Category: NBA

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The battle for the final spot in the NBA's Western Conference playoff picture gets settled tonight, when the Golden State Warriors visit the Phoenix Suns.

A vintage Steph Curry performance could be in the cards in a high stakes environment, so it's no surprise I'm targeting him into our Warriors vs. Suns predictions for Friday night.

Check my favorite Warriors vs Suns props, and my free NBA picks below.

Best Warriors vs Suns props

Player	Pick
Steph Curry	Over 27.5 points	-120
Devin Booker	Over 26.5 points	-105
Al Horford	Over 1.5 3-pointers	-110

Prop #1: Stephen Curry Over 27.5 points

-120 at bet365

At this point, the makeup of the Golden State Warriors is so bad that Steph Curry needs to be close to supernova just for his team to have a chance to win.

After taking a hard hit early against the Clippers, Curry clutched up, scoring 27 of his game-high 35 points in the second half, erasing a 13-point fourth quarter deficit and sending LA packing in a 126-121 masterpiece.

That's the most points and most minutes he's played in the five games he's suited up for since returning from a knee injury.

He's scored at least 28 in two of his last three against the Phoenix Suns, and he should be north of that with his team in a do-or-die situation again.

Prop #2: Devin Booker Over 26.5 points

-105 at bet365

There's just no world where Jalen Green should have taken 12 more field goal attempts than Devin Booker in a biggie matchup (29 to 17) like he did in the Suns' loss to Portland.

With the chance at the 7-seed now gone, this has to be an empty-the-tank game for Booker, or this feel-good Suns story ends with a disappointing thud in the play-in.

Prior to this game, Book had gone for at least 31 in five of the last six, and he's been unstoppable against the Dubs of late.

Booker is averaging 30.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds over his last five matchups, and he's scored at least 27 points in seven of his last 10 against them.

Prop #3: Al Horford Over 1.5 3-pointers

-110 at bet365

Bottom line: Steph Curry doesn't get to do his heroics if Al Horford doesn't go Splash-Cousin in the 4th quarter against the Clippers.

Horford drilled all four of his 3-point attempts in the frame to get the Dubs in the picture before Curry drove the nail in the coffin.

Not exactly sure this was going to be his role for the Dubs, but he's one of the few non-Steph guys that's producing.

Horford has a generous 1.5 make line tonight, and he's topped that total eight times in his last 11 games, and in three of his last four against Phoenix. 

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

With the dust settled on the regular season, the Lakers now turn their attention to the playoffs and their first- round matchup with the Houston Rockets.

Despite having a better record and home-court advantage over their Western Conference counterpart, Los Angeles is projected to be a large underdog in the series. That’s the harsh reality of losing both Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves to injury. But these are the cards they have been dealt and work with if they hope to extend the season long enough for their star backcourt to return. 

Even without Dončić and Reaves in the fold, there will still be plenty of intrigue and storylines surrounding the series.

Among them are lofty expectations for unexpected players, a center with much to prove, and a potential final encounter between two legendary forwards. So let’s take a look at who and what may decide the winner. 

How will the Lakers’ guards fare against the Rockets’ perimeter defense?

The natural first response to the Lakers losing both Dončić and Reaves ahead of the playoffs was to question how they could ever replicate their production. 

From a raw numbers perspective, the Lakers are missing a combined 56.8 points and 13.8 assists from their lineup. And from an intangible perspective, the gravity and creation ability lost can not go overlooked.

Yes, LeBron James will be looked upon to shoulder this weight (more on that later). But the Lakers will need meaningful contributions from everyone, specifically their other guards, if they hope to improve their odds of advancing. 

The two players who are most likely to be tasked with stepping up are Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart. 

These aren’t the names fans envisioned that their postseason hopes would rest on. Yet, the duo is the only option left. Fortunately, both have shown the capability to take on more responsibility when given the chance. 

Since joining the team, Kennard has proved he is much more than just a shooter. His knack for attacking closeouts, driving to the rim and flashing passing chops are reasons why he has been an invaluable blender starter. 

Those ancillary skills have only continued to pop as Kennard has upped his usage (+8.3%) and assist (+16.9%) rates significantly since Dončić and Reaves have been out.

While Kennard should get plenty of on-ball reps against Houston, the Lakers may lean on Smart even more. 

The veteran guard has become a fan favorite thanks to his stingy defense, impressive on/off numbers and role as a connector on offense. With Smart’s history as an on-ball player on the Celtics, the Lakers will try to tap back into his previous experience handling playmaking responsibilities in the short term.

Smart dished out 10 assists in the Lakers’ season finale as he worked himself back into the groove of things after previously missing nine games. It was an encouraging proof of concept. However, it is important to contextualize it came against a lowly Utah Jazz and not a Rockets’ squad with piranhas on the perimeter.

Spearheaded by the breathtaking defense of Amen Thompson, the Rockets also equip a slew of rangy and feisty options to sic on the Lakers’ ball-handlers.

“They’re going to try to come in and punk us,” Smart said of the Rockets’ physicality. “And if you will allow that, you will be punked. And I don’t think we have any guys that are going to be punked on this team.”

Protecting the ball will have to be a point of emphasis, as Houston was one of the most consistent teams at shutting off the water against opposing first options. They were sixth-best in defending isolations and fourth in checking the ball-handler in the pick and roll, according to league tracking data. Collectively, they also had the third-stingiest half-court defense.

Kennard’s trademark shooting and Smart’s defense will still need to remain staples to their games. But how effectively they can do a little of everything else — especially against a fierce opponent — could make the difference.

