SB Nation Arizona - NBA Playoffs Schedule: Spurs Vs. Grizzlies, Game 6...FUN!!!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2011-04-29T10:21:10-07:00http://arizona.sbnation.com/rss/stream/18909372011-04-29T10:21:10-07:002011-04-29T10:21:10-07:00NBA Playoff Bracket Results: With The Magic Bounced, What Will Dwight Do?
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<p>After Thursday evening’s <span class="caps">NBA</span> action, three more matchups wrapped up. The Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Atlanta Hawks will be moving on to round two, and the New Orleans Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic (and soon-to-be free agent Dwight Howard) are going home.</p>
<p>No one really expected the Hornets or the Trail Blazers to move on, but certainly the Magic were the favorites to take their series, particularly given how thoroughly they smashed the Hawks in last year’s first round sweep.</p>
<p>Their loss this year is extra disconcerting because superstar center Dwight Howard has been hinting for a while now that he may not be pleased with the direction the Magic are heading in, and a first round loss definitely reinforces that it’s been the wrong direction lately. Orlando’s perplexing mid-season trade to re-acquire Hedo Turkoglu and acquire a useless Gilbert Arenas did not pan out. And now they owe both players a lot of cash.</p>
<p>So, fans in Orlando get to spend the summer worrying if the Magic front office has failed Dwight and encouraged him to step away from the franchise when he becomes a free agent in 2012. No one knows for sure what he will do, but the chances he stays have to be slim at this point. But that’s okay, because the Magic are already experienced in the art of losing a superstar center just entering the prime of his career.</p>
<p>In the second round of the <span class="caps">NBA</span> Playoffs, the Lakers will face the Mavericks and the Hawks will face the Chicago Bulls.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2011/4/29/2142697/nba-playoffs-dwight-howard-free-agency-orlando-magic-los-angeles-lakersJustin Burning2011-04-29T08:50:28-07:002011-04-29T08:50:28-07:00NBA Playoff Schedule: Friday Night Fight In Memphis, Can The Spurs Be Beat?
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<p>The 2011 NBA Playoffs featured three elimination games on Thursday and all three teams that had a chance to close out their first round series did so. Friday night we will see if that trend continues as the young <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Memphis Grizzlies</a> get another chance at eliminating the mighty top seeded <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a>. </p>
<p>You will recall that the Spurs were home for Game 5 down 3-1 to the Grizzlies and in the final seconds of the game needed to huge shots to tie things up in regulation. <span>Tony Parker</span> came alive in overtime and the Spurs pulled off yet another in a long line of miracle playoff comebacks. We've seen the impact these heartbreaking losses can have on teams that aren't mentally tough.</p>
<p>The Game 1 defeat in similar fashion destroyed the will of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> in 2008. It will be very interesting to see if the Grizzlies do a better job of bouncing back. One positive sign that we never saw from the D'Antoni Suns was an immediate focus on the future. After the Game 5 defeat, coach Lionel Hollis talked about washing away that game and focusing on the future. He, and subsequently his players, didn't want to talk about what went wrong. Unfortunately, that's not something the Suns ever did. They always got stuck in the internal blame game and it killed them.</p>
<p>Game 6 of this wonderful series between the<b> Spurs and Grizzlies tips off at 6:00 p.m. Arizona time on ESPN</b>. Don't miss this one.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2011/4/29/2142394/2011-nba-playoff-schedule-friday-memphis-grizzlies-san-antonio-spursSeth Pollack2011-04-28T07:38:08-07:002011-04-28T07:38:08-07:00NBA Playoff Schedule For Thursday: 'Win Or Go Home' For Hornets, Blazers And Magic
