Suns vs Thunder Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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It’s the last game of the NBA regular season, but it might look more like an NFL preseason game on Sunday night when the Phoenix Suns visit the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Both teams are locked into their postseason spots and have nothing to play for. That means a lot of little-known bench players and G League call-ups will get most of the time.

Fully functional OKC would be heavy favorites, but bench against bench is a coin flip. That’s why my Suns vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks take the Suns with a very generous moneyline price.

Suns vs Thunder prediction

Suns vs Thunder best bet: Suns moneyline (+195)

The Oklahoma City Thunder ruled 10 players out for Friday’s game, and the same 10 will be sitting tonight. That includes full-time starters Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, and Isaiah Hartenstein, as well as most of the rotation players on the bench.

The group sitting this weekend combined for 310 of OKC’s 400 starts through the first 80 games. The only starter to play Friday was Luguentz Dort, who played 20 minutes. The other seven players to see the floor combined for 23 starts this season.  

The Phoenix Suns were planning to be more generous with playing their starters. Devin Booker and three rotation players sat on Friday, but, with the Suns locked into the Play-In on Tuesday, head coach Jordan Ott didn’t want rust to set in and planned on giving several key players minutes.

Then Grayson Allen went down with a hamstring injury during the game. That changed the plans significantly. Booker and Allen are out, joined by starters Royce O’Neal and Dillon Brooks. Most of the other key players are listed as questionable.

Both skeleton crews got hammered on Friday night — OKC by 20 at Denver, Phoenix by 28 at the Lakers. Sunday’s game will see Dort and a handful of unknowns for OKC against whichever Suns players listed as questionable put in limited time.

I think we can expect at least two or three of Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, Jalen Green, Haywood Highsmith, and Mark Williams to log 20+ minutes. That should be an advantage for Phoenix.

Suns vs Thunder same-game parlay

Jared McCain was the only Thunder player to make half his shots in Friday’s loss. The eight Suns who took 5+ shots on Friday shot a combined 19-for-64, .297. The Hall of Fame won’t be asking for a tape of this game to demonstrate the game being played at its highest level, and neither team will be motivated to play up-tempo.

The Suns will be particularly thin in the backcourt, and Jalen Green has battled injuries all season and could use the day off. Jordan Goodwin is more likely to be the shooting guard who plays. He’s made multiple threes in 10 of the last 11 games he’s played and 3+ in back-to-back games.

Suns vs Thunder SGP

  • Suns moneyline
  • Under 213
  • Jordan Goodwin Over 2.5 threes

Our "from downtown" SGP: B-Team Bandits

Aaron Wiggins has made multiple threes four of the last five times he’s logged at least 15 minutes of playing time. He played 23 minutes on Friday. More importantly, he put up six threes. He should get the opportunity to shoot tonight.

Kenrich Williams had 12 rebounds in 31 minutes on Friday. He’ll likely be battling little-used Suns rookie Khaman Maluach in the paint on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Brandon Carlson dished out five in Friday’s game and will be the biggest scoring threat on the floor for most of the game. That should give him plenty of opportunities to find the open man. This is an easy addition.

Suns vs Thunder SGP

  • Jordan Goodwin Over 2.5 threes
  • Aaron Wiggins Over 1.5 threes
  • Kenrich Williams Over 9.5 rebounds
  • Brandon Carlson Over 2.5 assists

Suns vs Thunder odds

  • Spread: Suns +5.5 | Thunder -5.5
  • Moneyline: Suns +195 | Thunder -250
  • Over/Under: Over 213 | Under 213

Suns vs Thunder betting trend to know

The Thunder have gone Under their team total in 16 of their last 23 home games for +8.05 units and a 31% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Thunder.

How to watch Suns vs Thunder

LocationPaycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
DateSunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off8:30 p.m. ET
TVSuns+, FDSN Oklahoma

Suns vs Thunder latest injuries

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Game Preview: Suns take on Thunder in regular eason finale

Will the Suns bounceback at home?
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 10: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns scores on a dunk during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on March 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Who: Phoenix Suns (44-37) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (64-17)

When: 5:30 pm Arizona Time

Where: Paycom Center — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports

Listen: KMVP 98.7


The Phoenix Suns are looking to win their final game of the season, taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the team locked into the seventh seed, there is not much to play for, but the fans should expect the young guys to get some burn. Heading into this one, the Suns and Thunder look to play for the fifth time this season, with OKC leading the season series 3-1.

The Thunder have the first place locked up and do not need to injure any players, so they are taking the night off as well. This is sadly what comes at the end of a long season, but what could you do? This matchup though, could not be the last we see this year, as the Suns still have the Play-In to go.

If they were to lose their 7 vs. 8 seed matchup on Tuesday, they would be slated to face OKC in the first round of the playoffs. Now that is something no one is wishing for, but very well could be the outcome the Suns draw.

Probable Starters

Injury Report

Suns

  • Collin Gillespie (right shoulder contusion) — QUESTIONABLE
  • Jordan Goodwin (left ankle sprain) — QUESTIONABLE
  • Jalen Green (right knee soreness) — QUESTIONABLE
  • Haywood Highsmith (right knee injury management) — QUESTIONABLE
  • Mark Williams (left foot injury management) — QUESTIONABLE
  • Grayson Allen (left hamstring soreness) — OUT
  • Devin Booker (right ankle injury management) — OUT
  • Dillon Brooks (left 2nd metacarpal injury management) — OUT
  • Royce O’Neale (left knee injury management) — OUT

Thunder

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (oblique injury management) — OUT
  • Chet Holmgren (back spasms) — OUT
  • Jalen Williams (hamstring injury management) — OUT
  • Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus injury management) — OUT
  • Cason Wallace (toe soreness) — OUT
  • Ajay Mitchell (ankle injury management) — OUT
  • Alex Caruso (rest) — OUT
  • Isaiah Joe (knee soreness) — OUT
  • Jaylin Williams (Achilles tendinitis) — OUT
  • Thomas Sorber (torn ACL) — OUT

What to Watch For

The young guys and how they look are the main takeaways from this one. With the Suns set in stone as the seventh seed, there is no need for them to try to force a win for no reason. It would be nice to win against OKC, but that isn’t the goal here. It is to set the tone and get ready for the play-in on Tuesday.

