The Boston Celtics take on the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of their NBA first-round playoff series. The teams split the first two games in Boston. Games 3 and 4 will be in Philadelphia. The Celtics are favored by 7.5 points in Game 3.
How to watch Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Date: Friday, April 24
Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Moneyline: Philadelphia 76ers +240 (28.2%) / Boston Celtics -300 (71.8%)
Over/Under: 214.5
Series schedule
Game 1:Celtics 123, 76ers 91 Game 2:76ers 111, Celtics 97 Game 3: Fri., April 24 at Philadelphia (7 p.m., Prime) Game 4: Sun., April 26 at Philadelphia (7 p.m., NBC) *Game 5: Tue., April 28 at Boston (TBD) *Game 6: Thu., April 30 at Philadelphia (TBD) *Game 7: Sat., May 2 at Boston (TBD)if necessary
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston Celtics (1-1) at Philadelphia 76ers (1-1) Friday, April 24, 2026 7:00 PM ET Round 1 Game #3 Road Game #1 TV: Prime Video Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub, 97.5 The Fanatic, Sirius XM Xfinity Mobile Arena Officials: John Goble, Brent Barnaky, Andy Nagy
After splitting the games in Boston, the Celtics travel to Philadelphia for Game 3. The Celtics dominated Game 1 with a 123-91 win over the 76ers. The 76ers topped the Celtics 111-97 in Game 2 to tie the game at 1 game each. The Celtics have a 67-51 record against the 76ers overall in the playoffs. In the regular season, the Celtics are 272-199 overall, all time against the 76ers. They are i93-129 all time in Philly.
The Celtics have struggled in Game 2 over the past few years. In their past 20 playoff games, the Celtics have gone 14-6. They are 11-2 in games other than Game 2, in which they are just 3-4. In 2024, when they won the championship, They lost Game 2 to Miami in Round 1, but came back to win Game 3 by 20 points and won the series in 5. They also lost Game 2 at home to the Cavs in Round 2 and won Game 3 by 13 points.
Since 2023, the Celtics are 7-1 after a loss with 5 of those wins coming on the road. In 2024, when the Celtics won the Championship, they went 16-3 in the playoffs, Two of those three losses were in Game 2s at home in the first 2 rounds. In the regular season, the Celtics were 23-18 on the road. The 76ers were 23-18 at home. The Celtics were very good about bouncing back after a loss in the regular season, going 21-5 after a loss.
The Celtics need to avoid close games down the stretch in these playoffs if they can help it. The 76ers had the #1 clutch defense in the NBA in the regular season They had a 98.6 defensive rating during the last 5 minutes of games that were within 5 points. They were 23-18 in games that included clutch minutes. The Celtics were 16-17 in games that included clutch minutes and that includes going 1-2 against Philadelphia this season.
Teams that win Game 1 of a best of 7 series at home go on to win the series 86.0% of the time. Teams that win the first 2 games at home go on to win the series 94% of the time. However, if a home team wins game 1 but loses game 2 in a best of 7 series, the odds of them going on to win the series drops down to 76.6%. The team that wins Game 3 of a series that is tied 1-1 goes on to win the series 73.3% of the time.
The Celtics need to be focused and bring their best effort in this game. They need to get motivation from the other series in the East. The Pistons already lost Game 1 at home to the 8th seed Magic. The Knicks lost Game 3 to the lower seeded Hawks and are down in the series 1-2. The Cavaliers lead their series 2-1 but lost Game 3 to the lower seeded Raptors after winning 2 at home. The Nuggets are also down 1-2 to the lower seeded Timberwolves. Just because the Celtics are the 2nd seed doesn’t automatically give them the series. They have to play harder and smarter if they want to beat the 76ers.
The Celtics come into this game with a clean injury report. For the 76ers, Joel Embiid is the only player on their injury report. Embiid underwent an appendectomy on April 9. Recovery for an appendectomy is anywhere from 20 days to 5 weeks. After missing the first 2 games, he has been upgraded to doubtful for this game. I’m guessing that Adem Bona will start at center once again.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Tyrese Maxey
Derrick White | Getty ImagesTyrese Maxey | Getty Images
SG: Jaylen Brown vs VJ Edgecombe
Jaylen Brown | Getty ImagesVJ Edgecombe | Getty Images
SF: Sam Hauser vs Kelly Oubre, Jr
Sam Hauser | NBAE via Getty ImagesKelly Oubre Jr | Boston Globe via Getty Images
PF: Jayson Tatum vs Paul George
Jayson Tatum | Getty ImagesPaul George | NBAE via Getty Images
C: Neemias Queta vs Adem Bona
Neemias Queta | Boston Globe via Getty ImagesAdem Bona | Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Baylor Scheierman Max Shulga Nikola Vucevic Ron Harper, Jr Delano Banton John Tonje
2-Way Players None Injuries/Out None
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
76ers Reserves Andre Drummond Quentin Grimes Kyle Lowry Justin Edwards Trendon Watford Dalen Terry Dominick Barlow Jabari Walker
2-Way Players MarJon Beauchamp Tyrese Martin Injuries/Out Joel Embiid (Appendix) doubtful
Head Coach Nick Nurse
Key Matchups Derrick White vs Tyrese Maxey In the regular season, Maxey averaged 28.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game while shooting 46.2% from the field and 36.7% from beyond the arc. In Game1, the Celtics were able to hold him to 21 points on 20 shots along with 1 rebound and 8 assists while shooting 40% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. He pretty much had his way in Game 2 with 29 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals while shooting 39.3% from the field and 41.7% from beyond the arc. The Celtics must do a better job of defending him in this game.