Can Deandre Ayton hold his own on both ends?

After getting mauled by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs last year, the primary objective for the Lakers in the offseason was to add more size. Namely, finding a starting caliber center. 

While his individual performance has waxed and waned this year, Deandre Ayton has mostly shored up that glaring need. However, as has been the case throughout his career, one can not help but long for more when it comes to Ayton’s play. 

That feeling can’t be the case against the Rockets. The postseason is why the Lakers signed Ayton. And it will benefit both sides if the postseason is where Ayton performs his best on both ends.

On defense, Ayton will get the lion’s share of minutes guarding Alperen Şengün. It’s a tough matchup for anyone. The talented and versatile big man has presented challenges for the Lakers dating back to Anthony Davis’ tenure with the team. 

Şengün averaged 20.5 points (77.7% true shooting), 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and was a+15.5 in the boxscore in his two games against Los Angeles this season.

With Şengün’s improved ability to space the floor and acting as the trigger man in the Rockets’ dribble handoff sets, Ayton will have to be nimble enough to hang on the perimeter while staying sturdy enough to bang with him in the paint. 

Beyond playing stout defense, Ayton will also need to make Şengün work on the other end as well. 

After his polarizing comment about the Rockets’ other big, Clint Capela, went viral, Ayton did little to back up his gusto during the team’s regular-season meetings. He notoriously grabbed only two rebounds in their first matchup and averaged just 5.7 boards and 11 points across three games.

Given Houston’s historic rebounding prowess and bulky front court, Ayton will have to be on his game every night.

He doesn’t need to outplay Şengün or be the best center in the series for the Lakers to win. But he does need to be engaged and able to hold his own.

Will LeBron or KD have a bigger impact?

After years of interweaving in and out of each other’s careers, the basketball pendulum has finally swung LeBron James and Kevin Durant back into a collision. 

Three Finals meetings and 14 playoff contests later, James and Durant will square off once again. Perhaps for the last time. 

For as much as has changed in the NBA since their last battle, the expectations for James, 41, and Durant, 37, remain the same. Both will be looked upon by their respective teams to lead them, set the example and be the best player on the court. 

With his younger star teammates out, James has expectantly been asked to revert as the Lakers’ primary offensive hub. 

His 29.2% usage rate on the season (his lowest since 2004) has jumped up to a whopping 39.5% mark in the Lakers’ final four games without Dončić and Reaves. 

While obviously not a sustainable recipe for success, it does paint a picture of how dire the Lakers’ scoring creation is expected to be without their starting backcourt.

How well James fares as both a scorer and playmaker could be the deciding factor in the series. The same applies to Durant. 

KD terrorized the Lakers from an efficiency standpoint (67.2% true shooting) in the regular season, but Los Angeles did a solid job containing him, as his 20.3 point average in those games could attest. 

This was accomplished by the Lakers exploiting Houston’s primary offensive weakness — a lack of ball-handling and shot creation. 

Like the Lakers, the Rockets find themselves sapped of perimeter offensive juice outside of Durant. Knowing this, head coach JJ Redick and staff were steadfast in their gameplan against Durant, often sending doubles, trapping and forcing the ball out of his hands in the half court.

This aggressive approach led Durant to average as many turnovers (4.7) as assists (4.7) against the Lakers this season. 

If Durant can shake free and or the rest of the Rockets help shoulder the scoring, it may be difficult for the Lakers to consistently keep one of the NBA’s most prolific offensive weapons contained. 

Like it has so many times before, the series may just come down to which of James or Durant can have the biggest impact. The pieces around them may be different, but the central figures of this era still find themselves front and center.

All stats courtesy of Cleaning the Glass unless otherwise stated. You can follow Alex on Bluesky at @alexregla.bsky.social.

The Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic in the NBA’s play-in tournament. The winner gets the Eastern Conference’s No. 8 playoff seed and a first-round matchup with the Detroit Pistons. The loser’s season ends. The Hornets beat the Miami Heat in a thrilling OT game while the Magic lost to the Philadelphia 76ers to set up Friday’s game.

How to watch Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic

• Date: Friday, April 17

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

• Where: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida

• TV Channels: Amaz

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

Last game

• Charlotte Hornets: Beat Miami Heat 127-126 in OT in play-in tournament.

• Orlando Magic: Lost to Philadelphia 76ers 109-97 in play-in tournament.

Odds

• Spread: Orlando Magic +3.5

• Moneyline: Orlando Magic +140 (39.8%) / Charlotte Hornets -170 (60.2%)

• Over/Under: 218.5

The Philadelphia 76ers are set to begin their first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics on Sunday. The Celtics are the odds-on favorite to reach the NBA Finals, so the Sixers are understandably huge underdogs to extend their season beyond the next four-to-seven games.

If there is any silver lining in this particular matchup, Philadelphia did fare reasonably well against the Celtics during the regular season, which we’ll examine a bit more in depth below. The two teams split the four games, each winning once at home and once on the road.

There are a few significant roster changes since those meetings in the regular season. For the Sixers, Joel Embiid is out indefinitely following appendicitis surgery; he appeared in two of the four games against Boston. Interestingly, Paul George did not play in any of the Boston matchups but will be on the floor for Game 1 in Boston.

For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum made his season debut on March 6 following Achilles surgery, which came after the final meeting with the Sixers. He has rounded into form lately and looks like a fair approximation of his old self, scoring at least 23 points in seven straight games and playing a season-high 40 minutes the last time he took the floor. Nikola Vucevic also joined Boston at the trade deadline, since playing minutes in the low-20s off the bench for Boston.

