All 30 NBA teams are in action tonight, then every team is off on Saturday, then Sunday is one final shakeout day. With that said, there are a lot of scenarios that will play out today. Here is what you need to know.
Playoff Scenarios
Eastern Conference
• Boston can secure the No. 2 seed (and the Atlantic Division crown, if we care about that) with New Orleans or a New York loss to Toronto. • New York secures no lower than the No. 3 seed with a win over Toronto or a Cleveland loss to Atlanta. • Toronto can clinch a top-six playoff spot with a win over the Knicks, and if Atlanta and Orlando also lose than the Raptors lock into the No. 5 seed. • Atlanta clinches a top-six playoff spot with a win over Cleveland (or losses by Orlando and Charlotte). • Charlotte becomes locked into the play-in with a loss to Detroit. • Orlando becomes locked into the play-in with a loss to Chicago or wins by Atlanta and Toronto. • Philadelphia is locked into the play-in with a loss to Indiana or a Toronto win over New York
Western Conference
• Denver can lock in as the No. 3 seed with a win over Oklahoma City and a Lakers loss to the Suns. • The Los Angeles Lakers can lock in no lower than the No. 4 seed with a win against Phoenix and a Houston loss to Minnesota. • The LA Clippers can secure the No. 8 seed with a win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Games to Watch
Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks, 7 p.m. ET, Prime Video
Both teams want this one and both teams come in playing well. Cleveland still has a slim chance at passing the Knicks for the No. 3 seed (the Raptors would have to win out and the Knicks lose out). This game matters more to the Hawks, who can still finish anywhere from fifth to eighth in the East, but with a win over Cleveland secures itself a top-six spot and avoiding the play-in at least.
Toronto Raptors at New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. ET, League Pass
New York can clinch the No. 3 seed with a win, making their Sunday game against Charlotte moot for them. Toronto could still finish anywhere from fifth to eighth in the East, but a win against New York secures a top-six seed and avoids the play-in.
Oklahoma City at Denver Nuggets, 9 p.m. ET, League Pass
Oklahoma City has locked up the No. 1 seed, but this could be an interesting game for it strategically. While the Thunder will say they don't care about playoff matchups, they would be much better off with Denver as the No. 3 seed (which could set up a brutal seven-game series between the Nuggets and Spurs in the second round). The Lakers and Rockets are just one game back of the Nuggets. If OKC beats Denver, it opens the door to the Nuggets falling back to fourth, and with that, potentially meeting the Thunder in the second round. The Thunder are never going to try to lose a game and have a deep roster, but if they lost this game, would it be the worst thing?
LA Clippers at Portland Trail Blazers, 10 p.m. ET, League Pass
This game essentially decides the 8 and 9 seeds in the West (Portland is one game back of the Clippers but would have the tiebreaker with the win). The Clippers lock up the No. 8 seed with a win. Portland would control its own destiny to be the No. 8 with a win — it would have the tiebreaker over LA and could only fall to ninth if it lost to Sacramento on Sunday while the Clippers beat the Warriors. Eighth is a much easier path to the playoffs (win just one of two games, rather than having to win two in a row).
The Sixers on Friday reportedly made a couple of late-season roster moves.
The Athletic’s Tony Jones reported that the team is converting Dalen Terry from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal that includes a team option for next season. The Sixers are waiving Cameron Payne to make room for Terry, The Athletic reported.
Terry was the 18th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft. Since joining the Sixers in the middle of this season, Terry’s appeared in 13 games and averaged 4.3 points, 1.8 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 13.0 minutes per contest.
He’s a versatile 6-foot-6 wing who passes well and has had good steal and block rates through his NBA career. Terry’s been a subpar shooter as a professional. Over 217 games in the NBA, he’s gone 44.2 percent from the field, 31.4 percent from three-point range and 64.2 percent at the foul line.
Terry joins Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker as Sixers converted from two-way to standard NBA contracts this year.
The Sixers signed Payne in February and the 31-year-old guard came back to the NBA from Serbia. Payne played 22 games in his second stint with the Sixers and averaged 7.4 points, 2.6 assists and 2.0 rebounds.
The threat of the Play-In Tournament is fueling the Orlando Magic in their final games of the NBA season.
Orlando is a half-game back of the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference — the cutoff to avoid the Play-In — and gets a gift from the schedule gods by facing the lowly Chicago Bulls tonight.
With all hands on deck, my Magic vs. Bulls predictions expect plenty of points from the visiting team.
Our NBA picks like Jalen Suggs to shred a patchwork Chicago backcourt and top his scoring prop on Friday, April 10.
Magic vs Bulls prediction
Magic vs Bulls best bet: Jalen Suggs Over 13.5 points (-112)
Orlando Magic point guard Jalen Suggs hasn’t been as aggressive a scorer recently, and that’s trimmed his points prop for Friday.
He’s attempted just six and nine field goals in the past two outings, making four shots in each contest, and finishing with 11 and 12 points. That’s a notable decline in usage considering he was averaging almost 12 attempts over the past month.
Suggs' scoring total for tonight takes a tick down to 13.5 O/U after being set at 14.5 for the past couple of weeks. He can snap out of that slumber in the Windy City tonight.
