The first round of the Playoffs takes centre stage in the NBA this week, as the likes of the Philadelphia 76ers, LA Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks battle to take a step closer to glory.
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The first match on deck arrives on the morning of Friday 26 April, as the New York Knicks head away to the Philadelphia 76ers for Game 3 of their series.
Philadelphia are hoping for a powerful performance from reigning MVP Joel Embiid, but the Cameroonian has had a couple of injury scares in recent weeks. Yet 76ers coach Nick Nurse insists they have no plans to protect their key player.
“He really is a warrior, and he's battling," Nurse said of Embiid. I think he absolutely wants to play.”
Teammate Tyrese Maxey added: “Nothing with Joel surprises me now. He's always a fighter. He's always going to try and give it his all for his team. So, if he thinks he can go, he'll for sure be out there.”
The evening of Saturday 27 April brings a clash between the Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers, while a busy Sunday 28 April offers up three games: in the early morning, the Denver Nuggets will visit the LA Lakers, while the evening features back-to-back games as the 76ers and Knicks continue their series, followed by the Dallas Mavericks welcoming the LA Clippers to Texas.
According to Mavericks star Kyrie Irving, legacies are on the line for his team: “Every head coach is going to receive criticism," Irving said of Jason Kidd, who has come under fire at times this season. "He's one of the leaders. A lot of our wins and losses, he takes a lot of responsibility. I just commend him for that. As players, we want to protect him and be successful. All of our legacies are on the line.”
The morning of Monday 29 April offers up a midwest battle as the Indiana Pacers play host to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Milwaukee will be hoping to have superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo back fit and firing after suffering a left calf injury. “Yeah, I'm hoping [Giannis will be back soon]," coach Doc Rivers explained. "I don't know. I'm just hoping.”
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NBA broadcast details
Friday 26 April
01:30: Philadelphia 76ers v New York Knicks – LIVE on ESPN 2
Saturday 27 April
19:00: Orlando Magic v Cleveland Cavaliers – LIVE on ESPN
Sunday 28 April
02:30: LA Lakers v Denver Nuggets – LIVE on ESPN
19:00: Philadelphia 76ers v New York Knicks – LIVE on ESPN
21:30: Dallas Mavericks v LA Clippers – LIVE on ESPN
Monday 29 April
01:00: Indiana Pacers v Milwaukee Bucks – LIVE on ESPN