NBA playoffs: live updates, key matchups, and quick reads

The NBA playoffs always bring drama, and this season delivered a big moment: the Indiana Pacers punched their first NBA Finals ticket since 2000 after a 125-108 Game 6 win over the New York Knicks. Pascal Siakam led the way with 31 points and earned Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors. Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard supplied the playmaking that closed out the series.

If you want fast, useful playoff coverage, this tag collects scores, recaps, and short analysis so you don’t have to dig through long articles. Expect game-by-game breakdowns, who’s hot, what injuries matter, and how each result changes the matchup picture heading into the Finals.

How to watch and follow every game

Streaming options change by country, but the basics stay the same: national broadcasters carry marquee games, while NBA League Pass covers most matchups live. Check local listings for blackout rules. For fast results, look for live box scores and halftime updates — they tell you who’s carrying the load and whether a game is turning into a blowout or a tight battle.

Want in-game context? Watch the matchup minutes: who plays heavy minutes late, who’s getting bench sparks, and who’s suddenly on foul trouble. Those factors decide second-half swings more often than predicted point spreads.

Fantasy, betting, and what to watch on the court

On fantasy rosters, lean into players with steady usage and playoff minutes. Siakam’s volume in the Pacers’ run is the kind you want. Watch role players who suddenly get extended minutes after an injury — they can be week-changing pickups. For betting, focus on rotation stability and fatigue. Playoff rotations tighten, so if a starter logged a ton of minutes in 6 games, expect the coach to manage load in back-to-backs or before the Finals.

Matchup notes matter: defensive stoppers, three-point streaks, and free-throw volume swing outcomes. Teams that rebound well and limit second-chance points almost always control half the playoff outcomes. Keep an eye on late-game lineups — benches shrink and clutch pairs face each other repeatedly; trends form fast and payout if you spot them early.

We’ll keep updating this tag with short recaps, injury flags, and score summaries so you can follow the arc of each series without reading long previews. Bookmark this page for quick checks: final scores, standout performances, and what the result means for the next game.

Got a specific question about a matchup, player, or how to stream in your country? Drop a comment on the game story or use our site search to find the latest playoff posts and alerts. We’ll keep this page sharp and useful as the playoffs move toward the Finals.