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Jump ahead: Game of the night | Picks and props | Analytics edge

All odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook.

What you need to know for Wednesday’s playoff games

Rousing Rivalry: Can Kevin Durant surpass his point prop of 29.5 against a stingy Celtics defense? After all, he has topped this number just once in three meetings with Boston during the regular season. Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart could be a smart bet for two turnovers created after producing at least two stocks in four of five meetings with Brooklyn this season. The Celtics are 24-14 against the spread when playing a team with a winning record this season, including Sunday’s thrilling last-second win. The Nets, meanwhile, are 14-6 ATS when seeking to avenge a loss to an opponent on the road.

Slick Nic: While Game 1 of the Nets-Celtics series was an instant classic with star players making play after play, Nic Claxton was also a solid contributor. Nothing he does is flashy, but on his 23rd birthday, he converted 6 of 8 shots and pulled down a team-best eight rebounds in 31 minutes. Claxton’s minutes count is encouraging against a Celtics defense without Robert Williams III. Efficiency is something we can count on for Claxton as he has made 51 of 65 shots (78.5%) over the past month. It’s not exciting, but Claxton is a live DFS play and worth a look in the various prop markets in this spot.

Bank On Boucher: With Scottie Barnes currently questionable, Chris Boucher should see an increase in usage. He put up 17 points and 8 rebounds (with a pair of blocks) in 30 minutes Monday, and a similar stat line is expected Wednesday night. He played 30 minutes 14 times during the regular season and averaged 17.2 PPG with 10.6 RPG over that span. His double-double prop is worth a look once Barnes’ status is official. Boucher’s expanded role also looks good for those playing the three-game DFS slate as well.

Collaborative Creation: With Lonzo Ball out for the season, the Bulls still don’t have a traditional creator in their rotation. Distribution duties tend to shift between several key Chicago contributors. In Game 1 against the Bucks, the Bulls saw four players post at least 10 potential assists. DeMar DeRozan led the pack with 14 potential assists in Sunday’s loss to Milwaukee. DeRozan’s assist prop currently sits at 5.5, evidence there is untapped upside in his betting prop market.

— Jim McCormick and Kyle Soppe

Game of the night

Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics
7 p.m. ET, Barclays Center, Brooklyn

Line: Celtics (-3.5)
Money line: Celtics (-160), Nets (+140)
Total: 226 points
BPI Projected Total: 219.4 points
BPI Win%: Celtics (87.4%)

Key players ruled out: Ben Simmons

Best bet: Nets ML (+140). Kevin Durant is better than how he played Sunday, and the Nets still scored 114 points on the best defense in the league, despite his struggles. However, Brooklyn’s supporting cast must step up after Seth Curry, Patty Mills and Bruce Brown were relatively ineffective in Game 1. Kyrie Irving feeds off the Boston crowd and without Robert Williams III on the court, he will continue to stay hot. The Nets’ defense has improved over the past month, holding the C’s to just 19 points in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game. It is not comparable to the Celtics? Absolutely not, but I still like Brooklyn to win Game 2 outright. — Erin Dolan

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Best bet: Durant over 29.5 points. Durant had one of his worst scoring games of the season in Game 1, requiring 24 field goal attempts to score 23 points and losing six turnovers. While the Celtics have an excellent defense, Durant was visibly out of rhythm, missing a lot of shots that he normally makes. He shot 50% or better from the floor in his two games against the Celtics during the regular season, and dropped 37 points on 21 shots in his last regular-season outing. I fully expect a huge bounce-back game from Durant, who knows the Nets need this game to have a chance to win the series. — Andre Snellings

Best bet: Durant over 29.5 points. Durant has averaged nearly 39 points in his first game following a loss. The only exception was an 11-point performance in 2019 when he ruptured an Achilles. All of the pressure is on Durant tonight. He knows that he must play better in Game 2 if the Nets want to win the series. — Eric Moody

Breaking down the rest of the slate

Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks
9:30 p.m. ET, Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee

Line: Bucks (-10)
Money line: Bucks (-550), Bulls (+400)
Total: 225 points
BPI Projected Total: 221.2 points
BPI Win%: Bucks (88.5%)

Key players ruled out: none

Best bet: Bucks (-10). The Bucks are 5-0 against the Bulls this season and won their last two regular-season matchups by a combined 49 points, and dominated the early part of Game 1 before the Bulls were able to fight their way back in the second half. The Bucks scored 34 points in the first quarter of Game 1, then managed only 59 points over the next three quarters, which is extremely out of character for a Bucks team that was third in the NBA with 115.5 points scored per game. Look for them to revert to their norm and put a big number on the board Wednesday. — Snellings

Best bet: Bulls (+10). The Bulls’ shooting woes were well documented in Game 1. It’s easy to assume Chicago had problems with Milwaukee’s defense, but it’s also worth noting that the Bucks’ defensive philosophy is to take away the inside and force opponents to shoot jumpers. The Bulls should shoot better and cover the spread in Game 2. — Moody

Best bet: DeMar DeRozan over 27.5 points. DeRozan made only six out of 25 shots from the field Sunday due to the Bucks’ wings harassing him. Milwaukee prefers opponents to shoot jumpers, and after the game DeRozan vowed he would never have a shooting night like that again. I believe him. During the regular season, DeRozan averaged 28 PPG and shot 50.2% from the field, so it’s safe to expect a bounce-back performance.

