Category: NBA

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Without Victor Wembanyama standing in the way, the Portland Trail Blazers have a much clearer path to the postseason. And guard Scoot Henderson has a much clearer path to the bucket tonight against the San Antonio Spurs.

San Antonio will not have its superstar center tonight, leaving the Spurs without their paint protector. No player in the NBA has a more transformative impact than the 7-foot-4 Frenchman.

Our Trail Blazers vs. Spurs predictions measure a Wemby-less San Antonio team, and my NBA picks see a hot spot to back Scoot’s prop market on Wednesday, April 8.

Trail Blazers vs Spurs prediction

Trail Blazers vs Spurs best bet: Scoot Henderson Over 14.5 points (-105)

The San Antonio Spurs’ interior defense is among the best in the league when the lanky center is patrolling the key, allowing less than 45 points in the paint per game since the All-Star break. 

Without Victor Wembanyama, that rim protection disappears faster than the brisket at 2M Smokehouse.

Just look at how quickly the Spurs’ interior crumbled when Wemby missed a chunk of time between November and December. San Antonio was gashed for 55.3 points in the paint in those dozen games — second most in the NBA during that span. Most recently, the L.A. Clippers dropped 56 PITP on the Spurs without Wembanyama on April 2.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson is a big part of the team’s postseason push. The former No. 3 overall pick missed 51 games with a torn hamstring but has found his stride the past month, averaging 15 points over his last 17 appearances.

Henderson is a dangerous dribble-drive weapon and excellent at getting to the rim, making him a live offensive option for the Trail Blazers tonight. He’s attempted at least 11 field goals in each of his last six games and can draw contact and score from the foul line. San Antonio will also be missing starting guard Stephon Castle, who is one of the team's better on-ball defenders.

Not only will Henderson find his way to the rim, but he’s also been shooting well from deep, with a 9-for-18 count from beyond the arc the last three games. Scoot's player projections sit between 14 and 17 points, and my number sits north of 16 points.

Trail Blazers vs Spurs same-game parlay

The Blazers are pissed after a controversial OT loss at Denver handed them just their third loss in the past 11 games. Portland is pushing for a better seed to set them up for an easy path in the Play-In Tournament.

Without Wembanyama, the pace of play picks up with the Spurs going smaller. The Blazers will score inside and out, taking advantage of the missing shot blocker while continuing their 3-point attack.

Trail Blazers vs Spurs SGP

• Trail Blazers +3.5
• Over 229
• Scoot Henderson Over 14.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Treasure trail

Without Wembanyama, things change drastically in this game. Henderson can score at the rim, Donovan Clingan can crash the glass with ease, and Deni Avdija can spot up from outside. Portland needs the win and already knocked off a Wemby-less Spurs team back in January.

Trail Blazers vs Spurs SGP

• Trail Blazers moneyline
• Scoot Henderson Over 14.5 points
• Donovan Clingan Over 11.5 rebounds
• Deni Avdija Over 1.5 threes

Trail Blazers vs Spurs odds

• Spread: Trail Blazers +3.5 | Spurs -3.5
• Moneyline: Trail Blazers +130 | Spurs -150
• Over/Under: Over 229 | Under 229

Trail Blazers vs Spurs betting trend to know

Portland has covered the spread in six of its last seven games. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Spurs.

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The Denver Nuggets are gunning for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and host the struggling Memphis Grizzlies in NBA action tonight.

My Grizzlies vs. Nuggets predictions are backing superstar center Nikola Jokic to dominate Memphis inside.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this clash on Wednesday, April 8.

Grizzlies vs Nuggets prediction

Grizzlies vs Nuggets best bet: Nikola Jokic Over 12.5 rebounds (-130)

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic leads the NBA with 12.9 rebounds per game and has snagged 14+ boards in seven of his last eight contests.

He has an extremely favorable matchup tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies, who are tanking. Memphis is especially weak inside after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. and shutting down Zach Edey and Santi Aldama.

The Griz are 26th in the NBA in rebounding rate (48.1%), with that number falling to just 43.4% since the start of March. That, combined with their fast tempo, has resulted in them allowing a league-worst 50.9 rebounds per game over the last 15.

Grizzlies vs Nuggets same-game parlay

The Griz clearly care more about getting a better lottery pick than being competitive in a rebuilding season. They aren't even trying on defense anymore, surrendering 129.8 points per game over their last 10.

That should lead to plenty of points for Denver, which means lots of assists for Jokic. Joker has dropped at least 12 dimes in seven of his last eight games.

One guy who will benefit from those passes is Aaron Gordon. Gordon has cleared 15.5 points in three of his last five contests, and he's fresh off a 23-point performance against Portland. 

Grizzlies vs Nuggets SGP

• Nikola Jokic Over 12.5 rebounds
• Nikola Jokic Over 10.5 assists
• Aaron Gordon Over 15.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Joker's Wild 

Jokic has also scored more than 30 points in three of his last five games. With Jokic stuffing the stat sheet, there's a good chance Denver can cover this massive first-half spread.

After all, Memphis has an average first-half margin of -11.0 in its last 10 games, and the Nuggets could be extra motivated after losing as big favorites in Memphis last month.

Grizzlies vs Nuggets SGP

• Nikola Jokic Over 23.5 points
• Nikola Jokic Over 12.5 rebounds
• Nikola Jokic Over 10.5 assists
• 1H Nuggets -13.5

Grizzlies vs Nuggets odds

• Spread: Grizzlies +23 (-110) | Nuggets -23 (-110)
• Moneyline: Grizzlies +1600 | Nuggets -5000
• Over/Under: Over 244.5 (-110) | Under 244.5 (-110)

Grizzlies vs Nuggets betting trend to know

The Nuggets have covered the second-quarter spread in 14 of their last 20 games at home (+7.10 Units / 31% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. Nuggets.

