The Boston Celtics kick off another playoff run against the Joel Embiid-less Philadelphia 76ers, and our 76ers vs. Celtics predictions and NBA picks expect Boston to cruise to victory in Game 1 this afternoon.
In the last three games the Philadelphia 76ers played in Boston without the big man, they were outscored by 17.3 points per game. The Boston Celtics sport a +8.3 net rating at home this season, and with the team close to full strength, I’ll back them to win this one by 13+.
Our prediction: Celtics to win
Without Embiid, Philly’s offensive rating dipped from 118.5 to 112.9, good for eighth-worst. Philly will have trouble scoring, and I expect Boston to cruise.
Sign up now using our exclusive Kalshi promo code 'COVERS' and get a $10 trading bonus after you trade $10 on any other event contracts — including 76ers/Celtics!
Sign Up Now at img src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/336/kalshi.svg" alt="Kalshi" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
*Eligible to ALL states + DC, (excluding Nevada)
More 76ers vs Celtics prediction markets
You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for 76ers vs. Celtics 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 Celtics -13.5 spread means the Celtics will cover, while "No" means the 76ers will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using theCovers odds converter).
76ers vs Celtics spread and total at prediction markets
Outcome
Yes
No
Celtics -13.5
48¢ (+108)
54¢ (-117)
Over 212.5 points
54¢ (-117)
48¢ (+108)
Our predictions:Celtics -13.5 — Yes and Over 212.5 points — No
No team hit the Under at a higher percentage than the Celtics at 63.4%. The C’s kept the score low throughout the season thanks to a Bottom-5 pace and Top-5 defense.
Other 76ers vs Celtics prediction markets available
Jayson Tatum 25+ points (Yes: 54¢)
Tyrese Maxey 30+ points (Yes: 36¢)
Derrick White 3+ threes (Yes: 50¢)
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 Celtics 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 76ers vs Celtics at Kalshi?
Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:
Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 18: Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over the defense of Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets during the first half of Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In Saturday’s Brotherhood Playoff Action, Tyrese Proctor’s Cleveland Cavaliers beat Toronto, featuring RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram, 126-113. Denver, with Tyus Jones, knocked off the Timberwolves, 116-105. The Hawks, coached by Quin Snyder and featuring Jalen Johnson, took down New York, 113-102. The Los Angeles Lakers, coached by JJ Redick and starring Luke Kennard, grounded the Rockets, 107-98.
Barrett scored 24 points, while Ingram had 17 for the Raptors, while Proctor got a DNP (did not play).
Tyus Jones also got a DNP for Denver.
Johnson got 23 points and 7 rebounds in Atlanta’s loss to the Knicks.
And while the Lakers are without the injured Luka Doncic, Kennard filled in well, hitting for 27 points on 9-13/5-5 from the floor, along with 4 rebounds and three assists.
That was Kennard’s career playoff high, incidentally.
On Sunday, Jayson Tatum and Boston take on Philadelphia, Jared McCain and OKC play Phoenix, with Grayson Allen, Mark Williams, and Khaman Maluach, while Orlando, featuring Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter, rumble with Trajan Langdon’s Detroit Pistons.
1984 was the first season the NBA implemented the 16-team playoff system, divided by the Eastern and Western Conferences. Since 1984, there have only been six 8-seeds to upset a 1-seed in the playoffs.
The first team to ever do it was the 1994 Denver Nuggets, who defeated the Seattle SuperSonics 3–2 after coming back from down 2-0. The next team to do it was the 1999 New York Knicks in a lockout-shortened season against the Miami Heat in a 3-2 series win. That Knicks team went on to make the NBA Finals. Then in 2007, the ‘We Believe Warriors’ defeated the Dallas Mavericks and MVP winner Dirk Nowitzki 4-2. A few years later, the Memphis Grizzlies upset the Spurs 4-2 in 2011, and the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the 1-seed Chicago Bulls 4-2, who lost their MVP, Derrick Rose, in game one of that series. And the last team to do it? The 2023 Miami Heat, who defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 with Giannis Antetokounmpo in and out of the lineup that series. That Heat team also made the NBA Finals.
So what’s been the magic recipe historically?
For the 76ers and Bulls, it was injury luck. The Grizzlies and Warriors played a style of basketball that their counterparts could not match up against. The Grizzlies completely out-physicaled the Spurs, and the Warriors’ small-ball exposed a major flaw in the Mavericks’ unathletic roster. The Knicks and Nuggets got to play a five-game series, and both had exceptional defenses that stifled the Heat and Supersonics.
Historically, 8-seeds are 6-of-84 in opportunities against 1-seeds. So that gives the Suns a 7.1% chance to beat the Thunder, which is right on the money with how oddsmakers view this series. The Suns are right around +1300 to win the series. By no means is this article saying that the Suns will win the series, but rather the historical context of what kind of company they can be in if they do, and just how much of a shock it would be if they did. Plus, if you want to look on the bright side, if the Suns do beat the Thunder, they have a 33% chance at making the Finals!
So what has to go right for Phoenix to earn a series win over Oklahoma City?
Injury luck, obviously. In two weeks from now, if Phoenix has done the impossible and is moving on to the second round, it will more than likely be due to Oklahoma City having poor injury luck. Phoenix also needs the inverse; Grayson Allen and Mark Williams must play in order for them to win. There’s not a whole lot more to break down than that, and this Oklahoma City team is so talented it might take more than one injury for Phoenix to have a chance.
Now lets go to the basketball scenarios, which are way more fun to write about. 3-point shooting and taking care of the ball are the two keys for the Suns to have a shot against the Thunder. The Thunder are elite defensively with an unending roster of elite defenders perfectly suited to guarding Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the rest of the Suns roster. The Suns have to limit their turnovers while the Thunder turn it over like hotcakes. The Suns also need to take and make more threes than the Thunder. Winning the possession battle and 3-point battle has been the Suns’ recipe for success all season, and they will need to do it four times in four wins if they want to get a series win over the Thunder. The Suns have to shoot as many threes as possible, hope that they get a high number of makes, and if not, rebound those long misses and take some more triples.
The other ingredient to a historic series upset is generational performances or clutch play-making from the superstar player or players. Jimmy Butler reached extraordinary levels in the Heat’s recent 4-1 series win against the Bucks by making incredible shots in improbable comebacks. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol dominated the Spurs’ frontline inside in the Grizzlies series win over the Spurs, and Dikembe Mutombo blocked the Supersonics in the final seconds, capped off by his iconic celebration.
The Suns will need elite shotmaking from Booker, Green, and Brooks, plus plenty of defensive heroism from everyone on the roster. Slowing down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be the Suns’ top priority, and he is the game’s best closer. It will be a challenge to match him bucket for bucket in the final minutes of games, but it is something the Suns will have to do.
So how does this team get it done?
