Category: NBA

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Oklahoma City hasn't had any difficulty limiting the Los Angeles Lakers' scoring production this season, and not even a surging Luka Doncic will get the Lake Show out of Thunder jail. 

The hosts are hefty favorites tonight, and our senior NBA betting analyst sees OKC's defense ruling the day as we examine both teams' win probability and offer our Lakers vs. Thunder prediction to help you make good on those Thursday NBA picks.

Who will win Lakers vs Thunder?

Lakers win probability:25% (+300)
Thunder win probability:76% (-317)

LeBron & Co. are in tough against the No. 1 team in the NBA, trading at just 25 cents (+300) to win, while the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-led Thunder are trading at 76 cents (-317) to inch one step closer to another top playoff seed.

Our prediction:Thunder to win

Covers' NBA expert, Jason Logan, keeps it simple: "Oklahoma City’s defense is stingy at home and will turn the screws on L.A. as the team sharpens its playoff mindset. The Thunder’s 7-footers will have their way with a small Lakers lineup, terrorizing the interior for points and sending back shots on the defensive side."

Check out Jason's complete analysis in his Lakers vs. Thunder predictions.

More Lakers vs Thunder prediction markets

You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Lakers vs. Thunder at Kalshi; you also have options to trade on the spread, total, and more, among other NBA odds markets.

You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Oklahoma City -9.5 spread means the Thunder will cover, while "No" on Oklahoma City means the Lakers will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using the Covers odds converter.)

Lakers vs Thunder spread and total at prediction markets

Our predictions:Thunder -9.5 and Over 233.5 points — NO

The Lakers shouldn't put up much of a fight as the Thunder look to successfully neutralize the red-hot Doncic, leaving L.A.'s supporting offense with the tall task of matching one of the most efficient teams in the NBA. L.A. has averaged just 101 points in two meetings with OKC this season, and a similar effort will almost certainly send this total below the threshold.

Other Lakers vs Thunder prediction markets available

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 25+ points (Yes: 81¢)
• Luka Doncic 30+ points (Yes: 63¢)
• LeBron James 20+ points (Yes: 45¢)
• Chet Holmgren to record a double-double (Yes: 32¢)

What is Kalshi and how does it work?

Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts" which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Thunder win tonight?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.

How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?

In a sportsbook, you bet against the bookmaker, who sets fixed odds and takes a "vig," which is a kind of commission. On Kalshi, you trade against other users. This peer-to-peer model means prices are driven by supply and demand, often resulting in fairer odds. Additionally, because these are financial derivatives, you can exit your position early. If your team takes a 14-point lead, the contract price will rise, allowing you to sell your "Yes" shares for a profit before the final whistle even blows.

Why should I wager on Lakers vs Thunder at Kalshi?

Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:

1. Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
   
   
2. Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
   
   
3. Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
   
   
4. Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.

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Tonight's matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder features two MVP favorites, but our NBA player prop projections have found value elsewhere.

Find more NBA picks in our complete Lakers vs. Thunder predictions for Thursday, April 2.

Lakers vs Thunder computer picks for April 2

Lakers	Thunder
James o17.5 points -105	Dort o2.5 rebounds  +122
LaRavia o6.5 points -112	Mitchell u12.5 points -115
Hachimura o2.5 rebounds  +100	Hartenstein o7.5 points -120

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Lakers computer picks

LeBron James Over 17.5 points (-105)

Projection: 19.2 points

LeBron James isn't the elite scorer he once was, but "The King" can still fill the hoop.

With Luka Doncic likely the Oklahoma City Thunder's primary target, Bron will be able to go to work on their secondary defenders.

We don't need a 30-piece from James to cash this — just a measly 18 points from the greatest scorer of all time.

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

Jake LaRavia Over 6.5 points (-112)

Projection: 8.2 points

Jake LaRavia is fresh off a 14-point game, playing a monstrous 38 minutes.

LaRavia has earned the trust of Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, and if he sees another 30+ minutes, he can make this line of 6.5 look foolish.

