The San Antonio Spurs star was named Defensive Player of the Year on Monday after a historic season, becoming the award’s first unanimous winner since its inception in 1982-83.
He beat out finalists Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren and Detroit Pistons wing Ausar Thompson.
Victor Wembanyama is the first unanimous Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year since the award’s inception in 1982-83.
The winner was selected by a global media panel of 100 voters.
At just 22 years old, Wembanyama is the youngest player to ever earn the award – surpassing 23-year-old winners Alvin Robertson (1986), Dwight Howard (2009), Kawhi Leonard (2015), Jaren Jackson Jr. (2023) and Evan Mobley (2025).
Wembanyama has led the NBA in blocks in each of his three NBA seasons since being drafted first overall in 2023. In 2025-26, he averaged 3.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.
As a rookie in 2023-24, Wembanyama finished second in DPOY voting behind Rudy Gobert while making First-Team All-Defense. His second season ended early with just 46 games played, making him ineligible for awards despite averaging a league-high 3.8 blocks per game.
Wembanyama is also a finalist for MVP, along with Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. In his playoff debut on Sunday night, Wembanyama led the second-seeded Spurs to a 111-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers while blocking two shots and scoring 35 points.
If he can stay healthy, this is expected to be the first of many Defensive Player of the Year honors for the French star. For now, though, his focus is on helping the Spurs win their first playoff series since 2017.
"The plan is to take a little time, I don't know, take a week or two, and eventually sit down and talk with Joe [Lacob, the co-owner] and Mike [Dunleavy, head of basketball operations]. We've always had a great partnership and collaboration, and just see where they are, and I'll tell them where I am, and we'll talk about what's next for the Warriors, what the plan is this offseason, and we will come to a collaborative decision on what's next. I don't know what's going to happen."
That was how Steve Kerr described what is next for him and the Warriors. The franchise's coach for 12 seasons and four championships is a free agent, and after the team missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, everyone wants to reassess.
The Warriors are going to seek a multiyear commitment from Kerr, and if he leaves, it could signal major changes in the organization, reports Ramona Shelburne and Anthony Slater of ESPN.
More than anything, team sources said, Lacob will want to hear Kerr express a hunger to continue executing the nitty-gritty details of the daily job, not a reluctant acceptance that he should continue coaching purely out of loyalty to [Draymond] Green and [Stephen] Curry and the sentimentality of riding out this era.
That's why, if Kerr decides he wants to return, there's a desire from management for him to sign a multiyear deal, team sources said, instead of setting up a last dance farewell tour that would feel more about emotion and nostalgia than wins...
But a Kerr exit could also signal the start of a much deeper, sweeping shift. That path has been described by several team sources as an "organizational reset" and could lead to further notable changes to the roster and coaching staff.
If Kerr exits, there would be a wide-ranging search for a new coach, the report states, and while that could include talking to a college coach, it's difficult to imagine a college coach stepping in to coach Curry, Green and Jimmy Butler.
League sources told NBC Sports to expect the Warriors to make another run at Giannis Antetokounmpo if/when he hits the trade market, with the idea of pairing the Greek Freak with Curry to make another deep run, and give them a player who helps them transition to the future. To make the math work on an Antetokounmpo trade, it would likely mean sending Draymond Green out the door.
Which gets to the point that the Warriors don't want just to run it back and be a play-in team again, the organization wants to start its path forward to whatever is next. The Warriors will keep and max out Curry for as long as he wants to be there, but Green has a $27.7 million player option and what his next contract looks like is a good question. Along with waiting on Kerr, the Warriors are waiting on Green's decision on his player option before making a plan, according to the ESPN report.
Also, do the Warriors bring back free agent Kristaps Porzingis, and at what price?
With Curry and Butler (who is expected to return at some point in the middle of next season), the Warriors have the key pieces of a dangerous team, but they need a lot more to go around them. Whether Kerr is coaching them, or someone else.
