The Sixers have a single game left in their regular season and still might avoid the NBA’s play-in tournament.
Help is needed, but the Sixers kept that possibility alive Friday night by earning a 105-94 win over the Pacers. They also got the necessary result of a Raptors loss to the Knicks.
Below are the Eastern Conference standings from fifth through 10th (presuming the Magic hold on to a large fourth-quarter lead against the Bulls). The No. 7 through No. 10 teams will comprise the play-in.
5. Hawks 46-35
6. Raptors 45-36
7. Magic 45-36
8. Sixers 44-37
9. Hornets 43-38
10. Heat 42-39
The Sixers’ regular-season finale is Sunday night vs. the Bucks. To end up in the top six, they’d need to both win that game and get assistance elsewhere. Toronto would have to lose to the lowly Nets and Orlando would need to fall to the Celtics. The Sixers now cannot finish below the eighth seed.
“Joel Embiid was discharged from the hospital today following a successful appendectomy and is returning to Philadelphia. Embiid’s surgical recovery will be managed by team physicians in consultation with his surgeon. A timeline for return to basketball activities has not yet been determined.”
Tyrese Maxey’s 32 points led the Sixers in Indiana.
Paul George added 21. VJ Edgecombe posted 16 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Here are observations on the Sixers’ win over the Pacers:
George gets back on track
It took Maxey almost no time to record his first points in the first quarter of the last three games. He blew by Jarace Walker and made an and-one scoop shot to open the scoring.
The young, future-focused Pacers fired away from three-point range and had early success. With a Walker triple and Kobe Brown layup, Indiana took an 11-3 lead.
George continued to play in both legs of back-to-backs since returning from his suspension. He only logged 24 minutes Thursday in the Sixers’ loss to the Rockets and had a rough night, posting just seven points on 2-for-8 shooting and four rebounds.
Though he was whistled for his second foul at the 5:38 mark of the first quarter, George didn’t sub out. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse was immediately rewarded for keeping George in. He swished a three on the next possession to give him eight points and cut the Sixers’ deficit to 18-17.
Edgecombe shows off defensive tools
The Sixers went on a run late in the first quarter with their second unit on the court. A Quentin Grimes lay-in put them up eight points.
Andre Drummond had a very productive first half, tallying eight points and nine rebounds. The Sixers outscored Indiana by 24 points in the game during Drummond’s 29 minutes on the floor.
The Sixers cleaned up their turnover issues from the night prior and also forced plenty of Indiana giveaways. Kelly Oubre Jr. swiped four steals and totaled seven thefts over the back-to-back. Edgecombe picked up three steals and had a highlight block, too.
As he piles up reps and learns more nuances of NBA defense, it’s not difficult to imagine Edgecombe reaching an elite level in terms of defensive disruptiveness.
Maxey finished 1 for 10 from three-point territory on the night.
He appeared to be bothered throughout the game by his taped-up right pinky finger. Of course, Maxey missed much of March after hurting that finger. Late in the third quarter, he absorbed a hit to his right pinky as he and Pacers center Jay Huff both pursued a loose ball. Maxey went back to the locker room with Sixers head athletic trainer Kevin Johnson. He subbed back in with 10:05 left in the fourth quarter.
Maxey takes a ton of pride in suiting up whenever he can and logging enormous minutes as the Sixers’ lead guard. He’s clearly below 100 percent with the postseason nearing.
As a team, the Sixers went 5 for 29 beyond the arc (17.2 percent). Their shooting troubles helped the Pacers erase a seven-point halftime deficit. Micah Potter’s put-back slam knotted the game at 62-all.
The Sixers eventually restored a decent lead. An Edgecombe mid-range bucket on the Sixers’ final possession of the third quarter lifted the team to an 89-77 advantage.
The Sixers handled business in the fourth and wrapped up their road campaign with a 22-19 record.
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the site’s ToS, it’s fair game here.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbling the ball is guarded by Doug McDermott #7 of the Sacramento Kings in the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on April 07, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a five-game homestand, the Golden State Warriors will close out the regular season with a two-game California road trip, beginning Friday night against the Sacramento Kings. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM PT in Sacramento and can be watched on NBC Sports Bay Area.
