Category: NBA

The Brooklyn Nets plan last season was not some mystery. From Media Day back in September, it’s been about “playing the probabilities” and “flexibility.” Could you call it tanking? In response, Nets officialdom did everything but paraphrase the fictional prime minister in the British House of Cards TV series: “You might very well think that; I couldn’t possibly comment.”

That’s in the past now. With the Draft Lottery Sunday, we are about to get real. Speculation will soon be replaced by a much clearer path to the team’s summer moves which just about everyone believes will be aggressive. Count Michael Porter Jr. among those who thinks he can see the future.

In a wide-ranging conversation with Kendrick Perkins on the Road Trippin’ podcast, he talked about how he sees the summer working out, which he believes will include him.

“I’ve talked to the front office,” he told Perkins. “I think we’re going to get a good draft pick and then we got the most money in the NBA to get a really good playmaking 2-guard or point guard.”

A “good draft pick” will be subjective of course. The Nets can’t fall below the seventh pick and have twice as good a chance at No. 1 — 14 percent — as they do at No. 7 — seven percent. But as we keep saying, it’s all about the aerodynamics of small plastic balls.

His other comment about having “the most money” — presumably cap space — is not quite so. Brooklyn will be top two or three with as much as $50 million but at the very least Chicago will have more. It should also be noted that at one point early in the season, Porter suggested the Nets then-rookie guards weren’t cutting it … which got in a bit of hot water.

He didn’t offer any names the Nets might have in mind. He did say that he sees the Nets following the OKC Thunder path, building organically, developing both lottery picks and others into championship pieces. He admits the losing last season was tough on him.

“I never lost consistently my whole career until I got to Brooklyn. We were losing a lot. We were young. We were building something, but we’re not there yet. So it was definitely hard, bro. It definitely was hard,” he told Perk. “But I see the future with the team. I see what we’ve got in the young dudes. I see we have the most money to spend. I think we’ve got the most. We’re the youngest team. Kind of like Oklahoma City — it took them a while to get good. I think that’ll be how it is here. But I’m with it. I want to stay in Brooklyn.”

He even admitted that between the time he was snubbed for the All-Star Game in early February and the time he was finally shut down with a hamstring issue on April 3, he was not the same player. He said he regrets taking his “foot off the gas.“

“I regret that once I didn’t make that All-Star game, I let my foot off the gas because there really wasn’t anything we were playing for anymore. We couldn’t make the playoffs, I couldn’t be an All-Star… I wasn’t in the weight room as much, I wasn’t preparing as much, and my 3-point percentage dropped.”

As Erik Slater noted Thursday, MPJ averaged 20.5 points on 40.9% shooting from the field and 25.6% from three over his final 14 games after the All-Star reserves were announced. For the season, he put up 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds while shooting 46/36/86.

Porter of course is eligible for an extension up to $234 million over four years. He can starting talking to Sean Marks & co. starting on June 30 and although the top of the range seems quite pricey, both sides have offered positive takes about a future together. The 6’10” 27-year-old will make $40.8 million this season, the last on the five-year, $172 million deal he signed with the Nuggets. The Nets certainly had offers to move him at the trade decline, but reportedly told suitors, thanks but no thanks.

Asked if he thinks he could be the No. 1 option on a championship team, he admitted he’d need a co-star and that he’s talked to the front office about possibilities. Peyton Watson anyone?

Although he didn’t talk much about his current teammates, he offered a take on Cam Thomas’ exit from the Nets and later the Bucks, suggesting Thomas’ personality played a big part of his failure to harness all his powers. While conceding Thomas was one of the best shotmakers in the league, he said that’s not enough.

“There’s a lot more to sticking around in the NBA than just [scoring]. For Cam, I think it was a mixture of him being frustrated with a lot of things and also his personality… He doesn’t really socialize… He’ll say like two words all day, all practice. He doesn’t really talk to anybody. I don’t think he does it in a way where he’s trying to be a bad teammate. I just think that’s him.

“But when it comes to a team being willing to pay you and make you a No. 1 option, it comes with so much more [responsibility]. I don’t know if he was willing to break out of his personality and be talkative and try to be a leader and try to bring guys together. I think that’s kind of what happened here in Brooklyn.”

Porter, as he has in the past, did not step back from his controversial takes on culture beyond sports, saying he thinks it’s even helped his career …. financially.

“I think the reason that I make a lot of money in the NBA, but I still want to do other things, is because most NBA players, and most athletes — or people who have a lot to lose — are like robots. They want to maintain a certain image. They want to not disturb the peace. They want to shut up and dribble. They just want to play their sport, stay out of the way, and whatever. I always wanted to actually have a platform. I wanted to use my platform to actually have an impact and be able to talk about what I want to talk about.”

