Category: Basketball

The Denver Nuggets face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. The teams split the first two games in Denver and the series’ next two games will be in Minneapolis. Nuggets starting forward Aaron Gordon will miss the game with a calf strain.

How to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

• Date: Thursday, April 23

• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

• Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• TV Channels: Amaz

• Live Stream:NBA League Pass | Follow on Yahoo Sports

Odds

• Spread: Minnesota Timberwolves +2.5

• Moneyline: Minnesota Timberwolves +115 (44.4%) / Denver Nuggets -140 (55.6%)

• Over/Under: 234.5Series schedule

Game 1:Nuggets 116, Timberwolves 105
Game 2:Timberwolves 119, Nuggets 114
Game 3: Thu., April 23, at Minnesota (9:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 4: Sat., April 25, at Minnesota (8:30 p.m., ABC)
*Game 5: Mon., April 27, at Denver (TBD)
*Game 6: Thu., April 30, at Minnesota (TBD)
*Game 7: Sat., May 2, at Denver (TBD)

*if necessary

The Denver Nuggets are facing an injury issue to one of their key players.

Power forward Aaron Gordon, a versatile playmaker and defender, appeared on the injury report with left calf tightness.

It’s yet another injury Gordon is having to contend with this season, after he sat most of the year with hamstring and calf issues. Either way, Gordon is a crucial part of Denver’s offense, as a ball-handling big who can create for others, as a spot-up 3-point shooter, and as a lob threat from the dunker’s spot.

Gordon is also a steady defensive presence down low who offers some rim protection capability. Against an aggressive Timberwolves team that likes to drive the ball and get to the paint with Anthony Edwards, any Gordon absence would come as a blow to the Nuggets, who lost Game 2 on Monday, April 20, leaving the series tied at one game apiece.

Here’s everything you need to know about Aaron Gordon’s status for Game 3.

Is Aaron Gordon playing tonight?

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Gordon will not play Thursday, April 23 in Game 3 of Denver’s first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. On the latest injury report, however, Gordon was still listed as questionable.

Aaron Gordon stats

In 36 games this season, Gordon averaged 16.2 points on 49.7% shooting, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He also shot 38.9% from 3-point range.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aaron Gordon injury update: Will Nuggets star play vs Timberwolves?

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The next time the sports betting gods deal out a bad beat, just think of those who backed Kevin Durant to clear his points prop in Game 2 of this opening-round series.

Durant came out hot, dropping 20 points in the first half with the Over 23.5 looking well within reach before managing just three more the rest of the way.

It was a rough night for the “it’s rigged” crowd, and the backlash was swift, with criticism pouring in over his second-half fade and growing doubts about Houston’s chances after falling behind 0-2.

Our Lakers vs. Rockets predictions know all too well that Durant is fueled by drama and my NBA picks are buying low on one of the great postseason performers in NBA history for Friday, April 24.

Lakers vs Rockets prediction

Lakers vs Rockets best bet: Kevin Durant Over 23.5 points (-115)

Kevin Durant started Game 2 hitting 6-of-7 from the field and cashing in all seven of his free throws. After the halftime break, he was 1-for-5 shooting and went 1-of-2 from the charity stripe, drawing aggressive attention from the Los Angeles Lakers’ defense.

Afterwards, as reporters gushed over the Lakers’ defensive game plan, LeBron James was hesitant to celebrate the success on KD, knowing what was coming.

“That just makes him even madder going into Game 3,” James warned the media.

Forgotten in all the shit talk directed at Durant is that he was a game-time decision for Tuesday’s tilt after sitting out Game 1 with a knee contusion and playing his first contest since April 10.

Now, with the series swinging to Houston, Durant has extra days to strengthen that knee as well as drink in all the hate from the mainstream media. And when asked about how he should have dealt with the constant double teams from Los Angeles, Durant’s solution was to attack.