The Chicago Bulls rank 23rd in defensive rating over the last 10 contests, allowing more than 127 points per game in that span. More than 70 of those points are coming from opposing guards.
Chicago is down to eight healthy bodies, and many of those guys are D-League callups. On top of that lack of talent, the Bulls are playing the second of back-to-back games after prevailing in Washington on Thursday.
Before this lull in offensive activity, Suggs was averaging around 14 points per outing. His player projections for Friday expect at least one better from the Gonzaga product, with his scoring forecast ranging from 15.2 to 16.1 points.
My number comes out to 15.6 points, which should have the Over 13.5 prop priced around -155 instead of this modest -112 juice.
Magic vs Bulls same-game parlay
The Bulls picked up a rare win in D.C. last night, setting up a letdown spot back home. Chicago is tired and down to eight healthy bodies while the Magic are going all out to avoid the Play-In Tournament, as they chase the No. 6 seed.
Paolo Banchero will also have a big night against this thin Chicago interior. The Bulls are getting completely bullied in the paint, and Banchero is projected for 24+ points in this must-win matchup. He’s averaged 27.5 ppg against Chicago this season.
Magic vs Bulls SGP
Magic -15
Jalen Suggs Over 13.5 points
Paolo Banchero Over 22.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Sleight of Hand
Suggs and Banchero will pile up the points and round up rebounds against a shorthanded Bulls squad that's sucking wind.
Both Orlando stars are projected to top their points and rebounding totals tonight.
Magic vs Bulls SGP
Paolo Banchero Over 22.5 points
Paolo Banchero Over 8.5 rebounds
Jalen Suggs Over 13.5 points
Jalen Suggs Over 3.5 rebounds
Magic vs Bulls odds
Spread: Magic -15 (-110) | Bulls +15 (-110)
Moneyline: Magic -1000 | Bulls +650
Over/Under: Over 243 (-110) | Under 243 (-110)
Magic vs Bulls betting trend to know
Orlando has gone Over the total in 23 of its last 35 games (+9.80 Units / 25% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Bulls.
How to watch Magic vs Bulls
Location
United Center, Chicago, IL
Date
Friday, April 10, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Florida, CHSN
Magic vs Bulls latest injuries
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While identifying good value, especially later in drafts, can win a fantasy league, a draft pick bombing can sabotage a season. Below are some of the most disappointing players in fantasy basketball this season, including two on the same team. And we start with a player whose future appears to be up in the air.
While Giannis has dealt with injuries in the past, he appeared in at least 61 games in each of his first 12 seasons. Unfortunately, lower-body injuries limited him to 36 games in 2025-26, and the production dipped when he was on the floor. Antetokounmpo's averages of 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks per game certainly look good on paper.
However, only in steals did his per-game production not decrease when compared to his 2024-25 numbers. And that doesn't take into consideration the constant scrutiny regarding his future in Milwaukee. Given the Yahoo! ADP of 6.2, this was a terribly disappointing season for those who invested a first-round pick in Antetokounmpo.
F/C Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
Given how things played out in Sacramento after last season's trade deadline, Sabonis entering the 2025-26 campaign with a top-20 ADP felt off. Sure enough, the logjam of ball-dominant options did the center no favors before a torn meniscus ended his season in early February. Sabonis played in 19 games this season, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 0.9 steals in just under 30 minutes. The only major statistical category in which his production did not decrease was steals, and few fantasy managers roster Sabonis expecting reliable production in that category.
C Myles Turner, Milwaukee Bucks
After a career year with the Pacers in 2022-23, Turner's production dipped in each of the two seasons that followed. There was hope that a move to Milwaukee would boost the center's value, with the Bucks tabbing him to replace Brook Lopez as the starting center. Unfortunately, Turner's first season in Milwaukee was a struggle, with the center averaging 11.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.6 blocks and 2.4 three-pointers in 26.9 minutes per game.
Turner's rebounding average was the lowest of his NBA career, and his scoring average was the lowest since his rookie season. He shot 43.8 percent from the field and 74.4 percent from the foul line, the former percentage being a career low. While one can point to his per-game value and argue that Turner was still a top-100 player, this was an underwhelming campaign, especially with rebounding struggles contributing to the decrease in playing time.
G Jordan Poole, New Orleans Pelicans
With Dejounte Murray unavailable to begin the season as he recovered from a ruptured Achilles tendon, there were fantasy managers who believed that Poole's production would not take too big of a hit with the move from Washington to New Orleans. To say that he failed to live up to his Yahoo! ADP of 71.3 (per Hashtag Basketball) would be an understatement.
A quad injury in early November sidelined him for over a month, and Poole would fall out of the Pelicans' rotation entirely in late January. He would get some run after the All-Star break, but the DNP-CD's restarted in early March. Poole has appeared in 38 games this season, averaging 13.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.5 three-pointers, shooting 37.3 percent from the field and 87.2 percent from the foul line. A player who entered the season with top-75 expectations will finish ranked well outside of the top-200, regardless of league format.
C Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles Lakers
After averaging a double-double in each of his first seven NBA seasons, Ayton appeared well-positioned to do the same in his first season with the Lakers. Sure, a lineup with Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves means that Ayton's scoring output would take a hit. Based on his Yahoo! ADP of 66.5, many fantasy managers bet on the 7-footer doing enough as a rebounder, finisher and shot-blocker to provide solid value.
