Basketball

When the Boston Celtics left New York last month, they had just finished a season sweep of the Knicks that made it seem as if a postseason meeting would be a simple step on their climb back to the NBA Finals.

Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Golden State Warriors (48-34, seventh in the Western Conference) San Francisco; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Timberwolves -5; over/under is 201.

Boston Celtics (61-21, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (51-31, third in the Eastern Conference) New York; Saturday, 3:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Celtics -5.5; over/under is 204.

Stephen Curry sat down after the Golden State Warriors went through their shootaround practice in Minneapolis on Thursday, quickly announcing that he's feeling great. He was not telling the truth.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves have seen Anthony Edwards writhing in pain on the floor several times throughout his career, before eventually welcoming their star guard back to the game. This looked a little different.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves were stewing over their rough start in Game 1 against Golden State, a reaction coach Chris Finch was pleased to see.

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets held what essentially was a group therapy session Thursday after their 43-point demolition at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of their second-round playoff series.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Denver Nuggets accomplished one goal by stealing Game 1 of their second-round playoff series at Oklahoma City. The Indiana Pacers were even more productive in Cleveland, sweeping both games.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson refused to blame officials for what the NBA said were three incorrect no-calls in the final minute — including one that led to Tyrese Haliburton's game-winning 3-pointer — in Indiana's 120-119

Former Celtics great Paul Pierce was so confident in his team in Game 2 against the Knicks, he said he would walk to work barefoot “in my robe” if they lost for a second straight game in the second-round series.