Now, let’s take a look at the four meetings this season.

10/22/25 – Boston, MA – Philadelphia 117, Boston 116

The Sixers started the season on a high note, just edging out the rival Celtics on the road in the opener. Philadelphia received 40 points and six assists from Tyrese Maxey, while VJ Edgecombe had a historically great rookie NBA debut with 34 points. Joel Embiid was extremely underwhelming, scoring just four points on 1-of-9 shooting in 20 minutes in his first game since the previous February. The Celtics received 25 points apiece from Jaylen Brown and Derrick White.

After Edgecombe missed a pair of free throws in the closing seconds (which hopefully didn’t end up spoiling his amazing overall performance), Payton Pritchard missed a couple shots at the end of the game to keep the Sixers in front.

10/31/25 – Philadelphia, PA – Boston 109, Philadelphia 108

Philadelphia was led by 26 points and 14 assists from Maxey. Embiid scored 20 points, while Kelly Oubre Jr. and Edgecombe each chipped in with 17 points. Boston was led by 32 points from Jaylen Brown.

This game was the one where the Sixers had the ball with a chance to win it and didn’t even technically get a shot off before the final buzzer. Everyone came at Nick Nurse pretty hard for the late-game decision-making in what was the Sixers’ first loss of the season.

11/11/25 – Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia 102, Boston 100

This Sixers win was the most improbable result of the season series against Boston. Philadelphia was led by 22 points off the bench from Justin Edwards, who shot 5-of-6 from three. Andre Drummond, starting in place of Embiid, had 14 points and 13 rebounds. Jaylen Brown once again paced Boston with 24 points.

Oubre put back a bucket off an offensive rebound with eight seconds left to break the tie (ironically rebounding Edwards’ only missed three of the night). Then, Drummond played great defense to knock the ball away from Derrick White and force a wild shot in the final seconds.

3/1/26 – Boston, MA – Boston 114, Philadelphia 98

Here we have the only stinker of the four regular season meetings. Without Embiid and George, Maxey and Edgecombe led the offensive charge with a combined 56 points. Still, the defensive effort was lacking and there was no fight on the glass, most emphasized by Neemias Queta collecting 27 points and 17 rebounds. Jaylen Brown tied for team-high honors with 27 points of his own.

This game represents the realistic downside scenario for the Sixers in the postseason. Boston can spread the Sixers out and if Philadelphia’s defensive rotations aren’t crisp and the work on the glass is a problem, as it often has been, things could get away from them in a hurry.

Overall, there are encouraging signs from these games for the Sixers. The obvious one is that they are going to need a huge series from their starting backcourt. Both Maxey and Edgecombe had some very solid outings against Boston this year. Of course, Joel Embiid being sidelined is a gargantuan blow, but at the very least, the Sixers can go in with the knowledge that they’ve beaten Boston once this year without Joel and once when he had probably a negative impact on the court. Jayson Tatum is a much, much better player than Paul George at this stage of their careers, but everyone brings up “the Celtics now have Tatum” without mentioning “the Sixers now have George” in this matchup. PG has been great since returning from suspension and should at least be a big help in guarding either Brown or Tatum on the wings.

I don’t think the Sixers without Embiid have any real shot of getting past Boston in the first round, but I believe they could provide some fun moments and keep things competitive in extending this series to six games.

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Kevin Durant and LeBron James headline the upcoming first-round matchup between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers.

Regardless of your fandom, don’t sleep on this Round 1 rumble. You’ll miss KD and LeBron when they’re gone, and in honor of this Hall of Fame pairing, my Rockets vs. Lakers predictions for Saturday’s series opener lean on both superstars.

Here are my best NBA picks for April 18.

Our best Rockets vs Lakers SGP for Game 1

Without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, oddsmakers aren’t giving the Los Angeles Lakers much of a shot in Round 1.

That said, if there was a game in which L.A. would show up, Saturday is it. Los Angeles is rested and ready for the Rockets, and LeBron always plays his best in the opener. The Houston Rockets' young stars could be a bit tight, having to start the playoffs on the road.

Kevin Durant hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. He was a beast in the home stretch, averaging more than 27 points in the final 13 games of the regular season. His projections sit as high as 27+ points for Game 1 against a broken L.A. rotation.

Fading LeBron James’ assist prop is kind of a nod toward his scoring prowess. The Lakers' supporting roles are terribly inconsistent, especially against a good defense like Houston. James has been dishing out the dimes with Luka out, but he’ll have to carry this team with scoring in Game 1.

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

Who: Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors

When: 7:00pm Arizona Time

Where: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona

Watch: Prime Video

Listen: KMVP 98.7

So the season comes down to this. One game against the Golden State Warriors for the right to stay alive. For the right to earn the eight seed. For the right to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, the defending champions, and the best team in the league.

At first glance, it feels favorable. The Warriors limped to a 37–45 record and haven’t been playing their best basketball. But that surface read doesn’t hold for long. Because what they have can’t be measured in standings. They know who they are. They know how to win. The core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr has lived in these moments. Four championships together are unquantifiable. You saw it against the Los Angeles Clippers. Down double digits, they didn’t blink. They dropped 43 points in the fourth quarter and took control. That’s not luck. That’s experience.

So the record gets tossed. The late-season struggles get tossed. Because they have the one thing that travels in games like this. They have Curry.

