CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket around Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 129-99. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While that may be true, James will likely be remembered most as a Cavalier and the 11 seasons he spent with the team. More specifically, he’ll be remembered for his greatest accomplishment: coming back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the greatest regular-season team of all time, the 73-9 2016 Golden State Warriors.
James was asked during his appearance on Bob Does Sports which championship was a greater weight lifted from his shoulders. LeBron said the first championship with the Miami Heat in 2012 provided more relief, but the 2016 championship was the most special.
“Winning the first one was more weight off my shoulders, but winning in Cleveland was a goal that I wanted to do. I needed to close that chapter and that’s why I went back. I wanted to close that chapter. I always wanted to win one back home and obviously the organization never won one, and 50-plus years for the city alone, not winning a championship, not just basketball, but the city alone.
“So, me going back there, that was my main mission was like, I want to win one for this city and for this state as well. So the first one weight off my shoulder, it solidified me being what I thought I always was, but the one in Cleveland was probably the most special one.”
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The 2016 championship was indeed special. The circumstances surrounding it — including James’s long and complicated journey back to the organization he left in 2010 — can’t be replicated. And on top of it, Game 7 of the 2016 Finals had one of the most memorable endings to a game in NBA history, which includes James’s signature moment of his career with his block on Andre Iguodala.
James is still performing at a high level a decade later at age 41. The Lakers were playing some of the best basketball of the season, but injuries to both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves could cost them a chance to see how far this group could go in the playoffs.
LeBron is in the last year of his current deal with the Lakers. There has been plenty of speculation about whether or not James will continue his career in Los Angeles or seek an opportunity to play elsewhere. If he decides to leave, Cleveland would seem to be the logical destination to end his career.
We’ll see how the postseason and summer play out for the Lakers. At this time, it’s difficult to predict how the NBA landscape will look then.
What we do know is that the 2016 championship means something to LeBron, and it always will to all of Northeast Ohio.
After slim options on Saturday, NBA player props bettors have a wealth of options to wrap up the weekend, as there’s a full slate of 11 games on tap today.
I’m looking at three very different players in my NBA picks for Sunday, April 5. Let’s take a look at why I like Jayson Tatum to continue his strong return to action, as well as how role players like Donte DiVincenzo and Tari Eason can pay off for bettors in their own ways tonight.
Jayson Tatum has now been back in the Boston Celtics lineup for nearly a full month, and he’s starting to look like the superstar they'll need in the playoffs. Tatum picked up his first triple-double of the year on Wednesday, and nearly repeated the feat on Friday, coming up one assist short against the Bucks.
In his last four games, Tatum is averaging 26.5 points. He’s also enjoyed some of his best shooting of the year recently, shooting 48.3% in his last three contests on heavy volume.
The Toronto Raptors are a solid defensive team, but they haven’t slowed the Celtics this year, with Boston averaging 119.3 PPG in the first three meetings with Toronto. With Tatum back in the lineup, the Celtics are even more potent offensively, and there should be plenty of points available for him to hit the Over on his points total.
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Sportsnet, NBC Sports Boston
Prop #2: Donte DiVincenzo Over 2.5 made threes
-120 at bet365
Donte DiVincenzo has been firing away from deep all season long for the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 3.0 made threes per game on 38.1% shooting from beyond the arc. Minnesota has been struggling lately, losing four of seven, but DiVincenzo continues to play his role, hitting at least three shots from 3-point range in six of his last eight.
There’s no reason why the Timberwolves would change DiVincenzo’s role or usage against the Charlotte Hornets tonight. Charlotte isn’t great defensively on the perimeter, allowing opponents to shoot 35.9% from deep.
If anything, DiVincenzo will be among the players who get a couple more shots per game with Jaden McDaniels now out with a knee injury. He’s averaged 10 attempts from deep in Minnesota’s last seven games, and I expect him to get that same volume in tonight’s game.
The Houston Rockets are riding a five-game winning streak, and Tari Eason has been a huge part of avoiding the Play-In bubble. During the winning streak, Eason is averaging 13.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, both up from his season averages.
Eason, who may be primarily known as a defensive presence, also appears to be building confidence. He’s shooting 48.1% from the field and 37.0% from 3-point range on increased volume, showing Houston trusts him with the ball and may be getting him in a rhythm ahead of the postseason.
I expect that usage to continue tonight, as Eason should find success against a mediocre Golden State Warriors defense, especially on the glass, with the Dubs ranking just 21st in the NBA in rebounding rate. I like Eason to hit his PRA total, as he’s gone Over 16.5 in four of his last five games overall.
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MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 3: The sneakers worn by Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 3, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
After more than two months on the sideline, Stephen Curry will make his long-awaited return to face a former teammate when the Golden State Warriors host Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets.
Durant has been stuffing the stat sheet as of late, and my Rockets vs. Warriors predictions expect another strong showing as he returns to the Bay.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this marquee Western Conference matchup on Sunday, April 5.
Rockets vs Warriors prediction
Rockets vs Warriors best bet: Kevin Durant Over 35.5 points + rebounds + assists (-110)
The Houston Rockets are riding a five-game win streak, and Kevin Durant’s stellar play has been a huge contributing factor in the recent string of victories.
Across his last five games, KD has averaged 36.2 PRA and gone for 36+ three times. He’s been even more productive across his last seven games, averaging 39.1 PRA while clearing this combo line five times.
