PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Kyle Lowry #7 on the bench against the Boston Celtics during game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 108-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
And we do this dance again.
Another injury report has dropped ahead of Game 4 of the Sixers first round playoff series against the Boston Celtics, and for it they have again listed Joel Embiid as doubtful with appendectomy surgery recovery. Embiid had this same designation ahead of Game 3 before eventually being ruled out. Nick Nurse said before that game that Embiid was doing on-court work, both individually and with teammates, but he “just wasn’t ready yet.”
Nick Nurse says Joel Embiid is “just not ready yet.”
He added that he’s mostly done individual work but he’s been out there with teammates and coaches some as well.
Nurse gave reporters a very similar update at the team’s subsequent practice. Per PhillyVoice.com’s Adam Aaronson, Nurse that again that Embiid has done individual work on the court, is working very hard to get back, and will see how he feels after the session. It would appear that shootaround the morning of will be crucial for determining his Game 4 status.
Nick Nurse says Joel Embiid is currently doing individual on-court work. Says he’s working really hard to get back and the team will see how this session goes and how he feels tomorrow morning. “Maybe we’ll know more towards the end of shootaround tomorrow.”
A sign to look for whether Embiid plays or not is if he’s upgraded from doubtful at any point in the day. Adam Aaronson also put together a very handy key of all the times Embiid was listed as doubtful this season. The two times he played after getting that designation, he was upgraded to questionable or probable several hours in advance.
Joel Embiid is doubtful to play in Sixers-Celtics Game 3. What does that actually mean? Embiid was listed as doubtful on five initial injury reports this season. Here is what happened each time: pic.twitter.com/L3HbOOQCfx
For the first time all series, Embiid is not the only player on the injury report. Kelly Oubre Jr. is listed as questionable with right adductor soreness. Oubre played nearly 40 minutes in Game 3, including crunch time, so it’s hard to tell when this might have happened.
In related news, the topic how much longer Tyrese Maxey will have to wear his finger splint was broached. Maxey has been wearing it since returning from a pinkie sprain on March 28 and confirmed he will have to wear it for the rest of the season. Regardless of how many Sixers can take the court in Game 4, they’ll be playing through the typical amount of bumps and bruises for this time of year.
Asked Nick Nurse if the Sixers have any sense of when or if Tyrese Maxey will be able to play without a splint on his finger during these playoffs.
“I have not asked that question, but it's a good one. I'll ask. I'll ask when I get a chance.”
The Sixers upgraded Embiid to questionable. He and Oubre both remain game-time decisions. In pregame media availability, Nurse expectedly didn’t reveal anything about Embiid and wasn’t sure when Oubre’s injury might have occurred. They believe that is just typical playoff soreness.
Update: 4/26, 6:15 p.m. ET
Oubre has been upgraded to available. Embiid has taken the court for his pregame warmup.
Update: 4/26, 6:30 p.m. ET
Embiid has been upgraded to available as well, as Shams Charania first reported and the team confirmed. He will start alongside Oubre, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Paul George.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Orlando Magic tend not to do things the easy way.
They lost seven consecutive games in March to put their playoff chances in peril. They needed to survive a play-in tournament elimination game — one that many thought they would lose — just to get into the playoffs. And on Saturday, they wasted a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter and found themselves trailing the Detroit Pistons.
In response, they simply did what they do best.
“Fight,” center Wendell Carter Jr. said.
Fight, they did, and the Magic found a way. They outscored Detroit 9-0 in the final 2:51, getting the last punch and the last word in what became a 113-105 win that gave eighth-seeded Orlando a 2-1 lead over the top-seeded Pistons in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.
“We did a good job of staying poised ... not getting rattled,” said Magic forward Paolo Banchero, who finished on the cusp of a triple-double with 25 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. “Very composed from the team, and we got the job done.”
Banchero had the game-sealing shot, too — a 3-pointer that hit the rim, bounced a couple stories into the air, then dropped through the net with the softest of swishes with about 40 seconds left.
“The basketball gods don't reward hesitation,” Banchero said. “That one, I didn't hesitate and they blessed me with that make. A funny shot, but a big shot.”
Detroit probably had one of those coming.
The Pistons, who trailed for most of the game, went on a 26-8 run in about six minutes to turn a 96-79 deficit into a 105-104 lead on a free throw by Cade Cunningham — who led all scorers with 27 points. Cunningham and Tobias Harris combined for 22 points in that spurt, one where Detroit shot 9-for-11 from the floor.
“For parts of the game, we did some good things,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “But down the stretch, they made some tough shots that made it hard for us to finish it out.”
He's half-right. The other half was this — Detroit made no more shots.
When the 26-8 run ended, all nine of the game's remaining points were scored by the Magic. A team that seems to love being in the basketball pressure-cooker found a way, once again.
A 2-1 series lead going into another home game on Monday is Orlando's reward, with the No. 8 seed now two wins away from an upset.
