The final week of the 2025-26 NBA regular season is upon us, and the race to solidify playoff seeding is in full swing. Teams across both conferences are battling for position, with first-round matchups and play-in tournament spots still very much up for grabs.
In the Western Conference, the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, sit at the top and could take the No. 1 seed for the third consecutive season, with the San Antonio Spurs close behind at No. 2. With just three games remaining, the play-in picture is far from settled, and every win or loss carries serious weight.
In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons clinched the No. 1 seed with the Boston Celtics at currently at No. 2. Remaining game could still shift conference seedings.
With the regular season winding down, the playoff picture is still taking shape. Here is how things currently stand and who would be in the play-in tournament if the season ended today.
The NBA Play-In Tournament tips off Tuesday, April 14, and runs through Friday, April 17, with all six games streaming exclusively on Prime Video.
The No. 7 through No. 10 seeds in each conference battle for the final two playoff spots per conference, while the top six seeds lock automatic berths.
The NBA Playoffs start on Saturday, April 18, as 16 teams, eight per conference, compete through a best-of-seven bracket to crown a champion.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals is set for Wednesday, June 3, on ABC.
NBA Play-In Tournament bracket
The NBA play-in tournament standings after games played on Tuesday, April 7:
Western Conference
(7) Phoenix Suns vs. (8) LA Clippers
(9) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (10) Golden State Warriors
Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and Jalen Green (4) against the Houston Rockets in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Suns came out against Houston on Tuesday night with a level of tenacity and execution that has been absent for nearly two months, ripping off a 24-0 run in the first quarter against Kevin Durant and the 4th-seeded Rockets, the best run Phoenix has produced since play-by-play tracking began in 1997. The energy was real, the shots were falling, and the defensive disruption finally arrived with purpose, as Phoenix leaned into the emotion of the night and translated it into production.
And then the quarter ended.
We settled back into the familiar rhythm that has followed this team as the season winds down, where productivity slips and regression takes over. In a game charged with emotion, the Suns never found a way to channel that energy into anything sustainable. And without adjustments against a team that thrives on owning the glass, the outcome felt inevitable as they were outscored 98-68 over the final three quarters.
Suns were up 42-31 when Dillon Brooks starting talking shit to Kevin Durant. The Rockets out scored the Suns 88-63 the rest of the game
The Suns can look electric for stretches, completely in sync, and then it fades. It has been a theme for the last third of the season, and it showed up again against the Houston Rockets.
Some of it comes down to emotional maturity. These are moments that many of these players are still learning to navigate. Not all have played in games with added weight, added noise, and added meaning. Harnessing that consistently is not easy. And layered on top of it, you are playing a Houston team that, right now, is simply better.
So you get the flash. You get the reminder of what it can look like. And then you are left searching for why it doesn’t hold. But what made Tuesday frustrating is how familiar it felt. The Phoenix Suns went right back to the same habits. No real adjustment. Another fourth quarter that slipped away. Another night trying to combat size with guard play and hoping it holds.
It didn’t.
They got crushed on the glass. 37 second-chance points allowed. That is not bad luck, that is a structural problem. That is getting outworked, out-positioned, and outmuscled possession after possession. For a team that is healthy and possesses size, the use none of it. No, they keep running a limping Grayson Allen out there so he can miss a few threes and defensive assignments.
Imagine a world where the Suns put rebounders on the floor to negate getting pwned on the glass https://t.co/0odmtRwk9S
They were talking when they were up. Feeling good. Riding that early wave. And in doing so, they poked Kevin Durant. You give a player like that a reason — any reason — and you are asking for trouble. The 21-point lead slowly disappeared, possession by possession, until it was gone.
Health is coming back, but growth is not showing up with it. Progression is sitting in the back seat of this Uber drive to the postseason. You want to see progress this time of year, even against better teams. Cleaner execution. Better awareness. A sense that things are tightening, not unraveling. Instead, it feels like the same script on repeat.
And now the margin is shrinking. Three games left, only two up on the Los Angeles Clippers. That cushion is not what it used to be. Home court in the Play-In is still there, but it is no longer comfortable. That is where the concern lives.
Because the postseason is built on emotion. It is built on moments like this, only louder, tighter, and heavier. And right now, there is a real question as to whether this team can meet that moment and execute when it matters most.
Bright Side Baller Season Standings
20 on the season for Devin Booker. This surpasses last season’s total for Book. That’s right, this is the second season we’ve done the Bright Side Baller, and you may recall that Devin was the Bright Side Baller of the Year for 2024-25. He did so winning it 19 times. So this is a big moment for him.
