Category: Basketball

The Washington Wizards have completed Year 3 of their rebuild, ending a “deconstruction phase” that included countless trades, six first-round picks and 196 losses.

General Manager Will Dawkins said the team will “try to compete” next season, but hesitated to provide greater expectations. It appears Washington will use the 2026-27 season as an evaluation year, one to identify which young pieces to build around, which veterans should stick around and more.

But first comes the 2026 offseason — an important period that could shape the franchise’s next decade of contention. Washington owns a top-five pick in the upcoming draft, which has a 52.1% chance of improving to a top-four pick, plus two others in the second round.

While the draft is important, it’s far from the only marquee event from now until opening night in October. Below is a full breakdown of the key dates surrounding Washington’s rebuild this offseason.

May 10: NBA Draft Lottery

Washington’s pick odds at the upcoming NBA Draft Lottery are as follows:

• 1st pick: 14.0%
• 2nd pick: 13.4%
• 3rd pick: 12.7%
• 4th pick: 12.0%
• 5th pick: 47.9%

The NBA’s worst team hasn’t landed the No. 1 pick since the league switched to its current lottery system in 2019. The last time the worst team got the top pick was in 2018 when the Phoenix Suns selected Deandre Ayton.

May 10-17: NBA Draft Combine

The draft combine is a weeklong event held in Chicago. It’s an opportunity for league executives, coaches and scouts to evaluate players’ weight, height, athleticism, shooting and more while they compete against their fellow prospects.

May/June: Pre-draft workouts

The period between the draft lottery and the draft itself consists of speculation, mock drafts and more. But for teams, it serves as a six-week period to host group and individual workouts with the draft’s top prospects.

Under Dawkins and Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger, the Wizards have been discreet throughout the pre-draft process. While some teams post their workout participants to social media, Washington keeps its information close to the vest.

June 23: Round 1 of the NBA Draft

The Wizards finished with the NBA’s worst record, which means they can pick no lower than No. 5 in this year’s draft. The consensus top-four in this draft have separated from the rest on most big boards, with a cluster of talented guards entering the conversation at the fifth pick.

The consensus top-four prospects, in no particular order, are as follows:

• AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU
• Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas
• Cameron Boozer, F, Duke
• Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina

Prospects Washington could target at No. 5, should that be their pick:

• Darius Acuff, G, Arkansas
• Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois
• Kingston Flemings, G, Houston
• Mikel Brown, G, Louisville

June 24: Round 2 of the NBA Draft

Washington owns the following picks in the second round:

• No. 51 (via Minnesota)
  • Acquired from Detroit in a 2024 trade that sent Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala to the Pistons for Marvin Bagley III, Isaiah Livers, and 2025 and 2026 second-round picks.
• No. 60 (via Oklahoma City)
  • Acquired from San Antonio in a July 2025 trade that sent Kelly Olynyk to the Spurs for Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley and a 2026 second-round pick (least favorable of DAL/PHI/OKC).

Fun fact: The last second-round pick the Wizards signed to a second contract before Dawkins became GM in 2023 was Shelvin Mack, who was selected in 2011.

Washington has signed both of its second-round picks under Dawkins — Jamir Watkins and Tristan Vukcevic — to second contracts.

• Tristan Vukcevic: 2 years, $6M — team option in 2027-28
• Jamir Watkins: 1-year, $2.15M — team option in 2026-27

June 29: Deadline to pick upoptions

• Trae Young’s player option ($49M)
• D’Angelo Russell’s player option ($5.97M)
• Watkins’ team option ($2.15M)
• Submit two-way qualifying offer to Sharife Cooper

While Young has a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, it’s widely expected that the veteran guard will decline that option and instead ink a multi-year extension to remain in Washington.

With Russell’s buyout market reportedly “nonexistent,” the 30-year-old guard could opt into his player option to remain a Wizard next season. A buyout is still possible, as Russell never reported to the Wizards following a February trade that sent him from Dallas to Washington.

June 30: Team negotiation period begins

Teams can negotiate with free agents during this window. Contract terms will be reported but nothing will be official until free agency begins six days later. Expect to see plenty of breaking news by Shams Charania of ESPN during this timeframe.

July 1: Bilal Coulibaly and Cam Whitmore become rookie extension eligible

An extension for Whitmore, who missed most of the 2025-26 season with deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder, is unlikely. But his fellow 2023 draft pick, Bilal Coulibaly, is poised for a payday.

Coulibaly’s stats — 11.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game on 31.9% 3PT — don’t stand out. If anything, they were a bit underwhelming for the third-year wing. But Coulibaly’s defensive prowess, an ability to mark the opposing team’s best player while providing switchability in guarding one through four, is coveted across the association.

Dawkins has a history of extending Washington’s first-round picks once they become extension eligible.

In 2023, he gave Deni Avdija a 4-year, $55 million extension that looks like one of the league’s best contracts. Now, Dawkins later dealt Avdija to Portland, but that’s a discussion for another story.