“There's a lot to clean up as well,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 23: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks is defended by Onyeka Okongwu #17 and h0during the second quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Your Atlanta Hawks (2-1) try to build upon their last two clutch wins in a row and take a stranglehold of the series against the New York Knicks.
Jock Landale (right high ankle sprain) has been ruled out.
Starting lineup:
G CJ McCollum
G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
F Dyson Daniels
F Jalen Johnson
C Onyeka Okongwu
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
It wasn't just lucky bounces for the Magic. It was a focused defensive effort on Cade Cunningham, holding the All-Star and heart of the Pistons to 8-of-23 shooting with nine turnovers. It was Desmond Bane setting a Magic record with seven 3-pointers in a playoff game. It was Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero stepping up with clutch buckets.
After Detroit had all the momentum, coming from 13 down in the fourth quarter to take a one-point lead at 105-104, Orlando closed the game on a 9-0 run in front of their home crowd.
The result was a 113-104 Magic win, putting them up 2-1 in their first-round series against the No. 1-seeded Pistons. Game 4 is Monday night, in Orlando, a contest you can watch on Peacock.
Coming into the playoffs, the question in Detroit was "who is going to be the second scorer after Cade Cunningham? Three games into the postseason we still don't have that answer..
Orlando did their best defensive work in the series on Saturday, doubling up on Cunningham, throwing different (and fresh) defenders at him all game. It slowed him, forcing him to turn the ball over nine times, tying a Detroit playoff record. Nobody else really stepped up as a secondary playmaker (Daniss Jenkins got just seven minutes off the bench).
Tobias Harris stepped up with 23 points on 8-of-16 shooting and some key plays. Jalen Duran had five blocks and was a defensive force, but he had eight points on 3-of-10 shooting before fouling out.
While the Orlando highlights will focus on Desmond Bane and his 25 points and seven 3-pointers, or on Banchero and his 25, don't sleep on Wendell Carter Jr. — he was key to this win. It wasn't Carter's 14 points or eight rebounds — although he scored nine points on second-chance buckets that were huge — it was his defense. His ability to switch, to guard multiple positions and protect the rim, was critical in how the Magic defended Cunningham.
On the other end, Detroit did a poor job of containing Orlando's drivers much of the night.
This was a close game much of the way. It was tied 26-26 after one quarter, although it was foreshadowing that Orlando forced seven Detroit turnovers in the quarter (resulting in seven points).
Jalen Suggs came out firing and had 12 of his 15 points on the night in the first half, while Desmond Bane had 14. The result was a 61-54 lead for the Magic at the break.
Down eight after three quarters, the Pistons' J.B. Bickerstaff chose to start the fourth quarter with both Cunningham and Duren on the bench. The result was a fast 7-0 Magic run and a 15-point Orlando lead.
It felt like the Magic were in control, but then Cunningham got loose a little, a couple of 3-pointers fell, and the Pistons came storming back to take a one-point lead with 2:52 remaining. The No. 1 seed looked like it had righted the ship.
Then the bounces started going Orlando's way again. And it was the ballgame.
Lakers guard Bronny James had five points in a 26-second flurry during Game 3 on Friday night in Houston. They were the first playoff points in his career. (Kenneth Richmond / Getty Images)
While leading the Lakers to a commanding 3-0 lead over the Houston Rockets in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, LeBron James has stepped out of his airtight postseason mindset for only a few fleeting moments.
He has a good reason.
“All those moments has been with Bronny,” James said Friday after leading the Lakers to a 112-108 win over Houston. “It keeps getting better and better. It’s like ‘wow.’”
Steadily growing under the postseason spotlight, Bronny James scored his first playoff points Friday in a five-point, 26-second flurry in which he drained a three behind a screen from his dad and then hit a reverse layup to complete the NBA’s first father-son postseason alley-oop. The Lakers can clinch the first-round, best-of-seven series Sunday at the Toyota Center.
Without Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) to run the Lakers’ halfcourt sets, the team has placed an emphasis on running in transition. When Deandre Ayton blocked a shot at the rim with 7:18 remaining in the second quarter Friday, LeBron James corralled the rebound and pushed the ball up the court. Bronny James, the youngest player on the Lakers’ roster, knows he can beat anyone up the court. He locked eyes with his dad as they sprinted toward the basket.
It’s been a while since Bronny James caught a lob from his 41-year-old teammate. Maybe not since last year’s training camp, he estimated. Getting to connect again while contributing to the Lakers’ thrilling overtime win is “what I always wanted,” Bronny James said.
“Especially a playoff game, the first playoff bucket is great for me, great for my confidence and how I approach the rest of the playoffs,” he added of his role in the win.
The 21-year-old from USC got his first postseason rotation minutes in Game 1, starting the second quarter. The Crypto.com Arena crowd cheered when he got his first touch on the ball.
He had one turnover and two fouls in his three-minute, 50-second shift. Even several of his completed passes were slightly off the mark, forcing teammates to reach for the ball. Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean pulled him aside in front of the Lakers bench for words of encouragement before the second-year pro returned to the bench. He didn’t re-enter the game.
