Mar 8, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Jordan McLaughlin (0) dribbles in the second half against the Houston Rockets at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Jordan McLaughlin came to the Spurs as part of the trade that put De’Aaron Fox in a Spurs jersey. The Silver & Black lost Tre Jones, Zach Collins, and Sidy Cissoko, but gained a clutch starting point guard to pair with Victor Wembanyama while offering a veteran presence to the young squad.
While the inclusion of McLaughlin may have had the appearance of balancing salaries or rosters, the Spiurs saw something in McLaughlin that led to signing him for an additional year over the past summer.
After the summer acquisition of Dylan Harper, it looked as though minutes for Jordan McLaughlin may never materialize, but the guard who turned 30 yesterday has shown what being ready is all about.
Any time J-Mac (as he is affectionately known by his teammates) is called into action, he is ready.
As Jacob Douglas pointed out regarding McLaughlin’s contributions to Wednesday night’s game:
“McLaughlin is just solid. He came in and did his job for 9 minutes, playing pesky perimeter defense, taking care of the ball, and playing within the flow of the offense. He’s about all the Spurs could ask for in a fourth guard.”
He may not get many minutes, but what he does with them keeps the Spurs machine grinding away. Without Stephon Castle on Wednesday. Dylan Harper got his third start of the season. And this left room to rotate McLaughlin in off the bench.
Afterward, Carter Bryant, who shined in his 25 minutes, gave credit to his teammates and a special shout to McLaughlin.
“J-Mac has been a big part of that for me. He’s been like, ‘Just trust your work, understand your time is going to come. Keep being confident in yourself’…We have a lot of guys that when their name is called upon, they do a great job. Like J-Mac does a lot of stuff. Every time he gets an opportunity to play, I admire J-Mac so much because he doesn’t get the opportunity to play too much. But every time he goes in he’s steady. He’s constant…he’s very detailed…you never see him get high or low whether he’s have a great game or a terrible game, by his body language you can never tell. So I respect him a lot and I look up to him for sure. ”
As the Spurs go into the playoffs, minutes can become even more scarce at the end of the bench. While staying healthy is paramount for the marquee players, staying ready is the key to McLaughlin’s role.
Happy belated birthday, J-Mac. Thanks for all you do and here’s to staying ready and willing when your number is called. May there be many opportunities.
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Mar 3, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Raptors have one more road game, and one more home contest before the season is over, both against the two New York teams. The bad news: they’ve got to play the 52-win Knicks in Madison Square Garden, a must-win game to keep any type of breathing room between them at the Play-In. The good news? Their last game is against a Nets squad that’s near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, having lost 7 of their last 10 games. But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
The Knicks have dominated the Toronto Raptors in an embarrassing fashion this season. And the season before that. And the season before that. It’s been since 2023 that the Raptors have picked up a win against the Knicks, and the Raptors will be hard pressed to snap that streak to end this season. New York is playing with essentially their entire roster intact, and are cruising after a win against the Celtics last night where both Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart at more than 25 points.
Both the Raptors and Knicks are playing back-to-backs, so there’ll be no fresh legs for anyone on the court today. While New York has clinched a playoff spot, the Cavaliers are right behind them, nipping at their heels, and the Celtics, should they drop these next two games, could theoretically fall in the standings and give the Knicks the second seed in the Conference. Culturally, the Knicks seem likely to put the pedal to the metal to preserve their spot, so a high energy game is likely here.
The Knicks’ depth is something that the Raptors need to be able to manage. Toronto has been able to contain New York’s twin stars in Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, but expending too much energy on those two leaves the Raptors open to big scoring games from OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, or Josh Hart. The Raptors can put out excellent defensive lineups, but the Knicks are a team where anyone can be a hero and ruin an opponent’s night.
The magic of point-Scottie seems to be over with for now, as Barnes hasn’t hit 10 assists in his last four games after a magical playmaking run, all-the-while taking a step back from scoring. Barnes has been middling this season against New York, posting below season-average statlines against the Knicks. Brandon Ingram, coming off a big game against the Heat, needs to do his best to continue his streak against New York’s stifling defence. Ingram has hit more than thirty points against the Knicks twice this season, and completing a trifecta might be the best chance the Raptors have to take down New York this late in the season. With Immanuel Quickley still shaking off the cobwebs as he returns back from an injury, the Raptors can use every point they can muster against a New York team that’s held them under 100 points in three out of four contests this season.
The best thing for the Raptors to do is to do what they do best: play smothering defence from the 1 to the 5, force an off-night for Knicks stars while not giving up open shots to the rest of the squad, and allow Barnes to get involved as a primary facilitator while trusting Brandon Ingram to put the ball through the hoop.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 07: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics prays before a game against the Charlotte Hornets the TD Garden on April 07, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
NEW YORK CITY — Jayson Tatum made the choice to not bite his tongue a long time ago.
At the Celtics’ shootaround on Thursday morning, when he was asked about the emotions of playing at Madison Square Garden for the very first time since his injury, the Celtics star opted to be completely candid.
“Nervousness, anxiousness,” he said. “All the things you’d probably expect.”
On paper, Thursday’s game was just another regular season game between two Eastern Conference foes. Entering the match-up, the Celtics had won four straight games, and held a three-game lead over the New York Knicks for second place in the Eastern Conference.
But, in reality, Thursday night held extra weight, marking a return to the place where Tatum’s long, lonely rehab journey began. Inside the walls of MSG was a moment in time in which everything changed: the night Tatum ruptured his Achilles tendon almost eleven months ago.
“The lowest point of my life was here,” Tatum said.
Tatum remembers hearing a pop. He remembers his career — and the Celtics’ future — flashing before his eyes. And, he remembers thinking that it all could be over, that he might never be the same again.
“One day I felt like Superman, and then the next day I felt like the smallest man on Earth,” Tatum said on the Pivot Podcast in January. “It’s been a struggle.”