Dawkins also extended Corey Kispert before the 2024-25 campaign, giving the sharpshooting wing a 4-year, $54 million payday. If history repeats itself, Dawkins appears poised to extend Coulibaly, his first draft selection as Washington’s GM, later this offseason.

Should a deal materialize, look for it to be signed closer to opening night in October, as each of the previous extensions were. Avdija was extended on Oct. 22. Kispert inked his extension on Oct. 21.

July 6: Teams can officially announce signings

The Wizards conducted free agency before this year’s trade deadline, acquiring big names like Young and Anthony Davis, among others. Here’s a breakdown of those contracts for the 2026-27 season:

• Trae Young ($49M player option — extension candidate)
• Anthony Davis ($58.5M)
• Jaden Hardy ($6M)
• D’Angelo Russell ($5.97M player option)

July 9-19: Summer League

Summer League is scheduled for July 9-19. Expect second-year players Tre Johnson, Will Riley, Jamir Watkins and Julian Reese to suit up in Las Vegas. Those players will be joined by the Wizards’ 2026 first-round pick, plus any other selections they make on draft night.

Well, even the little sliver of optimism I had for this Sixers-Celtics series evaporated rather quickly on Sunday. Boston was dominant and the Sixers looked out-classed in every facet of Game 1. It looks like it’s going to be a long week for Sixers fans as their team marches their way to inevitable doom. Until then, I’ll hit our loyal readers with a fresh “5 Sixers thoughts” column…

The Sixers’ backup centers continue to flounder

Andre Drummond had a stellar evening during the Sixers’ Play-In win over Orlando that ran counter to how horrific it was to watch him on the court throughout the regular season. That didn’t carry over to the first round of the playoffs in Drummond’s 21 minutes of play, as the Sixers’ big was a negative on both ends of the court.

That’s before even getting nominal starter Adem Bona, who, in 14 minutes of play, appeared entirely out of place in an NBA playoff game. He should not be allowed to dribble the ball in transition ever again.

Sure, the Sixers are always going to be at a frontcourt disadvantage whenever Joel Embiid is out, but that’s a problem a dozen years in the making. The team has failed to get competent reserve big men play for the whole duration of the Embiid era even with it being a guarantee that Embiid will miss significant time annually.

All things considered, at least this is far less important than Greg Monroe being a -9 in under two minutes of play against Toronto in Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals, right?

Paul George’s effort is awful

From a pure efficiency standpoint, Paul George’s Game 1 performance was passable. He had 17 points while shooting 50 percent from the field, 50 percent from deep and going 8-of-9 from the free throw line. Watching the actual game unfold, however, told a different story.

George’s defensive effort, maybe more than anything I witnessed on Sunday, infuriated me. The Sixers are going against likely the best wing tandem in the league with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. There was no Embiid waiting at the cup to protect the rim. I know he’s about to turn 36 years old and he’s not the All-Defensive guy he once was nearly a decade ago, but how about at least give the appearance of trying?

I know it’s ultimately the fault of the organization for handing George a contract he didn’t deserve at this stage of his star-studded career, but I’d like to see “Playoff P” attempt to live up to it, you know?

I winced in anticipation of a miss whenever Kelly Oubre shot a three-pointer

Kelly Oubre was 0-for-5 from deep on Sunday, including a few back-breaking, open-as-anything looks. That stands out in my mind, yes, but it would be wrong to not share the blame for the Sixers’ overall shooting woes. They were 4-of-23 on threes, clocking in at 17 percent. It’s nearly impossible to win in the modern NBA launching it up that poorly.

That checks out for a Sixers team that shot 34.9 percent from three in the regular season, which came in 23rd in the whole league. They’re also not hoisting enough threes to lean into wild shooting variance that could give them a puncher’s chance at a win against a heavily-favored Boston squad. The Celtics shot 44 threes in Game 1 compared to the Sixers’ 23. George and Tyrese Maxey need to let it fly with reckless abandon!

We meet again, Nikola Vučević

During the Sixers’ seven-game battle against the Celtics in the 2012 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Nikola Vučević was a first-round rookie for the team. He played just three minutes across that series even while starting center Spencer Hawes was completely lost out there while going against Kevin Garnett. I would’ve liked to have seen if he had legitimately anything to give the Sixers instead of watching Hawes!

Anyway, Vučević, who turned into a two-time All-Star over the years, came off the Celtics’ bench in Game 1 and gave them some competent help. It would’ve been nice for the Sixers to be on the receiving end of that 14 years ago!

The “We want Boston!” chants got turned on their heads

As the Sixers pulled away against the Magic in the Play-In, the South Philadelphia faithful began chanting, “We want Boston!” I personally wasn’t doing that at the arena because I knew what would await this team in the first round, but I don’t begrudge those fans too much who were living in the moment and doing that.