For the Suns, it’s a shot at redemption. A chance to still reach the postseason after dropping the 7–8 game. No seven seed has failed to advance in the Play-In era. Phoenix doesn’t want to be the first. Standing in the way is a team that has given them problems, even if it’s been a while since they last met. None of that matters now. One game. One result. Season on the line.

Probable Starters

Injury Report

Suns

• Grayson Allen — QUESTIONABLE (Left Hamstring Soreness)
• Mark Williams — QUESTIONABLE (Left Foot Soreness)

Warriors

• Jimmy Butler III — OUT (Right ACL)
• Moses Moody — OUT (Left Patellar Tendon)
• Kristaps Porzingis — QUESTIONABLE (Right Ankle Soreness)
• Quinten Post — OUT (Right Foot Injury Management)

Tale of the Tape

All of the statistics listed below are post-All-Star break.

What to Watch For

It starts at the point of attack for the Phoenix Suns. That’s been the issue for two months now.

If you can’t contain the ball up top, everything behind it gets stressed. It puts pressure on guys like Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro to protect the rim, and when they do, the defense collapses. That leads to kick-outs and open threes. Against the Golden State Warriors, that’s dangerous. They may sit 25th in three-point percentage since the All-Star break, but they’re 11th in makes. Volume matters. Give them space and they’ll make you pay. So while collapsing the defense has its place, it comes with risk.

On the other end, the Suns need to find the three-point line early. This is where their advantage lies. 18th in the NBA in three-point percentage since the break, Phoenix is 4th in makes at 15.0 per game. Golden State isn’t as long or as disruptive on the perimeter as the Portland Trail Blazers. That was Portland’s blueprint: keep Phoenix off the arc. It worked. The Suns didn’t hit their first three until midway through the second quarter.

That can’t happen again.

You want an early rhythm. Knock down a couple. Get the crowd engaged. Settle the building before the tension creeps in. Because it will. This is an elimination game. If the Suns fall behind, even briefly, that anxious energy will show up.

Key to a Suns Win

Control your emotions. You’re facing the Golden State Warriors, a group built on experience. They’ve lived in elimination games and understand the moment. They’re the more mature team.

The Suns are different. Phoenix is younger and more emotional. They’re in their emo phase, and my assumption is Fall Out Boy posters are all over their room. The team feeds off that energy, but it can swing on them fast. It needs to be controlled. Add Draymond Green into the mix, poking and prodding, and you can feel how this could tilt early. Don’t be surprised if a couple of technicals show up as officials try to keep it in check.

Devin Booker needs to show real leadership, especially the emotional kind. In a game like this, that means being the emotional beacon: the player who gives his teammates space to feel the moment while keeping his own emotions firmly under control.

We felt it on Tuesday, the way these games come in waves. There are runs and momentum shifts. The team that stays composed usually comes out on top. If the Suns are going to win, it starts there. Stay composed. Stay disciplined. Use emotion as a tool to impose your will.

Prediction

It hasn’t been a great track record against the Golden State Warriors this season, but I have confidence that this Phoenix Suns group has more depth. They can sustain scoring, keep pressure on throughout, and that matters against a team that isn’t elite defensively.

Because of that, I lean Suns. They find enough offense, they hold steady, and they get it done. Phoenix wins and moves on to the postseason. We have one amazing day of discourse before the reality of a matchup against OKC sinks in.

Suns 109, Warriors 101

Knicks fans don’t have Trae Young to vilify anymore, but a new person will be getting the ire of the Madison Square Garden faithful on Saturday night when they host the Atlanta Hawks for Game 1 of the playoffs.

The Post has learned that there will be a stunt set up outside MSG where a comedian will be enclosed in a plexiglass case decked out in Hawks gear with a microphone to needle Knicks fans as they enter and leave the arena, beginning pregame at 5 p.m. ET and could last into the wee hours of the night

The stunt, put on by sports and prediction company Underdog, will include employees handing fans eggs and other projectiles to throw at comedian Andrew Weiss.

The Garden had not been notified of the upcoming stunt and is not involved. Parts of the sidewalks are public property, though they are maintained in part by Vornado Property Management.

A source told The Post that the Knicks had “no involvement” in this stunt.

NYC’s Street Activity Permit Office did not respond to multiple requests for comment about whether one was needed for such a stunt.

Win or lose, the comedian is slated to be there both pre- and postgame.

Knicks fans are typically rather rambunctious outside the arena after playoff games, and their “F–k Trae Young” chants from the 2021 NBA Playoffs and beyond are part of Garden lore.

The stakes are notably higher this year. First-year Knicks coach Mike Brown’s group embarks on a massive playoff campaign in their first season without Tom Thibodeau.

The Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals and took the Pacers to six games last season, falling just short of making the NBA Finals.

Fans will be on pins and needles as they head into the arena, and perhaps will have some scores to settle after the game as well. Weiss will need to be in top form either way.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are entering the 2026 NBA Playoffs with a chip on their shoulders. Before they can prove anything of substance and go the distance, they need to take care of business as the heavy favorites in their first-round series with the Toronto Raptors.

Here are three keys to making sure that happens. All stats are via Cleaning the Glass.

1. Control the Pace

The Cavs have a talent advantage in this series. But talent can only get you so far. Winning on the margins is often what determines outcomes. If you lose the mini-battles, you lose the series.

For Cleveland, losing control of the pace would be the quickest path to destruction.

