Author: NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

Let’s Knick this bad magic in the bud.

New York Knicks fans warned Mayor Zohran Mamdani to steer clear of Madison Square Garden during the team’s playoff run – to block the Curse of the Mambino from spreading to the World’s Most Famous Arena.

The message from fans on Tuesday came one day after the Knicks choked away a Game 2, first round playoff matchup against the rival Atlanta Hawks and as baseball fans blamed Mamdani for an epically bad New York Mets losing streak.

“Mr. Mayor, you and your curse, bad luck, whatever you want to call it, stay away from my team,” said diehard supporter David Stento, who was visiting the city from Binghamton.

Follow live updates on Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s socialist agenda and the latest in NYC politics

“I’ve been waiting for this win for a long time. Get out of the way.”

“The way [Jalen] Brunson and [Karl-Anthony] Towns and the other guys are playing, I believe they are going to win it all but to be on the safe side, he should not go to any of the games,” the 68-year-old retiree added outside the NBA Store in Midtown Manhattan.

The Mets 11-game losing streak through Tuesday including an 0-10 record since April 9, when Mamdani visited Citi Field and hugged mascots Mr. and Mrs. Mets.

The Post spoke to Knicks fans and posted a “Mambino Keep Out” sign outside MSG Tuesday with the hope no similar sorcery would affect the team as they try to rebound after Monday’s loss that allowed the Hawks to tie the series 1-1.

The Knicks are coming off a 53-29 regular season and an exciting 2025 postseason run that saw them reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

Queens resident Ely Frank, who was at the Knicks’ Game 1 win, believes the hometown squad can top the Hawks, but “we don’t want the mayor jinxing this.”

“Just stay away,” the 34-year-old retail worker pleaded with the mayor while sporting a Knicks hat. “There is still hope so just keep your distance.”

Tomasz Racinowski also said he didn’t want any Mamdani “curse” lingering over the Knicks.

“We have been cursed for too long,” 42-year-old Long Islander said in reference to the franchise that hasn’t won a championship since 1973.

 The democratic socialist was already facing flack for prematurely celebrating the team – and possibly jinxing their chances – by placing life-size cartoon cutouts of top Knicks players around City Hall just hours before New York’s stinging one-point loss to the Hawks in Game 2.

 The art display from Tom Sanford included former Knicks greats like Patrick Ewing, Carmelo Anthony, Larry Johnson, John Starks and, as well as current superstar Jalen Brunson.

Did the curse of the Mambino hit the New York Knicks as well?

This went up yesterday, hours before the Knickerbockers lost by one point to the Atlanta Hawks. pic.twitter.com/1jT7C3q0u0

— Craig McCarthy (@createcraig) April 21, 2026

But some fans weren’t sure that the cloud over the Mets would extend to the Knicks.

“The curse can’t go from baseball to basketball,” avid fan Jonathan G., 28, said outside MSG. “It’s just unfortunate for the Mets.”

Manhattan resident Daniel Ross, 29, also didn’t think Mamdani could sway the playoff series.

“I mean, I wish I wish I could blame him, but, I mean, I’ve been a fan my whole life and nothing good has happened,” the finance worker said.

Mamdani hasn’t been shy about his Knicks’ fandom, and last week jokingly blamed former Hawks star and Knicks’ nemesis Trae Young for the sky-high ticket prices at MSG. 

“I am still confident and hopeful of a championship this year, I do wish, however, all of these tickets were far more affordably priced,” he said at a press event.

The next showdown between Knicks and Hawks is set for Thursday from State Farm Arena in the southern city.

Former Mayor Eric Adams also faced scorn from sports fans last year when he temporarily renamed more than a dozen Big Apple streets after team members as the Knickerbockers advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals..

The team ultimately lost the series to the Indiana Pacers in six games.

Meanwhile Mets fans hoped the“Curse of the Mambino” didn’t linger as long as the “Curse of the Bambino,” which myths said blocked the Boston Red Sox from winning a championship after they sold Babe Ruth to the rival Yankees. The Red Sox went 86 years without a championship after the deal.

The league officially decided several crucial tiebreakers between teams on Monday, April 20 before the NBA draft lottery is held on May 10 in Chicago.

While the process is often referred to as a coin flip between teams that finished with the exact same record to determine the draft order, it is actually random number drawings conducted by the league. The tiebreakers between picks 15 through 60 are the official draft order. There were six total tiebreakers in the 2026 NBA Draft.

