Category: NBA

NEW YORK (AP) — Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs wins NBA defensive player of the year award.

Victor Wembanyama became the youngest player in NBA history to win the league's Defensive Player of the Year award Monday, April 20 in the first unanimous vote in league history.

Wembanyama, who turned 22 on Jan. 4, 2026, also became the first winner under 23 years old to win the award. The previous youngest winner of DPOY was Dwight Howard, who was 23 years, 128 days when he won the award for the 2008-09 season as a member of the Orlando Magic.

Now, the San Antonio Spurs star finally adds one of the biggest NBA awards to his trophy case.

That might sound a little impatient, given that 2025-26 was only his third year in the league. But Wemby's had a legitimate argument as one of, if not the best defender in the NBA ever since his rookie season when he averaged an unreal 3.6 blocks per game and finished second in voting behind his fellow countryman Rudy Gobert. He probably would've had a shot at the award in 2024-25 too, if it wasn't for blood clots that cut his season short after just 46 games.

Third time was indeed the charm for Wembanyama, who was announced as this year's DPOY after averaging a league-leading 3.1 blocks (he's led the NBA in blocks in all three of his NBA seasons) and 11.5 rebounds per game. While Wemby's 103.6 defensive rating is fourth-best in the NBA, his net defensive rating (17.0) led the league.

Wembanyama beat out finalists Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Detroit Pistons' Ausar Thompson for the award; he is also a finalist for NBA Most Valuable Player. He'll have to outdo Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic in the polls but if he does, Wembanyama would be just the fourth player in NBA history to win both MVP and DPOY in the same year – a feat only Michael Jordan (1987-88), Hakeem Olajuwon (1993-94) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (2019-20) have accomplished.

Award winners will be announced as the week goes on, with Clutch Player of the Year scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, Sixth Man of the Year on Wednesday, April 22, the Sportsmanship Award on Thursday, April 23 and Most Improved Player on Friday, April 24.

CLEVELAND — Telling someone back in 2015 that a Cleveland Cavaliers head coach would compare his point guard, James Harden, to Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James would probably break their brain. We live in a weird world.

The Cavs have been rolling offensively since adding Harden in February. The speed at which he processes the game, combined with his skill, has done that. This is most seen with his passing, which is on a level that Atkinson could only compare to one other superstar in the league.

“There might be another player like him, but him and LeBron are the only guys that I’ve seen in that category where the accuracy and the speed of the pass is just a whole other level,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said before Game 2 against the Toronto Raptors. “I think that speaks to their skill level, IQ, but also the strength part. You got to be really strong to throw some of the passes they throw through traffic.”

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Harden displayed this during their Game 1 win on Saturday. He racked up 10 assists, with two of those leading to Max Strus triples. Both were delivered on time and on target.

“It obviously makes a difference,” Strus said when asked about how a good pass helps the ensuing shot. “He’s been doing this for a very long time. He knows how to help guys be great, and I’ve experienced it. He’s a phenomenal basketball player, one of the best players in the world ever, for a reason. And we’re lucky to have him. He just makes the game easier for everyone else.”

There’s more to just passing than accuracy and velocity of passes. Harden is good at both of those things, but his ability to read the defense, manipulate where he wants the defenders to go, and then deliver the pass is what separates excellent passers from some of the greatest all-time.

“He’s just got a great, great feel,” Atkinson said. “Like I’ve said all year, since we’ve gotten him, he’s just a way better passer than I thought he was.”

The window to enter the transfer portal closes on Tuesday, April 21, although numerous top-tier players remain uncommitted in men's college basketball.

The transfer portal opened at midnight on Tuesday, April 7, just a few hours after Michigan won the national championship game over UConn. Nearly 4,800 players have entered the transfer portal since, according to a USA TODAY Network source.

REQUIRED READING: College basketball transfer portal rankings: Top 30 available players

Former Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic is USA TODAY's No. 1-ranked player to have entered the transfer portal this offseason, although the sharpshooter could be off to the NBA draft. Momcilovic entered the 2026 NBA Draft while retaining his eligibility and entering the transfer portal simultaneously.

Players can still sign with their new school outside of the two-week transfer portal window, although only if they entered their name during the period. It could still be a few days before the top players are wrapped up.

Here's a look at our top uncommitted players in the men's college basketball transfer portal:

John Brice contributed to this story.

