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BOSTON — The Celtics will be at full strength when they face the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night for Game 7. Jayson Tatum, who did not play in the final 15 minutes of Game 6, is not on the injury report.

Tatum exited the game with four minutes left in the third quarter and briefly headed to the locker room with his trainer, Nick Sang. Tatum returned with ice around his left calf, the opposite leg from the one he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in last May. He spent most of the fourth quarter on an exercise bike in the tunnel.

“You guys probably saw when I went to the back, saw me on the bike, my leg just was a little stiff when I came out in the third quarter,” Tatum said. “But just kind of assessing the moment, the game was a little out of reach.”

Tatum said after Game 6 that he expected to play in Game 7.

“I expect to play,” Tatum said. “It was my other leg, not the one I injured last year. I mean, I wasn’t like overly concerned. Shit, I came out at four minutes, like I was supposed to. Just kind of assessed the game — he took the starters out fairly early in the fourth quarter.”

In a conference call with reporters on Friday afternoon, Joe Mazzulla confirmed that Tatum would play.

“He said he’s playing, right?” Mazzulla said. “He’ll play.”

Tatum has averaged 21.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across 6 games this season, shooting 41.1% from the field and 32.9% from three.

Celtics-76ers tips off at 7:30pm ET on Saturday night at TD Garden.

May 1, 2026

Where’s the fun? (Feed Post of the Day)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 30: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts after being called for a foul during the second quarter of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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

I thought this post from Beeeater58 in The Feed was well done and timely.

Agree with the sentiment about expectations. The Celtics won fewer games this year than they did the prior year (coming off a title), but it was so much more fun because we didn’t have expectations. Then we won all those games that we weren’t expected to and Tatum returned and suddenly everyone’s looking at us like the favorites to win the East (something I believed myself). I think that’s what makes it hurt even more. The highs of expectation followed by the disappointment after losses.

I wonder how much of the weight of expectations caused the players to tighten up and get away from their normal style.

Still time to pull this out and get their groove back, but it has been a humbling first round thus far.

May 1, 2026

Pistons vs Magic Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for Game 6

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The Orlando Magic are on the brink of advancing and they'll look to get it done at home as our NBA player prop projections are all locked & loaded for Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons, with the model highlighting several high-value spots.

By analyzing the data against current market lines, we’ve identified where the strongest edges exist.

These Pistons vs. Magic predictions are driven by numbers instead of guesswork.

If you’re building your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Friday, May 1.

Pistons vs Magic computer picks for Game 6

Pistons	Magic
Duren o13.5 points -120	Banchero o23.5 points -108
Cunningham o8.5 assists -125	Suggs o4.5 assists -107
Robinson u2.5 3-pointers -150	Carter Jr. u8.5 rebounds -130

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Pistons Game 6 computer picks

Jalen Duren Over 13.5 points (-120)

Projection: 16.68 points

The Detroit Pistons should see more opportunities against the Orlando Magic, which has played at the fifth-fastest pace over the last 15 games.

If Jalen Duren doesn’t capitalize on the glass, he’ll need to make up for it with increased offensive production to help Detroit avoid elimination.

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Cade Cunningham Over 8.5 assists (-125)

Projection: 9.2 assists

For the Pistons to stay alive in this series, they’ll need Cade Cunningham to do it all — score efficiently and create for others.

He’s cleared this assists line in two games already, and he’ll likely need to elevate his playmaking even further to get there again.

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Duncan Robinson Under 2.5 3-pointers (-150)

Projection: 2.35 3-pointers

The matchup against Orlando is a tough spot for three-point volume. At home, the Magic allow the 7th-fewest attempts per game to opposing starting shooting guards (5.2), and Duncan Robinson has been inconsistent from deep on the road in this series.

In Orlando, he shot 42.9% from three in Game 3 before dropping to 16.1% in Game 4. Even after a stronger showing in Game 5, the trend points toward another potential downturn from beyond the arc.

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Magic Game 6 computer picks

Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points (-108)

Projection: 24.3 points

The Magic should see more scoring chances against a Pistons team that’s played at the 10th-fastest pace over its last five games, and in a high-stakes Game 6, Paolo Banchero’s free-throw shooting could be a key factor to take this points prop to the Over.

Opposing starting power forwards have averaged 5.0 free throw attempts per game against Detroit over the last 10 games (6th-most in the NBA), showing they’re drawing fouls consistently. The opportunity is there for Banchero — he’ll just need to convert at the line to steady his production after a shaky stretch in this series.

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Jalen Suggs Over 4.5 assists (-107)

Projection: 5.47 assists

Jalen Suggs will need to elevate his playmaking to help Orlando close out the series tonight. He’s hovered near this assists line throughout most of the matchup, clearing it only in Game 5.

With everything on the line, expect Suggs to do whatever it takes to help the Magic punch their ticket to the next round.

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Wendell Carter Jr. Under 8.5 rebounds (-130)

Projection: 8.0 rebounds

When Wendell Carter Jr. has controlled the glass, the Magic have usually come out on top.

He narrowly missed this rebounds line in Game 1, but if he’s near it again, Orlando will likely benefit from his ability to create extra possessions on the boards.

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How to watch Pistons vs Magic Game 6

Location	Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date	Friday, May 1, 2026
Tip-off	7:00 p.m. ET
TV	Prime Video

Not intended for use in MA.
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May 1, 2026

CJ McCollum, Hawks gave Knicks the kick they needed to go all the way

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 28: Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks reacts during the second half of Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 28, 2026 in New York City. The Knicks won 126-97. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Knicks have gone to six games in the first round in each of the last three seasons, but not all six-game playoff series are created equally.

While the Sixers and Pistons fought tooth and nail for all six games (especially Detroit), there are six-game series that aren’t as competitive as it sounds.

This was certainly that series.