Trusting the Process was never about winning an NBA title. It was about having the genuine chance at winning an NBA title.
Well, with Joel Embiid sidelined, the Philadelphia 76ers cannot justifiably have either thought this season, certainly not with the Boston Celtics looking poised to win the Eastern Conference.
My 76ers vs. Celtics predictions and these NBA picks lean into the lopsided nature of this series, including in Game 2 tonight.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
76ers vs Celtics prediction
Who will win 76ers vs Celtics Game 2?
Celtics: If a five-game series is considered a “gentlemen’s sweep,” then what is a four-game sweep where every game is settled by at least 15 points? “An NBA TV series,” perhaps?
That is the reality coming for the 76ers in this first round, the worrying reward for winning their Play-In game. Frankly, Philadelphia would have been better off losing at home last week to then fall to the No. 8 seed and face Detroit.
76ers vs Celtics best bet: Celtics first half -8 (-110)
It is the Philadelphia 76ers’ misfortune that the Boston Celtics were without Jayson Tatum for so long this season. They are effectively playing the best team in the Eastern Conference despite being the No. 7 seed. In a more just life, the 76ers would get a shot at the stumbling Detroit Pistons.
Instead, this should be the most lopsided of sweeps in this postseason.
The Celtics led by 18 at halftime in Game 1, and they did not even play that well. Boston shot just 6-for-18 from beyond the arc in the first half on Sunday. Philadelphia attempted four more free throws in the half as well as three more field goals, and the rebounding margin was even.
But the Celtics’ dominance is so thorough that they do not need to play well to steamroll the 76ers. Philadelphia shot 2-of-16 from deep in that first half, turned over the ball nine times compared to logging nine assists, and if not for 10 offensive rebounds, may have trailed by 25 at the break.
Could the 76ers have played better? Obviously, but it is an emphatic realization that the Celtics did not play well in the first half, yet they won by 18 points. Their margin for error in this series is humbling and intimidating, and should worry everyone else in the Eastern Conference.
76ers vs Celtics same-game parlay
With a bounty of respect for the veteran center, Philadelphia is relying too much on Andre Drummond to be taken seriously in the playoffs in 2026. Drummond has put together an impressive 13-year career, one defined by rebounding dominance in the 2010s that has now become a quality asset in a reserve.
But looking at Drummond for rebounds is not a smart move when he cannot defend anyone in the opponents’ rotation. He posted a -19 in 21 minutes in Game 1.
With Joel Embiid sidelined by an appendectomy, the 76ers have little choice but to play Drummond, but that reality dooms Philadelphia to waiting for a blowout in which its offense eventually becomes a liability.
76ers vs Celtics SGP
Celtics first half -8
Celtics -13.5
Under 216
Our "from downtown" SGP: Philly desperation
Consider this a desperation measure from Philadelphia. If the 76ers are going to find any traction in this series, it needs more than 34 combined points from Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. They probably need to play more than 36 and 34 minutes, as they respectively did in Game 1.
Unless one of them goes off to the tune of 40+ points, it likely will not be enough, but these are the horses that got Philadelphia here. They need to be the horses the 76ers ride in this first-round series.
76ers vs Celtics SGP
Celtics first half -8
Tyrese Maxey Over 25.5 points
VJ Edgecombe Over 15.5 points
76ers vs Celtics odds for Game 2
Spread: 76ers +13.5 | Celtics -13.5
Moneyline: 76ers +575 | Celtics -850
Over/Under: Over 216 | Under 216
76ers vs Celtics betting trend to know
For a team that was effectively locked into its postseason seeding, Boston never let up as the regular season ended. The Celtics know they still need to find all forms of rhythm with Jayson Tatum in the lineup, hence going 7-1 ATS in their last eight games. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Celtics.
How to watch 76ers vs Celtics Game 2
Location
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock/NBCSN
76ers vs Celtics latest injuries
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 31: Head coach Jordi Fernandez of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 31, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In a move likely unprecedented in NBA history, the Brooklyn Nets announced Monday that the franchise has extended head coach Jordi Fernandez and nine assistant coaches. The Nets staff is among the largest if not the largest in the league.
