For the fourth consecutive season the Knicks are in the playoffs as they gear up for their first-round matchup against the Atlanta Hawks with Game 1 coming on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.
It’s a new era for New York who endured years of mediocrity and inferiority in the not-so-distant past, but who has been able to rise again and consistently fight for its third ever NBA title and first since 1973.
After reaching the Conference Finals last year following two trips to the Conference Semi-finals in the two years prior, the Knicks have been right on the cusp of finally getting over the hump and reaching the NBA Finals.
On Saturday, their road to a possible championship will start once again and this group of players will get another chance to bring glory back to New York. Of course, this time around it will pose new challenges along the way.
One constant throughout the years, though, is the Knicks’ preparation for the playoffs. It’s something that, even with a new head coach at the helm, doesn’t change and is a much different process than getting ready for the regular season.
“It’s just even more detailed,” Mikal Bridges said. “It’s nice, you know you play 82 games, a different game every day, different city this and that, but what I always feel about the playoffs is it’s always nice just to lock in on one team and be able to just focus on them and focus on what we have to do – just like that chess match.”
So that’s what New York has been doing, locking in on Atlanta’s strengths and weaknesses and trying to figure out how they can neutralize and exploit the two over the course of a seven-game series.
“It’s really just knowing each other’s skills and making it a dog fight,” Bridges continued.
And while the playoffs are vastly different from the regular season in both scope and scale, that doesn’t mean the Knicks won’t look at their matchups with the Hawks this year to try and derive intel.
In three games between the two teams, New York took two out of three, winning both games in Atlanta, including one during the final week of the season, while the Hawks beat the Knicks at MSG.
New York will be sure to use that information the best it can. In fact, the game the Knicks won during the final week was a great preview of how the series could look and sound.
“I think it was nice that we played them,” Bridges said. “It felt like a playoff game as well, being in that arena with their fans and our fans and end of the season and two really good teams playing and battling.
“So it was actually great that we got to play them just to get that feel. So I do like and appreciate that and it was nice to have that.”
While playoff experience, which New York has plenty of, is certainly helpful, don’t expect the Knicks to lean too heavily on their recent playoff runs as a blueprint of how to do it again, or even what to do differently this time around to go further.
“I think we try not to look in the past in that sense of like what did we necessarily do wrong, we kind of focus more on like this is our challenge this year,” Miles McBride said. “We’re starting with Atlanta and they’re nothing like Detroit who we played last year so we have to figure out what we have to do to get this down in this series and it starts with the first game.
“We have to take it step by step, we can’t really pull from last year, we have to be in the moment now.”
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We’re just one day away from the start of the NBA Playoffs, but before they can begin, there are still two No. 8 seed to be determined in the final round of the Play-In Tournament.
First up: the Eastern Conference matchup between the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets.
Charlotte is back in the playoff race for the first time in ten seasons. The Hornets won their first play-in game against the Miami Heat in a close 127-126 overtime thriller, where LaMelo Ball hit the game-winning layup with 4.7 seconds left in overtime.
Orlando is coming into today’s do-or-die matchup following a 109-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the Play-In Tournament.
Hornets vs. Magic: what to know
What: NBA Play-In Tournament
When: April 17, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Kia Center (Orlando, Florida)
Streaming: Prime Video (try it free)
While the loser of tonight’s game’s playoff road ends here, the winner advances into the main playoff bracket and will be back in action on Sunday, April 19, against the No. 1-seeded Detroit Pistons.
Hornets vs. Magic start time:
The Hornets vs. Magic game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET tonight, April 17, but pregame coverage on Prime Video will begin at 7 p.m.
How to watch Hornets vs. Magic for free:
The entire NBA Play-In Tournament, including Hornets vs. Magic, is streaming exclusively on Prime Video, so you’ll need an Amazon Prime subscription to watch the game.
If you aren’t a Prime Video subscriber yet, you can get started with a 30-day Amazon Prime free trial, including Prime perks like the Prime Video streaming service, free two-day shipping, exclusive deals, and more. After the free trial, Amazon Prime costs $14.99/month or $139/year.
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This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands for the national anthem before their game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on April 09, 2026 in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the playoffs set to begin, LeBron James once again finds himself in a familiar role, trying to lead his team to postseason success.
One aspect that is new and unfamiliar, however, is his contract status with his team whenever the year concludes. LeBron is entering the final year of his deal with the Lakers and has made it clear he has no idea what’s next regarding his basketball life.
The options for James are known. He can either return to the Lakers, join another team, or retire.