LeBron James remembered the nerves he had during his first postseason game in 2006 against Washington, he said after Game 1, and there was little advice he could give his son that would make the experience easier until he actually did it.
“I was nervous for my first playoff game, too,” Bronny James said. “I definitely think I've gained a little more confidence and relaxed myself over these three games.”
The Lakers are going to need the younger James’ minutes. Still waiting for Doncic and Reaves to return, the Lakers can’t turn down any advantageous shots, coach JJ Redick said.
Seeing the former second-round pick confidently step into a three-pointer Friday was even more important than the fact that Bronny James made the shot for his first playoff points.
Lakers guard Bronny James (9) and Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) chase after a loose ball during Game 3 on Friday night in Houston. (Michael Wyke / Associated Press)
“The amount of confidence that a young kid in our league can get from a postseason game is like — a regular-season game would never,” LeBron James said, “you will never get nervous from a regular-season moment ever again when you play meaningful postseason games and postseason minutes. And he's done that and I think that's pretty cool for his career, for his confidence.”
Not only has Bronny James gained confidence in his shot, but Redick praised his improvement on defense throughout the season. Against the famously physical Rockets, the 6-foot-2 guard doesn’t look out of place on defense. In the moments LeBron James zooms out to realize his son is playing, he marvels at his oldest child’s attention to detail, improvements on the ball and defensive mindset.
Bronny James is appreciative of the coaches’ trust in him. The former five-star recruit out of Sierra Canyon High is still growing into his career, especially after surgery for a congenital heart defect derailed his brief college experience. That he didn’t get to play a March Madness game will irk him for the rest of his life, Bronny James said. But the Lakers postseason run isn’t a bad consolation prize.
“[I] got to do it in the playoffs,” Bronny James said, “and that's just the best feeling.”
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 25: Goga Bitadze #35 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons during Round One Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 25 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
All the Magic was on Orlando’s side as the Detroit Pistons dropped Game 3 113-105 to the Orlando Magic and face a 2-1 series deficit and plenty of questions. I’m not sure how many of them have answers Pistons fans are comfortable with.
The Pistons played awful basketball nearly the entire game, but somehow found themselves taking a 105-104 lead with 2:52 remaining. It was the last points Detroit would score on the night as Orlando went on a 9-0 run to close out the game and take command of the series.
Franz Wagner hit a tough step-back jumper and a deep above-the-break 3 to score the first five for Orlando. The true backbreaker, though, was a 25-foot heave from Paolo Banchero that hit the back of the rim, bounced straight up in the air, and casually dropped into the net.
Whether it was some Orlando magic or the Basketball Gods taking stock, we’ll never know, but the Pistons did not truly deserve to be in the game late.
Cade Cunningham had a great fourth quarter, but before that was absolutely pitiful. He had nine turnovers on the night, including a critical one with 58 seconds left in a five-point game when he slipped on the floor near the rim amid not incredibly intense defense.
Even worse was yet another absolute dreadful performance from Jalen Duren. The Pistons big man dicated so much of how Detroit has found offensive success this season, but his game and his confidence have disappeared in this postseason. He had eight points and nine rebounds on 3-of-10 from the field. That’s not going to get it done.
Conversely, Orlando’s most important players stepped up. Desmond Bane finally had a Desmond Bane game, hitting seven threes en route to 25 points. Banchero had 25 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. Players like Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. did all the little things you need to do to win in the playoffs.
Detroit didn’t do those little things, they only surfaced big questions.
Questions like where they can turn when Cunningham faces so much full-court pressure and double teams. At times this season, the answer has been Duren and Daniss Jenkins. In the playoffs, those options have been not just unreliable but actively hurting Detroit on the floor. There are questions about who can create shots outside of Cade. The answer there might be, well, nobody.
Tobias Harris stepped up with 23 points, including some critical buckets late to bring Detroit back. Ausar Thompson was an offensive saftey valve when Detroit’s offense had completely dried up. But you’re not winning a playoff series on the backs of offense from Harris and Thompson. And the Pistons might not win this playoff series at all.
Orlando is certainly in full control, and Detroit will need answers. Those answers likely need to start with Cunningham and Duren. It’s simply how the team is built and how the offense needs to function. If they can’t figure out how to be successful on the floor, both together and when the other sits, then this series is over and Detroit has a lot of tough questions heading into an unexpectedly early offseason.
After narrowly dropping Game 2 at home, the San Antonio Spurs roared back to life with a comfortable victory in Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead.
With Victor Wembanyama expected back for Game 4, my Spurs vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks expect San Antonio to deliver another win on the road and cover a modest spread.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers prediction
Who will win Spurs vs Trail Blazers Game 4?
Spurs: The Spurs finished the regular season with the second-best record on the road, winning 29 of 41 games away from Frost Bank Center. San Antonio got the job done with big games from its budding backcourt, and the return of Victor Wembanyama will push the Spurs to victory on the road.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers best bet: Spurs -5.5 (-110)
San Antonio is 24-17-1 ATS on the road and 14-12-1 ATS as the road favorite. The visiting team covered the spread in 25 of 45 games when favored by at least 5.5 points, including a 10-7 mark when favored by that many on the road.
