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Philadelphia faces Indiana, looks to break 3-game skid

Philadelphia 76ers (43-37, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (19-61, 14th in the Eastern Conference)

Indianapolis; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: 76ers -15; over/under is 234.5

BOTTOM LINE: Philadelphia heads into the matchup with Indiana as losers of three straight games.

The Pacers are 15-35 in conference matchups. Indiana is 9-41 against opponents with a winning record.

The 76ers have gone 25-25 against Eastern Conference opponents. Philadelphia ranks eighth in the league scoring 17.0 fast break points per game. Tyrese Maxey leads the 76ers averaging 5.5.

The Pacers' 13.3 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.1 fewer made shots on average than the 13.4 per game the 76ers give up. The 76ers' 46.2% shooting percentage from the field this season is 2.7 percentage points lower than the Pacers have given up to their opponents (48.9%).

The teams play for the fourth time this season. In the last meeting on Feb. 25 the 76ers won 135-114 led by 32 points from Maxey, while Andrew Nembhard scored 23 points for the Pacers.

TOP PERFORMERS: Nembhard is averaging 16.9 points and 7.7 assists for the Pacers. Micah Potter is averaging 1.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Maxey is scoring 28.3 points per game and averaging 4.1 rebounds for the 76ers. Paul George is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pacers: 4-6, averaging 121.3 points, 41.1 rebounds, 34.8 assists, 6.7 steals and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting 51.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 121.9 points per game.

76ers: 5-5, averaging 117.8 points, 45.0 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 7.4 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.7 points.

INJURIES: Pacers: T.J. McConnell: out (hamstring), Kobe Brown: out (back), Johnny Furphy: out for season (knee), Andrew Nembhard: day to day (back), Ben Sheppard: out (hip), Ivica Zubac: out for season (rib), Pascal Siakam: out (back), Aaron Nesmith: day to day (neck), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).

76ers: Johni Broome: out (knee), Joel Embiid: out (illness), Cameron Payne: out (hamstring).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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New Orleans visits Boston following Fears' 40-point game

New Orleans Pelicans (26-54, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (54-26, second in the Eastern Conference)

Boston; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Celtics -16.5; over/under is 224.5

BOTTOM LINE: New Orleans visits the Boston Celtics after Jeremiah Fears scored 40 points in the Pelicans' 156-137 win over the Utah Jazz.

The Celtics have gone 28-11 in home games. Boston ranks seventh in the league with 12.6 offensive rebounds per game led by Neemias Queta averaging 3.0 offensive boards.

The Pelicans are 9-30 on the road. New Orleans has an 8-41 record against teams over .500.

The Celtics score 114.5 points per game, 5.1 fewer points than the 119.6 the Pelicans give up. The Pelicans average 11.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.8 fewer made shots on average than the 14.1 per game the Celtics allow.

The teams play for the second time this season. In the last matchup on Oct. 28 the Celtics won 122-90 led by 18 points from Payton Pritchard, while Jordan Poole scored 22 points for the Pelicans.

TOP PERFORMERS: Derrick White is averaging 16.6 points and 5.4 assists for the Celtics. Jayson Tatum is averaging 21.1 points, 10 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.5 steals over the last 10 games.

Saddiq Bey is averaging 17.7 points and 5.6 rebounds for the Pelicans. Fears is averaging 17.9 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 7-3, averaging 115.0 points, 46.2 rebounds, 24.6 assists, 5.8 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.9 points per game.

Pelicans: 2-8, averaging 112.6 points, 41.0 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 9.2 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.7 points.

INJURIES: Celtics: Jaylen Brown: out (achilles).

Pelicans: Trey Murphy III: out (ankle), Zion Williamson: out (knee), Yves Missi: out (hand), Karlo Matkovic: day to day (back), Herbert Jones: day to day (rest), Saddiq Bey: day to day (rest), Dejounte Murray: out (hand), Bryce McGowens: out (toe).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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New York takes home win streak into matchup with Toronto

Toronto Raptors (45-35, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (52-28, third in the Eastern Conference)

New York; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Knicks -6.5; over/under is 219.5

BOTTOM LINE: New York hosts Toronto aiming to prolong its six-game home winning streak.

The Knicks are 34-16 in Eastern Conference games. New York is 22-22 against opponents with a winning record.

The Raptors are 4-11 against opponents in the Atlantic Division. Toronto has a 21-26 record against opponents over .500.

The Knicks score 116.8 points per game, 4.9 more points than the 111.9 the Raptors give up. The Raptors average 114.6 points per game, 4.3 more than the 110.3 the Knicks allow.

The teams meet for the fifth time this season. The Knicks won 111-95 in the last matchup on March 4.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jalen Brunson is averaging 26 points and 6.9 assists for the Knicks. Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 18 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists over the past 10 games.

Scottie Barnes is scoring 18.1 points per game with 7.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists for the Raptors. RJ Barrett is averaging 20.3 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 46.2% over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Knicks: 7-3, averaging 114.2 points, 42.7 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 7.8 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 50.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.3 points per game.

Raptors: 6-4, averaging 120.4 points, 41.6 rebounds, 34.0 assists, 10.4 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 51.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.9 points.

