Fresh off a blowout win over the Charlotte Hornets, the Orlando Magic find themselves in a 1 vs. 8 matchup with the Detroit Pistons.
Unfortunately for Orlando, what’s been a breakout year for the Pistons will have Little Caesars Arena rocking on Sunday, and I expect Detroit to defend home court following a lengthy postseason drought.
Finishing the regular season with averages of 9.9 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game, and 3.1 assists per game, Ausar Thompson is already on pace to hit this combo Over as one of the Detroit Pistons’ key engines.
He’s gone past this number in five of his past eight contests — and, if anything, Thompson's minutes should climb in more meaningful games, with Detroit relying on his grit to combat an Orlando Magic team that can do damage on the glass.
With Thompson making an impact all over the box score, I expect the Pistons to have a clear edge. The Magic’s 19-21 road record doesn’t inspire much confidence in halting Detroit’s four-game home winning streak.
Cade Cunningham has looked steady since returning from a collapsed lung, and a double-double is my favorite Cade prop on the board. He’s had 10+ assists in eight of his last 12 contests, and I’m not worried about his scoring after a season where he averaged 23.9 ppg.
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The Orlando Magic survived the play-in gauntlet, but there are bigger battles ahead as they start their first-round series against the relentless Detroit Pistons.
Orlando is back in action less than 48 hours after clinching the No. 8 seed, and my Magic vs. Pistons predictions favor a fresher Detroit squad, led by Ausar Thompson, who’s built for do-it-all playoff performances.
Take a closer look at this series opener with my free NBA picks for Sunday, April 19.
Magic vs Pistons prediction
Magic vs Pistons best bet: Ausar Thompson Over 17.5 points + rebounds + assists (-105)
Ausar Thompson’s stock went up in the 2025 postseason after a feisty effort guarding Jalen Brunson, and he could hit new heights in these playoffs, especially in an opening matchup that plays to his strengths.
With averages of 9.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 3.1 APG this year, Thompson is already on pace to hit this combo Over as one of the Detroit Pistons’ key engines. He’s gone past this number in five of his past eight contests – and, if anything, his minutes should climb in more meaningful games, with Detroit relying on his grit to combat a Magic team that can do damage on the glass.
Thompson is capable of the occasional scoring outburst — he poured in 39 points across the last two games of last year’s series against the Knicks — and he finished this regular season with 10+ points in three of his final five games.
We’ve also seen more of the third-year wing in a playmaking role lately, and he’s dished 5+ dimes in five of his last eight outings. That could be a secret weapon for the hosts here if the Orlando Magic throw extra defenders at Cade Cunningham on the perimeter.
Thompson posted a 9-11-3 line against Orlando in March, and that feels repeatable in this clash. Don’t be surprised if he has his fingerprints all over Game 1.
Magic vs Pistons same-game parlay
With Thompson making an impact all over the box score, I expect the Pistons to have a clear edge. The Magic’s 19-21 road record doesn’t inspire much confidence that they can halt Detroit’s four-game home winning streak.
Cade Cunningham has looked steady since returning from a collapsed lung, and a double-double is my favorite Cade prop on the board. He’s had 10+ assists in eight of his last 12 contests, and I’m not worried about his scoring after a season where he averaged 23.9 PPG.
Magic vs Pistons SGP
Ausar Thompson Over 17.5 PRA
Pistons moneyline
Cade Cunningham double-double
Our "from downtown" SGP: Rock Fight!
Although this series could be a rock fight at times, that won’t bother defense-first ballplayers like Thompson and Jalen Suggs.
This SGP taps into their contributions at that end of the floor, with Suggs grabbing 17 boards across his last three games and Thompson recording 1+ blocks in six straight contests.
Magic vs Pistons SGP
Ausar Thompson Over 5.5 rebounds
Jalen Suggs Over 3.5 rebounds
Ausar Thompson Over 0.5 blocks
Pistons -8.5
Magic vs Pistons odds for Game 1
Spread: Magic +8.5 (-110) | Pistons -8.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Magic +300 | Pistons -380
Over/Under: Over 219.5 (-110) | Under 219.5 (-110)
Magic vs Pistons betting trend to know
The Magic were 7-14 SU as road underdogs during the regular season. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Pistons.
How to watch Magic vs Pistons Game 1
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Tip-off
6:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Magic vs Pistons latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The best NBA players showcase their skills and talent through an 82-game regular season, but the playoffs are where legacies are made – or tainted. The postseason is where performance determines who is the star of stars; who will rise to the occasion and who shrinks when the lights are brightest.
With 16 teams left competing for the coveted Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy to be crowned NBA champion, someone will ascend themselves above the rest during the biggest moments with everything on the line.
Here are the top 10 best players competing during the NBA Playoffs.
10. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
The Suns guard plays both sides of the ball, can score with the best of them, and don't sleep on his playmaking ability and willing to defer to the hot hand. You saw that in the Suns' play-in game for the No. 8 seed against the Golden State Warriors.
