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NBA Playoff Showdowns: Cavs Fall, Celtics Dominate, and Lakers Stumble in 24-Hour Shakeup

Published April 27, 2026, 5:35 a.m.

A wild 24-hour stretch of NBA playoff action saw the Boston Celtics flex their dominance, the San Antonio Spurs pull away late, and the Houston Rockets shock the Los Angeles Lakers. Here’s what you need to know.

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APRIL 26 NBA PLAYOFFS: A NIGHT OF CONTRASTS

TORONTO EDGES CLEVELAND IN TIGHT SERIES BATTLE In a tightly contested Game 4, the Toronto Raptors edged the Cleveland Cavaliers 93-89. While the Cavs showed grit, the Raptors’ defensive adjustments in the second half proved decisive. Key betting angles ahead of the series included RJ Barrett’s 20.5+ points prop (-130 at bet365), which Barrett narrowly missed with 19 points on 64.4% shooting. The Raptors’ ability to contain Darius Garland (16 points, 6 assists) will be critical in the series’ next chapter.

SPURS’ EFFICIENT VICTORY OVER BLAZERS San Antonio’s offense found its rhythm in a 114-93 win over Portland, with Dejounte Murray (24 points, 10 assists) leading the charge. The Spurs’ 41% three-point shooting and 15-28 free-throw performance underscored their efficiency. Scoot Henderson (23.3 PPG in the series) fell short of his 19.5+ points prop (+115) with 17 points, but his 4.0 triples per game average remains a key storyline for bettors.

CELTICS CRUSH 76ERS IN DOMINANT DISPLAY The Boston Celtics made a statement with a 128-96 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers. Jayson Tatum (31 points, 9 rebounds) and Jaylen Brown (28 points) carried Boston’s offense, while the defense held Joel Embiid to just 14 points. With Embiid sidelined for Game 4, VJ Edgecombe’s 10.5+ rebounds prop (at +115) becomes a must-watch. Edgecombe’s 10-rebound performances in Games 2 and 3 already highlight his role in the absence of Philly’s big man.

ROCKETS STUN LAKERS IN UPSET VICTORY In one of the night’s biggest surprises, the Houston Rockets stunned the Los Angeles Lakers 115-96. Jalen Green (27 points) and Kevin Porter Jr. (22 points) led Houston’s balanced attack, while the Lakers’ offense sputtered despite LeBron James’ 24 points. The result adds intrigue to the Lakers’ playoff path, especially with Anthony Davis (18 points, 10 rebounds) struggling with consistency.

BETTING TAKEAWAYS - RJ Barrett’s 64.4% shooting in the Raptors-Cavs series makes him a consistent prop play. - VJ Edgecombe’s rebounding upside is real when Embiid sits, but his 8 RPG average over 8 games suggests caution. - Scoot Henderson’s 4.0 triples per game in the Spurs-Blazers series could fuel future prop opportunities.

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