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Timberwolves Game 2 computer picks
Donte DiVincenzo Over 3.5 assists (+130)
Projection: 3.97 assists
Donte DiVincenzo’s role as a secondary playmaker continues to grow alongside Anthony Edwards, with Minnesota leaning on his ball movement against Denver’s half-court defense.
At plus money, the projection edge and expected minutes make this a strong value look.
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Jaden McDaniels Under 15.5 points (-115)
Projection: 13.82 points
Jaden McDaniels remains a low-usage option offensively, with most of his value coming on the defensive end in this matchup. With limited shot volume and tougher half-court possessions, his scoring ceiling stays capped.
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Anthony Edwards Under 4.5 assists (+112)
Projection: 4.2 assists
Anthony Edwards is more likely to take on a scoring-heavy role rather than facilitate, especially in a tighter playoff rotation. Denver’s defensive scheme also encourages isolation scoring over playmaking, limiting his assist upside.
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Nuggets Game 2 computer picks
Christian Braun Over 11.5 points (-105)
Projection: 13.35 points
Christian Braun continues to carve out a larger offensive role with his energy, cutting, and transition scoring. With increased minutes and high-efficiency looks, he’s well-positioned to clear this number.
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Aaron Gordon Under 15.5 points (+105)
Projection: 14.68 points
Aaron Gordon’s scoring is heavily dependent on play-finishing rather than self-creation, making him vulnerable in slower half-court sets. If Minnesota limits easy looks at the rim, his path to this number gets thin.
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Nikola Jokic Under 10.5 assists (-130)
Projection: 9.61 assists
Nikola Jokic will always create opportunities, but Denver’s scoring distribution and Minnesota’s defensive attention can cap his assist totals. With the offense leaning slightly more toward scoring balance, this number sits a bit high.
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How to watch Timberwolves vs Nuggets Game 2
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Monday, April 20, 2026
Tip-off
10:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBC, Peacock
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.
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 18, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Going into his 19th playoff run, it’s remarkable that LeBron James is still capable of breaking records. And yet, on Saturday, the league’s greatest scorer and all-time leader in games played collected eight assists in the first quarter in the Lakers’ Game 1 win over the Rockets, a career high for any quarter of a playoff game.
His playmaking and precision set the offensive tone against a high-pressure and physical top-ten regular-season defense.
LeBron has oscillated between the number one through three offensive options all season for the purple and gold, depending on the health of his star backcourt. Without either, he jumps back to a very familiar spot.
News broke hours before tip-off that superstar Kevin Durant would not play for Houston, joining Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves for LA to sit on the sidelines. Shockingly, the 41-year-old was the healthiest out of the four stars, but age seemed to be just a number during LA’s playoff home opener.
LeBron finished the first half with 10 assists, tying his playoff career high, and ended the game with 13 dimes to go with a stat-stuffing line of 19 points, eight rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot.
The offensive game plan was simple but effective: involve the Rockets’ weakest defenders in as many actions as possible to create an advantage and start the blender. They hunted Houston with LeBron either as a lethal screener or initiator.
Early on, the Rockets looked to hide young guard Reed Sheppard on Marcus Smart. Watch below as Smart sets up to back him down with LeBron first coming over to screen, but decides to back-cut. He catches the pocket pass and throws a wrap-around on the money jump pass through traffic to Rui Hachimura in the corner.
A few possessions later, he and Ayton ran an action in the middle of the floor, attacking the slow-footed backup center, Clint Capela, in the clip below.
His defender chases over the screen, while Capela retreats in drop coverage. No help comes to tag the roll, and it’s an easy touch lob pass for one of the best playmakers ever to his big man for the jam.
”We talked all week about being connected offensively and trust in the pass,” head coach J.J. Redick said postgame. “He led us there in the first half, getting 10 assists, and then was able to make some scoring plays down the stretch. Just a fantastic overall game from him.”
With about five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and Smart at the helm, watch LeBron delegate and point to every player’s position on the floor. The final hand signals to get Hachimura and Jared Vanderbilt to spread to the corners. He orchestrates with the goal of maximizing space against the Rockets’ 2-3 zone.
Smart finds LeBron on the stampede cut, where he catches it already in motion towards the rim and kicks it back out for the big 3-pointer late in the fourth.