Booker averaged 26.1 points on 45.6% field-goal shooting, 33% from 3-point distance and 87% free throw shooting. He pulled in 3.9 rebounds and 6 assists per game.
9. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Brunson has been the franchise leader the Knicks have been searching for. Brunson averaged 26 points on 46.7%/36.9%/84.1% shooting splits during the 2025-26 regular season.
He's deadly in the midrange and crafty at getting to the basket, but he will torch defenses with a step-back 3. Brunson led the Knicks to the No. 3 seed in the NBA playoffs as New York aims for its first NBA championship since 1973.
8. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell hasn't been past the second round during his career, but after the addition of James Harden there's hope that could change this season.
Mitchell is a dynamic scorer that score at three levels: inside, midrange and from deep. He's a slasher that will finish an acrobatic layup but also he might punch one on your big man's head. Mitchell scored 32 points in a Game 1 win against the Toronto Raptors, and the Cavs will go as far as he leads them.
Mitchell averaged 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.5 steals. His shooting splits are 48.3% field goals, 36.4 3-point shooting and 86.5% from the charity stripe.
Brown has carried the Celtics for much of the regular season, leading them to the No. 2 seed in the playoffs with co-star Jayson Tatum sidelined for most of the year due to an Achilles injury he suffered in the 2025 NBA playoffs.
Brown led Boston to a 56-26 record, which is one of the reasons he's been considered a 2026 MVP candidate. He averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists, while shooting 47.7% on field goals. He also added a steal per game.
6. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Edwards is one of the best players in the league, and his star-like aura is reminiscent of the greatest the game's seen. But it's his game that backs up that nostalgia.
During the 2025-26 season, Edwards posted 28.8 points, five rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. His efficiency wasn't too shabby either, connecting on 48.9% field goals including 39.9% 3-pointers and 79.6% free throws. Edwards will look to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Denver Nuggets. Edwards led the Wolves to defeat the Nuggets in seven games during the 2024 playoffs. They hope to emulate that outcome.
Kevin Durant, although listed questionable for Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers, is expected to have a major impact in the Rockets first-round matchup. After 17 seasons, Durant is still one of the premier players in the postseason and his team will depend on him to be the player he's been since 2007.
Durant has averaged an efficient 26 points on 52% field goals, 41% 3-pointers and 87% free throws. He's added 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Defensively, he's just under a block and steal per game, at 0.9 and 0.8, respectively.
4. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Yes, LeBron at 41 years old, and now the focal point of the offense with injuries to Doncic and Reaves keeping them out of the first round indefinitely, is still one of the best players in the NBA postseason. We have never seen a player be this good for this long. You have to honor and respect that aspect when making these lists. Not only that, James' numbers have showcased that when he's locked in, he remains one of the best players.
James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks. Shooting-wise, he was 51.5% from the field, 31.7% from 3-point and 73.7% free throws. But don't focus so much on the 2025-26 season stats, as he had to share the floor, and ball, with Doncic and Reaves. James was relegated to the third scoring option to preserve these latter years of his career. Now he's back to the No. 1 option, it can be assumed the James of old – dominating the playoffs – is here again.
3. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Jokic averaged a triple-double during the 2025-26 season, posting 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game. Not only did he stuff that stat sheet, he did it in an efficient manner. Jokic's shooting splits were 56.9%/38%/83.1% during the regular season.
The reality is Jokic's supporting cast will have to show up in order for him to truly be a threat. The Joker is at his best when his passing is a threat, leaving players to forget that he can score with the best of them.
Wemby being so high is based on his dominant regular season. He controls the game on both sides of the ball, which makes him one of the best players in this postseason.
The Alien averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Defensively, he averaged a steal and three blocks per game. He gave a taste of his inside game and shooting capability by making 51.2% of his field goals, 34.9% of his 3-pointer and 82.7% of his free throws.
This is Wembanyama's first taste of the playoff experience in the NBA, but he will be just fine if plays anything like he did during the regular season, which garnered MVP whispers.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Giving respect where its due is why SGA is the top player coming into the playoffs. The reigning league MVP, NBA champion and Finals MVP has led OKC to the best record in the league for a second consecutive season.
During the 2025-26 season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.6 assists on 55.3% field goal shooting, 38.6% 3-pointers and 87.9% free throws. Although not recognized as a lockdown defender, Gilgeous-Alexander grabbed 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.
Honorable mentions
There's so much talent in the postseason, it wasn't easy to choose only 10 players. Some player rankings can be mixed-and-swapped for other players, while others are more concrete belonging in the top 10 recognition.
Here are honorable mentioned players that could be considered a top-10 player in the postseason:
James Harden, Cleveland Cavaliers
Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
De'Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
X-factors
In most cases, these players are one of the top three on their team, or just a huge spark and difference maker for their club. Don't sleep on these dudes. They can fill it up with the best of them and contend with any of the best players in the league. Consistency can be questioned, but the talent is a no-brainer. These players are the X-factors for their teams during the postseason.