“Jordi is a tremendous leader who, along with his coaching staff, put his stamp on this franchise from the moment he arrived in Brooklyn,” said Sean Marks in the team’s press release. “Over his first two seasons, Jordi has built a strong foundation rooted in player development, a competitive spirit and honest communication, all of which have been embraced throughout our roster.
“The energy and passion the entire staff relentlessly pour into our players reverberates throughout the organization, and we are excited to have this group continue to lead our franchise into the future.”
Shams Charania was first with the news…
The Brooklyn Nets have signed head coach Jordi Fernandez and the entire coaching staff to multiyear contract extensions, sources tell ESPN. This solidifies a long-term commitment for Fernandez after two seasons at the helm. pic.twitter.com/qXTKPSv8Ft
The Nets did not name the assistants but the team’s official website lists nine assistant coaches, all of whom have been with the club for at least two years. In addition to Fernandez, the coaching staff includes Fernandez top assistant, Steve Hetzel as well as Juwan Howard, Jay Hernandez, Dutch Gaitley, Deividas Dulkys, Ryan Forehan-Kelly, Connor Griffin, Corey Vinson and Travis Bader.
Contract details were not disclosed. Shams Charania wrote this about the timing and rationale behind the decision.
Nets owner Joe Tsai and general manager Sean Marks landed on the extensions with the staff this week, sources told ESPN, showing long-term commitment to Fernandez after two seasons at the helm.
Fernandez has pushed the Nets to competitive play amid consecutive rebuilding seasons in which he’s gone a combined 46-118, focusing on player development from the team’s young players and career years from veterans such as Michael Porter Jr., Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe.
Although the Nets record under Fernandez is among the league’s worst at 28.0% in two years, Shams and Bobby Marks noted the Nets future looks brighter.
The offseason presents an opportunity for Brooklyn to improve significantly. Heading into the May 10 lottery, there is a 40% chance that the Nets select in the top three for the first time since 2010. For the second straight offseason, the Nets will have over $30 million in cap space to use in trades or in free agency.
Brooklyn also has 13 first-round picks available over the next seven years, including nine that can be traded. It also has 19 second-rounders.
The extensions are Joe Tsai’s latest commitment to the franchise future and a significant vote of confidence in Marks who hired Fernandez and staff.
Fernández was named the 24th head coach in the franchise’s NBA history on April 22, 2024. The Badalona, Spain, native arrived in Brooklyn following 15 years as an NBA assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings. Fernández’s international coaching journey also led him to positions with the national teams of Spain, Nigeria and Canada, where he served as head coach for the bronze medal-winning team at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup along with Canada’s Olympic entry at the 2024 Paris Games.
The Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks meet in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. The Knicks won Game 1 113-102 with Jalen Brunson scoring 28 points and Karl-Anthony Towns adding 25. The Knicks are favored in Game 2 by 5.5 points with an over/under of 217.5.
Moneyline: New York Knicks -235 (67.0%) / Atlanta Hawks +190 (33.0%)
Over/Under: 217.5
Series results, schedule
Game 1:Knicks 113, Hawks 102 Game 2: Mon., April 20, at New York (8 p.m., NBC) Game 3: Thu., April 23, at Atlanta (7 p.m., Prime) 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)
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Timberwolves Game 2 computer picks
Donte DiVincenzo Over 3.5 assists (+130)
Projection: 3.97 assists
Donte DiVincenzo’s role as a secondary playmaker continues to grow alongside Anthony Edwards, with Minnesota leaning on his ball movement against Denver’s half-court defense.
At plus money, the projection edge and expected minutes make this a strong value look.
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Jaden McDaniels Under 15.5 points (-115)
Projection: 13.82 points
Jaden McDaniels remains a low-usage option offensively, with most of his value coming on the defensive end in this matchup. With limited shot volume and tougher half-court possessions, his scoring ceiling stays capped.