“I’m trying to make passes… But I feel like I’ve got to shoot more of those and put my teammates in better positions,” Durant told reporters.

That was his plan before the playoffs, when he exploded for more than 27 points on 54.4% shooting over his final 13 outings, leading the Houston Rockets to a 10-3 SU mark in those games. He topped 23.5 points in all but two of those showings.

The 12 FGAs in Game 2 tied his lowest shot total during that run and if Durant is a man of his word, he’ll get up at least his usual 17 attempts in Game 3. Projections sit as high as 28 points for a guy who’s averaged more than 29 points in the playoffs throughout his career.

Lakers vs Rockets same-game parlay

The Rockets may win this one but the spread seems out of whack considering how well the Lakers are playing right now. I expect some offensive adjustments from Houston but don’t have it winning by 10 points.

The Lakers have gotten some great performances from their role players and Rui Hachimura has been quietly consistent through two games. He’s shooting a collective 11-for-20 from the field (5-for-10 on 3-pointers), doesn’t shrink on the road, and is projected for as many as 15 points in Game 3.

Lakers vs Rockets SGP

• Lakers +9.5
• Kevin Durant Over 23.5 points
• Rui Hachimura Over 13.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Get your GOAT 

LeBron knows what’s coming from KD in Game 3. This could be the GOAT on GOAT battle we’ve been waiting for in this series. The Lakers keep it closer than oddsmakers expect, while the Rockets’ offense will finally find its way and top this ultra-low total.

Lakers vs Rockets SGP

• Lakers +9.5
• Over 205.5
• Kevin Durant Over 23.5 points
• LeBron James Over 24.5 points

Lakers vs Rockets odds for Game 3

• Spread: Los Angeles +9.5 | Houston -9.5
• Moneyline: Los Angeles +320 | Houston -400
• Over/Under: Over 205.5 | Under 205.5

Lakers vs Rockets betting trend to know

NBA playoff totals of 206 points or lower have produced a 21-14 Over/Under record the past three postseasons (60% Overs). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Rockets.

How to watch Lakers vs Rockets Game 3

Lakers vs Rockets latest injuries

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

Thomas Haugh was projected as a possible lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. ESPN ranked the 6’9 junior wing at No. 13 overall on its big board, which is historically the best gauge of how NBA executives and scouts are viewing a player in the draft process. SB Nation had Haugh at No. 21 overall in its post-March Madness mock draft, and that might have been his floor. Players this highly regarded are almost always turning pro. NIL has now changed that.

Haugh announced he’s returning to Florida for his senior season on Wednesday. It’s a stunning decision that positions the Gators as the likely preseason No. 1 in the polls and the favorite for the 2027 national championship. Highly-regarded teammate Alex Condon also announced he was returning to school, and fellow Gators big man Rueben Chinyelu is testing the draft process but did not enter the transfer portal. It feels more likely than not that Chinyelu will return to Gainesville alongside Haugh and Condon to reunite a key trio on Florida’s 2024 national championship team.

It’s not unprecedented for a projected lottery pick to return to school even before the NIL era. I remember writing about Miles Bridges and Robert Williams spurning the 2017 NBA Draft to return to Michigan State and Texas A&M respectively. Joakim Noah famously returned to Florida ahead of the 2006 NBA Draft, where he could have been the No. 1 overall pick. We’ve seen in football that NIL dollars are now big enough to keep even potential top-5 prospects in school for another year. Still, Haugh’s decision is a huge surprise. We haven’t had a player this highly touted bypass the NBA for a return to college in almost a decade.

It makes sense that Haugh had to get a huge NIL bag to come back to Florida, and reporter Sam Vecenie of The Athletic confirmed that’s the case:

Haugh is expected to be among the highest earners in college basketball next season, with sources familiar with the decision projecting that he’s in line to make around what he’d earn in his first two NBA seasons combined if he’d been drafted in the top 20 in this year’s draft

NIL payments for college athletes aren’t public, but if you follow these things closely enough the information is usually out there somewhere. AJ Dybantsa’s NIL payment from BYU was reported to be around $7 million. Caitlin Clark reportedly made more than $3 million as a senior at Iowa. No one knows what Cooper Flagg or Cameron Boozer made at Duke, but it was likely a lot of money.

