CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 05: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Isaac Okoro #35 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on April 05, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jayden Mack/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns went 2-2 this week with wins against the Grizzlies and Bulls, and losses to the Magic and Hornets. The team officially completed their four-game road trip and their second-to-last week of the regular season.
Here are the main questions for Week 24 we want your thoughts on:
Heading for the 7th Seed
It’s nearly a lock that the Suns will be the Western Conference’s 7th seed, meaning they’ll host the West’s eighth seed in the first round of the Play-In Tournament. The Trailblazers and Clippers are currently tied for the eighth spot. Phoenix went 2-1 against the Blazers and 2-2 against Los Angeles. This year is set to be Phoenix’s first time in the play-in since it was created during the 2019-2020 season. Having already clinched a record over .500, the Suns have surpassed many people’s preseason expectations, despite some struggles the past few months.
If someone had told you before the season that the Suns were going to be the 7th seed in the West, would you have believed them?
Starting Lineup Change
With Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams back in the starting lineup, the Suns started them alongside Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Jordan Goodwin in yesterday’s win against the Bulls. It was the first time the Suns went with that starting lineup this year, and it sent Royce O’Neale and Collin Gillespie to the bench. O’Neale leads the team in starts this year, while Gillespie is third behind Devin Booker. Gillespie and Goodwin played the same number of minutes, but the team had a different look to start the game. O’Neale played 21 minutes.
How do you feel about the Suns’ playing a new starting lineup this late into the season with their main starters all healthy?
Additionally, Jordan Ott shrank the rotation, playing just nine guys on Sunday. Do you think that’s a sign of things to come as the Play-In nears?
A New Sun in the Record Books
After hitting two threes on Thursday, Collin Gillespie officially became the franchise leader in most threes made in a season, surpassing Quentin Richardson’s record he set in the 2004-2005 season. With 230 threes, the guard is hitting three triples a game at a 41% clip. Coming into the season, he was playing a reserve role, now, he’s leading the team in total minutes this year during his career season.
What does Gillespie’s improvement say about the Suns’ ability to develop young talent? How much money would you be willing to pay to keep him in Phoenix this offseason?
On the Suns’ Plate this Week
The Suns will face Kevin Durant on Tuesday at the Mortgage Matchup Center for the first time since he was traded to the Rockets in the offseason. Then, they’ll host the Mavericks on Wednesday for the final home game of the regular season, before they head to Los Angeles to play the Lakers on Friday, to set up their final game of the regular season on Sunday, when they’ll play the Thunder.
Even in a slightly underwhelming regular season, the Cleveland Cavaliers can hit the 50-win mark tonight as they visit the Memphis Grizzlies.
Memphis has dropped four straight and could boost its lottery odds with another loss here, so my Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies predictions expect Donovan Mitchell and James Harden to lead the onslaught at FedExForum.
Check out my NBA picks for this April 6 clash, with both squads on the second night of a back-to-back set.
Cavaliers vs Grizzlies prediction
Cavaliers vs Grizzlies best bet: Cavaliers -15.5 (-110)
The Cleveland Cavaliers would surely prefer to hang onto the No. 4 seed and avoid the Celtics-Knicks side of the East bracket, but they’re 8-2 straight up in their last 10 and heavy favorites to breeze past the Memphis Grizzlies tonight.
I’m riding with a Cleveland team that’s won the last six meetings with Memphis, and there’s every reason to expect that streak to continue, given the Grizzlies’ recent form. Three of the hosts’ past four losses have come by a margin of 15+ points, and Cedric Coward and GG Jackson both missed yesterday’s defeat in Milwaukee.
This is a lot of points to lay, especially after a sleepy Cavs win over the Pacers last night, but it’ll only take one quality stretch from Donovan Mitchell and James Harden to put this game on ice. The visitors may also have Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen back to control the paint and paper over lapses on the perimeter.
The numbers point to the Cleveland offense as the difference-maker. The Cavs average 119.3 points per game, fueled by the seventh-most 3-pointers attempted, while the Grizzlies are giving up 119.7, the sixth-most in the league.
Memphis is 26-33 against the spread as an underdog, so I prefer to trust a Cleveland squad that’s 24-15 SU on the road and has Mitchell coming off a 38-point outburst.
Cavaliers vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
Putting aside Harden’s playoff no-shows for a moment, he’s a regular-season winner, and I expect him to have his fingerprints all over a Cavs win today.
He averaged 8.1 assists in March, and he’s knocked down eight 3-pointers across his past two outings. If at least one of Mobley and Allen is available, those lob threats will boost The Beard’s dimes tally.
Cavaliers vs Grizzlies SGP
Cavaliers -15.5
James Harden Over 7.5 assists
James Harden Over 2.5 made threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: The Mitchell Report
Mitchell is the key to a deep Cavs postseason run, and I love all the Overs for Spida tonight. He’s averaging 27.8 PPG, and he’s had six assists in two of his last three games. It’s hard to see Memphis keeping him out of the paint here.
Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)
Cavaliers vs Grizzlies betting trend to know
The Grizzlies are 1-9 SU in their last 10 contests. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Grizzlies
Location
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Date
Monday, April 6, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-Ohio, FDSN-Memphis
Cavaliers vs Grizzlies latest injuries
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After suffering a narrow, overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, the San Antonio Spurs will look to get back on track in front of the home crowd when they host Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and the Philadelphia 76ers at Frost Bank Center.
With Philly’s Big 3 finally healthy, the home team will have a tough test, and my 76ers vs. Spurs predictions expect a big night from Embiid, who had a career-best scoring performance in his first career meeting with Victor Wembanyama.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference matchup on Monday, April 6.