• Michael Porter Jr. hits Cam Thomas with harsh reality after messy Nets, Bucks exits – Erik Slater – Clutch Points

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The New York Knicks get ready to run the “Rocky Steps,” with their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Philadelphia 76ers shifting to the City of Brotherly Love.

My Knicks vs. 76ers predictions give a hat tip to the home team, with Philadelphia winning on the strength of its defense. That means shutting down New York superstar Jalen Brunson and continuing to get production from Paul George.

Here are my latest NBA picks for May 8.

Our best Knicks vs 76ers SGP for Game 3

SGP leg #1: 76ers moneyline

The Philadelphia 76ers are against the wall in Game 3, down 0-2 to the New York Knicks. After rallying in Round 1, the 76ers aren’t panicking and will turn to their defense to get the job done.

Potentially having Joel Embiid back is big, and the Knicks possibly missing OG Anunoby is even bigger. 

SGP leg #2: Jalen Brunson Under 26.5 points

Although Jalen Brunson finished with 26 points in Game 2, he wasn’t at his best, shooting just 9-for-21 from the field and needing several trips to the foul line to boost his total. Philadelphia threw longer defenders at Brunson, using Kelly Oubre Jr. and VJ Edgecombe to close the gaps quicker.

With Embiid back inside and clogging up the key, Brunson won’t get easy looks or space on the perimeter. He also doesn’t draw the same whistles on the road as he does in MSG, limiting his scoring from the stripe. 

Brunson's projections sit as low as 24 points for Game 3.

SGP leg #3: Paul George Over 16.5 points

Paul George has been the 76ers’ most consistent offensive player in the playoffs. He’s topped his scoring prop in four of his last five outings and scored 19 points in Game 2, thanks to a red-hot start from beyond the arc.

With Anunoby either out or limited, New York has some serious rotation issues, which could leave smaller players on PG. He’s projected for 17+ points on Friday.

Covers NBA betting tools

• NBA odds
• NBA picks
• NBA player props
• Best NBA betting sites
• Today’s NBA matchups

See our full Knicks vs 76ers Game 3 preview

Get Jason Logan's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Knicks vs 76ers predictions for Game 3.

More Covers NBA Playoff content

NBA Championship odds

Stay up-to-date with the latest NBA Championship odds for each remaining team, as well as NBA title splits, betting trends, and the previous list of teams that have won the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

NBA Finals MVP odds

See what the current line movement and updates are in the NBA Finals MVP odds race, along with Finals MVP betting trends, favorite analysis, and recent superstars to receive this award.

Live NBA Playoff bracket

Never lose track of where each series sits with our live NBA Playoff bracket, as well as the updated prices for each team to win their respective series — round by round. 

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.

Why Jaylen Brown isn't backing down from ‘favorite season' statement originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown recently raised eyebrows by labeling the 2025-26 season as his “favorite.” However, his statement should come as no surprise to those who paid attention throughout the campaign.

Brown called it his “favorite season” during a Twitch stream one day after the Celtics blew a 3-1 first-round series lead to the Philadelphia 76ers. He doubled down on his remarks during another stream on Wednesday night.

“You got to see all of these guys, all of my teammates, grow,” Brown said. “I got to see them overcome adversity as a group, up close and personal. … Obviously, we’re not satisfied with the result. If it sounds like an excuse, it’s not. But to fight and maneuver through adversity and grow, and galvanize with a bunch of guys and to have that mindset and approach, this was my favorite year.

“I wouldn’t say by far. By far would be a stretch because obviously winning the championship is great. But I’m telling y’all, this was my favorite season.”

Understandably, Brown calling it his favorite season immediately after Boston’s collapse didn’t sit well with many fans. Plus, one would think that hanging Banner 18 at TD Garden would trump a first-round exit, especially when star teammate Jayson Tatum missed most of the season and Game 7 due to injuries.

But Brown made similar statements on several occasions before his postseason Twitch streams. Throughout the campaign, the 10-year veteran spoke glowingly about the Celtics’ supporting cast blossoming and the team exceeding its preseason “gap year” expectations. He called it his “favorite season” as early as December.

Brown’s messaging has been consistent all season long. Here’s a look back at some of his most noteworthy quotes that show why he considers the 2025-26 season the “favorite” of his illustrious career:

Dec. 22, 2025 – ‘Favorite season so far’

Brown called it his “favorite season so far” after leading the Celtics to a 20-point comeback win over the Indiana Pacers. Boston improved to 18-11 with 13 wins in its last 17 games.

