We may not know the availability of the San Antonio Spurs’ star until shortly before tip-off against the Portland Trail Blazers.
These Spurs vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks have a better chance of cashing if Victor Wembanyama is ruled out, but it could still win with him in the lineup on Friday, April 24.
If Wembanyama plays, De’Aaron Fox could still score 20+ points... but if Wembanyama does not, this thought may become an assurance.
Fox averaged 24.6 points in 18 games without Wembanyama this season, clearing this prop in 15 of those 18 contests.
Stephon Castle averaged 6.8 rebounds per game in eight matches without Wembanyama, a number deflated by a reboundless 16-minute showing in November. Remove that, and it jumps to 7.7 rpg in seven games.
As for including the Over with Wembanyama on the sideline, he is the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year. San Antonio’s defensive rating jumps 6.6 points per 100 possessions in games that Wembanyama does not play.
There is too much value in this thought not to include the Over, regardless of knowing Wemby’s status.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
You had my interest, but now you have my attention, Portland Trail Blazers.
While no one is glad Victor Wembanyama suffered a concussion in Game 2, the San Antonio Spurs suddenly have a series on their hands.
Tonight's Spurs vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks should hold up regardless of whether Wembanyama takes the court on Friday, April 24.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers prediction
Who will win Spurs vs Trail Blazers Game 3?
Trail Blazers: Opportunities are the only things given in life, and this may be Portland’s opportunity. Any uncertainty around Victor Wembanyama throws this series into disarray — a chance the Trail Blazers must capitalize on. At home, with that possible spark, it provides more Portland intrigue than was ever expected this postseason.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers best bet: De’Aaron Fox Over 19.5 points (-110)
Victor Wembanyama has traveled with the San Antonio Spurs to the Pacific Northwest. That is the first step toward him playing this weekend, though one has to remain skeptical that he will play Game 3.
The Spurs are plenty competitive without Wembanyama. Playing the Portland Trail Blazers without him will not assure a loss in any regard, and concussions are not something to rush back from.
Wembanyama’s availability won’t be entirely up to San Antonio; once in concussion protocols, a league doctor also has to sign off on his ability to play. He very well might play, but the savvy bettor finds a bet that could cash with Wembanyama playing and has even better odds with him sidelined.
A bet like trusting De’Aaron Fox to pour in some points.
In 54 games alongside Wembanyama this regular season, Fox averaged 16.5 points. In 18 contests with Wembanyama sidelined, Fox averaged 24.6 points.
Fox attempted 4.2 more shots per game without Wembanyama on the court, including two additional 3-pointers.
Do not fret that this is the result of a few high-scoring matches. Fox scored 20 or more points in 15 of those 18 games without Wembanyama.
Even with his star Frenchman center on the court, Fox could very well clear this modest points prop, and the number becomes even more favorable if Wembanyama misses Game 3.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay
Similar to the logic of Fox averaging 8.1 more points in games without Wembanyama, Stephon Castle averaged 6.8 rebounds per contest in eight games without the Spurs’ centerpiece, compared to just 5.1 across 60 with him.
This prop could cash if Wemby plays, but looks far more likely if he doesn’t.
And unsurprisingly, San Antonio’s defensive rating spikes without Wembanyma on the court, 6.6 points worse per 100 possessions in 18 games without him.
Somewhat surprisingly, the Spurs’ offensive rating does not waver.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers SGP
De'Aaron Fox Over 19.5 points
Stephon Castle Over 5.5 rebounds
Over 220.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Rose City
If Wembanyama is sidelined or even just limited, this is Portland's chance to see a path to the second round.
You cannot let this opportunity pass you by. Desperation needs to be the Blazers' default.
A spread of +1.5 is effectively a tilted pick’em, and it is undervaluing what Wembanyama means.
San Antonio was favored by 10.5 in Game 2. Adjusting for homecourt, a quick line of +4.5 would make sense on Friday night.
Is Wembanyama really worth only three points? Until Portland is favored, lean into this, via spread or moneyline.
Over/Under: Over 220.5 (-110) | Under 220.5 (-110)
Spurs vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know
Portland went 25-16 against the spread at home this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Trail Blazers.
