What lies ahead in the NBA postseason?

The Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves are advancing to the first round, while the Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Clippers each have another chance at grabbing their respective conference’s No. 8 seed on the final night of the play-in tournament. (Here’s a refresher on how the play-in works.)

While the league’s two top-seeded teams — the East’s Miami Heat and the West’s Phoenix Suns — await their opponents, six first-round series are set: Boston Celtics vs. Nets, Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz.

Can Boston slow down Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving? How will Joel Embiid and James Harden fare in the duo’s first playoff series together? What impact will Luka Doncic‘s calf strain have on the Mavericks’ chances? Our panel of NBA experts is picking each first-round series.

Note: Predictions for the final play-in tournament games will be unveiled Friday.

MORE: The 75 things to know for the NBA postseason | Schedules

EAST FIRST ROUND

Jerry Bembry: Nets in 6

Nick Friedell: Nets in 7

Kirk Goldsberry: Celtics in 7

Israel Gutierrez: Celtics in 7

Richard Jefferson: Nets in 7

Tim Legler: Celtics in 7

Andrew Lopez: Nets in 7

Bobby Marks: Celtics in 7

Dave McMenamin: Nets in 7

Kevin Pelton: Celtics in 7

Omar Raja: Nets in 7

Jorge Sedano: Nets in 7

Ramona Shelburne: Celtics in 7

Andre Snellings: Celtics in 7

Marc J. Spears: Nets in 7

Ohm Youngmisuk: Nets in 6

Final tally: Nets 9, Celtics 7.

Kendra Andrews: Bucks in 5

Jamal Collier: Bucks in 4

Nick DePaula: Bucks in 5

Nick Friedell: Bucks in 4

Kirk Goldsberry: Bucks in 5

Israel Gutierrez: Bucks in 4

Richard Jefferson: Bucks in 5

Tim Legler: Bucks in 5

Andrew Lopez: Bucks in 6

Tim MacMahon: Bucks in 5

Bobby Marks: Bucks in 6

Dave McMenamin: Bucks in 4

Kevin Pelton: Bucks in 4

Kendrick Perkins: Bucks in 6

Omar Raja: Bucks in 5

Jorge Sedano: Bucks in 4

Ramona Shelburne: Bucks in 5

Andre Snellings: Bucks in 4

Marc J. Spears: Bucks in 6

Ohm Youngmisuk: Bucks in 5

Final tally: Bucks 20, Bulls 0.

Kendra Andrews: 76ers in 6

Jamal Collier: 76ers in 7

Nick DePaula: 76ers in 6

Nick Friedell: 76ers in 7

Kirk Goldsberry: Raptors in 7

Israel Gutierrez: 76ers in 7

Richard Jefferson: 76ers in 6

Tim Legler: 76ers in 7

Andrew Lopez: Raptors in 6

Tim MacMahon: 76ers in 6

Bobby Marks: Raptors in 6

Dave McMenamin: 76ers in 7

Kevin Pelton: Raptors in 6

Kendrick Perkins: 76ers in 6

Omar Raja: 76ers in 7

Jorge Sedano: Raptors in 7

Ramona Shelburne: 76ers in 7

Andre Snellings: Raptors in 7

Marc J. Spears: 76ers in 7

Ohm Youngmisuk: 76ers in 7

Final tally: 76ers 14, Raptors 6.

WEST FIRST ROUND

Jerry Bembry: Grizzlies in 6

Nick Friedell: Grizzlies in 5

Kirk Goldsberry: Grizzlies in 6

Richard Jefferson: Grizzlies in 5

Tim Legler: Grizzlies in 5

Andrew Lopez: Grizzlies in 5

Bobby Marks: Grizzlies in 5

Dave McMenamin: Grizzlies in 6

Kevin Pelton: Grizzlies in 6

Kendrick Perkins: Grizzlies in 5

Ramona Shelburne: Grizzlies in 6

Andre Snellings: Grizzlies in 6

Marc J. Spears: Grizzlies in 7

Ohm Youngmisuk: Grizzlies in 6

Final tally: Grizzlies 14, Timberwolves 0.

