Will Celtics contain Bam Adebayo? | Bucks could get stars back for Game 6

Good afternoon, sports fans.

The NBA postseason slate didn't disappoint Tuesday night as Tyrese Maxey single-handedly willed the 76ers to a massive season-saving overtime win against the Knicks in New York, and Milwaukee prevented elimination by defeating Indiana. Tonight, the Celtics will look to do what the Knicks and Pacers could not -- close out their series. The Heat will be trying to get the series back to Miami, while a pivotal Game 5 will take place between the Mavericks and Clippers in Los Angeles. Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

• Freddy Peralta, Abner Uribe, and Jose Siri have been suspended for their roles in Tuesday's benches-clearing brawl.
• Former Florida State quarterback Marcus Outzen has died.
  
• Dolphins owner Stephen Ross reportedly has turned down a $10 billion offer for control of the team.
• Maple Leafs, Predators are among the top landing spots for impending free agent forward Steven Stamkos.

All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

ANTETOKOUNMPO, LILLARD 'VERY, VERY, VERY CLOSE' TO RETURNING FOR GAME 6

The Bucks have been quite shorthanded throughout the opening round of the postseason. However, according to Milwaukee head coach Doc Rivers, both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are "very, very, very close" to returning to the court to play in tomorrow's Game 6 of their series against the Pacers. Antetokounmpo has been sidelined since he strained his left calf in a game on April 9. Meanwhile, Lillard is dealing with an Achilles injury that occurred late in Game 3, and that has kept him out of the lineup for the last two games.

When asked about the availability of his top two stars, Rivers said, "I don't know how to answer that. I know I hope [to have them on the floor again in the series]. I think they're very, very, very close." The Pacers lead the series 3-2, and the Bucks will need to win the next two games or it will be a second straight season of having home-court advantage yet not advancing to the second round.

Game 5: Heat at Celtics, 7:30 p.m. | TV: TNT

• The Pick: Bam Adebayo Under 37.5 Points, Assists, and Rebounds (-128)
• Key trend: Adebayo has recorded 38 points, assists, and rebounds in just one game in this series.

SportsLine expert Alex Selesnick is 298-214 in his last 512 NBA prop picks.

• Selesnick:"This is a huge number for Adebayo, who has only eclipsed this line in one of four games in this series, despite playing nearly 40 minutes-per-game in the playoffs. Adeabyo has played well, but the Heat are simply overmatched here. Without Jimmy Butler, there is just a massive disparity in talent between these teams, and it is simply too much for Miami to overcome. Boston stewed over its first-round loss to Miami last season and I believe will be highly motivated to take care of business and complete the gentleman's sweep of the Heat."

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has a "B" pick on the total and moneyline, while having a "C" pick on the spread.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

Game 5: Mavericks at Clippers, 10 p.m. | TV: TNT

• The Projection: Over 209 (-110)| Grade: B -- Moderate

SportsLine's Projection Model has a "B" grade on the total with "C" grades for the spread and moneyline for the contest. The over hit in Game 4, and with so much on the line in Game 5, we're expecting a heavy amount of scoring in this one.

SportsLine expert picks: Our staff has combed through the Wednesday night NBA slate and offered their best plays as the playoffs continue.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

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