With Bron, Luka, and Austin Reaves sharing the floor, it gives LaRavia three capable playmakers to set him up for easy looks. He just needs to knock 'em down.

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

Rui Hachimura Over 2.5 rebounds (+100)

Projection: 3.1 rebounds

Rui Hachimura has cleared this rebounding total in five of his last 10, and we're getting plus money on it at bet365. Rui will likely see time off the bench, with most of his minutes away from Isaiah Hartenstein and/or Chet. 

OKC's No. 1 defense will also lead to more rebounding opportunities, and Rui will see enough floor time to gobble up at least three boards.

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

---

Thunder computer picks

Luguentz Dort Over 2.5 rebounds (+122)

Projection: 2.9 rebounds

At +122, this play is too good to pass up. 

Lu Dort has snared three or more boards in five of his last 10, and as I mentioned earlier, there will be plenty of rebounding opportunities up for grabs. 

Dort is a physical player and isn't afraid to get down and dirty in the paint.

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

Ajay Mitchell Under 12.5 points (-115)

Projection: 12.1 points

Ajay Mitchell has been inconsistent over his last five games, failing to reach double-digit points twice.

This game is also expected to see fewer possessions than normal, with the Lakers slowing things down lately.

The Thunder will only get so many shots, and SGA, alongside Chet and Hart, will offer better success given how Los Angeles is built.

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

Isaiah Hartenstein Over 7.5 points (-120)

Projection: 8.8 points

Starting centers have been feasting on the Lakers, with the last eight big men all eclipsing 10+ points.

That run includes centers like Jay Huff, Nic Claxton, and Tristan Vukcevic...

Hart will be able to bully L.A. down low and get easy buckets, helping him cover this line.

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

How to watch Lakers vs Thunder tonight

Location	Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date	Thursday, April 2, 2026
Tip-off	9:30 p.m. ET
TV	Prime Video

Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

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DETROIT (AP) — All-Star guard Cade Cunningham of the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons will be out at least another week in his recovery from a collapsed left lung.

The Pistons gave an update Thursday saying Cunningham will be re-evaluated in one week. He is working to return to the court being supervised by doctors and Detroit's medical and performance staff.

Detroit first announced Cunningham's injury March 19.

Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assists for the Pistons. Only eight players in NBA history have finished a season averaging that many points and assists, and Cunningham would be the first to do so in a Detroit uniform.

The Pistons have clinched the Central Division and have a four-game lead over Boston for the top seed in the Eastern Conference with six games remaining in the regular season. They host Minnesota on Thursday night and start their playoff run either April 18 or 19 when the Eastern quarterfinals begin.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

The Washington Wizards apologized on Thursday after an April Fools’ Day in-game promotion during their loss to the Philadelphia 76ers prompted criticism on social media.

During Wednesday night’s game at Capital One Arena, a fan was brought on to the court for a blindfolded half-court shot promoted as being worth $10,000. The shot missed, but arena staff and performers reacted as if it had gone in and briefly presented the fan with a ceremonial check as part of what later was revealed to a scripted skit.

Video of the sequence circulated online and led to questions about whether the fan had been misled.

“To do this to a fan that chose to come see a 17-win team is unhinged,” Jemele Hill, a contributing reporter for the Atlantic, wrote on X.

“This is so on-brand for the Wizards season,” former NFL executive turned analyst Andrew Brandt added. “Finding new ways to offend their (few) fans.”

As the backlash mounted Thursday morning, the Wizards said in a statement that the segment was pre-planned and that all participants were aware of the joke.

“We apologize for last night’s April Fools’ joke that left many wondering if we had misled a fan,” the team said in a statement posted to X. “The skit involving our mascot and other members of our performance team was scripted and intended to celebrate the day. All participants were in on the joke, but we missed the mark.”

The team added that it remains “committed to providing a positive experience to all who attend our games”.

Washington lost the game 153-131 and are 17-59 this season, dead last in the Eastern Conference.