Since that fateful day, Tatum has cleared plenty of milestones. He returned to 5-on-5 action in January, and practiced with the Maine Celtics for the first time in February. He made his national stage, NBA debut on March 6th, and was named the Eastern Conference’s Player of the Week just a few weeks after that.
To an observer, it appeared Tatum’s greatest challenges were in the rearview mirror. He was not only back, but he was playing some elite basketball.
Still, another major hurdle loomed: a return to Madison Square Garden. While he could have delayed that eventual emotional confrontation, he didn’t want to kick the can down the road and opted to lace up while his co-star, Jaylen Brown, sat.
Earlier in the week, Brown admitted he hadn’t considered Thursday’s game could carry extra emotion, but offered his support: “Mentally, it could possibly be something — but that’s what your teammates are there for. We got his back.”
For Tatum, it was very heavy. Moments before tip-off, he made his way over to the exact spot on the court where his leg gave out on him and took a deep breath.
“It was a lot,” Tatum said. “Especially in the beginning. It took me a while to calm down.”
But, in this return to New York City, he had the support of more than just his teammates.
Pregame, Knicks head coach Mike Brown expressed how happy he was to see Tatum back in action.
“Seeing him back on the court should bring joy to anybody,” Brown said.
When Tatum’s name was announced as part of the Celtics starting lineup introductions, the MSG crowd — which had been rauceoulsy booing every Celtics player — erupted in cheers.
“That means a lot, obviously,” Tatum said. “I appreciated that.”
Jayson Tatum got applause when he was introduced here at MSG
A notable shift from the boos the rest of the roster got
Tatum wanted to play a great game and for the Celtics to walk away with a win. Neither of those things happened; the Celtics fell to the Knicks 112-106, and Tatum shot just 7-22 from the field and turned the ball over 6 times (though he did also finish with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists).
But even the most fiery competitor in him could admit that the final score and stat line were not the most important thing in the world.
“I just kind of wanted to walk off the floor on my own two feet,” he said.
That he did. After the final buzzer sounded, Tatum hugged nearly every player and coach on the Knicks, a moment that was representative of what the last couple of weeks of action have looked like.
“Since I’ve returned, the reception that I’ve gotten from players, coaches I’ve never even spoken to, GMs has been great,” Tatum said.
Tatum could have minimized the significance of Thursday’s game and chosen not to share with the public the emotions he was battling. He could have simply brushed aside the questions, calling Thursday night just another game.
But, he opted not to do that.
Surrounded by reporters in the visiting locker room after the loss, Tatum was completely honest.
“It was a big moment, a big hurdle for me,” he said. “I was nervous and anxious to come back here.”
Why choose to do that?
From the beginning, he made the choice to be completely authentic about his struggles, about the doubts he faced, about the mental aspect of the recovery.
“The nature of this business is [that] there’s millions of eyes on us all the time. And when I went down, millions of people were watching,” he said. “And so, it’s a lot of people that have paid attention to this journey. I’ve been candid about it from the beginning, that, hopefully, my experience and the way I approached and attacked this has inspired somebody out there that is not necessarily going through an injury, but maybe a tough time. And hopefully, they can witness or see what I’ve tried to accomplish — and appreciate and be inspired by that.”
Asked Jayson Tatum why he’s chosen to be so vulnerable throughout this process (i.e sharing how difficult it was for him to play at MSG today) when he could have brushed it off:
“The nature of this business is there's millions of eyes on us all the time. And when I went down,… pic.twitter.com/Cisk6GI7Iw
That approach has earned the praise of his head coach, Joe Mazzulla.
“I think one of his greatest strengths is just his vulnerability and openness and his understanding,” Mazzulla said pregame, acknowledging that he knew the game would bring about a ton of emotion.
“But I think once the game started, he kind of got into a game flow,” said the Celtics head coach as he reflected on the loss.
Tatum never looks for moral victories. He’s rarely cheerful after losses.
But, the circumstances surrounding Thursday’s contest were unique.
“Today was important for me, especially when I made the decision to come back and then made the decision to play today,” he said. “I’m glad I did. I feel a lot better today, even after the loss.”
Apr 9, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Baylor Scheierman (55) reacts after hitting a three pointer during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images | Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
Baylor Scheierman’s sixth 3-pointer against the New York Knicks on Thursday night brought the entire Boston Celtics bench to its feet. Jordan Walsh did the sharpshooter’s signature thumbs-up celebration, and Luka Garza bunny-hopped with excitement, watching him conquer Madison Square Garden.
Scheierman’s step-back three over Karl-Anthony Towns gave the Celtics a 104-103 lead with 2:19 remaining in the fourth quarter. To re-energize his team, he decided to bring back the celebration he debuted nearly six weeks ago against the Philadelphia 76ers. It sparked a thrilling final few minutes of regulation, but Boston ultimately fell 112-106, losing the regular-season series to New York (1-3).
The ability to remain prepared to deliver an impact at any moment is something Scheierman takes pride in.
“For me, every time my name’s called, I try to go out there and just play to the best of my ability,” Scheierman told reporters, per CLNS Media. “And that’s really all I can control. Obviously, I’d like to be out there, but at the end of the day, it’s not my decision. So every chance I get, I just try to make the most of it.”
Boston ruled Jaylen Brown out with left Achilles tendinitis hours before tip-off, adding weight on everyone’s shoulders to produce in his absence. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla bumped Walsh up into the starting lineup, while Scheierman played alongside Payton Pritchard and Nikola Vučević in the second rotation. Unconcerned with his role and focused on contributing, Scheierman scored a season-high 20 points — matching a career high he set last season against the Brooklyn Nets.
Scheierman shot a nearly-perfect 6-for-7 from beyond the arc and grabbed four rebounds. Four of those makes were to either go ahead or extend Boston’s lead over New York. Teammates spotted Scheierman’s high motor and eagerness to shoot, so they kept feeding him.
