Category: NBA

Time is linear: At least, in terms of human perception.

Little else is.

An NBA career is certainly not always linear. There’s a tendency to falsely assume it will be. A rookie is bad on league-wide standards, and we accept it. They improve incrementally until year three, when they’re officially good, and then continue to improve incrementally until they peak, and start to decline. That’s how an NBA career goes, right?

On rare occasion, sure. Usually, a player’s career is more chaotic. They decline significantly in their third year. Fans think they’re done – until year six, when they have a career-best season. That’s the new baseline, they incrementally improve for two more seasons, fall off – etc, etc.

As always, theory is clean, and reality is messy. Unfortunately, the 2025-26 season has been a bit of a mess for the Houston Rockets’ Tari Eason.

Rockets’ Tari Eason has had a strange year

Much of 2025-26 was looking like a coming-out party for Eason. Before the All-Star break, Eason was averaging 12.2 points per game while hitting 46.0% of his 4.8 threes per game.

Sure, he seemed to be regressing in other areas. Eason’s 7.1 Offensive Rebounding % during that stretch had ticked down from 2024-25’s 8.1 mark. His 25.5% steal percentage was a major drop off from his 39.1% in 2024-25. It seemed safe to assume that those numbers would normalize.

If only it were possible for assumptions to be safe.

Instead, it was his shooting that normalized. Perhaps fans should have seen that coming as well. Shooting variance disrupts linearity like a 7/8 time signature. Eason has struggled to get a rock into an ocean since the break.

Now, he’s shooting 36.9% from deep on the season. That’s barely a career high, while he’s still posting career lows in the two areas (offensive rebounding and steals) that once made him special. The fact that this all comes after Eason allegedly turned down a deal worth $100 million over four seasons this summer.

What should the team do with him now?

Rockets should still prioritize Eason

Having declined that extension, Eason will hit Restricted Free Agency this summer.

Every foray into RFA does not look the same. The league’s cap landscape has to be surveyed. Heading into this summer, the only space-heavy team that looks like a real threat to wrestle Eason from the Rockets would be the Los Angeles Lakers.

All the Rockets have to do is identify their breaking point and hold the line. The $25 million per season they once earmarked for Eason is likely off the table. Would they do $20 million? Surely, they’d do $15 million?

Here’s the thing: Eason is sure to make good on a $15 million per season contract. Fans have grown tired of his warts. Eason indeed plays basketball like a bull in a China shop. He’s reckless, and the only question is whether it benefits Houston or the opposing team more often.

For most of his NBA career, the answer has been Houston.

It may be callous to suggest, but his poor play ahead of RFA could be a blessing. Ultimately, we should only feel so bad for someone who missed out on $40 million if they’re still getting more money over four years than 99.999% of Americans will ever make in a lifetime. From the Rockets’ perspective, it’s well worth gambling $15 million a year – probably even 20 – that Eason will exceed that contract value.

Who knows where his career could go from here?

We’re coming down to the final stretch of the NBA regular season, and multiple races are tightening up.

Not only are the discussions for NBA Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year intensifying, teams are closing their seasons with playoff seeding top of mind.

And the tightest cluster is in the middle of the Eastern Conference, where the race for the automatic playoff bid of the No. 6 seed will go down to the wire. Six different teams — the Hawks, 76ers, Raptors, Hornets, Magic and Heat — each have pathways to end up there.

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ NBA power rankings after Week 22 of the 2025-26 regular season:

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It’s a potential NBA First Round playoff preview tonight, when the Detroit Pistons visit the Orlando Magic.

The Pistons, with the Eastern Conference’s top seed already clinched, are road favorites against a Magic team fighting for the eighth seed.

With plenty of key injuries on both sides, my Pistons vs Magic predictions and free NBA picks will target the Under on Monday, April 6.

Pistons vs Magic prediction

Pistons vs Magic best bet: Under 225 (-110)

The Detroit Pistons have carried the weight without their star, with eight wins in 10 games sans Cade Cunningham.

Their offensive scoring split is nearly identical, averaging 117.8 points during this stretch (and 117.5 overall), but it’s the defense that’s been even tougher, moving from 109.4 points allowed per game to 106.2 over the last 10.

Isaiah Stewart is also sidelined, while Duncan Robinson (hip) and Tobias Harris (knee) are listed as questionable.

The Orlando Magic are coming off a 112-108 win over the Pelicans on Sunday and will be playing the second night of a back-to-back.

They’ve won four of their last six and sit just a half-game back of the Hornets for the eighth seed in the East, and just a game back of the Raptors for seventh.

However, they are averaging a lowly 112.3 points per game during this current fun run, which ranks 26th in the NBA.

They’re also down key contributors in Anthony Black (abdomen) and Jonathan Isaac (knee), while Jett Howard (ankle) is considered questionable.

These teams generally slug it out, with the Under cashing in seven of the last 10 head-to-heads, and, considering the circumstances, another low score seems like it’s on the way.

Detroit has generally clamped down when owning a rest advantage, with an 11-6-0 record in this scenario, a Top-5 mark in the league.

Pistons vs Magic same-game parlay

Jalen Duren has been a beast on the glass, grabbing at least 10 boards in 10 of his last 13, including topping Monday’s total eight times.

Desmond Bane is coming off a 27-point scoring night against NOLA, his second straight game hitting that number, and the fourth time in six games he’s cashed the Over.

Pistons vs Magic SGP

• Under 225
• Jalen Duren Over 10.5 rebounds
• Desmond Bane Over 18.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Bank on Banchero

Daniss Jenkins has provided the playmaking with Cunningham sidelined. He had a season-best 14 dimes against Philly last game, and he’s had at least eight assists in the last 12 Detroit games.