Jaylen Brown vs VJ Edgecombe Edgecombe averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc. In Game 1, he finished with 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals while shooting 37.5% from the field and going 0-5 from beyond the arc. In Game 2, he finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals while shooting 60% from the field and 60% from beyond the arc. The Celtics left him open way too much. They absolutely have to defend him better in this game. Honorable Mention Jayson Tatum vs Paul George Neither of these players were able to play in any of the 4 games between Boston and Philly this season. In Game 1, George finished with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist while shooting 50% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc, but he only took 8 shots. In game 2, he finished with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block while shooting 53.8% from the field and 40.3% from beyond the arc. As with Maxey and Edgecombe, the Celtics have to do a better job of defending him in this game.
Keys to the Game Defense – As always, defense is absolutely the key to winning this, and every, game. Defense becomes even more important in the playoffs. It is very true that defense wins championships. The Celtics need to continue to make defense a priority and they need to play physical, lock down defense for all 48 minutes. In Game 1, the Celtics held the 76ers to 38.9% from the field and 17.4% from beyond the arc. In game 2, the Celtics defense faltered as the 76ers shot 47.8% from the field and 48.7% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to make defense their priority and they need to play physical, lock down defense for all 48 minutes.
Rebound – Rebounding is also one of the biggest keys to winning every game. As Pat Riley once said, “No rebounds, no rings. In the regular season, the Celtics were 43-12 in games that they tied or out-rebounded opponents and just 11-13 in games in which they were out-rebounded. In Game 1, the Celtics out-rebounded the 76ers 43-40. In Game 2, they out-rebounded the 76ers 50-42, but they were unable to capitalize on them since they shot s poorly. They simply have to fight harder to grab rebounds than the 76ers if they want to win this game. Every Celtic has got to crash the boards and fight for every rebound.
Offensive Execution – The Celtics shot just 39.2% from the field and 26% from beyond the arc in Game 2. It wasn’t just one Celtic who struggled to hit their 3’s, it was almost everyone on the team. In the last 161 games, including the regular season and playoffs, that was just the 12th time that the Celtics didn’t shoot better than 26% from three. They lost all 12 of those games. Three of those games were in the playoffs, Games 1 and 2 against New York last year and Game 2 vs Philadelphia. They need to stay focused on taking and making good shots. But, if they struggle from 23 early in the game, they need to score in the midrange or in the paint and not continue to brick 3’s the entire game.
Move the Ball Carefully – The Celtics need to move the ball and trust their teammates. They are at their best when they keep the ball moving and find the open man. When they lapse into hero ball and dribble too much, they tend to struggle, as they did in Game 2. They are 37-2 when they have 25 or more assists and 20-0 when they have 29 or more assists. In Game 1, the Celtics kept the ball moving and they had 31 assists. In Game 2, the ball tended to stick more and they finished with 24 assists. They also turned the ball over 13 times for 15 points. They have to move the ball carefully to have a better chance to win this one.
X-Factors On the Road – The Celtics will be on the road and facing a very hostile crowd. Philly fans hate the Celtics because they have pretty much owned them in recent years. They hate Jayson Tatum because the Celtics took him with Philly’s pick after the 76ers traded up to take Markelle Fultz. There will likely be a lot of boos and the Celtics need to play through them. They have to shake off the distractions of playing on the road game and stay focused on playing good basketball.
Coaching – Joe Mazzulla is in his 4th season as Celtics’ head coach. He won a title in 2024 with a very talented team that was packed with shooting stars. Now he has to win in a different way since his personnel has changed and he did a great job in the regular season. Nick Nurse is in his 8th season as a head coach overall and his 3rd as the 76ers head coach. He won a title with the Raptors in 2019. In the playoffs, coaching becomes more important as it becomes a game of adjustments as they play the same team game after game. Joe came out on top in Game 1 and Nurse made adjustments to win Game 2. Joe has to be ready to adjust again and have the Celtics ready to come out strong and play harder throughout the game.
Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor. Every crew calls the game differently. Some call it tight and call every bit of contact while others allow more physical play. Some favor the home team while others call both sides evenly. The Celtics have to adjust to the way the refs are calling the game and not allow the no calls and bad calls to affect their focus on playing the game.
Official Report Crew Chief: John Goble The Celtics were 6-1 with Goble this season. The 76ers were 4-1. Over the past 2 seasons the Celtics are 12-2 with Goble while the 76ers are 4-4. His home win/loss record this season is 37-26.
Referee: Brent Barnaky The Celtics were 4-1 with Barnaky this season. The 76ers were 2-1. Over the past 2 seasons, the Celtics are 10-3 while the 76ers are 2-4. His home win/loss record is 34/30.
Umpire: Andy Nagy The Celtics were 1-3 this season with Nagy, The 76ers were 4-0 with Nagy. Over the past 2 seasons, the Celtics are 5-3 with Nagy while the 76ers are 5-4. His home win/loss record is 33-29.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 30: Nike shoes are seen worn by Amari Williams #77 of the Boston Celtics during a game at State Farm Arena on March 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the Knicks down 2-1 to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs following their loss on Thursday night, head coach Mike Brown said on Friday that the starting lineup for Game 4 on Saturday will be a "game-time decision."
Brown mentioned that everything is on the table for New York, who has dropped the last two games against the Hawks after a convincing win in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden.
The news of a possible change comes on the heels of Mikal Bridges scoring zero points in Game 3 and turning the ball over four times in just 21 minutes. Josh Hart also had a rough game offensively with two points, although he finished with nine rebounds and six assists in 40 minutes.
It was the second straight poor performance from Bridges who was held to 10 points in the Knicks' Game 2 loss, all of which came in the first half. Bridges also missed the potential game-winning shot in that game and in the last six quarters for New York he's gone 0-for-7 from the field.
In his second season with the Knicks after getting traded by the Nets for five first-round picks, Bridges scored 14.4 points per game while shooting 49 percent from the field and added 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
The 29-year-old hasn't missed a game since joining New York and has started every single game he's played since the 2020-21 season with Phoenix Suns, who drafted him 10th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Our NBA player prop projections are locked in ahead of Game 3 between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, with the model highlighting several high-value spots across the board.
By breaking down the data and comparing it to current market lines, we’ve pinpointed where the strongest edges appear.
If you’re building out your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Friday, April 24.
Celtics vs 76ers computer picks for Game 3
Celtics
76ers
Tatum o23.5 points -120
Maxey u27.5 points -112
Queta o7.5 rebounds -112
Drummond o8.5 rebounds +115
Brown o4.5 assists -120
George o2.5 threes -130
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Celtics Game 3 computer picks
Jayson Tatum Over 23.5 points (-120)
Projection: 24.63 points
When the Philadelphia 76ers are at home, opposing power forwards have thrived from deep, knocking down 45.6% of their threes, which is the second-best mark in the NBA.
That sets up a prime opportunity for Jayson Tatum to capitalize offensively and help the Boston Celtics grab a 2-1 series lead.
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Neemias Queta Over 7.5 rebounds (-112)
Projection: 9.18 rebounds
The Celtics have been one of the league’s best road rebounding teams this season, ranking sixth with 12.5 offensive boards per game, which sets up a favorable spot for Neemias Queta in a high-stakes Game 3.
Queta has also been productive on the glass, clearing his 7.5-rebound line in six of his last 10 contests.
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Jaylen Brown Over 4.5 assists (-120)
Projection: 4.72 assists
Jaylen Brown’s season average of 5.1 assists sits just above this line, and he’ll be tasked with blending playmaking and scoring as he looks to get teammates involved while fueling a bounce-back win for the C's.
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76ers Game 3 computer picks
Tyrese Maxey Under 27.5 points (-112)
Projection: 26.9 points
The Celtics play at the league’s slowest pace this season, which could limit overall possessions for the 76ers in this matchup and, in turn, make it tougher for Tyrese Maxey to consistently find a rhythm.
Maxey has also struggled to clear his 27.5-point line lately, finishing Under in seven of his last 10 games.
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Andre Drummond Over 8.5 rebounds (+115)
Projection: 9.8 rebounds
It should be a physical battle on the glass between Queta and Andre Drummond, with extra possessions proving crucial for the Sixers to stay within striking distance.
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Paul George Over 2.5 threes (-130)
Projection: 2.8 threes
When playing at home, the C's have allowed opposing starting power forwards to attempt 5.3 threes per game — fourth-most in the league — setting up a favorable matchup for Paul George from beyond the arc.
George has also cleared this line in six of his last 10 matches.
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How to watch Celtics vs 76ers Game 3
Location
Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Friday, April 24, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Just three days ago, during Game 2 of his team’s first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers, Wembanyama suffered a concussion when he stumbled on a drive, leading to his face slamming into the court.
