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Nuggets vs. Timberwolves odds, score prediction, time: 2024 NBA playoff picks, Game 4 bets from proven model

The No. 3 seed Minnesota Timberwolves host the No. 2 seed Denver Nuggets in a pivotal Sport 4 matchup on Sunday within the Western Convention semifinals. The Timberwolves lead the collection 2-1. These groups performed 4 instances within the common season, splitting these video games 2-2. Minnesota is third in scoring offense (110.7) throughout the 2024 NBA playoffs. The Nuggets are permitting 104.3 factors per contest within the postseason.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on the Goal Middle in Minnesota. The Timberwolves are 3-point favorites within the newest Nuggets vs. Timberwolves odds, whereas the over/underneath for whole factors scored is 204. Earlier than making any Timberwolves vs. Nuggets picks, you will wish to see the NBA predictions and betting recommendation from the confirmed pc mannequin at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Mannequin simulates each NBA sport 10,000 instances and has returned effectively over $10,000 in revenue for $100 gamers on its top-rated NBA picks over the previous five-plus seasons. The mannequin entered the convention semifinals within the 2024 NBA playoffs on a scorching 94-61 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning greater than $2,800. Anybody following the mannequin has seen big returns.

Now, the mannequin has set its sights on Nuggets vs. Timberwolves and simply locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You possibly can go to SportsLine now to see the mannequin’s picks. Listed below are a number of NBA betting strains and traits for Timberwolves vs. Nuggets:

  • Nuggets vs. Timberwolves unfold: Minnesota -3
  • Nuggets vs. Timberwolves over/underneath: 204 factors 
  • Nuggets vs. Timberwolves cash line: Minnesota -159, Denver +134
  • MIN: The Timberwolves are 6-1 ATS previously seven video games 
  • DEN: The Nuggets are 1-4 ATS of their final 5 video games
  • Nuggets vs. Timberwolves picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Timberwolves can cowl

Guard Anthony Edwards is an especially athletic and gifted playmaker on the ground. Edwards has nice bounce to soar excessive for dunks or blocks. He’ll lock in defensively earlier than being aggressive as a scorer. The previous Georgia standout leads the workforce in factors (30.4) and steals (1.6) to go together with 6.7 rebounds per sport within the 2024 NBA playoffs. In Sport 1 in opposition to Denver, Edwards completed with 43 factors and 7 boards.

Middle Karl-Anthony Cities is one other efficient offensive pressure. Cities has a knockdown perimeter jumper regardless of being 7-foot. He also can rating from the put up or put the ball on the deck when wanted. In the course of the 2024 postseason, Cities averages 19.7 factors, 8.4 rebounds, and shoots 58.1% from 3-point vary. Within the Sport 2 win, he had 27 factors, 12 boards, and made three 3-pointers. See which workforce to select right here.  

Why the Nuggets can cowl 

Ahead Aaron Gordon is an athletic and energetic pressure within the frontcourt. Gordon does an important job chopping to the basket and rises above the rim with ease. The Arizona product additionally performs high-energy protection. Gordon averages 13.9 factors, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per sport within the 2024 NBA playoffs. In Sport 3, he completed with 13 factors and 5 assists. 

Ahead Michael Porter Jr. is a three-level scorer. Porter Jr. is a easy catch-and-shoot risk however places the ball on the deck to get into the lane. The Missouri product has nice timing to crash the boards. Porter Jr. averages 20.5 factors, 7.1 rebounds, and shoots 48.3% from 3-point land so far within the playoffs. In his final sport, Porter Jr. logged 21 factors, 4 boards, and went 4-of-5 from downtown. See which workforce to select right here.

Methods to make Timberwolves vs. Nuggets picks

SportsLine’s mannequin is leaning Over on the entire, projecting 205 mixed factors. It additionally says one aspect of the unfold has all the worth. You possibly can solely get the mannequin’s decide at SportsLine. 

So who wins Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, and which aspect of the unfold has all the worth? Go to SportsLine now to see which aspect of the Timberwolves vs. Nuggets unfold to leap on, all from the superior mannequin that has returned greater than $2,800 on its NBA picks this season, and discover out.