And Paolo Banchero loves lighting up the Pistons, hitting at least 22 points in four straight games against Detroit.

Pistons vs Magic SGP

• Under 225
• Jalen Duren Over 10.5 rebounds
• Desmond Bane Over 18.5 points
• Daniss Jenkins Over 7.5 assists
• Paolo Banchero Over 21.5 points

Pistons vs Magic odds

• Spread: Pistons -2.5 (-110) | Magic +2.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Pistons -155 | Magic +130
• Over/Under: Over 225 (-110) | Under 225 (-110)

Pistons vs Magic betting trend to know

The Magic have lost six straight vs Eastern Conference opponents. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Magic.

How to watch Pistons vs Magic

Pistons vs Magic latest injuries

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We are four games from the end of this season. You may be surprised to learn that the season began in October and not last February, a time that’s often felt like one continuous trudge through drama and losing for 15 months. The light, and absolutely spectacular rookie season from Cooper Flagg, has maintained its energy all the way to the end. Flagg’s 96 points between Friday and Sunday’s games were a snapshot of a more than worthy rookie of the year campaign, and should make Mavericks fans excited to head into next fall. Pair with that the soon-to-be-drafting of his future running mate this summer, and this new era suddenly feels fresher.

And that’s why we’re here. At NBA Lottery Watch we’ve tracked the lottery maneuverings since the all-star break as the Mavericks wait with the other losing teams to see where the ping pong balls fall on May 10, determining where teams will draft this summer. Let’s dive in as we walk the final week of the season.

Lottery standings

We warned in last week’s edition that there are some sticky moments at the end of this schedule. And while the Mavericks did plenty of losing, Sunday’s win made an impact as the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans both lost. On the week as a whole those two teams went 0-4 while the Mavericks went 1-3. Those results left Dallas falling from sixth to eighth in the lottery order. Does a roughly 8% difference in a shot at a top four spot really matter? No, probably not. The real impact, as we’ve said before, is when teams behind you jump forward, leaving you falling further back toward the fringes of this draft’s depth.

That said, even with these teams having nothing real to play for entering the postseason, there are a few key games remaining that could impact the lottery draw odds on May 10.

Weekly schedule

Dallas has the toughest remaining schedule of the three teams, although the Clippers are really the only team that is fighting for playoff positioning — Phoenix and San Antonio are all but locked in their spot. But it’s the other two facing the Utah Jazz that is worth keeping track of. The Jazz have lost 13 of their last 14, and have been so aggressive in their losing that they’ve actually moved up to the fourth spot ahead of the Sacramento Kings. Hard to imagine they’ll let up now — so that game for the Pelicans and Grizzlies really leave the Mavericks their primary opportunity to move back up in the standings.

• Dallas Mavericks: @ Los Angeles Clippers, @ Phoenix Suns, @ San Antonio Spurs, vs. Chicago Bulls
• New Orleans Pelicans: vs. Utah Jazz, @ Boston Celtics, @ Minnesota Timberwolves
• Memphis Grizzlies: vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, @ Denver Nuggets, @ Utah Jazz, @ Houston Rockets

If that doesn’t happen, we’ll have to cross fingers that the consistent effort of this team, and their refusal to sit core players at the end of the season builds enough positive karma to send the Mavericks forward in the draw.

One magic spin

Each week we’ll take one spin around the block at tankathon.com and see where the chips fall. And the basketball gods shown down on the ethical tank this week. For the first time in the two months we’ve been hosting lottery watch the Dallas Mavericks jumped seven spots to take the number one pick, for what would be the second year in a row.

Complete chaos across the board on this one, to a completely unrealistic degree. The Indiana Pacers are the only team to keep their top four spot, while everyone else went tumbling backward. The Mavericks leapt forward with the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls. This image once again paints the picture of why positioning as high as possible matters in the event you end up falling.

The Phoenix Suns went 2-2 this week with wins against the Grizzlies and Bulls, and losses to the Magic and Hornets. The team officially completed their four-game road trip and their second-to-last week of the regular season.

Here are the main questions for Week 24 we want your thoughts on:

Heading for the 7th Seed

It’s nearly a lock that the Suns will be the Western Conference’s 7th seed, meaning they’ll host the West’s eighth seed in the first round of the Play-In Tournament. The Trailblazers and Clippers are currently tied for the eighth spot. Phoenix went 2-1 against the Blazers and 2-2 against Los Angeles. This year is set to be Phoenix’s first time in the play-in since it was created during the 2019-2020 season. Having already clinched a record over .500, the Suns have surpassed many people’s preseason expectations, despite some struggles the past few months.

If someone had told you before the season that the Suns were going to be the 7th seed in the West, would you have believed them?

Starting Lineup Change

With Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams back in the starting lineup, the Suns started them alongside Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Jordan Goodwin in yesterday’s win against the Bulls. It was the first time the Suns went with that starting lineup this year, and it sent Royce O’Neale and Collin Gillespie to the bench. O’Neale leads the team in starts this year, while Gillespie is third behind Devin Booker. Gillespie and Goodwin played the same number of minutes, but the team had a different look to start the game. O’Neale played 21 minutes.

How do you feel about the Suns’ playing a new starting lineup this late into the season with their main starters all healthy?

Additionally, Jordan Ott shrank the rotation, playing just nine guys on Sunday. Do you think that’s a sign of things to come as the Play-In nears?

A New Sun in the Record Books

After hitting two threes on Thursday, Collin Gillespie officially became the franchise leader in most threes made in a season, surpassing Quentin Richardson’s record he set in the 2004-2005 season. With 230 threes, the guard is hitting three triples a game at a 41% clip. Coming into the season, he was playing a reserve role, now, he’s leading the team in total minutes this year during his career season.