Kendra Andrews: Warriors in 5

Jamal Collier: Warriors in 6

Nick DePaula: Warriors in 6

Nick Friedell: Warriors in 7

Kirk Goldsberry: Warriors in 6

Israel Gutierrez: Warriors in 7

Richard Jefferson: Warriors in 6

Tim Legler: Warriors in 6

Andrew Lopez: Warriors in 7

Tim MacMahon: Warriors in 6

Bobby Marks: Warriors in 7

Dave McMenamin: Nuggets in 7

Kevin Pelton: Warriors in 7

Kendrick Perkins: Warriors in 6

Omar Raja: Warriors in 7

Jorge Sedano: Warriors in 7

Ramona Shelburne: Warriors in 5

Andre Snellings: Warriors in 7

Marc J. Spears: Warriors in 6

Ohm Youngmisuk: Warriors in 7

Final tally: Warriors 19, Nuggets 1.

Kendra Andrews: Mavericks in 6

Jamal Collier: Mavericks in 6

Nick DePaula: Mavericks in 6

Nick Friedell: Mavericks in 7

Kirk Goldsberry: Jazz in 7

Israel Gutierrez: Mavericks in 6

Richard Jefferson: Jazz in 7

Tim Legler: Mavericks in 7

Andrew Lopez: Mavericks in 6

Tim MacMahon: Jazz in 6

Bobby Marks: Jazz in 6

Dave McMenamin: Mavericks in 6

Kendrick Perkins: Jazz in 7

Omar Raja: Jazz in 6

Jorge Sedano: Mavericks in 7

Ramona Shelburne: Mavericks in 7

Andre Snellings: Mavericks in 6

Marc J. Spears: Jazz in 6

Ohm Youngmisuk: Mavericks in 5

Final tally: Mavericks 12, Jazz 7.

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NEW YORK — As the speculation surrounding Ben Simmons‘ potential debut for the Brooklyn Nets continues to be a talking point inside the NBA, Nets star Kevin Durant admitted Thursday that he is preparing as if Simmons won’t return as the Nets get ready for their Eastern Conference quarterfinal matchup with the Boston Celtics.

“I’m not expecting him to play,” Durant said after practice Thursday. “That’s easier for me. I’m not putting any pressure on Ben to come out there and hoop. So I’m not expecting him to do anything but just to get his body right and get healthy as fast as he can. So in my mind, I’m preparing as if we’re playing with the team we have.”

Simmons, who was acquired by the Nets just before the February trade deadline from the Philadelphia 76ers, has not played in an NBA game in almost a year after requesting a trade from the Sixers last season, citing mental health concerns. Simmons has been dealing with some back soreness since late February and has not been cleared to participate in a practice since coming to Brooklyn. Nets coach Steve Nash said Thursday that Simmons still isn’t doing any “basketball conditioning” and continues to do individual rehab work.

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“It’s up to Ben’s back,” Nash said. “It’s not up to me, any of us, other than his back — and how we can help that resolve, great. There’s a chance Ben comes back, there’s a chance he doesn’t come back. So I think for us we got to focus on the group; support Ben and his journey to get back on the floor, but at the same time we don’t have time to lose focus on the group that’s playing.

“Ben’s a franchise cornerstone — but right now it’s about supporting him physically and mentally to get back on the floor and coaching the group to put its best foot forward in the first few games of the series at least. Internally, we’re not sitting here saying ‘Ben’s returning in this series.’ We’ll see what happens.”

For his part, Durant said he won’t even allow his mind to think about whether Simmons will return in the postseason.

“I’m not even thinking about that,” Durant said of a potential emotional lift from Simmons’ return. “We all know what type of player Ben is. And you can put together scenarios in your mind on your own on what it would look like, but I’m not going to go there because we’re just taking it a day at a time.”

Nash said recently that he would have no issues with Simmons making his Nets debut in a playoff game, even though he hadn’t played in almost a year. When asked why he was so confident in that scenario given that it had been such a long time since Simmons played in an NBA game, Nash’s answer was simple.

“He’s a super talented player,” Nash said. “I think we’d have to give him a chance if he was healthy to play.”

Veteran point guard Goran Dragic said Thursday that Simmons’ debut, whenever it might come, would provide a lift to a Nets group that has dealt with injuries and a variety of issues all season.

“I feel good emotions because you get one extra body,” Dragic said. “And with his skills, what he can bring to the table is unique. He can switch 1 through 5. He’s a great defender. So we all know he can push the pace, he’s a great passer, so it’s another kind of facilitator

“You get a big body too for offensive and defensive rebounding … that will definitely help when you have KD out, [Andre] Drummond and then Ben. That’s a big lineup.”

