The San Antonio Spurs are locked into the No. 2 seed, but a win today over the Denver Nuggets could mean avoiding Nikola Jokic & Co. in the second round of the playoffs.
While Denver enters the final day of the regular season as the third seed, there’s still potential to slide back, and my Nuggets vs. Spurs predictions favor a San Antonio squad sitting fewer players.
Take a closer look at this clash on Sunday, April 12, with my NBA picks and betting angles.
Nuggets vs Spurs prediction
Nuggets vs Spurs best bet: Spurs -11.5 (-110)
These teams have served up three thrillers already this season, including an overtime classic earlier this month, but the lengthy injury reports suggest today’s matchup will have less star power.
In that scenario, I have more faith in the San Antonio Spurs’ depth, with Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant among those poised for bigger roles if neither Victor Wembanyama nor Stephon Castle, both questionable, play. The Spurs are 22-16-1 ATS at home this year, and they’ve lost just once at Frost Bank Center since January 25.
Meanwhile, it’s going to be a real mash unit for the Denver Nuggets, with Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cam Johnson all ruled out.
Nikola Jokic (questionable) could log some minutes to hit the 65-game mark, but the visitors will otherwise turn to a collection of fringe rotation guys while shifting their attention toward the playoffs.
That’s enough for me to lay the large spread with the relentless Spurs, who are 9-1 straight up in their last 10, and 32-7 SU at home this year.
Mitch Johnson can still call on a talented rotation, which may even include De'Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes, and that’s a formula for a comfortable home victory here, ending Denver’s 11-game win streak.
Nuggets vs Spurs same-game parlay
Plenty of San Antonio wins have been sparked by defensive tenacity, and the Under is 47-35 for the hosts this season.
It’s also 6-3 in the Spurs’ last nine outings, and I’m counting on that grit to keep the total below an O/U number that feels high, especially with so many regulars missing for the Nuggets.
Nuggets vs Spurs SGP
Spurs -11.5
Under 233.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Straw man argument
There have likely been times this season when Julian Strawther wished he were a bigger part of the Denver offense. Well, tonight is the night for Strawther, who’s walking into all the minutes he can handle, and he poured in 22 points last time out while dishing three assists. Tyus Jones will be another beneficiary of the Nuggets’ decision to rest key players for the playoffs, upping his role as a facilitator.
Nuggets vs Spurs SGP
Julian Strawther Over 15.5 points
Julian Strawther Over 1.5 assists
Julian Strawther Over 3.5 rebounds
Tyus Jones Over 5.5 assists
Nuggets vs Spurs odds
Spread: Nuggets +11.5 (-110) | Spurs -11.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Nuggets +400 | Spurs -550
Over/Under: Over 233 (-110) | Under 233 (-110)
Nuggets vs Spurs betting trend to know
The Spurs are 30-3 SU in their last 33 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Spurs.
How to watch Nuggets vs Spurs
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Nuggets vs Spurs latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Apr 9, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets players stand during the national anthem prior to the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images | Erik Williams-Imagn Images
What do the Lakers want? That’s not a question I like asking, but as the final day of the NBA 2025-26 regular season gets underway, it’s a question we must ask.
Here are the playoff scenarios, and what might happen.
First:
The Rockets have two possible opponents: Lakers, Nuggets
The Rockets can’t change anything about their seeding. They’re 5th. The loss to Minnesota’s B Team guaranteed it.
The Nuggets have a record of 53-28. The Lakers have a record of 52-29. Today the Nuggets play the Spurs, who will apparently rest everyone of note. The Lakers will play the Jazz, who are 22-59. I’m not sure if a loss changes much about their draft odds, as they can’t “catch” Washington, Indiana, or Brooklyn in the loss column. They’re going to finish with the 4th or 5th worst record in the NBA no matter what happens today. The Kings can “pass” the Jazz in the loss column if they win and the Jazz lose. The two teams both have 22 wins. Being 5th greatly increases the odds of getting a pick that falls down as far as seventh in the draft. You have to expect both teams want to lose.
The Lakers own the tiebreaker over the Nuggets, meaning if their records end up identical, that is, Laker win, Denver loss, the Lakers will move up to 3rd in the Western Conference and play the Timberwolves.
If Denver wins, everything stays the same, Rockets play Lakers. Denver holds on to 3rd place in the West due to a superior record. It won’t matter whether LA wins or loses, as the Lakers can’t catch Denver in the wins column if the Nuggets get a win over the Spurs.
Denver can’t really control anything, though, if the Lakers lose. They’ll still be ahead of LA in the win column, win or lose.
Then there’s the Spurs. Do the Spurs want to keep Denver where they are, on OKC’s side of the playoff bracket in future rounds? If San Antonio thinks Denver is a tougher opponent for OKC than a Laker team missing its two best players, then they definitely want to keep the Nuggets at 3rd. They can do that by losing to Denver.