Philadelphia 76ers at Toronto Raptors
8 p.m. ET, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto

Line: 76ers (-1.5)
Money line: 76ers (-125), Raptors (+105)
Total: 216.5 points
BPI Projected Total: 218.9 points
BPI Win%: Raptors (60.2%)

Key players ruled out: Matisse Thybulle

Questionable: Gary Trent Jr., Scottie Barnes

Best bet: 76ers -1.5. The Raptors have shown they have no way of stopping Joel Embiid. This trend should continue for the 76ers on the road as well. The 76ers were a stronger team on the road than at home all season, finishing with a 27-14 road record and 24-17 home record. The spread for this game is too small, especially with Philadelphia on a roll. — Moody

Analytics edge

BPI highest projected totals

1. Milwaukee Bucks (117.7 points)
2. Boston Celtics (116.0 points)
3. Toronto Raptors (111.2 points)

BPI lowest projected totals

1. Brooklyn Nets (103.3 points)
2. Chicago Bulls (104.3 points)
3. Philadelphia 76ers (108.0 points)

BPI top probability to win (straight up)

1. Milwaukee Bucks (88.2%)
2. Boston Celtics (87.4%)
3. Toronto Raptors (61.2%)

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MIAMI — The vision of Jimmy Butler, slumped over a baseline barricade, during the 2020 NBA Finals in the Orlando bubble has been painted into the tapestry of the league’s collective consciousness. In that series, the Miami Heat star went toe-to-toe with LeBron James and the Lakers, notching 40- and 35-point triple-doubles while pushing Los Angeles to the brink.

The Butler who scored a career playoff-best 45 points in the Heat’s 115-105 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday to go up 2-0 in their first-round series, he said, has changed since that defining run.

“I am a different player now than I was then,” Butler said after a personal 7-0 run in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter increased Miami’s lead from three to 10 to secure the game. “I just always want to play basketball the right way and do whatever it takes to help this team, this organization win. That’s why they brought me here.”

Since Butler joined the Heat as a free agent in 2019, he led the team to two wins away from the title in the Bubble, but then bowed out to the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks in a first-round sweep last year.

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His transformation has been triggered by the addition of Kyle Lowry, who brought championship experience with him when he left the Toronto Raptors to sign with the Heat last summer.

“I’m not as ball-dominant as I was in the Bubble,” Butler said. “We got a point guard, and that’s Kyle and I love him being a point guard. … I just get to go out there and try to score. And if I can’t score, pass the ball. We’re a different team, I’m a different player.”

On Tuesday, he was also a different player than he was during the regular season, when he shot just 23.3% on 3-pointers. Butler went 4-for-7 from deep in Game 2, while Atlanta marksman Trae Young shot 2-for-10 on 3-pointers, bringing his series total to just 2-for-17.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said the sudden explosion from the outside reminded him of the only other player besides James in team history to match Butler’s three career 40-point playoff games for the franchise: Dwyane Wade.

“It actually is a good comparison because if you get in those pressure moments and the moments of truth, if you’re on the other side, would you ever want to just give Dwyane Wade an open 3? You would not,” Spoelstra said. “Because he’s a killer. He’s going to seize that moment. And Jimmy has a lot of those same qualities. You can say whatever the percentage is — throw those all out when it becomes about winning. He’ll find a way to kill you.”

Only he’ll do it in his own way. On Tuesday afternoon, Butler passed the time leading up to tipoff by sharing on his Instagram story that he was listening to “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys and playing the card game, Spades.

“Whooped their tail, too,” Butler said of the card game. “I’m a huge fan of the Backstreet Boys and I just love to compete at anything.”

Lowry said Butler’s fun-loving ways are only part of the equation.

“I think you have to have that dark side and kind of that demeanor to push other people to be better,” he said of Butler. “But you also have to have the talent and the work ethic to do it. You can talk about it, but if you’re not about it and you don’t show, it’s a difference. And he shows it.”

Butler finished 15-for-25 from the field overall — joining Wade and James as the only Heat players with that many made shots in a playoff game — and was 11-for-12 from the foul line. He had zero turnovers and zero fouls to go with his 45 points, becoming the first player since Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins in 1988 to post a postseason stat line like that.