Therefore, let the leash loose on guys like Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming to thrive in a game that matters nothing. See what these guys can do in a game where they are the primary options and get the hype surrounding them for the future. Buy these fans into the players they expect to see for the future.

Key to a Suns Win

The way for the Suns to take this one is to continue shooting great from three-point land. It has been evident all season long that if the Suns’ three-point shot does not show up, it is an uphill battle for them offensively. To make sure they can get off to the right start, they need guys like Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin to deliver from behind the arc. Especially Goodwin, who had a career-high in threes when the Suns beat the Thunder for the only time this season.

With the Thunder having ten players out as well, the depth of this team needs to show that they are worthy of staying in Phoenix beyond this season. A player like Jamaree Bpuyea should take this advantage to shine in a game where the ball is mainly in his hands. The two-way players, such as C.J. Huntley and Koby Brea, should get some run, allowing Brea to let loose from three, which could help the Suns match OKC.

Prediction Time

The Suns win their final game for the fans.

Suns 108, Thunder 100

Lakers sign Nick Smith Jr. to two-year deal

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Nick Smith Jr. #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass past the defense of Koby Brea #14 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on April 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The final roster spot for the Lakers will be used for one of their own and no big last-minute splash signing.

On Sunday morning, Shams Charania of ESPN reported Nick Smith Jr. and the Lakers had agreed to a two-year deal. Smith has spent the season on a two-way contract in LA.

The Lakers opened up a roster spot earlier in the weekend by waiving Kobe Bufkin, who they signed to a standard contract in the opening months of the campaign.

While other names like Chris Paul or Lonzo Ball were the flashier names mentioned as possible signings, it always felt likeliest that the open roster spot and contract would go to one of the team’s two-way signings in Smith Jr. and Drew Timme. Two-way players are not eligible for the playoffs, so if Redick wanted to continue using those players in his rotation, they would have to be signed to a deal.

Details of the deal are not known nor have they been reported, but in similar situations in previous years, the “two-year” aspect of the deal means the remaining one game and postseason of the 2025-26 season and likely a non-guaranteed second year.

On the season, Smith Jr. is averaging six points on 43.3% shooting from the field and 40% shooting from range. Most memorably, he won a game for the Lakers in Portland very early in the season when a host of players were out injured.

Even during the months when Bufkin was on a standard contract, Smith Jr. seemed to be ahead of him in the rotation and had the trust of head coach JJ Redick and the staff. With injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, the path to minutes for Smith Jr. is not all that crowded.

While he won’t be called upon if the remaining players are healthy, an injury or foul trouble in one of the playoff games could lead to him seeing minutes.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

Nets vs. Raptors preview: The Finale

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 10: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden on April 10, 2026 in New York City. 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 Pamela Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images

And here we are, at the end of the road. This season had it’s highs, and then it had its lows …. a lot of them.

A lot of people will probably say that the lows outweighed the good, which is a fair thing to say. What I can say is that this year was a year of growth. We got to see a bunch of young guys figure out a grown man’s league in the NBA. The coach and his staff got better. With something like that, you are going to see a bunch of moments that will make you want to turn your head. But just remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

And of course, the Nets did secure the third seed in the Lottery meaning they will have a 52.1% chance at a top four pick and a 14.0% chance at the overall No. 1.

Before our boys in Brooklyn cross the finish line, they will be taking on the Toronto Raptors in the final regular season game. The Raptors currently stand as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors will need to get used to playing in the city, as it looks like the New York Knicks could be their potential matchup in the first round of the playoffs. What better way to get ready then with a team whose best interest is to lose?

Where to watch

Catch the action at 6:00 p.m. ET on the YES Network and NBA League Pass, as well as streaming on the Gotham Sports App.

Injury Report

A lot of the players will be sitting out for this one as they will get ready for the summer. Perfect time for the G League guys to get one last game in to play their hearts out.

For the Nets, Nolan Traore (illness) is questionable and another nine are just out: Terance Mann (knee), Josh Minott (ankle), Ziaire Williams (bursitis), Egor Demin (plantar fascia), Noah Clowney (ankle), Nic Claxton (finger), Danny Wolf (ankle), Porter (hamstring) and Sharpe (thumb).

For the Raptors, R.J. Barrett (knee), Collin Murray-Boyles (neck), and Trayce Jackson-Davis (illness) are all listed as questionable for the game.

AND THIS JUST IN: Sunday is the last day teams can sign a player and that’s just what the Nets, announcing just before noon that they have signed 10-day player Trevon Scott to a hardship contract, not further described. Scott’s 10-day, would’ve run out Sunday.

Scott appeared in 47 games this season for Long Island, averaging 12 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in 27.9 minutes.

Undrafted out of Cincinnati in 2020, Scott has spent the vast majority of his career bouncing around the G League. He spent time with the affiliates of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, and Orlando Magic before joining the Nets. He also played internationally with the Calgary Surge, Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rico, and Fos Provence Basket in France.

At 29-years-old, Scott is the second oldest player on Brooklyn’s squad. He is just 38 days younger than the team’s oldest player, Terrance Mann.

The Game

When you think of the term underrated, it is a perfect way to describe who the Raptors are in the Eastern Conference. Of course, the heavy hitters that will be looked at closely in the East will be the Celtics, Pistons, and Knicks (who they have lost to 13 straight times), but the Raptors have a ton of talent on their own that can make them very interesting to see.

Brandon Ingram is a natural 20 point scorer, and this season he has done it very efficiently as he has shot almost 48% from the field this year. Scottie Barnes is a special two-way player than guard positions 1-5. Then you have a guard like Immanuel Quickly who is uber quick (get it) who can knock it down from deep as well.