The future Hall-of-Famer has averaged 34.5 PRA at home but a whopping 37.5 on the road, and he’s gone for 36+ PRA in three of his last four away games. Durant has cleared this line in 38 of 74 games overall, including 24 of 36 on the road.
Over the last 10 games, the Golden State Warriors have surrendered the 11th-most points and 11th-most assists, and rank 18th in defensive rating. This is not a scary matchup.
Durant could have some extra motivation while facing his former team. In 11 games since leaving Golden State, he’s averaged 34.8 PRA overall and 34.4 in the Bay. I expect the Slim Reaper to show out in Golden State as he looks to extend Houston’s win streak and earn a victory over his former team.
Rockets vs Warriors same-game parlay
Both teams have covered only four times across their last 10 games, but the Rockets are hot and have the health advantage.
Curry’s return will certainly help Golden State on offense, but Houston sports a healthier and deeper roster. Houston is 3-2 ATS during its current win streak, and Golden State is just 2-3 across its last five.
The Rockets and the Warriors have each hit the Over in three of their last four games, and the teams have gone Over in four of their last six head-to-head meetings. Houston is 18-13 to the Over as the home favorite, and Golden State is 7-4 as the home underdog. I expect the Dubs to get an offensive spark from Curry’s return.
Rockets vs Warriors SGP
Kevin Durant Over 35.5 points + rebounds + assists
Rockets -4
Over 225
Our "from downtown" SGP: Former teammates, familiar foes
Curry might face a minutes restriction in his first game back, but he should see enough playing time to knock down four triples and reach 19 points.
The Chef has scored 19 points in 31 of 39 games this season, and he did so in under 30 minutes eight times. Curry has finished with four triples or four assists 26 times. He pushed to be ready to play Sunday, making this a meaningful contest in which he should be highly motivated.
Durant has been particularly effective as a playmaker as of late. After handing out 6+ dimes in only 20 of his first 68 games of the season, he’s reached that mark in six straight contests.
Over/Under: Over 226.5 (-110) | Under 226.5 (-110)
Rockets vs Warriors betting trend to know
The Golden State Warriors have hit the Team Total Over in 30 of their last 45 games at home (+12.55 Units / 24% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Warriors.
How to watch Rockets vs Warriors
Location
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Date
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Rockets vs Warriors latest injuries
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 09: Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 of the Toronto Raptors blocks a shot by Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics during the first half at the TD Garden on January 09, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Toronto Raptors (43-34) at Boston Celtics (52-25) Sunday, April 5, 2026 3:30 PM ET Regular Season Game #78 Home Game #38 TV: NBCSB, Sportsnet, NBA-TV Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub,TSN 1050, Sirius XM TD Garden
The Celtics return home to take on the division rival Toronto Raptors. This is the 4th, and final meeting between these two teams this season. The Celtics won 121-113 on December 7 in Toronto. They won 112-96 on December 20, also in Toronto. They won 125-117 on January 9 in Boston. The Celtics have won their last 8 games against the Raptors in Boston. The Celtics won the series 3-1 last season, losing one game in Toronto. The Celtics are 76-43 overall all time and they are 45-14 in games played in Boston.
The Raptors made 2 minor deals at the trade deadline . They traded Ochai Agbaji to the Clippers for Chris Paul, who they then waived and CP3 chose to retire. Similar to several of the Celtics deadline deals, this was to bring the Raptors under the tax line. They also traded a second round pick to the Warriors for Trayce Jackson-Davis to fill the need for a back up center.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 4.5 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are 2.5 games ahead of 3rd place New York, 4 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 7.5 games ahead of 5th place Atlanta, and 9 games ahead of 6th place Toronto and 9.5 games ahead of 7th place Philadelphia. The Celtics are 33-15 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 26-11 at home and 8-2 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 2 games.
The Raptors are 6th in the East, 6.5 games behind 3rd place New York, 5 games behind 4th place Cleveland, and 1.5 games behind 5th place Atlanta. They are half a game ahead of 7th place Philadelphia, 1.5 games ahead of 8th place Charlotte, and 2 games ahead of 9th place Orlando. They are 30-17 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 22-17 on the road and 5-5 in their last 10 games. They are coming off a win in their last game.
After this game at home against Toronto they will host Charlotte before one game on the road at New York. They will finish the season with 2 games at home against New Orleans and Orlando. After this game on the road at Boston for Toronto, they will return home to play 2 games against Miami. They will then play at New York before finishing the season at home against Brooklyn.
