Basketball – Page 223 – Worldwide Sports News

April 4, 2025

Suns vs. Celtics Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 4

It’s Friday, April 4, and the Phoenix Suns (35-41) and Boston Celtics (56-20) are all set to square off from TD Garden in Boston.

The Suns are currently 12-26 on the road with a point differential of -2, while the Celtics have a 7-3 record in their last ten games at home. Boston won the only meeting versus Phoenix this season by 30 points.

Boston had a nine-game winning streak going before a 21-point loss to Miami on Wednesday, while Phoenix lost four-straight all by double-digits.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Suns vs. Celtics live today

Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Time: 7:30PM EST
Site: TD Garden
City: Boston, MA
Network/Streaming: NBA TV

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Suns vs. Celtics

The latest odds as of Friday:

Odds: Suns (+638), Celtics (-980)
Spread: Celtics -14.5
Over/Under: 227 points

That gives the Suns an implied team point total of 112.52, and the Celtics 120.08.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Friday’s Suns vs. Celtics game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Celtics to cover:

"The Suns look like one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA over the past four games with blowout losses to the Celtics, Timberwolves, Rockets, and Bucks. Unless there are a ton of players out for Boston last minute, I have to lean the Celtics."

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Suns & Celtics game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Phoenix Suns at +14.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 227.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Suns vs. Celtics on Friday

The Celtics have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Western Conference Pacific Division teams
The Under is 41-35 in Celtics' games this season
The Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite
The Celtics have won 3 straight games against the Suns

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)

- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)

- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)

- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

April 4, 2025

Duke’s Cooper Flagg wins AP national player of the year, beating Auburn’s Johni Broome

Duke freshman phenom Cooper Flagg was named the Associated Press national player of the year Friday

April 4, 2025

Mavericks vs. Clippers Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, best bets for April 4

Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers Preview

The Dallas Mavericks (38-39) and Los Angeles Clippers (44-32) are all set to square off from Intuit Dome in Inglewood.

The Mavericks are coming off a big win against the Atlanta Hawks. Anthony Davis had a monster game and will have a major impact for the rest of the season as the Mavericks push for the playoffs.

The Clippers have been playing great basketball. They have won eight of their last 10 games and are eighth in the Western Conference.

The Mavericks are currently 17-22 on the road with a point differential of 0, while the Clippers have a 9-1 record in their last ten games at home.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Game details & how to watch Mavericks vs. Clippers live today

Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Time: 10:30PM EST
Site: Intuit Dome
City: Inglewood, CA
Network/Streaming:

Game odds for Mavericks vs. Clippers

The latest odds as of Friday:

Odds: Mavericks (+285), Clippers (-361)
Spread: Clippers -8.5
Over/Under: 224 points

That gives the Mavericks an implied team point total of 110.9, and the Clippers 115.33.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Friday's Mavericks vs. Clippers game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Mavericks & Clippers game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Dallas Mavericks on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Dallas Mavericks at +8.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 224.

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Mavericks vs. Clippers on Friday

The Clippers have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Western Conference Southwest Division teams
The Under is 26-20 in the Clippers' matchups against Western Conference teams this season
The Mavericks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog
The Under is 26-20 in the Clippers' matchups against Western Conference teams this season

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

April 4, 2025

Live updates: Celtics seeking bounce-back win vs. Beal, Suns

Live updates: Celtics seeking bounce-back win vs. Beal, Suns originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

What to Know

Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. ET with Celtics Pregame Livefollowed by a 7:30 p.m. tip-off on NBC Sports Boston.
Boston (56-20) had its nine-game win streak snapped Wednesday vs. Miami.
Phoenix (35-41) has lost four straight.
Bradley Beal is back in the Suns’ lineup after an eight-game absence.
Jaylen Brown (questionable) is the only Celtics player on the injury report.

The Boston Celtics will look to back in the win column Friday night and make some history in the process.

The Celtics need eight 3-pointers to break the 2022-23 Golden State Warriors’ NBA record for most made threes in one season (1,363). That seems like a safe bet against a Phoenix Suns team that’s lost four in a row and given up an average of 134 points per game during that span.

Follow along with our live blog below for live updates throughout Celtics-Suns.

