Kim English reportedly will not be joining Mike Malone's coaching staff at North Carolina after all.
According to multiple reports, including Pete Thamel, the former Providence men's basketball coach informed UNC officials on Sunday, April 19 that he is not pursuing an assistant position with the Tar Heels.
English had accepted a position on the former Denver Nuggets' head coach's staff last week and even arrived on campus and began working on the staff, according to On3. English joined the staff after three seasons with Providence, where he posted a 48-52 record.
He was fired by the Friars at the end of the 2025-26 season on March 13 after a season-ending loss to St. John’s in the Big East Tournament. Providence went 21-14 in his first season but then struggled each of the last two years.
Before taking the role with the Friars, English spent two seasons as the head coach at George Mason and coached under Rick Barnes as an assistant at Tennessee from 2019 and 2021.
English played for Missouri basketball for four seasons, where he averaged 11.1 points and three rebounds per game, earning Third-Team All-Big 12 honors twice. He was selected with the No. 44 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Following a three-year playing career — which included stints overseas — English transitioned to a coaching career.
The New York Knicks took Game 1 by double-digit points, but the Atlanta Hawks will look to respond when the teams meet again at Madison Square Garden for Game 2.
Dyson Daniels has done it all for Atlanta, and my Hawks vs. Knicks predictions expect he'll easily clear the Over on a modest combo prop.
Here are my best free NBA picks from the Mecca on Monday, April 20.
Hawks vs Knicks prediction
Hawks vs Knicks best bet: Dyson Daniels Over 11.5 rebounds + assists (-120)
Dyson Daniels enjoyed a second straight productive season with the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 33.2 minutes and career highs of 6.8 rebounds and 5.9 assists across 76 appearances.
Daniels’ season average of 12.7 rebounds + assists will easily clear his combo line for Game 2, so a baseline performance will get the job done. Daniels ended the season with 12+ rebounds + assists in three straight and four of his last five. He finished with 20 in Game 1 against the New York Knicks.
The do-it-all Australian cleared his combo line in 48 of 76 games, good for 63.2%. His implied probability to clear it again means his odds should be priced closer to -170 than -120, offering solid value.
Daniels finished the regular season as Atlanta’s third-leading rebounder and second-leading facilitator. His 6.8 rebounds per game ranked third among guards.
The Hawks also shot nearly 3.5% worse in Game 1 than they did during the season, so Daniels could be due for a few more assists if his teammates convert open looks.
In four games against New York (regular and postseason), Daniels finished with assist + rebound totals of 20, 15, 14, and 17. He easily topped 11.5 in all four games, and he’ll need to be at his best to help his team compete for a win with the series heading back home.
Hawks vs Knicks same-game parlay
I picked the Hawks to cover the same 5.5-point spread in Game 1, and they lost by 11. I’m not deterred, as Atlanta has a clear path to making this one more competitive.
The Hawks were a putrid 12 of 19 from the charity stripe, falling well below their season average of 77.4%. New York hit 25 of 30 free throws, and Atlanta can do a better job at limiting opportunities there. The Hawks went 18-8 ATS between the All-Star break and the end of the season, and I expect them to keep this one close as they look to avoid a 2-0 hole.
The Hawks and Knicks faced off four times this season, finishing with combined game totals of 215, 213, 210, and 253. Game 1 finished just a bucket shy of hitting the Over, and I’m betting on that extra bucket in Game 2.
Atlanta’s shooting was off, as the team hit just 44% of their field-goal attempts, and leading scorer Nickeil Alexander-Walker finished with only 17 points on a miserable 6-for-17 shooting. A slightly more efficient offensive attack from the visitors should push this one to hit the Over.
Hawks vs Knicks SGP
Dyson Daniels Over 11.5 rebounds + assists
Hawks +5.5
Over 217
Our "from downtown" SGP: Garden Buckets
Jalen Brunson has been at his best at home, averaging 27 at Madison Square Garden and 25.1 at all other venues. He’s averaged 29 points in four matchups with the Hawks.
Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 25 points in Game 1, and he went for 21 and 36 in two other matchups with Atlanta this season. He’s got a size advantage against the Hawks’ undersized frontcourt.
Alexander-Walker averaged a career-best 20.8 points per game this season and scored 20+ in 46 of 78 appearances. NAW reached that scoring total in 24 of 39 road games, and I expect a bounce-back performance after his inefficient Game 1.
CJ McCollum finished with a team-high 26 points in Game 1, and in 76 games between the Wizards and Hawks, he scored 18+ points 40 times.
Hawks vs Knicks SGP
Over 217
Jalen Brunson Over 28.5 points
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 20.5 points
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 19.5 points
CJ McCollum Over 17.5 points
Hawks vs Knicks odds for Game 2
Spread: Hawks +5.5 (-110) | Knicks -5.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Hawks +190 | Knicks -230
Over/Under: Over 217 (-110) | Under 217 (-110)
Hawks vs Knicks betting trend to know
The Atlanta Hawks have hit the Moneyline in 31 of their last 50 games (+14.55 Units / 12% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Knicks.
