6: Oklahoma City at Los Angeles | Saturday May 16*
    • Game 7: Los Angeles at Oklahoma City | Monday May 18*

    * = If necessary

    Regular season results

    Top storyline

    Thunder’s push to repeat. No team has repeated as champions since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018, and no team has appeared in consecutive NBA Finals since the Warriors in 2018 and 2019. Oklahoma City made quick work of Phoenix in a first-round sweep, powered by its offense, defense, star power and versatility.

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, last season’s Kia MVP and a finalist to win the award again this season, was fantastic against the Suns, averaging 33.8 points, 8.0 assists and 3.8 rebounds and shooting 55.1% from the field and 89.8% on 12.3 free-throw attempts per game.

    That depth allowed Thunder coach Mark Daigneault to play 10 players at least 12.8 minutes per game, and just two players (Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren) played more than 30 minutes per game against Phoenix.

    Keep your eyes on

    LeBron James. At 41 years old, James was the best player in the Rockets series, averaging 26.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 45.1% from the field and 42.9% on 3-pointers in the four victories. He struggled offensively in the two losses, but nonetheless, he was there when the Lakers needed him in Game 6: 28 points, eight assists, seven rebounds.

    Beyond what he can provide against the Thunder with Dončić’s return not likely until possibly later in a long series, James’ future looms large: Will he retire after this season, and could this be his last playoff series if the Lakers don’t advance?

    One more thing to watch for each team

    For Oklahoma City: Jalen Williams. Williams sustained a grade 1 left hamstring strain in Game 2 against the Suns and missed the final two games of the series. Williams appeared in just 33 regular-season games due to injuries, and his scoring and 3-point shooting took a slight dip. But he’s still a vital contributor and played a significant role in the Thunder’s championship last season.

    Obviously, the Thunder know how to win games without Williams, but having him on the court makes the Thunder better and more difficult to beat.

    For Los Angeles: The Lakers were held to fewer than 100 points in the final three games of the Rockets series and scored 101 in another game. Yes, Houston has a solid defense, but the Thunder ranked first, allowing 106.5 points per 100 possessions. Holmgren was a finalist for Kia Defensive Player of the Year, and they have multiple players who are All-Defensive Team candidates.

    How will the Lakers generate enough points to win four games, especially if Dončić can’t play? Reaves needs to regain his scoring touch quickly, Rui Hachimura needs to continue his outstanding 3-point shooting, and Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard can’t disappear offensively. The Thunder have elite rim protection with Holmgren and have physical perimeter defenders with length.

    One key number to know

    9.2 — Over their six first-round games, the Lakers averaged 9.2 fewer shot opportunities (field goal attempts or trips to the line) than the Rockets. That was the biggest discrepancy in the first round by a wide margin.

    Over the first four games of the series, the Lakers got absolutely destroyed in the possession game, with the Rockets totaling 66 more shot opportunities. L.A. had 22 more turnovers and 36 fewer offensive rebounds than Houston, but still managed to win three of the four games, because they shot much better, especially inside the arc.

    That will be a tougher task in this series, and it will also be tough to win the possession game against the Thunder. They averaged 5.2 more shot opportunities than the Phoenix Suns, the second biggest differential in the first round, even though the possession game had been the Suns’ biggest strength in the regular season. Prior to the weekend Game 7s, the Thunder ranked first in turnover rate, second in offensive rebounding percentage and fourth in opponent turnover rate in the first round.

    — John Schuhmann

    The pick

    Thunder in five. Oklahoma City appears focused and has too much talent and depth for the Lakers to overcome in a best-of-7 series.

    * * *

    Jeff Zillgitt has covered the NBA since 2008. You can email him at jzillgitt@nba.com, find his archive here and follow him on X.

  • 3 things to know in Raptors-Cavaliers Game 7

    3 things to know in Raptors-Cavaliers Game 7

    The Cavaliers will rely on the big-game experience from Donovan Mitchell and James Harden.

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    The first three games of the Toronto Raptors-Cleveland Cavaliers first-round Eastern Conference series were decided by 10 or more points. The next three were decided by five points or fewer, including a white-knuckle overtime ride to the finish of Game 6. 

    In a 3-3 NBA playoff series, you’d expect it to be close, and the numbers reflect that. The Cavaliers and Raptors have each scored 111.5 points per game; the Cavs are shooting 47.2% from the field, 35% on 3-pointers and 72.2% on free throws; the Raptors are shooting 46.9%/36.7%/73.2%. Cleveland has collected 42.2 rebounds per game and Toronto 41.5. 

    In points per 100 possessions, the Raptors have a slightest edge, outscoring the Cavaliers 113.2-112.4. 

    Through six games, the aggregate score is 669-669. 

    Game 7 in Cleveland (7:30 ET, NBC/Peacock) is fitting.  

    Here are three things to watch in Game 7: 

    1. Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell and James Harden 

    Mitchell has played in 69 playoff games, and Harden 179. This is Harden’s eighth Game 7 and Mitchell’s third. 

    The Cavaliers will rely on their big-game experience. Harden has scored at least 22 points in Cleveland’s three victories, and while he is a gifted passer who creates shots for teammates, his scoring is important. He was 5-for-14 from the field and 1-for-4 on 3-pointers for 16 points in Game 6. 

    Mitchell’s 11-for-26 from the field, 2-for-10 on 3s and zero free-throw attempts in Game 6 won’t get it done. It’s not all on Mitchell and Harden, but it starts with them. It’s why the Cavaliers acquired Harden in a February trade deadline deal. 

    2. Toronto’s Scottie Barnes

    Scottie Barnes scores 25 points and dishes 14 assists, tying the franchise record for most in a postseason game.

    Barnes has produced big games in the series: 33 points and 11 assists in Game 3; 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists in Game 4; and 25 points, 14 assists, seven rebounds, three steals and three blocks in Game 6.  

    He has been fantastic, and Toronto needs his scoring and playmaking if it wants to advance.  

    It’s never on one player. RJ Barrett’s scoring is necessary, and Collin Murray-Boyles is playing more like a veteran than the rookie he is.  

    But for the Raptors, it starts with Barnes, the two-time All-Star who the Raptors determined was the franchise centerpiece. 

    3. Home sweet home — or not

    The home team has won every game in this series, and prior to Saturday’s Philadelphia-Boston Game 7, the home team has won Game 7 74.2% of the time (115-40). This is also the only first-round series where at least one team has not won on the road.  

    Cleveland has been impressive at home this season, winning 16 of 19 at home since Jan. 23. While the home team has enjoyed overall success in Game 7s, there has been at least one Game 7 road winner in each of the past 10 seasons. 

    * * *

    Jeff Zillgitt has covered the NBA since 2008. You can email him at jzillgitt@nba.com, find his archive here and follow him on X.