Derrick White assisted Scheierman to break an 83-83 tie in the fourth quarter, and Pritchard found him again more than seven minutes later to give the Celtics a 101-99 lead. Whenever a teammate attacked the basket, they knew once they looked up, Scheierman would be right there on the perimeter, hands ready, waiting to fire.
Scheierman’s six made 3-pointers also tied a career-high.
“I just have a lot of confidence in myself that I belong on the court, and my teammates trust me,” Scheierman said. “When I’m open, they find me, and I just knock it down.”
Scheierman is among a group of backups unaware when their number will be called. Walsh, Luka Garza, Hugo González, and Ron Harper Jr. are in that same boat. Before games, they’re the first out of the locker room and on the floor, working with the coaching staff by running drills and examining film. Last year, Scheierman logged 23 minutes over four appearances in the playoffs. He didn’t get a chance to do much, going scoreless twice and attempting 10 shots the entire postseason, but that uncertainty doesn’t rattle Scheierman.
Even though rotations typically shrink once the playoffs begin, Scheierman isn’t concerned about his role. He’s averaged 18 minutes per game, the most among the Walsh, Garza, González, and Harper group, and Mazzulla has followed through on his promise to shake up the rotations when the team needs a jolt. At Madison Square Garden on Thursday night, Scheierman didn’t start, but still delivered his most impactful performance of the season.
It’s hard to imagine Scheierman’s 3-point barrage goes overlooked, especially since the Knicks could cross paths with the Celtics in Round 2. Losing three times in the regular-season series should bolster the confidence in New York’s locker room and motivate Boston.
“I wish we could’ve won at the end of the day,” he said. “Obviously, it was a lot of fun to do that, but we lost, so it kind of just is what it is.”
The Celtics need a win on Friday night over the New Orleans Pelicans to lock in the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. New York delayed that, but if both teams advance out of the first round, a second-round series would send Boston back to Madison Square Garden for a best-of-seven. Scheierman is ready to embrace that challenge.
“Obviously, every time we face each other, it’s a great environment, a great atmosphere,” Scheierman said, thinking about a possible Celtics-Knicks playoff rematch. “That’s something you grow up wanting to be a part of. So if it happens, I’m sure it’ll be a great series.”
DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 03: Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks argues with referee Sean Corbin #33 on a foul call against Cooper Flagg in the second half against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Center on April 03, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hot green tea at the desk tonight, which either means I’m being responsible or the Coffee Almond Toffee finally caught up with me. Either way, the Dallas Mavericks (25-55) close out their last road game of the season Friday against the San Antonio Spurs (61-19), a team that has locked into the two-seed and is preparing for a deep playoff run. This is the fourth and final meeting between these clubs, and the previous three weren’t close — San Antonio won all of them by double digits. Meanwhile, Wednesday night in Phoenix, Jason Kidd pulled his starters with 4:37 left in a five-point game and closed with a lineup of Poulakidas, Tyler Smith, Cisse, Dwight Powell, and AJ Johnson. The tank, long an open secret, is now officially on the record.
Let’s scan the lines in search of value.
🏀 Fixture: Dallas Mavericks (25-55) @ San Antonio Spurs (61-19) 📍 Frost Bank Center — San Antonio, TX 🕖 7:00 PM CST, Friday, April 10, 2026 📺 KFAA Channel 29 / MavsTV / NBA League Pass
📊 DraftKings Snapshot (as of 12:15 AM CST) Spread: SAS -17.5 (-110) | DAL +17.5 (-110) Total: 236.5 (O -110 / U -110) Moneyline: SAS -1600 | DAL +900
📉 Game Side Lean: San Antonio -17.5
Kidd showed his hand Wednesday. With the lottery standings razor-thin — Dallas tied with Memphis for sixth-best odds, one game behind New Orleans — every loss matters, and Kidd has stopped pretending otherwise. The Spurs, even without Wembanyama (questionable with a rib contusion), are 61-19 and playing with playoff intensity. Stephon Castle is also questionable with a left foot issue, but San Antonio has depth to absorb that. Dallas is showing up with a depleted roster, a coaching staff that just publicly waved the white flag, and approximately zero motivation to cover a number. Lay the points.
🔮 Total Lean: Under 236.5
When a team is actively not trying to win, they tend to not score very much either. Dallas has already demonstrated a willingness to deploy lineups that couldn’t beat a good G League squad, and San Antonio — even in playoff prep mode — isn’t going to go out of its way to run up the score. The Spurs will control pace, manage their rotation with one eye on the postseason, and this game settles into something quiet and ugly. Under is the play.
🎯 Player Props We Like
De’Aaron Fox Over 14.5 Points (-122) If Castle sits with the foot soreness, Fox becomes San Antonio’s unquestioned offensive engine without a secondary playmaker to share the load. Even with Castle available, Fox has been the heartbeat of this Spurs offense all season — and Dallas’s backcourt defense, never a strength, has been further gutted by attrition. Against a team that just benched its starters in a close game to chase lottery odds, Fox should be operating in cruise control by the third quarter. The number is modest for a player of his caliber in this spot.
Cooper Flagg Over 24.5 Points (-113) Flagg is playing for something real right now — the Rookie of the Year award, a closing argument after a 51-point performance against Orlando that should have settled the debate but apparently hasn’t. He’s in that mode where every game feels like a statement, and statement games against bad defenses tend to produce numbers. San Antonio will be focused on their own playoff preparation, not on stopping a rookie on a bad team. Flagg gets his. This is his season to put an exclamation point on.
💡 Summary: San Antonio -17.5 against a team that stopped trying Wednesday night. Under 236.5 for a game that figures to be controlled and quiet. Fox feasting with Castle potentially out, Flagg closing his ROY case one bucket at a time. Four picks, one cup of green tea. Go Lottery Odds Go.
