The San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers meet in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. The teams split the first two games with Portland rallying from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win Game 2. Victor Wembanyama left Game 2 in the second quarter with a concussion and is questionable to play in Game 3.
How to watch San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Moneyline: Portland Trail Blazers +118 (43.7%) / San Antonio Spurs -145 (56.3%)
Over/Under: 220.5
Series schedule
Game 1:Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98 Game 2:Trail Blazers 106, Spurs 103 Game 3: San Antonio at Portland on Friday, April 24 (10:30 p.m., Prime Video) Game 4: San Antonio at Portland on Sunday, April 26 (3:30 p.m., ESPN) *Game 5: Portland at San Antonio on Tuesday, April 28 (time and network TBD) *Game 6: San Antonio at Portland on Thursday, April 30 (time and network TBD) *Game 7: Portland at San Antonio on Saturday, May 2 (time and network TBD)
Alexander-Walker had a career year, starting in 71 of the 78 games he played in this season. The 27-year-old guard averaged 20.8 points, 3.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game – all personal career highs. Walker also set the Hawks record for most 3-pointers in a season, draining 251 in the 2025-26 season while shooting 39.9% from 3-point range.
Alexander-Walker was traded to Atlanta on July 6, 2025 after spending two seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Hawks have become the first team to have back-to-back Most Improved Award winners. Guard Dyson Daniels won the award as a member of the Hawks last season.
Alexander-Walker and the Hawks are currently playing in the postseason, leading the New York Knicks 2-1 in an Eastern Conference first-round series.
Kevin Durant is out with a left ankle sprain on Friday night, missing a must-win Game 3 for the Houston Rockets.
This is a massive setback for a team that has struggled to generate offense through the first two games against the Lakers. Durant suffered the sprain during Game 2. Durant's status for Game 3 was moved to "questionable" on Thursday, but the widespread expectation was that he would play. Before the game, Rockets coach Ime Udoka said Durant was a game-time decision based on how his pregame workout went, but according to reporters in the building, Durant never went out for warmups.
Durant missed the first game of this first-round series with a knee contusion, and the Rockets scored only 98 points in that game. KD played in the second game, but the Lakers doubled him nearly every time he touched the ball, and while he still scored 23 points, he also had nine turnovers and had to pass out of the double a lot, and his teammates were not stepping up.
With Durant out, and looking to shake things up, Udoka said he would move Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason into the starting lineup.
The Rockets have a 106.1 offensive rating through two games in this series, 12.5 points per 100 possessions worse than their regular-season number. The Rockets need to find a way to generate offense on their home court Friday night, or they could find themselves in a 0-3 hole, something no NBA team has ever climbed out of.
Here's a look at our top 10 uncommitted players in the college basketball transfer portal, with the latest intel on each player, many of whom will go through the NBA draft process before making a decision.
In the first two games against the Cavaliers, it was evident how much the Toronto Raptors missed Immanuel Quickley (it didn't matter as much in the third game when Toronto couldn't miss a shot down the stretch). The good news was that Quickley was ramping up to return from a right hamstring injury.
Which makes Friday's news that Quickley is out for the remainder of Toronto's first-round series against Cleveland such a gut punch. From the Raptors official release:
As Quickley was going through the rehabilitation process for a return to the court, he reinjured his right hamstring.
Quickley averaged 16.4 points and 5.9 assists a game this season.
Toronto has struggled to generate consistent offense against Cleveland in this series, and Quickley would have been an immense help. Without him, the Raptors are going to need more games from Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett like they had in Game 3, when they each scored 33 points. If Jamison Battle wants to have another 4-of-4 from deep in the fourth quarter game again, that would help too. Also, expect to see more of rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, who scored 22 points and, more importantly, played great defense along with Barnes to give the Raptors a chance in Game 3.
Wherever it comes from, Toronto is going to have to generate more offense with the guys they have because Quickley is not walking through that door.
The Los Angeles Lakers seek to take a 3-0 lead in their NBA Western Conference best-of-seven series with the Houston Rockets, and our NBA player prop projections are working overtime.
The data expects a big-scoring night from NBA playoff legend Kevin Durant and a less-than-efficient one from Lakers guard Luke Kennard as we dish into Lakers vs. Rockets predictions for Game 3.
The model is pointing to four additional markets, backed by the model, for a complete six-pick card.