Unfortunately, Ayton failed to come through for most fantasy managers. With two games remaining in the regular season, he has averaged 12.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.9 blocks in 27.2 minutes per game. The good news is that Ayton shot a career-high 67.2 percent from the field, but that wasn't enough to salvage what has been an underwhelming fantasy season.
G/F Cam Thomas, Free Agent
Even with his limited production outside of the points category, it felt like Thomas was capable of using the 2025-26 season as a springboard into unrestricted free agency next summer. It didn't happen. Hamstring issues did Thomas no favors, as an injury in early November sidelined him until after Christmas. With his minutes limited, Thomas' production took a hit, and the Nets waived him after the trade deadline.
Milwaukee picked him up, and Thomas scored 34 points in his second game with the team. That would be the high point of his time with the Bucks, who waived the one-dimensional guard on March 23. Whether it's category leagues or points leagues, Thomas' fantasy value this season was poor. With a Yahoo! ADP of 83.9, fantasy managers who drafted him did not take too big of a hit. However, few expected Thomas to be out of the league entirely.
The Atlanta Hawks can lock down a playoff berth with a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs will be locked into the East’s No. 4 seed if they lose to the Hawks or the New York Knicks beat the Toronto Raptors.
How to watch Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 09: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks attempts to steal the ball from Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden on April 09, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Pamela Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
#1 – Boston defensive collapse
The Celtics entered the game with the 7th-best half-court defense in the NBA, allowing 95.9 points per 100 possessions. Last night, the Knicks scored 122.5 points per 100 possessions in half-court situations. And the worst defensive stretch happened six minutes before the final buzzer, when the Knicks decided to hunt Neemias Queta.
At first, the Portuguese big man was matched up with Josh Hart so he could roam around the paint. Therefore, the Knicks changed their approach and used Hart as a screener to involve Queta in the action and take away his rim protection.
The Celtics quickly changed their coverage and put Queta back on Karl-Anthony Towns, who is slower than Hart on cuts. Yet, they couldn’t stop that two-man action either. Queta’s positioning was either too aggressive or too low on the ball screen, leading to passes for the roll man.
The Celtics then tried to switch the screen to take away the pass to the roll man, but that created a mismatch for Jalen Brunson, who is elite at getting to his spot against a taller defender.
Look how precise the Knicks were at attacking Queta. They switch the screen order between Hart and KAT so they can involve the Celtics big man on the second screen. Derrick White wants to help on the ball, and Jayson Tatum hesitates between covering KAT or Hart, leading to an open shot at the rim after great offensive manipulation from Brunson.
In four minutes, the Knicks ran seven pick-and-rolls to attack Queta and generated 13 points — 1.85 points per possession. Vucevic then entered the game to close it, but Hart’s daggers had already made the difference.
The Knicks changed their coverage during the game but started with drop coverage when KAT was involved in the action. They were happy to leave Jayson Tatum open for pull-ups as long as the paint wasn’t available.
There was a counter, even if the shots weren’t falling for the Celtics’ go-to guy. Drop coverage often creates space for the roll man behind the defender when spacing allows it. Here, Queta rolls and Tatum finds him above the drop for a nice alley-oop.
Tatum wasn’t the only one taking advantage of it. Payton Pritchard took over the offense when #0 was sitting. This coverage gives him space to get to his spot with more speed and less pressure on the ball.
Pritchard has really improved his pick-and-roll manipulation. On the play below, a small in-and-out dribble freezes KAT just long enough to attack him and get to the rim.
The patience he shows in these actions is impressive. He waits for the perfect timing, attacks when the rim isn’t protected, puts his defender on his back, and spins for just enough space to finish.
But the pick-and-roll wasn’t the only offensive route the Celtics used.
#3 – Hunting Brunson
From the opening minutes, the Celtics targeted Jalen Brunson. With Brunson matched up on Sam Hauser, Boston used movement to bring him into actions. This created gaps in the Knicks defense, allowing Tatum to drive and kick to Derrick White for an open three.
Forcing switches onto Brunson is one of the best ways to pressure the Knicks, so the Celtics consistently looked for it. Screen, post-up, read the help, find the open man — simple execution.
Last night was a great opportunity to see how the team functions with both Vucevic and Tatum on the floor. What stood out clearly was the offensive upside.
First, it creates one of the best spacing lineups, especially in the frontcourt.
On top of that, Vucevic opens a door that has been mostly closed since the Kristaps Porzingis trade: the pick-and-pop. Until now, most ball-screen actions involved Queta’s verticality in pick-and-roll situations. Vucevic brings a different dimension.
On this play with Tatum, the pick-and-pop shows its value. Not only can Vucevic shoot, but he can also attack a closeout and create for others.
The duo will need time to build chemistry as the playoffs approach, but Vucevic’s screen quality, IQ, and skillset will create opportunities for Tatum.
In April, Jayson Tatum is close to eight assists per game, and this was another example of his growth as a passer. While his ability to pass on the move remains impressive, it’s also interesting to see him used as a more traditional point guard.
For perspective, he made 77 passes last night. No other player on either team had more than 60. He initiates most actions when he’s on the floor, acting as a creator, driver, and even a quarterback.