Celtics fans certainly took notice of it though.

As Boston thrashed the Sixers on Sunday and built a lead of 30-plus points, Celtics fans trolled Philadelphia with its own “We want Boston!” chants. It is what it is. If you want to dish it out, you have to be able to take it, too.

Maybe they’ll forget about that during Game 2?

Draymond Green hopes Steve Kerr returns for another season as the Golden State Warriors coach. But he's not counting on it.

Green offered his thoughts on Kerr's future with the team, as part of the latest episode of his podcast, "The Draymond Green Show," released on Monday, April 20, less than a week after the Warriors' season ended with a loss to the Phoenix Suns in the NBA's Play-In Tournament.

The game ended with Kerr gathering Green and Warriors superstar Stephen Curry on the sideline for an embrace in which he appeared to acknowledge it could be his final game as the Warriors' coach. Kerr told Green and Curry, according to audio captured by Prime Video, "I don't know what's going to happen next, but I love you guys to death. Thank you. I appreciate you."

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The San Antonio Spurs are not going to waste time in this first round. As impressive as the Portland Trail Blazers’ season was — remember, it started with their head coach getting arrested the week of the season opener — it will end with no fanfare in this series.

My Trail Blazers vs. Spurs predictions and these NBA picks welcome our new overlord, Victor Wembanyama, as he continues his dominance in Game 2 on Tuesday, April 21.

Trail Blazers vs Spurs prediction

Trail Blazers vs Spurs best bet: Victor Wembanyama Over 28.5 points (-105)

What of Victor Wembanyama’s resounding playoff debut might not be repeatable? The San Antonio Spurs’ superstar scored 35 points in a dominant win, playing fewer than 33 minutes.

He did shoot 5-for-6 from deep; perhaps he will shoot just 2-for-6 from beyond the arc in Game 2. Those nine points would be costly in pursuit of this points prop. But then again, Wembanyama did not need to stress in that Game 1 win. Missing a few more 3-pointers would create a more competitive game, leading to more Wembanyama minutes.

That would provide enough of a cushion to think Wembanyama should clear this prop in either game state.

Focus on his last few weeks. The Frenchman scored at least 34 points in four of his final five regular-season games. He has been locked in for a bit.

And as Sunday night made clear, the Portland Trail Blazers do not have a defender to slow down Wembanyama. Donovan Clingan may be a massive human being, but he is simply not quick or agile enough to defend Wembanyama outside the paint.

Trail Blazers vs Spurs same-game parlay

Clingan will have a quality NBA career. It should last more than a decade. His size and defensive instincts are assets that contenders will value.

But he is no match for Wembanyama right now. Portland realized that in Game 1, and Clingan played just 21 minutes. Logic would have expected him to be more in the 28-30 range, but with Wembanyama ruling, the Trail Blazers needed to alter their rotation.

Clingan’s minutes may stay limited this whole series, leading to some continued value in the Unders on his player props.

Trail Blazers vs Spurs SGP

• Victor Wembanyama Over 28.5 points
• Donovan Clingan Under 9.5 points
• Donovan Clingan Under 9.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Wemby, Whatever Way

This is not doubt in Wembanyama. I'm merely suggesting that Portland will try a different coverage, because Sunday’s clearly did not work. Forcing Wembanyama off the arc will do only so much to his overall scoring.

The one thing the Trail Blazers should carry over from Game 1 is slowing down the pace. Fewer possessions give San Antonio fewer chances to enjoy its talent advantages, led by Wembanyama, obviously.

Trail Blazers vs Spurs SGP

• Victor Wembanyama Over 28.5 points
• Victor Wembanyama Under 2.5 made threes
• Under 220.5

Trail Blazers vs Spurs odds for Game 2

• Spread: Trail Blazers +11.5 (-115) | Spurs -11.5 (-105)
• Moneyline: Trail Blazers +475 | Spurs -650 
• Over/Under: Over 220.5 (-110) | Under 220.5 (-110)

Trail Blazers vs Spurs betting trend to know

As every game became a must-win for Portland, the Trail Blazers became a reliable Under team. Six of their final eight regular-season games cashed their Unders. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Spurs.

How to watch Trail Blazers vs Spurs Game 2

Trail Blazers vs Spurs latest injuries

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The Minnesota Timberwolves head into Game 2 down 1-0 after Denver Nuggets protected home court in the opener, and the market isn’t exactly expecting a bounce-back. With Denver now laying -7.5, oddsmakers are pricing in a clear gap as the series stays in altitude.

Our Timberwolves vs. Nuggets predictions and free NBA picks break down whether that number is justified — or if there’s value on Minnesota to respond before this series gets out of hand.

Who will win Timberwolves vs Nuggets Game 2?

Timberwolves win probability:28% (+257)
Nuggets win probability:77% (-285)

With a 77% win probability, the Denver Nuggets are expected to take Game 2 behind Nikola Jokic’s playmaking and Jamal Murray’s scoring, while the Minnesota Timberwolves will need a big response from Anthony Edwards to beat the odds.

