NBA Playoff Schedule 2016: Dates, TV Info for Remainder of Conference Semifinals

Following an onslaught of blowouts, the 2016 NBA playoffs have upped the ante with titillating conference semifinal showdowns.

The Cleveland Cavaliers steamrolled the Atlanta Hawks, but at least they put on a show in the process. The Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat make shooting basketballs look like pulling teeth, but at least they’re delivering down-to-the-wire finishes in a 2-2 series.

Although Stephen Curry made his triumphant return for the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, he wasn’t truly back until late in their 132-125 Game 4 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. His late explosion, however, was well worth the wait.

Every year the Western Conference produces a Finals-caliber showdown early in the postseason. The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder continued their gripping series on Tuesday night, when the Thunder gained a 3-2 lead with their second road victory.

As the Cavaliers rest, three second-round series still have scores to settle. Let’s take a look at the remaining schedule and updated storylines entering Wednesday night’s action.

Can Heat or Raptors Challenge the Cavs?

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The short answer to the question is no. After sweeping the Atlanta Hawks with a 12.5-point average margin of victory, the Cavaliers watched the Heat and Raptors engage in their third overtime battle of the series. As everyone else yawned through a 94-87 snoozer, Cleveland probably laughed.

Cleveland has something that has evaded both the Raptors and Heat this series: offense. The Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed has yet to lose this postseason on the strength of a 117.0 offensive rating. For comparison, Golden State registered an NBA-best 112.5 rating during the regular season. 

The Cavaliers broke a record that was shortly owned by Golden State, converting 25 three-pointers in Game 2 of the second round. They’re averaging 16.8 deep makes per game with a remarkable 46.2 percentage in the postseason—a lethal mixture of volume and efficiency from downtown.

On Monday night, the Raptors and Heat went a combined 7-of-35 from three-point range in an overtime game viewers just wanted to see end. Basketball Insiders’ …

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