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Lakers Game 3 computer picks
Luke Kennard Under 13.5 Points (+100)
Projection: 9.62 points
Luke Kennard is a spot-up shooter who needs everything to go right to crack double digits consistently. The Houston Rockets' defense won't give him clean looks, and with a projection of just 9.62 points, this Under has the biggest cushion on the entire board tonight.
Our model is not feeling his points total, and we'll back the data and play the Under.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanKennard Now at bet365!/span
Marcus Smart Under 12.5 Points (-112)
Projection: 10.73 points
Marcus Smart brings energy and defense, but his scoring has never been the reason you play him. He's failed to score at least 13 points in four of his previous five road games, and our NBA player prop projections have factored this in.
Against a Houston team that will make him work for everything, the Under is as straightforward of a play as you can ask for.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Smart Now at bet365!/span
Rui Hachimura Over 14.5 points (-120)
Projection: 14.99 points
Rui Hachimura has been one of the Los Angeles Lakers' more dependable offensive weapons, and the model projects him to score Over his scoring prop total for the third time in six contests.
With the Rockets' defense keying on stopping LeBron James, this is a sneaky good play that deserves a spot on your ticket.
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Rockets Game 3 computer picks
Kevin Durant Over 23.5 points (-120)
Projection: 27.56 points
Kevin Durant is a walking bucket in a prime playoff spot against a Lakers defense that's been exploitable all season. The projections are loving this prop number, as it's something he's gone Over in five of his previous six games.
Durant averages 29.3 ppg across 171 career playoff games and is a good bet to score at least 24+ tonight.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Durant Now at bet365!/span
Jabari Smith Jr. Over 15.5 Points (-110)
Projection: 15.93 points
Jabari Smith Jr. has been finding his footing as a legitimate scoring option for Houston down the stretch. He's scored at least 16 points in seven straight games, and this Lakers defense leaks like a sieve.
The Lakers don't have much of an answer for Smith, and we'll play the Over based on the data.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet smith Now at bet365!/span
Amen Thompson Over 17.5 Points (-112)
Projection: 18.38 points
Amen Thompson has been quietly one of Houston's most reliable offensive contributors, and the projections back it up. His ceiling is 41 points, and his floor across the past 10 games is 16 points.
Thompson averaged nearly 24 ppg in three games against Los Angeles, and we'll back the projection model tonight.
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How to watch Lakers vs Rockets Game 3
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Friday, April 24, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
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.
Now is a good time to revisit the NBA’s GOAT debate. But for the moment, let’s forget about who the GOAT is and focus on how it should be decided.
There are probably a lot of formulas out there, maybe some involving who starred in the best Space Jam movie. But the latest idea is a sham.
Talking about longevity. Talking about LeBron James. Talking about a potential shift.
James is a wonder at 41. Throwing down reverse windmill dunks. Leading the shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers to a 2-0 lead over the Houston Rockets in their first-round playoff series. And who knows what’s next when James and the Lakers take on the Rockets in Game 3, which tips off at 8 p.m. ET Friday, April 24 in Houston.
It is incredible to see James playing at such a high level in his 23rd season in the NBA. But biblically speaking, would Methuselah have edge in a GOAT debate because he lived to be 969?
Of course not.
Sports wise, Kazuyoshi "Kazu" Miura of Japan is reportedly the older professional soccer player in the world at 56. But does that earn him GOAT status over Messi, Ronaldo or Pele?
Never.
Simply put, a GOAT debate should not hinge on longevity.
Do the math
The GOAT debate should hinge on efficiency.
For those of you who think the NBA’s GOAT is Bill Russell, or Kobe Bryant or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, take your debate elsewhere. For this efficiency exercise, it’s LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan.
Clearly, James is playing better at 41 than Jordan was when was 40 and playing with the Washington Wizards. But back to efficiency.
Jordan played 15 seasons and won six titles. That’s a title for every 2.5 years in the league.
James has played 22 full seasons and won four titles. That’s a title for every 5.5 years the league.
James is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a function of greatness, but also longevity. Back to efficiency.
Jordan led the league in scoring in 10 of his 15 seasons (once every 1.5 seasons). James led the league in scoring once during his 23 seasons (once every 23 years/.)
Jordan averaged 30.1 points in the regular season and 33.4 points per game in the playoffs.
Without getting muddled by math, James holds the edge in career averages for rebounds and assists. Jordan holds the advantage for steals.
James has been voted to the NBA All-Defensive First Team five times (once for every 4.6 years played.) Jordan was voted to the team nine teams (once for every 1.7 years played.)
James deserves standing ovations for his performance at 41.
