Celtics Ready To Host Cavaliers In Game 2
The Boston Celtics will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Thursday. The Celtics lead the series 1-0.
The Celtics didn’t have problems establishing their tempo in the first game of the series and demolishing the Cavaliers to a 120-95 win. Despite Jayson Tatum's rough shooting performance (7-19 FG), the Celtics didn’t have problems securing their fourth consecutive win in the playoffs after winning three in a row to dismantle the Miami Heat. Boston shouldn’t have problems to continue dominating the Cavaliers, as they already defeated them 2-1 in their series during the regular season. Boston will probably rely on Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who posted 32 points in Game 1 on Tuesday, to get the job done at home once again.
Kristaps Porzingis (calf) is out for Thursday and is not expected to be available throughout the course of the series.
The Cavaliers had to work harder than expected to get past the Orlando Magic in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs and only had two days of rest before travelling to take on the Celtics in Game 1. As a result, the 25-point loss wasn’t much of a surprise, with the Cavaliers looking gassed in the second half while facing the best team in the league, one that lost just three games during the regular season at home. Plus, the Cavaliers are dealing with the absence of Jarrett Allen, who plays a pivotal role on the defensive end of the court, due to a ribs problem. The Cavaliers know they need to get a positive result in Game 2 of the series, because going back home on a 0-2 deficit might be too much for them to overcome.
Jarrett Allen (ribs) is uncertain to play in Game 2 on Thursday. Ty Jerome (ankle), Craig Porter (ankle) and Dean Wade (knee) are not expected to be available.
The Celtics didn’t have problems establishing their tempo in the first game of the series and demolishing the Cavaliers to a 120-95 win. Despite Jayson Tatum's rough shooting performance (7-19 FG), the Celtics didn’t have problems securing their fourth consecutive win in the playoffs after winning three in a row to dismantle the Miami Heat. Boston shouldn’t have problems to continue dominating the Cavaliers, as they already defeated them 2-1 in their series during the regular season. Boston will probably rely on Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who posted 32 points in Game 1 on Tuesday, to get the job done at home once again.
Kristaps Porzingis (calf) is out for Thursday and is not expected to be available throughout the course of the series.
The Cavaliers had to work harder than expected to get past the Orlando Magic in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs and only had two days of rest before travelling to take on the Celtics in Game 1. As a result, the 25-point loss wasn’t much of a surprise, with the Cavaliers looking gassed in the second half while facing the best team in the league, one that lost just three games during the regular season at home. Plus, the Cavaliers are dealing with the absence of Jarrett Allen, who plays a pivotal role on the defensive end of the court, due to a ribs problem. The Cavaliers know they need to get a positive result in Game 2 of the series, because going back home on a 0-2 deficit might be too much for them to overcome.
Jarrett Allen (ribs) is uncertain to play in Game 2 on Thursday. Ty Jerome (ankle), Craig Porter (ankle) and Dean Wade (knee) are not expected to be available.
Thunder Look To Build Off Game 1 Win
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 of the Western Conference First-Round Playoffs at Paycom Center on Thursday evening.
The Thunder won the season series, 3-1, and kept up the dominance for Game 1 to take the first lead in the series. They had 33-8 home record during the regular season and have an opportunity to keep the momentum rolling for commanding 2-0 series lead before heading to Dallas for Games 3 and 4.
Game 1 got out to a competitive start and was tied at 23, heading into the second quarter. The pace picked up in the second, where the Thunder pushed ahead to a nine-point advantage by halftime. The hosts stayed in control through the third and increased their lead to 10 points, entering the final frame. The Mavs had no answers down the stretch, as the Thunder charged to the 22-point home win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 29 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, a steal and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 19 points, seven rebounds, two steals and three blocks, while Jalen Williams logged 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and a block. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 20 points, three assists, two steals and a block, in 37 minutes of action. Luka Doncic followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two steals, while Daniel Gafford totaled 16 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks.
Luka Doncic (knee) is listed as probable for action in Game 2.
The Thunder won the season series, 3-1, and kept up the dominance for Game 1 to take the first lead in the series. They had 33-8 home record during the regular season and have an opportunity to keep the momentum rolling for commanding 2-0 series lead before heading to Dallas for Games 3 and 4.
Game 1 got out to a competitive start and was tied at 23, heading into the second quarter. The pace picked up in the second, where the Thunder pushed ahead to a nine-point advantage by halftime. The hosts stayed in control through the third and increased their lead to 10 points, entering the final frame. The Mavs had no answers down the stretch, as the Thunder charged to the 22-point home win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 29 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, a steal and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Chet Holmgren followed up with 19 points, seven rebounds, two steals and three blocks, while Jalen Williams logged 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and a block. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 20 points, three assists, two steals and a block, in 37 minutes of action. Luka Doncic followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two steals, while Daniel Gafford totaled 16 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks.
Luka Doncic (knee) is listed as probable for action in Game 2.