However, tiebreakers between teams picking in the lottery will not become set in stone until the draft lottery is concluded next month. Here were the most interesting results.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are catching strays from the Toronto Raptors' media.

On Monday night, in Game 2 of the Raptors' first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Scottie Barnes was taken down by Jaylon Tyson. Toronto's RJ Barrett stepped in and gave Tyson a shove, which then created a commotion on the court.

Several players from both teams stepped in to help diffuse the situation.

Tempers are flaring in Cleveland 👀 pic.twitter.com/LBgQxRnYfA

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 21, 2026

While that was happening, TSN's NBA colour analyst, Jack Armstrong, said, "Auston Matthews wishes he had (Barrett) as a teammate. That's how you stand up for your guys."

Armstrong, of course, was referring to when Matthews got kneed by Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas on Mar. 12, and none of the captain's Maple Leafs teammates immediately approached Gudas.

They followed it up in the third period with physical play and several goals, defeating the Ducks 6-4. But it wasn't a good look for a hockey club whose core has been together for quite some time.

"I mean, it was an unfortunate play, and I thought they responded in the third period," Matthews said during his end-of-season media availability on the hit and his teammates' immediate reaction.

The collision ended Matthews' season. He had surgery to repair a grade 3 MCL tear in his left leg seven days after the incident, but he will be ready for training camp next fall.

"Yeah, (rehab is) going good. Really good," Matthews added. "I'll be ready by next season and have a pretty normal summer, for the most part. I'm about a month down now, so a couple more months before I can kind of start to turn it up a little bit."

Maple Leafs' Reported Meeting With Mats Sundin 'More Exploratory Than Anything'Dreger adds that Sundin likely isn't willing to relocate to Toronto unless it's a prominent role within the organization.

Matthews finished the season with 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games. Despite missing 22 games, Toronto's captain still finished fourth in team scoring, only behind Matthew Knies, John Tavares, and William Nylander.

The Raptors are two games into their series against the Cavs and have lost both games. They return to Toronto to play Game 3 of the series on Thursday night inside Scotiabank Arena.

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The NBA playoffs got interesting on Monday night. Can that continue on Tuesday, April 21?

With only one game featuring a spread in single digits, that may seem unlikely, but stranger things have happened.

Rather than worry about those lofty spreads, let’s find some NBA player props and NBA picks to enjoy tonight.

Best NBA player props today

Player	Pick
VJ Edgecombe	Over 14.5 points	-110
Victor Wembanyama	30+ points	+115
Luke Kennard	5+ assists	+150

Prop #1: VJ Edgecombe Over 14.5 points

-110 at bet365

What choices do the Philadelphia 76ers have? If Joel Embiid were available, perhaps this series would be interesting. 

But with "The Process" sidelined by an appendectomy, Philadelphia is simply out-gunned against the Boston Celtics. It needs to lean fully on its dynamic backcourt and wings, led by Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

The rookie has held off any proverbial wall, though his 0-for-5 showing from beyond the arc in Game 1 was a bit worrying. Yet, Edgecombe still scored 13 points in just 34 minutes.

Expect both increased minutes and at least one 3-pointer — Edgecombe shot 35.4% from deep on 5.6 attempts per game in the regular season. Either ingredient should be enough to push him past this points prop.

• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: Peacock/NBC

Prop #2: Victor Wembanyama 30+ points

+115 at bet365

Logic says the San Antonio Spurs superstar will not go 5-for-6 from beyond the arc in Game 2 after doing so on Sunday. 

But if Victor Wembanyama misses a few more 3-pointers, then this game is likely to be closer than Game 1, and suddenly the towering Frenchman may need to play more than 33 minutes.

In other words, either game state should set up Wembanyama to reach 30+ points for the sixth time in his last seven games, including the 35 he hung in his playoff debut.

The Portland Trail Blazers have no way to guard Wembanyama, and Donovan Clingan cannot keep up with him — the one clear weakness in the second-year center’s defense. 

It is, unfortunately for Portland, a weakness Wembanyama gladly exploits.

• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: Peacock/NBC

Prop #3: Luke Kennard 5+ assists

+150 at bet365

Point guard Luke Kennard remains a comical concept. Playoff point guard Luke Kennard is almost mind-boggling.

And yet, this necessity has the Los Angeles Lakers up 1-0 in their first-round series against the Houston Rockets.

To quote a so-so commercial we have all already seen too many times this week, “Anything really is possible in the playoffs.”