Hawks land No. 1 pick – NBC4 Washington

In one of many least-anticipated NBA draft lottery’s in current reminiscence, the ping pong balls bounced within the Atlanta Hawks’ favor.

The Hawks will decide No. 1 general within the 2024 NBA Draft after successful the lottery on Sunday.

Atlanta had only a 3% probability of selecting first after getting into the lottery with the Tenth-best odds. That is the primary time in franchise historical past that the Hawks have gained the lottery. The Hawks completed 36-46 final season, dropping within the play-in sport to overlook the playoffs for the primary time since 2020.

Behind the Hawks, the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs rounded out the top-four picks. The Detroit Pistons, who entered the lottery with the most effective odds, dropped to the No. 5 decide.

This is the total outcomes from the lottery:

  1. Atlanta Hawks
  2. Washington Wizards
  3. Houston Rockets (through Brooklyn Nets)
  4. San Antonio Spurs
  5. Detroit Pistons
  6. Charlotte Hornets
  7. Portland Path Blazers
  8. San Antonio Spurs (through Toronto Raptors)
  9. Memphis Grizzlies
  10. Utah Jazz
  11. Chicago Bulls
  12. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (through Houston Rockets)
  13. Sacramento Kings
  14. Portland Path Blazers (through Golden State Warriors)

Who would be the No. 1 decide within the 2024 NBA Draft? Who’re the highest prospects?

Final yr, the prize awaiting the lottery-winning San Antonio Spurs was apparent. Victor Wembanyama was the consensus high decide, and he validated that choice by unanimously successful Rookie of the Yr.

There’s is not the identical conviction on the high of the draft in 2024, which can depart the Hawks with an fascinating choice.

The worldwide trio of Zaccharie Risacher (6-foot-9 ahead from France), Alexandre Sarr (7-foot-1 large from France) and Nikola Matter (6-foot-6 guard from Serbia) will likely be in consideration. Then there’s collegiate stars Donovan Clingan (UConn heart), Stephon Fortress (UConn guard), Reed Sheppard (Kentucky guard) and Rob Dillingham (Kentucky guard). Moreover, G League Ignite standouts Matas Buzelis (6-foot-11 ahead) and Ron Holland (6-foot-8 ahead) could possibly be within the combine.

When is the 2024 NBA Draft?

For the primary time because the league shortened the draft to 2 rounds, the NBA will make picks over two nights.

The primary spherical is about for Wednesday, June 26, adopted by the second spherical on Thursday, June 27.

The place is the 2024 NBA Draft?

Each days of the draft will happen in New York Metropolis, however every night time will likely be held at a unique location.

The primary spherical will likely be held at Barclays Heart, residence of the Brooklyn Nets. Then, the second spherical will likely be at ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in Manhattan.

Full 2024 NBA Draft order

With the lottery now accomplished, the total order of the 30 first-round picks is about.

This is the total first-round NBA draft order:

  1. Atlanta Hawks
  2. Washington Wizards
  3. Houston Rockets (through Brooklyn Nets)
  4. San Antonio Spurs
  5. Detroit Pistons
  6. Charlotte Hornets
  7. Portland Path Blazers
  8. San Antonio Spurs (through Toronto Raptors)
  9. Memphis Grizzlies
  10. Utah Jazz
  11. Chicago Bulls
  12. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (through Houston Rockets)
  13. Sacramento Kings
  14. Portland Path Blazers (through Golden State Warriors)
  15. Miami Warmth
  16. Philadelphia 76ers
  17. New Orleans Pelicans (from Los Angeles Lakers; Pelicans can defer decide to 2025)
  18. Orlando Magic
  19. Toronto Raptors (from Indiana Pacers)
  20. Cleveland Cavaliers
  21. New Orleans Pelicans (from Milwaukee Bucks)
  22. Phoenix Suns
  23. Milwaukee Bucks (from New Orleans Pelicans)
  24. New York Knicks (from Dallas Mavericks)
  25. New York Knicks
  26. Washington Wizards (from LA Clippers to Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder to Dallas Mavericks)
  27. Minnesota Timberwolves
  28. Denver Nuggets
  29. Utah Jazz (from Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder to Indiana Pacers to Toronto Raptors)
  30. Boston Celtics

Cartoon: Happy Mother’s Day!

