Category: Basketball

Come for a shooting guard, stay to fill up 400 starting lineups – more than the 350-plus Division I college basketball programs.

The single-session, NCAA spring transfer window for men’s basketball opened its two-week calendar Tuesday, April 7, in the hours after Michigan topped Connecticut to win the national championship.

By midday Friday, April 10, per USA TODAY Sports research, more than 2,000 Division I players had entered their names into the transfer portal this week.

A year ago, per data viewed by USA TODAY Sports, 2,754 men’s Division I basketball players entered the portal for the 2024-25 year.

On Jan. 14, 2026, the NCAA’s Division I Cabinet adopted the following protocols for both the men’s and women’s basketball transfer portal:

“At the recommendation of the Men's and Women's Basketball Oversight Committees, the transfer windows in men's and women's basketball will open for a 15-day period the day after the championship game for the respective NCAA tournament. The changes are effective immediately.

When a head coaching change occurs, a 15-day period will open five days after the new head coach is hired or publicly announced. If a new head coach is not announced within 30 days of the previous head coach's departure — and the 31st day after the head coach's departure is after the championship game — a 15-day window will open. The additional head coach departure window is available only after the basketball transfer window opens through Jan. 2. 

In basketball, midyear transfers are not eligible to compete at a second school if they enrolled at an NCAA school during the first academic term, regardless of whether they competed there.”

While mid-major basketball conferences are particularly being ravaged in this portal cycle – the Southern Conference, for instance, has 69 current portal entries from its 10-team membership, including seven of the 10 first- and second-team all-conference selections – the power conferences are not immune from departures.

The ACC, with 97 current entries among its 18 schools, tops among the Power Four with the quartet collectively has 322 players in the portal. The men’s total across NCAA Divisions I, II and III was 4,115.

Multiple ACC programs were ransacked. Boston College and Georgia Tech, both of which had head coaching changes, have seen 11 and nine portal entries, respectively; Notre Dame, a 13-18 season its third losing campaign in as many years under Micah Shrewsberry, also has seen seven players declare their intent to leave.

Oregon, after a 12-20 season, has nine players entered into the portal -- most in the Big Ten.

On the women’s side of things, 1,416 Division I players had entered their names by midday Friday; across all NCAA divisions, 2,352 players gained entry this week into the women’s transfer portal.

Just as in the men’s game, the women’s Power Four leagues also are absorbing massive turnover with 309 entrants from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and Southeastern conferences.

Mississippi State (six) and Tennessee (eight) are among the hardest-hit women’s programs in power conferences.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College basketball transfer portal has more than 2,000 men's players

In today’s Dub Hub:

• LeBron James reacts to missing Steph Curry matchups this season: “We don’t know if we’ll get the opportunity to play against each other [again].”
• Brandin Podziemski explains what it means to have played in every game this season.
• Grizzlies play Jazz on Friday night in what ESPN’s Brian Windhorst calls the “Tanking Super Bowl.”

For over a decade, the Golden State Warriors vs. LeBron James has been an NBA staple. Which is why, for a rivalry that has helped define an era of basketball, Steph Curry’s absence during Thursday night’s 119–103 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers was impossible to ignore.

The game marked the final regular-season meeting between the two teams, but with Curry sidelined as a precaution while ramping up from a knee injury, the latest chapter of his head-to-head history with James never came.

From James’ perspective, the realization didn’t hit until the day of the game — and even then, it caught him off guard.

With both teams shorthanded — the Lakers without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, and the Warriors missing Curry, Kristaps Porzingis, and several other key contributors — it was James who took center stage. The 22-time All-Star delivered a vintage performance, finishing with a near triple-double of 26 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds to secure Los Angeles’ 51st win of the season.

Still, the bigger takeaway went beyond the box score.

For most of their careers, Curry and James have been intertwined from four consecutive NBA Finals matchups to countless regular-season battles. Now, deep into their careers, that connection remains built on respect as much as competition.

And as James alluded to, with both superstars in the later stages of their careers, nothing is guaranteed — which is what made this missed opportunity feel a little more significant, but cherished by both stars, nonetheless.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Friday, April 10th:

Warriors News:

Why no Steph Curry vs. LeBron James in 2025-26 season is a loss for everybody | NBC Sports Bay Area

Respect has been earned and admired by Curry and James. An all-time rivalry comes with the territory of greatness. 

