In a surprising twist, Darius Garland will miss Game 3 due to a toe injury, disappointing fans eager for a Tyler Herro vs. Garland showdown. This absence comes on the heels of Garland's acknowledgment that the Cleveland Cavaliers had been targeting Herro, who has been vocal about his defensive shortcomings. Despite the setback, the Cavaliers lead the series 2-0, buoyed by Donovan Mitchell's stellar performance, including a crucial 30-point game in Game 2.

Garland's absence may shift the dynamics of the series, potentially allowing the Miami Heat, who nearly staged a comeback in Game 2, to exploit Cleveland's backcourt. With Tyler Herro having scored 33 points in the previous game, Miami hopes to capitalize on Garland's absence as they aim to narrow the gap in this playoff series.

Luka Doncic's performance in Game 3 of the Lakers vs. Timberwolves series was hindered by a stomach virus, leading to a disappointing 17 points on 6-for-16 shooting, significantly below his average of 34 points from the previous games. The Lakers struggled overall, succumbing to a 116-104 defeat despite LeBron James’ impressive 38-point game. The unusual occurrence of a whistle allegedly blown by a fan created confusion during the match, which may have contributed to Doncic's struggles. As the series continues, his health remains a major concern for the Lakers.

With the NBA Playoffs heating up, star players like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are set to light up the court tonight. This tripleheader not only promises thrilling matchups, but also offers an exciting opportunity for bettors to capitalize on the action. New BetMGM users can take advantage of bonus codes ROTOBG150 for a $150 promo or ROTOSPORTS for up to $1,500 in bonus bets.

The Lakers face off against the Timberwolves, tied 1-1 in their series, with both teams looking to seize momentum. Meanwhile, Damian Lillard's return bolsters the Bucks as they aim to rally against the Pacers, who currently lead the series 2-0. The defending champion Celtics, despite some injury concerns, are poised for Game 3 against the Magic, up 2-0, as they look to assert their dominance.

Tyler Herro, the Miami Heat's standout guard, showcased his elite scoring ability during the play-in tournament, notching consecutive 30-point games to propel his team into the NBA playoffs for the 2025 season. He led the Heat with 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in a crucial overtime victory against the Atlanta Hawks. Earlier, he also scored 38 points against the Chicago Bulls, marking the Heat as the first 10-seed in NBA history to qualify for the postseason.

Next up, Miami faces the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, featuring former Louisville star Donovan Mitchell. The matchup promises to be intense as both teams vie for playoff supremacy. With Miami's momentum and Herro's scoring prowess, they appear ready to challenge the Cavaliers and make a significant playoff run.

The Brooklyn Nets are facing a challenging end to the 2024-25 NBA season, particularly with their roster's injury woes. Forward Ziaire Williams is questionable for Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks due to right patella tendinopathy, while guard Reece Beekman is battling right calf soreness. Both players have been inconsistent contributors but will be missed as the Nets aim to finish strong.

The absence of key veterans like Cam Johnson, D'Angelo Russell, and Day'Ron Sharpe—each dealing with their own injuries—adds further complication. Johnson copes with a lower back contusion, Russell with an ankle sprain, and Sharpe with a knee sprain. This scenario opens opportunities for younger players to gain valuable experience in what is likely a low-stakes finale.

The Knicks, eyeing playoff positioning, may opt to rest their starters to prepare for their series against the Detroit Pistons, potentially making for an interesting showdown of bench depth and emerging talent in this final game of the regular season.