INJURIES: Knicks: Tyler Kolek: out (oblique).

Raptors: Chucky Hepburn: out (knee), Trayce Jackson-Davis: out (illness).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Bronny James sets up father LeBron in Lakers win

LeBron James and son Bronny on court for LA Lakers against Golden State Warriors
Bronny James has played alongside father LeBron for two seasons at the Los Angeles Lakers [Getty Images]

Bronny James passed to parent LeBron for the first son-to-father assist in NBA history as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors 119-103.

Bronny, 19, stole possession and passed to LeBron, who ran the length of the court for an uncontested dunk that was part of a 26-point contribution from the 41-year-old.

The pair recorded the first father-to-son assist in a match against the Brooklyn Nets last month.

LeBron also added 11 assists while Bronny scored 10 points with three assists as the Lakers saw off their state rivals.

The Lakers sit fourth in the Eastern Conference while the Warriors are in 10th, with both having already qualified for the post-season play-offs that begin on 18 April.

Elsewhere, the New York Knicks won 112-106 against the Boston Celtics, with Josh Hart scoring 26 points, to put pressure on their opponents in the Western Conference.

The sides are third and second respectively in the standings, with two matches left to play in the regular season.

The Toronto Raptors triumphed 128-114 against the Miami Heat while the Houston Rockets won 113-102 against Philadelphia 76ers to solidify their chances of a play-off place.

In matches between sides already out of post-season contention, the Chicago Bulls won 119-108 against the Washington Wizards while the Indiana Pacers beat the Brooklyn Nets 123-94.

WNBA approves three-team expansion

The WNBA has approved expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia and will become an 18-team league by 2030.

The Cleveland franchise will be the first to make their debut in the competition - they will appear in 2028 - while Detroit and Philadelphia will follow in 2029 and 2030 respectively.

The WNBA has gone through a period of expansion in recent years with the Golden State Valkyries joining in 2025 while the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire are set to follow this year.

The new season starts on 8 May and its regular season will run to 24 September.

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Gillespie and the Suns visit conference foe Los Angeles

Phoenix Suns (44-36, seventh in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (51-29, fourth in the Western Conference)

Los Angeles; Friday, 10:30 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Collin Gillespie and the Phoenix Suns take on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in Western Conference play.

The Lakers have gone 9-7 against division opponents. Los Angeles scores 116.4 points and has outscored opponents by 1.2 points per game.

The Suns are 10-6 against the rest of their division. Phoenix scores 112.8 points while outscoring opponents by 1.4 points per game.

The Lakers' 11.8 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.4 fewer made shots on average than the 12.2 per game the Suns allow. The Suns' 45.5% shooting percentage from the field this season is 3.0 percentage points lower than the Lakers have given up to their opponents (48.5%).

The teams meet for the fifth time this season. The Suns won 113-110 in the last matchup on Feb. 27.

TOP PERFORMERS: Deandre Ayton is averaging 12.4 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers. James is averaging 16.5 points over the last 10 games.

Royce O'Neale is scoring 9.8 points per game and averaging 4.7 rebounds for the Suns. Gillespie is averaging 2.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 6-4, averaging 114.5 points, 41.2 rebounds, 26.8 assists, 9.2 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 51.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.9 points per game.

Suns: 5-5, averaging 116.8 points, 42.2 rebounds, 24.6 assists, 8.4 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.3 points.

INJURIES: Lakers: Austin Reaves: out (rib), Marcus Smart: out (ankle), Jaxson Hayes: out (foot), Luka Doncic: out (hamstring).

Suns: Devin Booker: out (ankle), Haywood Highsmith: out (knee), Jalen Green: day to day (knee), Jordan Goodwin: out (ankle).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Orlando faces Chicago on 4-game win streak

Orlando Magic (44-36, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (31-49, 12th in the Eastern Conference)

Chicago; Friday, 8 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Magic -14.5; over/under is 242.5

BOTTOM LINE: Orlando will try to continue its four-game win streak with a victory against Chicago.

The Bulls have gone 19-31 against Eastern Conference opponents. Chicago ranks fifth in the Eastern Conference with 17.4 fast break points per game led by Tre Jones averaging 2.8.

The Magic have gone 25-25 against Eastern Conference opponents. Orlando is eighth in the Eastern Conference with 32.4 defensive rebounds per game led by Paolo Banchero averaging 7.2.

The Bulls are shooting 46.9% from the field this season, 0.8 percentage points lower than the 47.7% the Magic allow to opponents. The Magic are shooting 46.4% from the field, 1.3% lower than the 47.7% the Bulls' opponents have shot this season.

The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Bulls won the last matchup 121-114 on Jan. 3. Matas Buzelis scored 21 points to help lead the Bulls to the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Collin Sexton is shooting 48.5% and averaging 15.4 points for the Bulls. Jones is averaging 20.1 points over the last 10 games.

Desmond Bane is averaging 20.5 points and 4.2 assists for the Magic. Banchero is averaging 22.8 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 47.4% over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Bulls: 3-7, averaging 120.0 points, 45.9 rebounds, 27.0 assists, 7.6 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 127.3 points per game.

