NBA Playoffs Schedule 2016: TV, Livestream Guide for Monday’s Round 2 Matchups

Monday’s NBA playoffs schedule is light on action but will go a long way in establishing the tone of two second-round series.

In the Eastern Conference, the No. 1-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers will look to continue their momentum against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1. The Cavs swept the Detroit Pistons in the opening round, while the Hawks took care of the Boston Celtics in six. 

On the other side of the bracket is a Game 2 that has major implications for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 2 is never a must-win—especially for a road team—but the pressure is on after the Spurs routed OKC 124-92 in Game 1 on Saturday. 

Monday’s games won’t have the drama of two Game 7s from Sunday, but both are important in shaping series for two serious NBA Finals candidates. 

Here’s a look at the TV schedule along with a preview and prediction for each game. 

Cavs vs. Hawks

The Cavaliers have to be happy with their outlook rolling into Round 2. The series with Detroit featured a close game to close out the series, but it gave them some time off while the Hawks were duking it out with the Celtics. 

Now, they’ll take on a team they swept in the 2014-15 Eastern Conference Finals and in the regular season. 

The Hawks shouldn’t be underestimated, though. Veteran player Richard Jefferson commented on Atlanta’s depth and its ability to force teams into difficult shots, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com:

They’re a well-coached team and they play a lot of guys so a lot of guys have opportunities to make impacts on the game. No one plays a ton of high crazy, crazy minutes so everyone is typically fresh and playing at a high speed. That’s why they are so difficult. It’s never about your opponent, it’s always about how well you execute — if you don’t turn over the ball, if you’re taking good …

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