To my knowledge, Dybantsa is the highest paid college basketball player ever, and it’s likely Haugh just surpassed him. CBS insider Matt Norlander speculated that Haugh will make at least $8 million at Florida next season based on Vecenie’s report.

Thomas Haugh might've been a top-15 pick. Instead, he agreed to an NIL deal that will pay "around" what he'd make in his first *two* NBA seasons, per @Sam_Vecenie. The means at least $8 million for one more year at Florida—making him one of the highest-paid college athletes ever. pic.twitter.com/kPXm1UTVG2

— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) April 23, 2026

“Florida is going to have the highest-paid player in all of college basketball this season, and rightfully so,” Norlander said.

Haugh is set to turn 23 years old on July 7. He would have been an old NBA rookie even if he entered the 2026 NBA Draft, and he’s going to be even older in 2027. Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg told SB Nation that he returned to college a year ago in part because NBA scouts told him his advanced age didn’t matter. Lendeborg was considered more of a borderline first round pick a year ago, and he definitely improved his stock by winning the national championship with the Wolverines even if he’ll be a 24-year-old rookie. I had Lendeborg in the top-10 of my midseason board where Haugh was unranked. Some older prospects can still be worth a lottery pick, and Haugh’s situation will be fascinating in 2027.

The 2027 NBA Draft is considered much weaker than the 2026 version. That means Haugh shouldn’t fall too far, right? I’m not quite sold yet. Haugh seems to have nothing to gain by returning to Florida, where he’s already won a national championship and proven himself as a decent 3-and-D wing. If NBA scouts already considered him a lottery pick, he probably should have gone to the NBA, because I think it’s highly possible his stock isn’t that high next year even in a worse class.

There were some red flags in Haugh’s draft profile this past season. He posted a 1.8 percent steal rate in back-to-back seasons, which is well below the 2.5 percent threshold scouts like to see as a baseline for athleticism. He wasn’t a particularly strong rebounder on either end, posting a seven percent offensive rebound rate, and a 12.3 percent defensive rebound rate, which are just average numbers. His outside shooting wasn’t that good either with a 32.6 percent stroke from three-point range on 178 attempts. His rim finishing was solid at 62.1 percent with 57.5 percent of those being assisted, but those numbers certainly aren’t spectacular.

Florida is probably going to be really, really good, and Haugh will probably do well in his role. But unless he shows something new in his game like Lendeborg did, it’s possible scouts get another look at his skill set and decide he never should have been a lottery pick in the first place.

Thomas Haugh’s biggest risk in returning is about his second NBA contract

The real money in the NBA is in your second contract. If a player is good enough, it makes any NIL money or rookie scale NBA deal look like chump change.

By returning to Florida, Haugh will now be 28 years old by the time he’s ready to sign a second contract after his four-year rookie deal expires. That contract will take Haugh into his early 30s. Compare that with projected top-3 pick Cameron Boozer, who is four years younger than Haugh, and will only be 24 years old when he signs his second deal and really cashes in with huge NBA money. Teams will always think a young player has more upside. By your early 30s, most players are already starting to decline.

Haugh’s decision could work out well. Maybe he shoots it better and improves his rebounding, and maintains his stock as a lottery pick as Florida marches through the bracket for the second time in his college career. Maybe the NBA is underwhelmed by the incoming class of freshmen and decides it is worth it to swing on older players higher in the draft.

Age is the clearest defining line in sports, especially as it relates to upside. To me, Haugh should have turned pro if he was really going to be a top-15 pick. Yes, the NBA will always be there for him, but that doesn’t mean it will definitely value him the same way.