“I think rivalries in general are defined by playoff matchups,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “That’s kind of the history of the way we look at Wilt [Chamberlain] vs. Bill Russell, Bird-Magic. I think they had three Finals confrontations. What would some of the other ones be? I don’t know. Steph and LeBron has to be up there.” 

NBA intel: What execs, coaches, scouts are watching this postseason | ESPN

Can Stephen Curry power Golden State to two road wins?

Bontemps: The immediate answer from league insiders I spoke to was “no.” Obviously, it’s been a brutal season for Golden State from an injury perspective, including losing both Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody for the season, plus the Jonathan Kuminga drama over the first half of the season and Kristaps Porzingis and Curry missing large chunks of the second half.

“I’m not sure they even win the 9-10 game, let alone both,” a West scout said. “It’s one thing when Steph gets it going at home and he’s got that crowd roaring behind him. That’s a real thing.

“It’s different when they’re on the road and he’s doing it somewhere else. That same factor just isn’t there.”

Brandin Podziemski explains why it ‘means a lot’ to play in every game this season

NBA News:

NBA’s most valuable players in 15 categories: Scoring, shooting, more | ESPN

Rainmaker: Best 3-point shooter

Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets

Net points: plus-2.3 per game, plus-163 total

Why he ranks No. 1: Murray has been good at shooting 3s for years, but this year he is great. Per Genius IQ, he’s shooting 46% on 3s off the catch, 2% better than his previous high. He’s shooting 42% off the dribble, equaling his career high, but on an extra 1.5 attempts per game. Defending players who can create 3s off the dribble is hard, especially with guys such as Murray, who can also get by you with a dribble. That’s why his shooting has led to his best overall offensive season.

The runners-up: Stephen Curry (+2.1), Kon Knueppel (plus-1.9), Anthony Edwards (plus-1.8)

Top rookie: Knueppel (plus-1.9)

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on tonight’s Jazz-Grizzlies matchup: ‘We have arrived at the tanking Super Bowl’

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

This season robbed us of Stephen Curry vs LeBron James

Look at what we missed. During their long rivalry they’ve traded highlights and crazy box scores. Per Basketball Reference, in the regular season head-to-head data LeBron is averaging 30.2 points on 20.9 field goal attempts across 27 games. Steph is answering with 24.9 points and 6.5 assists across those same 27 matchups. That’s two legends still going to work every single time they see each other. And this season, we didn’t get one chapter of it.

A post to end the week:

Follow @unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.

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On the penultimate night of the 2025-26 NBA season, every team is in action, and the Boston Celtics will look to secure the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a win over the visiting New Orleans Pelicans.

Boston’s elite defense should slow down a shorthanded New Orleans offense, and my Pelicans vs. Celtics predictions call for a low-scoring affair at TD Garden.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference tilt on Friday, April 10.

Pelicans vs Celtics prediction

Pelicans vs Celtics best bet: Under 224 (-110)

With just two games remaining in the season, the Boston Celtics’ magic number to clinch the No. 2 seed is 1.

The C’s can fall to the No. 3 seed if they lose out and the New York Knicks win out, making tonight’s matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans meaningful.

I expect Boston’s defense to be engaged and put the clamps on a shorthanded Pelicans squad.

The Pels’ offense hasn’t lit the world on fire this season. The team ranks 17th overall in points per game (115.4) and 23rd on the road (112.4).

New Orleans ranks 20th in offensive rating overall (113.2) and 111.9 on the road.

New Orleans has hit the Under in 41 of 80 games.

Conversely, Boston sports one of the best defenses in the Association. The Celtics allow the fewest points per game (107) and own the fourth-best defensive rating (111.8).

The C’s also sport the slowest pace, and with a 29-51 mark, they’ve hit the Under at a higher percentage than any other team (63.8%).

New Orleans will be without Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, and Yves Missi, while key scorer Saddiq Bey is listed as questionable.

Rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen will have to shoulder the load offensively, and my money’s on Boston’s world-class defense locking down a road team led by a pair of rookies.

