PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 17: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors look on during the game during the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament on April 17, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
“Don’t let good be the enemy of great”. It’s something my father has told me since I was young. Just because the Phoenix Suns came up short in the 2021 NBA Finals doesn’t mean that the season was a failure. The same can be said about the 2023 Miami Heat that got to the last round as an eighth seed, and the Dallas Mavericks two seasons ago, when they surprised the masses in 2024.
That is the perspective that is most relevant when looking at the Suns before they face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. No matter what happens the rest of the way, the Suns exceeded expectations. While they struggled down the stretch of the season and lost the seventh seed in the 7/8 play-in game, they remained in the top eight for almost the entirety of the year, including being in the top six at times.
Going into the year, many had doubts about the Phoenix Suns. Many pundits and sports books had them projected to be one of the worst teams not only in the Western Conference, but in the entire league. The team’s Vegas win total before the season was 30.5. Outside of Phoenix Suns Insider John Gambadoro, most people were very bearish on the team’s outlook for the 2025-2026 campaign.
Always fun to see what the so-called “experts” thought about the Suns before the season. Proud of what we’re building here in Phoenix and we are just getting started! https://t.co/K5vjjuEl56
While at times the team showed flashes of being better than their record suggested, like when they beat the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City, and the Detroit Pistons, that doesn’t negate the fact that it was a great year for the team.
It’s not just that the Suns made the playoffs and blew away expectations; it’s that they have found a direction, which would have been true even if they had lost to the Golden Warriors in the play-in. The team has built an identity and a core around Devin Booker. Dillon Brooks has brought a much-needed toughness to the team. Jordan Goodwin and Collin Gillespie present how Brian Gregory and Jordan Ott can build teams around the margins, and Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale are examples of how veterans can have career years in Phoenix.
For a team that has limited draft assets for the foreseeable future, the development of Rasheer Fleming, Oso Ighodaro, Ryan Dunn, and Khaman Maluach remains pivotal. Outside of Ighodaro, none of them played consistent roles for the team this year, so it wasn’t a perfect season, but throughout the year, the team established that they are in a much better spot than they were a year ago.
It’s quite likely that the Suns get trounced by the Thunder, and if that happens, that doesn’t take away from the fact that Phoenix exceeded expectations from what they were projected to do to start the season.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Ja'kobe Walter #14 of the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers took care of business in a blowout win to start the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
32 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
Mark another special start to the playoffs for a guy who is one of the league’s most prolific postseason scorers ever. Mitchell expertly sliced his way through Toronto’s defense, splitting double teams like it was nothing. His finishing at the rim was completed by a 4-7 three-point shooting performance.
Grade: A+
James Harden
22 points, 10 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
While Mitchell’s game was flash and fire, Harden took a more methodical approach. He carved the Raps up in the halfcourt, orchestrating the pick-and-roll to perfection and making sure the Cavalier offense never faltered. We should all be familiar with his shot creation by now, but I don’t plan on getting tired of it any time soon.
Grade: A+
Evan Mobley
17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
Mobley played this game like someone ready to make a statement on the big stage. He was aggressive, attacking mismatches whenever they were offered to him. This offense will never cater to Mobley’s self-creation, but he can still be a massively impactful scorer due to his abilities as a play finisher. To that, he was excellent today.
Grade: A
Jarrett Allen
10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal
Allen opened this game with a fresh pair of shoes and three thunderous dunks. How’s that for a start?
The Cavs bigs understand what’s at stake this postseason. They’ve been labeled soft for years by their detractors. Only a strong showing in the playoffs can dispel that narrative once and for all. Both Mobley and Allen looked eager to get started on that.
The box score doesn’t tell the full story. Allen was a huge presence on both sides of the floor.
Grade: B+
Dean Wade
5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
Wade airballed his first three-point attempt, then looked hesitant to shoot again. Once he finally did, it was a clean jumper from the corner during the fourth quarter. The Cavs’ offense flowed seamlessly regardless of Wade’s hesitancy, and the value he brings as their only true wing defender is irreplaceable. Wade finished as a plus 20 in 22 minutes.
Grade: B+
Max Strus
24 points, 3 rebounds
Strus looked spry in this one. He was quick off his feet, attacking a closeout early in the first half for a tough finish at the rim and then later doing the same thing all over again. He’s always had a knack for showing up in big moments, and today was no different.
