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NBA Playoff Picks: Best Bets for Pistons vs Magic and Nuggets vs Timberwolves | Deadspin.com Mar 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) goes to the basket against the Phoenix Suns in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Nothing says drama quite like a No. 8 seed being up 2-1 on a No. 1 seed in the first round of the NBA Playoffs or a No. 2 seed facing elimination in Game 5. Anything can happen in the postseason, though, right? The biggest question now is what the NBA Best Bets will be for Monday’s playoff games.Will Orlando take one step closer to history? Will Minnesota make history and eliminate the Nuggets, becoming just the eighth No. 7 seed to knock off the No. 2 seed in the first round? Good questions, now let’s talk answers.Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando MagicDefensively, the Pistons are playing better than they did during the regular season. The offense just isn’t giving the defense enough help. Orlando, on the other hand, has five players averaging in double digits in the series, and the Magic are playing much better on defense in this series than they ever did during the regular season.Cade Cunningham has stepped up his game, averaging 31 points per game, but he’s not getting enough help on the scoreboard. Jalen Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game this season. He’s averaging 9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in this series.My Pick: Orlando ML at +135 (bet365)There is a chance this game will play out similarly to Game Four between the Knicks and Hawks: New York dominated and led by 21 points going into the fourth quarter before winning 114-98. But I’m not sold on the idea. Yes, Detroit has several players underperforming, but the Magic defense deserves a lot of credit for stepping up.The chance they do it again (unlike the Hawks) is good enough to make Orlando ML a solid value play. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota TimberwolvesIt is not uncommon to see a team down 3-1 and facing elimination come out strong in the elimination game and roll to an easy win. That may very well happen in this game, but not necessarily because the Nuggets get their act together and start playing as fans expect. No, it will likely be more because the Timberwolves lost Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo to injuries in Game Four.Edwards wasn’t putting up a ton of points like he often does, but he was the facilitator for the offense. So, not only will they lose his points, they’ll miss him creating shots for everyone else. His absence will also allow the Denver defense to focus a little more on Ayo Dosunmu.My Pick: UNDER 222.5 at -114 (FanDuel)I want to believe more in Denver to get it together and dominate this game and the rest of the series. While I believe they’ll win this game, I don’t have enough faith to believe they can cover a 10.5-point spread. However, the UNDER has paid off in three of four games. Minnesota’s scoring is going to slip for this game.While Denver could make up the difference and send the final score over the total, they have given us no reason in this series to believe it will happen. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #NBA #Playoff #Picks #Bets #Pistons #Magic #Nuggets #Timberwolves #Deadspin.com