With this level of talent, the Raptors will look to give a little more effort than usual for this Sunday evening matchup. If Toronto wants to lock in the sixth seed and, more importantly, have a chance to get into the fifth seed slot, they will have to beat Brooklyn and hope for Atlanta and Orlando to lose.

For the Nets sake, another loss is unlikely to matter. They have secured the top three seed in the May 10 Lottery. IF they lose again and the Indiana Pacers beat the Detroit Pistons, they would tie for second. However, the chances of that became limited Saturday night when the Pistons, who’ve already clinched the top seed in the East released their injury status. They’re not prioritizing rest. Most of their top players will be available.

Player to Watch

Scottie Barnes has to be one of the most underrated players in the NBA. The 6’8” 24-year-old can play multiple positions, even point guard. On the season, he’s averaging 18.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists. His only weakness is 3-point shooting, where he’s hitting only 30.4%. But bottom line, he is the leader of the Raptors, as Toronto Sun noted this week in one of its post-season lookaheads. Barnes noted that he hasn’t played in the post-season since 2021 and he is ready to go.

“I’m so excited. It’s been a long time coming,” Barnes told the Sun after Thursday’s win over Miami. “I’m ready to get back out there, but just have to focus on these next two games and then really take that moment, it will be a reality.”

“We’re all pretty excited. We want it,” Barnes told the Sun. “That was our goal. It’s coming through. Coming to the end of the season we’re just trying to accomplish that. Play in it, get that experience, try to win and just try to advance.”

So expect Barnes and the rest to give it all in the finale

Personal Note

I had fun with this team this season. The Flatbush Five definitely showed some promise, MPJ proved that he is definitely worthy to be a number one option, Ziaire Williams played some of the best basketball in his career, and the Long Island guys went OFF. And as all of that took place, you as the Brooklyn Nets fan base stayed strong despite the trials and tribulations. Things will get better, guys.

Our guys here at Netdaily, Bob, Brian, Lucas, Collin, Connor, Anthony, and Scott, did an amazing job as always this year. I’m really glad I am apart of this amazing team.

The Vault

A perfect New York song to end the season.

More reading: RaptorsHQSB Nation NBANew York PostNew York Daily NewsClutch PointsNets WireSteve’s Newsletter

Giannis tried to have it both ways, and the Bucks paid for it

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 03: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after an apparent injury against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on December 03, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s latest attempt at saying he doesn’t want to play for the Milwaukee Bucks anymore — without actually saying it, so he doesn’t look bad — could be what finally, mercifully gets his long, ugly, ongoing divorce from the franchise over the finish line.

His fear of becoming the “bad guy” by requesting the trade he’s so clearly been longing for has only prolonged this inevitable split and convinced the Bucks to bleed assets in the process. Now, as their ship sinks, they’re realizing that they offloaded all of their lifeboats to cut weight because Antetokounmpo wanted to sail faster. 

While Giannis is not solely to blame for this, it’s impossible to argue that his impatience and constant holding his team’s feet to the fire didn’t contribute. Let’s take a trip back to 2021.

Months after Milwaukee captured its first title in 50 years, Antetokounmpo publicly cast doubt on his future with the Bucks, for no discernible reason at all, during an interview with GQ Magazine’s Zach Baron.

“One challenge was to bring a championship here and we did,” he told Baron. “It was very hard, but we did. Very, very hard. I just love challenges. What’s the next challenge? The next challenge might not be here.”

Huh? Less than half a year after winning a title, you’re already thinking about leaving??

“Me and my family chose to stay in this city that we all love and has taken care of us—for now  [with a five-year supermax extension through the 2025 season],” he added. “In two years, that might change. I’m being totally honest with you. I’m always honest.”

Giannis critics — and at this point, even Bucks fans — might argue that sometimes he’s a little too honest. After a second-round exit in 2022 and a devastating first-round upset at the hands of the Miami Heat in 2023 raised tensions further, Giannis memorably went on a long rant about how sports don’t ever feature failure, but it was his next public comments that were more notable: The star issued another public warning to the Bucks, once again hinting at an eventual departure during a September 2023 appearance on the 48 Minutes Podcast.

“So as I said, if the Milwaukee Bucks are on the same page for the rest of my career, great. If not, I have to win. I have to win. And I think the city and people will understand it… I have to do whatever it takes for me to win. And if there’s a better situation for me to win the Larry O’Brien, I have to take that better situation.”

The message echoed what he’d told The New York Timesa month prior.

“But at the end of the day, being a winner, it’s over that goal,” he said. “Winning a championship comes first. I don’t want to be 20 years on the same team and don’t win another championship.”

Just talking about wanting to win championships would be one thing, but his constant flirting with a trade request elsewhere to do so pushed Milwaukee into desperation mode.

General Manager Jon Horst and the rest of the front office, with their collective palms profusely sweating, made the following moves in response to appease their perpetually noncomittal star, despite injuries being the driving force behind the team’s previous playoff shortcomings:

  • May 4, 2023: FiredHead Coach Mike Budenholzer 
  • June 5, 2023: HiredAdrian Griffin as head coach (Who Giannis endorsed over Nick Nurse and Kenny Atkinson)
  • September 27, 2023: Traded Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, and three first-round picks for Damian Lillard
  • December, 2023: Brought Doc Rivers in as coaching advisor for Griffin
  • January 23, 2024: Fired Griffin after 44 games (31-13)
  • January 27, 2024: Hired Rivers as head coach and went 17-19 for the rest of the season
  • February 6, 2025: Traded Khris Middleton, A.J. Johnson, and a 2028 first-round pick to the Wizards for Kyle Kuzma
  • July 6, 2025: Waived and stretched Damian Lillard to clear cap space used to sign Myles Turner
  • February 8, 2026: Signed Cam Thomas
  • March 23, 2026: Waived Cam Thomas

It’s not a player’s job to understand how roster construction works, even if they’re openly imploring the team to make moves. Milwaukee’s front office still did all of the above on purpose, and none of it worked. That means they deserve blame too, but now, after years of giving up assets to try and undo the mistakes they made while trying to fix previous mistakes, there isn’t anything left for them to do. They have no control over their own draft picks until 2030 (with no first-rounder at all in 2029) and will have to settle for the less-favorable in three consecutive pick swaps while also working with $20 million in dead cap for the next five seasons thanks to their rush to waive Lillard.

