NBA Playoffs: We’re soarin’, flyin’

The GIST: With only one first round series still in action, the conference semifinals are just around the corner.

Who closed it out: In the Eastern Conference, after leading 3-0, the No. 4 Philadelphia 76ers avoided humiliation by defeating the No. 5 Toronto Raptors 132–97 in last night’s Game 6.

• And in the West, the No. 1 Phoenix Suns and No. 4 Dallas Mavericks both avoided Game 7s by winning their Game 6 bouts against the No. 8 New Orleans Pelicans 115–109 and No. 5 Utah Jazz 98–96, respectively, last night.

• And the No. 2 Memphis Grizzlies (up 3-2) can join them if they defeat the No. 7 Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at 9 p.m. ET. Whoever wins the series will face the No. 3 Golden State Warriors, who ousted the No. 6 Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.

Round 2: But wait, there’s more. After the defending champion No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks eliminated the No. 6 Chicago Bulls in Wednesday’s Game 5, they’re set to take on the No. 2 Boston Celtics starting Sunday at 1 p.m. ET in what’s sure to be an epic clash of two teams playing their best basketball. Butter that popcorn.