76ers vs Spurs prediction
76ers vs Spurs best bet: Joel Embiid Over 38.5 points + rebounds + assists (-112)
Joel Embiid has missed more games than he’s played this season, but he’s appeared in four of the Philadelphia 76ers’ last six games. Embiid was on a roll before missing time, hitting the Over on this combo line in 10 of 12 games. He’s reached that mark in two of four since returning.
The Sixers have gone as Embiid has this season. He’s recorded at least 39 PRA in 18 of 37 games. In those, the Sixers are 14-4 straight up, and they kept the score within eight points in all four losses.
The big man is averaging 38.3 PRA on the season, so a slightly above-average performance will get the job done tonight.
Embiid has faced Victor Wembanyama twice in his career. In his last game out, he logged only 14 minutes, finishing with a muted stat line. In his first, Embiid put on a clinic and delivered 70 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists, nearly doubling the Over on this line with points alone.
Wembanyama was torched by another big and physical center on Saturday, as Nikola Jokic posted 40 points, eight rebounds, and 13 assists. Embiid can find success against the French superstar by leveraging his weight advantage and physicality to make the game less comfortable for his lanky opponent.
The San Antonio Spurs' defensive rating of 110.2 is third-best in the Association, but it has fallen to 17th across the team’s last seven home games, making this an exploitable spot for Embiid.
76ers vs Spurs same-game parlay
With four games left, the Spurs are essentially locked into the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, while the 76ers need every win to secure a playoff spot.
Only two games separate the No. 6 Sixers and the No. 10 Miami Heat. Philly is 4-1 ATS across its last five road games, and I expect the Sixers to play competitive basketball with their Big 3 available.
The 76ers have averaged 123 points across 18 games in which Embiid posted 39+ PRA. The Spurs defense has slipped in recent games, but San Antonio’s offense continues to hum thanks to Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and several key role players. Points won’t be tough to find tonight.
76ers vs Spurs SGP
Joel Embiid Over 38.5 points + rebounds + assists
76ers +8.5
Over 235.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Big 3 Combomaxxing
Embiid recorded a double-double in his last game out, and he's hit that statistical milestone nine times this season.
Tyrese Maxey is averaging a career-best 39.4 PRA, and he's posted 40.9 on the road compared to 38.1 at home. After missing an extended period of time, he's hit the Over on this combo line in four of five games since returning to the lineup.
Paul George has averaged a healthy 36.3 PRA in six games since returning from a lengthy layoff. PG has hit the Over on this line in three straight and five of six. He's averaged 28.9 PRA on the road compared to 25.2 at home this season, and he's gone for 27+ in eight of 15 on the road.
76ers vs Spurs SGP
Joel Embiid double-double
Tyrese Maxey Over 34.5 points + rebounds + assists
Paul George Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists
76ers vs Spurs odds
Spread: 76ers +8.5 (-110) | Spurs -8.5 (-110)
Moneyline: 76ers +280 | Spurs -360
Over/Under: Over 237 (-110) | Under 237 (-110)
76ers vs Spurs betting trend to know
The Philadelphia 76ers have covered the Spread in 25 of their last 40 away games (+10.70 Units / 24% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Spurs.
How to watch 76ers vs Spurs
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Monday, April 6, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBCS-Philadelphia, FDSN-Southwest
76ers vs Spurs latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Two teams still fighting to improve their playoff seeding face off tonight as the Atlanta Hawks host the New York Knicks.
Atlanta is one of the hottest teams in the NBA, and I like them to pick up a home win tonight in my Knicks vs. Hawks predictions.
Read on for a full breakdown of tonight’s matchup and to see my free NBA picks for Monday, April 6.
Knicks vs Hawks prediction
Knicks vs Hawks best bet: Hawks -1.5 (-110)
The Atlanta Hawks have won 18 of 20 games since February 22 to play their way into the Eastern Conference's No. 5 seed after playing well under .500 for most of the season.
That run hasn’t just been good for fans, either. Bettors have taken advantage, as the Hawks have also covered in 16 of those 20 games, one of the best long-term ATS streaks we’ve seen all season.
In this case, there’s a clear reason for the turnaround. This isn’t the same team Atlanta had at the start of the season. The additions of CJ McCollum and Jonathan Kuminga have completely changed the roster's dynamics, and somehow, they’ve found chemistry with perennial triple-double threat Jalen Johnson virtually overnight.
The New York Knicks are coming off two straight wins, but their current form remains unclear, with those victories coming over the Grizzlies and Bulls. New York previously lost three straight on the road, and it's failed to win a game against a team above .500 in a month, going 0-5 in such games since March 6.
I can’t bank on the Knicks turning that trend around against a team playing as well as anyone in the NBA right now, especially on the road. I love the Hawks to win outright, and with a spread of just 1.5 points, the better value is on Atlanta to cover.
Knicks vs Hawks same-game parlay
While the Hawks generally play to higher scores, they’ve also shown a willingness to play at their opponents' speed, such as in their two recent low-scoring affairs against the Celtics. With New York hitting the Under in four of its last five, I’m expecting another tonight.
I’m also backing Nickeil Alexander-Walker (20.6 PPG) to hit his scoring total. The Atlanta guard has scored 20 points in six of his last seven games and is averaging 23.4 in that span.