Game 3 is where this series tightens up, with the Phoenix Suns back home and urgency starting to drive pace and star usage.
This same-game parlay leans into a modest total for two efficient offenses, plus a spread that gives Phoenix enough cushion.
My Thunder vs. Suns predictions see it all run through Devin Booker, whose scoring consistency makes him the safest anchor on the board.
Our best Thunder vs Suns SGP for Game 3
The Oklahoma City Thunder have an NBA-best 66 wins, including the postseason. However, they are just 40-43-1 ATS. The Thunder are 20-20 ATS on the road and 19-18 as the road favorite. Conversely, the Phoenix Suns are 24-19 ATS at home and 12-6 as the home underdog. The Suns have covered in 23 of 39 games following a loss and in 35 of 56 games against Western Conference opponents.
The Thunder and Suns have hit the Over in five of seven head-to-head matchups this season, including one of two games in the first-round playoff series. The 214.5 total is set a bit low for two offenses that can effectively put up points, especially if Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks are playing with extra motivation.
Devin Booker has scored 20+ in 13 straight games, averaging 26.9 points along the way. In that span, he scored 23+ in eight games and finished with exactly 22 points in four more. Booker averaged exactly 22.5 points in four matchups with the Thunder, hitting the Over twice and finishing with 22 and 21 in the other contests.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. 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.
Even with a banged-up Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves have found their playoff gear — and they’ve got Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on the ropes heading into Game 4.
While Minnesota’s smothering defense got the headlines after limiting Denver to 34% shooting in Friday’s win, the offense is also rounding into form.
My Nuggets vs. Timberwolves predictions point to another strong showing, with Donte DiVincenzo once again providing a spark.
Read on for my free NBA picks for this high-stakes battle on Saturday, April 25.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves prediction
Nuggets vs Timberwolves best bet: Donte DiVincenzo Over 11.5 points (-105)
The hosts will need a similar script this weekend to grab a 3-1 lead, and that means a neon green light for DiVincenzo, who’s nailed this points prop Over in all three games so far in the series.
DiVincenzo's hot streak includes 11-for-22 shooting from downtown, and the Denver Nuggets have struggled to contain his speed and quick release coming off screens and DHOs. Minnesota had a 21-7 edge in fast break points in Thursday’s victory, and the T-Wolves guard is a big part of that transition attack.
This O/U line is right around his regular-season mark of 12.2 points per game, but the T-Wolves need even more of DiVincenzo’s shotmaking without Edwards at full strength.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
The T-Wolves have been the tougher, more imposing team through three contests, and DiVincenzo continues to burn the Nuggets from downtown.
Although Nikola Jokic couldn’t get anything to fall in Game 3, I expect a bounce-back performance. The three-time MVP has averaged 27.4 ppg and 12.4 rebounds per game in his playoff career.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves SGP
Donte DiVincenzo Over 11.5 points
Timberwolves +1.5
Nikola Jokic to record a double-double
Our "from downtown" SGP: Jaden Keeps Backing It Up
McDaniels didn’t hold back in blasting the Denver defense earlier this week — and then backed it up with 20 points in Game 3, capped off with a monster slam.
He also chipped in 10 boards on Thursday while holding Jamal Murray to just 16 points. Put simply, McDaniels’ two-way play is key to a Minnesota victory here.
Over/Under: Over 229.5 (-110) | Under 229.5 (-110)
Nuggets vs Timberwolves betting trend to know
The Under went 28-14 in Minnesota's 42 regular-season outings at Target Center this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Nuggets vs Timberwolves Game 4
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Nuggets vs Timberwolves latest injuries
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Los Angeles, CA - April 21:Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) pulls down a rebound in front of Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) in game 2 of the NBA playoff round 1 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, CA on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers
April 24, 2026
Location: Toyota Center – Houston, Texas
TV:Prime Video
Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790 / KLTN 102.9 (en español)
Entering your name into the 2026 NBA Draft doesn't shut the door completely on college eligibility, as the deadline is when players must decide to forgo their college eligibility or retain it by "testing the waters." Some people have decided to return to college hoops while others have entered the transfer portal while putting their name into draft consideration, and they have another month before they have to officially withdraw and return to their respective college program.
Still, several top prospects have already decided the pro ranks will be their next career stop. Here's who has decided to enter the 2026 NBA Draft and who still hasn't made a decision yet with the deadline approaching, as well as other key dates for the process:
Who has declared for 2026 NBA Draft?