  • 3 things to know in Magic-Pistons Game 7

    3 things to know in Magic-Pistons Game 7

    Cade Cunningham has scored 195 points through 6 games, with 77 of those coming in the past two.

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    Where Orlando was and where Orlando is might feel like some out-of-body nightmare to the Magic players and coaches.  

    Halfway through Game 6 Friday in their first-round series against Detroit, they led by 22 points, had a jubilant home crowd behind them and could taste their first playoff series victory since 2010, bumping off the East’s No. 1 seed in the process.  

    Two days later, the Magic are back on the road, on the verge of having their season ended, already added to the NBA history book for scoring the fewest points in a playoff half (19). They were humiliated in those final two quarters of Game 6 – 23 consecutive missed shots, 14 minutes between baskets – and might feel that sting again in they become the 14th team to lead a series 3-1, only to lose.  

    Now apply all of the above to the Pistons but flip it. They were 24 minutes away from a long, miserable flight from central Florida back to Motown, lugging the onus of being the seventh No. 1 seed to squander all its advantages against No. 8.  

    And then, through the diligence of added energy and aggressiveness on defense, they turned those plot lines inside out. The Pistons are playing Game 7 (3:30 ET, ABC) not merely to advance but to reset this postseason and restore their 60-victory preeminence from the first 82.  

    Here are three things to watch for in the matinee at Little Caesars Arena:   

    1. The mismatch that Cunningham presents

    Cade Cunningham becomes the first Pistons player since Isiah Thomas to record 30+ points and 10+ rebounds in an elimination game.

    Scan Orlando’s roster and you’ll understand rather quickly why Cade Cunningham has been such a matchup problem. The Magic have quick players who are smaller than the 6-foot-6 Pistons point guard. They have guys who are taller but slower. They have Jamal Cain, who’s as tall as Cunningham but 30 pounds lighter.  

    Is it any wonder that Cunningham has scored 195 points through six games, more any two of his teammates combined? Seventy-seven of those have come in the past two games, ever since Orlando lost its best defensive option, forward Franz Wagner, to a strained right calf.  

    Not all of Cunningham’s excellence (short of turnovers) has come from sheer physical advantages. But he is strong enough to stay on course through body contact, tall enough to see over backcourt defenders crouching in front of him and swift enough to use bursts to blow past many.  

    Four weeks ago, Cunningham still was recovering from the collapsed lung he suffered in March. The past few days he has been knocking the wind out of Orlando’s upset hopes.  

    “I’m at my best whenever I’m calm and I’m in control of what’s going on,” he said after Friday’s breathtaking comeback. “Just trying to regulate myself as best as I can and making sure I can present my best self. … [Shoot], we got Game 7, we’re going to the crib.” 

    2. Banchero could use a little help here

    Believe that Orlando’s Paolo Banchero has no problem carrying the biggest share of his team’s scoring load. No one has shot or scored more than the 6-foot-10 forward since he joined the Magic as 2022’s No. 1 pick.  

    But Banchero has been turned into a volume shooter by Detroit, putting up 118 field-goal attempts plus however many more to generate his playoff-leading 66 foul shots. He has not been efficient, with a slash line of 39.0%/28.6%/66.7%.  

    Wagner is out of the equation, guard Jalen Suggs is streaky on his best days, Carter is a banger, and Anthony Black and the others play off the bench. That leaves Desmond Bane, who has yet to give Orlando a breakout playoff performance.  

    Bane was the Magic’s attention-grabbing acquisition last summer, because of his skill set heading from Memphis to Orlando but also because of the four first-round picks sent the other way. He had a strong season (21.5 ppg) and was a hit with the fans at Kia Center.  

    Yet Bane’s best game in the series was Game 3, a Magic victory in which he hit 7-for-9 from the arc and finished with 25 points. Overall his scoring is down, his shooting has dipped fro 48.4% during the season to 38%. He’s getting to the line 2.5 times per game vs. 4.2 before the playoffs.  

    In the second half of Game 6, Bane made just one of nine shots, missed five 3-pointers and was a team-worst minus-39 in 20 minutes on the floor.  

    Twelve times during the regular season, Bane scored 30 or more, with a high of 37. This is a tough time of year for command performances – see item No. 3 below for one reason – but that’s what Orlando needs in the win-or-go-home game.  

    3. Don’t watch the ball, watch Thompson

    It wouldn’t be fair to ask more from Bane without acknowledging Ausar Thompson as one reason he hasn’t already provided more. Thompson is an all-purpose defender, arguably the best athlete in the series, with the instincts, training and ability to seemingly defend multiple positions at once.  

    That’s how it seemed when he flashed over to block Carter’s dunk attempt with 3:53 left and Orlando within a manageable eight points Friday. It was one of Thompson’s four blocks in the game and 14 in the series, most on either team. He also has a series-best 14 steals.  

    Thompson finished third in Kia Defensive Player of the Year balloting, and since the top two were centers Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, the Detroit wing legitimately can claim the league’s unofficial crown as best perimeter defender.  

    The points Thompson has helped Detroit take away – Orlando has swooned from 115.7 during the season to 98.3 in the series – have been as critical as however many Cunningham, Tobias Harris and the rest of their teammates have scored.  

    * * *

    Steve Aschburner has written about the NBA since 1980. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.  

  • 7 numbers to know for Celtics-76ers Game 7

    Check out this mix highlighting the best moments from Celtics-76ers playoff history.

    • Download the NBA App

    The 23rd playoff series between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers is the ninth to go seven games.

    The Celtics were seemingly in control, up 3-1 and leading by 13 points in the second half of Game 5. They were looking like the best team in the East and were on their way to the conference semifinals for the ninth time in the last 10 years. But they’ve scored just 104 points over their last 123 offensive possessions (85 per 100) and their season is now on the line with Jayson Tatum out for the rubber match due to injury.

    The Sixers have been a wild card all season, never healthy or consistent for an extended stretch, but always capable of playing like one of the best teams in the league.

    They’re now down to one game for a trip to the conference semis, where the New York Knicks are waiting. Here are seven numbers to know for Saturday’s Game 7 (LIVE, NBC/Peacock):

    1. It’s all about the Boston offense

    28 — The Celtics have scored 28 more points per 100 possessions in their three wins (129.1) than they have in their three losses (101.1).

    The difference between the Celtics’ wins and the Sixers’ wins in this series has been much bigger on Boston’s end of the floor. And it starts with 3-point shooting, with the Celtics having shot better than 36% from beyond the arc in all three wins and below 30% in all three losses.

    Game 6 was also the Celtics’ worst of the series in regard to free throw rate (they were just 9-for-16 from the line) and offensive rebounding percentage (16.7%).