Our prediction:Nuggets to win

Our NBA expert is calling for a Nuggets victory: "I fully expect the Nuggets to go up 2-0 in this series. When healthy, this Denver rotation may be the second-best team in the NBA, something not enough people recognize because it was healthy so rarely this season.

Read more in Douglas Farmer's full Timberwolves vs. Nuggets predictions.

More Timberwolves vs Nuggets prediction markets

You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Timberwolves vs. Nuggets at Kalshi; you also have options to trade on the spread, total, and more, among other NBA odds markets.

You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Nuggets -7.5 spread means the Nuggets will cover, while "No" means the Timberwolves will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using the Covers odds converter).

Timberwolves vs Nuggets spread and total at prediction markets

Our predictions:Nuggets -7.5 — Yes and Over 230.5 points — Yes

Our projections back the Denver Nuggets to cover the -7.5 behind Nikola Jokic controlling tempo and Jamal Murray scoring efficiently, while the pace and shot-making on both sides push this game Over 230.5.

Other Timberwolves vs Nuggets prediction markets available

• Jamal Murray 25+ points (Yes: 60¢)
• Nikola Jokic 25+ points (Yes: 68¢)
• Anthony Edwards 25+ points (Yes: 65¢)

What is Kalshi and how does it work?

Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts" which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Nuggets win tonight?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.

How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?

In a sportsbook, you bet against the bookmaker, who sets fixed odds and takes a "vig," which is a kind of commission. On Kalshi, you trade against other users. This peer-to-peer model means prices are driven by supply and demand, often resulting in fairer odds. Additionally, because these are financial derivatives, you can exit your position early. If your team takes a 14-point lead, the contract price will rise, allowing you to sell your "Yes" shares for a profit before the final whistle even blows.

Why should I wager on Timberwolves vs Nuggets at Kalshi?

Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:

1. Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
   
   
2. Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
   
   
3. Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
   
   
4. Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.

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The opening weekend of the NBA playoffs didn’t hit the heights of the Play-In drama, but that could all change tonight with the Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, and Minnesota Timberwolves trying to rebound from Game 1 losses.

As those teams dig into adjustments and counters, I’ve brought a similar focus to the NBA player props market, and my favorite targets lean into the home squads, with wagers on James Harden and Aaron Gordon.

Check out my three favorite NBA picks for the April 20 hoops action.

Best NBA player props today

Player	Pick
James Harden	Over 2.5 threes	-112
Dyson Daniels	Over 5.5 assists	-112
Aaron Gordon	Over 22.5 points + rebounds	-110

Prop #1: James Harden Over 2.5 threes

-112 at bet365

James Harden feasted against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, racking up 22 points and 10 assists, and I expect his shooting stroke to be there again in Game 2. The Beard knocked down four 3-pointers over the weekend, and he’s finished with 3+ triples in four of his past five outings.

It’s fair to pencil in a better defensive effort from Toronto tonight. Still, Harden can get to his stepback 3-ball in any matchup, and he’ll gladly hunt Toronto's weaker defenders on the perimeter.

Harden made his 3-pointers at a 44% clip in his 26 regular-season contests for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he’s set to be a thorn in the Raptors’ side again at Rocket Arena.

• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: Peacock/NBCSN

Prop #2: Dyson Daniels Over 5.5 assists

-112 at bet365

Dyson Daniels pushed the New York Knicks all the way in Game 1, and his motor will be a factor again tonight at MSG.

Daniels dished 11 assists at MSG on Saturday — his second straight outing with double-digit dimes — and we should see playmaking flashes from the Aussie again here, with New York clamping down on CJ McCollum, Jalen Johnson, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. 

That’ll leave the ball in Daniels’ hands on plenty of possessions, and he’s nailed this Over in four of his last five outings. Plus, look for his minutes to climb even higher as the Atlanta Hawks try to level the series tonight.

• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: NBC/Peacock

Prop #3: Aaron Gordon Over 22.5 points + rebounds

-110 at bet365

Aaron Gordon was his usual steady self in Game 1, ending up with 17 points and eight rebounds, and I’m going back to the well tonight for another do-it-all performance from AG in this very familiar matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Denver Nuggets need Gordon at full strength to make a Finals run, and that’ll include more opportunistic sharpshooting from downtown, where he posted a 39% mark during the regular season.

Most of all, this pick banks on Gordon’s ability to go up a level in the playoffs. He averaged 16.2 ppg and 7.6 rpb in last year’s postseason, and he’s a natural beneficiary in the paint when Nikola Jokic draws a swarm of Minnesota defenders.

• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: NBC/Peacock

These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.

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Tyrese Maxey is like the wind. He gets up to dangerous speeds, and can make you feel uncomfortable. Fortunately, Boston brought their windbreaker, and inside TD Garden there wasn’t even a breeze.