Knicks vs Hawks SGP
Hawks -1.5
Under 226.5
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 19.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Jalen combos x2
For our longshot SGP, let’s bet on both Jalens to have big nights and show off their versatility. The Jalen Johnson triple-double prop is always a fun one, and while it’s now been eight games since he’s hit that mark, it’s important to remember that Johnson has 13 on the year.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson is coming off a 17-point, 10-assist performance against the Bulls, giving him two double-doubles in his last four outings.
Knicks vs Hawks SGP
Jalen Johnson triple-double
Jalen Brunson double-double
Knicks vs Hawks odds
Spread: Knicks +1.5 (-110) | Hawks -1.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Knicks +100 | Hawks -120
Over/Under: Over 226.5 (-110) | Under 226.5 (-110)
Knicks vs Hawks betting trend to know
The Hawks are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Hawks.
How to watch Knicks vs Hawks
Location
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Date
Monday, April 6, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock/NBCSN
Knicks vs Hawks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets best bet: Nikola Jokic Over 11.5 assists (+105)
Nikola Jokic is comfortably in the running for MVP, averaging 27.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and an NBA-best 10.9 assists per game. The Joker is the best passing big we’ve ever seen in the Association, and arguably the best playmaker in the league right now.
The Serb is thriving lately as a facilitator. He’s cashed the Over in dimes in six of his last seven contests. Jokic is coming off a 13-assist game against the San Antonio Spurs, and he also dished out 12 dimes last Wednesday versus the Utah Jazz.
The Joker is averaging 11.2 assists at home this season, and he’s also averaging a ridiculous 12.7 dimes across his last 10 appearances. The Portland Trail Blazers are around the middle of the pack in assists allowed.
Jokic cannot be stopped lately with his passing abilities, and all signs point to him creating lots of offense again tonight for his teammates.
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets same-game parlay
Jamal Murray is having a career year, and his three-point shooting is a big reason for it. The guard is averaging 3.2 makes from deep on 7.5 attempts for a 43.4% clip. Murray has cashed the Over in three of his last five.
Most importantly, the veteran is averaging 3.7 makes from long range against Portland this season for a 44% clip. The Blazers have typically been a tough matchup for opposing PGs from three-point land, but not for Murray. He’ll find a rhythm again.
The Denver Nuggets are 2-1 against Portland this season, notching back-to-back wins. They hammered the Blazers 157-103 in February before a 128-112 victory at Ball Arena in March.
Denver has also covered tonight’s spread in two of their last three outings. The Nuggets are playing some of their best basketball of the season right now.
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets SGP
Nikola Jokic Over 11.5 assists
Jamal Murray Over 3.5 threes
Nuggets -8.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Buckets pouring in
Denver is the highest-scoring team in the Association, averaging 121.6 ppg. They’ve cashed the team total Over in back-to-back games, scoring 136 against the Spurs and 130 against Utah. They’ve also hit the Over in two straight versus Portland.
Christian Braun is cooking lately, cashing the Over in points in two in a row. He contributed 21 points in the win over San Antonio and 18 in the contest before that. Braun is averaging 13.5 PPG at home compared to 10.5 on the road.
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets SGP
Jamal Murray Over 3.5 threes
Nuggets -8.5
Nuggets Over 122.5 points
Christian Braun Over 12.5 points
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets odds
Spread: Portland +7.5 (-105) | Denver -7.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Portland +260 | Denver -320
Over/Under: Over 238 (-110) | Under 238 (-110)
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets betting trend to know
The Denver Nuggets have hit the Game Total Over in 30 of their last 50 games (+8.00 Units / 15% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets.
How to watch Trail Blazers vs Nuggets
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Monday, April 6, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
KUNP, Altitude
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
On April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Michigan men’s basketball will compete on the biggest, most pressure-packed stage its sport has to offer when it takes on UConn in the championship game of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
It’s the latest step in a remarkable turnaround for the program.
Just two years ago, the Wolverines were reeling from an 8-24 season that led to the firing of Michigan legend Juwan Howard as head coach. Since hiring Dusty May as his replacement, though, Michigan has transformed itself into one of the best programs in the country. This year, the Wolverines are 36-3 and have won their five NCAA tournament games by an average of 21.6 points.
Tonight, they’ll have the opportunity to do something they haven’t in a generation.
Heading into its matchup against UConn, here’s a look at Michigan’s championship history:
When did Michigan men's basketball last win a national championship?
Michigan will be going for its first national championship since 1989, when the Wolverines won the first and only title in program history.
It was one of the more memorable championship runs in NCAA tournament history.
Shortly before the tournament started, Michigan coach Bill Frieder stepped down to become the new coach at Arizona State, with assistant coach Steve Fisher taking over for him. After surviving against Xavier in a 3-versus-14 matchup with a five-point win in the first round, the Wolverines advanced to their first Final Four in 13 years. There, they edged Big Ten foe Illinois and its famed Flying Illini team 83-81 before beating Seton Hall 80-79 in overtime in the national championship game thanks to a pair of made free throws from Rumeal Robinson with three seconds remaining in the extra period after a controversial foul call on Pirates guard Gerald Greene.
That year, Wolverines star Glen Rice scored 184 points across six NCAA tournament games, an NCAA record that still stands.
How many national championships does Michigan have?
Michigan will be vying for its second-ever national championship when it takes on UConn, as the 1989 title remains the only one in program history.
The Wolverines have been close over the past 35 years to adding another championship to their trophy case. They lost in the national championship game in 1992 and 1993 with the famed Fab Five. Under coach John Beilein, Michigan made a pair of national championship games in the 2010s, but lost to Louisville in 2013 and Villanova in 2018.