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Ahead of Tuesday’s game between the Celtics and the Hornets, Brad Stevens sat down with Celtics media to discuss a slew of topics.

Here’s everything that he had to say, and what I made of it.

On Jayson Tatum’s return from Achilles:

Stevens stood by what the Celtics have always said about Jayson Tatum’s recovery timeline — he wasn’t going to come back until he was ready. And, Tatum has looked more than ready since his return: in 15 games back, he’s averaged 21.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.

“Until he was 110% at every threshold, had fully reconditioned, and he felt good, we weren’t even going to entertain the thought of him coming back,” Stevens said. “But it became clear, probably around the trade deadline, that early February time, that he was in a pretty good spot physically and from the standpoint of strength. And then it’s just a matter of reconditioning and getting your confidence back in a lot of ways, and playing and being back on the court.”

“And we did a lot of small games, and we had the Maine team down and got a chance to play a little bit live on the start of the post All-Star trip. And you could see that not only was he going to come along pretty quickly, but you could also see that he was getting more eager to play. So it was a really well-thought-out process by Dr. O’Malley, and Nick Sang, and Phil Coles, and followed strictly by Jayson, and everybody involved with that gets a lot of credit because of the amount of work that everybody put into it. It was nobody more than Jayson, with a close, close second by Nick. It was pretty incredible to watch up close. I got a front row seat for the whole thing. So I wasn’t sitting on the edge of my seat like others were the first time they saw him run up and down the court playing 5-on-5.”

What I took away: Brad Stevens confirms here that Tatum had been practicing since mid-February, and that he had looked good in those games (we kind of already knew that, but it sounds like these games started prior to when things were reported). Also of note — the Celtics knew that he would return when they chose to trade Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic, which makes sense. Simons became more duplicative with Tatum back in the lineup, and Vucevic provides needed frontcourt depth ahead of a playoff run.

On whether the team has a ceiling:

In July, Brad Stevens made clear he wasn’t going to put a ceiling on the Celtics’ potential: “I said this when I was coaching all the time. I’d never put a ceiling on my team.”

Nine months later, he laughed when the concept of putting a ceiling on the roster was brought up: “You think now would be a good time?”

“I don’t really change. I feel the exact same as I did at the beginning. And I really feel that way normally. We’re playing today, we’ll put our best foot forward to be as good as we can be, and after tonight, we’ll be one game better or worse. And then we’ll try again tomorrow. When we get into the playoffs, it’ll be the same thing. It’s one game at a time. I don’t think in terms of the big picture as far as this individual team. I just think – I know that we can play. I’ve seen us rise and meet challenges, and I know that this team is looking forward to the next one. As you get into this time of year and get into the playoffs, everything’s hard, and the other teams are really good, and we’ll see where it all stacks out. But I’m going to continue to not put a ceiling on us.”

What I took away: When Stevens said that he didn’t want to put a ceiling on the team in the offseason, it felt like he was just saying the right thing — why would any general manager go out and put a cap on what he thought his team could achieve? But, now, with the Celtics holding a 54-25 record and on the cusp of securing the East’s No. 2 seed, that statement just hits different. The Celtics are undoubtedly championship contenders. At the same time, he also made sure to note that nothing at all is guaranteed.

On navigating the young guys playing in the playoffs:

Stevens was asked about the margins of error being slim in the playoffs and how they would go about utilizing players like Hugo Gonzalez and Baylor Scheierman, who don’t have postseason experience. Gonzalez (14.5 minutes per game), Walsh (17.5 minutes per game), and Scheierman (18 minutes per game) have all played significant roles this season, but those roles have also fluctuated significantly as the year has gone on.

“That’s the coaching staff’s job: to navigate and manage the challenges that come with the games, and challenges that come with navigating the playoffs and being the lead communicators for that,” Stevens said. “Our job as a front office is to support them in any way that we can. And so, we’ll follow their lead on what they feel like the team needs and how we can best support, but we won’t overstep our roles, and I think that’s really important. The margin is small as the playoffs start, as you get into this time of year, the distractions rise, the burdens rise, the praise rises, all that stuff, right? And the reality is, you just have to stay in the moment, be as good as you can today, and the teams that have the stamina to do that can usually play longer. Doesn’t mean you’ll win. I mean, teams that we’re competing against are all going to be good. But I do think this team, and the group led by Joe,  understands the path ahead and how to navigate it, and can help the guys without as much experience.”

What I took away: The biggest thing here? Stevens fully empowers Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics coaching staff to do their job well. That’s part of what’s made the Celtics organization work as well as it has. Stevens doesn’t know which of Gonzalez, Scheierman, or Walsh will lace up in the playoffs, and he’s not going to overstep in that regard.

On his name continuing to come up when head coach vacancies in college open up:

Brad Stevens’ name recently surfaced when the men’s basketball head coaching position at the University of North Carolina opened up (the position has since been filled by former Nuggets head coach Mike Malone). There’s long been speculation that Stevens will eventually return to coaching, and he was asked directly on Tuesday about whether he’s annoyed or flattered by that speculation.

“It’s always flattering,” Stevens said. “And listen, I’m talking to people all year long, all around the game. Because one of the joys of my job now is watching, whether it be in current front office roles, people leave and get promoted, a la Austin [Ainge]. Or when I was coaching, or a part of the coaching staff, watching those guys get jobs.”

“So I’m on the phone with a lot of those people all the way through the year that are in those decision-making processes. And so it’s always flattering, right, when you’re hearing that. But, the whole idea of the coaching carousel being news is a little bit tiresome. But I get why, in this day and age, why people want to talk about it. As you know from being around me, I’m not quick to make decisions where I’m all over the place. I like being here. They’ve been great to me, and I haven’t been seeking anything else.“

“And I don’t have an agent. So I guess my circle is pretty small, although I do –  Tracy still kind of helps me out. But I know that she’s pretty reliable and confidential. But, one of these days, you know, I don’t see myself… like I’m not motivated to do anything but what I’m doing is the bottom line. And I’m really happy with the people who are around and everything else. And that’s been the best part about being here and really, as you get to this age and stage, I think that’s the motivator for me. I don’t really have any other motivation than being around people that I want to be around.”