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<p>If you survived watching Wednesday's three elimination games and your heart is still in tact, and if you have no desire to watch the NFL Draft, then Thursday's NBA Playoff schedule is for you. While the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2011/4/28/2138997/2011-nhl-playoffs-first-round">NHL Playoffs first round action has been thrilling</a> as well, nothing compares to and NBA elimination game in the playoffs. Thursday's schedule features the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> fighting for their playoff lives against Dallas; the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> trying to avoid a humiliating defeat at the hands (beaks) of the Hawks; and the poor <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets">New Orleans Hornets</a> who have no chance against the L.A. Lakers' playoff machine.</p>
<p>First up is Game 6 of the <b>Orlando Magic vs. the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta Hawks</a> at 4:30 p.m. Arizona time on NBA TV</b>. The Hawks are up 3-2 in the series and blew their first chance to eliminate the Magic on the road. Now they return home and hope that <span>Jamal Crawford</span> and <span>Joe Johnson</span> can continue dominating their wing match ups. The Magic finally saw their long balls go through the hoop in Game 5 and they are praying that will continue for them. Dwight Howard's shoulders are only so big.</p>
<p>Next up is Game 6 of the the <b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> vs. the New Orleans Hornets at 5:00 p.m. Arizona time on TNT</b>. The Lakers are up 3-2 in the series with Game 6 in New Orleans. <a href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/2011/4/27/2136825/nba-playoffs-mvp-derrick-rose-dwight-howard-lebron-james-behind-chris-paul" target="_blank">Chris Paul has been the best player in the playoffs</a> so far but the Lakers have won 10 of their last 12 chances to eliminate their playoff opponent. Kobe's big dunks in Game 5 proved he's healthy and when the Lakers smell blood, it's all but over.</p>
<p>Game 6 of the <b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a> vs. the Portland Trail Blazers is in Rip City at 10:30 p.m. Arizona time on TNT</b>. The Mavericks took a 3-2 lead but haven't yet been able to win on the road in this series. It's highly likely that trend will continue tonight. Look for this series to go to a Game 7 back in Texas where the Mavericks should be able to close it out and finally face the Lakers and give us the first-ever Dirk vs. Kobe playoff series.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2011/4/28/2139030/nba-playoff-schedule-tv-times-thursday-lakers-hornets-mavericks-blazers-hawks-magicSeth Pollack2011-04-28T07:22:57-07:002011-04-28T07:22:57-07:00NBA Playoff Bracket Results: Spurs Rose From The Dead (Again), 76ers And Nuggets Eliminated
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<p>Three NBA Playoff elimination games on Wednesday's bracket schedule and wouldn't you know it, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> were the team that escaped defeat by once again calling upon their dark powers. Instead of Sean Elliot, Mike Finley or <span>Tim Duncan</span> (!) hitting a big three to save their hides, it was <span>Manu Ginobili</span> and <span>Gary Neal</span>. David Stern should be on the phone this morning calling for an investigation to determine if in fact the Spurs have sold their souls to the Devil.</p>
<p>Unlike the black and silver zombies of Texas, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a> were knocked off by <span>Kevin Durant</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>. Durant had a slow start but when it mattered most, he was incredible. All the man-child did was drop 41 points on the Nuggets. Boom! ASU Sun Devil alum <span>James Harden</span> had 12 in the game and hit a huge three in the final minutes. </p>
<p>The Thunder await the winner of the San Antonio vs. Memphis series. Game 6 is Friday in Memphis. It will be very interesting to see how the young <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Grizzlies</a> respond to blowing a game they had in the bag. Many teams, including the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a>, were not able to mentally recover. The Thunder would probably prefer to face the older Spurs even if it means giving up home court advantage. But an OKC - Memphis series would be a blast.</p>