“I think this has been my favorite season so far,” he said. “Being able to get the opportunity to lead a group of guys who – some of us, we have some championship experience, but we have five or six new guys who haven’t really played NBA basketball. And now, we look like one of the better teams in the league.

“That’s just credit to our coaching staff and credit to our leadership that we’ve been able to get those guys comfortable, and we’re playing some good basketball right now. So it means everything.”

Jan. 21, 2026 – Brown praises Celtics’ ‘resiliency’

One month after his first “favorite season” declaration, Brown raved about the Celtics’ resiliency as the second-place team in the East without Jayson Tatum.

“Very resilient, very tough,” he said. “Start of the season, the expectations weren’t high. But these guys, they came in and worked day in and day out. Last year, we were second in the East. We’re halfway through the season and we’re second in the East.

“That’s just a testament to the work ethic, the resiliency of our head coach, of our leadership. It’s a testament to where we are right now.”

Feb. 12, 2026 – First-half comparison

During the All-Star break, Brown took to social media to compare the team’s 2025-26 first-half numbers with those from 2024-25. Boston’s record, seeding, offensive rating, and defensive rating were eerily similar to the previous year.

“I’m proud of this group and staff/office,” he wrote on X. “Looking forward to 2nd half go C’s.”

Feb. 16, 2026 – Brown ‘extremely proud’ of Celtics’ season

Brown couldn’t help but smile while speaking about his team’s surprising success at the All-Star break. Boston entered the break with a 35-19 record.

“To see them finding their ground, their footing, and playing well – as a leader, I can’t tell you how much that means to me, to see those guys kind of starting to flourish on their own,” he said of the Celtics’ supporting cast. “Before, when the season started, there was uncertainty.

“I’m proud. I don’t know what to tell ya’ll, I’m extremely proud of our group, where we’re at right now. Second in the East versus how many players (we lost) and everything that was being said, the gap year, and for us to be sitting here at the All-Star break and having our guys feeling like we could even be better, I’m proud, bro. It’s been great, it’s been fun.”

March 30, 2026 – So much for a “gap year”

With Tatum back in the fold, the Celtics beat the Charlotte Hornets on March 29 for their 50th win of the season. Few expected Boston to accomplish that feat during what was expected to be a “gap year” with Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury.

“50 wins in a gap year,” Brown wrote on X after win No. 50.

April 12, 2026 – More love for the bench guys

With the No. 2 seed in the East locked up, the Celtics’ second unit got a chance to shine in the regular-season finale against the fully healthy Orlando Magic. Boston earned a 113-108 victory in arguably the most entertaining game of the season, with Baylor Scheierman (30 points), Ron Harper Jr. (27 points), and Luka Garza (27 points) each having memorable performances.

Brown, who often credited the role players for making it his “favorite season,” took to social media with a simple message after the thrilling win.

“I love this team.”

May 2, 2026 – A ‘great season’ despite Game 7 loss

Brown didn’t hang his head after the Celtics blew a 3-1 series lead to the 76ers. Instead, he called the 2025-26 campaign “probably one of my most fun years playing basketball,” while once again mentioning the growth of his teammates.

“It was a great season. I’m proud of my teammates and just their growth,” Brown said. “I’m so grateful to be with this group. This group is awesome. I had a fun year. This is probably one of my most fun years playing basketball.”

The Lakers’ offense has been struggling all postseason long, and Game 1 against the Thunder was no exception.

Los Angeles failed to crack 100 points, losing on the road to OKC. In fact, in their last five playoff games, LA has only scored above the century mark once.

Despite the inability to put the ball through the hoop, the Lakers are certain that change is going to come.

“We’re going to make shots,” Marcus Smart said postgame. “It’s just a matter of time and we just got to continue to make sure we’re shooting them.”

LA and OKC took the same number of attempts at 85, but the Thunder just made more shots. OKC went49% from the field and 43% from deep, while LA shot 41% overall and 31% from beyond the arc.

Besides just making more of their shots, LeBron James offered insights into how those looks can be improved.

“We have to be better at finding ways to get into the blender, finding ways to get into the paint,” LeBron said. “We know they’re a paint-swarming team so we have to be better with getting into the paint, not turning the ball over and shooting with confidence. I thought we got some really good looks.”

Similar to putting points on the board, turnovers have also been an issue for LA. They had 18 in Game 1 and lead the playoffs in this category, averaging 17.7 per game. That can’t continue if the Lakers want to pull off a series upset. No one has beaten OKC even once in the playoffs, and self-inflicted errors will not lead to anything good for LA.