Bright Side Baller Nominees
Game 79 against the Rockets. Here are your nominees:
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 28: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during a 2025-26 Emirates Cup game on November 28, 2025 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cavaliers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have three games left in the regular season. As of now, it seems like they’re going to match up against the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. That makes it as good a time as any to ask how you think that potential series would go.
The Hawks have turned it on over the past couple of months. They’ve been 19-4 since the All-Star break, which is good for the third-best record in the league and the best in the conference in that span. They’ve done this on the defensive end as they’ve registered an impressive 107.3 defensive rating since that time.
They’re a very different team now than they were at the start of the season. The Hawks came into this year hoping to make a Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis-led starting unit work. They pivoted away from that at the deadline, handing the reins over to Jalen Johnson.
Atlanta is a wing-heavy team. They have size and versatility at every position and would be a good test for the Cavs if they were to meet in the first round.
Meanwhile, it’s difficult to know what to make of this Cavaliers team. The highs have been high since the James Harden trade, but the inconsistencies on the defensive end make it difficult to predict how exactly the playoffs will go.
How do you think a first-round series between the Cavs and Hawks would go? Let us know by voting below, and tell us why you voted how you did in the comments.
May 16, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Kelly Olynyk is interviewed during the NBA Draft combine at Harrison Street Athletics Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-Imagn Images
Every April, USAA honors the sacrifice and resilience of more than 1.6 million kids for Month of the Military Child. San Antonio Spurs Lil’ MVP Camp, presented by USAA, celebrates the strength, service and skills of local military kids with an on court experience.
Recently, some of the campers took to the podium to participate in a “presser” similar to what Spurs players and coaches go through before and after games.
In this post, the kids got some questions. Spurs bog man Kelly Olynyk also fielded some of the same questions.
Julian expected that a draw was the most probable while Evalei doesn’t think she could beat the varmint. Kelly Olynyk thought it was a great question, but needed to study film to give an accurate response. Darian’s confidence was off the charts as he was sure he’d win.
Favorite Spurs player”?
A resounding response for Victor Wembanyama.
The kids were asked who inspires them. Family members were the most common.
What would be your basketball super power?
Dunking. And for a youngster under four feet tall, that seems like a super power, but who knows? These kids might just grow into players who can dunk with their normal human powers.
What is your favorite basketball memory?
While I am sure these kiddos are too young to remember the Spurs annihilating the Miami Heat in 2014, they had some solid personal memories including hitting buzzer-beaters and having their parents watch them succeed.
Tomorrow’ NBA and WNBA superstars today. Fun little video and a great was that USAA is supporting military families.
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Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Josh Hart #3 and Og Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on April 06, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Hawks fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
With just three games remaining in the regular season, the Hawks are turning their eyes towards the postseason.
Postseason basketball is often more physical, slower-paced, and features a shortened rotation. Backup center Jock Landale has proven to be a big midseason pickup, providing size and floor spacing that makes everyone else’s job easier.
But after a dirty takedown from Goga Bitadze of the Orlando Magic, an ankle injury will sideline him until at least the playoffs — and possibly longer.
Of course, Onyeka Okongwu can’t realistically play 48 minutes a game. That begs the question: which player would be the best candidate to play backup center for the rest of the season and into the games that matter most?
Please discuss your answers in the comments below.
The NBA play-offs begin on 19 April with the start of the finals set for 5 June [Getty Images]
The NBA play-offs are a four-round tournament to determine the winners of the NBA Championship.
Sixteen of the 30 NBA teams - who start the regular season - qualify for the end-of-season format.
The top six with the most wins in each Conference (East and West) automatically secure their spot in the play-offs.
The teams that place between 7-10th then play for the remaining spots in a 'play-in tournament'.
Teams are seeded by their final position in the Conference table.
NBA play-off format
Teams will need to progress through four rounds to claim the NBA title.
First round (16 teams compete)
Conference semi-finals (Eight teams compete)
Conference finals (Four teams compete)
NBA finals (Two teams compete)
In each round, the team with the better regular-season record will gain home-court advantage. That team plays games one, two, five and seven at home.
Each round uses a best-of-seven format. If one team wins the first four games, they will progress to the next round. There could be anywhere between 60-105 games in total, in the play-offs.
In the first round, the top seeds will play the bottom seeds from each Conference.
Series one – first seed vs eighth seed
Series two – second seed vs seventh seed
Series three – third seed vs sixth seed
Series four – fourth seed vs fifth seed
The winners of Series one and Series four play each other in each of the Conference semi-finals, as do the winners of Series two and three.
The winner of those games will meet in the Conference final.
The NBA Finals
The winner of each Conference final will face off in the NBA finals for the Championship.