This play might be the best example. The Knicks defense collapses, he reads it instantly, and delivers a perfect pass to Pritchard, who swings it to Vucevic.
CBS Sports analyst Ashley Nicole Moss apparently didn’t know Baylor Scheierman. Now she does.
Last night was another example of his two-way impact. As Jordan Walsh struggled defensively against Brunson, Scheierman stepped in and played 30 minutes. He contested 13 shots — the second-highest total for the Celtics — showing real defensive activity.
But he stood out even more for his offensive efficiency. He scored 20 points on just eight shots — one of the most efficient scoring nights you’ll see.
Baylor Scheierman is now tied for the most games in NBA HISTORY with 20+ PTS on 125% TS. pic.twitter.com/BnkefTuag0
Speaking of Scheierman, it was surprising not to see his best friend get minutes. In the previous matchup against New York, he showed elite defensive versatility against both Brunson and KAT.
Given the defensive struggles, it would make sense to see him more in a potential playoff matchup.
#8 – Dealing with the intensity
The Knicks beat the Celtics at their own game by forcing turnovers through discipline and intensity.
On this play, Mitchell Robinson is extremely aggressive on Vucevic, and his length disrupts the action completely, leading to a turnover.
Like in their last playoff matchup, the Knicks raised their defensive level at the right moment, while Boston couldn’t respond.
#9 – Hart causing trouble
The Celtics were once again hurt by their coverage on Josh Hart. As shown earlier, he’s dangerous as a screener, but Boston also chose to leave him open.
That approach is risky now. Hart is shooting close to 40% from three this season. The Celtics often help off non-shooters, but the Knicks may be too balanced for that strategy.
#10 – 332 days later
"I was afraid for somebody to tell me, 'you're a shell of yourself.'"
Jayson Tatum talks to @TaylorRooks about returning to the court at Madison Square Garden less than one year after his achilles injury. pic.twitter.com/7T5QV2drfw
“I was done with basketball,” Jayson Tatum told Taylor Rooks. Thankfully, he returned after suffering an injury 333 days ago at Madison Square Garden.
Seeing him back on that court was meaningful and highlights the work he has put in to return to this level. He said he went from feeling like Superman to the smallest man on earth — and is now somewhere in between.
That’s a good place to be heading into the playoffs.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 31: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates with Tyrese Maxey #0 against the New Orleans Pelicans at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 31, 2026 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There was a buzz around the Sixers after they took down the Charlotte Hornets a couple weeks ago.
Paul George was back from suspension and looked spry. Joel Embiid had another hot start and came up with a huge block late. Tyrese Maxey came back sooner than expected from his right pinky tendon strain. Nick Nurse pushed the right buttons and the role players did their part. The Sixers looked more like the team Daryl Morey had envisioned two years ago.
Reality struck quickly with the Sixers laying an absolute egg in Miami a couple nights later, but things still appeared to be trending upward. Guys were healthy. Vibes were high. It made people wonder what this Sixers team could be if they could just make the playoffs.
Then it all came crashing down Thursday afternoon with news that Embiid had appendicitis and would require surgery ahead of the Sixers’ biggest game of the season. Who knows how long the season would’ve lasted, but this feels like the unofficial end to any fun thoughts.
When you look at teams ahead of matchups, you’re looking for stats and trends. What are their offensive and defensive ratings? What lineups do they use and which are most successful? How do they do at home vs. the road? What’s their record against teams above .500?
With the Sixers, you could throw every single one of those things out the window. Embiid and George missed large chunks of the season. They also dealt with minutes restrictions. Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Dominick Barlow all missed a decent amount of games. Their most durable and reliable player has ironically been rookie VJ Edgecombe, who will likely play 75 regular-season games (all starts) in his first year.
It made the Sixers nearly an impossible evaluation. The team we saw against the Hornets basically existed for one night in Charlotte. And it’s not as simple as they had one great game. It was the only game this season where they had their full complement of players, everyone was healthy and nobody was on any type of restriction. If you’ll recall, the game in Miami was the first time Embiid complained of an “illness,” which was quite possibly the beginning of his appendicitis.
That’s not to say the Sixers were poised to be a championship contender. At best, they could’ve captured the six seed. They would’ve taken on the New York Knicks as a (deserved) underdog and probably lost.
But who knows? The Knicks are far from invincible. Maybe they could’ve pulled off the upset. Maybe they could’ve taken a few games and made things interesting. What would Embiid do with two functioning knees? How would George look, now finally healthy? How would the backcourt of Maxey and Edgecombe perform in their first postseason together?
These are intriguing questions. Maybe the Sixers wouldn’t have liked the answers, but it would’ve been better to find out, especially after watching incredibly non-competitive basketball for most of last season.
If the 2024-25 Sixers get an F (they absolutely do), then the 2025-26 Sixers get an I for incomplete. Where does that leave things? Well, something has to change. If you’re going to keep Embiid and George (and there is little recourse to move both, barring something unforeseen), you need to find a way to win games without them. Maybe you can’t be on a 50-win pace without them, but a 40-win pace should be doable.