So this is simply a brilliant situation in which every team playing with seeding at stake in the West has a good reason to lose.
Denver can’t get out of their 3rd seed, if they’d rather play the Rockets, unless LA wins and they lose. But the Spurs may well want to lose, too.
Do the Lakers want to play the Rockets or the Nuggets? Give that the Lakers beat down the Rockets twice in a row, albeit with their roster largely intact, they very well might. They might have reason to believe that if they can steal a win or two early in the series, on some sort of 41 year old Lebron James magic, then Luka and Reaves might be able to return to finish the series against the Rockets. Sure, that leaves them facing OKC, almost certainly, but it also means they advanced a round.
Going to 3rd place gets LA the Timberwolves, but they might think the same thing, steal a game early, hope for medical miracles, and avoid OKC in the second round.
But then the Jazz likely want to lose as well.
Who wants it less? This should be a night of puzzling player choices, baffling substitutions, dubious coaching decisions. So, just another Rockets game for the Rockets. But for the Lakers, Timberwolves, Spurs and Jazz, a night of something else. We’ll see what Denver and LA want, and who they play. Denver played no one in their previous game, and won anyway.
We’ll know by the end of the day. In any case it’s out of the Rockets hands. After losing last night, and LA winning, it doesn’t matter, in playoff terms, what they do. They’ll be in 5th, even if they tie the Lakers, due to those two losses to LA in the baseball series.
Sacramento went into this season with dreams of the playoffs and a return to how the team played in 2023. Instead, the 22-win, injury-riddled Kings are 15 games out of even the No. 10 seed and again looking to the NBA Draft Lottery for luck.
Coach Doug Christie is not going to pay the price for that. Multiple reports say Christie will be retained as the Kings' head coach, with Sam Amick of The Athletic being first.
There are a couple of reasons for this. One is that the Kings' struggles are far more about the roster construction than the coaching — more than one person around the league has told NBC Sports, "I don't know how good a coach Christie is" because of the talent he had to work with. Christie took over midseason in 2025, after Mike Brown was fired just after Christmas. Not long after he took over, a huge roster shift began after De'Aaron Fox demanded a trade. This season, the Kings dealt with injuries to key players and also looked to start trading veterans and rebuild.
The Kings also reportedly liked how young players such as Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford developed under Christie.
It's also worth noting that Christie, a former Kings player, is reportedly a favorite of team owner Vivek Ranadive and parts of the Sacramento front office. Christie also is popular with the fan base. Christie signed a three-year contract with the Kings last summer and next season is guaranteed, so if he were let go the Kings would be paying him anyway.
Whatever the Kings' roster looks like heading into next season, Christie will be coaching it.
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 23: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket during the game against the Boston Celtics on November 23, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Orlando Magic (45-36) at Boston Celtics (55-26) Sunday, April 12, 2026 6:00 PM ET Regular Season Game #82 Home Game #41 TV: ESPN, NBCSB, FDSNFL Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub , WYGM 96.9, Sirius XM TD Garden
The Celtics host the Orlando Magic for the 4th, and final, meeting between these teams this season. They played twice in a row in Orlando with the Magic winning the first game 123-110 and the Celtics winning the second game 111-107. The Celtics won the 3rd game 138-129 in Boston. The Celtics won the series 2-1 last season. The Celtics are 78-58 overall all time against the Magic. They are 51-18 all time in games played in Boston.
This could be a preview of the Celtics most likely first round matchup. Orlando can move up to 6th if they beat the Celtics and Toronto loses to the Nets. If Toronto beats the Nets, Orlando will have to play Philadelphia in the play in to decide the 7th seed. The Celtics are 12-10 against the Magic in the playoffs, including a 4-1 win in the first round of last year’s playoffs.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 4 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are 2 games ahead of 3rd place New York, 4 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 9 games ahead of 5th place Atlanta and 10 games ahead of 6th place Toronto and 7th place Orlando. The Celtics are 35-16 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 29-11 at home and 8-2 in their last 10 games. They are coming off a win in their last game.
The Magic are 7th in the East, 6 games behind 4th place Cleveland, 2 game behind 5th place Atlanta and tied with 6th place Toronto. They are 1 game ahead of 8th place Philadelphia, 2 games ahead of 9th place Charlotte and 3 games ahead of 10th place Miami. They are 26-25 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 19-19 on the road and 7-3 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 5 games.