Magic: 6-4, averaging 118.6 points, 41.3 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 7.4 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.3 points.

INJURIES: Bulls: Anfernee Simons: out (wrist), Isaac Okoro: out (quad), Jalen Smith: out for season (calf), Matas Buzelis: out (illness), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Josh Giddey: out (hamstring), Guerschon Yabusele: day to day (shoulder), Nick Richards: day to day (elbow), Zach Collins: out for season (toe).

Magic: Jett Howard: out (ankle), Jonathan Isaac: out (knee).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Washington faces Miami, seeks to break 8-game slide

Miami Heat (41-39, 10th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Washington Wizards (17-63, 15th in the Eastern Conference)

Washington; Friday, 7 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Heat -18.5; over/under is 249.5

BOTTOM LINE: Washington aims to break its eight-game skid when the Wizards play Miami.

The Wizards are 2-13 in division play. Washington is 8-49 in games decided by at least 10 points.

The Heat are 25-25 against Eastern Conference opponents. Miami is 6-4 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

The Wizards' 13.0 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.9 fewer made shots on average than the 13.9 per game the Heat give up. The Heat average 120.4 points per game, 4.2 fewer than the 124.6 the Wizards allow to opponents.

The teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Heat won 152-136 in the last meeting on April 4. Jaime Jaquez Jr. led the Heat with 32 points, and Will Riley led the Wizards with 31 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Bub Carrington is shooting 41.8% and averaging 10.4 points for the Wizards. Riley is averaging 1.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Bam Adebayo is scoring 20.0 points per game with 10.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists for the Heat. Tyler Herro is averaging 18.0 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 47.8% over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Wizards: 1-9, averaging 114.9 points, 40.9 rebounds, 24.8 assists, 9.2 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 130.3 points per game.

Heat: 3-7, averaging 120.8 points, 42.7 rebounds, 29.9 assists, 5.9 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 128.7 points.

INJURIES: Wizards: Anthony Davis: out for season (finger), Tristan Vukcevic: out (knee), Jaden Hardy: out (back), Bilal Coulibaly: out (heel), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Tre Johnson: out (foot), Alex Sarr: out (toe), Kyshawn George: out for season (elbow), D'Angelo Russell: out (not injury related), Trae Young: out for season (quad).

Heat: Nikola Jovic: out (ankle), Dru Smith: out (foot).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Podziemski, Warriors to visit Raynaud, Kings

Golden State Warriors (37-43, 10th in the Western Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (21-59, 14th in the Western Conference)

Sacramento, California; Friday, 10 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Warriors -10.5; over/under is 229.5

BOTTOM LINE: Maxime Raynaud and the Sacramento Kings host Brandin Podziemski and the Golden State Warriors in Western Conference action.

The Kings are 3-12 in division games. Sacramento has a 6-39 record in games decided by 10 points or more.

The Warriors are 7-7 in division play. Golden State ranks seventh in the Western Conference giving up just 115.1 points while holding opponents to 48.0% shooting.

The Kings are shooting 46.7% from the field this season, 1.3 percentage points lower than the 48.0% the Warriors allow to opponents. The Warriors' 46.1% shooting percentage from the field this season is 3.4 percentage points lower than the Kings have given up to their opponents (49.5%).

The teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Warriors won the last matchup 110-105 on April 8. De'Anthony Melton scored 21 points to help lead the Warriors to the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Nique Clifford is scoring 8.2 points per game and averaging 3.7 rebounds for the Kings. Raynaud is averaging 17.1 points and 8.5 rebounds over the last 10 games.

Podziemski is averaging 13.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists for the Warriors. Pat Spencer is averaging 10.3 points and 4.1 assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Kings: 3-7, averaging 111.7 points, 42.4 rebounds, 26.1 assists, 6.4 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.1 points per game.

Warriors: 4-6, averaging 113.3 points, 39.8 rebounds, 28.3 assists, 9.2 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 48.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.1 points.

INJURIES: Kings: Domantas Sabonis: out for season (back), Russell Westbrook: out (foot), De'Andre Hunter: out for season (eye), Zach LaVine: out for season (finger), Drew Eubanks: out for season (thumb), DeMar DeRozan: out (hamstring), Keegan Murray: out (ankle).

Warriors: Quinten Post: out (foot), Stephen Curry: out (knee), Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Al Horford: out (calf), Kristaps Porzingis: out (illness), Moses Moody: out for season (knee), Will Richard: out (back), Gui Santos: out (pelvis).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Should Knicks tank their way out of the No. 3 seed to avoid Celtics?

NEW YORK — As a rash of shameless tanking is rotting within the NBA, the New York Knicks could’ve done the same.

They could’ve rolled over Thursday, April 9 to let the Boston Celtics clinch the No. 2 seed. They could’ve rested their stars compromised their competitive spirit to gear up instead for the playoffs, which begin April 18.

Let me explain.

In the days leading up to this game, a faction of social media basketball strategists pondered whether New York, the current three-seed in the East, would be better served to target the No. 4 slot. The thinking was that it would avoid an eventual matchup against the surging Celtics, who have won 25 of their last 33 games, in the conference semifinals.