In 2026, the finals will begin on 3 June, with a potential seventh game pencilled in for 19 June.
New York Knicksv Vs Baltimore Bullets Baltimore Bullets' Wes Unseld (41), is up with a rebound in first period of outing against Knicks at Garden. (Photo By: Dan Farrell/NY Daily News via Getty Images) | NY Daily News via Getty Images
During Michigan’s win over UConn Monday night, Aday Mara threw a quick and devastating outlet pass over the Huskies’ defense that made announcer Bill Raftery excitedly say, “shades of Wes Unseld.”
Many people immediately wondered: who the hell is Wes Unseld?
And since he retired in 1981, a lot of readers were born well after his career ended. And in truth, in later years, Unseld was a shadow of what he had been.
And what he was earlier in his career was phenomenal.
Just 6-6, but a solid 250, Unseld came into the league in 1968 and won Rookie of the Year and also MVP.
He played center and when he came in, that meant he had to deal with Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Nate Thurmond, and Willis Reed, among others.
In a couple of years, he would have Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to deal with as well.
Despite being vastly smaller than these enormous rivals, Unseld more than held his own, and, as Raftery suggested, he had one of the greatest outlet passes ever seen. Perhaps only Russell, Kevin Love, and Bill Walton were in the same tier as outlet passers.
Basically, Unseld achieved all that he did by outworking his opponents.
Later in his career, knee problems began to limit his mobility. He remained a good rebounder and passer until retirement, but he couldn’t move like he had as a younger player.
There really isn’t anyone else quite like him in the history of the game.
Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) celebrates a three point shot with guard Aaron Holiday (0) against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rockets fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This week’s question has us looking forward to the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The Rockets currently sit in fifth place, but they have been jockeying with three other teams in their tier — the Denver Nuggets, LA Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets have won 9 in a row, but the other two teams have been slumping.
The Rockets would be playing the Lakers if they season ended today. What we’d like to know is which one of the teams in their current tier would you least like to meet in the postseason, Lakers, Nuggets or Wolves? Who would be the toughest matchup?
Cast your vote, tell us in the comments, and we’ll be back soon with results.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 7: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on April 7, 2026 at TD Garden 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
1. Locked In 4th Quarter
Boston did a great job of slowing down the Hornets attack to end the third quarter, finishing on a 10-0 run with all the momentum and a slim 90-87 lead. Once the fourth quarter started, the Celtics went to another level defensively, holding the Hornets to 15 points on 7-21 (33%) shooting from the field and 1-7 (14%) shooting from three. They did a great job of putting pressure on the Hornets ball handlers, forcing them into bad turnovers and running the fast-break the other way.
On offense, Boston went on a 26-7 run from the 1:44 mark of the third quarter to the 5:48 mark of the fourth quarter that essentially iced the game. The Celtics shot 9-18 (50%) from the field and 3-9 (33%) from three in the quarter. Boston’s ball movement was a big key to their success, making multiple passes to find the open shot, demoralizing Charlotte’s defense.
2. Brown Takeover Mode
Jaylen Brown played a great game against the Hornets, finishing with 35 points and 9 rebounds on 13-29 shooting. Even after scoring 7 points in the first quarter, Boston got outscored 31-20 and just out flat. It was Brown who sparked the offense in the second quarter, finishing with 11 points on 3-6 shooting including his 2,000th point of the season, becoming the 8th player in Celtics history to hit that mark in a season.
Jaylen Brown surpassed 2,000 points on the season tonight — becoming the 8th Celtic to ever do so in a single season
The other 7 Celtics to accomplish that:
Larry Bird (4x) Paul Pierce (4x) John Havlicek (2x) Jayson Tatum (2x) Isaiah Thomas Sam Jones Kevin McHale
Brown continued to carry the load for the Celtics, playing every minute of the second half, scoring 17 points on 7-15 shooting. Coming out of halftime, he shot 2-7 and the Hornets were still hanging around. Then he hit back-to-back shots to end the third quarter including a buzzer beater that got him back in the flow of his offense.
Brown had 8 points and shot 3-6 in the fourth quarter, forcing the Hornets to have Kon Knueppel switched on to him on defense and attacking the rookie on almost every play down the floor. He would get to his spot with ease and Charlotte had no answers to guard him. The Hornets looked gassed in the fourth quarter trying to keep up with the Celtics offense and Jaylen was a big part of that.
3. Walsh Energy Shifter
Jordan Walsh played maybe the most perfect game he could have against the Hornets in this one, finishing with 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and doing all of the little things that kept him out there over Baylor Scheierman. Walsh’s ability to guard LaMelo Ball was a huge highlight in the second half, essentially shutting off the water to the Hornets’ entire offense.
