Category: NBA

The Knicks were defeated by the Hawks 109-108 in Game 3 of their first-round matchup on Thursday night. 

Atlanta now leads the series, 2-1. 

Here are some takeaways...

- The Knicks' offensive struggles from the fourth quarter of Game 2 carried over to the opening quarter of Game 3. New York started slow and never quite found their footing, shooting just 35 percent from the field, including 1-for-10 from three, while turning the ball over six times to put themselves behind early. 

Jalen Brunson (11) and OG Anunoby (10) were the only Knicks to score, combining for all 21 of the team's points.

Atlanta started slow as well, but quickly found their footing, shooting 60 percent from the field and 75 percent from three as a team to open up an 11-point advantage after the opening 12 minutes. The Hawks received early contributions from up and down their bench, outscoring New York's reserves 18-0.

- Unlike Game 2, Mike Brown had Karl-Anthony Towns open the second quarter with the second unit. The big man was able to get going, recording his first three buckets of the night and pulling in four boards to help keep the Knicks within striking distance after Atlanta pushed the lead all the way out to 15. 

Just when it looked like the Hawks recaptured the momentum led by CJ McCollum's 11 second-quarter points, they missed their final five shots of the half, and the Knicks put together a late run highlighted by back-to-back Miles McBride threes to cut the deficit down to eight at the break. 

Both Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges were held without a point in the first half.

- The third was another stretch of back-and-forth runs. Atlanta pushed the advantage out to 15 coming out of the locker room before the Knicks came surging back to cut it all the way back down to a two-possession game, but the Hawks countered once again and got it back to eight heading into the fourth. 

Brown switched Hart onto McCollum for the first time, and he held him to just two third-quarter points.

- New York went without Brunson and Towns to open the fourth, and while they were able to keep the deficit to just 10 points, that lineup struggled once again. The first four possessions of the final frame featured three consecutive misses from three-point land and the team's 14th turnover of the night before the dynamic duo came back in.

The Knicks refused to go down quietly, using a late surge to help cut the deficit back down to just one possession. After struggling early, they were able to find their touch from behind the arc, as Anunoby and McBride knocked down clutch threes down the stretch of regulation. 

Brunson's lay-in plus the foul gave New York a three-point lead with just over a minute left. Atlanta answered with a bucket, then came up with a massive stop on the other end, before McCollum knocked down a fadeaway jumper to put them back in front with 12.5 remaining.

Brunson turned the ball over on a sloppy possession, as New York suffered its second straight loss. 

- The captain finished with 26 points on 11-of-23 from the field, Anunoby led the team with 29, and Towns had 21 points and 17 rebounds, while Hart and Bridges combined for just two points. McBride took advantage of his opportunity, knocking down five threes off the bench. 

Game MVP: CJ McCollum

McCollum was once again a thorn in the Knicks' side, knocking down the late winner.

Highlights

OG Anunoby with an early three! pic.twitter.com/u2hBvT5Tjl

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 23, 2026

Knicks down 8 at half after a 12-2 run💪 pic.twitter.com/vOZsDtuyG0

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 24, 2026

Karl-Anthony Towns DRAINS one from behind the arc!!! pic.twitter.com/WdiVki5cqq

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 24, 2026

Jalen Brunson currently has 19 points in Q3🔥 pic.twitter.com/IkEXQb688p

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 24, 2026

What's next

The teams go to battle again in Atlanta in Game 4 of the series on Saturday at 6:00 p.m.

ATLANTA — Jalen Brunson had the ball in his hands with a chance to win. 

Captain Clutch came up empty. 

Trailing by one point in the final seconds, Brunson turned the ball over as the Knicks’ comeback fell short in a 109-108 loss to the Hawks in Game 3 Thursday night at State Farm Arena. The Knicks now trail the series 2-1. 

Brunson threw his hands up in exasperation as his pass trickled away from Josh Hart and Hawks-colored confetti fell from the rafters. After trailing by 11 with 8:06 left in the game, the Knicks had a chance to flip the script and pull off their own late-game stunner after collapsing in Game 2. 