On the plus side, this was just one game, and the path towards improvement is clear. The Lakers need to protect the ball, get in the paint and take advantage of the looks they get from deep.

“We watched the film and know we can shoot a lot on threes on this team,” Rui Hachimura said. “I think they gave up a lot of threes in the regular season. They’re like one of the worst teams or something [at allowing threes]. We talked about that. I think we need to shoot more threes for sure, especially against them. I think in the second half we did a better job, but we could have done it in the first.”

Even with how badly things went for LA, they hung around with OKC for most of the game. This was just one performance, and not every contest will go this way. Austin Reaves will play better, LA’s defense has proven to be respectable and if a couple more shots can go down, they can still leave OKC with a 1-1 split.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

March Madness is expanding.

The men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments will grow to 76 teams starting next season, following a vote by the NCAA selection committees, Thursday, May 7.

CBS Sports' Matt Norlander reported Thursday's vote was unanimous: "Not a single dissenting vote."

OPINION: Expanding the NCAA Tournament won't make it better

It’s the first time the NCAA tournament will expand on the men’s side since it went for 65 to 68 teams in 2011, and the women’s side followed suit in 2022. However, it’s the first major expansion since the men went from 53 to 64 in 1985, and the women’s jumped from 48 to 64 since 1994.

NEW YORK — OG Anunoby is playing the best basketball of his nine-year career.

Not coincidentally, the New York Knicks are playing their best ball of the season, and at the right time.

Yet, as New York has taken a 2-0 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers in the conference semifinals, Anunoby has been diagnosed with a right hamstring strain and is listed as day to day, per a May 7 social media post by ESPN's Shams Charania.

Anunoby suffered the injury late in New York’s 108-102 Game 2 victory on May 6.

Late in the fourth quarter, Anunoby attempted to cut to the basket when he pulled up and grabbed his right leg, near his hamstring. In the moments that followed, Anunoby remained on the floor and even attempted a dunk when the ball found him down low.

OG came up gimpy on this cut. Then tried and missed a dunk. Then asked out.

Ugh. pic.twitter.com/DM9HMoCfE7

— Rit Holtzman (@BenRitholtzNBA) May 7, 2026

It became clear, however, that Anunoby was hobbled by the injury and limped fairly significantly once he tried to jog to the other side of the court. He asked to be subbed out and left the game with 2:31 to play, replaced by backup guard Miles McBride.

Anunoby did not return to the bench for the remainder of the game.

Anunoby has emerged as a multi-purpose threat for the Knicks in the playoffs and is integral to their title hopes, so the injury is a bit of a setback.

Not only has he been tasked with guarding a premier offensive player — on May 6 he was the primary defender on Paul George — but he has ramped up his effort on rebounding. Anunoby is also a reliable perimeter shooter, the Knicks now must find how to replace him.

Throughout the first two games of this series the Knicks have been able to slow down the Sixers’ offense in a way they really hadn’t experienced in their first-round series against Boston. On top of the 4-of-19 shooting performance that sunk them in the fourth quarter of Game 2, they’ve really struggled to take care of the basketball.

It’s starts at the very top. After turning it over nine times throughout the entirety of the seven games against the Celtics, Tyrese Maxey has already given it away 10 times in the first two games against New York. VJ Edgecombe has given it away at a rate more expected for a rookie, but his four turnovers in Game 2 were just as costly.

With stops having come at such a premium for the Sixers, they haven’t been able to afford giving away free possessions. The inability to “keep the scoreboard moving,” as Nick Nurse would put it, is what the difference was in Game 2. Live ball turnovers obviously compound the issue, giving the Knicks fast break opportunities. The Sixers conceded 23 points off their 18 turnovers in Game 2.

“They were active… they were blitzing some,” Nurse said after the game. “I think they got their hands on a couple, we made a couple mistakes on inbounds [passes.] That was certainly one negative of the game and then they turn those into points.”

To Nurse’s first point, the Knicks have thrown a lot of ball pressure at Maxey, especially in Game 2 with Joel Embiid sidelined. Maxey attributed New York’s double teams for their ability to turn him over, but also felt like he was trying to go too fast at times.

“They did a good job of kind of taking away certain passes that I like, like to make when I get trapped,” he said, “and then it was a couple times we didn’t just execute our trap offense.”

Maxey also said that he jammed his right pinky at some point in the second quarter, the same finger he sprained back in March, and that impacted his confidence dribbling around and splitting double teams.