Seven years in the past, I left an abusive marriage of virtually 25 years. The ex by no means wished custody of our youngsters (he’d made that very clear all all through our relationship). However the second I mentioned the magic phrases, “little one assist and spousal assist,” he went on a appeal offensive to have me branded as unfit, somebody who couldn’t presumably handle our kids (which I’d been doing continuous for over twenty years). This can be a traditional divorce tactic by an abuser, decided to maintain his cash in his pocket, even when it means damaging his children.

In what can also be traditional, our youngsters went together with it. Possibly they feared him. Possibly they have been offended with me, each for being “too weak” to go away and eventually discovering my power, sufficient to go away. Possibly they have been simply grieving the destruction of their world and tried to save lots of themselves nevertheless they may.

Since then, Mom’s Day, and all holidays, have been painful (as famous on this article on estrangement by the Atlantic Month-to-month that popped up on Fb yesterday). Holidays within the US are all about household. I’ve virtually none: me, my mom, my canine, a couple of mates. Household was at all times the only most necessary factor to me. If you understand me in any respect, you understand that.

I don’t know what’s worse, strangers saying Comfortable Mom’s Day not realizing how arduous it’s, listening to mates (who typically consider me as a mom-away-from-mom) inform me Comfortable Mom’s Day, or realizing that none of my very own kids will most likely not trouble. In truth, they typically inform others what a foul mom I used to be–this can also be traditional, home abuse narrative. If I used to be a “unhealthy mother” then it’s okay to harm and abuse me. It erases me as a mom and as an individual, and makes it okay to trigger me ache, and to interchange me in my kids’s lives. It excuses the abuse and perpetuates it. Some man right here is at all times posting that passage from 1984 about how struggling is the essence of management. By Alienating the children, the abuser could make you endure with out lifting a finger.

For all of you who did have abusive moms, disabled moms, or simply moms who didn’t stay as much as the not possible requirements positioned on them by American society within the twenty first century, my coronary heart goes out to you. It actually does. Youngsters should have dad and mom they will rely on, who love them, who they love. They deserve safe attachments. However spare a bit compassion for the estranged and alienated. We miss our youngsters. We love them. We wish to be of their lives. We’re left with unanswered questions, grief and rage, and no closure or sense that the long run is perhaps higher. 

Mom’s Day just isn’t “joyful” for everybody. 

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PS — As at all times, if in case you have ideas about creating a comic book utilizing AI, please be happy to precise your self within the feedback. Spirited dialogue and considerate commentary is at all times welcome. 

For the curious, right here is the immediate which generated the cartoon. Discover that it’s virtually however significantly “not fairly what I requested for”:

A cartoon of an older lady, sitting alone in a simple chair, A cane leans in opposition to the chair. She has a tragic expression on her wrinkled, careworn face. Round her are grayed-out, ghostly recollections of three women enjoying collectively at numerous ages. Behind her, are grayed, ghostly  figures of three girls (with related faces to the ghost kids enjoying on the outdated lady’s toes), The intent is a lady considering again on the years when she was elevating the three little women in entrance of her, now grown into three girls behind her.

Justin and Hailey Bieber announce pregnancy

David Pal, The Canadian Press


Printed Thursday, Could 9, 2024 3:58PM EDT


Final Up to date Thursday, Could 9, 2024 5:52PM EDT

Child? Oh!

Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber say she’s anticipating their first little one collectively.

The Stratford, Ont.-raised pop celebrity revealed his spouse’s child bump in a video and carousel of photographs posted Thursday on his Instagram with none captions or clarification.

The pictures present the couple embracing in a subject, and a few of them characteristic Justin performing as a photographer whereas Hailey poses in a white gown.

The identical footage was posted on Hailey’s Instagram account.

A consultant for Hailey Bieber confirmed to The Canadian Press on Thursday that the 27-year-old mannequin is somewhat over six months pregnant.

In a press launch, trend home Yves Saint Laurent mentioned the video and picture shoot are from the Biebers’ vow renewal ceremony Thursday in Hawaii.

The couple married in 2018 after first assembly as youngsters. They have been engaged within the Bahamas earlier that 12 months after a few month of relationship.