Transfer portal rankings: Top uncommitted players in men's college basketball

Rankings as of 4:46 p.m. ET on Monday, April 20

1. Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State

Iowa State forward Milan Momicilovic entered the transfer portal on April 12, and instantly became the top player available thanks to his length and 3-point shooting ability. The 6-foot-8 junior averaged 16.9 points per game last season while shooting an NCAA-leading 48.7% from distance, which was 1.6% better than Liberty's Brett Decker Jr., who had the second-best mark.

Momcilovic has 101 starts in 102 career games for the Cyclones, and led the No. 2-seeded team in scoring this season. He's also entering his name in the 2026 NBA Draft while in the portal.

2. Juke Harris, Wake Forest

Sophomore guard Juke Harris took a massive leap in 2025-26, going from 6.1 points per game off the bench as a true freshman to one of the ACC's top scorers at 21.4 points per game as a sophomore. The 6-foot-7 guard also averaged 6.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game, and shot 33.2% from 3-point range on 7.5 attempts per game.

Harris offers elite length at guard and also top-tier scoring ability, making him one of the top available players. He has been linked to Michigan, having taken a visit to the national champions, but has yet to commit, at least publicly.

REQUIRED READING: Best fits: 10 college basketball transfers who are perfect for new teams

3. Allen Graves, Santa Clara

Santa Clara forward Allen Graves previously declared for the NBA draft before later entering the transfer portal April 10.

The 6-foot-9 true freshman averaged 11.8 points with 6.5 rebounds per game this season off the bench, but he established himself as one of the best mid-major players late in the year. He scored 17 points with seven rebounds and a block in Santa Clara's NCAA Tournament loss to Kentucky, even making a go-ahead 3-pointer in the final seconds before Kentucky's Otega Oweh forced overtime.

Graves has three seasons of eligibility left and is already on the NBA draft radar, making him an enticing prospect.

4. Massamba Diop, Arizona State

Arizona State center Massamba Diop emerged as one of the top rim-protecting big men in the Big 12 this season despite being a true freshman, averaging 2.1 blocks per game. The 7-foot-1 former 3-star prospect from Senegal also averaged 13.6 points with 5.8 rebounds per game.

The market for top-tier big men is expensive, and Diop will be near the top.

5. Paulius Murauskus, Saint Mary's

Paulius Murauskus was one of the most productive-scoring big men in college basketball last season, averaging 18.4 points with 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists as a second-year starter for Saint Mary's. He also shot 33.3% from 3-point range.

The 6-foot-8 former Arizona transfer started 67 games across two seasons with the Gaels, helping lead the program to No. 7 seed selections in the NCAA Tournament in both years. His former Saint Mary's coach, Randy Bennett, is now at Arizona State, which could be an option for one of the top uncommitted players.

He's also reportedly an option for Louisville, who's looking to pair Murauskus with Flory Bidunga, the No. 1-ranked center to enter the portal this offseason.

6. John Blackwell, Wisconsin

Another productive scorer, former Wisconsin guard John Blackwell has a long list of suitors thanks to his offensive prowess.

The All-Big Ten third-team selection last season averaged 19.1 points with 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game last season, despite playing second fiddle to Nick Boyd, Wisconsin's leading scorer. The 6-foot-4 junior has one season of eligibility left, and scored 22 points in the Badgers' NCAA Tournament upset loss to High Point.

7. Moustapha Thiam, Cincinnati

Former Cincinnati center Moustapha Thiam has elite size and shot-blocking ability, making him one of the best bg men available. The 7-foot-2, 250-pound center averaged 12.8 points with 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game last season for the Bearcats after transferring from UCF.

Thiam has 65 career starts and still has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

8. Donnie Freeman, Syracuse

Former five-star recruit Donnie Freeman opted to not return to Syracuse after it fired Adrian Autry and hired former Orange legend Gerry McNamara as his replacement.

The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 16.5 points with 7.2 rebounds per game last season, and is one of the top power forward options in the transfer portal. He's been tied to numerous blue-blood programs, with St. John's reportedly making a push for him to help replace Bryce Hopkins and Zuby Ejiofor.

9. Terrence Brown, Utah

Terrence Brown showed he can score at the Power Four level last season at Utah, averaging 19.9 points per game in his first season after leaving Fairleigh Dickinson.