Here are some stats. Do with them what you will:

The Knicks outscored the Hawks by 105 points in this series. It’s the most lopsided six-game series in NBA history.
The Hawks’ starting lineup had a +20.3 net rating in 391 regular-season minutes, the second-best high-usage lineup in the NBA. In this series? -14.4 in 86 minutes.
The series had a +18.1 net rating. LOL.
It was the third time this year the Knicks won a game by at least 49. In the first 79 seasons in franchise history, the largest margin of victory was 48 points.
In the two games the Knicks lost, they either were tied or had the lead in the final minute.
In 288 minutes in this series, the Knicks trailed for just 48:49. Outside of Game 3, the Hawks led for just 8:20 across the other five games. In total, Atlanta held a lead for just 17% of this series.
The Knicks held a 10+ point lead for 129:25, or 45% of the series.
The Knicks held a 20+ point lead for 56:29, or 19.6% of the series.
The Knicks spent more time with a 20+ point lead than they did trailing in a six-game series.

Game 6 was one of the most baffling blowouts I’ve ever witnessed. I was busy in the second half, and I worried about a close game turning my night into a worrisome mess, but it was over well before I turned the game off. Even better, the Celtics and Sixers are bogged down in a Game 7 on Saturday for the right to face the Knicks on Monday.

But enough about how jaw-dropping Game 6 specifically was. This is about something different.

After Game 3, the vibes were rancid. I don’t need to go too in-depth on how we felt at that moment, but the vultures were circling on the entire franchise. There was also a certain vibe heading into Game 4.

“Jalen Brunson is being exposed by Dyson Daniels.”
“CJ McCollum is the next great Knicks villain.”
“Mikal Bridges is soft.”
“Quin Snyder is coaching circles around Mike Brown.”
“Even if they get through this series, the Knicks will get smacked by Boston in Round 2.”

There’s a million other quotes I could pull, but it was all falling apart. CJ McCollum looked like the Black Mamba, for crying out loud. The 2024-25 Clutch Player of the Year was torpedoing the team in the final two minutes. Everything was just awful.

And then the Knicks beat the Hawks in each of the next three games by a combined 94 points. They practically spent 90% of the final three games with a 15-point lead. It was never, ever competitive after the buzzer sounded on Game 3.

What the hell happened?

Aside from the Hawks being complete and total fools’ gold, what happened was that a lion stopped playing with its food. Don’t believe me? Look at the stylistic changes after Game 3:

Mike Brown played lineups without Brunson or Towns (excluding garbage time) for 22:47 across the first three games. The final three games? 3:15.
After three games of Brunson trying to get his game off on Dyson Daniels, the Knicks moved to a more KAT-centric offense… until Daniels switched onto him, in which case Brunson took over again.
No longer did the Knicks allow McCollum to get easy switches onto Brunson. They threw a variety of bodies at him, from Josh Hart to Mikal Bridges to Jose Alvarado.
The defensive intensity. Not easy to quantify, but just watch the highlights and you’ll see.

Would a sweep have been more satisfying? Absolutely, nobody wants to deal with stress in the first round. But this wasn’t a typical six-game series. As much as you never quite felt safe until the very end, there was never a doubt in the world.

As soon as Game 3 ended, with the reports of emotions pouring out in the locker room, a switch flipped. It was exactly what the Knicks needed.

We know how inconsistent this team is. They went from looking like contenders to playing the worst defense in the sport for over a month before finishing the year with the second-best defensive rating in the final three months. We know they tend to sulk into bad habits. We know that the consequence of having a coach like Mike Brown, hired to be a stark difference to Tom Thibodeau, will trust his bench way too much.

After Game 3, the bench was tightened, the defensive scheme was shifted, the physicality increased, and the Knicks resembled a boa constrictor tightening around the entire city of Atlanta’s neck. No more Trae Young, no more 2021, this is the legacy of Knicks-Hawks now. Big difference between the way both teams act: rolling the dice on the Hawks logo at halftime wouldn’t have been disrespectful enough. That performance warrants a dump on that logo. Take notes, Rayford.

Those McCollum heroics gave them the kick in the ass they needed. And if they get to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, we’ll have him and the Hawks to thank.

May 1, 2026

5 Sixers thoughts after they force a Game 7 in Boston

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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

Game 6 was a dream I never want to wake up from. As the Sixers have forced a Game 7 in Boston against the heavily favored Celtics, I’ll share a new “5 Sixers thoughts” column with you all…

My Paul George apology form

I hated the Paul George contract before the ink even dried on it. I hated how the last two seasons had transpired for the Sixers, with the signing of the aging, over-the-hill former superstar being emblematic of it all. He appeared as fraudulent of a “third star” as there ever was.

Well, over the Sixers’ last two wins against the Celtics, George has been the two-way beast he was during his prime. George, who will turn 36 on Saturday for Game 7, has been a smothering presence defensively while shooting a whopping 54.3 percent on three-pointers in the series overall. This is the “Playoff P” who I’ve cracked jokes about for so long!

Another performance like this from George in a birthday Game 7 win will have him going down as premier 21st century playoff Sixer. It’s wild even typing that!

I can’t believe Sixers basketball has ever looked this smooth

This sequence is like the Industrial Revolution, but for Sixers playoff basketball:

This might be the best sequence of Sixers basketball I've seen in recent memory. Euphoric.

Whatever you're doing, stop for a minute to watch this. Trust me. 🔥👇 pic.twitter.com/9pBXIz59r0
— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) May 1, 2026

It has never looked that easy. What am I watching? Are the Sixers actually peaking at the perfect time with a previously omnipotent opponent’s ship starting to leak? The last few days have been a godsend for a fan base that’s been kicked in the teeth for far too long.

The decision to go away from the black uniforms was wise

The Sixers, before the playoffs began, announced that they would be wearing their beloved Allen Iverson-era throwback black uniforms for every home postseason game. After losing a thriller in Game 3 and getting rocked in Game 4, however, that plan went out the window. With the Sixers winning Game 2 and Game 5 in Boston in their classic white uniforms, the team made the switch and went with them for Game 6 at home. Superstitious? Just riding the wave? Whatever it may be, it worked on Thursday.

I’ve long been a proponent of the old-school concept of home teams always wearing white in the NBA. If the Sixers can be victorious in Game 7 and advance to the second round against New York, they should keep up with this vibe until it stops working.

