NBA Playoffs: Live scores, injury updates and must-watch moments

The NBA Playoffs are all about tight games, sudden injuries, and those nights that change a whole series. You want quick updates, clear context, and a sense of what matters next — not fluff. We cover Game 7s, key injuries, and the plays that swing momentum so you know what to watch and why.

What to watch tonight

Check the matchup and who’s healthy. A single injury can flip a series — like when Luka Dončić’s calf issue delayed a big debut and changed expectations for the Lakers. Teams that lose a star often adjust by running more plays through role players or locking down on defense. Watch substitutions and late-game lineups. They tell you how coaches plan to finish close games.

Game 7s are different animals. The Pacers forcing a Game 7 after a blowout win over the Thunder showed how a confident defense and clutch guards can flip pressure onto the opponent. Expect tighter rotations, more timeouts used for matchups, and fouls that decide who shoots free throws late. If a team closes out at home, watch the crowd effect — it’s real and it changes free-throw percentages.

How we cover the playoffs for you

We focus on three things: the score, the turning points, and what changes next. You’ll get fast score updates, short breakdowns of crucial plays, and clear injury notes that explain who’s out, who’s likely to play, and how that shifts matchups. When a star is limited or missing, we point out the players who will step up and why.

Want to watch games? Use official streams — NBA League Pass or your local broadcast partner — and check blackout rules before you pay. For big games, follow the pregame injury reports and late scratch alerts. Those usually post a few hours before tip-off and can affect who’s starting.

Betting or fantasy players: focus on minutes not just matchups. A sudden increase in minutes for a bench player often means fantasy points. Coaches will hide players late if they’re injured, so monitor in-game updates. We flag expected minute changes and the most likely go-to scorers in crunch time.

Want quick context before a game? Look at recent defensive ratings, free-throw attempts, and turnover trends. Teams that force turnovers and get to the line will often win the close playoff games. We summarize those trends so you don’t have to dig through box scores.

Follow our live posts for Game 7 nights and finals run-ups. We’ll highlight the matchups to watch, note any late injuries, and explain why certain adjustments matter. If you want push alerts for big news — injured starters, overtime, or a series-clinching win — enable notifications on the site.

Got a question about tonight’s matchup or a player update you want explained? Send it our way and we’ll break it down in plain language so you know what to expect when the buzzer sounds.