The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 20.6 points per game at FDU as a sophomore, and brings one season of eligibility to his new team. He has been linked with numerous top-tier programs like North Carolina and others.

10. Paul McNeil, NC State

Paul McNeil is one of the best shooters in the transfer portal, as he shot 42.7% from distance last season on 7.2 attempts per game. The former NC State guard also averaged 13.6 points per game.

The 6-foot-5 sophomore scored a career-high 47 points in a nonconference game against Texas Southern in December, making 11 3-pointers while securing 10 rebounds. He'd be an elite shooting option next to an established point guard at his next school.

Former NC State coach Will Wade left the Wolfpack for LSU, and it'll be interesting to see if McNeil is an option for the Tigers.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Transfer portal rankings: 10 best uncommitted players available

Joseph Savarino, the grandson of former Duke men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, faces a misdemeanor charge of driving while impaired in a crash that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old boy in North Carolina.

According to WRAL News — an NBC TV affiliate in Raleigh, North Carolina — Savarino is accused of hitting a cyclist riding their electric bike at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 18, at the intersection of Cole Mill Road and Wyndham Lane in Durham, North Carolina. WRAL reports that the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to online records from the Durham County Sheriff's Office, Savarino, 26, was booked into jail at 2:45 a.m. ET on Sunday, April 19, before posting out on $100,000 bond on Monday, April 20.

REQUIRED READING: Best fits: 10 college basketball transfers who are perfect for new teams

According to a public report of the incident obtained by WRAL News, Savarino told police he had been drinking earlier in the night, and that his blood alcohol content level registered at 0.11 on a breathalyzer test. WRAL also reported that a judge issued an order to revoke Savarino’s driving license.

Savarino is the son of Krzyzewski's daughter, Debbie Savarino, according to a 2024 article from the Raleigh News & Observer.

Krzyzewski has been retired from coaching since the end of the 2021-22 season. He served as the Blue Devils' coach for 42 seasons and posted a career overall record of 1,129-309.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joseph Savarino, grandson of Mike Krzyzewski, charged with DWI

With six ties among teams with identical regular season records, the NBA held random drawings on Monday to help determine the order for the 2026 Draft. 

The Knicks were among those teams after finishing with the same record as the Lakers (53-29). 

New York won the tiebreaker over Los Angeles via the drawing, meaning they now own the 24th overall pick. 

That is the first of three selections for the Knicks this year, with the other two being second-rounders, one of which comes via the Washington Wizards. 

New York's last first round selection was Pacome Dadiet at 25th overall in 2024, because they shipped out their first rounder last year as part of the Mikal Bridges trade. 

The NBA Draft takes place on June 23-24 at the Barclays Center. 

In case you need reminding, go ahead and rewatch Sunday’s game to see how much the Sixers miss Joel Embiid when he’s out.

The team looked hopeless without the big fella, getting crushed by the Boston Celtics 123-91 in Game 1 Sunday. Sure, the Celtics are the favorites to get out of the East and Nick Nurse didn’t seem to have any answers for anything Joe Mazzulla was doing, but Embiid’s absence was undeniably felt.

Adem Bona and Andre Drummond struggled mightily on both ends of the floor. Bona couldn’t finish anything at the rim and got into early foul trouble. Drummond yet again couldn’t keep up with Neemias Queta and also got into early foul trouble. Dominick Barlow had to play some five and didn’t find any success, either.

Like it or not, the Sixers are stuck in this Embiid limbo, praying there’s any chance he can return for this series. The team is only as good as his health allows them to be — which obviously hasn’t been good for nearly his entire career. Trading him isn’t likely to help the franchise now or in the future. It’s frustrating, but there really aren’t many alternatives other than getting serious about building a roster that can at least withstand his absences.

Embiid’s three-year extension kicks in next season, when he’ll make (an estimated) $57.9 million. That number goes up to $62.6 million in 2027-28. He then has a player option for the 2028-29 season at $67.2 million. Put yourself in the shoes of another general manager — as great as Embiid is when he plays, are you giving up real assets for that cap hit and sorted injury history? Of course you aren’t.

Think about Daryl Morey’s history here as well. He won’t salary dump players, for better or worse. He did so immediately upon his arrival with Al Horford in a move that absolutely had to happen. Since then, he’s held on to players like Ben Simmons and James Harden, despite their desires to be traded. This is a guy who held on to Tobias Harris for the entirety of his contract because he couldn’t get positive value in return. To think he would happily hand over picks to get off Embiid’s contract isn’t based in reality.