With OG Anunoby’s upcoming status suddenly in doubt, those double teams on Maxey aren’t going anywhere. Neither are the immediate pinky concerns either — Maxey confirmed earlier in the playoffs he’ll have to wear a brace on it the rest of the season.

Something the Sixers will have to do away with though is unforced errors. A specific turnover Maxey and Edgecombe both got asked a lot about was an inbounds pass to no one. After a basket and a stop that had them up two, Edgecombe tried to get the ball in quick and to get the ball back with no one guarding him.

None of the other Sixers picked up on this and continued running the play, letting Edgecombe’s pass sail across the court and out of bounds on the other sideline.

“I was trying to run the play, and I just wasn’t looking,” Maxey said. “It happens.”

Miscommunications do happen, but the Sixers can afford them less and less as the stakes get higher. Another series deficit will be impossible to climb out of if they keep shooting themselves in the foot.

“We know we got to cut down on turnovers. That’s not who we are as a team,” Edgecombe said. “We all can protect the ball, pass the ball, so we just got to be more responsible with the ball.”

Now that they’ve played a game in this series without Embiid, they’ve seen how the Knicks will guard Maxey as the primary scoring threat.

“They just want someone else to beat them, regardless of who it is, just not Tyrese,” said Edgecombe. “I’m gonna do my part, create for everyone, and go from there.”

Now that the Sixers have seen how the Knicks will defend both versions of this team, it’s up to them to adjust accordingly.

The 76ers put up a much more valiant fight in Game 2 against the Knicks, but one of their final shots was not at all ideal in the closing seconds of a game they had a chance to win to tie the conference semifinal series.

With the Knicks up by five points as 30 seconds remained on the clock, Paul George got the look after a dribble handoff from VJ Edgecombe and launched an off-balanced, heavily contested 3-pointer.

It was an airball that eventually led to the 76ers’ 108-102 loss at Madison Square Garden and Quentin Grimes took issue with that in what became a viral moment.

Quentin Grimes COULDN'T BELIEVE Paul George chucked up an off balance airball with the game on the line pic.twitter.com/L3j5uIjUyA

— Hater Report (@HaterReport) May 7, 2026

Following the shot, Grimes confronted George about his shot selection when the 76ers had 18 more seconds on the shot clock to find a better look. The nine-time All-Star seemingly defended his decision.

Grimes walked away looking deflated and disappointed at the lost opportunity.

However, George’s shot wasn’t the one thing that sealed the loss for Philadelphia.

The 76ers struggled as a group in the fourth quarter, scoring just 12 points versus the Knicks’ final 19 on the board. They shot just 21.1 percent in the fourth quarter.

They scored at least 28 points in all the previous quarters.

“I thought we just might’ve ran out of gas a little bit in the fourth,” George said after the game. “We could’ve did a better job of getting some easier ones, but I think we did just run out of gas a little bit in the fourth.”

The 36-year-old finished the night with 19 points, shooting just 5-for-13 from beyond the arc. He also logged six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.

Grimes, a fifth-year guard and former Knick, came off the bench to score seven points while adding three rebounds, three assists and one steal.

The series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday where the 76ers will try to get their first win of the series.

“We like where we’re at. We played good defense, I thought, all the way until the fourth quarter,” George said. “We just didn’t make shots, but a lot of positives coming out of the game tonight.”

Embiid, Anunoby, Hart all listed as questionable for Sixers-Knicks Game 3  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Three important players received questionable designations on the initial injury report for Game 3 of the Sixers vs. Knicks second-round playoff series.

The Sixers listed Joel Embiid (right ankle sprain and right hip soreness) as questionable Thursday night after he sat out the team’s tight Game 2 loss the day prior. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said Embiid “woke up with a bunch of soreness” Wednesday morning and was ruled out following the Sixers’ shootaround at Madison Square Garden.

Embiid returned from an April 9 appendectomy in the middle of the Sixers’ first-round series win over the Celtics and had played through lingering physical issues, but he didn’t get the green light for Game 2. While Embiid had a subpar Game 1 in the Sixers’ blowout defeat, he was strong in the Boston series, averaging 28.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists.

The Knicks’ two questionable players were OG Anunoby (right hamstring strain) and Josh Hart (left thumb sprain). New York also listed backup center Mitchell Robinson as probable. He was sidelined by an illness Wednesday.

Anunoby exited with 2:31 left in the fourth quarter of Game 2 and did not return. He’s had an excellent start to the 2026 playoffs, posting 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Anunoby has shot 61.9 percent from the field and 53.8 percent from three-point range over New York’s eight postseason contests. 

