NBA 101

Celtics and Spurs can advance on Tuesday. The Knicks and Hawks play the first pivotal Game 5 of 2026

GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) — After the Boston Celtics rolled in Philadelphia and the San Antonio Spurs roared back in Portland, the No. 2 seeds in the NBA playoffs are on the verge of advancing.

The New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks might still need a while to settle things in their series.

Game 5 with a 2-2 tie has long been the pivotal moment of a series, and the first one of this postseason arrives Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.

In seven-game series that were tied 2-2, the team that took Game 5 won 81.5% of the time. It’s a pressure-packed moment, and coach Mike Brown believes his Knicks are prepared for it.

“This group’s a relentless group. They’re an experienced group. They perform best, it seems, when their backs are against the wall, so I believe our guys are ready,” Brown said Monday.

The other two Game 5s on Tuesday can finish series. The Celtics are up 3-1 on the 76ers and the Spurs hold the same lead on the Trail Blazers, with both teams in position to wrap things up on their home floor.

However, the Celtics and Spurs both lost Game 2 of their series when they last played at home.

So did the No. 3-seeded Knicks, who then went and dropped Game 3 in Atlanta before evening things with a 114-98 victory on Saturday. They know they are already facing another trip to Atlanta for Game 6 on Thursday but don’t want to be having to save their season of huge expectations that night by blowing another game on their home court first.

“This is what we work all year for, what you work all summer for, for an opportunity to play in the playoffs, and there’s not a lot of motivation left that’s needed really,” All-Star Jalen Brunson said. “It’s just, this is an opportunity for teams to go and put their names in history if they want it. So that’s the only motivation.”

Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics

When/Where to Watch: Game 5, 7 p.m. EDT (ESPN)

Series: Celtics lead, 3-1.

Betting line: Celtics by 11.5.

What to Know: The Celtics made a franchise playoff-record 24 3-pointers in their 128-96 victory in Game 4 on Sunday — their second 32-point victory of the series. Joel Embiid had 26 points and 10 rebounds in 34 minutes in his return after having an appendectomy on April 9, but their big man can’t save the 76ers unless they get back the VJ Edgecombe they had in their Game 2 victory in Boston. The rookie guard scored 30 points that night but totaled just 16 and shot 7 for 26 in the two games in Philadelphia.

Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks

When/Where to Watch: Game 3, 8 p.m. EDT (NBC/Peacock)

Series: Tied, 2-2.

Betting line: Knicks by 6.5.

What to Know: The Knicks have appeared to be the better team during long stretches of the series, leading by 19 points in Game 1, 14 in the second half of Game 2 and 24 in Game 4. Yet the Hawks pulled out two one-point victories, including Game 2 at MSG. CJ McCollum averaged 29 points in the two games in New York and the Hawks hope he’ll get more support in Game 5 from Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the winner of the Most Improved Player award who shot just 9 for 29 in Games 1 and 2.

Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs

When/Where to Watch: Game 3, 9:30 p.m. EDT (ESPN)

Series: Spurs lead, 3-1.

Betting line: Spurs by 12.5.

What to Know: The Spurs wiped out a 15-point deficit in Game 3 and then stormed back from 19 down in Game 4. Victor Wembanyama looked fine on Sunday, finishing with 27 points, 11 rebounds and seven blocked shots after missing Game 3 with a concussion that he sustained in Game 2. Scoot Henderson was the star of Portland’s rally for victory in that game with 31 points, but the guard is coming off a scoreless, 0-for-7 performance in Game 4. Meanwhile, San Antonio’s starting guards have been terrific with or without Wembanyama. Stephon Castle averaged 24.5 points and De’Aaron Fox 23 in the two games in Portland.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

It's official, MRI shows Anthony Edwards has bone bruise in left knee, listed as "week to week"

Where to watch Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers Game 4 NBA playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Sunday, April 26

The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers meet in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series. The Celtics took a 2-1 lead in the series after winning Game 3 108-100. Boston is 7.5-point favorites for Game 4. The over/under for the matchup is set at 213.5.

