The NBA playoffs will feature three crucial games as several teams look to avoid being eliminated in Game 6 tonight. Here’s a look at the critical matchups on the schedule for Thursday night.

Sixers Hope To Close Series In Toronto

The Sixers are looking to finally close out the series against the Raptors tonight in Toronto. After leading 3-0 in the series, it was revealed that Joel Embiid had torn ligaments in the thumb on his shooting hand after hitting the game-winning shot. He has continued to play but has not been as effective and no longer has his normal shooting range as Philly has lost the last two games.

The Raptors are looking to become the first NBA team to come back from a 3-0 deficit to win the series. A win tonight would make them only the fifth team to force a game seven after trailing three games to none. If the Raptors bench can continue to play well tonight, they have a real chance to take a win at home.

Toronto will get a close win at home to force Game 7.

Pelicans Face Elimination vs. Suns

In their Western Conference first-round matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans are hoping to force a Game 7 tonight against the Suns at home. The Suns have been without Devin Booker but have managed to push the Pelicans to the brink of elimination in the series. Late reports indicate that Booker may be available for tonight’s game, although he is listed as being out on the injury report.

It will be a tough task for Phoenix to close out the series at Smoothie King Center without their star shooting guard and against a very rowdy New Orleans crowd. Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton will have to continue carrying the load for Phoenix. However, CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram will have to come up big again if they want to extend their season beyond tonight.

The Pelicans will squeeze out a close victory to send the series back to Phoenix.

Mavs Look To Dominate Jazz Again

The Dallas Mavericks destroyed the Utah Jazz 102-77 on their home floor in Game 5 Tuesday night. Their defense played great as they built up a 16-point lead at halftime and led by as many as 33 in the second half. They limited Utah to just three triples in the game while making 12 of their own and outrebounded them 49-40.

Game 5 was the worst performance in the postseason for Utah, as they failed to score more than 19 points in three of the four quarters. The Jazz have a legitimate chance to push the series to a seventh game on their home floor tonight but must play better defensively if they hope to win. 

The Jazz will improve their play at home and take the victory against the Mavs tonight.