NBA: Pacers and Champs advance, fireworks in Denver and New York
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 30.04.25. | 10:04
Indiana and Boston are through to the Eastern Conference semi-finals, brushing aside the Bucks and Magic, respectively, while the Nuggets and the Pistons noted vital wins last night, though the series are still open
In one of the rare NBA playoff nights with four games, we got the two participants of the Eastern Conference semi-finals - the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics. Elsewhere, the Knicks failed to knock the Pistons out in Madison Square Garden, while Denver took the lead in the series against the Clippers.
An insane morning of #NBAPlayoffs action saw the @celtics and @Pacers book their Conference Semifinal spots, while the @nuggets and @DetroitPistons also came away with crucial wins! 🤩#DontMissAThing pic.twitter.com/elKCisVnWj
— NBA India (@NBAIndia) April 30, 2025
But, first things first...
The Pacers and the Celtics became the second and third teams in the Eastern Conference semi-finals - after Cleveland - knocking out the Bucks and the Magic, respectively, 4-1 in the series.
Indiana beat Milwaukee 119-118 after overtime, thanks to Tyrese Haliburton's winner seconds before the end. He was the most efficient in the home team with 26 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo's "monstrous" triple-double (30 points, 20 rebounds, 13 assists) couldn't have helped Milwaukee to avoid elimination.
In the playoff semis, Indiana will face the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The reigning champions, the Boston Celtics, crushed Orlando in TD Garden 120-89, behind Jayson Tatum's 35 points and now they can peacefully wait for the denouement of the series between New York and Detroit.
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The Knicks had the first "match point" in front of their own fans, but fell short, losing to Pistons 106-103. Despite having as many as six double-digit players, New York's key players' poor shooting percentage ultimately cost them a victory.
As for Detroit, Cade Cunningham once more stood out with 24 points, though he'll have to be exceptional again in two days when the Pistons must defend their home court and secure the decisive Game 7.
In the only Western Conference clash, the Denver Nuggets beat the LA Clippers in Colorado 131-115 and turned the series over, taking a 3-2 lead. Nikola Jokic noted another triple-double (13 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists), though his display was subpar. Luckily for him and the Nuggets, Jamal Murray reminded everyone of his glorious days, pouring on 43 points.
The series now moves to LA, where the Clippers will be in a "win or go home" situation.
NBA PLAYOFFS
Eastern Conference
Wednesday
Indiana Pacers - Milwaukee Bucks 119-118 AOT
/Haliburton 26 - Trent 33/
Indiana win the series 4-1
New York Knicks - Detroit Pistons 103-106
/Anunoby 19 - Cunningham 24/
New York lead 3-2 in the series
Boston Celtics - Orlando Magic 120-89
/Tatum 35 - Wagner F. 25/
Boston win the series 4-1
Western Conference
Wednesday
Denver Nuggets - Los Angeles Clippers 131-115
/Murray 43 - Zubac 27/
Denver lead 3-2 in the series
Thursday
02:30: (1.60) Houston (13.0) Golden State (2.60)
Golden State lead 3-1 in the series
05:00: (1.50) LA Lakers (13.0) Minnesota (2.95)
Minnesota lead 3-1 in the series
***odds are subject to change***
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