Without Luka and Reaves, the Lakers are not only out on the scoring but are missing 14 assists combined per game. LeBron can’t replace all of it alone, as he’s got many different responsibilities on the team.
Some nights, like Game 1, he will be asked to be a passer and facilitator, while on other nights the Lakers may need him to score. Whichever role it is, he looks primed to be able to fill it.
“For me, I have to do a little bit of everything,” LeBron said postgame. “That’s what the job requires. Just being a triple threat, being able to rebound. Being able to pass, being able to shoot. Also, defend, put myself in a position to where I can bring value to this ball club, bring value to this series. It’s going to be a game to game position to see how the game plays out.”
The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves meet in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series after the Nuggets won Saturday’s opener 116-105. Jamal Murray scored 30 points in that game and Nikola Jokic had a triple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. Denver is favored by 6.5 points in Game 2, with the over/under set at 231.5.
How to watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets
Game 1:Nuggets 116, Timberwolves 105 Game 2: Mon., April 20, at Denver (10:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock) Game 3: Thu., April 23, at Minnesota (9:30 p.m., Prime Video) Game 4: Sat., April 25, at Minnesota (8:30 p.m., ABC) *Game 5: Mon., April 27, at Denver (TBD) *Game 6: Thu., April 30, at Minnesota (TBD) *Game 7: Sat., May 2, at Denver (TBD)
The Nets announced that they have signed Fernandez, along with the entire Brooklyn coaching staff, to multi-year contract extensions.
"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 Nets general manager Sean Marks. "Over his first two seasons, Jordi has built strong foundation rooted in player development, 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."
Fernandez, 43, has been the Nets head coach for the past two seasons. While his overall record of 46-118 may not look spectacular, the Nets have obviously been going through a multi-year rebuild following the breakup of the Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving-James Harden era.
When Fernandez was hired, the former Nuggets and Kings assistant was known for his player development skills, and that's been a key piece of his time with the Nets as well, working with young players like Egor Demin, Noah Clowney, Ziaire Williams, and others. The Nets do not have a player over the age of 29 on their current roster.
With the NBA Draft Combine less than a month away — and the NBA Draft at the end of June — the Chicago Bulls have kicked their search for a new head of basketball operations and a new general manager into high gear.
The Chicago Bulls have started the search process for their new head of basketball operations, receiving permission to interview Timberwolves GM Matt Lloyd, Pistons senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, Hawks senior vice president Bryson Graham, Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey and Spurs assistant GM Dave Telep, sources told ESPN on Monday.
The Bulls are also expected to speak with the co-head of CAA's basketball division, Austin Brown, regarding the vacancy, sources told ESPN.
The timeline for the hire, whoever it is, likely comes after the NBA Draft Combine, which is in Chicago from May 10-17.
Whoever is hired to head basketball operations will not get to pick the coach, as ownership has said Billy Donovan will keep his job and that the new front office will have to work with him.
That new front office will have to walk a fine line. The Bulls have been stuck in the middle in the NBA for years — never bad enough to get a really high draft pick, but making the playoffs just once in the last nine years. The one year they did bottom out, 22 wins in the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season, they drafted No. 4 and took Patrick Williams (over Tyrese Haliburton, Deni Avdija, Devin Vassell and others). This year, when executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley turned to tanking again, they were fired. Bulls ownership wants to win and doesn't want to bottom out and get that talent through the draft, which is a challenge.
The Bulls have some interesting players, such as Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. The new front office will have up to $65 million in cap space and a lottery pick at its disposal to reshape the roster. But it will not be an easy job.
Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reaches for a loose ball between Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Here are the main questions for Week 26, we want your thoughts on as the Suns start their postseason run:
Is there a path for the Suns to win this series?
Oklahoma City didn’t just win on Sunday; they throttled the Suns. Phoenix shot below 35% from the field, committed 17 turnovers, and only had 16 assists. After the Suns got out to an early 12-9 lead, the Thunder went on a 37-12 run and handled business with ease the rest of the way. The closest the Suns got to breaking into the Thunder’s lead was in the third quarter when they cut it to 15, but Oklahoma City responded the rest of the quarter with a 29-13 run.