What does Gillespie’s improvement say about the Suns’ ability to develop young talent? How much money would you be willing to pay to keep him in Phoenix this offseason?

On the Suns’ Plate this Week

The Suns will face Kevin Durant on Tuesday at the Mortgage Matchup Center for the first time since he was traded to the Rockets in the offseason. Then, they’ll host the Mavericks on Wednesday for the final home game of the regular season, before they head to Los Angeles to play the Lakers on Friday, to set up their final game of the regular season on Sunday, when they’ll play the Thunder.

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Even in a slightly underwhelming regular season, the Cleveland Cavaliers can hit the 50-win mark tonight as they visit the Memphis Grizzlies.

Memphis has dropped four straight and could boost its lottery odds with another loss here, so my Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies predictions expect Donovan Mitchell and James Harden to lead the onslaught at FedExForum.

Check out my NBA picks for this April 6 clash, with both squads on the second night of a back-to-back set.

Cavaliers vs Grizzlies prediction

Cavaliers vs Grizzlies best bet: Cavaliers -15.5 (-110)

The Cleveland Cavaliers would surely prefer to hang onto the No. 4 seed and avoid the Celtics-Knicks side of the East bracket, but they’re 8-2 straight up in their last 10 and heavy favorites to breeze past the Memphis Grizzlies tonight.

I’m riding with a Cleveland team that’s won the last six meetings with Memphis, and there’s every reason to expect that streak to continue, given the Grizzlies’ recent form. Three of the hosts’ past four losses have come by a margin of 15+ points, and Cedric Coward and GG Jackson both missed yesterday’s defeat in Milwaukee. 

This is a lot of points to lay, especially after a sleepy Cavs win over the Pacers last night, but it’ll only take one quality stretch from Donovan Mitchell and James Harden to put this game on ice. The visitors may also have Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen back to control the paint and paper over lapses on the perimeter.

The numbers point to the Cleveland offense as the difference-maker. The Cavs average 119.3 points per game, fueled by the seventh-most 3-pointers attempted, while the Grizzlies are giving up 119.7, the sixth-most in the league.

Memphis is 26-33 against the spread as an underdog, so I prefer to trust a Cleveland squad that’s 24-15 SU on the road and has Mitchell coming off a 38-point outburst.

Cavaliers vs Grizzlies same-game parlay

Putting aside Harden’s playoff no-shows for a moment, he’s a regular-season winner, and I expect him to have his fingerprints all over a Cavs win today.

He averaged 8.1 assists in March, and he’s knocked down eight 3-pointers across his past two outings. If at least one of Mobley and Allen is available, those lob threats will boost The Beard’s dimes tally.

Cavaliers vs Grizzlies SGP

• Cavaliers -15.5
• James Harden Over 7.5 assists
• James Harden Over 2.5 made threes

Our "from downtown" SGP: The Mitchell Report

Mitchell is the key to a deep Cavs postseason run, and I love all the Overs for Spida tonight. He’s averaging 27.8 PPG, and he’s had six assists in two of his last three games. It’s hard to see Memphis keeping him out of the paint here.

Cavaliers vs Grizzlies SGP

• Cavaliers -15.5
• Donovan Mitchell Over 25.5 points
• Donovan Mitchell Over 2.5 made threes
• Donovan Mitchell Over 5.5 assists

Cavaliers vs Grizzlies odds

• Spread: Cavaliers -15.5 (-110) | Grizzlies +15.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Cavaliers -1600 | Grizzlies +900
• Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)

Cavaliers vs Grizzlies betting trend to know

The Grizzlies are 1-9 SU in their last 10 contests. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies.

How to watch Cavaliers vs Grizzlies

Cavaliers vs Grizzlies latest injuries

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After suffering a narrow, overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, the San Antonio Spurs will look to get back on track in front of the home crowd when they host Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and the Philadelphia 76ers at Frost Bank Center.

With Philly’s Big 3 finally healthy, the home team will have a tough test, and my 76ers vs. Spurs predictions expect a big night from Embiid, who had a career-best scoring performance in his first career meeting with Victor Wembanyama.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference matchup on Monday, April 6.

76ers vs Spurs prediction

76ers vs Spurs best bet: Joel Embiid Over 38.5 points + rebounds + assists (-112)

Joel Embiid has missed more games than he’s played this season, but he’s appeared in four of the Philadelphia 76ers’ last six games. Embiid was on a roll before missing time, hitting the Over on this combo line in 10 of 12 games. He’s reached that mark in two of four since returning.

The Sixers have gone as Embiid has this season. He’s recorded at least 39 PRA in 18 of 37 games. In those, the Sixers are 14-4 straight up, and they kept the score within eight points in all four losses.

The big man is averaging 38.3 PRA on the season, so a slightly above-average performance will get the job done tonight.

Embiid has faced Victor Wembanyama twice in his career. In his last game out, he logged only 14 minutes, finishing with a muted stat line. In his first, Embiid put on a clinic and delivered 70 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists, nearly doubling the Over on this line with points alone.

Wembanyama was torched by another big and physical center on Saturday, as Nikola Jokic posted 40 points, eight rebounds, and 13 assists. Embiid can find success against the French superstar by leveraging his weight advantage and physicality to make the game less comfortable for his lanky opponent.

The San Antonio Spurs' defensive rating of 110.2 is third-best in the Association, but it has fallen to 17th across the team’s last seven home games, making this an exploitable spot for Embiid.

76ers vs Spurs same-game parlay

With four games left, the Spurs are essentially locked into the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, while the 76ers need every win to secure a playoff spot.

Only two games separate the No. 6 Sixers and the No. 10 Miami Heat. Philly is 4-1 ATS across its last five road games, and I expect the Sixers to play competitive basketball with their Big 3 available.

