Atlanta Hawks, who won their only NBA title in 1958, last reached the conference finals in 2021 [Reuters]
The Atlanta Hawks secured a spot in the NBA play-offs and the Southeast Division title with a 124-102 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
The Hawks, who only needed to win one of their remaining two games to guarantee a top-six finish in the Eastern Conference, blew away the already qualified Cavaliers in the third quarter, scoring 35 points to extend their 61-48 half-time lead to 96-65.
Guard CJ McCollum scored a game-high 29 points for the Hawks, who clinched their first divisional crown since 2021 and avoided having to come through the play-in tournament, for teams finishing seventh to tenth in each conference, for the first time in five seasons.
Veteran LeBron James became the fourth player in NBA history to record 12,000 career assists as he helped the Los Angeles Lakers secure home-court advantage in the first round of the play-offs with a 101-73 win against the Phoenix Suns.
James made 12 assists in addition to 28 points and six rebounds as the Lakers recorded their 15th win in 19 games to guarantee a top-four finish in the Western Conference.
Former Utah Jazz point guard John Stockton is the NBA's career assist leader, with 15,806, with Chris Paul (12,552) and Jason Kidd (12,091) also ahead of James (12,010).
Elsewhere, the Boston Celtics clinched the second seed in the Eastern Conference with an emphatic 144-118 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
The 18-time NBA champions scored a record-equalling 29 three-pointers, forward Sam Hauser leading the way with eight, as they wrapped up the Atlantic Division title.
That result means the New York Knicks, who beat the Celtics in their previous match, will have to settle for being third seeds despite beating the Toronto Raptors 112-95.
The Raptors slipped down to sixth place following the defeat, with an identical record (45-36) to seventh-placed Orlando Magic with one match to play in the regular season. The Magic beat the Chicago Bulls 127-103 to extend their winning streak to five matches.
Victor Wembanyama, returning from a one-game injury absence, starred for Western Conference second seeds San Antonio Spurs in their 139-120 win over the Dallas Mavericks. The 22-year-old Most Valuable Player contender made 40 points, 13 rebounds and five assists.
The Denver Nuggets remain in the hunt for third place in the Western Conference after beating reigning champions and top seeds Oklahoma City Thunder 127-107.
BOTTOM LINE: The Golden State Warriors visit Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers in Western Conference play Sunday.
The Clippers are 9-6 against division opponents. Los Angeles is fifth in the Western Conference at limiting opponent scoring, giving up just 112.7 points while holding opponents to 46.9% shooting.
The Warriors are 7-8 against the rest of their division. Golden State is second in the league averaging 15.7 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 35.6% from deep. Moses Moody leads the team averaging 2.5 makes while shooting 40.1% from 3-point range.
The Clippers are shooting 48.5% from the field this season, 0.5 percentage points higher than the 48.0% the Warriors allow to opponents. The Warriors average 114.7 points per game, 2.0 more than the 112.7 the Clippers allow.
The two teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Clippers defeated the Warriors 114-101 in their last matchup on March 3. Leonard led the Clippers with 23 points, and Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with 22 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: John Collins is shooting 55.0% and averaging 13.5 points for the Clippers. Leonard is averaging 25.4 points over the last 10 games.
Stephen Curry is shooting 46.8% and averaging 27.0 points for the Warriors. Podziemski is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Clippers: 6-4, averaging 115.3 points, 40.0 rebounds, 23.7 assists, 9.8 steals and 5.4 blocks per game while shooting 48.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.4 points per game.
Warriors: 4-6, averaging 114.1 points, 40.5 rebounds, 29.0 assists, 9.5 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.9 points.
INJURIES: Clippers: Isaiah Jackson: out (ankle), Yanic Konan Niederhauser: out for season (foot), Bradley Beal: out for season (hip).