The Celtics have an extensive injury report for this game. Jaylen Brown (Achilles), Neemias Queta (toe), Jayson Tatum (injury management), and Derrick White (knee) are all listed as out. Sam Hauser (back), Payton Pritchard (plantar fasciitis), and Nikola Vucevic (finger) are all doubtful. Hugo Gonzalez was a late addition to the injury list as questionable with foot pain. I have just made a wild guess as to the Celtics starters for this game. For the Magic, Jett Howard (ankle) and Jonathan Isaac (knee) are both listed as questionable.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Max Shulga vs Jalen Suggs
Hugo Gonzalez | NBAE via Getty ImagesFranz Wagner | NBAE via Getty Images
PF: Jordan Walsh vs Paolo Banchero
Jordan Walsh | Getty ImagesPaolo Banchero | NBAE via Getty Images
C: Luka Garza vs Wendell Carter, Jr
Luka Garza | Getty ImagesWendell Carter, Jr | NBAE via Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Amare Williams Ron Harper, Jr Delano Banton John Tonje
2-Way Players None Injuries/Out Derrick White (knee) out Neemias Queta (toe) out Sam Hauser (back) doubtful Jaylen Brown (Achilles) out Jayson Tatum (injury management) out Payton Pritchard (plantar fasciitis) doubtful Nikola Vucevic (finger) doubtful Hugo Gonzalez (foot) questionable
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Magic Reserves Goga Bitadze Anthony Black Jamal Cain Jevon Carter Tristan daSilva Noah Penda Jase Richardon Moritz Wagner
2-Way Players Colin Castleton Alex Morales Injuries/Out Jett Howard (ankle) questionable Jonathan Isaac (knee) questionable
Head Coach Jamahl Mosley
Key Matchups Jordan Walsh vs Paolo Banchero Banchero is averaging 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. He is shooting 46.2% from the field and 31.1% from beyond the arc. In 2 games against the Celtics this season, he averaged 21.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 50% from the field and 12.5% from beyond the arc.
Hugo Gonzalez vs Franz Wagner Wagner is averaging 20.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He is shooting 48.5% from the field and 34.8% from beyond the arc. In 3 games against the Celtics this season, he averaged 20.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game while shooting 42.2% from the field and 25.0% from beyond the arc. Since Hugo is now questionable, if he can’t play I would guess that Ron Harper, Jr starts here. Honorable Mention Baylor Scheierman vs Desmond Bane Bane is averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He is shooting 48.5% from the field and 39.2% from beyond the arc. In 3 games against the Celtics this season he averaged 16.3 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists while shooting 48.6% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is always the key to winning games. The Celtics are now 4th in the league with a defensive rating of 111.8. The Magic are 14th with a defensive rating of 113.7 In their last loss, the Celtics allowed the Knicks to shoot 53.8% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc. They were lax on defense and that cost them the game. The Celtics are going to have to work harder on defense than the Magic and lock down the Magic’s shooters.
Rebound – Rebounding is also a big key to winning The Magic are 19th with 43.3 rebounds per game while the Celtics are 3rd with 46.4 rebounds per game. They simply have to fight harder to grab rebounds than the Magic. Every Celtic has got to crash the boards and fight for every rebound. The Celtics can’t score without the ball and a good way to get the ball is to crash the boards.
Effort and Energy for 48 Minutesc- The Celtics have to play with extra effort overall for all 4 quarters. The Celtics are missing a lot of firepower on the injury list and so the best way to make up for that is to play harder than the Magic. The Celtics need to make playing with more effort and energy their identity for the upcoming playoffs and it needs to start with this game.
Move the Ball Carefully – The Celtics play best when they share the ball and keep it moving. They can’t try to do too much individually or the offense gets bogged down. They need to move the ball to find the best shots instead of taking quick shots or over dribbling. They have to move the ball carefully, however, and not turn the ball over. The Magic score 18.6 points off turnovers per game. If the Celtics get sloppy again, the Magic will make them pay.
X-Factors Celtics Pride at Home – The Celtics will have the home crowd behind them and that should give them a boost. The Magic will have all the distractions of playing on the road such as travel, hotel stay, and playing on an unfamiliar court in front of a hostile crowd. The Celtics need to be ready for a team that plays very hard for 48 minutes. The Celtics need to match the Magic’s effort especially on the defensive end. The Celtics have to show pride and play harder than the Magic to protect their home court and get a win against this motivated Magic team.
Next Man Up – The Celtics will be missing at least 4 and possibly as many as 7 players for this game. The stay ready group will get a chance to show that they are ready for playoff minutes and need to take advantage of that opportunity. They need to hit their shots and defend at a high level in order to beat the motivated and healthy Magic.
Officiating – The officiating is always an x-factor. Some referees call the game tight and others let them play. Some favor the home team and others call it evenly. Some refs just seem to have an agenda that doesn’t fit the events on the court. At times they miss important calls that change the momentum of the game. The Celtics need to play well enough not to leave the game in the hands of the officials at the end and they can’t let bad calls take away from their focus.
The NBA regular season concludes on Sunday night with a Nuggets vs. Spurs matchup that offers more betting value in the player prop market than the spread or total.