After being out 4 weeks due to surgery to stabilize a fracture in his right ring finger, Nikola Vucevic has been upgraded to questionable for this game. His status will be a game time decision. For the Raptors, Chucky Hepburn is out due to a torn meniscus in his right knee. Immanuel Quickley will miss his eighth straight game due to right foot plantar fasciitis.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Ja’Kobe Walter
Derrick White | NBAE via Getty ImagesJa’Kobe Walter | NBAE via Getty Images
SG: Jaylen Brown vs RJ Barrett
Jaylen Brown | Getty ImagesRJ Barrett | NBAE via Getty Images
SF: Sam Hauser vs Brandon Ingram
Sam Hauser | NBAE via Getty ImagesBrandon Ingram | NBAE via Getty Images
PF: Jayson Tatum vs Scottie Barnes
Jayson Tatum | NBAE via Getty ImagesScottie Barnes | NBAE via Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Jordan Walsh Baylor Scheierman Max Shulga John Tonje Ron Harper, Jr
2-Way Players None Injuries/Out Nikola Vucevic (finger) questionable Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Raptors Reserves Jamison Battle Gradey Dick Trayce Jackson-Davis Sandro Mamukelashvili Jonathan Mogbo Collin Murray-Boyles Jamal Shead Garrett Temple
2 Way Players Chucky Hepburn AJ Lawson Alijah Martin
Injuries/Out Chucky Hepburn (knee) out Immanuel Quickley (foot) out
Head Coach Darko Rajakovic
Key Matchups Sam Hauser vs Brandon Ingram Ingram is averaging 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 47.2% from the field and 37.7% from beyond the arc. In the 2 games against the Celtics this season, he averaged 27 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists while shooting 56.8% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to do a better job of defending him in this game.
Jayson Tatum vs Scottie Barnes Barnes is averaging 18.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 50.4% from the field and 29.6% from beyond the arc. In the 2 games against the Celtics this season, he averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 40.7% from the field and 16.7% from beyond the arc. Although he has been struggling to hit 3’s, he is capable of hitting them if left open.
Honorable Mention Jaylen Brown vs RJ Barrett Barrett is averaging 19.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 49.5% from the field and 34.6% from beyond the arc. He played in just 1 game against the Celtics this season and finished with 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists while shooting 40% from the field and 60% from beyond the arc. The Celtics have to defend him better in this game.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is the most important key to winning. The Celtics are 4th in the league with a defensive rating of 111.8. The Raptors are 7th with a defensive rating of 114.7. The Celtics must stay committed to playing tough, lock down defense, especially against a Raptors team that plays good defense themselves. The Celtics must especially defend in the paint as the Raptors put up 53 points in the paint per game (5th).
Rebound – As with defense, rebounding will always be a key to winning every game. The Celtics are 4th with 46.5 rebounds per game. The Raptors are 23rd with 42.2 rebounds per game. The Celtics will need to rebound as a team with players crashing the boards from every position. The Celtics can’t score without the ball and rebounding is a great way to get the ball and to get extra possessions and to also deny the Raptors extra possessions and 2nd chance points.
Move the Ball Carefully – The Celtics are at their best when the ball moves and they make the extra pass. When the ball sticks and players try to do too much, the Celtics struggle. They are 34-2 this season when they have 25 or more assists and they are 18-0 when they have 29 or more assists. The Raptors are 2nd with 29.5 assists per game. But, the Celtics have to make careful passes and not get sloppy because the Raptors are 5th in the league, averaging 20 points off turnovers and 18.9 fast break points per game (1st).
Play with Energy and Focus for 48 Minutes – The Celtics must play with effort and energy and they have to play harder than the Raptors for all 4 quarters. The team that plays the hardest and that is more aggressive will usually get a better whistle. They also must stay focused on taking good shots and making them. If the 3’s are falling, they are tough to beat. But, if the 3’s aren’t falling, it can get ugly and so the Celtics need to focus on taking the best shots, whether that means shooting more 3’s or taking the ball into the paint if they aren’t falling.
Home Game – The Celtics are once again home and they should get a boost from the home crowd and they have the benefit of not having to travel. The Raptors are playing in the 2nd straight game on the road and may be a little road weary. They also have the distractions of travel, staying in hotels, and playing in front of a hostile crowd.
Officiating – The officiating can always be an x-factor. Every crew calls the game differently. Some call it tight with a lot of fouls while others let them play and let a lot of contact go. The Celtics have to adapt to how the game is being called and not allow bad calls and no calls to take away their focus on playing the game. If they play well enough, the refs won’t make a difference.
DENVER, CO - APRIL 4: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks against the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Ball Arena on April 4, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There hasn’t been much to learn from the San Antonio Spurs’ 10-game winning streak. Most of the games were against tanking or shorthanded teams, and the result was decided before halftime. With only a handful of games left before the playoffs, there have been murmurings of concern that the young team hasn’t faced enough adversity before the games really start to count.
The Spurs faced plenty of adversity in their 136-134 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Despite leading for 87% of the game, San Antonio couldn’t execute in clutch time, letting go of a 6-point lead with a minute and a half remaining, allowing Denver to force overtime and eventually secure the victory.
Several silly mistakes beat the team. Victor Wembanyama and Julian Champagnie failed to communicate if they were switching screens, which led to Aaron Gordon getting a wide-open dunk after both Spurs defenders went to guard Jokic. De’Aaron Fox fumbled the ball while trying to go between the legs on a jumper over Jokic, and mishandled his dribble, forcing an errant shot. They were too slow to get into their sets, making it hard to run offense. Of course, there was the blown fast break between Fox and Devin Vassell that would have tied the game in overtime.
It may have just been the regular season, but with the Nuggets fighting for the third seed, this felt like a playoff game. The Spurs learned that in a high-stakes game, there is another level of basketball perfection they must reach to win a championship. They have to execute late in the game when the pressure goes up another level. The players and the coaching staff have to find ways to get their best players the ball in advantageous situations to score, even when the opposing team is honing in on them. Then, it’s on those players to make big plays.
