Basketball

MIAMI (AP) — There's been a notion in the NBA for years, one that says the game changes when the postseason rolls around. Joe Mazzulla disagrees. In the eyes of the Boston coach, nothing really changes from the regular season to the playoffs.

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are still alive. And the Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics were all rolling. Close games are hard to find in these NBA playoffs.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers finally cracked the Denver Nuggets' mastery of this rivalry and extended their playoff lives for at least another game. To absolutely nobody's surprise, LeBron James led the way.

Oklahoma City Thunder (57-25, first in the Western Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (49-33, seventh in the Western Conference) New Orleans; Monday, 8:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK : LINE Thunder -4.5; over/under is 204.

Los Angeles Lakers (47-35, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (57-25, second in the Western Conference) Denver; Monday, 10 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK : LINE Nuggets -7.5; over/under is 218.

Boston Celtics (64-18, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (46-36, eighth in the Eastern Conference) Miami; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK : LINE Celtics -10.5; over/under is 202.

ORLANDO, Fla.

MIAMI (AP) — For two days, the Boston Celtics lamented getting beaten on their home floor. And when they finally got to play again, they let out all the frustration. The result: a defensive masterpiece.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams was on his hands and knees after taking a hard shot to the eye on the opening possession of a pivotal playoff game.

MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler says he wants to play in the NBA playoffs, though there's no timetable for his return from a sprained MCL.