Our NBA player prop projections break down the expected production on both sides, highlighting where the numbers create betting value.
Alongside our Nuggets vs. Spurs predictions and top NBA picks, here are the best player props to target for April 12.
Nuggets vs Spurs computer picks for April 12
Nuggets
Spurs
Jokic o0.5 threes -150
Fox u6.5 assists -105
Jones u5.5 assists -112
Champagnie u12.5 points -110
Strawther u2.5 threes -135
Fox o1.5 threes -110
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Nuggets computer picks
Nikola Jokic Over 0.5 threes (-150)
Projection: 1.5 threes
Nikola Jokic clearing one three is about as low a bar as it gets, especially in a game Denver actually cares about. With the Nuggets still pushing for seeding, expect full minutes and a normal offensive role.
San Antonio’s defense gives up clean looks to bigs on the perimeter, and Jokic has been more willing to fire.
He's hit at least one 3-pointer in two of his last three games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Jokic Now at bet365!/span
Tyus Jones Under 5.5 assists (-112)
Projection: 4.1 assists
Tyus Jones’ role is the issue here, not his talent. With Denver playing for seeding, the ball is going to live in Nikola Jokic’s hands, not Jones’.
He’s more of a secondary initiator in this offense, and his assist upside is capped unless minutes spike. In a tighter rotation game, that’s unlikely.
Jones has gone Under this total in 14 straight games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Jones Now at bet365!/span
Julian Strawther Under 2.5 threes (-135)
Projection: 2.0 threes
Julian Strawther’s role is always fragile, and that’s amplified in a high-leverage game for Denver. The Nuggets will tighten the rotation, leaning more on trusted options, which limits Strawther’s volume and minutes.
Even if he gets on the floor, he’s a streaky shooter who needs attempts to get there.
He's gone Under this number in 16 of his last 17 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Strawther Now at bet365!/span
Spurs computer picks
De'Aaron Fox Under 6.5 assists (-120)
Projection: 5.6 assists
De'Aaron Fox’s role is score-first, and that becomes even more pronounced in a meaningless end-of-season spot.
With the Spurs not playing for anything, offensive structure tends to break down, leading to fewer clean assist opportunities. He’s more likely to hunt his own shot than facilitate, and the projection reflects that.
At 5.6 assists, this line is simply a bit too aggressive for his expected usage and game environment.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Fox Now at bet365!/span
Julian Champagnie Under 12.5 points (-110)
Projection: 10.9 points
Julian Champagnie is a decent role player, but 12.5 is a touch too high for someone whose production can disappear fast if the shot volume is not there.
With a projection of 10.9, there is enough cushion to back the Under, especially if his minutes or usage dip even slightly.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Champagnie Now at bet365!/span
De'Aaron Fox Over 1.5 threes (-110)
Projection: 1.7 threes
De’Aaron Fox isn’t known as a high-volume 3-point shooter, but he’s quietly cleared this number with more consistency when his usage spikes.
With a 1.7 projection, you’re not getting a massive edge, but you don’t need one at this line.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Fox Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Nuggets vs Spurs tonight
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
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.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 9: The sneakers worn by Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the New York Knicks on April 9, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers are converting Nick Smith Jr. from a two-way contract to a standard NBA contract before the regular season ends.
The signing, which was first reported on Sunday by ESPN, will make Smith eligible for the Lakers’ playoff roster.
Smith, who signed a two-way contract, will have a team option for 2026-27, and his salary for next season is non-guaranteed, a source told The California Post.
The Lakers signed Nick Smith Jr. to a standard NBA contract Sunday, making him eligible for the postseason roster. Getty Images
With star guards Luka Doncic (Grade 2 left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (Grade 2 left oblique strain) sidelined, the Lakers opted for more shooting and backcourt depth going into the postseason.
The Charlotte Hornets will look to clinch a home Play-In game as they visit the New York Knicks tonight.
New York is resting virtually everyone you’ve heard of on its roster, which has me backing Charlotte to cover in my Hornets vs. Knicks predictions below.
Let’s take a closer look at this matchup as I reveal my free NBA picks for Sunday, April 12.
Hornets vs Knicks prediction
Hornets vs Knicks best bet: Hornets -14 (-110)
The New York Knicks are locked into the No. 3 seed heading into Sunday’s game, which means a significantly diminished lineup for this contest.
Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mitchell Robinson have all been ruled out for the regular-season finale, part of seven players listed on the injury report.
The Charlotte Hornets don’t have that luxury. Charlotte’s second half has put it in a playoff position, and it now has the chance to host its first-round Play-In matchup. Given how the Hornets have played down the stretch, that would make them formidable against anyone, let alone a team that isn’t really trying to win.
Charlotte has gone 10-5 over its last 15 games. That includes beating a Knicks team that was actually trying back in March, when Kon Knueppel went for 26 points in a 114-103 victory.
