NBA Playoffs – Western Conference Semifinals
We’re down to eight teams in the NBA Playoffs. Honestly, they go on forever, but to the semifinals we go. Let’s start in the West.
Warriors vs. Lakers
It’s a classic NorCal vs. SoCal battle with the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers tied at 1-1. LA took Game 1, with the Warriors answering back with a decisive, 127-100, victory in Game 2. Game 3 heads to LA LA Land, with an 8:30 pm ET/5:30 pm PT tip off on Saturday from Crypto.com Arena on ABC.
Nuggets vs. Suns
Over in Phoenix, the Suns have a fight on their hands, as they head home down 2-0 to the Denver Nuggets. With Chris Paul still out, the Suns are going to need Kevin Durant to step up and be the KD they traded for. Tip-off is Friday at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT on ESPN/ESPN+.
Eastern Conference Semifinals
76ers vs. Celtics
Next up, we head to Philadelphia where the 76ers and the Boston Celtics are tied at one game apiece. Joel Embiid’s return for Philly in Game 2 did not stop the Celtics for running away with a 121-87 victory. Oof. Tip-off for Game 3 is at 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT from the Wells Fargo Center and is on ESPN.
Knicks vs. Heat
And in Miami, all eyes – and hopes – are on the health of Jimmy Butler’s ankle. After missing Game 2 with a sprained ankle, Butler is “planning to play” in Game 3. Butler had an epic Game 1 performance and Miami needs a healthy Butler. The series is tied at 1-1, with the game tipping off at 3:30 pm ET/12:30 pm PT from the Kaseya Center on ABC.
Dodgers at Padres
It might only be May, but the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers begin the first of two series in 10 days this weekend. With the two teams projected to be in a battle for the NL West all season long, these six games matter, like a lot.
The Dodgers’ 19-13 recording currently leads the division, while the Padres are two games back at 17-15. The Padres need Juan Soto, Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. to play as such, while the Dodgers will look to Max Muncy, Mookie Betts and James Outman to continue their clutch offensive performances.
Both teams have rotational concerns, but Friday’s Game 1 features Clayton Kershaw and his 1.89 ERA for the boys in blue, and Yu Darvish for San Diego.
Stanley Cup Playoffs Weekend Schedule
Friday
New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes, 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on TNT, Carolina leads 1-0
Saturday
Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights, 7 pm ET/4 pm PT on TNT, Vegas leads 1-0
Sunday
Carolina Hurricanes at New Jersey Devils, 3:30 pm ET/12:30 pm PT on TBS
Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers, 6:30 pm ET/3:30 PT on TBS, Florida leads 2-0
Dallas Stars at Seattle Kraken, 9:30 pm ET/6:30 pm PT on TBS, Series tied 1-1
Vince Velasquez
The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed RHP Vince Velasquez on the 15-day IL with inflammation in his right elbow. The injury occurred in the ninth inning of Thursday’s 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.
In his first seven games with the Pirates, Velasquez is 4-3 with a 3.06 ERA.