The Warriors dropped what could potentially be their final home game of the season Thursday night, losing 119–103 to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Playing without Steph Curry, Kristaps Porzingis, Gui Santos, and several others, the undermanned Warriors kept the game competitive for much of the night. However, the Lakers seized control in the fourth quarter, opening with a 13–2 run in which LeBron James scored or assisted on all 13 of the team’s points. It ended up being a vintage performance for James, who finished with a near triple-double of 26 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds.
Golden State will play Sacramento for the second time this week after beating them on Tuesday, 110-105. While the Kings haven’t played since that day, the Warriors will be on their second night of a back-to-back. They did choose to rest most of their players on the front end of the back-to-back, meaning they are expected to be closer to full strength for this one with Curry and others set to return.
Al Horford will make his return for the Warriors tonight in Sacramento. Missed the last month with a calf strain. Steph Curry and Kristaps Porzingis are both probable. Warriors gearing up their rotation for the play-in next week.
Having said that, these remaining two games hold little significance with the Warriors already locked into the 10th seed. Still, as head coach Steve Kerr noted after Thursday’s loss, the focus remains on building rhythm. And with much of their expected rotation back in the lineup, Friday’s matchup could serve as a final dress rehearsal before the Warriors potentially rest their stars ahead of Wednesday’s Play-In game.
“We’re in a position where we have a chance to get into the playoffs… Tomorrow and Sunday, maybe we get a couple games to develop a little rhythm and get a swing at it. We got some hope.”
Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) dribbles around Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images
Tthe Atlanta Hawks (45-35) try once against to clinch the Southeast Division title and a playoff appearance against the Cleveland Cavaliers (51-29) tonight in the home finale.
Jock Landale (ankle sprain) has been ruled out.
Starting lineup:
G CJ McCollum
G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
F Dyson Daniels
F Jalen Johnson
C Onyeka Okongwu
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Start Time: 7:00 PM EDT
TV: Atlanta News First (WANF), Peachtree Sports Network (PSN)
Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)
Streaming: Amazon Prime, Fubo (out of market), NBA League Pass (out of market), Youtube TV (NBA League Pass out of market)
Marcus Smart was available for the Lakers’ home game against the Suns on Friday after being sidelined for the previous three weeks due to an ankle injury.
Smart was upgraded to available and taken off the team’s injury report Friday afternoon after being sidelined with a right ankle contusion he sustained during the March 21 road win over the Magic.
Marcus Smart was available for the Lakers’ home game against the Suns on Friday. NBAE via Getty Images NBAE via Getty Images
The 32-year-old veteran guard has started in 53 of 60 games he played entering Friday, including playing in 46 of 48 games before his absence due to his ankle.
The Lakers had missed Smart’s defense and ball-handling leadership while he was out, though Smart was often seen talking to players on the sideline or on the bench.
“He just naturally wants to help people,” coach JJ Redick said of Smart. “[Assistant coach Scott Brooks] and I talked a couple months ago, we were like, ‘He may end up being a coach.’”
“He likes speaking in front of the group. He likes teaching. It’s a really good quality. He’s been great for a number of our players and been great for a number of our young guys. It’s just his natural instinct.”
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 04: Nikola Jović #5 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket against Will Riley #27 and Jamir Watkins #5 of the Washington Wizards during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center on April 04, 2026 in Miami, Florida. 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards play the Miami Heat at 7 p.m. tonight. Watch the game on Monumental Sports Network.
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 8: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks and Royce O'Neale #00 of the Phoenix Suns talk after the game on April 8, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This is the final week of Dallas Mavericks basketball, thank goodness. We had a poll that went up earlier in the week asking fans just one question and there was the link to join the national survey, which you should do so we can get more Dallas representation. The one and only question asked where fans thought Dallas would finish.
The 6th worst record is what we tanking aficionados want and it’s still up in the air. If they lose tonight against the Spurs and the Grizzlies win in the Utah-Memphis supertank, then Dallas has the inside track to the 6th spot. But then they also have to lose to the Bulls Sunday. Seems hard to do for the Mavs, given how they play.