Without Joel Embiid, Game 1 was all about Maxey. We knew that, he knew that, and most importantly, so did the Celtics.

Maxey played the entirety of the first quarter, and finished with a 34.5% usage percentage. In that frame he shot 3-9, outpacing everyone in field goal attempts on either side. It felt like a predetermined mindset that the best way to counter Boston’s plans to smother him was to be ultra aggressive.

He started the game with a lightly contested step back 3-pointer over Sam Hauser, then hit just 2 of his next 10. A substantial reason for this is that in preparation for an assertive Maxey, Boston focused on how they could still dictate the terms.

Jordan Walsh spoke before the series about the challenge and goals of covering a player like Maxey, and his analysis hit on the what the Celtics honed in on in Game 1.

“Taking away tendencies, and knowing the small things.” Walsh said. “Make them go to their second option, their third option… if he wants to go right and do a step back, just don’t let him do that and make him do something else and usually we’ll live with the end result.”

Walsh revealed one observable key to the matchup, limiting Maxey’s step backs going right. As the chart shows, Maxey is significantly more effective from distance when he’s shooting toward his right. On the night, just one of his four three point attempts came from that right wing.

His second shot of the game came after getting Jayson Tatum switched onto him.

The most important aspect of this possession is the positioning of Sam Hauser. The moment Maxey begins his drive, Hauser stunts at him. This is often an incredibly forcing idea. It can lead to live ball turnovers, kick outs, or early dribble pick ups. For a crafty downhill driver like Maxey, that lowers his threat levels if he can’t get to his floater or deep into the paint. He identifies the stunt — and an awaiting Queta — and opts for the left wing step back instead.

If there’s a true blind spot on the floor for Maxey, it is the left short midrange area. He has 28 attempts there on the season, and converted just 25% of those looks. It’s not a zone that he looks for, but on multiple occasions it’s exactly where the Celtics guided him to.

In this case, it was Maxey pushing the ball up quick, enjoying the space he found 1-on-1 with Derrick White. But again, it’s the positioning from Boston with Tatum and Hauser overextending that shrinks the middle of floor. This narrows his options, and Maxey settles for a contested turnaround jumper in unfamiliar territory.

A possession like that feels like the balance of Maxey trying to show he won’t be limited, versus Boston pushing him out of his comfort zones and living with the results, as Walsh explained.

This is arguably the best example of the Celtics’ guiding hand at work.

With Boston prepared to switch, Oubre sets a brush screen to try to create an opening for Maxey to get to his right. White had no interest in the screen, and beats Maxey to the spot. This forces the Sixers to reset, and Oubre comes back to ghost the screen this time.

Maxey gets downhill to his left but Vucevic is waiting in the paint, Hauser is cheating over, and White is still on his hip. His shot fake gets White out of the picture, but he is instantly replaced by Hauser and Tatum rushing to contest. He’s forced to kick it out to Paul George, who sees his own driving lane disappear with a similar hoard of Celtics in his path. His pass is picked off, and Tatum finishes in transition.

You can’t win every possession, but the goal was to keep Maxey driving left and staying left as much as possible. When he begins a play on the left wing — whether it’s isolation or pick & roll — he prefers to spin, crossover or euro his way toward the middle and his right hand.

Notice how White positions himself against this screen. He stays above it, but waits for any sign of a drive to the right. Maxey concedes, using the Drummond screen to go left. White spins under it to meet him on the other side, while Vucevic and Brown join him to suffocate what just looked like open space. Maxey picks up his dribble, and attempts his second contested short midrange jumper from the left side.

The attention to detail stands out from every player on the floor. In each clip it’s not necessarily the individual defense of one player, but the collective understanding of what they’re trying to accomplish. As three players converge on one drive, the other two are rotating or zoning up on the weak side.

In the moments where it is about on-ball isolation defense, the rest of the team is still moving on a string to prevent breakdowns or openings elsewhere.

Here Maxey draws the Tatum matchup again. He has room to operate, and tries to get separation for his trusty step back. Tatum probably still doesn’t get enough credit for his defensive ability, but it’s his intuition here that allows him to throw Maxey off. He stays close enough to dissuade the three without giving up a step on the drive. He sends Maxey toward the baseline — where Vucevic is headed — and forces him to cross back toward the left hand, before trying an awkward floating shot facing away from the hoop.

While Tatum’s defense is under the spotlight here, it’s important to note the tandem effort from Vucevic and Walsh the allows them to send help to the rim without leaving the corner or the big available as outlets.

That connected effort was the theme of the night. Maxey finished with 21 points on 8/20 shooting, and his aggressiveness visibly diminished after the first quarter. Each defender had their job in slowing him down, regardless of who drew the initial matchup.

This was only Game 1, and Philly will adjust. They’ll look to free Maxey off the ball, flip the angle of his screens, and find ways to get him moving before the defense is set.