I’ve seen enough Payton Pritchard for a lifetime

A new villain emerges every Philadelphia sports playoff run and the latest is Payton Pritchard. The Celtics guard’s penchant for last-second, clutch shot-making has made him the player I’ve screamed at the TV about the most over the first six games this series. Every three he hoists feels like it’s going in. A 1-for-8 shooting night from deep in Game 6, however, had me elated. Another off game like that from Pritchard and the Celtics’ bench marksmen would do a whole host of good for the Sixers’ chances of nabbing a Game 7 win.

Even so, after Saturday night, I never want to see Pritchard go against the Sixers in the postseason ever again.

Going the distance

I can be quite tongue-in-cheek when it comes to my Sixers fandom, but I am living and dying with this series. The team has not advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs in a quarter of a century. I’ve been writing on and off this Sixers blog legitimately since I was a junior in college. I have dedicated immense mental bandwidth to this franchise that has provided very little return on investment. That’s the nature of sports, so it is what it is.

I know it would be pathetic to say about a mere first-round series, but, sheesh, I have only faint memories of Allen Iverson’s 2001 Finals run, so this legitimately might be the greatest moment of my life watching the Sixers if they can win Game 7 in Boston. With the way that Embiid has missed time with appendicitis, with how infuriated I’ve been with both Daryl Morey and Nick Nurse and, frankly, how disillusioned I’ve been with the failed promises of the Process, stealing yet another game in Boston would be downright cathartic.

I didn’t think the Sixers had it in them to win both Game 6 and Game 7 heading into Thursday night, but screw it. Let’s go for the throat. I have been adhering to the “house money” sentiment and I want the Celtics to sweat out every single one of the 48 minutes remaining in the series if the Sixers aren’t going to beat them outright, but I would love nothing more in this world than upsetting Boston one last time this spring.

May 1, 2026

Ime Udoka needs to trust Reed Sheppard for Rockets to succeed

LeBron James has earned his stripes.

He has a longer rope than almost any NBA player. This is perhaps the best player in NBA history. He’s got this writer’s vote, and this writer can vaguely recall Michael Jordan’s last season with the Chicago Bulls, so…

Well, unless you’re in your late 70s, you don’t recall Bill Russell’s prime anyway.

Let’s stick to the present. LeBron James gave Reed Sheppard a little shove in the last Rockets-Lakers game. Nobody flinched. Consider it a badge of honor for the young guard. If Sheppard was bothered, it didn’t show:

He proceeded to win the game for the Rockets.

It was a redemptive arc. Sheppard has been, to use technical language, not good in the 2025-26 NBA Playoffs.

Ime Udoka needs to trust him anyway.

Rockets need to lean on Sheppard

It’s been a season-long story. The Rockets have a desperate need for shooting and ball-handling. Sheppard provides plenty of the former…and more of the latter than Josh Okogie.

Yet, it’s not offense that has limited Sheppard’s opportunities. It’s the other end of the floor. Sheppard is a short guard. He is an undeniable liability on defense.

Udoka needs to play him anyway.

If anything, this series is a golden opportunity to test Sheppard’s postseason meddle (side note: Does anyone use the word “meddle” unless it’s being tested?). The Lakers are not exactly flush with guards whom he can’t handle. Amen Thompson has been dealing with Luke Kennard. Austin Reaves is currently something closer to The Ghost of Austin Reaves, and time will tell whether he can get right in Game Six. Marcus Smart is, and always has been, Marcus Smart.

Granted, postseason defense is not generally as simple as man-to-man. The Lakers have been hunting Sheppard, and rightly so. They’ll screen their way to a James crossmatch all night.

OK. How’s that working out? In Game Five, the Lakers scored a whopping 93 points. Thompson finally took Kennard out of the game. Reaves was rusty. The Rockets dared James to shoot. He won’t go 0/6 from deep regularly, but turning James into a shooter has always been the optimal strategy, and like lemonade’s status as a popular drink, it still is.

Simply put, without Luka Doncic, the Lakers just don’t have that much juice (or lemonade for the sake of thematic consistency). Their 107.6 Offensive Rating through this series is 12th out of 15 playoff teams. The issue is that the Rockets’ 9th-place 109.4 rating isn’t much better.

Let’s take a sidebar to talk about Ime Udoka. Frankly, the pendulum has swung too far in the negative direction. Udoka’s offensive playbook is relatively rudimentary, but results-wise, what he’s done with this team is ultimately commendable.

But dear God, the man is stubborn. When it comes to defense, Udoka is like an obsessive dictator. Were those 93 points too many? Udoka wants what, 85-73 victories? Are we recreating the Spurs/Pistons Finals? Adam Silver will not like that. He may change the rules to outlaw defending shots within three feet.

So, why not try to score a few more points?

Rockets’ offense needs Sheppard

To be clear, this isn’t a harsh criticism of Udoka. Sheppard is averaging 31.2 minutes per game in this series. All that’s being suggested here is that he needs to be on the floor during any pivotal moment in Game Six (and hopefully, Game Seven).

More to the point, Sheppard has struggled to shoot the ball in this series. Yet, the offense hums when he’s on the floor. Sheppard is a better point guard than Amen Thompson, and the mere threat of his shooting changes the way the Lakers play defense. Relying on Sheppard gives the Rockets the best chance at making history and completing the first 0-3 comeback in NBA history.

Yet, there’s a bigger picture reason to play Sheppard. He’s 21. If he’s part of the future, he needs these reps. If he’s trade fodder, he needs to showcase his value.

If the data and eye test alike didn’t suggest that Sheppard is helping the Rockets win, that argument would not hold water. If the Rockets had acquired a point guard at the deadline, it’s possible that they’d be better off playing that point guard. They do, and they didn’t, so in Game Six, Udoka needs to put his full trust in Sheppard.

Even if LeBron James is hunting him.