Now we get to the national poll. Remember, if you’re still tracking the league and want to make some bets, Fan Dual is the best place to do that. Question one asked which top 4 seed could get upset.
The Knicks and Cavs nearly split it and given how weird both teams play at times, that’s a good bet.
Next we have the same question but for the Western Conference.
This one’s a given. Too many injuries, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves likely missing the entire first round. It’s sad too, the Lakers were looking fantastic until that game against the Thunder.
This next question asks which lower round team could make the conference finals in the East.
Results here were clearly compiled before Joel Embiid was ruled out with appendicitis, another brutally timed injury for the Sixer Big man. I think the other three teams all suck, so perhaps the answer is still the Sixers!
Last question is the same for the Western conference lower seeding.
This tracks with what I think too. The Rockets are messy but have talent. Nothing they do would surprise me.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 08: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers runs a play against Dyson Daniels #5 of the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter at Rocket Arena on April 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 122-116. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We don’t know who the Cleveland Cavaliers will be facing in the first round of the NBA playoffs. But there’s a good chance that it will be the Atlanta Hawks — a team that they defeated on Wednesday and will be taking on again on Friday evening.
Earlier this week, we asked fans who would win a possible first-round series between the Cavs and Hawks and in how many games it would be. An overwhelming majority believe that the Cavs will win the series (74%), but they’re split on the length of the series. Fifty percent of fans believe the Cavs will win in six or seven games, while just 24% believe they will do so in five or fewer.
It’s also worth noting that the community believes it could be a longer series. A total of 71% of those surveyed think that this will go six or seven games.
There’s some things to be sorted out in the Eastern Conference standings between spots five through 10 before we know exactly who the Cavs will face in the first round. As of now, it’s possible the Cavs could match up with the Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets, or the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round.
CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 8: The sneakers worn by Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the New York Knicks on March 8, 2026 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers waived Kobe Bufkin on Friday, opening a roster spot for the team to sign another player who could be eligible for its playoff roster.
Bufkin signed a two-year deal with the Lakers with a team option for 2026-27 in early February after starring for the organization’s South Bay G League affiliate and signing a 10-day contract with the Lakers in January.
Kobe Bufkin’s playing time with the Lakers was mainly limited to garbage time, with Bufkin averaging 7.4 minutes in 16 games played. NBAE via Getty Images
The No. 15 pick out of Michigan in the 2023 draft, Bufkin played two seasons for the Hawks before being traded to the Nets last September before being waived in October and traded to South Bay in November.
His playing time with the Lakers was mainly limited to garbage time, with Bufkin averaging 7.4 minutes in 16 games played. He played four minutes in Thursday’s road win over the Warriors, scoring two points and racking up an assist.
Waiving Bufkin reopens the 15th roster spot for the Lakers.
They could convert one of their two-way players to a standard contract so they’d be eligible to play in the playoffs.
Two-way big man Drew Timme started in Tuesday’s home loss to the Thunder, recording 11 points and three rebounds, and played nine minutes against the Warriors. Two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. scored a combined 23 points in 23 minutes on 8-of-11 shooting against the Thunder and Warriors.
Players on two-way contracts have to be converted before the end of the regular season to be eligible for a postseason roster spot.
The Lakers could also sign a free agent with their final roster spot.
Players who were waived before March 1 are eligible to be on postseason rosters.
Rosters for the playoffs are officially set at noon Monday.
Just two games remain in the NBA regular season, and the playoff bracket is still muddled, especially in the Eastern Conference, where the only seed that has been officially locked up is the Detroit Pistons at No. 1.
But the slate on Friday, April 10 could go a long way toward clearing up the picture. The Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors can clinch playoff berths with wins (or losses by teams ranked below them), while the Boston Celtics can clinch the Atlantic Division with a win or a loss by the New York Knicks.
Out West, we know the six teams that have clinched the playoff berths – and the four that are in the play-in tournament – but the order of the No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5 seeds is still up for grabs, with the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets all battling for position.
All 30 teams are in action Friday night, and there are plenty of intriguing games to watch. Here are the current NBA standings and what the NBA postseason and play-in tournament would look like if the season ended today:
The New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Kings and Utah Jazz have been eliminated from postseason contention.