The only way to replenish those assets is by trading a star, like Giannis, for a plethora of picks and young players. It was always going to be the reality for Milwaukee. Now, in a multi-year attempt to avoid ruining his reputation with Bucks fans, Antetokounmpo has stranded them on a sinking ship… and ironically ended up with many fans sick of him anyway, the very thing his tortured will-he-or-wont-he PR strategy seemed intended to avoid.

His unwillingness to choose between loyalty and the pursuit of winning has motivated the Bucks to do anything and everything to prolong their championship window — a window that’s been closed for years due to Antetokounmpo’s unavailability come playoff time in 2023 and 2024, and now permanently shut due to their desperation to reopen it just a sliver, with the team responding like they forgot their keys at the office and decided to burn down their house in response.

Even this year, he tried to save face when he reiterated to the Bucks for a few months before the Feb. 5 trade deadline that he was prepared to be moved. According to NBA insider and personal enemy of Doc Rivers, Shams Charania, while Giannis declined to publicize a trade request, he made it clear to all parties involved behind the scenes that he felt both sides needed to move on immediately, as the franchise was not in position to compete.

“Giannis has wanted to handle this professionally by being very up front with the team,” one source with direct knowledge of the situation told Charania. “This could have been a happy resolution but instead might end up being a nasty breakup.”

It would’ve been a happy resolution for Giannis, who would’ve left to greener pastures, but not for the Bucks, whose lack of any future assets is a result of the long list of attempts to appease their disgruntled Finals MVP — who was playing games before even signing his first contract extension.

Both that, and the one inked in 2023 reportedly came with a handshake agreement that the Bucks would accommodate any desired trade destinations whenever Giannis would hypothetically decide to leave, according to an April 7 report from Charania. It was an early indication that Milwaukee was going to have earn his loyalty.

Man, did they try.

The Bucks were so deprived of picks and young players to use in trades because of their willingness to include half of them to bring in Holiday in 2020, who they later attached the remaining picks to trade for Lillard, who they then waived, stretched, and set their hypothetical home ablaze to enable their final offering to Antetokounmpo — Turner, who falls firmly in the “what does he even do?” category.

Milwaukee’s decision to cut Lillard and sign Turner out of sheer panic should tell you exactly how hamstrung they are in terms of assets. They have Antetokounmpo’s non-comital demeanor to thank for a lot of that.

That would all be bad enough, but even now, as the Bucks try and salvage something from this disaster of this injury-riddled, trade-drama-marred season, Giannis is standing in the way.

Antetokounmpo has wanted nothing more than to suit up and help them win games now that Milwaukee is eliminated from playoff contention and trying to shrink the window in which their lesser-pick-swap with the New Orleans Pelicans falls this spring. In doing so, he was willing to not only risk lessening the Bucks’ lottery odds, but also risk another injury, which could discourage trade suitors from offering the best possible return when the market for his services opens (presumably this summer).

“For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face,” Antetokounmpo told reporters ahead of the April 3 matchup against the Boston Celtics. “I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game. I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available.

“So, I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.”

But it’s hard not to find all of this incredibly disingenuous, and poorly considered at that. Giannis clearly doesn’t care about where the relationship is going. He already knows. It’s over. It’s been over for a while. Giannis only cares if he looks good as he’s being flown away from the submerged S.S Fiserv. And in his years-long, hackneyed attempt to avoid looking like the bad guy, he made that perception unavoidable.

Keaton Wagler declares for NBA draft: Where Illinois star lands in latest mock

NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Illinois's Keaton Wagler is expected to go in the first round after declaring on Saturday night. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Guard's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Keaton Wagler 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 7 overall, Dallas Mavericks

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Mavericks have the worst offensive rating in the Western Conference and could benefit from a player like Illinois standout Keaton Wagler. The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role to earn a spot in the Final Four, where he recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds against UConn. The freshman also dropped 25 points in the Elite Eight. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 39.7 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman while connecting on as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year has athletic limitations but is a cerebral basketball player who is also averaging 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 9.0 here

Keaton Wagler player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

  • Position: Guard
  • Current Team: Illinois
  • 17.9 points per game
  • 4.8 rebounds per game
  • 4.4 assists per game
  • 44.6 field goal percentage
  • 40.2 three-point field goal percentage

Dallas Mavericks 2026 projected draft picks

  • No. 6, No. 30 (via OKC) and No. 50 (via PHX)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Keaton Wagler NBA mock draft projection: Where Illinois star is expected to land after March Madness

Game Preview: Knicks vs Hornets, April 12, 2026

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 26: Mohamed Diawara #51 of the New York Knicks plays against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 26, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We have arrived. When the Knicks (53*-28) host the Hornets (43-38) tonight at Madison Square Garden, their regular season will draw to a close.

What a season it has been. A success by most measures, for sure, yet disappointing at times. So like life. The obviousness of the Pistons and Celtics stealing the top two seeds from our heroes is only apparent in hindsight, but who among us has never misjudged another to regrettable ends?

Perhaps like our heroes, you have also experienced many highs and lows since opening night on October 22. We endured a rough winter here in upstate New York as I added on another year. Although I am older than Taj Gibson, I’m proud to say I could still give an NBA team six fouls a night. How many of you could make such a bold claim?

The morning sun is shining on tulips sprouting from my flower bed. Where they come from every year, I haven’t a freaking clue. I didn’t plant them. The damned things are everywhere, even in the yard, and a bit of a nuisance, actually. But (pretend that the world is not on fire and) rejoice! A season of renewal is upon us. And tonight’s game pairs two teams that look rejuvenated and ready for some postseason shenanigans.

In the current campaign, the Knicks took an NBA Cup from the San Antonio Spurs, which served as a sort of trial run for playoff glory. They also gave us plenty of reasons to chew on towels during this campaign, like when they started the calendar year on the wrong foot, going 2-8 over the first three weeks.