How to watch Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers

• Date: Sunday, April 26

• Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT

• Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• TV Channels: NBC, Pea

• Live Stream:NBA League Pass | Follow on Yahoo Sports

Odds

• Spread: Philadelphia 76ers +7.5

• Moneyline: Philadelphia 76ers +240 (28.2%) / Boston Celtics -300 (71.8%)

• Over/Under: 213.5

Series schedule

Game 1:Celtics 123, 76ers 91
Game 2:76ers 111, Celtics 97
Game 3:Celtics 108, 76ers 100
Game 4: Sun., April 26 at Philadelphia (7 p.m., NBC)
Game 5: Tue., April 28 at Boston (TBD)
*Game 6: Thu., April 30 at Philadelphia (TBD)
*Game 7: Sat., May 2 at Boston (TBD)if necessary

Report: Kevin Durant will not play in must-win Game 4 for Rockets due to sprained ankle

Cavaliers-Raptors Game 4 takeaways: Collin Murray-Boyles provides big boost, James Harden has turnover issues

You can make a reasonable case that Game 4 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors was on its way to being the biggest stinker of the 2026 playoffs so far. But then it was saved by a late-game surge by both teams, resulting in several clutch buckets and an intensity level that could rival the actual Finals. 

Twelve lead changes and six clutch free throws by Scottie Barnes closed it out, with Toronto winning 93-89 and evening the series at 2-2. The series moves back to Cleveland for Game 5 on Tuesday.

Let’s break down a few takeaways from Game 4.

Collin Murray-Boyles has arrived 

There was no question that the 6-foot-7 rookie was NBA ready from Day 1. He has been active on both sides of the floor, has ridiculous defensive upside, and has seemingly found his playoff feet much quicker than anticipated. 

Murray netted 15 points and 10 rebounds off the bench in Game 4, and was a constant threat on the interior, scoring against the entire Cavs front line, despite being several inches shorter than both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.

His performance in this series underlines his potential, which is vast, and can yet be molded in many different ways. However you slice it, the Raptors got a good one. 

James Harden’s turnover issues

Entering Game 4, the former MVP was averaging 5.7 turnovers per game this series. Somehow he managed to increase that average. 

Harden, who had seven turnovers in Game 4, has historically had an issue hanging on to the ball. In the playoffs, that issue is all the more difficult to overcome, especially the further you manage to go.

What’s curious about his mishaps in this series is that a fair bunch of them were entirely preventable. It’s lazy entry passes, forced outlets, and a general lack of focus. 

It ponders the question of whether or not Donovan Mitchell should take over more ball-handling duties until Harden has adjusted himself. 

The Raptors have a point guard problem 

With Immanuel Quickley unavailable, the Raptors have tried out both Jamal Shead and Ja’Kobe Walter at lead guard. While both have applied themselves in some manner, neither has succeeded in stringing together periods where things have clicked. 

Poor shooting efficiency, in particular, has plagued both. And while Shead is simply a better playmaker than Walter, he is short in stature and gives up size defensively. (Walter, a strong, physical defender, went 0-for-9 from the field in Game 4.)

It’s not a problem the Raptors can fix right now, so they’re going to have to make due. But if they proceed to the second round, they’re going to have to think up an alternative game plan. 

Where to watch Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks Game 4 NBA playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Saturday, April 25

The New York Knicks will try to rebound in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks won Games 2 and 3, each by a single point. The Knicks are slight 1.5-point favorites.