Here is who has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft. Players are listed in order of where they are projected to be picked in the latest USA TODAY Sports' latest NBA mock draft, as well as other notable names.
A big name to announce their draft decision was Cameron Boozer. The Duke star declared for the draft.
List updated at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, April 24:
Note: * Denotes players who have also entered the transfer portal and/or testing NBA waters
A few notable names have not announced their decision. Here's who hasn't announced yet and must decide by the 11:59 p.m. ET deadline.
9. Arizona G Brayden Burries
Arizona C Motiejus Krivas
USC G Alijah Arenas
When is the NBA draft entry deadline?
Players must make their decision for the 2026 NBA Draft at 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, April 24.
Should a player enter the draft but decide to "test the waters" and keep their college eligibility, they have until May 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET to withdraw and return to their respective college program. The NBA-specific deadline for an early entry player to withdraw from the pool of prospects is June 13 at 5 p.m. ET.
When is the 2026 NBA Draft?
The 2026 NBA Draft begins June 23 at 8 p.m. ET with the first round at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The second round starts at 8 p.m. ET on June 24 at the Barclays Center.
A series doesn’t really get started until the home team loses, right? After dropping two straight games at Paycom Center, the Phoenix Suns will look to get into the win column when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 on Saturday.
Playing on the road and missing Jalen Williams, the Thunder may not be able to win comfortably, and my Thunder vs Suns predictions call for Phoenix to cover the spread as big home pups.
Here are my NBA picks for Game 3 on Saturday, April 25, from Mortgage Matchup Center.
Thunder vs Suns prediction
Thunder vs Suns best bet: Suns +8.5 (-105)
The Oklahoma City Thunder have an NBA-best 66 wins, including the postseason. However, they are just 40-43-1 ATS. The Thunder are 20-20 ATS on the road and 19-18 as the road favorite. Conversely, the Phoenix Suns are 24-19 ATS at home and 12-6 as the home underdog. The Suns have covered in 23 of 39 games following a loss and in 35 of 56 games against Western Conference opponents.
In seven matchups with the Thunder, the Suns covered the spread four times, including one of two games at home. The Suns hung tough with the Thunder through two quarters in Game 2, going into halftime with a 65-57 deficit. A monster third quarter from the Thunder propelled them to victory, and the game got chippy.
Following the game, Devin Booker ripped the officiating crew and called out referee James Williams by name, calling him “terrible” and questioning his integrity. Booker was fined $35,000 for his comments, but owner Matt Ishbia backed his star player and doubled down on his comments.
Dillon Brooks called Shai Gilgeous-Alexander “frail” and noted the lack of physicality in the current NBA. Both Booker and Brooks will surely be playing with chips on their shoulders, feeling slighted by the referees playing favorites and making unfair calls in favor of their opponents.
Booker’s comments triggered an investigation from the Association that found nothing to substantiate his claims, but the public call-out could lead to an overcorrection, and the refs may swallow their whistles.
The Suns can’t afford to lose this game and fall into a 0-3 hole, so I expect them to scrap and claw with a Thunder team missing SGA’s No. 2, Jalen Williams. I’ll take Phoenix to cover, and I like their chances of winning this one outright.
Thunder vs Suns same-game parlay
The Thunder and Suns have hit the Over in five of seven head-to-head matchups this season, including one of two games in the first-round playoff series. The 214.5 total is set a bit low for two offenses that can effectively put up points, especially if Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks are playing with extra motivation.
Devin Booker has scored 20+ in 13 straight games, averaging 26.9 points along the way. In that span, he scored 23+ in eight games and finished with exactly 22 points in four more. Booker averaged exactly 22.5 points in four matchups with the Thunder, hitting the Over twice and finishing with 22 and 21 in the other contests.
Thunder vs Suns SGP
Suns +8.5
Over 214.5
Booker Over 22.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Hotter than the sun
It’s now or never for the Suns. A loss would essentially end the series, as no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit. If Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks can all eclipse their point totals and limit Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the other end, the Suns can take this one and gain some ground back in the series. It’s a long shot, but they’ve got a chance.
Jalen Green scored 20+ in three of his last four games overall, and he reached that mark in 18 of 32 regular-season matchups. He finished with 21 in Game 2.
Dillon Brooks led the Suns in scoring in Game 2 with 30, and he’s scored 18+ in each of the first two games of the series. He scored at least that many points in 38 of 56 regular-season contests, including 25 of 27 at home.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged just 30.4 points per game across five matchups with Phoenix this season, going Under 31 points three times, including a 25-point performance in his only trip to the desert. I expect the refs to be more conservative with their calls, limiting free-throw opportunities and points.