And he had two steals, one of them coming on an errant pass by Young to give the Hawks guard 10 turnovers for the game — a record for a Heat playoff opponent.

“Just equally as impressive as his offense, he did some amazing things defensively,” Spoelstra said.

The Butler of old took the Heat to the precipice of a champagne celebration, only to fall just short. His coach says the player leading the East’s No. 1 team in the Heat this season is built to go all the way.

“Everybody is looking for the same, conventional box for winning a championship. It can be done in a lot of different ways. Jimmy is a max guy, a go-to guy, a killer,” Spoelstra said. “However you want to describe it, who cares? He knows how to win, he knows how to help teams win and the game is played on both sides of the floor and it’s played with I.Q., it’s played with toughness, it’s played with making plays in those winning moments. It’s not necessarily what everybody thinks it is. …

“He’s just a winner and he showed that tonight.”

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*Shania Twain voice* Let’s Go Girls! There are three ingredients that make the PERFECT girl’s night: good food, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of spots for you and your girlfriends to get dressed up, hit the town, and soak in each other’s awesomeness. From cocktails, to music, to mouthwatering bites, this list has everything you need to make your next Girls Night Out the best one yet. Don’t forget to queue up those female anthems to set the tone for the night, too (Cyndi, Ariana, Beyonce, Lizzo, we’re looking at you).

180 N Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607 

I’m truly convinced that no girl’s night is complete without slamming a shot of Patrón and throwing the ice glass that it came in at a bell. Lucky for those who agree with me, Federales has it all. Not only can you find sweet and refreshing cocktails (hello, mango margarita), but the food is out of this world. Next time you and your girls are in need of mouth-watering bites like shrimp tacos and smoked brisket nachos, strong drinks, and a vibrant spot to spend some quality time together, Federales is your place. 

1551 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

I have two words for you that are important to any good GNO: Espresso. Martinis. Along with our favorite caffeinated cocktails, Gallucci’s offers homemade Italian comfort food that invites you and your girls to kick back, and indulge in savory comfort favorites like Cacio e Pepe, Napoletana pizza, and spinach and ricotta arancini. Their craft cocktails and wine list tie everything at Gallucci’s together for the perfect night with your #squad.  

905 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

It can often feel like your girls’ nights are always going to the same three places, BUT, new to Fulton Market is Lyra. With incredible Greek food and inventive cocktails, your tastebuds and best friends will thank you for finding this new and exciting spot. Our picks from the menu? The starter plate (complete with spicy feta, tzatziki, and tarama), charcoal-grilled meatballs, and of course a Santorini Spritz to top off a delectable meal at Lyra. 

626 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Pasta, pizza, and wine. Do I really need to say more? Nestled in the bustling Near North neighborhood, you’ll find Quartino. This bi-level Italian eatery with a gorgeous patio is the perfect spot to take your group for sharing delicious small plates and perusing through the extensive wine list. Quartino emphasizes an “approachable atmosphere” and you’ll be sure to feel right at home as you connect with friends and satisfy your cravings with some of the best Italian food Chicago has to offer. 

58 E Oak St, Chicago, IL 60611

You may know Cooper’s Hawk from their extensive wine list and delicious food, but did you know they recently opened Esquire by Cooper’s Hawk in the Gold Coast? Being the first restaurants under the “by Cooper’s Hawk” name, they will feature menus from visiting, critically acclaimed chefs, keeping Chicago known as one of the best cities for food in the world. If you and your girlfriends are looking to try a place with ever-changing menus, wine choices from Master Sommelier, Emily Wines (yes, that is her last name), and a cozy atmosphere, look no further than Esquire by Cooper’s Hawk.

3207 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

When you and your girls are looking to catch up over a hand-picked charcuterie and refreshing drinks, you have to stop into Figo Wine Bar. Located in Lakeview East, this intimate wine bar focuses on shareable menu items, where you can also choose from various meats and cheeses for you and your friends to build your perfect charcuterie. What’s better than a girl’s wine tasting night in a cozy, rustic restaurant? Nothing!

12 W Elm St, Chicago, IL 60610

We discovered this little joint in the classic girl’s night theme: we went somewhere together, got bored, so we pulled up Google map and typed in bars nearby. There was no reason other than we thought The Sparrow had a cool name like those hidden regular’s bar, so we decided to give it a shot, and gosh, what a delight!

Reflecting the sophistication of the surrounding Gold Coast neighborhood, The Sparrow is a hidden gem, especially for rum lovers with its extensive list of sugar cane rums. With its low-key yet elegant interior, we honestly can’t think of a better place for some private talk between girlfriends.