So far, James hasn’t hinted at favoring any option over the other, but according to a recent article by Dan Woike of The Athletic, one thing he has no interest in is a farewell tour.
“The notion that James would want a farewell tour — long cited as evidence that this season was not his last — is false, those sources said, with several sources even hearing that directly from James himself.”
A year-long retirement tour would raise the media frenzy surrounding LeBron to an all-time high. And that’s saying a lot for a player who has been the most covered in the NBA.
Perhaps James has no interest in being gifted rocking chairs, making speeches, or having every road trip be a going-away party.
After 23 seasons, more than any other NBA player has ever had, maybe LeBron wants his decision to be private, and when he’s done, he’ll just walk away.
We’ll see what LeBron does next, but Lakers fans shouldn’t think this can’t be the end, since he isn’t currently on a retirement tour. All we know is that we don’t know anything, and everyone should relish the games we have left with LeBron.
While it’s unclear when things will end for LeBron and whether it’s here in Los Angeles or elsewhere, what is clear is that the end is looming.
A heated rivalry is renewed as the Denver Nuggets host the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs.
Nikola Jokic has been at his best against Anthony Edwards and Co., and my Timberwolves vs. Nuggets predictions expect another monster game from the Joker.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this first-round Western Conference showdown as the Timberwolves and Nuggets meet in the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.
Timberwolves vs Nuggets Game 1 prediction
Timberwolves vs Nuggets best bet: Nikola Jokic Over 51.5 points+rebounds+assists (-120)
Nikola Jokic averaged just under this combo line in the regular season, going for 51.3 PRA. He averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and a career-best 10.7 assists, stuffing the stat sheet with regularity.
In four regular-season matchups against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jokic averaged a whopping 35.8 points, 15 rebounds, and 11.3 assists. He posted 52+ PRA three times and finished with 50 in the other.
Jokic finished with 56/16/15 on Christmas, cruising past this line with scoring alone. Last season, he delivered a 61/10/10 performance against the Wolves, and two seasons ago, he averaged 53 PRA at home against the Wolves. His last two season-highs in points have come at the expense of Minnesota.
The Denver Nuggets All-Star point-center has averaged 47.9 PRA across 12 playoff tilts with Minnesota, including a 49.1 average in seven home games. He’s gone for 52+ in three of seven in front of the home crowd, and I expect him to do the same on Saturday as he looks to get his team off to a hot start in the postseason.
Jokic may draw the assignment of stalwart defender Rudy Gobert, but he had no problem stuffing the stat sheet when he faced Defensive Player of the Year favorite Victor Wembanyama in the closing games of the regular season.
Jokic can spread the floor with his outside shooting and make Gobert uncomfortable in space. He can also make Gobert pay with his elite passing abilities.
Timberwolves vs Nuggets Game 1 same-game parlay
Anthony Edwards enjoyed the best statistical season of his career behind a 37.4 PRA average and a career-high 28.8 points per game. Edwards has been excellent against Denver over the last two seasons, going for 37+ in six of his last seven matchups and 40+ five times.
The Timberwolves finished the season with a 6-4 ATS record over their last 10 games, despite a number of key injuries, including those to Edwards and Jaden McDaniels.
The Nuggets won their last 10 games but covered the spread only five times. The Wolves have won or kept the score within six points in two of the last three head-to-head matchups with the Nuggets, and I’m calling for a competitive game between familiar foes.
Timberwolves vs Nuggets SGP
Nikola Jokic Over 51.5 PRA
Anthony Edwards Over 36.5 PRA
Timberwolves +6.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Triple-Double Machine!
Jokic recorded an NBA-high 34 triple-doubles this season, matching his career high while playing only 65 games, meaning he reached this statistical milestone in more games than not. He did so in three of four games against the Timberwolves.
Edwards led Minnesota in steals per game at 1.4, and he recorded multiple swipes in 24 of 61 appearances. He recorded three steals in each of his last two games against the Wolves. Edwards finished with at least 27 points in 34 of 61 games, including a 44-point performance in his last trip to Ball Arena.
Minnesota hit the Over in four of its last five games to end the season, and Denver did so in eight of its last 10. With both teams close to full strength, I expect a high-scoring affair in Mile High.
The Denver Nuggets have hit the Game Total Over in 24 of their last 35 games (+11.90 Units / 31% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Nuggets.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Nuggets Game 1
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Tip-off
3:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video, TSN4
Timberwolves vs Nuggets latest injuries
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Mar 6, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts with teammates forwards Carter Bryant (11) and Julian Champagnie (30) and guard Devin Vassell (24) after securing a comeback victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
The Spurs are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2019, with Game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers set for 8 PM CT on Sunday. In the meantime, we’re looking back one of the best regular seasons in franchise history.