Pelicans vs Celtics same-game parlay

The Celtics can clinch the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference and guarantee home-court advantage through the semifinals.

The Pels are simply playing for pride, but all of their starters are out, and they won’t have enough left in the tank to hang with the Celtics on the road. 

The Celtics have covered the spread in two of three games as home favorites of 15+ points.

Neemias Queta recorded a double-double in his last game out, and he’s reached that statistical milestone in three of his last five games.

The big man should feast against a Pelicans frontcourt missing Yves Missi, Zion Williamson, and Karlo Matkovic.

Pelicans vs Celtics SGP

• Under 225.5
• Celtics -16
• Neemias Queta double-double

Our "from downtown" SGP: Baylor Makes Hay!

Derrick White has gone Under this combo line in 11 straight games, but he’s in a great position to buck that trend.

New Orleans’ defense has been poor all season, but the absence of multiple key defenders - especially at the guard position - will open up opportunities for White to score, rebound, and facilitate at a high level.

Baylor Scheierman tied his career high in scoring on Thursday, dropping 20 points in a loss to the New York Knicks.

I’m not chasing that production, but he should have more opportunities to build on this performance with Jayson Tatum out and Jaylen Brown banged up.

Pelicans vs Celtics SGP

• Neemias Queta double-double
• Derrick White Over 25.5 PRA
• Baylor Scheierman Over 18.5 PRA

Pelicans vs Celtics odds

• Spread: Pelicans +16 | Celtics -16
• Moneyline: Pelicans +850 | Celtics -1400
• Over/Under: Over 224 | Under 224

Pelicans vs Celtics betting trend to know

The Boston Celtics have hit the Game Total Under in 35 of their last 50 games (+18.50 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Celtics.

How to watch Pelicans vs Celtics

Pelicans vs Celtics latest injuries

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With the playoffs fast approaching and the Lakers dealing with key injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, they will be opening up a roster spot by reportedly waiving Kobe Bufkin.

Shams Charania of ESPN was the first to report the move, and the team made it official shortly after.

Los Angeles signed Kobe Bufkin to a two-year deal this season, but he has seen limited action for the Lakers.

Bufkin played in just 16 games for the purple and gold, and only logged 10-plus minutes in four of them. His best performance was in a loss against the Spurs back in February.

In that contest, he scored seven points. Bufkin was originally signed to the Lakers due to his stellar play with South Bay. In the G League, he averaged 24.7 points and 3.6 assists per game. That level of production never happened for him during his stint with the main team.

Now that Bufkin has been waived, the Lakers have an open roster spot.

The Lakers have just two games left in their NBA season, but will be playing in the playoffs and need as many playable players as possible. They can only sign players who were free agents as of March 1, so the pool of players they can add to their postseason roster is limited.

Perhaps a veteran point guard like Chris Paul can join the roster? Paul signed with the Clippers last summer and had a nasty breakup with the other LA team. He was ultimately traded to Toronto and waived by the Raptors.

He announced retirement shortly after being waived, but a postseason run with the Lakers might be the kind of opportunity he’d be excited to take. Paul is playoff-eligible, so this is a possibility that makes sense for all involved.

While the player the Lakers will add is unknown, what is certain is that another move is coming. If Los Angeles waived a player this late into the season when they are already shorthanded, then they clearly have someone in mind that can help the team win now.

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

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The Denver Nuggets host the Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA action on Friday night.

My Thunder vs. Nuggets predictions are fading an OKC side that is resting almost its entire starting rotation.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this Western Conference clash on April 10.

Thunder vs Nuggets prediction

Thunder vs Nuggets best bet: Thunder team total Under 110.5 (-120)

The Oklahoma City Thunder have given most of their rotation players the night off after clinching the No. 1 seed. Four starters, including MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are ruled out along with several key bench players.

OKC has just eight players available, with three of them on two-way contracts. Their best offensive player will likely be Lu Dort, who shoots 38.7% from the floor.

Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have listed all five starters, including Nikola Jokic, as questionable.

This game could be ugly, and since we don't know who will suit up for Denver, I'll fade OKC on its team total.

Thunder vs Nuggets same-game parlay

The Nuggets still have something to play for, since they currently have the No. 3 seed, but are just one game ahead of the Lakers and Rockets.