How to watch Spurs vs Trail Blazers Game 3
Location
Moda Center, Portland, OR
Date
Friday, April 24, 2026
Tip-off
10:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Spurs vs Trail Blazers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Denver Nuggets face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. The teams split the first two games in Denver and the series’ next two games will be in Minneapolis. Nuggets starting forward Aaron Gordon will miss the game with a calf strain.
How to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Game 1:Nuggets 116, Timberwolves 105 Game 2:Timberwolves 119, Nuggets 114 Game 3: Thu., April 23, at Minnesota (9:30 p.m., Prime Video) Game 4: Sat., April 25, at Minnesota (8:30 p.m., ABC) *Game 5: Mon., April 27, at Denver (TBD) *Game 6: Thu., April 30, at Minnesota (TBD) *Game 7: Sat., May 2, at Denver (TBD)
It was a season and a half of ups and downs for Jonathan Kuminga with the Warriors. Between injuries, limited minutes and butting heads with coach Steve Kerr, the writing was all but on the wall heading into the 2025-26 NBA season.
However, Kuminga remained on the Warriors’ roster until February 2026 when he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks with Buddy Hield for Kristaps Porziņģis.
On Thursday, following the Hawks’ 109-108 upset NBA playoff victory over the New York Knicks, CJ McCollum, who hit the go-ahead jumper with 12.7 seconds remaining, spoke with reporters and had an interesting thought on Kuminga’s past situation with the Warriors.
“He was in a not so great situation and now he’s found a happy home over here,” McCollum told reporters.
CJ on Kuminga:
"(He) has championship DNA coming from the Warriors, he understands how to play the game the right way. He was in a not so great situation and now he's found a happy home" https://t.co/HSwX7P2BCkpic.twitter.com/hupdzkF2EE
In 16 regular-season games with the Hawks, Kuminga averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 22.1 minutes per game – which is comparable to his 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in 23.8 minutes per game with Golden State this season.
However, his minutes have significantly increased up to 31.0 minutes per game as he and McCollum have helped lead the Hawks to a two-games-to-one series lead over the Knicks.
While Kuminga’s time with the Warriors might have come to an unceremonious ending, it seems he has found a home in Atlanta — and his teammates seem happy to have him.
The Denver Nuggets are facing an injury issue to one of their key players.
Power forward Aaron Gordon, a versatile playmaker and defender, appeared on the injury report with left calf tightness.
It’s yet another injury Gordon is having to contend with this season, after he sat most of the year with hamstring and calf issues. Either way, Gordon is a crucial part of Denver’s offense, as a ball-handling big who can create for others, as a spot-up 3-point shooter, and as a lob threat from the dunker’s spot.
Gordon is also a steady defensive presence down low who offers some rim protection capability. Against an aggressive Timberwolves team that likes to drive the ball and get to the paint with Anthony Edwards, any Gordon absence would come as a blow to the Nuggets, who lost Game 2 on Monday, April 20, leaving the series tied at one game apiece.
Here’s everything you need to know about Aaron Gordon’s status for Game 3.
Is Aaron Gordon playing tonight?
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Gordon will not play Thursday, April 23 in Game 3 of Denver’s first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. On the latest injury report, however, Gordon was still listed as questionable.
Aaron Gordon stats
In 36 games this season, Gordon averaged 16.2 points on 49.7% shooting, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He also shot 38.9% from 3-point range.
The Los Angeles Lakers were left for dead when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were ruled out for this Round 1 matchup with the Houston Rockets.
But after two games in L.A., it would seem everyone and their cat is writing off Kevin Durant and the Rockets. Well, everyone but oddsmakers.
Houston is a near double-digit home chalk for Game 3 and while my same-game parlay doesn’t think the Rockets can cover that spread, it does see Durant bouncing back from a bad series debut.
The extra days off and a move to Texas helps the Houston Rockets get right, but this spread is a beefy ask for a team that’s looked lost in the opening two games – with or without KD. The Los Angeles Lakers can keep it closer than 10 points on Friday.
Kevin Durant scored 20 points in the opening half of Game 2, then finished with only three more to stay short of his scoring prop of 23.5 O/U.
Durant told reporters he plans to be more aggressive against the Lakers’ double teams, opting to shoot more than his 12 FGAs in Game 2. Projections sit as high as 28 points from Durant, who’s had extra time to rest his ailing knee before Friday night.
Rui Hachimura has been quietly consistent for L.A. in the opening two games of the series, knocking down 50% of his looks for tallies of 13 and 14 points.