What I took away: Stevens said a lot here, but two things really stuck out. The first is that he’s really happy in Boston and fulfilled by the team around him. The second is that he’s not unequivocally ruling out eventually returning to coaching. I don’t view that as an indication that he’s likely to leave the Celtics anytime soon — I think he just picks his words carefully and doesn’t want to say anything he’s not 100% certain about.

On integrating Nikola Vucevic:

Nikola Vucevic was acquired in mid-February, played 12 games, and then was sidelined with a fractured ring finger for a month. He’s been back for two games now, with three games left to play in the regular season. In that span, Vucevic has averaged 9.4 points and 6.9 rebounds in 21.1 minutes of action, while shooting 41.6% from the field and 29.5% from three.

Stevens acknowledged Vucevic is still getting accclimated, but said he’ll be valuable down the road:

“It’s going to be a work in progress anytime you get a guy that comes into trade,” he said. “But Vooch is a pro, and I think that he immediately recognized that he’s got to do his best to find where he can help fit and where he can help impact the team. We haven’t played a ton of teams that have switched everything, like in the first game against Miami, where he really got some post-up opportunities, and that type of stuff. But I do think that he can bring an element to this group that will be really valuable down the line. I think that it’s good that he gets at least a week here to work on it with the guys. And the other thing is, we’ve been really lucky that we haven’t been in the Play-In in a while. I think we were in the one year, my last year as a coach. That turnaround, you don’t have time to work on your team as you get ready for a playoff series. Having that week in between is going to be really good, and even though we won’t have games to necessarily play with Vooch, we only have a couple left, just those practices are probably more valuable than even these next four games.”

What I took away: Vucevic has struggled a bit since lacing up for the Celtics, but that doesn’t mean he won’t eventually be very important to the Celtics. In the playoffs, if the Celtics face a team that switches everything, Vucevic will be a particularly powerful weapon. Stevens also stressed that, though there are only a few regular-season games left, the week of practice will be really helpful. That’s a good reminder for fans, too: teams hardly ever get to play.

On what he looks for in a player:

Stevens was asked about the kind of player he’s looked to bring to Boston: this past year, the Celtics added Hugo Gonzalez via the draft and Luka Garza via free agency, among others.

“Everything is information, right? And so, there’s a there’s an analytical side of it where, maybe the numbers are popping for a guy in low minutes, like they would have with Luka, because some people value possessions more than they value some of the perceived weaknesses of a player, or whatever the case may be. We do tend to look at the fact that, if you have the right competitive character and you’re more about the team, those are huge qualities.”

“Everybody’s in the NBA for a reason, and if we can figure out how to maximize the reason they’re here and not focus on the things that people see as a detriment, then we can build a team — as long as you have the cornerstones. And we’ve got the cornerstones, and that’s a huge part of it. So, I’d say that, when you talk about a guy like Luka Garza, a good example is the competitive character where team matters, you’re growth-oriented, you come to work every day, and your ambition doesn’t necessarily exceed your self-awareness. And I know that’s not always easy to find, but we watch these guys for a long time at a lot of different levels, and a guy like Luka came extremely highly recommended as a person, and we knew that he had competitive character.”

What I took away: The Celtics have done a really good job of maximizing players’ strengths, but they’ve been able to do that because they have legitimate franchise players (or, as Stevens calls them, cornerstones). I’d consider Mazzulla a cornerstone here, too. Luka Garza is often a guy the front office has pointed to, because he’s obviously extremely talented offensively (former Naismith Player of the Year!), but hasn’t found a way to be an impactful rotation player. And, a big reason why the Celtics signed him is because of his character — I’ve talked to plenty of people around the league, and few are as highly regarded as Luka.

On the job the coaching staff has done:

Stevens was asked about the work that Joe Mazzulla and the coaching staff have done this season, and nodded profusely.

“Tremendous. People talk about team chemistry a lot, and it gets overevaluated. A player’s reaction to another player, a player’s body language. But people don’t see a coach’s meeting, and when a staff doesn’t fit or work well together. And staff chemistry can kill team chemistry fast. And so, to have a staff that’s been together, that knows how they want to accomplish what they can and want to accomplish, that isn’t tied to a singular way of playing on offense or defense necessarily, because they have to wait and see what their roster is going to look like, and then can adjust to that.”

“To have the ability to say, ‘Yeah, these guys may have some things they haven’t done as well or are unproven, but they’re here for a reason. Let’s find those and soar with those, and then piece a team together.’ I think you’re going to have the best chance to maximize yourself, and this particular staff, I think, is excellent. And listen, we’ve been really lucky around here to have several people now coaching in the NBA at different stops, including both guys on the sideline today, and we’ve got more of them. And so, that’s going to be pretty cool to watch all these guys take the next step, because they truly know how to get the most out of the group. And they also know kind of how to navigate the season with the group. So, they’ve done a great job. The players have done a great job of embracing being coached, embracing those roles, and it’s all been pieced together to have a nice regular season. And they all — the players, coaches, and everybody else [that is] up for all these awards, whether they want them or not — they certainly all deserve them.”

What I took away: Brad Stevens knows he has the best coaching staff in the NBA. And, he was happy to be asked about them.

Tracy McGrady dishes on career guidance he gave Jaylen Brown in 2019 originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The 2018-19 NBA season was a tough one for the Boston Celtics. They went into that campaign with championship expectations, but for many reasons, that goal wasn’t achieved.

The C’s playoff run ended in a five-game loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. A few months later, Kyrie Irving and Al Horford left in free agency.

It was also a difficult season for Jaylen Brown. He took a huge step in his development during the 2017-18 season, especially in the playoffs when he played a prominent role with Irving and Gordon Hayward sidelined due to injuries. The Celtics advanced all the way to Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals.

