Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat at 7pm ET on TNT | Memphis Grizzlies vs, Oklahoma City Thunder at 9:30pm ET on TNT
We have a pair of potential closeout games slated for tonight’s NBA action. The biggest game of Kevin Durant’s career is tonight at 9:30pm when they fight for their season down 3-1 to the Memphis Grizzlies. Durant’s been playing lights out since the injury departure of Russell Westbrook, which in our opinion he’s been running out of energy down the stretch seen in 5 points combined in the 4th quarter and OT in game 4. Serge Ibaka finally had a breakout game scoring 17 and 14 boards, but he’s going to have to mirror his play once again with Kevin Martin and Reggie Jackson helping Durant to keep their season alive.
The Miami Heat dealing with injuries of their own with guard Dwyane Wade expected to be a game time decision due to re-aggravating his knee. Wade’s had career playoff series low’s in points and production this series and has essentially became team’s 4th option behind Norris Cole. Miami wants this series to end quickly rather than later, as the Bulls are expected to be without Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich tonight and a loss here tonight could prompt them to return on Friday for game 6.
*UPDATE*
Miami 94, Chicago 91 | Heat Win Series 4-1
Memphis 88, Thunder 84 | Grizzlies Win Series 4-1
You can continue after the jump for more in-depth previews of each game.
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Heat look to make third consecutive trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Since losing game 1 in shocking fashion at home, the Miami Heat have went on to defeat the Chicago Bulls on average of 23 points in their last 3 games. While those games might seem like they’ve been easy task for the Heat, the games have initially been chippy back and forth with the Bulls trying to get under their skin and take away focus from their game plan with hard fouls but have failed after the first game. The Heat have used it as motivation which LeBron has led the way with Bosh and Cole adding in contributions.
The Bulls season is on the line tonight, which we’re expecting them to go all out tonight; led by Joakim Noah’s defense, Carlos Boozers mid-range scoring and the magic of Nate Robinson. Without their superstar Derrick Rose, the Bulls have overachieved with injuries all year and even “upsetting” the Brooklyn Nets in the first round. Bulls fans, if you’re team loses, Rose will be suited up for opening night this November which you can look for them to be the Heats biggest opponent in next year’s playoffs.
If Miami loses tonight, we see this game going the distance; which they do not want to see, as the Pacers are looking to finish up things tomorrow night in Madison Square Garden with a ticket to the Eastern Conference finals.
Durant is hoping to keep season alive tonight with must-win in OKC.
It’s strange to think the Oklahoma City Thunder would be facing elimination in game 5 of the conference semi-finals; but one injury with Russell Westbrook has pushed the team to the brink of elimination. The Memphis Grizzlies are on the brink of their first ever Western Conference finals which they could advance tonight and meet the winner of the Spurs/Warriors series. Kevin Durant’s been playing out of his mind but will need help if his team wants a chance at keeping their season alive. The role players will definitely need to step up along with Serge Ibaka finally having his first breakout game. If those things happen, we can see the series extend back to Memphis. If not, the Thunder will be clearing out their lockers tonight for a long summer.