Personnel changes need to happen. First order of business is fortifying the center position. Adem Bona is a worthwhile player to develop, but you need a big-bodied option at the five who can rebound and protect the rim. You don’t need a world-beater — just a guy who can set good screens, roll hard and finish at the rim, affect players at the basket and not get crushed on the glass. That archetype of player is not hard to find. That guy being below the age of 30 would also be a plus.
The Sixers could also use more pop off the bench. Morey made it clear that re-signing Quentin Grimes is a priority. Should it be? Grimes’ season has had many more valleys than peaks. Is that a guy you want to throw a bunch of money? What about Oubre? He’s coming off a great season, but he was dinged up and is now on the wrong side of 30. It’s also worth noting he’s now the third-longest tenured Sixer. Morey doesn’t tend to value continuity and locker room vibes. Maybe he should in the case of Oubre (if Morey is still here).
It’s also been a pretty disappointing season for Nurse. Yes, he’s been dealt nothing but crummy hands the last two seasons, but what advantages has he created for the Sixers on nights when they’re shorthanded or in close games? It feels like it could be time for a new voice and new offensive and defensive schemes, which will fit the team’s personnel better.
For now, another season ends with a slew of what-ifs and a bunch of offseason questions.
Same as it ever was.
Update from Philadelphia 76ers Public Relations on 4/10/26:
Joel Embiid was discharged from the hospital today following a successful appendectomy and is returning to Philadelphia. Embiid’s surgical recovery will be managed by team physicians in consultation with his surgeon. A timeline for return to basketball activities has not yet been determined.
The NBA rings in the final weekend of the regular season in a big way. Tonight’s slate features all 30 teams in action – in one form or another.
Basketball bettors are going to miss days like this when the playoffs limit us to a handful of matchups and a barren odds board. For now, let’s make the most of a monster night in the Association.
With motivations mixed across the NBA, I’m going to stick to teams with something to play for Friday. Here are my best NBA prop picks and predictions for April 10.
The Atlanta Hawks are still trying to secure their spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, with the No. 5 seed within reach. A loss at Cleveland Wednesday was a set back but Atlanta gets another crack at the Cavs Friday.
With Cleveland pretty much parked in the No. 4 spot, the Cavaliers are sitting some starters, including center Jarrett Allen. That opens up the interior and has me looking to Onyeka Okongwu’s rebounding total.
Okongwu finished with only five boards Wednesday as both teams shot better than 47% from the field. The second of two straight matchups will see that shooting success dip, especially with key players out for Cleveland. That will prompt more rebounding chances.
What’s more, the Cavaliers opted to guard Okongwu with James Harden at times Wednesday and without Allen patrolling the paint, the Hawks 6-foot-10 forward can hit the offensive glass against smaller checks.
He’s averaged 7.5 rebounds on 12.8 rebounding chances over the past 23 games and grabbed eight or more rebounds in three of his last five games (two games with seven). Player projections range from 8.0 to 10+ boards tonight.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Prop #2: Mikal Bridges Over 12.5 points
-110 at bet365
Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, I’m never betting on Mikal Bridges again.
The New York Knicks small forward looked like he was going to make good on my Over 12.5 points prop bet for him against Boston last night. He started the game with a quick seven points and sat with 10 points early into the second half.
That’s where he would finish. Ouch.
New York is back in action tonight against Toronto with the Knicks trying to hold on to the No. 3 spot in the East. And I’m back on Bridges to top this same point total.
Bridges shot well before opting not to (he dished out six assists), finishing 4 for 4 with two triples last night. He’s hitting at a 53% clip over his last eight outings, putting up 13 or more points in six of those contests. Bridges has played well versus Toronto, scoring 11, 14, 15, and 30 points in four meetings this season.
Tonight’s projections paint the same picture they did yesterday, with Bridges forecasted for at least 14 points. I’ll bite. Again.
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBC, MSG, TSN, Peacock
Prop #3: Paolo Banchero Over 22.5 points
-110 at bet365
Just a couple weeks ago, Paolo Banchero was the hottest scorer in the land. The Orlando Magic small forward has cooled considerably since the start of April, putting up more than 20 points only twice in his last five games.
Luckily for him and the Magic, the Bulls are on deck Friday night. Orlando is fighting to get out of the Play-In Tournament, sitting half a game out of the No. 6 seed cutoff with two contests to go.
Chicago is one of the worst defenses and rolls out a patchwork rotation that is missing a ton of size inside. The 6-foot-10 Banchero can get to the rim for easy buckets against a Bulls interior allowing more than 58 points in the paint over the last 10 outings.
Scoring forecasts all sit north of this 22.5 O/U with most models at 24+ points Friday. Banchero has scored 24 and 31 points in his past two meetings with Chicago.
FYI: I also don’t hate his Over 8.5 rebounds (+100) with projections flirting with nine rebounds. Chicago is playing the second night of back-to-back games and lost center Guerschon Yabusele to an injury last night.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Chicago Sports Network, FanDuel Sports Florida, WESH
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This biggest moment in the NBA on Thursday night didn’t happen on the court, but rather in the stands of the Pacers vs. Nets game. A couple in Pacers gear were filmed in the stands having what looked to be a deep, philosophical conversation before the woman snapped.
The man appeared to be saying something about what it takes to get a full-time job, to which she clapped back: “That’s you! That’s you … what the f*** are you talking about?” Immediately, the clip went viral, with the widespread assumption being that he was mansplaining to her, and she was fed up — but it’s now been clarified by the woman herself that everyone is wrong.