Michigan national championship results
Monday will mark the seventh time Michigan has appeared in the national championship game. The Wolverines have a 1-5 record in their previous six appearances.
SAN FRANCISCO — A little less than 90 minutes before tipoff Sunday night, a gospel track remixed into a hip-hop beat overtook the sound system inside the Warriors’ arena.
This was not your typical pregame soundtrack, for this was not just any game.
“You know, this is Easter Sunday,” Stephen Curry noted. “Resurrection Sunday.”
And he has risen. Risen, indeed.
Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry makes a 3-point basket against the Houston Rockets April 5 in San Francisco. AP
Curry’s famed warm-up routine took on new meaning as he prepared to take the floor for the first time since Jan. 30. His adoring disciples lined the courtside seats five rows deep.
The imagery wasn’t lost on anybody when Curry emerged from the tunnel to Kanye West’s “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1.” And he was just getting started.
“You can just feel it. We’re back in the mix. We’re back in the fight with Steph,” coach Steve Kerr said. “That’s a hell of a team, they’ve been really hot lately, fully healthy. We took them down to the last shot.”
The arena buzzed like it rarely had over the past two months, as the Warriors went 9–18 without Curry, evolving from pregnant anticipation to a playoff-like fever pitch in the game’s final minute.
Of course, the last shot belonged to Curry.
Curry dribbles against Houston forward Kevin Durant. Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
After Alperen Şengün put the Rockets up by one with 11 seconds left, Kerr opted not to take timeout, preventing Houston from subbing in, as he put it, “all their Dobermans.”
Draymond Green attempted to free up Curry on a double screen at the top of the key, but Curry had to settle for a contested 30-footer that clanked off the rim.
“Everything kind of got a little stagnant at the top of the key,” Curry said. “It seemed like there was a wall at the 3-point line and I couldn’t figure out exactly where to go. But there’s no regrets there. You like the matchup with their lineup, thinking you can get a good shot. … Tough finish, for sure.”
Everything leading up to that moment sure made it feel like the ball would find the bottom of the net.
After all, Curry drained an even more improbable shot from 32 feet and dribbled around Kevin Durant to convert a teardrop layup in traffic as the Warriors stormed back from a 10-point deficit with 4:51 to play to take a short-lived lead with less than 30 seconds left.
“Even though we didn’t get it done, that’s been the hardest part of these last two months,” Curry said. “There’s been games where the game is hanging in the balance and sometimes we’d struggle to score, struggle to close games. You feel kind of helpless.”
With fate back in his own hands, Curry scored eight of his team-best 29 points during that final stretch. He came off the bench and was limited to 26 minutes but still managed to get off 21 shots, connecting on 11 of them, including 5 of his 10 attempts from 3.
The performance amounted to a good omen for the Warriors, who have four games left in the regular season to get Curry and the rest of their aging, injured roster up to speed for the play-in tournament, where they will face one win-or-go-home game followed by another.
“Steph looked amazing. He’s worked really hard for this. You can see, it doesn’t take much for him to find his rhythm,” Kerr said. “His rhythm is also our rhythm, all the off-ball stuff that we get as a result of his movement. We got a lot of easy layups.”
Curry reacts after missing the final shot of the game against the Rockets in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Curry said he initially believed the injury — commonly known as runner’s knee — would keep him out for a week to 10 days. The absence would draw on to become the third-longest of his 17-year career. Outsiders questioned whether it was worth it for him to come back at all. All along, Curry continued to rehab with one goal.
He wanted to play meaningful basketball.
“You could kind of feel it in the arena,” Curry said. “It was a different vibe.”
The 7 p.m. tipoff was later than normal for a Sunday, and Curry acknowledged that he was a “nervous wreck trying to pass the hours.” His family helped calm his nerves, and once he got to the arena, “muscle memory kind of takes over, the adrenaline takes over,” he said.
Curry had some extra time on his hands, coming off the bench for the first time in the regular season since March 7, 2012. That allowed him to play 26 of the remaining 41 minutes after bringing the crowd to its feet when he checked in for the first time with 4:54 left in the first quarter.
Curry will operate under a similar restriction Tuesday against the Kings. He will likely start the game on the bench again, but Kerr said, “He’ll be in the starting lineup soon.”
The second time Curry checked in, midway through the second quarter, didn’t get quite the same reception. But it was even more meaningful for at least a few people in the building.
“My mom was in the stands,” Curry said. “She probably didn’t have any more memory on her phone from taking all the pictures and videos.”
Curry makes a shot over Rockets; Jae’Sean Tate and Aaron Holiday in the third quarter at the Chase Center. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Sonya Curry, the proud mama, got to see her two sons, Steph and Seth, share the court as teammates for the first time since the siblings were at Charlotte Christian School.
Seth Curry signed with Golden State in November but injuries prevented the “rehab brothers,” as Steph dubbed them, from playing together until the 78th game of the season.
The brothers swapped jerseys afterward, a practice typically reserved for opponents. This night, however, had been such a long time coming that Seth had to memorialize it in his man cave.
“I got my hands on that right away,” Seth said. “I went in there and asked (the locker room attendant) this morning, as soon as the game’s over, I’m getting my hands on that.”
The two brothers share the same, sweet stroke, a boatload of childhood hoops memories from their father, Dell, and for much of this season, real estate in the training room.
They also shared the same description for this Easter Sunday.
“Dream come true.”
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The first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs starts in less than two weeks, and yet it’s still possible for the Boston Celtics to play one of six teams in their opening series.
