NBA Playoffs 2020: Previewing the four-game slate on deck for Day 6 of the postseason

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Game 3s

The slate of four-game schedules continue on Saturday - Day 6 of the 2020 NBA Playoffs. 

Among the eight teams in action, two teams - the Houston Rockets and Miami Heat - will be looking to take a commanding 3-0 series lead with a Game 3 victory.

On the other hand, the top seeds in either conference - the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers - would like to carry their momentum from Game 2 and win again after suffering upset losses in Game 1. 

Here's a rundown of Saturday's slate and what's at stake in each of the games.

All win probabilities are per FiveThirtyEight's NBA Predictions model. All times in ET.

Milwaukee Bucks @ Orlando Magic - Game 3 @ 1:00 PM

Win probability: Bucks - 73%

The Bucks showed off a glimpse of their defensive identity in Game 2, something that was missing in Game 1. In order to build on that performance and possibly get even better, Milwaukee will be looking for a repeat of Game 2 in Game 3. 

All-Star Khris Middleton is hoping to find his rhythm and shooting touch in this one after going 5-of-20 from the field through the first two games.

Meanwhile, for the Magic, Aaron Gordon and Michael Carter-Williams are game-time decisions for Game 3. Can they rally behind their Nikola Vucevic for another upset win or will their performance in Game 3 prove that Game 1 was a one-off?

Only time will tell.

Indiana Pacers @ Miami Heat - Game 3 @ 3:30 PM

Win probability: Heat - 62%

The Heat have won both games of this series with relative ease, both wins coming by an average margin of 10.5 points. We could see more of the same given the stellar depth and talent on the Heat roster as compared to what the Pacers are attempting to overcome. 

Indiana has been missing All-Star Domantas Sabonis and is expected to not have him for this one too. Can one of T.J. Warren, Malcolm Brogdon or Victor Oladipo carry the offensive load for the Pacers and attempt to pull out a win in Game 3?

To extend this series, Indiana will have to win one of the next two games. Meanwhile, the Heat are favoured to win Game 3 and extend their advantage.

Houston Rockets @ Oklahoma City Thunder - Game 3 @ 6:00 PM

Win probability: Rockets - 70%

Through two games, the Rockets have cruised to victory with wins by a combined points margin of 28. Will that margin increase in Game 3 or will the OKC Thunder put up a fight?

It's also important to note that Houston has been winning these games comfortably while Russell Westbrook is still rehabbing his quad injury. Can the Thunder pull one off or will the Rockets keep rolling?

Los Angeles Lakers @ Portland Trail Blazers - Game 3 @ 8:30 PM

Win probability: Lakers - 74%

A decisive and possibly must-win game for either team. 

Was Game 1 an aberration for the Lakers or did fatigue just catch up with the Trail Blazers in Game 2? How will either team respond in Game 3? 

Damian Lillard has said he would be playing Game 3 even with his dislocated left index finger. How will he fare? Portland is no regular eighth seed but with Zach Collins also ruled out of this one, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Lakers chances of winning are at 74%.

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