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 8: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on April 8, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers are all but locked into the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with the New York Knicks win over the Boston Celtics on Thursday evening. For the Cavs to move up, they’d have to win both of their last two games, while New York would have to lose their final two games. As it stands, it seems like the Cavs will be in the fourth seed, which would likely give them an easier path through the Eastern Conference.
Because they’re basically locked into their preferred spot, there’s little downside in trying to keep momentum going with what they hope is another positive showing against the Atlanta Hawks — a possible first-round opponent.
This game means something for the Hawks. They’ve fallen to the sixth spot in the standings and could drop further if they were to lose this one as well.
The Cavs deployed several matchup-specific schemes against the Hawks on Wednesday. This included aggressively cheating off of Atlanta’s average to below-average three-point shooters and using James Harden to guard their opposing center. It’ll be interesting to see how both teams adjust to Wednesday’s game.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE.
Cavs injury report: Donovan Mitchell – OUT (ankle), Jarrett Allen – OUT (knee), Sam Merrill – OUT (hamstring), Jaylon Tyson – QUESTIONABLE (toe), Thomas Bryant – OUT (calf)
Hawks injury report: RayJ Dennis – QUESTIONABLE (G League), Keshon Gilbert – QUESTIONABLE (G League), Jock Landale – OUT (ankle)
Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
With only two days of action remaining, and with all 30 teams playing twice, streaming, while plentiful, could be hard to project. Both good and bad teams are shutting guys down for various reasons. While there are a handful of teams with something to play for, the majority of streaming candidates are likely taken. So, we shift our attention to the remaining teams trying to nail down who could play in both games.
As we move through what is commonly viewed as silly season, the waiver wire is the place to be, providing managers with bargain players who could be about to ascend in the NBA fantasy rankings. And remember, never assume a player is rostered. It always pays to double-check, just in case they have been overlooked.
Identifying players who are benefiting from expanded roles — whether it's an offensive threat delivering points and threes or a defensive-minded player boosting your blocks and steals — is vital as you navigate the season.
Let's dive into nine key NBA sleepers whose current stats suggest they are poised for significant value and are currently rostered in fewer than 40% of Yahoo leagues.
Yahoo High Score Leagues
Jeremiah Fears, New Orleans Pelicans (24% rostered)
Although the Pelicans have no chance of making the playoffs, the fact is that the team is at least still trying to win basketball games. While that hasn't been the case recently, having lost eight of its past nine games, Fears has seen an uptick in his playing time and associated production. Over his past three games, Fears has averaged 53 fantasy points per game, logging at least 37 minutes in all three appearances. All signs point to him closing the season, and apparently, he has a green light on offense. Managers should feel relatively comfortable adding him, despite two high-volume nights to end the campaign.
Julian Reese, Washington Wizards (9% rostered)
It appears as though Reese will close the season as the starting center for Washington, a role that has yielded some encouraging performances. In his past three games, Reese has averaged a double-double, putting up 44.7 fantasy points per game. Perhaps more important is the fact that in each of the three games, he has seen at least 36 minutes. Every season, there are a couple of silly-season centers who rack up big numbers down the stretch. It seems as though Reese is one of those names.
Luke Kennard, Los Angeles Lakers (6% rostered)
With the Lakers very short on troops right now, Kennard has stepped into a sizeable role, flashing his upside on both ends of the floor. In his past three appearances, Kennard has averaged 44.3 fantasy points per game, including what was his first triple-double of the season. Despite the injuries, Los Angeles is still in the hunt for a top-four seed in the Western Conference, which would ensure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Look for Kennard to continue playing a key role as the team enters two must-win games against the Suns and Jazz.
Standard 9-Category Leagues
Jalen Slawson, Indiana Pacers (1% rostered)
Slawson is another player who has quietly put himself in the frame as a must-roster player. Despite his strong defensive production over the past month, contract limitations meant that he was no certainty to suit up on any given night. However, he is now free to play in both remaining games, continuing a strong three-game run over the past week. During that time, he has flirted with top-75 value, averaging 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.3 3-pointers. With scope for him to increase his production on the defensive end, Slawson should be picked up in most leagues, given his ability to impact low-volume categories such as steals and blocks.
Leonard Miller, Chicago Bulls (6% rostered)
Miller continues to be one of the few shining lights in Chicago, having finally carved out a meaningful role, albeit for a team with low expectations. While he has been firmly on the radar for quite some time, Thursday delivered arguably the best performance of his career, recording 26 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block and two 3-pointers. Chicago has seemingly shut down a number of key players, meaning Miller should see out the season as a key piece. At this point, he really is a no-brainer across all formats.
Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs (23% rostered)
Harper has quietly put himself on the radar, having seen a slight uptick in his playing time, with San Antonio starting to ease off on some of its bigger names. Harper has now scored double digits in 10 straight games, playing at least 25 minutes in three of the past four games. He has been a top-85 player in 14 appearances over the past month, averaging 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.6 3-pointers, numbers that are likely sustainable given the fact his role should hold steady moving forward.
Although he has yet to realize any sort of potential, Henderson has found some rhythm in recent times, amassing at least 33 fantasy points in three of his past five games. He has scored double digits in nine of the past 10 games, while also logging at least 24 minutes on a regular basis. Given he missed so much of the early part of the season, it makes sense for the Trail Blazers to get him out on the floor as much as possible, especially if the team can squeeze into the playoffs. As another player likely to close the season with two games played, Henderson makes for a viable starting option in both points and category formats.
Bub Carrington, Washington Wizards (17% rostered)
Carrington has yet to miss a game this season, meaning there is definite incentive to get him out there for the remaining two games. Although his production hasn't been anything spectacular, Carrington is a good example of quantity over quality, which at this time of the year, can be key to success. If you are looking for a low-upside, but safe play, look no further than Carrington.
