• The Canadian Press

    Cavaliers pull together to overcome Orlando, but challenge stiffens with top-seeded Celtics up next

    CLEVELAND (AP) — It took Donovan Mitchell's magnificence, a historic comeback and plenty of grit for the Cavaliers to escape the first round. It will take even more to go any further. Cleveland avoided a second straight first-round playoff knockout — and a potential doomsday scenario for the organization — by overcoming an 18-point deficit Sunday to beat the Orlando Magic 106-94 in Game 7. The Cavs, who turned some early boos into deafening roars at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, had little time to

  • The Canadian Press

    Boston hosts Cleveland to open second round

    Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (64-18, first in the Eastern Conference)Boston; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EDTBETMGM SPORTSBOOK: LINE Celtics -11; over/under is 208.5EASTERN CONFERENCE SECOND ROUND: Celtics host first series matchupBOTTOM LINE: The Boston Celtics host the Cleveland Cavaliers in game one of the Eastern Conference second round. Boston went 2-1 against Cleveland during the regular season. The Cavaliers won the last regular season matchup 105-10

  • The Canadian Press

    Thunder begin second round against the Mavericks

    Dallas Mavericks (50-32, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (57-25, first in the Western Conference)Oklahoma City; Tuesday, 9:30 p.m. EDTBETMGM SPORTSBOOK: LINE Thunder -3.5; over/under is 217WESTERN CONFERENCE SECOND ROUND: Thunder host first series matchupBOTTOM LINE: The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Dallas Mavericks to begin the Western Conference second round. Oklahoma City went 3-1 against Dallas during the regular season. The Thunder won the last regular season me

  • The Canadian Press

    Nuggets know physicality, stopping Edwards' supporting cast are keys to tying series with Wolves

    DENVER (AP) — The reigning NBA champions could be facing an early exit if they don't bring more urgency and physicality into their series with Minnesota. While Anthony Edwards was leading Minnesota's efficient offense, the Timberwolves' trio of towers hounded MVP favorite Nikola Jokic into 14 missed shots and seven turnovers in their 106-99 win in Game 1. The rotation of Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid confounded Jokic and underscored the Wolves' deeper bench, bigger lineup and more