In Part 1, we reviewed the first part of the season, whuch featured a strong start despite missing De’Aaron Fox to start the season and Victor Wembanyama for 12 straight games. In Part 2, we recalled their memorable and arguably season-defining stretch in the second half of December, which featured Wemby’s return and a Cup Semi-finals win plus two more in a 12-day span against the defending champion Thunder, officially putting the Spurs on the map. Finally, in Part 3, we looked at their one rough patch of the season during the month of January, but in hindsight, it may have actually been a character-defining stretch, and that showed at the turn of the month, where we’re kicking off today.
Part 4: February 1 – April 12 (29-4)
On paper, the Spurs’ home win against the Orlando Magic on February 1 simply met expectations. They beat a decent but inferior opponent by nine points, but there was a lot more context that made this game a turning point. They went through a lot just to play that game, having been trapped in Charlotte the night before due to a snow storm, and when they finally started heading back to San Antonio the day of this game, they had to make an emergency landing in Atlanta due to mechanical issues with their plane (which players admitted was a scary situation). It would have made sense for the NBA to just postpone the game (or better yet, have postponed the Charlotte one and not even put the Spurs in that situation), but instead it got pushed back a mid-afternoon game to a night one, and the Spurs had to go straight to the arena from the airport.
They would have been forgiven for being too tired and dropping this one, but instead, they showed grit and fight to pull out the exhausting win, which ended up being a character-defining moment and kicked off one of their best extended stretches in franchise history. It started their first 11-game win streak since 2016, which ran all the way through February — making the Spurs the first team to have an undefeated month while scoring 110 or more point in every game — to the penultimate game of the Rodeo Road Trip (which started/ended a week later than usual).
That run featured many memorable games, including consecutive 40-point games from Stephon Castle and Wemby against the Mavs and Lakers, respectively, with Castle’s performance also being triple-double.
But perhaps the two wins that showed the Spurs had not only returned to their December form but had officially “arrived” as contenders came against the same team: one as they started the second leg of the RRT after their two Austin games, and the other in their “return home from the RRT” game against the East’s top seed: the Detroit Pistons. Not only did the Spurs convincingly win both of those games (both were close, but the Spurs were always in control), led by 28 points from Devin Vassell in Detroit and 38 from Wemby in San Antonio, but it helped squash the narrative that they couldn’t handle physical teams.
The Spurs ran away with the second seed in the West from there (albeit unable to catch the similarly hot Thunder for the top seed), but there were plenty more thrillers along the way. One came the very next night, when an exhausted Spurs team faced Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers for the first time this season. It seemed the Spurs had nothing left in the tank and found themselves down by as much as 25 early in the second half before a massive rally back to steal the game, including two huge buckets from Wemby in the final minute, in both cases to retake the lead, followed by some free throw drama. It was such a physically and emotionally draining game that it literally had Wemby in tears afterwards.
Probably much to every Spurs fans’ satisfaction, they would go on to sweep the season series against the Clippers, and Kawhi’s team would lose in the play-in while his future with his desired club is up in the air due to the Aspiration scandal. For the first time in 8 eight years, it finally feels like karma is back on the Spurs side, and we have officially moved on from the destruction his actions brought upon the franchise.
Another memorable game was a chaotic win against a then-potential first round opponent (but not anymore) and thorn-in-the-side Phoenix Suns team on March 19. The Suns led most of the way before the Spurs made another fourth quarter comeback, and this time it was a Wemby jumper with 1.1 sec left that sealed the deal. While not officially a buzzer-beater, it was the first go-ahead game winner of his career.
In all, the Spurs went an unprecedented 29-4 to close the season, and coming together during the RRT followed by strong Marches have always been a calling card of the Spurs championship teams, so it’s good to see them returning to a formula that has always been successful. If there was one concern in that stretch, it was three of the losses were to a Denver Nuggets team that will likely be their second round opponent. The good news is Wemby only played in one of them — an OT loss in Denver — and even without him the other two were close, but it was especially frustrating in the regular season finale when Nikola Jokic only played in the first half and the Spurs had a chance to knock them back to the 4th seed and to the Thunder’s side of the bracket.