Kennard has handed out at least five assists in three of his six games as the Lakers’ starting point guard since both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were sidelined. Those were the first three games he started, falling to just 2.3 per game in the three games since.

Then why bet on him now? Because Kennard’s 27 points in Game 1 should demand more defensive attention from Houston in Game 2, creating more assist opportunities.

The climb from three to five assists is also not a steep one, particularly when the ball is going to be regularly in your hands.

• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: Peacock/NBC

These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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The Boston Celtics are in a prime position to take a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Our NBA player prop projections have found the six best player props for you to add to your betting slip.

For more NBA picks, check out our complete 76ers vs. Celtics predictions!

76ers vs Celtics computer picks for Game 2

76ers	Celtics
Drummond o6.5 points +100	Brown o6.5 rebounds +110
Maxey o3.5 rebounds  +105	Pritchard o13.5 points -112
Edgecombe o14.5 points -115	White o4.5 assists  -105

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76ers Game 2 computer picks

Andre Drummond Over 6.5 points (+100)

Projection: 7.2 points

Joel Embiid is set to miss another game in this series, which will open up more minutes for Andre Drummond. The Boston Celtics will have their hands full with Philly's perimeter scorers, and they'll gladly let Drummond try to beat them.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Drummond Now at bet365!/span

Tyrese Maxey Over 3.5 rebounds (+105)

Projection: 3.99 rebounds

Tyrese Maxey puts his 6-foot-2 frame to use, averaging 4.1 rebounds per game. When Drummond is off the floor, that'll open up more board opportunities for Philly's starting PG.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet maxey Now at bet365!/span

VJ Edgecombe Over 14.5 points (-115)

Projection: 15.79 points

VJ Edgecombe can do some damage from beyond the arc tonight, with the C's allowing the fourth-most 3-point attempts to SGs at home this season. In four games against Boston, VJ shot 41.2% from three. Those long balls will help the rookie eclipse his points total.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet edgecombe Now at bet365!/span

---

Celtics Game 2 computer picks

Jaylen Brown Over 6.5 rebounds (+110)

Projection: 7.8 rebounds

At +110, this prop has the highest +EV for this game according to our prop projections. Jaylen Brown has eclipsed this line in four of his last 10 outings, and with Philly shallow down low, Brown can gobble up the boards.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Brown Now at bet365!/span

Payton Pritchard Over 13.5 points (-112)

Projection: 16.0 points

Payton Pritchard is playing like a man possessed, eclipsing this total in eight of his last 10 outings. Pritchard has full control over Boston's bench unit, which should see plenty of time in what's expected to be another blowout.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Pritchard Now at bet365!/span

Derrick White Over 4.5 assists (-105)

Projection: 5.38 assists

Playing as the starting point guard of the C's has its perks, especially when you're passing to the likes of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Derrick White can focus more on playmaking with Boston at full strength, just like he did in Game 1 where he racked up six dimes.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet White Now at bet365!/span

How to watch 76ers vs Celtics Game 2

Location	TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date	Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Tip-off	7:00 p.m. ET
TV	ESPN

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.

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The Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic are getting set to face-off in Game 2 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Given Orlando’s status as an eighth seed, their inconsistent regular season, and Detroit’s dominant campaign, most people (myself included) thought this would be a cakewalk for the Pistons.

However, the Magic shocked us all in a Game 1 victory that proved that they are finally clicking and that they can exploit the Pistons’ lack of true two-way players. Oddsmakers still believe that the Pistons are in the driver’s seat to win this series, as they are a nine-point favorite in Game 2 (right around the spread from Game 1), and have -220 odds (an implied probability of -68.8%) to win the series.

To make this come to fruition, the Pistons either need Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland to find ways to exist on offense, Daniss Jenkins and Duncan Robinson to stop getting hunted on defense, or Kevin Huerter and Caris LeVert to step into larger roles. But more than anything, they need their All-Star big man to live up to his reputation. 

Jalen Duren Needs A Big Game 2

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few days, you are likely aware of Jalen Duren’s unspectacular Game 1 performance. 

The Pistons can’t win this series without Duren. This season, they led the entire NBA in points in the paint per game (per NBA.com). A big reason why is Duren’s merciless pursuit of shots at the basket. Outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo, no one attempted rim field goal attempts at a higher clip than Duren (he and Zion Williamson were tied for second-place in this category, per Dunks & Threes).

