As the NBA playoffs unfold, the matchups intensify. Tonight's game features the Minnesota Timberwolves battling the Los Angeles Lakers, where key player performances will be pivotal. LeBron James is expected to excel on the boards, with a betting line set for over 7.5 rebounds. Despite the Timberwolves' scorching shooting in Game 1, LeBron's effort and urgency should bolster his chances of hitting that mark.

Additionally, Julius Randle faces a challenging night with odds set under 4.5 assists, likely due to the Timberwolves' defensive adjustments. Jaden McDaniels is primed for regression after a surprising 25-point outburst, with betting set under 12.5 points. Meanwhile, watch for Myles Turner, who may struggle with rebounds against the Bucks, and Tyrese Haliburton, who is projected to bounce back from a poor shooting night with odds favoring over 2.5 threes.

Pascal Siakam's stellar performance, with 25 points and 7 rebounds, alongside Tyrese Haliburton's 10 points and 12 assists, propelled the Indiana Pacers to a 117-98 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, gaining a 1-0 lead in their playoff series. Indiana showcased dominant defense, allowing the Bucks to score only three points in the final minutes of the third quarter, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo's impressive 36 points and 12 rebounds. The Pacers' ability to limit Milwaukee's three-point shooting to just 9% in the first half proved crucial. Myles Turner's pivotal three-pointer sealed the win as Indiana took control late in the first half.

The Indiana Pacers started the NBA playoffs on a high note, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 117-98 in Game 1 of their first-round series. Pascal Siakam led the charge with 25 points, supported by five other Pacers scoring in double figures. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo's impressive 36-point performance, the Bucks struggled offensively without Damian Lillard, who is sidelined with a blood clot injury. This win is crucial for the Pacers, who previously eliminated the Bucks in the first round last year.

The Bucks could not generate adequate support for Giannis, with their starters contributing just 14 points combined. The Pacers, thriving in front of a passionate home crowd, extended their lead to as much as 28 points. A late 9-0 run from Milwaukee brought the score closer, but crucial three-pointers from Myles Turner allowed Indiana to regain control and secure the victory. Game 2 is set for Tuesday, with Lillard's return still uncertain.

The Indiana Pacers faced a challenging game against the Washington Wizards, a team entrenched at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Despite trailing by as much as 16 points and struggling with their shooting accuracy, the Pacers secured a 104-98 victory. This win, albeit a season-low in scoring, was crucial as they inch closer to clinching a top seed for the playoffs.

Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner were instrumental in the final moments, with Haliburton emphasizing resilience as key in their playoff push. The Pacers have now surpassed last season's win total and are aiming for home-court advantage in the first round, needing only one more victory or a Bucks loss to seal the No. 4 seed.

Myles Turner will be sidelined for the Pacers' matchup against the Sacramento Kings due to illness, missing a chance to face former teammate Domantas Sabonis. This season, Turner is averaging 15.4 points and is second in the NBA with 1.9 blocks per game, while hitting a career-high 40.1% from three-point range. With Turner unavailable, the Pacers will rely on Thomas Bryant and Tony Bradley to step up, alongside possible contributions from Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin.