Knicks, Spurs host NBA Playoffs openers vs. upstarts
The Philadelphia 76ers, fresh off their shocking rally over the Celtics, head to Madison Square Garden to face the rival Knicks in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs second-round series. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs host the upstart Timberwolves in a Game 1 playoff matchup.
Here is your Lindy's Primer for May 4:
NBA: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (8 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)
The 76ers, fresh off a stunning comeback from a 3-1 deficit against the rival Celtics, travel to face their other big rivals, the Knicks in Game 1 of this Eastern Conference semifinal showdown. The 7th-seeded Sixers (45-37) showed resilience, utilizing a 1-2 punch of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to defy the odds and advance.
The third-seeded Knicks (53-29) boast one of the league's top home records (30-10). They dominated their first-round series against Atlanta, winning in six games including the eye-opening 140-89 drubbing in Atlanta to clinch it. Over/Under sits at around 212.5, suggesting a physical battle where points are at a premium.
NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs (9:30 p.m. ET, Peacock/NBCSN)
The Timberwolves knocked off Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets in a first-round upset. It doesn't get any easier for this Western Conference second-round series, as Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs wait.
Related: Jaylen Brown Doubles Down on Joel Embiid Criticism After Playoff Exit
Anthony Edwards (knee), who was injured in Game 4 of the opening round, is expected to play in this series – but not for Game 1. Other players stepped up throughout the series vs. the Nuggets, and they'll need that again.
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The Spurs went 62-20 this season including 32-8 at home and are the heavy favorites in Game 1 and in the series overall.
NHL: Anaheim Ducks at Vegas Golden Knights (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
It's Game 1 in a marquee Western Conference second-round matchup. Anaheim advanced by knocking off Connor McDavid and the Oilers in six games. Similarly, Vegas bested Utah in six games to get here. The opener is at T-Mobile Arena on the Strip.
The Wolves can't lean on their star, with Anthony Edwards still recovering from a knee injury. Julius Randle scored 27 points in Game 5, one of six Wolves in double figures. Someone else will need to step up to close out the series.
The series is considered a contrast in style. The Ducks are young with flashy speed, but inexperienced at this level. The Knights are veteran-laden and prefer a physical style with elite special teams (power play, penalty kill). Oddsmakers believe defense holds stronger here, despite the Knights scoring five goals in three straight games and the Ducks scoring four-plus in four of their last five. The Over/Under for goals scored is just 6.5
MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at St. Louis Cardinals (7:45 p.m. ET, FS1)
The Brewers (18-15) and Cardinals (20-14) begin a series between NL Central contenders in a nationally televised matchup. Both teams hope to get something from their starting pitching, as Milwaukee goes with Chad Patrick (2-1, 2.57 ERA) vs. Kyle Leahy 93-3, 5.52) for St. Louis.
The Brewers have won five of seven, led by the pitchers, who have given up more than two runs just twice in that span. The Cardinals had their six-game win streak snapped on Sunday, but took the series vs. the Dodgers and have averaged 6.7 runs per game during their unbeaten run.
Related: Raptors Face Worrying Brandon Ingram Update Before Game 7
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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 10:36 AM.