The 76ers have averaged 123 points across 18 games in which Embiid posted 39+ PRA. The Spurs defense has slipped in recent games, but San Antonio’s offense continues to hum thanks to Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and several key role players. Points won’t be tough to find tonight.

76ers vs Spurs SGP

• Joel Embiid Over 38.5 points + rebounds + assists
• 76ers +8.5
• Over 235.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Big 3 Combomaxxing

Embiid recorded a double-double in his last game out, and he's hit that statistical milestone nine times this season.

Tyrese Maxey is averaging a career-best 39.4 PRA, and he's posted 40.9 on the road compared to 38.1 at home. After missing an extended period of time, he's hit the Over on this combo line in four of five games since returning to the lineup.

Paul George has averaged a healthy 36.3 PRA in six games since returning from a lengthy layoff. PG has hit the Over on this line in three straight and five of six. He's averaged 28.9 PRA on the road compared to 25.2 at home this season, and he's gone for 27+ in eight of 15 on the road.

76ers vs Spurs SGP

• Joel Embiid double-double
• Tyrese Maxey Over 34.5 points + rebounds + assists
• Paul George Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists

76ers vs Spurs odds

• Spread: 76ers +8.5 (-110) | Spurs -8.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: 76ers +280 | Spurs -360
• Over/Under: Over 237 (-110) | Under 237 (-110)

76ers vs Spurs betting trend to know

The Philadelphia 76ers have covered the Spread in 25 of their last 40 away games (+10.70 Units / 24% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Spurs.

How to watch 76ers vs Spurs

76ers vs Spurs latest injuries

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Two teams still fighting to improve their playoff seeding face off tonight as the Atlanta Hawks host the New York Knicks.

Atlanta is one of the hottest teams in the NBA, and I like them to pick up a home win tonight in my Knicks vs. Hawks predictions.

Read on for a full breakdown of tonight’s matchup and to see my free NBA picks for Monday, April 6.

Knicks vs Hawks prediction

Knicks vs Hawks best bet: Hawks -1.5 (-110)

The Atlanta Hawks have won 18 of 20 games since February 22 to play their way into the Eastern Conference's No. 5 seed after playing well under .500 for most of the season.

That run hasn’t just been good for fans, either. Bettors have taken advantage, as the Hawks have also covered in 16 of those 20 games, one of the best long-term ATS streaks we’ve seen all season.

In this case, there’s a clear reason for the turnaround. This isn’t the same team Atlanta had at the start of the season. The additions of CJ McCollum and Jonathan Kuminga have completely changed the roster's dynamics, and somehow, they’ve found chemistry with perennial triple-double threat Jalen Johnson virtually overnight.

The New York Knicks are coming off two straight wins, but their current form remains unclear, with those victories coming over the Grizzlies and Bulls. New York previously lost three straight on the road, and it's failed to win a game against a team above .500 in a month, going 0-5 in such games since March 6. 

I can’t bank on the Knicks turning that trend around against a team playing as well as anyone in the NBA right now, especially on the road. I love the Hawks to win outright, and with a spread of just 1.5 points, the better value is on Atlanta to cover.

Knicks vs Hawks same-game parlay

While the Hawks generally play to higher scores, they’ve also shown a willingness to play at their opponents' speed, such as in their two recent low-scoring affairs against the Celtics. With New York hitting the Under in four of its last five, I’m expecting another tonight.

I’m also backing Nickeil Alexander-Walker (20.6 PPG) to hit his scoring total. The Atlanta guard has scored 20 points in six of his last seven games and is averaging 23.4 in that span.

Knicks vs Hawks SGP

• Hawks -1.5
• Under 226.5
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 19.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Jalen combos x2

For our longshot SGP, let’s bet on both Jalens to have big nights and show off their versatility. The Jalen Johnson triple-double prop is always a fun one, and while it’s now been eight games since he’s hit that mark, it’s important to remember that Johnson has 13 on the year.

Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson is coming off a 17-point, 10-assist performance against the Bulls, giving him two double-doubles in his last four outings.

Knicks vs Hawks SGP

• Jalen Johnson triple-double
• Jalen Brunson double-double

Knicks vs Hawks odds

• Spread: Knicks +1.5 (-110) | Hawks -1.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Knicks +100 | Hawks -120
• Over/Under: Over 226.5 (-110) | Under 226.5 (-110)

Knicks vs Hawks betting trend to know

The Hawks are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Hawks.

How to watch Knicks vs Hawks

Knicks vs Hawks latest injuries

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Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets search for their ninth straight win tonight as they face the Portland Trail Blazers at Ball Arena.

My Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets predictions are targeting Jokic to drop dimes on Portland at home.

Read more in my NBA picks for Monday, April 6.

Trail Blazers vs Nuggets prediction

Trail Blazers vs Nuggets best bet: Nikola Jokic Over 11.5 assists (+105)

Nikola Jokic is comfortably in the running for MVP, averaging 27.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and an NBA-best 10.9 assists per game. The Joker is the best passing big we’ve ever seen in the Association, and arguably the best playmaker in the league right now.

The Serb is thriving lately as a facilitator. He’s cashed the Over in dimes in six of his last seven contests. Jokic is coming off a 13-assist game against the San Antonio Spurs, and he also dished out 12 dimes last Wednesday versus the Utah Jazz.

The Joker is averaging 11.2 assists at home this season, and he’s also averaging a ridiculous 12.7 dimes across his last 10 appearances. The Portland Trail Blazers are around the middle of the pack in assists allowed.

Jokic cannot be stopped lately with his passing abilities, and all signs point to him creating lots of offense again tonight for his teammates.