I don’t think anyone expects the Hornets to blow this opportunity, so the only question becomes whether they can cover a large spread on the road.
Charlotte’s last eight wins have all come by double digits, with seven of those being 14+ point victories. This isn’t a team that takes its foot off the gas when it has the chance to put opponents away.
If the Knicks were playing literally anyone relevant, I might question the size of this spread, but this is a game Charlotte can run away with. I’m taking the Hornets to cover.
Hornets vs Knicks same-game parlay
With the Hornets playing for home-court advantage and the Knicks resting so much of their talent, LaMelo Ball can put up big numbers in a game where Charlotte will be playing its starters until it's sure the game is well in hand. Ball has scored Over 21.5 points in each of his last three games and dished out at least eight assists in five of six, and I’m happy to back him to hit both of those totals tonight.
Hornets vs Knicks SGP
Hornets -14
LaMelo Ball Over 21.5 points
LaMelo Ball Over 7.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: The Big Three
There’s a bit of added drama with my lottery SGP, as Knueppel and Ball are locked in a tight race to see who will lead the league – and set the Hornets record – for most 3-pointers this season.
I like both players to do their best to pad their totals against a weakened Knicks lineup. While we’re at it, let’s also throw in a 3-pointers prop on Grant Williams, who has hit at least two shots from beyond the arc in five of his last six games.
Hornets vs Knicks SGP
Hornets -14
LaMelo Ball Over 5.5 made threes
Kon Knueppel Over 3.5 made threes
Grant Williams Over 1.5 made threes
Hornets vs Knicks odds
Spread: Hornets -14 (-110) | Knicks +14 (-110)
Moneyline: Hornets -850 | Knicks +575
Over/Under: Over 217.5 (-110) | Under 217.5 (-110)
Hornets vs Knicks betting trend to know
The Hornets were outstanding against the spread this season, posting a 50-31 ATS record. Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Knicks.
How to watch Hornets vs Knicks
Location
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Date
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off
6:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Southeast Charlotte, MSG Sportsnet
Hornets vs Knicks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will not play in the Milwaukee Bucks' season finale on Sunday. The team has ruled him out due to a knee hyperextension and bone bruise that has sidelined him for nearly a month. Antetokounmpo had hoped to play a game this season with his two brothers.
That ends what may have been Bucks fans' final chance to see Antetokounmpo in a Milwaukee uniform because a split appears all but inevitable this offseason. Current Bucks coach Doc Rivers talked about that on the Dan Patrick Show last week (hat tip Hoopshype).
"What does Giannis want?. Oh, boy. Um, I don't know. Uh, and we talk probably more than anyone. Um, you know, Dan, it's a tough one because he has done such a great job here in Milwaukee, right? And yet he still wants to win a title. And clearly we have to do a better job here with our roster to make that even look like a possibility. And if we can't do that, then he's going to look outward. And so I think that's a two-fold answer. I think one, if we had all the pieces here, I have no doubt he'd want to stay here. But we don't. And so that puts him in a tough spot."
Marques Johnson, the legendary Bucks player and color analyst for the team's local broadcast, was more direct speaking with Essentially Sports at the Wooden Awards (Johnson was the award's first winner).
"It is as toxic as it appears. It's just a bad situation. Doc Rivers talked about it. I'm not speaking out of turn. He talked about going public about the fact that Giannis was healthy enough to play and the team was holding him back. I didn't like that part about it...
It's too messy right now. So right now, he wants to play on the same court with his two other brothers. I say, 'Let him do it.' He's done enough. He deserves that moment...
"You just go down this rabbit hole of resentment, retribution and revenge. From a business standpoint, if you're trying to attract a free agent and they look at how they treated Giannis, they might think they did him dirty. We don't want that."
This offseason — and very likely before the 2026 NBA Draft on June 24 — the Bucks and Antetokounmpo will sit and discuss their future together. The expectation in league circles is that Antetokounmpo will tell them he will not sign an extension with the team, and the sides should part ways, and with that, the Antetokounmpo trade talk will heat up again. What teams throw their hats into the ring remains to be seen — and the playoffs will have something to say about that — but expect a lot of bidders. And a lot of drama.
The Sacramento Kings are reportedly expected to keep head coach Doug Christie, according to the Athletic’s Sam Amick. Christie took over for Mike Brown as the Kings’ interim head coach last season before signing a three-year deal last summer.
The Kings are 22-59 and 14th in the Western Conference this season. Last year, Christie went 27-24 and was the ninth seed in the play-in before the Dallas Mavericks eliminated them.
After a slow start this season, the Kings have shown late progress under Christie. After starting the year 12-46 and setting a franchise record in February with a 16-game losing streak, the Kings have gone 10-13.
