This announcement was not a surprise, Acuff is expected to be a top-10 pick in this June's draft. In most mock drafts, he is projected as either the No. 5 or No. 6 pick, near the top of a group of point guards expected to be taken between fifth and eighth.
Acuff led the SEC, averaging 23.5 points per game, shooting 44% from 3-point range, while dishing out 6.4 assists per game. He is a high-motor player with a good shot and a high basketball IQ — qualities that will have coaches enamored with him. Acuff has shown he can play on or off the ball, but maybe his greatest asset is his ability to be a great floor general who can also get a team a bucket.
That said, scouts and front offices have some concerns. Acuff is listed at 6'3", but many scouts expect him to measure shorter at the NBA Draft Combine (he measured 6'1" barefoot at the 2023 Nike Elite 100). He also is likely the worst defender to be taken in the lottery in this draft. The recent history in the NBA of smaller guards who don't defend well is not good.
Acuff's dynamic offensive game may cover over those concerns, he's a player with All-Star potential. Which is why he is wisely entering the draft — he's ready, and it's the smart financial move.
The clock is ticking for potential 2026 NBA draft prospects. The early entry deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft is Friday, April 24 and the draft lottery to determine the exact order of picks is less than a month away.
Most of the top players have already made their decisions known, although several have elected to enter college basketball's transfer portal and test the NBA draft waters to keep their options open within the NIL landscape. But artificial intelligence, like the various mock draft experts around the country, can already predict how the first round of this loaded draft class stacks up.
USA TODAY Sports once again queried the Microsoft Copilot chatbot for its version of a 2026 NBA mock draft based on information and analysis currently available on the internet, and it continued to have BYU's AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson of Kansas and Duke's Cameron Boozer as the top-three picks. But the order was slightly different than the most recent USA TODAY Sports NBA mock draft, and selections varied even more further down the draft order.
How the order settles is likely to depend on the pre-draft process if the current variety in mock drafts are to be believed. Here's Microsoft Copilot's latest 2026 NBA mock draft, as curated by USA TODAY Sports:
USA TODAY Sports asked Microsoft Copilot AI to generate a mock draft for the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft featuring only players who could be eligible this year, with an additional prompt to include players that had either already declared for the NBA draft or not announced a return to college.
Microsoft Copilot assigned the draft order based on regular-season NBA records and recent draft lottery tiebreakers, with the worst record getting the No. 1 pick and the best record getting the No. 30 pick. It used current mock drafts from reputable websites, as well as team needs, prospect analysis and potential pick swaps/protections, to determine the first-round selections for each team in this exercise.
AI models still have issues with accuracy as seen in the mock draft below. Of particular note, Microsoft Copilot had several picks inaccurately assigned to teams based on previous trades and pick swaps.
Here's a 2026 NBA first-round mock draft, according to Microsoft Copilot AI, as of April 22.
7. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans): Kingston Flemings, Houston
Note: The Hawks receive the better pick between the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks through a trade during the 2025 NBA draft. The Bucks get the lesser of the two selections.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 19: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Who: Phoenix Suns @ Oklahoma City Thunder
When: 6:30pm Arizona Time
Where: Paycom Center — Oklahoma City, OK
Watch: ESPN
Listen: KMVP 98.7
Series Status: Thunder up 1-0
OKLAHOMA CITY — Game One for the Phoenix Suns in their first round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder was rough, to say the least. At the very, very beginning of the game, Phoenix showed a bit of hope, getting up 12-9, just for the Thunder to go on a 110-72 run the rest of the game. You read that right.
The Thunder completely shut down the Suns, forcing them to shoot a horrid 35% from the field and take 10 fewer shots than Oklahoma City, thanks to the Thunder’s offensive rebounding efforts. Dillon Brooks, Devin Booker, and Jalen Green took 66% of the team’s field goals and were inefficient in their efforts. Collin Gillespie was the only other Sun who took at least six shots. The likely MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, didn’t even have a great game for the Thunder. While he got to the line 17 times and hit 15 of his foul shots, he shot 28% from the field on 18 shots. Don’t count on the Finals MVP doing the same again in Game 2.
It’s going to take more than just the Suns shooting better from the field to even up the series tonight. The team is going to have to move the ball better. In Game 1, Phoenix had just 16 assists. Every game the team had 16 or fewer dimes this season, they lost.
Devin Booker and the team’s top scorers are not only going to need to have a herculean offensive performance to stop the defending champs from taking a 2-0 series lead, but the team also needs to play with connectivity. Bright Side is in Oklahoma to give you live coverage that you can find on X at @HoldenSherman1 and @BrightSideSun with exclusive media for tonight’s game.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
Grayson Allen — QUESTIONABLE (Left Hamstring Strain)
Jordan Goodwin — QUESTIONABLE (Left Calf Soreness)
Mark Williams — QUESTIONABLE (Left Foot Stress Reaction)
Thunder
Thomas Sorber — OUT (Torn Right ACL)
What to Watch For
Can the Suns play better on offense?