The Suns have to win in six games or fewer, even if there are injuries. Playing the Thunder in Oklahoma City in a game seven is a daunting task. If the Suns win this series, it is because they won one of the first two games on the road, then hold the Thunder at bay to win in six games. Right now, just winning one game in the series would feel like an accomplishment for the Suns. Even the most optimistic Suns fans cannot consciously believe that this team will win this series. But as long as the 15 players in the locker room and the coaching staff believe they have a chance to win, I will be watching every minute.
If the Suns are going to win this series, here is the path it takes to get there:
Game 1 – Suns win in the final seconds of a close game.
Game 2 – Suns lose, and honestly, the more the Thunder lay it on, the better.
Game 3 – Suns get ridiculously hot from behind the line and win a game no one saw coming
Game 4 – Suns mount a furious fourth-quarter comeback and steal a win in an ugly rock fight game that ends in the high 80’s
Suns fall short, and Gilgeous-Alexander has his 40-point explosion
Game 5 – Suns fall short and Gilgeous-Alexander has his 40-point explosion
Game 6 – Suns win a game where Booker, Green, and Brooks score 80+ points, and a Suns role player hits a game-winning 3-point shot
The science behind this scenario is that every single team since the Warriors in 2007 has won game 1 of the series (except Philadelphia because of the Rose injury), and in the six series combined, the 8-seeds are a combined 14-1 at home. To upset a 1-seed, the path is clear: win the first game, and then win at home.
The Suns do have a few things going their way
They have nothing to lose, and the Thunder have all the pressure on them to win. The Suns are -1 in point differential this season against the Thunder with Booker in the lineup and are 1-1 in those games. The Suns are 2-3 against the Thunder in five games, which is as familiar as you can get with one team in the regular season. Even with all those reasons to be positive, the Suns have 7% chance to win this series, but with every run the Suns make, every loose ball they collect, every offensive rebound they grab, that number can grow and grow until it becomes a series.
Someone has to become the lucky number seven team to upset a 1-seed, so why not this Phoenix Suns team?
Lakers guard Luke Kennard protects the basketball under pressure from Rockets guard Amen Thompson Saturday. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Luke-ah?
With star guard Luka Doncic back on the Lakers sideline but still out indefinitely, Luke Kennard did his best impression of the NBA’s leading scorer Saturday, catapulting the Lakers to a 107-98 win over the Houston Rockets to give the Lakers a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round playoff series.
Kennard drained all five of his three-point attempts, including three in the fourth quarter. Threes while curling off screens or taking hand-offs from teammates are routine for the NBA’s leading three-point shooter. But Kennard may have surprised even himself when he drove against Houston’s Jabari Smith, U-turned, scampered back outside the three-point line and drained a three from the wing.
The Crypto.com Arena crowd that was buzzing from the opening tip to the final horn erupted. Kennard screamed.
"My word is speechless, to be honest," center Deandre Ayton said of Kennard's performance. "Seeing him five-for-five in a playoff game as a Laker. Yeah, it hits different."
Lakers center Deandre Ayton, left, celebrates with guard Luke Kennard after hit a three-pointer against the Rockets during Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
“To do it especially at a place like this, playing for the Lakers on the biggest stage in basketball, it means a lot to me," Kennard said, "and what I've done and just credit to the work I've put in and how I prepared leading up to this."
Since Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) were injured on April 2, Kennard has had to adjust his role to include more ball handling. He typified the Lakers’ adaptability with 32 assists in the last five games of the regular season after averaging 1.7 assists per game since joining the team. But he lamented that he wasn’t shooting to his standard.
Compared to his league-best 47.8%, his 30.8% shooting from three during the past five games felt like a slump.
Each shot, whether a make or miss, still helped Kennard develop a rhythm entering the playoffs, he said. Now if he sees even a sliver of daylight, he’ll be ready to shoot. It’s exactly what the Lakers want to see.
“I just liked that he was aggressive shooting threes,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “I mean, he played a fantastic basketball game.”
Kennard, who also had three assists and four rebounds, was nine for 13 from the field as the Lakers, who shot 60.6% as a team, shot 60% or better in a playoff game for the first time since the first round of the 2009 playoffs. Led by Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, the Lakers won their first of back-to-back titles that year.
All five of the Lakers starters scored in double figures. LeBron James had 19 points and 13 assists, and Ayton had 19 points and 11 rebounds while helping keep two-time All-Star Alperen Sengun to 19 points on inefficient six-for-19 shooting. The Rockets, who were without Kevin Durant because of a minor knee injury, shot 37.6% from the floor.
“Everybody played a big role tonight and I feel that just speaks to what we've been the last few weeks with guys out,” Kennard said. “It's going to take everybody. We know that. We got to continue to elevate each other and push each other and continue to be a team.”
Doncic reunited with the team Saturday after he spent the past two weeks in Europe getting specialized treatment on his Grade 2 left hamstring strain. Dressed in a crisp white button up shirt and khaki pants, Doncic sat next to Reaves on the bench. They rose to their feet every time Kennard set up for a three. They handed out high fives at every time out.
The injuries to Doncic and Reaves turned the Lakers into the perceived sitting duck of the competitive Western Conference playoffs. Critics felt the team couldn’t survive one playoff round with the 41-year-old James as its sole offensive catalyst.
A welcoming cheer from Lakers fans during starting lineups serves as a reminder that James still has backup.
Boston, MA - March 1: Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe steals the ball from Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown in the third quarter. The Celtics played the 76ers at TD Garden on March 1, 2026. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
After a roller coaster regular season, the Philadelphia 76ers handled business in the Play-In Tournament against Orlando, earning the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference and a first-round matchup against the rival Boston Celtics. In Game 1 this afternoon in Boston, the Celtics are 13-point favorites to take a 1-0 lead in the series, and are huge minus-900 favorites to advance to the second round. If those lopsided odds have you down as a Sixers fan, can I remind you of another big upset that started in Boston? It was a little thing called the American Revolution.
Unfortunately, the Sixers are without their George Washington in this clash between original colonial powers. Philadelphia only has one player listed on the injury report, but it’s a big one, with Joel Embiid out due to his post appendectomy surgery recovery. (Yes, Johni Broome is available to save the day.) There’s no realistic belief that Joel will be back soon to impact the series, but maybe Boston also has some injuries the Sixers could take advantage of today?
I guess not. Jayson Tatum has been back over a month now following Achilles surgery and appears to be fully ramped up. The All-NBA talent looking like himself is a big reason why the Celtics are now significant favorites to advance out of the East to the NBA Finals. Of course, that’s still a couple months away and the Sixers will hope to be more than a minor speed bump along the Celtics’ path.
The Sixers’ chances of making this a competitive series will start with their backcourt. We know Tyrese Maxey can shine on the biggest stage after seeing him average nearly 30 points per game in the series against New York two years ago. The year prior in the seven-game series loss to Boston was more of a mixed bag. Maxey scored 30 points in the Game 5 win to go up 3-2, but also had three games scoring 14 points or less. Of course, Tyrese has improved a ton over the past three seasons and his dropping 40 points in the regular season opener against Boston is more indicative of what we’re likely to see from him.