    2. It’s Tatum Everybody vs. Embiid

    62 — Joel Embiid has been the screener’s defender on 62 ball-screens set for Jayson Tatum. That’s the seventh most common ball-handler-screener-defender combination in these playoffs, even though Embiid has played in only three of the six games.

    But now, with Tatum ruled out due to left knee soreness, the Celtics will have to redirect their offense:

    A ball-screen for Tatum, directed at Embiid, has been the primary action for the last few games. And it’s been good for the Celtics, who’ve scored 1.14 points per possessions when one of those ball-screens has led directly to a shot, turnover or trip to the line.

    Overall, the Celtics scored just 93 points on 100 possessions in Game 6. But Embiid still had some issues defending in space:

    Jaylen Brown drive past Joel Embiid

    We could’ve expected Tatum to attack him more in Game 7, but the responsibility now falls to the rest of the squad.

    3. Philly struggling at the start

    85.7 — The Sixers have scored just 85.7 points per 100 possessions in the first quarter. That’s the worst first-quarter mark for any team in these playoffs and, by far, the worst mark for either of these teams in any quarter.

    The ugly first-quarter offense has been pretty consistent. The Sixers scored 25 points on 23 first-quarter possessions in Game 2, but have otherwise scored no more than a point per possession in any of the other five first quarters, and they’ve lost the opening period in all six games. Over Games 4-6, the Sixers have scored an anemic 59 points on 74 first-quarter possessions.

    None of the Sixers’ five starters have shot better than Paul George’s 9-for-21 (43%) in the first quarter, with VJ Edgecombe and Kelly Oubre Jr. having combined to go 10-for-36 (28%), including 2-for-19 from 3-point range.

    The Sixers have recovered to win three of the six games, but they should hope to start faster on Saturday.

    4. Celtics’ starters struggling to score

    96.5 — The Celtics’ starting lineup has scored just 111 points on 115 offensive possessions, a rate of 96.5 per 100.

    That’s the worst offensive mark among the 10 lineups that have played at least 50 minutes in the playoffs. While the Sixers’ starters have all shot poorly in the first quarter, the Celtics’ group has been less efficient over the course of the series.

    Neemias Queta has made a huge defensive impact all season long, but the Celtics have been better offensively in this series with the floor-spacing Nikola Vučević or Luka Garza at the five. And it will be fascinating to see which center gets the most playing time in Game 7.

    5. It’s a jump-shooting series

    39.2% — The two teams have combined to take just 39.2% of their shots in the paint.

    The Celtics have taken just 35.8% of their shots in the paint, the lowest rate for any team in any playoff series in the four years. That’s down from their league-low rate of 40.9% in the regular season.

    The Sixers have taken 42.6% of their shots in the paint, the third lowest rate in these playoffs and down from 49.6% (12th highest) in the regular season. The Celtics are inviting Embiid to shoot jumpers and only 22 (35%) of his 62 shots have come in the paint, his lowest rate in any of the 13 playoff series he’s played in. He’s a solid 12-for-24 (50%) from mid-range, but just 2-for-16 (13%) from beyond the arc.

    6. Easy baskets have been hard to come by

    34.7 — Related to the number above, the two teams have combined to averaged just 34.7 transition points per game, according to Synergy tracking.

    The Celtics haven’t seen a big drop in transition opportunities. They ranked 28th in transition points per game (19.4) in the regular season and are 12th (17.8) in the playoffs.

    But the Sixers have gone from averaging 24.7 transition points per game (13th) in the regular season to just 16.8 (14th) in this series. Credit the Celtics, who have always been good at taking care of the ball and have committed just 5.9 live-ball turnovers per 100 possessions (second fewest in the first round) over the six games.

    The Sixers’ 23 transition points in Game 6 were their high for the series, and if either team can find a few extra transition opportunities in Game 7, it could turn the game.

    7. Can we get some clutch time?

    1 — Only one of the first six games has been within five points in the last five minutes. That was Game 3, when the two teams combined to score an amazing 26 points on 13 clutch possessions and Tatum hit the dagger 3 after a Derrick White offensive rebound.

    The Celtics were just 16-17 in clutch games in the regular season, while the Sixers (23-18) had the league’s No. 1 clutch defense and won two of the three clutch games that they played against Boston.

    There have been 82 Game 7s in the 30 years for which we have play-by-play data, and 40 (49%) have been within five points in the last five minutes.

    * * *

    John Schuhmann has covered the NBA for more than 20 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Bluesky.

  • Redick hails LeBron’s greatness as injury-hit Lakers oust Rockets in 6

    LeBron James puts on vintage performance in Game 6 victory

    LeBron James finishes with 28 points, seven rebounds and eight assists as the Lakers defeat the Rockets in Game 6.

    HOUSTON (AP) — When leading scorers Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves were both injured in an April 2 game, coach JJ Redick admitted things felt bleak for the Los Angeles Lakers.

    But instead of feeling sorry for themselves, the Lakers banded together to fight through the adversity and beat the Houston Rockets in six games to move on to face top-seeded Oklahoma City in the Western Conference semifinals.

    Los Angeles has advanced to the second round for the first time since 2023 when it lost to Denver in the West final.

    LeBron James had 28 points in Game 6 on Friday night and the Lakers used a tenacious defense to hold the Rockets to their fewest points of the season in the 98-78 victory.

    “It speaks to his greatness,” Redick said. “To me, he’s had the greatest career of any NBA player. You can argue all you want and I really don’t care to postulate on who’s the greatest of all time, but he’s one of, if not the greatest of all time.”

    “And for him to do it again and answer the bell again, it’s really — it’s baffling in some ways,” Redick continued.

    Los Angeles raced out to a 3-0 lead in the series before losing two games to force Game 6 in Houston against a Rockets team that was missing Kevin Durant for five of six games.

  • Live Updates: Celtics-Sixers Game 7 on NBC/Peacock

    What We Know About Saturday’s Schedule:

    -There’s only one thing to know, and it’s that we have a Game 7 between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers on NBC/Peacock. 

    -Philadelphia has won the last two games in this series to force this Game 7.

    -Jayson Tatum (knee) will be out for Boston.

    -The home team is 115-40 in Game 7s throughout NBA history.

    -The most points scored in any Game 7 was by Tatum against the Sixers back in 2023.

    -These two teams have the most Game 7s of any matchup in NBA history. The Celtics are 6-2 in their previous eight Game 7 matchups.

     

    May 2, 2026 / 8:04 ET

    Sixers Lead Celtics After Q1, 32-19

    Philly shot 65 percent from the field while holding Boston to 35 percent shooting.

    They also out-assisted them, 13-4.

    Joel Embiid leads the way with 10 points, four rebounds and five assists.

    See the final three quarters on NBC/Peacock.

    May 2, 2026 / 7:45 ET

    Sixers Hot Start

    Philadelphia won the last two games in this series, and they carried that momentum into this matchup.