Justin Bieber, 30, rose to fame after being found on YouTube, plucked from his southern Ontario city by supervisor Scooter Braun. He went on to change into one of many trendy period’s top-selling pop singers with hits that embody “Child,” “Love Your self” and “Sorry.”

— with recordsdata from The Related Press

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Could 9, 2024.

Happy Mother’s Day with love and support toward a brighter future

Pricey Readers, Immediately, as we have fun Mom’s Day, my coronary heart is with the numerous moms like myself who’re dealing with unimaginable challenges throughout the household court docket system. I used to be divorced in 2011, sustaining main custody of my sons who lived with me for greater than 12 years, however for 655 days now, we now have suffered by means of the perils of this method. It started after I sought to pursue greater schooling exterior of my fast county, a choice that ought to have been celebrated as a step in direction of a brighter future for my household. As an alternative, it turned a battleground the place my rights as a mom have been questioned and finally disregarded.

So how finest to punish a lady like me for striving to meet her ambition? Deny entry to her youngsters, after all! Get her the place it actually hurts! How dare she attempt to obtain upward mobility for her household? Foolishness! She should be stopped, handled like she’s a prison and fully stripped of her rights! Duh! She ought to know higher than to try to make one thing of herself. Solely dads are supposed to try this, not mothers!

The ache of being separated from my youngsters, of not understanding after I’ll be capable to maintain them in my arms once more, is indescribable. It’s a ache that many moth- ers perceive all too effectively. Our authorized system, meant to guard the most effective pursuits of kids, usually falls brief, leaving households traumatized and our hearts shattered.

I need to imagine in a system that values the bond between a mother or father and their youngster, that prioritizes their well-being above all else, nevertheless it’s been completely demoralizing and harrowing to expertise the realities of the household court docket system and the way it fosters post-separation abuse. I’m such a robust lady — I imply, you heard about how I completed the Texas Water Safari in a solo boat that was damaged in half a few quarter of the way in which into the 262-mile race, proper? I completely know ache, and I’ve a deep understanding of what our meat fits are able to once we can simply hold management of our minds to give attention to transferring ahead.

However let me inform you, this ache is like nothing I’ve ever skilled. This perpetual authorized battle is essentially the most excruciating factor I’ve ever endured. I’ve fixed chest pains, and I really feel like my limbs have been eliminated. I’m damaged a lot worse than my boat ever was.

I don’t know how one can be motivational with this column as a result of I merely don’t really feel motivated in the present day. Nevertheless, as we honor moms in every single place, let’s acknowledge the pressing want for reform inside our household court docket system, carry our voices and advocate for insurance policies that prioritize the emotional and psychological wants of kids and foyer for legal guidelines that worth the significance of sustaining robust familial bonds even in occasions of separation.

I simply need to hug my infants, y’all. I actually, actually believed it was an inherent proper. However I suppose I’m only a foolish mother with foolish desires who should hold taking part in by means of this ache. Mommas, we deserve higher, and we should proceed to struggle for a system that really serves the most effective pursuits of our youngsters. Hugs, and Joyful Mom’s Day.

Xoxo,

Kelly Stone is an educator, comic, mom, and writer who loves the heck outta the river. She welcomes e-letters at kellystone. org or kellystonecomedy@gmail.com and adores handwritten notes and postcards through good ol’ snail mail.

Hailey Bieber pregnant, expecting 1st baby with Justin Bieber – National

Justin Bieber and his spouse Hailey Bieber predict their first youngster and followers are past excited.

The couple shared the glad information on Hailey’s Instagram in a Thursday publish, which included a photoshoot exhibiting off the mannequin’s child bump. The slideshow of photographs additionally featured a brief video of the pair kissing and embracing in a discipline, seemingly within the presence of an officiant, suggesting that Justin and Hailey renewed their vows.

Hailey wore a skin-tight lace costume and veil for the photoshoot whereas Justin stored it informal in a bomber jacket and backwards cap.

Story continues beneath commercial

Justin and Hailey have been married since September 2018 once they tied the knot throughout a non-public ceremony at a New York courthouse.


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high information tales from Canada and world wide.