The Spurs were one of the best two-way teams in the Association this season. San Antonio boasted the second-best net rating (8.4), the third-best offensive rating (118.7), and the third-best defensive rating (110.4).
On the road, the Spurs were even better defensively, with a 109.4 defensive rating, the second-best mark in the league. San Antonio’s 8.4 net rating on the road ranked second in the Association.
Conversely, the Blazers have struggled on both ends of the floor this season. Portland ranks 21st in offensive rating (113.1), 11th in defensive rating (113.5), and 19th in net rating (-0.4).
At Moda Center, Portland has been even worse, ranking 23rd in offensive rating (110.6) and 17th in net rating (-3.2).
Portland was comfortably defeated in Games 1 and 3, and it took a mid-game injury to Victor Wembanyama and a career scoring night from Scoot Henderson to come away with a three-point win in Game 2.
Wemby’s return should fuel the Spurs to victory, as they look ahead to Game 5 and a gentleman’s sweep at home.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay
Five of six head-to-head matchups between the Spurs and Blazers have gone Under, and at 219 points, I expect that trend to continue in Game 4. With Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama back in action, the Spurs can lock down Portland’s offense and keep this matchup low-scoring.
Wembanyama delivered 35 points in Game 1 before getting concussed in Game 2 and missing most of the contest. Including that shortened stint on the court, Wemby has averaged 29.7 points over his last 18 games, scoring 28+ 10 times. He’s cashed the Over on this scoring line in five of his last six healthy games.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers SGP
Spurs -5.5
Under 219
Victor Wembanyama Over 27.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Spurs Roll!
Reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and 2026 first-round pick Dylan Harper led the Wembanyama-less Spurs to victory in Game 3, and I expect them to stay productive in Game 4.
Stephon Castle finished with a 33/2/5 line in Game 3 after posting 30 and 31 in Games 1 and 2. Castle has averaged 34.2 PRA across his last 12 games while cashing the Over on this line eight times.
Dylan Harper finished his rookie season with averages of 19.1 PRA, going for at least 17 in 44 of 69 total appearances. He reached that mark in 24 of 38 road games, and he posted a monster 27/10/3 line in Game 3.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers SGP
Spurs -5.5
Victor Wembanyama Over 27.5 points
Stephon Castle Over 30.5 points+rebounds+assists
Dylan Harper Over 16.5 points+rebounds+assists
Spurs vs Trail Blazers odds for Game 4
Spread: Spurs -5.5 | Trail Blazers +5.5
Moneyline: Spurs -220 | Trail Blazers +180
Over/Under: Over 219 | Under 219
Spurs vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know
The Spurs have covered the first-half spread in 28 of their last 35 road games for +20.05 units and a 49% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Trail Blazers.
How to watch Spurs vs Trail Blazers Game 4
Location
Moda Center, Portland, OR
Date
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Tip-off
3:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Spurs vs Trail Blazers latest injuries
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Our NBA player prop projections are all ready for you before a pivotal Game 4 matchup between the Denver Nuggets & Minnesota Timberwolves tips off, with the model flagging several high-value opportunities.
By breaking down the data and stacking it up against current market lines, we’ve identified where the strongest edges lie.
If you’re building out your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Saturday, April 25.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves computer picks for Game 4
Nuggets
Timberwolves
Jokic u30.5 points -120
Randle u25.5 points -500
Gordon o2.5 assists +110
Edwards o3.5 3-pointers -105
Jokic o13.5 rebounds -115
Dosunmu o3.5 assists -115
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Nuggets Game 4 computer picks
Nikola Jokic Under 30.5 points (-120)
Projection: 28.17 points
Nikola Jokic impacts the game in every area of the floor, and as long as he’s on the court, the Denver Nuggets feel his presence.
Even with him going Under in 7 of his last 10 games at a 30.5-point line against a highly competitive Minnesota Timberwolves defense, Jokic remains just as dangerous by influencing the game in other ways when scoring isn’t at its highest peak.
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Aaron Gordon Over 2.5 assists (+110)
Projection: 2.97 assists
To avoid falling into a 1–3 hole, the Nuggets need Aaron Gordon badly & in a big way for Game 4.
With the Timberwolves playing at the sixth-fastest pace over their last five games, possessions should come in waves, giving Denver more transition chances and Gordon an opportunity to shine as a facilitator within that flow.
If he’s on the floor, his recent production suggests strong value here as well, having cleared his 2.5-assist line in 8 of his last 10 games.
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Nikola Jokic Over 13.5 rebounds (-115)
Projection: 15.13 rebounds
Death, taxes, and Nikola Jokic cleaning up the glass. There may not be a more reliable angle heading into Game 4.
When it comes to his impact beyond scoring, this is exactly where the Nuggets star consistently dominates, turning missed shots into second chances and controlling possessions on the boards.
Jokic has cleared his 13.5-rebound line in 7 of his last 10 games, and with another heavyweight matchup against the T-wolves, there’s every reason to expect him to be active on the glass once again.