IM CRYINGGGGGGGG I LOVE MY BOYFRIEND THIS IS JUST HOW WE TALK!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/V9yjPwAP43
There are numerous photos of the couple together on her Instagram, confirming that she is the woman seen in the video — and we even got a clarification about exactly what set off this discussion from the boyfriend.
To be fair: It was an April game between the Pacers (19-61) and the Nets (20-60) — given the circumstance I’d probably be talking about the practical application of a Liberal Arts degree was well, rather than be locked on Obi Toppin scoring 26 points.
The New York Knicks (52-28) can lock down no worse than the Eastern Conference’s No. 3 playoff seed with a win over the Toronto Raptors (43-35). The Raptors can secure the No. 5 seed if they beat the Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Atlanta Hawks.
The Phoenix Suns (44-36) are locked into the Western Conference’s No. 7 seed and the play-in tournament. The Los Angeles Lakers (51-29) can finish anywhere from Nos. 3-5. A win against the Suns and a loss by the Houston Rockets to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday would secure home-court advantage for the Lakers in the first round.
With just a single win in their last six games, the Golden State Warriors try to get right ahead of the play-in when they visit the Sacramento Kings.
SacTown has gone full tank mode and should be sporting a bunch of unknowns Friday night.
Despite that, my Warriors vs Kings predictions and free NBA picks don't think Golden State is in any state to run through any team, even one as awful as the Kings.
He is expected to be back in the lineup and will take on the Sacramento Kings, the last team he played on Wednesday (April 7), scoring 17 points on 5-for-12 shooting in a Warriors 110-105 victory.
The Warriors are also expected to get some players off the injured list and into the lineup, including big men Al Horford (calf) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) back in the lineup.
Curry has only played in 41 games this season, and the Warriors' offense is in shambles because of it.
They were a bottom-5 scoring team in the NBA when he went down with a knee injury on January 30, and missed the next 27 straight games, plummeting to 10th in the West.
As for the Kings, the season end couldn't come sooner. Sacramento looks nothing like the young, fun, and up-and-coming "Light the Beam" squad from two years ago, and almost every key player is in street clothes.
That includes DeMar DeRozan (hamstring), Russell Westbrook (foot), and Keegan Murray (ankle).
The Warriors have taken four of five in this head-to-head, and aside from the last meeting, have won by at least 26 points in the other three wins.
But these aren't the same Warriors. And while they should win, they're really just trying to get Steph Curry up to full speed before the play-in. That's no stress, and definitely not a blowout.
Warriors vs Kings same-game parlay
Let's focus on the Golden State star working to get back into game shape.
Steph has been held to 26 minutes or less in the two games since returning from a knee injury, but scoring 20 is nothing, especially against the Kings. In his last 25 vs SacTown, Curry has touched 20 points 21 times.
His assist numbers fluctuate more, but he's had at least five assists in four of the last five games against these Kings.
Warriors vs Kings SGP
Kings +10.5
Steph Curry Over 19.5 points
Steph Curry Over 4.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Curry Cooking Soup!
Knocking down the moneyball is what Curry does best, and he's consistently lighting up the Kings from deep. He's hit at least four 3-pointers in eight of his last 10 against Sacramento.
As for his rebounding, grabbing three boards shouldn't be a problem: he had five last game against the Kings, and has had at least three boards in 11 of the last 14 against them.
Warriors vs Kings SGP
Kings +10.5
Steph Curry Over 19.5 points
Steph Curry Over 4.5 assists
Steph Curry Over 3.5 made threes
Steph Curry Over 2.5 rebounds
Warriors vs Kings odds
Spread: Warriors -10.5 | Kings +10.5
Moneyline: Warriors -500 | Kings +375
Over/Under: Over 228.5 | Under 228.5
Warriors vs Kings betting trend to know
The Over has cashed in eight of the last 10 head-to-head matchups between these teams. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Kings.
How to watch Warriors vs Kings
Location
Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Date
Friday, April 10, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports California, NBC Sports Bay Area
Warriors vs Kings latest injuries
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 19: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 19, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The show must go on.
It’s a cliché this Philadelphia 76ers organization must know all too well at this point after the last few seasons, and it’s relevant yet again. With the news that Joel Embiid had appendicitis and an urgent, successful appendectomy yesterday in Houston, any modicum of hope that the Sixers might pull back into a playoff spot seemed to vanish instantaneously.
And with the Sixers’ rough loss to the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors’ win last night, the statistical odds of them doing so all but vanished as well. Though it’s still technically possible, it’s almost guaranteed at this point that the Sixers will not be able to get back into the No. 6 seed over the Raptors and will instead finish the regular season in a Play-In Tournament seed (7-10).
The harsh reality of the situation though is that, without Embiid, it can start to feel inconsequential anyway. Even if the Sixers had managed to sneak into the postseason, their ability to put up any sort of fight against other playoff teams was relatively contingent on Embiid being available to lead the way. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I personally would have bet on them going far in the playoffs even with the big fella… but not having him feels like it nullifies even that tiny chance they would have had at a run.
But, again, the show must go on.