Frederik Andersen made 22 saves as the Carolina Hurricanes opened the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 2–0 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Logan Stankoven, who was under the weather the last few days, was obviously feeling much better on Saturday afternoon, leading the way with a goal and an assist for the Hurricanes.
The game started with some early excitement, as for the third time in less than a month, Senators captain Brady Tkachuk squared off in a fight before the opening faceoff against the opposing captain.
After brawling with Anders Lee in a pair of games against the Islanders down the stretch, Tkachuk and Jordan Staal went at it to try and set the tone.
After a tight, defensive struggle in a scoreless first period, Stankoven opened the scoring on what seemed like a harmless shot from the slot that was partially blocked by the stick of Shane Pinto. The deflection slowly dribbled through Linus Ullmark’s legs for the game’s opening goal.
The Senators appeared to tie the game when Andersen made a glove save, and it looked like his trapper may have gone into his own net with the puck. However, replays showed that was not the case.
Carolina got another break on their second goal, credited to Taylor Hall. A shot from the point deflected over top of Ullmark, landing near his skate while he was on his knees, and Hall jammed in the loose puck to make it 2–0.
The Senators caught a break with about 2:30 left in the game. With their goalie pulled, Jalen Chatfield was called for delay of game after sending the puck over the glass, setting up a 6 on 4. The Sens unleashed plenty of shots, but Carolina's D held strong to preserve the win.
"We had a couple of close ones that almost went in and Ully played great," Sens winger Drake Batherson said. "Obviously, anytime you give a team two 5-on-3's you've got to make some saves. Yeah, I just thought we didn't get any breaks, but I thought we played pretty well."
Both teams played well defensively and shorthanded, combining to go 9-0 on the penalty kill.
"I didn't mind our game," head coach Travis Green said. "Pretty tight-checking game. Not a lot of space really for either team. Probably if you look at the numbers, I haven't seen them yet, but they probably deserved to win analytically, and they did."
The style of game and the tight checking was no surprise to Canes coach Rod Brind'Amour.
"Everybody out there was giving it all they had," Brind'Amour said. "And that was what you saw. You explained it perfectly. I mean, there was not a lot of room and everybody was fighting for everything."
Meanwhile, there seems to be no end to the injury troubles on Ottawa's blue line. After a big hit on Seth Jarvis, Artem Zub left the game and did not return. Prior to that, Dennis Gilbert suffered what appeared to be a left shoulder injury after a hit from behind but gutted it out and stayed in the game.
So Carolina leads the best-of-seven 1-0, with Game 2 is Monday night in Raleigh.
Steve Warne The Hockey News
This article was first published at The Hockey News Ottawa. Check out more great Sens features from The Hockey News at the links below:
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Brianne Jenner had a goal and two assists and Jocelyne Larocque had goal and an assist to lead the Ottawa Charge past the New York Sirens 5-1 on Saturday.
Ronja Savolainen, Peyton Hemp and Rebecca Leslie also scored and Gwyneth Phillips stopped 23 shots for the Charge (8-7-1-12). They took a five-point lead on the Sirens and Toronto Sceptres for the fourth and final playoff spot with two games remaining.
Paetyn Levis scored for the Sirens (9-2-3-1) and Kayle Osborne made 24 saves.
New York, which is 0-0-1-7 in its last eight road games, opened the scoring with a power-play goal midway through the first period when Levis took a pass in the slot and beat Philips on the stick side.
With 61 seconds remaining in the period, Jenner attempted to find Leslie in front, but the puck was redirected and went in off Leslie’s shoulder. The play underwent a lengthy review before the call was upheld.
The Charge took the lead at 7:54 of the second period.
Larocque blocked a shot to spark a short-handed rush as Jenner picked up the puck and broke in on Osborne. She gave up a big rebound that Larocque buried for her first of the season.
Just over six minutes later, Hemp won a race for the puck and knocked it free. That allowed Alexa Vasko to take possession and she sent it back to Hemp, who gave the Charge a 3-1 lead.
Ottawa scored a pair of goals in the third to put the game out of reach.
Savolainen scored from just inside the blue line through traffic. Larocque had a shot ring off the crossbar and Jenner buried the rebound.
The Los Angeles Kings are in for a tall task as they're set to face the Presidents Trophy winning Colorado Avalanche in round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If the Kings want any chance to knock out the Avalanche, they will need every single player in their lineup to play the best hockey of their careers.
Obviously the star players like Artemi Panarin and Adrian Kempe will lead the way, the team needs solid production from depth players such as Trevor Moore and Joel Armia.
Drew Doughty will likely lead the Kings defensemen in ice-time but a player like Mikey Anderson must be ready for the task of shutting down Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas.
Trevor Moore, LW
If the Kings are going to stay competitive in this series, they need depth scoring more than just about anything. Trevor Moore seems like the perfect player to provide a clutch goal or two throughout a series.