Wembanyama lay on the floor for a few moments and appeared to lose his balance as he tried to get up. Trainers rushed over to examine him, and Wembanyama eventually rose to his feet and jogged to the locker room. The injury happened in the second quarter, and the Spurs ruled him out for the second half.
Now, with Game 3 set to tip-off Friday, April 24 at 10:30 p.m. ET, all eyes are on San Antonio’s injury report.
Here’s everything you need to know about the status of Spurs star forward-center Victor Wembanyama.
Is Victor Wembanyama playing tonight vs. Trail Blazers?
As of Friday afternoon, it’s still unclear. The Spurs officially listed Wembanyama as questionable in the first injury report they issued Thursday night, and that designation has continued into Friday. But the center did take part in shooting drills during San Antonio's morning shootaround in Portland Friday, April 24, so there is hope for Spurs fans.
Yet, even if Wembanyama were to be cleared to return, reason dictates that San Antonio may be cautious with its franchise player. It doesn’t matter that the series is tied at one game apiece. Concussions are serious injuries and repetitive concussions can pose long-term risks, including the potential increase of neurodegenerative diseases like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, recovery time from a concussion varies from person-to-person, though “most symptoms resolve in a few days.” In certain cases, however, symptoms can persist for weeks, or even a month, so caution tends to be prudent.
At around tip-off, it will only be 72 hours since Wembanyama suffered the concussion.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday, April 26 in Portland.
In order for a player who was diagnosed with a concussion to return to the floor, the following requirements must be met:
The player is without concussion-related symptoms at rest.
The player has been evaluated by a physician trained in concussion management.
The player has successfully completed the league’s return-to-participation exertion process.
The player’s team physician has had a discuss about the player’s return-to-participation process with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, the director of the NBA’s concussion program. Only then, will the player’s team physician make the final determination on return to play.
Victor Wembanyama stats
In 64 games this season, Wembanyama averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks per game.
In June 2024, the Nets traded Mikal Bridges for five firsts, four unprotected,, a first swap etc. He was supposed to be key piece for the Knicks in a championship run. He scored 0 points in a big post-season loss Thursday night. His team is now down 2-1 in the East.
BREAKING: The Brooklyn Nets have agreed in principle on a trade to send F Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick via Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-rounder, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/TEGsIpoa3b
In June 2025, the Nets traded Cam Johnson for an protected first and a younger player who wound up averaging 25 points a game. He was supposed to be key piece for Nuggets in a championship run. He scored six points Thursday night in big post-season loss. His team is now down 2-1 in the West.
Breaking: The Denver Nuggets are trading Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Cam Johnson, sources tell @ShamsCharania.
Of course, both teams can recover from being down 2-1. They are, after all, the higher seeds and have superstars in Jalen Brunson and Nikola Jokic. Also, both former Nets could rise to the occasion.
However, the talk in New York and Denver, particularly New York, Friday morning is about the trades as well at the losses. Putting aside the commentary about the trades at the time — Bill Simmons called the Porter deal “one of the worst in a decade” — and whether Sean Marks hung on to both for too long, where do the Nets stand with their “take” from the two trades??
While most of the kerfluffle Monday is about the trades’ effect on the Knicks and Nuggets, little has been written or said how Brooklyn’s fortunes will be affected! A NetsDaily analysis shows that the two deals will provide Brooklyn with at least one pick — a first, a swap, or a second — over aneight-year stretch starting last June and going through 2032. The ten picks were acquired directly or in subsequent trades of assets acquired in the original deals. Here’s how, year by year. Obviously, the Bridges trade has had and will have the most effect.
2025 NBA Draft
— The first return on the Bridges trade came at No. 19 in the first round of the 2025 Draft, when the Nets used the Milwaukee Bucks first rounder, acquired from the Knicks on Nolan Traore. The Knicks had acquired the top four protected pick from the Pistons in 2022.
— The Nets also drafted Ben Saraf with the Knicks unprotected pick at No. 26.
— The Nets traded their second round pick, the No. 36, which they reacquired from New York in the Bridges deal, to the Phoenix Suns for two future seconds in 2026 and 2030. (More on that below.) The Nets apparently decided after trading for the No. 22 pick the day before that they didn’t need yet another development project.
2026 NBA Draft
— The Nets hold the rights to the Los Angeles Clippers’ second rounder at No. 43. That’s one of the two picks the Suns sent the Nets for the No. 36 pick in 2025. Whether the Nets will use the pick to select a player would seem uncertain considering that they will have seven players on rookie deals next season: their own 2026 pick, the Flatbush Five plus Noah Clowney.
2027 NBA Draft
— The Nets hold the rights to the Knicks unprotected first round pick.
2028 NBA Draft
— The Nets hold unprotected first round swap rights with both the Knicks, acquired in the Bridges trade, and the Suns, the last vestige of the Kevin Durant trade in February 2023. (The details are a bit complicated but Nets will likely to swap their pick for the Knicks and possibly another team.)