Of course, there’s a non-zero chance Morey isn’t running things this offseason. So, you’re then expecting the next executive to trade a guy in Embiid who is a franchise icon and, again, attach assets to do it. It would be the defining move of the next executive’s tenure. That’s a lot of weight to put on a potential Morey successor.

And take into account what the team looks like post-Embiid salary dump. It’s doubtful the players they receive in return will offer any type of upgrade. Those guys are likely to be salary dumps in their own right. Maybe a player like a Nicolas Batum will sneak in the deal like in the Harden trade, but how much better does that make this version of the Sixers? They’ll also have less picks to build for the future, hurting any future team-building around Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

Again, there’s no great solution here. The best and most logical step is to fortify the center position behind Embiid. The Sixers have done well on the margins in so many other areas. Their inability to find just a decent backup big or two, knowing Embiid’s injury history, is mind-boggling.

Bona is fine as a backup playing 15-20 minutes a night while he continues to develop, but the team needs more. With respect to Drummond, who is giving the Sixers everything he can right now, an upgrade is needed. You don’t need a world-beater, just a big who can do the basics — set good screens, roll to the rim and finish, rebound and protect the rim. There are centers who fit this mold you can acquire without needing premium trade assets or money. Johni Broome is here, but it still could be beneficial to bring in another young big after the 23-year-old rookie couldn’t get minutes before suffering a meniscus injury.

The Sixers couldn’t be in a stranger spot. Embiid is likely too good to salary dump, but can’t be relied upon to stay healthy through a playoff run. There’s no perfect answer, but the team can do better starting this offseason.

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Learn to spell his name. Learn to pronounce his name. Learn to enjoy the absurdities that come when Victor Wembanyama is on the court. They will likely define the next few weeks of the NBA playoffs, to the San Antonio Spurs’ great delight and the Portland Trail Blazers’ great misery.

This same-game parlay for my Trail Blazers vs. Spurs predictions leans into Wembanyama in Game 2 on Tuesday, April 21.

Our best Trail Blazers vs Spurs SGP for Game 2

Victor Wembanyama may not go 5-for-6 from beyond the arc again, but even by missing a few 3-pointers, he would likely increase his own playing time. Yes, the San Antonio Spurs superstar scored 35 points in fewer than 33 minutes in Game 1. His own dominance lessened the need for more action.

Wembanyama has scored at least 34 points in five of his last six games, clearing 40 in three of those. He has been in a dominant form for a bit now, something that should worry not only the Portland Trail Blazers but also everyone in the NBA.

The Trail Blazers' concern stems largely from an inability to defend Wembanyama. Second-year center Donovan Clingan is actually an imposing defensive presence, but he has neither the quickness nor the agility to keep up with Wembanyama away from the rim.

Portland needs to trim Clingan’s minutes and try a different approach. That approach will still be unlikely to work, but some adjustment is a must.

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 Washington Wizards have completed Year 3 of their rebuild, ending a “deconstruction phase” that included countless trades, six first-round picks and 196 losses.

General Manager Will Dawkins said the team will “try to compete” next season, but hesitated to provide greater expectations. It appears Washington will use the 2026-27 season as an evaluation year, one to identify which young pieces to build around, which veterans should stick around and more.

But first comes the 2026 offseason — an important period that could shape the franchise’s next decade of contention. Washington owns a top-five pick in the upcoming draft, which has a 52.1% chance of improving to a top-four pick, plus two others in the second round.

While the draft is important, it’s far from the only marquee event from now until opening night in October. Below is a full breakdown of the key dates surrounding Washington’s rebuild this offseason.

May 10: NBA Draft Lottery

Washington’s pick odds at the upcoming NBA Draft Lottery are as follows:

• 1st pick: 14.0%
• 2nd pick: 13.4%
• 3rd pick: 12.7%
• 4th pick: 12.0%
• 5th pick: 47.9%

The NBA’s worst team hasn’t landed the No. 1 pick since the league switched to its current lottery system in 2019. The last time the worst team got the top pick was in 2018 when the Phoenix Suns selected Deandre Ayton.

May 10-17: NBA Draft Combine

The draft combine is a weeklong event held in Chicago. It’s an opportunity for league executives, coaches and scouts to evaluate players’ weight, height, athleticism, shooting and more while they compete against their fellow prospects.