I do suspect some of the Lakers role players to take a step back on the road, but Rui doesn’t shrink in enemy territory and is projected for 15 points in Game 3.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Houston Rockets face an uphill battle tonight as they host the Los Angeles Lakers, who are confident and holding a 2-0 series lead.
To make matters worse, the Rockets will be without Kevin Durant once again, and that has seen the Rockets' spread shorten.
My Lakers vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks believe Rui Hachimura can be a difference maker for the Lakers on Friday, April 24.
UPDATE: Added new selections after Kevin Durant's injury news.
Lakers vs Rockets prediction
Who will win Lakers vs Rockets Game 3?
Rockets: Houston has enjoyed extra time to rest and reset, ironing out the offensive kinks in time for a win in Game 3.
The Rockets are still laying -6.5 on Friday, and while that may be a tad too much, Houston will get right.
Lakers vs Rockets best bet: Rui Hachimura Over 13.5 points (-110)
Rui Hachimura has quietly carved out a consistent scoring role for the Los Angeles Lakers, and the matchup sets up well for that to continue.
The Houston Rockets have shown a tendency to collapse into the paint, leaving corner shooters exposed — exactly where Hachimura thrives.
He’s already posted 13 and 14 points in the first two games while shooting 11-for-20 from the field, and most of that production is coming on clean, repeatable looks.
With steady minutes and a slight bump in available shots, this number is still a step behind his current role.
Lakers vs Rockets same-game parlay
The Rockets may win this one, but the spread seems out of whack considering how well the Lakers are playing right now. I expect some offensive adjustments from Houston, but I don’t think they're going to pull away.
The Lakers have gotten some great performances from their role players, and Rui Hachimura has been quietly consistent through two games. He’s shooting a collective 11-for-20 from the field (5-for-10 on 3-pointers), doesn’t shrink on the road, and is projected for as many as 15 points in Game 3.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
Lakers +6.5
Rui Hachimura Over 13.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Opportunity knocks for LBJ
Without Durant in the lineup, LeBron James should thrive as a scorer and take his opportunity to push the Rockets to the brink.
The Lakers keep it closer than oddsmakers expect, while the Rockets’ offense will finally find its way and top this ultra-low total.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
Lakers +6.5
Over 206.5
Rui Hachimura Over 13.5 points
LeBron James Over 23.5 points
Lakers vs Rockets odds for Game 3
Spread: Los Angeles +9.5 (-110) | Houston -9.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Los Angeles +320 | Houston -400
Over/Under: Over 205.5 (-110) | Under 205.5 (-110)
Lakers vs Rockets betting trend to know
NBA playoff totals of 206 points or lower have produced a 21-14 Over/Under record the past three postseasons (60% Overs). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Rockets.
How to watch Lakers vs Rockets Game 3
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Friday, April 24, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Lakers vs Rockets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Apr 20, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) during the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Here are the NBA playoff games for Thursday, April 23, 2026:
New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks — 7 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors — 8 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves — 9:30 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
All three games tonight are streaming on Prime Video, so please keep that in mind! Enjoy the basketball!
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 20: Josh Hart #3 & Karl-Anthony Towns #32 help up Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks against the Atlanta Hawks during Round One Game Two of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks head to Atlanta for Game Three with their First Round series knotted at one, still stinging from a Game Two fourth-quarter collapse. Although they led through most of the first two games, concerning (effort, mental) lapses and disconnect on offense have the alarm bells clanging. New York is still in command of the series, but falling behind 1-2 would make their lives more difficult and incite brain meltdowns across the fanbase.
Tip-off is 7:00 pm EST on Amazon Prime. This is your game thread. This is Peachtree Hoops. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Remember your manners. And go Knicks!
Mar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) motions towards the net before attempting a tecnical foul free throw during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
There are still some steps left, but Lakers fans can start getting excited about Austin Reaves returning. Reaves has missed all of the postseason so far, but he is now listed as questionable for Game 3 against the Rockets.
He has been doing on-court work, but this is the first time he’s been upgraded to questionable since his last regular-season appearance against the Thunder back in early April.
Austin Reaves has been upgraded to questionable for Game 3 between the Lakers and the Rockets. pic.twitter.com/PUMfudAMh1
When it was discovered that Reaves had a Grade 2 oblique strain, the expectation was that he would miss the entire first round of the playoffs. However, entering Game 3, he is now one step closer to making an appearance.