May 1, 2026

6 former Arizona men’s basketball players invited to NBA Draft combine

arizona-wildcats-mens-basketball-nba-draft-combine-burries-bradley-peat-awaka-veesaar-boswell-chicago-2026 — Jan 14, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) and guard Jaden Bradley (0) celebrate a win against the Arizona State Sun Devils at the end of the game at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Through graduation and early entry, Arizona has six players from the Final Four team eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft. And four of them are on the list of invitees to the annual NBA Draft Combine.

Seniors Tobe Awaka and Jaden Bradley and freshmen Brayden Burries and Koa Peat are among the 73 players invited to the combine, set for May 10-17 in Chicago. Also invited are ex-UA players Kylan Boswell and Henri Veesaar, who finished their college careers at Illinois and North Carolina, respectively.

An invite to the combine is usually a strong indication of whether NBA scouts consider a player worthy of being taken in two-round draft, which is set for June 23. Last year Carter Bryant was the only player with UA ties invited to the combine, and he ended up going 14^th overall to the San Antonio Spurs, while Bradley went through the draft process but returned to Arizona for his senior season.

The deadline to withdraw from the draft and return to college is May 27, and according to ESPN some NBA scouts view Peat as a player who may end up coming back despite currently being projected as a late first-round pick.

Burries and Peat were among the 71 college players with eligibility remaining who declared for the draft, of which more than 20 didn’t get invites to the main combine. Many will participate in a G League combine, which provides the opportunity for a few to also get an invite to the second combine.

One ex-Wildcat that didn’t make the cut for either list was guard Anthony Dell’Orso, who is likely to play overseas and figures to end up back in his native Australia.

May 1, 2026

Paul George is proving his worth in this series

Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

While the Sixers went into their round one series against the Boston Celtics not knowing whether Joel Embiid would be available for it, they did have something they haven’t in their previous three playoff matchups against Boston: wings to throw at their stars.

Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. possess enough length, speed and strength to hang with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Not having formidable defenders to throw at those two is what’s made Boston a matchup nightmare in years past, and that difference is a big part of what’s helped the Sixers come back to even up the series at 3-3.

The big adjustment the Sixers have made defensively is cutting down on over helping. Fewer double teams on drives has given the Celtics fewer opportunities to kick out to open threes. That starts with being able to stay in front of your man 1-on-1, and George has done a phenomenal job leading that effort.

“Those two guys are great wings and he’s got a battle every possession,” Nick Nurse said of George after Game 6. “They’re scoring, they are, but he’s making them really work for it.”

When asked specifically how they’ve been able to limit the drive and kicks, George didn’t want to give anything away — that’s for Boston to figure out watching film. He did get into the challenges of guarding the Jays and what he’s trying to do against them.

“Jayson and JB is as good as it gets,” George said. “They’re going to make tough shots, they’re going to challenge me, they’re gonna make me look bad at moments, they’re gonna embarrass me at moments, but I enjoy the matches, I enjoy the challenges. My whole career, I’ve always been excited on the defensive end.”

That excitement has been noticed by his teammates throughout the series. After Game 6, Tyrese Maxey said that George has been a great voice and leader in the locker room.

“Once he came back from his 25 games [suspension] he had a mission,” Maxey said, “and I think he’s accomplishing that mission, and he’s been really good. And we appreciate him and appreciate his sacrifice. He’s done a great job.”

Not only has George’s defense given the Sixers a fighting chance since the beginning of the series, but he’s helped unlock the offense as his shot continues to fall. He had his highest scoring game of the series, dropping 23 in Game 6, thanks in large part to going 5-of-9 from three-point range.

After the game, Nurse said he felt he’s seen George get more confident offensively every game of the series. They very much needed that to be the case after George only attempted eight shots in Game 1.

“I tell people I’ve just been gifted to score and be able to have a smoothness on the offensive end,” George said, “but defensively, I’ve always appreciated that side of the ball.”

The max contract the Sixers doled out has opened George up to a lot of criticism. The knock being that on the best version of this team, he’s a souped-up role player. Game 6 showed that when he, along with Maxey and Embiid, are rolling, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“When I first came here, I told them I’ll get the stops that we need,” George said. “I was more than fine coming here to be the third option and allowing those guys to be themselves offensively.”

Between a 24-win season and a 3-1 series deficit, it took a long time for the Sixers’ signing of George to bear any fruit. There’s still no guarantee they complete the comeback and have a playoff series win to show for it.

But even if the Celtics prevail, George has at least shown to be the player the Sixers paid for two summers ago.

May 1, 2026

76ers vs Celtics Same-Game Parlay for Saturday's NBA Playoffs Game 7

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Oh boy. There’s nothing better than a Game 7 showdown in the NBA Playoffs, and that’s exactly what we’ve got on our hands.

The Philadelphia 76ers have clawed their way back against the Boston Celtics, and I’m not about to stand in the way of the Sixers on Saturday night.

My same-game parlay calls for Philly to cover the spread, with Joel Embiid and Kelly Oubre packing the stat sheet on the offensive end.

Here are my best 76ers vs. Celtics predictions and NBA picks for May 2.

Our best 76ers vs Celtics SGP for Game 7

SGP leg #1: 76ers +7.5

The Philadelphia 76ers have clamped down on the Boston Celtics the past two games, keeping Boston from the offensive glass while getting in the shorts of the C’s star players.

No matter what, the Celtics have a bad habit of sticking to their 3-point plan, and they’re dying on the perimeter. With Joel Embiid beating up Boston inside, Game 7 is going to be a lot closer than oddsmakers expect.

SGP leg #2: Kelly Oubre Over 9.5 points

Kelly Oubre Jr. is doing it all on both ends for the Sixers in this series. Not only is he guarding Boston’s best, but the versatile forward has shown flashes of offense as well.

Oubre has dropped 10+ points on the Celtics in four of the first six games and is coming off a 14-point performance, with projections calling for at least 13 points in Game 7.

SGP leg #3: Joel Embiid Over 4.5 assists

Embiid’s return has flipped this series on its ear. The 76ers center is exposing Boston’s lack of depth inside, and when the Celtics do send double teams, the seven-time All-Star is finding cutters and open shooters.