May/June: Pre-draft workouts

The period between the draft lottery and the draft itself consists of speculation, mock drafts and more. But for teams, it serves as a six-week period to host group and individual workouts with the draft’s top prospects.

Under Dawkins and Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger, the Wizards have been discreet throughout the pre-draft process. While some teams post their workout participants to social media, Washington keeps its information close to the vest.

June 23: Round 1 of the NBA Draft

The Wizards finished with the NBA’s worst record, which means they can pick no lower than No. 5 in this year’s draft. The consensus top-four in this draft have separated from the rest on most big boards, with a cluster of talented guards entering the conversation at the fifth pick.

The consensus top-four prospects, in no particular order, are as follows:

• AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU
• Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas
• Cameron Boozer, F, Duke
• Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina

Prospects Washington could target at No. 5, should that be their pick:

• Darius Acuff, G, Arkansas
• Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois
• Kingston Flemings, G, Houston
• Mikel Brown, G, Louisville

June 24: Round 2 of the NBA Draft

Washington owns the following picks in the second round:

• No. 51 (via Minnesota)
  • Acquired from Detroit in a 2024 trade that sent Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala to the Pistons for Marvin Bagley III, Isaiah Livers, and 2025 and 2026 second-round picks.
• No. 60 (via Oklahoma City)
  • Acquired from San Antonio in a July 2025 trade that sent Kelly Olynyk to the Spurs for Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley and a 2026 second-round pick (least favorable of DAL/PHI/OKC).

Fun fact: The last second-round pick the Wizards signed to a second contract before Dawkins became GM in 2023 was Shelvin Mack, who was selected in 2011.

Washington has signed both of its second-round picks under Dawkins — Jamir Watkins and Tristan Vukcevic — to second contracts.

• Tristan Vukcevic: 2 years, $6M — team option in 2027-28
• Jamir Watkins: 1-year, $2.15M — team option in 2026-27

June 29: Deadline to pick upoptions

• Trae Young’s player option ($49M)
• D’Angelo Russell’s player option ($5.97M)
• Watkins’ team option ($2.15M)
• Submit two-way qualifying offer to Sharife Cooper

While Young has a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, it’s widely expected that the veteran guard will decline that option and instead ink a multi-year extension to remain in Washington.

With Russell’s buyout market reportedly “nonexistent,” the 30-year-old guard could opt into his player option to remain a Wizard next season. A buyout is still possible, as Russell never reported to the Wizards following a February trade that sent him from Dallas to Washington.

June 30: Team negotiation period begins

Teams can negotiate with free agents during this window. Contract terms will be reported but nothing will be official until free agency begins six days later. Expect to see plenty of breaking news by Shams Charania of ESPN during this timeframe.

July 1: Bilal Coulibaly and Cam Whitmore become rookie extension eligible

An extension for Whitmore, who missed most of the 2025-26 season with deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder, is unlikely. But his fellow 2023 draft pick, Bilal Coulibaly, is poised for a payday.

Coulibaly’s stats — 11.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game on 31.9% 3PT — don’t stand out. If anything, they were a bit underwhelming for the third-year wing. But Coulibaly’s defensive prowess, an ability to mark the opposing team’s best player while providing switchability in guarding one through four, is coveted across the association.

Dawkins has a history of extending Washington’s first-round picks once they become extension eligible.

In 2023, he gave Deni Avdija a 4-year, $55 million extension that looks like one of the league’s best contracts. Now, Dawkins later dealt Avdija to Portland, but that’s a discussion for another story.

Dawkins also extended Corey Kispert before the 2024-25 campaign, giving the sharpshooting wing a 4-year, $54 million payday. If history repeats itself, Dawkins appears poised to extend Coulibaly, his first draft selection as Washington’s GM, later this offseason.

Should a deal materialize, look for it to be signed closer to opening night in October, as each of the previous extensions were. Avdija was extended on Oct. 22. Kispert inked his extension on Oct. 21.