How to watch Hawks vs Knicks Game 2
Location
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Date
Monday, April 20, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Hawks vs Knicks latest injuries
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Before the season, Kingston Flemings asked Houston assistant Hollis Price what it would take to be on the walls of the Cougars' practice gym. Price said he needed to be an All-American.
Fast forward a few months later and Flemings secured that goal of one day seeing his face up on the walls at Houston, after finishing off the best season by a true freshman in Houston history. The second-team All-American is now taking the next step in his career, declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft on Sunday, April 19.
Flemings, a projected top-five pick in USA TODAY's latest NBA mock draft, said it was a tough decision to go one-and-done in college, especially after Houston's loss to Illinois in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. After taking some time off following the Cougars' 65-55 loss, he made the unsurprising decision to take the next step.
"Obviously it was a hard decision whether to come back and play with my boys, take it one more year and try to go get the (national championship)," he said. "But this opportunity doesn’t come all the time. … Had to make the right decision, for sure.”
The former five-star recruit per 247Sports' Composite rankings could be the highest-selected player under coach Kelvin Sampson during his Houston tenure, with the feat currently held by Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker, who was selected No. 8 overall in 2023 after his true freshman season.
Despite the Cougars' recent success with seven Sweet 16 appearances and two Final Fours since 2019, Houston has only produced four NBA draft picks under Sampson, with Flemings easily possessing the highest ceiling of any Cougar under one of college basketball's best coaches.
There was no better choice for Flemings, though, and he credits his development with choosing Houston.
“I think it was the perfect place for me," he said. "Coach Sampson’s the perfect coach for me. Just coming into the year, I just tried to prove everyone right that recruited me, and just did whatever I could to win. I’m grateful for my decision.
"... If you want to win, if you want to become a better man, better player, everything like that, choose Houston. It’s not going to be easy, but every single day you come in here, you try to get better and you’ll get better in every single way.”
Flemings averaged 16.1 points with 4.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game this season, starting all 37 of Houston's games. He also shot 38.7% from 3-point range and was a pesky defender, averaging 1.5 steals per contest.
He made national headlines after exploding for 42 points and six assists in a 90-86 loss to Texas Tech in January, cementing himself as one of the best true freshmen in a loaded NBA draft class that includes numerous one-and-done prospects. USA TODAY projects nine of the first 10 picks to be true freshmen.
"Coming into this year, I wanted to be one of the best freshmen and I think I proved that," Flemings said.
In the coming weeks, Flemings plans on training his 3-point shot, his floater and improving his handle, aiming to dribble lower and tighter to prepare for NBA defenders.
He's also bringing the hard-nosed Houston mindset to the next level.
“I think (I'm) just a winner and someone that teammates like to play with," Flemings said. "Not going to be a bad guy for the team or a cancer. Someone the team’s going to love and a winner.”
BOSTON — Jayson Tatum had 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in his first playoff game since rupturing his right Achilles tendon last season, and the Boston Celtics rolled past the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday.
Jaylen Brown scored 26 points and Neemias Queta added 13 for the second-seeded Celtics.
Tatum scored 21 points in the first half, playing in just his 17th game this season following surgery last May to repair his Achilles tendon.
Boston never trailed, building a 35-point lead as coach Joe Mazzulla gave minutes to 12 players. The Celtics connected on 16 3-pointers.
Game 2 is Tuesday night in Boston.
Tyrese Maxey had 21 points and eight assists for the 76ers, who played without Joel Embiid. The 2023 MVP continues to recover following an appendectomy on April 9. It’s unclear when he will be able to return.
Paul George scored 17 points and V.J. Edgecombe added 13. Philadelphia was 4 of 23 from 3-point range.
Maxey was hounded by a Celtics defense that contested 12 of his 14 shot attempts in the first half and held him to 8 of 20 from the field.
Philadelphia’s 64-46 halftime deficit was its largest in a playoff game against Boston since 1982.
Tatum had 10 first-quarter points, punctuated with an emphatic two-handed dunk, to help the Celtics end the period with a 33-18 lead.
Philadelphia struggled at the outset to keep pace with Boston’s shooting, making one of its first nine attempts from 3. The 76ers also had issues keeping Boston out of the paint after Embiid’s understudies, Adem Bona and Andre Drummond, each picked up two quick fouls.
That prompted Sixers coach Nick Nurse to bring in Dominick Barlow, who played just 10 minutes in Philadelphia’s play-in victory over Orlando.
After Game 1 at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks' first-round series with the Atlanta Hawks does not lack playoff intensity.
Saturday's 113-102 New York win saw Knicks captain Jalen Brunson outduel CJ McCollum, who took issue with his technical foul after a kick to Brunson's midsection during a shot at the third quarter's 1:40 mark and the Hawks facing a 57-55 deficit.