Nash said “of course” he has thought about the possibilities of having Simmons in the lineup, “but not like tomorrow.”

“For whenever he’s back,” Nash said. “So of course, when we made the trade I think everyone imagined how Ben could fit into our group. But I’m not, like, sitting here expecting him back at any moment. It’s when he’s ready and he’s back, it will be great. But in the meantime, we got to coach the group and make sure that we give ourselves a chance to compete even without him.”

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Gently used stuff gets a bad rap. But if you’re starting a new hobby, like painting or sewing, you’ll quickly discover that supplies can get expensive…fast. So skip the big box stores and check out places that offer recycled items. You might just discover amazing novels, brand-new art materials, beautiful jewelry at an antique outlet, or quirky goods at these places for recycled supplies in Chicago.

2842 W Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL

Can one person’s trash be another person’s inspiration? Indeed. This magical reuse center in Lakeview provides Chicago with repurposed art, craft, and school supplies. Their goal is to keep reusable materials out of landfills while stocking the community with affordable resources for creative exploration. 

2005 W Montrose Ave. Chicago, IL 60618

Why pay full price for novels you’ll only read once? Head to this one of the best bookshops for a  massive selection of slightly used fiction and non-fiction titles in a homey setting. Once you’re done reading, return your books to share the knowledge and keep the cycle going!

2532 W Fullerton Ave. Chicago, IL 60647

This Logan Square gem offers “vintage toys, arts, and farts” (they’re obviously fun). From funky Teenage Mutan Ninja Turtle enamel pins to an Official Voltron Art Show poster, there are all sorts of gently used wacky items that’ll make you feel like a kid again. 

1903 W Belmont Ave. Chicago, IL 60657

Looking for unique oddities, antiques or collectibles? Pop into this Roscoe Village location for the ultimate treasure hunt! You could come across a recycled Coca Cola sign or a Vintage Regency Bridgerton style necklace and earrings set. At the Lazy Dog, you’re buying a piece of history and adding to its story. 

2124 W. 82nd Place. Chicago, IL  60620

CCRX lives by the motto, “trash is just a failure of imagination.” This nonprofit collects and redistributes surplus materials, supplies, and equipment to keep good items out of landfills and into the hands of people who can use them. Stop by their warehouse to shop for items like science equipment, specialty hardware, and tools, office supplies, fabrics, and more!

1048 W 37th St Ste #102. Chicago, IL 60609

Have you ever started a home project only to realize you don’t have the right tool? Instead of hitting up Home Depot and shelling out big bucks, check the Chicago Tool Library to see if you could borrow it instead. Think of this biz as a public library. But rather than books they have shelves full of recycled tools for you to borrow. Genius, right?

instagram.com/p/CcQ5wIuPlR9/

2434 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60608

If you’re in the market for a perfectly good (but used) bike, consider this shop. They offer bicycles of all styles for adults and kids, along with new and used accessories. Or if you need specific bike parts, they also stock a big selection of vintage, used, and hard-to-find items.

Featured Image Credit: Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange

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Patrick Beverley’s trash talking to the LA Clippers cost him $30,000 after the Minnesota Timberwolves point guard was fined by the NBA for “egregious use of profanity” in postgame comments to the media and on social media.

Beverley was emotional after Minnesota’s come-from-behind 109-104 play-in win over his former team. He talked trash to the Clippers during and after the victory that clinched the seventh seed in the playoffs for Minnesota on Tuesday.

“Take they ass home,” Beverley said of what he told his old teammates at the end of the game during his postgame media interview session. “Long flight to L.A. Take they ass home. It’s deeper than that for me. I gave my blood, and sweat and tears to that organization. You guys know the story.

“Blood, sweat and tears, to just be written off like that, ‘he’s injury prone, he’s old.’ This, this, that, that. To be able to come here and play them in a play-in and beat they ass, no other feeling man. No other feeling.”

In an Instagram post that has since been deleted, Beverley recorded himself calling his old team, “weak-ass Clippers” before telling them to “get the f— out of here.”

The veteran point guard spent four seasons with the Clippers before he was traded to Memphis, which then dealt him to Minnesota. The Timberwolves gave Beverley the $13 million contract extension he was originally seeking from the Clippers in February.