    The Sixers started this game on a 9-0 run through the opening three minutes.

    See the action on NBC/Peacock.

    May 2, 2026 / 7:34 ET

    These two franchises have faced off in more Game 7s than any other in NBA history.

    The Celtics are 6-2 in their Game 7s against the Sixers.

    See the action on NBC/Peacock.

    May 2, 2026 / 7:16 ET

    Game 7 Starters Announced

    We have our first Game 7 of the NBA Playoffs between the Sixers and Celtics.

    See the action on NBC/Peacock in about 20 minutes.

    May 2, 2026 / 6:58 ET

    Game 7 Starts in 45 Minutes

    Every sports fan’s favorite phrase is “Game 7,” and we have one between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers.

    See the action on NBC/Peacock in about 45 minutes.

     

  • Jayson Tatum (knee) out against 76ers in Game 7

    Jayson Tatum (knee) out against 76ers in Game 7

    Jayson Tatum had 17 points and injured his left knee in Boston’s 106-93 Game 6 loss in Philadelphia.

    The Boston Celtics have ruled forward Jayson Tatum out for tonight’s Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics initially listed Tatum as questionable before downgrading him as he’s dealing with a knee injury suffered in Game 6.

    NBA.com will have more on this story as it develops.

  • Starting 5: Cade drives historic comeback, RJ gets OT bounce, Sixers-Celtics tonight

    Starting 5: Cade drives historic comeback, RJ gets OT bounce, Sixers-Celtics tonight

    The bounce that saved a season.

    RJ Barrett’s miraculous 3 in OT sends Raptors-Cavs to Game 7.

    Get ready for three first-round Game 7s for the first time since 2003.

    RJ Barrett

    5 STORIES IN TODAY’S EDITION 🏀

    May 2, 2026

    Game 7 Primer: Everything you need to know for tonight’s Game 7 between the Sixers and Celtics

    How We Got Here: Walk back through six star-packed Philly-Boston games that led to Game 7

    Comeback Cade: Cunningham’s Pistons stun Magic with 24-point rally to force Game 7 Sunday

    Saving Bounce: Toronto-native RJ Barrett saves Raps’ season, forces Game 7 with big-bounce OT 3

    Lakers Moving On: LeBron’s near triple-double, Lakers’ D close out Rockets; OKC up next

    BUT FIRST … ⏰

    Game 7 Saturday…

    Scores & Schedule

    It all comes down to this, as the 76ers and Celtics clash in this postseason’s first Game 7 (7:30 ET, NBC & Peacock | Tap To Watch).

    Up Next: Two more Game 7s come your way Sunday, with finales for the Magic and Pistons (3:30 ET, ABC) and the Raptors and Cavaliers (7:30 ET, NBC & Peacock).

    This year’s three Game 7s in the First Round are the 2nd-most since the change to the current 7-game format in 2003.

    Playoffs Bracket

    1. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR SIXERS-CELTICS GAME 7

    Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown

    “Game 7.”

    The best two words in sports.

    Two words the Sixers and Celtics have heard more than most.

    Tonight (7:30 ET, NBC & Peacock), the storied rivals will meet again on that stage, this time to decide who advances to face the No. 3 Knicks in the East Semis.

    • Game 7 Suits Them: For Boston, Saturday marks the 38th Game 7 in franchise history, the most for any NBA franchise. The C’s are 27-10 all-time in Game 7s
    • No Stranger: It’s the 19th Game 7 for Philly, good for 3rd-most in the NBA
    • Going The Distance Early: For all their experience, this is just the fifth (3-1) first-round Game 7 for the Celtics, and the first since 2018 (W). In Philly, this will be their first
    • Setting Of 7: In Game 7s it’s hosted, Boston is 22-6, while the Sixers have a 1-10 Game 7 road record. That lone road win came in 1982 – at Boston Garden

    Celtics All-Stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum will share the floor together for their eighth of the franchise’s 37 Game 7s, which will tie for the 2nd-most of any C’s duo.

    • Jays In Sevens: Tatum averages 26.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg and 5.1 apg in his seven career Game 7s, while Brown adds 16.5 ppg and 5.8 rpg
    • Expected to all play together for a fourth straight game, this would be Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George’s first Game 7 as teammates
    • Process Points: Maxey is leading the Sixers with 26.3 ppg and 6.5 apg on 41.2 3P% in the series, while Embiid has added 26.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg and 7.3 apg after his near triple-double in Game 6
    • Playoff P Loading: George is coming off his highest-scoring game of the series – 23 pts – bumping him up to 18.2 ppg on 54.3 3P%
    • C’s Top Scorers: In the series, the Celtics are led by Brown’s 24.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 3.2 apg, while Tatum has added 23.3 ppg, 10.7 rpg, and 6.8 apg
    Joel Embiid

    Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

    Three-Ball Key: Boston has shot at least 36% from 3-point range in its three wins in this series, but was held below 30% in all three losses.

    • Impacting Identity: The Celtics have seen their made threes drop per-game from 18.3 to 11.5 in the Sixers’ back-to-back wins

    Read more on today’s impending Sixers-Celtics Game 7:

    2. HOW WE GOT HERE: GAME 7 IN BOSTON

    Jayson Tatum

    Maddie Meyer/NBAE via Getty Images

    Right from opening night – a one-point win for VJ Edgecombe’s eye-popping debut – a Sixers-Celtics pairing had the makings of a thrilling series.

    Then, the refreshed rivals went on to play two more regular-season tilts decided by a single possession.

    In this first-round face-off, No. 2 Boston set the tone and No. 7 Philly has answered.

    • Game 1: Jaylen Brown (26 pts) and Jayson Tatum (25 pts) set the scoring pace while Boston held Philly under 100 points, 123-91 (1-0 Boston)
    • Game 2: VJ Edgecombe (30 pts) and Tyrese Maxey (29 pts) helped the Sixers even the series, despite 36 from Brown, 111-97 (1-1)
    • Game 3: Tatum made his mark in the series with a takeover on the road, dropping 11 of his 25 in the 4th, including the dagger triple with 25.3 seconds left, 108-100 (2-1 Boston)
    • Game 4: Payton Pritchard dropped 32 points, hitting six of Boston’s Playoff record 24 triples in a 128-96 win. Joel Embiid (appendectomy) made his series debut with 26 points (3-1 Boston)
    • Game 5: With the rust removed, Embiid extended the series with 33 points, his first 30+ point game in the Playoffs in 2 years. Philly also held Boston under 100 points for the first time in the series, 113-97 (3-2 Boston)
    • Game 6: Back at home, Philly faced down elimination again, with 30 from Maxey, Embiid’s (19 pts, 10 reb, 8 ast) near triple-double, and PG’s (23 pts) 2nd-highest scoring Playoff game since 2021. Boston was kept under 100 points again, 106-93 (3-3)

    But tonight’s Game 7 goes back farther than the six showdowns of this series, linked all the way back to 2012.