There are still two games left to be played for the Sixers in this rollercoaster of a regular season. The first of the final pair will come on Friday night as Philadelphia close their 16th and final back-to-back with a visit to the Indiana Pacers, less than 24 hours after that brutal loss in Houston. This being the second leg of a back-to-back means no official injury report for the Sixers until this afternoon. Obviously Embiid will not be available for this one, but we will let you know who else may have popped up on the report when it is posted later today.
The Pacers, meanwhile, are a tanking, 19-win team this season just looking to cross the finish line and get to the NBA lottery and draft. They were being led this campaign by Pascal Siakam, who is averaging 24.0 points a game in 63 contests this season, but he has missed Indiana’s last three contests due to an ankle injury. With the Pacers not exactly competing for anything, his season might be over.
In his absence, Obi Toppin has taken on a bit of a larger role, even coming off the bench. On Thursday, Toppin raced to 26 points on 11-for-14 field goal shooting with nine rebounds and three assists in just 18:35 on the floor against the Brooklyn Nets.
Indiana is also coming into Friday on the second leg of a back-to-back after that commanding 123-94 win over the Brooklyn Nets in a true tank-off Thursday night. That means no official injury report from them either until this afternoon. But honestly, even without Embiid at their disposal, there’s no iteration of this current Pacers squad that the Sixers shouldn’t be able to handle. (Again, I said shouldn’t. We all know that once they’re on the floor, it could turn out very differently.)
The Sixers are 3-0 against the Pacers this season, but Embiid was available for all three contests. Again, I truly do not believe the big fella is needed for this Philadelphia team to beat Indiana, especially if they actually play to their potential. Tyrese Maxey was damn near a triple-double in each of the two times he featured against the Pacers this season, with 32 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in one meeting and 29 points, eight assists and eight steals in the other. Yes, eight steals. This would be the perfect time for Maxey to really get back into the groove after seeming to struggle the last few contests, especially one of his career-worsts against the San Antonio Spurs earlier this week.
The true reality of the situation Friday for Philadelphia is that, though they might be understandably disappointed and now headed for the Play-In, this game in Indiana is a golden opportunity to provide even the smallest morale boost to a squad of players that desperately needs it as the end of the regular season fast approaches.
You can’t go back and right the wrongs of all the extremely close losses throughout the season that got you here. You can’t undo the last few losses that took you out of a guaranteed playoff spot. You can’t magically make Embiid not have needed urgent surgery for appendicitis. The only thing you can do as the Sixers is use these last two games against easier opponents — first the Pacers on Friday, then the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday — to get your heads back on even a little bit straighter before the Play-In comes around. It might not be enough to change the ultimate outcome there even, but it’s the only thing that is within their control at this point.
The Sixers and Pacers tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Game Details
When: Friday, April 10, 7:30 p.m. ET Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic Follow:@LibertyBallers
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 25: Bones Hyland #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves plays defense during the game against the Houston Rockets on March 25, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets Date: April 10th, 2026 Time: 8:30 PM CDT Location: Toyota Center Television Coverage: Prime Video, FanDuel Sports Network – North, KARE 11 Radio Coverage: KFAN FM, Wolves App, iHeart Radio
There was time, not even that long ago, where Wolves fans had this Houston game circled in red ink, Sharpie, maybe even carved into stone. A Friday night primetime game featuring two teams who were neck-and-neck all season, facing off in a late-season showdown that could decide who gets the better path.
Instead, we are getting something a little more… pragmatic.
Because by the time the Wolves tipped off against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night, the math had basically done its job. The six seed wasn’t just likely, it was essentially inevitable. Catching Houston would’ve required Minnesota to win out and the Rockets to lose all three of theirs.
So Chris Finch made the wise call.
Rudy Gobert — out. Julius Randle — out. Mike Conley — out. Ayo — out. Anthony Edwards — still resting that knee.
This wasn’t load management. This was a full-on declaration: We’re done chasing the standings. We’re chasing April.
The result followed the script. Orlando, a team that actually needed the game, played like it. Minnesota, a team treating this like a preseason dress rehearsal, looked like it. The Magic took care of business.
But the funny thing about these “meaningless” games is they’re never actually meaningless, not if you’re paying attention to the right things.
The Bright Spots
Let’s start with the most important development of the night:
Jaden McDaniels is back.
After missing time with that knee injury from the Houston overtime game (which, at this point, feels like it happened three seasons ago emotionally), just seeing him moving, defending, and looking somewhat like himself again? That’s a win.
If you’re talking about a potential series against Denver, you don’t just need McDaniels. You need that version of McDaniels, the one who can take a primary assignment, switch, recover, and occasionally chip in offensively without forcing things.
That’s a playoff swing piece.
Then there was Terrence Shannon Jr., who decided this was his moment and dropped a casual 33-point explosion. It was confident, aggressive, in-rhythm scoring that made you start doing the mental math: If something goes sideways in a playoff game… could this guy actually give you minutes?
Shannon’s sophomore season has been uneven, but lately, with injuries opening the door, he’s looked like someone who belongs. And if he can be even a situational weapon in a playoff series? That’s the kind of depth that can change outcomes.