Regardless, the Spurs came into this season with the play-in or a lower playoff seed seeming like a reasonable goal, and they far exceeded those expectations. They still have to prove themselves in the playoffs, but the only thing that could make this season a bust at this point would be a first round upset, which seems unlikely (*knock on wood). They may or may not need that “learning” year (i.e. experiencing and learning from a playoff loss) before they can truly chase a championship, but the bottom line is this has been far and away a better regular season than any of us could have asked for, and it has been so much fun going back through it.
We will have more on the opening round match-up against the Blazers while we patiently wait for Sunday evening to get here, and in the meantime be sure to tell us about more of your favorite memories from this season!
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers controls the ball against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Intuit Dome on April 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Lakers’ Luka Doncic and Pistons’ Cade Cunningham win their appeals to be NBA awards eligible, according to ESPN.
For their 126-121 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in the Play-In Tournament, the Golden State Warriors leaned on their defensive anchor Draymond Green to set the tone, and he delivered one of his best performances of the season. While Steph Curry and company carried the offense, Green controlled the game on the other end — something head coach Steve Kerr has seen enough of throughout his career to make a bold proclamation.
"He's the best defender I've ever seen in my life." 👏
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr highlights Draymond Green's late game heroics on defense along with the team's clutch play to close out the game and move on to the West 8-seed game in the @SoFi Play-In Tournament. pic.twitter.com/Ml3kVX9ZjM
“He’s the best defender I’ve ever seen in my life,” Kerr said. “It’s just insane what he does out there.”
Tasked with slowing down Kawhi Leonard, Green set the defensive tone early and never let up, denying the ball, forcing tough looks, and doing all the little things that don’t always show up in the box score. He held Leonard to 21 points — including just two in the fourth quarter — while forcing a pair of clutch steals in the game’s final possessions.
DRAYMOND GREEN WITH A PAIR OF INCREDIBLE STEALS IN THE CLUTCH.
On a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show, Green broke down one of those clutch steals, explaining how he read Leonard’s move before it happened and jumped the play — a glimpse into the anticipation and IQ that define his hall-of-fame defense.
Draymond Green says he was waiting on the viral Kawhi Leonard steal all game…
— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) April 17, 2026
Green may frustrate Warriors fans at times, but games like this are why Kerr’s words carry so much weight. So, coming from someone who has seen great defenders like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen up close, that praise means even more.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Friday, April 17th:
And Green did it while battling illness. His congestion was severe enough to warrant a chest X-ray. Before the game, he needed a nebulizer to help him breathe. When he subbed out in the first quarter, Green had both hands on his head, too fatigued to hide it. Still, he stayed glued to Leonard and, when a screen forced a switch, Green peppered Leonard with aggressive blitzes and double-teams. Leonard spent most of the game on his back foot and looked downright passive in the fourth quarter.
It was Green’s force of will. His high basketball IQ. His toughness. His experience and mastery of his own skills. His insatiable appetite for proving his worth.
In LA, the Warriors set a record of 19 threes in a play-in game. The Warriors had five players who made multiple threes, led by Steph Curry’s seven, and the Clippers only had two players make more than one three. Golden State should be able to use the 3-ball to its advantage this game, too.
From an accuracy standpoint, the Warriors didn’t light up the 3-point line this season against the Suns. They shot 36.2 percent, yet they also made 18 more threes than the Suns. The Warriors won the 3-point battle in all four games, and the one that was closest happened to be their one-point loss.
The Suns’ defense was as good as it gets guarding 3-point shooters this season. Not against the Warriors, though. Let’s see what happens with the playoffs looming.
One player did go the route of challenging the rule with an arbitrator: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who played in 60 games this season. The arbitrator denied Edwards’ case, however, and he will not be eligible for end-of-season awards.
“Anthony and I appreciate the PA appealing his case,” Edwards’ business manager Justin Holland said in a statement to ESPN. “For me personally, I’m a bit confused at the clemency for Cade who missed time for something that happened on the court, and not Ant, who missed time for an infection, but ultimately you already know Ant isn’t trippin over it AT ALL.”
Dillon Brooks looked reporters dead in the eye Wednesday night, heard the question about who he wanted to face in the play-in, and answered with his deepest wish.
“Steph and Draymond. That’s it. And Steve Kerr.”
Man called his shot. Respect the confidence. I can’t blame him, the Golden State Warriors (specifically those three legends) have put Brooks through multiple displays of public basketball humiliation.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 05: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles down the court during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on April 05, 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 Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jayson Tatum wasn’t sure he was going to be here.