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Anthony Edwards Under 4.5 assists (+112)
Projection: 4.2 assists
Anthony Edwards is more likely to take on a scoring-heavy role rather than facilitate, especially in a tighter playoff rotation. Denver’s defensive scheme also encourages isolation scoring over playmaking, limiting his assist upside.
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Nuggets Game 2 computer picks
Christian Braun Over 11.5 points (-105)
Projection: 13.35 points
Christian Braun continues to carve out a larger offensive role with his energy, cutting, and transition scoring. With increased minutes and high-efficiency looks, he’s well-positioned to clear this number.
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Aaron Gordon Under 15.5 points (+105)
Projection: 14.68 points
Aaron Gordon’s scoring is heavily dependent on play-finishing rather than self-creation, making him vulnerable in slower half-court sets. If Minnesota limits easy looks at the rim, his path to this number gets thin.
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Nikola Jokic Under 10.5 assists (-130)
Projection: 9.61 assists
Nikola Jokic will always create opportunities, but Denver’s scoring distribution and Minnesota’s defensive attention can cap his assist totals. With the offense leaning slightly more toward scoring balance, this number sits a bit high.
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How to watch Timberwolves vs Nuggets Game 2
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Monday, April 20, 2026
Tip-off
10:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBC, Peacock
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.
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 18, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Going into his 19th playoff run, it’s remarkable that LeBron James is still capable of breaking records. And yet, on Saturday, the league’s greatest scorer and all-time leader in games played collected eight assists in the first quarter in the Lakers’ Game 1 win over the Rockets, a career high for any quarter of a playoff game.
His playmaking and precision set the offensive tone against a high-pressure and physical top-ten regular-season defense.
LeBron has oscillated between the number one through three offensive options all season for the purple and gold, depending on the health of his star backcourt. Without either, he jumps back to a very familiar spot.
News broke hours before tip-off that superstar Kevin Durant would not play for Houston, joining Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves for LA to sit on the sidelines. Shockingly, the 41-year-old was the healthiest out of the four stars, but age seemed to be just a number during LA’s playoff home opener.
LeBron finished the first half with 10 assists, tying his playoff career high, and ended the game with 13 dimes to go with a stat-stuffing line of 19 points, eight rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot.
The offensive game plan was simple but effective: involve the Rockets’ weakest defenders in as many actions as possible to create an advantage and start the blender. They hunted Houston with LeBron either as a lethal screener or initiator.
Early on, the Rockets looked to hide young guard Reed Sheppard on Marcus Smart. Watch below as Smart sets up to back him down with LeBron first coming over to screen, but decides to back-cut. He catches the pocket pass and throws a wrap-around on the money jump pass through traffic to Rui Hachimura in the corner.
A few possessions later, he and Ayton ran an action in the middle of the floor, attacking the slow-footed backup center, Clint Capela, in the clip below.
His defender chases over the screen, while Capela retreats in drop coverage. No help comes to tag the roll, and it’s an easy touch lob pass for one of the best playmakers ever to his big man for the jam.
”We talked all week about being connected offensively and trust in the pass,” head coach J.J. Redick said postgame. “He led us there in the first half, getting 10 assists, and then was able to make some scoring plays down the stretch. Just a fantastic overall game from him.”
With about five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and Smart at the helm, watch LeBron delegate and point to every player’s position on the floor. The final hand signals to get Hachimura and Jared Vanderbilt to spread to the corners. He orchestrates with the goal of maximizing space against the Rockets’ 2-3 zone.
Smart finds LeBron on the stampede cut, where he catches it already in motion towards the rim and kicks it back out for the big 3-pointer late in the fourth.
Without Luka and Reaves, the Lakers are not only out on the scoring but are missing 14 assists combined per game. LeBron can’t replace all of it alone, as he’s got many different responsibilities on the team.