Expect them to play at least a few of their starters in an effort to win, although they could rest them in the second half if they build a big lead. That has me laying the points on the 1H spread. 

Jamal Murray is questionable due to a shoulder impingement. That said, the guard dropped 26 points on Wednesday, and books have released player props for him.

I'll back him to eclipse 22.5 points, with this leg simply being canceled if he doesn't play.

Thunder vs Nuggets SGP

• Thunder team total Under 110.5
• Nuggets -6.5 1H
• Jamal Murray Over 22.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Denver domination

If Jokic and Murray suit up, this game could get out of hand. So lets take a swing on Denver winning big if that's the case.

That involves backing Jokic and Murray on their points and assists props, which will be easy numbers to clear against the Thunder "B team." 

Thunder vs Nuggets SGP

• Nuggets -12
• Nikola Jokic Over 23.5 points
• Nikola Jokic Over 9.5 assists
• Jamal Murray Over 22.5 points
• Jamal Murray Over 6.5 assists

Thunder vs Nuggets odds

• Spread: Thunder +12 | Nuggets -12
• Moneyline: Thunder +400 | Nuggets -550
• Over/Under: Over 231.5 | Under 231.5

Thunder vs Nuggets betting trend to know

The Nuggets have hit the Moneyline in 29 of their last 45 games (+12.95 Units / 7% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Nuggets.

How to watch Thunder vs Nuggets

Thunder vs Nuggets latest injuries

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Mark Jones’ time at ESPN is over.

Jones, who’s been calling games for ESPN for 36 years, will leave the network before the playoffs, The Athletic reported Friday.

His last broadcast will be Sunday’s Celtics-Magic game at 6 p.m.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that Jones left by choice, though it’s unclear why.

Jackson added that ESPN said Jones could’ve stayed, and he is not expected to retire, per The Athletic.

ESPN also released a statement Friday about Jones’ departure.

“Mark has made an enduring impact at ESPN since 1990, serving as a signature voice primarily within our NBA and college football coverage and across nearly all of our platforms,” ESPN said in the statement. “We’re grateful for Mark’s countless contributions and we wish him continued success.”

Jones had been with ESPN since 1990, mostly calling NBA and college football games.

At one point in his career, he was ESPN’s No. 2 NBA voice behind the iconic Mike Breen. That allowed him to fill in and call two NBA Finals games when Breen came down with COVID in 2022.

Since then, though, he’s been leapfrogged by the likes of Dave Pasch and Ryan Ruocco on ESPN’s depth chart.

Jones — a former NYU basketball player — started his broadcasting journey following his playing career ending in 1986.

He first began as an anchor for The Sports Network in his home country of Canada, hosting the Toronto Blue Jays magazine show until 1990.

His time at ESPN began after that stint as the host of “NBA Today,” a weekly show. He eventually moved his way up to play-by-play duties, where recently he’s been paired with analysts like Jay Bilas, Doris Burke and Jon Barry on ESPN’s coverage. He even briefly called games for the Sacramento Kings.

Jones also made appearances on ESPN’s college football coverage, working with analyst Louis Riddick. He often called Pac-12 late games prior to the conference’s realignment in 2024.

He’s also called men’s and women’s college basketball, WNBA and NHL games over the course of his career.

Now, Jones will look for the next stop of his lengthy career.

BOSTON — The Celtics will be without several key players when they face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Jayson Tatum (right Achilles injury management) is sidelined on the second night of a back-to-back, while Jaylen Brown (left Achilles tendinitis) is questionable.

Tatum is currently not playing back-to-backs as he returns from an Achilles injury, and opted to play on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden in order to overcome that mental hurdle. He finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists in a 112-106 loss to the Knicks.

Brown has missed three games in the past two weeks due to Achilles soreness, but said he was not concerned about the injury long-term.

“Nah, everybody’s dealing with something — just some soreness,” Brown said in Atlanta in late March. “Definitely want to make sure you stay healthy as much as possible & you don’t want to risk anything, but it’ll be fine going forward.”

In addition to Tatum and Brown both potentially being sidelined, Sam Hauser (low back spasm), Derrick White (right knee contusion), and Neemias Queta (toe sprain) are all on the injury report and listed as probable to play. All three players were on the injury report ahead of Thursday’s Celtics-Knicks game, but all ultimately played.