Brown saw his playing time and many of his stats decrease in 2018-19. He also went from making 70 starts in 2017-18 to just 25 in 2018-19.

During that offseason, Brown reached out to NBA legend and friend Tracy McGrady and asked for his advice on the situation. McGrady helped convince Brown to stay in Boston. T-Mac saw the potential Brown and Jayson Tatum had as an elite duo.

McGrady talked about that conversation, and many other topics, on the latest episode of NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics Talk Podcast with Chris Forsberg.

“It’s fascinating,” McGrady said. “He’s very intelligent and a guy you suspect (would) have all the answers because he’s a student of the game and he wants all the information. For him to reach out to me to just come sit down and have a conversation, because it was heavy on his heart and his mind, and what he wanted to do.

“For me, it was just (being) the voice of reason because I’m not emotionally connected to Boston. I’m not emotionally connected to anything with Boston. My connection is with him and trying to give him the best advice as possible.

“I saw it was an opportunity — you’ve got another player with you in Jayson Tatum, and the dynamic that you guys have created could be very dangerous, and given the organization and their winning ways, and them putting the necessary pieces around you guys — you’ve always been close when you’ve been together.

“It was just a matter of them figuring it out and working together and how they were going to pull everybody else up to get over that hump and win a championship. It ultimately happened, and he was the MVP of (that series). And now these guys have another opportunity to do that.”

Brown staying in Boston worked out perfectly. He has become an All-NBA player, and this season he is a legitimate MVP candidate. Brown and Tatum led the Celtics to their long-awaited Banner 18 with an NBA Finals triumph over the Dallas Mavericks in 2024. Brown also was voted Finals MVP.

With the 2026 playoffs on the horizon, Brown and Tatum have a chance to win their second title together over the next few months. The C’s are the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, and a lot of experts consider Boston to be the favorite to win the Eastern Conference.

Also in this episode:

• Who would win in their prime? T-Mac or JB?
• Where Brown fits in the MVP race
• The relationship the two have built over the years, including career guidance in 2019
• His thoughts on Jayson Tatum’s remarkable return
• Who are the biggest threats in the East?
• The impact Tatum has made to the roster, rebounding, defensively
• A look at who could come out of the play-in round to face the Celtics as the 7th seed

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The Minnesota Timberwolves are effectively locked into the No. 6 seed out West, so they will trot out a lineup tonight that looks nothing like what will be seen in the playoffs.

The Orlando Magic are the lucky beneficiaries. Apologies to all fans of the Hornets, 76ers and Raptors.

My Timberwolves vs. Magic predictions and NBA picks expect exactly one key piece of Minnesota’s rotation to shine on Wednesday, April 8, and that's Rudy Gobert.

Timberwolves vs Magic prediction

Timberwolves vs Magic best bet: Rudy Gobert Over 11.5 points (-115)

Do not assume any notable Minnesota Timberwolves will play deep into tonight’s game against the Orlando Magic … except probably Rudy Gobert.

This spread has moved a bucket today, because it is more and more clear that Minnesota may coast the rest of the week.

Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels are both recovering from knee worries. The Timberwolves have declared Mike Conely out for rest, Ayo Dosunmu out to tend to a right calf injury, and Julius Randle out amid “right hand soreness.”

Gobert is listed as questionable, “rest.” Expect him to play.

Why? Because he should rest the final two games of the regular season. One more flagrant foul from Gobert elicits a two-game suspension that would roll over into the postseason. Minnesota should not risk that in either of its last two games. So given Gobert is likely to rest to close the week, expect him to play tonight and to play genuine minutes.

With so much other production removed from the Timberwolves’ lineup, genuine minutes from Gobert should result in more field-goal attempts than usual.

Timberwolves vs Magic same-game parlay

Get ready to learn about Zyon Pullin, NBA bettors. He played three minutes in last night’s Timberwolves’ win at Indiana. The second-year guard has not played even five minutes in a game this season, but it is distinctly possible he plays 10+ minutes tonight.

Perhaps Pullin does not see such action, but that mere possibility should underscore how unseriously Minnesota is taking this game.

Timberwolves vs Magic SGP

• Magic -5 1H
• Magic -9.5
• Under 228.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Sit Suggs

The Timberwolves not worrying about tonight should lead to the Magic easing up in certain areas, and no piece of the Orlando rotation needs rest more than Jalen Suggs does. He is clearly playing through injury, if not injuries, as the Magic try to claw their way out of the Play-In Tournament.

Timberwolves vs Magic SGP

• Magic -5 1H
• Magic -9.5
• Under 228.5
• Jalen Suggs Under 13.5 points

Timberwolves vs Magic odds

• Spread: Timberwolves +9.5 | Magic -9.5
• Moneyline: Timberwolves +300 | Magic -380
• Over/Under: Over 228.5 | Under 228.5

Timberwolves vs Magic betting trend to know

Orlando has won three straight games outright, each of them vital as the Magic sit tied for No. 7 in the East with life ahead of the Play-In Tournament only a game away. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Magic.

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April showers might bring May flowers, sure, but quality basketball in April opens the door to May games. Perhaps even June. This is the stretch where teams tighten things up, clean their rotations, and get ready for the games that actually matter. Unless you are tanking, of course. Thankfully, the Phoenix Suns are not in that lane. They do not have a draft pick waiting to reward losing, so the mission is simple. Compete. Use these games to learn who shows up when the lights get hot, who fades, and what you actually have before a very real offseason arrives.

And yet, things feel off in Phoenix.

This is not a team sharpening its tools. This is a team still rummaging through the toolbox, trying to find those damn needlenose pliers. Health has been part of the story all season, and now that bodies are back, it almost feels like there are too many levers to pull. There are too many tools in the proverbial toolbox. There are too many options and not enough clarity. They are not honing an edge. They are still deciding which blade to pick up.