In Game 1, Duren only attempted four field goals. A big reason for this was Detroit’s lack of spacing making it easy for Orlando to pack the paint on him. But the thing is, the Pistons’ spacing concerns are nothing new (29th in 3-point rate during the regular season). I hate to sound like a fake tough guy here, but Duren needs to be the human adonis that he is and fight through the extra physicality and be the biggest man in the room. 

On defense, Duren has always struggled with defending in space (particularly in the pick-and-roll) and lapses in threat detection around the rim. Those weaknesses were magnified in the first match (see the tweet above). Some of this is on head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to put him in better spots, but again, Duren needs to make the classic “play better” adjustment in Game 2 if the Pistons are going to avoid the dreaded 0-2 hole. 

How to watch Pistons vs. Magic Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs

Date: April 22, 2026

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV/Streaming: ABC/ESPN
Location: Detroit, Michigan

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After the Los Angeles Lakers shot the lights out in Game 1, the Houston Rockets will look to get revenge at Crypto.com Arena tonight.

We break down Kalshi’s win probability markets and deliver some Rockets vs. Lakers predictions to help guide your NBA picks for Tuesday, April 21.

Who will win Rockets vs Lakers Game 2?

Rockets win probability:63% (-170)
Lakers win probability:37% (+170)

Houston is 22-8 SU off a loss this season, and that has the Rockets trading at 63¢ to even the series.

Our prediction:Rockets to win

Expect balance to be restored in Game 2 as Houston’s role players get on track and the Lakers’ support staff plummets back to earth.

Read more in Jason Logan's full Rockets vs. Lakers predictions.

More Rockets vs Lakers prediction markets

You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Rockets vs. Lakers at Kalshi; you also have options to trade on the spread, total, and more, among other NBA odds markets.

You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Rockets -4.5 spread means the Rockets will cover, while "No" means the Lakers will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using the Covers odds converter).

Rockets vs Lakers spread and total at prediction markets

Our predictions:Rockets -4.5 — Yes

Los Angeles won’t connect at the same clip tonight, and Houston will tighten the bolts on offense, with or without Kevin Durant.

Head coach Ime Udoka is emphasizing spacing and more screen action — both on- and off-ball — after iso-heavy sets stagnated the Rockets in Game 1.

I’m holding out hope Durant returns for the sake of this bet, but I’m confident Houston will still perform better than Game 1 if he doesn’t.

Other Rockets vs Lakers prediction markets available

• LeBron James 25+ points (Yes: 49¢)
• Alperen Sengun 6+ rebounds (Yes: 54¢)
• Reed Sheppard 3+ threes (Yes: 56¢)

What is Kalshi and how does it work?

Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts," which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Lakers win tonight?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.

How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?

In a sportsbook, you bet against the bookmaker, who sets fixed odds and takes a "vig," which is a kind of commission. On Kalshi, you trade against other users. This peer-to-peer model means prices are driven by supply and demand, often resulting in fairer odds. Additionally, because these are financial derivatives, you can exit your position early. If your team takes a 14-point lead, the contract price will rise, allowing you to sell your "Yes" shares for a profit before the final whistle even blows.

Why should I wager on Rockets vs Lakers at Kalshi?

Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:

1. Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
   
   
2. Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
   
   
3. Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
   
   
4. Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The Boston Celtics handled the Joel Embiid-less Philadelphia 76ers with ease in Game 1, and they should have no problem doing so again tonight in Game 2.

Our 76ers vs. Celtics predictions and NBA picks expect another dominant C's win on April 21.

Who will win 76ers vs Celtics Game 2?

76ers win probability:12% (+733)
Celtics win probability:88% (-735)

After Boston checked the 76ers' asses directly into the Smackdown hotel in Game 1, the Celtics are 88¢ favorites to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Our prediction:Celtics to win

Joel Embiid is officially ruled out for Game 2, and Adem Bona and Andre Drummond ain't gonna cut it.

With a bounty of respect for the veteran center, Philadelphia is relying too much on Drummond to be taken seriously in the playoffs in 2026. 

The 76ers have little choice but to play Drummond, but that reality dooms them to waiting for a blowout in which their offense eventually becomes a liability. 

Read more in Jason Logan's full 76ers vs. Celtics predictions.

More 76ers vs Celtics prediction markets

You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for 76ers vs. Celtics at Kalshi; you also have options to trade on the spread, total, and more, among other NBA odds markets.

You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Celtics -15.5 spread means the Celtics will cover, while "No" means the 76ers will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using the Covers odds converter).

