All 4 NBA second-round playoff collection noticed the decrease seed wrestle away home-court benefit after two street video games.
The query then turned: How most of the eight remaining title contenders—proper then and there—would say, “We’ll take a break up,” in Video games 3 and 4 of the best-of-seven collection?
In fact, no one would ever say that. However you recognize some have been considering it.
In reality, greater than most ratings-crazed broadcasters would lead you to consider.
Let’s play the thoughts recreation …
Pacers vs. Cavaliers
Cavaliers: Right here’s probably the most overused time period at playoff time: must-win. Simply since you’re down 2-0 doesn’t imply you’re in a must-win. And simply since you’re tied and even up 2-0 doesn’t imply you aren’t.
The Cavaliers, in a 2-0 gap, didn’t have to win Recreation 3. In reality, you might need observed far much less confidence emanating from the house workforce’s bench. That’s as a result of Cleveland didn’t actually need it.
The Cavs are the higher workforce. They understand it. They’ve simply been a little bit banged up. The longer the collection, the higher for them.
So, splitting video games in Indiana could be simply positive. Get to Recreation 5, then be a heavy favourite in every remaining recreation. However they a minimum of wanted to separate Video games 3 and 4 first—and now they’ve performed that.
Pacers: Clearly, they’d now love a break up at house. However that’s actually no totally different than their perspective coming into Recreation 3.
They only wanted to keep away from throwing again their complete benefit by getting swept in Nap City. They will nonetheless keep away from that by profitable Recreation 4. A must-win? No. Let’s label it: Actually, Actually Gotta Have It (RRGHI).
Knicks vs. Celtics
Might 7, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics ahead Jayson Tatum (0) and guard Derrick White (9) defend towards New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) within the second quarter throughout recreation two of the second spherical for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Backyard. Necessary Credit score: David Butler II-Imagn Photos Celtics: Just like the Cavaliers, they simply have to get again house with the collection nonetheless alive. The Celtics stay the cream of the East, and precedence one is demonstrating it in New York.
A win in both recreation at Madison Sq. Backyard would ship a message—and that’s all of the Celtics have to do. They will fear about getting even within the collection once they return for Recreation 6. By then, the Celtics can have the Knicks quivering of their boots.
And don’t rely out the potential of 0-3 changing into 4-0. The Celtics have been there earlier than, solely to lose Recreation 7. In the event that they get there once more, rely on the outcome being totally different.
Knicks: They’ve 5 photographs to beat the Celtics twice. There’s no manner they’d settle for a break up in these subsequent two house video games, realizing they’d go away themselves with simply three probabilities to get the clincher—two of which might be in Boston.
It’s very attainable the Knicks will take extra of a way of goal into Recreation 3 than the Celtics. They RRGHI Recreation 3, whereas Boston wants both Recreation 3 or 4. To date, the outcomes have been fluky. Recreation 3 is New York’s likelihood to show it belongs. In any other case, the Knicks might be 4 straight losses.
Nuggets vs. Thunder
Might 7, 2025; Oklahoma Metropolis, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder ahead Chet Holmgren (7) shoots a 3 level basket as Denver Nuggets middle Nikola Jokic (15) defends within the first quarter throughout recreation two of the second spherical for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Middle. Necessary Credit score: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Photos Thunder: The 2 Western collection entered Recreation 3 in the identical state of affairs: The favourite feeling they let one get away and realizing they wanted to get one again. One. Only one.
Friday’s loss at Denver did nothing to change the Thunder’s considering. They didn’t play their greatest recreation within the street opener, however nothing’s misplaced. A win in Recreation 4 would accomplish their process—and certain grease their path to the NBA Finals.
Nuggets: Two groups flew house from Recreation 3 needing a house sweep: the Knicks and Nuggets. A break up could be higher than shedding two, however seemingly wouldn’t be sufficient towards the convention heavyweight.
The Nuggets received Recreation 3, however once more, nothing has modified. Recreation 4 is a RRGHI. However now the Thunder have a cause to point out up, too, so it’ll be tougher. Sure, tougher than an time beyond regulation win. Benefit: Thunder.
Warriors vs. Timberwolves
Might 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Golden State Warriors ahead Draymond Inexperienced (23) drives to the basket previous Minnesota Timberwolves ahead Jaden McDaniels (3) within the second half throughout recreation two of the second spherical for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Goal Middle. Necessary Credit score: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Photos Timberwolves: There’s completely little question each groups would soar on the alternative to seize a break up within the two upcoming video games in San Francisco.
The Timberwolves’ rationale: It could erase the sting of the Recreation 1 loss and put them again within the critical favourite’s position. In the event that they lose two video games out West towards a Warriors workforce with out Stephen Curry … it’s emotionally over.
Warriors: The Warriors are just like the Cavaliers—the longer the collection goes, the higher their probabilities. And it’s for a similar cause: well being. Stephen Curry’s well being.
Finally, Golden State will want Curry to win this collection. A break up would enable him to take Recreation 5 off, knock off some rust at house in a possible series-tying Recreation 6 after which placed on the hero’s cape as soon as once more in Recreation 7. If this collection goes seven … Golden State ought to plan on flying straight to Oklahoma.