But in the biggest moment, they didn’t even get a shot off. It took a while to get Brunson the ball — and when he finally got it, the Hawks doubled him in the corner with Onyeka Okongwu and Jonathan Kuminga. Brunson’s pass bounced past Hart, and that was that. 

And it was CJ McCollum, the biggest Knicks villain this series, yet again who twisted the knife into the Knicks’ hearts. After going quiet in the second half, he drilled the go-ahead bucket with 12.7 seconds left. It has been McCollum, not Brunson, who has owned this series. 

“This should sting,” coach Mike Brown said after the game. “Because we gave ourselves a chance, knowing that we didn’t play our best basketball, so it should sting. 

“We need to feel it and get ready to be locked in for the next game, which we will be.” 

OG Anunoby hit a 3-pointer with 3:50 left to cut the Knicks’ deficit to just two points. He soon after hit another 3-pointer to cut the deficit to one point. Miles McBride — on the floor in place of the benched Mikal Bridges — hit a 3-pointer to tie the game with 1:41 left.

Brunson’s and-1 gave the Knicks a 3-point lead with 52.6 seconds left. He then had a chance to ice the game on the next and penultimate possession, but air-balled after the offense broke down with 16.4 seconds left. Then came McCollum’s dagger. Then came Brunson’s game-ending turnover.  

“I wish I had a better answer for you,” Brunson said when asked to explain the last two possessions. “I got nothing right now.” 

In truth, it wasn’t just Brunson who came up empty. The Knicks as a whole came up empty. 

They shot just 43.0 percent from the field and a paltry 28.6 percent from 3-point range. They committed 18 turnovers. In the first half, they were unable to slow down the Hawks defensively. 

Brunson finished with 26 points, but he was overburdened, missed all five of his 3-pointers and had three turnovers. He was also torched by McCollum again, forcing the Knicks to switch their coverage. McCollum had 16 points on 6-for-10 shooting from the field in the first half. It was Hart, who switched onto McCollum in the second half, who managed to slow him down. 

Until the final moments, at least. 

“It hurts more that we put ourselves in position to win but we just didn’t close the show,” Karl-Anthony Towns said. “I think that’s why everyone is emotional. It’s tough, but we’ve got to keep our heads up. It’s OK to be disappointed. That means we care. We’ve got to get the next one.” 

In Bridges’ growing list of lowlights, this was right at the top. He went scoreless, having missed all three shots he took, and committed four turnovers. He was a game-worst minus-26. 

And he was benched twice — in the third quarter and the fourth quarter.

Hart, other than his good defense, had nine rebounds and six assists. But he had just two points and was 1-for-9 from the field. 

Towns and Anunoby were the only starters with steady offensive production. McBride hit five threes off the bench. 

“Right now,” Hart said, “there’s no room to feel sorry for ourselves.” 

After the Knicks fell behind with 5:59 left in the first quarter, they trailed until McBride tied the game with 1:41 left in the game. Their deficit reached as much as 18 points. For the vast majority, it was one-sided. The late comeback should not mask the larger issues the Knicks are having in this matchup. 

“There’s a lot of things throughout the game that myself can be better at,” Brunson said. “Missed opportunity for sure.” 

Hart held his head in a towel in the locker room after the game. Towns held his head in his hands, staring at the floor. Brunson, at the podium, searched for answers. 

Ring the alarm bells. Hit the panic button. 

The Knicks might not yet be on the ropes. But they’re certainly reeling. 

And now they’re firmly on the back foot. 

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon was ruled out of Game 3 of the first-round NBA playoff series at Minnesota on Thursday because of tightness in his left calf muscle.

After initially listing Gordon as questionable to face the Timberwolves, the Nuggets downgraded the 12th-year veteran to doubtful before coach David Adelman declared him out before tipoff. Spencer Jones took Gordon's place in the starting lineup, after totaling just 19 minutes over the first two games.

“Obviously it’s a downer. But it’s over. He’s not playing, so the guys that are are prepared to win," Adelman said.