Philadelphia’s biggest X factor is rookie VJ Edgecombe, who didn’t look the least bit phased by the moment during the Play-In, recording 19 points and 11 rebounds and puffing his chest out at Jalen Suggs. Edgecombe found success against Boston this season, notably scoring 14 points in his first ever NBA quarter while facing the Celtics, a league record. His ability to create splash plays defensively and get out in transition will be vital for a Sixers’ offense that projects to struggle in the half court against Boston.
Aside from the whole having a deeper roster thing, the big advantage for Boston will be on the glass. The Sixers were a terrible defensive rebounding team this season and the Celtics were one of the better squads at creating second-chance opportunities. Andre Drummond played well against Orlando and had one or two solid performances this year against Boston. If he could channel 2020 Andre (only now with three-point shooting!), that would go a long way towards helping the Sixers stay within arms-length of Boston to pull off an upset.
If we’re going to do some straw grasping, it has been nine days since Boston’s regulars saw the court at all. Maybe there’s a bit of an adjustment period back to the intensity of live game action. The early afternoon start time could also play a factor. NBA players are largely very routine-oriented and have shifted their schedules to peak at nighttime. Today they’re playing at 1:00 pm Eastern when some of them might normally be taking naps. Obviously, it wouldn’t favor the Sixers more than the Celtics, but maybe things get wonky and that can only benefit the underdog.
The club who the Sixers share a building with was able to pull off a Game 1 win on the road yesterday. Time for the Sixers to get gritty and see if they can’t make Boston sweat here to start this first-round series.
Game Details
When: Sunday, April 19, 1:00 PM ET Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA Watch: ABC Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic Follow:@LibertyBallers
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 13: Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons talks in the huddle before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 13, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA Playoffs are upon us, which means it’s time to diagnose the Detroit Pistons as they look to make a run to the NBA Finals. The crew at DBB looked at the first-round matchup, the difference makers and the likelihood of that championship run.
1. The Pistons will kick off the playoffs against the Orlando Magic on Sunday. What is your read on the series + who wins and in how many games?
Sean Corp: The Orlando Magic seem like a team at its breaking point, and the Detroit Pistons defense loves to break teams. They are also one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA, and hot 3-point shooting is how a lot of teams stick around. Feels like a physical, short series. Pistons in 5.
Laz Jackson: Pistons in six. It should be Pistons in five, but there will be at least one game thats a smidge TOO rock fight-y and the Magic win at home, plus the “normal” playoff loss.
Brady Fredericksen: Orlando is the biggest disappointment in the NBA, yet they’re still fighting. Franz looks lost, and Paolo (sans the Charlotte game) has been more bad than god. The Magic are a poor man’s Pistons, and I can’t see them beating Detroit at its own game. Pistons win this in 5 games.
Justin Lambregtse: The Magic are a mess, but they at least have playoff experience and have played the Pistons well the last couple years. I think the Pistons beat them in 6 games.
Wes Davenport: The Magic are solid and will present some challenges for Detroit. However, in playoff basketball, defense and star power win the day. It’s nearly impossible to argue the Pistons are lacking for either compared to Orlando. Pistons in 5.
Robbie Bettelon: Pistons in 5. I’m ready for Round 2 already.
Brennan Sims: Orlando, one of the teams the Pistons have smoke with. Detroit would have handled Charlotte, and the’ll handle the Magic.
Max Sturm: I see the Pistons handling Orlando. The Magic are essentially a poor man’s version of Detroit. They’re finally healthy after being banged up all year, and at their best they are long, skilled, and can shut the water off on defense. Pistons in 6.
Austen Flores: Orlando is finally healthy, but Detroit is well-equipped to neutralize what they do best. The regular season games were close, but Orlando’s offensive inconsistency — too much drive-and-kick and stagnant possessions — shows up. Expect tight games, but Detroit pulls them out. Pistons in five.
2. Who are the 1-2 most important players for the Pistons to make a legitimate run?
Sean Corp: The boring answer is Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. They power the offense, and help define the defense. The swing answer might be Ausar Thompson. The ability to maximize his defense (be keeping him on the floor) and limit foul trouble is key.
Laz Jackson: Ausar. Can he neutralize Desmond Bane / Donovan Mitchell entirely and make offenses less efficient? What poor soul will he backcut to death in the half court? Even in a slowed down playoff environment, can he generate deflections, blocks, steals that turn into the easy offense the Pistons feast on? I think so. Caris LeVert. Quietly, VERY quietly, he has been less disruptive to good offense. He WILL get minutes, but can they be productive ones? Will we have a Caris LeVert Game, one that steals the Pistons a series? It’s on the table.
Brady Fredericksen: Daniss Jenkins and Jalen Duren stand out. Jenkins found a second wind, and if he can create, score and play under control in his minutes, the Pistons will be in good shape. Duren has leveled up. Now, it’s time to prove that the shot creation and defense is real against locked-in defenses. I think he’s ready.
Justin Lambregtse: Duren and Jenkins. I have faith in Cade’s ability to play in the playoffs and Ausar’s defense is going to be important, but getting offensive contributions from both Duren and Jenkins to help out Cade/hold down the fort when he is out is going to be very important for a long playoff run.
Wes Davenport: Cade is the soft ball. But I’ll go the rest of that core four group as well — Duren (for his scoring ability), Ausar and Stew (for their defensive ability). Famous last words, I know, but I’m not all that worried about the floor spacing.
Robbie Bettelon: Duren and Ausar. If they can still coexist in playoff basketball, the East is in trouble.
Brennan Sims: Cade Cunningham’s jump shot could swing a series either way. Duncan Robinson has to remain an elite shooter — channel that 2023 Finals run energy.
Max Sturm: Jenkins comes to mind here. It’s easy to forget that Dennis Shroder was essentially the team’s second best player against the Knicks during last year’s playoffs. Jenkins has the ability to play a similar role this spring. Ausar Thompson is the other. Can he stay on the floor offensively during crunch time? Can he stay out of foul trouble? Can he make his free throws consistently? If those answers are yes, then the Pistons will have a tremendous advantage on the defensive end at all times.
Austen Flores: Jenkins and Robinson, with Tobias Harris just missing the cut. Jenkins has been a revelation and now steps into a major playoff role after not playing in last year’s Knicks series — he’ll need to match the impact Dennis Schröder had. Robinson’s playoff experience is valuable despite his ups and downs, and Detroit’s success often hinges on his shooting. JB Bickerstaff should prioritize getting him clean looks early.
3. How far do you see the Pistons’ run going? What is their ceiling and what is going to make or break them in their chase for the Finals?
Sean Corp: The Pistons keep surprising against the best competition. I only NEED a first round series win. I am confident they can get to the Conference Finals. And from there, they dictate their own fate, and the date of their off-season priorities as they look to be NBA Finals winners (soon).