Either way, good for Haugh for following his heart and his bank account by deciding to stay in college. The NBA is an unforgiving league, and next season should feel like a joyride for the Gators based on their talent and experience … at least until the single-elimination postseason starts.

It’s wild to think Thomas Haugh will make $8+ million next year. That’s about what Tre Johnson made as a rookie after being the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. NIL dollars are overpowering NBA money, at least in the short term. Haugh cashed in at a historic level.

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The Philadelphia 76ers have stolen home court advantage from the Boston Celtics as this Round 1 series swings to the City of Brotherly Love for Game 3.

Despite that, Boston is a sizable road favorite, and my Celtics vs. 76ers predictions expect the road team to return serve and get their groove back from beyond the arc.

Here are my best NBA picks for Friday, April 24.

Our best Celtics vs 76ers SGP for Game 3

The Boston Celtics are one of the best bounce-back teams in the Association, boasting a 20-6 SU record when coming off a loss this season and a long-term 59-13 SU mark following a defeat over the past three years. That includes a 6-1 SU record after a loss in the NBA Playoffs.

A big part of Boston’s troubles in Game 2 was missed 3-pointers. Derrick White has been chilly from beyond the arc to start this series, shooting just 4-for-17 from distance. However, he’s getting plenty of open looks, and projections lean toward three triples from White in Game 3.

Jaylen Brown dished out six assists in Game 1 but managed only four in Game 2, despite generating 13 potential dimes. With the Celtics shaking off their poor shooting performance, Brown’s passes won’t get wasted, and he’s projected for 5+ assists in Game 3.

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

The Milwaukee Bucks have a new coach, and it's a familiar face for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks are finalizing a deal to hire former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins to replace Doc Rivers, according to multiple reports on Thursday, April 23. Jenkins will be returning to Milwaukee, where he spent one season as an assistant coach under former coach Mike Budenholzer.

Questions about Antetokounmpo's future with the franchise loom large over the team's offseason plans after compiling a disappointing 32-50 record this past season. Antetokounmpo continues to be the subject of trade speculation, and how Milwaukee proceeds with its star player will dictate Jenkins' initial challenges as coach.

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Grading Milwaukee Bucks hire of Taylor Jenkins

A solid B, and it's not higher partially for reasons out of Jenkins' control.

Not only is Jenkins perhaps the best available coaching candidate with experience after leading the Grizzlies to the NBA playoffs three times and becoming the franchise's all-time leader in wins during his six-season tenure in Memphis, he's also uniquely positioned to serve the Bucks as they confront their Antetokounmpo-related crossroads.

If Antetokounmpo is playing for the Bucks again next season, Jenkins has experience working with him under Budenholzer during the 2018-19 NBA campaign when Antetokounmpo won his first MVP award and the Bucks lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Toronto Raptors. If Antetokounmpo gets traded elsewhere and the Bucks go into rebuilding mode, Jenkins has a strong reputation setting a culture and developing young players from his time with the Grizzlies.

Jenkins, however, struggled to get the Grizzlies over the hump as contenders with the core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane succumbing to bad injury luck, immaturity and poor half-court offense in the postseason. Jenkins still must prove he's a championship-caliber coach in Milwaukee.

But like with so many things related to the Bucks at the moment, the trajectory of this hire will depend on the immediate decision facing the front office and Antetokounmpo.

Why was Taylor Jenkins fired by Memphis Grizzlies?

Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman stunned the NBA when he fired Jenkins on March 28, 2025 with just nine games remaining in the regular season. Memphis struggled to a 9-13 record over his final 22 games, a stretch in which it did not defeat a team with a record above .500. It came on the heels of Jenkins instituting a staff overhaul the previous offseason at the behest of the Grizzlies' front office.