Gordon, who had 17 points in Game 1, felt the injury after scoring eight points in Denver's Game 2 loss on Monday that allowed Minnesota to tie the series. The Nuggets have also been without forward Peyton Watson for the series because of a strained right hamstring.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

The series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets shifts to the latter’s homebase on Friday.

The Lakers look to take a commanding 3-0 lead in Game 3.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets

When: 5 p.m. PT, Apr. 24

Where: Toyota Center

Watch: Prime Video

---

Just when everyone thought the Lakers wouldn’t match their performance in Game 1, the purple and gold took their game to another level in Game 2. Not only did their offense overwhelm the Rockets, but their defense was equally impactful, leading to their second straight victory in this series. It has seemed as if Houston has been a step or two behind the Lakers and Game 3 will be their opportunity to catch up.

Now that the series shifts to Houston, the challenge only gets tougher for the purple and gold. Yes, L.A. is up 2-0 and they deserve a lot of praise for doing it without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. But now they’ll likely see a more desperate Rockets team ready to go all out to save their season. At least, that should be the expectation for Game 3.

Here’s what else the Lakers should expect from the Rockets:

A more physical and gritty Rockets team

The Rockets know they’ve been getting punked and embarrassed over the last two games so expect them to rectify that in this one. Look for them to feed off their crowd, which should give them a much-needed boost. Note that the Rockets performed quite well (30-11) on their home floor during the season, so there’s a good chance that they play significantly better in Game 3 than they did in their first two games.

It’s also fair to expect the Rockets to shoot better because that’s what often happens when a team plays on its home floor. Their role players like Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson and Tari Eason will play with more confidence while Kevin Durant will likely look to be the hero again. The Lakers will have to be ready.

Adjustments on offense

In Game 2, the Lakers focused trapped Durant hard and mercilessly hunted Alperen Şengün on offense, daring the Rockets’ role players to step up. Expect that to be different in Game 3 with Ime Udoka countering with his own adjustments.

This is where the series gets fun as both coaches will be forced to react (or not) and counter. It’s going to be interesting to see how Udoka finds a way to make scoring easier for the Rockets, who badly need to do that if they don’t want a repeat of Games 1 and 2.

Defense to tighten up

At this point, the Rockets are likely sick of Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart. It’s a cliche that role players don’t perform as well on the road and it’ll be interesting to see if that applies to not just Kennard and Smart but also the likes of Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton and Jarred Vanderbilt. The Rockets will also attempt to prevent LeBron James from controlling the pace and momentum, which he has done so well in the series thus far.

Heading into Game 3, the Rockets will most probably play their best basketball yet and how the Lakers handle them will determine the outcome of this one. The past two games showed that Los Angeles has able to handle every challenge thrown at them and we’ll see if they can continue to shock the world and keep doing just that on Friday as L.A. looks to go 3-0 in the series.

Notes and Updates

• There is a major change to the Lakers’ injury report with Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) now listed as questionable. Luka Dončić (left hamstring strain) is out.
• For the Rockets, Steven Adams (left ankle surgery) and Fred VanVleet (ACL surgery) are out while Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) is questionable.

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.

The Spurs’ injury report for Game 3 against the Trail Blazers had a pleasant surprise. Victor Wembanyama, who exited Game 2 after hitting his head on the floor following a big fall and entered the league’s concussion protocol, was listed as “Questionable,” which means there’s a chance he could suit up.

Initially, it seemed like Wembanyama would miss some time, but he showed good progress, according to Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, and traveled with the team to Portland. He was widely expected to be out for Friday’s matchup, as he still needs league clearance before being able to return to play, but he hasn’t been ruled out, which is fantastic news for San Antonio. It’s still unlikely he’ll be available for Game 3, going by his status in the injury report, but the fact that there’s even a possibility is encouraging and a sign that he could be on the floor for Game 4.

The Spurs head to Portland with a tied series, after winning Game 1 and losing a very close Game 2 in which Wembanyama only played 12 minutes before having to exit. They beat the Trail Blazers 2-1 in the regular season series, including a win on the road, with Wembanyama missing all three games, but the Blazers were also missing some players. The seventh seed has proved to be a tough opponent so far, coming out of the play-in and taking a game in San Antonio. The Silver and Black could still beat them without Wembanyama, but it would likely be a close series that could go either way. If Wemby is back soon, the Spurs go back to being prohibitive favorites.