With how dominant the Thunder have been this season and against the Suns in recent history, (they’re 2-9 the last three seasons) does Phoenix have a path to pulling off the upset?
More Even Shot Distribution
Collin Gillespie was the only Sun outside of Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green to take more than five shots in Game 1. Oklahoma City forced the Suns’ top scorers into deeply contested shots; the trio shot 20/55 from the field, 36% from the field. The three scorers were clearly the focal point in the Thunder’s defensive game plan and they did a good job from preventing them from being efficient scorers, while not giving the chance for any other Phoenix players to get too involved.
Do the Suns need to switch up their offensive approach in Game 2 or trust that their top scorers will have better games? Who else needs to step up? How much is the team missing Grayson Allen right now?
No Mark, No Paint Protection
Without Mark Williams in the lineup, the Suns surrendered 52 points in the paint, and allowed the Thunder to attempt 23 free throws. Still nursing a foot injury he suffered against the Portland Trailblazers in the 7/8 game last Tuesday, if Williams can’t go again, Oso Ighodaro is set to control starting center duties with Khaman Maluach backing him up.
Phoenix generally plays small and has opted to play even smaller as the season has gone on, but it bit them in Game 1 with OKC winning the matchups inside and collecting 19 offensive rebounds.
Should Jordan Ott and company look to play with more size the rest of the series?
On the Suns’ Plate this Week
Game 2 comes on Wednesday at 6:30 Arizona time in Oklahoma City on ESPN, then the Suns will host the Thunder on Saturday at 12:30 on NBC and Peacock for Game 3.
The Toronto Raptors will try to even their first-round NBA playoff series with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. The Cavalies won the series’ opener 126-113 on Saturday behind 32 points from Donovan Mitchell and 22 points and 10 assists from James Harden. The Game 2 spread sits at -8.5 in favor of the Cavaliers, with the over/under set at 222.5.
How to watch Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Game 1:Cavaliers 126, Raptors 113 Game 2: Mon., April 20 at Cleveland (7 p.m., Peacock) Game 3: Thu., April 23 at Toronto (8 p.m., Prime) Game 4: Sun., April 26 at Toronto (1 p.m., ESPN) Game 5: Wed., April 29 at Cleveland (TBD) Game 6: Fri., May 1 at Toronto (TBD) *Game 7: Sun., May 3 at Cleveland (TBD)
The intrigue could really build when Game 2 begins around the NBA starting on Monday, April 20. There are three games on the schedule on Monday and Tuesday, with two more Game 2s on the docket for Wednesday.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 18: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks warms up before Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
New York will see the Knicks play basketball against the Hawks inside the Garden one final time this season.
Next time the homies get back home, that’d be for Game 3 of the second-round series.
Here’s what has been said heading into G2 later today.
"My mom called me and got on me. She said, 'you can't bring cookies to your press conference, son!'" 😂
On CJ McCollum’s Brodway comments: “I didn’t see it. And a lot of guys are going to say a lot of things throughout the course of the playoffs. So whatever people want to say, that’s. That’s all. That’s up to them. But I didn’t see it.”
On defending Atlanta’s small-small actions: “Their small-small pick-and-roll also is a problem. And our guys did a pretty good job of defending that the right way in the second half. It kind of got away from us early in the game, and they got some open looks from it, but our level of physicality without fouling was really good in the second half, as well as our communication with their small-small pick-and-roll.”
On Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive ceiling: “When KAT wants to, he can be a really, really good defender, especially at his size, he can cause some problems. I’ve kind of said it all year long: It’s a matter of whether or not he wants to do it that night. And as of late, he’s been really good on that end of the floor.”
On Towns’ pick-and-roll defense: “I even told him today [during practice]: I said your pick-and-roll defense was at a pretty high level. And that’s something that we need for him to continue to do.”
On second-half defensive improvements: “Our transition defense was better. Our ability to defend their small-small pick and roll was better. And then our ability to keep them off the glass during that time was a lot better and allowed us to go out and run and attack them in transition. So that’s something that we have to do while communicating for as close to 48 minutes as possible, because Atlanta is a good team and they can hurt you in a lot of different ways if you’re not present or in the moment every single possession.”