To be clear, questionable doesn’t mean he’ll play, and he can still be downgraded to out later on. Still, it’s a positive development and an encouraging sign for the team. Reaves is, at worst, LA’s second-best player. The Lakers’ ability to win and be successful rises if he can play.
Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game for LA this season, making this a career year for the young guard.
If Reaves does come back this month, it means he recovered even faster than the typical 4-6 weeks it takes to do so from this injury. That would be amazing, but again, he’s not back just yet.
The fact that he’s already being listed as questionable, though, is a good sign that he is progressing well and will return relatively soon.
This is a testament to his work ethic and everything the Lakers’ medical staff has done to get him ready for playoff action.
During his absence, the Lakers have done an incredible job of stacking up playoff victories. They are 2-0 entering Game 3, having protected home court in the first two contests.
Still, to continue winning and find postseason success beyond the opening round, the Lakers will need Reaves and Luka Dončić to get healthy and come back.
The good news is that it looks like Reaves is close to doing that, and if LA keeps winning, perhaps Luka will soon be upgraded as well, and the Lakers can have a healthy team at some point during the playoffs.
Feb 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) dribbles upcourt against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit:...
Austin Reaves could make his return to the court during the Lakers’ playoff series against the Rockets. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Reaves has been seen shooting after practices over the last week, including after Thursday’s practice at the team’s practice facility before the team left for Houston.
Thursday marked three weeks since Reaves suffered the oblique injury, which usually takes 4-6 weeks to heal.
When asked about Reaves’ progress Thursday, coach JJ Redick said: “The progression is going.”
Reaves averaged a career-high 23.3 points to go with 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in a career-low 51 games after missing significant time in December and January because of a calf strain.
He has a $14.9 million player option for 2026-27 that he’s expected to decline, making him an unrestricted free agent this offseason with the expectation of a significant pay raise.
The Lakers are up 2-0 in their playoff series against the Rockets.
Rockets star Kevin Durant is questionable for Game 3 because of a sprained left ankle. Durant missed Game 1 because of a right knee contusion.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 13: Thomas Haugh #10 of the Florida Gators celebrates a basket against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half in the quarterfinal game of the 2026 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Haugh announced he’s returning to Florida for his senior season on Wednesday. It’s a stunning decision that positions the Gators as the likely preseason No. 1 in the polls and the favorite for the 2027 national championship. Highly-regarded teammate Alex Condon also announced he was returning to school, and fellow Gators big man Rueben Chinyelu is testing the draft process but did not enter the transfer portal. It feels more likely than not that Chinyelu will return to Gainesville alongside Haugh and Condon to reunite a key trio on Florida’s 2024 national championship team.
Haugh is expected to be among the highest earners in college basketball next season, with sources familiar with the decision projecting that he’s in line to make around what he’d earn in his first two NBA seasons combined if he’d been drafted in the top 20 in this year’s draft
To my knowledge, Dybantsa is the highest paid college basketball player ever, and it’s likely Haugh just surpassed him. CBS insider Matt Norlander speculated that Haugh will make at least $8 million at Florida next season based on Vecenie’s report.
Thomas Haugh might've been a top-15 pick. Instead, he agreed to an NIL deal that will pay "around" what he'd make in his first *two* NBA seasons, per @Sam_Vecenie. The means at least $8 million for one more year at Florida—making him one of the highest-paid college athletes ever. pic.twitter.com/kPXm1UTVG2
The 2027 NBA Draft is considered much weaker than the 2026 version. That means Haugh shouldn’t fall too far, right? I’m not quite sold yet. Haugh seems to have nothing to gain by returning to Florida, where he’s already won a national championship and proven himself as a decent 3-and-D wing. If NBA scouts already considered him a lottery pick, he probably should have gone to the NBA, because I think it’s highly possible his stock isn’t that high next year even in a worse class.
There were some red flags in Haugh’s draft profile this past season. He posted a 1.8 percent steal rate in back-to-back seasons, which is well below the 2.5 percent threshold scouts like to see as a baseline for athleticism. He wasn’t a particularly strong rebounder on either end, posting a seven percent offensive rebound rate, and a 12.3 percent defensive rebound rate, which are just average numbers. His outside shooting wasn’t that good either with a 32.6 percent stroke from three-point range on 178 attempts. His rim finishing was solid at 62.1 percent with 57.5 percent of those being assisted, but those numbers certainly aren’t spectacular.