Of note, White is two blocks away from becoming the first player in NBA history to record 200 three-pointers and 100 blocks in a single season — though he hasn’t recorded a block in four straight games for the first time all season.

With the Celtics shorthanded, Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh will likely both continue to see increased run. Scheierman is coming off a career night in which he exploded for 20 points on 7-8 shooting, 18 of which came in the second half. And Walsh has fully returned to the rotation over the past two weeks, starting on Thursday night in place of Jaylen Brown.

The Pelicans are 26-54 and have the 11th-best record in the Western Conference. They’ll be without several key players: Dejounte Murray (left hand contusion), Zion Williamson (right knee injury management), Trey Murphy III (right ankle sprain), Yves Missi (right hand sprain), Bryce McGowens (right small toe fracture), Karlo Matkovic (low back injury management), Herbert Jones (rest), and Saddiq Bey (rest).

Friday’s game actually has seeding implications for the Celtics

The Celtics (54-26) currently have a two-game lead in the standings and need to win one of their next two games to secure the No. 2 seed. They face the Pelicans on Friday, and the Orlando Magic on Sunday.

The Knicks (52-28) face the Toronto Hornets on Friday and the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. If they drop one of those games, the Celtics will automatically secure the No. 2 seed, regardless of the Celtics’ outcomes over the next two games.

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The Miami Heat waived guard Terry Rozier, who has been on league-mandated leave since October amid a federal illegal sports betting investigation, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday.

Key Takeaways

• The Heat traded for Rozier about nine-and-a-half months after the incident in question.
  
  
• The NBA did not find evidence of any wrongdoing by Rozier.
  
  
• A pro sports bettor won all 30 of their prop bets involving Rozier for more than $13,000.

Rozier, 32, has been away from the Heat since his FBI arrest Oct. 23. He had been under investigation by the NBA from the season’s onset.

The NBA’s investigation concluded without finding evidence that Rozier had violated league rules. However, the league insisted after Rozier’s arrest that it did not “clear” him of wrongdoing.

Rozier’s arrest came as a surprise to the NBA. FBI director Kash Patel, who worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office from the Eastern District of New York, Homeland Security Investigations, and local New York law enforcement officials, said there were “tens of million of dollars in theft, in fraud, in robbery” between Rozier, former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones, and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, all of whom were arrested on the same day.

Rozier has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He pleaded not guilty in federal court Dec. 8 and was released on $3-million bail.

His attorney, Jim Trusty, also issued a statement to CNN last November, saying his client “looks forward to winning this fight.”

“It is unfortunate that instead of allowing (Rozier) to self surrender they opted for a photo op,” Trusty wrote. “They wanted the misplaced glory of embarrassing a professional athlete with a perp walk. That tells you a lot about the motivations in this case. They appear to be taking the word of spectacularly in-credible sources rather than relying on actual evidence of wrongdoing.”

Incident in question

Rozier’s charges stem from a matchup between the Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans on March 23, 2023. 

The NBA was alerted to suspicious betting activity related to Rozier’s prop betting lines, or wagers that dealt with his individual performance, but did not directly relate to the outcome of the game. 

Sportsbooks mostly set Rozier’s prop odds around 21.5 points, six assists, and four rebounds that night. Rozier removed himself from the game with a foot issue after nine minutes and 36 seconds of playing time, finishing with five points, four rebounds, and two assists. 

The incident initially flew under the radar since the Hornets were well out of the playoff picture. Rozier also did not play in another game during the 2022-23 season, making it seem as if Charlotte had shut down the veteran guard for the year. 

The incident was seen in a new light in January 2025 when ESPN’s David Purdum reported that a professional sports bettor went 30-for-30 with prop bets exceeding $13,000 in combined value, all of which targeted Rozier. The bets were placed in a 46-minute window at Caesars Sportsbook in Harrah’s Gulf Coast in Biloxi, Mississippi, and resulted in $13,017.70 in winnings.

“It's unfortunate that he's a big name in sports and is having to endure all this,” Trusty said after the report, per ESPN. “My hope and expectation is that at some point that they'll be done with their investigation and will be professional enough to let us know that it's 100% over and that they reached the same conclusion that was reached in 2023.”

