NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
**Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Watch Live on ESPN)**
**Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks (6:00 ET on ESPN)**
**Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers (8:30 ET on ESPN)**
**Current Score: Clippers 35, Nuggets 27**
Despite playing away from home and at a higher elevation, the Clippers are holding their own in Denver, showcasing a solid first quarter. James Harden is notably on fire, contributing 15 points in the first quarter with impressive shooting, making 6 of 11 attempts.
The Clippers’ frontcourt, led by Ivica Zubac, has managed to stifle Nikola Jokić’s performance, limiting him to just seven points, three rebounds, and two assists so far. While this is still a commendable first quarter for Jokić, he is typically expected to perform at a higher level, having averaged a triple-double for the season.
Tune in now on ESPN for live updates.
**DERRICK JONES JR. WITH THE BLOCK 🚫 HAIL MARY THREE FROM JAMES HARDEN 👌**
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The Indiana Pacers dominated the opening game of their series against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, leading by as much as 28 points and never relinquishing their advantage after the early moments of the first quarter.
This performance was a true team effort for the Pacers, with four starters and two bench players reaching double-digit scoring. Pascal Siakam topped the scoring chart with 25 points, while Tyrese Haliburton added a solid contribution with 10 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds.
Although the Bucks narrowed the deficit to 12 points in the late fourth quarter, both teams tightened their defenses. The score remained static at 107-95 from the 5:24 mark until the 1:59 mark. The Pacers finished strong, scoring 10 of the last 13 points of the game, firmly asserting their defensive dominance as the match concluded.
**Stepback to Beat the Shot Clock 🚨**
**Myles Turner drills a clutch three-pointer in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 15 points.**
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The Pacers have taken a 1-0 lead in the series against the Bucks, with Game 2 scheduled for 7:00 ET on Tuesday in Indianapolis.
The Bucks began the fourth quarter with a 9-0 run to trim the Pacers’ lead to 12 points with five minutes remaining. AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr. both connected on long-range shots to ignite this run.
As the game enters its final stages in Indy, the tension is palpable. Don’t miss the live coverage on ESPN.
**GIANNIS HAS 36 POINTS 👀**
**The Bucks are pushing for a fourth-quarter comeback in Game 1, live on ESPN!**
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The matchup between the Nuggets and Clippers kicks off the first round of the 4 vs. 5 series in the West on Saturday afternoon. The two squads concluded the season on dramatically different paths: the Clippers surged to the five seed with an impressive eight-game winning streak, while the Nuggets faced challenges in April that led to a coaching change. Nevertheless, Denver bounced back with three consecutive wins over playoff-bound teams as the playoffs approached.
The regular-season series between these teams ended in a split, with both sides winning two games each. However, that series wrapped up on January 8, and both teams have transformed significantly since. Kawhi Leonard was just beginning to reintegrate into the lineup during those encounters and didn’t take part in any of the four regular-season matchups.
For more insights, check out our **Nuggets versus Clippers series preview** containing key stats and narratives.
The Clippers field a starting lineup that features Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac. Having finished the regular season on a high note, the question remains whether the Clippers can maintain this momentum through the playoffs.
**Starting 5⃣ vs. @nuggets**
🏀 James Harden
🏀 Kris Dunn
🏀 Norman Powell
🏀 Kawhi Leonard
🏀 Ivica Zubac
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Jamal Murray is ready to play for the Nuggets. After missing some time at the season’s close, he concluded his last two regular-season games with 15 and 16 points, respectively.
**Starting 🖐 #MileHighPlayoffs**
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**Pacers Lead Bucks 93-76**
The Bucks have put in the effort, narrowing the Pacers’ substantial 24-point halftime lead with a strong third quarter, yet they still find themselves facing a 17-point deficit as the fourth quarter approaches.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is keeping Milwaukee competitive with 31 points and 10 rebounds, while Kevin Porter has added a valuable scoring boost from the bench with 12 points in 18 minutes.
However, Indiana is getting significant contributions from multiple players. Four members of the Pacers have reached double figures, and Tyrese Haliburton has recorded 10 assists.
**OBI LEADS THE BREAK 💥**
**Indiana is rolling in Game 1!**
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The **Knicks vs. Pistons** first-round series will commence at 6:00 ET on Saturday, available on ESPN.
The Knicks came into the season having won 15 consecutive games against the Pistons, yet this year’s Detroit team is a formidable opponent, winning 3 out of 4 meetings with New York.
This intriguing matchup highlights the Knicks’ playoff experience compared to the Pistons, many of whom are experiencing postseason play for the first time. The Knicks have made the playoffs in four of the last five years, including three consecutive seasons, while Detroit hasn’t made an appearance since 2019.
To enhance their playoff success, the Knicks acquired Karl-Anthony Towns this season, and this move proved beneficial as they achieved 51 wins, their highest number since 2013. However, the focus for New York now shifts entirely toward what lies ahead in the playoffs.
While the Pistons might lack experience, they more than compensate with youthful energy and athletic talent, led by Cade Cunningham, who ranked in the top ten for points per game (26.1) and assists per game (9.1).
This sets the stage for a captivating series between two franchises at different stages in their competitive journeys. For additional stats and details, check our **Knicks vs. Pistons series preview**.
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**Pacers Lead Bucks 67-43 at Halftime**
Indiana is kicking off its playoff journey with a flourish, building a massive 24-point halftime lead against division rival Milwaukee.
Tyrese Haliburton is orchestrating the offense, recording seven assists in 18 minutes while creating open looks for his teammates.
Andrew Nembhard is leading the scoring for Indiana with 15 points (7-8 FG) in just 15 minutes. Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin have added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
**Andrew Nembhard from DOWNTOWN to end the half! 🤑**
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Giannis Antetokounmpo has been exceptional with 19 points and five rebounds, but no other Buck has surpassed six points at this stage.
Stay tuned for the second half on ESPN.
**Pascal Siakam matched up against Giannis Antetokounmpo in the post and scored a tough bucket, bringing his first-half total to 12 points. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo has responded with 18, but the Pacers continue to extend their lead as halftime nears in Indy.**
**Siakam is putting in work. 😤**
**MIL-IND | Game 1 live on ESPN**
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Milwaukee’s Ryan Rollins opened the scoring for the Bucks with a crafty layup amidst traffic.
**Rollins with a great drive marks the first points of the postseason.**
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Giannis Antetokounmpo has six quick points to start. However, the Pacers are taking control, shooting 75% from the field and leading 15-8.
Familiarity breeds intensity in the contest between the **Pacers and Bucks**, both hailing from the Central Division. The Bucks had the upper hand in the regular season, winning 3 out of 4 contests against the Pacers with an average margin of victory of nine points.
The series begins with the Bucks missing Damian Lillard, although he has recently been cleared for basketball activities following treatment for deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.
Unsurprisingly, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be pivotal for either team in this series. He has scored 30 or more points in each of Milwaukee’s three victories against the Pacers during the regular season and was held to just 19 points in their solitary loss.
For further storyline updates, check out our **Pacers-Bucks series preview** as the matchups unfold.
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**Game 1 Starters**