July 6: Teams can officially announce signings

The Wizards conducted free agency before this year’s trade deadline, acquiring big names like Young and Anthony Davis, among others. Here’s a breakdown of those contracts for the 2026-27 season:

• Trae Young ($49M player option — extension candidate)
• Anthony Davis ($58.5M)
• Jaden Hardy ($6M)
• D’Angelo Russell ($5.97M player option)

July 9-19: Summer League

Summer League is scheduled for July 9-19. Expect second-year players Tre Johnson, Will Riley, Jamir Watkins and Julian Reese to suit up in Las Vegas. Those players will be joined by the Wizards’ 2026 first-round pick, plus any other selections they make on draft night.

Well, even the little sliver of optimism I had for this Sixers-Celtics series evaporated rather quickly on Sunday. Boston was dominant and the Sixers looked out-classed in every facet of Game 1. It looks like it’s going to be a long week for Sixers fans as their team marches their way to inevitable doom. Until then, I’ll hit our loyal readers with a fresh “5 Sixers thoughts” column…

The Sixers’ backup centers continue to flounder

Andre Drummond had a stellar evening during the Sixers’ Play-In win over Orlando that ran counter to how horrific it was to watch him on the court throughout the regular season. That didn’t carry over to the first round of the playoffs in Drummond’s 21 minutes of play, as the Sixers’ big was a negative on both ends of the court.

That’s before even getting nominal starter Adem Bona, who, in 14 minutes of play, appeared entirely out of place in an NBA playoff game. He should not be allowed to dribble the ball in transition ever again.

Sure, the Sixers are always going to be at a frontcourt disadvantage whenever Joel Embiid is out, but that’s a problem a dozen years in the making. The team has failed to get competent reserve big men play for the whole duration of the Embiid era even with it being a guarantee that Embiid will miss significant time annually.

All things considered, at least this is far less important than Greg Monroe being a -9 in under two minutes of play against Toronto in Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals, right?

Paul George’s effort is awful

From a pure efficiency standpoint, Paul George’s Game 1 performance was passable. He had 17 points while shooting 50 percent from the field, 50 percent from deep and going 8-of-9 from the free throw line. Watching the actual game unfold, however, told a different story.

George’s defensive effort, maybe more than anything I witnessed on Sunday, infuriated me. The Sixers are going against likely the best wing tandem in the league with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. There was no Embiid waiting at the cup to protect the rim. I know he’s about to turn 36 years old and he’s not the All-Defensive guy he once was nearly a decade ago, but how about at least give the appearance of trying?

I know it’s ultimately the fault of the organization for handing George a contract he didn’t deserve at this stage of his star-studded career, but I’d like to see “Playoff P” attempt to live up to it, you know?

I winced in anticipation of a miss whenever Kelly Oubre shot a three-pointer

Kelly Oubre was 0-for-5 from deep on Sunday, including a few back-breaking, open-as-anything looks. That stands out in my mind, yes, but it would be wrong to not share the blame for the Sixers’ overall shooting woes. They were 4-of-23 on threes, clocking in at 17 percent. It’s nearly impossible to win in the modern NBA launching it up that poorly.

That checks out for a Sixers team that shot 34.9 percent from three in the regular season, which came in 23rd in the whole league. They’re also not hoisting enough threes to lean into wild shooting variance that could give them a puncher’s chance at a win against a heavily-favored Boston squad. The Celtics shot 44 threes in Game 1 compared to the Sixers’ 23. George and Tyrese Maxey need to let it fly with reckless abandon!

We meet again, Nikola Vučević

During the Sixers’ seven-game battle against the Celtics in the 2012 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Nikola Vučević was a first-round rookie for the team. He played just three minutes across that series even while starting center Spencer Hawes was completely lost out there while going against Kevin Garnett. I would’ve liked to have seen if he had legitimately anything to give the Sixers instead of watching Hawes!

Anyway, Vučević, who turned into a two-time All-Star over the years, came off the Celtics’ bench in Game 1 and gave them some competent help. It would’ve been nice for the Sixers to be on the receiving end of that 14 years ago!

The “We want Boston!” chants got turned on their heads

As the Sixers pulled away against the Magic in the Play-In, the South Philadelphia faithful began chanting, “We want Boston!” I personally wasn’t doing that at the arena because I knew what would await this team in the first round, but I don’t begrudge those fans too much who were living in the moment and doing that.

Celtics fans certainly took notice of it though.

As Boston thrashed the Sixers on Sunday and built a lead of 30-plus points, Celtics fans trolled Philadelphia with its own “We want Boston!” chants. It is what it is. If you want to dish it out, you have to be able to take it, too.