That early-season run? It was real. They took the league by surprise and stacked wins. It is also worth remembering how it happened. Jalen Green, the $33.6 million man, missed 45 games. During that stretch, something formed. Roles made sense. Chemistry showed up. Guys knew where to be and what to do. The team is 16-15 in games in which he has played. They were 27-21 in games without him. Not a singular cause, but worth noting.

Now he is back. Dillon Brooks is back. Mark Williams is back. The team is the healthiest it’s been all season. And somehow, the picture is less clear. The Suns feel uneven, the roles are less defined, and the team is sputtering. Possession to possession, quarter to quarter, game to game. The identity that once felt loud now feels distant.

If you zoom out and look at the month-by-month counting stats for the Phoenix Suns, you can start to see where things are drifting. April is a small sample. Three games are not enough to plant a flag and call it a full-blown trend. But when you layer it on top of what we have been watching in the weeks leading up to it, the picture becomes a little clearer.

The numbers do not exist in a vacuum. They are confirming what the eye test has been telling you. Certain areas are slipping. Possessions that used to be under control are now loosening. Defensive breakdowns that used to be occasional are becoming routine. Fourth quarters are a barren offensive landscape. And when you connect those dots from late March into April, it stops feeling like a blip and starts feeling like direction. And right now, that direction is not the one you want heading into the postseason.

What is concerning? Let’s delve.

Opposing Points in the Paint

We talked about it in the Weekly Recap, and the numbers keep reinforcing it. Month by month, Phoenix is allowing more damage in the paint, not less. They are allowing 56.0 points in the paint in April, whereas they were permitting 48.5 during the first six months of the year. An extra 8 points nightly is not what anyone would label as “ideal”. That is the wrong direction this time of year. You already know why it matters. The paint is where the highest percentage shots live. Layups, dunks, second-chance looks; all of it adds up quickly when you do not protect that space.

And right now, teams are getting there far too easily. Opposing teams’ offensive rebound percentage in the month of April is 46.5%. It was 32.0% between October and March. The team, as they’ve navigated away from size, has permitted the opposition to roam free to snag offensive rebounds. There is no deterrent, there is no resistance.

Whether it is guards turning the corner without resistance or bigs cleaning up on the glass, as we saw with the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, it becomes a steady diet of easy points. Missed box outs become putbacks. Broken containment becomes a layup line.

That is not something you can live with. Good teams identify this early. They adjust. They tighten things up. They make the paint uncomfortable. Phoenix is going the other way.

Steals Per Game

The calling card for the Phoenix Suns this season, at least for the first half of it, has been defense. Not passive defense, not sit back and react, but pressure. Disruption. The kind that makes teams uncomfortable and speeds them up. That is the identity. Or at least it was. That is what has separated Phoenix when they are right.

But as the season has moved forward, that edge has dulled.

The steals are not showing up at the same rate. This was the league’s top team in steals at one point. They are now ranked 4th, which obviously isn’t horrible. But they are not trending upward, especially when compared to the front-end of the season.

The activity might still be there, the intent might still exist, but the results are not matching it. Hands are a half step late. Rotations are a beat behind. What used to turn into turnovers is now turning into clean looks.

You can point to fatigue and you can point to injuries. Both are part of the story. None of this happens in isolation. But it is still something you have to acknowledge. Because when your identity is built on disruption, and the disruption starts to fade, everything else becomes harder.

Assist Percentage

One of the more concerning developments with the Phoenix Suns is how sharp the drop has been in certain areas, and assists sit right at the center of it. Yes, the April sample is small. Three games are not enough to paint the full picture. But the recent results have been alarming. Their 49.6 assist percentage is dead last in the NBA.

The scoring is still there, although 110.7 points per game in April is 4th least in the league. A primary reason for this is that the assist numbers have fallen off. 19.7 assists on 39.7 made field goals is a significant shift from what the first six months of the season carried, which was 25 assists on 41 field goals made, a 60.8 assist percentage.

The ball is sticking more. The natural flow that defined this team earlier in the season is not showing up with the same consistency.

When the ball moves, the offense breathes. When it doesn’t, everything tightens. Shots become tougher, possessions become more predictable, and the margin for error shrinks. What you are seeing is a lack of cohesion. Not complete dysfunction, but enough of a drop to notice. Enough to question.

And that is the part that lingers. Because when you move into the postseason, those cracks do not hide. They get exposed.

Fourth Quarter Net Rating

Ummm…gross, right?

This team is not closing well. The execution slips, the flow disappears, and possessions start to feel heavy. Devin Booker has not elevated in those moments, and when he shifts into deferment mode, the response around him has not been there either. No one is picking up the slack. No one is carrying the weight.

And that is where games are decided. The fourth quarter is where you win or lose, and right now, Phoenix is not holding up in those minutes. Especially in April. The same issue keeps showing up. The same script keeps playing out. When the moments matter most, the Suns are coming up short.

It’s been a season-long issue. The Suns are the worst team in the NBA in fourth quarter scoring, averaging 25.9 points per Q4.

Thankfully, there is still time. Not much, but some. Three games left for the Phoenix Suns before the Play-In, before everything tightens, before every possession carries a little more weight. And that is where the focus turns to Jordan Ott and the rotations.

He is tightening them. That part is clear. But the question that keeps hanging in the air is whether he is tightening in the right places. Because right now, the productivity is not matching the decisions. The lineups are not producing the consistency you need this time of year.

How long do you keep searching? How long do you keep running out combinations that are not giving you what you need, hoping that something clicks? Because at some point, the window for experimentation closes, and the need for clarity takes over.

That is where Phoenix is right now. Three games to figure it out. Three games to find the groups you trust. Three games to build something that can hold when the pressure rises. After that, there is no more searching. Only results.

In a recent article, written in The Players Tribune, Dillon Brooks stated the following:

We got everybody in the league looking down, staring at their shoes.