Warriors: Quinten Post: out (foot), Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), LJ Cryer: out (ankle), Seth Curry: out (adductor), Moses Moody: out for season (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Memphis Grizzlies (25-55, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (51-30, fifth in the Western Conference)
Houston; Sunday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Houston takes on the Memphis Grizzlies after Amen Thompson scored 41 points in the Houston Rockets' 136-132 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Rockets are 28-23 against Western Conference opponents. Houston leads the Western Conference in rebounding, averaging 47.9 boards. Alperen Sengun paces the Rockets with 8.9 rebounds.
The Grizzlies are 6-9 against the rest of the division. Memphis gives up 120.5 points to opponents while being outscored by 5.7 points per game.
The Rockets average 11.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.6 fewer makes per game than the Grizzlies give up (14). The Grizzlies average 114.8 points per game, 4.7 more than the 110.1 the Rockets allow to opponents.
The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Rockets won the last meeting 119-109 on March 28, with Kevin Durant scoring 25 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Durant is shooting 52% and averaging 26 points for the Rockets. Reed Sheppard is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Taj Gibson is scoring 3.3 points per game with 2.6 rebounds and 0.6 assists for the Grizzlies. Adama Bal is averaging 6.5 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 39.3% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 8-2, averaging 121.2 points, 48.1 rebounds, 29 assists, 7.3 steals and 5.9 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.3 points per game.
Grizzlies: 1-8, averaging 111.3 points, 35.4 rebounds, 26 assists, 9.2 steals and 2.9 blocks per game while shooting 44.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 131.1 points.
INJURIES: Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).
Grizzlies: Santi Aldama: out for season (knee), Olivier-Maxence Prosper: out (ankle), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: out for season (finger), GG Jackson: out (knee), Ja Morant: out for season (elbow), Scotty Pippen Jr.: out for season (toe), Taylor Hendricks: out (thumb), Zach Edey: out for season (ankle), Ty Jerome: out (ankle), Jaylen Wells: out for season (toe), Walter Clayton Jr.: out (hip), Cedric Coward: out (back), Cam Spencer: out (back), Brandon Clarke: out for season (calf).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Utah Jazz (21-59, 15th in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (52-29, fourth in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Sunday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Utah travels to Los Angeles looking to break its nine-game road skid.
The Lakers are 32-19 in conference games. Los Angeles is eighth in the Western Conference with 14.8 fast break points per game led by LeBron James averaging 5.7.
The Jazz are 12-39 in Western Conference play. Utah is 5-8 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Lakers average 11.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.5 fewer makes per game than the Jazz give up (15.3). The Jazz average 12.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.2 fewer makes per game than the Lakers allow.
The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Lakers won the last meeting 143-135 on Dec. 19, with Luka Doncic scoring 45 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: James is scoring 20.9 points per game with 6.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists for the Lakers. Deandre Ayton is averaging 10.7 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 66.7% over the last 10 games.
John Konchar is scoring 4.3 points per game and averaging 4.1 rebounds for the Jazz. Ace Bailey is averaging 14.7 points and 3.7 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 6-4, averaging 114.1 points, 40.4 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 9.8 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 52.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.8 points per game.
Jazz: 0-9, averaging 120.6 points, 44.1 rebounds, 31.9 assists, 10.0 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 134.0 points.
INJURIES: Lakers: Austin Reaves: out (rib), Jaxson Hayes: out (foot), Luka Doncic: out (hamstring).
Jazz: Lauri Markkanen: out (hip), Isaiah Collier: out (hamstring), Keyonte George: out (leg), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder), Jusuf Nurkic: out for season (nose), Brice Sensabaugh: out (rest), Kyle Filipowski: out (back), Elijah Harkless: out (hamstring), Jaren Jackson Jr.: out for season (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Orlando will try to keep its three-game road win streak intact when the Magic face Boston.
The Celtics are 35-16 in Eastern Conference games. Boston averages 114.9 points while outscoring opponents by 7.8 points per game.