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The Detroit Pistons handed the Minnesota Timberwolves a frustrating loss on Saturday, perhaps even a humbling one. 

My Timberwolves vs. Pistons predictions and NBA picks expect Minny to even the score on Thursday, April 2.

Timberwolves vs Pistons prediction

Timberwolves vs Pistons best bet: Timberwolves moneyline (+145)

On Saturday, the Minnesota Timberwolves were five-point underdogs at home against the Detroit Pistons. 

Lacking Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu certainly did not help Minnesota’s chances, and the Timberwolves ultimately lost by 22.

However, focus on the pregame spread. It is more predictive moving forward.

Adjusting for homecourt, that spread should translate to that version of Minnesota being about a 10-point underdog tonight at Detroit.

But with Edwards and Dosunmu back in the lineup, that should shorten.

How much should it shorten becomes the question? Is 6-6.5 points enough?

Logically and mathematically, yes. This spread, and thus this moneyline are appropriately priced.

Now consider motivation: the Timberwolves need to win to keep pace with the Rockets for the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, while the Pistons can cruise into the postseason as the East's top seed and hope Cade Cunningham returns before life on the court becomes dire.

Minnesota has a receipt to give Detroit, and it is in a moment when the Timberwolves already have plenty of reason to show up. 

Timberwolves vs Pistons same-game parlay

With Jaden McDaniels sidelined, Ayo Dosunmu slides into Minnesota’s starting lineup for his sixth straight game. In each of his previous five starts with the Timberwolves, Dosunmu has scored at least 17 points.

Minnesota has needed that scoring, as Naz Reid is clearly struggling with a banged-up shoulder and some weary ankles. Reid has fallen short of this prop in four of his last six games, one of those successes coming by merely the hook. He has shot just 6-for-28 (21.4%) from deep in that stretch.

More Dosunmu usage helps hide Reid’s lull.

Timberwolves vs Pistons SGP

• Timberwolves moneyline
• Ayo Dosunmu Over 15.5 points
• Naz Reid Under 11.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Wolves Offense Becomes Defense

Betting on a Timberwolves’ Under while without Jaden McDaniels may seem bold. It may seem especially bold when including an Over on Minnesota’s best transition scorer.

But the psychological truth is, the Timberwolves' best offensive players — Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle — step up their defense only when Minnesota is without a defender like McDaniels or Rudy Gobert.

Timberwolves vs Pistons SGP

• Timberwolves moneyline
• Ayo Dosunmu Over 15.5 points
• Naz Reid Under 11.5 points
• Under 225

Timberwolves vs Pistons odds

• Spread: Timberwolves +3.5 (-110) | Pistons -3.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Timberwolves +145 | Pistons -170
• Over/Under: Over 225 (-110) | Under 225 (-110)

Timberwolves vs Pistons betting trend to know

Minnesota’s last five games have all gone Under their totals, with an average margin of 19.5 points. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Pistons.

How to watch Timberwolves vs Pistons

Timberwolves vs Pistons latest injuries

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NEW YORK (AP) — Michigan’s “Fab Five” will reunite during Saturday's Final Four.

Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson will be part of an alternate broadcast on truTV and HBO Max when the Wolverines face Arizona in the second national semifinal. The winner will advance to play Connecticut or Illinois for the title on Monday night.

“It's going to be great, and we're excited about it,” King said Thursday in a telephone interview. “It’s a symbol of our support of the University of Michigan, especially because our team is doing so well in the tournament. The team has looked good all season, being dominant and setting records and the way they’re doing it, it’s been fun to watch.

"We want to just come together and be fans of guys on the cusp of doing something historical.”

The traditional broadcast will be on TBS, TNT and HBO Max.

The five members of Michigan's iconic 1991 recruiting class, who led the Wolverines to the Final Four in 1992 and ‘93, have reunited only a handful of times. Rose and Webber have been part of TBS, TNT and truTV’s studio crew during the NCAA Tournament.

The Fab Five was estranged for many years because of Webber's association with a Michigan booster. The scandal resulted in the program having to forfeit victories from Webber's two seasons and the Final Four banners being removed. The NCAA also banned Webber from associating with the program for 10 years.