Last postseason, the 31-year-old proved he has what it takes as he scored two goals, along with two assists for four points in the Kings six-game series against the Edmonton Oilers.
This season, Moore scored 13 goals and 19 assists for 32 points in 69 games played.
Mikey Anderson might be the most underrated player on the Kings roster. The 26-year-old consistently plays over 20 minutes every night while playing alongside Drew Doughty on the Kings top pair.
In his seven-year career, the 26-year-old has never finished a season with a +/- rating over lower than zero. This season, he managed to finish with a +8 rating while playing on a team that has a hard time scoring, as well as facing the opponents top lines night in and night out.
However, his postseason numbers have not been as compelling. in 24 career postseason games Anderson is a -14. It should be taken into consideration that every game he's played in late spring has been against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
The Kings need Anderson to build off of his past playoff woes in order to shutdown the high flying Avalanche.
Joel Armia's first season as a Los Angeles Kings should be described as a success. He has provided exactly what he was brought in to do. Score 10+ goals and 25+ points while bringing a solid two-way play style to the lineup. In 67 games, the 32-year-old scored 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points.
While Armia has shown he's a terrific third line winger, he has also proved that he can step up when it matters most. In the 2026 Olympics in February, Armia was arguably Team Finland's best player. In six games in Italy, the Finnish veteran scored three goals and five assists for eight points, while also having a +7 rating.
The winger also brings crucial playoff experience, having played in 49 career postseason games prior to this series. 21 of those 49 games came when Armia and the Montreal Canadiens made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021.
Armia and his experience in big moments should prove to be crucial if the Kings are to have any success against the Avalanche.
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DALLAS (AP) — Key defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Quinn Hughes were active for Game 1 of the Western Conference playoff series between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild on Saturday after both had missed the end of the regular season for different reasons.
Heiskanen didn't play the last three regular-season games for the Stars because of a lower-body injury in a 5-4 win over Minnesota on April 9.
Hughes, acquired by the Wild from Vancouver in December, missed their last two games dealing with an illness since playing a week ago at Nashville. He didn't travel with the team to Dallas on Thursday, and instead flew on his own Friday.
Dallas coach Glen Gulutzan said before Saturday's game that some extra days of rest helped Heiskanen, who skated on his own Thursday before practicing Friday. The coach said the defenseman with 63 points (nine goals, 54 assists) would be a full-go for however many minutes.
“It's the time of year he can go,” Gulutzan said.
Hughes, who has 76 points (seven goals, 69 assists) in 74 games overall, also plays a big role for Minnesota.
“I just expect him to come in and do what he does,” Wild coach John Hynes said.
The Golden Knights have the edge in certain areas, but this won’t be an easy matchup. The Mammoth are fast, young, and potent offensively. If the Golden Knights want to avoid a first-round exit, they’ll have to be cautious of these three challenges.
Power Play
The Mammoth struggled on the man advantage to begin the season. At the Olympic Break, their power play ranked 31st in the league, ahead of only the Colorado Avalanche. Since returning from break, however, they boast the 3rd-ranked power play in the league with a 30.0% success rate.
All five players on the top unit— Nick Schmaltz, Logan Cooley, Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther, and Mikhail Sergachev— are dangerous in their own right. Schmaltz and Guenther are the main trigger men with 11 and nine power play goals, respectively. Keller is an elite playmaker, with 27 of his 62 assists coming on the man advantage. And Sergachev recorded 26 of his 49 assists on the power play.
Dylan Guenther
On a team rich with talent, no one is better than Dylan Guenther at putting the puck in the back of the net. He’s the best scorer in this series, and it’s not particularly close. With 40 goals and 73 points in 79 games this season, Guenther has proved to be equally talented as a puck distributor as he is as a shooter.
Guenther can score from anywhere on the ice— he can rip it from distance or bang in a rebound. He’s especially dangerous on the power play, where he scored nine goals and recorded 24 points.
There’s no reason to believe that Guenther’s success is unsustainable— he’s shooting 16.5%, but that’s not terribly higher than his normal shooting percentage. The Golden Knights will need to be very conscious of when and where the young sniper is on the ice.
Depth Scoring
Dylan Guenther is far from the only dangerous player on this Mammoth roster. They, like the Golden Knights, have ten players on their roster with at least 10 goals. Their forwards are fast and skilled, and their defensemen are all capable puck movers.
The Mammoth have a dangerous top line with 83 goals between the three forwards. Apart from the obvious threat of Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz is particularly dangerous this season, with a career-high 33 goals. But they’ve also spread the wealth around, with 77 goals on their second line. Logan Cooley scored 24 goals in 54 games this season. And with 48 goals and one JJ Peterka on the third line, the Mammoth have no weak links offensively.
The Golden Knights certainly have their fair share of depth scoring, as well. But Tomáš Hertl, who is the fourth-highest goalscorer on the team, hasn’t scored since March 4th. He has just one goal and six assists in his last 23 games. And on their top line, despite ending the season on a high note, Jack Eichel is still less than two weeks removed from a 13-game stretch where he scored just once.