    Paul Pierce

    Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

    • “I’ve been playing these guys for so long, I’m tired of losing to them,” Embiid said in the lead-up to Game 7. … “We have a chance to accomplish something special.”
    • Embiid’s era followed the end of the Celtics’ “Big 3,” marked by a 2012 Philly-Boston Game 7 where the championship C’s of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen were pushed by Andre Iguodala and Jrue Holiday’s 76ers
    • New Blood: In came the drafts of Tatum, Brown, and Embiid, and a renewed rivalry that met in three Playoff series from 2018 to 2024
    • Last Time: 2024 brought these franchises’ most recent Game 7, where Tatum’s 51-point explosion set the record for most points in a Game 7 in NBA history

    What new twist will Philly and Boston’s latest Game 7 chapter bring tonight?

    3. CADE, PISTONS ROAR BACK FROM 24 DOWN TO FORCE GAME 7

    Down by 24 less than one minute into the 2nd half.

    Up by 14 with 2:34 left in the game.

    No. 1 Detroit came all the way back Friday night, both from its largest in-game deficit of the series, and an even more daunting 3-1 series hole.

    “We dug ourselves a deep hole, and it’s time for us to climb our way out,” Cade Cunningham said postgame.

    Pistons 93, Magic 79: Cunningham (10 reb, 4 stl) followed up his 45-point Game 5 by leading the charge back to save Detroit’s season and force Game 7, netting 32 points, including 19 in the 4th quarter.

    Tobias Harris (22 pts, 10 reb) again supported Cade, while Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane led Orlando with 17 apiece. | Recap

    • Magic Couldn’t Miss: After a back-and-forth 1st, Orlando started the 2nd on a 16-2 run and then didn’t miss a field goal for over 4 minutes, for a 35-12 quarter
    • A Shift: Orlando’s 60-38 halftime lead stretched to that 24-point high with the first make of the 3rd – but they wouldn’t score from the field again for over 6 minutes
    • Detroit’s vaunted D kicked in, weathering a 7-0 spurt to hold Orlando to an 11-point 3rd, and doubling down to allow just eight in the 4th
    • Magic Tough Stretch: Orlando missed 23 consecutive shots in that 4th, in what became a 19-point 2nd half of just four made field goals
    • Motor Cade: That opened the door for Cunningham to drive the Pistons back into the game, mounting the first 19+ point 4th in an elimination game since Jamal Murray in 2020
    Cade Cunningham

    Rich Storry/NBAE via Getty Images

    “Never say ‘die’ – simple as that. Detroit grit,” said Cunningham of the largest road comeback win in a Playoff elimination game of the play-by-play era.

    • Franchise First: The 24-point rally is also the Pistons’ largest comeback Playoff win of the play-by-play era
    • Swing Kings: Detroit is the first team in NBA Playoff history to win by 14 after trailing by 20+ at half. Only one other team (20-21 Clippers) has won by double-digits in that situation
    • “Not everybody gets the opportunity to have a challenge like this in life,” Cade said of the 3-1 climb-back. “Just trying to make the most of it.”

    Now, the superstar with 77 combined points over his last two games hosts his first Game 7. And Cade’s as eager as he is dangerous.

    “Excited for it. Let’s get to it.”

    Game 7 gets going Sunday at 3:30 ET in Detroit (ABC).

    4. TORONTO’S BARRETT SINKS HIGH-BOUNCE 3 IN OT TO SAVE SEASON

    Six-plus Playoff games (counting OT) – 292-plus minutes of action… all came down to 1.7 seconds.

    That’s how much time came off the clock while RJ Barrett’s high-bouncing triple hung in the air – with the series hanging in the balance.

    When the shot dropped in, and Cleveland’s counter clanged short, Toronto had forced Game 7.

    Raptors 112, Cavaliers 110 (OT): Barrett (24 pts, 9 reb) went bucket-for-bucket with Donovan Mitchell (24 pts, 5 reb) and Scottie Barnes (25 pts, 7 reb, 3 stl, 3 blk) dueled with Evan Mobley (26 pts, 14 reb) while dishing a Playoff career-high 14 assists as Toronto again staved off elimination. | Recap

    • Cavs’ Comeback: Mitchell logged 11 of Cleveland’s 23 points in the 4th as the Cavs chipped away at the Raptors’ 11-point edge
    • Mobley’s make with 15 seconds left tied the game (104-all) for the first time since the start of the 2nd quarter, and ultimately forced OT after a Cavs’ defensive stand
    • James Harden (16 pts, 9 reb, 9 ast) scored four quick points in overtime for Cleveland’s first lead since the 1st quarter, putting pressure on Toronto to save its season
    • But the Raptors’ swarming D, which forced three OT turnovers, put the Toronto native Barrett in a position to extend the series
    • “Off The Heel!” Barrett’s season-saving shot had the bounce of Tyrese Haliburton’s East Finals game-winner from last year, and glimmers of Kawhi Leonard’s 2019 East Semis clincher for the Raps
    RJ Barrett

    Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images

    “My teammates trusted me,” Barrett said. “I told Scott [Barnes] right before the shot… ‘If you’ve got nothing, I got you.’”

    • Barnes’ assist on the game-winner set his Playoff career-high and matched Chris Childs’ (2002) Raptors Playoff record. He’s also the first Raptor with multiple 25+ point, 10+ assist, 5+ rebound Playoff games
    • “I said earlier we’re gonna do it for Toronto… every night,” Barrett said. “It meant a lot… Now we gotta go get Game 7.”
    • “Sometimes the basketball gods aren’t with you,” Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said of Barrett’s bouncer. “And then it’s like, ‘OK, let’s go get Game 7.’”

    Game 7 tips Sunday in Cleveland (7:30 ET, NBC & Peacock) to decide a series where all six games have gone to the home team.

    5. LEBRON LEADS LAKERS TO ELIMINATE ROCKETS, OKC UP NEXT

    The third time was the charm for LeBron James and the Lakers Friday.

    Lakers 98, Rockets 78: With Houston facing elimination in a third straight game, L.A. fired up defensively for the edge it needed to clinch the series 4-2, getting 28 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists from James and a late lift from Rui Hachimura (21 pts, 6 reb, 5 3s).

    Amen Thompson (18 pts, 8 reb) and Alperen Sengun (17 pts, 11 reb) led the Rockets without Kevin Durant (knee) as Houston’s run ends in the first round for the second straight season.