"I shot a jumper and Jalen thought we were at a Broadway show," McCollum said after Saturday's game. "He acted it out until they reviewed it. It's a normal jump shot, nothing there -- unnecessary, and I look forward to getting my $2,500 (fine) back."
Brunson told reporters after the Knicks' Sunday practice that he has "no reaction" to McCollum's postgame comments.
"I didn't see it," New York coach Mike Brown said Sunday of McCollum's postgame comments. "A lot of guys are going to say a lot of things throughout the course of the playoffs. So, whatever people want to say, that's up to them."
"We've just got to be ready for them," Brunson said Sunday, referencing Monday's 8 p.m. tipoff for Game 2. "You just know that teams usually bounce back after a loss, and so we've got to be ready to up our intensity, up our physicality and just be ready to match theirs. They're a good team, they're well-coached and they're going to be ready to go."
The Knicks seek a 2-0 lead at the Garden before the best-of-seven set goes to Atlanta for Thursday's 7 p.m. Game 3.
"It's one of those things you have to be there and experience it to really understand it," New York wing Josh Hart said of MSG's postseason energy Sunday. "Obviously, regular season's always fun, it's always cool. And I was talking to (Yankees right-hander) Cam Schlittler (Saturday) about it -- playoffs in New York is different. The vibe is different. Everything is heightened in the Garden and, obviously, for them at Yankee Stadium. You've got to experience it, man -- the energy, the passion, the love, it's crazy."
The college basketball offseason is well underway with the transfer portal in full swing. Here are a few important dates that the Kentucky Wildcats will follow throughout the spring and summer:
Tuesday, April 21: Transfer portal entry window closes
The transfer portal window has been shortened to 2 weeks, limiting the time players have to decide whether to enter the portal. This deadline only applies to players entering the portal. Players who are already in can still take visits and commit after this date.
Friday, April 24 (11:59 PM ET): NBA Draft Early Entry Deadline
This is when we’ll know who will keep testing the NBA Draft waters for several more weeks. Outside of Malachi Moreno and Jayden Quaintance, no other Wildcat appears likely to test the draft waters
Thursday, April 30: Recruiting period ends
This is the final day of the April recruiting period, both for high school prospects and transfer portal players. From April 10 through April 30, programs are allowed to host both on-and off-campus visits. A quiet period begins Friday, May 1, and runs through Saturday, May 9, during which no off-campus in-person recruiting contact is permitted.
May 8-10, Chicago, Illinois: NBA G-League Combine
This is when we could see Otega Oweh get a chance to boost his stock and hopefully earn an invite to the NBA Combine.
May 10, Chicago, Illinois: NBA Draft Lottery
May 10-17, Chicago, Illinois: NBA Draft Combine
May 27 (11:59 PM ET): NCAA Early Entry Withdrawal Deadline
This will be the deadline for Malachi Moreno and others to withdraw from the draft if they want to remain in college basketball.
June 13 (5:00 PM ET): NBA Early Withdrawal Deadline
This is the NBA’s deadline to withdraw or stay in the draft.
June 23, Brooklyn, New York (8:00 PM ET): 2026 NBA Draft First Round
Assuming Jayden Quaintance remains in the draft, expect this to be the night his name is called.
June 24, Brooklyn, New York (8:00 PM ET): 2026 NBA Draft- Second Round
This is when we’ll likely get a chance to see Otega Oweh and other former Cats look to show what they’re made of and hopefully earn a spot on an NBA roster.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics grabs a rebound over Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Andre Drummond #1 during the first quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 19, 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 Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Sixers got crushed 123-91 in Game 1 by the Boston Celtics Sunday afternoon, falling down 1-0 in the series.
Tyrese Maxey was unable to pull a rabbit out of the hat, leading the Sixers with 21 points shooting 8-of-20 from the floor along with eight assists. Paul George put up 17 points on 4-of-8 shooting along with four rebounds, one assist and two turnovers.
VJ Edgecombe had his moments in his first playoff game, going for 13 points shooting 6-of-16 from the floor with three rebounds and three assists. Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 26.
Joel Embiid (appendectomy surgery recovery) was the only player unable to suit up due to injury.
Here are some thoughts at the buzzer.
First Quarter
The Sixers came out chucking — their first three shots of the game were all from behind the arc, but only one of those fell and it was banked off the glass. Adem Bona got the start at center but got a very quick hook after picking up two fouls with a turnover in the process. The Sixers were also able to draw two quick fouls on Neemias Queta though once Maxey and George were able to find space to drive.
It would take just about flawless basketball to get a win and that’s not how the Sixers came out. George had two rough turnovers while Andre Drummond committed a bad loose ball foul after a rare stop. The Celtics ripped off a 14-2 run to get out to a comfortable lead. Nick Nurse opted to go small with Dominick Barlow at the five when Drummond picked up his second, the only positive being the moving screen wasn’t absurdly upgraded to a flagrant.