Trail Blazers vs Nuggets same-game parlay

Jamal Murray is having a career year, and his three-point shooting is a big reason for it. The guard is averaging 3.2 makes from deep on 7.5 attempts for a 43.4% clip. Murray has cashed the Over in three of his last five.

Most importantly, the veteran is averaging 3.7 makes from long range against Portland this season for a 44% clip. The Blazers have typically been a tough matchup for opposing PGs from three-point land, but not for Murray. He’ll find a rhythm again.

The Denver Nuggets are 2-1 against Portland this season, notching back-to-back wins. They hammered the Blazers 157-103 in February before a 128-112 victory at Ball Arena in March.

Denver has also covered tonight’s spread in two of their last three outings. The Nuggets are playing some of their best basketball of the season right now.

Trail Blazers vs Nuggets SGP

• Nikola Jokic Over 11.5 assists
• Jamal Murray Over 3.5 threes
• Nuggets -8.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Buckets pouring in

Denver is the highest-scoring team in the Association, averaging 121.6 ppg. They’ve cashed the team total Over in back-to-back games, scoring 136 against the Spurs and 130 against Utah. They’ve also hit the Over in two straight versus Portland.

Christian Braun is cooking lately, cashing the Over in points in two in a row. He contributed 21 points in the win over San Antonio and 18 in the contest before that. Braun is averaging 13.5 PPG at home compared to 10.5 on the road.

Trail Blazers vs Nuggets SGP

• Jamal Murray Over 3.5 threes
• Nuggets -8.5
• Nuggets Over 122.5 points
• Christian Braun Over 12.5 points

Trail Blazers vs Nuggets odds

• Spread: Portland +7.5 (-105) | Denver -7.5 (-115)
• Moneyline: Portland +260 | Denver -320
• Over/Under: Over 238 (-110) | Under 238 (-110)

Trail Blazers vs Nuggets betting trend to know

The Denver Nuggets have hit the Game Total Over in 30 of their last 50 games (+8.00 Units / 15% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets.

How to watch Trail Blazers vs Nuggets

Trail Blazers vs Nuggets latest injuries

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On April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Michigan men’s basketball will compete on the biggest, most pressure-packed stage its sport has to offer when it takes on UConn in the championship game of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

It’s the latest step in a remarkable turnaround for the program.

Just two years ago, the Wolverines were reeling from an 8-24 season that led to the firing of Michigan legend Juwan Howard as head coach. Since hiring Dusty May as his replacement, though, Michigan has transformed itself into one of the best programs in the country. This year, the Wolverines are 36-3 and have won their five NCAA tournament games by an average of 21.6 points.

REQUIRED READING: 5 reasons Michigan will beat UConn for national championship — and one reason it won't

Tonight, they’ll have the opportunity to do something they haven’t in a generation.

Heading into its matchup against UConn, here’s a look at Michigan’s championship history:

When did Michigan men's basketball last win a national championship?

Michigan will be going for its first national championship since 1989, when the Wolverines won the first and only title in program history.

It was one of the more memorable championship runs in NCAA tournament history. 

Shortly before the tournament started, Michigan coach Bill Frieder stepped down to become the new coach at Arizona State, with assistant coach Steve Fisher taking over for him. After surviving against Xavier in a 3-versus-14 matchup with a five-point win in the first round, the Wolverines advanced to their first Final Four in 13 years. There, they edged Big Ten foe Illinois and its famed Flying Illini team 83-81 before beating Seton Hall 80-79 in overtime in the national championship game thanks to a pair of made free throws from Rumeal Robinson with three seconds remaining in the extra period after a controversial foul call on Pirates guard Gerald Greene.

That year, Wolverines star Glen Rice scored 184 points across six NCAA tournament games, an NCAA record that still stands.

How many national championships does Michigan have?

Michigan will be vying for its second-ever national championship when it takes on UConn, as the 1989 title remains the only one in program history.

The Wolverines have been close over the past 35 years to adding another championship to their trophy case. They lost in the national championship game in 1992 and 1993 with the famed Fab Five. Under coach John Beilein, Michigan made a pair of national championship games in the 2010s, but lost to Louisville in 2013 and Villanova in 2018.

Michigan national championship results

Monday will mark the seventh time Michigan has appeared in the national championship game. The Wolverines have a 1-5 record in their previous six appearances.

Here’s a look at the results of those games:

• 1965: UCLA 91, Michigan 80
• 1976: Indiana 86, Michigan 68
• 1989: Michigan 80, Seton Hall 79 (OT)
• 1992: Duke 71, Michigan 51
• 1993: North Carolina 77, Michigan 71
• 2013: Louisville 82, Michigan 76
• 2018: Villanova 79, Michigan 62

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan basketball's last national championship: Wolverines 1989 team

SAN FRANCISCO — A little less than 90 minutes before tipoff Sunday night, a gospel track remixed into a hip-hop beat overtook the sound system inside the Warriors’ arena.

This was not your typical pregame soundtrack, for this was not just any game.

“You know, this is Easter Sunday,” Stephen Curry noted. “Resurrection Sunday.”

And he has risen. Risen, indeed.

Curry’s famed warm-up routine took on new meaning as he prepared to take the floor for the first time since Jan. 30. His adoring disciples lined the courtside seats five rows deep.

The imagery wasn’t lost on anybody when Curry emerged from the tunnel to Kanye West’s “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1.” And he was just getting started.

In his return from a 27-game absence with a persistent and unpredictable knee injury, Curry looked like he could turn water into wine, even if he couldn’t quite will the Warriors all the way back from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit in a 117–116 loss to the Rockets.

“You can just feel it. We’re back in the mix. We’re back in the fight with Steph,” coach Steve Kerr said. “That’s a hell of a team, they’ve been really hot lately, fully healthy. We took them down to the last shot.”

