THE defending champions Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals by chalking up contrasting wins in Game 5 of their respective first-round playoff series on Wednesday (Philippine time), April 30.

The Celtics trounced the Orlando Magic, 120-89, while the Pacers pulled off a 119-118 overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks as both series ended in five games.

In the East semis, the Pacers will next face the Cleveland Cavaliers, who booked their own second-round ticket by sweeping the Miami Heat, 4-0.

The Celtics, on the other hand, earned some extra days off as they will have to wait for the winner in the Detroit Pistons-New York Knicks series.

Detroit managed to stay alive after it stopped New York in Game 5, 106-103. The Knicks still lead the series, 3-2, but the Pistons will have a chance to tie the series when they host Game 6 on Friday, May 2.

In the West, the Denver Nuggets moved a win from reaching the semis after they tripped the LA Clippers, 131-115.

Denver now leads the series, 3-2. Game 6 will be held in LA on Friday, April 2, with the Clippers looking to force a Game 7.(CCM)

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