Since January 21, however, New York has won 28 of 38 games. They are currently enjoying a five-game win streak that included victories over three potential postseason opponents: the Celtics, Hawks, and Raptors. Josh Hart has discovered the Fountain of Three, shooting 53% from deep over his last 10 games (and 43% over the last 20). Just in time, the team is fully healthy (although we’re pensively monitoring OG Anunoby’s ankle). And after two years of playing together, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have finally unlocked their pick-and-roll potential. Everything is falling into place at precisely the right moment as the Knicks prepare for a marathon run deep into the playoffs.

Rooting for the Charlotte Hornets (also Bobcats) must have its ups and downs, too. For one thing, the Spectrum Center offers great seats at much more affordable prices than MSG. On the other hand, fans had to watch the Bees paste together a 16-28 record to start the season. This team seemed to have its sights set on a lottery pick.  A video recorded during that stretch (I could search for it, but sloth) showed LaMelo Ball in street clothes, dapping up his teammates as if he were being traded. If memory serves, that came before Mr. Road Menace smashed into a car at a Charlotte intersection. In addition, a Hornets fan has had to endure the career of Miles (look it up) Bridges, and five seasons of Terry Rozier before he went to Miami. Tough stuff, Carolina.

But now, sophomore head coach Charles Lee turned it around. Since January 21, Charlotte has won 27 of 37 games. The team now ranks eighth for net rating thanks to a top five offense and an improved defense. How? For one thing, rookie Kon Knueppel has exploded, averaging 18.6 points per game on 43% three point shooting and breaking Kemba Walker’s single-season franchise record for made threes with 270 and counting. His defense is sold, too. This kid should be a lock to beat former Duke roommate Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year.

The team has benefited from improved play by Brandon Miller, too. In his third year, the small forward has averaged 20 points. For the third straight season, his long-range shooting has improved, and this year he has averaged 38%, adding to their dangerous arsenal. The club also made a smart move at the trade deadline, adding Coby White to lead the bench. In their frontcourt, Moussa Diabaté has blossomed into a fine center. And believe it or not, Ball has learned to stop heaving from half court with 14 seconds on the clock (…mostly).

New York leads the season series 2-1, winning the first two games by 28 and 15 points. However, Charlotte beat the Knicks 114-103 in an almost wire-to-wire win on March 26 in North Carolina. They got a big night from Kon Knueppel, who posted 26 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. For our heroes, Brunson dropped a 26-point, 13-dime double-double.

The Stingers need to win to secure the ninth seed and home-court advantage for their upcoming Play-In tournament game against the Miami Heat. A win (or a Heat loss) ensures the 9/10 matchup is in Charlotte, while a loss and a Miami win drops them to tenth. As for the Knicks, they have five players (three starters: KAT, Hart, and Anunoby) on the injury list and have secured the third seed. ESPN.com predicts them to win at 51%, and ending Mike Brown’s first season with a six-game win streak would be right nice. I just can’t see them exerting too much effort today, though. Besides, Mike’s already eclipsed Tom Thibodeau’s best of 51 wins as a Knicks coach, and it’s a sunny day outside. Relax, take it easy, fellas, and savor a job well done before embarking on the march to the Finals.

Game Details

Who: New York Knicks (53*-28) vs Charlotte Hornets (43-38)

Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026

Time: 6 PM ET

Place: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

TV: MSG

Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky

* Should be one more, but NBA Cups are made of tin foil.

Pelicans vs Timberwolves Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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Season finales with nothing at stake may be boring across most of the league, but the Minnesota Timberwolves have made sure to make tonight’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans a headline event in the Twin Cities. Kevin Garnett is returning for the first time since 2018.

With few angles to bet in what is effectively an exhibition game, my Pelicans vs. Timberwolves predictions and these NBA picks put a touch of stock in Garnett’s influence on Minnesota’s reserves on Sunday, April 12.

Pelicans vs Timberwolves prediction

Pelicans vs Timberwolves best bet: Timberwolves -6 (-110)

If you know a Minnesota Timberwolves player’s name, he's either sitting tonight or is named Donte DiVincenzo, and the latter is playing tonight simply to have played in all 82 games this season. He is not likely to see a full workload.

However, are Minnesota’s reserves better than the New Orleans Pelicans in general? Quite possibly. Terrence Shannon Jr. figures to score 30 points in this role. Joan Beringer may grab 15 rebounds if he can stay out of foul trouble. This is quite possibly Joe Ingles’ final NBA game.

There are ways of envisioning the Timberwolves putting up some numbers tonight.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans are not opposed to losing. They have a slight hope of tying the Grizzlies and Mavericks for the sixth-worst record in the league. In fact, Dallas is favored by 6.5 points tonight against the Bulls, the one inter-conference game on the slate.

Kevin Garnett at courtside should only further Shannon’s and Beringer’s motivation, though perhaps not holding as much mystique for Ingles, who overlapped with the Hall of Famer by two seasons in the NBA, the two seasons in which Garnett returned to Minnesota.

That motivation and the Pelicans’ lack of it should keep this a multi-bucket game.

Pelicans vs Timberwolves same-game parlay

Betting on the Timberwolves early and betting on an Over are both bets on Terrence Shannon Jr. The second-year wing has been stymied by injury this season, slowed to start the year, and then sidelined for two months in the middle of it.

With Minnesota coasting into the postseason, however, Shannon has taken center stage in the last two games, shooting 19-for-27 from the field and 10-for-14 from deep while scoring 33 and then 23 points.

He does not take long to get going, and once rolling, Shannon does not stop. It is not a coincidence that each of Minnesota's last two games went Over the total.

Pelicans vs Timberwolves SGP

  • Timberwolves -6
  • Timberwolves first half -3
  • Over 236

Pelicans vs Timberwolves odds

  • Spread: Pelicans +6 | Timberwolves -6
  • Moneyline: Pelicans +220 | Timberwolves -270
  • Over/Under: Over 236 | Under 236

Pelicans vs Timberwolves betting trend to know

The Pelicans are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Timberwolves.

