Conference Finals Underway: Celtics and Mavericks One Game Away from NBA Finals
The 2024 NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks are both on the verge of reaching the NBA Finals. The Celtics, who hold a 3-0 series lead over the Indiana Pacers, will try to complete the sweep on Monday night in Indiana, where the Pacers have just suffered their first defeat of the postseason. The top-seeded Celtics have shown their resilience in coming back from an 18-point deficit and are just one win away from their second NBA Finals appearance in three years.
No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a best-of-seven playoff series, making the Celtics’ performance even more remarkable.
Meanwhile, the Western Conference finals have shifted to Dallas, where the Mavericks, led by star player Luka Dončić, have taken a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves, who are the third seed in the West, now face a must-win situation while the Mavericks are just one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011.
Regardless of which team ultimately wins the 2024 NBA title, it will mark the sixth consecutive year that the league has a different champion, a feat that hasn’t been achieved since the late 1970s.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
The playoff field started with 20 teams, and now only four remain in contention. The likes of the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and Chicago Bulls were eliminated in the Play-In Tournament, while the New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Orlando Magic were all eliminated in the first round. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, and Denver Nuggets were the latest teams to be sent home in the second round.
Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule and results for all the playoff games. All games airing on ABC, ESPN, and NBA TV can also be streamed on fuboTV for those who have a subscription.
Monday’s Playoff Schedule:
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Game 4: Pacers vs. Celtics, 8:00 PM ET, ESPN/fuboTV – Boston leads 3-0
See below for a look at the complete playoff bracket as it stands.
2024 NBA Playoff Bracket:
Kosport Magazine presents: rnrn
Upcoming NBA playoffs schedule
The NBA playoffs are in full swing and the competition is heating up as teams battle it out for a chance to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy. The first round provided some exciting matchups and upsets, but the conference finals are shaping up to be even more intense. Here’s the schedule for the upcoming games, including where and when you can catch them:
Game 4: Mavericks vs. Timberwolves – Tuesday, May 28, 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT
This is a critical game for both teams as they try to gain an edge in the series. The Mavericks have been dominating so far, but the Timberwolves will be looking to bounce back and even the score.
Game 5*: Celtics vs. Pacers – Wednesday, May 29, 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/fubo
The Celtics and Pacers have been going back and forth in their series, and this game could be the deciding factor. Will the Celtics continue their dominance or will the Pacers pull off an upset?
Game 5*: Timberwolves vs. Mavericks – Thursday, May 30, 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Another crucial game for these two teams. The Mavericks will be looking to secure their spot in the next round, while the Timberwolves will try to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Game 6*: Pacers vs. Celtics – Friday, May 31, 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/fubo
The pressure is on for both teams in this game as it could potentially be the last one of the series. Will the Celtics close it out or will the Pacers force a Game 7?
Game 6*: Mavericks vs. Timberwolves – Saturday, June 1, 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Game 6 could be the deciding factor for this series, as the Mavericks will try to punch their ticket to the next round while the Timberwolves will fight for a chance to stay alive.
Game 7*: Celtics vs. Pacers – Sunday, June 2, 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/fubo
If the series goes to Game 7, it will surely be an intense battle for a spot in the conference finals. Both teams will give it their all, but only one can move on.
Game 7*: Timberwolves vs. Mavericks – Monday, June 3, 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT
Another Game 7, another do-or-die situation for these two teams. The stakes are high and the competition will be fierce.
NBA Finals Game 1 – Thursday, June 6, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC/fubo
The NBA Finals are finally here and the top teams from both conferences will go head to head for the championship. The first game is sure to be an exciting one.
NBA Finals Game 2 – Sunday, June 9, 8 p.m. ET on ABC/fubo
The second game of the NBA Finals will showcase the best of the best in a highly anticipated matchup. Don’t miss it.
NBA Finals Game 3 – Wednesday, June 12, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC/fubo
Game 3 could potentially be a turning point in the series as both teams jockey for position and try to gain an advantage.
NBA Finals Game 4 – Friday, June 14, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC/fubo
The action is sure to heat up in this game as the teams battle it out for a chance to take the lead in the series.
NBA Finals Game 5* – Monday, June 17, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC/fubo
If necessary, Game 5 will be another crucial matchup as one team looks to take control and the other fights to stay alive.
NBA Finals Game 6* – Thursday, June 20, 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC/fubo
The pressure will be on for both teams in this game, as they try to secure the win and claim the championship.
NBA Finals Game 7* – Sunday, June 23, 8 p.m. ET on ABC/fubo
If the series goes to Game 7, it will be the ultimate showdown with everything on the line. Don’t miss it.
