The NBA and NHL playoffs deliver matchups worth watching

The GIST: It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year, with both the NBA and Stanley Cup playoffs in full conference semis mode. Feeling fatigued? Leave the heat packs where they are and let us catch you up on the latest from the hardwood and the ice.

🏀 NBA: The Boston Celtics (Eastern Conference) and Oklahoma City Thunder (Western Conference) are the No. 1 seeds for a reason. Each squad took care of business with last night’s respective Game 1 wins over the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks.

• Boston and OKC now have a chance to follow in the pawprints footsteps of the Minnesota Timberwolves (who are up 2-0 on the defending champ Denver Nuggets) in tomorrow’s Game 2s.

• Back in the Big Apple, the NY Knicks outlasted the pesky Indiana Pacers in an electric Game 1 win on Monday. Will the orange and blue bing bong their way to a 2-0 lead in Game 2 tonight at 8 p.m. ET? Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has other plans.

🏒 NHL: The NY Rangers (up 2-0) are still undefeated through six playoff games after last night’s 2–0 double overtime Game 2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Meanwhile, in the Lone Star State, the Colorado Avalanche struck first with a 4–3 Game 1 overtime victory over their Central Division foes, the Dallas Stars.

• Elsewhere, dad energy lifted the Boston Bruins to a lopsided Monday Game 1 win over the Florida Panthers, with Game 2 slated for tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET. And last but not least, the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers begin their Great White North showdown tonight at 10 p.m. ET. Booked and busy.