Innocent until proven guilty

Rozier's former Louisville head coach and current St. John’s bench boss, Rick Pitino, said he does not believe it is in Rozier’s character to participate in an illegal gambling scheme.

“It’s not like him,” Pitino said on “Dan Dakich Unfiltered” in November. “I love Terry. I texted him: ‘Terry, if I can be of any help. I love you, son. If there’s anything I can do to help you, please get a hold of me.’”

Rozier was traded to the Heat for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 lottery-protected first-rounder that will convert to an unprotected 2028 first-round selection if it doesn’t convey. He made 95 appearances for the franchise, averaging 12.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.

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Our NBA player prop projections are set for tonight’s last regular season meetup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets, with the model pinpointing several standout opportunities.

By analyzing the data and comparing it to current market lines, we’ve uncovered the bets with the highest value.

These Thunder vs. Nuggets predictions aren’t guesswork — they’re driven by the numbers.

For those building their cards, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Friday, April 10.

Thunder vs Nuggets computer picks for April 10

Thunder	Nuggets
Williams o14.5 points -105	Murray u22.5 points  -120
McCain o3.5 3-pointers  +125	Jokic u13.5 rebounds -110
McCain o19.5 points -120	Gordon o2.5 assists -130

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Thunder computer picks

Kenrich Williams Over 14.5 points (-105)

Projection: 15.1 points

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter this matchup as the league’s second-highest scoring offense over their last 10 games.

They should also benefit from an uptick in pace, drawing the Denver Nuggets, who rank ninth in tempo across the past 25 games.

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Jared McCain Over 3.5 3-pointers (+125)

Projection: 3.7 3-pointers

The Thunder have played as the eighth-most aggressive team from beyond the arc over the past five games, creating a favorable setup for Jared McCain to capitalize from deep.

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Jared McCain Over 19.5 points (-120)

Projection: 20.7 points

McCain is averaging 12.4 points per game across his last 10 road outings (4.3 higher than his overall mark away from home this season) and with an uptick in minutes, he’ll have every chance to elevate his production and rise to the occasion.

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---

Nuggets computer picks

Jamal Murray Under 22.5 points (-120)

Projection: 21.6 points

The Thunder have operated at the 10th-slowest pace in the league over their last five road games, which should limit overall possessions for the Nuggets and work against Jamal Murray clearing this scoring line, especially after he’s fallen short in five of his last 10 games at a 22.5-point number.

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Nikola Jokic Under 13.5 rebounds (-110)

Projection: 13.2 rebounds

The Nuggets rank as the third-worst offensive rebounding team at home over their last 25 games, putting added pressure on Nikola Jokić to clean up the glass against the Oklahoma City Thunder—but even with that role, he could fall just short of this number after going Under in two of his last 10 games at a 13.5 rebound line.

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Aaron Gordon Over 2.5 assists (-130)

Projection: 2.8 assists

The Nuggets have operated at the ninth-fastest pace in the league over their last 25 games, which should create added playmaking opportunities for Aaron Gordon against a different Thunder rotation. 

After clearing this 2.5 assists line in six of his last 10 outings, he’s in a strong spot to get Over once again.

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How to watch Thunder vs Nuggets tonight

Location	Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date	Friday, April 10, 2026
Tip-off	9:00 p.m. ET
TV	FDSN Oklahoma, Altitude

Not intended for use in MA.
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The regular season for the Phoenix Suns is all but over. Two games remain on the schedule, but in the grand scheme, they feel meaningless. The Suns have locked up the seventh seed and will host a Play-In Tournament game next Tuesday, with the opponent still to be determined.

There is no real reason to exert unnecessary energy against either the Lakers or the Thunder over these final two games, and the team should avoid putting itself in a position where injury could occur, especially to primary players. Rest over the last few days, prepare for the Play-In, and get ready for the grind that comes with the second season.

When the injury report dropped Thursday evening and stated that Devin Booker would be out with ankle injury management, it did not come as a surprise. After a long, arduous season, any opportunity for rest stands out, and that opportunity presents itself in a game against the Lakers.