The Magic have gone 26-25 against Eastern Conference opponents. Orlando is 11-5 in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Celtics are shooting 46.8% from the field this season, 0.8 percentage points lower than the 47.6% the Magic allow to opponents. The Magic score 8.7 more points per game (115.8) than the Celtics allow (107.1).
The teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Celtics won 138-129 in the last meeting on Nov. 23. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 35 points, and Jett Howard led the Magic with 30 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brown is averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Celtics. Payton Pritchard is averaging 19.7 points and 4.3 assists over the past 10 games.
Paolo Banchero is scoring 22.2 points per game and averaging 8.4 rebounds for the Magic. Jalen Suggs is averaging 2.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 8-2, averaging 120.2 points, 45.3 rebounds, 26.4 assists, 5.8 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.5 points per game.
Magic: 7-3, averaging 118.7 points, 42.4 rebounds, 27.8 assists, 8.1 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.8 points.
INJURIES: Celtics: Jayson Tatum: out (injury management).
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.
New Orleans Pelicans (26-55, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (48-33, sixth in the Western Conference)
Minneapolis; Sunday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: New Orleans will try to break its eight-game road slide when the Pelicans take on Minnesota.
The Timberwolves are 30-21 in conference play. Minnesota is eighth in the Western Conference with 50.1 points per game in the paint led by Julius Randle averaging 10.2.
The Pelicans are 17-33 in Western Conference play. New Orleans has an 8-42 record against teams over .500.
The Timberwolves are shooting 48.1% from the field this season, 0.4 percentage points higher than the 47.7% the Pelicans allow to opponents. The Pelicans average 11.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.0 fewer made shot on average than the 12.2 per game the Timberwolves give up.
The two teams match up for the fourth time this season. The Pelicans defeated the Timberwolves 119-115 in their last meeting on Feb. 7. Saddiq Bey led the Pelicans with 30 points, and Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 35 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jaden McDaniels is scoring 14.8 points per game and averaging 4.2 rebounds for the Timberwolves. Donte DiVincenzo is averaging 12.5 points and 2.3 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Jeremiah Fears is scoring 14.0 points per game and averaging 3.6 rebounds for the Pelicans. Jordan Hawkins is averaging 1.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Timberwolves: 5-5, averaging 112.2 points, 41.3 rebounds, 24.5 assists, 9.1 steals and 6.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.1 points per game.
Pelicans: 1-9, averaging 113.9 points, 41.4 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 8.7 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.2 points.
INJURIES: Timberwolves: Julius Randle: out (hand), Naz Reid: out (injury management), Rudy Gobert: out (rest), Bones Hyland: out (hip), Joe Ingles: out (personal).
Pelicans: Trey Murphy III: out (ankle), Zion Williamson: out (knee), Yves Missi: out (hand), Karlo Matkovic: out (back), Herbert Jones: out (rest), Saddiq Bey: out (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.
BOTTOM LINE: Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks visit Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat on Sunday.
The Heat have gone 9-7 against division opponents. Miami ranks second in the Eastern Conference with 54.3 points per game in the paint led by Jaime Jaquez Jr. averaging 9.7.
The Hawks are 9-6 against opponents from the Southeast Division. Atlanta averages 118.5 points and has outscored opponents by 2.8 points per game.
The Heat score 120.6 points per game, 4.9 more points than the 115.7 the Hawks give up. The Hawks average 14.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.7 more makes per game than the Heat allow.
The two teams play for the fourth time this season. The Heat defeated the Hawks 128-97 in their last meeting on Feb. 21. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 24 points, and Onyeka Okongwu led the Hawks with 22 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kel'el Ware is scoring 11.0 points per game and averaging 9.0 rebounds for the Heat. Adebayo is averaging 18.1 points and 10.7 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Dyson Daniels is shooting 51.7% and averaging 11.9 points for the Hawks. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is averaging 3.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Heat: 4-6, averaging 122.6 points, 42.6 rebounds, 30.5 assists, 6.1 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 128.1 points per game.
