NBA Playoff Schedule 2016: Updated Bracket Dates, TV Network List and More

The NBA playoffs didn’t begin with the excitement and intrigue they normally possess. The basketball world has been treated to numerous blowouts and one-sided decisions.

Two teams have claimed their spots in the conference semifinals, with the San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers completing first-round sweeps on Sunday. One more Western Conference series could come to an end on Monday night. There will also be some crucial Game 4s to watch out for on Monday.

Let’s take a look at the updated schedule and more as you get yourself ready for playoff basketball this week.

Looking ahead to the next few days of playoff action, good news came to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday afternoon: Kevin Durant will not be suspended for Game 5 against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night.

Durant was ejected late in Game 4 on Saturday after being assessed a flagrant-2 foul for striking Dallas rookie forward Justin Anderson above the neck. The NBA released a statement on Sunday, per Adi Joseph of Sporting News, saying Durant was fined $15,000 for his actions:

Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, both fined, for Game 3. Russ for cursing, KD for his foul. Release: pic.twitter.com/pKZE8QyaC6

— Adi Joseph (@AdiJoseph) April 24, 2016

That’s good news for the Thunder and bad news for the Mavericks, whose season is likely to end in Oklahoma City. Dallas played hard on Saturday. Most notably, 37-year-old Dirk Nowitzki did all he could to keep the Mavericks in the game. His 27 points and eight rebounds weren’t enough to contain the likes of Russell Westbrook, Enes Kanter and Serge Ibaka despite Durant’s 19-point performance.

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Oklahoma City is just too deep and talented, while the Mavericks are too injured to carry on. Wesley Matthews and Nowitzki will not allow Dallas to go away easy, but on the road with not enough offense to go around, Dallas will get a head start on preparing for another crucial offseason.

Following the Mavs and Thunder is an important Game 4 in the Northwest. The Portland Trail Blazers have new life after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers, 96-88, in Game 3 on Saturday. It was the best game of the postseason for Damian …

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