    The No. 4 Lakers now move on to face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, advancing to the Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2023. | Recap

    • Road Run: L.A. used a 27-3 surge to flip a 5-point 1st-quarter deficit to a 19-point 2nd-quarter advantage, which kept the team ahead for good
    • Restrict Reed’s Range: The Lakers keyed in on Game 5 X-factor Reed Sheppard (10 pts) on D, limiting him to 1-of-10 shooting from 3, and Houston as a whole to 5-of-28 (17.9 3P%)
    • King’s Conquests: LeBron achieved his 22nd-career series-clinching win on the road Friday, passing Derek Fisher and Tim Duncan for most all-time
    LeBron James

    Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

    “He just has this ability to set the tone for the entire group,” coach JJ Redick said of James. “He did that again tonight, and our guys responded. And I’m really happy for him.”

    • “A lot of our guys… have not been in a closeout situation, and then especially on the road,” James said. “So, it’s important for me to go out and set the tone.”
    • “The way [LeBron] can control a game, it’s impressive,” said Austin Reaves, who provided 15 points in his second game back (oblique). “The stuff that [he’s] doing is not normal.”
    • Luka Doncic (hamstring) remains out, despite this reminder of his skills, as L.A. prepares to face the top-seed Thunder (day/time/network TBD)

     

  • Raptors’ Brandon Ingram out for Game 6 against Cavaliers with sore right heel

    Raptors’ Brandon Ingram out for Game 6 against Cavaliers with sore right heel

    Raptors forward Brandon Ingram will miss Game 6 in Toronto.

    TORONTO (AP) — Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram was sidelined Friday night for Game 6 (LIVE, Prime Video) of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers because of a sore right heel, coach Darko Rajakovic said.

    The two-time All-Star left midway through the second quarter of Toronto’s 125-120 loss at Cleveland on Wednesday night. He scored one point in 11 minutes before departing.

    After averaging 21.5 points per game in the regular season, his first with Toronto, Ingram has struggled in the playoffs, averaging 12 in the five games against the Cavaliers. He’s shooting 19-for-58 overall and 5-for-13 from 3-point range.

    Cleveland leads the series 3-2 and can advance with a win Friday. The home team has won each of the five games in the series.

  • Recap: Lakers advance, Pistons, Raptors force Game 7s

    Recap: Lakers advance, Pistons, Raptors force Game 7s

    Cade Cunningham scored 19 of his game-high 32 points in the fourth quarter to fuel Detroit’s historic 24-point comeback and force a Game 7. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

    Enjoy the best of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news and highlights from the night’s action.

    We’re all done for the night! Detroit and Toronto both force Game 7s on Sunday, while the Lakers take down the Rockets to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals.

    What we know after Friday’s games:

    • The Pistons forced a Game 7 after recording the largest comeback by a road team facing elimination since the 1996-97 season (24 points). Cade Cunningham scored 19 of his game-high 32 points in the fourth quarter to power Detroit’s 31-8 scoring advantage over the final 12 minutes, as Detroit wins 93-79.
    • Toronto kept their season alive behind RJ Barrett’s (24 pts, 4 3PM) go-ahead triple that refused to bounce out, prompting this response from Tyrese Haliburton. The Raptors win Game 6 in overtime, 112-110, to give basketball fans another Game 7 in Cleveland on Sunday.
    • The Lakers advanced to the second round following their 98-78 victory over Houston. LeBron James posted game-highs in scoring (28 pts) and plus-minus (+26) to go along with seven rebounds and eight assists. The King has now won 22 series-clinching games on the road in his career, passing Derek Fisher and Tim Duncan for the most all-time. LA will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round.

    Friday’s finals

    May 2, 2026 / 12:34 ET

    Three Game 7s this weekend🤩

    May 2, 2026 / 12:31 ET

    Schedule updates for Game 7s

    Win or go home for Magic-Pistons and Raptors-Cavaliers on Sunday.

    May 2, 2026 / 12:28 ET

    LeBron, Lakers advance to semis

    LeBron James drops a game-best 28 points (10-25 FG) and +26 plus-minus to lead the Lakers to a 98-78 win over Houston in Game 6. LA clinches the series victory behind LeBron (7 reb, 8 ast), Rui Hachimura (21 pts, 5 3PM, 6 reb) and Austin Reaves (15 pts, 3 reb, 3 blk).

    The Lakers will now face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals.

    Amen Thompson (18 pts, 8 reb, 3 ast, 3 blk), Alperen Sengun (17 pts, 11 reb, 2 blk) and Tari Eason (14 pts, 5 reb, 3 stl, 1 blk) left it all on the court as the Rockets’ season comes to an end.

    Check out the postgame presser above.

    May 2, 2026 / 12:05 ET

    Lakers closing in on series win

    Los Angeles holds a 93-67 lead over Houston with 3:15 remaining in the contest.

    May 1, 2026 / 11:50 ET

    Sound up for RJ

    RJ Barrett speaks on his game-winning performance as the Raptors force a Game 7 on Sunday in Cleveland.

    May 1, 2026 / 11:45 ET

    LA leads 71-55 going to 4Q

    LeBron James has a game-high 22 points to power the Lakers, while Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson each have 14 points for the Rockets.

    Can Houston stave off elimination and force a Game 7? Tune in on Prime Video for the final 12 minutes!

    May 1, 2026 / 11:31 ET

    Lakers maintain edge in 3Q

    LeBron James (game-high 22 pts, 6 ast), Rui Hachimura (16 pts, 4 3PM, 6 reb, 1 blk) and Austin Reaves (11 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast) are keeping the Lakers’ collective foot on the gas. LA holds a 67-47 lead with 3:37 left in the third quarter.

    Tari Eason (12 pts, 3 reb, 1 stl) and Amen Thompson (12 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast, 3 blk) pace the Rockets as they aim to fight back and force a Game 7.

    May 1, 2026 / 11:02 ET

    Lakers up 49-31 at halftime

    LeBron James (game-high 18 pts, 5 ast) and Rui Hachimura (10 pts, 2 3PM, 4 reb, 1 blk) power the Lakers’ 18-point lead over Houston at the break. LA holds the Rockets to 29% shooting (12-42 FG) overall and 17% from behind the arc (2-12 3PM).

    Alperen Sengun (8 pts, 7 reb, 2 blk), Tari Eason (7 pts, 2 reb) and Jabari Smith Jr. (7 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast) lead the way for Houston. The Rockets will have to turn up the intensity in the second half if they want to keep their season alive and force a Game 7.

    May 1, 2026 / 10:51 ET

    LeBron, Lakers in control

    LeBron James has a game-high 15 points on 6-for-12 shooting, adding 3 rebounds and 4 assists in 18 minutes. The Lakers lead Houston 43-31 with 1:51 left in the first half.

    Alperen Sengun fuels the Rockets with 8 points, 7 boards and 2 blocks in 20 minutes.