Some nights, like Game 1, he will be asked to be a passer and facilitator, while on other nights the Lakers may need him to score. Whichever role it is, he looks primed to be able to fill it.
“For me, I have to do a little bit of everything,” LeBron said postgame. “That’s what the job requires. Just being a triple threat, being able to rebound. Being able to pass, being able to shoot. Also, defend, put myself in a position to where I can bring value to this ball club, bring value to this series. It’s going to be a game to game position to see how the game plays out.”
The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves meet in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series after the Nuggets won Saturday’s opener 116-105. Jamal Murray scored 30 points in that game and Nikola Jokic had a triple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. Denver is favored by 6.5 points in Game 2, with the over/under set at 231.5.
How to watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets
Game 1:Nuggets 116, Timberwolves 105 Game 2: Mon., April 20, at Denver (10:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock) Game 3: Thu., April 23, at Minnesota (9:30 p.m., Prime Video) Game 4: Sat., April 25, at Minnesota (8:30 p.m., ABC) *Game 5: Mon., April 27, at Denver (TBD) *Game 6: Thu., April 30, at Minnesota (TBD) *Game 7: Sat., May 2, at Denver (TBD)
The Nets announced that they have signed Fernandez, along with the entire Brooklyn coaching staff, to multi-year contract extensions.
"Jordi is a tremendous leader who, along with his coaching staff, put his stamp on this franchise from the moment he arrived in Brooklyn," said Nets general manager Sean Marks. "Over his first two seasons, Jordi has built strong foundation rooted in player development, competitive spirit and honest communication, all of which have been embraced throughout our roster. The energy and passion the entire staff relentlessly pour into our players reverberates throughout the organization, and we are excited to have this group continue to lead our franchise into the future."
Fernandez, 43, has been the Nets head coach for the past two seasons. While his overall record of 46-118 may not look spectacular, the Nets have obviously been going through a multi-year rebuild following the breakup of the Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving-James Harden era.
When Fernandez was hired, the former Nuggets and Kings assistant was known for his player development skills, and that's been a key piece of his time with the Nets as well, working with young players like Egor Demin, Noah Clowney, Ziaire Williams, and others. The Nets do not have a player over the age of 29 on their current roster.
With the NBA Draft Combine less than a month away — and the NBA Draft at the end of June — the Chicago Bulls have kicked their search for a new head of basketball operations and a new general manager into high gear.
The Chicago Bulls have started the search process for their new head of basketball operations, receiving permission to interview Timberwolves GM Matt Lloyd, Pistons senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, Hawks senior vice president Bryson Graham, Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey and Spurs assistant GM Dave Telep, sources told ESPN on Monday.
The Bulls are also expected to speak with the co-head of CAA's basketball division, Austin Brown, regarding the vacancy, sources told ESPN.
The timeline for the hire, whoever it is, likely comes after the NBA Draft Combine, which is in Chicago from May 10-17.
Whoever is hired to head basketball operations will not get to pick the coach, as ownership has said Billy Donovan will keep his job and that the new front office will have to work with him.
That new front office will have to walk a fine line. The Bulls have been stuck in the middle in the NBA for years — never bad enough to get a really high draft pick, but making the playoffs just once in the last nine years. The one year they did bottom out, 22 wins in the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season, they drafted No. 4 and took Patrick Williams (over Tyrese Haliburton, Deni Avdija, Devin Vassell and others). This year, when executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley turned to tanking again, they were fired. Bulls ownership wants to win and doesn't want to bottom out and get that talent through the draft, which is a challenge.
The Bulls have some interesting players, such as Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. The new front office will have up to $65 million in cap space and a lottery pick at its disposal to reshape the roster. But it will not be an easy job.
Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reaches for a loose ball between Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Here are the main questions for Week 26, we want your thoughts on as the Suns start their postseason run:
Is there a path for the Suns to win this series?