Juraj Slafkovsky enjoyed a massive breakout season with Montreal, blowing past previous highs while producing 73 points over 82 games.
He enjoyed a lot of success against Tampa Bay, and my Canadiens vs. Lightning predictions expect that to continue in the series opener.
Let’s dive into my NHL picks for Sunday, April 19.
Canadiens vs Lightning Game 1 prediction
Who will win Canadiens vs Lightning Game 1?
Lightning: Despite dealing with a ton of injuries all season long, they still won 50 games and finished 32 goals above Montreal in goal differential. They have a better underlying profile, a battle-tested roster, and an advantage in goal. That should shine through.
Canadiens vs Lightning best bet: Juraj Slafkovsky Over 0.5 points (-145)
Juraj Slafkovsky had an excellent campaign altogether but was especially effective down the stretch, producing 28 points over 25 games following the Olympics.
It wasn’t as if Slafkovsky had a couple of ceiling performances exaggerate his numbers. He was remarkably consistent, hitting the scoresheet at least once in 18 games — good for a 74% clip.
Slafkovsky faced the Tampa Bay Lightning twice during that stretch and produced multiple points in both meetings. That is nothing new for Slafkovsky, who has points in five of his last six against the Bolts.
Look for Slafkovsky to make an impact in Game 1.
Canadiens vs Lightning Game 1 same-game parlay
Mike Matheson blocked multiple shots in 60% of his games this season, including the only game played without Noah Dobson. The Montreal Canadiens are likely to be even more reliant on the veteran defenseman with Dobson sidelined.
More usage means more opportunities to block shots, especially against a strong shot-generation team like Tampa Bay.
Jake Guentzel has 43 goals and 73 points through 74 games, always rising to the occasion when the games matter most. He also has points in eight of his last 10 against Montreal, making him a prime target in this matchup.
Canadiens vs Lightning SGP
Juraj Slafkovsky Over 0.5 points
Mike Matheson Over 1.5 blocked shots
Jake Guentzel Over 0.5 points
Canadiens vs Lightning Game 1 goal scorer pick
Nikita Kucherov (+130)
Nikita Kucherov hasn’t scored in back-to-back playoff series, but a steady dose of Aleksander Barkov and Gustav Forsling certainly had a lot to do with it.
The Canadiens don’t have true shutdown personnel — particularly on the backend — of that level, and head coach Jon Cooper also controls the matchups. That should result in less time against Selke candidate Nick Suzuki, which would help Kucherov’s cause.
Look for Kucherov to put his recent postseason struggles behind him.
Canadiens vs Lightning odds for Game 1
Moneyline: Montreal +155 | Tampa Bay -180
Puck line: Montreal +1.5 (-155) | Tampa Bay -1.5 (+135)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+115) | Under 6.5 (-135)
Canadiens vs Lightning trend
Juraj Slafkovsky has produced nine points over his last six games against Tampa Bay. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Lightning.
How to watch Canadiens vs Lightning Game 1
Location
Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL
Date
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Puck drop
5:45 p.m. ET
TV
TNT, truTV, CBC
Canadiens vs Lightning latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
April 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
If any college basketball recruit in the transfer portal is considering the Gonzaga Bulldogs, take a look at the amount of professional talent on basketball’s biggest stage right now. Six Zags who were trained and prepared for the next level within the walls of the McCarthey Athletic Center are now gearing up for the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Drew Timme isn’t available for the playoff roster as he’s under a two-way contract, splitting his time with the G League’s South Bay Lakers during the 2025-26 season.
As for the reigning NBA champion, Holmgren is coming off an NBA All-Star appearance for the first time in his young career. Most importantly, the 7-1, 23-year-old freak has been healthy and active defensively with that 7-6 wingspan of his.
Through 69 starts, Holmgren averaged 17.1 points on a shooting split of 55.7 percent from the field, 36.2 percent on three-pointers, and 79.2 percent at the charity stripe. His 8.9 rebounds per game rank tied for No. 11 in the NBA, while his 1.9 blocks per game are tied for No. 2.
The 2026 NBA Finals officially start on June 23 on ESPN/ABC.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
CLEVELAND (AP) — Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points, Max Strus had 24 off the bench and the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 126-113 on Saturday in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.
Donovan Mitchell (32p) scored at all three levels as the Cavs protected homecourt in Game 1
James Harden had 22 points and 10 assists while Evan Mobley had 17 and seven rebounds for fourth-seeded Cleveland, which hosts Game 2 on Monday night.
Mitchell has scored at least 30 points in an NBA-record nine straight series openers.
RJ Barrett scored 24 points and Scottie Barnes had 21 for the Raptors, who were playing in their first playoff game since 2022. Toronto was missing point guard Immanuel Quickley because of a mild right hamstring strain.
Jamal Shead started in place of Quickley and had 17 points, including five 3-pointers.
Barrett's 3-pointer pulled the Raptors to within 45-41 before Cleveland broke it open with a 27-9 run over the last 1:11 of the second quarter and first seven minutes of the third.
