Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs is hosting pivotal games that can potentially decide the course of two series to a great extent. The New York Knicks are visiting the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference, and in the Western Conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves are hosting the Golden State Warriors. Both the games carry huge stakes, which make them pure watch-out fights for basketball enthusiasts.

Knicks vs. Celtics Game 4

Game 3 Recap

Game 3 was back to business for the Boston Celtics, who bounced back in style to beat the New York Knicks 115-93. Boston's 3-point shooting was solid, hitting 20-of-40 from beyond the arc, as Jayson Tatum finally broke out of his slumber after a disappointing series start. For the Knicks, their bad shooting continued, with them managing only 5-of-25 from the outside.

Knicks vs. Celtics Key Factors for Game 4

1. Knicks' Early Game Performance:

To avoid falling into gigantic deficits, the Knicks need to start games strongly and shoot more quality shots. Their shooting has been at or near the bottom of the league this postseason, and they need to be more innovative offensively to optimize scoring efficiency.

2. Celtics Avoiding Mistakes:

The Celtics did a great job in Game 3 by avoiding turnovers and capitalizing on their transition opportunities. To maintain the momentum, consistency in decision-making and shot taking will be crucial.

3. Transition Opportunities:

Transition opportunities could be the difference-maker. The club that hustles most on the run and best controls live-ball turnovers will assert control.

4. Matchups and Defense:

Jayson Tatum's defense of Karl-Anthony Towns and Al Horford's holdup of Jalen Brunson in pick-and-rolls will be matchups to see.

Team Analysis of Knicks vs. Celtics

New York Knicks

The Knicks enter this game with a focus on tough defense and rebounding. Led by Julius Randle and bolstered by Jalen Brunson's playmaking, the Knicks have developed into a physical, disciplined team that plays well. Their interior defense and rebounding will be key to shutting down the Celtics' second chances. In addition, the depth of the Knicks, particularly through the likes of Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, allows them to adjust and remain at top level through rotations. However, the ability of the club to reduce turnovers and remain even in their approach on offense will be the difference while combating the Celtics' defensive approach.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics, on the other hand, come into this game with a combination of star power and depth. Led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston's offense is three-dimensional, capable of beating the opponent both in the paint and out on the perimeter. Al Horford has been a steady anchor in the frontcourt, generating not only on defense but also as an offense player who can facilitate for others. The Celtics excel at stretching the floor and creating mismatches, most often relying on their three-point shooting. While their defense, paced by Marcus Smart, gives them an edge at creating turnovers, closing out quarters consistently will be a challenge for Boston. Both teams have distinct strengths and methods of playing the game, which will make for an intriguing tug-of-war on both ends of the floor.

Key Matchups

• Jayson Tatum vs. RJ Barrett: Tatum's ability to score in multiple ways and Barrett's defensive capabilities will be instrumental in determining the direction of this game. Both players are integral to their team's offense and defense.

• Jaylen Brown vs. Julius Randle: Brown's athleticism and two-way ability will be matched against Randle's ruggedness and post playmaking ability.

• Marcus Smart vs. Jalen Brunson: Smart's aggressiveness on defense will be tested by Brunson's craftiness and ability to control the pace of the game.

• Robert Williams III vs. Mitchell Robinson: A paint war between shot-blocking and rebounding, where both centers attempt to dominate the paint.

• Three-Point Shooting: The three-point proficiency of the Celtics will clash with the perimeter defense of the Knicks and thereby become one of the most crucial aspects for both teams.

Injury Report

• Celtics: Sam Hauser (Doubtful - ankle sprain)

• Knicks: Clean bill of health, no injury reports.

Prediction of Knicks vs. Celtics Game

With their improved shooting and defensive adjustments in Game 3, the Celtics look built to level the series 2-2.