The Celtics have not yet secured the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference standings, but they are heavy favorites to do so at some point. The C’s have a three-game lead over the New York Knicks for second place, and every analytics model projects Boston to hold onto that No. 2 seed.
So, if we assume the Celtics will finish with the No. 2 seed, that means they would play the No. 7 seed in Round 1 of the postseason. The No. 7 seed team will be determined by the winner of the No. 7 vs. No. 8 play-in tournament game.
Let’s look at the six teams that could mathematically finish as the No. 7 seed and play the Celtics in the first round.
Atlanta Hawks
Record, seed (as of April 6): 45-33, 5th
Head-to-head record vs. Celtics: 2-2
Remaining schedule: vs. NYK, at CLE, vs. CLE, at MIA
The Hawks have a two-game lead over the teams in the play-in tournament spots. They’ve won four straight games and eight of their last 10. Atlanta’s 19-3 record post-All Star break is the third-best in the league. The Hawks also have scored the fourth-most points per game (122.0) during that span.
The Hawks are no joke. Jalen Johnson is having an All-NBA caliber season and nearly averaging a triple-double. They have a deep roster of good players and Quin Snyder is one of the league’s best head coaches.
The Celtics obviously would be favored in any playoff series against the Hawks, but it wouldn’t be an easy matchup. Atlanta could win a game or two.
Philadelphia 76ers
Record, seed (as of April 6: 43-35, 6th
Head-to-head record vs. Celtics: 2-2
Remaining schedule: at SAS, at HOU, at IND, vs. MIL
The 76ers have always disappointed their fans in the playoffs despite having some immensely talented players over the last 10 years. So it’s hard to pick them to make a deep playoff run, or even win a single round. But right now they are healthier than any other point in the season with Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid able to play. That’s a pretty good trio — when injuries aren’t forcing one or more of them to miss games.
The Sixers are 24-13 when Embiid plays this season. If the 76ers have their full squad come playoff time, they could give one of the top seeds some headaches in Round 1.
The Celtics beat Embiid’s 76ers in the playoffs in 2018, 2020 and 2023. It’s one of the league’s best rivalries, and a first-round series would be a lot of fun.
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Joel Embiid is 0-3 in playoff series vs. the Celtics in his career.
Toronto Raptors
Record, seed (as of April 6): 43-35, 7th
Head-to-head record vs. Celtics: 0-4
Remaining schedule: vs. MIA, vs. MIA, at NYK, vs. BKN
The Raptors are probably the most favorable first-round matchup for the Celtics. Toronto lacks elite star power and its best players do not have a wealth of postseason experience.
The C’s swept the season series with an average margin of victory of 11.5 points. The Raptors are 4-6 in their last 10 games and they are 1-9 against the Celtics, Pistons and Knicks combined this season.
Charlotte would not be an easy first-round matchup. Since Jan. 1, the Hornets are 32-14 and rank No. 6 in points per game, No. 1 in 3-point percentage, No. 3 in rebounds per game, No. 1 in offensive rating and No. 3 in defensive rating.
Any team that shoots 3-pointers as well as the Hornets is a threat. And they’re well coached with former Celtics assistant Charles Lee running the show. The primary concern for the Hornets is inexperience. It’s a very young roster with almost no playoff experience.
Orlando Magic
Record, seed (as of April 6: 42-36, 9th
Head-to-head record vs. Celtics: 1-2
Remaining schedule: vs. DET, vs. MIN, at CHI, at BOS
The Magic were a trendy pick before the season to take a massive step in their development. It made sense, too. Orlando has several exciting young players and provided a tougher-than-expected challenge to the Celtics in the first round of the 2025 playoffs.
The Magic have not taken that next step so far this season. Injuries have played a factor. Franz Wagner has missed more than half the season. Jalen Suggs has only played in 53 games. Paolo Banchero has missed 10 games.
The Magic are healthy right now, though, and they do have a very talented starting five of Banchero, Wagner, Desmond Bane, Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr.
Orlando plays hard and won’t be scared of Boston after last season’s playoff experience. But it’s still hard to imagine the Magic winning more than one game versus the C’s in a best-of-seven series.
Miami Heat
Record, seed (as of April 6): 41-37, 10th
Head-to-head record vs. Celtics: 0-4
Remaining schedule: at TOR, at TOR, at WSH, vs. ATL
The Heat are limping to the play-in tournament with just three wins in their last 11 games. One of those games was a 147-129 loss to the Celtics in Miami on April 1. They went 0-4 against the Celtics this season with an average margin of defeat of 9.5 points.
Not many play-in tournament teams have been competitive since this format was introduced in 2022. The exception was the 2023 Heat team that beat the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals and reached the NBA Finals as a No. 8 seed.
This year’s Heat is nowhere close to being as talented or as deep as that 2023 roster.
Miami ranks 21st in defensive rating since the All-Star break and has given up 120-plus points 10 times in the last 13 games. The Heat would be one of the easiest first-round matchups for the Celtics.
Thirty-seven different Division I men's basketball teams have claimed an NCAA Tournament championship.
That number will not grow on Monday, April 6, in the national championship game of the 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament between No. 1 Michigan and No. 2 Connecticut: Both the Wolverines and Huskies will look to add a trophy to their shelves when they square off at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
For UConn, the goal will be to move into sole ownership of third place with seven program national championships. Meanwhile, Michigan will look to become the 17th program to win two national titles.
The Huskies are seeking their third title in four seasons, while the Wolverines and their fans are desperate for the first one for the program since 1989 (and first for the Big Ten since 2000).