Grade: A+
Keon Ellis
3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
Ellis’ only bucket came on a potential four-point play as he was knocked down while shooting a three-pointer. He missed the free throw and didn’t score the rest of the day. His defense was positive, though limited against Toronto’s length.
Grade: C-
Jaylon Tyson
2 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, 4 fouls
Tyson picked up three fouls in his first stint on the court. That’s not the way he wanted his playoff career to begin. However, I can’t fault him for trying to set the tone by being overly physical on defense. That’s something that usually turns into a positive in the playoffs.
Grade: F
Sam Merrill
7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Merrill started the game 0-3 from the field and wasn’t able to hit either of his three-point attempts. The Cavs will hope that changes as the series goes on. Otherwise, Merrill held his own on defense and contributed on the boards to save his grade. Of course, his gravity on offense has value on its own.
Grade: C+
Dennis Schroder
2 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound
I’m sure that Schroder is capable of having a better game than this. He’s someone I’d expect could swing a playoff game at one point throughout this run if his scoring, playmaking, and scrappy defense ever hit at the same time. That didn’t happen today.
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 18: Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the game against the Toronto Raptors during round one Game one of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 18, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jeff Haynes /NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers took care of business in Game 1 against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday afternoon on the strength of a strong third quarter. They controlled the pace of the game and executed at a high level in the half-court thanks to superstar performances from their guards Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. This added up to a stress-free 126-113 victory.
The Raptors had a strong start. Three quick triples from Scottie Barnes allowed the Raptors to grab a five-point lead by the tail end of the opening quarter. The Cavs responded with seven-straight baskets to close the first, which included five points in the final 26 seconds from Max Strus to give Cleveland a four-point advantage at the end of the first.
Toronto responded well at the start of the second. They kept the Cavs from pulling away by continuing to execute their game plan on both ends, but they once again weren’t able to close the quarter well.
Harden controlled the tempo of the game while making sure the Cavs got a good shot on every possession. That was seen most clearly at the end of the second quarter when the Cavs stretched what was a two-point lead to a 10-point advantage near the end of the second. An RJ Barrett three just before time expired in the half made it a seven-point lead for the Cavs heading into the break.
Toronto’s first-half resiliency broke in the opening minutes of the third quarter. The Cavs opened the third on a 21-6 run that was capped off by a triple and layup from Strus that pushed their seven-point lead at the break out to 22. Cleveland ended up winning that frame 36-22.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the Let ‘Em Know shirt HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE.
To the Raptors’ credit, they didn’t roll over. They could’ve stopped competing and opted to save their energy for Game 2. Instead, they pushed through the finish line and kept things from getting completely away from them. But their chance to actually take this game ended with Strus’s run in the middle of the third quarter.
Mitchell led the Cavs with 32 points. He did so efficiently by going 11-20 from the field, while also contributing four assists and two steals. This was the ninth time he scored 30 or more in the opening game of a playoff series.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson liked how Mitchell got to the basket. “I love how downhill he was.” He pointed out that this was a team-wide focus. Mitchell went 7-11 in the paint in the victory.
Despite how well Mitchell played, this was a complete team performance.
Harden showed how valuable he can be. The Raptors struggled to keep him from getting to his spots. His court vision and ability to make every pass are invaluable in keeping the offense on schedule. Harden finished with 22 points on 8-17 shooting with 10 assists and two steals.
Afterward, Atkinson said this was a “typical” game from Harden. “He just commands the game.”
Strus didn’t score the most points, but his short scoring spurts came at the right times to change the momentum of the game. He supplied 24 points on 8-10 shooting, which included going 4-6 from three in the victory.
The Raptors were led by 24 points from RJ Barrett. Scottie Barnes had an inefficient 21 points on 6-14 shooting. Brandon Ingram had 17 points and four assists on 5-9 shooting.
This type of showing was important for the Cavs. They’ve struggled with intensity and effort throughout the regular season — especially in afternoon games. That wasn’t an issue here. The Cavs were the aggressors in both this game and the series.
“You set the tone first,” Atkinson said. “It’s hard to come back from that.”
In the Donovan Mitchell-era, playoff series have been won by the team that prevailed in Game 1. Cleveland is hoping that trend continues here.