I understand the thinking. I do not doubt or criticize the methodology. Well, kind of. But as Randy Travis once said, on the other hand…

This is not an ideal situation for Phoenix as the regular season comes to a close and the team is playing far from its best basketball. The team is 5-5 in their last 10. There is an argument to be made that these final two games could be used to continue finding the chemistry and geometry of a team that has lacked both for the past two months. There is still time to see what certain lineups can do together.

Which lineups am I speaking of? Any that have Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks.

Unfortunately, injuries have cost the Phoenix Suns any real opportunity to see what their three highest-paid players can do together on the court. Devin Booker has missed 16 games and is set to miss his 17th tonight against the Lakers. Dillon Brooks has missed 35 games. Jalen Green has missed 48. Finding consistent combinations with all three available has been a challenge due to a lack of availability, and the truth is there simply is not much data on lineups featuring them together.

They have played 10 games alongside each other this season. 133 total minutes. That’s it. They are a +8 in that time. Collectively, the team shot 47.7% from the field in those minutes, 37.5% from deep, and had a 1.7 assist-to-turnover ratio.

According to NBA.com stats, there have been only eight lineups that include all three:

When you dig into those lineups, the one with the most run features Booker, Brooks, and Green alongside Jordan Goodwin and Mark Williams. That group has logged 32 minutes, scored 84 points, and sits at a +14. It also shot a mundane 31.8% from beyond the arc and posted a 1.7 assist-to-turnover ratio, so it has not exactly been a dominant or sustainable lineup.

The lineup with the next-best plus-minus swaps Goodwin for Gillespie. We saw it for four minutes at the end of the game against the Bulls, and it was a +7.

The Suns could have used these final two games to learn something, to get a better feel for how lineups around their three highest-paid players function. Instead, it feels like they are heading into the postseason without that clarity. I understand the decision. The NBA season is a grind, and when there is a chance to rest, teams take it.

Still, it would feel different if this team were playing better entering this point of the season. They barely got past the Chicago Bulls. The Dallas Mavericks, who did everything short of waving a white flag late, were not an easy out either. The team feels like it is sputtering.

There is an appreciation for what they have accomplished this season. That part is real. The in-the-moment product feels different. And the rest conversation matters. If you take care of business in the Play-In game, you earn a few extra days. If you enter that game stale, you can forget about rest. You are right back on the floor a couple of nights later.

So I see the strategy. I understand it. It does not fully land with me. I would rather see a team building momentum, using every opportunity to gel, especially one that has dealt with this many injuries and is still searching for its identity. But that is where we are. Limping into the postseason, hoping it clicks when it matters most.

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LeBron James was asked what the Los Angeles Lakers need from him in these final games of the regular season.

His answer was simple: Everything.

With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves injured, James is battling to keep L.A. as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. And he’s done just that – everything – for the Lakers, totaling 56 points, 26 assists, and 17 rebounds the past two games.

Our Suns vs. Lakers predictions see LeBron’s stat line taking a step back Friday, at least in one category.

My NBA picks are playing it cool with LeBron’s assist total tonight.

Suns vs Lakers prediction

Suns vs Lakers best bet: LeBron James Under 9.5 Assists (-120)

With Luka Doncic down, LeBron James has taken over as the Los Angeles Lakers’ primary ball handler, and that’s pumped up his passing potential, recording 11 and 15 dimes the past two games. 

However, while LeBron has been doing it all for L.A., he could get some help in the backcourt.

Veteran guard Marcus Smart is trending toward a return tonight. Smart hasn’t played since March 21 due to an ankle injury, but coach J.J. Redick is “hopeful” to have him back versus the Phoenix Suns.

Smart gives L.A. much-needed backcourt depth and allows James to play his natural position off the ball, making him more of a shooter than a facilitator. Before Luka got hurt, James was averaging around seven assists during the Lakers’ red-hot run through March.

There are a few other factors that could temper his passing prowess versus Phoenix. 

James did hurt his hand attempting a block last night, yet stayed in the game. He’s now taking the court for the second of back-to-back outings after logging 32 hard minutes Thursday.

And then there’s always Dillon Brooks. 

The Suns’ pest will only have eyes for James tonight. Brooks is a premier defender, and while LeBron has had mixed scoring results against him, he’s posted three, four, and six assists in their three head-to-head meeting this season.