Walsh played the final 7:31 seconds for the Celtics in the third quarter and was tasked with guarding LaMelo Ball who already had 32 points up until that point. Ball only scored 4 more points the rest of the quarter at the free throw line due to Walsh completely clamping him down. LaMelo only attempted one shot on Jordan Walsh and we saw Walsh do an incredible job navigating around screens to still contest Ball’s shot at the rim.
Walsh did everything he needed to do when it came to his offensive game, shooting 4-4 from the field and 1-1 from three. When he grabbed an offensive rebound that turned into a tip-in dunk in the second quarter, that is when I knew we were going to get a good offensive game from Walsh. When he is aggressive and looking to shoot, it makes his time on the court flow so much better for the Celtics. If the Celtics can get this version of Jordan Walsh for the rest of the season, he is going to find himself getting legitimate playoff rotation minutes off the bench.
4. Tatum Efficient Game
Jayson Tatum had some eye-popping stat-lines in his last few games but this one was just a clean 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists on 8-15 shooting from the field and 3-7 from three. Tatum did a great job of just taking what the defense gave him when it came to his scoring and finished with an efficient shooting night. I don’t know if it has something to do with playing the Hornets specifically but the two games that Tatum has arguably looked the most comfortable against has been Charlotte.
There was no hesitation on his drives to the basket and his three point shoot looked really smooth. The Hornets have a lot of mismatches on defense when it comes to guarding Tatum and he was able to take advantage on them all night long. Nothing made me more certain that he loves playing against Charlotte than the side-step three he made in front of the Celtics bench in the fourth quarter.
5. Queta Offensive Board Domination
Neemias Queta has been on fire for the Celtics over his last 4 games, averaging 17.5 Points, 9.0 Rebounds, 2.5 Assists, and 2.8 Blocks, on 73% shooting while finishing as a combined +104. In this matchup against Charlotte, Queta once again had a good performance, finishing with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block on 6-7 shooting.
The part of his game that stood out the most to me was the fact that 5 of his rebounds were offensive rebounds and all of them resulted in put back baskets for him. Queta did a great job of taking up space underneath the basket and keeping the ball high after coming down with the rebound to finish the play. If there was one knock on Queta’s game sometimes it was the fact he would keep the ball low and exposed for teams to poke it away, this game he took a real step forward in that department.
6. Pritchard Woke Up In Second Half
Payton Pritchard has had an incredible run over the last few weeks, averaging 20.1 Points on 53% shooting from the field and 51% shooting from three. However, against the Hornets he started slow with only 3 points on 1-3 shooting in the first half. Boston needed his scoring off the bench and he came up big time in the second half with 9 points on 3-5 shooting with all of his baskets coming from three point range.
Pritchard was great when it came to being a catch and shoot guy in this game, letting the Celtics’ ball movement end with the ball in his hands. There weren’t a whole lot of opportunities for Pritchard to have a big game so the fact that he was able to make an impact was big for Boston’s second half run.
7. Vucevic Played Almost Entire 4th Quarter
Nikola Vucevic did not have a great game through the first three quarters when looking at the stat sheet, finishing with 0 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists on 0-6 shooting from the field and 0-2 from three. Given his slow shooting start, it was a surprise when Joe Mazulla played him for almost the entire fourth quarter with Queta on the bench for the first 10:24. However, Vucevic played well along with the starters, finishing with 2 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals on 1-4 shooting in the fourth quarter and being a +9.
Vucevic’s work on the boards and his defense was a big reason why he was effective in this quarter. He was playing with energy even when only one of his shots were falling. This could be due to the face he sat the entire third quarter but I hope the ending to this game is the start of a run of positive play for Vucevic heading into the playoffs.
8. Positive Paint Presence
The Celtics did a great job when it came to rebounding and scoring in the paint against a team that has two centers in Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner who are known for clogging up the area in front of the basket. Boston out rebounded Charlotte 45-40 with 13 of those rebounds for the Celtics being on the offensive glass. Boston had 6 of them in the first quarter alone but the 3 they had in the fourth quarter were the real back breakers for Charlotte.
When it came to the points in the paint battle, the Celtics were also the superior team in that regard, outscoring the Hornets 44-32. Boston’s ability to finish layups at the basket was a big positive in this game, shooting 16-21 (76%) at the rim in this game, despite Charlotte having formidable defenders.
9. (LaMel0) Ball Don’t Lie
When you think of Celtics killers, LaMelo Ball might not be the first name that comes to mind but he has had some big games in his career against Boston. For his career LaMelo averages 26.1 Points which is well above his career average as well as 6.8 Assists, 6.3 Rebounds, and 1.o Steal on 45% shooting from the field and 38% from three.