Instead, Knicks forward Josh Hart drained all five of his 3s in the second half — including a pair inside the final 43 seconds that put the game away — to help New York narrowly outlast Boston, 112-106, in a game that had 13 ties and 16 lead changes.

Despite the victory, the Knicks, however, could still feasibly throw their final two games to tank into the four-seed to avoid Boston.

Should they?

I’ll concede that it does make some practical sense for teams at the bottom of the standings to tank. Those attempts to manipulate draft positioning, particularly in a draft class as loaded as this one, can theoretically be the difference between an elite, franchise-altering player and a good-to-very-good one.

Taking this approach, however, as you’re trying to win it all, would be a tell for loser behavior. Indirectly, the message would be that a team is scared of another, or at least giving it far too much respect.

“We’re heading in the direction of where we need to be at,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said after the game. “I like the climb that we’ve made the last week or so, the last three or four games. We’ve got a couple more games to get there.

“For us, we’ll take it one game at a time, but we’ve got these two left, and we’d like to win both of them. What does that mean? I don’t know; we’ll see. But when we lace them up, we’re playing to win.”

Let’s very quickly run through the scenarios.

The Celtics (54-26) will almost certainly clinch the No. 2 seed. All they need to do is win one of their two remaining games, both of which are at home: against the Pelicans (Friday, April 10) and Magic (Sunday, April 12).

Because the Knicks (52-28) hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers (51-29), New York would clinch the three-seed with a victory in either of its remaining games, which are also both at home: against the Raptors (Friday) and Hornets (Sunday).

And, assuming both Boston and New York handle their first-round playoff series, that would set up, once again, a rematch in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

If the Knicks fell to the fourth-seed, their semifinal opponent would likely be the No. 1 Pistons, who only just got All-Star Cade Cunningham back Wednesday, April 8 from a collapsed lung.

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) wins a loose ball from Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic.

Making the prospect of a Knicks-Celtics rematch more enticing is that Boston’s players seemingly want it.

“It felt like death,” Jaylen Brown said of last year’s playoff loss during a recent Twitch stream. “The Knicks — good team — but to blow two 20-point leads, like, how does that happen? Just, the energy was off, and we lost, but shout out to the Knicks. They won. They moved on. We lost. We did it to ourselves. Can’t be mad at it.

“But this (year is a different story). We might match up with the Knicks again, and we’ve got to be ready to slide. … Sometimes, you’ve got to spin the block. You’ve got to run it back.”

By beating the Celtics Thursday night, New York can now say that it went 3-1 against Boston in the regular season. The Knicks sharpened their late-game actions in the clutch. They blitzed Celtics star Jayson Tatum — who was playing his first game here in Madison Square Garden since he tore his Achilles in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals — showing they have a recipe to defend him in the postseason.

Most of all, New York can use this momentum to galvanize its group into a rallying point as it tries to win its first NBA Finals since 1973.

Granted, none of New York’s victories over Boston this season were with both Tatum and Brown, who missed Thursday’s game with left Achilles tendinitis, on the floor.

Either way, all of this is setting up for what should be a fascinating rematch.

“That’s fool’s gold, trying to pick and choose your spots in the standings and who you play,” Knicks All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns told reporters after the game. “That’s fool’s gold (thinking) you have to lose to win.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Should New York Knicks tank way out of No. 3 seed in NBA playoffs?

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Takeaways from the Ducks 6-1 Win over the Sharks

In their penultimate home game of the 2025-26 season, the Anaheim Ducks hosted the San Jose Sharks in a crucial Pacific Division matchup on Thursday night at Honda Center.

The Ducks, suddenly desperate, entered this game carrying a six-game winless streak and having seen their five-point lead in the Pacific completely evaporated. At puck drop, they were third in the Division, behind the Vegas Golden Knights by a point and ahead of the Los Angeles Kings by four points.

Ducks Goaltender Ville Husso Nominated for Masterton Trophy

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The Sharks were on their second game of a back-to-back, after having lost a critical game on Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers. The Sharks were three points out of the second wild card spot with a game in hand.

This was the biggest game of the season for both sides.

The Ducks remained without forward Cutter Gauthier (upper body) and defenseman Radko Gudas (lower body), each having been sidelined since their March 30 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. After playing forward in Tuesday’s loss to the Nashville Predators, Olen Zellweger was scratched for this game.

Here’s how the Ducks lined up:

Kreider-Carlsson-Terry

Killorn-Granlund-Sennecke

Vatrano-McTavish-Viel

Washe-Poehling-Moore

LaCombe-Trouba

Mintyukov-Carlson

Hinds-Helleson

Lukas Dostal got the start for the Ducks and saved 18 of 19 shots in this game. For the Sharks, Yaroslav Askarov got the nod and stopped 24 of 30.

Game Notes

From an on-ice perspective, with the scoreboards removed, this game felt like a continuation of their game on Tuesday against Nashville. The Ducks were possessing the puck for extended periods of time, including not allowing a shot against for (roughly) the first 15 minutes of the hockey game, and utilizing crisp breakouts to counter and keep pucks out of their end.