Phoenix had just three games this year in which they scored fewer than 85 points, and they lost all of them. Unsurprisingly, they got walloped when they did that in Game 1. The team plays best when they’re moving the ball and knocking down their threes. They did neither on Sunday.
Limiting turnoversand creating moreof them
Oklahoma City forced Phoenix into 17 turnovers in Game 1 and allowed just six. At one point, they went 19:14 of gameplay without committing a single one. OKC scored 34 points off turnovers while the Suns scored just two. Phoenix had just three steals in Game 1 after averaging nearly 10 a game in the regular season. Will the Suns be able to cause more raucous than they did on Sunday and manage the tenacious Oklahoma City defense?
Does Mark Williams make an impact if he returns?
Williams was out for game one after re-injuring the left foot that kept him out nearly a month at the end of the regular season. While he didn’t play a huge part in the team’s win over OKC in January, he had a 13-point, 14-rebound game against them back in November’s close loss and is the team’s best rebounder. How could his impact help the Suns on the glass?
Key to a Suns Win
Devin Booker
Plain and simple. It starts with him. For the Suns to have a chance to win games in the series, the five-time All-Star has to have performances reminiscent of his 2023 playoffs, where he averaged 34 points on 59% shooting from the field and 51% shooting from three in 11 games. If that doesn’t happen, the team has no shot to compete with the defending champs. The team with the best player usually wins playoff games, and Booker needs to severely outplay the Thunder’s best players because of the depth advantage OKC has.
If Booker has a strong game, he’ll need the rest of the team to help him space the floor and make his life easier to operate on offense, while forcing the Thunder into more turnovers.
Prediction
Look for the Suns to come out with a better performance than they did in Game 1. They were playing on short rest and now have had a legitimate break between games after being in two play-in games. That said, Oklahoma City’s defensive discipline and depth have given the Suns problems all year because of Phoenix’s lack of elite ball handlers and a paint presence. Give me the Thunder in a moderately close game that they start taking over in the second half.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 21: The sneakers worn by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Two of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Our NBA player prop projections are all set for tonight's Game 2 matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder, with the model flagging several high-value opportunities.
By breaking down the data and stacking it up against current market lines, we’ve identified where the strongest edges lie.
If you’re building out your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Wednesday, April 22.
Suns vs Thunder computer picks for Game 2
Suns
Thunder
Brooks u17.5 points -112
Gilgeous-Alexander o28.5 points -120
Booker o4.5 assists +120
Dort o1.5 threes -120
Green o2.5 threes +122
Hartenstein o8.5 rebounds +105
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Suns Game 2 computer picks
Dillon Brooks Under 17.5 points (-112)
Projection: 15.4 points
In terms of scoring efficiency, the Phoenix Suns have averaged just 102.6 points per game over their last five outings, the lowest mark in the league during that span.
On the other side, opposing starting power forwards have shot 46.3% from the field against the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, ranking among the toughest defensive matchups in the league. That combination sets up a challenging offensive environment for Dillon Brooks to produce at a high level.
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Devin Booker Over 4.5 assists (+120)
Projection: 5.4 assists
Devin Booker has been consistently clearing his playmaking mark, going over 4.5 assists in eight of his last ten games, and that trend has strong staying power heading into tonight’s matchup against the Thunder.
Another factor is offensive balance. Even in games where Booker is scoring efficiently, Phoenix’s offense tends to run through him in key possessions late in quarters and after timeouts. Those structured sets consistently give him at least a handful of assist opportunities just by being the hub of decision-making.
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Jalen Green Over 2.5 threes (+122)
Projection: 2.7 3-pointers
Jalen Green has been trending in and out from deep lately, clearing the 2.5 made threes line in four of his last ten games, and there’s still a workable path for him to hit that mark again tonight against OKC.
Green’s three-point volume is largely tied to how much defensive pressure he draws off the dribble. When he’s aggressive attacking the rim, defenses are forced to collapse, and that naturally opens up catch-and-shoot opportunities on the perimeter.
Even when his shot isn’t fully consistent night-to-night, his role as a primary perimeter scorer keeps the attempts flowing.
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Thunder Game 2 computer picks
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 28.5 points (-120)
Projection: 31.9 points
The Thunder have been one of the league’s most explosive offenses this season, ranking fifth in scoring, and much of that success runs through Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to anchor their attack night after night. That formula isn’t expected to change as OKC looks to take a 2-0 series lead tonight.
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Lu Dort Over 1.5 3-pointers (-120)
Projection: 1.6 3-pointers
The Thunder have been one of the league’s most aggressive perimeter offenses at home over their last 10 games, ranking fifth in three-point attempt rate, a setup that keeps Lu Dort in a strong position to capitalize from beyond the arc after hitting this 1.5 threes line in seven of his last ten games.
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Isaiah Hartenstein Over 8.5 rebounds (+105)
Projection: 9.3 rebounds
Isaiah Hartenstein has been steady on the glass lately, clearing his 8.5 rebounds line in six of his last ten games, and that profile fits well heading into tonight’s matchup against the Suns.
A big part of Hartenstein’s rebound value comes from role and positioning. He consistently plays close to the rim, which naturally keeps him in range for defensive boards and put-backs.
Even when he isn’t the focal point offensively, his minutes are tied to controlling the paint—boxing out, anchoring possessions, and finishing defensive stops.
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How to watch Suns vs Thunder Game 2
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
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It’s been two years since Bill Walton’s passing, but the basketball world is still finding new ways to honor him.
On Wednesday, the San Diego State men’s basketball team and Sports San Diego announced the creation of the “Bill Walton Classic,” a hoops showcase that’ll pay homage to the two-time NBA champion.
The event, which will be held in November at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, will be a college basketball doubleheader. The first matchup will feature UC San Diego and University of San Diego women’s teams. The second will be the SDSU men’s team vs. a to-be-determined opponent.
“Bill Walton was such a San Diego icon,” Aztecs coach Brian Dutcher said, “and with Chris Walton having played for the Aztecs, this event is really a family affair for us. We could not be prouder to be invited to honor Bill by competing in the inaugural National University Bill Walton Classic.”
On Wednesday, the San Diego State men’s basketball team and Sports San Diego announced the creation of the “Bill Walton Classic,” a hoops showcase that’ll pay homage to the two-time NBA champion. Getty ImagesBill Walton was born in La Mesa, Calif. NBAE via Getty Images
Walton was born in La Mesa and later played for Helix High School, where he won multiple San Diego Section championships.
He went on to attend UCLA, before he was taken by the Trailblazers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft.
Walton was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984.
“The Bill Walton Classic is meant to lift up our three Division I basketball programs, unite San Diego’s basketball community under one roof for an extraordinary evening, and pay tribute to a true San Diego legend and Hall of Famer — Bill Walton,” Sports San Diego CEO Mark Neville said Wednesday. “Nights like this remind us of what’s possible when this city comes together around the game.”
The event will take place on Nov. 6 — the day after Walton’s birthday.
After both Game 1 and Game 2 reached clutch time, the only playoff series to induce such a stressor in both opening games, everyone should expect the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves to throw haymakers in every remaining game of this series.
Haymakers require superstars to show up in every way. This Nuggets vs. Timberwolves same-game parlay trusts Anthony Edwards to continue to fill the stat sheet in Game 3 on Thursday, April 23.
For more NBA picks, check out my complete Nuggets vs. Timberwolves predictions.
Our best Nuggets vs Timberwolves SGP for Game 3
Whether Anthony Edwards finds his shot or not, he can be trusted to continue to crash the glass. Edwards is just 5 of 20 from beyond the arc in this series, a direct reflection of the pained knee that cost him much of the last month of the regular season.
Whether it is rust or pain, Edwards’s shot is not in rhythm.
He's still playing plenty aggressively, though, grabbing 19 rebounds in the first two games of this series. Edwards has always stuffed the stat sheet in the postseason.
Counting the two games of these playoffs, he's now found at least six rebounds in 24 of his last 33 playoff games.
Ant's shot is not the only one in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ lineup impacted by a pained knee. Jaden McDaniels has gone 1-for-15 from beyond the arc in his last four games.
Yet he may get some added defensive focus in Game 3, given his pointed comments on every bad defender on the Denver Nuggets’ roster, also known as every player on the Nuggets’ roster in McDaniels’s opinion.
Less Edwards from beyond the arc and less McDaniels from beyond the arc should lead to only more Donte DiVincenzo from beyond the arc, particularly after going 4-for-7 from deep in Game 2 as he scored 16 points.
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 best rivalry in the NBA is well on its way to putting together a spectacular finale to a postseason trilogy. The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves have now met three times in the last four postseasons, and Minnesota’s Game 2 upset made it clear this series should be every bit as intriguing and chaotic as the previous two.
My Nuggets vs. Timberwolves predictions and these NBA picks anticipate a tense Game 3 on Thursday, April 23, but that tension underscores one player’s postseason habits.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves prediction
Nuggets vs Timberwolves best bet: Anthony Edwards Over 5.5 rebounds (-120)
Game 2 shifted when Anthony Edwards stopped relying on his jumpers and began driving into the paint. His knee is clearly in pain, but the greater issue may simply be that the Minnesota Timberwolves’ superstar is a bit rusty after missing all but three games in the season’s final month.
He went 5-of-20 from deep in the first two games of this series, and no one is foolish enough to give much credit for that to the Denver Nuggets’ defense. Edwards is simply not shooting well right now.
But he is playing thoroughly, as he always does in the postseason. He grabbed nine rebounds in Game 1 and then 10 in Game 2, fitting a long-time playoffs pattern.
As the Timberwolves reached the Western Conference Finals in each of the last two springs, Edwards crashed the glass more and more aggressively. Two years ago, he averaged 5.4 rebounds per game in the regular season; in the playoffs, that climbed to 7.0 while grabbing at least six boards in 10 of 16 games.