The relationship healed after Howard was hired as Michigan's basketball coach in 2019. Howard led the program for five seasons and was fired two years ago.

___

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — Former Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer has signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League and is scheduled to pitch opening night on April 21 for the minor league team.

The Ducks announced the signing Thursday for Bauer's 15th professional season. Bauer will wear a mic for all games and practices, helping create content for both his and the team's outlets.

Bauer has been trying to revive his big-league career after serving a 194-game suspension for violating MLB’s domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. He was never charged with a crime in the matter, and civil claims against him were settled.

Bauer was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers in January 2023. The right-hander pitched in Japan in 2023 and ‘25, sandwiched around one season with Diablos Rojos in the Mexican Baseball League in ’24.

“I’m looking forward to competing in front of U.S. fans again this season,” Bauer said in a statement. “The Ducks have had some incredible players come through their organization, and I’m excited to be part of that tradition.”

Bauer was 4-10 with a 4.41 ERA with Yokohama last year. He was named the Mexican Baseball League's pitcher of the year in 2024.

___

This story has been corrected to show Bauer won the Mexican Baseball League's pitcher of the year award in 2024, not '25.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

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The Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder get to know each other intimately over the next six days, with the first of two matchups scheduled at the Paycom Center tonight.

Oklahoma City is the top team in the West, but Los Angeles is the conference’s hottest squad, losing just once in the past 14 games.

If L.A. wants to prove it belongs among the best in the West, it needs to solve a soft interior defense getting roughed up at the rim. That's easier said than done against OKC.

My Lakers vs. Thunder predictions go hard in the paint, and our NBA picks like OKC center Isaiah Hartenstein to have his way on Thursday, April 2.

Lakers vs Thunder prediction

Lakers vs Thunder best bet: Isaiah Hartenstein Over 7.5 points (-112)

Isaiah Hartenstein has been slowly working his way back from a calf injury that cost him games in March, gradually increasing his floor time and involvement in the Oklahoma City Thunder offense.

Hartenstein, who has topped out at six points in each of his last three outings, got a rest spot against Detroit on Monday, sitting out the second game of back-to-back contests. That gives him four days’ rest and puts him at his healthiest in a long time for this matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.

For all its success, Los Angeles continues to get bullied on the blocks. The Lakers have surrendered more than 53 points in the paint per game during this hot streak, and a smaller rotation and ineffective interior defenders allow those foes to fire at a 69.5% clip within five feet of the rim.

Oklahoma City’s spacing isolates Hartenstein down low, especially with Chet Holmgren stretching the floor. The Thunder’s dribble penetration draws help, and the 7-footer often finds himself open in the dunker’s spot or on lobs over the top.

Hartenstein also activates the pick-and-roll, and L.A. ranks dead last in defending those play sets, especially when it pertains to containing the screener.

He's had success versus the Lakers this season, putting up 10 and 11 points on a collective 9-for-15 shooting while logging 20 and 22 minutes in those two meetings. Hartenstein's projections for Thursday range between 8.8 and 9.0 points through 23 minutes of work.

Lakers vs Thunder same-game parlay

Oklahoma City’s defense is stingy at home and will turn the screws on L.A. as the team sharpens its playoff mindset.

The Thunder are bound to focus their defensive fire on stopping a red-hot Luka Doncic, which could leave more space for LeBron James to operate. LeBron’s projections flirt with 20 points tonight, and he scored 22 in his lone matchup with the Thunder this season.

Lakers vs Thunder SGP

• Thunder moneyline
• Isaiah Hartenstein Over 7.5 points
• LeBron James Over 17.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Towers of Power

The Thunder’s 7-footers will have their way with a small Lakers lineup, terrorizing the interior for points and sending back shots on the defensive side. 

Player models call for Holmgren and Hartenstein to top their points props and also forecast a couple of swats from Chet. 