The larger problem remains if his supporting cast can’t command enough defensive attention to force Boston into tougher choices. As long as the Celtics can sag off the shooters and load up in the driving lanes, they’ll continue to dictate the terms.

Maxey is still the wind. Boston just knows which way it blows.

Going into the series against the Sixers, the Celtics had to wait to see which coverage Nick Nurse would pick on ball-screen actions. As most modern basketball plays start with a screen for the ball-handler, the chosen coverage tells a lot about a team’s philosophy and its capabilities.

If Joël Embiid was healthy (so a pretty big if), the Sixers would probably have been in drop coverage, with the former MVP staying low under the screen, waiting for the Celtics to attempt a drive or forcing them into pull-ups. But, as often, the big man from Cameroon is out. Nurse has to make do with either Adem Bona, Andre Drummond, or sometimes Dominick Barlow.

With these bigs, it makes less sense to go for drop coverage, as their rim protection isn’t elite. Plus, they are a little more mobile than Embiid, offering an opportunity to switch and try to contain the ball-handler, or hedge and apply pressure. With Nurse being an adept of aggressive coverages and defensive playmaking, it was somewhat expected to see a hedge coverage… and the Celtics totally exposed it.

With this approach, the Sixers wanted to force the ball out of Tatum’s hands and also create some chaos in the Celtics’ offense. However, JT has improved so much as a playmaker that he has learned how to deal with these coverages.

On this first example with Neemias Queta, he finds him on the short roll around the free-throw line, as he expects him to be free from his matchup. Because of his size and basketball IQ, this coverage doesn’t work if nobody comes to tag the roll man, like here.

However, basketball is like an onion and has many layers. So what happens if the Sixers tag the roll man (here Nikola Vucevic) when executing a hedge coverage? To do so, you need a third defender, who will have to leave his man open for a second to contain the roll. This takes away the paint but creates an open shot beyond the line. Here, for one of the best shooters alive, Sam Hauser.

While this approach makes Jayson Tatum’s passing shine, at least it takes away his scoring. At least a little. On this next play, Barlow is too slow to step up on the ball screen and leaves space between him and the screener. JT’s handle is sharp enough to split the defense as he crosses in front of the defender and finishes at the rim. This is a great example of why the Sixers coaching staff would rather put two on the ball so these drives don’t happen.

The other limitation of this coverage is how much the screener’s defender can anticipate the ball direction. Here, Drummond is getting ready for Jaylen Brown to go left and commits to that play too early. JB sees it, rejects the screen, and can drive with his right hand into an open paint. Bad coverage and bad execution.

Once everybody saw how bad the Sixers were at hedging the pick-and-roll, it became a playground for the Celtics’ offense. Here, Payton Pritchard beats it himself with patience, great vision, and good timing to find Queta alone below the rim, as Drummond is once again behind the play.

This coverage is also going poorly due to the elite spacing that the Celtics have. On this play, with Derrick White as the ball-handler, the secondary rim protector and low man is supposed to be Paul George. However, PG is forced to choose between protecting the paint or covering Hauser in the corner—an impossible decision leading to another shot at the rim.

Overall, the Celtics had elite rim efficiency, and it was largely due to poorly chosen and executed coverages. Now, the Sixers have a couple of days to adjust their approach to slow down the Celtics’ avalanche.

Well, any news is good news after what we all witnessed Sunday afternoon.

After the Sixers were thoroughly beaten by the Celtics in Game 1 in Boston, it appears there is a glimmer of hope that Joel Embiid can return before the series ends.

The Sixers Monday announced that Embiid has started his strength and conditioning program.

Embiid is back in Philly and not with the team in Boston.

It’s hard to know what to make of this as far as when Embiid could return to action.

Embiid underwent his emergency appendectomy on Thursday, April 9, so we’re 11 days post-surgery. Again, this feels like positive news that he’s even reached a stage where he can begin a strength and conditioning program — something he wouldn’t be doing unless there was a chance he could come back — but there are likely many more hurdles to clear and much will depend on how Embiid’s body responds.

Remember, you’re asking Embiid to play in NBA playoffs games against a great team when he’s been unable to do much physically for over a week. That’s an impossible ask. But if we’ve learned anything about Embiid in recent years, it’s that he’s going to push to play — sometimes to his own detriment.

Both Adem Bona, who got the starting nod, and Andre Drummond struggled mightily in Game 1. Both got in early foul trouble as well, only adding to the Sixers’ litany of issues. It’s painfully obvious that Embiid would help a great deal, but it’s hard to know what to expect when/if he comes back.

The Sixers will be without Embiid for Game 2 in Boston Tuesday night. Could he be available when the series goes to Philly for Game 3 on Friday night? It appears we’re back to playing the will he/won’t he game with Embiid yet again. To be honest, it’s comfortable territory at this point.

And it beats having to watch the version of the team we watched Sunday.