Hawks: 7-3, averaging 122.9 points, 44.3 rebounds, 28.9 assists, 9.6 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.0 points.
INJURIES: Heat: Davion Mitchell: out (shoulder), Nikola Jovic: out (ankle), Norman Powell: out (groin), Tyler Herro: out (foot), Dru Smith: out (foot).
Hawks: Jock Landale: out (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Washington Wizards (17-64, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (51-30, fourth in the Eastern Conference)
Cleveland; Sunday, 6 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Washington visits Cleveland looking to end its five-game road skid.
The Cavaliers have gone 32-19 against Eastern Conference teams. Cleveland is second in the Eastern Conference scoring 119.4 points while shooting 48.1% from the field.
The Wizards are 11-40 against conference opponents. Washington allows 124.8 points to opponents and has been outscored by 11.9 points per game.
The Cavaliers' 14.3 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.7 more made shots on average than the 13.6 per game the Wizards allow. The Wizards average 112.9 points per game, 2.5 fewer than the 115.4 the Cavaliers give up to opponents.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Cavaliers won 138-113 in the last matchup on Feb. 12.
TOP PERFORMERS: Evan Mobley is shooting 54.6% and averaging 18.2 points for the Cavaliers. James Harden is averaging 17.9 points over the last 10 games.
Bub Carrington is averaging 10.6 points and 4.6 assists for the Wizards. Jaden Hardy is averaging 1.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Cavaliers: 7-3, averaging 122.4 points, 43.0 rebounds, 28.4 assists, 7.5 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 50.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.4 points per game.
Wizards: 1-9, averaging 115.3 points, 40.8 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 9.1 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 129.8 points.
INJURIES: Cavaliers: Jarrett Allen: out (injury management), Thomas Bryant: out (calf), Sam Merrill: out (hamstring), Donovan Mitchell: out (ankle).
Wizards: Anthony Davis: out for season (finger), Tristan Vukcevic: out (knee), Justin Champagnie: out (knee), 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).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Detroit Pistons (59-22, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (19-62, 14th in the Eastern Conference)
Indianapolis; Sunday, 6 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Detroit will aim for its 60th win of the season when the Pistons visit the Indiana Pacers.
The Pacers have gone 15-36 against Eastern Conference teams. Indiana is 9-42 against opponents over .500.
The Pistons are 11-4 against the rest of the division. Detroit averages 117.6 points and has outscored opponents by 8.1 points per game.
The Pacers' 13.3 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.7 more made shots on average than the 12.6 per game the Pistons give up. The Pistons average 11.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.1 fewer made shots on average than the 12.1 per game the Pacers allow.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Pistons won 121-78 in the last matchup on Jan. 18.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jarace Walker is scoring 11.6 points per game with 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists for the Pacers. Obi Toppin is averaging 14.0 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 55.3% over the past 10 games.
Jalen Duren is scoring 19.5 points per game and averaging 10.5 rebounds for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 2.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pacers: 4-6, averaging 118.8 points, 43.7 rebounds, 33.5 assists, 6.8 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 49.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.0 points per game.
Pistons: 7-3, averaging 119.5 points, 44.3 rebounds, 31.9 assists, 10.2 steals and 6.9 blocks per game while shooting 51.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.0 points.
INJURIES: Pacers: T.J. McConnell: out (hamstring), Johnny Furphy: out for season (knee), Andrew Nembhard: out (back), Ben Sheppard: out (hip), Ivica Zubac: out for season (rib), Pascal Siakam: out (back), Aaron Nesmith: out (neck), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).
Pistons: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Brooklyn Nets (20-61, 13th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Toronto Raptors (45-36, sixth in the Eastern Conference)
Toronto; Sunday, 6 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Brooklyn will aim to stop its seven-game road losing streak when the Nets take on Toronto.