“I get the opportunity to be a part of this team and play in the playoffs — I couldn’t be more grateful,” Tatum said at his media session on Friday.
“I think there’s just more of a sense of gratitude than ever. Not that I ever took it for granted but when something is taken away from you, it just means a little bit more.”
It was just eleven months ago that Tatum fell to the Madison Square Garden floor in Game 4 of last season’s Eastern Conference Semifinals with a torn Achilles.
It has been a long journey for Tatum to get back to this point, some of which you can watch in his mini-documentary, The Quiet Work.
Not even a year after the injury, he needs to be ready for the grind that is the NBA Playoffs so the Celtics can make another run at a championship.
“I’m ready, it’s part of the progression,” Tatum said. “I started on a minute restriction and every couple of games it would go up as we geared up for the playoffs.”
Has JT surprised himself with how well he has played in his return from injury?
“Short answer would be ‘yes,’ but with that there is the quick turnover of wanting more. When you (are) not 100% yourself yet — it’s only been 16 games — it can be frustrating at times but you gotta take a step back and be proud of what you accomplished of just coming back. Everything on top of that has been icing on the cake.”
He was also asked if he feels like he is entering his prime. “I just turned 28… yeah.”
“I’m excited,” Tatum said on how he felt emotionally heading into Game 1 on Sunday. “My perspective has changed these last 48 weeks. When I got injured, there was a lot of uncertainty. The playoffs were not a sure thing. You know, now that I get that opportunity (to play in the playoffs again), I couldn’t be more happy.”
The last question Tatum was asked was about the connection of this Celtics team and how they are working on said connection heading into the playoffs.
“It takes place every day,” JT said. “Going through it and winning a championship. You (are) trying to get a little bit better every single day, that’s what the really special teams do.”
The Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns meet in an elimination play-in game with a trip to the playoffs on the line. The winner will get the Western Conference’s No. 8 playoff seed and a first-round series with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The loser’s season ends.
How to watch Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns
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.
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HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 16: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during the game at Toyota Center on March 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets during the game at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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.
HOUSTON, TX – MARCH 18: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Houston Rockets on March 18, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
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.
HOUSTON, TX – MARCH 18: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game on March 18, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
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.
The NBA Playoffs are here! Finally, games every night with weight and meaning. No more tanking — or worse yet, the endless discussion about tanking. Just teams putting their best five on the court, diving deep into strategy, and going all out to win.
Here are the playoff brackets and updated scores — plus the times and where to watch anything — starting with the first round. This story will be updated through the NBA Finals. Here's what you need to know.
When do the NBA Playoffs begin?
The first round starts on Saturday, April 18, with four games. Play in the first round will potentially continue into May (depending on whether a series goes seven games). The times and dates for the second round and the conference finals have yet to be set.
When do the NBA Finals begin?
The NBA Finals tip off on June 3, with the first game set for 8:30 ET (broadcast on ABC) at the arena of the Finals team with the better regular-season record (Oklahoma City has the best record overall in the league and would have home-court advantage against anyone in the Finals).
NBA Eastern Conference, Western Conference playoff bracket