Hailey, a member of the Hollywood-famous Baldwin household, instructed Elle Journal in 2021 that she and Justin have at all times needed to start out a household younger. Hailey is 27 and Justin is 30.

“We have been mates first for a very very long time earlier than there was something romantic. However we at all times knew that we have been aligned on what we needed in our future. We had talked about eager to be married younger and having a household younger and constructing a life. Even earlier than we knew we needed to be with one another,” she stated.

In a 2020 look on the Ellen DeGeneres Present, Justin revealed that he needs as many children as Hailey is prepared to have.

“I’m going to have as many as Hailey is wishing to push out,” the Child singer stated on the time. “I’d like to have myself slightly tribe. However, yeah, it’s her physique and no matter she needs to do… I feel she needs to have just a few.”

Followers have been fast to share their help for the anticipating couple within the feedback of Hailey’s Instagram publish.

Story continues beneath commercial

“I’m really crying congratulations,” one commenter wrote.

“BABY BIEBER IS COMING,” reads one other remark.

&copy 2024 World Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.

Jayson Tatum Calls Out NBA Critics: Celtics ‘Didn’t Get Rewarded Like’ a Superteam | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE through Getty Photos

On the heels of a stunning 118-94 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Sport 2 of the Jap Convention semifinals, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum defended his membership whereas pushing again on the notion they’re a superteam.

Chatting with reporters after the sport, Tatum defined the Celtics usually get mentioned like a superteam although they “did not get rewarded like” one (6:35 mark):

The Celtics had a dominant common season that in some methods put them alongside a number of the greatest groups in NBA historical past. Their 64 wins tied the 2021-22 Phoenix Suns for probably the most by any membership previously six seasons.

Boston’s internet score of plus-11.6 tied the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors for the third-best mark in NBA historical past. The one groups forward of this yr’s Celtics are the 1995-96 and 1996-97 Chicago Bulls.

Regardless of that regular-season success, the Celtics weren’t a lot of a think about awards voting. Brad Stevens did get rewarded with the Government of the Yr award, however head coach Joe Mazzulla was fourth in Coach of the Yr voting and Tatum completed sixth in MVP voting.

Thursday’s sport was the second double-digit loss for the Celtics on this postseason. They rebounded from a 111-101 loss to the Miami Warmth in Sport 2 of the primary spherical to win the following three video games by a median of twenty-two.7 factors to finish the sequence in 5 video games.

There was nothing the Celtics did proper of their loss to the Cavs. They shot 41.3 % from the sector (8-of-35 from three-point vary), whereas Cleveland linked on 54.7 % of its field-goal makes an attempt and all 5 starters shot no less than 50 % from the ground.

Not having Kristaps Porziņģis, who’s nursing a calf harm that has saved him out for the previous three video games, is impacting what the Celtics wish to do on each ends of the courtroom. However it’s arduous to make use of his absence as an excuse for this loss once they gained the previous two video games with out him by a mixed 59 factors.

Tatum is true that the Celtics have not been rewarded like a superteam. It is as a result of they’ve but to play like one and infrequently play all the way down to their opponents within the playoffs.

The Celtics fell behind 3-0 to the No. 8 seed Warmth final yr within the Jap Convention Finals earlier than profitable three straight to pressure Sport 7 on their house courtroom. They scored a season-low 84 factors in that sport and misplaced by 19.

Till Tatum and this model of the Celtics win a title, there’ll all the time be a stigma that they don’t seem to be constructed to win within the playoffs.

From fan to hero, super sub Joselu lifts Real Madrid past Bayern and into Champions League final

Two years in the past, Joselu Mato was simply one other Actual Madrid fan cheering within the stands of the Stade de France because it gained a record-extending 14th European Cup.

On Wednesday, the journeyman striker scored two late objectives to realize one other memorable Madrid comeback in a 2-1 win over Bayern Munich and ship them again to the Champions League last.

“I try to profit from my probabilities,” the 34-year-old Joselu mentioned. “As for 2 years in the past, that is the way it feels to be a Actual Madrid fan. I had the chance to go and help Madrid and now I get to expertise it first hand.”