Honestly, answer me…. Who in their right mind wants to see the Phoenix Suns right now? 

My guess is that the answer to that question is a lot of teams.

That disruptive identity they built early in the season? It has faded. Teams are getting into the paint whenever they want. The activity is there at times, but it is not turning into steals. The ball is not moving with purpose, assists are down, and possessions feel heavier. And when the game tightens in the fourth, things fall apart.

Those are all symptoms of the same thing. Execution.

You can point in a lot of directions. Jordan Ott and the rotations. The players and their ability to carry out what is being asked. Even the roster construction itself. It sounds strange, but this team might be too deep for its own good right now. Too many options, not enough clarity. And when you are still trying to figure out who plays, when they play, and how they fit together this late in the season, it shows.

Because instead of leaning into an identity, you drift away from one. Instead of being disruptive, you become disjointed. Disconnected. Discombobulated. The version of this team we saw early, the one that had a clear edge and a clear purpose, that version feels distant. And with the postseason around the corner, that is the part that should make you uneasy.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle were ruled out for the San Antonio Spurs ’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.

Wembanyama is out after suffering a rib contusion on Monday and Castle is out with right knee soreness, the team announced.

Wembanyama needs to play at least 20 minutes in one more game to reach the league-required minimum of 65 games for award eligibility.

The Spurs have two games left in the regular season after Wednesday night: Friday against the Dallas Mavericks and Sunday against the Denver Nuggets.

The Spurs said they are hopeful Wembanyama and Castle will play Friday.

They both participated in shootaround on Wednesday.

“I can’t tell you too much of how (Wembanyama) looked, but he heals fast,” Spurs veteran Harrison Barnes said.

Wembanyama suffered the injury in the first half of a 115-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Castle had 17 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds in that game.

Wembanyama had 17 points, five rebounds and three blocks in just under 16 minutes. That time constituted an official game played per the NBA guidelines, which allow two exceptions of 15 to 19:59 minutes to count toward the league-required minimum.

San Antonio (60-19) has clinched the Southwest Division title and is assured of finishing no worse than second in the Western Conference. It trails the conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (63-16) by three games.

___

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The Eastern Conference seeding race may last until Sunday, but the Atlanta Hawks can just about smell the postseason proper. And if it escapes the Play-In Tournament, Atlanta will likely face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.

My Hawks vs. Cavaliers predictions and these NBA picks do not expect Atlanta or its best player to hide anything in anticipation of that postseason matchup. Too much is still at stake on Wednesday, April 8.

Hawks vs Cavaliers prediction

Hawks vs Cavaliers best bet: Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 20.5 Points (-112)

Nickeil Alexander-Walker made about $4.5 million last year. He then signed a four-year, $60.1-million contract with the Atlanta Hawks. Nearly quadrupling your annual income is notable, but Alexander-Walker may still be underpaid.

He has averaged 20.8 points this season while shooting 39.9% from beyond the arc, leading Atlanta in 3-point shooting and trailing only Jalen Johnson’s 22.7 points.

For good measure, Alexander-Walker has dialed up his production in this closing stretch as the Hawks reach as high as the No. 5 seed in the East. He has cleared this prop in his last three games while shooting 16 of 29 (55.2%) from deep. That is the kind of shooting that defenses simply cannot stop, certainly not in the regular season.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, in particular, are not equipped to stop it. Cleveland has ranked No. 22 in the NBA in the last month in opponents’ 3-point shooting percentage, allowing foes to hit 37.8% of their shots from beyond the arc.

Perhaps worse yet, Cavaliers’ opponents pull up from deep 39.7 times per game. No team that forces more 3-point attempts gives up a better hit rate than Cleveland does.

Hawks vs Cavaliers same-game parlay

Alexander-Walker has hit at least four triples in three straight games and in four of his last five, with the exception still featuring a 3 of 8 showing. 

Obviously, a good shooting night from Alexander-Walker helps Atlanta’s odds of winning, but so does Cleveland’s overall plight. The Cavaliers need to pick up two games on the Knicks to reach the No. 3 seed in the East, and with three games remaining, that is simply rather unlikely, and Cleveland knows as much.

Hawks vs Cavaliers SGP

• Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 20.5 points
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 3.5 made threes
• Hawks moneyline

Our "from downtown" SGP: Coasting Cleveland

The logic here is simple: An early Atlanta lead should incentivize Cleveland to rest its stars. The Cavaliers need to go 3-0 while the Knicks go 1-2 in the final three games, or 2-1 with an 0-3 from New York. That is not impossible, but it is unlikely enough to justify easing Donovan Mitchell and James Harden into the postseason.

Hawks vs Cavaliers SGP

• Hawks moneyline
• Hawks first half +0.5
• Donovan Mitchell Under 25.5 points
• James Harden Under 20.5 points

Hawks vs Cavaliers odds

• Spread: Hawks +1.5 | Cavaliers -1.5
• Moneyline: Hawks +100 | Cavaliers -120
• Over/Under: Over 236 | Under 236

Hawks vs Cavaliers betting trend to know

Atlanta has gone 17-6 against the spread since the All-Star Break, compared to a pedestrian 26-29 ATS record before the season’s proverbial halfway point. Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Cavaliers.

How to watch Hawks vs Cavaliers

Hawks vs Cavaliers latest injuries

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Giannis Antetokounmpo stood along the sidelines at Barclays Center Tuesday night, dressed in a cream-colored sweater to watch his Cream City Bucks lose to the Brooklyn Nets. It may very well be one of the last few times he’ll represent Milwaukee in any form if the latest rumors are true.

Those latest rumors, amplified by ESPN’s Shams Charania online and on television, are that the 6’11” 32-year-old is ready to move on from an increasingly dysfunctional locker room presided over by a coach who looks like a lame duck unable to rally his players. So, the Greek Freakout is upon us, it seems, with Shams predicting that a miniumum of 10 teams will take a look, make a call … and Brian Lewis predicting that Brooklyn will be among them.