2029 NBA Draft
— The Nets hold the rights to the Knicks unprotected first round pick.
2030 NBA Draft
— The Nets hold rights to the Boston Celtics second rounder, acquired in the trade of that 2025 second they had re-acquired from the Knicks in the Bridges trade.
— The Nets hold rights to the Dallas Mavericks second rounder, acquired in their trade with the Memphis Grizzlies for Ziaire Williams which took place three weeks after the Bridges deal and included a piece from the deal. The Nets used the final piece of their trade with the Knicks, the non-guaranteed contract of Mamadi Diakite, as well as an unused trade exception to complete the deal.
2031 NBA Draft
—The Nets hold the rights to the Knicks unprotected protected first round pick.
2032 NBA Draft
— The Nets hold the Denver Nuggets unprotected first round pick from the Cam Johnson/MPJ trade to Denver.
———————————————————————-
So the current take from the two trades is six first rounders, all but one unprotected; a first round swap; three seconds as well as two rotation players, the 27-year-old Michael Porter Jr. and the 24-year-old Ziaire Williams.
Bottom line is that it could take a long time, at least through the Draft in 2032, to get a final read on who won the trades. It’s generally accepted that if deal culminates in a chip, they win. No questions asked. That is what they play for.
Now though, the trades look like their heavily weighted in Brooklyn’s favor. And who knows whether the Nets will make another big trade this June!
The Portland Trail Blazers plan to make a run at two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo if/when he becomes available for a trade this offseason, reports Bill Oram of The Oregonian. The idea would be to reunite the former Milwaukee teammates in the Pacific Northwest.
"Having Lillard back, especially on a bargain $14 million contract, makes the Blazers better on the court, but it also gives the front office greater urgency to go all in and chase other stars. The Blazers are prepared to make a pitch for Giannis Antetokounmpo as long as he is willing to sign an extension but are not likely to limit their options to Lillard's former Milwaukee teammate."
A few thoughts here, in bullet point form.
• The key part of that paragraph is "as long as he is willing to sign an extension." Antetokounmpo has one more season (then a player option) on his current contract. Any team that trades for him is going to want him to sign an extension. That's what gives Antetokounmpo leverage in the trade talks, he can tell a team "I will not re-sign with you" and they will likely bow out of the running.
• It's highly unlikely Antetokounmpo would extend in Portland. If Antetokounmpo is leaving Milwaukee, it's to go to a team with a real chance to win a title — he has said that is his primary motivation. Portland, while it has a promising young core with some veteran talent, is not a title contender — and Antetokounmpo would be moving into a conference with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Thunder and Victor Wembanyama's Spurs. The road to the Finals from the West is brutal. Obviously, the idea is that adding a top-five player in the world (when healthy) to Portland makes a good team a contender, but would it still be that with what the Trail Blazers would have to send back to the Bucks?
• The book so far on Dundon is that he will spend big on player salaries, but tries to cut costs everywhere else. So the team's two-way players do not get to travel to away playoff games. The team's support staff has to check out of hotel rooms early and kill hours in the lobby, until it's time to go to the arena, to save money on late fees. He's not giving out free T-shirts to fans at the team's first playoff game in five years. He's calling up other coaches — while Tiago Splitter is still employed and leading this team in the playoffs — to see if he can find a quality coach for less than the going rate.
• For players with options — like Antetokounmpo — all of that is a huge turn-off. Why go to a team that is pinching pennies when he has other teams that show more support to their staff and fans? It's hard enough to get free agents to commit to Portland (fair or not), remove perks and make the work environment less than ideal, and things get just that much more difficult.
• Leaking this smells of a public relations ploy at a time when the team is taking PR hits off the court. "Hey look fans, we're trying to get the biggest names!" It's not that Portland will not make a pitch, it's that leaking it feels more about the PR spin than anything else.
• Oram also says in the story that there is a chance Damian Lillard could return this postseason.
"Any appearance would need to be in a later round or 'deep, deep' in the series against the Spurs."
Don't bet on this. While it might be an emotional lift, the Trail Blazers would be taking a guy who has missed all season — and was not a great defender before his injury — and thrusting him right into the middle of the most intense games of the season. He'd get no ramp-up, and his teammates would have to adjust to playing with him on the fly. All of that is a big ask.
The New York Knicks now find themselves in some adversity after two gut-wrenching losses to the Atlanta Hawks.
Jalen Brunson struggled from 3-point range in New York’s latest 109-108 loss in Game 3, but that won’t stop the Knicks’ superstar from putting the team on his back Saturday.
Over his last 21 playoff games, Jalen Brunson has averaged a healthy 29.2 points per contest, and the New York Knicks' point guard finished with 27+ in 14 of those outings. Brunson came up just shy of that mark in Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks, finishing with 26 points.