Maybe they’ll forget about that during Game 2?

Draymond Green hopes Steve Kerr returns for another season as the Golden State Warriors coach. But he's not counting on it.

Green offered his thoughts on Kerr's future with the team, as part of the latest episode of his podcast, "The Draymond Green Show," released on Monday, April 20, less than a week after the Warriors' season ended with a loss to the Phoenix Suns in the NBA's Play-In Tournament.

The game ended with Kerr gathering Green and Warriors superstar Stephen Curry on the sideline for an embrace in which he appeared to acknowledge it could be his final game as the Warriors' coach. Kerr told Green and Curry, according to audio captured by Prime Video, "I don't know what's going to happen next, but I love you guys to death. Thank you. I appreciate you."

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The San Antonio Spurs are not going to waste time in this first round. As impressive as the Portland Trail Blazers’ season was — remember, it started with their head coach getting arrested the week of the season opener — it will end with no fanfare in this series.

My Trail Blazers vs. Spurs predictions and these NBA picks welcome our new overlord, Victor Wembanyama, as he continues his dominance in Game 2 on Tuesday, April 21.

Trail Blazers vs Spurs prediction

Trail Blazers vs Spurs best bet: Victor Wembanyama Over 28.5 points (-105)

What of Victor Wembanyama’s resounding playoff debut might not be repeatable? The San Antonio Spurs’ superstar scored 35 points in a dominant win, playing fewer than 33 minutes.

He did shoot 5-for-6 from deep; perhaps he will shoot just 2-for-6 from beyond the arc in Game 2. Those nine points would be costly in pursuit of this points prop. But then again, Wembanyama did not need to stress in that Game 1 win. Missing a few more 3-pointers would create a more competitive game, leading to more Wembanyama minutes.

That would provide enough of a cushion to think Wembanyama should clear this prop in either game state.

Focus on his last few weeks. The Frenchman scored at least 34 points in four of his final five regular-season games. He has been locked in for a bit.

And as Sunday night made clear, the Portland Trail Blazers do not have a defender to slow down Wembanyama. Donovan Clingan may be a massive human being, but he is simply not quick or agile enough to defend Wembanyama outside the paint.

Trail Blazers vs Spurs same-game parlay

Clingan will have a quality NBA career. It should last more than a decade. His size and defensive instincts are assets that contenders will value.

But he is no match for Wembanyama right now. Portland realized that in Game 1, and Clingan played just 21 minutes. Logic would have expected him to be more in the 28-30 range, but with Wembanyama ruling, the Trail Blazers needed to alter their rotation.

Clingan’s minutes may stay limited this whole series, leading to some continued value in the Unders on his player props.

Trail Blazers vs Spurs SGP

• Victor Wembanyama Over 28.5 points
• Donovan Clingan Under 9.5 points
• Donovan Clingan Under 9.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Wemby, Whatever Way

This is not doubt in Wembanyama. I'm merely suggesting that Portland will try a different coverage, because Sunday’s clearly did not work. Forcing Wembanyama off the arc will do only so much to his overall scoring.

The one thing the Trail Blazers should carry over from Game 1 is slowing down the pace. Fewer possessions give San Antonio fewer chances to enjoy its talent advantages, led by Wembanyama, obviously.

Trail Blazers vs Spurs SGP

• Victor Wembanyama Over 28.5 points
• Victor Wembanyama Under 2.5 made threes
• Under 220.5

Trail Blazers vs Spurs odds for Game 2

• Spread: Trail Blazers +11.5 (-115) | Spurs -11.5 (-105)
• Moneyline: Trail Blazers +475 | Spurs -650 
• Over/Under: Over 220.5 (-110) | Under 220.5 (-110)

Trail Blazers vs Spurs betting trend to know

As every game became a must-win for Portland, the Trail Blazers became a reliable Under team. Six of their final eight regular-season games cashed their Unders. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Spurs.

How to watch Trail Blazers vs Spurs Game 2

Trail Blazers vs Spurs latest injuries

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The Minnesota Timberwolves head into Game 2 down 1-0 after Denver Nuggets protected home court in the opener, and the market isn’t exactly expecting a bounce-back. With Denver now laying -7.5, oddsmakers are pricing in a clear gap as the series stays in altitude.

Our Timberwolves vs. Nuggets predictions and free NBA picks break down whether that number is justified — or if there’s value on Minnesota to respond before this series gets out of hand.