Lakers vs Thunder SGP

• Thunder -9
• Isaiah Hartenstein Over 7.5 points
• Chet Holmgren Over 15.5 points
• Chet Holmgren Over 1.5 blocks

Lakers vs Thunder odds

• Spread: Lakers +9 (-110) | Thunder -9 (-110)
• Moneyline: Lakers +280 | Thunder -360
• Over/Under: Over 232 (-110) | Under 232 (-110)

Lakers vs Thunder betting trend to know

The Lakers have been underdogs of +5.5 or higher just nine times this season, going 3-6 SU and ATS when set as sizable underdogs. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Thunder.

How to watch Lakers vs Thunder

Lakers vs Thunder latest injuries

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Twenty-five years removed from the Sixers’ most recent NBA Finals berth, Allen Iverson remains the definitive Philadelphia basketball star this century and one of the most beloved athletes in Philly history. Enough time has passed that even those Sixers fans who didn’t watch Iverson live with their own two eyes have now become aware of his generation-altering presence both on and off the court.

Honoring Iverson and that era of Sixers basketball took on new levels this season with the team’s beloved throwback-inspired City Edition uniforms that pay tribute to that 2001 squad. Now, the Sixers and Mitchell & Ness have teamed-up for “76 Originals: The Answer Collection,” a merchandise capsule that highlights Iverson himself and those early 2000s vibes.

The collection features six items, ranging from t-shirts to a hoodie to a classic varsity jacket that all harken back to that iconic time for the Sixers.

The collection is now available online for purchase.

When the Sixers reach the postseason in a couple of weeks, can they just wear their black uniforms every game, please? I just want to get ahead of that now…

For the second time in less than a week, the Detroit Pistons take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Detroit hosts this one, aiming to sweep the season series. That would be a sweet victory after last year’s dust-up.

The dynamic of this game will change if Anthony Edwards suits up this time around. He is questionable tonight after appearing in one of the last seven Timberwolves games. Minnesota has seven games left, and Edwards needs to play six more games to hit 65, which triggers eligibility for an All-NBA selection.

Hopefully, he is in the lineup so we can see Ausar Thompson get a chance to hound the explosive bombs away scorer. Ausar should be motivated to guard another star but stay out of foul trouble tonight. He had some success vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Ausar has to stay sharp and disciplined so he can stay on the floor.

The playoffs are at our front door. The national chatter around Detroit (assuming health) is that there is not another creator/scorer next to Cade Cunningham. Jalen Duren is starting to make that proclamation look funny in the light.

Game Vitals

Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan

When: 7:00 PM

Watch: Prime Video

Odds: Pistons (-3.5)

Analysis

“Who is gonna help Cade?” “They do not shoot it well enough,” and similar sentiments have been laid out all year. Duren has picked up the phone regarding the first question. This All-Star season is turning into an All-NBA one.

The efficiency dominance has been a steady theme. Duren’s 68.6 true shooting percentage is No. 1 in the association. He has been a paint beast all year and is now filling out his game in other ways.

The passing screams he can be a hub when teams swarm Cade. It’s understandable to question if Duren will continue to dominate with less space come playoff time due to the shooters, but maybe the Pistons have flipped a switch shooting-wise?

Over the last eight games, the Pistons have been shooting 38 percent from deep. They rank last in 3-point rate during this stretch, but shotmaking is shotmaking. It will eventually open up the floor if the shooters keep it up. Or teams will just get burned by capable shooters.

Eight games are not a huge sample, but Detroit has shooters who can go on a hot stretch. Career-wise, Duncan Robinson is a tier-one elite shooter, and Kevin Huerter is a tier-two sharpshooter. Huerter is 42 percent on six attempts over the last four games; hopefully, he has turned the corner.

Marcus Sasser has been the goods as a shooter, Daniss Jenkins is someone defenses guard, Javonte Green is a sneaky solid shooter, and Tobias Harris is respectable.

Detroit has not been consistent from deep this year, but getting hot at the right time can change the trajectory of their playoff run. Shooting is needed, but it all starts with the defense.