April 4, 2025

Pelicans vs. Lakers Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, best bets for April 4

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview

The New Orleans Pelicans (21-55) and Los Angeles Lakers (46-30) are all set to square off from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The Lakers are coming off a home loss to the Golden State Warriors. Now they must rebound against the 21-55 Pelicans.

The Pelicans are currently 7-31 on the road with a point differential of -9, while the Lakers have a 7-3 record in their last ten games at home.

Game details & how to watch Pelicans vs. Lakers live today

Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Time: 10:30PM EST
Site: Crypto.com Arena
City: Los Angeles, CA
Network/Streaming:

Game odds for Pelicans vs. Lakers

The latest odds as of Friday:

Odds: Pelicans (+621), Lakers (-943)
Spread: Lakers -14
Over/Under: 220 points

That gives the Pelicans an implied team point total of 109.03, and the Lakers 116.33.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Friday's Pelicans vs. Lakers game
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards Pelicans +14.5…

Thomas: “The Lakers spread is likely to be a popular bet tonight. The Pelicans have covered in four of their last five games. The noncover was a push against the 76ers as 16-point dogs.”

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Pelicans & Lakers game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the Los Angeles Lakers on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the New Orleans Pelicans at +14.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 220.

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Pelicans vs. Lakers on Friday

The Pelicans have lost 4 of their last 5 games as an underdog
The Over is 41-35 in Pelicans' games this season
The Lakers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games as a home favorite
The Lakers have won 10 of their last 12 home games against the Pelicans

April 4, 2025

Knicks' Jalen Brunson returns to practice ahead of likely weekend return

The signs of Knicks captain Jalen Brunson returning to the starting lineup this weekend are right on track.

The superstar guard practiced on Friday for the first time since spraining his right ankle in early March. While it's unclear if Brunson participated fully without any hitches, Knicks star Josh Hart revealed that his longtime teammate looked "so normal" on the court.

SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley recently projected Brunson to play either Saturday on the road against the Atlanta Hawks, or back home on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns. Following this weekend's back-to-back, the Knicks will play four more regular-season games.

The ankle injury to Brunson occurred in overtime against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 6, after he landed on Austin Reaves' foot during a layup attempt. Since then, the two-time All-Star has missed 14 games, and in order to qualify for league postseason awards, he needs to play four more times.

Brunson expressed optimism in his recovery last week, stating that his realistic goal was to be ready before the first round of the playoffs arrive on April 19. He's now in a prime position to achieve that goal and get back into game shape with intense, physical basketball on the horizon.

It's no secret that the Knicks will only go as far as Brunson takes them. He's the undisputed catalyst, who's averaged a team-high 26.3 points and 7.4 assists in 61 games. Entering the All-Star break, he ranked first in points, assists, and minutes among all 28-year-olds in the NBA this season, and he recently became the fastest player in franchise history to score 5,000 points.

April 4, 2025

Nuggets vs. Warriors Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, best bets for April 4

Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors Preview

The Denver Nuggets (47-30) and Goden State Warriors (45-31) are all set to square off from Chase Center in San Francisco.

The Warriors are coming off a big win in LA against the Lakers last night.

The Nuggets are coming off a loss to the Spurs, where they sat the majority of their starters.

The Nuggets are currently 22-16 on the road with a point differential of 4, while the Warriors have a 9-1 record in their last ten games at home.

Game details & how to watch Nuggets vs. Warriors live today

Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Time: 10:00PM EST
Site: Chase Center
City: San Francisco, CA
Network/Streaming:

Odds: Nuggets (-104), Warriors (-115)
Spread: Warriors -1.5
Over/Under: 235 points

That gives the Nuggets an implied team point total of 117.12, and the Warriors 117.9.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Friday's Nuggets vs. Warriors game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards the Nuggets +1…

Thomas” It’s difficult to make an accurate bet suggestion in this game, given the fact that we do not have lineup clarity yet. My guess is we see some players out for the Warriors and the Nuggets close to full strength.”

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Nuggets & Warriors game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Denver Nuggets on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Denver Nuggets at +1.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 235.