Ousmane Dieng, Milwaukee Bucks (21% rostered)
Despite all the disruption in Milwaukee, Dieng has managed to make the most of a bad situation. While his percentages have been a major issue, that matters not when it comes to his value in points formats. He continues to play a sizeable role for a team that has basically hit rock bottom, recording at least 29 fantasy points in five of the past six games, including a 66-point explosion during a loss to Houston. In terms of being available for both remaining games, Dieng is as close to a lock as you will find, making him a relatively risk-free addition, should he be available in your league.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 09: Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics reacts after scoring a three point basket during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 09, 2026 in New York City. 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 Pamela Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A lot has to happen to get a bucket in the NBA. The right screen creates just enough space to free up the ball. A pass has to be on the money for a player to get a shot off. And even if everything goes right, it’s still a make-or-miss league where a 50% success rate would be great.
So many things hurt the Celtics on Thursday night. Jayson Tatum would surely love to get those six turnovers back. Allowing the Knicks to hit 15-of-35 from behind the arc is tough to swallow. But in the end, it was two triples from Josh Hart on broken plays that did the Celtics in in the final two minutes.
The Celtics’ magic number to clinch the #2 seed remains at one with two games at TD Garden against the visiting Pelicans tomorrow and the Magic on Sunday. The Knicks host playoff hungry Toronto and Charlotte.
Boston’s championship odds have remained steady all month with our friends at FanDuel and are +550 to raise Banner 19 and the favorite to rep the Eastern Conference in the 2026 NBA Finals.
Jayson Tatum
40 minutes, 24 points (2-10 from 3, 8-10 from the free throw line, 7-22 from the field), 13 rebounds, 8 assists, 6 turnovers, one steal, one block -16
Against the Hornets on March 29th, Tatum put up arguably the highest scoring game of his comeback with 32 points, five rebounds, and eight assists with Brown sidelined. It was an often visceral reminder of his scoring prowess and just home much his size and speed is difficult to defend.
Even alongside Jaylen, Jayson has become more of an all-around contributor, nearly averaging a triple-double at 24-12-8 over the last four games. He was close again with 24-13-8, but six turnovers and an inefficient 2-or-10 from 3 contributed to his -16 plus/minus on the night.
Grade: B
Jordan Walsh
17 minutes, 5 points (1-2 from 3, 2-4 from the field), 2 rebounds, one assist, 5 turnovers, -9
After re-entering the rotation two weeks ago — including starting for the Jays like he did last night for Brown — Walsh has shown a knack for generating momentum-shifting plays with his rangy defense and ability to find offense in the nooks and crannies of opposing teams’ defenses.
Instead of Tommy Points and stocks, we need a new metric/nickname for plays that shouldn’t happen, but Walsh finds a way. Jordan Jolts? Celtics Sparks?
Grade: A-
Neemias Queta
24 minutes, 10 points (2-2 from the free throw line, 4-6 from the field), 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, -7
Queta is the living embodiment of “let the star player get his and shut down everybody else.” Over his last five games, he’s averaged 16.4 points on 75% shooting from the field.
With Tatum struggling a bit, Neemy didn’t get a lot of those easy buckets. Instead, he hit the offensive glass for two of his putback buckets and pulled down six total for the game.
Grade: B+
Sam Hauser
31 minutes, 6 points (2-6 from 3, 2-7 from the field), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, +1
With Scheierman dominating in the 4th quarter, Hauser didn’t get his usual run to close the game. When he was in the game, he used his shooting gravity to find teammates for three assists.
38 minutes, 8 points (0-6 from 3, 4-4 from the free throw line, 2-10 from the field), 3 rebounds, one assist, one steal, -3
So many unofficial end-of-season ballots have Derrick White as an All-Defense First Teamer — I’ve seen him on a few All-NBA lists, too.
Unfortunately, he’s having a Celtics career-worst shooting season and that’s really hurt his box scores. He’s still doing everything else on the floor, but the efficiency is way down in 2025-2026.
Grade: B-
Payton Pritchard
36 minutes, 23 points (3-8 from 3, 10-20 from the field), 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 turnovers, +4
We joked in our CelticsBlog Slack that if Pritchard incorporated Jalen Brunson’s grift game, he’d probably get 4-8 points more from the free throw line. No matter, he carried Boston in the first half with fifteen points with many of his buckets coming at the rim and played more the playmaker after halftime with five assists.
24 minutes, 10 points (2-4 from 3, 4-7 from the field) 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 turnover, +1
Talk about a crash course. After missing fourteen games and virtually all of Tatum’s return, the prize of Boston’s trade deadline has had three games to generate chemistry and get his sea legs back before the playoffs start next week. His first two were duds relative to what we know Vooch can provide on a night-to-night basis. Against the Knicks, the learning curve is still on the upswing.
He hit some big threes in the third quarter and seemed to get into the flow of the read-and-react offense in the fourth. It’s starting to click for the big man.
Grade: B+
Baylor Scheierman
30 minutes, 20 points (6-7 from 3, 7-8 from the field), 4 rebounds, -1
The 38% three-point shooter caught fire at MSG, hitting 6-of-7 from 3. Along with some solid defense on Brunson, it was a clutch 20-point performance for the Celtics highest riser on the bench.
SAN FRANCISCO – At the risk of being accused of suggesting public euthanasia, here goes.
As it trends, the Warriors and their skeletal roster will plunge into the offseason in a few days, perhaps as soon as Wednesday. Barring the miraculous, surely sometime in April.
Would a brief postseason be such a horrible conclusion?
Would that not be a merciful way to close a profoundly unsatisfying season punctuated by a merciless second half?
Yes, I know athletes train to do their best, give their all, and never abandon the goal. Winning is good for any soul, and for some, nothing matters more.
This is not about surrender. This is about an aggressive futility that sank its teeth into the Warriors and shows no sign of letting go.
With Jimmy Butler III sidelined for the season and Stephen Curry out for nine weeks, the Warriors steadily spoke of building good habits and playing as a team, being “on a string” defensively on one end while making defenses work on the other. They knew they were hampered, yet they had difficulty giving themselves a chance.