Kosport Magazine’s Take
The NBA playoffs always bring a thrill to the season, and this year is no different. With great matchups and talented teams competing for the title, the stage is set for an epic battle in the conference finals and NBA Finals. The schedule is packed with exciting games, so make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
Conference Finals Scores
Celtics vs. Pacers
- Game 1: Celtics 133, Pacers 128 (OT)
- Game 2: Celtics 126, Pacers 110
- Game 3: Celtics 114, Pacers 111
- Game 4: Celtics vs. Pacers – In Progress
Timberwolves vs. Mavericks
- Game 1: Mavericks 108, Timberwolves 105
- Game 2: Mavericks 109, Timberwolves 108
- Game 3: Mavericks 116, Timberwolves 107
- Game 4: Timberwolves vs. Mavericks – In Progress
Second-Round Scores
Celtics vs. Cavaliers
- Game 1: Celtics 120, Cavaliers 95
- Game 2: Cavaliers 118, Celtics 94
- Game 3: Celtics 106, Cavaliers 93
- Game 4: Celtics 109, Cavaliers 102
- Game 5: Celtics 113, Cavaliers 98
(Boston wins series 4-1)
Kings vs. Pacers
- Game 1: Kings 121, Pacers 117
- Game 2: Kings 130, Pacers 121
- Game 3: Pacers 111, Kings 106
- Game 4: Pacers 121, Kings 89
- Game 5: Kings 121, Pacers 91
- Game 6: Pacers 116, Kings 103
- Game 7: Pacers 130, Kings 109
(Indiana wins series 4-3)
Thunder vs. Mavericks
- Game 1: Thunder 117, Mavericks 95
- Game 2: Mavericks 119, Thunder 110
- Game 3: Mavericks 105, Thunder 101
- Game 4: Thunder 100, Mavericks 96
- Game 5: Mavericks 104, Thunder 92
- Game 6: Mavericks 117, Thunder 116
(Dallas wins series 4-2)
Nuggets vs. Timberwolves
- Game 1: Nuggets 126, Timberwolves 106
- Game 2: Nuggets 101, Timberwolves
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
The NBA playoffs are in full swing and the first round has already been filled with plenty of surprises. From dominant performances to unexpected upsets, Kosport Magazine takes a look at some of the key matchups and outcomes from the first round.
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets
In a hard-fought series, the Timberwolves came out on top against the Nuggets, winning the series 4-3. After a back-and-forth battle, Minnesota was able to secure the win with a 98-90 victory in Game 7. The duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Jimmy Butler proved to be too much for the Nuggets to handle, as they took control of the series.
Celtics vs. Heat
The Celtics made quick work of the Heat, dominating the series with a 4-1 win. Led by All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker, Boston showed why they are one of the top teams in the league. Even without the injured Gordon Hayward, the Celtics were able to cruise past the Heat and advance to the second round.
Knicks vs. 76ers
Despite a valiant effort from the 76ers, the Knicks were able to come out on top with a 4-2 series win. Led by veteran Derrick Rose and rising star RJ Barrett, New York proved that they are a team to be reckoned with. The 76ers put up a tough fight, but ultimately fell short against the determined Knicks.
Bucks vs. Pacers
In a closely contested series, the Pacers were able to edge out the Bucks with a 4-2 win. Despite the efforts of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Pacers’ balanced scoring attack was able to overcome Milwaukee’s star power. This marks a disappointing end to the Bucks’ season, as they had high expectations coming into the playoffs.
Cavaliers vs. Magic
In one of the more exciting series of the first round, the Cavaliers were able to come out on top with a 4-3 series win over the Magic. The duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis proved to be too much for Orlando to handle, as they will now advance to the second round. It was a hard-fought battle, but the Cavaliers ultimately prevailed.
Thunder vs. Pelicans
The Thunder dominated the Pelicans in a series sweep, advancing to the second round with a perfect 4-0 record. Led by the dynamic duo of Russell Westbrook and Paul George, Oklahoma City proved why they are a top team in the league. The Pelicans put up a good fight, but were no match for the Thunder’s talent.
Nuggets vs. Lakers
In a surprisingly one-sided series, the Nuggets dominated the Lakers with a 4-1 win. Led by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, Denver was firing on all cylinders and easily took care of the talented Lakers. This marks a disappointing end to LeBron James’ first season with the Lakers, as they will now have to regroup and prepare for next year.
Timberwolves vs. Suns
The Timberwolves made quick work of the Suns, sweeping the series with a 4-0 record. Led by the explosive duo of Towns and Butler, Minnesota showed why they are a top team in the league and are a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. The Suns put up a good fight, but ultimately fell short against the dominant Timberwolves.
Clippers vs. Mavericks
In a thrilling series, the Mavericks were able to come out on top with a 4-2 win over the Clippers. Led by young superstar Luka Doncic and veteran Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas put on a show and knocked out the heavily favored Clippers. This marks a disappointing end to the season for the Clippers, who had high hopes coming into the playoffs.
Kosport Magazine is excited to see how the rest of the playoffs unfold and which teams will ultimately come out on top. With plenty of exciting matchups and surprising outcomes, the rest of the playoffs are sure to be filled with intense action and unforgettable moments.