Laz Jackson: The Detroit Pistons ceiling is an NBA Finals appearance, full stop. What makes or breaks them will be health (in both directions) and turnovers.
Brady Fredericksen: I’ve got the Pistons falling in the ECF. I think they can beat the Knicks there, but I have concerns about how they match up against the Celtics with Jayson Tatum back. The offense has been a lot better, but a cold spell late in a big game in Boston could be the end of the line.
Justin Lambregtse: I’d love to say they make the Finals, but I don’t think that’s in the cards this year. I look at the OKC Thunder who were a 2nd round team a couple years ago before breaking through and going all the way and winning. The Pistons are still young and not playoff tested a ton, so I could see them going down in the 2nd round after a hard-fought series. It does depend on their 2nd round matchup, though.
Wes Davenport: I see this team as a lock for the conference semis. Anything beyond that is gravy to me. That said, I would predict they make the ECF. They’ll go as far as Cade and Duren will take them offensively.
Robbie Bettelon: I don’t fear any team outside of Boston. So, if they meet the Celtics in the ECF, I’d take Boston.
Brennan Sims: They could make the Finals. Hard to see them beating OKC, San Antonio, or Denver. Who steps up after the All-Stars offensively + how does the offense fare in general?
Max Sturm: Their ceiling is the Finals, though I don’t see them beating either of the West favorites. A fully healthy Boston will likely be the favorite to come out of the East, and the Cavs pose a sneaky tough potential matchup in round two. Can someone be a consistent secondary scorer? Jenkins, Caris Levert, Kevin Huerter all have shown flashes of being that guy. Beyond that, health is a major factor, as maintaining their defense.
Austen Flores: The ECF. The second round could take a toll, especially against a tough Cavs team that matches up well with Detroit and added another dimension with Harden. That goes at least six. A potential Boston matchup is intriguing — they’d have a chip on their shoulder — but with Tatum back, it may be a step too far.
Most likely top seed to lose early in the East?
Sean Corp: Cleveland Cavaliers
Laz Jackson: New York Knicks
Brady Fredericksen: New York Knicks
Robbie Bettelon: New York Knicks
Brennan Sims: New York Knicks
Max Sturm: New York Knicks
Austen Flores: New York Knicks
Most likely underdog to win a series in the East?
Sean Corp: Atlanta Hawks
Laz Jackson: Atlanta Hawks
Brady Fredericksen: Atlanta Hawks
Robbie Bettelon: Toronto Raptors
Brennan Sims: Toronto Raptors
Max Sturm: Philadelphia 76ers
Austen Flores: Atlanta Hawks
Who wins the East
Sean Corp: Boston Celtics
Laz Jackson: Detroit Pistons
Brady Fredericksen: Boston Celtics
Robbie Bettelon: Boston Celtics
Brennan Sims: Boston Celtics
Max Sturm: Detroit Pistons
Austen Flores: Boston Celtics
Most likely top seed to lose early in the West?
Sean Corp: Los Angeles Lakers
Laz Jackson: San Antonio Spurs
Brady Fredericksen: Denver Nuggets
Robbie Bettelon: Denver Nuggets
Brennan Sims: Denver Nuggets
Max Sturm: Los Angeles Lakers
Austen Flores: Los Angeles Lakers
Most likely underdog to win a series in the West?
Sean Corp: Minnesota Timberwolves
Laz Jackson: Houston Rockets
Brady Fredericksen: Minnesota Timberwolves
Robbie Bettelon: Minnesota Timberwolves
Brennan Sims: Minnesota Timberwolves
Max Sturm: Minnesota Timberwolves
Austen Flores: Houston Rockets
Who wins the West?
Sean Corp: San Antonio Spurs
Laz Jackson: Oklahoma City Thunder
Brady Fredericksen: Oklahoma City Thunder
Robbie Bettelon: San Antonio Spurs
Brennan Sims: Oklahoma City Thunder
Max Sturm: Oklahoma City Thunder
Austen Flores: Oklahoma City Thunder
Who wins the NBA title?
Sean Corp: Boston Celtics
Laz Jackson: Oklahoma City Thunder
Brady Fredericksen: Oklahoma City Thunder
Robbie Bettelon: San Antonio Spurs
Brennan Sims: Oklahoma City Thunder
Max Sturm: Oklahoma City Thunder
Austen Flores: Oklahoma City Thunder
—
As always, let us know what you think in the comments!
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: The Coyote of the San Antonio Spurs performs during the game against the Utah Jazz at Frost Bank Center on December 27, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ever since the Spurs punched their ticket into the postseason, the city has been hosting a bevy of events. From pop -up shops last week through today’s HemisFair pep rally, there are ongoing activations to feed your Spurs fanaticism.
Per a Spurs press release:
Game 1 Pep Rally at Hemisfair Tower Park, 801 Cesar Chavez Boulevard The Spurs will host a pep rally to tip off the first round at the Red McCombs Community Court at Hemisfair, presented by H-E-B and Ledger. Starting at 10 a.m. Sunday before Game 1, the pep rally will include free Taco Palenque coffee and tacos for the first 200 fans, free car flags presented by H-E-B, music and more.
Official Watch Parties The Rock at La Cantera, 1 Spurs Way The Spurs will host official watch parties, presented by Michelob ULTRA, at The Rock at La Cantera for all away games, free and open to the public. The parties will feature appearances from Coyote and Hype Squad, photobooths, and Spurs Playoff giveaways including T-shirts designed by artists from all Spurs markets – San Antonio, Austin, Mexico and France, and car flags presented by H-E-B. All home Playoff games will also be streamed at The Rock.
Pop-Up Fan Shop 333 W. Commerce Street The Spurs will open a pop-up shop downtown for the duration of the Playoffs selling team gear and Playoff merchandise. The grand opening will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 14 at 5 p.m. with a DJ, music, trivia, photo ops and free Taco Palenque for the first 200 customers. The shop will be open at CENTRO San Antonio’s “La Zona” property daily from 12 to 8 p.m. and will have interactive photo ops and fan experiences exclusive to the store.
Exclusive In-Arena T-Shirts Frost Bank Center Fans at all first-round home games will receive a free T-shirt on their seat, featuring a unique design for each game. They will highlight San Antonio and Spurs culture, with several designed by local artists. Game 1’s T-shirt is presented by Ledger and designed by local artist Shek Vega and Game 2’s T-shirt is presented by H-E-B. Fans are encouraged to wear the T-shirt to be part of the collective arena experience.
Partner Giveaways San Antonio Partners will be showing their support for the team with a range of fan giveaways throughout the Playoffs. Every day during Playoffs, Take 5 will offer a 25% discount on an oil change for any customer wearing Spurs merch. Ledger will give away free fanbangos at all home games.