He’s dished out 22 total assists on 30 potential dimes through three games and will continue to serve as a conduit for the Sixers on Saturday.

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Get Jason Logan's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his 76ers vs Celtics predictions for Game 7.

Chaotic new video emerges of Mitchell Robinson fight — and the Knicks should be relieved

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson fighting with Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels during an NBA playoff game, Image 2 shows video: knicks mitchell robinson-dyson daniels fight in knicks-hawks game 6

In the midst of a Knicks beatdown, Mitchell Robinson wanted to administer one of his own.

The Knicks center was ejected in the second quarter of Thursday’s 140-89 massacre for going after Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, and video taken from the stands at State Farm Arena in Atlanta is even more chaotic than what viewers saw on TV.

Robinson tried to fight through anyone and everyone on the court, using every last inch of his 7-foot, 240-pound frame to muscle his way toward Daniel in a scene that did a number on a crowd with a heavy Knicks fan bent.

The alternate angle of this Knicks-Hawks fight is WILD.

Read more: https://t.co/QMCkiKOwve pic.twitter.com/oeDy8fTZbY
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) May 1, 2026

“Oh my god,” one onlooker said before letting out a scream. “I’m terrified.”

Other simply cheered for some sign of life from a Hawks team on the wrong side of a 72-22 score.

The entanglement with Robinson and Daniel began with 4:39 left in the first half, following OG Anunoby’s free throw that made it a 50-point lead.

Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu tried to separate Robinson from Daniels, with Knicks teammate Jalen Brunson trying to hold his big man back as things moved toward the stands.

One official took a tumble, and Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson isolated Robinson before things went too far and spilled off the court.

Knicks center Mitchell Robinson #23, fighting with Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels #5, in the second quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The brouhaha did not reach the crowd, though. If it had the NBA would be taking a closer look at things, according to The Post’s Stefan Bondy.

That’s a sigh of relief for the Knicks, who can take some solace in knowing the league has one fewer thing to take into account for potential punitive measures.

“It’s tough because when you’re up that big, stuff happens,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “If somebody feels like something that shouldn’t happen to them happened, it’s hard to keep your composure in that moment.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST NBA STANDINGS AND KNICKS STATS

“At the end of the day, that’s what we talked about and our guys did a good job of that for the rest of the game.”

Robinson did not speak after the game. He finished with six points on 3-of-3 shooting, adding three rebounds and a pair of blocks in his nine minutes.

If Robinson’s on-court message to Daniels didn’t get through, the big man sent it home with some social media missives after the win.

“Knew something was gone happen,” he wrote on Facebook. “My mental just not the same I’m just lost in the world at the moment.”

May 1, 2026

Milwaukee Bucks End-of-Season Player Review & Quiz: AJ Green, Gary Harris, Andre Jackson Jr., Cormac Ryan, Gary Trent Jr.

BROOKLYN, NY - APRIL 7: Head Coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks, AJ Green #20, Andre Jackson Jr. #44 and Dave Joerger of the Milwaukee Bucks talk during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on April 7, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

With apologies to Thanasis and Alex, the final edition of our pop quiz series focuses on the Bucks’ gaggle of off-ball guards/wings to round out the roster. Aside from Ryan, you’d be hard-pressed to say the other four met or exceeded expectations, and at least one fell well short of them. Here’s hoping for better results next here from whichever of this crew remains in Milwaukee.

Season in a snippet

AJ Green

78 GP, 29.1 MPG, 10.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG, .424/.419/.855

Kyle’s end-of-season grade: C+

On the one hand, Green broke Ray Allen’s franchise record for made threes in a single season. On the other, it wasn’t until the Bucks were truly out of the race that Dairy Bird really showed up. Prior to the season’s final month, he shot .417/.407/.810, just 9.7 PPG on 6.9 3PA/game. He averaged 13.0 PPG with .445/.457/.950 on 8.1 3PA/game thereafter, highlighted by a career-high 35 points on April 10th. That’s production the Bucks really could have used in January or early March, as they tried to claw back into the play-in conversation amid Giannis injuries. AJG missed only four games and started 68, but after looking the part in 2024–25, he appears much less like an NBA starting guard today. That has a lot to do with his regression as a defender: the prior two years, he flashed really solid on-ball D, despite struggling a fair bit with team coverage (chalk that up to inexperience, maybe). He provided next to nothing on that end this season, which was a huge disappointment in my eyes. The only strides I really saw him make were as a playmaker: even if 1.9 APG looks like nothing, he had four-plus dimes a dozen times in 2025–26, up from seven the year prior.

Gary Harris

48 GP, 13.8 MPG, 2.7 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG, .442/.412/.889

Kyle’s end-of-season grade: C-

I don’t think anyone expected much from Harris, who many speculated would take on the Pat Connaughton break-in-case-of-emergency veteran role. At first, he scarcely played while the team wasn’t ravaged by injuries, but down the stretch, he played even less often, with just 13 appearances and 11 DNPs after February 1st. He too dealt with minor injuries during that span. However, he had several nice games in the first half, usually providing solid perimeter defense even at age 31, plus the occasional three. He hit double figures just once on November 14th. I would say he did what was expected of him as a deeper reserve on a minimum deal. Can’t ask for much anyway.

Andre Jackson Jr.

48 GP, 8.5 MPG, 2.4 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG, .328/.250/.625

Kyle’s end-of-season grade: C-

Ajax keeps hanging on in Milwaukee despite his fewest minutes since his rookie campaign. Believe it or not, this was the first time he shot worse than 37% from deep in a season, and it’s not as if his volume has ever changed. He continues to be a void on offense without showing any of the ball-handling and facilitation acumen he developed on UConn’s 2023 national championship team. So it’s up to him to prove his worth on defense, and he didn’t hang his hat on that either. He fell out of favor with Doc last season, but maybe Taylor Jenkins thinks he can take whatever defensive skills Jackson has left and create an actual NBA player. I’m not betting on it.