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Timberwolves Game 4 computer picks
Julius Randle Under 25.5 points (-500)
Projection: 20.11 points
There’s no better time for the T-wolves. They’ve got the Nuggets exactly where they want them — on the ropes and feeling the pressure in Minnesota.
The question now is whether Julius Randle can elevate his game. He’s come up short of this points line throughout the series despite favorable conditions, but if Minnesota is going to push toward a 3–1 advantage, they’ll need more offensive production from him in Game 4.
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Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 3-pointers
Projection: 3.7 3-pointers
The nagging knee issue for Anthony Edwards will be something to watch closely in Game 4, but when he’s on the floor, there’s not much that can slow him down.
If the injury doesn’t limit him, expect Ant Man to bring the fireworks from deep and put extra pressure on the Denver Nuggets from beyond the arc.
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Ayo Dosunmu Over 3.5 assists (-115)
Projection: 3.7 assists
The Timberwolves are expected to see a boost in pace-driven opportunities tonight against one of the fastest road teams in the league over the last five games, the Nuggets.
That uptempo environment has helped Ayo Dosunmu settle into a strong playmaking rhythm, as he’s cleared his assist line in both Game 2 and Game 3.
With home court energy and the stakes rising in Game 4, the expectation is that he stays involved and clears the mark again.
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How to watch Nuggets vs Timberwolves Game 4
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
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Editor’s Note: This bet was placed before it was announced that Joel Embiid would be returning to the 76ers lineup tonight.
The Boston Celtics got back home-court advantage in Game 3. Now they'll try to put a stranglehold on the series against the Philadelphia 76ers with another win in Philadelphia.
Philly is hampered by injury and had a rare collapse in crunch time to fall behind in the series. Boston seems to have everything going its way.
That's why my Celtics vs. 76ers predictions and NBA picks predict a Celtics cover as a road favorite.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Celtics vs 76ers prediction
Who will win Celtics vs 76ers Game 4?
Celtics: The Boston Celtics stars are stepping up, and they're set to take a stranglehold of this series. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have increased their scoring averages and are hitting a combined .500 from the field, .400 from three, up from .467, .342 in the regular season.
Celtics vs 76ers best bet: Celtics -7.5 (-105)
The Boston Celtics thrive as the road favorite. Boston is 16-9 ATS in that position this season and 26-16 ATS overall in road games. The Philadelphia 76ers are below .500 ATS both as a home dog and in all home games.
The Game 3 result added to both trends.
Boston bounced back from a Game Two loss by clamping down on the two players who burned them. VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey combined for 59 points on 23-of-48 shooting, 11-of-22 from three, in Game Two.
Boston put Jayson Tatum on Edgecombe in game three, and both Philly shooters paid the price. They combined to hit just 17 of 47 shots and were 5-of-20 from three.
Maxey stopped trying to drive in the second half and found some success shooting from outside. Philadelphia will need to find an adjustment to get both of its scorers back into the game, however.
Embiid is improving but still listed as doubtful. His replacements in the paint have struggled. Adem Bona had hustle and high-energy plays, but too frequently made costly mistakes, picking up offensive fouls on moving screens and getting called for goaltending.
Backup Andre Drummond has been a defensive liability against the faster Nikola Vucevic.
While Philadelphia's bench players are getting exposed in the post in Embiid's absence, it highlights an overall Boston advantage in depth. The Celtics' bench outscored the Sixers' bench 35-14. They also logged significantly more minutes—92 to 52.
For the series, the bench scoring mismatch is 92-62 in Boston's favor, and the bench's minutes played are 264-225. The longer the series goes on, the more it will benefit the Boston starters.
Celtics vs 76ers same-game parlay
Boston plays at the slowest tempo in the NBA, and Philadelphia is at No. 15. All three games in the series have gone under. Philly has gone Under in 10 of 15 games as a home dog this season, while Boston has been Under 16 of 25 as a road favorite.
Jayson Tatum is averaging 23 points in the playoffs and has scored 23 or more in nine of the last 10. He's a better bet than Jaylen Brown, whose points prop is 2.5 points below his playoff average, because Brown is less consistent with his scoring. In his last eight, he has three games over 35 points and five at 26 or lower.
Celtics vs 76ers SGP
Celtics -7.5
Under 213.5 points
Jayson Tatum Over 22.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Mismatch Heaven!
Nikola Vucevic is in a mismatch with Bona, who can't stay on the floor with fouls and bad plays, and Drummond. He has 17 rebounds in the three games and could increase that if Philly relies more on the outside shot.
VJ Edgecombe has been Philly's best rebounding option with Embiid out. He hit double figures on the boards in each of the last two games and has 39 rebounds in the last five.
Tyrese Maxey found success from outside late in the last game, making four straight from three-point range in the second half. He's been hampered by a finger injury and made just 16 of 55 threes for a .291 percentage over a 10-game stretch before hitting five in each of the last two games.
Jaylen Brown has hit 13 threes in the last five games.