On trusting his assistants with matchup tweaks: “We just wanted to see if we can cause a little confusion. Brendan O’Connor and Darren Erman, those two guys were the brains or the thought process of the matchup situation. Erman brought it to me and I said, ‘Yeah.’”
On preparing for Atlanta’s adjustments: “All great teams, great players, make adjustments. So we have to continue watching it. And if we have to switch it up, we’ll switch it up.”
On Josh Hart’s value as a connector: “For sure, he by far is one of the best connectors that I’ve been around, that I’ve seen just in general. Because he just does so many little things every time he steps on the floor. They go unnoticed or you can take for granted. The things he does, we definitely need, especially when you’re talking about a physical seven-game series.”
On Hart again as a connector: “By far [Hart’s] one of the best connectors that I’ve been around, that I’ve seen just in general. Because he just does so many little things every time he steps on the floor. They [go] unnoticed or that you can take for granted. The things he does, we definitely need, especially when you’re talking about a physical seven-game series.”
On using Towns in different offensive spots: “We want to put him in pick-and-roll situations so he can pick-and-pop and shoot the ball or take the ball off the dribble. And then we also wanna put him at the elbow so he can playmake for us, because we feel like we move very well (like that).”
"My dad always taught me to be a winning player"
Josh Hart credits his father and one of his young coaches with instilling in him winning traits and a love for rebounding: pic.twitter.com/By4HYAyxKf
On guarding whoever he’s assigned: “Nah, man, that’s not me. My job is to go out there and guard who they tell me to guard. So that’s what I try to do.”
On defending Jalen Johnson despite the size gap: “I don’t know. Just trying to be physical. Obviously, he’s a really good player. He’s what, 6-8, 6-9? So I’m 6-4 — apparently I lost an inch. I used to be 6-5, so I’m even smaller this year. Just trying to be physical, try not to let him get to those spots where he can use his height and athleticism over me. He’s obviously a really good player, so just trying to do what I can.”
On honing rebounding as a key to his game: “Since I can remember picking up a ball at 7 or 8. You want to win and you want to do everything it takes. Sometimes when people say I want to win, they just automatically think, ‘OK, he wants to score the most. He wants to do that.’ For me, you have to get stops, and when you force teams into contested shots, you have go out there and get a rebound, especially against a team like this who has good guys who can crash the glass, get offensive rebounds, get their shooters second shots. You have to make sure you put an emphasis on rebounding. That’s something I’ve always done. My dad always taught me to be a winning player.”
On communication defending guard-guard actions: “I think we can get better on our communication, especially on guard-guard [actions]. For the first game, it was solid, but we have to be better. For sure, I think we can clean it up. That communication of small-smalls, not allowing them to get [McCollum] and [Alexander-Walker] open shots. They’re talented players. Obviously, you just try to get them to shoot as many contested shots as you can. So the communication’s got to be better. The physicality was good, but we have to ramp that up. I think they do a really good job of spreading into those screens and slipping out, those kinds of things.”
On the broader implications of small-small actions: “That’s something that Boston does an amazing job of, and I feel — I won’t say they started it, but they really elevated it. And it’s a copycat league. And you see that and say, ‘OK, how can we figure that out? How can teams do that?’ So it’s a little unnatural. I think the best way to guard those and negate those open looks is communication.”
OG Anunoby twisted his ankle and asked to come out of the game.
Declined treatment from a trainer, re-tied his left shoe.
Here’s Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado using ancient forgotten healing methods on him: pic.twitter.com/qSLGE50m9Z
On helping OG Anunoby in-game: “It’s just making sure my guy is right. We need OG out there so whatever’s whatever, and we’re gonna make it happen.”
On Anunoby coming to him on the bench looking for a magic healing: “He came over to the bench and asked me to do it for his ankle. I sat over there. He checked back into the game. We need him on the floor, so whatever I gotta do to keep it going.”
On his healing powers: “Sprinkled a little spice on him, man. Just a little magic, man. Made sure he was good for the second half. Come back here, sprinkle a little magic on them before I go out there.”
On the bench unit in Game 1: “They were unbelievable. And they came in and made plays on both sides of the ball. They made big shots, and they made plays that had a lot of attention to detail that may get overlooked, but they were focused and they got it done.”