“They’ll make calls,” a source told The Post, Lewis reported Wednesday morning. “They’ve made calls in the past.”

Indeed, maybe more than once. Giannis has been a Nets target in the past. How seriously is another question, but as Sean Marks said last year, part of the Nets rebuild will be determining whether a superstar acquisition is worth it.

“If you’re going after max-level talent, they have to automatically and absolutely change the trajectory of your team,” Marks said. “This can’t be like, ‘Let’s go get this [guy] and lock ourselves into being a six or seven seed.’ When we go all in, you’re going in to compete at the highest level and contend.”

Beyond that, various pundits, including Lewis, have reported that the Nets are moving from their 20 or so win rebuild to something more akin to a build, using whoever they get in the 2026 draft lottery as a lure for stars and superstars. Whether the Greek Freak is still the latter is still to be determined.

When healthy, he certainly qualifies as a top 5 player in the league, but he’ll soon be 32 years old, has only played 36 games this season and has been dealing with leg injuries all season long, the worrisome kind, and will want a contract worth more than a quarter billion dollars, including $70+ billion in the final and fourth year …. when he’ll be 36. Then, there’s the troublesome question of his relationship with the only team he’s ever played for.

But it shouldn’t be surprising that the Nets would pick up the phone. They had hoped Mikal Bridges and to a lesser degree Cam Johnson would get him interested. Didn’t happen. It’s not often players of his caliber become available. However, as Lewis points out, he wants to play for a winner and the Nets are far from that. Also, the Nets would no doubt have to give up a lot to get him. Shams reports that the Bucks turned down a package from the Heat that included young center Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, other players and multiple draft picks and pick swaps. It didn’t stop there, noted Shams.

Milwaukee wanted Evan Mobley from the Cleveland Cavaliers and VJ Edgecombe from the Philadelphia 76ers, in addition to other assets from both teams, as ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported March 20.

After back-and-forth discussions — including a meeting in Antetokounmpo’s native Greece in late July after which the New York Knicks became the only team he’d play for other than Milwaukee — and the Bucks refusing to move him, Antetokounmpo agreed to give the new roster a chance to grow. His pledge didn’t last long, however.

The reality, Lewis admits, is that the chances of Giannis-to-Brooklyn are small.

To be clear, with teams like the Heat, Warriors and Knicks perceived as likelier landing spots, it’s a long shot Antetokounmpo will end up in Brooklyn.

The odds are just better than the microscopic near-zero they were in February.

So as Jim Carrey once said, so you’re telling him there’s a chance? That’s why you pick up the phone.

How did we get here?

That question has been on a loop in my mind. With every Cooper Flagg jumper over Luke Kennard. During the whole fourth quarter of Tuesday’s Thunder game.

It’s hard to really grasp how quickly everything went awry. This season deserved better than this.

How did we get here?

A week ago, the Lakers were riding high, fresh off one of the wins of the season against the Cavs. It capped off a March where they established themselves as one of the best teams in the NBA. Their big three had finally coalesced and become a dominant force, led by Luka Dončić and his historic scoring performance.

Even if they were still a level below the Thunder or Spurs, they were building something. With Luka playing at the level he was, it didn’t take much squinting to see the Lakers stunning one of the favorites in a series, either.

And then, in about 24 hours, it all just collapsed.

At 2:59 p.m. PT on Friday, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Luka had suffered a Grade 2 hamstring injury that would rule him out for at least some time. At 2:11 p.m. PT on Saturday, the Lakers announced Austin Reaves would be out with an oblique strain.

It was a 1-2 combo that would have made Mike Tyson envious. The Lakers went from a puncher’s chance — if not more — to staring at the lights with their back on the canvas.

Even as they’ve peeled themselves up off the mat to give it a go in the final week of the regular season, they’re beyond a shell of themselves. If they offer more than a whimper in the playoffs, it’ll be a surprise.

It’s an unjust ending to a season that had so much behind it.

It hurts because of what this team was becoming. They had built throughout the year to peak as the postseason arrived and, amidst all sorts of injuries, it was finally happening. Luka and Austin and LeBron James had gotten that time on the court together at last and it looked great. Now, it’ll all be for naught.

Luka’s scoring exploits will be remembered because those nights are hard to forget and are easy to highlight. But his level of buy-in defensively raised the floor of this team and was a big factor in that March success. Now, it’ll fade into the background.

Much the same, Austin’s early-season rise to superstardom won the Lakers some important games and secured tiebreakers that mattered down the stretch. But he, too, had slotted nicely into a role as the second star, forming a dynamic backcourt. He, too, had made strides defensively to help this team compete. Those, too, will be for naught now.

And then there’s LeBron. After years of being The Guy on teams, not only had he handed the keys over to Luka on the fly, but he had moved Austin ahead of him on the totem pole as well. In Year 23 at age 41, he was reinventing himself one more time, becoming a third fiddle who feasted in transition while doing a bit of playmaking when necessary. But he was more than willing to sit back and watch the new stars of the franchise take over. And now, none of that matters.

It’s feels especially harsh for him as the chances of him competing for a title are extremely finite. With his future uncertain, there’s a non-zero chance this was the last go. And it was ripped away.

As up and down as his season has been, Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes had seemed to find their footing and were having success. The latter had certainly re-established himself after a disastrous playoffs last year.

Marcus Smart had been a home run signing for the Lakers, coming in and doing the exact things they needed of him. He may not have been at his best defensively, but he was certainly still good enough. And he had more than a few nights when he alone swung games.

Rui Hachimura had not only accepted his role coming off the bench, but embraced it. In a contract year, no less. Luke Kennard came in as a midseason acquisition and fit better than anyone could have expected.

And now, it’s over with no reward.

Kennard’s game-winner against the Magic. Rui’s against the Raptors. Luka’s against the Nuggets. Austin’s against the Wolves. Those all live on as singular moments with no collective payoff.