<p>In the East, <span>LeBron James</span> referred to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a> as "breakfast" before the game and the slam definitely got the attention of the young and feisty team from Philly. Unfortunately, being pissed off wasn't enough to beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> and stay alive in the playoffs. <span>Dwyane Wade</span> led the Heat with 26 points but it was 20 from <span>Mario Chalmers</span> that pushed them over the hump in the 97-91 win. The Sixers got <span>Elton Brand</span> 17 field goal attempts, the most on the team, but went away from him late and instead opted for jump shots.</p>
<p>The Heat now advance to face the well-rested <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a> in their bracket match up. The series tips off Sunday. Here's the full schedule, with all times Arizona:</p>
<p>Game 1: Sun., May 1 in Miami, 12:30 p.m., ABC<br>Game 2: Tue., May 3 in Miami, Time TBD, TNT<br>Game 3: Sat., May 7 in Boston, 5:00 p.m., ABC<br>Game 4: Mon., May 9 in Boston, Time TBD, TNT<br>Game 5: Wed., May 11 in Miami, Time TBD, TNT<br>Game 6: Fri., May 13 in Boston, Time TBD, ESPN<br>Game 7: Mon., May 16 in Miami, 5:00 p.m., TNT</p>
<p>A few months ago, Boston would have been everyone's favorite, now it seems that Miami is the team to beat.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2011/4/28/2138982/2011-nba-playoff-bracket-results-spurs-76ers-nuggetsSeth Pollack2011-04-27T10:26:39-07:002011-04-27T10:26:39-07:00Derrick Rose And LeBron James Lag Behind Chris Paul For NBA Playoffs MVP
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<p>There is no such award for MVP of the NBA Playoffs and if there were, it certainly wouldn't be given out before the first round is even complete. That won't stop us from speculating on who the current leader is for that fictional award and our choice for the leader isn't <span>Derrick Rose</span>, <span>LeBron James</span>, <span>Kevin Durant</span> or <span>Dwight Howard</span>. <span>Chris Paul</span> has been absolutely incredible in five games leading his <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets">Hornets</a> team against the mighty <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a>.</p>
<p>This isn't to say that Rose hasn't played fantastic as well. All the young <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Bulls</a>' point guard has done is average 27.6 points per game along with six assists and 4.6 rebounds. Most importantly, he's taken over and won games late in the fourth quarter and as <span>Kobe Bryant</span> fans (and haters) well know, that's a recipe for attention. </p>
<p>Rose is also only shooting 37.1 percent from the field, however, and 21.6 percent from three. His team won their first round series against an inferior Pacer's opponent but Derrick is also playing with the league's best defense and a cast of characters much stronger than Paul's Hornets.</p>
<p>Chris Paul is averaging a ridiculous 24.4 points per game, 6.4 rebounds and 11.6 assists. He's shooting an amazing 55.9 percent from the field and 47.1 percent from three. Paul's PER is a playoff-high 32.8. LeBron James PER is quietly 32.4.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/599427/Chris_Paul.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Chris_paul_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/599427/Chris_Paul_medium.jpg" height="201" width="281"></a></p>
<p><i>(Chris Paul, NBA Playoff stud. Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)</i></p>
<p>James is has been surprisingly quiet in the playoffs. His numbers are still there (26.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists) but the attention seems to have shifted away from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> star. LeBron's playoff numbers are down from years past when he was the only option on his Cleveland team. Now as a "Big Three" member, his stats and attention are shared with <span>Dwyane Wade</span> and <span>Chris Bosh</span>.</p>
<p>Two other candidates at the early turn for NBA Playoff MVP are Kevin Durant and Dwight Howard.</p>
<p>Durant is averaging just over 30 points per game and yet is still probably deferring to <span>Russell Westbrook</span> too much. Or maybe Westbrook just isn't passing the ball enough. Either way, Durant's performance, while great, doesn't compare to Paul's heroics in pushing the Lakers in what should have been a first-round romp. </p>