Jordan McLaughlin was listed as out by the Spurs. The only Trail Blazer to be listed as out is Damian Lillard.

Wembanyama was unanimously crowned Defensive Player of the Year for 2025/26. He’s a finalist for Most Valuable Player. In Game 1’s win, he had 35 points, five rebounds, and two blocks.

The San Antonio Spurs' crucial Game 3 against the Portland Trail Blazerscould hinge on whether Victor Wembanyama is able to suit up.

The NBA's newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year was officially listed as questionable in the Spurs' injury report released Thursday, April 23. Game 3 is scheduled for Friday, April 24 (10:30 p.m. ET) in Portland.

Wembanyama left Game 2 of their first-round playoff series with a concussion after tripping while driving toward the basket against the Blazers' Jrue Holiday and hitting his head on the court. The incident occurred with just under nine minutes remaining in the second quarter.

Wembanyama remained on the floor, then gathered himself and hurried to the locker room under his own power and was quickly evaluated by the team's medical staff. Shortly thereafter, it was announced that he had entered the league’s concussion protocol and would not return to the game.

Victor Wembanyama (concussion protocol) is OUT for the remainder of the game after hitting his head on the court. pic.twitter.com/qP8tAf6osN

— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) April 22, 2026

Wembanyama finished with five points, four rebounds, and one assist in just 12 minutes of play.

Since his NBA career started in 2023, the Spur phenom has suffered various injuries to his ankle and shoulder, among other places, but this is the first concussion.

"He has a concussion and he’s in the protocol, and we’ll obviously take the proper and appropriate steps," Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said after Game 2.

Wembanyama was named the first unanimous NBA Defensive Player of the Year on Monday, April 20.

Will Victor Wembanyama play in Game 3?

Wembanyama traveled with the Spurs to Portland for Games 3 and 4 this weekend, while continuing to abide by the NBA's concussion protocol.

While San Antonio Coach Mitch Johnson said Thursday, April 23 that his star is "progressing," Wembanyama's status for Game 2 remains questionable.

According the reports, Wembanyama was at the team’s practice facility Thursday, walking around in a black hoodie and gray sweatpants and got a few shots off.

What is the NBA's policy on concussions?

According to the NBA’s concussion protocol, a player who sustains a head injury is not eligible to return to play for at least 48 hours from the time of diagnosis. However, after 24 hours, if the player’s symptoms have not worsened, they may gradually resume basketball activities under close supervision. Full clearance to return to game action is only granted after the player is symptom-free and receives approval from the team’s medical staff.

“It’s pretty straightforward,” Johnson said, according to the Associated Press. “Obviously, we hope he’ll be back at some point. But we’ll allow the protocol to play out. And again, there’s nothing more important than his health.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Victor Wembanyama injury update as Spurs star deals with concussion

The officiating in Game 2 between the Phoenix Suns and the Oklahoma City Thunder has sparked a full-blown firestorm. Around the league, people are watching the tape, rewinding possessions, isolating moments, and landing in the same place. The whistle was bad. Really bad. So bad that even Bill Simmons is chiming in on the Suns’ behalf, which isn’t something he’s known for doing. Phoenix is generally an afterthought for ‘ole Billy Boston.

Hope Chet is OK this morning pic.twitter.com/R9mprWfnq8

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 23, 2026

Okay. Bill wasn’t defending Phoenix as much as he was criticizing the Thunder. And that is where plenty of the venom is directed today. The spotlight is bright on the flopping, foul-baiting, and fortuitous whistles that have continually benefited OKC. It never helps when Albert Sanders, the Head of Referee Operations, tweets about his affinity for the Thunder, albeit 12 years ago.