NBA Playoff Picks: Best Bets for Pistons vs Magic and Nuggets vs Timberwolves | Deadspin.com
NBA Playoff Picks: Best Bets for Pistons vs Magic and Nuggets vs Timberwolves | Deadspin.com Mar 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) goes to the basket against the Phoenix Suns in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Nothing says drama quite like a No. 8 seed being up 2-1 on a No. 1 seed in the first round of the NBA Playoffs or a No. 2 seed facing elimination in Game 5. Anything can happen in the postseason, though, right? The biggest question now is what the NBA Best Bets will be for Monday’s playoff games.Will Orlando take one step closer to history? Will Minnesota make history and eliminate the Nuggets, becoming just the eighth No. 7 seed to knock off the No. 2 seed in the first round? Good questions, now let’s talk answers.Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando MagicDefensively, the Pistons are playing better than they did during the regular season. The offense just isn’t giving the defense enough help. Orlando, on the other hand, has five players averaging in double digits in the series, and the Magic are playing much better on defense in this series than they ever did during the regular season.Cade Cunningham has stepped up his game, averaging 31 points per game, but he’s not getting enough help on the scoreboard. Jalen Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game this season. He’s averaging 9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in this series.My Pick: Orlando ML at +135 (bet365)There is a chance this game will play out similarly to Game Four between the Knicks and Hawks: New York dominated and led by 21 points going into the fourth quarter before winning 114-98. But I’m not sold on the idea. Yes, Detroit has several players underperforming, but the Magic defense deserves a lot of credit for stepping up.The chance they do it again (unlike the Hawks) is good enough to make Orlando ML a solid value play. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota TimberwolvesIt is not uncommon to see a team down 3-1 and facing elimination come out strong in the elimination game and roll to an easy win. That may very well happen in this game, but not necessarily because the Nuggets get their act together and start playing as fans expect. No, it will likely be more because the Timberwolves lost Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo to injuries in Game Four.Edwards wasn’t putting up a ton of points like he often does, but he was the facilitator for the offense. So, not only will they lose his points, they’ll miss him creating shots for everyone else. His absence will also allow the Denver defense to focus a little more on Ayo Dosunmu.My Pick: UNDER 222.5 at -114 (FanDuel)I want to believe more in Denver to get it together and dominate this game and the rest of the series. While I believe they’ll win this game, I don’t have enough faith to believe they can cover a 10.5-point spread. However, the UNDER has paid off in three of four games. Minnesota’s scoring is going to slip for this game.While Denver could make up the difference and send the final score over the total, they have given us no reason in this series to believe it will happen. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #NBA #Playoff #Picks #Bets #Pistons #Magic #Nuggets #Timberwolves #Deadspin.comMar 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) goes to the basket against the Phoenix Suns in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Nothing says drama quite like a No. 8 seed being up 2-1 on a No. 1 seed in the first round of the NBA Playoffs or a No. 2 seed facing elimination in Game 5. Anything can happen in the postseason, though, right? The biggest question now is what the NBA Best Bets will be for Monday’s playoff games.

Will Orlando take one step closer to history? Will Minnesota make history and eliminate the Nuggets, becoming just the eighth No. 7 seed to knock off the No. 2 seed in the first round? Good questions, now let’s talk answers.

Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic

Defensively, the Pistons are playing better than they did during the regular season. The offense just isn’t giving the defense enough help. Orlando, on the other hand, has five players averaging in double digits in the series, and the Magic are playing much better on defense in this series than they ever did during the regular season.

Cade Cunningham has stepped up his game, averaging 31 points per game, but he’s not getting enough help on the scoreboard. Jalen Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game this season. He’s averaging 9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in this series.

My Pick: Orlando ML at +135 (bet365)

There is a chance this game will play out similarly to Game Four between the Knicks and Hawks: New York dominated and led by 21 points going into the fourth quarter before winning 114-98. But I’m not sold on the idea. Yes, Detroit has several players underperforming, but the Magic defense deserves a lot of credit for stepping up.

The chance they do it again (unlike the Hawks) is good enough to make Orlando ML a solid value play.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

It is not uncommon to see a team down 3-1 and facing elimination come out strong in the elimination game and roll to an easy win. That may very well happen in this game, but not necessarily because the Nuggets get their act together and start playing as fans expect. No, it will likely be more because the Timberwolves lost Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo to injuries in Game Four.

Edwards wasn’t putting up a ton of points like he often does, but he was the facilitator for the offense. So, not only will they lose his points, they’ll miss him creating shots for everyone else. His absence will also allow the Denver defense to focus a little more on Ayo Dosunmu.

My Pick: UNDER 222.5 at -114 (FanDuel)

I want to believe more in Denver to get it together and dominate this game and the rest of the series. While I believe they’ll win this game, I don’t have enough faith to believe they can cover a 10.5-point spread. However, the UNDER has paid off in three of four games. Minnesota’s scoring is going to slip for this game.

While Denver could make up the difference and send the final score over the total, they have given us no reason in this series to believe it will happen.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

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Mar 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) goes to the basket against the Phoenix Suns in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Nothing says drama quite like a No. 8 seed being up 2-1 on a No. 1 seed in the first round of the NBA Playoffs or a No. 2 seed facing elimination in Game 5. Anything can happen in the postseason, though, right? The biggest question now is what the NBA Best Bets will be for Monday’s playoff games.

Will Orlando take one step closer to history? Will Minnesota make history and eliminate the Nuggets, becoming just the eighth No. 7 seed to knock off the No. 2 seed in the first round? Good questions, now let’s talk answers.

Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic

Defensively, the Pistons are playing better than they did during the regular season. The offense just isn’t giving the defense enough help. Orlando, on the other hand, has five players averaging in double digits in the series, and the Magic are playing much better on defense in this series than they ever did during the regular season.

Cade Cunningham has stepped up his game, averaging 31 points per game, but he’s not getting enough help on the scoreboard. Jalen Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game this season. He’s averaging 9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in this series.

My Pick: Orlando ML at +135 (bet365)

There is a chance this game will play out similarly to Game Four between the Knicks and Hawks: New York dominated and led by 21 points going into the fourth quarter before winning 114-98. But I’m not sold on the idea. Yes, Detroit has several players underperforming, but the Magic defense deserves a lot of credit for stepping up.

The chance they do it again (unlike the Hawks) is good enough to make Orlando ML a solid value play.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

It is not uncommon to see a team down 3-1 and facing elimination come out strong in the elimination game and roll to an easy win. That may very well happen in this game, but not necessarily because the Nuggets get their act together and start playing as fans expect. No, it will likely be more because the Timberwolves lost Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo to injuries in Game Four.

Edwards wasn’t putting up a ton of points like he often does, but he was the facilitator for the offense. So, not only will they lose his points, they’ll miss him creating shots for everyone else. His absence will also allow the Denver defense to focus a little more on Ayo Dosunmu.

My Pick: UNDER 222.5 at -114 (FanDuel)

I want to believe more in Denver to get it together and dominate this game and the rest of the series. While I believe they’ll win this game, I don’t have enough faith to believe they can cover a 10.5-point spread. However, the UNDER has paid off in three of four games. Minnesota’s scoring is going to slip for this game.

While Denver could make up the difference and send the final score over the total, they have given us no reason in this series to believe it will happen.

Our Current Best Offers

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Deadspin | Penguins look to stave off elimination again vs. Flyers Apr 25, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and goaltender Arturs Silovs (37) celebrate win against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Pittsburgh Penguins finally earned a win in their first-round series with the Philadelphia Flyers, but they don’t have much time to celebrate. The Penguins’ season is on the line again Monday when they host the Flyers in Game 5. Philadelphia already has won in Pittsburgh twice in this series, posting 3-2 and 3-0 victories in the first two games. The Flyers followed that up with a 5-2 home win in Game 3, putting the Penguins up against the wall heading into Game 4. However, superstar captain Sidney Crosby and the Penguins responded with their best performance of the series in Saturday’s 4-2 triumph. Crosby and Rickard Rakell had a goal and an assist each, and defenseman Kris Letang scored a key third-period goal for Pittsburgh. “It’s only one, but I think it gives us some life,” Crosby said. “I think that looked more like our game. It’s probably taken us three games to look like ourselves a bit, so I think that’s something that we can definitely build on.” Arturs Silovs made 28 saves in his first appearance of the series, highlighted by a pad save on Tyson Foerster on a semi-breakaway in the second period. “Exciting opportunity,” Silovs said. “I think playing in the playoffs is the most fun you can ever have. I’ve been waiting for a whole season to get to this point and I think I’m enjoying every minute.” Silovs validated the decision by coach Dan Muse, who opted to replace Stuart Skinner in net after a shaky Game 3 effort by the veteran netminder. “He played great,” Muse said of Silovs. “Big saves. I’m really happy for him.” On the other end of the ice, Philadelphia goaltender Dan Vladar may not be 100 percent after injuring his right arm in a collision in Game 3. Vladar had a chance to stop Pittsburgh’s first goal of Game 4 — Crosby’s one-timer — and later committed a turnover behind the net that led directly to Rakell’s tally. Vladar took responsibility for those goals following the contest, but he still remained optimistic about the Flyers’ outlook for the series. “If somebody told you guys before the series we were going to be up 3-1 after four games, you guys wouldn’t believe us,” Vladar said. “So, we are good. Nothing’s changing for us. Still being positive in here. … They are a really good team. It’s not easy to win four in a row against a team like that. We’re fine here.” Coach Rick Tocchet also doesn’t see any reason to panic. He indicated that there might be some lineup changes for Game 5, but he mostly wants to see a bit more fight from his team with a series victory on the line. “I don’t think it’s a ton of adjustments,” Tocchet said. “More of, I think we got to dig a little bit more. I didn’t see much digging early from some guys, and we got to make sure that right from the beginning, we got to dig off the bat.” The Flyers are looking to advance in the playoffs for the first time since 2020. If they defeat the Penguins once more, they’ll move on to a matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes. “I don’t think anyone expected us to be up 3-0 in the series,” said Philadelphia defenseman Travis Sanheim. “A 3-1 series lead, we’ll take it and move on and get ready for Monday.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Penguins #stave #elimination #FlyersApr 25, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and goaltender Arturs Silovs (37) celebrate win against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Penguins finally earned a win in their first-round series with the Philadelphia Flyers, but they don’t have much time to celebrate.