Most of the Kings’ wins down the stretch have come without the team’s star players, including Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, Russell Westbrook and DeAndre Hunter, whom the team acquired in a trade for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder.
While there have been signs of progress, there has been much left to be desired under Christie. The 55-year-old coach was recently cleared by the NBA of intentionally trying to lose in Tuesday’s 110-105 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Christie motioned to Doug McDermott to intentionally foul Seth Curry, who did not have the ball, with 3:15 left in the fourth quarter. The Kings were leading by one point at the time of the foul. Curry is shooting 90% from the free-throw line this season and has shot 86.4% from the stripe for his career year. Curry went 1-of-2 from the line after the Kings’ foul.
Christie reportedly attempted to use the strategy to foul and call a timeout but did not realize the Kings were in the penalty.
Christie is early in his coaching career, having spent just three seasons as a Kings assistant before becoming interim coach last season. Previously, he was the Kings' color commentator for one season. He played for the Lakers, Knicks, Raptors, Kings, Magic, Mavericks and Clippers during his 15-year NBA career.
The Miami Heat will try to improve their Play-In seeding tonight as they host the Atlanta Hawks in the regular-season finale for both teams.
With many star players likely prioritizing rest over winning, I’m taking the Under in my Hawks vs. Heat predictions.
Keep reading to see how I’m approaching tonight’s game with my free NBA picks for Sunday, April 12.
Hawks vs Heat prediction
Hawks vs Heat best bet: Under 241.5 (-110)
Both teams have clinched a spot in the postseason — albeit in the Play-In tournament for the Miami Heat — and that will influence how each coach approaches tonight's regular-season finale.
For the Atlanta Hawks, the injury report suggests we won't see many of their biggest stars, as Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jonathan Kuminga, Onyeka Okongwu, and CJ McCollum are all listed as questionable.
Chances are, we’ll see someone from that list on the court. However, I seriously doubt they’ll play anywhere near their normal allotment of minutes as Atlanta prioritizes staying healthy for the postseason.
Fewer players are being held out for Miami, which makes sense, as the Heat are still playing for home-court advantage in their first Play-In game. Still, it remains to be seen just how much we’ll see Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and others.
Considering all the absences and the players likely to be limited, this game will lose a lot of scoring punch. It’s especially a problem for Atlanta, as it'll be without many of its top playmakers against a Heat team prepping some different defensive looks ahead of the playoffs.
In three head-to-head matchups this year, these teams haven’t combined for more than 242 points, and the most recent matchup ended up with a 225-point total.
Hawks vs Heat same-game parlay
While nearly the entire Hawks lineup is listed as questionable, the Heat will likely deploy many of their key players, including Herro (who is listed as available).
That makes me favor Miami to cover.
While I’m still staying away from their biggest stars for the most part tonight, I’ll take Jaime Jaquez Jr. (15.2 points per game) to score Over 13.5 points, something he’s done in eight of his last nine games.
Hawks vs Heat SGP
Under 241.5
Heat -5
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Over 13.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Holding out for a Herro
For a long shot SGP, I’m going to bump Jaquez up to go Over 23.5 PRA, which he’s done in six of his last eight games, and to hit Over 1.5 threes after doing so eight times in 10 contests. Herro is also an excellent pick to hit his made threes prop, as he’s drained Over 2.5 shots from deep in four of his last five games.
Hawks vs Heat SGP
Under 241.5
Heat -5
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Over 23.5 points+rebounds+assists
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Over 1.5 made threes
Tyler Herro Over 2.5 made threes
Hawks vs Heat odds
Spread: Hawks +5 (-110) | Heat -5 (-110)
Moneyline: Hawks +165 | Heat -200
Over/Under: Over 241.5 (-110) | Under 241.5 (-110)
Hawks vs Heat betting trend to know
The Atlanta Hawks have hit the 2H Game Total Under in 29 of their last 45 games (+10.59 Units / 20% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Heat.
How to watch Hawks vs Heat
Location
Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Date
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off
6:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Southeast Atlanta, FDSN Sun
Hawks vs Heat latest injuries
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The Denver Nuggets control their own fate on Sunday. Win against San Antonio and Denver will be the No. 3 seed, then face Minnesota in the first round, and it would be in line to face this same Spurs team in the second round. Lose, and if the Lakers beat the Jazz as expected, the Nuggets fall to fourth in the West and will face the Rockets in the first round and be lined up to face the defending champion Thunder in the second round (assuming both teams win and advance).
Faced with that choice, Denver is sitting nearly all its key rotation players on Sunday: Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson, Christian Braun and Tim Hardaway Jr. and Peyton Watson are all out Sunday (Watson has missed the last four games with a hamstring issue).