Toronto finished the regular season 3rd in transition frequency. They scored over 20 points per game off fastbreaks. They also generated the fourth most turnovers in the league. These transition opportunities are huge for a team that finished 13th in offensive efficiency.

In short, this series favors the Cavs if they can keep this game in the halfcourt. How do you achieve that?

Taking care of the ball is the first step. Cleveland finished the season 8th in turnover percentage and was even better (6th) in the two months after acquiring James Harden. This will be key as the Cavs ranked 11th in transition defense post All-Star break, but struggled heavily in scenarios created off turnovers, finishing 20th off steals.

Then there’s the double-edged sword of attacking the offensive glass. On one hand, offensive rebounds can wear a team down and slow things significantly. On the other hand, coming up short on an offensive board will leave your transition defense more vulnerable. The Cavs have to play this carefully.

The Raptors finished 1st in transition frequency off live rebounds. However, they ranked 19th in keeping opponents off the offensive glass. Cleveland was 11th in offensive rebounding percentage. There’s an opportunity for the Cavs to burn or get burned here. I’ll be interested to see how they approach this.

Either way, a slower pace benefits Cleveland. Expect the Cavs to make this their top priority in round one.

2. Trust the Math

There isn’t much in the world that everyone can agree on. We can, however, agree that three is greater than two, right?

If my math is correct, then the Cavs once again have an advantage.

The Raptors finished 25th in three-point frequency and 18th in accuracy this season. They are… not a great perimeter team. Aside from scoring in transition, the Raps primarily made up for their lack of shooting by attacking the paint (9th in rim frequency) and mid-range (6th in mid-range frequency).

This is exactly the type of style that Cleveland’s defense prefers to go against.

The Cavs have always worked to run opponents off the line and force them to score from the middle of the floor. Difficult, inefficient two-pointers are preferable to three-point jumpers. This has been the basis of Cleveland being an elite defense in years past. It will be their blueprint for round one, too.

Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes will try their best to beat Cleveland from the mid-range. They’ll likely even have a game or two where they are red-hot from that zone. But this is a gamble the Cavs are willing to accept. The math says that Toronto will have a hard time winning four out of seven games by scoring in the mid-range.

The Cavs will trust that even the most prolific scoring performance from the mid-range will be something they can overcome with their own three-point shooting. Let’s talk more about that in our next section.

3. Score, Score, Score

I can’t blame anyone who might feel hesitant to trust Cleveland’s defense. After all, we spent most of the regular season watching them either be banged up or struggling to play with consistent effort. I’ll grant you that concern.

But this team should pack a strong enough punch offensively to make everything else in this series moot.

Lineups featuring James Harden had an offensive rating of 120.9 (87th percentile). Add Donovan Mitchell next to him, and those lineups had a scorching 125.7 offensive rating (98th percentile). You’re banking on that being enough to overcome anything in this first round, even a top-10 defense.

For reference, the Cavs ranked sixth in offensive rating against top-10 opponents after the All-Star break. The Raps ranked 21st.

The problem-solving capabilities of Harden and Mitchell make this possible. They can punish you in isolation, through their pick-and-roll dynamism with Allen and Mobley, or by spraying the ball to any of Cleveland’s various three-point specialists. They have a solution to anything a defense can throw at them.

And while we know that the guards can fill it up, the potential for either Mobley or Allen to control the paint is just as dangerous. These two hit their stride in the back half of the season and will put a heavy strain on Toronto’s frontcourt to keep them from racking up dunks.

Finally, X-Factors like Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Keon Ellis, and Max Strus can swing the entire series with their three-point shooting. Either one of them can heat up in a hurry and deliver a game-ending run.

All in all, the Cavalier offense has all of the tools needed to be an extinction-level threat to the Raptors. This is their greatest advantage in round one.

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The Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic are in a battle for their NBA playoff lives.

Tonight’s NBA Play-In finale should be absolutely riveting, and my Hornets vs. Magic predictions and NBA props projections have found three potential mismatches to take advantage of.

Read on for my NBA picks for Friday, April 17.

Best Hornets vs Magic props

Player	Pick
Wendell Carter Jr.	Over 1.5 assists	+100
Miles Bridges	Over 1.5 threes	+102
Kon Knueppel	Over 2.5 threes	-130

Prop #1: Wendell Carter Jr. Over 1.5 assists

+100 at bet365

As the Orlando Magic's starting center, Wendell Carter Jr.regularly serves as the offensive hub, with Orlando guards and wings cutting to the cup off his passes.

Our Covers prop projections have Carter dropping at least two dimes tonight, which is something he has done in three of his previous seven games. 

The Charlotte Hornets rank among the league's worst at defending big man playmakers, making this a prime opportunity for Carter to rack up the dimes.

Prop #2: Miles Bridges Over 1.5 threes

+100 at bet365

Miles Bridges has quietly become one of Charlotte’s most reliable 3-point threats.

With LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller drawing constant defensive attention and creating open looks on the perimeter, Bridges benefits from some of the best kick-out opportunities on the team.

He’s knocked down at least four threes in four of his previous seven games and should get there again against Orlando.

Prop #3: Kon Knueppel Over 2.5 threes 

-130 at bet365

Kon Knueppel has been one of the more impressive shooting revelations for Charlotte this season. He’s drained the fourth-most threes in the NBA this season and is coming off a 0-for-6 stinker against Miami.

Our model expects a bounce-back shooting night, and Knueppel has made at least three threes in four of his previous seven games. 

I expect Orlando's defense to prioritize stopping Ball first, so I’ll back the rookie sharpshooter against the Magic. 