All of this was secondary though to the Sixers inability to score. Maxey did as good of a job as he could being asked to make something magical happen off the dribble every possession. It took nine minutes of game time for someone other than Maxey or George score, and 10 minutes for a different Sixer to make a field goal. Jayson Tatum made a couple of baskets then found Jordan Walsh in transition to give the Celtics a 15-point lead after one.
No idea how Maxey got this to go. Sixers need a whole lot more of it, down big early. pic.twitter.com/R6KEqMhSIc
George made a quick four free throws out of five. Justin Edwards ended the three-point drought and followed that up with an and-1. He couldn’t convert that free throw and the Sixers still couldn’t make much progress. Drummond checked back in, but with Luka Garza drawing him out to the perimeter, the Sixers had no interior presence.
The frustration for Philly culminated in Drummond getting T’d up as the Celtics pushed their lead to 20. The struggles at center continued as Bona missed two putback bunnies in a row at point-blank range. Not only could they not buy a jumper to fall but they kept leaving points on the table at the line with Kelly Oubre Jr. becoming the latest Sixer unable to convert an and-1. The Sixers shot 12-of-18 from the line in the half.
Forget flawless play, the Sixers just weren’t able to get out of their own way. Edgecombe converted a rare and-1 then the Sixers retained possession their next trip down the floor with the ball going off the Celtics. They immediately turned the ball over trying to throw an inbounds pass from the baseline to half court. A small positive is that Edgecombe got a couple floaters to go in the quarter after a very quiet start. He nailed a turnaround to pull the Sixers within 18 at the half.
VJ Edgecombe with a beautiful euro and floating finish around Jayson Tatum here. pic.twitter.com/EWKe6yiYeF
The Sixers finally got a couple bounces to go their way with a couple of baskets followed by an unsuccessful Celtics challenge. A missed layup from Oubre led to Boston being able to respond, but the Sixers were able to get those points back and prevent another run.
Another poorly-timed turnover helped the Celtics snatch momentum right back. They had gotten a stop down 15 and Maxey was leaking out ahead of the defense. Drummond’s outlet pass didn’t have enough on it and Brown intercepted it. Two Boston threes later and the reeling Sixers called a timeout. They missed two midrange looks coming out of the timeout while Brown and Tatum each got an easy basket at the rim to cap off a 10-0 run.
A good example of execution being the difference was the offensive rebounding numbers vs. second-chance points. The Sixers pulled more down through three quarters, having 11 offensive rebounds to just four for Boston, but second-chance points were in Boston’s favor 12-10. Each one of those points felt back breaking with the Sixers fighting tooth and nail for every basket. They trailed by 24 going into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter
Quentin Grimes taking and making his first two shots of the game didn’t stop the Celtics from taking their first 30-point lead of the night. The amount of wide open layups the Sixers missed was staggering as Barlow became the latest to do so. To this point in the game they were shooting 55% at the rim, which Cleaning the Glass puts in the 12th percentile across the league.
It didn’t take very long into the quarter for the white flag to be raised. Both teams shut down their stars, with Trendon Watford and Dalen Terry checking in for the first time. Edwards made the best case for minutes in this series as the only bench player to hit shots, and even he finished this game 3-of-9 from the field. The Celtics fans mocked the “We want Boston” chants towards the end of the game to put the cherry on this crap sundae.
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 18: Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 18, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
LOS ANGELES – Saturday’s Game 1 between the Lakers and Rockets saw the Crypto.com Arena crowd will the purple and gold to victory behind the unlikeliest of leading men.
Midway through the fourth with LA leading by 12, the Lakers ran an action to get their lead guard his fifth three of the night and put the nail in Houston’s coffin.
No, it wasn’t Luka Dončić or Austin Reaves, the high-scoring duo originally expected to lead LA in postseason scoring. With both stars still out, Luke Kennard stepped up huge, putting up a playoff career high of 27 points on 5-5 shooting from the 3-point line.
It started early for the Duke product playing in the 29th playoff game of his career. A sign of utmost respect, the Rockets attached arguably their best perimeter defender, Amen Thompson, to Kennard.
LA used multiple screens and actions to shake him free from the first-team All-Defense opponent. Watch below as he comes off an ATO, curling around a Deandre Ayton screen with Thompson in chase mode.
Known for his 3-point shooting, the 59% mid range shooter collects his first two points. A couple possessions later, he curls off another screen in the middle of the floor and drives with a pretty off-hand hook shot that softly banks in. He finished the first quarter with 12 points on 5-6 shooting.
A major question entering the series was how the Lakers’ guards would handle the on-ball pressure Houston presents, especially in lineups without LeBron James.
Even while committing three turnovers, Kennard provided much-needed shot creation and showed off his underrated handle. Watch below as he snake dribbles off the screen and hits a pull-up over Alperen Şengün in drop coverage.
He stayed aggressive, not only taking threes but seeking them, including one over Thompson’s contest shown below.