How to watch Pelicans vs Timberwolves

LocationTarget Center, Minneapolis, MN
DateSunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off8:30 p.m. ET
TVPelicans+, FDSN-North

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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview & Game Thread: End of suffering and an era?

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 27: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball as AJ Green #20 of the Milwaukee Bucks plays defense during the game on January 27, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Milwaukee Bucks have their final game of the 2025-26 regular season, traveling to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers. Philly has won all three games and will look to complete a season sweep.

Where We’re At

What a season; I don’t think anybody expected this. To be honest, a lot went wrong. The Bucks didn’t have much control of injuries to key rotation players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, and Kevin Porter Jr., or regression from role players like Gary Trent Jr. A portion of the problems was self-inflicted, stemming from roster construction, effort in games, and coaching malpractice. The Bucks will not be playing in the postseason for the first time in 10 years, and what happens next will be the biggest question for Bucks ownership.

Philadelphia has had an interesting season. Some might view their current 8th place as underachieving, but with Joel Embiid injured and Paul George suspended for 25 games, maybe they handled it better than most teams, like the Bucks, would have. The Sixers do have something to play for: a win and other results could have them move up to sixth place and avoid the play-in game(s), but a loss could have them in the 9-10 game against the Miami Heat.

Injury Report

The Bucks will not have Giannis Antetokounpo (knee), Kevin Porter Jr. (knee), Bobby Portis (wrist), Kyle Kuzma (achilles), Myles Turner (ankle), Gary Trent Jr. (oblique), and Ryan Rollins (thumb). Gary Harris (groin) and Pete Nance (knee) are listed as questionable.

The Sixers will not have Joel Embiid (appendicitis) and Johni Broome (knee), but will have Tyrese Maxey (finger) available.

Player To Watch

Ousmane Dieng has been a nice addition for the Bucks, and with Rollins out, the Bucks will lean on him for the playmaking and offensive burden. The Sixers will make him work hard for it.

How To Watch

5:00 p.m. CDT on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.



Jazz vs Lakers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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The Utah Jazz take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on the final night of the NBA regular season.

The Lakers will be without at least two of their Big 3, and my Jazz vs. Lakers predictions and NBA picks expect Luke Kennard to step up in a big way.

Jazz vs Lakers prediction

Jazz vs Lakers best bet: Luke Kennard Over 25.5 points + rebounds + assists (-112)

With Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic both sidelined, Luke Kennard has joined the first unit, logging 31 minutes per game across four straight starts. In that span, he’s averaged 27.6 PRA and recorded his first career triple-double.

Over his last four, Kennard has posted PRA totals of 23, 24, 21, and 42, respectively, clearing the Over only once but coming close in each contest. LeBron James is questionable tonight, and with James at less than 100%, Kennard could operate as the team’s leading facilitator and a go-to scoring option.

Over the last 10 games, the Utah Jazz have allowed the most points per game to opponents at a whopping 134, and their 123 defensive rating ranks 26th. The Jazz have surrendered the third-most rebounds (49), second-most assists (33.1), and third-most made 3-pointers (15.5). 

Utah also ranks first in pace by a mile at 109.3. Kennard gets the perfect storm of an excellent matchup, quick tempo, and potential high usage in front of the home crowd. My money’s on a big game.

Jazz vs Lakers same-game parlay

The Lakers can clinch the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a win and a Nuggets loss, so L.A. should be all-in on a victory tonight. The Jazz are doing all they can to lose games, and they've been getting blown out with regularity. Even if LeBron is sidelined, the Lakers have enough firepower to win this game comfortably.

The Jazz play at such a high pace that I'm taking the Over despite lengthy injury reports from both teams. The Jazz have allowed the second-most field goal attempts from opponents at a healthy 96.1, and the Lakers can take advantage of a weak Utah defense. The Jazz have enough scorers to get some buckets and take this Over the total.

Jazz vs Lakers SGP

  • Luke Kennard Over 25.5 points + rebounds + assists
  • Lakers -14.5
  • Over 236.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Double-double trouble!

Kennard recorded his first career triple-double against the Mavericks last Sunday, and he came within one and two assists of reaching a double-double in each of his next two games. He can reach 10 points and 10 dimes tonight, and for bettors interested in turning up the heat even more, his line to record a triple-double is set at +3500.

Deandre Ayton’s production has been hit-or-miss lately, but he should have no problem reaching this statistical milestone against one of the worst defenses in the NBA. The Jazz have surrendered the third-most rebounds and second-most points in the paint across the last 10 games, and Ayton went for 20 and 14 in his only game against Utah with a full allotment of minutes this season.

Jazz vs Lakers SGP

  • Lakers -14.5
  • Luke Kennard to record a double-double
  • Deandre Ayton to record a double-double

Jazz vs Lakers odds

  • Spread: Jazz +14.5 | Lakers -14.5
  • Moneyline: Jazz +750 | Lakers -1200
  • Over/Under: Over 236.5 | Under 236.5

Jazz vs Lakers betting trend to know

The Jazz have gone Over their team total in 14 of their last 17 games for +10.6 units and a 54% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Jazz vs. Lakers.

How to watch Jazz vs Lakers

LocationCrypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
DateSunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off8:30 p.m. ET
TVJazz+, Spectrum SportsNet

Jazz vs Lakers latest injuries

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Where to watch Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Sunday, April 12

The Orlando Magic are hoping to improve their postseason seeding with a victory over the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are locked into the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 playoff seed and could rest several of their key players in their final game of the regular season.

  • Orlando Magic: 45-36 (No. 2 in Southeast Division)

  • Boston Celtics: 55-26 (No. 1 in Atlantic Division)

  • Spread: Boston Celtics +12.5

  • Moneyline: Boston Celtics +500 (16.0%) / Orlando Magic -700 (84.0%)

  • Over/Under: 219.5

Where to watch Charlotte Hornets vs. New York Knicks: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Sunday, April 12

The Charlotte Hornets are still trying to determine their postseason seeding heading into their regular-season finale against the New York Knicks. The Knicks, who will be the Eastern Conference’s No. 3 seed in the first-round of the playoffs, could rest several players.