The Penguins’ season is on the line again Monday when they host the Flyers in Game 5.

Philadelphia already has won in Pittsburgh twice in this series, posting 3-2 and 3-0 victories in the first two games. The Flyers followed that up with a 5-2 home win in Game 3, putting the Penguins up against the wall heading into Game 4.

However, superstar captain Sidney Crosby and the Penguins responded with their best performance of the series in Saturday’s 4-2 triumph. Crosby and Rickard Rakell had a goal and an assist each, and defenseman Kris Letang scored a key third-period goal for Pittsburgh.

“It’s only one, but I think it gives us some life,” Crosby said. “I think that looked more like our game. It’s probably taken us three games to look like ourselves a bit, so I think that’s something that we can definitely build on.”

Arturs Silovs made 28 saves in his first appearance of the series, highlighted by a pad save on Tyson Foerster on a semi-breakaway in the second period.

“Exciting opportunity,” Silovs said. “I think playing in the playoffs is the most fun you can ever have. I’ve been waiting for a whole season to get to this point and I think I’m enjoying every minute.”

Silovs validated the decision by coach Dan Muse, who opted to replace Stuart Skinner in net after a shaky Game 3 effort by the veteran netminder.


“He played great,” Muse said of Silovs. “Big saves. I’m really happy for him.”

On the other end of the ice, Philadelphia goaltender Dan Vladar may not be 100 percent after injuring his right arm in a collision in Game 3. Vladar had a chance to stop Pittsburgh’s first goal of Game 4 — Crosby’s one-timer — and later committed a turnover behind the net that led directly to Rakell’s tally.

Vladar took responsibility for those goals following the contest, but he still remained optimistic about the Flyers’ outlook for the series.

“If somebody told you guys before the series we were going to be up 3-1 after four games, you guys wouldn’t believe us,” Vladar said. “So, we are good. Nothing’s changing for us. Still being positive in here. … They are a really good team. It’s not easy to win four in a row against a team like that. We’re fine here.”

Coach Rick Tocchet also doesn’t see any reason to panic. He indicated that there might be some lineup changes for Game 5, but he mostly wants to see a bit more fight from his team with a series victory on the line.

“I don’t think it’s a ton of adjustments,” Tocchet said. “More of, I think we got to dig a little bit more. I didn’t see much digging early from some guys, and we got to make sure that right from the beginning, we got to dig off the bat.”

The Flyers are looking to advance in the playoffs for the first time since 2020. If they defeat the Penguins once more, they’ll move on to a matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes.