Last year, Edwards averaged 5.7 rebounds per game in the regular season; in the playoffs, that climbed to 7.8 while grabbing at least six rebounds in 12 of 15 games.
No one should be surprised Edwards is finding the glass in the postseason. Hammer this prop until it reaches 7.0, if not 7.5.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
Donte DiVincenzo received Anthony Edwards’s favorite compliment after Game 2. The Covers.comeditorial desk will probably publish that Edwards said DiVincenzo has “gorilla nuts.” Hitting 4-of-7 threes while scoring 16 points certainly earned that praise.
More pertinently, DiVincenzo has excelled with added rest this season. He has played four games on three days' rest, shooting 46.4% from deep in those chances. That may be a small sample size, but 13-of-28 from beyond the arc is rather notable.
The good news for Minnesota is that those shots should take 3-pointers away from Jaden McDaniels, whose deep shooting has fallen off a cliff late this season. He shot 29.5% from beyond the arc in March and then went 1-of-8 in two regular-season games in April. Worse yet, he went 0-of-7 from deep in the first two games of this series.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves SGP
Anthony Edwards Over 5.5 rebounds
Donte DiVincenzo Over 11.5 points
Jaden McDaniels Under 1.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: A rested Jokic
Nikola Jokic found a lot of the front of the rim in Game 2’s second half. Playing 40 minutes in two games in three nights can have that exhausting effect.
But now Jokic has three days to recover, will be playing with more oxygen in the air, and is undoubtedly aggravated that Rudy Gobert got the better of him in Monday’s fourth quarter.
Game 3 should be a Jokic showcase, even if the game’s overall defense drastically improves thanks to the added day between games.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves SGP
Anthony Edwards Over 5.5 rebounds
Nikola Jokic Over 29.5 points
Under 234
Nuggets vs Timberwolves odds for Game 3
Spread: Nuggets -2 | Timberwolves +2
Moneyline: Nuggets -135 | Timberwolves +115
Over/Under: Over 234 | Under 234
Nuggets vs Timberwolves betting trend to know
The Minnesota Timberwolves have hit the Game Total Under in 24 of their last 35 games at home (+11.90 Units / 31% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Nuggets vs Timberwolves Game 3
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Nuggets vs Timberwolves latest injuries
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 21: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on April 21, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
When Marcus Smart joined the Lakers, the hope was that he could remain healthy and become a defensive anchor for this team. After seasons with the Grizzlies and Wizards, he could come to Los Angeles and play better basketball at higher stakes.
Well, he’s done all that and more for the Lakers. He’s been a certified starter, played 62 games for the team and is now a big reason why LA is up 2-0 against Houston in the opening round.
Smart hasn’t just been along for the ride, he’s been driving the Lakers’ car on the path towards another Larry O’Brien trophy.
In Game 2, his defensive aggression disrupted Kevin Durant, forcing him to turn the ball over nine times. Smart was also a certified bucket, scoring 25 points, including five 3-pointers.
After the win, Smart reflected on his NBA journey and relished the fact that he is once again playing games that matter on basketball’s biggest stage.
“I’m very grateful to be doing this,” Smart said. “I thank God every day because I could have been out the league, right? Injuries and things like that. So to be able to be back on this stage making the plays that I’m making with these guys, with this team, this organization, I’m just grateful.”
Smart’s injury history and dip in play in recent years were certainly a reason why he didn’t have as many suitors as a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year typically would have. However, the Lakers believed in his talent and he’s now playing at an elite level.
This might surprise people around the NBA, but it’s not shocking to LeBron James. He’s played against Smart a ton back when he was a Celtic, and James played for the Cavaliers. That amount of court time together, even on opposing sides, let James know how good and impactful Smart can be.
“I mean, he’s battle-tested,” LeBron said. “The guy’s been to the Finals. He’s been in multiple playoff games, big games, in his career. Obviously, he’s not afraid of the moment and he’s always been assigned with some of the best players that’s ever played the game. To have someone like that, it brings a lot of composure to our team as well.”
Smart’s not just a winning player and a vocal leader, he’s been one of the best players during this postseason. He’s averaging three steals per game, which is the third most in the postseason, and along with his scoring in Game 2, his passing was also off the charts.
Smart tied for a team-high seven assists, and his last one led to a dunk from LeBron that put an exclamation point on the victory.
LeBron pretended to tell Marcus Smart to slow it down… and then turned on the JETS for the DAGGER dunk. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZismkiTiFb
Adding Smart to this team has been an incredible move by the Lakers’ front office. It’s why the Lakers have survived without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves and are in a prime position to advance to the second round for the first time since 2023.
Smart’s redemption arc has been a joy for Lakers fans to watch, and if he keeps this up, it’s raising the ceiling of just how far this team can go.
Apr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) high-fives forward Paul George (8) after a game against the Boston Celtics in game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia 76ers’ surprising Game 2 win over the Boston Celtics was a shot in the arm to fans across the Delaware Valley. Before Tuesday night, everyone was collectively shoveling dirt on the grave of the Sixers’ 2025-26 season, but 48 minutes and one wink from VJ Edgecombe has us believing again that Philadelphia isn’t just a hockey town.