    May 1, 2026 / 10:42 ET

    Barrett, Raptors force Game 7

    RJ Barrett gets the high bounce to fall on his game-winning 3-pointer, giving him 24 points to go along with 9 rebounds, 3 assists and one steal in 43 minutes. Toronto survives in overtime, 112-110, and forces a Game 7 back in Cleveland on Sunday.

    Scottie Barnes tallies a team-high 25 points, 14 assists and 3 blocks with 7 rebounds and 3 steals in 48 minutes, and Ja’Kobe Walters pours in 24 points with four 3s, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and a block.

    Evan Mobley’s 3-point attempt falls just short as the clock expires, but he finishes with a game-high 26 points and 14 rebounds in 41 minutes. Donovan Mitchell tallies 24 points on 11-for-26 shooting, scoring 13 of those in the fourth, along with 5 boards, 2 dimes and one block.

    May 1, 2026 / 10:24 ET

    Cade takes over to force Game 7

    Two of the best words in sports. Game 7 on Sunday.

    May 1, 2026 / 10:19 ET

    Cavs-Raptors is GOOD

    We’re tied at 106 after a successful challenge by Toronto to overturn what would have been the sixth foul on Jamal Shead.

    May 1, 2026 / 10:13 ET

    Cavs-Raptors going to OT

    Jamal Shead can’t get the friendly bounce as the buzzer sounds in Toronto, and the Cavaliers and Raptors are heading to overtime tied at 104 in Game 6.

    Cleveland owns a 3-2 series lead, will they close out? Or will Toronto force a Game 7?

    May 1, 2026 / 10:10 ET

    Lakers-Rockets live for Game 6

    Rui Hachimura leads the Lakers with 7 points to give LA a 23-18 advantage with 2:16 left in the first quarter.

    Tari Eason matches him with 7 points on 3-for-4 shooting to pace Houston.

    May 1, 2026 / 10:06 ET

    2-point game in Toronto!

    The Raptors have a 104-102 lead over the Cavs with 15.6 seconds remaining. Cleveland takes a timeout as they look to tie or take the lead.

    May 1, 2026 / 10:00 ET

    Spida taking over in fourth

    Donovan Mitchell has brought the Cavs back in the fourth quarter, dropping 11 of his 22 points in the frame to make it a 100-99 lead for the Raptors with 2:57 remaining on Prime Video!

    May 1, 2026 / 9:47 ET

    Pistons force Game 7

    Detroit records the largest comeback by a road team facing elimination since the 1996-97 season by overcoming a 24-point deficit in Orlando in Game 6. An unbelievable rally behind Cade Cunningham’s game-high 32 points, 19 of which came in the fourth quarter.

    Cunningham tallies 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and one block across 42 minutes. Tobias Harris adds 22 points and 10 boards, while Duncan Robinson chips in 14 points with 4 3-pointers and a game-best +24 in 36 minutes.

    The Pistons outscore the Magic 31-8 over the final 12 minutes. Desmond Bane (3 reb, 2 stl) and Paolo Banchero (4-20 FG, 10 reb, 6 ast, 2 stl) pace Orlando with 17 points apiece in the crushing defeat after leading by as many as 24 points.

    May 1, 2026 / 9:36 ET

    Toronto in control going to 4Q

    RJ Barrett has a game-high 21 points to help the Raptors take a 92-81 lead to the fourth quarter. Ja’Kobe Walter (19 pts, 3 stl) and Scottie Barnes (18 pts, 12 ast, 2 blk) are right behind Barrett, who adds 7 boards, 3 dimes and a steal in 26 minutes.

    Evan Mobley paces Cleveland with 17 points on 5-for-8 shooting (2 3PM), with Jarrett Allen (14 pts, 2 blk), James Harden (12 pts, 5 reb, 6 ast, 2 stl) and Donovan Mitchell (11 pts, 3 reb) in support.

    May 1, 2026 / 9:27 ET

    Los Angeles Lakers:

    • PG – Austin Reaves (22.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 6.0 apg)
    • SG – Marcus Smart (16.2 ppg, 6.4 apg, 2.8 spg, 1.6 bpg)
    • SF – LeBron James (22.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 8.4 apg, 1.6 spg)
    • PF – Rui Hachimura (14.8 ppg, 54.5 3P% on 4.4 3PA, 1.2 spg)
    • C – Deandre Ayton (12.8 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 1.0 bpg)

    Houston Rockets:

    • PG – Reed Sheppard (12.6 ppg, 5.4 apg, 2.2 spg)
    • SG – Amen Thompson (19.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 6.2 apg, 2.4 spg)
    • SF – Tari Eason (13.8 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.4 spg)
    • PF – Jabari Smith Jr. (19.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.2 spg)
    • C – Alperen Sengun (21.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 5.4 apg, 2.2 spg, 1.2 bpg)

    May 1, 2026 / 9:17 ET

    Pistons take lead in 4Q!

    Detroit fights back to grab a 74-72 lead over Orlando with 6:04 remaining in the contest. Cade Cunningham (23 pts) scores the first 10 points in the fourth to give the Pistons life with a 20-1 run.

    May 1, 2026 / 9:10 ET

    Cade is too nice

    Cade Cunningham is up to a game-high 19 points on 8-for-19 shooting with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and one block. Detroit has trimmed a 24-point deficit to 72-68 with 8:28 left in the game on Prime Video.

    May 1, 2026 / 8:58 ET

    Pistons close gap heading to 4Q

    Detroit outscores Orlando 24-11 in the third to cut their deficit to just 9, 71-62, behind an 8-0 run to close the period. Cade Cunningham is doing it all with 13 points (5-15 FG), 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in 30 minutes.

    Desmond Bane has a game-high 17 points on 7-for-14 shooting, while Paolo Banchero adds 13 points, 6 rebounds, 6 dimes and 2 steals in 30 minutes.

    May 1, 2026 / 8:55 ET

    Raptors up 10 at halftime

    Toronto takes a 61-51 lead over Cleveland at the break behind RJ Barrett (15 pts, 3 3PM, 4 reb), Scottie Barnes (14 pts, 10 ast, 2 blk) and Ja’Kobe Walter (13 pts, 3 3PM, 2 stl).

    The Raptors have forced 10 Cavs’ turnovers resulting in a 14-6 edge in points off TOs, and they’re controlling the fast break (13-1).

    Evan Mobley (11 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast), Donovan Mitchell (7 pts, 2 reb) and James Harden (8 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl) look to bring Cleveland back and advance to the second round.

    May 1, 2026 / 8:43 ET

    Barnes bringing the energy

    Scottie Barnes brings the home crowd to their feet with this coast-to-coast effort, and he’s up to 14 points (6-11 FG), 2 rebounds and 9 assists to help Toronto hold a 55-49 lead with 3:05 left in the second quarter.