The good news is the Spurs learned this lesson without there being actual playoff stakes. They have four more games to right the ship before it really counts. Saturday’s loss showed them there is another level they must get to if they want to contend.
Takeaways:
Wembanyama vs. Jokic was an outstanding battle. A 7-game series between the two would be a special moment for the sport, as two foreign-born superstars duel on a huge stage. Jokic is one of the few players in basketball who has the touch to get the ball over Wembanyama and still make the shot. His body control and shotmaking ability make him a fascinating matchup for the Spurs’ big man. On the flip side, Wembanyama was able to play through the physical Denver defense to get to the free-throw line and convert. San Antonio used Wembanyama as a screener to get smaller guards switched onto him, creating a mismatch he could exploit in the paint. Wembanyama had 34 points, 18 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 blocks, while Jokic had 40 points, 8 rebounds, 13 assists, and 3 blocks.
The Spurs tried a few different approaches to guarding Jokic. Their primary option was to have Wembanyama guard him one-on-one. It worked some times, but in the clutch, it may have been better for them to get the ball out of his hands. They used smaller, physical defenders, like Keldon Johnson, to guard him while Wembanyama acted as a roamer. It seemed like Jokic did most of his damage against this defensive scheme, as he avoided Wemby and scored over the smaller defender. I’d be interested in seeing the French Vanilla lineup against Denver. Luke Kornet can’t guard Jokic 1-on-1; no one can. But Kornet has the size and strength to hold position against Jokic inside, while Wembanyama roams as a shot blocker. Offensively, we’ve seen Kornet and Wembanyama play well together. There is no way to stop Jokic, but maybe French Vanilla could slow him down.
On the flip side, the Spurs have found a pretty sound end-of-game offensive strategy. Get a smaller guard switched on to Wembanyama and then play off that. The counter for Denver was to put Aaron Gordon on Wembanyama, so when the switch happens, a physical, athletic defender was hounding the guards, making it hard for them to get Wemby the ball. This is what happened on the airball three from Fox late in the fourth quarter. On top of that, Wembanyama faced two to three defenders every time he touched the ball near the paint late in the game. To a certain point, the rest of the Spurs are going to have to beat opposing defenses that key in on Wembanyama.
Fox has to be better, especially in the clutch. He’s on the team to come up in big moments. The former clutch player of the year has been solid year-round, but faltered against Denver. It’s not just that his shot wasn’t falling, but the failed lob to Vassell in transition, and losing his handle against tight defense late in the game were mistakes that really hurt the team. He’ll have a chance to redeem himself and show why he’s the Spurs’ second star in the playoffs.
The Spurs’ shooters stepped up on Saturday. Champagnie, Vassell, and Harrison Barnes hit shots from deep. Combined, the trio was 11-for-20 from deep. Having those players hit shots is crucial to San Antonio’s playoff success.
INDIANAPOLIS – Solo Ball's status for UConn in the men's basketball NCAA championship game is in doubt after spraining his foot.
Ball said he is feeling "alright," and will leave a decision on his status for the game Monday, April 6, up to UConn's medical staff. He's wearing a walking boot and won't practice on Sunday, April 5.
"I'm doing everything I can to prepare for tomorrow," Ball said.
UConn coach Dan Hurley announced Ball's injury earlier, saying his junior guard has "some type of foot sprain." Ball said the injury occurred in the first half when he got tangled up with Tarris Reed Jr.
He won't practice on the off day, and Hurley said they'd have a better idea of whether he can play later.
"I'm just leaving it up to the medical staff. Doing everything I can to prepare for tomorrow," Ball said when asked if he thought he'd play against Michigan.
UConn is trying to win its third title in four years. But it will have to get through a dominant Michigan team, which has scored 90 or more points in all five of its NCAA tournament games and blew out Arizona, the only other No. 1 seed left, by 18 points in the Final Four.
"Thankfully it's not a seven-game series," Hurley joked. "Tough to get an MRI on Sunday."
Meanwhile, Michigan is also dealing with an injury to a key player as Yaxel Lendeborg was limited to 14 minutes in the Wolverines' Final Four win over Arizona on Saturday night after tweaking his ankle and knee in the first half.
What TV channel is national championship on? How to stream Final Four
TV channels: TBS/truTV
Streaming options: NCAA March Madness Live | HBO Max | Sling TV
Every game remaining in the Men's NCAA Tournament will air on TBS and simulcast on truTV, with Ian Eagle, Bill Raftery and Grant Hill calling the game courtside and Tracy Wolfson reporting from the sidelines.
Streaming options include the March Madness Live app (with a TV login), HBO Max and Sling TV.
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 28: Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers throws chalk in the air before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 28, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James made headlines for signaling out Memphis and Milwaukee as places he doesn’t enjoy playing when he was on a golf YouTube video with Bob Does Sports. Those comments — particularly saying he doesn’t enjoy playing in Memphis — made people angry.
“A random f***** Tuesday in Milwaukee,” James said on the YouTube video when talking about life in the NBA. “Staying at the f****** Hyatt at 41 years old. You think I want to do that shit? Being in Memphis on a f****** random ass Thursday? I’m not like the first guy to even talk about it in the NBA. We’re all like, ‘You guys have to move. Go over to Nashville.’”
James was asked to clarify those comments on Saturday. And in the process, he decided to do a drive-by on his hometown in the process.