“I just liked that he was aggressive shooting threes,” head coach J.J. Redick said postgame. “He played a fantastic basketball game…he just played really aggressive tonight.”
While the Lakers can’t expect 27 points every night, they will need this level of assertiveness every game of the series to contend. He’s become a primary option and the gravity of his movement is a vital cog in the Lakers’ opening up shots for others.
It’s not a large sample size, but once Luka and Reaves went down, LA quickly moved Kennard up the hierarchy. The two-man game with LeBron has blossomed all season and continued Saturday as they surgically hunted mismatches of big man Şengün and young guard Reed Shepherd.
Kennard’s usage on the Lakers before the injuries was just 12.8%. In the final five games of the season, it jumped to 19%. On Saturday, it was a steady 20.2% as one of the main go-to scorers and facilitators.
The Rockets will likely make adjustments going forward, adding more aggressive coverages and mixing up defensive rotations. The Lakers reps have been building towards this moment, and he took full advantage of the opportunity, looking prepared to continue doing so.
“Honestly, I feel like those games leading up to right now, I developed a rhythm kind of playing in that role,” Kennard said post-game. “It gave me confidence going into the playoffs of doing more and being controlled, poised, and looking for my shot when I can. So tonight, there was no difference. Shots went in.
“Again, it’s just having that mentality of getting everybody organized when I can and then looking for the best shot available and just being aggressive.”
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 11: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 11, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Thunder defeated the Suns 136-109. 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
Sunday brings another slate of playoff openers in the NBA, with some of the biggest young stars in the league seeing action tonight.
That includes both Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama, both of whom I’m picking to have big games for their teams in my NBA player prop picks for tonight.
Keep reading to see my favorite NBA picks from Sunday, April 19.
Prop #1: Paolo Banchero Over 33.5 points + rebounds + assists
-115 at bet365
The Orlando Magic needed to win on Friday to finally clinch their playoff spot, doing so in style with a 121-90 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Paolo Banchero was at the heart of that victory, scoring 25 points and putting up 36 total PRA.
That’s nothing unusual for the Magic star, who averaged 35.8 PRA for the season and surpassed his total for tonight’s game in four of his last five regular-season games, including a 31-point, 37 PRA performance against the Detroit Pistons earlier this month.
Orlando will need more performances like that to have a chance in this series. I expect the Magic to lean heavily on Banchero, making him an excellent choice to hit his PRA total tonight and throughout the series.
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBC
Prop #2: Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds
-130 at bet365
Victor Wembanyama put together perhaps his most complete season this year, playing 71 games and continuing to dominate defensively. Wembanyama averaged career highs of 25 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, all while the San Antonio Spurs have carefully limited his minutes, letting him play just under 30 per night.
We won’t see those kinds of restrictions or careful usage in the playoffs. Wemby finished the regular season strong on the boards, collecting 13+ rebounds in seven of his last eight.
There’s no reason to expect anything less from the 22-year-old now that the Spurs are pushing to make a deep playoff run, and I love Wembanyama’s rebounding Over tonight.
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBC
Prop #3: De'Aaron Fox Over 1.5 made threes
-120 at bet365
De’Aaron Fox has been an important complementary piece for the Spurs this year, averaging 18.6 PPG on 48.6% shooting. That includes solid shooting from deep, hitting 33.2% of his threes for the season.
We saw Fox shoot more freely from deep in the final few games of the season, hitting 2+ from beyond the arc in each of his last three games.
And with the Portland Trail Blazers certain to focus on preventing Wembanyama from singlehandedly beating them, that should make it easier for Fox to get open and to fire away from deep. With his made threes total at a modest 1.5, I like the Over.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 18: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 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 Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you ever doubted the Knicks…
…you better get outta here.
Only three first-round postgame Bulletins coming after this one. You know the reason. Knicks in four.
"Whosever phone this is…when you get a text it interrupts the press conference…" pic.twitter.com/ljJp2Ux4KL
On the team’s sacrifice and depth: “We feel like the team is deep and anybody can get going at any time. For us, it’s about sacrificing and not worrying about shots, minutes or anything like that. Just try to go do what you can to help the team win.”
On Brunson’s Game 1 start: “It’s big. He stepped up to the plate like he should have done, and he hit some big shots for us early to help us get out front.”
On cleaning up transition defense: “Transition — they shook free in the first half and the way we chart it, they had 18 fast break points. We talked about it at halftime and we did a little better job in the second half.”
On defending Atlanta’s small-small pick-and-roll: “We did a nice job in the second half with our transition defense. Their small-small pick and roll also is a problem, and our guys did a pretty good job of defending that the right way in the second half.”
On handling Atlanta’s Hack-A-Mitch: “We’ll see how the game goes, and we’ll leave him in until we think we need to make a sub. And whenever we feel like we need to make a sub, we will. But we’re gonna give him a chance.”
