The weekend produced some surprises in the NBA playoffs. The Dallas Mavericks, who won their first two games in Los Angeles over the Clippers, wilted at home, as Luka Doncic suffered a neck strain, Kristaps Porzingis disappeared, and the supporting cast could not do enough to compensate for the play of both stars, and now the series heads back to Hollywood tied at two games apiece and Doncic’s health in question. Going into Tuesday night, Boston stands on the brink of elimination, while the Portland-Denver and Lakers-Phoenix series stand even at two games apiece.
Check out our NBA betting previews on each matchup.
NBA News: First Round Update (June 1)
Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets
Game 5 (7:30 pm ET, TNT)
Nets lead, 3-1
The Celtics had a full arena of fans behind them, and they let Kyrie Irving hear it whenever he touched the ball. However, Irving was not intimidated, putting up 39 points and 11 rebounds. Kevin Durant led the Nets with 42 points as the Nets rolled, 141-126. A Boston fan threw a water bottle at Irving after the game, an ugly reflection of events in which fans have thrown popcorn at Russell Westbrook and spit at Trae Young. James Harden had 23 points and a playoff career high with 18 assists. The Big Three combined for 104 points, which tied an NBA postseason record for points by three teammates, first set in 1973 and then tied in 1986.
For Boston, Jayson Tatum put up 40 points, a solid effort after his 50-point night in Game 3, which the Celtics won. However, Kemba Walker and Jaylen Brown were on the shelf with injuries, and Tatum couldn’t do it all by himself. Marcus Smart put up 16 points and nine assists. Can the Celtics stave off elimination on the road? It sounds like Irving has gotten an additional boost of motivation to avoid having to go back to TD Garden.
Final Prediction:
Nets 130, Celtics 120
Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets
Game 5 (9:00 pm ET, NBA TV)
Series tied, 2-2
Norman Powell had another big night for the Trail Blazers in Game 4, knocking down 11 of 15 shots from the floor, including all four of his attempts from behind the arc, tying his career postseason high with 29 points. Damian Lillard went just 1 of 10 from the floor, settling just for 10 points but also contributing 10 assists and eight rebounds. He sat for the fourth quarter as the Trail Blazers built a lead as big as 33 points during the third period. C.J. McCollum chipped in 21 points in the win.
For Denver, Austin Rivers, who nailed four straight three-pointers in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ win in Game 3, only had eight points on the night. Will Barton (hamstring) missed Game 4 but could return for Game 5. For the Nuggets to win, they will have to get back that defensive urgency they showed in their two wins in this series.
Final Prediction:
Nuggets 117, Trail Blazers 111
L.A. Lakers at Phoenix Suns
Game 5 (10:00 pm ET, TNT)
Series tied, 2-2
Chris Paul was set to miss Game 4 for Phoenix, due to a shoulder injury that had limited his effectiveness, but then he went to see coach Monty Williams before the game and asked him to start him, and to remove him if Paul was not able to play at his usual level. All Paul did was come out and put together a terrific game, particularly after the intermission, as Phoenix won in L.A., 100-92. Paul finished with 18 points and nine assists, and Jae Crowder and Devin Booker each added 17 points. Deandre Ayton had 14 points and 17 boards, with plenty of room in the paint with Anthony Davis missing the second half with a groin injury.
Davis went 2 of 9 in the first half, with six points, but he hyperextended his leg during Game 3 and strained his groin in GAme 4. LeBron James had 25 points and a dozen boards, but with Davis out, along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (knee), the Lakers could not recover from a 32-15 Phoenix run that started just before halftime and ran through the third period. During that span, the Lakers just went 3 of 16 from the floor. Check your injury updates before you lock in your wagers for Game 5; this prediction assumes that AD will be out for Game 5.
Final Prediction:
Suns 106, Lakers 99
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