Each of the last two games in the series have been decided by one point, and four of six head-to-head matchups in 2025-26 have been settled by three points or fewer. After coming up just shy in Games 2 and 3, I expect the Knicks to play with urgency and get the job done on the road before coming back to the Garden.
Game 3 totaled 217 points despite Josh Hart shooting 1-for-9 from the field and Mikal Bridges being held scoreless. I’ll bet the Over as New York gets back on track offensively.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 18: Head Coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to the media after 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
Luka Dončić has already had a Hall of Fame-caliber career, with this season being his best yet.
He was ruled eligible after his Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge appeal was approved, but the voters didn’t seem to care. The top three MVP candidates for them were Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić.
Before Game 2 against the Rockets, Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared his thoughts on Luka not being named a finalist.
“I’m disappointed,” Redick said. “I mean, I think he deserved to be there and I think all three guys that did end up being finalists have a strong case. A lot of this, unfortunately, is media momentum and sometimes a team, I guess we underperformed even though we didn’t have any expectations coming into the year. But I guess we underperformed for a couple of months despite him playing and getting Player of the Month one of those months and the media momentum never got built.”
What’s wild is that Luka is the only Western Conference player to win Player of the Month twice this season, but he’s not an MVP candidate and his peers from the West are.
Look, all three players are elite and worthy of this award, but Luka has to be a candidate. There are big holes you can poke in all of their games.
For example, Wemby might be the best two-way player, but can he do it on a heavy workload? He averaged just 29.2 minutes per game compared to Luka’s 35.8. What’s more valuable, the guy who plays more or the one who plays less?
Luka has to play that much to get the Lakers wins, and he can do so. Wemby can probably do it as well, but we haven’t seen it. He plays fewer minutes and isn’t as good offensively as Luka.
But hey, he is a media darling playing in a smaller market and doesn’t yell at refs, so I guess he’s a better MVP candidate.
NBA media voters often mention Luka’s defense as why he can’t be an MVP right now, but Joker is standing right there being considered.
Rachel Nichols says she’s NOT voting for Luka Dončić for MVP because you have to play both sides of the ball for eight months
When was the last time Joker had a defensive highlight going viral? I’m guessing it would be the first time. But hey, his offense is so good people ignore this, I guess.
SGA is a great candidate, but not perfect either. His team is so good and often wins without him playing much in the fourth quarter. So, how valuable is he? Do they just need him for shifts here and there and for games where things get tight to bring them the win? Dončić is at the center of everything the Lakers do, and that’s by design.
If Luka’s not great, the odds of winning plummet. However, he often is, and it’s why the franchise had back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time in over a decade.
It’s a shame Luka isn’t even in the running for MVP, given how well he’s played, but perhaps it’s a Lakers tax he has to pay.
Not winning the award would’ve been fair given all the great options, but to not even be a finalist is absurd. The day will come when Luka gets his proper respect and admiration, but clearly it won’t be this season.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 07: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics reacts during warmups before a game against the Charlotte Hornets at the TD Garden on April 07, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA — Derrick White started getting ‘congratulations’ texts on Thursday afternoon. At first, he didn’t know what for.
Then, he realized he had won the NBA’s annual Sportsmanship Award, which is bestowed upon the player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court.
“It’s pretty cool,” White said at Celtics shootaround on Friday morning. “I think I’m doing things the right way out there, and I think it’s a pretty cool honor.”
The selection was no surprise to White’s Celtics teammates.
Payton Pritchard smiled when asked about White earning the honor.
“Derrick is just a good human being, good teammate,” Pritchard said. “I don’t think anybody really talks crap to Derrick, so he don’t talk to anybody. But you can just tell by looking at him: he’s a good person.”
During games, White is oftentimes very chatty with opposing team’s players during dead-ball situations. At the free-throw line, he shares a laugh with whoever he’s guarding.
“We have respect for each other,” White said. “But, at the end of the day, you’re competing, you want to win. So that’s kind of when I’m at my best, is when I’m kind of doing different stuff, like that. And for other people, that doesn’t work, but I feel like it works for me.”
After the final buzzer sounds, he usually chats with his competitors longer than any of his Celtics teammates. From an onlooker’s perspective, it appears that White is friends with almost everyone in the NBA.
Each team nominated one of its players for the Sportsmanship Award. Then, from the 30 nominees, a panel of league executives selected six finalists (one per division). The five other finalists were T.J McConnell (Indiana Pacers), Harrison Barnes (San Antonio Spurs), Al Horford (Golden State Warriors), Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder).
NBA players then ranked those six players, and White came away with the most total points (though McConnell actually finished with the most first-place votes).
“I don’t know if guys take those votes too seriously or not,” White said. “But, man, it was just cool to be nominated and go out there and do the right thing.”