On using the bonus to counter fouling: “If they wanna start fouling, then that would get us closer to the bonus. So it’s a time for us to go back to him.”
On OG Anunoby’s impact: “OG hit some big shots.”
On preaching sacrifice and Brunson’s command: “We have capable guys. We feel like this team is deep, and anybody can get going at any time. For us, it’s about sacrifice and not worrying about shots or minutes or anything. [Jalen] was good defensively; he was good commanding a double-team. It’s something we’re going to face the entire playoff, and we have to make sure we continue to be on point about it.”
On Towns’ second-half surge: “The ball went in for him in the second half.”
On playing through Towns early: “In the first half, he facilitated a lot. We played through him. He made some great passes for some easy buckets, and so we’re just trying to mix it up for him.”
On Mike Brown’s coaching: “Intense, smart, challenges us as players. Makes some really good adjustments. His communication throughout the year has been really good with us. From meetings, talking to us, finding out what we see, doing different things (based on player feedback). He’s done an amazing job.”
On Brunson’s breakout in Utah: “It wasn’t like he wasn’t on the scouting report, but I don’t think us as a team thought he was going to perform the way that he did. It was like his coming-out party. He was just busting our ass, for real.”
On OG Anunoby’s ankle and spiritual healing: “We need OG out here, so we’re gonna make it happen. He came over to the bench and asked me if I could do (the spiritual healing) for his ankle; then he sat over there for a second, came back in the game and finished the game. Like I said, we need him on the floor so whatever I gotta do to keep it going… sprinkle a little magic on him.”
On facilitating early in Game 1: “I wanted to make sure get them going early and facilitate.”
On reading Atlanta’s game plan: “I wanted to know — they had a week of practice — to see what their game plan was. Seeing the pressure, when you’ve got someone like [Brunson] and the amazing teammates we’ve got, I wanted to make sure to get them going early.”
On team trust: “We’ve got an amazing team that, not only our starting five, but everyone on the team could impact winning and can go out there and do an amazing job. So, just us continuing to trust each other and us going out there as a team and winning as a team is the most important thing.”
On his father returning to the Garden: “To have someone who I would say is the most important person in my life, it’s really awesome to be able to have him back in Madison Square Garden supporting me. I feel like any son out there who plays basketball or plays any sport, you get to see your father there at your competition, you always have a sense of pride, and you want to make him proud.”
.@JLEdwardsIII "4 years ago today you scored 41 for Dallas vs Utah…Jordan Clarkson said he thought that was your coming-out party" … Jalen Brunson "Everyone sees that but 1st couple years…chipping away…every day…summer…[then] opportunity…stay ready…v thankful…my… pic.twitter.com/28H5kOUCqs
On the Game 1 win: “It was a hard-fought win. It was physical. It was a grind-it-out game.”
On fighting through highs and lows: “It’s really important, you never know what’s going to happen. There’s going to be highs and lows of a season, highs and lows of a game, and to be able to fight through and still find a way to impact, is very important for us, especially this point of the season.”
On growing chemistry with Towns: “The longer we’re on the court together, our chemistry’s better. I think we’ve grown as teammates, grown as friends.”
On moving past the McCollum incident: “It wasn’t purposeful, so we move forward.”
On the second-half defense: “I feel like they were getting out and they were winning a space battle (in the first half), getting open, getting to their spots and I feel like in the second half, we really cut that off. We made catches difficult, and we got to loose balls.”
On the need for steady defensive consistency: “Every single night. It’s nonnegotiable; we have to bring it every single night and be locked in.”
OG Anunoby twisted his ankle and asked to come out of the game.
Declined treatment from a trainer, re-tied his left shoe.
Here’s Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado using ancient forgotten healing methods on him: pic.twitter.com/qSLGE50m9Z
On his ankle: “It’s OK. I just rolled it; it just happened.”
On his performance: “I think I played good. I could always be better.”
On improving for Game 2: “Everything.”
"He's going to have quarters where he gets going"
Quin Snyder talks about Jalen Brunson's big first quarter and the Hawks' defensive strategy against him moving forward in this series: pic.twitter.com/uqO14Igqdf
On the Towns matchup: “That’s a challenge for us right now. It’s a little bit of pick your poison, you know? How do you handle him on the post with a mismatch? Do you just guard him? How do you handle pick and roll? How do you handle him and Brunson on pick a roll? I think for us to be prepared for all those situations, you can adjust every time down the court. Obviously, we will be doing that. That’s no secret. That’s what, you know, great offensive players demand.”
On Atlanta’s center depth: “We picked up Tony Bradley [who was on] our G-league team last year. Mo Gueye has been playing the five, which hasn’t been his primary position this year and then obviously spent time guarding [KAT]. So hopefully we can do a better job guarding him than we have. There’s times where it’s good defense, better offense. One of the biggest things is we’ve got to keep him off the foul line. There’s some ways that he scored against us I think are real. Trying to focus on that and make him do something different. I say that he can do a lot of things that are different, so we’ll just lock in, try to make it work.”