City Takeover San Antonio, Austin and Paris The Spurs will brand the city Spurs Fiesta colors by painting the team logo and playoff tags across town. Logos will appear from The Rock to the Impact Center to partner business locations to the streets of Paris. Fans are encouraged to enter to win a free team playoff flag and pick up free car flags at the first pep rally and watch parties at The Rock, while supplies last, to join in repping Spurs spirit at their homes and businesses. Spurs murals will also be on display at the San Antonio pop-up retail store location and Wanderlust Wine Co. in Austin.
Spurs Spot It Challenge San Antonio & Austin Beginning Friday, April 17, fans who visit five locations in San Antonio or Austin with the official Spurs Playoff logo painted onsite will earn 10 points as part of the recently launched “Spurs Rewards” program. Fans must download the Official Spurs App presented by Frost and sign up for Spurs Rewards to participate. See Spurs.com/Playoffs for a list of locations.
There are additional activations being added, so be sure to check here and follow the Spurs on social media. There will be free coffee and Taco Palenque is kicking in free breakfast tacos after Spurs playoff win.
So many ways to celebrate as the Silver & Black’s Race for Seis.
Go Spurs Go.
Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.
Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could receive league MVP honors for the second year in a row.Photograph: Nate Billings/AP
The NBA has not seen a reigning champion take its title defense as far as the conference finals, let alone hoist a second consecutive Larry O’Brien trophy, since the Golden State Warriors were cut off at the ankle and calf by the Toronto Raptors in the 2019 Finals. That’s seven straight seasons in which parity has ruled supreme, for better or for worse, and dynastic runs seem fated to be a thing of the past.
Not if one team in America’s heartland has anything to say about it. The Oklahoma City Thunder embark on these 2026 playoffs in search of historic greatness, trends be damned. And less than two weeks before the first game of the postseason tips off, you’d be hard pressed to find substantive evidence to believe their goal won’t be achieved.
Oklahoma City will be the No 1 seed in the bloodbath that is the NBA’s Western Conference for the third consecutive year this season. The last time a team has accomplished this particular feat, three straight years atop their conference? That aforementioned Warriors outfit (in 2017). And it’s rarefied air in NBA history in general: the only other teams to hold down the top spot that long, respectively, are the creme de la creme: the Celtics and Lakers’ top rosters in their storied histories, and the Jordan Bulls. Every team with this accomplishment finished with the ultimate accomplishment: an NBA championship.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, MVP frontrunner for the second consecutive year, also exists in rarefied air at the moment. He has the potential to receive both league MVP and NBA Finals MVP honors in consecutive years. If he does, he’d be the first to do it since LeBron James in 2012 and 2013. A big part of Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP case – and why he’s heavily favored to win the award again this season – comes down to his hyperreliable efficiency, something of which even James himself has taken note. Of the Thunder star on the most recent episode of his Mind the Game podcast, James said: “That’s one of the things I love about Shai – for him to play on the perimeter as much as he does, in the midrange as much as he does, and still be as super efficient as he is? It’s Jordan-esque, for sure.”
But there’s a reason, of course, that no team has successfully mounted a title defense since the 2017-18 Warriors. It’s really difficult to do, and increasingly so as the league has become more and more talented, and as the ability to weather the war of attrition nature of the playoffs has become paramount. The mental and physical toll of an 82-game regular-season grind certainly doesn’t get any easier to muddle through after a championship, and the only Thunder with experience in that particular arena, veteran guard Alex Caruso, knows that all too well. I ask him what advice he had, if any, for his younger compatriots this summer, heading into a title defense.
“Really just trying to stay present. Each year is a different team in the league,” he says. “I tried to tell them just stay present, enjoy the moment with the team we have now, because it’s not guaranteed that you get to try and play for a championship or play on a great team every single year.”
What about the natural lag in urgency that seems almost inevitable once you’ve submitted the mountaintop?
“You fight human nature a little bit through the regular season,” he tells me. “But once the postseason starts, it’s kind of do-or-die, and that mentality, that feeling, is pretty easy to chase again.”
It’s worth noting that another notch in the “Oklahoma City will repeat” column is that, by all accounts, the young bucks on the team didn’t even really need much cajoling when it came to maintaining their focus throughout a long, arduous season. I ask head coach Mark Daigneault about the unique challenge that a championship defense presents, and how he’s steered his troop through it.
“This team, to be honest with you – it is a long season and it is a grind, but this is a team that truly enjoys being around one another,” he says. “The minute they get together on the bus, it seems that their energy goes up. When they’re together in practice or shoot-around, their energy goes up. Even in games, they gain energy by being around each other, and they’ve kind of always been like that. So, that’s been a quality that’s existed independently of context.”
Daigneault also emphasizes that he encourages players not to even consider the season a “defense”, per se. “We’ve tried to look at it as a new season, that started from scratch,” he tells me in Los Angeles. “Last year was great, no one’s taken that away from us, but it’s also over. And we’ve tried to look at this season as a new blank canvas that we’ve had to paint on, or whatever you will. So, they’ve done a great job of that, and we’ve been able to play pretty consistent basketball throughout the season as a result.”
The Thunder aren’t repeat champions yet – that’s why you play the games, as they say. But between their level heads, stellar leadership, youth, athleticism and skill, they are as primed as any team in recent NBA history to get the job done.
Lakers forward LeBron James wraps a pass around Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. as coach JJ Redick watches from the sideline during the second half of their first-round playoff series opener on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
The Lakers limped painfully into the playoffs Saturday night only to delightfully discover a miracle salve.
An opponent as mangled as they were.
Yes, the Lakers are beginning this tournament seriously hampered by the indefinite absences of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
But — surprise, surprise — the Houston Rockets showed up with a bad leg of their own, a recently suffered knee contusion that sidelined leading scorer Kevin Durant for at least the first game of this first-round series.
The result? Check out the wide-mouthed scream unleashed by the Lakers' Luke Kennard midway through the fourth quarter.
No Durant meant no Laker problem, a potentially tough battle never appearing in doubt, the Lakers earning a 107-98 victory at Crypto.com Arena that represented the triumph of connection over confusion.
The Lakers were connected, apparently having had time to adjust to the loss of their two leading scorers, LeBron James acting as a brilliant playmaker for scorching hot shooters like Kennard, who hit all five of his treys in scoring a career playoff-high 27 points.
The Rockets were confused, Durant being a late scratch and their attack being lost without him, Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson combining for 38 shots and a bunch of misses.
At one end, the Lakers were perfectly executing, the 41-year-old James becoming the oldest player to have 13 assists in a playoff game, Deandre Ayton missing only two of 10 shots inside, so much nifty passing, so many open looks.
On the other end, the Rockets were a complete mess, dissolving in two whining technical fouls in the third quarter that sealed their fate.
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, sprawled on the court, reaches for a loose ball in the paint during the first quarter. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
The Lakers might be missing Doncic and Reaves but, man, the Rockets really, really, really missed Durant.
The Lakers were good enough to win despite being outrebounded 21-3 on the offensive glass. They were good enough to survive despite committing 20 turnovers.
