The NBA playoffs featured three closeout games Friday, but the Pistons and Raptors prevailed in the first two contests to stave off elimination.

Can Houston force Game 7? Will Boston overcome Philly with its season on the line? See what Will Hill thinks.

Why Watson might be available is that bringing him back — re-signed or matching an offer — sends the Nuggets well above the second tax apron, and this is a team where ownership is allergic to the tax. A team with cap space — the Lakers, Nets and Bulls all have that — could come in with a big offer and dare the Nuggets to match.

The public got an update Friday on Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić, who is working his back from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are headed to the Western Conference semifinals. Head coach JJ Redick had something to say along the way. Redick was effusive in his praise for James in the aftermath of the Lakers’ series-clinching win over the Houston Rockets,

The Knicks are 19-1 to win the NBA championship after their lopsided series-clinching win over Atlanta, while the Timberwolves are at 180-1.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics NBA Playoff Game 7 Betting Preview

The New York Knicks will try to close out the Atlanta Hawks The Knicks have won the past two games to take a 3-2 lead in the series. If New York wins Game 6, it will advance to the second round and face the winner of the Philadelphia 76ers-Boston Celtics series.

This was a pivotal night in the NBA playoffs, and it began with the Pistons completing an improbable comeback and the Magic having an epic meltdown.