In addition to more ambiguous things like “tried harder” and “fought more,” the biggest reason the Sixers won Game 2 was good old-fashioned shooting variance. Philadelphia shot 19-of-39 (48.7 percent) from three, while Boston shot 13-of-50 (26.0 percent). Those figures were a huge reversal from Game 1, when the Sixers connected on just 4-of-23 (17.4 percent) and the Celtics sank 16-of-44 (36.4 percent). For reference, the Celtics were eighth in the league during the regular season at 36.7 percent and the Sixers were 23rd at 35.3 percent.
So that’s it then? Make or miss league, right? However, the Sixers leaned into a tactical strategy in Game 2. Look at the shot chart for Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe combined, courtesy of NBA.com Stats.
Look at all of those above-the-break three-point attempts! The starting backcourt took nearly as many shots from that area as the entire team attempted total threes in Game 1. And sure, some of that was Tyrese Maxey showing off some And-1 handles and breaking ankles, but a lot of it was about as simple a basketball play as you can make: take a big man and have him screen for the small man.
Tyrese Maxey making me eat my words, sinks two HUGE triples here in Q4 after struggling for a bit. pic.twitter.com/tHWI97UTQl
Boston’s defense plays drop coverage against high screens, more or less allowing guards to step into looks from the top of the key, rather than give up what are generally considered more efficient shots in the paint or from the short corner. The thing is, though, the Sixers’ offense typically doesn’t generate those more efficient looks. They basically run isos or wait for the shot clock to run down and throw up prayer balls, and I’m generalizing a bit due to a season’s worth of frustration, but anyone would tell you Nick Nurse hasn’t been running a tactical masterclass on that side of the court.
So honestly, run this offense the entire game.
Have Andre Drummond or Adem Bona set a screen up top for Maxey and Edgecombe and tell them to let it fly. Spam the play to death. Be like every 10-year-old video gamer trying to get his Create-A-Player as much action as possible. If they’re not each attempting double-digit threes in each game from here on out, something is wrong. It’s the cleanest path to getting open looks within the offense and, as the underdog, the Sixers should be looking to find ways to increase variance on a nightly basis. There’s no better way to increase variance than by jacking up a bunch of three-pointers. Maybe you actually force the Celtics out of their defensive comfort zone, or maybe you ride the wings of small sample size shooting variance to the promised land (the promised land being the second round of the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs).
Kevin Durant thought he saw the best version of the Lakers’ defense a month ago.
After the Lakers beat the Rockets on March 18 in Houston for the second time in three days, Durant said, “This is the best version of their defense that they’re gonna bring out against us … if we do play them again, we got film to watch and learn from.”
The accurate part of what Durant said at the time was that the Rockets had two games of film to learn from.
The Rockets’ Kevin Durant looks for room against the Lakers’ Deandre Ayton (left) on Tuesday night. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The inaccurate part: That the March 16 and March 18 regular-season matchups were the best versions of the Lakers’ defense.
Because the Lakers have been even better defensively in the first two games of their best-of-seven first- round playoff series, leading LA to a 2-0 lead ahead of Games 3 and 4 in Houston on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
Through two games, the Rockets are shooting 39% from the field, 29% on 3-pointers and have a 104.9 offensive rating (points per 100 possessions), worse than the Nets’ league-worst offensive rating (108.2) during the regular season.
“It gives anybody confidence,” the Lakers’ Marcus Smart said after Tuesday’s win. “When you’re able to tackle up against one of the greatest scorers in this game, and for him to say that, to have that type of view about you and opinion about you, speaks volumes. That just speaks not just me but this team and the things that we put in every day to help each other out and to make sure that we’re locked in, and we go out there and make it as tough as possible.”
Durant, fifth among the NBA’s all-time leading scorers, was efficient as a shooter in his return after missing Game 1 because of a right knee contusion.
He scored 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting in Game 2.
But Durant also tied a playoff career high with nine turnovers.
And he only had three points on 1-of-5 shooting in the second half Tuesday night, with the Lakers going all out on limiting Durant’s scoring opportunities.
“We’re just getting this thing started,” coach JJ Redick said. “He’s the type of player that can take over a series and just have to continue to have a great team defense and great activity.”
The Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes (11) and his teammates delivered defensively against the Rockets on Tuesday night. Anadolu via Getty Images
And that continued to be the case in Game 2, with Sengun shooting a combined 2 of 12 from the field when guarded by Ayton, Hayes and Hachimura and a combined 6 of 8 against all other matchups.
But with Durant back in the fold, there were questions about how viable the Lakers would be.
The Lakers mixed in switching, blitzing double teams and more traditional coverages against Durant, forcing the ball out of his hands and daring the Rockets’ non-stars to produce offensively.
The Lakers continue to win this bet.
The non-Durant Rockets shot 37.7% from the floor and 24% from 3 in Game 2.
Which is right in line with the 37.6% shooting the Rockets finished with in Game 1 (including 33.3% on 3s).