Cormac Ryan

11 GP, 24.6 MPG, 14.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, .520/.458/.923

Kyle’s end-of-season grade: B+

Ah, finally something positive. I admit, Ryan deeply unimpressed me last summer league, and also didn’t stand out in limited preseason action. So I was nonplussed by Milwaukee’s decision to ink him on a two-way in late February. Looks like I was wrong about him, as the 27-year-old journeyman (he spent six seasons at three universities!) might just belong after all. Sure, it’s just 11 games, but the shot is definitely there, and he appears to have a bit more variety to his game than Green, the similarly-sized shooter he was naturally compared to. Ryan seriously popped in April with four games over 20+ and was in double-digits for eight of his 11 appearances. His two-way contract continues next season, and who knows, maybe the Bucks found themselves yet another rotation player not taking up a standard roster spot.

Gary Trent Jr.

65 GP, 21.2 MPG, 8.1 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.0 BPG, .387/.360/.769

Kyle’s end-of-season grade: D+

I saved the worst for last. GTJ famously started slowly in 2024–25 but, after being benched in early November, was great the remainder of the year, culminating in a sensational Pacers series. He was probably Milwaukee’s second-best player for those five games, so fans were thrilled when he took a Non-Bird raise to stay put last offseason. Once again, he kind of started slowly, but unlike last year, he never broke out of it. His best two-game stretch was probably Milwaukee’s 2-0 start out of the gate, because he shot just 37.4% over his next 19 games, taking us to the end of November. His shooting numbers sank further as we entered 2026, and after the season’s midpoint, he was generally out of the rotation. But a shoutout for 36 points in a loss to the Clippers on March 29th. That came during an eight-game stretch where he averaged 12.8 PPG on .450/.463/.625 shooting. Like Green, where was this when the games actually mattered?

Tantalising totals

(1) Green established a new career-best in assists against Miami in November. How many, and what was his previous best?

Click to reveal answer Eight, topping six from December 2024.

(2) True or false: Jackson also set a career-high in assists this season.

Click to reveal answer True, on March 23rd.

(3) In 11 games, Ryan topped which three former All-Stars in FG% and 3P%, all of whom played fewer than 20 games?

Click to reveal answer Trae Young (15 GP), DeJounte Murray (14), and Jayson Tatum (16). He was just 2.3% shy of overtaking Domantas Sabonis (19) in FG%. He also was no more than 3.6 PPG away from all but Tatum.

Atypically advanced

(1) True or false: Trent’s 3PAr (three-point attempt rate) was higher in 2024–25 than in 2025–26.

Click to reveal answer False: he took a career-high 72.3% of his shots from deep, shattering the previous high from last year at 65.9%

(2) According to Cleaning The Glass, Harris’ assist-to-usage ratio of 1.23 led the team. Whose was higher: Harris’ or James Harden’s?

Click to reveal answer Harris’. Harden was at 1.11.

Obscure optics

(1) Trent’s notorious plus-minus issues resulted in a -9.2 net rating, per CTG. What two-time All-Star was just 0.2 points per 100 possessions better?

Click to reveal answer Brandon Ingram. Trent’s net was also better than Isaiah Stewart’s and Bruce Brown’s!

How did you fare? Share your score in the comments, and don’t forget to drop your thoughts along with it—which stat stands out?

May 1, 2026

NBA Offseason Trade/Free Agent Rumors 2026: Anthony Davis traded again? Luke Kennard stays with Lakers?

The NBA Playoffs are in full swing with a mountain of compelling story lines — 76ers vs. Celtics Game 7, can the Rockets become the first team to come from 0-3 down to win a series — but if you think that slows the NBA rumor mill, well, welcome back from living in a cave the last decade.

Here are some of the latest rumors flying around the league.

Anthony Davis traded again?

At last February's trade deadline, the Washington Wizards made a couple of bold moves to put former All-Stars around their young core, trading for Trae Young and Anthony Davis. With them (and another high draft pick), one could see a path to respectability for the Wizards, who have not made the playoffs the past five years (and only once in the last eight).

However, Davis may not be around for the long haul, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.

"I do think there's a good chance that he may end up somewhere else by the time next season starts"@ChrisBHaynes gives the latest on the future of Anthony Davis with the Wizards

Hear Deals and Dunks weekdays from 1-2 PM ET https://t.co/uGOfTU9PUj pic.twitter.com/mzT78c8f0y
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) April 30, 2026

Haynes is saying that Davis likely wants to compete at a higher level than the Wizards are expected to next season. Maybe. However, trading him is something else entirely. Davis is a Wizard because the Dallas Mavericks didn't want to pay him — Davis is owed $58.5 million next season with a player option for the following year, and he's looking for an extension. That's a lot of money for a player with a lengthy injury history, with that, the trade market for AD is not exactly going to be robust. Despite the fact that when he has been on the court in recent years, he's looked like the All-NBA version of himself.

Lakers reportedly expected to keep Kennard

Luke Kennard is a free agent this summer. After coming to the Lakers via a trade with Atlanta, he averaged 9 points a game and shot 44.8% from 3-point range — he is the second-best shooter in the league right now. In the playoffs, forced into an expanded role due to the injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, he has averaged 14.4 points and 3 assists a game (although his numbers dropped way off in that series as the Rockets started to focus on him, then Reaves returned, he had just one point in Game 5).

Around the league, it's expected that the Lakers will keep Kennard, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.

"It is increasingly anticipated leaguewide that the Lakers will want to retain the recently acquired Luke Kennard after his strong first-round series against Houston."

I'm less sure about that. It's certainly possible, but the buzz around the Lakers is that they will only be able to keep one of Kennard or Rui Hachimura, who are both free agents. While there are variables around how this plays out — Does LeBron James return and at what price tag? Is new owner Mark Walter more open to paying the tax? — if the choice is Kennard or Hachimura, look for the Lakers to lean Hachimura, who is a better defender and more versatile because of his size.

Suns to extend Devin Brooks

Devin Brooks helped change the culture in Phoenix. He had a career year and was one of the key reasons the Suns made the playoffs instead of landing in the lottery, where most of us projected them to be before the season.