NBA playoffs bracket
(Through Thursday, April 9)
Eastern Conference
(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (8) Play-In Winner
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Toronto Raptors
(3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks
(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Play-In Winner
Western Conference
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Play-In Winner
(4) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Houston Rockets
(3) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Play-In Winner
NBA Play-In Tournament
(Through Thursday, April 9)
Eastern Conference
(7) Orlando Magic vs. (8) Philadelphia 76ers
(9) Charlotte Hornets vs. (10) Miami Heat
Western Conference
(7) Phoenix Suns vs. (8) Los Angeles Clippers
(9) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (10) Golden State Warriors
When do the NBA playoffs begin?
The NBA Play-In Tournament begins Tuesday, April 14 and finishes Friday, April 17.
The NBA playoffs begin the very next day, Saturday, April 18, featuring eight teams in each conference after two teams from both the East and West are eliminated in the Play-In Tournament.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals will be on Wednesday, June 3.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers posts up on Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 23, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 132-108. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who: Phoenix Suns (44-36) @ Los Angeles Lakers (51-29)
When: 7:30pm Arizona Time
Where: Crypto.com Arena — Los Angeles, California
Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports
Listen: KMVP 98.7
Two games remain for the Phoenix Suns, and this one against the Los Angeles Lakers carries little weight. After beating the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, the Suns locked up home court in the first Play-In game. If they had dropped that one, the conversation shifts. This is the fifth meeting with the Lakers this season, and it would have added another division result that could have mattered in a tiebreaker with the Clippers. That path is gone now.
So the focus turns to what is in front of them. The Suns are closing out the season, managing rest, and preparing for the Play-In game next Tuesday. Agree with it or not, that is the reality.
For the Lakers, this one matters. The Western Conference standings are packed tight between the three and five seeds, and Los Angeles sits right in the middle at fourth. The Nuggets are a game ahead, and the Lakers are tied with the Rockets while holding the tiebreaker. A loss here complicates their push to host a First Round series.
The challenge for LA is real. Luka Docic is out for the foreseeable future, and Austin Reaves is out as well. That leaves LeBron James carrying the load at 41, and he has shown he is willing to do so. In their last game, he delivered a performance that reminded everyone what he can still be.
If the Lakers want to hold onto that fourth seed, it may take another one of those nights. The Suns have played them well this season, and waiting for LeBron is Dillon Brooks…
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
Devin Booker — OUT (Right Ankle Injury Management)
Jordan Goodwin — OUT (Left Ankle Sprain)
Jalen Green — QUESTIONABLE (Right Knee Soreness)
Haywood Highsmith — OUT (Knee Injury Management)
Lakers
Luka Doncic — OUT (Left Hamstring)
Jaxson Hayes — OUT (Left Foot)
Luke Kennard — QUESTIONABLE (Left Finger)
Austin Reaves — OUT (Left Oblique)
What to Watch For
The obvious storyline here is the Dillon Brooks versus LeBron James dynamic. These are two players who do not like each other, and it shows. Dillon sees LeBron as a rival. LeBron treats Dillon with a certain level of indifference. Still, there is something about going at LeBron that brings out a different level of engagement from Brooks, and that is something worth watching.
One of my favorite moments this week came from a video the Suns’ social media team put out. They have a great feel for those quick questions as players walk into the arena, and the answers can be telling. This week, they asked who each player would want to guard from any era. You heard the usual names, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, etc. Dillon Brooks had a different answer. LeBron James. He understood the assignment, and now we get to see it play out tonight.
I will also be watching the rookies, especially in whatever minutes they can find. That has been one of the more enjoyable parts of this season. The team has exceeded expectations and built a foundation for what comes next, and at the same time, there has been an influx of young players that invites everyone to evaluate, to project, to wonder what they can become.
Night to night, it becomes part of the experience. You watch, you analyze, you ask questions. Who are these players, where are they trending, and what could they be? That is part of the fun. I am looking forward to more Rasheer Fleming and Maluach minutes.