Is it because Albert Sanders, Jr. is such a big OKC Thunder fan? https://t.co/e4I9AHUgA8

— SoSaysJ (@SoSaysJ) December 21, 2025

Sure, it’s not correlated. James Williams’ poor officiating performance on Wednesday night is not a direct result of the Head of Referee Operations’ prior allegiances. He’s not a sleeper cell agent embedded deep within the NBA officiating crew with the singular goal of helping the Thunder defeat the Suns in the First Round. But it does make for poor optics.

The officiating was questionable during Game 2. It reached a point where, in the postgame press conference, Devin Booker spoke with such clarity that it left little room for interpretation. He said what he saw. He said what he felt.

“It just feels disrespectful,” Booker stated. “I haven’t won a championship in this league, but you know, I have been in it for 11 years now. So to get to this point, to be treated like that, for me to even be saying something out loud. It’s bad.”

And then there is Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia, who took to social media and added his voice to the noise.

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

— Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) April 23, 2026

I applaud Mr. Ishbia for standing on business. Accountability as it pertains to officiating is something every fan deserves, and is certainly something I’ve had my rants about in the past.

Fines feel inevitable. Booker will hear from the league office, no doubt. Ultimately, it does nothing for Phoenix. Oklahoma City is the better team, and as Mat Ishbia noted, this was not decided by the whistle. That part is understood. What lingers is the bigger picture, how opponents and fan bases view the Thunder, and how moments like this add fuel to a narrative that continues to grow.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the defending champions, and they carry that weight every night. They rebuilt from the ashes after Kevin Durant left for the Golden State Warriors, and what they turned Russell Westbrook and Paul George into will be studied for years. Sam Presti built a machine. It is precise, it is deep, and it wins.

There is also a conversation that follows them. In today’s NBA, players impact the game in a number of ways: scoring, rebounding, facilitating, and defending. But there is another layer, which is a skill nonetheless, and that is the ability to draw a whistle. The ability to control pace, to create contact, and to put officials in a position where a call feels necessary. Oklahoma City leans into that skill, and they have a roster full of players who understand it.

It works. 57+ wins in three straight seasons. A title. And dominance that draws envy from every corner of the league. It also shapes perception. When possessions end with whistles that feel questionable, it pulls attention away from how good they are and places it on how they win. And that part, fair or not, continues to follow them.

I spend a lot of time on opposing team subreddits during games, pulling quotes for the Sub-Reddit Stakeout segment on the Suns JAM Session podcast. It’s one of the darker sides of the Internet, as reactionary takes are the norm and the world is always on the brink of Armageddon. When visiting the Thunder’s game threads, there is one thing that is clear. This fan base feels like it is constantly defending itself. That turns into something else over time. It turns into misery.

I spend a lot of time on opposing team’s sub-Reddit’s during games to see how they perceive the game. I can safely say that no team’s fan base is more miserable than OKC’s. Rather than appreciating the greatness of their team, they complain constantly about how they’re wronged

— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) April 23, 2026

They are not sitting in the moment and enjoying a championship-level team. They are dissecting every possession, tracking every whistle, asking why more calls are not coming their way. It reads as hypocritical when you watch the film. Off ball grabbing, pulling on cutters, locking up defenders, then on the other end a box out turns into a grab and a fall and the whistle follows. Because the reputation is there, because the conversation never leaves, they cannot escape it. They live in it. Of all the subreddits this season, they are the best team with the most miserable fans.

There’s a connection between those two realities. When a fanbase is locked into every whistle and every perceived slight, it amplifies the scrutiny around how that team actually plays. And right now, that spotlight cuts both ways. The same physicality they benefit from becomes more visible, more debatable, and harder to ignore. That is why this moment matters beyond the outcome of the series. Even if Oklahoma City advances, the conversation does not disappear. It follows them and amplifies. And Phoenix, by pushing back and forcing those sequences into focus, is helping define how that style will be judged the rest of the postseason.

The backlash from the Suns won’t swing this series. Oklahoma City is going to win, and that is fine. Phoenix gets more basketball, more reps, and more clarity against a better team. That has value. What Phoenix is doing right now still matters. It shines a light. It puts this style under a microscope as the postseason moves forward.