The Warriors’ principles were a mess. They bobbled and flung their way to 19 turnovers, gifting the Lakers 28 points. Through three quarters, Golden State had more turnovers (16) than assists (15), literally helping LA more than each other. The Warriors are 80 games into the season, without Curry for 28 of the last 30, and still have too many possessions dying on the dribble, sprinkled with maybe one late-clock pass. Zero-pass possessions are a sin in coach Steve Kerr’s system, yet there are times when the ball never leaves the original dribbler.
The Warriors have endured such unrelenting misery over the last 37 games that they surely are bracing for what lies ahead Friday night when they face the Kings in Sacramento, or Sunday when they close the regular season against the Clippers in Los Angeles or next Wednesday when they land in the NBA play-in tournament.
“We’ve been through the wringer here over the last six, eight weeks,” Kerr said Thursday night. “But we’re in a position where we have a chance to get into the playoffs. Got some guys who are getting healthy. Have a chance to hopefully put together a game tomorrow where we have what our roster would look like for the play-in games.
“So tomorrow and Sunday to develop a little rhythm and get a swing at it. We got some hope.”
That hope must be tempered by uncertainty. That’s the way of the Warriors for the last 80 days. The Warriors do not know who will be available for any of those games because each day begins with multiple availability mysteries. Golden State’s injury reports since Jan. 19 have been depressing on sight and epic in length.
Yet Kerr continues to insist there can be internal growth.
“For the next two games, just intensity and connection defensively,” Kerr said of his desires for the team. “Talking, communicating and really being loud and being aggressive. Draymond (Green) will take care of that. And then, on offense, we’ve got to be a little cleaner; we had 19 turnovers tonight. We put a lot of guys in some tough spots.
“But getting some guys back, we should be able to do a better job of taking care of the ball and executing.”
Getting some guys back has been the rallying hope of Kerr and the healthy guys on the roster for two months. Losing Butler for the season punched a gaping hole through the Warriors’ lofty ambitions. When Curry went down 11 days later and during the nine weeks he missed, that hole expanded and hope began fading. The entire operation went from sagging slowly to sinking like a stone.
Moses Moody, a key reserve and occasional starter, sustained a season-ending injury last month. Though Kerr hopes Horford can return Friday night or Sunday, his season will end with him missing more games than he plays.
The paper-logical trade on Feb. 5, an attempt to rescue this season and perhaps bolster those to come, brought them the zigs and zags that innately come with teams buying a ticket to The Porzingis Experience.
The Warriors spent weeks yearning for Curry’s return, largely to witness his court collaboration with Porzingis. As they waited, they dropped from eighth place in the Western Conference to ninth and, finally, to 10th, which reserves the last seat on the last bus to playoff possibilities.
“We’re back in the fight with Steph,” Kerr said after Curry’s encouraging return last Sunday.
“We got Steph,” Brandin Podziemski said Thursday night, citing the source of his optimism. “That solves a lot of it. But we got a lot of winners. KP’s won a championship. Al’s won a championship. Steph and Dray. We got vets that have won championships, Gary (Payton II).
“So, I like our chances when it comes to a one-game situation.”
Despite a season during which so many elements the Warriors could least afford to go wrong went catastrophically wrong, there remain at least three games. Coaches and players already are prepping to face either the Clippers or the Trail Blazers next Wednesday.
Golden State would like a fourth game, in which a victory would mean a trip to Oklahoma City to open a first-round series against the defending champion Thunder. The Warriors would like to go out, if they must, on their feet. It’s the noblest kind of exit.
Deep down, however, they could not be blamed, after all they’ve been through, for feeling that if ever a season deserved to be put out of its misery, it is this one.
DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 5: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against Victor Wembanyama #1 and Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at American Airlines Center on February 5, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Aside from Victor Wembanyama’s NBA Awards eligibility and Cooper Flagg’s ROY case, the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks both come into their 4th and final match-up this season with little to play for. The Spurs, locked into the #2 seed, are just waiting for the playoffs to get here, while Dallas has both eyes set on the NBA Draft Lottery after struggling mightily in the franchise’s first full season without Luka Doncic. Regardless of the reason, these two Texas franchises are both looking forward to the end of the 2025-2026 NBA regular season, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be some fun left to be had.
San Antonio Spurs (61-19) vs Dallas Mavericks (25-55) April 10 2026 | 7:00 PM CT Watch: KENS | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Injuries: Victor Wembanyama, ribs (questionable), Stephon Castle, foot (questionable)
Mavericks Injuries: Caleb Martin, heel (OUT), Daniel Gafford, shoulder (OUT), Kyrie Irving, knee (OUT), Dereck Lively II, foot (OUT, Naji Marshall, hip (day to day), Klay Thompson (day to day), PJ Washington, elbow (day to day), Brandon Williams (day to day)
What to watch for
Coming into the season, the consensus was that Cooper Flagg would be the 2026 Rookie of the Year. The 6’9 forward has flashed real two-way dominance in his first season in the league, setting a few NBA records along the way, but there’s been plenty of chatter recently about Flagg’s former Duke teammate guard Kon Knueppel, who’s made a huge difference his first season with the Charlotte Hornets. Flagg became the first teenager in the history of the NBA to score at least 50 points when he dropped 51 points on 19/30 from the field one week ago today in a loss to the Orlando Magic. Flagg won’t be 20 years old until December 21, 2027.
Head coach Mitch Johnson’s key focus these last couple games is almost certainly on being completely healthy heading into Game 1 of San Antonio’s first round match-up, whoever they may be. It’s a pretty safe bet then that Johnson is going to play Victor Wembanyama no more than the 20 minutes that Wembanyama needs to meet the hotly debated 65-game award minimum in either game Wemby makes his return. Don’t be surprised if the rest of the starters as well as Keldon Johnson are kept on a short leash minutes-wise as well with the Spurs locked into the 2-seed.