The chemistry-building moments on and off the court were supposed to have a greater end goal in mind. The teaching moments in losses. The gritty wins where you learn something about your team. It all ended up being a little too meaningless.

The Lakers were almost certainly not going to win a title this year. But their play in March changed that from a definitive statement to one with a little less certainty. They had built to a moment where they would have a chance. To have it all upended in one weekend is a gut punch.

Having to watch what’s left of the team limp into the playoffs makes it worse, because you know it’s not an accurate representation of what this team was. It’s to say nothing of the players left, who have to pick up the pieces and finish the season while likely in some form of shellshock as the fans are experiencing.

None of it seems fair. Life isn’t fair and the basketball gods can be cruel. But this Lakers team deserved more than this ending. It’s really just hard to fully grasp.

How did we get here?

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

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If the massive point spread didn’t already give it away, the Milwaukee Bucks aren’t expected to put up much of a fight against the Detroit Pistons.

A big reason for that sizable spread is that no one knows which version of Milwaukee we’ll see tonight. The Bucks had just eight healthy bodies in last night’s loss to Brooklyn.

Detroit, on the other hand, is expected to have some starters back in action — or at least available in a limited capacity. One guy who will enjoy beating up Milwaukee’s makeshift defense is Duncan Robinson.

Our Bucks vs. Pistons predictions bounce around his player props, and my NBA picks squeeze extra value from his individual markets on Wednesday, April 8.

Bucks vs Pistons prediction

Bucks vs Pistons best bet: Duncan Robinson Over 2.5 made threes (+110)

With the Detroit Pistons clinching the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference last weekend, the team sat several starters for Monday’s loss at Orlando. 

Shooting guard Duncan Robinson was one of those inactives, ruled out with a hip strain despite taking part in shootaround beforehand. Robinson is slated to return tonight, enjoying a four-day break before the final three games of the schedule.

Robinson picked up the scoring slack when Cade Cunningham went down with a collapsed lung in mid-March, averaging 13.6 points on 9.3 field-goal attempts the past eight games. He's done the bulk of that damage from beyond the arc, knocking down 28 of 59 3-point attempts (47.5%).

Cunningham could come back tonight, but he will be on a strict minutes restriction, which still leaves Robinson with plenty of touches. 

His scoring total is at 9.5 O/U with the Over juiced to -125. However, you can get his Over 2.5 triples at +110, which is essentially the same bet due to Robinson’s reliance on the 3-ball.

He’s knocked down three or more shots from distance in six of the last eight contests, and player projections sit as high as 3.3 makes from downtown.

Even at full strength, the Milwaukee Bucks struggle to protect the perimeter. On the season, the Bucks rank 27th in opponent 3-point success (37.4%) and allow the second most triples per game (14.8). Those numbers have only swelled over the past month (16.0 3PM, 39.4% last 21 games) with Milwaukee circling the drain.

Bucks vs Pistons same-game parlay

Detroit doesn’t need the win, but with an opportunity to get the starters back, including Cunningham, this matchup with Milwaukee could turn into a glorified practice for the postseason. Who knows what lineup the Bucks will bring out? If your tickets are good enough, you might get minutes for Milwaukee.

Ausar Thompson has hauled in at least five rebounds in five straight games before collecting three in the loss to Orlando. With the main rotation returning for Detroit, Thompson gets back to business on the boards, and projections call for as many as six rebounds tonight.

Bucks vs Pistons SGP

• Pistons -19.5
• Duncan Robinson Over 2.5 made threes
• Ausar Thompson Over 4.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Big Buck Hunters

We usually like to throw together a fun SGP in this section, but with the health of the Bucks’ rotation an unknown and the Pistons also on the fence with Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart, player prop options are limited. We’ll toss on the Over in this game, with Milwaukee’s defense giving way to a 7-2 O/U record in their last nine showings.

Bucks vs Pistons SGP

• Pistons -19.5
• Over 221.5
• Duncan Robinson Over 2.5 made threes
• Ausar Thompson Over 4.5 rebounds

Bucks vs Pistons odds

• Spread: Bucks +19.5 | Pistons -19.5
• Moneyline: Bucks +1200 | Pistons -2400
• Over/Under: Over 221.5 | Under 221.5

Bucks vs Pistons betting trend to know

The Over is 11-5 when Detroit is laying double digits this season (69% Overs). Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Pistons.

How to watch Bucks vs Pistons

Bucks vs Pistons 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.

The Atlanta Hawks can secure a playoff berth and no worse than the Eastern Conference’s No. 6 seed with a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs have already secured home-court advantage for the first round of the playoffs, but still have a chance to catch the New York Knicks for the No. 3 seed.

How to watch Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

• Date: Wednesday, April 8

• Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT

• Where: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, Ohio

• TV Channels: ESPN, FDSO, Rock, WUAB

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

Team records

• Atlanta Hawks: 45-34 (#1 in Eastern Southeast)

• Cleveland Cavaliers: 50-29 (#2 in Eastern Central)

Odds

• Spread: Cleveland Cavaliers -1.5

• Moneyline: Cleveland Cavaliers -120 (52.2%) / Atlanta Hawks +100 (47.8%)

• Over/Under: 235.5

Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs' MVP candidate, suffered a left rib contusion that kept him out of the second half of the Spurs' 115-102 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, April 6. The Spurs had listed his status as doubtful for their home contest against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, April 8 at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Following testing and imaging, there was a sigh of relief in San Antonio.

A person with direct knowledge of the matter told USA TODAY Sports that the team is optimistic about the injury. Wembanyama has soreness, but there are no long-term concerns about his availability.

They remain hopeful that their 22-year-old two-time All-Star will be available to play Friday, April 10 against the Dallas Mavericks or Sunday, April 12 against the Denver Nuggets. The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly disclose details about Wembanyama's injury.