There will be attention on the officiating from Wednesday night. The league will review it, and whistles tend to tighten when the noise gets loud enough. That impacts what comes next. Other teams will see it and other teams will benefit from it. Oklahoma City’s fan base will not like that. That part is predictable.

Zoom out, and it feels like the conversation has shifted beyond Phoenix. It is not that the world is on the Suns’ side, it is that the world is pushing back on Oklahoma City.

Suns fans better not get confused that the national media is on their side today

NBA media wants OKC to be kept in check for future series

The Suns did not lose because of the officiating, and everybody knows this

— Brendon Kleen (@BrendonKleen14) April 23, 2026

For many people, this is when they lock into the NBA, as the playoffs bring new eyes and fresh attention. This is the product they are seeing. Devin Booker gets hit with an unnatural shooting motion call, on the other end, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lives in that same space. It feels forced. It feels off. And as Booker said, it starts to chip away at the integrity of the game.

And that is the part the league should care about most. Not the fines, not the postgame quotes, not even the outcome of this series, but the feeling it leaves behind. When the conversation shifts from execution to officiating, from greatness to gamesmanship, it muddies what should be a showcase of the sport at its highest level. Oklahoma City is too good, too complete, and too well-built for the discourse to keep circling back to the whistle. But until that balance is corrected, until the game feels as natural as it is elite, this narrative will linger. Not because people are looking for something to complain about, but because, right now, it is too visible to ignore.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to do what hasn't been done in nearly a decade in the NBA: win back-to-back titles.

Although their path to the NBA Finals will be difficult, as they are almost guaranteed to have to face two of the Lakers, Rockets, Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Spurs in the next two rounds, they have proven themselves a capable team very much worthy of creating the next NBA dynasty.

However, their road to the championship was just made a whole lot tougher.

Star guard-forward Jalen Williams was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain following the team's Game 2 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, April 22.

Jalen Williams left Game 2 vs. the Suns with an apparent hamstring injury. pic.twitter.com/P47wjF0c9T

— ESPN (@espn) April 23, 2026

Williams exited during the third quarter after grabbing his left hamstring following a layup attempt and did not return. The 2025 NBA All-Star had scored 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting in 23 minutes when he exited the game.

Williams has proven himself an invaluable asset to this Thunder squad and an extended absence could be devastating to the Thunder's championship hopes.

Jalen Williams evaluation

Williams will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. According to The Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY Network, a Grade 1 hamstring strain is a mild strain with very little torn muscle. The injury usually has a recovery timeline of 1-2 weeks, which would keep Williams sidelined for at least Games 3-5 of the first round.

This injury is rather concerning for Williams considering that Williams already missed 49 games this season due to a hamstring strain in his right leg.

Williams has also suffered other injuries since last year's NBA Finals victory, undergoing wrist surgery soon after the championship, which forced him to miss the start of the regular season.

Jalen Williams stats

Jalen Williams averaged 17.1 points and 5.5 assists per game this season, a major reason the team boasted the best record in the NBA this season. Williams recorded 22 points and seven rebounds in Oklahoma City's Game 1 win.

Thunder vs. Suns playoff schedule

Thunder lead series 2-0

• Game 1 at Oklahoma City: Thunder 119, Suns 84
• Game 2 at Oklahoma City: Thunder 120, Suns 107
• Game 3 at Phoenix: Saturday, April 25 at 3:30 p.m. | NBC, Peacock
• Game 4 at Phoenix: Monday, April 27 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 5 at Oklahoma City: Wednesday, April 29 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 6 at Phoenix: Friday, May 1 | Time and TV TBD
• *Game 7 at Oklahoma City: Sunday, May 3 | Time and TV TBD

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jalen Williams hamstring injury: Thunder star week-to-week in playoffs

The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to keep the momentum going as they take on the Toronto Raptors in Game 3.

Share your thoughts as the game unfolds. If you aren’t a member of the community, sign up so you can talk to your fellow Cavalier fans and make your voice heard!

Go Cavs!

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Will Victor Wembanyama play in Game 3?

We may not know the availability of the San Antonio Spurs’ star until shortly before tip-off against the Portland Trail Blazers.