On Towns’ rebounding and pick-and-roll: “He’s always just been a gifted scorer. I think the thing that maybe gets overlooked a little bit at times is his rebounding. That’s another layer to it, because even when you feel like you’ve impacted him and he doesn’t score, he’s on the glass. The situations that he’s in [in New York] are a little different, especially the pick and roll with Brunson. That’s a layer that it’s hard to deal with when you have two players that are that gifted individually and then, when they’re connected as well, it presents more problems.”
On guarding Towns on the perimeter: “Like any player in the league, they get better as they’re in the league, but I think having him in trail as much as he is and the range that he has, those closeout situations — if they’re long, you think you’re on them and then you realize they’re seven feet tall, you’re not. Then you think you’ve done a good job at that, and he makes a quick read and jabs, shot fakes and goes around you. So do your best. But I think he’s gotten better.”
On not manipulating playoff seeding to face the Knicks: “That was completely bogus — our focus was totally on us coming into [the season finale]. If we were fortunate enough to be playing in the playoffs, I think that was the goal for us, and then to be healthy. We had lost Jock a short time prior to that, too. The focus for us was on our health. There was no easy matchup, and we weren’t concerned about that as much as we were ourselves.”
CJ McCollum accuses Jalen Brunson of flopping
and the president of the players union would never make false accusations much less do anything dirt— pic.twitter.com/Qij4lF6x3w
On the technical and Brunson’s reaction: “I shot a jumper, and Jalen thought we were at a Broadway show. He acted it out until they reviewed it. It’s a normal jump shot. Nothing there. Unnecessary, and I look forward to getting my $2,500 [fine] back.”
Danny Green, a three-time NBA champ (who won a title with OG Anunoby), backed off his prediction of Knicks winning the East because of “rumblings” of a fractured team.
Here’s what Green said in media conference call yesterday with ESPN, where he works as an analyst:
On the Knicks’ late-season form dooming them: “Simply because the fact that the Knicks this year, especially late in the season, they looked very up-and-down. They looked like they were disconnected. The chemistry wasn’t there.”
On rumblings of a players-Brown clash: “There are rumblings about some guys don’t like Mike Brown or work with the coaches. There are rumblings that some guys are feeling they’re not getting touches or there’s over usage of Jalen Brunson. That seems to me like a team that could self-implode.”
On giving Boston the edge: “Originally at the beginning of the year, I had the Knicks. The Knicks probably had the highest expectation, the most pressure on them. They made it to the Eastern Conference finals last year. Indiana dropped out with injuries. Boston had dropped down with injuries but came back, and they’ve been playing well even without Jayson Tatum for most of the year. Detroit is good. They’re just young and inexperienced. That’s why I couldn’t give the edge to Detroit. Boston and New York have to face each other in that second round at some point. The winner of that matchup is the one that’s going to get to the Finals. Right now, I’m giving the edge to Boston, even though the Knicks have played well against Boston.”
LeBron James, during his illustrious NBA career, has played in more than 1,900 games. He’s said the craziest thing probably happened in his latest one – in which the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets, 107-98, in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series Saturday, April 18.
In the second quarter, James shared the court with his son Bronny for four minutes. It’s the first time a father and son have played together in an NBA playoff game.
"That’s probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened to me in my career," James, a four-time NBA champion, told reporters after the game. "It was just so cool to be out there with him, and his brother and his sister and his mom in the building. And his grandma.
"You know, like, that’s just insane. You know, like, my mom get to watch her son and grandson during the playoffs. Now that’s crazy,"
Statistically, it was not a memorable four-minute stretch for Bronny James. He had a turnover and two personal fouls and did not attempt a shot.
Now in his second NBA season, Bronny James scored double figures in three of the Lakers’ final six regular-season games. He averaged 2.9 points in 42 games during the regular season.
His father turned in a a scintillating playoff performance in the first game of the best-of-seven series against the Rockets. LeBron James had 19 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds while helping the Lakers overcome the absence of Luke Doncic and Austin Reaves, both who missed the game because of injuries.
Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are major favorites to win both the series and Game 1 at home. It would be a major upset if the Portland Trail Blazers pulled off a win tonight.
Our prediction:Spurs to win
Not only does our NBA expert expect the Spurs to follow through on their favorite status in Game 1, but he doesn't think San Antonio loses any in the series. "The San Antonio Spurs should focus on wrapping up this series quickly if they dream of a long postseason run. The specter of the Denver Nuggets in the second round, or even the Minnesota Timberwolves, should worry the Spurs enough to emphasize rest and recovery before the second round."
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More Trail Blazers vs Spurs prediction markets
You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Trail Blazers vs. Spurs at Kalshi; you also have options to trade on the spread, total, and more, among other NBA odds markets.
You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Spurs -11.5 spread means the Spurs will cover, while "No" means the Trail Blazers will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using theCovers odds converter).