On CJ McCollum’s performance: “He played really well. He made a lot of tough shots, and he also got a lot of easy ones to get himself going in rhythm. So that’s just who he is. You know, he’s been able to be a big time performer in these situations. So we just gotta lock-in together.”
On the impact of his 2022 41-point playoff breakout in his career: “I think it did a lot. Every day I was working on my game. I was getting better, doing all the stuff. When an opportunity like that comes around, there was no need to get ready when you’re staying ready. It’s crazy that it’s been four years since then.”
On Atlanta’s screen slipping and spacing: “The way they do it, they got to the point where they mastered it, and they’re really good at it. Them being able to slip out of screens and get to the point where they’re ready to go and their feet are set and ready, they’re really good at it. We just gotta be ready to be more physical. At the same time, communicate a little better, just making sure we’re not giving them the space. I think a lot of teams that have multiple ball handlers do that because it’s a very unique action that can put one of the two in space.”
"That's what Josh does. That's what he's been known to do."
On the need for setting the tone early in the series by going 2-0: “It’s huge. I think it sets the tone for the rest of the series. Obviously, when you come out in a physical matchup like the Hawks are, they’re a great team, and we have a lot of respect, but you want to set the tone early, and know it’s going to be a long series.”
The Toronto Raptors will look to even up the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena, and they'll need supporting players like Jakob Poeltl and Immanuel Quickley to be at their best if they want to do that.
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Raptors Game 2 computer picks
Jakob Poeltl Over 8.5 points (+102)
Projection: 9.65 points
Jakob Poeltl scored just four points on two shots in Game 1, but this is still a guy who averaged 11.1 points per game in April and reached double figures in eight of 11 games to close the regular season. He'll be better tonight.
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Brandon Ingram Under 21.5 points (-105)
Projection: 19.94 points
Much was made about Brandon Ingram taking just nine shots in Game 1, and there's no guarantee his volume increases by much tonight. He fell short of this number in two of three regular-season meetings, too.
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Immanuel Quickley Over 11.5 points (-125)
Projection: 13.1 points
This is an overcorrection to Immanuel Quickley's injury and recent struggles. He averaged 13.7 points per game in March and reached double figures in all but one game.
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Cavaliers Game 2 computer picks
Donovan Mitchell Under 27.5 points (-112)
Projection: 24.4 points
Donovan Mitchell's 32 points in Game 1 are high relative to the 24 points per game he averaged in March. The Cavs have enough advantages to win without needing a massive game from Mitchell.
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Jarrett Allen Over 13.5 points (+100)
Projection: 15.31 points
Jarrett Allen scored just 10 points in Game 1, but cleared this total in eight of his last 10 games in the regular season.
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Jarrett Allen Over 1.5 assists (+135)
Projection: 1.69 assists
Allen is not piling up assists by any stretch, but this plus-money price is tough to overlook. If Cleveland's offense keeps rolling, he'll get his chances.
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How to watch Raptors vs Cavaliers Game 2
Location
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Date
Monday, April 20, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock/NBCSN
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
You just spent $4.25 billion to purchase an NBA franchise, what do you do?
If you’re Tom Dundon, apparently, you start to cut costs.
At least that is reportedly what the new Trail Blazers owner is doing, which is rubbing some the wrong way, following a series of reports that included one on Sunday that Portland’s two-way players were being left at home during the playoffs in what’s believed to be a cost-cutting measure.
The report from the Rose Garden Report suggested that the team’s decision not to bring Caleb Love, Chris Youngblood and Jayson Kent to San Antonio for the first two games of their first-round series against the Spurs was one made in order to keep costs down.
The Blazers dropped Game 1 of the series, 111-98, on Sunday night.
Tom Dundon speaks during the Rip City Rising Press Conference on April 2, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“This is well outside of standard practice in the NBA. All seven other road teams on the first weekend this year’s playoffs brought their two-way players to the games even though they can’t play, sources close to those teams confirmed. They may be stuck in street clothes, but they’re still being treated like they’re part of their teams,” Sean Highkin wrote at Rose Garden Report.
Dundon has come under scrutiny over his perceived penny-pinching ways since the league approved the sale of the team to him at the end of March.