Additionally, the victory brings the Cavs’ all-time record against the Raptors in the playoffs to 13-2.
Game 2 will be back at Rocket Arena on Monday evening. Tip-off is at 7 PM.
Jan 22, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) controls the ball against the Charlotte Hornets in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The NBA season has wrapped up and the playoffs have begun. As someone who also writes for Detroit Bad Boys, I highly encourage you to watch the #1 seed Detroit Pistons who look to have some postseason success for the first time in 15+ years.
Or, if you’re looking for some more postseason basketball now that March Madness is over, you can keep an eye out on a few MSU alums. There are seven total Michigan State Spartans currently in the NBA, but only one will see playoff minutes. You could argue it could be four Spartans if you include Draymond Green, Miles Bridges, and Xavier Tillman the after the Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets lost their play-in games for the #8 seed last night.
Draymond has been with the Warriors since he was drafted in 2012. Miles has been with Charlotte since 2018 and Xavier teamed-up with him for the first time since they were teammates during Tillman’s freshman year.
Your sole Spartan in the playoffs is none other than Jase Richardson of the #8 seed Orlando Magic, who just happen to be matched up with the #1 Detroit Pistons. While Jase may not be a part of Magic’s postseason rotation, he’s still earning valuable experience as he finishes his rookie year.
Here are the final three Spartans in the NBA:
Max Christie – Dallas Mavericks
Gary Harris – Milwaukee Bucks
Jaren Jackson Jr – Utah Jazz
He’s not a player, but I’ll at least give one last shoutout to Mat Isbhia, former MSU guard and current owner of the #8 seed Phoenix Suns.
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse indicated Friday that he’s not focused on the notion of the Sixers being serious underdogs.
“I don’t really ever look at things this way,” Nurse said. “I think we’re playing a little better. I think we’re getting a little more used to each other again with this group of guys.
“I just want to go in there and play really well. And if we play really well and play our backsides off, we should have a chance to do some stuff.”
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 3: The Autism Acceptance sneakers worn by Head Coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 3, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.
With the Play-In Tournament in the rearview, the NBA Playoffs officially tip off today.
The third game of today’s NBA on Prime triple-header features the No. 6 seed in the East, Atlanta Hawks, facing off with the No. 3 New York Knicks.
For the second season in a row, the Knicks (53-29) finished third in the Eastern Conference, capturing the No. 3 seed and home court advantage in the first round.
The Knicks and Hawks faced off three times this season, most recently on April 6. The Knicks won two of three, including the April 6 matchup 108-105.
Hawks vs. Knicks: what to know
What: NBA Playoffs First Round, Game 1
When: April 18, 6 p.m. ET
Where: Madison Square Garden (New York, New York)
Streaming: Prime Video (try it free)
Game 2 of the Knicks-Hawks playoff series is set for Monday, April 20.
Hawks vs. Knicks start time:
Game 1 of the Hawks vs. Knicks playoff series tips off at 6 p.m. ET tonight, April 18.
How to watch Hawks vs. Knicks for free:
Select NBA playoff games, including tonight’s Hawks vs. Knicks matchup, are streaming exclusively on Prime Video, so you’ll need an Amazon Prime subscription to watch the game.
If you aren’t a Prime Video subscriber yet, you can get started with a 30-day Amazon Prime free trial, including Prime perks like the Prime Video streaming service, free two-day shipping, exclusive deals, and more. After the free trial, Amazon Prime costs $14.99/month or $139/year.
PRIME VIDEO
PRIME FOR YOUNG ADULTS
All 18- to 24-year-olds, regardless of student status, are eligible for a discounted Prime for Young Adults membership as well, with age verification. After a six-month free trial, you’ll pay 50% off the standard Prime monthly price of $14.99/month — just $7.49/month — for up to six yearsand get all the perks.
This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Celtics’ 2026 outlook without Jayson Tatum for much of the season, they haven’t missed a beat, finishing with the No. 2 seed in the East and drawing a first-round matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Jaylen Brown really stepped up during Tatum’s absence, and he headlines my 76ers vs. Celtics predictions as we expect Boston's dominance at home to continue in Game 1.
Find out more in my NBA picks for Sunday, April 19.