Celtics vs 76ers SGP
Nikola Vucevic Over 5.5 rebounds
VJ Edgecombe Over 6.5 rebounds
Tyrese Maxey Over 2.5 made threes
Jaylen Brown Over 1.5 made threes
Celtics vs 76ers odds for Game 4
Spread: Celtics -7.5 (-110) | 76ers -7.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Celtics -290 | 76ers +237
Over/Under: Over 213.5 (-110) | Under 213.5 (-110)
Celtics vs 76ers betting trend to know
Boston has hit the game total Under in 36 of its last 50 games (+20.60 Units / 37% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. 76ers.
How to watch Celtics vs 76ers Game 4
Location
Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Celtics vs 76ers latest injuries
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The New York Knicks will try to rebound in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks won Games 2 and 3, each by a single point. The Knicks are slight 1.5-point favorites.
Moneyline: Atlanta Hawks +105 (46.3%) / New York Knicks -130 (53.7%)
Over/Under: 214.5
Series results, schedule
Game 1:Knicks 113, Hawks 102 Game 2:Hawks 107, Knicks 106 Game 3:Hawks 109, Knicks 108 Game 4: Sat., April 25, at Atlanta (6 p.m., NBC) *Game 5: Tue., April 28,at New York (TBD) *Game 6: Thu., April 30, at Atlanta (TBD) *Game 7: Sat., May 2, at New York (TBD)
Apr 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) has the ball stolen by Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) in the fourth quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Sorry for the late post. But chat about today’s NBA playoff games here!
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 24: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Nikola Vucevic #4 of the Boston Celtics during game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 108-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Starting and finishing the second half to reach the 30-minute mark for the first time as a Celtic, the 35-year-old Nikola Vučević found himself in unfamiliar territory.
Vooch was part of a clutch time win in the playoffs.
“It’s what you want to do as a professional athlete: Be in these moments, be in big games, be able to deliver for your teammates,” he said. “So, it was a good win, but now we’re on to the next one.”
One more win in this series would match Vučević’s postseason wins for his career before joining the Celtics, but his last win to technically reach the clutch time 5-under-5 threshold came in 2022, when the Bulls led by five with 18 seconds to go against the Milwaukee Bucks. Prior to that, he played in a true back-and-forth clutch game in 2019, when Orlando upset the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of the first round before losing four straight to the eventual champions.
The unfamiliarity isn’t in the fact that he reached those clutch opportunities; it’s that, for the first time in his NBA career, it’s with a team that’s expected to win those games. And since he was acquired at the trade deadline, he’s been expected to play a part in reaching those expectations.
With Neemias Queta starting the game in early foul trouble and finishing the night with four fouls in 13 minutes, it opened the door for Vučević to handle the bulk of the big man work load, finishing the night with a well-rounded statline of 11 points (4/10 shooting), 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks.
“I thought Vooch stepped up for us big time tonight on both ends of the floor,” Joe Mazzulla said after the game. “Anybody we put in has a chance to help us win, so we’ve got to keep that going.”
In the fourth quarter, a corner three less than 90 seconds in and a drive and kick pass to an open Jayson Tatum for his first of two clutch threes played their part in the Game 3 victory.
Out of the gate in the third quarter, Boston ran a unique action to get Vooch involved in what would become a game he’d feature heavily in. With Maxey matched up on Sam Hauser, the Celtics worked him into an off-ball action, running an inverted pindown with Hauser setting a screen for Vooch to curl around. With Maxey left alone on the 6’9” big man, it forced Adem Bona to help, leaving an open kickout to Hauser for a tone-setting three out of the break.
It’s not an action you see often for the big man. What you will see is a heavy dose of pick-and-pop basketball, particularly with Andre Drummond as his matchup. In this game, Vučević was the shooter Philly often decided to play off of, leaving him unmanned on his pop outs, instead opting to keep Drummond closer to the paint, or outright committing to cutting off Tatum or Brown’s drives.
This first quarter three from Vooch is a good indication of the way Philly sold out to protect the paint. As Brown drives, he sees strong-side help from Maxey and from Drummond. It’s a smart kickout from JB, and the 76ers lived with these kinds of attempts all night.
Vooch made an impact offensively, but surprisingly, it was his defense that was the highlight of the night. While not a high bar to clear, it was by far Vooch’s best defensive outing in a Celtics uniform.
After a heavy dose of drop pick-and-roll coverage in Game 2 that dared the Sixers to beat them from the outside, the Celtics didn’t go completely away from the drop, but they mixed in more up-to-touch coverage, more off-ball stunts when they went with a drop, and an added wrinkle of more of ice coverage to push the ball away from the middle of the floor. With Vooch playing off the ice coverage, he handled his own, keeping the ball in front of him even with the risk of an open paint.
By funneling the ball to the side and forcing it away from the middle of the floor, it makes things easier on the off-ball defenders keeping track of where the ball goes next, and forces more baseline shot attempts or ball relocations.