76ers vs Celtics spread and total at prediction markets

Our predictions:Celtics -15.5 — Yes and Over 216.5 points — No

Without Embiid, the 76ers' offense lacks any real depth to help the Celtics push this Over the total.

Other 76ers vs Celtics prediction markets available

• VJ Edgecombe 15+ points (Yes: 51¢)
• Tyrese Maxey 30+ points (Yes: 60¢)
• Payton Pritchard 3+ threes (Yes: 41¢)

What is Kalshi and how does it work?

Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts" which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Celtics win tonight?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.

How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?

In a sportsbook, you bet against the bookmaker, who sets fixed odds and takes a "vig," which is a kind of commission. On Kalshi, you trade against other users. This peer-to-peer model means prices are driven by supply and demand, often resulting in fairer odds. Additionally, because these are financial derivatives, you can exit your position early. If your team takes a 14-point lead, the contract price will rise, allowing you to sell your "Yes" shares for a profit before the final whistle even blows.

Why should I wager on 76ers vs Celtics at Kalshi?

Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:

1. Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
   
   
2. Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
   
   
3. Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
   
   
4. Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

The Philadelphia 76ers targeted Jayson Tatum early and often in Game 1 — and may have revealed that one of Boston’s old strengths is still available for another title run.

Now, it’s no secret that Tatum is back and looking good. He made headlines with a dominant showing in his return to playoff basketball on Sunday, finishing with 25 points on 52.9% shooting from the field, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals, as he and Jaylen Brown led the Celtics to a 32-point blowout.

While his offensive output was impressive, his defensive performance may be just as important for Boston’s title chances.

Tatum has always been a strong defender. He’s got the length and lateral agility to stick with guards on the perimeter, and the size and strength to battle with some big men in the post. That versatility enables the Celtics to deploy a highly switchable defense, especially when the team runs Tatum as a small-ball 5.

The Celtics utilized Tatum defensively against opposing 5s to great effect during the team’s 2024 championship run, when it used the strategy to defang the lob-happy Mavericks in the Finals. By having Tatum guard Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford and switch on screens, Boston neutralized the benefits of Dallas’ 1-5 pick and rolls, as Luka Dončić was unable to use the action to hunt the Celtics’ slower big men. Limiting that action also pulled Dallas’ bigs out of their comfort zone, since they were unable to fulfill their most dangerous roles as PnR lob threats.

Nevertheless, last year’s Achilles tear threw all of that into question. The Achilles tendon is like a spring that enables people to push their feet off the ground, so many who rupture it lose lateral agility and explosive burst — two crucial factors for a defender in the NBA.

Yet in the small sample since his March return, Tatum’s defense has shown little evidence of a drop-off.

In the 16 games he played before the end of the regular season, Tatum posted a career-low in block percentage (0.6%), but also career-highs in defensive rebound percentage (31.3%) and steal percentage (2.1%). While advanced defensive metrics can be unreliable, Tatum set another career-high with a +1.8 in defensive box plus/minus, according to Basketball Reference.

However, the Sixers did not appear to be convinced heading into Game 1.

The NBA Playoffs are all about poking and prodding for weaknesses, then game planning to exploit those weaknesses. Philadelphia Head Coach Nick Nurse clearly believed Tatum’s defense could be a potential weakness, as the Sixers deliberately targeted him from the jump.

In Philly’s second offensive possession of the game, Sixers star Tyrese Maxey isolated Tatum on the wing, pulled back to wind up for a blowby, then drove to Tatum’s left. But, instead of a blowby, Tatum stuck hip-to-hip with Maxey, steered him to the baseline and forced a pass into a missed corner three-pointer.

If that was an isolated incident it wouldn’t mean much, but it wasn’t. Maxey — whose blazing speed makes him a tricky cover on the perimeter — targeted Tatum in isolation three more times in the first quarter alone. Of those four isolation possessions, Maxey only scored on one, where he drove into the paint, improvised a couple moves and slipped a circus shot past the outstretched arms of Tatum and Nikola Vučević.

Four possessions is very little to work with, but the results did not appear to be a fluke. Tatum was able to keep up with Maxey’s drives, dance with him on the perimeter and get a good contest on each shot.

Nurse and the rest of the Sixers must have noticed, too, since they tested Tatum in isolation less and less as the game went on. In the second quarter, Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. both got an isolation possession against Tatum, but neither resulted in a bucket. By the time the third quarter rolled around, the Sixers had multiple chances to isolate Tatum, but started passing out to explore other action. Philly only tried to isolate him twice over the second half of the game, with neither attempt proving successful.