  • Charlotte Hornets: 43-38 (No. 3 in Southeast Division)

  • New York Knicks: 53-28 (No. 2 in Atlantic Division)

  • Spread: New York Knicks +13.5

  • Moneyline: New York Knicks +575 (14.1%) / Charlotte Hornets -900 (85.9%)

  • Over/Under: 218.5

Where to watch Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Sunday, April 12

The Los Angeles Lakers can secure the Western Conference’s No. 3 playoff seed with a victory over the Utah Jazz and a loss by the Denver Nuggets to the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers enter the final game of the season guaranteed of home-court advantage in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

  • Date: Sunday, April 12

  • Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

  • Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California

  • TV Channels: KJZZ, Jazz, SN-LA

  • Live Stream:NBA League Pass | Follow on Yahoo Sports

  • Utah Jazz: 22-59 (No. 5 in Northwest Division)

  • Los Angeles Lakers: 52-29 (No. 1 in Pacific Division)

  • Spread: Los Angeles Lakers -14.5

  • Moneyline: Los Angeles Lakers -1200 (88.7%) / Utah Jazz +750 (11.3%)

  • Over/Under: 236.5

Warriors vs Clippers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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On paper, the Los Angeles Clippers have something to play for tonight. In reality, they are more likely to mail in this game against the Golden State Warriors and get ready for the next one against Steph Curry this week.

My Warriors vs. Clippers predictions and these NBA picks spot that quiet logic to folding tonight, Sunday, April 12.

Warriors vs Clippers prediction

Warriors vs Clippers best bet: Kawhi Leonard Under 28.5 points (-115)

Fun fact: As this bet was being logged before sunrise on the West Coast, Kawhi Leonard’s points prop jumped to 28.5 from 26.5. That only emboldens this belief.

The Los Angeles Clippers made their bed. Now they have to lie in it. Losing to Portland twice in the last two weeks knocked the Clippers into the No. 9 seed, now needing the Trail Blazers to lose to the Kings today if L.A. is to have any hope of escaping the single-elimination half of the Play-In Tournament.

Not only does Portland have an obvious incentive to win, but Sacramento also wants to lose to give its tanking efforts one last boost, currently tied with Utah for the fourth-worst record in the NBA.

So, welcome the Clippers to the stressor of a single-elimination game against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. No, not today. This is just a prelude to that stressor this week.

And knowing that is coming down the pipe lessens any incentive for Los Angeles to show anything notable today. As Portland pulls away against Sacramento — a 17-point favorite — do not be surprised if L.A. benches its main contributors.

Kawhi Leonard has already fallen short of this prop in six of his last seven games. Fewer minutes or intentionally less aggression tonight should assure that becomes seven of eight to close the season.

Warriors vs Clippers same-game parlay

While the Warriors have nothing to play for tonight, they do need to keep playing Steph Curry back into a rhythm. He missed two full months of the season.

Every minute Curry can get on the court right now helps Golden State’s slim chances of winning two games in the Play-In Tournament, to then at least worry the Thunder.

Curry playing nearly 30 minutes tonight against an ambivalent Clippers team should be enough to notch this win against the spread.

Warriors vs Clippers SGP

  • Kawhi Leonard Under 28.5 points
  • Kawhi Leonard Under 7.5 rebounds
  • Warriors +6.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Steph, please!

Curry has shot 11-for-27 (40.7%) from deep in his three games back from injury. If he finds a rhythm tonight, Golden State should encourage him to keep shooting to establish some team-wide confidence before the Play-In Tournament.

And we all know, Steph Curry chucking from deep is always a recipe for an outright upset.

Warriors vs Clippers SGP

  • Kawhi Leonard Under 28.5 points
  • Kawhi Leonard Under 7.5 rebounds
  • Warriors moneyline

Warriors vs Clippers odds

  • Spread: Warriors +6.5 | Clippers -6.5
  • Moneyline: Warriors +220 | Clippers -270
  • Over/Under: Over 224.5 | Under 224.5

Warriors vs Clippers betting trend to know

The Clippers have gone 2-6 ATS in their last eight games. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Clippers.

How to watch Warriors vs Clippers

LocationIntuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
DateSunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off8:30 p.m. ET
TVNBCS-Bay Area, FDSN-SoCal

Warriors vs Clippers latest injuries

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The rare and wacky calls of the 2025-26 season

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 10: Jalen Brunson #11 and Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on April 10, 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

81 down, one to go.

81 games into this roller coaster ride of a regular season, we’ve reached a point of reflection.

In a season that’s seen few true moments to breathe, the Knicks are entering Game 82 with absolutely nothing to play for (unless you want to go for the team’s first 54-win season since 1996, that is). The Hornets looked like a potential playoff matchup for a while, but they’re currently locked into the 9-10 game despite being one of the best teams in basketball in the last few months. It’s a cruel world!

While four different teams can still slide into the 6-seed and face the Knicks (Antonio broke down the scenarios for Sunday), the Knicks have no control over it. They’ll play their final game tomorrow and get ready for war.

But before then, I want to rehash an exercise I had fun with last year: looking at the rarest of the rare calls in the NBA and how many times the Knicks have been called for it.

The Least Rare Calls

A bunch of normal violations fall under here. The Knicks have committed:

150 offensive fouls, 63 shot-clock violations, 22 kicked-ball violations, 40 travels, 20 delay-of-games, and 33 charges.

Where do those rank in the NBA?

3rd, 8th, T-24th, T-19th, T-10th, and 3rd.

Compared to last year, the Knicks are committing more offensive fouls and charges, but less kicked-balls, delay-of-games, and shot-clock violations. Here’s who leads the Knicks in each of these categories:

Offensive Fouls: Karl-Anthony Towns (65, lol)
Kicked-Ball Violations: Karl-Anthony Towns (9)
Travels: Clarkson/Bridges/Anunoby (7)
Charges: Karl-Anthony Towns (15)

The teamwide kings of these calls are as follows:

Hornets (163 offensive fouls and 76 SCVs), Wizards (45 kicked balls), Hawks (62 travels), Timberwolves (32 DoGs), and Pelicans (50 charges)

The most frugal?