Maxey had a few instances where his ability to pass and relocate gave Philadelphia a fresh look to reset and find better scoring avenues, but compared to Game 2, the Celtics did a better job making them work for the shots they wanted.
Credit should go to Vooch for his foot work and hands filling passing lanes during these iced screens, but it’s important to note the way Derrick White, Jordan Walsh and Brown all adjust their positioning and ride the back of the ballhandler to provide pressure from behind and in front of the ball.
In crunchtime, Vooch did have a few defensive possessions where his screen defense was a little too high on the ball, with one instance putting him out of position as Drummond rolled into an easy dunk to cut the Celtics lead to one with 2:19 to play. In another late-game possession when Paul George broke containment and got into the paint, Vooch committed hard to contest the drive, leaving Drummond open again for a layoff opportunity.
If we’re putting a grade on his overall defensive performance, something like a solid B feels accurate. Some familiar miscues, but otherwise good screen defense and better-than-usual rim protection.
This wasn’t the heroic, immortalizing performance that Vučević’s 15-year career has been missing, but it was a well-rounded effort at a crucial time.
Philadelphia looked like a potentially dangerous No. 7 seed entering the postseason it has lived up to that billing through the first three games.
Led by All-Star Tyrese Maxey — scoring 27 points a game this series — and his backcourt running mate, rookie VJ Edgecombe, the 76ers were able to split the two games in Boston. They did that without center Joel Embiid, who has been out recovering from an appendectomy.
It took big nights from "The J's" — Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who scored 25 points each — to earn Boston a Game 3 win on the road and retake the lead in the series. The Celtics are very difficult to beat when they are hitting their 3-pointers, and they were 20-of-47 (42.6%) in Game 3. Boston needs that to carry over to Sunday.
See below for additional information on the Celtics-76ers game and how to watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs on NBC and Peacock.
How to watch Celtics vs. 76ers, Game 4:
When: Sunday, April 26 Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia Time: 4 p.m. ET Announcing team: Mike Tirico (play by play), Reggie Miller (analyst), Zora Stephenson (courtside reporter) TV: NBC Live Stream:Peacock Series: Celtics lead 2-1
What other games are on NBC and Peacock Sunday?
• Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets (Game 4), 9:30 ET, NBC and Peacock
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers game preview
In the playoffs, the little things can be the difference — grabbing a key rebound, making a key steal, knocking down the clutch 3-pointer. In this series between long-time Eastern Conference rivals, it has been Boston doing a little more of that.
In Game 3, it was Jaylen Brown with the key fourth-quarter steal on a Tyrese Maxey pass, turning it into a Derrick White layup. It was Jayson Tatum hitting a clutch 3-pointer. It was White crashing from the corner and getting a key offensive rebound between two 76ers with 35 seconds remaining.
That Game 3 win has Boston up 2-1 in the series: The Celtics are 48-5 all-time when up 2-1 in a series, while the 76ers are 2-21 when trailing 1-2 in a series.
Philadelphia is ignoring those numbers and believes it has a chance to come back in this series — they just have to do the little things better.
"When you play good teams, that's what it is," Tyrese Maxey said. "You've got to be extremely sharp in the playoffs, man. You're seeing it."
Philly's belief starts with Maxey, who is averaging 27 points and 7.7 assists per game, although he has struggled with shots inside the arc, shooting just 39.2% on those. His help has been inconsistent, with Paul George averaging 18 points a game and rookie VJ Edgecombe at 17.7 (but shooting just 27.3% from beyond the arc).
Joel Embiid would be a big boost for Game 4, but his status remains in doubt as he recovers from an appendectomy. Embiid was listed as questionable before Game 3 before being ruled out.
How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock
NBC Sports will present up to 23 games in the First Round and 11 games in the Conference Semifinals across either NBC and Peacock, or Peacock and NBCSN. Playoff programming concludes with exclusive coverage of the Western Conference Finals on NBC and Peacock.
Which playoff rounds will be available on Peacock?
Peacock's NBA Playoffs coverage spans multiple rounds, including Round 1, the Conference Semifinals, and the Western Conference Finals, with coverage evolving as the postseason progresses.
Will Peacock show both Eastern and Western Conference playoff games?
Yes. During earlier rounds, such as Round 1 and the Conference Semifinals, Peacock will carry a mix of Eastern and Western Conference playoff games.
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HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 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
To call Friday’s Game 3 win for the Lakers over the Rockets improbable would be quite the understatement. Down six without the ball and just 30 seconds left, LA somehow forced overtime before coming away with a win that puts them firmly in the driver’s seat in the series.
It’s a win that required a lot of resilience. Even before the final seconds, the Lakers had to withstand a Rockets run throughout the second half to even be within touching distance late.
Then, in the final seconds, they needed a bit of magic from Marcus Smart before coming up with another late steal to shock Houston. It was all a bit wild and required a lot of belief…
….belief that only existed because it was the playoffs, if you ask a maybe-too-honest Rui.
Look, Rui’s not wrong necessarily, but this is one of those things you don’t admit publicly. I’m pretty sure if head coach JJ Redick saw this clip, it might give him an aneurysm.