Here's a look at every NCAA Tournament champion in Division I men's basketball since the first tournament played in 1939, when Oregon defeated Ohio State in Evanston, Illinois.
Men's NCAA Tournament champions by year
Here's a look at the year-by-year NCAA Tournament national champions in men's basketball:
2025: Florida defeats Houston, 65-63
2024: UConn defeats Purdue, 75-60
2023: UConn defeats San Diego State, 76-59
2022: Kansas defeats North Carolina, 72-69
2021: Baylor defeats Gonzaga, 86-70
2020: Canceled due to COVID-19
2019: Virginia defeats Texas Tech, 85-77 (OT)
2018: Villanova defeats Michigan, 79-62
2017: North Carolina defeats Gonzaga, 71-65
2016: Villanova defeats North Carolina, 77-74
2015: Duke defeats Wisconsin, 6-63
2014: UConn defeats Kentucky, 60-54
2013: Louisville defeats Michigan, 82-76*
2012: Kentucky defeats Kansas, 67-59
2011: UConn defeats Butler, 53-41
2010: Duke defeats Butler, 61-59
2009: North Carolina defeats Michigan State, 89-72
2008: Kansas defeats Memphis, 75-68 (OT)
2007: Florida defeats Ohio State, 84-75
2006: Florida defeats UCLA, 73-57
2005: North Carolina defeats Illinois, 75-70
2004: UConn defeats Georgia Tech, 82-73
2003: Syracuse defeats Kansas, 81-78
2002: Maryland defeats Indiana, 64-52
2001: Duke defeats Arizona, 82-72
2000: Michigan State defeats Florida, 89-76
1999: UConn defeats Duke, 79-76
1998: Kentucky defeats Utah, 78-69
1997: Arizona defeats Kentucky, 84-79 (OT)
1996: Kentucky defeats Syracuse, 76-67
1995: UCLA defeats Arkansas, 89-78
1994: Arkansas defeats Duke, 76-72
1993: North Carolina defeats Michigan, 77-71
1992: Duke defeats Michigan, 71-51
1991: Duke defeats Kansas, 72-65
1990: UNLV defeats Duke, 103-73
1989: Michigan defeats Seton Hall, 80-79 (OT)
1988: Kansas defeats Oklahoma, 83-79
1987: Indiana defeats Syracuse, 74-73
1986: Louisville defeats Duke, 72-69
1985: Villanova defeats Georgetown, 66-64
1984: Georgetown defeats Houston, 84-75
1983: North Carolina State defeats Houston, 54-52
1982: North Carolina defeats Georgetown, 63-62
1981: Indiana defeats North Carolina, 63-50
1980: Louisville defeats UCLA, 59-54
1979: Michigan State defeats Indiana State, 75-64
1978: Kentucky defeats Duke, 94-88
1977: Marquette defeats North Carolina, 67-59
1976: Indiana defeats Michigan, 86-68
1975: UCLA defeats Kentucky, 92-85
1974: North Carolina State defeats Marquette, 76-64
1973: UCLA defeats Memphis State, 87-66
1972: UCLA defeats Florida State, 81-76
1971: UCLA defeats Villanova, 68-62
1970: UCLA defeats Jacksonville, 80-69
1969: UCLA defeats Purdue, 92-72
1968: UCLA defeats North Carolina, 78-55
1967: UCLA defeats Dayton, 79-64
1966: UTEP defeats Kentucky, 72-65
1965: UCLA defeats Michigan, 91-80
1964: UCLA defeats Duke, 98-83
1963: Loyola Chicago defeats Cincinnati, 60-58 (OT)
1962: Cincinnati defeats Ohio State, 71-59
1961: Cincinnati defeats Ohio State, 70-65 (OT)
1960: Ohio State defeats California, 75-55
1959: California defeats West Virginia, 71-70
1958: Kentucky defeats Seattle, 84-72
1957: North Carolina defeats Kansas, 54-53 (3 OT)
1956: San Francisco defeats Iowa, 83-71
1955: San Francisco defeats LaSalle, 77-63
1954: La Salle defeats Bradley, 92-76
1953: Indiana defeats Kansas, 69-68
1952: Kansas defeats St. John's, 80-63
1951: Kentucky defeats Kansas State, 68-58
1950: CCNY defeats Bradley, 71-68
1949: Kentucky defeats Oklahoma State, 46-36
1948: Kentucky defeats Baylor, 58-42
1947: Holy Cross defeats Oklahoma, 58-47
1946: Oklahoma State defeats North Carolina, 43-40
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 1: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic on March 1, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Potential playoff match ups in April can either be a telltale sign or a nothing burger. The Detroit Pistons face the sliding Orlando Magic tonight. The Pistons clinched the top seed in the East, while the Magic are sliding.
Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart remain out for Detroit. Anthony Black has been out since March 8, but Franz Wagner is back in the lineup. The real story in Orlando is Paolo Banchero’s recent struggles. It is the wrong time of the year not to have it going.
Game Vitals
Where: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida
When: 7:00 PM
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons (-2.5)
Analysis
After going on a seven-game winning streak in March, the Orlando Magic came back to earth. The hot stretch was the highlight of their season, but they are back in the play-in picture. They are 4-7 in their last 11 games and have been decimated in the process. Orlando is currently the 9th seed, so it is very possible that they face the Pistons in round one if their inconsistent ways continue.
That said, maybe JB Bickerstaff does not want to play his hand tonight with the playoffs approaching. Some organizations handle business that way, but Detroit is the type of team that tries to win every game at any cost. Detroit’s superstar offensive engine is already out tonight anyway, so this is not the exact team Orlando would see in the first round, health willing.