Our best 76ers vs Celtics SGP for Game 1
Jaylen Brown has found plenty of success against the Philadelphia 76ers this season, averaging 38.6 PRA across four matchups. The Boston Celtics guard delivered 37+ PRA twice and finished with 35 in the two other games.
With defensive anchor Joel Embiid sidelined once again, this sets up as a favorable matchup for Brown. Philadelphia’s 116.5 defensive rating without Embiid would rank ninth-worst in the league.
In Philly's last three games in Boston without Embiid, the 76ers were outscored by 17.3 points per game. The Celtics also posted a +8.3 net rating at home this season, and with the roster close to full strength, I’ll back them to win this one by 13+.
No team hit the Under at a higher rate than Boston (63.4%). The Celtics consistently kept games low-scoring thanks to a bottom-five pace and top-five defense.
Without Embiid, Philadelphia’s offensive rating dropped from 118.5 to 112.9, ranking eighth-worst in the league. The Sixers will likely struggle to score, and I expect Boston to control the tempo in a slow grind.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 19: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns fouls Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder as Gilgeous-Alexander attempts a shot during the third quarter at Paycom Center on March 19, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to the NBA playoffs.
It is that time of year again, when teams chase the one main thing that they have built for all year. The NBA Championship! Some teams make it all the way to the end. Be it a dark horse or those expected to be there. At times, the team expected to be there falls early.
It is the drama and excitement and chase for ultimate success and history. Having said that, let’s see what teams will face in the first round.
Game 1: Houston at Los Angeles | Saturday April 18 (8:30 ET, ABC)
Game 2: Houston at Los Angeles | Tuesday April 21 (10:30 ET, NBC)
Game 3: Los Angeles at Houston | Friday April 24 (8 ET, Prime Video)
Game 4: Los Angeles at Houston | Sunday April 26 (9:30 ET, NBC)
Game 5: Houston at Los Angeles | Wednesday April 29 (if necessary)
Game 6: Los Angeles at Houston | Friday May 1 (if necessary)
Game 7: Houston at Los Angeles | Sunday May 3 (if necessary)
My Predictions
Eastern Conference
Detroit Pistons in 6
Philadelphia 76ers in 7
New York Knicks in 6
Toronto Raptors in 6
Western Conference
Oklahoma City Thunder in 6
San Antonio Spurs in 5
Minnesota Timberwolves in 5
Los Angeles Lakers in 6
If you want to discuss anything, you can do so below. For the Lakers , right here. I will update this thread as the first round progresses. Have at it in the comments below.
When I am not posting ridiculous trades on here you can find me talking about Nintendo, LGBT content, music, and the Lakers on my Twitter. You can follow Alexis on Twitter at @BeautifulShy_RSand on BlueSky at @msshyskye.bsky.social.
"One is that this was the first time that it was real. Yeah. You know, it was a lot. And I'm not saying that it was real that I wanted a trade. It was just, bro, everywhere I went, in the street, people would tell me, 'Don't leave. Don't do this. Please stay.' It was real. Back in the day, when I was younger, 25, 24, they would always say this stuff. But then maybe, like, a week later, it will turn off. They would talk about a different story. This year, every day — social media, turn the TV on, First Take, ESPN, blah, blah, blah — it was, 'Giannis, Giannis, Giannis, Giannis, Giannis'...
"If I'd ever been in that position, if I could change something, maybe I'd come out and shut it down, because I think people weren't listening to me. Like, 'Giannis, come out and ask for a trade. Giannis, come out and do this.' I'm like, first of all, people that I respect and people that I love, I would have conversations with them — my coach, my GM, people that matter [behind closed doors]."
"I kept saying, 'Guys, I'm here. I'm not going nowhere.' Oh yeah, whatever, whatever, blah, blah — Giannis is going to the Knicks. Okay. Two weeks later: 'I'm here, guys. I'm locked in. I got hurt, but I'm coming back to play here.' Oh, Giannis is going to Miami. They wasn't listening to what I was saying, right? So, if I could turn time back, I would maybe come out a little bit earlier and say, 'Hey, guys, this ends today. Look at me in the eyes. I'm staying with Milwaukee until further notice. It ends today. Stop making stories, and after stories, and after stories.'"