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year after historic season originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Victor Wembanyama is officially the NBA’s best defender.

The San Antonio Spurs star was named Defensive Player of the Year on Monday after a historic season, becoming the award’s first unanimous winner since its inception in 1982-83.

He beat out finalists Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren and Detroit Pistons wing Ausar Thompson.

At just 22 years old, Wembanyama is the youngest player to ever earn the award – surpassing 23-year-old winners Alvin Robertson (1986), Dwight Howard (2009), Kawhi Leonard (2015), Jaren Jackson Jr. (2023) and Evan Mobley (2025).

Wembanyama has led the NBA in blocks in each of his three NBA seasons since being drafted first overall in 2023. In 2025-26, he averaged 3.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.

As a rookie in 2023-24, Wembanyama finished second in DPOY voting behind Rudy Gobert while making First-Team All-Defense. His second season ended early with just 46 games played, making him ineligible for awards despite averaging a league-high 3.8 blocks per game.

Wembanyama is also a finalist for MVP, along with Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. In his playoff debut on Sunday night, Wembanyama led the second-seeded Spurs to a 111-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers while blocking two shots and scoring 35 points.

If he can stay healthy, this is expected to be the first of many Defensive Player of the Year honors for the French star. For now, though, his focus is on helping the Spurs win their first playoff series since 2017.

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year after historic season originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Victor Wembanyama is officially the NBA’s best defender.

The San Antonio Spurs star was named Defensive Player of the Year on Monday after a historic season, becoming the award’s first unanimous winner since its inception in 1982-83.

He beat out finalists Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren and Detroit Pistons wing Ausar Thompson.

At just 22 years old, Wembanyama is the youngest player to ever earn the award – surpassing 23-year-old winners Alvin Robertson (1986), Dwight Howard (2009), Kawhi Leonard (2015), Jaren Jackson Jr. (2023) and Evan Mobley (2025).

Wembanyama has led the NBA in blocks in each of his three NBA seasons since being drafted first overall in 2023. In 2025-26, he averaged 3.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.

As a rookie in 2023-24, Wembanyama finished second in DPOY voting behind Rudy Gobert while making First-Team All-Defense. His second season ended early with just 46 games played, making him ineligible for awards despite averaging a league-high 3.8 blocks per game.

Wembanyama is also a finalist for MVP, along with Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. In his playoff debut on Sunday night, Wembanyama led the second-seeded Spurs to a 111-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers while blocking two shots and scoring 35 points.

If he can stay healthy, this is expected to be the first of many Defensive Player of the Year honors for the French star. For now, though, his focus is on helping the Spurs win their first playoff series since 2017.

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Trusting the Process was never about winning an NBA title. It was about having the genuine chance at winning an NBA title. Well, with Joel Embiid sidelined, the Philadelphia 76ers cannot justifiably have either thought this season, certainly not with the Boston Celtics looking poised to win the Eastern Conference.

My 76ers vs. Celtics predictions and these NBA picks lean into the lopsided nature of this series, including in Game 2 on Tuesday, April 21.

76ers vs Celtics prediction

76ers vs Celtics best bet: Celtics -8 — 1H (-110)

It is the Philadelphia 76ers’ misfortune that the Boston Celtics were without Jayson Tatum for so long this season. They are effectively playing the best team in the Eastern Conference despite being the No. 7 seed. In a more just life, the 76ers would get a shot at the stumbling Detroit Pistons.

Instead, this should be the most lopsided of sweeps in this postseason.

The Celtics led by 18 at halftime in Game 1, and they did not even play that well. Boston shot just 6-of-18 from beyond the arc in the first half on Sunday. Philadelphia attempted four more free throws in the half as well as three more field goals, and the rebounding margin was even.

But the Celtics’ dominance is so thorough that they do not need to play well to steamroll the 76ers. Philadelphia shot 2-of-16 from deep in that first half, turned over the ball nine times compared to logging nine assists, and if not for 10 offensive rebounds, may have trailed by 25 at the break.

Could the 76ers have played better? Obviously, but it is an emphatic realization that the Celtics did not play well in the first half, yet they won by 18 points. Their margin for error in this series is humbling and intimidating, and should worry everyone else in the Eastern Conference.

76ers vs Celtics same-game parlay

With a bounty of respect for the veteran center, Philadelphia is relying too much on Andre Drummond to be taken seriously in the playoffs in 2026. Drummond has put together an impressive 13-year career, one defined by rebounding dominance in the 2010s that has now become a quality asset in a reserve.

But looking at Drummond for rebounds is not a smart move when he cannot defend anyone in the opponents’ rotation. He posted a -19 in 21 minutes in Game 1.

With Joel Embiid sidelined by an appendectomy, the 76ers have little choice but to play Drummond, but that reality dooms Philadelphia to waiting for a blowout in which its offense eventually becomes a liability.