Very like Madrid’s run to the 2022 last when Karim Benzema and Rodrygo shocked rivals with late objectives in comeback victories over Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester Metropolis, it was the flip of the modest Joselu to etch his title into the membership’s lengthy Champions League lore towards mighty Bayern.

“It’s a dream come true to have nights like this,” he mentioned. “My desires aren’t as lovely as what occurred. As a ahead, you dream of scoring objectives, and in the event that they’re like this then even higher.”

Joselu’s arrival final summer season was not a typical Actual Madrid transfer. The powerhouse usually likes to make big blockbuster strikes similar to Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Jude Bellingham, and so forth., or develop younger abilities like Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior and Eduardo Camavinga.

Joselu, in flip, was an getting older striker who quietly made a nice profession offering objectives for small groups whose predominant goal is simply avoiding relegation.

Born in Stuttgart, Germany, Joselu returned to Spain together with his household as a younger little one. After beginning his profession at Celta Vigo, he was signed by Madrid for its reserve group earlier than he strung collectively stints with German golf equipment Eintracht Frankfurt, Hoffenheim, Hannover and English golf equipment Stoke and Newcastle.

He reached his prime on returning to the Spanish league in 2019, scoring in double digits in his three seasons at Alaves and his single marketing campaign with Espanyol. That earned him his worldwide debut with Spain at age 32.

Even so, his objectives couldn’t save Alaves or Espanyol from being relegated in consecutive seasons.

And that was when alternative knocked.

After Espanyol went down final 12 months, Madrid secured him on a one-season mortgage from the Barcelona-based membership now taking part in within the second division.

Madrid will need to have seen that Joselu’s confirmed means to poach objectives, win excessive balls, rating with one contact and with headers, may fill a gap in its squad of speedsters, expert dribblers, and passers.

Madrid had simply misplaced Benzema, its prime scorer, who left for Saudi Arabia, however Joselu was clearly not a alternative for the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner. Even when Madrid was going to attend one other 12 months in its pursuit of Kylian Mbappé, then Joselu was nonetheless at greatest a bench participant, an alternative to Carlo Ancelotti to toss into the field within the last minutes hoping to attach with a last-gasp cross or nook.

And that was precisely what Joselu did on Wednesday when Bayern was up a objective and Madrid was as soon as once more needing to conjure up a little bit of that Bernabeu magic.

Joselu’s second got here when goalkeeper Manuel Neuer marred his excellent night time by spilling an apparently routine save of a shot by Vinícius. Joselu knew he needed to be shut simply in case and, positive sufficient, the ball fell to his ft for a straightforward faucet in for the 88th-minute equalizer.

“A striker all the time needs to be lively within the space, prepared for a unfastened ball,” Joselu mentioned. “Once I noticed the bounce the ball took I knew that something may occur, and I used to be ready to make the most of that chance.”

Madrid wasn’t finished, and it was Joselu who arrived to knock in a cross from central defender Antonio Rüdiger for the stoppage-time winner.

Joselu has far surpassed expectations at Madrid together with his extremely productive 17 objectives throughout all competitions in restricted minutes.

He can have an opportunity to play in a Champions League last, particularly if Madrid finds itself trailing on the scoreboard, towards Borussia Dortmund on June 1 in London.

“He’s a mirrored image of the group as a result of he has contributed a lot this season,” Ancelotti mentioned about Joselu. “He hasn’t had loads of recreation time however he’s the proper reflection of what this group is all about. He has given us a lot, with out ever dropping confidence in what he’s able to.”

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Jayson Tatum laughably fights back on narrative that the Celtics are a super team

BOSTON — After Thursday evening’s embarrassing Sport 2 loss to the Cavaliers, Jayson Tatum lamented that the Celtics should not going to win each recreation. Whereas he is appropriate on that entrance, it is his feedback on how the Celtics should not one of many NBA’s “tremendous groups” that ought to have followers rolling their eyes because the Boston celebrity.

The Celtics dropped to 3-2 at house this postseason following a 118-94 loss to the Cavs on Thursday evening. After a 64-18 common season, which included a 37-4 document at TD Backyard, the expectation was that the Celtics would not endure such embarrassing defeats on their house flooring. However they’re already as much as two this postseason, and we’re solely two video games into the second spherical.