<p>Howard's numbers are gaudy as well, 27.4 points and 15.6 rebounds per game, but his <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Magic</a> team is down 3-2 to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Hawks</a> and Dwight has been shown mostly single-coverage by Atlanta. There's probably not much more Howard could possible do beyond flying around the world fast enough to reverse time so his team could get another shot at those first two games.</p>
<p>My leaders for early NBA Playoff MVP are:</p>
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<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Chris Paul</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Derrick Rose</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">LeBron James</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Dwight Howard</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Kevin Durant</span></li>
</ol>
<p>It's great to see Paul playing at the level he has at a few years ago. There were many who questioned his knees and wondered if he still had "it" in him. I think that question's been answered.</p>
<p>Who do you have on your list?</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2011/4/27/2136825/nba-playoffs-mvp-derrick-rose-dwight-howard-lebron-james-behind-chris-paulSeth Pollack2011-04-27T07:26:28-07:002011-04-27T07:26:28-07:00NBA Playoff Schedule: Elimination Wednesday For Spurs, 76ers And Nuggets
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<p>Three games are on the schedule for Wednesday evening NBA Playoff action. All three games have the potential of sending one of the teams home to play golf, watch the NHL Playoffs, attend the royal wedding, or go fishing. The elimination process claimed a victim (the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Pacers</a>) Tuesday night when the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a> behind 25 points from <span>Derrick Rose</span> finally won a game with a big enough margin to avoid questions from moronic pundits.</p>
<p>In Wednesday's action it's the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> facing a humiliating upset by the eighth-seeded <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Memphis Grizzlies</a>. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> blew their chance to sweep the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a> in Game 4 and now go home and try to finish their business. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a> needed two huge threes from Lou Williams and Jrue Holliday to avoid the sweep and now they get to go to the home of the best (worst) fans in the NBA, Miami. <span>LeBron James</span>, <span>Dwyane Wade</span> and some other <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> "players" will try and close out the series and prepare for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Celtics</a>.</p>
<p>The evening's first game features LeBron James' "Super Friends" team at <b>4:00 p.m. Arizona time on TNT</b>. The 76ers have got to get more offense from <span>Elton Brand</span> and take advantage of his mismatch with whatever schlub of a center the Heat roll out. Brand is averaging 14 points and nine rebounds per game in this series. Good, but not good enough. Brand needs far more attempts than the 11.25 he's getting so far.</p>
<p>At <b>5:30 p.m. Arizona time</b> on NBA TV the Memphis Grizzlies attempt to shock the known universe by beating the San Antonio Spurs in a one vs. eight upset. The formula for the Grizzlies is simple and shouldn't change tonight. They will look to take advantage of the aging <span>Tim Duncan</span> and his undersized, under-talented front court mates. Play solid defense on <span>Manu Ginobili</span> and get a close to even result from <span>Tony Parker</span> vs. <span>Mike Conley</span> and the Grizzlies can get it done. But don't count out the heart of an evil, soulless, black and silver former champion.</p>
<p><span>Kevin Durant</span> and <span>Russell Westbrook</span> reportedly had a heated exchange during Game 4 that mostly likely consisted of Durant explaining to Westbrook that the point guard's job isn't to shoot the ball 30 times and to follow the advise of Charles Barkley who said, "Just pass the ball, dude." <b>Game 5 starts at 9:30 p.m. on TNT</b> and we full expect the Denver Nuggets to get run out of the gym.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2011/4/27/2136491/nba-playoff-schedule-elimination-wednesday-for-spurs-76ers-and-nuggetsSeth Pollack2011-04-26T08:05:01-07:002011-04-26T08:05:01-07:00NBA Playoff Surprises Abound In First Round Action...Or Do They?