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Nuggets vs. Warriors on Friday

The Nuggets are on a 4-game win streak at the Warriors
Each of the last 3 matchups between the Warriors and the Nuggets have stayed under the Total
The Nuggets have covered the Spread in 4 of their last 5 road games against the Warriors
The Nuggets have won 9 straight games against the Warriors

April 4, 2025

What teams are the best fit for Cooper Flagg? | The Kevin O’Connor Show

Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg is the presumptive first overall pick in the NBA Draft this June. Kevin O'Connor & Tom Haberstroh discuss the teams that might make for the best fit with Flagg's talents. Could a pairing with Gregg Popovich and Victor Wembanyama create a perennial powerhouse in San Antonio? Hear the full conversation on “The Kevin O’Connor Show” and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.

April 4, 2025

Chris Paul, about to turn 40, talks retirement: 'I’m going to keep playing, I think'

Chris Paul has been solid on the court and the veteran leader the San Antonio Spurs brought him in to be this season. He has played a role in the growth of Victor Wembanyama and Rookie of the Year frontrunner Stephon Castle.

He's also averaging numbers — 8.8 points, 7.6 assists a game — well below his career averages. He turns 40 just after the season ends. Does he want to keep going? Marc Spears of ESPN's Andscape brought up the dreaded retirement word to CP3, but it sounds like he will return.

"I'll be 40 in May. So, yeah man, I'm going to keep playing, I think," Paul told Andscape recently. "At the end of every season, I evaluate everything. Evaluate playing. Evaluate how my body feels. But the more years that go by, it's more conversations with my family, with my kids. They have a lot of say so. They got a lot of input.

"Obviously, I got a lot of homies, friends that have retired or whatnot. And they are always like, 'Man, play as long as you possibly can. Play as long as you possibly can.' And I appreciate that. But I also, I just always want to talk to my kids about it because that's the most important job that I have. I love to play. I definitely love my kids and my family more than I like to play. Anybody who's in this knows the sacrifice could goes longer. I said this summer I will evaluate it and talk to my family about it."

His choice may well come down to situation and money.

Paul is making $10.5 million this season on an expiring contract, can he find that kind of money again next season? It's also unclear if he would return to San Antonio, the Spurs traded for De'Aaron Fox and want to give heavy minutes to him and Castle at the one, so there may not be a lot of minutes for CP3. Other teams would be interested, but Paul has prioritized trying to be close to his family in Southern California during the season. Paul also would prioritize playing for a team expected to make a deep playoff run. That's a lot of things that have to come together.

There will be teams interested in Paul. If he wants it, he will be able to play a 21st season in the league. It's just a matter of priorities for the future Hall of Famer.

April 4, 2025

Florida ready for Final Four stage, familiar foe in Auburn

Yahoo Sports’ Jason Fitz reports from San Antonio on the Gators’ approach into Saturday’s national semifinal against their SEC rivals and the pressure of performing on the sport’s biggest stage.

April 4, 2025

Thunder vs. Rockets Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and, best bets for April 4

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets Preview

The Oklahoma City Thunder (64-12) and Houston Rockets (50-27) are all set to square off from Toyota Center in Houston.

Rockets star Dillon Brooks will miss tonight's game because he was suspended for one game for receiving his 16^th technical.

The Thunder are currently 29-7 on the road with a point differential of 13, while the Rockets have a 8-2 record in their last ten games at home.

Game details & how to watch Thunder vs. Rockets live today

Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Time: 8:00PM EST
Site: Toyota Center
City: Houston, TX
Network/Streaming:

Game odds for Thunder vs. Rockets

The latest odds as of Friday:

Odds: Thunder (-266), Rockets (+215)
Spread: Thunder -6.5
Over/Under: 230 points

That gives the Thunder an implied team point total of 117.36, and the Rockets 113.97.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Friday's Thunder vs. Rockets game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is betting on the Thunder -6

Thomas: “The Thunder have won 18 of their last 19 games. They have covered in eleven straight games. In that span, they have done it all. They have covered as underdogs, they have covered as double-digit favorites, and and they have covered as 20+ point favorites. They have been the model of excellence. The Rockets are no layup by any means. However, with Brooks sidelined tonight, the Rockets and their emotional leader will be without their primary defender on SGA.”

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Thunder & Rockets game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Oklahoma City Thunder on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Houston Rockets at +6.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 230.