Strus scored 11 points during the spurt and made all three of his 3-pointers as the Cavaliers went 10 of 16 from the floor, including 5 of 8 beyond the arc.
Cleveland's largest lead was 24 points (100-76) on Sam Merrill's 3-pointer 13 seconds into the fourth quarter.
Apr 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) celebrates after hitting a three point basket against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers defended their home floor in Game 1 of their first round series against the Toronto Raptors.
Let’s go over today’s winners, because there were no losers.
WINNER – Pace
Controlling the tempo was a point of emphasis for the Cavaliers entering this series. Toronto is one of the deadlier transition teams in the league, while Cleveland was just a middling transition defense throughout the regular season. Naturally, this was a cause for concern.
Cleveland kept the Raptors at bay in the first half. They only allowed one point in transition during the opening quarters by hustling back on defense and forcing the game into a half-court setting. The Cavs also benefitted from drawing a load of fouls, attempting 17 free throws in the first half, and making it harder for Toronto to push off rebounds.
“You tell a group that’s hungry to win, ‘this is what we need to do to win the game,’ and I think they lock in,” said Kenny Atkinson of his group after the game.
This carried deep into the second half, where the Raptors remained stuck in the mud as Cleveland grew its lead. The Cavs kept the game slow and pummeled them 52-36 in the paint. Toronto finished with just 3 fastbreak points.
Closing the door on what should be Toronto’s biggest advantage in this series is a testament to Kenny Atkinson’s game plan and the players for bringing it to life. If they can continue to win on the margins, they’ll go on to win the series.
WINNER – Pick and Roll
One result of slowing the game down is that it forces you to dig deeper into your offensive bag. For the Cavs, a slower game set in the halfcourt meant the world was theirs. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, especially, dominated in that regard.
We’ve seen Harden’s mastery in the pick-and-roll for more than a decade at this point. It turns out, he’s still going at running that action even in a classic ‘07 Cavs jersey. He worked the Raptors in pick-and-roll, coming up with an answer to any problem he was presented. Harden scored either with his step-back jumper or by getting into the lane with his floater. If the Raps blitzed the ball or overcommitted on his drives, he’d quickly zap the ball to a teammate.
That’s the Beard’s special.
“He’s firing darts to shooters,” said Atkinson. “I’d love to see the passes he threw to Max… he’s almost like a quarterback, super accurate, just kind of picking them apart with short passes and then he hits the long ones every once in a while.”
Mitchell, meanwhile, took more of an all-gas, no breaks approach. He put relentless pressure on the basket, slicing into the paint and taking advantage of the Raptors lack of rim protection. When he’s doing that and his three-point shot is falling? Good luck.
The Cavs’ backcourt combined for 54 points and 14 assists.
WINNER – Max Strus
The playoffs are where stars shine brightest. But make no mistake, this environment has always been ripe for big performances from role players, too.
Max Strus fits that bill.
Strus started the game by using his gravity to attack poor closeouts and get to the rim. It’s always good to see someone who was previously considered a three-point specialist then use that skill against the defense to find new opportunities. Strus darted to the basket for numerous layups in the first half, including a buzzer-beating layup to close the first quarter.
“He’s a dog,” said James Harden. “Whether he makes shots or misses shots, he’s more impactful to our team in ways that probably don’t show up in the stat sheet.”
From there, Strus was loose.
We saw more of what you’d expect from Strus as the game went on. A three-pointer in the first half got the ball rolling. That carried over into the second half, where he nailed three more. Strus ended the game 8-10 from the floor, scoring a playoff career-high 24 points and giving Cleveland a massive boost off the bench.
“When you look at how he works, he practices individually for the big moments,” said Atkinson after the game. “We needed his gravity today, I think it turned the game for us offensively, and that got us our separation.”
For Ron Harper Jr., the journey has been about patience, growth, and finding his role on a championship-caliber roster. After grinding his way into the league, Harper has carved out a role with the Celtics as a versatile wing—someone who can defend multiple positions, space the floor, and provide energy off the bench.
Boston enters the playoffs as one of the Eastern Conference’s premier contenders, built around elite two-way play and postseason experience. With Jayson Tatum back from injury, the Celtics clinched the second seed in the Eastern Conference and will look to return to their championship pedigree. While Harper isn’t the focal point, his value shows up in the margins—rotational minutes, defensive assignments, and timely shooting. On a team with championship aspirations, those details matter.
The Celtics’ playoff outlook is simple: they’re in it to contend for another title. Depth pieces like Harper often swing key moments in long series, and his ability to stay ready could be the difference in tight games. For Rutgers fans, seeing a former Scarlet Knight trusted in meaningful playoff minutes is a testament to both his development and the program he came from.
Dylan Harper’s Arrival in San Antonio
While Ron’s role is about contributing to a contender, Dylan Harper represents something different: the future.
