OKLAHOMA CITY โ As the stakes rise in the NBA playoffs, both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in must-win situations as they prepare for their respective Game 5 matchups in the conference semifinals on Tuesday night. Having secured the best regular-season records, both teams now face the challenge of maintaining their momentum against formidable opponents.
The Thunder, after clinching a vital 92-87 win at Denver on Sunday, succeeded in leveling their Western Conference series at two games each. After narrowly losing Game 1 due to a last-second shot and falling again in overtime in Game 3, this victory marks their first close win of the series. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander noted the unpredictability of the series, emphasizing their persistence and ability to finish strong. โI think we fought, stayed the course, played the game,โ he said about their determination and adaptability.
Returning to their home court, where they achieved a franchise-record 68-14 season, the Thunder aim to capitalize on this advantage. However, any misstep could result in returning to Denver at a disadvantage. Thunder forward Chet Holmgren underscored the ongoing intensity of the series, stating, โI mean thereโs no relief at all. Itโs still a really competitive series with a good team on the other side.โ
In the Eastern Conference, the top-seeded Cavaliers, who finished the regular season with a 64-18 record, are on the brink of elimination after suffering a 129-109 defeat at Indiana, putting them behind 3-1 in the series. As the Pacers, last seasonโs Eastern Conference finalists, aim to finish strong, their focus remains unwavering. โYouโve got to be able to go into hostile territory and be able to stay focused,โ Pacers center Myles Turner remarked.
The Cavaliers-Pacers Game 5 kicks off at 7 p.m. EDT, with Cleveland given a 7.5-point edge according to BetMGM Sportsbook. However, uncertainty looms over the availability of Cavaliersโ All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who sustained a left ankle injury during Game 4. Limited to just 12 points and sitting out the second half, Mitchellโs potential absence poses a challenge after his impressive performances in Games 2 and 3. Though Darius Garland scored 21 points in the previous outing, his ongoing recovery from a toe injury will be pivotal as well. Indiana, who has won twice before in Cleveland, boasts a successful road record in this yearโs playoffs and matched an NBA playoff record with a 41-point halftime lead in Game 4.
Game 5 between the Thunder and Nuggets is slated for 9:30 p.m. EDT. The Thunder enter as favorites with a 9.5-point margin according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Oklahoma City has managed to restrict Denverโs Nikola Jokic more effectively than most teams have. Jokic, a three-time league MVP, has averaged just 21.3 points per game in his last three outings, grappling with fouls and shooting difficulties. Oklahoma Cityโs Jaylin Williams, a backup center, has been instrumental in containing Jokic. Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander has been formidable at home, averaging 33.5 points and shooting an impressive 59%, a sharp contrast to his road game struggles.