“41 years old, it’s two cities I do not like playing in right now,” James said on Saturday. “That’s Milwaukee, and that’s Memphis. What is the problem? I don’t like going home either. Shit, and I’m from there.”
James tried to clarify that he wasn’t taking a shot at the city or their people when listing places he doesn’t enjoy going to.
“I’m not talking about the city, like the people in Memphis,” James said. “I don’t like staying at the Hyatt Centric. What’s wrong with that?”
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How much you want to read into him saying he doesn’t enjoy going home to Cleveland for games is up to you. In context, it seemed like he was saying he doesn’t like going to the hotel and traveling there in the winter, as was the case this season when the Lakers made their lone trip to play the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, you could read it another way if you wanted to as well.
What we do know is that James is in the last year of his current contract with Los Angeles. And while things have been working out well for him and the Lakers over the last month, it’s clear that he isn’t the focal point of the franchise anymore. He’s adjusted to that well on the court, taking a tertiary role alongside both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves when the trio is healthy, which they won’t be heading into the playoffs. Whether or not James wants that to continue to be his reality off the court remains to be seen.
That said, it’s difficult to picture James playing anywhere but Cleveland and Los Angeles next season. We’ll see how this all unfolds this summer. A lot can change between now and July.
Who: Phoenix Suns (42–35) vs. Chicago Bulls (29–47)
When: 12:30 PM Arizona Time
Where: United Center — Chicago, Illinois
Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports, NBATV
Listen: KMVP 98.7
The Suns are about to play their 78th game of the season (yeah, the postseason is coming in fast), and it’ll be their final matchup against an Eastern Conference team: the Chicago Bulls.
About a month ago, Phoenix got caught off guard by this same team, losing by just two points in a messy and somewhat concerning game. The Suns never even held the lead, largely due to poor shooting: 39% from the field, 28% from three, and 67% from the free-throw line.
As for recent form, it hasn’t been pretty for either side. The Suns are 3–7 over their last 10 games, while the Bulls are even worse at 2–8, including a five-game losing streak. One team is trying to regain confidence and rhythm to secure the 7th seed, while the other is basically playing for nothing. Too far from the Play-In, too far from the lottery.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
Amir Coffey — QUESTIONABLE (Left Ankle)
Haywood Highsmith — OUT (Right Knee)
Bulls
Zach Collins — OUT (Right Toe)
Noa Essengue — OUT (Left Shoulder)
Josh Giddey — QUESTIONABLE (Left Hamstring)
Lachlan Olbrich — PROBABLE (Plantar Fascia)
Nick Richards — QUESTIONABLE (Right Elbow)
Collin Sexton — PROBABLE (Right Finger)
Anfernee Simons — OUT (Left Styloid)
What to Watch For
The Suns are facing a Chicago team that plays at one of the fastest paces in the league (3rd this season), driven by transition engines like Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, and Collin Sexton. The first key matchup will be tempo control: Booker needs to dictate a more controlled pace against a team that constantly wants to run, and fast, rushed basketball hasn’t exactly worked out for Phoenix lately.
Another key factor is the matchup between Matas Buzelis and the Suns’ wings. Buzelis has taken a real leap this season. He’s not in the MIP race, but his improvement is undeniable. He’s long, offensively versatile, and has no problem putting up double-digit rebounding performances. If given too much freedom, he can be dangerous—Brooks, Fleming, and the rest will need to stay locked in.
Finally, the battle inside could be intense: Mark Williams (if he plays), Oso Ighodaro, Khaman Maluach, Guerschon Yabusele, Nick Richards, and Jalen Smith will all be involved. The Bulls are the second-best defensive rebounding team (34.8 per game), while the Suns rank 4th in offensive rebounds. This could turn into a real war in the paint in Chicago.
Key to a Suns Win
The first key is simple: slow the game down. Chicago is only dangerous when they control the pace. If Phoenix dictates tempo, forces the Bulls into half-court sets, and limits turnovers, the advantage shifts immediately.
The second focus is attacking Chicago’s perimeter defense, one of the weakest in the league (24th this season). Booker, Green, and Gillespie need to hunt switches, go at Giddey and Tre Jones, and generate open looks for O’Neale, Allen, Fleming. Or even Oso Ighodaro (okay, maybe not him).
Defensive discipline is also crucial. The Suns need to rediscover consistency in their help defense, traps, and pick-and-roll coverage. Mistakes will happen, that’s inevitable — but they need to be minimized. This is the kind of game where you clean things up and prepare for bigger challenges ahead.
Lastly, Phoenix absolutely has to win the non-Booker minutes, which is a recurring issue. That means giving clear playmaking responsibility to Green, Gillespie, or even Allen, running simple sets (Spain PnR, ghost screens, off-ball actions), and leaning into Oso’s simplicity. A more defensive-minded lineup could also help create extra possessions and tempo swings — which, in 2026, is basically the foundation of winning basketball.
If these three levers are pulled, the Suns should be in control.
Prediction
I don’t expect an easy game. Not at all. It should be fast-paced and entertaining, and if the shot-making is there, we could see a really fun matchup between two teams with completely different approaches to tempo.
That said, Phoenix is still the better team (and nearly at full strength), so I’m going with a solid win for the Suns.
The Los Angeles Clippers head to Sacramento, trying to move up in the seeding for the play-in round. L.A. faces three teams with a worse record in the last five contests, which could help the Clippers catch Portland, as long as they take care of business in the games they should win.