San Jose expectedly pushed back, but Anaheim ensured their shot attempts wouldn’t lead to elongated cycles. The Ducks did little things like remain disciplined, only heading to the penalty box once, in a coincidental situation, and blocking every perimeter shot they could, tallying 22 in total.

“We haven’t had a lead like that in a long time, early in the game,” Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville said after the game. “I thought we did some solid things all game long. With them playing last night, we got after them early in the game and set a very fast pace.

“That was beneficial to us from the start. It’s one of those games where we needed it in the worst way, and we showed that we were going to do everything we could to find a way to get it.”

Containing Celebrini: The coaching staff hard-matched Celebrini’s line with the Ducks’ fourth line (Washe-Poehling-Moore) and top defensive pair (LaCombe-Trouba). Underlying metrics will indicate Celebrini got the better of them, but as a five-man unit, they did well to eliminate time and space while forcing him to defer pucks to teammates, limiting the time it spent on his tape.

They pressured San Jose’s below-average back end on the forecheck, eliminating Celebrini’s ability to transport pucks up ice. They shadowed him in the neutral zone, forcing puck movers to attempt outlets elsewhere, and they kept him to the perimeter in the offensive zone, refusing to give up the middle of the ice, an area of severe weakness for the team throughout the course of the season.

John Carlson: The story of this game will remain Carlson’s first career hat trick. He unleashed his world-class throwback slap shot on all three goals, and they weren’t only hard but cleverly placed and utilized screens in front.

Moving forward, as it did in this game, this weapon can be a go-to form of offense when the Ducks’ power play “Plan A” is denied. Sennecke’s willingness to suffer abuse, act as a presence in front of the opposing netminder, and disrupt his vision was a key factor in all three of Carlson’s tallies.

Leo Carlsson: Carlsson’s “lead-by-example” brand was on full display in this game, seemingly refusing to let his team go down a goal and not allowing their lead to slip away late. He displayed his typical danger off the rush, utilizing his speed to drive opponents back and create in the ice afforded.

However, in this game, he also manufactured offense from the cycle, astutely read opposing breakouts and picked off outlet attempts, and he was diligent in his end, picking up assignments and supporting pucks effectively.

Against the brightest young star in the game, Carlsson showed a relentless physical and mental motor, singlehandedly, completely unwilling to let his team suffer a seventh straight loss.

The Ducks will wrap up their home schedule on Sunday, when they’ll host the lowly Vancouver Canucks.

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Takeaways from the Ducks 6-2 Loss to the Blues

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7 Takeaways: Hurricanes Embarrass Blackhawks To Start Road Trip

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 7-2 Thursday night at United Center.

It was an epic beatdown by the Hurricanes, who were even without seven starters, as they continued to hold strong to their spot atop the Eastern Conference.

Here are seven takeaways from the win:

Carolina dominates Chicago 7-2

1. Seven Starters Sitting

The Carolina Hurricanes came into the game against the Blackhawks with one thing in mind: getting their top guys some rest.

Now that's both a comment on the Hurricanes' current playoff position, locked in to the top spot of the Metropolitan Division, but also to how lowly the Blackhawks, the league's 31st ranked team, are.

Because even despite resting seven key players — Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, Seth Jarvis, Jordan Staal, Jordan Martinook, Jaccob Slavin, Jalen Chatfield — they still laid the boot to Chicago, scoring seven goals on 22 shots.

"You score on the first shift and that just set the tone," said Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour. "It's obviously better to play ahead and then we didn't really have too many lapses in the game. I thought we just played a solid road game. Overall, just everybody had their hand in it."

2. The Regulars Held It Down...

In total, 11 different players found their way onto the scoresheet Thursday night.

Logan Stankoven led the way for Carolina with two goals and three points and other standout performances included those by Mark Jankowski (2g) and William Carrier (3a).

In fact, all but one of the team's anticipated playoff starters registered at least one point in the contest (Eric Robinson did not have a point).

"It just creates confidence for everybody and that's what we're gonna need in these last few games and into the playoffs," Stankoven said. "It's nice when everyone can chip in. It's great for the team, but it's also great individually. It makes everyone feel good."

The only non-assumed playoff starter to even register a point was Nicolas Deslauriers, who picked up his first point as a Hurricane with a secondary assist on the seventh and final goal of the game.

"That was awesome," Jankowski said. "Before my second one there, he was joking on the bench like, 'Guys, get me a touch, get me my first one,' so when he got the assist, he was just fired up. We got the puck for him, his first point as a Cane. He's been huge in our locker room and on the ice when he's been in. It's been a pleasure to play with him and it's great for him to get his first point there."

Nicolas Desluariers celebrates his first Carolina Hurricanes point. © Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Nicolas Desluariers celebrates his first Carolina Hurricanes point. © Matt Marton-Imagn Images

3. ...But The Callups Still Held Their Own Too

Even though they didn't end up on the scoresheet, it was still a solid night for the team's four AHL callups.

Bradly Nadeau, Skyler Brind'Amour, Josiah Slavin and Charles Alexis Legault all got time on the PK, which went a perfect 4-for-4, and each held their own in their 15+ minutes of ice time.