What played out in public was something everyone watching the saga feels — Antetokounmpo is torn between loyalty to the only NBA organization he has ever played for, a place he won a ring, a city he loves, and his competitve desire to win, something that is not happening with the Bucks (who finished 11 games out of the play-in and were just a .500 team when Antetokounmpo was healthy.
At the time, Antetokounmpo's agent, Alex Saratsis, reportedly had conversations with the Bucks about the star's future and if this was still the best fit for everyone. Antetokounmpo himself never asked for a trade, and said at the time of Saratsis, "He's his own person. He can have any conversation he wants." The Bucks tested the waters for an Antetokounmpo trade, but league sources told NBC Sports they didn't get the sense the Bucks were serious.
That's expected to change this summer. The drama at the end of the season about Antetokounmpo's return to play in meaningless games — he wanted to compete and play with his brothers, the Bucks both were thinking about their draft pick and didn't want to risk further injury to a player who had played just 36 games due to a variety of injuries — feels like it sealed the fate. Maybe not, maybe he tells the Bucks he will sign an extension with them when he can on Oct. 1, but that seems like a long shot at this point.
Which means the Giannis, Giannis, Giannis, Giannis, Giannis rumors are about to start up again.
An 82-game regular season packed with turbulence ended with 53 wins and the fourth seed in a brutal Western Conference race. Following a blowout of the tanking Utah Jazz, the Lakers playoff reward is home court advantage against the physically imposing Houston Rockets.
Very few pundits give them a chance to compete in the series, let alone win, due to the injuries to the backcourt of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. The absence of their star guards returns LeBron James to his vintage self as the lead shot creator.
Right behind him, with the biggest difference in their previous roles, is Luke Kennard. The two-man game between them and an old reliable action for LeBron goes from a useful option to an offense-defining play for the purple and gold in this series.
LeBron and Kennard played 27 games together, posting a net rating of +8.7 in just over 300 minutes. LeBron is no stranger to initiating actions with marksmen, dating back to his Cleveland days with teammates such as Kyle Korver and JR Smith. Kennard steps right in as one of the best he’s ever played with, percentage-wise.
LA added Kennard as their only deadline move in a swap for Gabe Vincent. He ingratiated himself as a key rotation player and expanded LA’s playbook with his gravity. Head coach J.J. Redick constantly highlights that Kennard is the only “movement shooter” on the team.
What first makes this go is Kennard’s ability to make quick reads dependent on how the other team defends the action. Watch in the clip below as he operates in the middle of the floor. The Mavericks opt not to switch the screen, steering clear of having Max Christie defend the bigger, stronger LeBron.
Kennard gets downhill with nothing open. The Lakers adapt seamlessly.
The pair flip the screen and Kennard sets a ghost screen — a fake ball screen where the screener quickly moves away — and pops to the 3-point line. That second of indecision opens up the driving lane for the dunk.
“A Lot of it does depend on coverages, whether or not teams are in a shock (at the level of the screen) or they’re red-ing (switching) it,” Redick said. “I think Luke has as good an off-ball feel as anybody for when to set, when to go, when to change pace, create a little separation. When he gets separation like a number of great shooters, there’s an overreaction to that.”
Without Luka and Reaves to create those overreactions, the team will rely on Kennard’s ability to do so.
When teams do decide to switch the duo’s pick-and-roll action, the Lakers instantly clear out to put LeBron in the post, as shown below. Watch as they run their “88” action, or empty-side screen and roll.
A post entry is thrown with two shooters on the opposite side and the center positioned to the other side of the key, allowing LeBron to drive and score against single coverage.
“We can also hunt mismatches if they are red-ing and get LeBron down at the post or get him at the nail where that’s advantageous basketball for us, and he’s just going to make the right decision,” Redick said. “ LeBron as a screener, we’ve seen it already.
“Against Dallas, it allowed Luke to touch the paint. It allowed Luke to create offense for us, and then LeBron catching the ball in the pocket is in a four-on-three situation.”
An underrated aspect of Kennard’s game is his added playmaking ability. The three games following the loss of their backcourt racked up 28 assists in his move up the playmaking hierarchy.
He showed good feel all year on making the extra pass to a teammate, whether that be to the three-point line or soft touch lobs to his bigs like he throws to Deandre Ayton in the clip below.