That hasn't happened lately. Los Angeles has failed to cover its last four, while the Sacramento Kings are 4-1 ATS over the last five.
That's why my Clippers vs. Kings predictions and NBA picks call for the Kings to cover at home.
Clippers vs Kings prediction
Clippers vs Kings best bet: Kings +13 (-110)
The Los Angeles Clippers have turned around their season after a terrible start, but they're still not used to being the hunted. Los Angeles has covered less than 40% of the time when it's been favored in a game and is just 5-11 ATS as a road favorite, missing the spread by an average of 4.5 points.
L.A. has also failed to cover three of its last four as a double-digit favorite. This is only the second time this season they've been favored by double figures on the road, and they missed covering the last time, a week ago at Milwaukee, by 3.5 points.
The Sacramento Kings, meanwhile, have nothing to play for, but they've found new life. Sacramento has covered as a double-digit dog three times in the last 10 days, winning one outright.
The Kings are 7-7 over their last 14 games, 9-5 ATS. That run includes a win over the Clippers on March 14, despite being a 13.5-point underdog. The Clippers are 8-6 outright over that stretch but just 5-9 ATS.
They've covered as a road favorite just three times in calendar year 2026 and not since March 2.
Sacramento's interior game matches up well with a Clippers team that doesn't handle banging in the paint well.
The Kings shot a season best 58.5% against L.A. in the win, and in their February meeting before that, Sacramento led by double figures early and was leading into the fourth quarter before the Clippers rallied to win—but not cover.
Clippers vs Kings same-game parlay
Both teams rank in the bottom half of the league in pace, and the Clippers are No. 28. Los Angeles has been Under in four of its last five, Sacramento in two of its last three.
Sacramento bullied the Clippers inside the paint the last time they played. If that trend continues, Brook Lopez may find the going tough in the paint and look to kick the ball out. He has 10 assists in his last four games.
Clippers vs Kings SGP
Clippers +12.5
Under 228.5 points
Brook Lopez Over 1.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Brook from Downtown!
Interior production has been a problem for the Clippers, and Sacramento is not a good matchup for them.
The Kings should own the inside, as they did in the last matchup. In addition to passing out of the paint, Lopez, who has three games with multiple treys in the last five, will likely look to shoot from outside.
John Collins has grabbed fewer than seven rebounds in his last six games. Raynaud has hit double-figure scoring in eight of the last nine and has 35 boards in his last four games.
Clippers vs Kings SGP
Sacramento +13
Maxime Raynaud double-double
Brook Lopez Over 1.5 made threes
John Collins Under 6.5 rebounds
Clippers vs Kings odds
Spread: Clippers -13 | Kings +14
Moneyline: Clippers -855 | Kings +575
Over/Under: Over 228.5 | Under 228.5
Clippers vs Kings betting trend to know
The Kings have won their last four ATS against the Clippers as an underdog. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Kings.
How to watch Clippers vs Kings
Location
Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Date
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN SoCal, NBC Sports California
Clippers vs Kings latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Boston, MA - March 1: Boston Celtics guard Baylor Scheierman gives a thumbs-up after making a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. The Celtics played the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on March 1, 2026. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Boston’s newest wave of role players — Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez, Jordan Walsh, and Ron Harper Jr. — aren’t being asked to manufacture offense on their own. That responsibility already belongs to Boston’s stars.
Instead, they’re asking them to do something far more specific: attack advantages and keep the ball moving. The guiding principle is simple. When the ball finds you, decide immediately. Shoot. Drive. Pass. Just don’t let it stick.
And while they share success this season as a similarity, the Celtics set of wings are all a little different. For Sam Hauser, he can do many things, but his calling card is his three-point shooting. Conversely, Jordan Walsh is known for his pesky individual defense. Hugo Gonzalez is still raw. However, he’s undeniably a momentum-shifter, what Joe Mazzulla affectionately describes as “giving the game what it needs.”
But if there’s a Celtic that encompasses all three of those skills, it’s Baylor Scheierman and according to our readers, he’s been the most pleasant surprise this season.
Scheierman is your classic “not great at anything, but good at everything” player. In other words, Derrick White in a former Nebraska high school quarterback’s body. The final first round pick of the 2024 NBA Draft has not just turned his sophomore year into a breakout season, but he’s become such an integral part of the Celtics rotation.
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 30: Charles Bassey #99 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 30, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors plan to sign center/power forward Charles Bassey to the team’s roster, according to a report by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Bassey has spent the season dominating with the Warriors G-League affiliate in Santa Cruz, but recently received a trio of 10-day contracts between short stints with the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. Bassey’s deal will likely only span the remainder of this season, but if the Dubs are high on his prospects, they could try to add a non or partially-guaranteed minimum salary through next season.
A Nigerian native, Bassey spent his college career at Western Kentucky before turning pro. The Philadelphia 76ers drafted him with the 53rd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Waived by the Sixers after just one season, Bassey eventually landed with the Spurs on a two-way contract, where he spent the previous three seasons. No longer eligible for a two-way contract and unable to get another NBA deal, Bassey received a training camp invite with the Hawks, but was waived, received a brief 10-day stint with the Grizzlies, before landing in Santa Cruz.