The Lakers didn’t enter the season, let alone the playoffs, with the expectations of being a defensive-oriented team.
But that’s exactly what they’ve been so far.
“We trust one another,” Smart said. “The word is ‘elevate’ for us, and that’s all we’ve been trying to do, elevate our play on both ends.”
And the Lakers have elevated themselves to a place few outside the locker room thought they would be: up 2-0 in the series, with an opportunity to take a commanding 3-0 lead, which would all but guarantee a second-round appearance.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — If Florida wins the national championship next season, Draymond Green should get a ring.
The Golden State Warriors forward was instrumental in convincing Gators star Thomas Haugh to postpose his NBA future and stay in school another year.
Haugh re-signed with Florida after teammate and close friend Alex Condon did the same, and following a conversation with Green. Center Rueben Chinyelu, meanwhile, is going through the NBA draft process with an eye on rejoining Haugh and Condon in Gainesville for another title run.
“They’re all boys, and they all want to be together,” coach Todd Golden said.
Golden will be around, too.
“I’m definitely planning on coaching the Gators,” said Golden, who reportedly would be a target for the Warriors if coach Steve Kerr does not return.
The return of Haugh and Condon makes it unlikely that Golden would jump to the NBA. But keeping that door open could help his contract negotiations with Florida, which already said it plans on rewarding Golden with another raise and an extension.
Florida might consider sending at least a thank you card Green’s way.
Former Florida guard and current Warriors rookie Will Richard organized a conversation between Haugh and Green in which the first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection “was asking about the NBA and all these different things,” Golden said.
“I think Draymond gave him great perspective on what life in the NBA is like and what life in college is like and how enjoyable it is,” Golden added. “And it allowed him to be like, ‘All right, the NBA, not sounding arrogant, but it will be there for him.’ It’s going to be there.
“And he only has one more opportunity to be at Florida. So they had a great conversation, and I think that got him kind of thinking.”
Golden waited for Haugh to finish vacationing in Hawaii with his girlfriend before setting up a meeting in Los Angeles. Golden flew out with assistant coaches Carlin Hartman and Jonathan Safir, watched Haugh go through an offseason workout and then sat down for lunch when Haugh delivered the news.
“All of us were in great spirits for the rest of the day — and still are as a matter of fact,” Golden said.
The 6-foot-9, 215-pound Haugh led the Gators in scoring last season, averaging 17.1 points, to go along with 6.1 rebounds a game as a junior. He also totaled 73 assists, 58 3-pointers, 36 steals and 33 blocked shots while helping Florida win the SEC title and secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
The 2025 national champions lost to Iowa in the second round of the tournament, a sour ending following a standout season. Golden said that outcome — Haugh was sobbing after the game — was pivotal in getting Haugh to run it back.
“If we would have made a deep run, we probably wouldn’t have as good of a chance of getting it back,” Golden said. “I think that’s reality; that’s human nature. And I think that kind of pours into his competitiveness and the legacy that he wants to leave here at Florida.”
Florida now has re-signed 10 of its 13 scholarship players from last season, with Chinyelu potentially making it 11. Point guard Xaivian Lee graduated, and center Micah Handlogten entered the transfer portal while he awaits word on gaining an extra year of eligibility.
Golden also has a commitment from former Kentucky guard Denzel Aberdeen, who spent three years at Florida before transferring and remains close friends with Haugh, Condon and Chinyelu. Aberdeen plans to re-enroll at Florida to finish his degree and is petitioning the NCAA for a fifth year of eligibility.
“It’s just a commonsense situation, in my opinion,” Golden said. “This isn’t a 27-year-old trying to play his eighth year in college at his sixth different school. This is a 22-year-old within his fifth-year clock coming back to get his degree. I think it would be a really weird stance to try to fight him from playing.”
With Aberdeen and Chinyelu, Florida would be the team to beat in the SEC and maybe in the country. The Gators might already be that with Haugh and Condon in the fold.
“Any time you can build and maintain your roster internally, it’s the way to do it,” Golden said. “It’s not easy to do every year.”
Our NBA player prop projections are loaded as the Detroit Pistons try to even the series against the Orlando Magic who stunned them in the opener, with the model highlighting several high-value spots across the board.
By breaking down the data and comparing it to current market lines, we’ve pinpointed where the strongest edges appear.
If you’re building out your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Wednesday, April 22.
Magic vs Pistons computer picks for Game 2
Magic
Pistons
Banchero o21.5 points +100
Cunningham u28.5 points -120
Bane o3.5 assists +102
Duren o10.5 rebounds -130
Carter Jr. o7.5 rebounds -110
Harris u1.5 threes -140
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Magic Game 2 computer picks
Paolo Banchero Over 21.5 points (+100)
Projection: 21.53 points
There’s nothing quite like stealing a Game 1 on the road, and Paolo Banchero played a key role in helping the Orlando Magic shock the Detroit Pistons with a 23-point performance.
Replicating that effort won’t come easy, as Detroit will respond with urgency to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole, but Banchero still has a strong path to do just enough offensively to clear his points prop and hit the Over.