Key to a Suns Win
Be disruptive. That has been one of the challenges for the Suns over the past few weeks. A big part of that traces back to Dillon Brooks missing 18 games with a broken hand, and now working his way back into form. Before the injury, he was the tone setter, the one who brought energy and disruption to a team that often gives up size and has to rely on tenacity to stay effective. If the Suns want to win this game, that is where it starts. Set the tone. Make things uncomfortable.
The other factor is simple. Hit your three pointers. This is a team that leans heavily on the three, and the numbers tell the story. In wins, they shoot 38.66% from beyond the arc. In losses, it drops to 33.2%.
If the Suns bring that disruptive edge and knock down their threes, they have a path to beat LA and make things difficult for them.
Prediction
The Lakers are beat up, and LeBron is 41. That matters, especially at this point in the season. The Suns do not like the Lakers, and that always comes through in how these games are played. Even with Devin Booker sitting, there is still an opportunity here. The path is there if they bring the right energy and execution.
I think they take it. The Suns go into LA and win tonight.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Jeremy Fears, who led Michigan State in scoring and the nation in assists per game, will declare for the NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility, he announced on Instagram on Friday.
Fears was an Associated Press All-Big Ten first-team selection and an AP All-America second-team pick after averaging 15 points and 9.4 assists per game in his third season with the Spartans.
“This is an important step in my journey and I’m looking forward to learning, growing and competing against the best as I continue to develop my game,” he wrote. “I’m grateful for Coach (Tom) Izzo, the Michigan State staff, my teammates and my family for their continued support and belief in me.”
Underclassmen can maintain their eligibility by applying to the NBA’s undergraduate advisory committee by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. The committee provides feedback on players’ draft prospects to help them decide whether to remain in the draft. Players who choose to return to school must withdraw from the draft by May 27 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
A player would lose his eligibility if he hires an NCAA-certified agent before applying to the advisory committee or at any point if he hires an uncertified agent.
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 31: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 31, 2025 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
New Orleans Pelicans (26-54) at Boston Celtics (54-25) Friday, April 10, 2026 7::30 PM ET Regular Season Game #81 Home Game #40 TV: NBCSB, GCSEN, NBA- LP Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub , WWL 870 AM, Sirius XM TD Garden
The Celtics host the New Orleans Pelicans as the season winds down. This is the 2nd, and final, game between these two teams this season. The Celtics won the first game 122-90 in New Orleans on October 27. The Celtics are 29-21 overall all time against the Pelicans and they are 16-8 in games played in Boston. The Celtics won the series 2-0 last season.
The Pelicans last played on Tuesday while the Celtics are playing in the second of back to back games. The Celtics are 7-5 in games played on the second night of back to back games. Both teams have one more game to finish the season. The Pelicans will play at Minnesota while the Celtics will host the Orlando Magic.
The Pelicans made a minor deal at the trade deadline. They traded Jose Alvarado to the New York Knicks for Dalen Terry, 2 second round picks and cash considerations. They then waived Terry. They also converted two way player Bryce McGowans to a contract with the Pelicans main team. They then signed Josh Oduro to a 2-Way contract.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 4 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are 2 games ahead of 3rd place New York, 3 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 9 games ahead of 5th place Toronto and 6th place Atlanta and 10 games ahead of 7th place Orlando. The Celtics are 19-10 against Western Conference opponents. They are 28-11 at home and 7-3 in their last 10 games. They are coming off a loss in their last game.
The Pelicans are 11th in the West, 15 games behind the 8th place Clippers, 14 games behind 9th place Portland, and 11.5 games behind Golden State. They are 1 game ahead of 12th place Memphis, and 13th place Dallas and 5 games ahead of 14th place Sacramento. They are 9-21 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 9-30 on the road and 2-8 in their last 10 games. They are coming off a win in their last game.
It’s hard to say who will actually play in this game. The Celtics listed Derrick White (knee), Neemias Queta (toe), and Sam Hauser (back) as questionable for Thursday’s game. Hauser, White and Queta played while Brown was out. White, Hauser and Queta are listed as probable for this game. Jaylen Brown (Achilles) is listed as questionable. Jayson Tatum played on Thursday and is out for this game since it is back to back.