In 17 games (16 starts) with the Santa Cruz Warriors this season, Bassey averaged 20.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in 29.1 minutes per game on 61.0%/40.5%/.65.9% shooting. In eight NBA games, he’s averaged 2.9 points and 2.6 rebounds on 62.5% shooting from the field in 6.6 minutes per game (15.6 points, 14.3 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 1.4 steals per 36 minutes).
It’s been a season of progress for the Toronto Raptors, yet they find themselves in Play-In peril ahead of today’s trip to the Boston Celtics.
That amps up the pressure on a Toronto team that’s 5-5 in its last 10 games, and my Raptors vs. Celtics predictions expect Jaylen Brown to guide Boston towards another dominant victory.
Read on for my NBA picks and betting angles for this April 5 battle, with Eastern Conference seeding still in flux.
Raptors vs Celtics prediction
Raptors vs Celtics best bet: Jaylen Brown Over 27.5 points (-112)
Jaylen Brown has played his way onto a lot of MVP ballots this season, and he’s putting the finishing touches on a career year. So, don’t count on the Toronto Raptors slowing him down here.
With a 28.7 ppg average that ranks fourth in the NBA, Brown is rolling, and he’s gone past this points prop O/U in seven of his last eight outings.
Forget any concerns about Jayson Tatum’s return disrupting Brown’s rhythm. He’s still getting to his spots, as we saw in a 43-point masterpiece against the Heat. In fact, he’s jacked up 20+ shots in six of his last eight contests — and 29 FGAs in two of his past three games. That doesn’t sound like a star suffering from fewer touches.
Likewise, his 3-point struggles are balanced out by a healthy dose of free throws. With his effective downhill style, Brown averaged 9.5 FTA per game in March and knocked them down at an 86% clip.
Toronto has been on the receiving end of some big outings from Boston’s No. 7, including a 30-point performance in December, and the visitors had some costly defensive lapses in losses to the Pistons and Kings this week.
Meanwhile, the Celtics are emerging as the team to beat in the East, and I see Brown adding to his collection of 30-point games today.
Raptors vs Celtics same-game parlay
With Brown leading the charge, Boston is a formidable home team, as its 26-11 record at TD Garden suggests. Joe Mazzulla’s men are 8-2 SU in their past 10 contests, and they’ve won nine of their last 10 meetings with the Raptors.
I’ll triple down on this Boston Celtics offense with a wager on Derrick White to heat up from downtown. He nailed five 3-pointers last time out against the Bucks, so the arrow is pointing up.
Raptors vs Celtics SGP
Jaylen Brown Over 27.5 points
Celtics moneyline
Derrick White Over 2.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: The Js bring it!
Boston's star duo looks ready for a playoff run, and this SGP signals impressive stats for both of the Js here.
Tatum is way ahead of schedule in his injury comeback, and he’s grabbed double-digit rebounds in five of his past six contests. He’s also dished a combined 28 dimes in his last three games.
Raptors vs Celtics SGP
Jaylen Brown Over 27.5 points
Jayson Tatum Over 4.5 assists
Jayson Tatum Over 9.5 rebounds
Celtics -9.5
Raptors vs Celtics odds
Spread: Raptors +10 | Celtics -10
Moneyline: Raptors -375 | Celtics -400
Over/Under: Over 220.5 | Under 220.5
Raptors vs Celtics betting trend to know
The Under is 23-14 in Celtics home games this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Celtics.
How to watch Raptors vs Celtics
Location
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Tip-off
3:30 p.m. ET
TV
Sportsnet, NBCS-Boston
Raptors vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 27: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics boxes out during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 27, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
From the moment Tatum hit the court in his first game almost a month ago, one thing has stuck out to me: the guy has come back to the game with a nose for the ball that is truly remarkable.
It’s like we’ve got a Steve Austin Six Million Dollar Man thing going on here, because Tatum has, from the get-go, displayed a knack for grabbing rebounds that is truly remarkable, given his career numbers.
In 13 games, Tatum is averaging 9.9 rebounds, which is enough to lead the team by almost a full board (Neemias Queta is second at 9 rebounds per game over the same time period).
What’s more impressive about that stat is that it’s significantly higher than his numbers from last season. Tatum’s shooting is down meaningfully from last season, as is his assist total (eFG% is down from .537 to .494, assists are 5.1, down from 6.0), but his rebounding has gone from 8.7 to 9.9 rips per game, with all of that increase coming on the defensive glass.
With a little bit of luck, Tatum could end the season averaging a double-double, something that he’s never done in his career.
Importantly, Tatum’s rebounds aren’t coming strictly at the expense of other players on the team.
Looking at advanced stats split before and after Tatum’s return, the Celtics have been rebounding the other team’s misses at a 75.4% clip since March 6th. Prior to that, the team’s defensive rebounding rate was just 70.4%. Defensive rebounds are up by more than 3 per game in real numbers.
Given that the Celtics score 119.4 points per 100 possessions, those extra three rebounds amount to an extra 3.6 points per game, and are partially responsible for a better than one point per 100 possession drop in opponent production against Boston.
Not surprisingly, Boston’s net rating per game has gone from +7.3 before Tatum’s return to +8.5 since, with no meaningful change in field goal percentage to indicate better offensive efficiency on that side of the ball.