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<p>There's plenty of playoff surprises in the NBA Playoffs so far in the first round action we've witnessed. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a> have pushed the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a> in all four games. The top seeded <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> are down 3-1 to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Memphis Grizzlies</a> who entered the playoffs without a franchise playoff win. After getting destroyed in their match up last year, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta Hawks</a> were not supposed to be up 3-1 on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a>. And the mighty <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> find themselves ties to a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets">New Orleans Hornets</a> team they were supposed to steamroll. </p>
<p>But when look deeper at each situation the flaws exposed in postseason play were there from the beginning. </p>
<p>San Antonio got swept by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> last season because their front line couldn't defend the pick and roll and were killed in the paint and on the glass -- by Phoenix. <span>Tiago Splitter</span> was thought to be the answer to the Spurs lack of quality bigs but he's taken longer to adapt to the NBA than some expected and hasn't been enough of a factor against the talent Memphis Grizzlies front court. </p>
<p>The Spurs added depth in their back court and on the wings and <span>Richard Jefferson</span>'s improvement helped them secure the best regular season in the West but their front court flaws have exposed them as a regular season paper tiger. They kind of remind you of Phoenix Suns' teams from a few years back. All flash, no size.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> failed to sweep the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a>, which isn't a shock but with the game on the line it was <span>Russell Westbrook</span> jacking up threes instead of giving the ball to <span>Kevin Durant</span>. Hopefully, this is a lesson the young point guard has learned in a fairly harmless situation. Westbrook's lack of true point guard abilities have been exposed, however, and will likely be an issue in later rounds.</p>
<p>Many picked the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> to upset the three-seed <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a> in that series but what we've learned about Portland is that without <span>Brandon Roy</span> having a rare hot game, their offense stagnates under the predictability of <span>Nate McMillan</span>'s system. It's a shame really, that the Blazers with all that talent can't find a way to score as many points as they should.</p>
<p>The Orlando Magic being down 3-1 to the Atlanta Hawks isn't a huge surprise either. They've lost their identity as a great defensive team on the perimeter and simply haven't been able to stop <span>Josh Smith</span>, <span>Jamal Crawford</span> or <span>Joe Johnson</span>. <span>Dwight Howard</span> can't make up for all that on his own. </p>
<p>Probably the least surprising surprise is the Indiana Pacers pushing the Chicago Bulls in all four of their games. The Bulls lack of outside shooting has been exposed and the Pacers are better than most people gave them credit. In the end, this first round test will help the young Bulls. They are still my favorite to win the East.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2011/4/26/2134162/2011-nba-playoff-surprises-abound-in-first-round-actionSeth Pollack2011-04-26T07:38:01-07:002011-04-26T07:38:01-07:00NBA Playoff Schedule Resumes Tuesday With Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant And Dwight Howard
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<p>The NBA Playoff schedule today features three games with two of the series at the brink of elimination and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> surprisingly tied 2-2. <span>Kobe Bryant</span> and <span>Pau Gasol</span> were expected to steam roll <span>Chris Paul</span>'s <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets">New Orleans Hornets</a> team who is missing <span>David West</span>. That didn't happen thanks mostly to Paul's individual brilliance which has out-shined anything Kobe could muster (so far). <span>Derrick Rose</span> will try and push his team to the next round while <span>Dwight Howard</span> is leading his team's fight for playoff survival. </p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> return home down 3-1 in their series against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta Hawks</a>. Dwight Howard's inside dominance against single coverage hasn't been enough as the Magic guards and wings lack the defensive talent to slow down Hawk's threats <span>Joe Johnson</span> and <span>Jamal Crawford</span>. This <b>game starts at 4:30 p.m. Arizona time on NBA TV</b>.</p>
<p>Derrick Rose is expected to play despite an ankle sprain. The question the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a> have to answer is if the rest of their guys can step up and not put the game in a position where Rose has to be the fourth quarter hero again. <span>Carlos Boozer</span> needs to play better or the Bulls should consider going back to <span>Taj Gibson</span>. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Pacers</a> have shown plenty of fight but are simply out-matched by the Bulls. It's only a matter of time for Indiana down 3-1 in the series. <b>Game tips at 5:00 p.m. Arizona time on TNT.</b></p>
<p>The Los Angeles Lakers return to Staple Center tied 2-2 in their series with the New Orleans Hornets for a game that starts at <b>7:30 p.m. Arizona time on TNT</b>. Kobe Bryant is expected to play despite his ankle sprain but the bigger concern for the Lakers is slowing down Chris Paul. Paul put up a brilliant triple-double in Game 4 and has torched Los Angeles in this series. LA's inability to defend point guards continues to be their biggest weakness.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2011/4/26/2134077/nba-playoff-schedule-resumes-tuesday-with-derrick-rose-kobe-bryantSeth Pollack