The Spurs have been building toward this moment, and Harper’s stellar rookie season after being drafted second overall has been a major step in that process. As a young guard with size, poise, and playmaking instincts, he’s already shown flashes of becoming a cornerstone piece. His ability to control tempo, attack downhill, and create for others has added another layer to San Antonio’s evolving identity.
The Spurs are among the top teams in the West, only behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in the standings, and San Antonio beat OKC three times in the regular season. With an otherworldly athlete in Victor Wembanyama at center and a dangerous guard lineup including De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, Harper’s role becomes easier off the bench as a dynamic playmaker who can make a difference when the team needs it the most.
Playoff Outlooks For The Celtics and Spurs
Boston opens the postseason tomorrow at 1 PM as they host the Philadelphia 76ers, rekindling a familiar rivalry in the Atlantic Division. Should they advance, they will likely face the New York Knicks in the second round, a rematch of New York’s thrilling elimination of the Celtics in six games last year.
Otherwise, the Celtics will play another familiar foe in the Atlanta Hawks, with the two sides last facing each other in the playoffs in 2023. If Boston makes it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, their most likely opponent would be an upstart in the Detroit Pistons, as Cade Cunningham’s team has won 60 games this season, including three victories over New York and the Celtics this season. However, the experience the C’s possess could be critical in a seven-game postseason series, which the young Pistons are lacking despite their talent.
San Antonio opens the playoffs against the Trail Blazers tomorrow at 9 PM at home as they look to make their deepest postseason run in quite some time. Should they advance, a second-round series against the winner of the Nuggets and Timberwolves is looming.
In a crowded Western Conference, the Thunder and Spurs have been a notch above everyone else, so a conference finals matchup between the sides would be the series that NBA fans would truly enjoy seeing, and the series could even serve as the de facto NBA Finals, much like the Warriors-Rockets series of the past.
The Bigger Picture
As the playoffs unfold, the spotlight in this area will naturally be on the Knicks, Sixers, and other local and national brands. But for the Rutgers faithful, there’s another storyline worth following: two Scarlet Knights, two different journeys, and one shared foundation—making their mark when the lights are brightest.
And in a league defined by legacy, the Harper name is only getting stronger.
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The Stanley Cup playoffs had barely begun when Staal and Tkachuk went at it, much to the delight of the crowd at the Lenovo Center. While Tkachuk threw some early punches during the brief bout, it was Staal who dragged Tkachuk to the ice.
Both players were assessed major penalties for fighting, leaving the teams without their respective captains to open the postseason just three seconds in.
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 9: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots against Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on November 9, 2008 in Los Angeles, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers have had a history with many teams, including this year’s matchup in the Rockets.
One might not think the Lakers and Rockets have any history together, but there is one surprising link between the two franchises.
Pat Riley.
Drafted by the San Diego Rockets in the 1967 NBA draft as the seventh pick in the first round, Riley stayed with the team for the first three years of their existence. The Rockets would remain in San Diego for one more season before moving to Houston in the 1971-72 season.
Of note, in the Houston Rockets’ initial season, the head coach was Tex Winter, the architect of the triangle offense.
Riley would join the Los Angeles Lakers in 1970 and remained with the franchise until the start of the 1975-1976 season, when he was traded to the Phoenix Suns. He would retire as a player that season and then join the Lakers’ broadcast team in 1977 and the rest was history
Let’s have a look back at the history of these two franchises in the postseason
1981 First Round
In this matchup, Riley was the assistant coach for Paul Westhead. This was the early Showtime era with second-year Magic Johnson and an eleventh-year Kareem Abdul-Jabbar fresh off the NBA championship. On the Houston side, Del Harris was the head coach.
Game 1 was close as the starting 5 combined for 97 points. Magic led with 26 points, Norm Nixon had 22 and Cap had 21. Malone led all players with 38 points, 23 rebounds. 4 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks. The final score was 111-107 in favor of Houston.
Game 2 went better for the Lakers as they tied the series. The Lakers made a lineup change, starting Michael Cooper. Norm, Magic, Wilks, and Cap were happy with Cooper’s defensive focus joining the starting 5. Magic scored 15 points with 18 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals. Kareem, Nixon, and Wilkes all had at least 20 points.
Game 3 was a nailbiter and a defensive clinic for both teams. It was a back-and-forth game with the Lakers running their Showtime transition offense and the Rockets utilizing their strength inside with Malone.
In the closing minutes, it was the Lakers’ defense that helped pick up a few extra possessions. Magic had a chance late to win the game, but after a fancy behind-the-back dribble to his left hand, his shot ended up being short. The Rockets won this series 2-1 and went on to face the Celtics in the NBA Finals.
1986 Western Conference Finals
Once again, the Rockets faced the champion Lakers. Houston was running the Twin Towers lineup of Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson. The Lakers had solidified their starting five with Magic, Byron Scott, James Worthy, Kurt Rambis and Kareem.
Game 1 would be one of Magic Johnson’s greatest games as he finished with 26 points, 7 rebounds, 18 assists and 3 steals.