How to watch New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks

• Date: Saturday, April 25

• Time: 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT

• Where: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia

• TV Channels: NBC, Peacock

• Live Stream:NBA League Pass | Follow on Yahoo Sports

Odds

• Spread: Atlanta Hawks +1.5

• Moneyline: Atlanta Hawks +105 (46.3%) / New York Knicks -130 (53.7%)

• Over/Under: 214.5

Series results, schedule

Game 1:Knicks 113, Hawks 102
Game 2:Hawks 107, Knicks 106
Game 3:Hawks 109, Knicks 108
Game 4: Sat., April 25, at Atlanta (6 p.m., NBC)
*Game 5: Tue., April 28,at New York (TBD)
*Game 6: Thu., April 30, at Atlanta (TBD)
*Game 7: Sat., May 2, at New York (TBD)

*if necessary

Knicks vs Hawks Prediction, Picks & Odds for NBA Playoffs Game 4

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The New York Knicks are looking to bounce back after dropping two straight games as they head into Game 4 on the road against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.

Jalen Brunson fell just short down the stretch in Game 3, but my Knicks vs. Hawks predictions expect him to respond with a signature scoring performance to help New York even up the series.

Here are my best free NBA picks for Saturday’s Game 4 from State Farm Arena.

Knicks vs Hawks prediction

Who will win Knicks vs Hawks Game 4?

Knicks: It’s do-or-die time for the New York Knicks, who are staring down a potential 3-1 series deficit. Coming back from a 3-1 hole is nearly impossible, and New York can reclaim home-court advantage and regain momentum with a victory in Game 4.

The Knicks had the ball on the final possession of Games 2 and 3, and they lost by one point in each on a missed Mikal Bridges jumper and a Jalen Brunson turnover. Brunson and the Knicks will clean up their mistakes from the last two games and win this one on the road.

Knicks vs Hawks best bet: Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points (-110)

When the NBA playoffs roll around, Jalen Brunson elevates his scoring to a new level. Since 2023-24, Brunson is one of just four players to average 30+ points per game, and he’s the only one to play in more than six games.

With an average of 30.4 points across his last 34 playoff games, Brunson has a proven track record in critical games.

Brunson has found success in Game 4’s in recent seasons. He’s averaged 32.6 points per game across his last seven Game 4’s, scoring 27+ six times. He’s reached that mark in four of his last five road games in that situation.

Over his last 21 playoff games overall, Brunson has averaged a healthy 29.2 points, and he’s scored 27+ 14 times, including two of three in this year’s postseason. He came up just shy of that mark in Game 3, finishing with 26 points.

Brunson averaged 28.5 points in six matchups against the Atlanta Hawks this season, including 30 points per game at State Farm Arena. Brunson reached 27+ points in four of six games against the Hawks.

In the regular season, Brunson recorded 27+ points in 38 of 74 games overall and in 21 of 38 games on the road. He hit a clutch “And-1” in the final minute of Game 3 only to watch as CJ McCollum hit a go-ahead bucket in the final seconds.

Brunson uncharacteristically turned the ball over on the final possession of the game, and he’ll be driven to atone for that mistake and lead his team to victory. This could be the blowup scoring game for which New York Knicks fans have been waiting.

Knicks vs Hawks same-game parlay

Each of the last two games of the series has been decided by one point, and four of six head-to-head matchups in 2025-26 have been decided by three points or fewer. Game 4 will be a dog fight, but I expect Brunson to lead the Knicks to a crucial victory.

A win for New York makes this a best-of-three series with home court advantage, but a loss means the Knicks will need to win three straight. After coming up just shy in Games 2 and 3, I expect the Knicks to play with urgency and get the job done on the road before coming back to the Garden.

This hasn’t been a high-scoring series, but the point totals keep creeping down, and we can find value in the Over. Three of six games between these teams have gone for at least 215 points, and two more went for 213.

Game 3 totaled 217 points despite two of New York’s starters combining for just two points. I’ll bet the Over as New York gets back on track offensively.

Knicks vs Hawks SGP

• Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points
• Knicks -1.5
• Over 214.5

Our “from downtown” SGP: Villanova Three!

Josh Hart finished with just two points on 1-of-9 shooting in Game 3, and he’s got to be more productive. Improved scoring from New York’s starters is crucial, as the Knicks have lost two straight games by just one point.

