NBA Playoff Schedule 2018: TV, Live-Stream Coverage for Tuesday's Semis
The first round of the 2018 NBA playoffs did not disappoint.
The Boston Celtics defied the naysayers who counted them out, the New Orleans Pelicans shocked everyone by sweeping the Portland Trailblazers and the Indiana Pacers, thanks to burgeoning superstar Victor Oladipo, took the Cleveland Cavaliers to the wire.
It took LeBron James imposing his will on Game 7 for his Cavs to advance.
In 43 minutes, the King posted 45 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and four steals to help Cleveland secure the 105-101 victory it needed to move on to face the Toronto Raptors, who are looking to finally win a playoff series against James and Co.
And now, the Association is in the throes of the semifinals.
Today's slate of games includes Game 1 between the Cavs and the Raptors and Game 2 of the Golden State Warriors and the Pelicans.
The details for catching the games via television or streaming service are available below.
TV and Live-Stream for Tuesday's Semifinal Matchups
No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers at No. 1 Toronto Raptors | 0-0 | 8 p.m. | TNT | TNTDrama.com
No. 6 New Orleans Pelicans at No. 2 Golden State Warriors | GSW 1-0 | 10:30 p.m. | TNT | TNTDrama.com
Game Predictions
Raptors win Game 1
While James said he was tired after Game 7 against the Pacers, the Raptors aren't buying it and will approach the game with the same vengeful intensity they intended to.
"I'm not saying he's a lying man, but I don't think he's tired," Raptors head coach Dwane Casey said, per Lori Ewing of the Canadian Press (h/t North Shore News). "He's been through too many of these and he's professional enough to know how to buy time or save energy or whatever it is. We're going into it and approach it like it's a fresh James in those situations."
Simply put, Toronto has a score to settle with James and the rest of the Cavs.
They have been knocked out of the postseason by Cleveland for the last two years, including a sweep last year. They are determined to avoid making it three Ls in a row.
The odds have the Raptors coming out of the Eastern Conference, and if they want to realize that goal, they'll have to protect home court and take a 1-0 series lead.
Warriors protect home court
Golden State is already firing on all cylinders, but if Stephen Curry does return to action for Game 2, it will give them enough of a boost to blow the roof off Oracle Arena.
Game 1 was a blowout in favor of the Dubs, and although the Pelicans will make adjustments, they won't be able to stop the champs, who, in addition to returning to form, are having loads of fun playing basketball again.
"The way we play with Steph on the floor, it's more easygoing, it's more joyful," Draymond Green said, per Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle. "We make more spectacular plays without even trying to."
Even if head coach Steve Kerr decides to rest Curry one more game, the roar of the home crowd will still be enough to motivate Golden State to take a 2-0 series lead to New Orleans.
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