Beverley also used profanity when talking about how he delivered on his vow back in September to take the Timberwolves to the playoffs

“I told you we were going to the playoffs,” Beverley said. “Most of you all, y’all looked at me like I was crazy when I first said that. I f—ing told y’all.”

Beverley has been fined a total of $55,00 by the league this week. He was hit with a $25,000 fine on Tuesday for improper conduct toward a game official after he received a technical foul and was ejected with 19.5 seconds remaining in the second quarter of the Timberwolves’ 124-120 loss to the Chicago Bulls on April 10.

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It can be hard to find an outdoor space where the sounds of the city don’t interrupt your thoughts: the flying Ls, honking cars, overly-loud conversations your neighbors are having on the phone… Thankfully, the lakeshore is always there when you need a day away from #adulting. We don’t know about you, but here are our favorite beaches and parks by the lake for a lazy afternoon. It’s officially time to doze off, daydream, bury your feet in soft sand, or enjoy a non-competitive (yeah right) game of bags with your friend.

Image Credit: Lakeshore East Park

450 E Benton Pl, Chicago, IL 60601

Words like “lazy” or “calm” or “relaxed” probably aren’t the first to come to our minds when thinking about the River North. Luckily, Lakeshore East Park does fit these descriptions. Located right in the middle of the bustling city, it is a 4.6-acre urban oasis perfect for a lazy afternoon. Soaking in the sunshine in the grass, enjoying the botanic garden, or letting your dog burn off some energy at the dog park, Lakeshore East Park has everything you could want to relax and unwind after a stressful week. 

Image Credit: Chicago Sun Time

5500 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60615 

Inside Burnham (Daniel) Park, you’ll find Promontory Point. This man-made peninsula sticks out into Lake Michigan, and is the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon. The designer, Chicago architect, and planner, Daniel H. Burnham, was also Chief of Construction for the Columbian Exposition (World’s Fair) in 1893.

Today, you can find park-goers enjoying the scenic city views from Promontory Point while escaping the city noises — what could be a better atmosphere to spend a serene afternoon, right? So, pack up your favorite snacks, bring a deck of cards, or enjoy a good book while looking out onto Lake Michigan as the waves splash against the limestones.

Image Credit: Marinas.com

3600 N Recreation Dr, Chicago, IL 60613

Did you know that being near water can lower your stress and anxiety, increase your sense of happiness, and decrease heart rates? If the cool, calm waters of Lake Michigan are calling to you, spend the day in the park at Belmont Harbor. Located in Lincoln Park, Belmont Harbor is one of the largest harbors in Chicago, and is home to a stretch of land that juts out into the lake that makes you feel just that more detached from the stress of your apartment or office. If you’re looking for some other relaxing places to explore, Belmont Harbor is right by the Belmont Dog Beach and the Roscoe Community Garden! 

Image Credit: @bthorneuphur

4697 Lawrence, W Wilson Dr, Chicago, IL 60640

What’s better than a regular beach? A dog beach, duh!

When your idea of a lazy Saturday is binging Bridgerton on the couch, but your dog has other plans, head out to Montrose Dog Beach. Not only can you relax in the sand, but you’ll be surrounded by cute pups when you do it. One thing to keep in mind is that your dog must have a DFA 2022 Tag, which you can get at your local vet. Now, the only thing left for you to do is bring your dog’s favorite ball, an extra water bowl, and a fully charged phone, because you’ll want to capture this cuteness while you soak up the sun.

 808 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611

If your relaxing days have a bit of an active flair, we recommend spending time at Lake Shore Park. Located near Streeterville, this 7-acre park has it all. Channeling your inner Serena Williams? Spend some time at the tennis courts. Want to stretch your legs and get a quick workout in? Lake Shore Park also has a quarter-mile running surface. Not only are there designated areas for daytime activities, Lake Shore Park also hosts concerts, movies, and other night-out events in the park that are fun and entertaining for the whole family.

1200 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Picture in Email, credit Chicago Park District

It’s no secret that the best view of the skyline is at the end of Solidarity Drive, by the Field Museum, Soldier Field, and Adler Planetarium. But, did you know that just a walking path away from the Planetarium is a hidden gem? 12th Street Beach dates back to the 1920’s, and previously mentioned architect, David Burnham, designed this quant oasis, too. Here, you’ll find a smaller crowd, which allows beach-goers to focus on sunbathing, resting, and recharging their batteries for whatever life throws their way.

Featured Image Credit: Marinas.com

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