Ausar is the defensive engine who gets things started. His anticipation is something the league has not seen and needs to adjust to.

Do not get me wrong, Ausar can be handsy and pick up ticky tack fouls. But sometimes he gets called for stuff that elite defenders usually get away with.

Think Alex Caruso or Patrick Beverley, they get to play with a little more defensive spunk and not get called for certain fouls due to their reputation. Ausar’s defensive rep is headed in that direction, and his First Team All-Defense selection this season will expedite that process.

Julius Randle and Naz Reid will look to bounce back after the dominant Detroit defense shut them down less than a week ago. It will not be easy, but I imagine those two come out motivated. Jaden McDaniels is out again, but Ayo Dosunmu is back. He will impact the game, but that may not be enough to push Minnesota over this Pistons group, who continues to play well no matter who is on the floor.

Lineups

Detroit Pistons (55-21):

Daniss Jenkins, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Minnesota Timberwolves (46-29):

Ayo Dosunmu, Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert

Question of the day

Who is the worst Pistons matchup out of the four play-in teams?

The Brooklyn Nets are signing 6’8” Long Island Nets forward Trevon Scott to a 10-day contract. With 10 days left in the season, the contract is likely to carry the 29-year-old through the end of the NBA season. The Long Island Nets concluded their season last night in the opening game of the G League playoffs, losing to the Osceola Magic in Florida.

Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto was first with the news…

Scott is the third player from Long Island to earn a call-up to Brooklyn this season, alongside Grant Nelson and Malachi Smith whose 10-day runs out this weekend. The Nets could in theory seek a late season hardship exception so many players out and keep both Smith and Scott. Scotto also reported that Danny Wolf is likely out for the season which ends in 10 days.

Currently in his second season with Brooklyn’s G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, Scott has appeared in 47 games this season, averaging 12 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in 27.9 minutes.

Undrafted out of Cincinnati in 2020, Scott has spent the vast majority of his career bouncing around the G League. He spent time with the affiliates of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, and Orlando Magic, while also playing internationally with the Calgary Surge, Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rico, and Fos Provence Basket in France.

At 29-years-old, Scott is the second oldest player on Brooklyn’s squad. He is just 38 days younger than the team’s oldest player, Terrance Mann.

Throughout his NBA career, the Cincinnati product has appeared in just two NBA games, each coming with the Cavaliers during the 2020 season. Over that span, he played 11 minutes while collecting six points, two rebounds, a steal, and a block.

His call-up provides a perfect example of how Long Island is looking to develop every player on their roster, not just rookies and two-ways, as we reported recently.

“We try to build all the players, of course. Priority guides the assignments in two ways, which is noted, but at the same time, we want to develop everyone,” Long Island’s head coach Mfon Udofia, told ND. “We’re not always going to have the two-way guys or assignment guys, so we want to develop all 10 players. We want to pour into these guys.”

After two productive seasons with the Long Island Nets, Scott will now get an opportunity to close the season in the NBA.

The Detroit Pistons, who are closing in on securing the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 playoff seed, take on the Minnesota Timberwolves, another title contender. Anthony Edwards just returned to the Timberwolves from a two-week absence. The Pistons are still missing star guard Cade Cunningham.

How to watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Detroit Pistons

• Date: Thursday, April 2

• Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT

• Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan

• TV Channels: Amaz, FDSD, FDSN

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

Team records

• Minnesota Timberwolves: 46-29 (No. 3 in Northwest Division)

• Detroit Pistons: 55-21 (No. 1 in Central Division)

Odds

• Spread: Detroit Pistons -3.5

• Moneyline: Detroit Pistons -160 / Minnesota Timberwolves 135

• Over/Under: 224.5

MIAMI — As Jayson Tatum concluded his media availability on Wednesday morning, Nikola Vucevic sauntered by.

“Say something nice about me, Jayson!” Vucevic belted after passing by the scrum.

“Vooch? He’s been working his ass off,” Tatum said with a smile. “He’ll be back soon, I hope.”