We may not see guys resting tonight. Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson are questionable. Harris gets up for this Orlando match up as he and Banchero have built-in friction. From a Magic fan’s POV, it is sad that Harris duels with their No. 1 pick this late into Harris’ career.
Banchero is slumping at the worst time. Over the last five games, he is averaging 14.4 points with a 46.1 true shooting percentage. Rough efficiency and a shaking my head shot diet are recurring themes for Banchero. To his credit, he has erased some of the long 2s from his shot diet. But he still shoots them too much, considering he is not a terrific shooter (until the postseason hits for some reason).
Per Cleaning The Glass, 41 percent of Banchero’s shots come at the rim, which is a career high. That is better, but that number should be bumped up a bit with Banchero’s skill level and physical stature. His scoring approach should be more Giannis than Carmelo Anthony-like.
Maybe Banchero is a big game player, though. He has been at a different level in two playoff appearances, especially shooting the basketball from range.
In 12 playoff games, Banchero shoots 42 percent from 3 on nearly six attempts. He is at about 32 percent in the regular season. Would his playoff hot streak continue against a stellar Pistons defense?
Good offense beats good defense, but Detroit has a great defense — a great defense with some of the best individual defenders in the sport. Ausar Thompson and Stew get their pub, but Ron Holland is an All-Defense caliber perimeter defender, too. With more minutes and responsibilities, the NBA community will catch up to how destructive he is on that side of the ball.
Banchero and Wagner would deal with these hounds every second they are on the floor. Javonte Green and Paul Reed match up with them nicely as well. Wagner has been solid in the postseason, but unlike Banchero, his jumper has abandoned him. He shoots 22 percent on 71 attempts. Those two could struggle against this Pistons D.
Orlando’s defensive identity has left the building. They are not defending at an elite level like they have done the past two years. Without an elite defense to take advantage of a questionable Pistons half-court offense, one needs a great offense with snipers to compete with Detroit. Orlando does not have that either. Desmond Bane and Tristan da Silva are knockdown shooters who need attention, but that probably will not be enough.
Every game counts for Orlando in the standings race, and Detroit approaches every game like it is in that boat. The Pistons may have clinched the top seed in the East, but they will not bow out tonight. Orlando better bring it.
A new week of NBA action tips off with a light slate of just five games, but I’ve found some slam dunks when it comes to NBA player props.
My best bets include Nickeil Alexander-Walker making it rain on the Knicks from downtown, and Victor Wembanyama continuing his block party against Joel Embiid and the Sixers.
Those and more NBA picks for Monday, April 6, below.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been letting it fly from beyond the arc for most of this season, but he’s been really locked in for the last month and is a big reason why the Atlanta Hawks have climbed all the way to fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
Alexander-Walker is shooting a crazy good 48% from 3-point range on a big 7.8 attempts from deep per game over his last 16 games, and I like him to keep raining treys in tonight’s matchup with the New York Knicks.
The Knicks have taken advantage of a soft schedule down the stretch, but they’ll need to improve their perimeter defense if they want to have a deep playoff run. New York ranks 22nd in opponent 3-point attempts per game and 20th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage.
Alexander-Walker has drained four or more threes nine times in the last 16 games.
It is fair to say that Wembanyama has surpassed Embiid in the big man hierarchy and will be a staple in the MVP conversation for years to come.
You can make the case Wemby deserves the award this year, but for now, he's got Defensive Player of the Year locked down.
He’s always been impactful on defense, but he’s taken it to another level in the second half of the season. Wembanyama is swatting a ridiculous 3.9 blocks over 22 games since coming out of the All-Star break, and has rejected four or more shots in 15 of those 22 games.
The Sixers rank 19th in opponent blocks per game. At even money, I love backing Wemby to have another block party in San Antonio tonight.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCSP, FDSN SW
Prop #3: Cam Johnson Over 12.5 points
-115 at bet365
The Denver Nuggets are the best offense in the NBA. A lot of that has to do with Nikola Jokic, but they are so hard to contain because they have so much depth and so many players who can hurt you.
Look at Cam Johnson. He’s probably the Nuggets' fourth or even fifth option most nights. But when he gets in a groove, he can put up some great numbers.
Johnson is averaging 14.8 points while shooting a crazy good 48.7% from 3-point range over his last 13 games. He’s the type of player that can get overlooked even by a good Portland Trail Blazers defense.
He's topped this number in nine of those 13 games, including putting up 19 when these teams last met back on March 22.
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ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks bolstered their inside depth for their playoff run on Monday by signing center Tony Bradley, who played in 38 games for the Indiana Pacers this season.
The 6-foot-10 Bradley, in his eighth NBA season, began the 2024-25 season with the Hawks' College Park G League team before finishing the season with Indiana.
In his 38 games, including three starts, for the Pacers this season, Bradley averaged 4 points and 2.8 rebounds.
Bradley also has played for Utah, Philadelphia, Oklahoma City and Chicago. He has appeared in 20 career playoff games.
Atlanta is fifth in the Eastern Conference entering Monday night's game against the New York Knicks.
The Hawks requested waivers on forward Caleb Houstan, clearing the roster spot for Bradley. Houstan signed a two-way contract with Atlanta on Oct. 18, 2025. His deal was converted to a standard contract on Feb. 19. He averaged 2.3 points in 18 games.