Oklahoma City didn’t just win on Sunday; they throttled the Suns. Phoenix shot below 35% from the field, committed 17 turnovers, and only had 16 assists. After the Suns got out to an early 12-9 lead, the Thunder went on a 37-12 run and handled business with ease the rest of the way. The closest the Suns got to breaking into the Thunder’s lead was in the third quarter when they cut it to 15, but Oklahoma City responded the rest of the quarter with a 29-13 run.
With how dominant the Thunder have been this season and against the Suns in recent history, (they’re 2-9 the last three seasons) does Phoenix have a path to pulling off the upset?
More Even Shot Distribution
Collin Gillespie was the only Sun outside of Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green to take more than five shots in Game 1. Oklahoma City forced the Suns’ top scorers into deeply contested shots; the trio shot 20/55 from the field, 36% from the field. The three scorers were clearly the focal point in the Thunder’s defensive game plan and they did a good job from preventing them from being efficient scorers, while not giving the chance for any other Phoenix players to get too involved.
Do the Suns need to switch up their offensive approach in Game 2 or trust that their top scorers will have better games? Who else needs to step up? How much is the team missing Grayson Allen right now?
No Mark, No Paint Protection
Without Mark Williams in the lineup, the Suns surrendered 52 points in the paint, and allowed the Thunder to attempt 23 free throws. Still nursing a foot injury he suffered against the Portland Trailblazers in the 7/8 game last Tuesday, if Williams can’t go again, Oso Ighodaro is set to control starting center duties with Khaman Maluach backing him up.
Phoenix generally plays small and has opted to play even smaller as the season has gone on, but it bit them in Game 1 with OKC winning the matchups inside and collecting 19 offensive rebounds.
Should Jordan Ott and company look to play with more size the rest of the series?
On the Suns’ Plate this Week
Game 2 comes on Wednesday at 6:30 Arizona time in Oklahoma City on ESPN, then the Suns will host the Thunder on Saturday at 12:30 on NBC and Peacock for Game 3.
The Toronto Raptors will try to even their first-round NBA playoff series with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. The Cavalies won the series’ opener 126-113 on Saturday behind 32 points from Donovan Mitchell and 22 points and 10 assists from James Harden. The Game 2 spread sits at -8.5 in favor of the Cavaliers, with the over/under set at 222.5.
How to watch Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Game 1:Cavaliers 126, Raptors 113 Game 2: Mon., April 20 at Cleveland (7 p.m., Peacock) Game 3: Thu., April 23 at Toronto (8 p.m., Prime) Game 4: Sun., April 26 at Toronto (1 p.m., ESPN) Game 5: Wed., April 29 at Cleveland (TBD) Game 6: Fri., May 1 at Toronto (TBD) *Game 7: Sun., May 3 at Cleveland (TBD)
The intrigue could really build when Game 2 begins around the NBA starting on Monday, April 20. There are three games on the schedule on Monday and Tuesday, with two more Game 2s on the docket for Wednesday.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 18: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks warms up before Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
New York will see the Knicks play basketball against the Hawks inside the Garden one final time this season.
Next time the homies get back home, that’d be for Game 3 of the second-round series.
Here’s what has been said heading into G2 later today.
"My mom called me and got on me. She said, 'you can't bring cookies to your press conference, son!'" 😂
On CJ McCollum’s Brodway comments: “I didn’t see it. And a lot of guys are going to say a lot of things throughout the course of the playoffs. So whatever people want to say, that’s. That’s all. That’s up to them. But I didn’t see it.”
On defending Atlanta’s small-small actions: “Their small-small pick-and-roll also is a problem. And our guys did a pretty good job of defending that the right way in the second half. It kind of got away from us early in the game, and they got some open looks from it, but our level of physicality without fouling was really good in the second half, as well as our communication with their small-small pick-and-roll.”
On Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive ceiling: “When KAT wants to, he can be a really, really good defender, especially at his size, he can cause some problems. I’ve kind of said it all year long: It’s a matter of whether or not he wants to do it that night. And as of late, he’s been really good on that end of the floor.”