Dylan Haprper could be the exception to that rule. Harper, who has had a great rookie season in his own right, has been shooting the ball incredibly well since the beginning of March. He’s proven himself all year long and will be a big part of any postseason success San Antonio has, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t still soak up valuable minutes in the final couple of games of his rookie season.
If you’d like to, you may follow along with the game on our Twitter profile (@poundingtherock) or visit our Game Thread!
LeBron James has played alongside son Bronny for two seasons at the Los Angeles Lakers [Getty Images]
Bronny James passed to parent LeBron for the first son-to-father assist in NBA history as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors 119-103.
Bronny, 19, stole possession and passed to LeBron, who ran the length of the court for an uncontested dunk that was part of a 26-point contribution from the 41-year-old.
The pair recorded the first father-to-son assist in a match against the Brooklyn Nets last month.
LeBron also added 11 assists while Bronny scored 10 points with three assists as the Lakers saw off their state rivals.
The Lakers sit fourth in the Western Conference while the Warriors are in 10th, with both having already qualified for the post-season play-offs that begin on 18 April.
Bronny James (left) was picked by the Los Angeles Lakers during the second round of the NBA draft in 2024 [Getty Images]
Elsewhere, the New York Knicks won 112-106 against the Boston Celtics, with Josh Hart scoring 26 points, to put pressure on their opponents in the Eastern Conference.
The sides are third and second respectively in the standings, with two matches left to play in the regular season.
The Toronto Raptors triumphed 128-114 against the Miami Heat while the Houston Rockets won 113-102 against Philadelphia 76ers to solidify their chances of a play-off place.
In matches between sides already out of post-season contention, the Chicago Bulls won 119-108 against the Washington Wizards while the Indiana Pacers beat the Brooklyn Nets 123-94.
WNBA approves three-team expansion
The WNBA has approved expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia and will become an 18-team league by 2030.
The Cleveland franchise will be the first to make their debut in the competition - they will appear in 2028 - while Detroit and Philadelphia will follow in 2029 and 2030 respectively.
The WNBA has gone through a period of expansion in recent years with the Golden State Valkyries joining in 2025 while the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire are set to follow this year.
The new season starts on 8 May and its regular season will run to 24 September.
They could’ve rolled over Thursday, April 9 to let the Boston Celtics clinch the No. 2 seed. They could’ve rested their stars compromised their competitive spirit to gear up instead for the playoffs, which begin April 18.
Let me explain.
In the days leading up to this game, a faction of social media basketball strategists pondered whether New York, the current three-seed in the East, would be better served to target the No. 4 slot. The thinking was that it would avoid an eventual matchup against the surging Celtics, who have won 25 of their last 33 games, in the conference semifinals.
Instead, Knicks forward Josh Hart drained all five of his 3s in the second half — including a pair inside the final 43 seconds that put the game away — to help New York narrowly outlast Boston, 112-106, in a game that had 13 ties and 16 lead changes.
Despite the victory, the Knicks, however, could still feasibly throw their final two games to tank into the four-seed to avoid Boston.
Should they?
I’ll concede that it does make some practical sense for teams at the bottom of the standings to tank. Those attempts to manipulate draft positioning, particularly in a draft class as loaded as this one, can theoretically be the difference between an elite, franchise-altering player and a good-to-very-good one.
Taking this approach, however, as you’re trying to win it all, would be a tell for loser behavior. Indirectly, the message would be that a team is scared of another, or at least giving it far too much respect.
“We’re heading in the direction of where we need to be at,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said after the game. “I like the climb that we’ve made the last week or so, the last three or four games. We’ve got a couple more games to get there.
“For us, we’ll take it one game at a time, but we’ve got these two left, and we’d like to win both of them. What does that mean? I don’t know; we’ll see. But when we lace them up, we’re playing to win.”
Let’s very quickly run through the scenarios.
The Celtics (54-26) will almost certainly clinch the No. 2 seed. All they need to do is win one of their two remaining games, both of which are at home: against the Pelicans (Friday, April 10) and Magic (Sunday, April 12).
Because the Knicks (52-28) hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers (51-29), New York would clinch the three-seed with a victory in either of its remaining games, which are also both at home: against the Raptors (Friday) and Hornets (Sunday).
And, assuming both Boston and New York handle their first-round playoff series, that would set up, once again, a rematch in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
If the Knicks fell to the fourth-seed, their semifinal opponent would likely be the No. 1 Pistons, who only just got All-Star Cade Cunningham back Wednesday, April 8 from a collapsed lung.
Making the prospect of a Knicks-Celtics rematch more enticing is that Boston’s players seemingly want it.
“It felt like death,” Jaylen Brown said of last year’s playoff loss during a recent Twitch stream. “The Knicks — good team — but to blow two 20-point leads, like, how does that happen? Just, the energy was off, and we lost, but shout out to the Knicks. They won. They moved on. We lost. We did it to ourselves. Can’t be mad at it.
“But this (year is a different story). We might match up with the Knicks again, and we’ve got to be ready to slide. … Sometimes, you’ve got to spin the block. You’ve got to run it back.”
By beating the Celtics Thursday night, New York can now say that it went 3-1 against Boston in the regular season. The Knicks sharpened their late-game actions in the clutch. They blitzed Celtics star Jayson Tatum — who was playing his first game here in Madison Square Garden since he tore his Achilles in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals — showing they have a recipe to defend him in the postseason.
Most of all, New York can use this momentum to galvanize its group into a rallying point as it tries to win its first NBA Finals since 1973.
Granted, none of New York’s victories over Boston this season were with both Tatum and Brown, who missed Thursday’s game with left Achilles tendinitis, on the floor.
Either way, all of this is setting up for what should be a fascinating rematch.
“That’s fool’s gold, trying to pick and choose your spots in the standings and who you play,” Knicks All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns told reporters after the game. “That’s fool’s gold (thinking) you have to lose to win.”