Trail Blazers vs Spurs spread and total at prediction markets
Outcome
Yes
No
Spurs -11.5
49¢ (+104)
52¢ (-108)
Over 221.5 points
51¢ (-104)
50¢ (+100)
Our predictions:Trail Blazers +11.5 — Yes and Over 221.5 points — No
The Trail Blazers can slow the pace in this matchup to remain at least somewhat competitive. Assuming they're successful, that will help keep the overall score suppressed.
Other Trail Blazers vs Spurs prediction markets available
Dylan Harper 10+ points (Yes: 46¢)
De'Aaron Fox 20+ points (Yes: 41¢)
Victor Wembanyama 30+ points (Yes: 45¢)
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Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts" which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Spurs win tonight?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.
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Why should I wager on Trail Blazers vs Spurs at Kalshi?
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There were moments. For example, against the Clippers in the first play-in game, when the Warriors got the Kristaps Porzingis they needed — 20 points on 8-of-12 from the field and 3-of-6 from 3-point range, plus five rebounds, five assists and a couple of blocked shots. If the Warriors decide to get the band back together next season and try to make another run in the Stephen Curry era, they could use that Porzingis.
For his part, Porzingis isn't sure what's next. After a roller coaster of a season where, once again, illness and injuries again limited him (32 games), he said he wants to take a step back in an exclusive interview with Melissa Rohlan of the California Post. She asked Porzingis if he wanted to return to the Warriors.
"That's a good question. I do love my time here, honestly. Not one bad thing I can say about the organization, the team, the teammates. I really love it here, I really do.
"As I said before, I haven't had a good year. If I had a good year, I think I'd have a more clear picture of what I want to do. Because I've had an up-and-down year like this, this is an offseason in my career that I think I'm just going to take a step back, look at the whole picture and then see what's the best direction for me."
What's next for Porzingis involves a few questions. If the Warriors are going to get the band back together next season (or make a bold move, such as chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo) to position themselves for another big run in the Stephen Curry era, they would likely want Porzingis back — but at considerably less than the $30.7 million he was making this season. Which leads to the next couple of questions: Would another team step up with a bigger offer? What will Porzingis prioritize in picking where he plays next? Money? Role? Contending team?
Porzingis' value when healthy is not in question, just ask the champion 2024 Celtics. He's an All-Star-level player when on the court. However, his availability is on the table. Porzingis has played in fewer than 60 games in each of the past three seasons, and has cleared 65 games just three times in his 10-year career (and two of those were his first two seasons in the league).
Porzingis isn't going to be the biggest free agent name on the board this summer, but he is one of the more interesting ones.
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the underdog Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference playoffs, and we're looking at NBA player prop projections ahead of tonight's Game 1 clash.
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Trail Blazers Game 1 computer picks
Scoot Henderson Over 9.5 points (+100)
Projection: 11.39 points
The player prop projected to offer the most EV (23.3%) on the slate is Scoot Henderson to go Over 9.5 points at even money.
This year, opposing starting PGs have averaged 50.2% on shots from the field (best in the league) vs. the San Antonio Spurs, creating a positive matchup.
The Portland Trail Blazers check in as the second-best offensive rebounding team in the league (offensive rebounds maintain possession and may therefore provide added opportunities for scoring and assists).
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Deni Avdija Under 6.5 assists (-105)
Projection: 5.48 assists
The Blazers have the sixth-most sluggish pace-of-play offense in the NBA over the last five games, and Deni Avdija has only dished out seven-plus assists five times in his last 10.
One of those recent Unders came against the Spurs.
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Jrue Holiday Over 14.5 points (-112)
Projection: 17.45 points
The computer is projecting Jrue Holiday to clear his scoring prop by nearly a full three points, and it expects him to have a strong matchup from beyond the arc.
The matchup against the Spurs is a strong one for 3-point shots; the opposing team's starting SGs have posted the eighth-highest 3-point percentage in the NBA this year (37.5%).
If you like the risk, Over 2.5 made threes is available at +115, but the computer is only projecting 2.74.
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Spurs Game 1 computer picks
Dylan Harper Over 8.5 points (-110)
Projection: 10.55 points
Dylan Harper has scored at least nine points in 12 straight games and in 16 of his last 17.
Offensive rebounds preserve possession and generate additional scoring opportunities, and the Spurs rank sixth-best in the league with 12.4 offensive boards per game over the last 15 games.
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Devin Vassell Over 12.5 points (+100)
Projection: 13.30 points
Devin Vassell has averaged 13.9 points per game this season and has cleared this line in four of his last six games.
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De'Aaron Fox Over 17.5 points (-105)
Projection: 18.60 points
De'Aaron Fox has averaged 22.5 points per game over the last eight home games, 3.6 points higher than his full-season average at home.
He's also cleared this prop in three straight and in four of six.
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How to watch Trail Blazers vs Spurs Game 1
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Paolo Banchero
Victor Wembanyama
Trail Blazers