On Towns’ pick-and-roll defense: “I even told him today [during practice]: I said your pick-and-roll defense was at a pretty high level. And that’s something that we need for him to continue to do.”
On second-half defensive improvements: “Our transition defense was better. Our ability to defend their small-small pick and roll was better. And then our ability to keep them off the glass during that time was a lot better and allowed us to go out and run and attack them in transition. So that’s something that we have to do while communicating for as close to 48 minutes as possible, because Atlanta is a good team and they can hurt you in a lot of different ways if you’re not present or in the moment every single possession.”
On trusting his assistants with matchup tweaks: “We just wanted to see if we can cause a little confusion. Brendan O’Connor and Darren Erman, those two guys were the brains or the thought process of the matchup situation. Erman brought it to me and I said, ‘Yeah.’”
On preparing for Atlanta’s adjustments: “All great teams, great players, make adjustments. So we have to continue watching it. And if we have to switch it up, we’ll switch it up.”
On Josh Hart’s value as a connector: “For sure, he by far is one of the best connectors that I’ve been around, that I’ve seen just in general. Because he just does so many little things every time he steps on the floor. They go unnoticed or you can take for granted. The things he does, we definitely need, especially when you’re talking about a physical seven-game series.”
On Hart again as a connector: “By far [Hart’s] one of the best connectors that I’ve been around, that I’ve seen just in general. Because he just does so many little things every time he steps on the floor. They [go] unnoticed or that you can take for granted. The things he does, we definitely need, especially when you’re talking about a physical seven-game series.”
On using Towns in different offensive spots: “We want to put him in pick-and-roll situations so he can pick-and-pop and shoot the ball or take the ball off the dribble. And then we also wanna put him at the elbow so he can playmake for us, because we feel like we move very well (like that).”
"My dad always taught me to be a winning player"
Josh Hart credits his father and one of his young coaches with instilling in him winning traits and a love for rebounding: pic.twitter.com/By4HYAyxKf
On guarding whoever he’s assigned: “Nah, man, that’s not me. My job is to go out there and guard who they tell me to guard. So that’s what I try to do.”
On defending Jalen Johnson despite the size gap: “I don’t know. Just trying to be physical. Obviously, he’s a really good player. He’s what, 6-8, 6-9? So I’m 6-4 — apparently I lost an inch. I used to be 6-5, so I’m even smaller this year. Just trying to be physical, try not to let him get to those spots where he can use his height and athleticism over me. He’s obviously a really good player, so just trying to do what I can.”
On honing rebounding as a key to his game: “Since I can remember picking up a ball at 7 or 8. You want to win and you want to do everything it takes. Sometimes when people say I want to win, they just automatically think, ‘OK, he wants to score the most. He wants to do that.’ For me, you have to get stops, and when you force teams into contested shots, you have go out there and get a rebound, especially against a team like this who has good guys who can crash the glass, get offensive rebounds, get their shooters second shots. You have to make sure you put an emphasis on rebounding. That’s something I’ve always done. My dad always taught me to be a winning player.”
On communication defending guard-guard actions: “I think we can get better on our communication, especially on guard-guard [actions]. For the first game, it was solid, but we have to be better. For sure, I think we can clean it up. That communication of small-smalls, not allowing them to get [McCollum] and [Alexander-Walker] open shots. They’re talented players. Obviously, you just try to get them to shoot as many contested shots as you can. So the communication’s got to be better. The physicality was good, but we have to ramp that up. I think they do a really good job of spreading into those screens and slipping out, those kinds of things.”
On the broader implications of small-small actions: “That’s something that Boston does an amazing job of, and I feel — I won’t say they started it, but they really elevated it. And it’s a copycat league. And you see that and say, ‘OK, how can we figure that out? How can teams do that?’ So it’s a little unnatural. I think the best way to guard those and negate those open looks is communication.”
OG Anunoby twisted his ankle and asked to come out of the game.