Also quietly encouraging: Naz Reid putting together a solid 15-point night on 6-of-11 shooting, which felt less about the numbers and more about the rhythm. Because the version of Naz the Wolves need in the playoffs isn’t just a spacer. It’s the confident, decisive, second-unit scorer who can flip a quarter in five minutes.
The Reality Check
The bigger picture has shifted.
The Houston game? Still happening. Still technically meaningful for them. But for Minnesota, it’s no longer the defining moment it once looked like. The Rockets are chasing seeding, trying fend off the Lakers for the four spot and grab home court. They’re going to be motivated.
The Wolves? They’re already looking ahead. Because unless something truly bizarre happens over the final couple of days, this is lining up exactly how it feels like it’s been lining up for weeks: Minnesota as the six seed… heading into Denver… for a rematch with Nikola Jokić.
And if that’s the case, then everything between now and Game 1 becomes about one thing: Getting right.
Keys to the Game
1. Stay Healthy
We can dress this up if we want, but we shouldn’t. This is the key.
There is nothing more important than making sure this roster walks into the playoffs healthy and functional. We’ve seen what happens when this team is whole. We’ve also seen what happens when even one or two pieces are compromised. The margin shrinks immediately.
Houston plays physical. They always do. These games can get chippy, scrappy, borderline chaotic. And even if the stakes aren’t there for Minnesota, the style will be. So whoever is on the floor needs to play smart. No reckless drives. No unnecessary collisions. No “I’ll just power through it” moments.
Because the worst-case scenario isn’t losing to Houston. It’s losing something else that you can’t get back.
2. Build Rhythm Where You Can
If the starters are being managed, and they should be, then this becomes an opportunity.
For guys like DiVincenzo, who showed signs of life again shooting the ball in Orlando after a rough stretch, these are rhythm reps. For Naz, it’s about stacking good performances. For McDaniels, it’s about conditioning and timing.
Even if the lineups aren’t what you’ll see in Game 1, the habits still translate. Ball movement. Shot selection. Defensive communication. Those things don’t change just because the stakes do.
If the Wolves can come out of these final games with a handful of guys feeling confident and in sync? That’s not nothing.
3. Let the Young Guys Cook, Because You Might Need Them
Shannon just dropped 33. Jaylen Clark, Joan Beringer, and Julian Phillips are guys who, two weeks ago, felt like depth pieces.
Now? They’re insurance policies.
Because playoff basketball has a way of forcing unexpected contributors into the spotlight. Foul trouble. Injuries. Matchups. It happens every year. And the worst place to discover what a player can or can’t do… is in Game 3 of a playoff series.
So let them play. Let them make mistakes. Let them figure it out now. Because if one of them hits, if even one becomes a playable option, that’s a real advantage.
4. Maintain the Defensive Identity
This team doesn’t win with offense. The Wolves are at their best when they’re suffocating defensively, when Gobert is anchoring, when McDaniels is erasing, and when everyone else is rotating with purpose.
That identity can’t just turn on when the playoffs start. It has to be carried in.
Even if the rotations are different, even if the minutes are lighter, the mentality has to stay the same. Contest everything. Protect the paint. Communicate. Because if you lose that edge now, you don’t magically find it against Denver.
The Final Thought: The Calm Before the Real Storm
This isn’t the ending Wolves fans imagined a few weeks ago. There was a moment where the three seed felt real. Where home court felt possible. Where everything seemed to be trending up.
Instead, the injuries hit. The losses piled up. And the standings settled.
Six seed, here we go again.
But here’s the twist, and maybe the part that should make Wolves fans feel something closer to cautious optimism than dread: This team has been here before.
They’ve seen Denver. They’ve battled through this matchup. They know what it takes, and more importantly, they know what it costs.
So yeah, the Houston game isn’t what we thought it would be. But what happens next? That’s everything.
If the Wolves can use this break in the action to get healthy, get connected, and get back to being the team we saw in flashes all season? Then the six seed might not be a limitation.
It might be the setup for something a lot more interesting.
Mar 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) works around Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images | Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Remember when we thought this game was going to matter for the tiebreaker?
In sports, a few weeks can be a long time. Since these teams met and the Houston Rockets blew a double digit lead in overtime, Houston is 8-0 and looks (at times) to be a much different (read: better) team.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are obviously dealing with the Anthony Edwards injury, and since they are locked into the six seed, they can rest some of their other players in preparation for their first round matchup.
Houston, on the other hand, is in a place that seemed inconceivable two weeks ago. They have an actual shot at home court advantage in the first round. They need to finished these last two games one better than the Los Angeles Lakers, who got a big win last night in the Bay Area (notice that Steph Curry came back for Houston but not the Lakers).
Other games of interest tonight are Nuggets-Thunder and Suns-Lakers. If you are rooting for Houston to play the Lakers in round 1, you are rooting for the Nuggets and Suns. If you want the Nuggets, why?
The Rockets obviously should just keep playing good basketball as the postseason approaches. They do not control their own destiny but would feel a lot better going into the playoffs on a high note. Remember that last season, Houston clinched the two seed with three games remaining and sat their starters in the first two of those games. In the finale, they tried to use it as a dress rehearsal against Denver, but were soundly beaten by a Denver team needing a win. That was a harbinger for Houston’s Game 1 loss to Warriors. Rest is nice, but rust is bad.
Raphielle Johnson
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