The Blazers dropped Game 1 of the series to the Spurs on April 19, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Last week, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported that during a recent trip to Phoenix, the Trail Blazers had some of their team staffers check out of their rooms by noon, hours before any team buses started departing for the arena, in order to avoid having to pay for late check-out times.
On Friday, Trail Blazers president Dewayne Hankins went on local news and said that there would be no shirts given out to fans as a giveaway when their playoff series with the Spurs shifts back to Portland.
The appearance forced Blazers co-owner Sheel Tyle to go on social media later that day to defend the team and said that “we are doing something else.”
“Moda will be rocking for Game 3 & 4,” he also wrote.
Trail Blazers new owner Tom Dundon, right is seated before an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Portland, Ore. AP
On a grander scale, the Trail Blazers, under Dundon’s stewardship, seem to be looking to pay no higher than $1.5 million per year for their next head coach and the team has already spoken with at least 20 college and international coaches, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported over the weekend.
Tiago Splitter served as the team’s interim head coach this season after Chauncey Billups was arrested days into the season over an alleged poker-rigging scandal.
While Dundon, who also owns the Hurricanes of the NHL, could reverse course, it appears that the start of his ownership in Portland is off to a stilted start.
Prediction markets like Kalshi are offering all kinds of markets ahead of Hawks vs. Knicks Game 2 at Madison Square Garden tonight, including options on Hawks vs. Knicks win probability, and much more.
Whether your Hawks vs. Knicks predictions and NBA picks are siding with Atlanta or New York on Monday, April 20, here's how to get the best bang for your buck.
The New York Knicks are given a better than two out of three chance to take Game 2 over the Atlanta Hawks at Kalshi.
Our prediction:Knicks to win
Covers expert Zak Hanshew sees the Knicks holding serve at home in Game 2 tonight.
"Homecourt advantage will be the deciding factor in a tight game, so New York gets the edge, especially after how well the dynamic duo of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns played in Game 1."
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More Hawks vs Knicks prediction markets
You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Hawks vs. Knicks 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 Knicks -4.5 spread means the Knicks will cover, while "No" means the Hawks will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using theCovers odds converter).
Hawks vs Knicks spread and total at prediction markets
Outcome
Yes
No
Knicks -4.5
55¢ (-122)
46¢ (+117)
Over 218.5 points
48¢ (+108)
53¢ (-113)
Our predictions:Knicks -4.5 — No and Over 218.5 points — Yes
Nickeil Alexander-Walker had a quieter game than usual vs. the Knicks in Game 1, scoring 17 points on 35.3% shooting. He dropped 23+ on New York in all three meeting this season, however.
I think a bounce-back game from NAW can propel the Hawks to a high-scoring win.
Other Hawks vs Knicks prediction markets available
Jalen Brunson 25+ points (Yes: 64¢)
Josh Hart 4+ assists (Yes: 63¢)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker 4+ rebounds (Yes: 43¢)
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 Knicks 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 Hawks vs Knicks at Kalshi?
Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:
Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.
Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets look to take a 2-0 series lead tonight in their first round series against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets took the series opener, 116-105. The Nuggets outscored Minnesota 68-46 over the second and third quarters, building a lead as large as 15 points. The Wolves led by 10 after the first quarter but the game was tied at the half. Edwards and co. cut the Nuggets’ lead down to 97-95 with 6:23 to go, but would never get closer. Jamal Murray (30 points, 16/16 FT) and Jokic (25 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists) led the way for Denver. Murray has now scored at least 30 points in 20 career playoff games. Edwards scored 22 points but was just 7-19 from the field.
A deeper dive into the numbers from Game 1 and the difference in the game really came down to free throws. Denver shot 30/33 from the line (90.9%) while Minnesota was 14/19 (73.7%). This matched each team’s reg. season trend as the Nuggets had the fourth-most FTA/gm in the NBA (25.8) and the Timberwolves committed the third-most fouls per game (21.2). Those percentages also fall in line with the teams’ regular season numbers. Denver had the fifth-best FT% in the league (80.8%) while Minnesota had the second worst (75.2%).
The win in Game 1 was Denver’s 13th straight dating back to March 20. The franchise record is 15 straight in 2013.
A couple of additional numbers to note:
The Nuggets have won seven of the last eight series in which they won Game 1.