Thunder vs Suns SGP
Suns moneyline
Booker Over 22.5 points
Green Over 19.5 points
Brooks Over 17.5 points
Gilgeous-Alexander Under 30.5 points
Thunder vs Suns odds for Game 3
Spread: Thunder -9 | Suns +9
Moneyline: Thunder -325 | Suns +425
Over/Under: Over 214.5 | Under 214.5
Thunder vs Suns betting trend to know
The Suns covered the spread in 12 of 18 games as the home underdog this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Suns.
How to watch Thunder vs Suns Game 3
Location
Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
Date
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Tip-off
3:30 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Thunder vs Suns latest injuries
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.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: Paul George #8, Joel Embiid #21 and Kyle Lowry #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during the game against the Orlando Magic during the SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 15, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Well, this is all moving quite fast now, isn’t it?
The Sixers released their injury report ahead of Game 3 as the first round series shifts to Philadelphia, and Joel Embiid wasn’t initially ruled out on it. He is listed as doubtful with post appendectomy surgery recovery. It’s truly remarkable that Embiid could play in a playoff game just 15 days after the emergency procedure back on April 9.
Word around Embiid started trending in a positive direction earlier in the day at practice. The team announced that he was a partial participant. Nick Nurse told reporters that he was “hopeful,” but didn’t know “how close” the big fella was to getting back on the court. The extended quote is below courtesy of Ky Carlin of SixersWire.
Nick Nurse on Joel Embiid: “We're, obviously, really hopeful, and I think he's really hopeful. He wants to play, and we want him to play. I don't know how close we are to that at this point, but I think there's some progress being made.” #Sixers
Embiid being able to take the court sooner than anyone expected would of course make that Game 2 win for the Sixers even bigger. The doubtful designation for most players means just that, but, for Embiid, it could be a pretty good sign he’s going to play.
It’s really hard to guess how Embiid would look if he is able to go, but just his presence in the starting lineup would obviously be an upgrade. He’s obviously not asked to carry any sort of scoring burden, but Adem Bona shooting 12% on his layups sums up how his series has gone for him pretty well.
Regardless, this would be an insane recovery if Embiid is able to come back about a week or two earlier than the typical recovery time from an appendectomy. It would go right to the top of the list up there with Bell’s palsy and a broken face in terms of insane injuries Embiid has pushed through to play in a playoff game.
Update: 4/24 5:13 p.m ET: Joel Embiid has been ruled out for Game 3, per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. According to the report he has intensified his on-court work in order to get back on the court. Doctors are pleased with his progress but he’s yet to be cleared just yet.
Joel Embiid has been ruled out for tonight’s game, per a team spokesperson. Embiid has been working hard to return to play, including intensifying his on court work. He met with medical staff this afternoon and while doctors are pleased with his progress just two weeks removed…
In his pregame media availability, Nick Nurse said that Embiid has done some on-court work both individually and with the rest of the team, but he is “just not there yet.”
20 March 2026, Berlin: Basketball, Men: Bundesliga, Alba Berlin - Rostock Seawolves, Main Round, Matchday 25, Uber Arena. TJ Crockett Jr. (r, Rostock Seawolves) fights for the ball against Jack Kayil (l, Alba Berlin). Photo: Andreas Gora/dpa (Photo by Andreas Gora/picture alliance via Getty Images)
As expected, Alba Berlin combo guard Jack Kayil has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, according to agents Kevin Bradbury and Milan Nikolic. Don’t fret, as the Gonzaga Bulldogs signee can still decide to opt out and play his first college basketball season in Spokane, Washington, in 2026-27.
He’s testing the waters, looking to hear back from scouts and NBA franchises. Looking around the different draft projections, his name isn’t anywhere to be found. That can change with a strong performance at the NBA Combine from May 10-17, 2026, at the Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago, Illinois.
The deadline for an early entry player to withdraw from the NBA Draft is June 13 at 2 p.m. PT.
The 20-year-old native of Berlin, Germany, is averaging 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in German Basketball Bundesliga competition. He also represented his country in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in March.
At 6-5, Kayil is powerful for his position and can score on all three levels. His ability to create for himself and others is what intrigued coach Mark Few and his staff to bring him over to the Pacific Northwest.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 22: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball while being defended by Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center on April 22, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Now that we’ve got the first two games over with in Oklahoma City, the series is heading to the desert.