The Pelicans have 8 players out. Yves Missi (hand), Zion Williamson (knee), Dejounte Murray (hand), Bryce McGowans (toe), and Trey Murphy III (ankle), Herb Jones (rest), Saddiq Bey (rest), and Karlo Matkovic (back)are all listed as out. It doesn’t seem to me that players who haven’t played since Tuesday and won’t play beyond the end of the season really need rest. But, that’s just me. I just guessed at their starters.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Jeremiah Fears
Derrick White | Getty ImagesJeremiah Fears | NBAE via Getty Images
SG: Jaylen Brown vs Jordan Poole
Jaylen Brown | Getty ImagesJordan Poole | NBAE via Getty Images
SF: Sam Hauser vs Micah Peavy
Sam Hauser | NBAE via Getty ImagesMicah Peavy | Getty Images
PF: Jordan Walsh vs Derik Queen
Jordan Walsh | NBAE via Getty ImagesDerik Queen | Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Baylor Scheierman Max Shulga Nikola Vucevic Ron Harper, Jr
2-Way Players None
Injuries/Out Derrick White (knee) probable Neemias Queta (toe) probable Sam Hauser (back) probable Jaylen Brown (Achilles) questionable Jayson Tatum (injury management) out Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Pelicans Reserves Jordan Hawkins DeAndre Jordan
2-Way Players Trey Alexander Hunter Dickenson Josh Oduro
Injuries/Out Zion Williamson (knee) out Dejounte Murray (hand) out Bryce McGowans (toe) out Trey Murphy III (ankle) out Yves Missi (hand) out Herb Jones (rest) out Karlo Matkovic (back) out Saddiq Bey (rest) out
Head Coach James Borrego (interim)
Key Matchups Jaylen Brown vs Jordan Poole Poole is averaging 13.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 37.3% from the field and 33.2% from the field. In the first game against the Celtics he finished with 22 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal while shooting 35.7% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc. It will be crucial for the Celtics to defend him well and keep him from having a big game.
Derrick White vs Jeremiah Fears Fears is averaging 13.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He is shooting 43.4% from the field and 33.7% from beyond the arc. In the first game against the Celtics, he finished with 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal while shooting 9.1% from the field with no threes. Fears is coming off a game against the Jazz where he finished with 40 points, 6 assists and 3 steals. The Celtics need to defend him as he is capable of a big game.
Honorable Mention Jordan Walsh vs Derik Queen Queen is averaging 11.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1 steal per game. He is shooting 47.3% from the field and 26.2% from beyond the arc. In the first game against the Celtics, he finished with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal while shooting 42.9% from the field with no 3 pointers.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense will always be the key to winning. The Pelicans have an offensive rating of 113.2 (20th) while the Celtics have an offensive rating of 119.9 (2nd). The Celtics are 4th in the league with a defensive rating of 111.7. The Pelicans are 22nd with a defensive rating of 117.3 (22nd). The Celtics allowed the Knicks to shoot 53.8% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc. They were lax on defense and that cost them the game. They have to play tough lock down defense for all 48 minutes if they want to win this, or any other, game. The Celtics need to especially guard the paint since the Pelicans are 2nd in the league with 57.6 points in the paint per game.
Rebound – The Celtics have to crash the boards as a team. Rebounding takes effort and when they put that extra effort out to dominate the boards, it often translates to all other areas of the game as well. The Pelicans are averaging 43.8 rebounds (14th) and the Celtics are averaging 46.5 rebounds per game (4th). The Celtics need the ball to score and the best way to get the ball is to grab rebounds on both ends of the court.
Move the Ball Carefully– The Celtics are tough to beat when they keep the ball moving and find the open man but when one player over dribbles and lapses into hero ball, they falter. The Celtics are 33-0 when they have more assists than their opponent but just 19-24 when they have fewer assists than their opponent. Keep the ball moving and don’t lapse into hero ball, whether in the first quarter or the 4th quarter. They have to make careful passes and not turn the ball over because the Pelicans average 18.0 points off turnovers per game. Don’t Underestimate – After a tough game against the Knicks, it would be easy for the Celtics to expect an easy game against the Pelicans, who have nothing to play for except a lottery pick. NBA players have pride and are going to play hard and try to win, even if their leadership may want to tank. The Celtics have to play hard and be aggressive and not let up. The last team can easily beat the top team if that top team is not giving their full effort. The Celtics have to give their full effort from start to finish.