They were so efficient despite their obvious deficiencies, one has to wonder … could this one game blend into several games? Say, as many as three more wins in this best-of-seven series?
Could the Lakers actually steal this first round?
At first glance, this result could mean nothing, just one fortunate win by an injured team against another injured team, the Lakers underdogs again in Game 2 if Durant returns as expected.
However, this result could also mean everything, the Lakers gaining the confidence they need to defeat the Rockets even with Durant, this being a game that could create the kind of rich belief that could result in a deeper spring run.
Lakers center Deandre Ayton dunks between two Rocket defenders in Game 1. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Think about it. This game could be a springboard to a series win that would lead to a Western Conference semifinal series in two weeks. By that time, even though the odds are against it, let’s say Doncic and Reaves attempt to play and, even though the likely opponent would be the NBA-best Oklahoma City Thunder, who knows what happens?
It won’t happen. It can’t happen. It was recently written in this space that it should never happen, that the Lakers shouldn’t risk further injury by rushing back Doncic or Reaves, that they should forget about this season and focus on next October.
Then again … who knew Kevin Durant would bang his knee? And who knew the NBA would stretch out this first-round series long enough to give Doncic and Reaves more healing time?
Enough, enough. Let’s put a pause on all this speculation and just enjoy what Saturday’s playoff opener wrought.
For the first time since the two injuries, the Lakers were fun again. For the first time since they went 15-2 in one stretch this spring, they seemed actually really good again.
After they blew a distraction-filled, first-round series against Minnesota last season, coach JJ Redick has long preached to them about ignoring the noise and creating a singular playoff mentality. That mentality was in full effect Saturday as they played as if they were at full strength, and the Rockets were at full strength, and they were just the better team.
“You can’t worry about who is in or out of the lineup,” said Redick. “Its our game plan, our standards, it’s how we play, we’ve built toward that.”
And thus bulldozed the hapless Houstoners.
“Our guys … met the moment,” he said.
Coach JJ Redick and the Lakers executed a game plan to steal Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
So did Redick, who deserves credit for reacting to the late news of Durant’s absence, as he and his esteemed coaching staff drew up effective adjustments on the fly.
“There’s a lot that you have to do with Kevin,” Redick acknowledged. “You scrap that and move on to all the other stuff.”
Meanwhile, the Lakers showed some seriously good stuff early, coming out firing in the first quarter, scoring on their first three shots, eight of their first nine, and eventually 16 of their first 20.
James was everywhere, moving the ball, setting up his teammates, recording an amazing eight assists in the first quarter, his best single assist quarter among his 294 playoff games. All that, and during the quarter he flew into the baseline seats striving for a loose ball.
“He displayed great vision throughout,” Redick said of James, who scored 19 points in 38 minutes and was a team-high plus 11. “We talked all week about being connected offensively. He led us there.”
The tone had been set … and continued to be set after James made a flying pin-against-the-backboard block of Thompson in the second quarter … and then he really got loud after Houston took advantage of all those Lakers turnovers to take a brief lead early in the third.
James barked at Rui Hachimura, who screamed back, ‘What?'”
Lakers forwardLeBron James celebrates a basket over Rockets forward Tari Eason during Game 1 on Saturday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Play better, that’s what. And that’s exactly what they did, Hachimura hitting a three, Kennard hitting a three, James scoring twice on back-in layups and then making a great steal at midcourt. The ferocity of the Lakers answer rattled Houston such that the Rockets were hit with two technical fouls on unbridled anger from Jae’Sean Tate and coach Ime Udoka. Then they absorbed further insult on a soaring blocked shot by Jake LaRavia.
By the fourth quarter, this game was over, leaving it to Kennard to send the crowd howling into the night by supplying three fourth-quarter treys on three attempts and making a Game 1 MVP out of Rob Pelinka.
The Lakers embattled basketball boss smartly acquired renowned shooter Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in early February for Gabe Vincent and a second-round draft pick and … are you kidding me? Kennard was making half of his three-point attempts at the time of the trade. How did Pelinka acquire him so relatively cheap?
“I liked that he was aggressive,” said Redick of Kennard’s Saturday showcase. “There’s a snowball effect to that.”
Before this series, the Lakers had a snowball in hell’s chance of winning it.
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 28: A general view of the Boston Celtics 2024 World Champions banner hanging from the rafters seen during the women's free skate in the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 on March 28, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
At a certain point, you have to stop circling possibilities and just make a call. Nobody enjoys that part, because it means putting something on record and living with it for the next two months.
The Celtics enter the playoffs as one of the most difficult teams in the league to pin down. They’ve shown enough to believe in a deep run, but also come with questions that leave the door open for doubt. So we asked the CelticsBlog staff to do the thing everyone eventually has to do this time of year: make a prediction and stick with it.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – JUNE 22: The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate with the Larry O'Brien Trophy after winning Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 22, 2025 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
What is your Celtics playoff prediction?
Jeff Clark: C’s over Philly in 4, C’s over the Knicks in 5, C’s over Pistons in 6, C’s over Thunder in 7.
Bill Sy: Ultimately, I think the Celtics lose to the Spurs in six and there’s no shame in that. It’ll be a resounding endorsement of everything that Mazzulla and Stevens have built and the franchise will reload in July.
Rich Jensen: I hate predictions even more than I hate hot takes. I will, therefore, go the safe route. The Celtics are going to win another championship. I don’t think that we’ve seen all that this team is capable of. This is quite different from 2024, where the C’s showed the whole league what they were during the regular season.
Here, the Celtics have evolved before our very eyes into a team that is peaking at the right time. They are the great unknowns heading into the playoffs. None of the other contenders have played the Celtics at full strength, they are deep and multifaceted, and they present challenges to defenses at every position on the court.
Now if the C’s don’t win, that’s fine with me because this team is still very much a work in progress, and I think there’s every reason to expect that they’ll be even better next year.
The San Antonio Spurs were projected to win 44.5 games. They won 62
Ian Inangelo: My playoff prediction is that the Celtics have the talent to make it all the way to the finals and have a chance to beat any team out of the west once they get there. I’ll say Celtics beat the Thunder in 7.
Mark Aboyoun: Boston gets to the Finals. I’m not sure whether they’ll win it or not, and I don’t want to jinx the team, but I feel they have enough to get back. If Tatum can stay healthy and Brown continues to play at an MVP level, they’re a hard team to beat, especially at TD Garden.
Nirav Barman: This is incredibly tough, again because of my superstitious self. I see the Celtics in the Finals this year. I leave it up to fate from there.
Mike Dynon: In 2024, we expected the ultimate high, and the Celtics delivered. Dominant regular season, never threatened in the playoffs, cue the duck boats. This year’s team was the opposite because we expected little – but Celtics culture proved all the doubters wrong. No doubt, it will be very difficult to reach the pinnacle again.