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

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The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns collide in a win-or-go-home showdown tonight, with the winner punching a ticket to the playoffs and the loser sent packing.

The Suns may be priced as favorites, but that number carries less weight in a win-or-go-home spot, where rotations shrink, stars take over, and variance swings harder than the market accounts for.

With prediction markets like Kalshi offering a sharper, real-time read on sentiment, we’re breaking down the latest Warriors vs. Suns predictions and best NBA picks for this high-stakes clash.

Who will win Warriors vs Suns?

Warriors win probability:43% (+133)
Suns win probability:59% (-144)

The Phoenix Suns come in as slight favorites at 59% (-144), while the Golden State Warriors sit at 43% (+133), setting up a tight game that will likely come down to which superstar — Devin Booker or Stephen Curry — takes over when it matters most.

Our prediction:Suns to win

Covers NBA expert Jason Logan says "The Suns are being discounted after running into a hot Portland squad on Tuesday, and the Golden State Warriors will show their age in a tough travel spot Friday."

Read more in Jason Logan's full Warriors vs. Suns predictions.

More Warriors vs Suns prediction markets

You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Warriors vs. Suns at Kalshi; you also have options to trade on the spread, total, and more, among other NBA odds markets.

You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Suns -2.5 spread means the Suns will cover, while "No" means the Warriors will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using the Covers odds converter).

Warriors vs Suns spread and total at prediction markets

Our predictions:Suns -2.5— Yes and Over 218.5 points — No

That potential for a faceplant isn’t the only reason I’m fading Golden State. The Warriors will now hit the road for the fourth time in eight days, which is a lot of wear and tear on the aging legs of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis.

The Phoenix Suns, on the other hand, get to stay home and enjoy an added day of rest and prep. Phoenix is being discounted after running into a red-hot Portland squad in the Play-In and has shown an ability to bounce back from poor performances, going 22-15 SU and 21-16 ATS when coming off a loss.

Other Warriors vs Suns prediction markets available

• Devin Booker 25+ points (Yes: 64¢)
• Steph Curry 25% points (Yes: 70¢)
• Draymond Green double-double (Yes: 17¢)

What is Kalshi and how does it work?

Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts" which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Suns win tonight?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.

How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?

In a sportsbook, you bet against the bookmaker, who sets fixed odds and takes a "vig," which is a kind of commission. On Kalshi, you trade against other users. This peer-to-peer model means prices are driven by supply and demand, often resulting in fairer odds. Additionally, because these are financial derivatives, you can exit your position early. If your team takes a 14-point lead, the contract price will rise, allowing you to sell your "Yes" shares for a profit before the final whistle even blows.

Why should I wager on Warriors vs Suns at Kalshi?

Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:

1. Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
   
   
2. Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
   
   
3. Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
   
   
4. Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.

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Our NBA player prop projections are set for tonight’s Play-In Tournament finale between the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic, with the model pinpointing several standout opportunities.

By analyzing the data and comparing it to current market lines, we’ve uncovered the bets with the highest value.

These Hornets vs. Magic predictions aren’t guesswork — they’re driven by the numbers.

For those building their cards, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Friday, April 17.

Hornets vs Magic computer picks for April 17

Hornets	Magic
Ball o23.5 points -120	Banchero u22.5 points  -105
Knueppel o2.5 threes -130	Carter Jr. u7.5 rebounds  -135
Ball o7.5 assists +100	Suggs u5.5 assists  -125

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Hornets computer picks

LaMelo Ball Over 23.5 points (-120)

Projection: 23.6 points

LaMelo Ball has been on a scoring tear lately, putting up 29.4 points per game over his last five outings — a sharp jump of 9.2 points above his season average.

The matchup also works in his favor. When on the road, opposing starting point guards have shot 42.3% from beyond the arc against the Orlando Magic — the sixth-highest mark allowed in the league. That vulnerability from deep sets the stage for Ball to surpass his points prop once again tonight.

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Kon Knueppel Over 2.5 threes (-130)

Projection: 3.1 threes

The Magic have pushed the pace at the third-fastest rate in the league over their last 10 games, creating a boost in possessions for the Charlotte Hornets.

That uptick in tempo opens the door for Kon Knueppel to bounce back from a quiet postseason debut and make his mark from deep, giving Charlotte a much-needed spark as they look to punch their ticket to the playoffs.

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LaMelo Ball Over 7.5 assists (+100)

Projection: 7.9 assists

Ball has cleared the 7.5 assist line in 6 of his last 10 games, and the recent trend points to a player fully in command of his team’s offense at the right time of year.

Orlando’s defensive identity is built on length and help-side pressure, which often forces the ball out of a lead guard’s hands, but that’s exactly where Ball thrives.

If Orlando commits extra attention to slowing his scoring, Ball’s assist upside only grows. With shooters spacing the floor and transition chances likely to increase, the path to 8+ assists is firmly in play once again.

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Magic computer picks

Paolo Banchero Under 22.5 points (-105)

Projection: 21.9 points

The Charlotte Hornets have operated at the slowest pace in the league over their last 10 road games, a trend that should naturally limit possessions for the Orlando Magic.

That kind of environment doesn’t set up well for Paolo Banchero, who has already fallen short of the 22.5-point mark in 6 of his last 10 outings.

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Wendell Carter Jr. Under 7.5 rebounds (-135)

Projection: 7.2 rebounds

The Magic rank as the fourth-worst offensive rebounding team in the league at home over their last 20 games, limiting second-chance opportunities.