Hart scored 12+ in 18 of 33 road games in the regular season, and he’s due for a bounce-back performance in a critical Game 4.

Mikal Bridges has scored 21 total points on 8-of-22 shooting through the first three games of this series. That’s dreadful for a guy who was brought in to be the missing piece on a contending team.

Bridges logged only 21 minutes in Game 3 in favor of Miles McBride (15 points), and I expect the benching and poor performance to motivate him in Saturday’s high-stakes matchup.

Knicks vs Hawks SGP

• Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points
• Knicks -1.5
• Josh Hart Over 11.5 points
• Mikal Bridges Over 10.5 points

Knicks vs Hawks odds for Game 4

• Spread: Knicks -1.5 (-115) | Hawks +1.5 (+105)
• Moneyline: Knicks -130 | Hawks +110
• Over/Under: Over 214.5 | Under 214.5

Knicks vs Hawks betting trend to know

The New York Knicks have hit the 4Q Moneyline in 35 of their last 50 games (+19.90 Units / 27% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Hawks.

How to watch Knicks vs Hawks Game 4

Knicks vs Hawks latest injuries

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Pistons-Magic takeaways: It looks like we're in for a long series, folks

Game 3 of the first-round series between the Pistons and Magic on Saturday was unquestionably the best one yet, as the two squads could not have looked more equal down the stretch. 

The Magic seemed to have control of the game up until the fourth quarter, but ultimately relinquished their lead, which led to an absolute dog fight till the end. 

Through stellar play from Wendell Carter Jr. (14 points, 17 rebounds), and seven 3-pointers from Desmond Bane, the Magic walked away with a 113-105 win and now lead the series 2-1.

Let’s get into some takeaways. 

Ausar Thompson, the versatile lob threat 

When you think of Detroit’s Ausar Thompson, you’re probably thinking of him as a lob finisher, running in transition and finishing plays over the defense. 

While that description isn’t wrong, the 6-foot-7 wing is also very capable of throwing the lob pass and the versatility was on full display to start Game 3, showcasing both skills to put Orlando’s defense on its heels. 

Orlando has struggled to keep Thompson out of the paint, failing to press up on him enough when he’s away from the basket, giving him clear and unobstructed views of passing lanes. 

Generally, the Magic can produce an effective defense, but they struggle against athletic wings who can cover a lot of ground in a short span of time. Thompson fits that bill. 

The young wing asserted himself early, and kept the Pistons close, relentlessly attacking the rim and drawing fouls, as he finished with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 blocks, 2 steals and 3 assists. 

Too much dribbling from Paolo Banchero 

It’s becoming a theme in Orlando that Paolo Banchero is overtaxed as a No. 1 option. He’s given the ball too far out of the paint and is asked to constantly initiate like he’s Nikola Jokić, which he is not. 

This isn’t on him, but rather the coaching staff, which seems to be under the impression the bulky 6-10 powerhouse doesn’t need to receive the ball as he goes downhill. 

The current setup leads to too many turnovers, suboptimal scoring position, low shooting efficiency and him becoming less of a factor. 

Fortunately, it didn’t cost Orlando in Game 3. But his raw line of 25 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists was offset by a 6-of-17 shooting performance. 

Worst-“Cade” scenario for the first three quarters 

Look, Cade Cunningham can have nights where he looks like a future MVP and a top-five guy in the league. 

But he’ll blend in games like these, entering the fourth quarter with five made field goals on 17 attempts and eight turnovers, ultimately forcing the Pistons to play catch-up. (Orlando was up 17 points at one point.) 

Cunningham finished with 27 points and turned on the jets in the fourth quarter, quieting the skeptics for a bit, but the issue remains. 

If he has ambitions of a Finals run, Cunningham needs to set the tone and not allow the Pistons to fall into a hole. Relying on come-from-behind runs is too often a fool’s errand, and it’s an entirely unreliable approach in the postseason.