“I don’t think anyone expected us to be up 3-0 in the series,” said Philadelphia defenseman Travis Sanheim. “A 3-1 series lead, we’ll take it and move on and get ready for Monday.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Penguins #stave #elimination #Flyers">Deadspin | Penguins look to stave off elimination again vs. Flyers Apr 25, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and goaltender Arturs Silovs (37) celebrate win against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Pittsburgh Penguins finally earned a win in their first-round series with the Philadelphia Flyers, but they don’t have much time to celebrate. The Penguins’ season is on the line again Monday when they host the Flyers in Game 5. Philadelphia already has won in Pittsburgh twice in this series, posting 3-2 and 3-0 victories in the first two games. The Flyers followed that up with a 5-2 home win in Game 3, putting the Penguins up against the wall heading into Game 4. However, superstar captain Sidney Crosby and the Penguins responded with their best performance of the series in Saturday’s 4-2 triumph. Crosby and Rickard Rakell had a goal and an assist each, and defenseman Kris Letang scored a key third-period goal for Pittsburgh. “It’s only one, but I think it gives us some life,” Crosby said. “I think that looked more like our game. It’s probably taken us three games to look like ourselves a bit, so I think that’s something that we can definitely build on.” Arturs Silovs made 28 saves in his first appearance of the series, highlighted by a pad save on Tyson Foerster on a semi-breakaway in the second period. “Exciting opportunity,” Silovs said. “I think playing in the playoffs is the most fun you can ever have. I’ve been waiting for a whole season to get to this point and I think I’m enjoying every minute.” Silovs validated the decision by coach Dan Muse, who opted to replace Stuart Skinner in net after a shaky Game 3 effort by the veteran netminder. “He played great,” Muse said of Silovs. “Big saves. I’m really happy for him.” On the other end of the ice, Philadelphia goaltender Dan Vladar may not be 100 percent after injuring his right arm in a collision in Game 3. Vladar had a chance to stop Pittsburgh’s first goal of Game 4 — Crosby’s one-timer — and later committed a turnover behind the net that led directly to Rakell’s tally. Vladar took responsibility for those goals following the contest, but he still remained optimistic about the Flyers’ outlook for the series. “If somebody told you guys before the series we were going to be up 3-1 after four games, you guys wouldn’t believe us,” Vladar said. “So, we are good. Nothing’s changing for us. Still being positive in here. … They are a really good team. It’s not easy to win four in a row against a team like that. We’re fine here.” Coach Rick Tocchet also doesn’t see any reason to panic. He indicated that there might be some lineup changes for Game 5, but he mostly wants to see a bit more fight from his team with a series victory on the line. “I don’t think it’s a ton of adjustments,” Tocchet said. “More of, I think we got to dig a little bit more. I didn’t see much digging early from some guys, and we got to make sure that right from the beginning, we got to dig off the bat.” The Flyers are looking to advance in the playoffs for the first time since 2020. If they defeat the Penguins once more, they’ll move on to a matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes. “I don’t think anyone expected us to be up 3-0 in the series,” said Philadelphia defenseman Travis Sanheim. “A 3-1 series lead, we’ll take it and move on and get ready for Monday.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Penguins #stave #elimination #Flyers

Deadspin | Raptors win low-scoring Game 4 over Cavaliers to level series Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to steal the ball from Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes each scored 23 points Sunday afternoon and the Toronto Raptors held off the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 93-89, to even the best-of-seven first-round playoff series at 2-2. Game 5 of the series is Wednesday at Cleveland. RJ Barrett added 18 points for the Raptors, and Collin Murray-Boyles scored 15 with 10 rebounds. Jakob Poeltl contributed 10 points. Donovan Mitchell scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter for Cleveland. James Harden added 19 points but had seven turnovers. Jarrett Allen had three points and 15 rebounds, and Sam Merrill contributed 14 points. Toronto led by two points entering the fourth quarter. Barrett’s 10-foot floater gave Toronto a six-point lead with 9:28 to play. Mitchell drained a 3-pointer to tie the game at 74 and he made another 3-pointer that gave Cleveland a six-point lead with 5:14 left. The lead reached eight on Mitchell’s two made free throws with 4:55 left. Ingram’s 3-pointer cut the lead to two with 2:36 to play but Merrill answered with a 3-pointer. Barrett’s bank shot cut the margin to one with 49 seconds to go. After a Cleveland turnover, Barnes made two free throws to give Toronto a one-point lead. Mitchell missed a floater and Ingram grabbed the rebound with 23 seconds left. Barnes made two free throws before Mitchell missed a would-be game-tying 3-pointer. Barrett made one free throw to bump the lead to four and Merrill hit a 22-foot jumper to cut the lead to two before Barnes sealed the game with 3.8 seconds left on two free throws. Cleveland led 17-14 after a sloppy first quarter. Toronto was 0-for-14 from 3-point range before Barrett hit one with 8:31 remaining in the second quarter to cut the deficit to four. After Cleveland took an eight-point lead on Mitchell’s 3-pointer, Toronto finished the first half on a 10-0 run capped by Ingram’s 3-pointer to take a 38-36 lead into the break. The first half featured poor shooting from both teams. Cleveland shot 33.3% (15 of 45) from the field and Toronto shot 27.8% (15 of 54). Harden converted two free throws to give Cleveland an eight-point lead with 4:38 remaining in the third quarter. Toronto chipped away and took a one-point lead on Sandro Mamukelashvili’s layup with 45 seconds left. Toronto led 60-58 after three quarters. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raptors #win #lowscoring #Game #Cavaliers #level #seriesApr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to steal the ball from Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes each scored 23 points Sunday afternoon and the Toronto Raptors held off the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 93-89, to even the best-of-seven first-round playoff series at 2-2.