Nadeau didn't have as much opportunity for power play looks, as the team only got one call their way and Nadeau himself cancelled it out after just 56 seconds, but he still had three shot attempts, a block and four hits.

Brind'Amour also went 8-for-10 on draws and nearly had a redirect goal, but it was called off due to his contact with Spencer Knight.

"I thought they did a great job," Brind'Amour said. "It's not the easiest thing to throw all of them in, but I thought they did a great job. On the kill we used them and just everywhere. We had to put them in. There was no, 'Uh, oh. They're on the ice,' type of thing.

"You have to kind of know your people and they fit perfectly. They know how to play and they know how we play. Obviously they're not replacing the guys we had out, but it helps when you have guys that know what they're doing. Kudos to them."

"Our system is pretty straight up so anyone can squeeze right in," Carrier said. "They play the same way down there, so they fit right in like they had been here all season with us."

4. Logan Stankoven: 20(21*)-Goal Scorer

There were certainly a lot of people in my mentions this year that said very adamantly that Logan Stankoven was not a second-line center.

Well, now that the 23 year old has eclipsed the 20-goal and 40-point milestones this season, it's kind of crazy how I don't really see those same complaints anymore.

"It's what you dream of as a kid," Stankoven said on the milestone moment. "A lot of work, for sure, and I know it's far from over. I'm gonna keep getting better every game. I think I'm far from a finished product and I just want to be the best version I can of myself.

Stankoven made the move back to his natural position of center to start the year, that being just his second full NHL season at that, and so you knew it was gonna take some time for him to really get used to it.

But really right away, he found some strong chemistry with Jackson Blake and a variety of other linemates, whether that was Nikolaj Ehlers or Taylor Hall, and his lines had consistently been one of the most possession dominant in the league.

He wasn't getting any bounces for a while there, but now the pucks are finally starting to drop for him and his numbers are matching what his expected production has always been, as Stankoven now ranks 25th in the league in 5v5 goals amongst true centers.

"We've been talking about him all year and he went through that stretch where he wasn't scoring, but he was getting those chances and it was just a matter of time and clearly that's what's happening here lately," Brind'Amour said.

Stankoven is also the sixth Hurricane this season to reach the 20-goal milestone, tied not only for the most in the league this year, but also the most in franchise history.

"I think it's a great confidence booster," Stankoven said. "There's times when it has been frustrating when you get a lot of chances and they don't go in, but I've kind of said to my linemates on the bench, for all the times they've set me up and I've missed or hit posts and it didn't go in, that it's kind of nice now that they are starting to fall and drop in for me."

5. Taylor Hall Continuing To Impress

It seems like Hall can't stop scoring now that he's finally earned his 300th career goal.

Before he got that goal in Ottawa, Hall had gone seven games without a tally, but was racking up the assists and chances.

He's still getting assists now too as his production continues to climb, but his scoring touch seems to be back too, scoring his 18th of the season, and third straight, on Thursday (could we see a seventh player reach 20?).

The Masterton nominee has been a key part of Carolina's offense all year and he's been the perfect mentor for Blake and Stankoven.

It also shouldn't be overlooked that Hall was the one player given a letter to wear with the entire leadership team up in the press box.

The 34-year-old is a long-time veteran of the game, but he's also a well respected member of the Hurricanes.

6. A Solid Outing For Frederik Andersen

A lot of talk has been made about the Hurricanes' current goaltender situation and how it'll play out come Game 1 of the playoffs.

For me, it's really come down to a game-by-game basis on who can emerge as the strongest candidate in these last few games.

While Brandon Bussi has had the better overall body of work this year, he's really struggled since the Olympic break.

Frederik Andersen hasn't been that impressive either to be honest as of late, but tonight was certainly another point in his favor.

The veteran netminder made 23 saves in the win, even stopping a handful of grade-A chances for the Hawks, none bigger than his breakaway stop on Nick Lardis.

"That's what you need in a game like that," Brind'Amour said on the timely saves. "We had a couple gaffes, guys falls down and gives up a breakaway. You don't see that very often and that's a big turning point in the game if they score there. That was probably the save of the game for me."

Freddie was very solid overall for Carolina in a game they were actually outshot in, with none of the two goals he gave up even being remotely on him.

As we get closer and closer to the postseason, let's also not forget the fact that Andersen has been a steady playoff performer.

Yes, he had a poor outing in 2024 against the Rangers, but other than that, the Danish netminder has come up strong in many different series for Carolina.

That experience counts for something.

Frederik Andersen stops Nick Lardis in on a breakaway. © Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Frederik Andersen stops Nick Lardis in on a breakaway. © Matt Marton-Imagn Images

7. Race For The Eastern Conference Crown

With the win, the Canes moved back into sole possession of the top spot in the Eastern Conference (108 points)

They now sit two points ahead of the Buffalo Sabres (106) and have a game in hand on them.

However, the Sabres have four more regulation wins than the Hurricanes, meaning they'll actually finish ahead of Carolina should they end up tied in points and there's no way for the Canes to nullify that tiebreaker.

Buffalo isn't the only team the Canes have to worry about either though, as both the Montreal Canadiens (104) and Tampa Bay Lightning (102) are still in the race too, although they have a much more difficult route to the top.