It’s been a rough couple of games, with OKC dominating for just about every quarter, winning 7 of the 8 quarters thus far in convincing fashion. Phoenix made it a little interesting briefly towards the end of the game, but every time they threw a punch, the Thunder responded immediately.
Here are five storylines that will determine if we’re actually in a series or just waiting for the sweep.
1. The Jalen Williams “Hamstring” Factor
The biggest break the Suns have received wasn’t a tactical adjustment; it was a physical casualty. Phoenix has been without Mark Williams, Grayson Allen, and Jordan Goodwin, so the Thunder aren’t the only team dealing with it.
Jalen Williams, who was carving us up for 19 points in just 23 minutes, went down with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain in Game 2. He is officially week-to-week, which likely sidelines him for Games 3 and 4 at the very least. Williams was the secondary connector for OKC, averaging 20.5 points on 61.5% shooting through the first two games. Without his verticality and secondary playmaking, the Suns’ defense might finally find some breathing room.
It also allows Phoenix to defend Shai more aggressively, but make no mistake… OKC’s depth behind Williams at his position can shoot the rock. We still need to be hyper-aware of the floor spacers.
2. Booker vs. The Zebras
Devin Booker didn’t mince words when discussing the officiating postgame. After a bizarre technical foul and an offensive foul call that went unpunished on the other end for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (among several other things), Book compared the league’s officiating to the “WWE”.
Booker is averaging 22.5 points (lowest of his playoff career) this series on 48% shooting, and is clearly frustrated by the lack of “respect” as far as the whistles go, and I can’t blame him.
I am 100% behind Devin Booker here. Last night was not a good look for our league. Let me be clear, we didn’t lose because of officiating, but that doesn’t make last night any less important. If the referees are going to demand respect from the players – as they should – then the… https://t.co/SR0lM9Y3FS
The fine was expected. I’m more interested in watching how the whistle treats him in Game 3. If he spends more time talking to the refs than attacking the paint, we’re cooked. I’m all for him speaking up, but the team needs to eliminate that distraction once they are on the court.
Will the refs provide some “make-up” calls on our home floor? It would be nice to have both teams be allowed to play a physical brand of basketball. Just call it both ways. That’s all we’re asking for!
3. The “Iso-Ball” Dilemma
Dillon Brooks was the only Sun who decided to fight back offensively in Game 2, exploding for 30 points on a variety of tough looks.
Coach Jordan Ott and Booker both emphasized moving away from isolation plays after the Game 1 blowout. While it makes sense in theory, the Thunder have a way of defending in a half-court setting that makes it easy to fall into those lapses due to the constant pressure, blitzes, and deflections. It makes moving the ball a challenge, which is why the Suns must capitalize on any transition opportunities they get and look to push the ball early and often. Once OKC’s defense is set, it’s a challenge to score.
When Brooks starts hunting his own shot, the ball stops moving. We need his 30-point ceiling, but we can’t afford the offensive stagnation that comes with it if the shots stop falling.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 22: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
4. Size, Length, and the Rebounding Gap
We are consistently getting dismantled on the glass. The Thunder are longer and more “twitchy” at almost every position. They are essentially a bigger, more athletic version of us.
Game 1: A 35-point loss where we looked like we were playing a different sport.
Game 2: We showed more “sicko” energy, but the second-chance points remained a death sentence.
Game 3: TBD
If we don’t utilize Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro to bridge the athleticism gap, Chet Holmgren is going to keep treating the paint like his private playground. And yes, I will still die on the hill that Rasheer Fleming needs to be involved. Not even a brief look? What are we doing here?!
5. Protecting the Home Floor Identity
Heading back to the Valley is about more than just crowd noise. It’s about protecting your home floor and showing some pride. Role players play better at home in these environments. Crowd pops and momentum shifts can change games. It could be the fuel they need to make things interesting.
They HAVE to take care of the ball. Booker and Green combined for 12 turnovers to 7 assists, and each labored for inefficient 20-point games. Green more so than Book, who shot 50%, but the turnovers were killer.
The easiest way to lose on your home floor is by making mistakes that you can control. If Phoenix plays smart and hard, they have a chance. If they play carelessly, it will get ugly again, fast.
Closing Thought
The Suns need to stop looking for whistles and start looking for contact. With Jalen Williams out, the door is cracked open. Game 3 on Saturday is the season. Either we find a way to make Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s life miserable, or we can start booking flights to Cabo.
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