Florida is probably going to be really, really good, and Haugh will probably do well in his role. But unless he shows something new in his game like Lendeborg did, it’s possible scouts get another look at his skill set and decide he never should have been a lottery pick in the first place.
Thomas Haugh’s biggest risk in returning is about his second NBA contract
The real money in the NBA is in your second contract. If a player is good enough, it makes any NIL money or rookie scale NBA deal look like chump change.
By returning to Florida, Haugh will now be 28 years old by the time he’s ready to sign a second contract after his four-year rookie deal expires. That contract will take Haugh into his early 30s. Compare that with projected top-3 pick Cameron Boozer, who is four years younger than Haugh, and will only be 24 years old when he signs his second deal and really cashes in with huge NBA money. Teams will always think a young player has more upside. By your early 30s, most players are already starting to decline.
Haugh’s decision could work out well. Maybe he shoots it better and improves his rebounding, and maintains his stock as a lottery pick as Florida marches through the bracket for the second time in his college career. Maybe the NBA is underwhelmed by the incoming class of freshmen and decides it is worth it to swing on older players higher in the draft.
Age is the clearest defining line in sports, especially as it relates to upside. To me, Haugh should have turned pro if he was really going to be a top-15 pick. Yes, the NBA will always be there for him, but that doesn’t mean it will definitely value him the same way.
Either way, good for Haugh for following his heart and his bank account by deciding to stay in college. The NBA is an unforgiving league, and next season should feel like a joyride for the Gators based on their talent and experience … at least until the single-elimination postseason starts.
It’s wild to think Thomas Haugh will make $8+ million next year. That’s about what Tre Johnson made as a rookie after being the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. NIL dollars are overpowering NBA money, at least in the short term. Haugh cashed in at a historic level.
The Philadelphia 76ers have stolen home court advantage from the Boston Celtics as this Round 1 series swings to the City of Brotherly Love for Game 3.
Despite that, Boston is a sizable road favorite, and my Celtics vs. 76ers predictions expect the road team to return serve and get their groove back from beyond the arc.
The Boston Celtics are one of the best bounce-back teams in the Association, boasting a 20-6 SU record when coming off a loss this season and a long-term 59-13 SU mark following a defeat over the past three years. That includes a 6-1 SU record after a loss in the NBA Playoffs.
A big part of Boston’s troubles in Game 2 was missed 3-pointers. Derrick White has been chilly from beyond the arc to start this series, shooting just 4-for-17 from distance. However, he’s getting plenty of open looks, and projections lean toward three triples from White in Game 3.
Jaylen Brown dished out six assists in Game 1 but managed only four in Game 2, despite generating 13 potential dimes. With the Celtics shaking off their poor shooting performance, Brown’s passes won’t get wasted, and he’s projected for 5+ assists in Game 3.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
A solid B, and it's not higher partially for reasons out of Jenkins' control.
Not only is Jenkins perhaps the best available coaching candidate with experience after leading the Grizzlies to the NBA playoffs three times and becoming the franchise's all-time leader in wins during his six-season tenure in Memphis, he's also uniquely positioned to serve the Bucks as they confront their Antetokounmpo-related crossroads.
If Antetokounmpo is playing for the Bucks again next season, Jenkins has experience working with him under Budenholzer during the 2018-19 NBA campaign when Antetokounmpo won his first MVP award and the Bucks lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Toronto Raptors. If Antetokounmpo gets traded elsewhere and the Bucks go into rebuilding mode, Jenkins has a strong reputation setting a culture and developing young players from his time with the Grizzlies.
Jenkins, however, struggled to get the Grizzlies over the hump as contenders with the core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane succumbing to bad injury luck, immaturity and poor half-court offense in the postseason. Jenkins still must prove he's a championship-caliber coach in Milwaukee.
But like with so many things related to the Bucks at the moment, the trajectory of this hire will depend on the immediate decision facing the front office and Antetokounmpo.
Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman stunned the NBA when he fired Jenkins on March 28, 2025 with just nine games remaining in the regular season. Memphis struggled to a 9-13 record over his final 22 games, a stretch in which it did not defeat a team with a record above .500. It came on the heels of Jenkins instituting a staff overhaul the previous offseason at the behest of the Grizzlies' front office.