Last year, Jrue Holiday won the award as a Celtic.
“I just learned a lot from Jrue,” White said. “So, shoutout Jrue.”
The Celtics and the 76ers will face off for Game 3 on Friday night. White said immediately after a playoff loss, it feels like the world is ending. But the team then reviews films and gets back to the drawing board of how to get better for the next game.
“That’s the playoffs,” White said. “I don’t think anybody’s ever not lost a game, so you kind of have to reset, figure out what you did wrong, figure out what you can do well, and make the adjustments. And that’s the cool thing about the playoffs — anything can change in one game. So it’s a big game tonight, and we’ve got to be ready to go.”
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 22: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot in front of Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center on April 22, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a day of absorbing and analyzing Game 2, the focus shifts to Game 3 between the Phoenix Suns and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Phoenix returns home for its first postseason game in nearly three years, and the challenge in front of them is real. The Thunder, through two games, look like a machine.
It feels like riding in a Tesla when someone flips it into sport mode and you are gripping the door as it launches down the highway. Your head sinks into the headrest as electricity drives you forward. That is what playing Oklahoma City feels like. It’s fast, efficient, and relentless. For some, that rush is the appeal. It is not for everyone.
So, how do you beat a team like this? What gives you a chance to take one back on your home floor? As we turn to Game 3, here are three things the Suns need to accomplish.
Push the Pace
I liked the idea from head coach Jordan Ott to lean into pace against Oklahoma City in Game 2. It tracks. If you let them sit in the half-court and load up defensively, they will eat. This is the best defense in the NBA. Any chance to push them back, get them on their heels, and keep them from getting set works in your favor.
It is not a natural style for Phoenix. They finished 24th in pace, so playing faster introduces some discomfort, reads you do not make as often, and decisions that come quicker than you are used to. Still, you are searching for edges wherever you can find them, and pace can be one.
After every rebound, after every make by Oklahoma City, get the ball out and get up the floor. Quickly. Force them to react instead of dictate. Oklahoma City will counter. Expect full-court pressure, expect them to try to slow you before you cross half-court. That adjustment is coming.
Game 2 showed a glimpse. Phoenix won the fast break points 14-11. It is something to build on and something to test again.
Hold on to the Rock
One of the byproducts of playing with pace, especially when it is not your natural rhythm, is mistakes. Against Oklahoma City, mistakes turn into points in a hurry. They finished third in the NBA in steals at 9.7 per night. Phoenix was right there at 9.5, fourth in the league, and still, the margin shows up in a different place.
Turnovers.
The Suns were 15th in the NBA at 14.5 per game, and that number has climbed through two postseason games. Oklahoma City has turned it over 18 times total, the fewest of any team in the playoffs. Phoenix has 41. That gap is as loud as the fans in Loud City. Did you know that’s what they call OKC? Loud City? Now you do.
The points off those mistakes are louder. The Suns have allowed 54 points off turnovers and scored 11. Loose handles, rushed passes, decisions made a beat too late; it all feeds into what the Thunder want to do. It fuels their runs, it creates separation, it turns competitive stretches into uphill climbs. If Phoenix wants a chance in this series, it starts here.
Protect the ball.
Threes, Anyone?
The path to a Suns win in this series is narrow, and it runs through the three-point line. There is a version of this where Phoenix catches fire and flips a game. That is the version you are chasing.
This is a Suns team that already leans on the three. They attempted the 5th most in the NBA and made the most by a Suns team in team history. Against Oklahoma City, it becomes essential. Phoenix hit 20 or more threes 10 times this season and went 9-1 in those games. They hit 18 or more 17 times and went 14-3. The math is clear. You have to shoot them, and you have to make them.
The looks are there. In this series, the Suns are shooting 34.3% from deep, 24-of-70, and half of those attempts are classified as “wide open”. They are hitting 37.1% on those. One out of every two threes is wide open, and those have to fall at a higher rate. Right now, that 37.1% on wide open threes ranks ninth among playoff teams still playing. That is not enough in this matchup. The process is working. The opportunities are there. Now you have to cash them in.
It is possible to beat Oklahoma City. We have seen it. The Suns did it in the regular season. It took a Devin Booker buzzer beater and came in a game with lineups that looked more G League than playoff rotation, but it still counts. It shows a path.
This season has already pushed past expectations. This team has overachieved. If they want to reach a little further, they grab one at home. Game 3 or Game 4. Extend this to five. That is progress. That is growth.
"It just feels disrespectful. I know I haven't won a championship in this league, but I have been in it for 11 years now. So to get to this point to be treated like that, for me to even be saying something out loud, it's bad... This is my first time (criticizing the officiating) in 11 years, but it's needed. Whatever I get fined for it, everybody can pull the clips and see where the frustration is from."