Game 1: Orlando/Charlotte at Detroit, Sunday April 19 (6:30 ET, NBC/Peacock) Game 2: Orlando/Charlotte at Detroit, Wednesday April 22 (7 ET, ESPN) Game 3: Detroit at Orlando/Charlotte April 25 (1 ET, NBC/Peacock) Game 4: Detroit at Orlando/Charlotte April 27 (TBD) * Game 5: Orlando/Charlotte at Detroit April 29 (TBD) * Game 6: Detroit at Orlando/Charlotte May 1 (TBD) * Game 7: Orlando/Charlotte at Detroit May 3 (TBD)
(2) Boston vs. (7) Philadelphia
Game 1: Philadelphia at Boston, Sunday April 19 (1 ET, ABC) Game 2: Philadelphia at Boston, Tuesday April 21 (7 ET, NBC/Peacock) Game 3: Boston at Philadelphia, April 24 (7 ET, Prime Video) Game 4: Boston at Philadelphia, April 26 (7 ET, NBC/Peacock) *Game 5: Philadelphia at Boston, April 28 (TBD) *Game 6: Boston at Philadelphia, April 30 (TBD) *Game 7: Philadelphia at Boston, May 2 (TBD)
(3) New York vs. (6) Atlanta
Game 1: Atlanta at New York, Saturday April 18 (6 ET, Prime Video) Game 2: Atlanta at New York, Monday April 20 (8 ET, NBC/Peacock) Game 3: New York at Atlanta, Thursday April 23 (7 ET, Prime Video) Game 4: New York at Atlanta, April 25 (6 ET, NBC) * Game 5: Atlanta at New York, April 28 (TBD) * Game 6: New York at Atlanta, April 30 (TBD) * Game 7: Atlanta at New York, May 2 (TBD)
(4) Cleveland vs. (5) Toronto
Game 1: Toronto at Cleveland, Saturday April 18 (1 ET, Prime Video) Game 2: Toronto at Cleveland, Monday April 20 (7 ET, NBC/Peacock) Game 3: Cleveland at Toronto, Thursday April 23 (8 ET, Prime Video) Game 4: Cleveland at Toronto, April 26 (1 ET, ESPN) * Game 5: Toronto at Cleveland, April 29 (TBD) * Game 6: Cleveland at Toronto, May 1 (TBD) * Game 7: Toronto at Cleveland, May 3 (TBD)
Western Conference
(1) Oklahoma City vs. (8) Phoenix/Golden State
Game 1: Phoenix/Golden State at Oklahoma City, Sunday April 19 (3:30 ET, ABC) Game 2: Phoenix/Golden State at Oklahoma City, Wednesday April 22 (9:30 ET, ESPN) Game 3: Oklahoma City at Phoenix/Golden State, April 25 (3:30 ET, NBC) Game 4: Oklahoma City at Phoenix/Golden State, April 27 (TBD) * Game 5: Phoenix/Golden State at Oklahoma City, April 29 (TBD) * Game 6: Oklahoma City at Phoenix/Golden State, May 1 (TBD) * Game 7: Phoenix/Golden State at Oklahoma City, May 3 (TBD)
(2) San Antonio vs. (7) Portland
Game 1: Portland at San Antonio, Sunday April 19 (9 ET, NBC/Peacock) Game 2: Portland at San Antonio, Tuesday April 21 (8 ET, NBC/Peacock) Game 3: San Antonio at Portland, April 24 (10:30 ET, Prime Video) Game 4: San Antonio at Portland. April 26 (3:30 ET, ESPN) * Game 5: Portland at San Antonio, April 28 (TBD) * Game 6: San Antonio at Portland, April 30 (TBD) * Game 7: Portland at San Antonio, May 2 (TBD)
(3) Denver vs. (6) Minnesota
Game 1: Minnesota at Denver, Saturday April 18 (3:30 ET, Prime Video) Game 2: Minnesota at Denver, Monday April 20 (10:30 ET, NBC/Peacock) Game 3: Denver at Minnesota, Thursday April 23 (9:30 ET, Prime Video) Game 4: Denver at Minnesota, April 25 (8:30 ET, ABC) * Game 5: Minnesota at Denver, April 27 (TBD) * Game 6: Denver at Minnesota, April 30 (TBD) * Game 7: Minnesota at Denver, May 2 (TBD)
(4) Los Angeles vs. (5) Houston
Game 1: Houston at Los Angeles, Saturday April 18 (8:30 ET, ABC) Game 2: Houston at Los Angeles, Tuesday April 21 (10:30 ET, NBC/Peacock) Game 3: Los Angeles at Houston, Friday April 24 (8 ET, Prime Video) Game 4: Los Angeles at Houston, April 26 (9:30 ET, NBC/Peacock) * Game 5: Houston at Los Angeles, April 29 (TBD) * Game 6: Los Angeles at Houston, May 1 (TBD) * Game 7: Houston at Los Angeles, May 3 (TBD)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 1, 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
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.
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.
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.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. 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.
Apr 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) attempts to drive to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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)
All of the statistics listed below are post-All-Star break.
SUNS
STAT
WARRIORS
13-14
Record
8-19
110.5 (28th)
PPG
112.7 (27th)
109.7 (5th)
OPP PPG
118.2 (20th)
113.6 (17th)
OFF RTG
112.9 (19th)
113.1 (13th)
DEF RTG
118.2 (22nd)
35.7% (18th)
3PT%
34.2% (25th)
43.2 (19th)
RPG
41.9 (22nd)
24.0 (30th)
APG
28.9 (8th)
8.4 (16th)
STL
9.2 (10th)
37.5 (30th)/49.2 (11th)
PITP/OPP PITP
48.2 (21st)/52.3 (22nd)
18.0 (13th)/16.4 (10th)
PTS OFF TO/OPP PTS OFF TO
19.1 (10th)/19.8 (26th)
36.6 (19th)
Bench Scoring
45.8 (6th)
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.