The Raptors are 32-19 in conference play. Toronto ranks ninth in the NBA allowing just 111.9 points per game while holding opponents to 46.7% shooting.
The Nets are 14-36 in conference games. Brooklyn is 6-39 against opponents with a winning record.
The Raptors score 114.4 points per game, 1.3 fewer points than the 115.7 the Nets allow. The Nets' 44.3% shooting percentage from the field this season is 2.4 percentage points lower than the Raptors have allowed to their opponents (46.7%).
The two teams match up for the fourth time this season. The Nets defeated the Raptors 96-81 in their last matchup on Dec. 21. Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 24 points, and Brandon Ingram led the Raptors with 19 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Scottie Barnes is averaging 18.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists for the Raptors. Ja'Kobe Walter is averaging 2.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Ben Saraf is averaging 7.4 points and 3.3 assists for the Nets. Tyson Etienne is averaging 9.2 points and 1.6 rebounds while shooting 41.7% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Raptors: 5-5, averaging 115.6 points, 41.3 rebounds, 31.5 assists, 9.9 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 50.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.4 points per game.
Nets: 3-7, averaging 103.2 points, 34.8 rebounds, 23.3 assists, 9.7 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 44.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.9 points.
INJURIES: Raptors: Chucky Hepburn: out (knee), RJ Barrett: out (back), Trayce Jackson-Davis: out (illness), Immanuel Quickley: out (injury management), Collin Murray-Boyles: out (neck).
Nets: Ziaire Williams: out (foot), Noah Clowney: out (ankle), Josh Minott: out (achilles), Nic Claxton: out (finger), Danny Wolf: out for season (ankle), Egor Demin: out for season (foot), Day'Ron Sharpe: out for season (thumb), Michael Porter Jr.: out for season (hamstring), Terance Mann: out (achilles), Drake Powell: out (injury management).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Chicago Bulls (31-50, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Dallas Mavericks (25-56, 13th in the Western Conference)
Dallas; Sunday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Dallas will try to end its three-game skid when the Mavericks take on Chicago.
The Mavericks have gone 15-25 in home games. Dallas is 12-20 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 13.9 turnovers per game.
The Bulls are 13-27 on the road. Chicago has a 13-32 record in games decided by at least 10 points.
The Mavericks score 113.7 points per game, 7.5 fewer points than the 121.2 the Bulls allow. The Bulls average 14.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.5 more made shots on average than the 12.8 per game the Mavericks allow.
The teams play for the second time this season. The Bulls won the last matchup 125-107 on Jan. 11, with Matas Buzelis scoring 15 points in the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Cooper Flagg is averaging 21.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists for the Mavericks. Max Christie is averaging 10.3 points over the past 10 games.
Tre Jones is averaging 14.2 points and 5.4 assists for the Bulls. Collin Sexton is averaging 19.3 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 48.2% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Mavericks: 2-8, averaging 115.0 points, 41.9 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 8.6 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 125.2 points per game.
Bulls: 2-8, averaging 117.1 points, 45.6 rebounds, 26.5 assists, 7.8 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 127.6 points.
INJURIES: Mavericks: P.J. Washington: out (elbow), Marvin Bagley III: day to day (shoulder), Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Klay Thompson: out (illness), Daniel Gafford: out (rest), Caleb Martin: out (foot), Brandon Williams: out (illness), Kyrie Irving: out for season (knee), Naji Marshall: out (hip).
Bulls: Anfernee Simons: out (wrist), Matas Buzelis: day to day (ankle), Isaac Okoro: out (quad), Jalen Smith: out for season (calf), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Josh Giddey: out (hamstring), Guerschon Yabusele: out (shoulder), Nick Richards: out (elbow), Zach Collins: out for season (toe).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Sacramento Kings (21-59, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (41-40, eighth in the Western Conference)
Portland, Oregon; Sunday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Portland will try to keep its three-game home win streak intact when the Trail Blazers face Sacramento.