Kleiman called the firing of Jenkins "a difficult decision" at the time and said he did not consult with players. "This decision is mine and mine only," Kleiman told reporters, but declined to discuss his exact reasoning for firing Jenkins.

Tuomas Iisalo was named interim coach in Jenkins' place and eventually became the franchise's permanent choice as head coach for this past season.

REUNITED: How MLB All-Star helped Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley squash beef

Taylor Jenkins coaching record

Jenkins, 41, compiled a 250-214 overall record over six seasons as the Grizzlies coach. He made the NBA playoffs three times and advanced to the conference semifinals once in 2022, when he also finished second in NBA coach of the year voting.

He was previously an assistant for Budenholzer with the Atlanta Hawks for five seasons and got his start within the San Antonio Spurs organization, including one season as the head coach of its NBA Development League team (2012-13).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bucks to hire Taylor Jenkins as head coach: Grades, reaction, analysis

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If Joe Mazzulla had a fever, the cure wouldn’t be more cowbell. It would be more threes.

Despite the Boston Celtics coming out on the losing end of a shootout with the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, don’t expect their head coach to dial things back from beyond the arc heading into Game 3.

Mazzulla wants Boston to chuck it from deep, which makes the Over on 3-point player props a live market.

And while eyes swing to C's stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, my Celtics vs. 76ers predictions like Derrick White to find his touch from downtown.

Find out more in my NBA picks for Friday, April 24.

Celtics vs 76ers prediction

Celtics vs 76ers best bet: Derrick White Over 2.5 threes (+102)

The Boston Celtics went just 19-for-50 from 3-point land in Game 2, but it wasn’t like the Philadelphia 76ers were playing lockdown defense on the perimeter.

In fact, 24 of those 3-point attempts qualified as “wide open”, with no defender within six feet of the shooter. However, the Celtics cashed in only six of those opportunities from outside.

Although Derrick White is a collective 4-for-17 from beyond the arc against the Sixers, including a 4-for-14 count on 3-point attempts with a defender at least four feet away, he has no intention of shooting less.

“You got to have that confidence the next one’s going to go in and got to have that belief,” White told reporters ahead of Game 3. “I think if you get a good look or if it’s an open look, you’re hurting the team if you don’t take it. If you’re out there and you get a good look, you got to take it and knock it down.”

Given the way Philadelphia’s guards exploited Boston’s drop coverage on high screens in Game 2 (Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe were a combined 11-for-22 on 3-pointers), Friday’s game could see a surplus of triples from both sides.

That means ample opportunities for White to get right from deep, and his player projections for Game 3 all lean toward 3+ makes from downtown.

Celtics vs 76ers same-game parlay

Over the last three years, Boston boasts a 6-1 SU record following a loss in the playoffs. The Celtics’ shooting is set to get right, while the Sixers will come back to earth as Boston adjusts on defense.

Jaylen Brown registered 13.0 potential assists in Game 2, but the Celtics’ piss-poor shooting converted only four of those passes into assists. Brown finished with six dimes in Game 1, and since Jayson Tatum returned in late March, he’s averaged 5.5 assists on 9.7 potential assists per contest.

Celtics vs 76ers SGP

• Celtics moneyline
• Derrick White Over 2.5 threes
• Jaylen Brown Over 4.5 assists

Our "from downtown" SGP: Weapons of "Mass" Destruction

Joe Mazzula will give his guys the green light from beyond the arc. The 76ers dodged several bullets in Game 2, with Boston unable to cash in on wide-open looks from long range. 

The Celtics won’t let those go to waste in Game 3, which could turn into a 3-point shootout given the 76ers' preferred approach.

Celtics vs 76ers SGP

• Celtics -6.5
• Over 215.5
• Jayson Tatum Over 2.5 threes
• Jaylen Brown Over 1.5 threes
• Derrick White Over 2.5 threes

Celtics vs 76ers odds for Game 3

• Spread: Celtics -6.5 (-110) | 76ers +6.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Celtics -300 | 76ers +240
• Over/Under: Over 215.5 (-110) | Under 215.5 (-110)

Celtics vs 76ers betting trend to know

Boston is 59-13 SU and 51-21 ATS coming off a loss since the 2023-24 season, including 6-1 SU and ATS in the playoffs during that span. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. 76ers.