It's the New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks on Peacock NBA Monday as the two teams go head-to-head for the third and final meeting of the season tonight. New York won the first contest on December 27, while Atlanta won the most recent match up on January 2. Live coverage begins with NBA Showtime at 6:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock. See below for additional information on how to watch each game. Follow all of the NBA action on NBCSN and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.
The Knicks, currently third in the Eastern Conference, have already clinched a playoff spot for the fourth straight season. While they enter tonight's matchup on a two-game win-streak, the Knicks have struggled to win against teams that are at least .500 or better.
“Obviously, this is a good little stretch to end the season to make sure we’re as sharp as we can be going into the playoffs," said Josh Hart after yesterday’s practice. "The past is the past, nothing you can do about it now. Our focus is on tomorrow being 1-0 against playoff teams, and then we move on to the next one, and then we want to be 1-0, and then we want to move onto the next one and be 1-0. Nothing in the past really matters. It’s about what we do moving forward that we’ll be judged on and what we judge ourselves on.”
With just four games left on their schedule, the Hawks — currently fifth in the Eastern Conference — look to earn their first playoff appearance since 2023 and avoid the Play-In Tournament. Atlanta is 1.5 games ahead of Toronto (6th-place) and 2 games ahead of Philadelphia (7th-place).
The Hawks have won their last four straight matchups, but have a tough stretch as they wrap up the regular season, facing the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday and Friday, and the Miami Heat on Sunday.
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. Sunday Night Basketball coverage will also be available on NBC and Peacock. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
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It's a little odd to have all 20 NBA postseason spots locked up this far in advance of the start of the playoffs, but that's where we are this season. With that, there are no playoff scenarios that can be locked up with the games on Monday night — but there are some games worth checking out that can influence the ultimate standings.
Games to Watch
New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks, 7 p.m. ET, Peacock
With four games left in the season, the No. 3-seeded Knicks need wins to hold off a hot Cavaliers team that is just one game back in the East. Atlanta sits as the No. 5 seed, two games up on Philadelphia and Toronto, who are tied for 6/7, but the Hawks have the second-toughest remaining schedule in the league. The Hawks need to find wins this week to avoid falling back a spot in the East because if they do, they get these very Knicks in the first round.
Philadelphia 76ers at San Antonio Spurs, 8 p.m. ET, League Pass
Joel Embiid vs. Victor Wembanyama is reason enough to tune into this one. The Spurs are locked in as the No. 2 seed in the West, despite going 9-1 in their last 10 they made up no ground on the Thunder, who went 9-1 as well (San Antonio's OT loss to Nikola Jokic and Denver could have been a second-round playoff preview and I will take seven games of that, please).
Philadelphia should play desperately — it needs the win. The 76ers are tied with Toronto for the 6/7 seed, but red-hot Charlotte is just half a game back of both of them, and Orlando is one game back (but stumbling). If Embiid and the 76ers want to avoid the play-in and a brutal first-round matchup against either Boston or Detroit, they need wins. But can it get one against the Spurs?
Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets, 9 p.m. ET, League Pass
Two teams headed to the postseason — Portland to the play-in, Denver straight to the playoffs — face off in a game both teams could use for seeding. The Nuggets are currently tied with the banged-up Lakers for the No. 3 seed (with the Rockets just one game back in fifth). Denver is in a good spot to finish third in the West (setting up a likely second-round showdown with San Antonio, a team it just beat in OT), but it needs to win games like this one.
Portland and the LA Clippers are tied for the 8/9 spots in the West play-in, but there is a big advantage in being eighth (eight needs to win one of two games to get into the playoffs, nine needs to win two consecutive games to get in). The Clippers and Trail Blazers face off in a huge game Friday, but both teams need all the wins they can get before (and after) that date to secure the higher seed.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 02: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before tipoff against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center on April 2, 2026 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. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Throughout the season, conversations about the 65-game rule have been ramping up as players who are worthy of end-of-season awards find themselves disqualified.
The Lakers have all three of their stars currently ineligible for awards.
He needed to play in one more game to reach the 65-game threshold for end-of-season awards consideration, and now that he’s ruled out of the rest of LA’s games, he’ll remain at 64. Dončić will apply for the Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge, so perhaps the NBA will make an exception and make him eligible.
LeBron James might play 60 or more games, but he will also be ineligible. The rule is firm, but it feels weird that players like Victor Wembanayama, who have played fewer minutes than James, are up for awards simply because they suited up for more contests.
In our national SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we asked whether the league should lower the 65-game threshold, which led to potentially surprising results.
While it’s understandable to have some rules that incentivize players to play, Luka and LeBron are among the players this rule has hurt.
This rule is turning the awards into a recognition of the best players who played 65 games, rather than the best players in the NBA each season. But, fans seem to think 65 games is fine, and if that means great players lose All-NBA selections or even MVP, so be it.
A good compromise could be just setting the parameters at 1300 minutes. Since the NBA states a game counts if a player plays 20 minutes and 65 games are necessary, then 1300 minutes is really how much they, at minimum, want a player to play to qualify. The rule set this way would still allow most of the best players to be eligible, barring a significant injury.
Before these injuries were known, we also asked fans which team they would most like the Lakers to play in the first round of the playoffs between the Wolves, Rockets, and Nuggets.
All of the options for the Lakers are tough teams. However, given that the Lakers have recently beaten the Rockets in back-to-back games in Houston, it makes sense that fans would feel confident they can win this matchup.
Even with Kevin Durant joining the Rockets, they haven’t been able to maximize their potential and play like one of the best teams in the NBA.
Now, however, all opponents have gotten much harder.
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Victor Wembanyama
Cam Johnson
Kurt Helin