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Thunder vs. Rockets on Friday

The Thunder have won 11 straight road games
The Over is 25-21 in the Thunder's matchups against Western Conference teams this season
The Rockets have covered in 41 of their 77 games this season
The Thunder are on a streak of 11 straight road wins

April 4, 2025

Celtics break Warriors' single-season 3-point NBA record vs. Suns

Celtics break Warriors' single-season 3-point NBA record vs. Suns originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Boston Celtics broke one of the NBA’s 3-point records in Friday’s win over the Phoenix Suns, and it probably won’t be the only one they set during their historic season from beyond the arc.

The Celtics have passed the 2022-23 Golden State Warriors for the most 3-pointers made by one team in a single season. The Warriors’ record was 1,363, and the Celtics currently stand at 1,370 after making 14 3-pointers against the Suns.

Payton Pritchard’s 3-pointer in the second quarter Friday night was the record-breaker for Boston, which still has five regular-season games remaining to extend the record.

Back in 2016-17, Isaiah Thomas set the Celtics record for most 3-pointers made in a season with 245. Derrick White broke this record on Monday, and it’s likely Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard will surpass Thomas before the regular season concludes.

Barring a surprise downturn in the Celtics’ 3-point shooting, they are on track to break two more 3-point records.

The Utah Jazz set the record for most 3-point shots made per game with 16.74 during the 2020-21 season, and the Celtics are at 17.9 per game.

The Houston Rockets set the record for most 3-point attempts per game with 45.38 in the 2018-19 campaign, and the Celtics are at 48.5 per game.

The Celtics have ranked first or second in both 3-pointers made and attempted per game every season since Joe Mazzulla took over as head coach in 2022. His 3-point-heavy strategy has produced fantastic results. Boston reached the NBA Finals in 2022 and 2024 (won the title) and Game 7 of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals.

It’s very difficult to beat the Celtics when they’re firing on all cylinders from beyond the arc. The C’s have made 15 or more 3-pointers in 62 of their 75 games so far this season, and they’ve won 48 of those matchups.

If the Celtics continue to hit 17.9 3-pointers per game throughout the 2025 NBA playoffs, it’s hard to imagine any team beating them four times in a seven-game series.

April 4, 2025

Creighton lands ex-Iowa forward Owen Freeman, the Big Ten freshman of the year in 2023-24

Former Iowa forward Owen Freeman, the 2023-24 Big Ten freshman of the year, has signed with Creighton. The 6-foot-10 Freeman averaged 16.7 points and 6.7 rebounds in 19 starts this season for the Hawkeyes before missing the final two months following finger surgery. Freeman has two years of eligibility remaining.

April 4, 2025

Duke freshman star Cooper Flagg named the AP men’s college basketball player of the year

Cooper Flagg becomes only the fourth freshman to win the award in its 64-year history.

April 4, 2025

Cavaliers vs. Spurs Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and, best bets for April 4

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. San Antonio Spurs Preview

The Cleveland Cavaliers (61-15) and San Antonio Spurs (32-44) are all set to square off from Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.

The Cavaliers have been up and down recently but are currently riding a two-game winning streak. They get a massively shorthanded San Antonio Spurs team tonight.

The Spurs are coming off a big win over the Nuggets. The win should be taken with a grain of salt. The majority of the Nuggets starters did not play in that game.

The Cavaliers are currently 28-10 on the road with a point differential of 10, while the Spurs have a 5-5 record in their last ten games at home.

Game details & how to watch Cavaliers vs. Spurs live today

Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Time: 8:00PM EST
Site: Frost Bank Center
City: San Antonio, TX

Odds: Cavaliers (-980), Spurs (+642)
Spread: Cavaliers -14
Over/Under: 239 points

That gives the Cavaliers an implied team point total of 125.85, and the Spurs 118.56.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Friday's Cavaliers vs. Spurs game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is betting on the Cavs -14…

Thomas: “The Cavaliers are at full strength. The two played each other on March 25^th, and the game was closer than Cavs might have liked. The Spurs won the turnover battle and went to the line more than the Cavs. It was also a poor three point shooting night for the Cavs. That should not happen for a second time. They win by margin.”

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Cavaliers & Spurs game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the Cleveland Cavaliers on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the San Antonio Spurs at +14.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 239.

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Cavaliers vs. Spurs on Friday

The Cavaliers have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Western Conference Southwest Division teams
The Spurs' last 4 home games have gone over the Total
The Cavaliers are 3-7 against the spread in their last 10 games as a favorite
The Cavaliers are 3-7 against the spread in their last 10 games as a favorite