Declined treatment from a trainer, re-tied his left shoe.
Here’s Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado using ancient forgotten healing methods on him: pic.twitter.com/qSLGE50m9Z
On helping OG Anunoby in-game: “It’s just making sure my guy is right. We need OG out there so whatever’s whatever, and we’re gonna make it happen.”
On Anunoby coming to him on the bench looking for a magic healing: “He came over to the bench and asked me to do it for his ankle. I sat over there. He checked back into the game. We need him on the floor, so whatever I gotta do to keep it going.”
On his healing powers: “Sprinkled a little spice on him, man. Just a little magic, man. Made sure he was good for the second half. Come back here, sprinkle a little magic on them before I go out there.”
On the bench unit in Game 1: “They were unbelievable. And they came in and made plays on both sides of the ball. They made big shots, and they made plays that had a lot of attention to detail that may get overlooked, but they were focused and they got it done.”
On CJ McCollum’s performance: “He played really well. He made a lot of tough shots, and he also got a lot of easy ones to get himself going in rhythm. So that’s just who he is. You know, he’s been able to be a big time performer in these situations. So we just gotta lock-in together.”
On the impact of his 2022 41-point playoff breakout in his career: “I think it did a lot. Every day I was working on my game. I was getting better, doing all the stuff. When an opportunity like that comes around, there was no need to get ready when you’re staying ready. It’s crazy that it’s been four years since then.”
On Atlanta’s screen slipping and spacing: “The way they do it, they got to the point where they mastered it, and they’re really good at it. Them being able to slip out of screens and get to the point where they’re ready to go and their feet are set and ready, they’re really good at it. We just gotta be ready to be more physical. At the same time, communicate a little better, just making sure we’re not giving them the space. I think a lot of teams that have multiple ball handlers do that because it’s a very unique action that can put one of the two in space.”
"That's what Josh does. That's what he's been known to do."
On the need for setting the tone early in the series by going 2-0: “It’s huge. I think it sets the tone for the rest of the series. Obviously, when you come out in a physical matchup like the Hawks are, they’re a great team, and we have a lot of respect, but you want to set the tone early, and know it’s going to be a long series.”
The Toronto Raptors will look to even up the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena, and they'll need supporting players like Jakob Poeltl and Immanuel Quickley to be at their best if they want to do that.
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Raptors Game 2 computer picks
Jakob Poeltl Over 8.5 points (+102)
Projection: 9.65 points
Jakob Poeltl scored just four points on two shots in Game 1, but this is still a guy who averaged 11.1 points per game in April and reached double figures in eight of 11 games to close the regular season. He'll be better tonight.
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Brandon Ingram Under 21.5 points (-105)
Projection: 19.94 points
Much was made about Brandon Ingram taking just nine shots in Game 1, and there's no guarantee his volume increases by much tonight. He fell short of this number in two of three regular-season meetings, too.
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Immanuel Quickley Over 11.5 points (-125)
Projection: 13.1 points
This is an overcorrection to Immanuel Quickley's injury and recent struggles. He averaged 13.7 points per game in March and reached double figures in all but one game.
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Cavaliers Game 2 computer picks
Donovan Mitchell Under 27.5 points (-112)
Projection: 24.4 points
Donovan Mitchell's 32 points in Game 1 are high relative to the 24 points per game he averaged in March. The Cavs have enough advantages to win without needing a massive game from Mitchell.
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Jarrett Allen Over 13.5 points (+100)
Projection: 15.31 points
Jarrett Allen scored just 10 points in Game 1, but cleared this total in eight of his last 10 games in the regular season.
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Jarrett Allen Over 1.5 assists (+135)
Projection: 1.69 assists
Allen is not piling up assists by any stretch, but this plus-money price is tough to overlook. If Cleveland's offense keeps rolling, he'll get his chances.
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How to watch Raptors vs Cavaliers Game 2
Location
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Date
Monday, April 20, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock/NBCSN
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