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Desmond Bane Over 3.5 assists (+102)
Projection: 3.7 assists
Desmond Bane has cleared the 3.5 assist line in six of his last 10 games, and there’s a solid case for him to keep that trend going against the Pistons.
Bane’s playmaking has quietly become a reliable part of his game, especially when defenses key in on his scoring. As a respected perimeter threat, he naturally draws extra attention on the wing, which opens up passing lanes when he puts the ball on the floor.
Against a Detroit defense that can be vulnerable to ball movement and secondary creators, Bane should find opportunities to facilitate out of those situations.
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Wendell Carter Jr. Over 7.5 rebounds (-110)
Projection: 7.6 rebounds
The Magic have been active on the offensive glass, ranking sixth in the league with 13.0 offensive rebounds per game over their last five outings, and Wendell Carter Jr. stands to benefit as a key presence in keeping Orlando productive on the boards.
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Pistons Game 2 computer picks
Cade Cunningham Under 28.5 points (-120)
Projection: 26.3 points
The pressure is mounting for the Detroit Pistons, and much of it falls on Cade Cunningham, who erupted for 39 points in Game 1.
However, with his recent return from a collapsed lung, Detroit may look to ease his workload and lean on other contributors to preserve his health in a tricky situation where they can't allow Game 2 to slip away.
That approach could leave Cunningham just shy of clearing his points prop tonight. span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet cunningham Now at bet365!/span
Jalen Duren Over 10.5 rebounds (-130)
Projection: 11.6 rebounds
The Pistons have been dominant on the offensive glass this season, ranking third in the league with 13.0 offensive rebounds per game, and that trend could set the stage for Jalen Duren to elevate his impact in a pivotal Game 2, where his presence on the boards will be more important than ever.
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Tobias Harris Under 1.5 threes (-140)
Projection: 1.45 threes
The Pistons have been the least aggressive 3-point shooting offense at home over their last 20 games, and that trend doesn’t bode well for Tobias Harris, who has gone Under in six of his last 10 games on a 1.5 made threes line — putting him on track for a similar outcome tonight.
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How to watch Magic vs Pistons Game 2
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
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Los Angeles, CA - February 22: Guard Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics talks with head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics in the second half of a NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 22, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Moments after the Celtics’ painful 111-97 loss to the 76ers, the Portuguese center stood in the Celtics locker room surrounded by reporters, fielding question after question about what went wrong in Game 2.
Queta was asked about what allowed Tyrese Maxey to get going after a quieter Game 1; the Philadelphia star exploded for 29 points and 9 assists on Tuesday night.
And, he paused for a moment to consider the question.
“I’m not sure,” Queta said. “Gotta watch film tomorrow.”
It was his first of four times bringing up film in his postgame media availability. Safe to say, he was eager to review the footage.
Jaylen Brown, who was relatively upbeat at the podium, was also eager to review what went wrong in a game that saw Philadelphia hit 19 three-pointers (on nearly 49% shooting) and explode for 37 second-quarter points (a number that Queta deemed a “death sentence.”)
“Obviously, it wasn’t the best showing for us,” Brown said. “But, we’ll watch the film and see where adjustments need to be made.”
Film, after all, has been the crux of the Celtics’ season. Jaylen Brown has deemed the group’s consistent in-depth film study ‘Celtics University.’
“This year, our margin for error has been slim,” Brown said earlier this season. “If we don’t come to play, if a team wins the margins, you see, we’ll lose games that you know we’re supposed to win. So, those film sessions that we’ve had, I call them Celtics University. It’s like a classroom.”
“Everybody’s got their notepads, asking questions, we’re breaking down the film and the details of everything. Because the details are most important. The difference between good and great players is the emphasis on the details. There’s no detail too small. So, the film room has helped me elevate my game, and it’s helped elevate our team as well.”
So what does a film session look like after a disappointing loss in the NBA playoffs?
Players filed into the Auerbach Center on Tuesday morning, just hours removed from a loss that saw them score just 43 second-half points.
Film, like it has been all year, was important. Nikola Vucevic explained that, immediately after the final buzzer, it can be difficult, as a player, to process what went wrong.
“Right after a game, it’s hard to have a clear picture of what exactly happened,” Vucevic said. “I think that’s why film is good, because you have time to kind of cool down after the game, let the emotions settle, and then you go back and watch and get a clearer picture of what happened, because in the moment of a game, it happened so fast. You’re in full-on competition mode, and you’re trying to win. And sometimes your emotions get involved, and you can’t have a full, clear picture.”
That’s why Wednesday’s film session was illuminating. Vucevic said that the coaching staff and the players communicated well and discussed things openly. He also acknowledged that players can have a tendency to think a particular coverage or scheme is to blame for defensive shortcomings, whereas in reality, a lot of the time it’s more about their own execution of the coverages.