Brooks has one more year on his contract at $21 million, but expect the sides to reach an extension this offseason, something Fischer talked about at The Stein Line.

"The Suns, I'm told, indeed want to secure a long-term stay for Brooks after his role in establishing them as the West's foremost regular season surprise team, but sources say that Phoenix is also mindful of the fact that an extension would kick in for Brooks' age-32 season since there is currently only one season left on his contract in 2026-27 at $21 million. The max extension that Brooks can command is a four-year deal in the $125 million range but the expectation is that a new deal will not reach that upper threshold."

Expect it to get done.

While we're talking Suns, you can end the Devin Booker trade rumors now.

Suns team owner Mat Ishbia said Devin Booker "is not getting traded" when asked about Booker's status.

"Devin Booker is going to be here. Devin Booker is going to lead us to a championship." #Suns pic.twitter.com/HYb20hWrZH
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 30, 2026

Lakers, Bulls eye Peyton Watson

Peyton Watson emerged as a key part of the Denver Nuggets' rotation this season. Part of the reason the Nuggets are off to Cancun (or Serbia to watch horse races) is because Watson could not play in the postseason due to a hamstring injury. Watson averaged 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, shot 41.1% from 3-point range and played quality defense on the wing this season.

Watson is a restricted free agent this summer and Denver is expected to retain him, but the Lakers, Bulls and Nets are looking at him and considering trying to poach him, Fischer reports at the Stein Line.

Why Watson might be available is that bringing him back — re-signed or matching an offer — sends the Nuggets well above the second tax apron, and this is a team where ownership is allergic to the tax. A team with cap space — the Lakers, Nets and Bulls all have that — could come in with a big offer and dare the Nuggets to match.

What is CJ McCollum’s market?

CJ McCollum boosted his stock in Atlanta, averaging 18.7 points per game and shooting 35.7% from beyond the arc in the regular season, then in the playoffs became the tough shot-maker the Hawks needed, averaging 22.2 points per game, including some clutch buckets.

McCollum also is a free agent. It's unclear whether the Hawks will bring him back, despite how good he was for them. If they end up with the No. 7 or No. 8 pick in the draft (there is a 55.4% chance they do, this is the Pelican's pick that they traded to move up and get Derik Queen), then do they want to pay the veteran guard, too? Here is what John Hollinger wrote at The Athletic.

I canvassed a few execs on his likely value during my recent travels, and most seemed to think one or two years at slightly above the midlevel exception was a fair ballpark (i.e., two years and $35 million to $40 million). However, with tanking now verboten [pending the NBA's new rules], a one-year balloon deal from a struggling cap-room team like the Chicago Bulls or Brooklyn Nets can't be ruled out.

McCollum showed this season he still has value in the league, and the veteran is going to help some team out next season. The question is, which one?

Bulls front office

It's sounding more and more like Minnesota's No. 2 man, general manager Matt Lloyd, will get the job, listening to league buzz out of Chicago. However, Michael Scotto at Hoopshype writes that "Atlanta Hawks Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham, and Detroit Pistons Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations Dennis Lindsey have garnered palpable buzz within league circles."

Scotto also adds this interesting note: "If the Bulls hire Lloyd as an executive, Timberwolves lead assistant coach Micah Nori would be a strong candidate for Chicago's head coaching vacancy, league sources told HoopsHype."

One other thing about the Minnesota front office: While Dallas might like to chase the Timberwolves' head of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, Minnesota is not expected to give Dallas permission to talk to him, Marc Stein reports at The Stein Line.

May 1, 2026

2026 NBA Draft Combine: Full list of 73 prospects — and biggest snubs

The league announced the 73 prospects who received invitations to the 2026 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, which should provide plenty of helpful data.

Scouts and executives learn official measurements and athletic testing as as how players perform during interviews and scrimmages. But additionally, the invitation list alone lends helpful context to how evaluators around the league view this draft class.

Invitations are sent based on votes from each team in the NBA, who select which players they want to get a closer look at before the draft.

Players who did not receive an invite to the 2026 NBA Draft Combine may still earn their way to participation via the NBA G League Draft Combine, which begins two days before.

Full 2026 NBA Draft Combine List

This list is sorted based on consensus rankings from trusted mock drafts and big boards.

AJ Dybantsa
Darryn Peterson
Cameron Boozer
Caleb Wilson
Keaton Wagler
Darius Acuff Jr.
Kingston Flemings
Mikel Brown Jr.
Brayden Burries
Yaxel Lendeborg
Labaron Philon
Nate Ament
Aday Mara
Hannes Steinbach
Jayden Quaintance
Karim Lopez
Cameron Carr
Bennett Stirtz
Christian Anderson
Koa Peat
Dailyn Swain
Morez Johnson Jr.
Chris Cenac Jr
Amari Allen
Ebuka Okorie
Isaiah Evans
Allen Graves
Joshua Jefferson
Henri Veesaar
Meleek Thomas
Tyler Tanner
Tounde Yessoufou
Tarris Reed Jr.
Zuby Ejiofor
Alex Karaban
Juke Harris
Luigi Suigo
Milan Momcilovic
Rueben Chinyelu
Sergio De Larrea
Ryan Conwell
Braden Smith
Flory Bidunga
Jaden Bradley
Richie Saunders
Trevon Brazile
Bruce Thornton
Malachi Moreno
Baba Miller
Ugonna Onyenso
Billy Richmond III
Izaiyah Nelson
Emanuel Sharp
Keyshawn Hall
Milos Uzan
Ja'Kobi Gillespie
Otega Oweh
Kylan Boswell
Matt Able
Maliq Brown
Jeremy Fears Jr.
Tyler Bilodeau
Tyler Nickel
Nick Martinelli
Dillon Mitchell
Andrej Stojakovic
Felix Okpara
Tobi Lawal
Jack Kayil
John Blackwell
Nick Boyd
Peter Suder
Tobe Awaka

Biggest snubs from 2026 NBA Draft Combine

Collegiate prospects who declared as as early entry candidates or have remaining eligibility have until May 27 to withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft if they wish to play in the NCAA next season. Players who did not receive NBA Draft Combine invitations are more likely to return to college.