76ers vs Celtics SGP

• Celtics -8 — 1H
• Celtics -13.5
• Under 216

Our "from downtown" SGP: Philly desperation

Consider this a desperation measure from Philadelphia. If the 76ers are going to find any traction in this series, it needs more than 34 combined points from Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. They probably need to play more than 36 and 34 minutes, as they respectively did in Game 1.

Unless one of them goes off to the tune of 40+ points, it likely will not be enough, but these are the horses that got Philadelphia here. They need to be the horses the 76ers ride in this first-round series.

76ers vs Celtics SGP

• Celtics -8 — 1H
• Tyrese Maxey Over 25.5 points
• VJ Edgecombe Over 15.5 points

76ers vs Celtics odds for Game 2

• Spread: 76ers +13.5 | Celtics -13.5
• Moneyline: 76ers +575 | Celtics -850
• Over/Under: Over 216 | Under 216

76ers vs Celtics betting trend to know

For a team that was effectively locked into its postseason seeding, Boston never let up as the regular season ended. The Celtics know they still need to find all forms of rhythm with Jayson Tatum in the lineup, hence going 7-1 against the spread in their last eight games. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Celtics.

How to watch 76ers vs Celtics Game 2

76ers vs Celtics latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

In a move likely unprecedented in NBA history, the Brooklyn Nets announced Monday that the franchise has extended head coach Jordi Fernandez and nine assistant coaches. The Nets staff is among the largest if not the largest in the league.

“Jordi is a tremendous leader who, along with his coaching staff, put his stamp on this franchise from the moment he arrived in Brooklyn,” said Sean Marks in the team’s press release. “Over his first two seasons, Jordi has built a strong foundation rooted in player development, a competitive spirit and honest communication, all of which have been embraced throughout our roster.

“The energy and passion the entire staff relentlessly pour into our players reverberates throughout the organization, and we are excited to have this group continue to lead our franchise into the future.”

Shams Charania was first with the news…

The Nets did not name the assistants but the team’s official website lists nine assistant coaches, all of whom have been with the club for at least two years. In addition to Fernandez, the coaching staff includes Fernandez top assistant, Steve Hetzel as well as Juwan Howard, Jay Hernandez, Dutch Gaitley, Deividas Dulkys, Ryan Forehan-Kelly, Connor Griffin, Corey Vinson and Travis Bader.

Contract details were not disclosed. Shams Charania wrote this about the timing and rationale behind the decision.

Nets owner Joe Tsai and general manager Sean Marks landed on the extensions with the staff this week, sources told ESPN, showing long-term commitment to Fernandez after two seasons at the helm.

Fernandez has pushed the Nets to competitive play amid consecutive rebuilding seasons in which he’s gone a combined 46-118, focusing on player development from the team’s young players and career years from veterans such as Michael Porter Jr., Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe.

Although the Nets record under Fernandez is among the league’s worst at 28.0% in two years, Shams and Bobby Marks noted the Nets future looks brighter.

The offseason presents an opportunity for Brooklyn to improve significantly. Heading into the May 10 lottery, there is a 40% chance that the Nets select in the top three for the first time since 2010. For the second straight offseason, the Nets will have over $30 million in cap space to use in trades or in free agency.

Brooklyn also has 13 first-round picks available over the next seven years, including nine that can be traded. It also has 19 second-rounders.

The extensions are Joe Tsai’s latest commitment to the franchise future and a significant vote of confidence in Marks who hired Fernandez and staff.

Fernández was named the 24th head coach in the franchise’s NBA history on April 22, 2024. The Badalona, Spain, native arrived in Brooklyn following 15 years as an NBA assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings. Fernández’s international coaching journey also led him to positions with the national teams of Spain, Nigeria and Canada, where he served as head coach for the bronze medal-winning team at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup along with Canada’s Olympic entry at the 2024 Paris Games.

• Sources: Nets sign coach Jordi Fernandez, staff to extensions – Shams Charania – ESPN

The Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks meet in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. The Knicks won Game 1 113-102 with Jalen Brunson scoring 28 points and Karl-Anthony Towns adding 25. The Knicks are favored in Game 2 by 5.5 points with an over/under of 217.5.

How to watch Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks

• Date: Monday, April 20

• Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT

• Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

• TV Channels: NBC, Peacock

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

Odds

• Spread: New York Knicks -5.5

• Moneyline: New York Knicks -235 (67.0%) / Atlanta Hawks +190 (33.0%)

• Over/Under: 217.5

Series results, schedule

Game 1:Knicks 113, Hawks 102
Game 2: Mon., April 20, at New York (8 p.m., NBC)
Game 3: Thu., April 23, at Atlanta (7 p.m., Prime)
Game 4: Sat., April 25, at Atlanta (6 p.m., NBC)
*Game 5: Tue., April 28,at New York (TBD)
*Game 6: Thu., April 30, at Atlanta (TBD)
*Game 7: Sat., May 2, at New York (TBD)

*if necessary