“Today, in the film session, they showed a lot of stuff that we could have done differently, that could have helped us in certain situations,” he said. “But I think it’s just natural — when a player you’re guarding gets going, you’re always trying to figure out, why is it? And I think it’s natural for players to think, ‘Oh, maybe schemes.’ But then, when you go back and watch the film, you realize there’s so much more that goes into it, and there are definitely things last night that we could have done better, that we could have controlled, that would have helped.”
After reviewing film, players were able to clearly identify where individually they could be sharper ahead of Friday’s Game 3.
“When you talk to the coaches, they do a good job explaining ‘hey, this is why we did this,’” Vucevic said.
“A lot of times, it’s little details like, ‘Oh, maybe if, for example, if I was there to help in the right, if I wasn’t late on that help, maybe the other guy wouldn’t have to help on my guy, [and they] wouldn’t [have] gotten the corner three,’ for example — things like that.”
Joe Mazzulla said he identified three main areas where the team could control their own destiny.
He pointed to how they closed the first quarter; after leading 26-13, the 76ers went on a 10-0 run that included multiple let up offensive rebounds, live ball turnovers, and missed free throws.
Asked Joe Mazzulla about the things he felt the Celtics could control in Game 2 and he named three:
“You look at the end of the first quarter run, you look at the middle of the second quarter run, and you look at the 6-8 tendency things that we gave up on certain players.” pic.twitter.com/WPyANGk5AQ
He also pointed to the 76ers’ 37-point infamous second quarter, a quarter that Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Neemias Queta all spoke to after the loss.
“Losing a quarter of 37-26 is tough to overcome in a playoff game against a team like that,” Mazzulla said. “And I think that stems from some missed shots, but also things that we can be better and things that we can control on the margins — live ball turnovers, offensive rebounds, and things of that nature.”
Finally, there were personnell tendencies the Celtics didn’t pay close enough attention to — 6 to 8 times where the Celtics defended without accounting for a 76ers’ player’s offensive tendency.
The Celtics will look to turn the page when they travel to Philadelphia on Thursday.
But in a way, Wednesday’s film session was therapeutic, too — because it helped understand just how much is in their control.
“When you lose a game in the playoffs, you feel like it’s the end of the world,” Derrick White said. “And so you see that there are these little pockets of the game here – this is why we are losing, or why they want to run. And so, just kind of see what plays that we should have made or could have made that might have changed the whole game. And I mean, you can get that from a win, but I feel like it’s just probably — they say it’s easier to learn from a loss. And so, it’s just all those little plays, all those little things that go into winning and losing.”
After dropping a heartbreaking Game 2 to the Atlanta Hawks, the Knicks hit the road for a pivotal Game 3 in Atlanta on Thursday night.
Before leaving town, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges met with reporters on Wednesday, looking back on exactly what went wrong in Game 2.
The Knicks, of course, led by double digits entering the fourth quarter, but were outscored 28-15 in the final 12 minutes, falling 107-106 as a buzzer-beater attempt by Bridges came up short.
While a 2-0 lead would feel a lot more comfortable for the Knicks than having the series tied heading into Atlanta, Bridges explained that there’s still plenty to take away from the disappointment of the last game.
“You always want to get better in a win, but sometimes you need a loss to dive in on the things that you’re not doing well,” Bridges said. “That’s a good team, too, so it’s not like it’s going to be easy. Just gotta learn from it and bring that fire to the next game.”
So what exactly did go wrong for the Knicks in that second half? According to Hart, the team didn’t play with the same physical edge as they brought in the first six quarters of the first-round series.
“I feel like we didn’t have that physicality that we did Game 1 and in the first half. I think that was the biggest thing,” said Hart, who finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds. “When you lose that physicality, then you allow them to kind of move at their own pace and dictate their offense, instead of you dictating it. We just have to make sure we’re physical and pay attention to detail and focused for a full 48 [minutes].”
“That’s a game we should have won,” Hart added. “Watching the film, obviously it reenforces that. You see just a small area that you had a little bit of slippage on, and that affects the outcome of the game. Obviously, we’ve got to make sure we’re locked in and focused for a full 48. It’s the playoffs. Basketball is a game of runs. You can go up 12, 14, and this team, they’re going to battle and they can go on a run and cut it to four. Now you just have to make sure you’re focused and locked in to punch back.”
The series now heads to Atlanta for the next two games, with the Hawks stealing homecourt advantage in the best-of-seven by splitting the two games at The Garden.
And while the Knicks won’t be playing in front of their home fans, Hart explained that sometimes going on the road can help bring a team together even more, especially in the playoffs.
“I think we have a really good group of guy, who especially during this time, we don’t care about anything else but winning,” Hart said. “We don’t care about point, touches, minutes, anything like that. We’re focused on winning the game, and when you have a collective group of guys who are willing to sacrifice for the betterment of the team, that’s where special things happen. And I think we have that kind of character in the locker room.
“When you go on the road, it’s just those guys in the locker room and no one else. So sometimes being on the road kind of helps you band together.”
Hart, Bridges and the rest of the Knicks tip off Game 3 with the Hawks in Atlanta on Thursday night at 7 p.m.
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Pistons