These Spurs vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks have a better chance of cashing if Victor Wembanyama is ruled out, but it could still win with him in the lineup on Friday, April 24.

Our best Spurs vs Trail Blazers SGP for Game 3

Unless you're a San Antonio Spurs team doctor, you don't actually know whether Victor Wembanyama is trending toward playing in Game 3 against the Portland Trail Blazers. 

If Wembanyama plays, De’Aaron Fox could still score 20+ points... but if Wembanyama does not, this thought may become an assurance.

Fox averaged 24.6 points in 18 games without Wembanyama this season, clearing this prop in 15 of those 18 contests.

Stephon Castle averaged 6.8 rebounds per game in eight matches without Wembanyama, a number deflated by a reboundless 16-minute showing in November. Remove that, and it jumps to 7.7 rpg in seven games.

As for including the Over with Wembanyama on the sideline, he is the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year. San Antonio’s defensive rating jumps 6.6 points per 100 possessions in games that Wembanyama does not play.

There is too much value in this thought not to include the Over, regardless of knowing Wemby’s status.

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.

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You had my interest, but now you have my attention, Portland Trail Blazers.

While no one is glad Victor Wembanyama suffered a concussion in Game 2, the San Antonio Spurs suddenly have a series on their hands.

Tonight's Spurs vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks should hold up regardless of whether Wembanyama takes the court on Friday, April 24.

Spurs vs Trail Blazers prediction

Who will win Spurs vs Trail Blazers Game 3?

Trail Blazers: Opportunities are the only things given in life, and this may be Portland’s opportunity. Any uncertainty around Victor Wembanyama throws this series into disarray — a chance the Trail Blazers must capitalize on. At home, with that possible spark, it provides more Portland intrigue than was ever expected this postseason.

Spurs vs Trail Blazers best bet: De’Aaron Fox Over 19.5 points (-110)

Victor Wembanyama has traveled with the San Antonio Spurs to the Pacific Northwest. That is the first step toward him playing this weekend, though one has to remain skeptical that he will play Game 3.

The Spurs are plenty competitive without Wembanyama. Playing the Portland Trail Blazers without him will not assure a loss in any regard, and concussions are not something to rush back from.

Wembanyama’s availability won’t be entirely up to San Antonio; once in concussion protocols, a league doctor also has to sign off on his ability to play. He very well might play, but the savvy bettor finds a bet that could cash with Wembanyama playing and has even better odds with him sidelined.

A bet like trusting De’Aaron Fox to pour in some points.

In 54 games alongside Wembanyama this regular season, Fox averaged 16.5 points. In 18 contests with Wembanyama sidelined, Fox averaged 24.6 points.

Fox attempted 4.2 more shots per game without Wembanyama on the court, including two additional 3-pointers.

Do not fret that this is the result of a few high-scoring matches. Fox scored 20 or more points in 15 of those 18 games without Wembanyama.

Even with his star Frenchman center on the court, Fox could very well clear this modest points prop, and the number becomes even more favorable if Wembanyama misses Game 3.

Spurs vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay

Similar to the logic of Fox averaging 8.1 more points in games without Wembanyama, Stephon Castle averaged 6.8 rebounds per contest in eight games without the Spurs’ centerpiece, compared to just 5.1 across 60 with him.

This prop could cash if Wemby plays, but looks far more likely if he doesn’t.

And unsurprisingly, San Antonio’s defensive rating spikes without Wembanyma on the court, 6.6 points worse per 100 possessions in 18 games without him.

Somewhat surprisingly, the Spurs’ offensive rating does not waver.

Spurs vs Trail Blazers SGP

• De'Aaron Fox Over 19.5 points
• Stephon Castle Over 5.5 rebounds
• Over 220.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Rose City

If Wembanyama is sidelined or even just limited, this is Portland's chance to see a path to the second round.

You cannot let this opportunity pass you by. Desperation needs to be the Blazers' default.

A spread of +1.5 is effectively a tilted pick’em, and it is undervaluing what Wembanyama means.