Once more, profitable each recreation wasn’t going to occur. However after the loss, Tatum was requested if Boston followers have grown a bit spoiled as a result of group’s regular-season success. Tatum stated, in no unsure phrases, that he does not think about the Celtics a “tremendous group” as a result of they have not been acknowledged as one league-wide.

“I imply, that is the narrative that you just would possibly see on TV,” Tatum stated after the 24-point loss. “The concept that we have now a brilliant group — it is twofold, proper? We did not have the Coach of the Yr, we did not have the MVP, we solely had two All-Stars. You say we’re a brilliant group however we did not get awarded like we’re.”

That ought to simply gas the Celtics extra. And actually, they should not be anxious about touchdown MVP or Coach of the Yr. Their focus must be on profitable a title, and never dropping by 20-plus factors on their house flooring.

“We all know we obtained an excellent group. We’re not excellent,” added Tatum, whose taking pictures struggles continued in Sport 2. “We play the proper approach as a rule. And we all know we have to be higher.”

The Celtics have all of the makings of a “tremendous group.” Tatum and Jaylen Brown — each of whom are homegrown — are two of the brightest younger stars within the league. Derrick White, regardless of a tough evening Thursday, has grow to be one of the essential gamers on the group. And offseason acquisitions Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Vacation give Boston one of the proficient and gifted beginning fives within the NBA.

Although not in the identical sense because the LeBron-Wade-Bosh Miami Warmth of yesteryear, the Celtics are very a lot a brilliant group. They usually do not want NBA accolades to show it. They know this — or they ought to know this.

Saying they are not a brilliant group looks as if a roundabout approach of excusing losses like Thursday evening. That, in itself, is inexcuseable.

Know what would actually solidify the Celtics in that prime tier?  A championship. That, and never getting embarrassed on their house flooring within the playoffs. In that sense, Tatum is barely appropriate in his evaluation.

However it’s not one thing he must be saying after such a disappointing playoff loss.

Game Preview: Pacers vs Knicks (Game 3)

Friday, Might 10 at 7:00 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Sport Preview

The Pacers are 3-0 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to date this postseason and might want to proceed to guard homecourt this weekend in the event that they wish to even their Japanese Convention Semifinal sequence with the New York Knicks.

The Knicks held serve at Madison Sq. Backyard this week, profitable Sport 1 on Monday and Sport 2 on Wednesday. In Wednesday’s sport, the Knicks outscored Indiana 67-48 after halftime to return away with a 130-121 victory.

The Pacers had constructed a 73-63 lead heading into the intermission and pushed the margin to 12 on Andrew Nembhard’s layup on Indiana’s opening possession of the third quarter. However the Knicks seized management from there, stringing collectively a 27-6 run over the following seven-plus minutes to grab management of the competition.

Donte DiVincenzo scored eight factors on two threes and a dunk in an preliminary 11-4 run that prompted a timeout from Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. After the stoppage, the Knicks reeled off 10 unanswered factors to maneuver in entrance they usually by no means relinquished the lead.

PLAYOFF CENTRAL: Comply with Indiana’s Postseason Run at Pacers.com/Playoffs >>

One optimistic for the Pacers within the loss was the play of All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton. After solely scoring six factors on six photographs in Sport 1, Haliburton made some extent of being extra assertive in Sport 2. He scored 13 factors within the first quarter on Wednesday, had 22 at halftime, and completed with a playoff career-high 34 factors on 11-of-19 capturing (7-of-11 from 3-point vary) to go together with six rebounds, 9 assists, and two steals.

Whereas Haliburton had an enormous night time and the bench continued to contribute, outscoring the Knicks’ reserves 46-12, it was a comparatively quiet night time for another Indiana starters. After scoring 23 factors in Sport 1, Pacers heart Myles Turner solely tallied six in Sport 2 whereas going 3-for-11 from the sector. Star ahead Pascal Siakam completed with 14 factors however want 18 photographs to get there.

Defensively, in the meantime, the Pacers have struggled to decelerate the Knicks. New York shot 57 % from the sector in Sport 2 and went 14-for-30 (46.7 %) from 3-point vary. For the second straight sport, all 5 New York starters reached double figures, with Jalen Brunson, DiVincenzo, and OG Anunoby all scoring 28 or extra factors and Josh Hart and Isaiah Hartenstein each recording double-doubles.

