Three teams punch second-round tickets as NBA postseason action continues

The GIST: Despite what the now-eliminated Miami Heat would have you believe, it’s not nearly quitting time — the postseason NBA fun has only just begun as the feisty first-round matchups continue. Nothing but net (and drama).

Three teams snag second-round berths: The Cleveland Cavaliers set the tone for first-round series-clinching dubs, unceremoniously extinguishing the Heat in a 55-point blowout win on Monday. Joining the Cavs in the second round are the sharpshooting Boston Celtics, who used a dominant third quarter to eliminate the Orlando Magic with last night’s 120–89 Game 5 win.

• The Milwaukee Bucks are also on the outs after falling 119–118 to the series-winning Indiana Pacers in overtime last night. But it’s not the short playoff stint that’ll keep fans up at night — it’s the future of the franchise after superstar Damian Lillard’s confirmed Achilles tear. Oof.

Houston Rockets and LA Lakers on the brink of elimination: Tonight’s games could spell the first upsets of the opening round as the better-seeded Rockets and Lakers are down 3-1 against the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves, respectively. Houston will try to extend their series on their home court at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by LA at 10 p.m. ET.

• And tomorrow’s games should be just as thrilling: The Detroit Pistons pulled off a 106–103 win over the NY Knicks last night, extending that series to a 7:30 p.m. ET Game 6, while the Denver Nuggets will try to punch their second-round ticket vs. the LA Clippers at 10 p.m. ET.