The Pistons played a complete four quarters to take a 2-0 series lead over the Cavaliers. The Thunder defeated the Reaves lead Lakers to stay perfect in the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The 76ers look to snag game three to avoid essentially being eliminated after just three games. The Timberwolves and Spurs go to battle for the series advantage tonight. Let's talk about all of it!
Thursday Night Games
Detroit Pistons DEF Cleveland Cavaliers 107-97 (DET Leads Series 2-0)
The Cavaliers made the first basket of the game, a three pointer by Dean Wade. That three point lead lasted twenty two seconds and they wouldn't lead again until the start of the fourth quarter. That lead only lasted twenty one seconds. Those forty three seconds were the only time the Cavaliers knew a lead. The other forty seven minutes the Pistons either lead or were tied. A complete game from the Pistons from start to finish. Donovan Mitchell lead all scorers with thirty one points. but that wasn't enough. The Pistons spread the wealth and had four starters in double figures. The fifth starter, Jalen Duran, still made his presence felt with out scoring double digits. He pulled in ten rebounds, three more than the next closest on either team. The series moves back to Cleveland Saturday afternoon. While not technically a must win, it is a must win. You can dig out of a 3-1 hole, but you can't come back from 3-0. Must win Saturday for Cleveland.
Oklahoma City Thunder DEF Los Angeles Lakers 125-107 (OKC Leads Series 2-0)
What the Thunder have been able to do the last three playoffs is nothing short of outstanding. They have a record of 28-11 in the last three playoffs, winning the title last season, and being the heavy favorite to repeat this season. They also are yet to lose this playoffs and I am not sure they lose a game this entire series. The odds for the Thunder through the playoffs look like this.
| Thunder to Sweep Lakers: -135 |
| Thunder to Win Series: -3000 |
| Thunder to Win Western Conference: -260 |
| Thunder to Win Finals: -170 |
The next closest team in title odds is the San Antonio Spurs at +425. They are currently tied at one game a piece with the Timberwolves and may even lose that series. Needless to say, if the Thunder don't win the title again this season it will be a shock.
Friday Night Game 3's
New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers at - 7:00 pm EST on Prime
The 76ers look to save their season tonight. Going down 3-0 isn't the end of your season, but it is essentially a death sentence. The biggest question for the 76ers tonight is the availability of Joel Embiid. He was probable for game two but was ruled out hours before the game. He is listed as questionable for tonight's game, a step down on the injury designation scale. Like I was seeing him out for game two, I would be shocked if he isn't available tonight. Season on the line, you have to find a way onto the court tonight. In game two if Embiid was available I fully believe this series is 1-1. That said, I think he plays tonight and that impacts my prediction for tonight.
Prediction:
76ers: 104
Knicks: 101
San Antonio Spurs at Minnesota Timberwolves - 9:30 pm EST on Prime
The best series so far in the semifinal round belongs to the Wolves and Spurs. This game will be determined before it even begins. Both Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu are listed as game time decisions. Edwards was on a minutes restriction in the first two games, Dosunmu exited in the first half of game two. I think the restriction is lifted from Edwards if he plays tonight. He needs to give the Wolves thirty five or more minutes tonight. I also think Dosunmu goes and give the Wolves valuable minutes. The question being even if Edwards and Dosunmu play, will that be enough to stop Wemby and the Spurs. I think so.
Prediction:
Timberwolves: 114
Spurs: 108
Check back tomorrow for the recap of tonight's games and the look ahead at game three of the Cavaliers v Pistons and the Lakers v Thunder series!
As always Who Dey & Go Redlegs!
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