NBA Playoffs: Knicks and Nuggets stand to eliminate Pistons and Clippers, potentially progressing further.
Thai-Mo Thang, here to bring you the lowdown on the NBA playoffs contenders fighting for a chance to advance on Thursday night. In the Eastern Conference, the Knicks will attempt to eliminate the Pistons, while the Nuggets take on the Clippers in the Western Conference.
The Knicks, with their sights set on finally reaching the Eastern Conference finals since 2000, made some bold moves by acquiring Karl-Antony Towns and Mikal Bridges to shore up their roster alongside Jalen Brunson. Despite Brunson's injury in Game 5, Towns and Bridges chipped in with 17 points apiece.
The Pistons are seeking relevance and called upon Tobias Harris for a second tour with the team as part of their summer overhaul. Harris has played a pivotal role for Detroit, filling out the box score with dominating performances.
In the West, the Nuggets aim to win their second NBA title in two years after bolstering their roster with Russell Westbrook and reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic. Westbrook, showcasing his MVP caliber skills, scored 21 points in Game 5.
The Clippers, after passing on keeping All-Star Paul George, added depth with subtle moves like acquiring Kris Dunn to support star Kawhi Leonard.
New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons
Game 6 is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT (TNT). If the Pistons lose a third straight home game, they'll be out of the playoffs, setting a new record with a 10th straight home playoff loss since 2008. Cunningham, their star player, remains optimistic: "We've still got a chance."
Despite their injury woes, with Brunson dealing with an ankle issue and Hart struggling with a wrist ailment, the Knicks are determined to clinch the series on the road.
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Clippers
Tip-off for the decisive Game 6 is at 10 p.m. EDT (TNT). The Jokic-led Nuggets are hoping to close out the series for a different outcome after falling in Game 6 and blowing a 20-point, second-half lead in a devastating Game 7 exit last year. The Clippers, meanwhile, are battling to avoid falling behind by substantial margins and need to find a way to get their star player James Harden back on track after slumping in the last two losses.
That's your scorecard for Thursday's playoffs action. Get ready to witness some nail-biting contests as these teams fight tooth and nail for a spot in the next round. As always, catch the action on TNT!
The New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons will face off at 7:30 p.m. EDT (TNT) on Thursday, with the Knicks aiming to clinch the series on the road despite injuries to Jalen Brunson and Hart. If the Pistons lose a third straight home game, they'll be knocked out of the playoffs, setting a new record with a 10th straight home playoff loss since 2008.
In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers will square off at 10 p.m. EDT (TNT). The Nuggets, who lost in Game 6 and blew a 20-point, second-half lead in a heart-breaking Game 7 exit last year, are hoping to close out the series and avoid a repeat of their disappointing end. Meanwhile, the Clippers are struggling to keep their star player James Harden on track, as they strive to avoid falling behind by substantial margins in the series.