Ball had another great game against the Celtics overall, finishing with 36 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds on 12-24 shooting from the field and 6-15 from three. Although these numbers look good on paper, he spent the final 19:31 of this game with only 4 points on 0-4 shooting and 0 points in the fourth quarter on 0-2 shooting. This was due in part to the incredible defense by Jordan Walsh in the third quarter but the fourth quarter saw Derrick White take over as the defensive stopper on Ball.
It felt like once the Celtics were able to slow down LaMelo Ball and forced the rest of the Hornets team to beat them, Boston was able to thrive in the fourth quarter. The defense Walsh and White played on LaMelo should not go by waist side but I can’t deny how good Ball was in this game. He was hitting some absurd shots from three and looked like he was just playing at a different level than everyone else. He has a very bright future of being the engine of the Hornets team moving forward and I can’t wait to see more matchups with him against Boston.
10. Magic Number is 1
Just like the Celtics game against the Toronto Raptors on April 5th, Boston could be on a collision course with Charlotte when it comes to the Play-In Tournament. With this win for the Celtics, their Magic Number to clinch the 2nd Seed in the Eastern Conference is down to 1. It could be official on Thursday April 9th when Boston goes to Madison Square Garden with a matchup against the New York Knicks. A win in New York clinches it.
For Charlotte they need to win this game when it came to the Play-In standings, starting the day in 8th place but finishing it in 9th, being leap frogged by the Orlando Magic. The Play-In is so close right now that the Hornets still have time to bounce back into a higher seed but I am not sure I want to see them in a First Round Playoff matchup against the Celtics.
I have a ton of respect for the Charlotte Hornets and their offense can be absolutely lethal against a higher seed that could over look them. I’m not total against playing them however, given the fact they have yet to have answer for when Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are the court together. Charlotte could push Boston to a 6 or 7 game series but I would have it finishing in a very hard fought 5 games.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 7: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on April 7, 2026 at TD Garden 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown was impressed by the No. 9 seed Charlotte Hornets after Tuesday night’s matchup at TD Garden. In fact, he said it was almost like going up against a much younger version of the C’s.
In a potential first-round playoff preview, it took a come-from-behind rally for the Celtics to overcome the NBA’s third-youngest team. Ten days ago in Charlotte, Boston clinched a playoff berth without Brown and Derrick White. This time, to close out the regular-season series, the Celtics prevailed with a 113-102 victory, leaving Brown taking note of Charlotte’s (awfully familiar) young core before a possible postseason reunion.
“This team kind of reminds me of us when we were younger,” Brown told NBC’s Ashley ShahAhmadi. “Young group, shoot the ball well, got a lot of different guys that can beat you, and have a fearlessness. So they came out ready to play.”
Coming off a win over the Toronto Raptors — another possible playoff foe — on Sunday, the Celtics knew opponents would bring a greater sense of urgency in the final weeks of the regular season. The Hornets sit just half a game behind the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers, which is the difference between the ninth seed and the sixth seed. Charlotte also trails Toronto by 1½ games with two left to play, which could determine whether they enter the play-in tournament or punch a first-round ticket against the New York Knicks.
So Brown wasn’t surprised by how the Hornets came out.
“Give credit to Charlotte,” Brown told reporters, per CLNS Media. “I think it was a must-win game for them, and they came out like it. They came out trying to blow up screens. They came out playing with a different intensity level than we did to start the game.”
In the first quarter, the Hornets outscored the Celtics, 31-20, by sinking 7-of-17 3-point attempts. Boston struggled to keep up as Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball began taking over.
No one shoots it like LaMelo 🎯
He leans into his fifth triple of the night to give him 23 points at the half! pic.twitter.com/xubEl7HBxk
Ball finished with a game-high 36 points, shooting 12-of-14 with six 3-pointers. Several of his makes were 2K-esque, including his 35-foot stepback three over White and a forward-leaning three in the final minute of the first half.
Brown was stunned at how second-nature Ball’s trick shots were, as he constantly fired away with confidence.
“LaMelo was playing unbelievable, making some unbelievable shots,” Brown said.
Behind Ball’s masterclass, the Hornets were dangerous for nearly three quarters. Charlotte made as many first-half 3-pointers (13) as their two-point attempts, beating the Celtics at their own game. It felt as though in the blink of an eye, Ball was able to dribble across half court and find a quality 3-point look as the Hornets attempted 42 entering the fourth quarter — they attempt 43.1 per game this season.
“These guys, they have six, seven guys that can shoot,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters, per CLNS Media. “So they’re gonna shoot themselves into a game.”