3700 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613

Ladies, it’s time to go see the Queens! At Kit Kat Lounge in Wrigleyville, the name of the game is gorgeous Drag Queens, and the energy they bring is electric. With a huge martini menu, fun shots, and sweet margaritas, your night at Kit Kat Lounge will be taken up a notch with a little buzz and highly entertaining drag show. Best part? They also offer drag brunches to turn the basic bottomless mimosas into something extraordinarily fierce. 

1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

At the Violet Hour, you and your friends are sure to feel sophisticated and satiated because of their upscale, elegant decor and enticing menu. With classic cocktails like a Manhattan, negrini, and gin gimlet, paired with “Shaken and Stirred” Violet Hour classics, there is something on the menu for everyone in your group. If you’re looking to do something out of the ordinary, the Violet Hour also hosts virtual cocktail-making classes via Zoom, where they provide all the supplies you need to make the perfect cocktail in the comfort of your best friend’s apartment. 

3201 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

If you and your girls are more into day drinking than staying out all night, Drew’s on Halsted is the place for you. Drew’s huge brunch menu is the perfect place to nurse your headache from last night, and turn the day into something a little more energetic with their hand-crafted cocktails, innovative martinis, and coffee-centric drinks. If you’re looking for something unique for you and your girls, Drew’s also hosts an outstanding Cabaret show that can only be reserved by calling, so make sure you get your spot quickly! 

Honorable Mention: Taco Bell

JK! But just to be fair, we all know that at the end of a booze-filled girls night, you’re scouring Uber Eats for the best-drunk food your $10 can buy. What sounds better at 2 AM than crunchy nachos, a Mountain Dew Baja Blast, and sweet, sweet cinnamon twists. So thank you, Taco Bell, for being there all those nights (or days!?) when our stomachs are eating us from inside out.

We’d also like to thank the Taco Bell gods for FINALLY bringing back the Mexican Pizza this year. 2022 is looking up! 

Featured Image Credit: The Violet Hour

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Presented by Saatchi Art and in partnership with Bombay Sapphire, The Other Art Fair Chicago will host 100+ independent and emerging artists—each hand-picked by a committee of art world experts—alongside Guest Artist Anna Marie Tendler. Visitors can meet artists in person and discover thousands of original artworks and limited edition prints across various media—including painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and more—priced from $100 to $10,000.

Fair attendees will also enjoy DJ sets and music curated by AMFM and food by Chicago’s Soul & Smoke. Throughout the Fair weekend, the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® bar will serve complimentary gin cocktails and fair attendees can look forward to refreshing twists on the quintessentially classic Gin & Tonic created by the experts at BOMBAY SAPPHIRE.

All Star Press is returning this year with art prints by three of their artists, Blake Jones, Jc Rivera and Elloo, available exclusively at the Fair. These artists will also be collaborating on a new wall mural that will be created for Fulton Market in celebration of The Other Art Fair.

Following the success of Anna Marie Tendler’s art fair debut last fall, The Other Art Fair will welcome her back for all of The Other Art Fair’s 2022 US editions, where she will showcase a new series of works from her “Rooms in the First House” photography series, as well as offer visitors the exclusive opportunity to have their own portraits taken by Tendler herself.

The Other Art Fair is pleased to announce its partnership with Arts of Life, a non-profit organization that advances the creative arts community by providing artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities a collective space to expand their practice and strengthen their leadership. Arts of Life will present artwork onsite by some of the artists supported by the program.

AMFM will feature a collection of works from AMFM-affiliated artists and Chicago-based emerging artists, bringing a taste of local flavor and rising talent in the visual arts. The booth will feature a mix of work including paintings, sculptures, and collages, plus a selection of limited edition prints by featured artists.

As part of its exhibitor line-up—which will feature artists hailing from around the world—The Other Art Fair will also introduce the three Chicago-based winners of its Spring 2022 New Futures awards — Pugs Atomz, Abena Motaboliand Zor Zor Zor. Formalized in 2021 as part of The Other Art Fair’s ongoing mission to break down traditional barriers of the contemporary art world, New Futures is designed to launch the careers of talented emerging artists by awarding local artists mentoring and free exhibition space onsite at the Fair. This year, The Other Art Fair is delighted to have Ciera McKissick (founder of AMFM), Lauren Brescia (Founder of salonlb.) and Scott Renfro (Curator of salonlb.) on the Selection Committee for the 2022 New Futures awards.

Featured Image Credit: Kimberlee Rocca

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Early on in the Chicago Bears offseason work, we are already learning about how second-year quarterback Justin Fields is furthering his development.

Last year, under former head coach Matt Nagy, Fields didn’t receive a whole lot of genuine help or development. In fact, early in the regular season, Nagy was obliterated by Bears fans after referring to his backup quarterback as a “chess piece” within the offense, while Andy Dalton kept the starting gig.

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