Three of the eight first-round NBA playoff series are done and dusted as the Celtics, Raptors, and Heat all took care of business in Game 4.
Three more series are now on the verge of coming to an end as the two No. 1 seeds — the Bucks and Lakers — and the Jazz look to close out their respective foes in Game 5.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks and Clippers continue their exciting playoff battle, while the Rockets look to regain control of their series against the resurgent Thunder.
SBOTOP takes a look at the five remaining first-round series ahead of their all-important Game 5s.
Utah Jazz vs Denver Nuggets
The Jazz have simply had the Nuggets’ number all series long. Utah have scored at least 124 points in all four of the games, which is why they hold a commanding 3-1 lead.
Not even Jamal Murray’s stunning 50-point performance was enough for the Nuggets to tie the series up in Game 4. That’s because Donovan Mitchell one-upped him with 51 points, his second 50-point explosion of the series after he had 57 in Game 1. Mike Conley also remained hot as he scored 26 points on 8-of-13 shooting in his second game back.
The Denver defence just has no answers for the Jazz in this series. It will take another offensive explosion for the Nuggets to make things competitive, but it’s unlikely Murray has another performance close to what he had in Game 4. That should allow the Jazz to close this series out in five games.
Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers
The Clippers are in a much tougher fight than they anticipated against the Mavs. Luka Doncic’s masterful Game 4 performance — which included the clutch game-winning buzzer-beater in overtime — has tied up the series at two games apiece.
The Clippers clearly have issues at the moment. Patrick Beverley’s absence has been a big blow, particularly defensively; Montrezl Harrell is still playing his way back to full fitness; and Paul George remains on a horrific shooting slump.
Dallas have their own issues with Doncic’s sprained ankle and Porzingis’ uncertain health status. According to the latest NBA 2020 news, Porzingis will be a game-time decision to play in Game 5.
But the Mavs’ role players such as Trey Burke and Seth Curry are stepping up in a big way, which is why they still have a decent shot at making things competitive against the Clippers in Game 4.
Orlando Magic vs Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have proven that their stunning Game 1 defeat to the Orlando Magic was indeed a fluke. The East’s No. 1 seed has since won the last three games over Orlando by at least 14 points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to have his way against the Magic’s injury-ravaged frontcourt. The reigning MVP is averaging 31.3 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in the series.
And even with running mates Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe not playing at their best in the series, the Bucks have gotten more than enough production from their deep bench.
At this point, the Magic don’t have much left to play for and are about ready for their season to end. That opens the door for the Bucks to blow them out one last time and build more momentum heading into the second round.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets
After looking dead and buried against the Rockets, the Thunder have suddenly made things much more interesting. OKC have tied their series up at 2-2 after a closely contested 117-114 Game 4 win.
Once again, Dennis Schroder was the key for OKC. The Thunder sixth man led the way with 30 points while Chris Paul added 26 as they scored at least 117 points on Houston for the second straight game.
The Rockets remain without injured superstar Russell Westbrook, and it’s starting to take its toll. Houston’s role players have done well at times, but they aren’t that reliable on a game-to-game basis.
With Schroder in fine form, the Thunder have enough offensive firepower to continue to make things difficult for the Rockets in this series.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James and the Lakers are getting back to their best as they head into the second round of the playoffs. King James had his second dominant performance in a row as he had 30 points (10-12 FG) and 10 assists in just 28 minutes to lead LA to a 135-115 victory in Game 4.
The Lakers now have a commanding 3-1 series lead and look poised to close Portland out in Game 5.
The Blazers were already headed to a heavy blowout defeat before they lost superstar Damian Lillard in the third quarter with a right knee injury.
Lillard, who is also dealing with a dislocated left index finger, will still most likely try to gut it out and play in Game 5. However, he and the Blazers seem to be running out of gas while LeBron and the Lakers look like the title favourites that the NBA 2020 betting odds have them pegged as.
If the injures prevent Lillard from playing or performing at his usually high level, Portland don’t stand much of a chance of making Game 5 competitive either.
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