Injury Report ahead of tomorrow's game against the Spurs:
QUESTIONABLE: Nikola Jokić (Right Wrist Injury Management)
OUT: Tim Hardaway Jr. (Left Knee Soreness) Jamal Murray (Right Shoulder Impingement) Aaron Gordon (Right Hamstring Injury Management) Cam Johnson (Right Ankle… pic.twitter.com/LgDkeatNH3
Denver MVP candidate Nikola Jokic is questionable, but if he does not play he will not reach the NBA's 65-game threshold and will not be eligible for any postseason awards and honors. He likely plays at least the minimum of 15 minutes needed to become eligible.
Denver sat a lot of the same players on Friday night against Oklahoma City, a team that also sat all its key rotation players as it had the No. 1 seed secured (the Nuggets won that game). Asked about the decision to sit all those stars on Friday, coach David Adelman said this, via Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.
"What's on the injury report is what they're out with. They're dealing with a lot more than that physically, not to mention some of the soft tissue stuff. Scary kinds of injuries."
Denver is choosing health going into the postseason, and likely a matchup it likes better against Houston in the first round, over concerns about the second round and beyond.
The Spurs would likely rather face the winner of the Lakers/Timberwolves series in the second round than the Nuggets, so it may push to win (assuming San Antonio beats a play-in team in the first round).
All of which may take all the drama out of one of the NBA's hoped-for dramatic final days of games.
It’s the last game of the NBA regular season, but it might look more like an NFL preseason game on Sunday night when the Phoenix Suns visit the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Both teams are locked into their postseason spots and have nothing to play for. That means a lot of little-known bench players and G League call-ups will get most of the time.
Fully functional OKC would be heavy favorites, but bench against bench is a coin flip. That’s why my Suns vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks take the Suns with a very generous moneyline price.
Suns vs Thunder prediction
Suns vs Thunder best bet: Suns moneyline (+195)
The Oklahoma City Thunder ruled 10 players out for Friday’s game, and the same 10 will be sitting tonight. That includes full-time starters Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, and Isaiah Hartenstein, as well as most of the rotation players on the bench.
The group sitting this weekend combined for 310 of OKC’s 400 starts through the first 80 games.The only starter to play Friday was Luguentz Dort, who played 20 minutes. The other seven players to see the floor combined for 23 starts this season.
The Phoenix Suns were planning to be more generous with playing their starters. Devin Booker and three rotation players sat on Friday, but, with the Suns locked into the Play-In on Tuesday, head coach Jordan Ott didn’t want rust to set in and planned on giving several key players minutes.
Then Grayson Allen went down with a hamstring injury during the game. That changed the plans significantly. Booker and Allen are out, joined by starters Royce O’Neal and Dillon Brooks. Most of the other key players are listed as questionable.
Both skeleton crews got hammered on Friday night — OKC by 20 at Denver, Phoenix by 28 at the Lakers. Sunday’s game will see Dort and a handful of unknowns for OKC against whichever Suns players listed as questionable put in limited time.
I think we can expect at least two or three of Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, Jalen Green, Haywood Highsmith, and Mark Williams to log 20+ minutes. That should be an advantage for Phoenix.
Suns vs Thunder same-game parlay
Jared McCain was the only Thunder player to make half his shots in Friday’s loss. The eight Suns who took 5+ shots on Friday shot a combined 19-for-64, .297. The Hall of Fame won’t be asking for a tape of this game to demonstrate the game being played at its highest level, and neither team will be motivated to play up-tempo.
The Suns will be particularly thin in the backcourt, and Jalen Green has battled injuries all season and could use the day off. Jordan Goodwin is more likely to be the shooting guard who plays. He’s made multiple threes in 10 of the last 11 games he’s played and 3+ in back-to-back games.
Suns vs Thunder SGP
Suns moneyline
Under 213
Jordan Goodwin Over 2.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: B-Team Bandits
Aaron Wiggins has made multiple threes four of the last five times he’s logged at least 15 minutes of playing time. He played 23 minutes on Friday. More importantly, he put up six threes. He should get the opportunity to shoot tonight.
Kenrich Williams had 12 rebounds in 31 minutes on Friday. He’ll likely be battling little-used Suns rookie Khaman Maluach in the paint on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Brandon Carlson dished out five in Friday’s game and will be the biggest scoring threat on the floor for most of the game. That should give him plenty of opportunities to find the open man. This is an easy addition.
Suns vs Thunder SGP
Jordan Goodwin Over 2.5 threes
Aaron Wiggins Over 1.5 threes
Kenrich Williams Over 9.5 rebounds
Brandon Carlson Over 2.5 assists
Suns vs Thunder odds
Spread: Suns +5.5 | Thunder -5.5
Moneyline: Suns +195 | Thunder -250
Over/Under: Over 213 | Under 213
Suns vs Thunder betting trend to know
The Thunder have gone Under their team total in 16 of their last 23 home games for +8.05 units and a 31% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Thunder.