Who will win Timberwolves vs Nuggets Game 2?

Timberwolves win probability:28% (+257)
Nuggets win probability:77% (-285)

With a 77% win probability, the Denver Nuggets are expected to take Game 2 behind Nikola Jokic’s playmaking and Jamal Murray’s scoring, while the Minnesota Timberwolves will need a big response from Anthony Edwards to beat the odds.

Our prediction:Nuggets to win

Our NBA expert is calling for a Nuggets victory: "I fully expect the Nuggets to go up 2-0 in this series. When healthy, this Denver rotation may be the second-best team in the NBA, something not enough people recognize because it was healthy so rarely this season.

Read more in Douglas Farmer's full Timberwolves vs. Nuggets predictions.

More Timberwolves vs Nuggets prediction markets

You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Timberwolves vs. Nuggets 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 Nuggets -7.5 spread means the Nuggets will cover, while "No" means the Timberwolves will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using the Covers odds converter).

Timberwolves vs Nuggets spread and total at prediction markets

Our predictions:Nuggets -7.5 — Yes and Over 230.5 points — Yes

Our projections back the Denver Nuggets to cover the -7.5 behind Nikola Jokic controlling tempo and Jamal Murray scoring efficiently, while the pace and shot-making on both sides push this game Over 230.5.

Other Timberwolves vs Nuggets prediction markets available

• Jamal Murray 25+ points (Yes: 60¢)
• Nikola Jokic 25+ points (Yes: 68¢)
• Anthony Edwards 25+ points (Yes: 65¢)

What is Kalshi and how does it work?

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

How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?

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

Why should I wager on Timberwolves vs Nuggets at Kalshi?

Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:

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

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The opening weekend of the NBA playoffs didn’t hit the heights of the Play-In drama, but that could all change tonight with the Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, and Minnesota Timberwolves trying to rebound from Game 1 losses.

As those teams dig into adjustments and counters, I’ve brought a similar focus to the NBA player props market, and my favorite targets lean into the home squads, with wagers on James Harden and Aaron Gordon.

Check out my three favorite NBA picks for the April 20 hoops action.

Best NBA player props today

Player	Pick
James Harden	Over 2.5 threes	-112
Dyson Daniels	Over 5.5 assists	-112
Aaron Gordon	Over 22.5 points + rebounds	-110

Prop #1: James Harden Over 2.5 threes

-112 at bet365

James Harden feasted against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, racking up 22 points and 10 assists, and I expect his shooting stroke to be there again in Game 2. The Beard knocked down four 3-pointers over the weekend, and he’s finished with 3+ triples in four of his past five outings.

It’s fair to pencil in a better defensive effort from Toronto tonight. Still, Harden can get to his stepback 3-ball in any matchup, and he’ll gladly hunt Toronto's weaker defenders on the perimeter.

Harden made his 3-pointers at a 44% clip in his 26 regular-season contests for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he’s set to be a thorn in the Raptors’ side again at Rocket Arena.

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

Prop #2: Dyson Daniels Over 5.5 assists

-112 at bet365

Dyson Daniels pushed the New York Knicks all the way in Game 1, and his motor will be a factor again tonight at MSG.

Daniels dished 11 assists at MSG on Saturday — his second straight outing with double-digit dimes — and we should see playmaking flashes from the Aussie again here, with New York clamping down on CJ McCollum, Jalen Johnson, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. 

That’ll leave the ball in Daniels’ hands on plenty of possessions, and he’s nailed this Over in four of his last five outings. Plus, look for his minutes to climb even higher as the Atlanta Hawks try to level the series tonight.

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

Prop #3: Aaron Gordon Over 22.5 points + rebounds

-110 at bet365

Aaron Gordon was his usual steady self in Game 1, ending up with 17 points and eight rebounds, and I’m going back to the well tonight for another do-it-all performance from AG in this very familiar matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Denver Nuggets need Gordon at full strength to make a Finals run, and that’ll include more opportunistic sharpshooting from downtown, where he posted a 39% mark during the regular season.

Most of all, this pick banks on Gordon’s ability to go up a level in the playoffs. He averaged 16.2 ppg and 7.6 rpb in last year’s postseason, and he’s a natural beneficiary in the paint when Nikola Jokic draws a swarm of Minnesota defenders.

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

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

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