That trend hasn’t helped Wendell Carter Jr., who has fallen short of the 7.5 rebound line in 7 of his last 10 outings.

Facing a locked-in Hornets squad, expect them to control the glass and further cap Carter Jr.’s rebounding chances tonight.

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Jalen Suggs Under 5.5 assists (-125)

Projection: 5.4 assists

Fewer trips up the floor means fewer chances for Jalen Suggs to rack up dimes, especially if Orlando prioritizes efficient scoring over ball movement.

There’s also a usage component to consider. In a win-or-go-home setting, the Magic are more likely to lean heavily on their primary creators, leaving Suggs to focus on defense, spot-up shooting, and secondary actions rather than orchestrating the offense.

If his touches remain in that complementary role, reaching 6+ assists becomes a tough ask once again.

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How to watch Hornets vs Magic tonight

Location	Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date	Friday, April 17, 2026
Tip-off	7:30 p.m. ET
TV	Prime Video

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.

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Why Kawhi Leonard's praise after play-in was extra sentimental to Draymond Green originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green has built a career on intensity, edge and embracing the spotlight — but he revealed why recent praise from Kawhi Leonard carried deeper meaning than most compliments ever could.

“Hall of Fame defender,” Leonard said of Green after the Warriors’ 137-131 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in Wednesday night’s NBA play-in game. “It was hard to even get shots up.”

Speaking on “The Draymond Green Show,” Green said Leonard’s postgame comments resonated because they came from someone he deeply respects after years of competing at the highest level.

“I was flattered,” Green said. “Ultimately, what matters to you the most is the respect from your peers. And not just any peer, the respect from the peers that you respect.”

Green made clear his admiration for Leonard extends well beyond one game.

“I got so much respect for Kawhi,” Green added. “Every time I play against Kawhi Leonard, I get better. And I’m so grateful for him as a competitor, because he brings the best out of me.”

Green explained that while NBA players often are viewed through the lens of fame and money, life in the league can be mentally draining under constant public scrutiny.

“Man, it’s hard,” Green noted. “You have a bad game, and people say you’re trash, you suck. They dissect your personal life. It’s hard.”

That is why Leonard’s praise stood out. Green and Leonard have battled for championships, Defensive Player of the Year honors and postseason success over the years, making the Clippers star’s words especially meaningful.

“To hear him say that about me — me and Kawhi battled for Defensive Player of the Year awards and championship rings,” Green explained. “And for him to say, ‘He’s a Hall of Fame defender’; that’s one of the greatest defenders ever saying I’m a Hall of Fame defender. Man, it meant so much to me.”

Green added that mutual respect is what allows competitors to acknowledge greatness in one another openly.

At the same time, Green emphasized slowing Leonard down was far from an individual accomplishment, crediting the Warriors’ team defense and coaching staff for making life difficult on one of the NBA’s elite scorers.

“You don’t lock down great players,” Green said. “Kawhi still had 21 points. You don’t shut them down. But what you do is you just try to make it hard.”

For Green, Leonard’s words served as a reminder that some of the most meaningful recognition comes from the opponents who know exactly how hard the battle is.

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The reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder enter this weekend’s playoffs as the clear betting favorites to go back to back, while the Los Angeles Lakers are dominating first-round series action. 

Key Takeaways

• OKC is the best-case scenario for BetMGM in the futures market.
  
  
• The Lakers are the most-bet team to win a first-round series.
  
  
• Bettors are split on three Game 1 spreads this weekend.

Western Conference top seed Oklahoma City opened as a +240 favorite in BetMGM’s NBA champion market, and the Thunder have shortened to +140. Because of the low NBA title odds and bettors taking chances on long shots like the Lakers, the sportsbook will be in a good spot if the favorite holds serve. 

“The Thunder are clear favorites to win the NBA Championship heading into the playoffs,” Anthony Parenti, BetMGM sports trader, said. “Among the true contenders, OKC is the best result on the futures market. The sportsbook is in the enviable position of getting to cheer for the favorite to win it all.”

BetMGM took more money on the San Antonio Spurs (+450) and more tickets on the Denver Nuggets (+1,000) than OKC, which is getting 10.9% of the bets and 15.5% of the handle. theScore Bet reported that the Thunder are leading the NBA champion market with 15.7% of the wagers and 15.8% of the money. 

FanDuel reported a massive influx of wagers on the Lakers at +25,000 earlier this week.

Lakers long shots

Sportsbooks will be sweating the Lakers in many ways. Not only are the LeBron James-led West 4-seed BetMGM’s biggest liability in the futures market, but they’re also the most-bet team to win their first-round series with odds of +425. 

The fifth-seeded Houston Rockets are -550 favorites that are only getting 8% of the tickets and 7% of the handle at BetMGM. The Lakers have taken 60% of the wagers and 80% of the money at theScore Bet, where L.A. is the only underdog with the majority of both categories. 

However, the most-bet correct score market by handle is the Rockets in seven games at +825. 

Heading into Saturday’s prime-time Game 1, the Lakers are 5.5-point underdogs and getting 68% of the bets at DraftKings. The Rockets have seen 54% of the handle in the series opener. 

Series upsets?

Among the first-round matchups set before the play-in concluded, another BetMGM underdog drawing heavy action is the Portland Trail Blazers, who have attracted more than 80% of both tickets and handle at +1,000 to upset the Spurs in a best-of-seven series.