Montreal can't catch the Canes in regulation wins, so they'll need to finish with more points. For that to happen, the Canadiens would have to secure five or more points more than the Hurricanes in each's last three games.

Tampa Bay meanwhile has to win out just to catch Carolina in points, which means any points gained by the Canes would eliminate the Lightning from being able to catch them.

However, should the Hurricanes lose out and Tampa Bay catches them, the Lighting hold the edge in regulation wins and would finish ahead.

But the Hurricanes control their own destiny and so the best thing for them to do is just to keep winning.

One win would mean that Buffalo remains their only opponent in the race for the East and three points in any fashion would officially secure the conference crown regardless of what anyone else does.

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Player Grades: Lakers vs. Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Chase Center on April 09, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For at least one game, there is a glimmer of hope in Los Angeles.

The Lakers actually beat the Warriors. Now, Steph Curry was out for the contest, so it was the corpse of Golden State against the ghost of LA, but in the win-loss column, the victory counts the same.

So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.

LeBron James

32 minutes, 26 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 4 turnovers, 1 foul, 11-17 FG, 3-5 3PT, 1-2 FT, +19

LeBron was superb in this contest. He was aggressively attacking the basket, racking up points. James was a positive defender and led the team in assists. He also had another incredible dunk to add to his infinite highlight reel of jams.

There was a scary moment where he blocked a shot and appeared to hurt his hand, but he remained in the game. That’s great news because the last thing this team needs is another injury.

Grade: A

Rui Hachimura

30 minutes, 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 2 fouls, 5-12 FG, 2-4 3PT, 0-1 FT, +20

Hachimura had a relatively positive performance. He shot well and was a good floor spacer during the competitive parts of this contest.

Grade: B

Jake LaRavia

31 minutes, 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 5 fouls, 6-7 FG, 4-5 3PT, +29

This was one of the best LaRavia games in weeks. He finally had a good shooting night and was a threat from deep. Hopefully, this is the start of a good stretch of shooting for LaRavia as we enter the postseason.

Grade: B+

Deandre Ayton

31 minutes, 21 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 fouls, 9-11 FG, 3-4 FT, +19

Ayton brought the appropriate energy and efficiency to this game. He dominated inside and scored some of his patented high-post buckets. If Ayton can play like this the rest of the way, LA will have a shot at winning

Grade: A

Luke Kennard

32 minutes, 14 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, 1 turnover, 1 foul, 6-11 FG, 1-2 3PT, 1-1 FT, +20

Kennard had some really rough possessions with the ball. In the third quarter, he had one play where he rushed to the rim and looked like he had no idea how to attempt a layup.

Kennard is being asked to do more than he normally is, and this game is a reminder of why he is best just shooting from deep and setting screens.

Grade: C

Jarred Vanderbilt

26 minutes, 2 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 turnovers, 1-3 FG, 0-2 3PT, +15

Vando’s offensive possessions were an adventure in this game. He’s clearly only playing because the team is shorthanded, but his time on the floor was tough to watch in this one.

Grade: D

Bronny James

21 minutes, 10 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 1 foul, 4-7 FG, 2-4 3PT, -5

Bronny becoming a legit rotation player has been a joy to watch. He is progressing so much during his sophomore season. He still struggles with ball pressure, but he’s improved a lot. Now, when he comes in, it’s not just during wins in garage time. Bronny can help the Lakers win.

Grade: B

Nick Smith Jr.

11 minutes, 12 points, 4-5 FG, 4-5 3PT, +9

Smith Jr. just broke the 10 minutes required for a grade. He is a player unafraid to shoot the ball, and in this game he was hot from deep, going 4-5. If Redick needs some offense during one of these games, Smith Jr. isn’t a bad option to go to.

Grade: B

Maxi Kleber, Drew Timme, Adou Thiero, Dalton Knecht

These four players didn’t play 10 or more minutes, so they will not be receiving a grade.

JJ Redick

Redick pushed the right buttons in this game. He ran a tight rotation, and it resulted in the Lakers playing a better game overall. Redick called timeouts when the Warriors went on a run, and the Lakers responded each time.

Grade: B

Thursday’s DNPs: Chris Mañon

Thursday’s inactives: Marcus Smart, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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Adrian Kempe Leads The Way In Kings Win Over Canucks

An unnecessarily close game against the weakest team in the NHL ended with the Los Angeles Kings (33-26-19) pulling away in the second period for a 4-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks.

The game began with LA taking control early. The early starts benefit the Kings a lot by helping them avoid blowouts or close losses, as they experienced a week ago when they struggled to score a goal in the opening period. 

The scoring came a minute into the period, with a nice play led by Brandt Clarke, skating behind the net and around to find Adrian Kempe cutting in to get the wrist shot. Kempe's goal gave him his 70th point of the season, marking his third consecutive season with 70+ points. 

The Kings were outshooting Vancouver 11-7 to end the first period, while the Canucks won just 24% of their faceoffs. Los Angeles was clearly outplaying the visiting team, but couldn't put them away, leaving the game up in the air. 