The Trail Blazers are 28-23 against Western Conference opponents. Portland is sixth in the league with 46.0 rebounds led by Donovan Clingan averaging 11.6.
The Kings are 14-37 in Western Conference play. Sacramento has a 12-41 record against teams above .500.
The Trail Blazers are shooting 45.3% from the field this season, 4.2 percentage points lower than the 49.5% the Kings allow to opponents. The Kings average 10.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.3 fewer made shots on average than the 12.6 per game the Trail Blazers allow.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. In the last matchup on Jan. 19 the Trail Blazers won 117-110 led by 30 points from Deni Avdija, while Malik Monk scored 23 points for the Kings.
TOP PERFORMERS: Avdija is averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.6 assists for the Trail Blazers. Toumani Camara is averaging 4.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Maxime Raynaud is scoring 12.2 points per game with 7.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists for the Kings. Precious Achiuwa is averaging 12.1 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 55.6% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 6-4, averaging 117.3 points, 46.2 rebounds, 25.6 assists, 9.0 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.0 points per game.
Kings: 3-6, averaging 112.3 points, 43.2 rebounds, 26.0 assists, 7.1 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 121.0 points.
INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Jerami Grant: out (calf), Vit Krejci: out (calf), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).
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).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Lakers star LeBron James is fouled as he shoots over Phoenix's Dillon Brooks (3) during the first half Friday at Crypto.com Arena. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
The ball is back in LeBron James' hands, and he is thriving in his “new” role as the Lakers’ primary caretaker.
James is in this position in the wake of injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. He had been the third option behind Doncic and Reaves, and he shifted back to a role he has been accustomed to playing over his 23-year career.
James has been a force over the last three games, with his latest standout performance coming Friday night in the Lakers’ 101-73 win over the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena.
James finished with 28 points, 12 assists and six rebounds to help the Lakers secure at least the No. 4 seed in the uber-tough Western Conference.
The Lakers (52-29) still have a shot at the third seed if they beat the Utah Jazz at home on Sunday and if the third-place Denver Nuggets lose at San Antonio on Sunday, the final day of the regular season. Because the Lakers won the tiebreaker over the Nuggets, they would get the higher seed over Denver if the two teams finish with identical records.
“Obviously we are going to be able to feed off our crowd. That’s going to be great,” James said. “We’re going to have home court. That’s great for our fans. But the game is played in between the four lines. So, looking forward to that.”
James was 10 for 16 from the field against the Suns and two for two from three-point range.
Lakers guard Luke Kennard, center, controls the ball in front of Phoenix guards Amir Coffey, left, and Jamaree Bouyea during the first half Friday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Over his last three games in this new role, James has averaged 24.6 points, 12.6 assists and 7.6 rebounds, shooting 60% from the field and 46% from three-point range.
He was on point from the beginning against the Suns.
James quickly went by a defender on a back-door cut, took a pass from Luke Kennard and threw down a two-handed, rim-rattling dunk. James flexed in front of his teammates on the bench, who stood to give their approval. The Suns called time out with four minutes and 53 seconds left in the first quarter, giving the fans more time to appreciate what James was still able to do at 41 years old.
“I’m just trying to make plays,” James said. “I had to tap back into a role that I’ve been accustomed to in the past, but obviously it wasn’t what it was this year. But circumstances have put me back in and I’m just trying to figure out my teammates and my teammates feeding off me and just trying to make things happen for us to continue to stay afloat.”
Whoever the Lakers face in the playoffs, coach JJ Redick believes teams want to face his group because of their injuries. Doncic and Reaves are not expected back for the first-round of the postseason.
“I'm sure everybody wants to play us. Let's get that out there, like, everybody wants to play us,” Redick said before the game. “Probably teams that are in a position where they can start looking forward to potential second-round matchups as well. ... Again, I'll say what I told the team yesterday, what I told you guys after the game, we have to figure out the formula and the belief for this group to be successful. And so that's our focus for tonight and that's going to be our focus on Sunday.”