X-Factors Back to Back at Home – The Celtics are at home after playing on the road the night before. The Pelicans haven’t played since Tuesday and should be rested. The Pelicans have struggled on the road this season with an 9-30 record away from home. Hopefully the Celtics will come out ready to play and get some motivation from the home crowd. Protect home court.
Who’s Playing? – It’s fairly certain that Jayson Tatum will be out but as of now, I’m not sure who else will be out for the Celtics. They may decide to rest some players and that means that those who play will have to play even harder. The Pelicans have at least 5 players out and possibly as many as 8 out. Sometimes very short handed teams are like a wounded animal and play even harder.
Officiating – Officiating always has the possibility to be an x-factor. Every crew calls the game differently. Some call every bit of contact while some let them play. Some favor the home team and some call it evenly and some are just bad. Hopefully the Celtics get a crew that calls it even and lets both teams play. However the game is called, they need to focus on the game and not allow bad or no calls to take that focus away.
The Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs face off for the fourth and final time, and the home team will look to complete the season sweep in the “Battle of Texas” at Frost Bank Center.
Both teams are playing at less than 100%, and my Mavericks vs. Spurs predictions expect points to come at a premium tonight.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this Southwest Division showdown on Friday, April 10.
Mavericks vs Spurs prediction
Mavericks vs Spurs best bet: Under 237 (-110)
With just two games remaining, the San Antonio Spurs have locked up the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. With no chance of its status changing, San Antonio will have no motivation to play its starters for big minutes. Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama are banged up and questionable.
For the Dallas Mavericks, it’s Cooper Flagg or bust - more so than it has been for most of the season. The Mavs will be without most of their frontcourt rotation and several key starters and reserves. Dallas was eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago, so the team’s energy may be low.
Dallas’ offensive rating of 109.9 ranks 28th on the season, and San Antonio sports a top-5 defense. The potential absence of Wemby could make it easier for the Mavs to score, but with so few available players, Dallas is going to struggle.
The Spurs are 16-22 to the Under at home, while the Mavericks are 13-26 to the Under on the road. San Antonio has hit the Under in three straight home games, and Dallas has done so in four straight road games.
With both teams dealing with injuries and neither playing for much of anything tonight, I expect the offenses to stall out, leading to a low-scoring contest. Mavericks vs Spurs same-game parlay
Mavericks vs Spurs same-game parlay
With nothing to play for, it’s going to be tough to keep the Spurs engaged as they look ahead to the playoffs. The Mavericks are a healthy 11-5 ATS as 10-point dogs, and I like them to keep this one competitive as they try to avoid a season sweep by their in-state rivals.
The Mavericks might struggle to score, but Cooper Flagg will have to be the one to do it. He’s reached the 25-point threshold in three of his last four and five of his last nine games while averaging 27.2 points. The Spurs’ defense will be solid tonight, but Flagg has been on a tear and should be taking a lot of shots.
Mavericks vs Spurs SGP
Under 237
Mavericks +18.5
Cooper Flagg Over 24.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Flagg Day!
Dallas is running on empty to close out the season, but the Rookie of the Year favorite is still going strong. Over his last 10 games, Flagg has averaged 7.3 rebounds and five assists.
He’s grabbed 7+ rebounds six times and handed out 5+ assists five times in that span. I expect another strong showing tonight against a Spurs team with nothing to gain.
Mavericks vs Spurs SGP
Mavericks +18.5
Cooper Flagg Over 24.5 points
Cooper Flagg Over 6.5 rebounds
Cooper Flagg Over 4.5 assists
Mavericks vs Spurs odds
Spread: Mavericks +18.5 | Spurs -18.5
Moneyline: Mavericks +1100 | Spurs -2200
Over/Under: Over 237.5 | Under 237.5
Mavericks vs Spurs betting trend to know
The Dallas Mavericks have hit the Game Total Under in 18 of their last 24 away games (+11.40 Units / 43% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Spurs.
How to watch Mavericks vs Spurs
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Friday, April 10, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
MavsTV, KENS 5
Mavericks vs Spurs latest injuries
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