Player projections are also cooling on James’ playmaking versus the Suns. His assist forecasts top out at 8.1, with most sitting shy of eight dimes against an inflated assist O/U.

Suns vs Lakers same-game parlay

Los Angeles is pushing for the No. 4 seed and can’t afford a loss. Phoenix has nothing at stake, parked at No. 7, and is playing without its starting backcourt, including Devin Booker.

James sees his 3-point activity spike whenever Austin Reaves is out. He’s attempted 11 triples the past two games, including making three shots from distance in the win over Golden State last night.

Suns vs Lakers SGP

• Lakers moneyline
• LeBron James Under 9.5 assists
• LeBron James Over 1.5 made threes

Our "from downtown" SGP: Hollywood Knight

If Smart returns, LeBron can play an off-ball scoring role and set up his shots. He’s been big on the boards, with eight and nine rebounds the last two games. The Suns run a lot of small ball, so James can body his way on the glass. Projections sit at 7+ rebounds.

Suns vs Lakers SGP

• Lakers moneyline
• LeBron James Under 9.5 assists
• LeBron James Over 1.5 made threes
• LeBron James Over 6.5 rebounds

Suns vs Lakers odds

• Spread: Suns -2.5 | Lakers +2.5
• Moneyline: Suns -120 | Lakers +140
• Over/Under: Over 218 | Under 218

Suns vs Lakers betting trend to know

The Lakers are 17-10 SU and ATS in the second game of back-to-back games over the past two seasons, including an 8-5 ATS record in those turnarounds this year. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Lakers.

How to watch Suns vs Lakers

Suns vs Lakers latest injuries

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The Mavericks were 1-3 this weekend and remained in 13th place in the West. They lost to Orlando (138-127) and beat the hobbled Lakers (134-128) before heading out West for back-to-back losses to the Clippers (116-103) and Phoenix (112-108). Cooper Flagg led the team in scoring with, and this is not a typo, 33 points per game. Daniel Gafford left the game against the Lakers with a shoulder injury. Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington, and Klay Thompson all missed the game in Phoenix.

Grade: A-

The Mavericks played two incredibly fun games last Friday and Sunday. They earned their first home win since late January after defeating the Lakers, and it felt good. In a season full of losing, the occasional win is a good reminder of better times, and hopefully times to come. They played a pretty uneventful back-to-back against the Clippers and Suns, save for the last five minutes of the game against Phoenix. Cooper Flagg, Max Christie, and Ryan Nembhard were all pulled with 4:37 left, Dallas down seven. The Mavericks lost by just five, and that was only three when the Mavericks had the ball with 44 seconds left. They avoided a hilarious win, but provided entertainment regardless. 

Dallas will finish the season at San Antonio Friday and at home against Chicago on Sunday. Then, our focus turns to the ping pong balls.

Straight A’s: Cooper Flagg

There are few new words left to describe Flagg’s rookie season. He now owns the two highest-scoring games for a teenager in NBA history (51, 49), and trails only Luka Doncic (5) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (4) for most 45-point games in the NBA this season (Flagg has three). He scored 96 points in the two games against Orlando and Los Angeles on 33-of-57 (58 percent) shooting. Not only was he efficient from the floor, but he also had 12 assists and just 3 (!) turnovers. And one of the turnovers was an uncalled foul that got Jason Kidd ejected. So, if you’re counting, that is three turnovers to 69 shots and assists.

Flagg is defying what it means to be not only a rookie, but a teenager. At 19, he is doing things that the league’s best are doing, and controlling the game in a way you normally only do after years of experience. He is the best rookie, regardless of what the voters decide. In fact, he is one of the best rookies ever, and we may finish this year with him in some uncomfortable conversations.

Currently Failing: Khris Middleton

It is hard to overstate how bad Middleton has been. He scored less than four points a game in 16.7 minutes a night over the last week. He shot 21 percent from the floor and turned the ball over nearly double the number of times he made a shot. It will all be over soon, Khris. 

Extra Credit: Frank Vogel

Vogel was the stand-in coach after Kidd was ejected last Friday. Flagg was at 45 points in a game out of reach, and Vogel put him back in the game to score six points in just over a minute to eclipse the 50-point plateau. Very cool, Frank, very cool.