The arena buzzed like it rarely had over the past two months, as the Warriors went 9–18 without Curry, evolving from pregnant anticipation to a playoff-like fever pitch in the game’s final minute.

Of course, the last shot belonged to Curry.

After Alperen Şengün put the Rockets up by one with 11 seconds left, Kerr opted not to take timeout, preventing Houston from subbing in, as he put it, “all their Dobermans.”

Draymond Green attempted to free up Curry on a double screen at the top of the key, but Curry had to settle for a contested 30-footer that clanked off the rim.

“Everything kind of got a little stagnant at the top of the key,” Curry said. “It seemed like there was a wall at the 3-point line and I couldn’t figure out exactly where to go. But there’s no regrets there. You like the matchup with their lineup, thinking you can get a good shot. … Tough finish, for sure.”

Everything leading up to that moment sure made it feel like the ball would find the bottom of the net.

After all, Curry drained an even more improbable shot from 32 feet and dribbled around Kevin Durant to convert a teardrop layup in traffic as the Warriors stormed back from a 10-point deficit with 4:51 to play to take a short-lived lead with less than 30 seconds left.

“Even though we didn’t get it done, that’s been the hardest part of these last two months,” Curry said. “There’s been games where the game is hanging in the balance and sometimes we’d struggle to score, struggle to close games. You feel kind of helpless.”

With fate back in his own hands, Curry scored eight of his team-best 29 points during that final stretch. He came off the bench and was limited to 26 minutes but still managed to get off 21 shots, connecting on 11 of them, including 5 of his 10 attempts from 3.

The performance amounted to a good omen for the Warriors, who have four games left in the regular season to get Curry and the rest of their aging, injured roster up to speed for the play-in tournament, where they will face one win-or-go-home game followed by another.

“Steph looked amazing. He’s worked really hard for this. You can see, it doesn’t take much for him to find his rhythm,” Kerr said. “His rhythm is also our rhythm, all the off-ball stuff that we get as a result of his movement. We got a lot of easy layups.”

Curry said he initially believed the injury — commonly known as runner’s knee — would keep him out for a week to 10 days. The absence would draw on to become the third-longest of his 17-year career. Outsiders questioned whether it was worth it for him to come back at all. All along, Curry continued to rehab with one goal.

He wanted to play meaningful basketball.

“You could kind of feel it in the arena,” Curry said. “It was a different vibe.”

The 7 p.m. tipoff was later than normal for a Sunday, and Curry acknowledged that he was a “nervous wreck trying to pass the hours.” His family helped calm his nerves, and once he got to the arena, “muscle memory kind of takes over, the adrenaline takes over,” he said.

Curry had some extra time on his hands, coming off the bench for the first time in the regular season since March 7, 2012. That allowed him to play 26 of the remaining 41 minutes after bringing the crowd to its feet when he checked in for the first time with 4:54 left in the first quarter.

Curry will operate under a similar restriction Tuesday against the Kings. He will likely start the game on the bench again, but Kerr said, “He’ll be in the starting lineup soon.”

The second time Curry checked in, midway through the second quarter, didn’t get quite the same reception. But it was even more meaningful for at least a few people in the building.

“My mom was in the stands,” Curry said. “She probably didn’t have any more memory on her phone from taking all the pictures and videos.”

Sonya Curry, the proud mama, got to see her two sons, Steph and Seth, share the court as teammates for the first time since the siblings were at Charlotte Christian School.

Seth Curry signed with Golden State in November but injuries prevented the “rehab brothers,” as Steph dubbed them, from playing together until the 78th game of the season.

The brothers swapped jerseys afterward, a practice typically reserved for opponents. This night, however, had been such a long time coming that Seth had to memorialize it in his man cave.

“I got my hands on that right away,” Seth said. “I went in there and asked (the locker room attendant) this morning, as soon as the game’s over, I’m getting my hands on that.”

The two brothers share the same, sweet stroke, a boatload of childhood hoops memories from their father, Dell, and for much of this season, real estate in the training room.

They also shared the same description for this Easter Sunday.

“Dream come true.”

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Celtics can still play one of these six teams in first round of playoffs originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs starts in less than two weeks, and yet it’s still possible for the Boston Celtics to play one of six teams in their opening series.

The Celtics have not yet secured the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference standings, but they are heavy favorites to do so at some point. The C’s have a three-game lead over the New York Knicks for second place, and every analytics model projects Boston to hold onto that No. 2 seed.

So, if we assume the Celtics will finish with the No. 2 seed, that means they would play the No. 7 seed in Round 1 of the postseason. The No. 7 seed team will be determined by the winner of the No. 7 vs. No. 8 play-in tournament game.

Right now, according to Basketball Reference’s model, the Philadelphia 76ers are the most likely team to finish as the No. 7 seed.

The Atlanta Hawks have the lowest odds of finishing in the No. 7 spot at 3.1 percent.

Let’s look at the six teams that could mathematically finish as the No. 7 seed and play the Celtics in the first round.

Atlanta Hawks

• Record, seed (as of April 6): 45-33, 5th
• Head-to-head record vs. Celtics: 2-2
• Remaining schedule: vs. NYK, at CLE, vs. CLE, at MIA

The Hawks have a two-game lead over the teams in the play-in tournament spots. They’ve won four straight games and eight of their last 10. Atlanta’s 19-3 record post-All Star break is the third-best in the league. The Hawks also have scored the fourth-most points per game (122.0) during that span.

They beat the Celtics 112-102 in Atlanta last week, although Jayson Tatum didn’t play in that game. These teams split the season series 2-2.

The Hawks are no joke. Jalen Johnson is having an All-NBA caliber season and nearly averaging a triple-double. They have a deep roster of good players and Quin Snyder is one of the league’s best head coaches.