Brown and the Celtics restored order in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter. They held Ball scoreless in the final frame and limited the Hornets to just 20 points on 7-of-21 shooting from the field, forcing three turnovers. Brown earned his final three baskets the hard way, attacking the rim each time and drawing several trips to the free-throw line.
At the charity stripe, Brown was met with MVP chants as he secured his 35th 30-point performance. He also reached 20,000 points for the campaign, becoming the eighth player in Celtics history to do so, joining Tatum, Isaiah Thomas, Paul Pierce, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, John Havlicek, and Sam Jones.
By then, the Hornets were out of reach for a comeback. But coach Lee’s group has established one thing: they’re not to be overlooked, now or in the future. Charlotte’s young, talented core led by Ball, a 2022 All-Star, Kon Knueppel, this season’s leader in 3-pointers made, and Brandon Miller, the team’s leading scorer, is set. It shouldn’t be too long before the Hornets begin marking their territory in the Eastern Conference, much like Brown and Tatum did after LeBron James packed up and joined the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference.
Until the Celtics officially discover their first-round opponent, Brown will focus on getting back in the lab and practicing his rock, paper, scissors strategy for the next time Boston runs into Charlotte.
Following Tuesday night’s win, as both teams left the floor, Brown reconnected with former Celtics teammate Grant Williams. The two squared off in a quick, friendly game of rock, paper, scissors — a ritual between them that hasn’t gone in Brown’s favor at all.
“Grant has probably beaten me — he probably knows the exact record — probably the last 50 times in a row,” Brown said. “He’s been on an insane stretch, and I give him all the credit. I don’t know how he does it, but you’re only as good as your last game.”
Boston took two of three versus Charlotte this season. Only time will tell if Brown and Tatum will see the reflection of their younger selves in Round 1.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 7: Jaylen Brown #7 and Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics high five during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on April 7, 2026 at TD Garden 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
If you caught Boston’s 54th win of the season on TV or at TD Garden, you would have thought it was a playoff game. The scrappy Hornets have been one of the best second half of the season teams and could knock off a contender in the first round. But after leading by as many as 11 points in the first half, they could not withstand a strong offensive showing from Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum and the Celtics suffocating D that allowed a dismal 3-of-18 from behind the arc in the second half.
After beating the Hornets, one win or a Knicks loss clinches the #2 seed for the Celtics; the two teams meet at Madison Square Garden on Thursday. Boston’s championship odds have remained steady all month with our friends at FanDuel and are +600 to raise Banner 19 and the favorite to rep the Eastern Conference in the 2026 NBA Finals.
Jaylen Brown
43 minutes, 26 points (3-10 from 3, 6-7 from the free throw line, 13-29 from the field), 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 turnovers, one steal, one block +9
We can quibble about what MVP means. Is it the most important player on each team and how much he means to their success or is it the best player in the league regardless of his team’s standing? Is offense more important than defense or vice versa?
Regardless of the debate, what Jaylen Brown did on Tuesday night against the Hornets was the stuff of an MVP candidate.
We’ve noted that over the past few weeks since Tatum’s return, Brown has made it a priority to drive and often force the officials to make a call. Just as they did against Toronto on Sunday, the Jays carried the scoring burden with JB scoring 17 of his 35 points in the second half. He had his issues with five turnovers, but probably deserved more than seven trips to the line.
39 minutes, 23 points (3-7 from 3, 4-5 from the free throw line, 8-15 from the field), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 turnovers, one steal, +12
At Game #15 for Tatum, it feels like he’s good for 20+ points, five rebounds, and five assists every night. That’s the floor. He didn’t get close to recording a triple-double, but the bigger number of the night might be JT playing all twelve minutes of the fourth quarter along with Brown, DWhite, and Payton Pritchard.
Oh, and he got tangled up in a scrap with Moussa Diabate and didn’t flinch.
Grade: A-
Neemias Queta
25 minutes, 12 points (6-7 from the field), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, one block, +10
We’re now at 36-of-48 for Queta over the last five games with all five of his offensive rebounds resulting in his own putbacks.
Grade: A
Sam Hauser
16 minutes, 5 points (1-5 from 3, 2-7 from the field), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, +4
It was another one of those nights where Hauser wasn’t hitting the simple catch-and-shoot corner threes, but he was active on the glass and made the right reads when he couldn’t get his shot off.
Grade: B
Derrick White
37 minutes, 12 points (4-5 from 3, 4—5 from the field), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, one turnover, one steal, +18
It’s hard to fault White for an ultra-efficient scoring night, making four of his five three-point attempts. He’s still making all the right plays on both sides of the ball, but I’d love to see one breakout game before the playoffs.