SNY’s Ian Begley reported Anunoby is considered “day-to-day.” Trailing 2-0 in the series, the Sixers will host Game 3 on Friday night and Game 4 on Sunday afternoon.

The Knicks may have avoided the worst with OG Anunoby’s injury.

The forward, who has been the Knicks’ best player this postseason, is day to day with a right hamstring strain, The Post’s Stefan Bondy reported Thursday.

He is questionable for Friday’s Game 3.

OG came up gimpy on this cut. Then tried and missed a dunk. Then asked out.

Ugh. pic.twitter.com/DM9HMoCfE7

— Rit Holtzman (@BenRitholtzNBA) May 7, 2026

Anunoby came up lame while cutting to the basket with about three minutes left in the Knicks’ 108-102 Game 2 win over the 76ers on Wednesday night.

He labored through one defensive possession before Knicks coach Mike Brown took him out for Miles McBride.

The 28-year-old — always a defensive force — has averaged 21.3 points per game this postseason, while shooting 53.8 percent on 3-pointers.

Brown said after the game that he noticed Anunoby “hopping” on the court, but did not have any further details.

McBride is expected to get a majority of the minutes while Anuboby is sidelined.

“He’s one of the best two-way players in the league, and it’s tough to replace that,” McBride said. “You don’t replace it with one guy. Everybody’s going to have to step up.” 

The Knicks are up 2-0 over the rival 76ers with the series shifting to Philadelphia on Friday night.

They have won five straight dating back to the Hawks series, but may have to continue that momentum without Anunoby.

The teams only have one day of rest between contests through Game 6 before two off days preceding a potential Game 7 next Sunday.

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

If the Philadelphia 76ers are going to spark a comeback, it starts with finding a way to slow down Jalen Brunson in Game 3.

My Knicks vs. 76ers predictions point to Philly doing just that — or at least keeping him below his elevated scoring line — with my NBA picks backing the Under for this Friday, May 8 showdown.

Knicks vs 76ers Game 3 prediction tonight

Who will win Knicks vs 76ers Game 3?

76ers: The series swings to Philadelphia and home teams down 0-2 seem to find another gear in front of their faithful in Game 3 scenarios. The 76ers could get Joel Embiid back, which gives them a big body in the paint on both ends of the floor.

The Knicks could be without sparkplug OG Anunoby, which is a bigger loss than most realize. He’s been electric for the Knicks in the playoffs and creates scoring outside of the structured offense. Philadelphia leans into its defense and gets one back from New York in Game 3.

Knicks vs 76ers best bet: Jalen Brunson Under 26.5 points (-112)

Following his explosion in Game 1, the Philadelphia 76ers had to figure out a better way to defend Jalen Brunson. 

The Sixers sent longer defenders at him in Game 2, utilizing Kelly Oubre Jr. and VJ Edgecombe, and Brunson finished just 9-for-21 from the field. The bulk of those shots came inside the key, which will be off limits if Joel Embiid returns in Game 3.

Nick Nurse says the 76ers did an "above average" job defending Jalen Brunson:

"He certainly wasn't getting near the clearance as he was in Game 1. He was getting practice shots a lot in that game. I think the challenges were much better." pic.twitter.com/cvEFxOIihU

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 7, 2026

With OG Anunoby questionable, the Knicks’ rotation loses offensive punch, and Philadelphia can afford to put even more emphasis on defending Brunson.

Projections for Brunson are good but not great, ranging from 26.6 to just over 24 points on Friday.

COVERS INTEL: Brunson has benefited from some “hometown calls” in the playoffs. He’s averaged 6.6 FTM on 7.8 FTA inside MSG but just 3.33 makes on 3.6 free throws on the road. That holds true for the entire season, averaging 6.1 FTM at home vs. 3.5 FTM on the road.

Knicks vs 76ers Game 3 same-game parlay

The 76ers played with better tempo in Game 2 and traded shots with the Knicks. Philadelphia allowed 56 points in the paint, but getting Embiid back puts an end to those easy looks inside. New York also could be without a significant scorer in Anunoby, leaving them with poor offensive options off the bench.

Paul George came out firing in Game 2 but cooled as the contest played out, still finishing with 19 points in the loss. George has quietly come through for Over bettors on his scoring prop in four of his last five games. He’s forecasted for 17+ points back in Philly on Friday.

Knicks vs 76ers SGP

• 76ers moneyline
• Jalen Brunson Under 26.5 points
• Paul George Over 16.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Philly Cheese Stakes

Philadelphia leaned into its defense to rally in Round 1 and does the same in Game 3 at home. The 76ers keep the Knicks out of the paint, which sees a dip in New York’s shooting success, and ups Tyrese Maxey’s rebounding chances. Paul George has been a consistent contributor in the postseason and is projected for 17+ points.