How to watch Suns vs Thunder
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
Suns+, FDSN Oklahoma
Suns vs Thunder latest injuries
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 10: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns scores on a dunk during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on March 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who: Phoenix Suns (44-37) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (64-17)
When: 5:30 pm Arizona Time
Where: Paycom Center — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports
Listen: KMVP 98.7
The Phoenix Suns are looking to win their final game of the season, taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the team locked into the seventh seed, there is not much to play for, but the fans should expect the young guys to get some burn. Heading into this one, the Suns and Thunder look to play for the fifth time this season, with OKC leading the season series 3-1.
The Thunder have the first place locked up and do not need to injure any players, so they are taking the night off as well. This is sadly what comes at the end of a long season, but what could you do? This matchup though, could not be the last we see this year, as the Suns still have the Play-In to go.
If they were to lose their 7 vs. 8 seed matchup on Tuesday, they would be slated to face OKC in the first round of the playoffs. Now that is something no one is wishing for, but very well could be the outcome the Suns draw.
Mark Williams (left foot injury management) — QUESTIONABLE
Grayson Allen (left hamstring soreness) — OUT
Devin Booker (right ankle injury management) — OUT
Dillon Brooks (left 2nd metacarpal injury management) — OUT
Royce O’Neale (left knee injury management) — OUT
Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (oblique injury management) — OUT
Chet Holmgren (back spasms) — OUT
Jalen Williams (hamstring injury management) — OUT
Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus injury management) — OUT
Cason Wallace (toe soreness) — OUT
Ajay Mitchell (ankle injury management) — OUT
Alex Caruso (rest) — OUT
Isaiah Joe (knee soreness) — OUT
Jaylin Williams (Achilles tendinitis) — OUT
Thomas Sorber (torn ACL) — OUT
What to Watch For
The young guys and how they look are the main takeaways from this one. With the Suns set in stone as the seventh seed, there is no need for them to try to force a win for no reason. It would be nice to win against OKC, but that isn’t the goal here. It is to set the tone and get ready for the play-in on Tuesday.
Therefore, let the leash loose on guys like Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming to thrive in a game that matters nothing. See what these guys can do in a game where they are the primary options and get the hype surrounding them for the future. Buy these fans into the players they expect to see for the future.
Key to a Suns Win
The way for the Suns to take this one is to continue shooting great from three-point land. It has been evident all season long that if the Suns’ three-point shot does not show up, it is an uphill battle for them offensively. To make sure they can get off to the right start, they need guys like Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin to deliver from behind the arc. Especially Goodwin, who had a career-high in threes when the Suns beat the Thunder for the only time this season.
With the Thunder having ten players out as well, the depth of this team needs to show that they are worthy of staying in Phoenix beyond this season. A player like Jamaree Bpuyea should take this advantage to shine in a game where the ball is mainly in his hands. The two-way players, such as C.J. Huntley and Koby Brea, should get some run, allowing Brea to let loose from three, which could help the Suns match OKC.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Nick Smith Jr. #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass past the defense of Koby Brea #14 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on April 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The final roster spot for the Lakers will be used for one of their own and no big last-minute splash signing.
On Sunday morning, Shams Charania of ESPN reported Nick Smith Jr. and the Lakers had agreed to a two-year deal. Smith has spent the season on a two-way contract in LA.
The Los Angeles Lakers are signing two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. on a new two-year contract, Lucas Newton of Klutch Sports tells ESPN. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined, the Lakers add guard depth for the playoffs. Smith has averaged 6 points and 40% from 3 this season. pic.twitter.com/DTY3TtnsIn
The Lakers opened up a roster spot earlier in the weekend by waiving Kobe Bufkin, who they signed to a standard contract in the opening months of the campaign.
While other names like Chris Paul or Lonzo Ball were the flashier names mentioned as possible signings, it always felt likeliest that the open roster spot and contract would go to one of the team’s two-way signings in Smith Jr. and Drew Timme. Two-way players are not eligible for the playoffs, so if Redick wanted to continue using those players in his rotation, they would have to be signed to a deal.
Details of the deal are not known nor have they been reported, but in similar situations in previous years, the “two-year” aspect of the deal means the remaining one game and postseason of the 2025-26 season and likely a non-guaranteed second year.
On the season, Smith Jr. is averaging six points on 43.3% shooting from the field and 40% shooting from range. Most memorably, he won a game for the Lakers in Portland very early in the season when a host of players were out injured.
Even during the months when Bufkin was on a standard contract, Smith Jr. seemed to be ahead of him in the rotation and had the trust of head coach JJ Redick and the staff. With injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, the path to minutes for Smith Jr. is not all that crowded.
While he won’t be called upon if the remaining players are healthy, an injury or foul trouble in one of the playoff games could lead to him seeing minutes.
Nuggets
Spurs
