NBA Finals all tied up heading into Game 3, while Florida Panthers surge to 2-1 lead in Stanley Cup Final

The GIST: Even championship contenders need a break. Both the NBA and NHL playoff action took last night to reset, but the quest to hoist the hardware continues tonight. Let’s discuss.

🏀 Indiana Pacers hoop to defend homecourt: With the seven-game series even at one apiece, Indiana is hoping for a heaping helping of déjà vu when they host their first Finals game in 25 years tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET. But if Indy wants to take a 2-1 series lead, they’ll need more from Tyrese Haliburton, who scored a measly five points through the first three quarters in Game 2.

• Unlike Haliburton, the Oklahoma City Thunder are hoping for a repeat performance of the second game, when five players scored in double figures, led by a game-high 34 points and eight assists from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

🏒 Florida Panthers embarrass Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 shellacking: After a pair of hotly contested games in Edmonton, the only thing remotely close about Monday’s Game 3 was the third-period line brawl. The Cats exploded for six goals from six different skaters, routing the Oil 6–1 at home to take a 2-1 series lead.

• And while Oilers fans might want to blame the penalty discrepancy (Edmonton was whistled for 21 penalties compared to the Panthers’ 14), the reality is that the Oil were simply outplayed, outhustled, and outworked.

• But can they bounce back? Find out in Game 4 from Florida tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET.