🏀 Cleveland Cavaliers 124 – Indiana Pacers 97

Why the Cavs dominate:

• Return of Key Players: Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter participated in the morning shootaround, signaling potential returns. Garland is expected to play, while Mobley’s status remains uncertain. Their presence would significantly bolster Cleveland’s rotation.
• Jarrett Allen’s Impact: With Garland facilitating, Allen can exploit Indiana’s interior defense, especially with Isaiah Jackson sidelined due to a torn Achilles.
• Pacers’ Defensive Struggles: Indiana has allowed high shooting percentages in the series, and their defense may falter against a rejuvenated Cavs lineup.

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🏀 Oklahoma City Thunder 116 – Denver Nuggets 112

Why OKC edges out Denver:

• Depth and Versatility: OKC’s roster depth allows them to adapt defensively and offensively, providing the edge needed to secure a narrow victory on the road.
• Defensive Pressure on Jokic: The Thunder have effectively limited Nikola Jokic’s playmaking, holding him to six assists per game and forcing 13 total turnovers in the first two games.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Leadership: SGA continues to lead OKC’s offense, creating opportunities and maintaining composure in clutch moments.
  
  – Jordan Kim, The Analytics Guru