Knicks vs 76ers SGP

• 76ers moneyline
• Under 213.5
• Paul George Over 16.5 points
• Tyrese Maxey Over 3.5 rebounds

Knicks vs 76ers odds for Game 3 tonight

• Spread: Knicks +1 | 76ers -1
• Moneyline: Knicks -105 | 76ers -115
• Over/Under: Over 213.5 | Under 213.5

Knicks vs 76ers betting trend to know

The Under is 23-18 with the Philadelphia 76ers coming off a loss this season, including 3-1 in the playoffs so far. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. 76ers.

How to watch Knicks vs 76ers Game 3

Knicks vs 76ers latest injuries

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.

Monday night, the Knicks won by TKO. Last night, they won on points. Tomorrow night, they may have to fight with one arm tied behind their back.

While the absence of Joel Embiid for any extended time dooms any chance the 76ers have of winning this series, his absence in Game 2 was an ironic boost for Philadelphia. The Sixers split their centers’ minutes evenly between Andre Drummond and quick-footed reserves Adem Bona and Dominick Barlow, flipping the Game 1 script of Jalen Brunson attacking Embiid relentlessly; last night the 76ers were aggressive defensively, blitzing and doubling Brunson.

Karl-Anthony Towns was omnipotent but also omnifouling, though when he was kicking the Knicks was clicking: KAT, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges scored 62 points on 65% shooting. Without Embiid’s supernova gravity, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George showed flashes but ultimately spun out of orbit, combining to shoot just 39%. Despite being down 0-2, the 76ers head “home” with reasons for hope.

While the non-Embiid starters again played 40-plus minutes — 47 for Maxey — they expanded from what’s been a six-man rotation this postseason to eight, which could ease the heavy load Maxey, George, VJ Edgecombe and Kelly Oubre have been carrying. Bona grabbed six offensive rebounds in his 16 minutes, and Barlow’s strength and length made Brunson have to work harder than Embiid or Drummond do dropping in coverage. It also freed George to spend more time guarding KAT, and George gave him some trouble.

The Sixers were tied with just over five minutes left, and had George’s 3-point try with 27 seconds left fallen, who knows how the endgame may have played out? Zoom out and all that’s happened is that the Knicks defended their homecourt. If the Sixers can win a home game Friday, they’re just another home win away from returning to New York with this series having a whole new feel.

Hanging over all of this are the injury unknowns. There’s still no work on Embiid’s status for Game 3. Mitchell Robinson was a late scratch due to an undisclosed illness. Anunoby left for the locker room with about three minutes left after appearing to suffer a calf injury. OG’s having such a sick playoff that right after hurting his leg, he nearly dunked. Current status: “questionable.”

Knowing the Knicks, Anunoby could be dead and they’d list him as “questionable” till the very last minute.

While OG is all anyone can think stress freak about today, the Knicks regardless have an incredible opportunity in front of them. The 76ers won their championship when they beat the Celtics; their season is already a success. They’re short-handed, exhausted and out-gunned. Their home games aren’t quite home games, not against this team this time of year. The Sixers have a chance to flip the script by Sunday. The Knicks can end it then. History says they better.

In 2013 the Knicks were up 3-0 on the Celtics; a sweep would give them nearly a week off before the next round, time they could rest and work a recently recovered Amar’e Stoudemire back into the team. STAT would have been invaluable for them against the Pacers, as after Carmelo Anthony the Knicks were dependent for points on Tyson Chandler, Kenyon Martin, Jason Kidd, etc. (also Chris Copeland never existed). Then JR Smith got a bad batch of something and took it out via elbow on what turned out to be Jason Terry’s noggin. Instead of a clean sweep, the Knicks barely avoided being pushed to Game 7, Stoudemire never got that practice time, and, well, you know.

In 1994 the Knicks were up 2-0 on the MJ-less Bulls, having ground them to dust over two games at MSG. If they could win Game 3, the Bulls would be mentally beaten and the Knicks could exorcise some playoff demons by closing the Bulls out in their last-ever game at Chicago Stadium. They would have had some time off, an oasis of rest from the playoff intensity and from Pat Riley wearing a six-man rotation down to the nub. Maybe that little bit of rest gives John Starks the lift he needed weeks later to get the title-winning shot up over Hakeem Olajuwon’s fingertip. Instead he Knicks fell behind big, staged a furious late comeback to tie the game in the final seconds, and well, you know.