Vancouver would respond at the 5:43 mark, converting on the big one-timer shot to tie the scoreboard 1-1. Despite giving up a goal, the Kings would counter the Canucks a minute later. 

After a nice steal from Jared Wright, forcing a Vancouver turnover, Scott Laughton would remain in possession of the puck and drop an impressive pass to Joel Armia trailing from behind to score and give the Kings back the lead. 

The third line continues to stay hot with the chemistry that's developed on ice along the Armia-Laughton-Wright unit out there. Los Angeles is a very tough team to beat whenever any one of those guys in the third line gives you anything on ice, showcasing the depth LA has.

Los Angeles did what they have recently struggled to do in its last few games, getting off to hot starts and never looking back. 

The second period was a very gritty one, with both teams struggling to score after several second-chance opportunities. Both teams were looking for a breakaway, especially the Kings, because the Canucks wouldn't go away, still trailing by just one goal. 

Whoever scored it would come a long way, giving that team momentum and an insurance goal. It came down in the final 30 seconds of the period after a long shot from Joel Edmundston, the puck was redirected by Kempe, and somehow found its way inside the net. 

Kempe continues to impress with his recent performance at the right time of the season. The 29-year-old has now scored 8 of the Kings' 20 goals in the last six games, matching the last time he did it back in Jan/Feb 2023. 

Just like that, what felt like Vancouver was slowly getting back into it because the Kings couldn't take advantage of several missed opportunities, LA ended the second period leading with a two-goal cushion. 

Even with the score being 3-1 after 40 minutes, the Canucks were still playing hard and weren't letting the Kings pull away. 

The final frame was where the Kings started to take over the game. LA’s offense and defense looked more comfortable out there, and they did a good job of holding onto their commanding 3-1 lead.

Los Angeles would score its fourth goal of the game at the 10:43 mark after a nice shot by Alex Laferriere through traffic deflected off a Canucks stick and went inside the net. 

That's now 20 goals for Laferriere on the season, a new career high. Despite the Kings winning a game they're supposed to easily get, it was a good sign to see LA's depth and offense spread the wealth and look comfortable in these must-win games. 

Key Stats

Adrian Kempe scored two goals and two points, continuing his hot stretch over the last six games. Artemi Panarin had two assists and two points. Scott Laughton and Joel Armia continued to play strongly in the third line, with Armia notching a goal and a point, while his teammate Laughton recorded an assist and a point. 

Anton Forsberg got his second straight start after that impressive win against the Predators on Monday. Forsberg finished with 23 saves on 24 shots, making key saves when it was a one-goal game to lead another impressive win under the crease. 

Defensively, Brandt Clarke was also very strong today, finishing with four blocked shots and was a +3 on ice tonight. He’s the youngest player to do this since Drew Doughty back in 2010, impressive stuff from LA’s depth in the win.

The Kings win their third straight game and now have the second wild-card playoff spot after Nashville and San Jose lost. LA now has a one-point lead over the Predators and must either win out or win three of their last four games to overtake Nashville, which holds the tiebreaker. 

LA's next matchup will be against its rival, the Edmonton Oilers, on Saturday at 1:00 PM PT. 

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Lakers vs. Suns Preview: Winning streak incoming?

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 23: Jake LaRavia #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls a rebound against Jordan Goodwin #23 and Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 23, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Lakers (51-29) will complete their final back-to-back of the season on Friday against the Phoenix Suns (44-36).

A win would greatly help them secure the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. With just a couple of games left, this playoff race will come down to the wire.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns

When: 7:30 p.m. PT, Apr 10

Where: Crypto.com Arena

Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet

LA hasn’t had much luck against Phoenix this season. They have lost three of their four matchups against them, with Devin Booker and longtime Lakers foe Dillon Brooks doing most of the damage in those contests.

At this point in the season, the Suns are cemented as the No. 7 seed, so they don’t have the same urgency to win as the Lakers do. That could work in the Lakers’ favor.

For LA to win, it’s going to take a coalition of the willing. That means LeBron James, if he’s active, has to carry a large load once again. As the team’s best available ball handler, he has to score and set up the players on the court for good looks at the basket.

For those looks to be converted, his teammates have to knock down shots. Rui Hachimura is one of LA’s best shooters, converting on 43.6% of his 3-point attempts. Luke Kennard is another laser who can get hot from deep. Kennard’s also shown the ability to handle the ball now that Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are out.

Also, can LA get a big performance from Deandre Ayton? He’s coming off a good performance in LA’s win over Golden State, and that level of play is something he can regularly do.

If he replicates that on Friday night, the Lakers can end the game with possession of the fourth seed with just one contest remaining.

The Lakers need this game and the Suns don’t. That, along with the playoffs approaching, should be motivation enough to push through the exhaustion of the back-to-back and secure the result.

Notes and Updates

  • There is no injury report available for the Laker at this time, as they are playing on the second night of a back-to-back. Luka Dončić (left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) will remain out. Hopefully, Jaxson Hayes (left foot soreness) and Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion) can return.
  • As for the Suns, Devin Booker (right ankle injury management), Haywood Highsmith (right knee injury management) and Jordan Goodwin (left ankle sprain) are out. Jalen Green (right knee soreness) is questionable.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.