San Antonio was favored by 10.5 in Game 2. Adjusting for homecourt, a quick line of +4.5 would make sense on Friday night.

Is Wembanyama really worth only three points? Until Portland is favored, lean into this, via spread or moneyline.

Spurs vs Trail Blazers SGP

• De'Aaron Fox Over 19.5 points
• Over 220.5
• Trail Blazers moneyline

Spurs vs Trail Blazers odds for Game 3

• Spread: Spurs -1.5 (-110) | Trail Blazers +1.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Spurs -130 | Trail Blazers +110
• Over/Under: Over 220.5 (-110) | Under 220.5 (-110)

Spurs vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know

Portland went 25-16 against the spread at home this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Trail Blazers.

How to watch Spurs vs Trail Blazers Game 3

Spurs vs Trail Blazers latest injuries

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

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

How to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

• Date: Thursday, April 23

• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

• Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• TV Channels: Amaz

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

Odds

• Spread: Minnesota Timberwolves +2.5

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

• Over/Under: 234.5Series schedule

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

*if necessary

CJ McCollum throws shade at Warriors as Jonathan Kuminga shines for Hawks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

It was a season and a half of ups and downs for Jonathan Kuminga with the Warriors. Between injuries, limited minutes and butting heads with coach Steve Kerr, the writing was all but on the wall heading into the 2025-26 NBA season.

However, Kuminga remained on the Warriors’ roster until February 2026 when he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks with Buddy Hield for Kristaps Porziņģis.

On Thursday, following the Hawks’ 109-108 upset NBA playoff victory over the New York Knicks, CJ McCollum, who hit the go-ahead jumper with 12.7 seconds remaining, spoke with reporters and had an interesting thought on Kuminga’s past situation with the Warriors.

“He was in a not so great situation and now he’s found a happy home over here,” McCollum told reporters.

CJ on Kuminga:

"(He) has championship DNA coming from the Warriors, he understands how to play the game the right way. He was in a not so great situation and now he's found a happy home" https://t.co/HSwX7P2BCkpic.twitter.com/hupdzkF2EE

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) April 24, 2026

In 16 regular-season games with the Hawks, Kuminga averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 22.1 minutes per game – which is comparable to his 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in 23.8 minutes per game with Golden State this season.

However, his minutes have significantly increased up to 31.0 minutes per game as he and McCollum have helped lead the Hawks to a two-games-to-one series lead over the Knicks.

While Kuminga’s time with the Warriors might have come to an unceremonious ending, it seems he has found a home in Atlanta — and his teammates seem happy to have him.

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

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

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

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

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

Is Aaron Gordon playing tonight?

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

Aaron Gordon stats

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

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

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The Los Angeles Lakers were left for dead when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were ruled out for this Round 1 matchup with the Houston Rockets.

But after two games in L.A., it would seem everyone and their cat is writing off Kevin Durant and the Rockets. Well, everyone but oddsmakers.

Houston is a near double-digit home chalk for Game 3 and while my same-game parlay doesn’t think the Rockets can cover that spread, it does see Durant bouncing back from a bad series debut.

Here are my same-game parlay NBA picks and Lakers vs. Rockets predictions on Friday, April 24.

Our best Lakers vs Rockets SGP for Game 3

The extra days off and a move to Texas helps the Houston Rockets get right, but this spread is a beefy ask for a team that’s looked lost in the opening two games – with or without KD. The Los Angeles Lakers can keep it closer than 10 points on Friday.

Kevin Durant scored 20 points in the opening half of Game 2, then finished with only three more to stay short of his scoring prop of 23.5 O/U.

Durant told reporters he plans to be more aggressive against the Lakers’ double teams, opting to shoot more than his 12 FGAs in Game 2. Projections sit as high as 28 points from Durant, who’s had extra time to rest his ailing knee before Friday night.

Rui Hachimura has been quietly consistent for L.A. in the opening two games of the series, knocking down 50% of his looks for tallies of 13 and 14 points.

I do suspect some of the Lakers role players to take a step back on the road, but Rui doesn’t shrink in enemy territory and is projected for 15 points in Game 3.

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