Quoth 90sRback: “I love him again.” Right now that’s what a lot of Knick fans are saying. About Bridges. Towns. Mike Brown. Five-game playoff winning streaks give everyone good cheekbones. There’s more uncertainty than usual heading into Game 3, but what is certain is winning then could help the Knicks win even bigger games later this spring.

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The Los Angeles Lakers are trying not to hit the panic button as they strive to snatch Game 2 in a tough environment against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where our NBA player prop projections has pinpointed several high-value opportunities.

By breaking down the data and comparing it to the latest market lines, we’ve uncovered where the strongest betting edges lie for this pivotal matchup.

These Lakers vs. Thunder predictions are driven by numbers instead of guesswork.

If you’re building your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Thursday, May 7.

Lakers vs Thunder computer picks for Game 2

Lakers	Thunder
Reaves o18.5 points -120	Gilgeous-Alexander o29.5 points  -112
Hachimura o1.5 3-pointers  -165	Holmgren o8.5 rebounds  -135
James o6.5 rebounds -120	Mitchell o3.5 assists -130

Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!

Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!

Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!

Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Lakers Game 2 computer picks

Austin Reaves Over 18.5 points (-120)

Projection: 20.97 points

Oklahoma City Thunder made life difficult for Austin Reaves in Game 1, as he struggled to a 3-for-16 shooting night and finished with just eight points.

With the Los Angeles Lakers trying to avoid falling into an 0–2 hole before heading back home, expect Reaves to come into Game 2 with something to prove.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet reaves Now at bet365!/span

Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 3-pointers (-165)

Projection: 2.11 3-pointers

Rui Hachimura has been as steady as it gets from deep throughout the Lakers’ playoff run, shooting 50% or better from three in every game and clearing this prop in all but one.

With L.A. needing every bit of confidence it can find heading into Game 2 against OKC, expect Hachimura to keep delivering on his end.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet hachimura Now at bet365!/span

LeBron James Over 6.5 rebounds (-120)

Projection: 7.15 rebounds

Limiting the Thunder’s second-chance opportunities will take a full team effort from an older Lakers squad working to keep pace with OKC’s youthful energy.

That puts added emphasis on LeBron James to be more active on the glass, as he and the Lake Show must consistently outwork Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein to secure rebounds first.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet james Now at bet365!/span

---

Thunder Game 2 computer picks

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 29.5 points (-112)

Projection: 32.34 points

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turned in a relatively quiet 18-point outing in Game 1, yet the Thunder still cruised to a blowout win over the Lakers without needing much from him offensively.

With L.A. expected to respond with more urgency, OKC will likely lean more on SGA in Game 2 to keep control in front of the home crowd; setting him up to clear this points prop.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet gilgeous-alexander Now at bet365!/span

Chet Holmgren Over 8.5 rebounds (-135)

Projection: 9.13 rebounds

Chet Holmgren made his presence felt on the glass in Game 1, posting a dominant double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds.

With the Thunder focused on defending home court and maintaining their strong playoff momentum, expect Holmgren to stay aggressive on the boards and pick up right where he left off — putting him in a great spot to clear this prop once again.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet holmgren Now at bet365!/span

Ajay Mitchell Over 3.5 assists (-130)

Projection: 3.79 assists

Ajay Mitchell has been right around this assists line, clearing it in three of the last five playoff games and narrowly missing in the other two.

With the Thunder facing a Lakers squad playing with their backs up against the wall, expect Mitchell to take on a larger role as a facilitator and do enough to push past this mark.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet mitchell Now at bet365!/span

How to watch Lakers vs Thunder Game 2

Location	Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date	Thursday, May 7, 2026
Tip-off	9:30 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.

MORE NBA PICKS

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.

The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and like many people, Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese chimed in on the action.

The playoffs have been well underway for several days with intense buzzer-beaters, back-and-forth matchups and even some serious dunks. Reese has been a witness to the best basketball of the year and took to social media to share her thoughts. She appeared to give a shoutout to rumored boyfriend, Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr, on her Instagram story by posting a shot of Carter dunking on Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren during their first-round playoff series.

The post gained traction online because many people on social media pointed to past rumors that Reese potentially dated Duren before connecting with Carter. Fans assumed the posts could have more meaning. The post also caught the attention of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.

The subject came up on a recent episode of Cunningham's Show Me Something podcast. "Something had to have happened for her to want to embarrass (Jalen Duren) in some way," Cunningham said. "Or nothing happened," her co-host replied. Then, Cunningham chimed in again, offering words on how she felt Reese should operate.

"Valid. But then move on," Cunningham said. "Worry about the current boyfriend."