SENIORS:

Tamin Lipsey
Rafael Castro
Malik Reneau
Duke Miles
Lamar Wilkerson
Quadir Copeland
Nate Bittle
Jaron Pierre Jr.
Jalen Washington
Robert McCray V
Elijah Mahi
Ernest Udeh Jr.
Jaden Henley
Trey Kaufman-Renn
Tre White
Malique Ewin
Darrion Williams
Josh Omojafo
Cade Tyson
William Kyle III
Oscar Cluff
Kashie Natt
Donovan Dent
Joseph Pinion
Tucker DeVries
Day Day Thomas
B.J. Edwards
Carson Cooper
Tre Carroll
KeShawn Murphy
Jaylin Sellers
Donovan Atwell
AJ Storr
Boopie Miller
Mark Mitchell
Seth Trimble
MJ Collins
Lajae Jones
Anthony Roy
Zach Cleveland

EARLY ENTRY CANDIDATES:

Alex Samodurov
Elliot Cadeau
Acaden Lewis
Cruz Davis
Jacob Cofie
Vsevolod Ishchenko
Bassala Bagayoko
Finley Bizjack
Isiah Harwell
Paulius Murauskas
Mohammad Amini
Pavle Bačko
Francesco Ferrari
Keanu Dawes
Colby Garland
Anton Bonke
Eian Elmer
Dennis Parker Jr.
Sebastian Rancik
Aiden Tobiason
Rowan Brumbaugh
Kennard Davis
Gabe Dynes
Shane Blakeney
LeJuan Watts
Bryson Tucker

When is the 2026 NBA Draft Combine?

The 2026 NBA Draft Combine is held in Chicago at Wintrust Arena and Marriott Marquis.

The NBA G League Combine is from May 8 until May 10. The NBA Draft Combine is May 10 until May 17.

Five-on-five scrimmages typically broadcast on ESPN on Wednesday and Thursday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA Combine invites offer first real clues to 2026 draft board

May 1, 2026

LeBron James, Marcus Smart know the Lakers need to ‘play desperate’ in Game 6

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Alperen Sengun (28) of Rockets in action against LeBron James (23) of Lakers during the NBA playoffs game 5 between Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets at the Crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images

You can’t fake desperate.

The Rockets have had their season on the line in the last two games, and they’ve played like it. Houston dominated in a blowout win in Game 4 and then came to LA and won a close contest in Game 5.

Now, entering Game 6, it’s the Lakers who have to feel a bit nervous. A 3-0 lead has now shriveled away, and if Los Angeles doesn’t win, then we’ll have a Game 7 and the Lakers would be flirting with the most embarrassing series loss in the history of the sport.

Everyone, including the players, is well aware of the severity of the situation.

“We got to play desperate,” Marcus Smart said after the Game 5 loss. “Every possession matters for us and we really got to literally go out there and be ready to die. That was it. When I was on the other end, that was our motto…We have to be the desperate team. We know they’re going to come in in their place and be very desperate, very confident and we gotta be able to have to be able to respond in a good way with it.”

Despite how dire things have been for the Lakers, they still have the advantage in this series. They need to win just one game and the Rockets need two victories to end things. LA needs to use that advantage and channel the same desperation and urgency the Rockets have been playing with and get this series over with.

“We got to play like our backs against the wall, right, Smart said. “We knew this was going to be a tough series. I think everybody knew that and it’s turned out to be exactly what we expected. Now the fun begins.”

Smart might have a different view on what’s fun than Lakers fans do, but let’s hope he can have his fun and win this game and the Lakers can spend the rest of the weekend preparing for a second-round series against the Thunder.

While there can clearly be frustration that a sweep has turned into a tight series, at this point, all that matters is getting to that fourth win over the Rockets.

“We don’t have a lot of time to dwell on it,” LeBron James said. “I mean, you can give yourself tonight, a little bit tomorrow, but sh-t, once we get on that plane and head down to Houston, we got to forget about it and understand what we’re going for. It’s going to be even harder, man. Like every game is harder. It’s so hard to close out a team in the postseason to win a series and this is our first time doing it as a unit. We’ll see what we got.”

The time is now for the Lakers to raise their intensity and be the team that closes out their opponent.

The last time Los Angeles has done this was in 2023, so we’ll see if this iteration of the Lakers has what it takes to finish the job.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

Pistons vs Magic computer picks for Game 6

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Pistons Game 6 computer picks

Jalen Duren Over 13.5 points (-120)

Cade Cunningham Over 8.5 assists (-125)

Duncan Robinson Under 2.5 3-pointers (-150)

Magic Game 6 computer picks

Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points (-108)

Jalen Suggs Over 4.5 assists (-107)

Wendell Carter Jr. Under 8.5 rebounds (-130)

How to watch Pistons vs Magic Game 6

My Paul George apology form

I can’t believe Sixers basketball has ever looked this smooth

The decision to go away from the black uniforms was wise

I’ve seen enough Payton Pritchard for a lifetime

Going the distance

Rockets need to lean on Sheppard

Rockets’ offense needs Sheppard

Our best 76ers vs Celtics SGP for Game 7

SGP leg #1: 76ers +7.5

SGP leg #2: Kelly Oubre Over 9.5 points

SGP leg #3: Joel Embiid Over 4.5 assists

Covers NBA betting tools

See our full 76ers vs Celtics Game 7 preview

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NBA Finals MVP odds

Live NBA Playoff bracket

Season in a snippet

AJ Green

Gary Harris

Andre Jackson Jr.

Cormac Ryan

Gary Trent Jr.

Tantalising totals

Atypically advanced

Obscure optics

Anthony Davis traded again?

Lakers reportedly expected to keep Kennard

Suns to extend Devin Brooks

Lakers, Bulls eye Peyton Watson

What is CJ McCollum’s market?

Bulls front office

Full 2026 NBA Draft Combine List

Biggest snubs from 2026 NBA Draft Combine

When is the 2026 NBA Draft Combine?