Jenkins, 41, compiled a 250-214 overall record over six seasons as the Grizzlies coach. He made the NBA playoffs three times and advanced to the conference semifinals once in 2022, when he also finished second in NBA coach of the year voting.
He was previously an assistant for Budenholzer with the Atlanta Hawks for five seasons and got his start within the San Antonio Spurs organization, including one season as the head coach of its NBA Development League team (2012-13).
If Joe Mazzulla is searching for a remedy, it won’t be more cowbell—it’ll be more threes.
Even after the Boston Celtics came up short in a high-scoring clash with the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, don’t expect their head coach to ease up from deep heading into Game 3.
My Celtics vs. 76ers predictions are backing Derrick White to rediscover his stroke from beyond the arc.
Find out more in my NBA picks for Friday, April 24.
UPDATE: Added prediction for who will win.
Celtics vs 76ers prediction
Who will win Celtics vs 76ers Game 3?
Celtics: There were a lot of quirks to the Boston Celtics’ loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 2, but it basically boils down to Boston going cold from deep and Philadelphia getting hot.
The Celtics aren’t going to switch up their game plan on offense, but they will look to slow down the Sixers' speedy backcourt. The spread has Boston winning, and the C’s are 20-6 SU and 18-8 ATS coming off a loss this season.
Celtics vs 76ers best bet: Derrick White Over 2.5 threes (+102)
The Boston Celtics went just 19-for-50 from 3-point land in Game 2, but it wasn’t like the Philadelphia 76ers were playing lockdown defense on the perimeter.
In fact, 24 of those 3-point attempts qualified as “wide open”, with no defender within six feet of the shooter. However, the Celtics cashed in only six of those opportunities from outside.
Although Derrick White is a collective 4-for-17 from beyond the arc against the Sixers, including a 4-for-14 count on 3-point attempts with a defender at least four feet away, he has no intention of shooting less.
“You got to have that confidence the next one’s going to go in and got to have that belief,” White told reporters ahead of Game 3. “I think if you get a good look or if it’s an open look, you’re hurting the team if you don’t take it. If you’re out there and you get a good look, you got to take it and knock it down.”
Given the way Philadelphia’s guards exploited Boston’s drop coverage on high screens in Game 2 (Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe were a combined 11-for-22 on 3-pointers), Friday’s game could see a surplus of triples from both sides.
That means ample opportunities for White to get right from deep, and his player projections for Game 3 all lean toward 3+ makes from downtown.
Celtics vs 76ers same-game parlay
Over the last three years, Boston boasts a 6-1 SU record following a loss in the playoffs. The Celtics’ shooting is set to get right, while the Sixers will come back to earth as Boston adjusts on defense.
Jaylen Brown registered 13.0 potential assists in Game 2, but the Celtics’ piss-poor shooting converted only four of those passes into assists. Brown finished with six dimes in Game 1, and since Jayson Tatum returned in late March, he’s averaged 5.5 assists on 9.7 potential assists per contest.
Celtics vs 76ers SGP
Celtics moneyline
Derrick White Over 2.5 threes
Jaylen Brown Over 4.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Weapons of "Mass" Destruction
Joe Mazzula will give his guys the green light from beyond the arc. The 76ers dodged several bullets in Game 2, with Boston unable to cash in on wide-open looks from long range.
The Celtics won’t let those go to waste in Game 3, which could turn into a 3-point shootout given the 76ers' preferred approach.
Celtics vs 76ers SGP
Celtics -6.5
Over 215.5
Jayson Tatum Over 2.5 threes
Jaylen Brown Over 1.5 threes
Derrick White Over 2.5 threes
Celtics vs 76ers odds for Game 3
Spread: Celtics -6.5 (-110) | 76ers +6.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Celtics -300 | 76ers +240
Over/Under: Over 215.5 (-110) | Under 215.5 (-110)
Celtics vs 76ers betting trend to know
Boston is 59-13 SU and 51-21 ATS coming off a loss since the 2023-24 season, including 6-1 SU and ATS in the playoffs during that span. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. 76ers.
How to watch Celtics vs 76ers Game 3
Location
Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Friday, April 24, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Celtics vs 76ers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