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Chase Center on April 09, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For at least one game, there is a glimmer of hope in Los Angeles.
The Lakers actually beat the Warriors. Now, Steph Curry was out for the contest, so it was the corpse of Golden State against the ghost of LA, but in the win-loss column, the victory counts the same.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
LeBron was superb in this contest. He was aggressively attacking the basket, racking up points. James was a positive defender and led the team in assists. He also had another incredible dunk to add to his infinite highlight reel of jams.
There was a scary moment where he blocked a shot and appeared to hurt his hand, but he remained in the game. That’s great news because the last thing this team needs is another injury.
This was one of the best LaRavia games in weeks. He finally had a good shooting night and was a threat from deep. Hopefully, this is the start of a good stretch of shooting for LaRavia as we enter the postseason.
Ayton brought the appropriate energy and efficiency to this game. He dominated inside and scored some of his patented high-post buckets. If Ayton can play like this the rest of the way, LA will have a shot at winning
Kennard had some really rough possessions with the ball. In the third quarter, he had one play where he rushed to the rim and looked like he had no idea how to attempt a layup.
Kennard is being asked to do more than he normally is, and this game is a reminder of why he is best just shooting from deep and setting screens.
Vando’s offensive possessions were an adventure in this game. He’s clearly only playing because the team is shorthanded, but his time on the floor was tough to watch in this one.
Bronny becoming a legit rotation player has been a joy to watch. He is progressing so much during his sophomore season. He still struggles with ball pressure, but he’s improved a lot. Now, when he comes in, it’s not just during wins in garage time. Bronny can help the Lakers win.
Grade: B
Nick Smith Jr.
11 minutes, 12 points, 4-5 FG, 4-5 3PT, +9
Smith Jr. just broke the 10 minutes required for a grade. He is a player unafraid to shoot the ball, and in this game he was hot from deep, going 4-5. If Redick needs some offense during one of these games, Smith Jr. isn’t a bad option to go to.
These four players didn’t play 10 or more minutes, so they will not be receiving a grade.
JJ Redick
Redick pushed the right buttons in this game. He ran a tight rotation, and it resulted in the Lakers playing a better game overall. Redick called timeouts when the Warriors went on a run, and the Lakers responded each time.
Grade: B
Thursday’s DNPs: Chris Mañon
Thursday’s inactives: Marcus Smart, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes
In the last few days of the regular season, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have played with the kind of rhythm/connection that’s been missing for most of the year.
With five minutes to play in the fourth quarter, Brunson found Towns for a dunk and a three-pointer on consecutive possessions.
It was the kind of sequence the Knicks probably envisioned when they traded for Towns in the 2024 offseason. They didn’t see much of it in the first 78 games of this season. The narrative around the Knicks was that Towns and Brunson didn’t fit well together.
But if the last two games are any indication, that narrative may be changing.
“They’re getting a rhythm at the right time,” Mike Brown said after New York’s win on Thursday. “Jalen was great without the basketball. He used his ability to get open because he understands angles. He’s second to none with his ability to change directions without the basketball.
“When we have a passer like KAT who can hand it off or pass it late to you, it makes that duo really effective because of those two guys and the characteristics they have as players. What also makes it good is KAT can shoot the three and Jalen can shoot the three and put the ball on the floor. So (Towns’) man has to be up into him. He’s big enough, long enough to protect the basketball and still making the pass,” Brown added. “Now you’re talking about there’s a lot of room that Jalen’s guy has to cover or try to cover with Jalen moving. The rhythm that those two guys have established these last few games is something they’re gonna have to take into the playoffs because it’s a really good combination, obviously.”
What’s changed between Towns and Brunson? Towns cited conversations he’s had with Brunson ahead of games.
“Those convos are showing up in the game, especially in the last two fourth quarters,” Towns said. “In high-pressure situations, we’ve leaned on each other and trusted each other in those situations and it’s been very good for our team.”
If the Towns-Brunson pairing works as well in the postseason as it has over the past two games, the Knicks will be a different – and dangerous – team in the playoffs.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 23: Jake LaRavia #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls a rebound against Jordan Goodwin #23 and Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 23, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers (51-29) will complete their final back-to-back of the season on Friday against the Phoenix Suns (44-36).
A win would greatly help them secure the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. With just a couple of games left, this playoff race will come down to the wire.
LA hasn’t had much luck against Phoenix this season. They have lost three of their four matchups against them, with Devin Booker and longtime Lakers foe Dillon Brooks doing most of the damage in those contests.
At this point in the season, the Suns are cemented as the No. 7 seed, so they don’t have the same urgency to win as the Lakers do. That could work in the Lakers’ favor.
For LA to win, it’s going to take a coalition of the willing. That means LeBron James, if he’s active, has to carry a large load once again. As the team’s best available ball handler, he has to score and set up the players on the court for good looks at the basket.
For those looks to be converted, his teammates have to knock down shots. Rui Hachimura is one of LA’s best shooters, converting on 43.6% of his 3-point attempts. Luke Kennard is another laser who can get hot from deep. Kennard’s also shown the ability to handle the ball now that Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are out.
Also, can LA get a big performance from Deandre Ayton? He’s coming off a good performance in LA’s win over Golden State, and that level of play is something he can regularly do.
If he replicates that on Friday night, the Lakers can end the game with possession of the fourth seed with just one contest remaining.
The Lakers need this game and the Suns don’t. That, along with the playoffs approaching, should be motivation enough to push through the exhaustion of the back-to-back and secure the result.
Notes and Updates
There is no injury report available for the Laker at this time, as they are playing on the second night of a back-to-back. Luka Dončić (left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) will remain out. Hopefully, Jaxson Hayes (left foot soreness) and Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion) can return.
As for the Suns, Devin Booker (right ankle injury management), Haywood Highsmith (right knee injury management) and Jordan Goodwin (left ankle sprain) are out. Jalen Green (right knee soreness) is questionable.