Game 5 of the series is Wednesday at Cleveland.

RJ Barrett added 18 points for the Raptors, and Collin Murray-Boyles scored 15 with 10 rebounds. Jakob Poeltl contributed 10 points.

Donovan Mitchell scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter for Cleveland. James Harden added 19 points but had seven turnovers. Jarrett Allen had three points and 15 rebounds, and Sam Merrill contributed 14 points.

Toronto led by two points entering the fourth quarter. Barrett’s 10-foot floater gave Toronto a six-point lead with 9:28 to play. Mitchell drained a 3-pointer to tie the game at 74 and he made another 3-pointer that gave Cleveland a six-point lead with 5:14 left.

The lead reached eight on Mitchell’s two made free throws with 4:55 left. Ingram’s 3-pointer cut the lead to two with 2:36 to play but Merrill answered with a 3-pointer.


Barrett’s bank shot cut the margin to one with 49 seconds to go. After a Cleveland turnover, Barnes made two free throws to give Toronto a one-point lead. Mitchell missed a floater and Ingram grabbed the rebound with 23 seconds left. Barnes made two free throws before Mitchell missed a would-be game-tying 3-pointer.

Barrett made one free throw to bump the lead to four and Merrill hit a 22-foot jumper to cut the lead to two before Barnes sealed the game with 3.8 seconds left on two free throws.

Cleveland led 17-14 after a sloppy first quarter.

Toronto was 0-for-14 from 3-point range before Barrett hit one with 8:31 remaining in the second quarter to cut the deficit to four. After Cleveland took an eight-point lead on Mitchell’s 3-pointer, Toronto finished the first half on a 10-0 run capped by Ingram’s 3-pointer to take a 38-36 lead into the break.

The first half featured poor shooting from both teams. Cleveland shot 33.3% (15 of 45) from the field and Toronto shot 27.8% (15 of 54).

