NBA Conference Semi-Finals Predictions (09/10-05-2026)

The NBA Playoffs continue with two important Game 3 matchups as both Cleveland and the Lakers return home already facing serious pressure in their series.

Detroit and Oklahoma City currently hold 2-0 leads, meaning the home teams now need stronger performances from their key offensive players to avoid falling into an even deeper hole.

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James Harden remains one of the main offensive leaders for Cleveland and continues to play a major offensive role despite the difficult start to the NBA series.

The first two games showed just how dependent Cleveland still are on production from their primary scorers.

Harden scored 22 points in Game 1 despite struggling from three-point range, mainly because he continued attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line consistently.

Game 2 was far less efficient offensively, but the overall shot volume remained high.

That part matters more heading into Game 3, especially now that the series shifts back to Cleveland.

Back in Cleveland, the Cavaliers simply need more offense from their leaders if they want to avoid falling behind 3-0, and Harden is naturally one of the players expected to take responsibility in that situation.

If the shooting improves slightly, Harden should have enough volume to clear this number.

Rui Hachimura has quietly become one of the Lakers most important offensive contributors during these NBA Playoffs.

His role looks completely different compared to the regular season, both in terms of minutes and offensive involvement.

The extra minutes alone already help his scoring chances a lot, while his shooting efficiency has also stayed strong through the opening two games of the series.

Despite the Lakers losing both road games, Hachimura still scored 18 and 16 points while shooting efficiently from the field in both matchups.

The bigger factor here is opportunity.

With Luka Dončić unavailable and Oklahoma City focusing heavily on LeBron James, the Lakers continue relying on secondary scorers to carry a larger offensive role.

Hachimura has handled that responsibility well so far, especially from three-point range, and if his current playoff role stays the same, 14+ points is definitely realistic again here.