30 minutes, 12 points (4-7 from 3, 4-8 from the field), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 turnovers, +5
Like White, Pritchard took most of his shots from behind the arc. He played his regular shifts through the first three quarters, but as aforementioned, he was in there in the clutch and played the entire final frame.
Grade: B+
Nikola Vucevic
23 minutes, 2 points (0-5 from 3, 1-10 from the field) 7 rebounds, 2 assists, one turnover, 2 steals, +1
That 1-10 is going to stick out like a sore thumb, but let’s remember that he’s not only coming back from a long layoff with the fractured finger — he’d also only played twelve games in green. We know what we’re going to get from the 14-year pro. Expect more trial by fire over the final three contests.
Grade: C
Baylor Scheierman
9 minutes, 3 points (1—2 from 3, 1-2 from the field), 2 rebounds, one assist, -1
My guess is that with Tatum, Brown, White, Pritchard, and even Vucevic playing nearly the entire fourth — Queta mopped up the final 90 seconds — not all of them will travel to New York.
18 minutes, 9 points (1-1 from 3, 4-4 from the field), 6 rebounds, one steal, one turnover -3
Of all the backup wings, Walsh might be the best equipped to take advantage of all the seams that open up when you’re playing with so many talented players. Against Charlotte, he found space catching the ball in the short roll, hiding in the dunker spot, and leaking out into transition. That x-factor could be huge in the playoffs.
Grade: A
DNP-CDs: Luka Garza, Hugo Gonzalez, Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga, John Tonje, Amari Williams
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder controls the ball against Jake LaRavia #12 and Drew Timme #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on April 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
LOS ANGELES – The last time the Lakers played at home, they were on cloud nine.
It meant Lakers head coach JJ Redick had to try things he’s never done before in the final week of the regular season.
He rolled out a new starting unit, one that featured two-way big Drew Timme, who is ineligible for postseason play. Dalton Knecht made an appearance. Adou Thiero saw the most playing time in his career.
Led by that youth and inexperience, the Lakers didn’t stand a chance against the Thunder, losing 123-87 for their third straight loss.
“We’re undermanned right now,” Redick said postgame. “It’s important that everybody is trying to play the right way and play for the team. I think certainly there were several guys that did some good things tonight.”
There’s nothing wrong with seeing good efforts from players like Timme and Thiero, but it’s hard to watch them take on the defending champions when a week ago, Dončić and James were in that position.
Last week, confetti was falling on fans inside Crypto.com Arena in celebration. On Tuesday, those same fans were exiting the building before the fourth quarter even began.
Injuries are no one’s fault, but it’s jarring to watch the Lakers go from superstar guards like Luka to now relying on Luke Kennard and Bronny James to win them games.
As unfair as the path has become for the Lakers, Redick’s goal now is to find players who can help this team win games so they can extend this season long enough to potentially get back Dončić and Reaves.
“We’ve got to find nine guys that are all in on us fighting,” Redick said. “Whatever you got to do to go out and fight and be all in on the team, we’ll find the nine guys. It’s a great opportunity for us over the next three games to find those guys.”
A week ago, the Lakers had those nine players and then some. Now, they’ll likely have to play the rest of the way without the players who got them into this position to begin with.
The good news for Redick and the Lakers is that some of the guys who can help them win likely will be returning. LeBron should be back for at least one of these upcoming contests on Thursday and Friday and Redick mentioned pregame that Smart is trending towards playing this week.
Still, the reality is that the Lakers are not the team they were in March. And now the April schedule is filled with losses and the odds of a postseason run are shrinking by the day.
None of this feels like a reality anyone would have expected a week ago.
Philadelphia 76ers (43-36, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (50-29, fifth in the Western Conference)
Houston; Thursday, 8 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Houston hosts Philadelphia looking to prolong its five-game home winning streak.
The Rockets have gone 28-10 in home games. Houston is 22-16 against opponents with a winning record.
The 76ers have gone 21-18 away from home. Philadelphia has a 6-8 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Rockets score 114.8 points per game, 1.7 fewer points than the 116.5 the 76ers give up. The 76ers average 12.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.1 more makes per game than the Rockets allow.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The 76ers won 128-122 in overtime in the last matchup on Jan. 23.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kevin Durant is averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists for the Rockets. Alperen Sengun is averaging 21.3 points over the last 10 games.
Tyrese Maxey is scoring 28.4 points per game with 4.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists for the 76ers. VJ Edgecombe is averaging 20.7 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 51.9% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 8-2, averaging 121.4 points, 47.4 rebounds, 30.0 assists, 7.0 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.9 points per game.