The Celtics obviously would be favored in any playoff series against the Hawks, but it wouldn’t be an easy matchup. Atlanta could win a game or two.

Philadelphia 76ers

• Record, seed (as of April 6: 43-35, 6th
• Head-to-head record vs. Celtics: 2-2
• Remaining schedule: at SAS, at HOU, at IND, vs. MIL

The 76ers have always disappointed their fans in the playoffs despite having some immensely talented players over the last 10 years. So it’s hard to pick them to make a deep playoff run, or even win a single round. But right now they are healthier than any other point in the season with Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid able to play. That’s a pretty good trio — when injuries aren’t forcing one or more of them to miss games.

The Sixers are 24-13 when Embiid plays this season. If the 76ers have their full squad come playoff time, they could give one of the top seeds some headaches in Round 1.

The Celtics beat Embiid’s 76ers in the playoffs in 2018, 2020 and 2023. It’s one of the league’s best rivalries, and a first-round series would be a lot of fun.

Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Toronto Raptors

• Record, seed (as of April 6): 43-35, 7th
• Head-to-head record vs. Celtics: 0-4
• Remaining schedule: vs. MIA, vs. MIA, at NYK, vs. BKN

The Raptors are probably the most favorable first-round matchup for the Celtics. Toronto lacks elite star power and its best players do not have a wealth of postseason experience.

The C’s swept the season series with an average margin of victory of 11.5 points. The Raptors are 4-6 in their last 10 games and they are 1-9 against the Celtics, Pistons and Knicks combined this season.

Charlotte Hornets

• Record, seed (as of April 6): 43-36, 8th
• Head-to-head record vs. Celtics: 1-1
• Remaining schedule: at BOS, vs. DET, at NYK

The Hornets beat the Celtics by 29 points at TD Garden on March 4. It was arguably Boston’s worst loss of the season. The C’s returned the favor with a 15-point win in Charlotte on March 29. These teams conclude their season series Tuesday in Boston.

Charlotte would not be an easy first-round matchup. Since Jan. 1, the Hornets are 32-14 and rank No. 6 in points per game, No. 1 in 3-point percentage, No. 3 in rebounds per game, No. 1 in offensive rating and No. 3 in defensive rating.

Any team that shoots 3-pointers as well as the Hornets is a threat. And they’re well coached with former Celtics assistant Charles Lee running the show. The primary concern for the Hornets is inexperience. It’s a very young roster with almost no playoff experience.

Orlando Magic

• Record, seed (as of April 6: 42-36, 9th
• Head-to-head record vs. Celtics: 1-2
• Remaining schedule: vs. DET, vs. MIN, at CHI, at BOS

The Magic were a trendy pick before the season to take a massive step in their development. It made sense, too. Orlando has several exciting young players and provided a tougher-than-expected challenge to the Celtics in the first round of the 2025 playoffs.

The Magic have not taken that next step so far this season. Injuries have played a factor. Franz Wagner has missed more than half the season. Jalen Suggs has only played in 53 games. Paolo Banchero has missed 10 games.

The Magic are healthy right now, though, and they do have a very talented starting five of Banchero, Wagner, Desmond Bane, Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr.

Orlando plays hard and won’t be scared of Boston after last season’s playoff experience. But it’s still hard to imagine the Magic winning more than one game versus the C’s in a best-of-seven series.

Miami Heat

• Record, seed (as of April 6): 41-37, 10th
• Head-to-head record vs. Celtics: 0-4
• Remaining schedule: at TOR, at TOR, at WSH, vs. ATL

The Heat are limping to the play-in tournament with just three wins in their last 11 games. One of those games was a 147-129 loss to the Celtics in Miami on April 1. They went 0-4 against the Celtics this season with an average margin of defeat of 9.5 points.

Not many play-in tournament teams have been competitive since this format was introduced in 2022. The exception was the 2023 Heat team that beat the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals and reached the NBA Finals as a No. 8 seed.

This year’s Heat is nowhere close to being as talented or as deep as that 2023 roster.

Miami ranks 21st in defensive rating since the All-Star break and has given up 120-plus points 10 times in the last 13 games. The Heat would be one of the easiest first-round matchups for the Celtics.

Thirty-seven different Division I men's basketball teams have claimed an NCAA Tournament championship.

That number will not grow on Monday, April 6, in the national championship game of the 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament between No. 1 Michigan and No. 2 Connecticut: Both the Wolverines and Huskies will look to add a trophy to their shelves when they square off at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

REQUIRED READING: Michigan vs UConn prediction, spread: Who is favored to win national championship?

For UConn, the goal will be to move into sole ownership of third place with seven program national championships. Meanwhile, Michigan will look to become the 17th program to win two national titles.

The Huskies are seeking their third title in four seasons, while the Wolverines and their fans are desperate for the first one for the program since 1989 (and first for the Big Ten since 2000).

Here's a look at every NCAA Tournament champion in Division I men's basketball since the first tournament played in 1939, when Oregon defeated Ohio State in Evanston, Illinois.

Potential playoff match ups in April can either be a telltale sign or a nothing burger. The Detroit Pistons face the sliding Orlando Magic tonight. The Pistons clinched the top seed in the East, while the Magic are sliding.

Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart remain out for Detroit. Anthony Black has been out since March 8, but Franz Wagner is back in the lineup. The real story in Orlando is Paolo Banchero’s recent struggles. It is the wrong time of the year not to have it going.

Game Vitals

Where: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida

When: 7:00 PM

Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit

Odds: Pistons (-2.5)

Analysis

After going on a seven-game winning streak in March, the Orlando Magic came back to earth. The hot stretch was the highlight of their season, but they are back in the play-in picture. They are 4-7 in their last 11 games and have been decimated in the process. Orlando is currently the 9th seed, so it is very possible that they face the Pistons in round one if their inconsistent ways continue.