At theScore Bet, No.2 San Antonio has seen over 90% of the tickets and handle to take out No. 7 Portland. The closest first-round series by tickets at the operator is Cleveland Cavaliers-Toronto Raptors, which is nearly an even split. However, 90% of the money is backing No. 4 Cleveland. 

The Cavs winning the series 4-0 with odds of +425 is the operator’s most-bet correct score for the market.

Bettors have taken a clear stance on the No. 2 Boston Celtics, hefty -900 favorites to get past the Philadelphia 76ers, who are getting less than 7% of the series handle at theScore Bet. The No. 3 New York Knicks (-270) are getting close to 90% of the money to eliminate the No. 6 Atlanta Hawks, while the No. 3 Nuggets (-340) have taken over 80% of the money to beat the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves.   

Game 1 splits

Aside from Lakers-Rockets, DraftKings bettors are currently split on two other Saturday Game 1 spreads. The Cavs (-8.5) are getting 69% of the handle, but 51% of the tickets have come in on the underdog Raptors. 

The Nuggets have taken 54% of the wagers as 5.5-point favorites, but the T-Wolves are getting 60% of the spread handle in the series opener. 

The Knicks are getting nearly 60% of the tickets and a dominating 84% of the handle as 5.5-point favorites over the Hawks. For Sunday’s games, the Celtics’ -12.5 and the Spurs’ -10.5 aren’t scaring off the majority of bets and money at DraftKings.

The Eastern Conference 1-seed Detroit Pistons await the winner of Friday’s Hornets-Magic play-in game, while the Thunder get either the Golden State Warriors or Phoenix Suns.

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There are head-to-head battles that never go out of style.

King Kong vs. Godzilla. Coke vs. Pepsi. Me vs. Mushrooms.

And Kevin Durant versus LeBron James.

These two future Hall of Famers face off in Round 1 of the Western Conference playoffs.

Durant leads a young, promising Houston Rockets squad against LeBron and the Los Angeles Lakers’ skeleton crew, still playing without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Our Rockets vs. Lakers predictions look to Durant to do damage in the series opener, with my NBA picks taking KD to top his points prop on Saturday, April 18.

Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with the game airing on ABC.

Rockets vs Lakers Game 1 prediction

Who will win Rockets vs Lakers Game 1?

Lakers: The Houston Rockets are Game 1 road chalk, but if the Los Angeles Lakers are going to win at least one game in this series, it’ll be the opener.

LeBron James is fresh with a home-court edge, while the Rockets’ youngsters could shrink a little on the postseason stage.

It wouldn’t shock me if L.A. comes out swinging.

Rockets vs Lakers best bet: Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points (-110)

Editor's Note: This bet was placed Friday afternoon before Durant was listed as questionable for Game 1 due to a right knee contusion. That said, his points prop remains steady with some books dipping to 23.5 O/U. Keep an eye on our injury reports and X account for injury updates on Durant.

Kevin Durant didn’t go easy down the stretch. The 37-year-old powered the Houston Rockets to a 10-3 SU mark in his final 13 showings, averaging more than 27 points on 54.4% shooting.

To me, this Game 1 scoring total is criminally low, with two quiet efforts against the Los Angeles Lakers in mid-March anchoring this Over/Under. Durant put up twin 18-point performances on a combined 15-for-27 mark from the floor.

This L.A. lineup looks very different now.
 
The Lakers are without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, not only pulling the plug on L.A.’s offensive output but also leaving it with fewer options on defense. 

LeBron James will be forced to guard Houston's bigger forwards, so Durant will draw checks from the likes of Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, and Jared Vanderbilt. The 6-foot-11 small forward can shoot over smaller defenders while drilling 3-pointers when bigger ones can’t close out on the perimeter.

It’s been a minute since we’ve seen KD in the playoffs, but he’s always found another gear in the second season. He averages more than 29 points per postseason game for his career, and that production barely dipped in recent stops with Phoenix and Brooklyn.

Player projections sit as high as 27+ points from Durant in Saturday’s series opener. With the playoff spotlight shining a little bright for some of Houston’s young studs, he’ll set the tone right out of the gate.

Rockets vs Lakers Game 1 same-game parlay

If the Lakers have a shot at winning a game in this series, it’s this one. 

Los Angeles is at home, rested and ready for the Rockets. Houston’s young lineup could get caught up in the postseason pressure, and this opener will be closer than oddsmakers expect.

LeBron James has been doing it all for L.A. since losing Doncic and Reaves. He’s been racking up assists, but the Lakers will need him to score more, and I’m not confident Los Angeles’ supporting cast can capitalize on those setups.

Rockets vs Lakers SGP

• Lakers +5.5
• Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points
• LeBron James Under 9.5 assists

Our "from downtown" SGP: The King and I

The old guard has the green light in this playoff opener.

I’m backing both James and Durant to exceed their points totals while fading their passing numbers, as they take center stage as scorers in Game 1.

Rockets vs Lakers SGP

• Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points
• Kevin Durant Under 4.5 assists
• LeBron James Over 25.5 points
• LeBron James Under 9.5 assists

Rockets vs Lakers odds for Game 1

• Spread: Rockets -5.5 (-110) | Lakers +5.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Rockets -220 | Lakers +180
• Over/Under: Over 207.5 (-110) | Under 207.5 (-110)

Rockets vs Lakers betting trend to know

Los Angeles has covered the spread in 11 of its last 13 home games (+8.80 Units / 62% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Lakers.

How to watch Rockets vs Lakers Game 1

Rockets vs Lakers latest injuries

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