Timberwolves vs. Warriors Game 4

Game 3 Recap

The Timberwolves displayed determination in Game 3 as they won 102-87 over the Warriors. Anthony Edwards was the game hero, delivering 28 of his 36 points in the second half. Golden State was also struggling without Stephen Curry, who is injured with a hamstring strain.

Key Factors for Game 4

Steph Curry's Absence

The Warriors will again be without their point guard star, and his absence was apparent in Golden State's first-half play in Game 3. Without Curry, the Warriors will have to have Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga step up to the offense.

Timberwolves' Momentum:

Anthony Edwards has been the Timberwolves' X-factor, with his second-half dominating ability. Minnesota must continue to ride Julius Randle's playmaking, which has been key to their winning formula.

Three-Point Shooting:

The Warriors put forth a historically bad first half in Game 3, going 0-for-5 from the perimeter. In Game 4, they need a more aggressive perimeter presence to maintain the pace.

Warriors' Lineup Adjustments:

Warriors' coach Steve Kerr will need to create creative lineup adjustments to counter the Timberwolves' team-balanced offense, specifically with Draymond Green's capacity to accumulate foul trouble.

Team Analysis of Timberwolves vs. Warriors

Timberwolves

The Timberwolves have been incredibly cohesive on both sides of the court this season. Their defense has been one of the highlights of their team, and Rudy Gobert is leading the way in taking control of the paint and slowing down the Warriors' scoring in the paint. Offensively, the team's balanced attack has allowed multiple players to step up and be ungradable to defend against. Anthony Edwards' athleticism and scoring have added another dimension to their offense, and veterans like Mike Conley have brought stability and leadership on the court. If the Timberwolves can continue to execute on their defensive game plans and capitalize on transition opportunities, they'll be in good shape.

Warriors

The Warriors are having a rollercoaster ride in performance in the series based mainly on their pace and three-point shooting. Steph Curry is still the pivot of their offense, creating through scoring and off-ball movement. Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole offer shooting strength off the perimeter, but inconsistency has been seen. Draymond Green's versatility remains the keystone defensively, but his foul position could make him less effective. Warriors' success will depend heavily on perimeter shooting and a bolstered rebounding effort to cut down Timberwolves second-chance scoring. Creative counters by Steve Kerr will also be important in making the team competitive.

Key Matchups

• Stephen Curry vs. Anthony Edwards: Superstar showdown for offense, Curry's shooting and veteran savvy against Edwards' scoring burst and athleticism.

• Draymond Green vs. Karl-Anthony Towns: Green's defensive IQ and athleticism will be pushed against Towns' scoring versatility both in the paint and out to the arc.

• Kevon Looney vs. Rudy Gobert: A key rebounding matchup, with Looney tasked with meeting Gobert at the glass and countering his size and rebounding stature.

• Klay Thompson vs. Jaden McDaniels: Thompson's shooting will be matched against McDaniels' length and defensive skill on the periphery.

• Jordan Poole vs. Timberwolves Bench Guards: How much Poole can spark the offense will be crucial against the Timberwolves' bench guards, looking to offer steady production.

Injury Report

• Warriors: Stephen Curry (Out - hamstring strain)

• Timberwolves: No reported injuries.

Prediction of Timberwolves vs. Warriors Game

The Timberwolves are primed to take advantage of Curry’s absence and extend their series lead to 3-1, barring any major surprises from the Warriors’ supporting cast.

What to Watch for in Game 4

• How well the Knicks can recover their shooting efficiency and avoid defensive mismatches.

• Whether Boston’s stars, Tatum and Brown, can replicate their Game 3 performances under playoff pressure.

• For the Warriors, the ability to balance their offense in Curry’s absence will be pivotal.

• The Timberwolves’ ability to maintain consistency and capitalize on their size and versatility.

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Don't miss these exciting matchups. Whether you’re a Knicks or Celtics supporter in the East or cheering for the Warriors or Timberwolves in the West, these Game 4s promise electrifying moments that will shape the rest of the postseason.