Denver is 8-0 all-time in a seven-game series in which they win the first two games.
Minnesota is 0-8 all-time in a seven-game series in which they have lost the first two games.
The Timberwolves did rally to win a 2023 first round series against the Nuggets after falling behind 2-0, but it was a five-game series.
Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets
Date: Monday, April 20, 2026
Time: 10:30PM EST
Site: Ball Arena
City: Denver, CO
Network/Streaming: NBC/Peacock
Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Game Odds: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets
The latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:
This game opened Nuggets -6.5 with the Game Total set at 230.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets
Minnesota Timberwolves
PG Anthony Edwards
SG Donte DiVincenzo
C Rudy Gobert
SF Julius Randle
PF Jaden McDaniels
Denver Nuggets
PG Jamal Murray
SG Christian Braun
C Nikola Jokic
SF Cam Johnson
PF Aaron Gordon
Injury Report: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets
Minnesota Timberwolves
No Injuries to Report
Denver Nuggets
Peyton Watson (hamstring) has been declared OUT of Monday’s game
Important stats, trends and insights: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets
The Nuggets are 29-13 at home this season
The Timberwolves are 23-19 on the road this season
The Timberwolves are 37-46 ATS this season
Denver is 45-38 ATS this season
The OVER has cashed in 37 of the Timberwolves’ 83 games this season (37-46)
The OVER has cashed in 52 of the Nuggets’ 83 games this season (52-31)
Bruce Bowen's Game 1 stat line: 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals
Anthony Edwards tied a career-high with 3 blocks in Game 1
Nikola Jokic became the first player since the league began determining league leaders by average in 1969-70 to lead the league in both rebounds (12.9rbg) and assists (10.7apg)
Rotoworld Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Monday’s Timberwolves and Nuggets’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Timberwolves +7.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 230.5
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All eight first-round series are underway, and for the most part, they have gone chalk — the favorites showed why they should be the favorites.
However, there were a couple of exceptions, with the biggest one being in Detroit, where the No. 1 seed Pistons got pushed around by the No. 8 seed Magic. We've got questions in Houston, too. Here are five takeaways from the opening weekend of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
Detroit doesn’t need to panic. Yet.
Home teams that lose Game 1 of a first-round NBA playoff series tend to bounce back big in Game 2.
That reason alone is why Detroit should not panic. While Game 1 was concerning, there is plenty of time to turn this around — but it has to start with a Game 2 win. The Pistons' success this season was based on Cade Cunningham's shot creation — which they got plenty of with his 39 points, although nobody else stepped up — along with a stout defense and physicality. Those last two things were legit issues on Sunday. Orlando was the more physical team from the opening tip, as evidenced by its winning the points-in-the-paint battle 54-34. Paolo Banchero bullied his way past anyone guarding him. Jalen Suggs was a menace. More concerning for Detroit, Wendell Carter Jr. completely outplayed Jalen Duren, who had eight points on four shot attempts all night.
"I thought we were a little rusty to start," Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "Giving up a 35-point [first] quarter, that's not typical of us. I felt like we were chasing them all night."
In Game 2, Detroit has to take control again of the pace and the paint — it has to dominate in the half court. For two games in a row now, Orlando has looked like the team we all expected this season. Detroit can right the ship with a Game 2 win, but if not, it will be time to find that panic button.
More than Durant, Rockets need defense in Game 2
First, give credit where credit is due: LeBron James was brilliant in Game 1. The 41-year-old shouldered the Lakers' offensive creation burden and had 19 points and 13 assists. Luke Kennard was the primary beneficiary of the Space LeBron created and scored 27. Houston was without Kevin Durant, and the team's offense was certainly worse when he was out this season (3.5 points per 100 possessions), but the issues in Game 1 were bigger than that. Alperen Şengun — 19 points on 19 shot attempts — has to be better, especially going against Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes.
More importantly, Houston's defense has to be dominant and it wasn't — the Lakers shot 60.6% for the game. Without Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves (who remain out and likely will be for the entire series). Amen Thompson and the Rockets were expected to smother LeBron and the Lakers' offense, and instead, the Lakers largely got whatever they wanted.
Durant may well be back for Game 2 on Tuesday, but Houston needs a lot more than KD if they are going to bounce back in this series.