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 21: Derrick White #9, Al Horford #42, Jayson Tatum #0, Jaylen Brown #7, Kristaps Porzingis #8, and Jrue Holiday #4 of the Boston Celtics pose for a photograph with the Larry O'Brien Trophy and the Bill Russell Finals MVP Trophy before the 2024 Boston Celtics championship parade on June 21, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Despite their amazing season, the reality check was a 1-3 record versus both the East’s first and third seeds (Pistons and Knicks) and a combined 1-5 against the West’s top three (Thunder, Spurs and Nuggets). However, most of that was without Jayson Tatum. And after seeing the Celtics trample all expectations over the past 82 games, this is no time to be rational. The only possible prediction is: Banner 19.
Ryan Paice: I think the Celtics either lose to the Knicks or make a run to the Finals. The Knicks have been a thorn in the team’s side since last year’s Eastern Conference Semifinals. I think the C’s have more than enough firepower to take NY down, but it will be a battle. New York has the wings to slow down the Jays and performs well in clutch time, something Boston has struggled with at times in the Jays era. If Boston can overcome that challenge, they’ll ride the high right through the Pistons and to the Finals.
Gio Rivera: The Celtics reach the NBA Finals and meet the Spurs (not OKC). Officiating won’t be nearly the nuisance it was for JB back in January, and by then, Garza will have delivered several key moments/performances up to that point to earn a player’s tunnel reception reminiscent of KP’s in Game 1 against Dallas two years ago.
Grant Burfeind: I’m going Celtics…losing in seven to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a full-on Brothers Grimm ending. OKC looks like the next machine, and as much as I trust this version of Boston, I’m not totally convinced Jayson Tatum has had enough runway to get all the way back to peak form after everything he’s been through.
And if they do win it all, you’re welcome, Celtics Nation, for the anti-hex I’m casting with this prediction.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 11: Jordan Walsh #27 of the Boston Celtics guards Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game on November 11, 2025 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Tyrese Maxey may not be on the level of a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, or even Jalen Brunson, but in a first round series against Philadelphia, the Celtics will get an opportunity to test their top-5 defense. When going up against a great player, there are two schools of thought: let them get theirs and shut everybody else down, or cut off the head of the snake and the body will die.
For Boston, they might be able to do both.
When asked about defending Maxey, head coach Joe Mazzulla said, “He can score at all three levels. He can get layups. He can get pullup twos. He can get great separation on threes. We have to be disciplined on what we’re taking away and what we’re willing to live with and we gotta be great at the things we can control, and we need elite individual defense throughout games which our guys are capable (of).”
In four games against the Celtics, the 76ers’ All-Star averaged 30 points and nearly nine assists. He’s a shifty guard that can surprisingly score the ball in the restricted area at such high speeds. With a pullup trigger behind the arc and a float game against rim protectors, he represents the type of player that gives Boston the most difficulty and the largest threat to upset them in Round 1.
The Celtics and 76ers split the first two meetings of the regular season with Maxey going off in both, shooting 52.5% from the field (61.1% from three). However, he benefitted from Joel Embiid’s presence on the floor. After appendectomy surgery, the big man is unlikely to play in the series, so Maxey becomes the de facto engine of Philly’s offense.
In the final two regular season games, Mazzulla seemed to change tactics a bit. In what became a common theme throughout the year, he tasked one of his young wings — Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, or Ron Harper Jr. — to take on the opposing team’s best player. At times, that meant covering any of the topflight MVP candidates, including Victor Wembanyama.
Mind you, this is a team that fields Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White.
Maxey’s counting stats didn’t change much (26 points and seven assists per game), but his efficiency dropped dramatically. He made just a third of his shots and his free throw attempts dropped.
In that November showdown, Jordan Walsh had a breakout game defending Maxey. The Celtics would ultimately lose 102-100, but that would start a 19-game stretch with Walsh in the starting lineup. He’s had a late season renaissance in March and April, so don’t be surprised if he’s the first line of defense against the 76ers point guard.
What Walsh might give up in slight of frame, he makes up for in length and measured pursuit. Maxey hit just 5-of-17 — 1-for-9 with Walsh as the closest defender — in that November tilt with the Celtics playing predominantly in drop covering and Walsh recovering off screens and using his 7’2 wingspan to disrupt Maxey’s driving game.
In the most 76ers-Celtics regular season finale in March, Scheierman took the Maxey matchup in one of his final games as a starter before Tatum’s return. Again, Maxey shot an inefficient 12-of-34 and 3-of-10 with Scheierman as the primary defender.
Scheierman has undoubtedly improved as a one-on-one defender, but Maxey’s off night might be more a victory of team scheme over individual accomplishment. As CelticsBlog’s Nik Land pointed out earlier in the week, in Boston’s fourth meeting with Maxey, they opted to ice pick-and-rolls in order to maintain their defensive shape of protecting the rim and being ready to rebound:
While Philadelphia’s offensive identity is driven by rim pressure and isolation creation from Maxey, Boston’s defensive structure has consistently shown the ability to absorb that pressure, disrupt driving lanes, and tilt the possession battle in their favor. The Celtics’ emphasis on rebounding, physicality, and versatile perimeter defenders has repeatedly translated into control over both tempo and shot volume.
Neither Walsh or Scheierman are expected to start in Game 1 and undoubtedly, Boston will throw a myriad of coverages against Maxey to keep him on his toes. You have to imagine that Derrick White will get his healthy share of reps. With their size and strength, Brown and Tatum will also match up with Maxey from time to time.
As the perceived weakest link in the starting five, Sam Hauser will probably get targeted a few times during the series and he understands the difficulty in containing him.
“He’s a really good player obviously. He’s getting close to 30 a game. What makes him really good is that he’s super fast and he can stop on a dime. That’s hard to guard,” Hauser said. “He creates a lot for his team, but we’ll do our best to make it as difficult on him. It’s not going to be perfect every time — he’s definitely going to score some buckets — but if we’re making him work for it, that’s a win for us.”
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on April 10, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trailblazers took very different paths on their way back to the playoffs after prolonged droughts. San Antonio far exceeded expectations, a 62-20 season that no one saw coming, built on the talents of a young core that appears to have skipped a step or two in just Victor Wembanyama’s third season. Portland on the other hand had a challenging season, the most profound challenge being a head coaching change in just the 2nd game of the season following Chauncey Billups being put on indefinite suspension by the NBA following his arrest in a federal gambling investigation. Billups was replaced by none other than former Spur and 2014 NBA champion Tiago Splitter. The rookie Splitter, who had only joined Billup’s staff in June and had never been a head coach before this season. has been credited with holding down the fort in Portland, leading them to both a 6-game improvement from last season and their first playoff berth since 2021. That playoff trip was sealed with a clutch victory on the road in Phoenix in the Western Conference 7/8 seed game.