How to watch Celtics vs 76ers Game 3

Celtics vs 76ers latest injuries

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

The Atlanta Hawks (1-1) return home to defend home court against the New York Knicks.

Jock Landale (ankle sprain) has been ruled out.

Starting lineup:

• G CJ McCollum
• G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
• F Dyson Daniels
• F Jalen Johnson
• C Onyeka Okongwu

Please join in the comments below as you follow along.

Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen

Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA

Start Time: 7:00 PM EDT

TV: N/A

Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)

Streaming: Prime Video

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Back when Kentucky Basketball lost assistant coaches Alvin Brooks III and Jason Hart, rumors began to circulate that Mark Pope was making a push for Jamal Crawford as a potential replacement.

However, nothing came of it, and it appeared that ship had sailed.

Now, KSR’s Jack Pilgrim and Matt Jones are reporting that there’s still a chance that Crawford could become an assistant coach at Kentucky, as a final decision has not yet been made by Crawford, and the Wildcats remain in pursuit.

Crawford, who is currently an assistant coach at his alma mater, Rainier Beach High School, is also an NBC broadcaster who is calling games in the NBA Playoffs. He’s a three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year (shoutout Keldon Johnson) and scored 19,419 career points across his 20-year NBA career.

Needless to say, Crawford is a major name in the world of basketball, and getting him would be a massive pull for any coaching staff.

Saying this, between Crawford coaching at his alma mater and the city he was born in while also calling NBA games, it feels like there’s about as much of an uphill climb for Kentucky to get him as there is for Tyran Stokes, if not bigger.

Oh, speaking of, Stokes is spending his final season of high school basketball at Rainier Beach. Safe to think that getting Crawford would be a major move toward getting Stokes.

But again, both of these feel like a long shot. Crawford has too good of a thing going for him in Seattle right now, where he’s also raising his family. He’d have to leave that and his NBC gig to take on a full-time coaching role at Kentucky.

It’s nice to think about, but this feels like a pipe dream for the time being, though one that Pope was right to shoot for.

One other thing to consider: Kentucky already landed former NBA standout Mo Williams this offseason. Perhaps he can help get Crawford to Lexington?

Crawford is someone UK offered a couple of weeks ago and as recently as two days ago, were still pursuing. Situation not over yet https://t.co/NI1hNlNcK5

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 23, 2026

Besides Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, the Lakers have had the rest of their roster available during the playoffs.

However, they might be playing without a member of their rotation for Friday’s Game 3. After Thursday’s practice, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Jake LaRavia is dealing with an ankle sprain and is considered day-to-day moving forward.

“He has a very, very low grade, minor, minor, minor ankle sprain” – JJ Redick gives an update on Jake LaRavia, who tweaked his right ankle in Game 2. An MRI came back clean and he is day-to-day pic.twitter.com/8IaxfGRAmL

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 23, 2026

LaRavia has been LA’s ironman this year. He played in all 82 regular-season games and both playoff matchups. If he misses, then that’s because it is an injury he simply can’t play through.

Considering that Redick stressed that this is a minor sprain and that the MRI came back clean, hopefully, he can play. Right now, we’ll have to wait until the injury report to see his official status.

LaRavia was clearly dealing with some discomfort in Game 2’s win against the Rockets. He airballed a corner 3-pointer in the fourth quarter and was visibly limping afterward. LaRavia was then taken out of the game and never returned.

He's back to the locker room https://t.co/M8hCkpdczy

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) April 22, 2026

The Lakers are essentially playing with an eight-man rotation, so losing anyone makes winning that much harder.