Heat (78 offensive fouls), Grizzlies (32 SCVs), Wizards (7 DoGs), Celtics (13 kicked balls), Pelicans (22 travels), Cavs (9 charges)

Ok, onto the more fun ones.

Defensive Goaltending (9)

Rank: 27th | Most: Wizards (38) | Least: Nuggets/Jazz (7)

The Knicks do not goaltend very often. The average team has committed around 20 of these violations, but we only see it happen once every nine games for the Knicks.

Mitchell Robinson’s done it three times, KAT and Mo Diawara have done it twice, and both OG Anunoby and Ariel Hukporti have done it once. Leaguewide, Kel’el Ware has somehow done it 21 times, followed by Alex Sarr at 14.

Defensive 3-Seconds (9)

Rank: T-14th | Most: Nets/Blazers (26) | Least: Grizzlies (2)

I miss Ryan Arcidiacono.

Defensive 3-seconds is a center’s call. Of the 11 players who’ve been called for it at least five times, only one isn’t a big man (Egor Demin has somehow been called for it eight times as a guard).

On the Knicks, Mikal Bridges leads the way with three, but the only other regular to be called for it is KAT. The other five violations are by Diawara, Hukporti, and Guershon Yabusele.

Backcourt Violation (9)

Rank: T-16th | Most: Timberwolves (16) | Least: 3 teams (4)

Last year, the Knicks committed a league-low two, but they struggled to keep it in the frontcourt this year.

Anthony Edwards led the NBA with six of these, while the Knicks’ leaders were Towns and Brunson, who both had two.

Mitchell Robinson somehow found his way to one in early November.

Offensive 3-Seconds (6)

Rank: T-5th | Most: Kings (9) | Least: Wizards (0)

Defensive 3-seconds’ less-common brother.

Of all the teams not to commit this violation, you wouldn’t think it’s the worst team in basketball, but it is! DeAndre Ayton has been called for this seven times this season on his own, but the man who’s second in this category turns out to be Towns, who’s been called for it all six times.

It’s a very innocent call that I think goes uncalled a lot. Towns just parks the bus in the paint here in March 20’s extremely odd win over the Nets.

Offensive Goaltending (4)

Rank: T-14th | Most: Blazers (11) | Least: 4 teams (2)

The ol’ cylinder call.

I think offensive goaltending is an extremely interesting concept. It’s legal in Europe and in international play, but illegal in the NBA.

My issue with it is that if a player tips a ball in while it’s on the cylinder and it isn’t called, there is no way to check it. Now, if it was called incorrectly, it could be challenged, but that only plays one side of the coin. It’s basically the same as an uncalled goaltending.

Jalen Duren, Nick Richards, and Robert Williams III have all been called for it five times. Both of the Sixers’ backup centers have been called for it four times. On the Knicks, only two have been called on Mitch, which tells you just how good he is at his craft that almost none of his tip-ins are illegal. Both of them were in March, too. He was perfect for months!

Here’s one that Diawara committed back in November.

Double Dribble (2)

Rank: T-17th | Most: Hornets (7) | Least: Nuggets (0)

What’s the archetype of player who usually commits the most double-dribbles? I’d think it’s also centers, and in looking at the data, I’m mostly right. Yves Missi has had three of them this season by himself.

For the Knicks, only Brunson and Bridges have done it. Does it surprise you that one of the violations came during the three-week stretch from hell?

Lane Violation (2)

Rank: T-15th | Most: Rockets (10) | Least: Jazz (0)

A ticky-tack call most of the time. I feel like a lot of lane violations also go uncalled, but the Rockets have managed to do it 10 times.

Brunson and Bridges have both been called for it. The refs clearly weren’t in the Christmas spirit when the Knicks played the Cavs, because that’s when Brunson was called for it.

8-Second Violation (1)

Rank: T-15th | Most: Rockets (5) | Least: Several (0)

These ones are always interesting. I feel like you see them more in college basketball, since pros can break a press better.

The only time it’s been called on the Knicks all season was January 2 against the Hawks. Of course, it was in that three-week slump.

5-Second Violation (1)

Rank: T-16th | Most: Raptors (6) | Least: 4 teams (0)

The Knicks are getting better at inbound plays, especially in situations where they’re getting intentionally fouled. That was an issue in prior years, but they seem to be more dialed in on that front. Their potential first-round opponents just so happen to lead the league in this category…

Jump Ball Violation (1)

Most: Nuggets (3) | Least: Several (0)

You usually see this with guards who get matched up on centers and are just trying to find any type of advantage. Unless you’re Nikola Jokic, who’s committed a jump ball violation three times.

Predictably, the lone Knick to do it is Jose Alvarado, who was called for it early in the second quarter of the team’s February 24 win over Cleveland.

Discontinued Dribble (1)

Most: Timberwolves (5) | Least: Several (0)

I need a primer on a discontinued dribble. Hang on.

If you’re curious, here’s the definition.

The only time this happened was on March 31, when Josh Hart did it against the Rockets. Frankly, it looks like a double-dribble.

Palming (0)

Most: Raptors (5) | Least: Several (0)

Another one that, frankly, should be called more. The Knicks were only called for it three times last season, but are at zero through 81 games.

Say, does that say the Raptors also lead the league in this category? Hmm.

Inbound Violation (0)

Most: Clippers (3) | Least: Several (0)

The last time a Knick committed an inbound violation?

March 16, 2022 against Portland (lol) by Jericho Sims. I can’t find a video of that, but the Knicks somehow committed one just nine days earlier in Sacramento, when Deuce McBride literally handed the ball to Immanuel Quickley on an inbound with 0.2 seconds left in 16-point game.

If you’re wondering, the Josh Hart inbound mistake before Bridges’ game-winner against the Blazers last year technically counted as a travel.