Game 2 would be a bounce-back game for the Rockets with the play of Sampson and Olajuwon taking over. Both would have double-doubles, Sampson with 24 points and 16 rebounds and Hakeem with 22 points and 13 rebounds.
Game 3 is when Hakeem took over, scoring 40 points with 12 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 46 minutes of play. Kareem was going at Hakeem in a duel for the ages.
Hakeem would go on to win this game to push the Rockets up 2-1. He took over Game 4 as well to push the series nearly out of reach.
Game 5 was the Lakers’ last chance to come back in the series. Midway through the game, a fight led to Hakeem and Kupkak getting ejected. The game, though, would be remembered for an improbable game-winner from Sampson to eliminate the Lakers.
Once again, the Rockets would make the Finals where they would once again face the Celtics and lose in 6 games.
1990 Western Conference First Round
Lots of things happened since the 1986 series between the two. Sampson was not there and it would be a few more years before Hakeem got a championship team around him.
In Game 1, James Worthy took over the game and scored 34 points with 11 boards, 3 assists, 1 steal and 3 blocks to lead LA to a win. Game 2 was the Sleepy Floyd game as he scored 27 points as Houston won.
The last two games were not a contest. The Lakers took care of business to close out the first round.
1991 Western Conference First Round
This was the beginning of a new era for Lakers.
The Lakers had a balanced approach to Game 1 and everyone scored in double figures en route to a 94-92 Lakers win, the closest game in the series.
Game 1 was emblematic of how the series would go as the Lakers would win the series in a 3-0 sweep before eventually losing to Jordan’s Bulls in the Finals.
1996 Western Conference First Round
After retiring, Magic would eventually return with this being his final season. There would be quite the clash Magic and Nick Van Exel, negatively impacting the chemistry heading into the playoffs.
The Lakers would face the defending champion Rockets in the first round. Unfortunately, the Lakers were unable to beat the champions. Houston would win the series 3-1.
1999 Western Conference First Round
In the last year before Phil Jackson, the Lakers faced the Rockets in the first round. Del Harris would only last 12 games to start the season. Bill Bertka would go 1-0. Kurt Rambis would go 24-13 to finish out the regular season.
Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher and Shaquille O’Neal would be in their third year together. With the Bulls dynasty having concluded, the Rockets had morphed from the Hakeem- and Clyde Drexler-led teams to the Hakeem, Charles Barkley and Scottie Pippen Big 3.
In Game 1, the Lakers won on a pair of Kobe free throws in the final seconds. Game 2 saw Houston’s bench of Sam Mack, Brint Price, Othella Harrington carry the Rockets, but it wouldn’t be enough as the Lakers won handily, 110-98. In Houston, the Rockets came back to win Game 3 behind Pippen and Barkley, who each had at least 30 points.
Glen Rice would sit and Rick Fox would take his place in the starting 5 for Game 4, which would be all about the stars. Shaq would dominate Hakeem with 37 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks. Kobe would join Shaq with 24 points, 6 boards, 8 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks as the Lakers would go on to eventually win the series.
2004 Western Conference First Round
The Lakers were en route to the Finals with Shaq, Kobe, Gary Payton and Karl Malone — with Ime Udoka on the bench — while the Rockets were entering a new era with Yao Ming, Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley.
Throuout the series, it would be a different star showing out for each team. Game 1, it was Shaq with 20 points, 17 boards, 3 assists and 2 blocks. Game 2, it was Kobe with 36 points and Yao with 21
Game 3, it was more balanced for both teams with Shaq and Kobe leading the Lakers with 25 and 21, respectively. Game 4, it was Malone had 30 points. Game 5 was closed out by Kobe with 31 points.
2009 Western Conference Semi-Finals
Kobe and Pau were on the heels of a Finals appearance in the previous year versus the Celtics.
This is probably the closest series between the two franchises just because of how hard it was to score and the intense defense on both sides. Four of the seven games would have final scores below 100 points.
Game 1 set the tone with the defense. Kobe would be battling flu-like symptoms but managed to still score 32 points in a losing effort. Game 2 would go better for the Lakers as they scored above 100 points, resulting in a win. LA would score north of 100 three times in the series and won all three games.
Game 7 turned out to be the lowest-scoring game of the series, but LA still came away with the win.
2020 Western Conference Semi-Finals
The first of two Lebron James-Rockets series. In the bubble, this would be a clash of styles with the Rockets going micro-ball and speedy defense while the Lakers were huge inside.
In Game 1, it was JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard struggled as the Rockets won. Frank Vogel called for a change in Game 2, turning to Markieff Morris in a more prominent role as LA bounced back. By Game 4, Markieff would start, as the Lakers won the final four games to take the series in five.
Coaches tie the Rockets and Lakers together throughout their history, from Riley, Harris and Winter.
This year, will Houston have a problem or will the Lakers be in too deep for their own good?
All playoff history for A Dip in the Lake is from landofbasketball.com