Knicks defense showed up for the playoffs
The Knicks' offense got the headlines: Jalen Brunson scoring 19 in the first quarter, and Karl-Anthony Towns with 11 in the fourth to seal the win (KAT finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds).
However, it was the Knicks' defense, which slowed the athletic Hawks' offense, that was the real story. Nickeil Alexander-Walker did not look like the guy about to win Most Improved with 17 points on 17 shot attempts. Jalen Johnson scored 23 but was 8-of-19 shooting. CJ McCollum was the highest-scoring Hawk at 26 because that man is a tough shot maker — but all the Hawks' shots seemed tough.
New York had the sixth-best defense in the NBA after the calendar flipped to 2026 and that defense showed up in Game 1. It's that defense that gives them a chance if they face Boston in the next round. Speaking of Boston...
Favorites Thunder, Celtics roll
Boston and Oklahoma City showed exactly why they are the betting favorites to meet in the NBA Finals.
Jaylen Brown scored 26, Jayson Tatum 25, and the Celtics' defense smothered the 76ers, who shot just 38.9% as a team in the game. Tyrese Maxey seemed to find a little space but still needed 20 shots to get to his 21 points. Boston simply looked dominant, winning by 32.
So did Oklahoma City, which ran Phoenix out of the building by 35 points and held the Suns to 34.9% shooting as a team. Dillon Brooks, in particular, could not get going, shooting 6-of-22.
The only real question in Boston and Oklahoma City is whether it's a sweep or a gentleman's sweep (letting their opponent win one).
Don’t sleep on Denver to win it all
Minnesota's Rudy Gobert deserves a lot of credit for Game 1, he did as good a job on Nikola Jokic as could be asked of any human. It was a game where Jokic leveraged his gravity and position more than looking to take over.
Jokic still had a 25-point, 13-rebound and 11-assist triple-double (almost an average day at the office for him), and he shot 5-of-9 with a dozen points while Gobert was on him.
Jokic's casual triple-double isn't what was most impressive from Denver. It was playoff Jamal Murray taking charge in the first half and finishing with 30. It was Aaron Gordon — the glue that holds this team's title hopes together — going for 17 and eight and making plays all over the court. It was Christian Braun knocking down corner 3s. It was Bruce Brown coming in and making plays off the bench.
That Nuggets performance should scare the rest of the league — Denver looked every bit the title contender, and that wasn't even their fastball. Yes, Oklahoma City is still the team to beat and the San Antonio Spurs are everybody's hot new thing, but the Nuggets we saw on Saturday can win it all.
The Cavaliers enter Game 2 as heavy 79¢ favorites after cruising to victory over the Raptors (23¢ in Game 2) in Game 1 (126-113).
Our prediction:Cavaliers to win
The Cavaliers have too many options, including a much stronger bench. Cleveland’s reserves made a massive impact in Game 1, contributing 40 points. Tonight’s tilt will be more competitive than the series opener, but the Cavs will take a 2-0 series lead north of the border.
Sign up now using our exclusive Kalshi promo code 'COVERS' and get a $10 trading bonus after you trade $10 on any other event contracts — including Raptors/Cavaliers!
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More Raptors vs Cavaliers prediction markets
You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Raptors vs. Cavaliers 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 Cavaliers -9.5 spread means the Cavaliers will cover, while "No" means the Raptors will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using theCovers odds converter).
Raptors vs Cavaliers spread and total at prediction markets
Outcome
Yes
No
Cavaliers -9.5
49¢ (+104)
52¢ (-108)
Over 221.5 points
52¢ (-108)
49¢ (+104)
Our predictions:Cavaliers -9.5 — Yes and Over 221.5 points — Yes
Toronto doesn't have a defensive answer for these Cleveland guards, and that will manifest itself again in Game 2.
Other Raptors vs Cavaliers prediction markets available
Donovan Mitchell 30+ points (Yes: 43¢)
Scottie Barnes 20+ points (Yes: 42¢)
Jarrett Allen 10+ rebounds (Yes: 42¢)
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 Cavaliers 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 Raptors vs Cavaliers at Kalshi?
Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:
Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.
Timberwolves
Nuggets
Raptors
Cavaliers