Tatum is still very much a work in progress on the offensive side of the court, but he seems to be content to work into the flow of the game at that end, not trying to force himself back into game shape in a manner that works to the detriment of the team as a whole, but, on the other end of the court, he’s been the team’s number one rebounding option from the get-go.
BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 11: Kevin Garnett Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans Head Coach Doc River of the LA Clippers and former player Paul Pierce enjoy the game between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers on February 11, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Doc Rivers into the Hall of Fame
I suppose this was, in some ways, a foregone conclusion.
The Basketball Hall of Fame seems to place a high value on longevity when it comes to coaches at all levels of the sport, and at this point in time, Doc is the only coach with more than 2,000 games under his belt that isn’t in the hall of fame. Heck, Bill Fitch is in the Basketball Hall of Fame with 2,050 games coached, and he’s got a losing record as a head coach.
But I think that time will not be kind to Doc’s reputation. To be sure, he’s got a pretty decent record, overall, 1192-863 as of this date, and it’s not out of the question that he could top Lenny Wilkens’ record for total games coached. Wilkens coached 2,487 games in his career, and Doc is sitting at 2,055 games. At the same time, Doc has morphed from a coach who could get the most out of his players to a guy who seems bent on blaming them for everything. There’s also the matter of the blown 3-1 playoff series.
The version of Doc that is coaching the Bucks these days seems a far cry from the “Ubuntu” Doc that led the Celtics to a title in 2008 and confidently hid $2,600 in the Staples Center locker room in 2010 to convince the team that they were going to make the Finals that year.
I kind of feel for the guy. It doesn’t seem like he enjoys coaching very much these days, and it makes me wonder why he keeps at it. Is he chasing Lenny Wilkens’ record? Does he not want to figure out life holds for him after he’s done coaching?
Los Angeles, CA – February 22: Guard Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics shoots between Austin Reaves #15 and center Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers as guard Luka Doncic #77 looks on in the second half of a NBA basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 22, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Another one bites the dust
The Lakers have shut Luka Doncic down for the rest of the season, meaning that he’s also going to miss the 65 game threshold for regular season awards.
Predictably, people are up in arms about this.
I stand by my observations from last week: There should be a declared minimum number of games played to qualify for awards that are quite literally based on the games one plays, and if that minimum cuts out a player due to injury, well, that’s just how these things work. If you want to get a regular season award, logic dictates that you participate in a significant number of regular season games.
Right now, you can take off every fifth game and still qualify for the MVP award. Lowering the threshold to 60 games would mean that you can take every fourth game off, which seems excessively lenient to me, and either abolishing the limit or lowering it further seems to be even less defensible.
And in Doncic’s case, he would’ve met the threshold if he had been less adept at incurring technical fouls.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 21: AJ Griffin #14 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 21, 2024 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The 2023-24 Houston Rockets underwent a significant amount of change, as the team parted with Stephen Silas at the end of the prior season. The Rockets sought a defensive-first approach, which was sensical after Houston finished bottom-five in that category in each of Silas’s three seasons in the big chair.
The Rockets made a big jump in the standings, from 22-60 in 2022-23 to 41-41 in the 2023-24 season, with the league’s ninth-best defensive attack. However, their offense ranked 20th-best and they lacked a formidable outside shooting attack, ranking as the league’s 23rd-best outside shooting team at 35.2 percent from deep.
In the offseason that followed, the Rockets decided to address their shooting deficiencies, by trading for AJ Griffin, who they’d reportedly had interest in acquiring at the trade deadline. As a side note, Houston ultimately traded for Steven Adams at the trade deadline during that season.
Griffin made 39% of his triples from deep in his rookie 2022-23 campaign and fell out of favor with Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder, resulting in a rather significant minutes reduction, from 19.8 minutes as a rookie to 8.6 minutes in his second season with the Hawks.
Naturally, there was a fit for both sides. The Rockets traded a second-round pick for Griffin, which ultimately was used on Pelle Larson. Following the trade, we’d never seen footage of Griffin training with the Rockets in the summer or offseason.
As it turns out, Griffin had been mulling retirement to focus on evangelism and ultimately decided to walk away from basketball at the age of 21 years old.
But it was an uneventful, non-public ordeal. The Rockets respected Griffin’s desires to move on from basketball and supported him, despite losing their draft capital in exchange for him.
By the same token, Griffin didn’t spread ill will about the Rockets. The story went away.
Well, it was never really a story to begin with. The situation pales in comparison to the situation that’s come full circle regarding the Chicago Bulls and Jaden Ivey, who was traded to the Bulls and released after just four games with the organization.
Ivey was viewed as a potential long-term asset for the Bulls. Until he began to concoct social media videos, many of which are aimed at targeting certain groups and/or population circles.
Ivey also began asking media members very personal questions about their lifestyle decisions and choices. Like Griffin, he also took up an interest in religion and spirituality, but in a significantly different manner. And it ended poorly for him.
Which should make Rockets fans feel much better about the Griffin fiasco. Sure, he never played for them, but that’s about the extent of the embarrassment faced by the Rockets.
That a player they spent a second-round pick on amounted to a lost second-round draft pick. For the Bulls, it’s resulted in daily mockery at the national level. And the more expressive Ivey has become, the more the Bulls’ front office has faced questions about how little research they’d conducted before making the deadline deal with the Detroit Pistons.
Jayson Tatum
Donte DiVincenzo
Tari Eason