Which brings both teams to San Antonio tonight for the final game of the 2026 Playoff’s first weekend. While San Antonio won the season series 2-1 and come into this series as a heavy favorite, there are still some unknowns. Most notably, Victor Wembanyama missed all 3 regular season meetings between the two squads, with San Antonio winning both games at the Frost Bank Center. With Wemby in the fold for the first time all season against Portland, in San Antonio’s first home playoff game of the Victor Wembanyama era, the Blazers will really have their work cut out for them if they want to steal Game 1.
San Antonio Spurs (0-0) vs Portland Trailblazers (0-0) April 19 2026 | 8:00 PM CT Watch: NBC | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM) Line: San Antonio -10.5
Spurs Injuries: None
Blazers Injuries: None
What to watch for
Tonight will feature plenty of players getting their first taste of the postseason, but Victor Wembanyama’s first ever playoff start is the main reason everyone is interested in this one. The French phenom has been everything fan’s hoped they were getting when he was drafted in 2023 and more, both as a franchise player and as a human being, so it’s not too surprising to see him leading San Antonio back to the playoffs so quickly into his career. He and Portland’s frontcourt have yet to see one another, but you can be sure that Wembanyama will make it a point to both get acquainted with fellow 7-footer Donovan Clingan early and that San Antonio’s defense is locked in from the jump.
Tonight’s game will feature 13 players making their playoff debuts, with 7 coming from the Spurs and 6 for the Blazers. That means there could be some chaos early on as both teams look to settle the butterflies that presumably come from playing in an NBA playoff game for the first time. Being at home for Game 1 should go a long way in making sure that San Antonio is the one who settles in first. Notably for the Spurs, tonight is current longest-tenured Spur Keldon Johnson’s first ever playoff game!
Deni Avdija has been a breakout player for Portland this season. The 6’8 small forward had a career year in his 6th season, averaging career-best marks in points (24.2), field goal attempts (16.1), assists (6.7), and both free throw attempts (9.2) and percentage (80%). It was his 41 point outburst during the Play-In game in Phoenix that kept Portland within striking distance in a tough environment. Avdija’s and-1 on a layup with 15 seconds left put the Blazers up for good.
2-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday might be on the back-9 of his NBA career, but the 16-year vet was a key contributor in steering the ship in Portland this season. He missed a stretch of 27 games in November and December with a calf injury, but has been on the court more or less consistently since making his return in January. Long known as one of the NBA’s premier wing defenders, Holiday’s influence on that end went a long way for the Blazers in the second half of the season, as they finished just outside the top 10 in defensive efficiency for the year. It’ll be a treat getting to see Spurs’ guard Stephon Castle face off with the experienced veteran and champion Holiday in his first postseason action.
If you’d like to, you may follow along with the game on our Twitter profile (@poundingtherock) or visit our Game Thread!
CJ McCollum delivered a low blow to Jalen Brunson on the court at Madison Square Garden. He then delivered another one after the game.
During the second quarter of the Knicks’ 113-102 Game 1 win over the Hawks on Saturday night, McCollum was given a technical for kicking Brunson right in the midsection while taking a jump shot (he was also called for a travel on the play). Brunson stayed down on the ground in pain for a few moments.
McCollum accused Brunson of milking it.
“I shot a jumper, and Jalen thought we were at a Broadway show,” McCollum said. “He acted it out until they reviewed it. It’s a normal jump shot. Nothing there. Unnecessary, and I look forward to getting my $2,500 [fine] back.”
Jalen Brunson reacts in pain after getting kicked in the groin on a shot by CJ McCollum during the third quarter of the Knicks’ 113-102 Game 1 win over the Hawks on April 18, 2026 at the Garden. Jason Szenes / New York Post
CJ McCollum kicked Jalen Brunson right in the midsection
McCollum received a technical foul following the review.
There was clear contact from McCollum, who kicked out a bit as he took his shot, on Brunson. And Brunson appeared to be in legitimate pain.
For his own part, Brunson didn’t make much of the play.
CJ McCollum hits Jalen Brunson in the groin as he puts up a shot a kicks during the third quarter of the Knicks’ Game 1 win over the Hawks at the Garden. Jason Szenes / New York Post
“It wasn’t purposeful,” Brunson said, “so we move forward.”
McCollum was actually the Hawk who most hurt the Knicks, finishing with 26 points.
LeBron James is looking for a fifth NBA championship of his career [Getty Images]
The Los Angeles Lakers shrugged off their injury worries to make a winning start to the NBA play-offs.
The 18-time champions were without key players Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Maxi Kleber but 41-year-old LeBron James produced another fine display in a 107-98 win over the Houston Rockets.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks were the other winners on day one of the play-offs, while the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic won the play-in tournament to book their places.
James controlled the floor while racking up 19 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds against a Houston side who lost key man Kevin Durant to injury just before play started.
"It's just our play-off mentality," Lakers coach JJ Redick said.
"You can't worry about who's in or out of the line-up. It's our gameplan. It's our standards. It's how we play, and we've built towards that.
"I thought our guys just responded well and met the moment. That's the biggest thing. You've got to meet the moment in every game, and we were able to do that."
Luke Kennard continued to step up as a starter with a career play-off high 27 points as the Lakers took the opening game in the best-of-seven series.
Durant, 37, has a bruised knee and could return for game two on Tuesday night.
Orlando Magic (45-37, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (60-22, first in the Eastern Conference)
Detroit; Sunday, 6:30 p.m. EDT
LINE: Pistons -8.5; over/under is 219.5
EASTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: Pistons host first series matchup
BOTTOM LINE: The Detroit Pistons host the Orlando Magic in game one of the Eastern Conference first round. Detroit and Orlando tied the regular season series 2-2. The Magic won the last regular season matchup 123-107 on Monday, April 6 led by 31 points from Paolo Banchero, while Daniss Jenkins scored 18 points for the Pistons.
The Pistons are 39-13 against Eastern Conference opponents. Detroit is the top team in the Eastern Conference averaging 57.9 points in the paint. Jalen Duren leads the Pistons scoring 14.6.
The Magic are 26-26 in Eastern Conference play. Orlando is ninth in the Eastern Conference with 26.5 assists per game led by Banchero averaging 5.2.
The Pistons average 11.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.1 fewer makes per game than the Magic allow (12.1). The Magic average 11.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.0 fewer made shot on average than the 12.7 per game the Pistons give up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Duren is shooting 65.0% and averaging 19.5 points for the Pistons. Jenkins is averaging 14.5 points over the last 10 games.
Banchero is averaging 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists for the Magic. Desmond Bane is averaging 18.2 points and 3.6 assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pistons: 8-2, averaging 119.9 points, 44.8 rebounds, 32.1 assists, 10.2 steals and 7.0 blocks per game while shooting 51.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.1 points per game.
Magic: 7-3, averaging 116.4 points, 43.5 rebounds, 27.3 assists, 8.1 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.5 points.
INJURIES: Pistons: Jalen Duren: day to day (knee).
Magic: Jonathan Isaac: day to day (knee).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