How soon that’ll be remains to be seen, but the veteran’s return to the court certainly feels imminent. Vucevic spent a portion of Wednesday’s shootaround playing 3-on-3 alongside Hugo Gonzalez and Celtics assistants Craig Luschenant, DJ MacLeay, Amile Jefferson, and Tyler Lashbrook. He took physical contact, shot around, defended, and threw passes, seemingly utilizing his injured right hand.

Vucevic fractured his right ring finger on Friday, March 6th, almost four weeks ago. The Celtics announced the following day that he underwent a successful ORIF surgery to stabilize the fracture and that he’d be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks.

And, while no formal update has been provided, Wednesday’s shootaround in Miami appeared to be a promising development.

“He’s getting better, as you saw in the workout today,” Joe Mazzulla said before Celtics-Heat. “The most important thing is that he feels 100%. When he’s ready, he’ll come back, and we just want him back when he’s ready to go. He’s going to help us — we obviously see the impact that he has on us as a player, especially last time we played Miami, he was huge.”

Vucevic played 12 games with the Celtics before fracturing his finger, averaging 10.4 points and 7.2 rebounds, while shooting 44.5% from the field and 35.1% from three.

Mazzulla said that, while he’s been sidelined, Vucevic has been around for everything the team has done since he first suffered the injury.

“He’s a professional. I mean, he hasn’t missed a film session, practice,” Mazzulla said. “Even two days after he had his procedure, he was out working on his cardio.”

As he rehabs, Vucevic has been working most closely with Celtics assistant coach Amile Jefferson, with whom he was previously teammates in Orlando in 2018. Jefferson said on a recent episode of Derrick White’s “White Noise Podcast” that the two have been working out routinely, but that Vucevic has been doing things exclusively with his left hand.

Jefferson has played a crucial role in helping Vucevic acclimate to a new squad midseason. Almost immediately after Vucevic was traded from the Chicago Bulls to Boston, the two went out to dinner, reuniting after years spent in different cities.

“It was really helpful to have a familiar face and somebody I can talk to about other things, not just the X’s and O’s of the game and the coverages and all that,” Vucevic said then. “The relationship we had before as friends just kind of translated. It’s pretty easy: we have respect for each other.”

In Vucevic’s absence, Luka Garza has stepped up, averaging 9.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in 17.8 minutes, shooting 63.8% from the field and 46.4% from three. On Monday, he posted 20 points on 8-9 shooting as he continues to excel in the backup big role.

How Mazzulla and the coaching staff will divvy up frontcourt minutes remains to be seen, but all three bigs — Neemias Queta, Garza, and Vucevic — have all proven to be effective when given the chance.

Mazzulla is looking forward to Vucevic’s healthy return to the floor.

“He’ll always be prepared,” he said. “And, I know when he comes back, he’ll be ready.”

Send in your questions now for this week’s episode of The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast to discuss everything Pistons. Submit your question to the comments section here or on X/Twitter to @TheRealWesD3 and/or @blakesilverman.

Join us live as we continue to watch the Pistons’ magic number fall down and down. With how dominant the team has been this season, is it simply time we and NBA fans in general quite doubting them? How can the Pistons ensure a strong finish to the regular season? Who would be the best Round 1 matchup? And more!

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The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Los Angeles Lakers in a meeting of two of the Western Conference’s top championship contenders. The Thunder hold a two-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs for the best record in the NBA and the West’s No. 1 playoff seed. The Lakers are currently seeded third in the West. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic are also two of the top contenders for the MVP award.

How to watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

• Date: Thursday, April 2

• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

• Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• TV Channels: Amaz, SN-LA

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

Team records

• Los Angeles Lakers: 50-26 (No. 1 in Pacific Division)

• Oklahoma City Thunder: 60-16 (No. 1 in Northwest Division)

Odds

• Spread: Oklahoma City Thunder -9.5

• Moneyline: Oklahoma City Thunder -350 / Los Angeles Lakers +280

• Over/Under: 230.5