In Rui’s defense, there was basically no chance of them winning the game when LeBron missed his 3-pointer with 36.4 seconds left. At that moment, according to ESPN’s win probability chart, the Lakers had a 2.7% chance of winning, which still seems high.
Fortunately, Smart didn’t have quite the same mentality as Rui in that moment.
Jokes aside, the Lakers have been a remarkably resilient bunch this season, both in the big picture and small picture. They’ve battled through injuries all season to even be at this point in the series.
It’s not one of the best teams Lakers fans have seen, but it is one of the most memorable because of that trail alone.
The Los Angeles Lakers came through with a clutch victory in Game 3 to take a commanding 3-0 lead, and the Houston Rockets will look to stave off elimination when they host Game 4 at the Toyota Center tonight.
Marcus Smart has been excellent this postseason, and my Lakers vs. Rockets predictions call for him to keep the momentum going as LA advances to the Western Conference semifinals.
Here are my best free NBA picks for Game 4 on Sunday, April 26.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Lakers vs Rockets prediction
Who will win Lakers vs Rockets Game 4?
Lakers: The Houston Rockets dropped Game 1 without Kevin Durant, but Houston couldn’t get back on track with their superstar forward on the court. Durant sat out Game 3, and the Rockets came within 30 seconds of getting in the win column.
Two careless turnovers from Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard led to six quick points from Marcus Smart and LeBron James in the final seconds of the contest, and Houston is facing an insurmountable 0-3 deficit. Any fight that Houston had left is gone, and the Lakers will take the series.
Lakers vs Rockets best bet: Marcus Smart Over 16.5 points + assists (-110)
Marcus Smart has played tremendously well since returning from a nine-game absence. He logged 18 minutes off the bench in his return, and he’s started four straight games dating back to the season finale.
Smart has been instrumental in the Los Angeles Lakers’ postseason success, and I expect that to continue in Game 4.
Through the first three games of the series, Smart has averaged 28.6 points+assists while logging 36 minutes per game. His usage has increased from 15.1 in the regular season to 23.5 in the postseason.
He finished with 23 points + assists in Game 1 and followed it up with 32 and 31 in Games 2 and 3, respectively.
Smart was instrumental in the Game 3 come-from-behind victory, stealing the ball and knocking down three free throws to cut the lead to three, eventually leading to a LeBron James game-tying triple in the final seconds of regulation.
The Houston Rockets' defense has been poor and undisciplined in the postseason. The Rockets have surrendered the third-most free-throw attempts (28.7), third-most assists (26), and the highest three-point percentage (46.1).
Houston’s 110.3 defensive rating ranks 10th, and the team has allowed the eighth-most points (106.7).
Smart has averaged 8.3 assists and knocked down 8-of-16 triples through the first three games of the series, and the matchup with Houston sets him up favorably to have another successful performance as a scorer and facilitator.
Lakers vs Rockets same-game parlay
The Rockets are in total disarray after squandering a late lead in Friday’s Game 3. The Lakers could take their foot off the gas and wrap up the series at home in Game 5, but getting James some rest would be ideal.
I expect the Lakers to put the final nail in the coffin of a highly dysfunctional Rockets season.
The Under has hit in four of six head-to-head matchups between these two teams, but I fully expect the Lakers to take care of business in this one and put up more than enough points to push this one to the Over.
After Friday’s 220-point total, the number has moved up just two points to 207.5, making it a value selection.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
Marcus Smart Over 16.5 points + assists
Lakers +5.5
Over 207.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Team Effort!
It’s time to put the Rockets out of their misery and wrap up the series early. The Lakers will surely value rest for the players who fought through the series while they anxiously anticipate the return of Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic.
Father Time's undefeated record is certainly in question, as LeBron James’ fingerprints are all over this series. King James has hit the Over on this line in three straight, and he ended the regular season with 40+ PRA in three of four contests.
James knows what it takes to close the series out, and I expect another big game.
Rui Hachimura finished Friday’s win with 22 points, and he’ll look to build on that performance in Game 4. Hachimura has started eight straight games, averaging 16.5 points along the way. He’s scored 15+ in four of those eight.
Like Rui, Luke Kennard has started eight straight games. In that span, he’s averaged 15.6 points and scored 13+ six times. Kennard has really come alive in the playoffs, averaging 21.3 points across the first three games of the series.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
Lakers moneyline
LeBron James Over 39.5 points + rebounds + assists
Marcus Smart Over 16.5 points + assists
Rui Hachimura Over 14.5 points
Luke Kennard Over 12.5 points
Lakers vs Rockets odds for Game 4
Spread: Lakers +5.5 (-115) | Rockets -5.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Lakers +160 | Rockets -190
Over/Under: Over 207.5 | Under 207.5
Lakers vs Rockets betting trend to know
Los Angeles has hit the moneyline in 32 of its last 45 games (+19.60 Units / 17% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Rockets.
How to watch Lakers vs Rockets Game 4
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Lakers vs Rockets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
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