76ers: 6-4, averaging 121.5 points, 45.2 rebounds, 26.5 assists, 7.2 steals and 5.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.2 points.
INJURIES: Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).
76ers: Johni Broome: out (knee), Cameron Payne: out (hamstring).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Lakers coach JJ Redick said the verbal exchange with reserve forward Jarred Vanderbilt during the second quarter of Tuesday’s 123-87 blowout loss to the Thunder was “nothing personal” and a “normal interaction” for Redick.
Redick called timeout following the Lakers’ first possession of the second 16 seconds into the quarter after a Kobe Bufkin missed floater that last touched Alex Caruso and flew out of bounds.
As the Lakers were going back to the bench, Vanderbilt walked into the coaches’ huddle and animatedly appeared to try to talk to Redick, who was using the white board with assistant coach Greg St. Jean.
Star guard Austin Reaves, who is sidelined with an oblique injury, stepped between Vanderbilt and Redick and assistant coach Nate McMillan held Vanderbilt’s back before Redick walked to the team’s bench, with McMillan and Reaves staying back with Vanderbilt.
Once back near the bench, Vanderbilt continued talking to Redick, who at one point during the exchange shrugged and waved Vanderbilt off.
McMillan gestured to Vanderbilt to stay back before stepping between Redick and Vanderbilt as Redick talked to Vanderbilt as he was getting up from the bench.
“A confluence of things,” Redick responded when asked what led to the exchange with Vanderbilt. “Again, it’s nothing personal with him. Normal stuff from my end. I think for all of us, being undermanned, we’ve got to scrap and claw, we’ve got to all be on the same page, We got to be great teammates, we got to all play hard. Called a timeout to get him out of the game. And he reacted, but again, normal interaction for me.”
Vanderbilt didn’t play again after being subbed out.
Lakers’ Jarred Vanderbilt walked into the coaches’ huddle and animatedly appeared to try to talk to JJ Redick, who was using the white board with assistant coach Greg St. Jean. @khobi_price / X
The exchange with Vanderbilt was the second time Redick quickly called a timeout early in the quarter to pull a veteran player.
Redick called timeout 2 ½ minutes into the game before taking out Rui Hachimura, who later returned and ended up finishing with a team-high 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting to go with five assists in 26 minutes.
“I called the early timeout because Rui didn’t do his job, so took him out of the game,” Redick explained. “We’ve got to find nine guys that are all in on us fighting and willing to go out on whatever metaphor you want to use — I don’t want to use a war metaphor in this time — but whatever you got to do to go out and fight and be all in on the team, we’ll find the nine guys. It’s a great opportunity for us, over the next three games to find those guys.”
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 10: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns attempts to steal the ball from Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 10, 2026 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 Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We’re so close to the end of a dreadful 2025-26 season of Dallas Mavericks basketball that we can taste it.
Wednesday’s game between the Mavericks (25-54) and the Phoenix Suns (43-35) at Mortgage Matchup Center wraps up the final back-to-back set for Dallas with three games remaining on the schedule. The Mavs are coming into the game on the heels of Tuesday’s 116-103 loss at the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Suns come in on one night’s rest after dropping a game to the Houston Rockets, 119-105.
Star-spangled Cooper
Cooper Flagg’s brilliance in the two games before Tuesday’s loss has kept the flailing Mavericks in the wider NBA conversation, as opinions fly in every direction concerning the NBA Rookie of the Year race. His 25 points on 9-of-25 shooting against the Clippers isn’t quite as strong an argument for his candidacy, but he’s still filling up the stat sheet on a nightly basis as the season winds down.
The implications
The Suns will be motivated to win Wednesday’s game, as the Clippers sit just two games back of Phoenix for the seventh seed in the Western Conference, with the playoff picture coming into focus. The Mavericks’ motivation, as is well documented, is only for better draft lottery odds at this point.
This should be a fairly straightforward handshake deal between two erstwhile rivals.
Can-do attitude
The Mavericks’ try-hard tendency is admirable. The guys on the court are competitors, and it’s resulted in a 16-27 record in clutch games this season.
But the unspoken objective is clear: obtain the best odds to get as high a pick as possible in the upcoming NBA Draft. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd needs to examine the end of the roster as closely as possible in the last three games of the season in order to give this team its best chance to find some upward trajectory next season.
How to watch
The Mavericks and the Suns tip off from Mortgage Matchup Center at 9 p.m. CDT. The game will be televised locally on KFAA Channel 29 and on sister stations throughout the Mavericks’ regional viewership area. You can catch the stream on MavsTV and on NBA League Pass where available.