Booker got his wish, the league fined him $35,000 for "public criticism of the officiating." In its release announcing the league added this little dig: "Following an investigation including multiple interviews and video review, the league found no basis to any claim of bias or misconduct by game officials."
Booker also picked up a technical foul in Game 2 for trying to save with a behind-the-back pass of a ball going out of bounds. Notice Caruso lobbies for the technical and gets it.
"I heard Caruso tell him to call the tech and he ended up doing it," Booker said. "In my 11 years, I haven't called a ref out by name, but James (Williams) was terrible tonight, through and through. It's bad for the sport, bad for the integrity of the sport. People are going to start viewing this as a WWE if they're not held responsible."
The real question is, will this work for the Suns?
Publicly calling out the officiating and taking the fine for it, trying to plant a seed in the referees' minds for the next game, is a tried-and-true playoff tactic. Phil Jackson did it. Pat Riley did it. That trend has continued to the modern era, with mostly coaches but some players willing to see if it works.
Will the Suns get a whistle they like better at home in Game 3 on Friday night? They need it and every other break they can get in a series where they are down 0-2 to the defending champions.
It was reported on Friday that North Carolina center Henri Veesaar is departing the program and intends to stay in the NBA Draft. CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander had the report.
Shortly after, Norlander reported a bombshell. Prior to Veesaar’s decision to enter the NBA Draft, multiple schools tried to lure the Second Team All-ACC selection into the Transfer Portal. He was offered at least $6 million, although Carolina’s NIL negotiations never came close to that number. North Carolina‘s brass could have offered Veesaar in the ballpark of $4 million to stay, but he instead wishes to begin his professional basketball journey.
This news comes after Norlander reported that Florida star forward Thomas Haugh, who spurned the NBA Draft lottery to return to college, could make more than $10 million in NIL for the 2026-27 season. College basketball is bigger than ever, and programs are dishing out more money than ever.
By the way, multiple schools tried to lure Henri Veesaar into the portal in the past few weeks by offering him at least $6 million, per multiple sources. UNC's NIL negotiations never approached that range, but the Heels definitely could've cleared $4 million had he opted to stay. https://t.co/WwZMcrEdEy
More on Henri Veesaar’s decision to enter, stay in 2026 NBA Draft
Following the firing of Hubert Davis and shocking hire of former Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone, it remained unclear in the immediate aftermath what Veesaar planned on doing. If he returned to Carolina, there’s no doubt he’d be the Preseason ACC Player of the Year. If he entered the Portal, he likely would have been the No. 1 player available.
However, he is heading to the NBA, and will surpass a massive NIL payday from a potential National Championship contender. Veesaar is projected to be the No. 29 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft (Cleveland), in Yahoo Sports‘ Kevin O’Connor‘s latest Mock Draft.
In his lone season at North Carolina, Veesaar emerged as one of the most dominant players in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Tallin, Estonia native averaged 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 31 games for the Tar Heels.
His career began at Arizona, where he averaged 6.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 66 games. Veesaar’s best game at North Carolina came in an 80-79 loss to Clemson on March 12, in which he scored a career-high 28 points. He also grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds in the game.
The prized center heads to the NBA as North Carolina basketball heads into a new era. After five seasons at the helm, head coach Hubert Davis and the program parted ways after the Tar Heels fell in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season. Carolina hired former Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone to fill the opening, although that was not enough to entice the 7’0″ center to return to Chapel Hill.
Peterson, a 6'5" combo guard, is an elite shot creator and finisher who averaged 20.2 points and 4.2 rebounds a game, shooting 32.8% from 3-point range.
That season at Kansas also raised a few eyebrows because of health concerns — Peterson missed 11 games (a sprained ankle and illnesses), but maybe more concerning were the early exits due to cramping. Several times during the season, Peterson checked himself out of games due to cramping. The most notable was against BYU and potential No. 1 pick, AJ Dybantsa — Peterson was dominant in the first half but left early in the third quarter. He has yo-yo'ed in and out of the lineup all season, but he also explained what was behind this in his mind.
Scouts and team officials NBC Sports has spoken with said they are not overly concerned about the health issues, but acknowledge that, for stretches of the season, he has not looked as explosive as he did a year earlier in high school. To a man, they added, "We want to see the medicals," referring to the medical evaluations that will take place at the NBA Draft Combine next month.
Those health concerns were enough to take Peterson from the projected No. 1 pick in the draft to likely No. 2 behind Dybantsa, because Dybantsa is seen as a safer bet.
Peterson entered the season seen as a point guard and a high-level playmaker, but he averaged just 1.6 assists per game with the Jayhawks. Some scouts speaking to NBC Sports wondered how much coach Bill Self's offensive system limited Peterson in that regard. Still, one scout told NBC Sports he may be more of an Anthony Edwards type who needs to play next to a traditional point guard, but what team couldn't use an Anthony Edwards?
Celtics
76ers