For Kennard, who had 19 points and three assists in his new role as the lead point guard, the Lakers face a big challenge in the playoffs without Doncic and Reaves.
“You’re missing 60 points a game, and yeah, it’s definitely out there and I’m sure people are thinking about that and what we’re missing,” Kennard said. “But we also have [James] and the way he’s been playing and leading us has been incredible, and obviously, we’re going to need him to continue to do that. But I think these last few games everybody’s starting to get a rhythm.
"We’re starting to figure out what playoffs are going to look like for us, rotations and all of that," Kennard continued. "Guys are getting more comfortable with it and they’re playing well together and it’s been fun. So, yeah, I think no matter who we play, we’re going to be ready to fight from Day 1, Game 1. And they gotta come here first, no matter who it is, and I think we’re going to look forward to it.”
Notes: Lakers backup center Jaxson Hayes missed his third straight game with left foot soreness, but he has been making progress. “Hope to have him back Sunday,” Redick said. “But yeah, he's still day to day.” ... The Lakers waived guard Kobe Bufkin. It means the Lakers have a roster spot available to sign another player for the playoffs. “We're evaluating all the options we have,” Redick said. ... Marcus Smart, who had missed nine straight games with a right ankle contusion, had six points in 18 minutes.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Devin Carter #22 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles up court past Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Golden 1 Center on April 10, 2026 in Sacramento, 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. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors played their penultimate game of the season on Friday night, and it both went according to plan and not very well at all. In a self-professed dress rehearsal for next week’s play-in tournament, the Warriors prepped themselves for higher-leverage games … but still lost to the lowly Sacramento Kings 124-118.
For the first time since returning from injury, Steph Curry started the game, and that seemed to portend good things. Curry made a three on the very first possession of the game, and Kristaps Porziņģis made one two possessions later, giving the Dubs a 6-0 lead less than a minute into the game. But after that hot start, the Warriors started to show some rust, which was understandable given that the unfamiliarity of the lineup.
Bad turned to worse when, trailing 12-9, Curry hunched over in pain and walked very gingerly, prompting a Steve Kerr timeout. But thankfully it appeared to just be a knocked knee, as Curry stayed in the game after the timeout, and everyone exhaled.
It felt like the Warriors were playing fairly well for a while, and they certainly had all sorts of energy, yet the Kings somehow just kept scoring and kept scoring, and kept scoring, with old foe Malik Monk catching fire. Curry played most of the first quarter — a clear tune-up for the postseason — but, following a quarter-ending three by Dylan Cardwell, the Kings still led 32-27 after the first frame.
The Warriors came out of the second-quarter gates with a very eager defense, but the Kings were committed to defending Curry, and they were doing a very good job of it. The game was getting a little ugly, until Sacramento broke out with some rhythm.
While the Kings are not a good shooting team, and were missing the bulk of their best players, they couldn’t miss for a while in the second quarter. Rhythm begat more rhythm, as the Kings shooters just seemed completely in sync (Devin Carter, for instance, shot 6-for-11, despite shooting 24.0% on threes this year, and 26.1% in his career). Sacramento pushed the lead and pushed the lead and pushed the lead, until suddenly it was a 15-point game.
De’Anthony Melton was having a fine time scoring for the Warriors, with 13 in the frame. But no one else could find rhythm, separation, or the bottom of the bucket (his teammates combined for just 11 points in the quarter). At halftime, the Kings — who are 29th in the NBA in three-point percentage, and 30th in threes made per game — had shot 10-for-19 from distance, and held a 63-51 lead.
But if the Warriors have something to hang their hat on from the loss — and if you want something to give you a little confidence heading into game No. 83 — it came in the third quarter, which seemed to be when the Warriors most pretended like the outcome of this game mattered. And while it was ultimately a meaningless game for both teams, the quarter was one of the most entertaining ones that the Dubs have had this year.