That said, maybe JB Bickerstaff does not want to play his hand tonight with the playoffs approaching. Some organizations handle business that way, but Detroit is the type of team that tries to win every game at any cost. Detroit’s superstar offensive engine is already out tonight anyway, so this is not the exact team Orlando would see in the first round, health willing.

We may not see guys resting tonight. Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson are questionable. Harris gets up for this Orlando match up as he and Banchero have built-in friction. From a Magic fan’s POV, it is sad that Harris duels with their No. 1 pick this late into Harris’ career.

Banchero is slumping at the worst time. Over the last five games, he is averaging 14.4 points with a 46.1 true shooting percentage. Rough efficiency and a shaking my head shot diet are recurring themes for Banchero. To his credit, he has erased some of the long 2s from his shot diet. But he still shoots them too much, considering he is not a terrific shooter (until the postseason hits for some reason).

Per Cleaning The Glass, 41 percent of Banchero’s shots come at the rim, which is a career high. That is better, but that number should be bumped up a bit with Banchero’s skill level and physical stature. His scoring approach should be more Giannis than Carmelo Anthony-like.

Maybe Banchero is a big game player, though. He has been at a different level in two playoff appearances, especially shooting the basketball from range.

In 12 playoff games, Banchero shoots 42 percent from 3 on nearly six attempts. He is at about 32 percent in the regular season. Would his playoff hot streak continue against a stellar Pistons defense?

Good offense beats good defense, but Detroit has a great defense — a great defense with some of the best individual defenders in the sport. Ausar Thompson and Stew get their pub, but Ron Holland is an All-Defense caliber perimeter defender, too. With more minutes and responsibilities, the NBA community will catch up to how destructive he is on that side of the ball.

Banchero and Wagner would deal with these hounds every second they are on the floor. Javonte Green and Paul Reed match up with them nicely as well. Wagner has been solid in the postseason, but unlike Banchero, his jumper has abandoned him. He shoots 22 percent on 71 attempts. Those two could struggle against this Pistons D.

Orlando’s defensive identity has left the building. They are not defending at an elite level like they have done the past two years. Without an elite defense to take advantage of a questionable Pistons half-court offense, one needs a great offense with snipers to compete with Detroit. Orlando does not have that either. Desmond Bane and Tristan da Silva are knockdown shooters who need attention, but that probably will not be enough.

Every game counts for Orlando in the standings race, and Detroit approaches every game like it is in that boat. The Pistons may have clinched the top seed in the East, but they will not bow out tonight. Orlando better bring it.

Lineups

Detroit Pistons (57-21):

Daniss Jenkins, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Javonte Green (?), Jalen Duren

Orlando Magic (42-36):

Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner (questionable), Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.

Question of the day

Between the 76ers, Hornets, Heat, Raptors, and Magic, I view the Magic as the least threatening. Yay or nay?

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A new week of NBA action tips off with a light slate of just five games, but I’ve found some slam dunks when it comes to NBA player props.

My best bets include Nickeil Alexander-Walker making it rain on the Knicks from downtown, and Victor Wembanyama continuing his block party against Joel Embiid and the Sixers.

Those and more NBA picks for Monday, April 6, below.

Best NBA player props today

Player	Pick
Nickeil Alexander-Walker	Over 3.5 threes	+135
Victor Wembanyama	Over 3.5 blocks	+100
Cam Johnson	Over 12.5 points	-115

Prop #1: Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 3.5 threes

+135 at bet365

Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been letting it fly from beyond the arc for most of this season, but he’s been really locked in for the last month and is a big reason why the Atlanta Hawks have climbed all the way to fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

Alexander-Walker is shooting a crazy good 48% from 3-point range on a big 7.8 attempts from deep per game over his last 16 games, and I like him to keep raining treys in tonight’s matchup with the New York Knicks.

The Knicks have taken advantage of a soft schedule down the stretch, but they’ll need to improve their perimeter defense if they want to have a deep playoff run. New York ranks 22nd in opponent 3-point attempts per game and 20th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage.

Alexander-Walker has drained four or more threes nine times in the last 16 games.

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

Prop #2: Victor Wembanyama Over 3.5 blocks

+100 at bet365

We get a fun matchup on Monday night where two of the games' best big men will do battle as Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs host Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers.

It is fair to say that Wembanyama has surpassed Embiid in the big man hierarchy and will be a staple in the MVP conversation for years to come.

You can make the case Wemby deserves the award this year, but for now, he's got Defensive Player of the Year locked down.

He’s always been impactful on defense, but he’s taken it to another level in the second half of the season. Wembanyama is swatting a ridiculous 3.9 blocks over 22 games since coming out of the All-Star break, and has rejected four or more shots in 15 of those 22 games.

The Sixers rank 19th in opponent blocks per game. At even money, I love backing Wemby to have another block party in San Antonio tonight.

• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: NBCSP, FDSN SW

Prop #3: Cam Johnson Over 12.5 points

-115 at bet365

The Denver Nuggets are the best offense in the NBA. A lot of that has to do with Nikola Jokic, but they are so hard to contain because they have so much depth and so many players who can hurt you.

Look at Cam Johnson. He’s probably the Nuggets' fourth or even fifth option most nights. But when he gets in a groove, he can put up some great numbers. 

Johnson is averaging 14.8 points while shooting a crazy good 48.7% from 3-point range over his last 13 games. He’s the type of player that can get overlooked even by a good Portland Trail Blazers defense.

He's topped this number in nine of those 13 games, including putting up 19 when these teams last met back on March 22.

• Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: KUNP, ALT

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

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