In addition to his impressive work in isolation, Tatum played solid help defense and displayed his elite versatility by switching onto multiple Sixers, including Philly’s 6’10” starting center, Adem Bona.

Overall, the Sixers only shot 6-19 from the field (31.6%) in Game 1 with Tatum as the primary defender, according to NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg.

That number will change as the series progresses — Philly struggled to hit shots all night and likely won’t continue to shoot so poorly — but Tatum has so far passed the test with flying colors.

While Tatum has yet to be tasked with regularly guarding opposing 5s as he was in the 2025 NBA Finals, if he can keep up this level of defensive play, there’s little reason to think he can’t handle that role again. And, at this point in Tatum’s return, how could anyone who has been paying any attention doubt him?

For just the third year in NBA history, three teams failed to make the playoffs despite finishing the regular season with a winning record.

The previous two seasons with three teams missing the playoffs were 1970-71 and 2021-22. In all seasons prior to 1970, every winning team qualified for the playoffs.

In total, 43 teams in NBA history have finished the regular season with a record above .500 but didn’t make the playoffs. That means teams with winning records make the playoffs 95.1% of the time.

In 2025-26, Charlotte finished 44-38, Miami 43-39, and the Los Angeles Clippers 42-40 — but all three missed out on the playoffs after losing in the play-in tournament.

Despite all three teams this year posting winning records, none are close to the all-time highest winning percentage for a non-playoff team.

That honor goes to the 1971-72 Phoenix Suns, who finished 49-33 — a .598 clip — but missed out on the playoffs in a Western Conference led by the 69-win Los Angeles Lakers. The Suns have three of the best non-playoff records — in 1970-71 and 2013-14 the franchise posted identical 48-34 marks (Golden State also equaled that record in 2007-08).

Golden State and Houston are the franchises that have finished above .500 but missed out on the playoffs the most. Each team has done so six times.

Notably, out of the 43 times this feat has occurred, 31 happened to teams currently in the Western Conference, while just 12 are in the Eastern Conference.

Methodology note: USA TODAY analyzed data from Sport Reference’s Stathead site to compile this chart.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winning teams usually make the NBA playoffs. This season, three did not.

Nate Ament has gone from a sure-fire NBA Draft declaration to a — well — we’ll see. The former 5-star prospect had a rocky start to his time with Tennessee, but turned it on in SEC play to show everyone why he was among the top five prospects in last year’s class.

The 6-10 freshman isn’t a lock to go inside of the top ten though, currently sitting in the middle of an absolutely loaded lottery draft class. In some of the previous year’s classes, Ament would be a no-brainer top five selection. However, this year’s group is one of the best we’ve seen in several years, which has clouded Ament’s projection.

ESPN has Ament ranked as the No. 8 player in the group.

CBS Sports has Ament falling down to No. 12 overall, going to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Ringer has Ament going 9th overall to the Chicago Bulls.

Ament’s range currently seems slotted into the 8-16 range, which begs the question — would he simply be better off by punting a year and returning to Knoxville for his sophomore season? It’s certainly on the table, and based on the growth we saw from Ament throughout the season, it’s an exciting thought. Ament could benefit from another season in Tennessee’s strength program, which has a track record of transforming guys like Grant Williams, Admiral Schofield, Yves Pons and plenty of others into totally different players.

The question, of course, comes down to money. Based on the NBA rookie contract scale from this past season, Ament could earn $5.7 million as the No. 8 pick as a rookie. That number moves all the way down to $3.6 million as the 16th overall pick. Tennessee reportedly paid Ament over $4 million this past season. That number would obviously move up substantially if Ament were to return.

Ament has until Friday to make his initial NBA Draft decision.

He can declare, but still keep the door open for a return. Ament would then go through the NBA Draft process, gather information from teams, then make a final decision by May 27th.

Tennessee has already added VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr., Notre Dame forward Jalen Haralson, Belmont guard Tyler Lundblade, Cal guard Dai Dai Ames and Loyola-Chicago rim-protecting center Miles Rubin. The Volunteers are in hot pursuit of Wake Forest guard Juke Harris, who will take a similar feel-it-out process with the NBA Draft as Ament will.

Rick Barnes has depth needs left in the front court regardless of Ament or Harris’ decision. Expect that to be addressed in the coming week as Tennessee gets a feel for what comes next.