It was ugly, but in a fun way. Carter committed a flagrant foul on Draymond Green just 85 seconds into the half, which resulted in a five-point possession for the Dubs, as Green sank both free throws, and Brandin Podziemski followed it up with a three-point play. That was part of a 12-0 Warriors run following a Sacramento bucket on the opening possession, and during the run we were treated to the veteran Green getting into it with Kings rookie Maxime Raynaud.
Things were heating up, and it was a lot of fun to watch. It settled into a back-and-forth affair for the middle portion of the quarter, and the execution was a lot of fun to watch. Eventually it turned into a slugfest, and not just in the trading buckets way, but in the physical sense of the word. Extra hard screens were being set, with elbows and shoulders being thrown into players. Fouls had a little something extra on them. Gary Payton II picked up a technical. The Warriors tied it and the Kings went on a 6-0 run, then the Warriors responded with a 7-0 run, which included Curry drawing a technical for celebrating from the sideline after Al Horford drained a three.
The whole team was playing with energy and aggression, but perhaps no one more so than Podziemski, who was in full-on attack mode. Suddenly everything was going the Warriors way, and they employed an ultra-scrappy closing lineup — Podziemski, Pat Spencer, Gui Santos, Malevy Leons, and Charles Bassey — which gave them an 89-82 lead after the third quarter.
Steve Kerr opted for a double-big lineup to start the fourth, with Horford and Porziņģis sharing the court with Curry in one final blast of tuning up. It worked well, as the Warriors pushed the lead to 11 points.
But then they got sloppy. It felt like the Warriors had accomplished what they set out to accomplish, and ran out of interest. Suddenly they were turning the ball over and taking bad shots, as the Kings scored eight straight points to cut the lead to three. Carter was killing them from beyond the arc as the Kings tied the game with seven minutes remaining … and then took the lead when Payton picked up a second technical foul (and subsequent ejection).
The Warriors trailed by six points just past the halfway mark, and with the outcome not mattering, Kerr let the subs run out the contest. They kept it close, but never close enough to take the lead, en route to a 124-118 defeat.
Podziemski was magnificent, and led the Warriors with 30 points on 9-for-15 shooting, while earning 10 free throws. Melton had 17 off the bench, while Curry (11), Porziņģis (11), Payton (10), and Horford (10) also scored in double figures. Curry wasn’t at his best, but it really did feel like he was just going through the warmups.
The Kings, meanwhile, had four different players hit the 20-point mark: Carter led the way with 29, followed by Raynaud with 23. Daeqwon Plowden and Nique Clifford each had 20. Carter, Raynaud, and Plowed each grabbed nine rebounds as well, as the Kings out-boarded the Dubs 58-43 … both a sign of their advantage inside, and the fact that Golden State missed more shots.
Perhaps the most notable thing to come from the night was the Portland Trail Blazers beating the LA Clippers. That means that the most likely scenario is that the Warriors face the Clippers in the first round of the play-in tournament.
And speaking of the Clippers, that’s also who the Dubs play in their season finale on Sunday, at 5:30 p.m. PT in Inglewood. We’ll see if the Warriors try to tune things up further in that game, or if they rest their key players so as not to give Ty Lue any additional intel.
Burrage and Dart overcome Hunter and Perez 6-3, 6-4
Australia to miss BJK Cup finals for second straight year
Australian team captain Sam Stosur’s fears of a “funky” upset have been realised as an understrength Great Britain sent Australia crashing out of Billie Jean King Cup contention.
After the visitors claimed both opening-day singles matches at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena, new British doubles pairing Jodie Burrage and Harriet Dart completed a 3-0 rout in the best-of-five qualifying tie on Saturday. Their 6-3, 6-4 win over Storm Hunter and Ellen Perez gave Great Britain an unassailable lead, sending last year’s semi-finalists into to September’s finals in China. It is the second straight year Australia have missed the eight-nation finals.