    May 1, 2026 / 8:38 ET

    Pistons not going away

    Detroit has trimmed a 24-point deficit down to just 10, as they trail Orlando 64-50 with 7:06 left in the third. Cade Cunningham (12 pts, 3 reb, 2 stl) and Tobias Harris (13 pts, 4 reb) continue to lead the way for the Pistons.

    Desmond Bane and Paolo Banchero (12 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast) are trying to leave no doubt as they look to close out Detroit in Game 6.

    May 1, 2026 / 8:28 ET

    Cavs, Raptors battling in Game 6

    Two ties and nine lead changes so far, but it’s Toronto with a 43-38 lead over Cleveland with 7:41 left in the first half.

    Evan Mobley has 11 points to power the Cavs, while RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes each have 12 points apiece for the Raptors.

    May 1, 2026 / 8:21 ET

    Harden keeps climbing

    Congratulations to James Harden on another incredible career accomplishment!

    May 1, 2026 / 8:19 ET

    Magic dominate first half, lead 60-38

    Desmond Bane (game-high 15 pts) and Paolo Banchero (10 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast) lead nine Magic players who have scored through 24 minutes of action. A 35-12 scoring advantage in the second quarter gives Orlando a 22-point edge.

    Tobias Harris has 10 points (4-11 FG) and 3 rebounds as the only Piston in double figures scoring, followed by Cade Cunningham (8 pts, 1 reb, 1 ast) and Jalen Duren (6 pts, 6 reb). Detroit will have to dig deep in the second half if they hope to continue their season.

    May 1, 2026 / 8:14 ET

    Cavs, Raptors tied heading to 2Q

    RJ Barrett (9 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl) and Scottie Barnes (8 pts, 5 ast) are doing work for Toronto as they battle to keep their season alive. The Cavs and Raptors are tied at 32 after one quarter of play.

    Evan Mobley paces Cleveland with 8 points (2-2 FG, 4-4 FT), 4 boards and 2 dimes. The Cavs are out-rebounding the Raptors (14-5) and have 12 FTA compared to 2 for the home team.

    May 1, 2026 / 8:03 ET

    Magic cooking in 2Q

    Desmond Bane has a game-high 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting and a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, helping Orlando take a 54-38 lead over Detroit with 2:31 left in the first half.

    Tobias Harris has 10 points on 4-for-10 shooting to fuel the Pistons, who have been outscored 29-12 so far in the second quarter.

    May 1, 2026 / 7:56 ET

    Cavs-Raptors going back and forth

    We’ve seen seven lead changes and one tie in Toronto, with the Raptors and Cavs tied at 18 with 5:13 left in the first quarter.

    May 1, 2026 / 7:53 ET

    Magic start 2Q strong

    Orlando fires off a 15-2 run to begin the second quarter, and they’re outscoring Detroit 22-6 in the frame. The Magic have a 47-32 edge with 5:27 remaining before halftime.

    May 1, 2026 / 7:37 ET

    Detroit up 26-25 after 1Q

    Tobias Harris (6 pts, 3 reb), Jalen Duren (6 pts on 3-3 FG) and Daniss Jenkins (5 pts, 1 ast) power the Pistons’ one-point lead as we head to the second quarter on Prime Video.

    Desmond Bane and Tristan da Silva each have 5 points and one 3-pointer to lead Orlando.

    May 1, 2026 / 7:20 ET

    Pistons-Magic underway

    Desmond Bane (3 pts, 2 reb, 1 stl) and Wendell Carter Jr. (4 pts) pace the Magic, while Tobias Harris leads Detroit with 5 points and 2 rebounds. Orlando has an early 11-10 advantage with 6:57 left in the opening quarter.

    May 1, 2026 / 7:10 ET

    Cleveland Cavaliers:

    • PG – James Harden (22.0 ppg, 6.2 apg, 2.0 spg)
    • SG – Donovan Mitchell (23.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.6 apg)
    • SF – Max Strus (10.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.6 apg)
    • PF – Evan Mobley (17.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.2 bpg)
    • C – Jarrett Allen (8.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.2 spg, 2.2 bpg)

    The Cavs start with their two-big lineup, but with Toronto having more success with smaller lineups featuring Collin Murray-Boyles at the 5, Cleveland has countered with Sam Merrill, Dean Wade and Dennis Schröder off the bench.

    Toronto Raptors:

    • PG – Jamal Shead (8.4 ppg, 4.4 apg, 1.8 spg)
    • SG – Ja’Kobe Walter (8.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.6 spg)
    • SF – RJ Barrett (24.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 3.8 apg)
    • PF – Scottie Barnes (24.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 8.0 apg, 1.6 bpg)
    • C – Jakob Poeltl (7.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.0 bpg)

    The Raptors are without Brandon Ingram (heel) tonight, meaning the trio of Barnes, Barrett and Walter will have to do the heavy lifting on offense. Collin Murray-Boyles (15.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.0 spg) and Sandro Mamukelashvili (5.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg) are x-factors for Toronto’s second unit with their season on the line.

    May 1, 2026 / 6:15 ET

    Detroit Pistons:

    • PG – Cade Cunningham (32.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 7.0 apg)
    • SG – Duncan Robinson (9.6 ppg, 39.4 3P% on 6.6 3PA)
    • SF – Ausar Thompson (9.6 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.6 spg, 2.0 bpg)
    • PF – Tobias Harris (19.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.6 spg)
    • C – Jalen Duren (10.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.8 bpg)

    The Pistons will deploy a solid bench unit headlined by Isaiah Stewart, Daniss Jenkins and Caris LeVert.

    Orlando Magic:

    • PG – Jalen Suggs (13.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.6 spg)
    • SG – Desmond Bane (18.8 ppg, 43.2 3P% on 8.8 3PA, 5.4 rpg, 1.8 spg)
    • SF – Jamal Cain (4.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg)
    • PF – Paolo Banchero (25.8 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 6.4 apg, 1.6 spg)
    • C – Wendell Carter Jr. (11.0 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.8 bpg)

    The Magic will insert Cain into the starting unit with Franz Wagner (calf) missing his second straight game. Expect Anthony Black and Tristan da Silva to see a bit more action as Orlando looks to advance to the semifinals.

    May 1, 2026 / 6:00 ET

    Tonight’s injury report

    DET @ ORL — Tobias Harris (ankle) is available and Kevin Huerter (adductor) is out for the Pistons, while Franz Wagner (calf) and Jonathan Isaac (knee) are both out for the Magic.

    CLE @ TOR — Brandon Ingram (heel) and Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) are out for the Raptors.

    LAL @ HOU — Luka Dončić (hamstring) is out for tonight’s contest for the Lakers, while Kevin Durant (ankle) will miss his fourth straight and fifth overall for the Rockets.