During the regular season, LaRavia put up respectable numbers. He averaged 8.2 points, four rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

In the playoffs, however, LaRavia has struggled. His numbers have dipped across all categories as his playing time has shrunk, and he hasn’t found ways to be impactful.

Still, it’s been a small sample size, and LaRavia being on the floor gives the Lakers some size, defensive versatility and a player Redick trusts. LaRavia is averaging 17 minutes per game, tied for sixth among Lakers.

If he can’t play, then other players will have to step up.

Unfortunately, Redick doesn’t have many options. Rui Hachimura is already starting and playing heavy minutes. Redick might have to increase Jarred Vanderbilt’s time or go with different looks completely to make up for the minutes LaRavia typically plays.

Still, he is not ruled out, so it’s just something to monitor as this series heads to Houston for Game 3.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan are on speaking terms again, and Barkley revealed there's a former Major League Baseball All-Star behind the thawing of the relationship.

Barkley initially said during an interview last week on SiriusXM's "Mad Dog Unleashed" that he and Jordan had a conversation recently and made plans to play golf together soon. It had been 14 years since the two had a falling out after Barkley criticized Jordan's performance as owner of the then-Charlotte Bobcats during an interview with ESPN 1000 in Chicago.

A turning point came last week when former MLB outfielder Vince Coleman called Barkley at his home, Barkley said on Wednesday, April 23 during his latest appearance on ESPN 1000's "Waddle and Silvy Show," which is also where he made the original comments that upset Jordan in 2012. Coleman informed Barkley over the phone that he was with Jordan at The Grove XXIII, Jordan's golf club in South Florida.

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"(Coleman) says, 'Yo, I'm down here at The Grove. I'm sick of you and MJ's BS. He's right here. Y'all need to talk. And we had a conversation," Barkley recounted to the show's hosts. "But Vince Coleman's the person who's responsible. We talked for a couple minutes. He's like, 'Man, let's get together and play golf,' and as soon as I get a break, I'm going to fly down there and we're going to spend a couple days playing golf."

Jordan and Barkley were rivals and superstars in the NBA and Olympic teammates with the original Dream Team in 1992. Jordan's Chicago Bulls beat Barkley's Phoenix Suns in the 1993 NBA Finals, the same year Barkley won his lone MVP award. Coleman played 13 MLB seasons (1985-97), with the majority of his career spent with the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets.

Jordan became the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats in 2006 and Barkley has been an outspoken mainstay on "Inside the NBA," providing commentary on the league since his retirement.

Barkley criticized Jordan in 2012 for not surrounding himself with enough people willing to disagree with his decisions as the owner of Charlotte's NBA franchise, noting that "I love Michael, but he just has not done a good job."

Jordan sold his majority stake in the now-Charlotte Hornets in 2023 and currently owns the 23XI Racing NASCAR Cup Series team along with longtime NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin.

Barkley said Wednesday the feud between he and Jordan isn't as bad as it may have seemed, simply because they hadn't spoken in so long.

Jordan and Barkley golfing together again!

FULL CONVO HERE: https://t.co/Wdba75y28U@WaddleandSilvy x @_CharlesBarkley#chicago#bulls#Sports#JordanandBarkley#sports#basketball#sportsfans#sportsmemories#golfing#sportslegends#golf#jordan#jordanspic.twitter.com/KFrqAWmMYP

— ESPN Chicago (@ESPN1000) April 23, 2026

"I tell people, it's not like we're like Prince Harry and Prince William who hate each other," Barkley said. "Honestly, I think we both missed each other because we've had this conversation with other friends and we were both too stubborn to pick up the phone."

"One thing we both said," Barkley added, "I got a lot of love for you and you got a lot of love for me. Like Vince said, this thing has been silly and stupid, but both of y'all are too damn stubborn to pick up the phone, and y'all need to get ... together and play golf and bury this thing."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vince Coleman ended Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan's long silence