Harden converted two free throws to give Cleveland an eight-point lead with 4:38 remaining in the third quarter. Toronto chipped away and took a one-point lead on Sandro Mamukelashvili’s layup with 45 seconds left. Toronto led 60-58 after three quarters.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Raptors #win #lowscoring #Game #Cavaliers #level #series">Deadspin | Raptors win low-scoring Game 4 over Cavaliers to level series Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to steal the ball from Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes each scored 23 points Sunday afternoon and the Toronto Raptors held off the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 93-89, to even the best-of-seven first-round playoff series at 2-2. Game 5 of the series is Wednesday at Cleveland. RJ Barrett added 18 points for the Raptors, and Collin Murray-Boyles scored 15 with 10 rebounds. Jakob Poeltl contributed 10 points. Donovan Mitchell scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter for Cleveland. James Harden added 19 points but had seven turnovers. Jarrett Allen had three points and 15 rebounds, and Sam Merrill contributed 14 points. Toronto led by two points entering the fourth quarter. Barrett’s 10-foot floater gave Toronto a six-point lead with 9:28 to play. Mitchell drained a 3-pointer to tie the game at 74 and he made another 3-pointer that gave Cleveland a six-point lead with 5:14 left. The lead reached eight on Mitchell’s two made free throws with 4:55 left. Ingram’s 3-pointer cut the lead to two with 2:36 to play but Merrill answered with a 3-pointer. Barrett’s bank shot cut the margin to one with 49 seconds to go. After a Cleveland turnover, Barnes made two free throws to give Toronto a one-point lead. Mitchell missed a floater and Ingram grabbed the rebound with 23 seconds left. Barnes made two free throws before Mitchell missed a would-be game-tying 3-pointer. Barrett made one free throw to bump the lead to four and Merrill hit a 22-foot jumper to cut the lead to two before Barnes sealed the game with 3.8 seconds left on two free throws. Cleveland led 17-14 after a sloppy first quarter. Toronto was 0-for-14 from 3-point range before Barrett hit one with 8:31 remaining in the second quarter to cut the deficit to four. After Cleveland took an eight-point lead on Mitchell’s 3-pointer, Toronto finished the first half on a 10-0 run capped by Ingram’s 3-pointer to take a 38-36 lead into the break. The first half featured poor shooting from both teams. Cleveland shot 33.3% (15 of 45) from the field and Toronto shot 27.8% (15 of 54). Harden converted two free throws to give Cleveland an eight-point lead with 4:38 remaining in the third quarter. Toronto chipped away and took a one-point lead on Sandro Mamukelashvili’s layup with 45 seconds left. Toronto led 60-58 after three quarters. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raptors #win #lowscoring #Game #Cavaliers #level #series

Deadspin | Bruins F Viktor Arvidsson (upper body) won’t return vs. Sabres Apr 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Viktor Arvidsson (71) skates against Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images The Boston Bruins said forward Viktor Arvidsson won’t return to Game 4 of the team’s Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the visiting Buffalo Sabres on Sunday. Arvidsson appeared to be hurt after receiving a hard check from Buffalo defenseman Mattias Samuelsson in his left arm during the first period. Arvidsson, 33, had 54 points (25 goals, 29 assists) in 69 regular-season games in his first season with Boston. He was tied for the team lead with two playoff goals, netting both during the Bruins’ Game 2 victory. The Bruins trailed the series two games to one and surrendered a 4-0 lead to the Sabres after one period. The Sabres were in front 5-0 early in the third. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bruins #Viktor #Arvidsson #upper #body #wont #return #SabresApr 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Viktor Arvidsson (71) skates against Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The Boston Bruins said forward Viktor Arvidsson won’t return to Game 4 of the team’s Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the visiting Buffalo Sabres on Sunday.

Arvidsson appeared to be hurt after receiving a hard check from Buffalo defenseman Mattias Samuelsson in his left arm during the first period.


Arvidsson, 33, had 54 points (25 goals, 29 assists) in 69 regular-season games in his first season with Boston. He was tied for the team lead with two playoff goals, netting both during the Bruins’ Game 2 victory.

The Bruins trailed the series two games to one and surrendered a 4-0 lead to the Sabres after one period. The Sabres were in front 5-0 early in the third.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bruins #Viktor #Arvidsson #upper #body #wont #return #Sabres">Deadspin | Bruins F Viktor Arvidsson (upper body) won’t return vs. Sabres Apr 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Viktor Arvidsson (71) skates against Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images The Boston Bruins said forward Viktor Arvidsson won’t return to Game 4 of the team’s Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the visiting Buffalo Sabres on Sunday. Arvidsson appeared to be hurt after receiving a hard check from Buffalo defenseman Mattias Samuelsson in his left arm during the first period. Arvidsson, 33, had 54 points (25 goals, 29 assists) in 69 regular-season games in his first season with Boston. He was tied for the team lead with two playoff goals, netting both during the Bruins’ Game 2 victory. The Bruins trailed the series two games to one and surrendered a 4-0 lead to the Sabres after one period. The Sabres were in front 5-0 early in the third. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bruins #Viktor #Arvidsson #upper #body #wont #return #Sabres

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