First round of NBA Playoffs ends, Knicks/Pacers preview and Lakers coaching search | Good word with good will

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In this episode of Good word with good willYahoo Sports Senior NBA Reporter Vincent Goodwill welcomes The Athletic’s Fred Katz to the show.

The NBA Playoffs have officially moved past the first round and into the Conference Semifinals, with the final game taking place on Sunday between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic.

The Cavaliers won the game and probably saved some people from getting fired thanks to another excellent performance from Donovan Mitchell in the playoffs.

The Magic, meanwhile, played like a young team when the game mattered most. But that’s because it’s a young team! And they have plenty of opportunities to improve their roster next offseason. Vince and Fred talk about what they liked and didn’t like about the Magic and what they’re looking for in the trade and free agent markets for Orlando.

Fred is as locked in as possible with the New York Knicks, so he’s the perfect guy to help us watch out for their conference semifinals series against the Indiana Pacers. The guys nailed this series from every angle and wonder how the Pacers will try to play defense against Jalen Brunson.

Finally, the Los Angeles Lakers fired head coach Darvin Ham on Friday. There are rumors that LeBron James’ podcast co-host JJ Redick could be a candidate to replace him. Vince and Fred talk about the people they consider candidates and wonder who would be the best person for this high-pressure job.

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