The most important query heading into Sport 3 is the well being of a few the Knicks’ stars. Brunson missed the complete second quarter of Sport 2 after injuring his proper foot, although he returned to play the second half, scoring 24 factors over the ultimate two quarters. Anunoby then harm his left hamstring within the third quarter and didn’t return. If the Knicks — who’re already shorthanded with out Julius Randle, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Mitchell Robinson — shouldn’t have both or each of Brunson or Anunoby this weekend, that may be a major blow.

The Pacers can take consolation in realizing that it has been very tough for groups to win in Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Indiana is the one group within the NBA that has not misplaced a house sport within the final 50 days, because the Pacers’ final dwelling loss got here on March 18. The Blue & Gold swept three dwelling video games within the first spherical towards the Bucks in entrance of a raucous crowd and with the rival Knicks on the town, the environment ought to be much more electrical this weekend.

Projected Starters

Pacers: G – Tyrese Haliburton, G – Andrew Nembhard, F – Aaron Nesmith, F – Pascal Siakam, C – Myles Turner

Knicks: G – Jalen Brunson, G – Donte DiVincenzo, F – Josh Hart, F – Valuable Achiuwa, C – Isaiah Hartenstein

Harm Report

Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton – questionable (decrease again spasms), Bennedict Mathurin – out (proper shoulder labral tear)

Knicks: Jalen Brunson – questionable (sore proper foot), OG Anunoby – out (left hamstring pressure), Bojan Bogdanovic – out (left foot surgical procedure), Julius Randle – out (proper shoulder surgical procedure), Mitchell Robinson – out (left ankle stress damage)

Final Assembly

Might 8, 2024The Pacers took a 73-63 lead into halftime on Wednesday night time at Madison Sq. Backyard, however the Knicks outscored Indiana 36-18 within the third quarter and by no means relinquished the lead en path to a 130-121 win in Sport 2.

After lacking the complete second quarter with a sore proper foot, Jalen Brunson returned for the second half and scored 24 of his team-high 29 factors over the ultimate two quarters. OG Anunoby added 28 factors on 10-of-19 capturing (4-of-9 from 3-point vary) regardless of lacking the entire fourth quarter with a hamstring damage and Donte DiVincenzo scored 28 to go together with six rebounds and 4 assists whereas going 6-for-12 from 3-point vary.

Tyrese Haliburton led Indiana with 34 factors, six rebounds, and 9 assists within the loss, going 11-for-19 from the sector and 7-for-11 from 3-point vary. Obi Toppin scored 20 factors off the bench, whereas fellow reserve T.J. McConnell recorded a double-double with 10 factors and 12 assists.

Noteworthy

  • Haliburton’s seven threes in Sport 2 have been tied for essentially the most by a Pacer in a playoff sport in franchise historical past, becoming a member of a listing that features Chuck Particular person, Reggie Miller (twice), Paul George, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Myles Turner. His seven 3-pointers have been additionally tied with Tyrese Maxey for the second-most in a playoff sport at Madison Sq. Backyard. Ray Allen holds the document with eight threes for Boston towards the Knicks in 2011.
  • The Pacers have outscored the Knicks 128-112 within the first half of Video games 1 and a pair of, however New York has outscored Indiana 139-110 within the second half.
  • The Pacers are 0-8 when dropping the primary two video games of a best-of-seven playoff sequence. They’ve rallied to drive a Sport 7 in three of these sequence: the 1994 Japanese Convention Finals towards the Knicks, the 1995 Japanese Convention Finals towards the Magic, and the 1998 Japanese Convention Finals towards the Bulls.

Broadcast Info (TV and Radio Listings >>)

TV: ESPN – Mike Breen (play-by-play), Doris Burke (analyst), JJ Redick (analyst), Lisa Salters (sideline reporter)

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan – Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Eddie Gill (analyst), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter/host)

Tickets

The Pacers will host the Knicks for Sport 3 of the Japanese Convention Semifinals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 7:00 PM on Friday, Might 10. Discover Tickets >>