LA leverages the dual threat of LeBron and Kennard off-ball, getting Kennard to “touch the paint” and find his big man.
Many of the teams LA closed the season with are nowhere close to the defense Houston will present. They roster a host of physical defenders, including Amen Thompson and Tari Eason. LeBron and Kennard will be one and two in the pecking order of which ball handlers they look to frustrate with physicality and full-court pressure.
This is the mountain the Lakers have in front of them, a steep one to climb. To have a chance, they need this two-man action, LeBron’s bread and butter, to be impactful.
The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in seven games in the 2023 Eastern Conference Playoffs, and the two teams will face off again when the 2026 first-round series tips off at TD Garden this afternoon.
Jaylen Brown has delivered an MVP-caliber season, and my 76ers vs. Celtics predictions expect the 2024 Finals MVP to come through with a strong performance in Game 1.
Read on to find out why I expect Brown to stuff the stat sheet in a comfortable home victory in today's NBA picks.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
76ers vs Celtics prediction
Who will win 76ers vs Celtics Game 1?
Celtics:Boston’s tenacious defense and next-man-up mentality were essential in the team securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. The C’s went 30-11 at home and 25-9 as the home favorite, getting the most from Jaylen Brown and a strong supporting cast.
Philadelphia just isn’t the same team on either end of the floor with Joel Embiid out, and a Sixers team that went 8-15 as the road dog will struggle without its superstar. I’ll take Boston to win comfortably.
76ers vs Celtics best bet: Jaylen Brown Over 36.5 points + rebounds + assists (-112)
With Jayson Tatum sidelined for most of the season and key players from the Boston Celtics title run playing for new teams, Jaylen Brown asserted his dominance and delivered the best statistical campaign of his career. Brown averaged career highs in points (28.7), rebounds (6.9) and assists (5.1).
Brown finished with 37 PRA in 52 of 71 games overall, including 27 of 38 games at TD Garden. His production didn’t slip much with Tatum back in action.
Brown averaged 41.2 PRA without Tatum and 31.4 in 13 games with Tatum in the lineup. He accumulated 37+ PRA in nine of 13 games played with his superstar teammate.
Brown found success against the Philadelphia 76ers this season, averaging 38.6 PRA across four matchups. He delivered 37+ PRA twice and finished with 35 twice more.
The 76ers will be without defensive anchor Joel Embiid yet again, making this a favorable matchup for Brown. Philadelphia’s 116.5 defensive rating without Embiid would rank ninth-worst in the Association.
After a disappointing exit in the 2025 playoffs, the Celtics look primed for a deep postseason run, and their success will depend heavily on Brown’s leadership and performance.
After proving that he can be “the guy” for a contending team in the regular season, I expect Brown to carry that momentum and mindset into the playoffs and set the tone early for him and his teammates.
76ers vs Celtics same-game parlay
Philly and Boston split the four-game season series at two games apiece, but the Sixers have had a difficult time playing at TD Garden without Embiid.
In the last three games played in Boston without the big man, the 76ers were outscored by 17.3 points per game. Boston sports a +8.3 net rating at home this season, and with the team close to full strength, I’ll back them to win this one by 13+.
No team hit the Under at a higher percentage than the Boston Celtics at 63.4%. The C’s kept the score low throughout the season thanks to a bottom-5 pace and top-5 defense.
Without Embiid, the Sixers’ offensive rating dipped from 118.5 to 112.9, good for eighth-worst. Philly will have trouble scoring, and I expect Boston to make this one a slow grind.
76ers vs Celtics SGP
Jaylen Brown Over 36.5 points + rebounds + assists
Celtics -12.5
Under 213.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Puncher's chance!
Re-united and it feels so good! Both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are in line for big games against a vulnerable defense as they look to lead their team to another title.
Jaylen Brown finished with 26+ points in 50 of 71 games overall, including nine of 13 with Jayson Tatum in the lineup. Tatum went for 23+ points in nine of 16 games and 24+ in six of 16.
Brown’s career-best year as a facilitator should continue into the playoffs. He handed out 5+ assists in 35 of 71 appearances, and he reached that mark in eight of 13 games played with Tatum.
Tatum’s rebounding is through the roof this season, as he averaged 10 boards across 16 regular-season appearances. Tatum secured 10+ boards in 10 of 16 games and seven of nine at TD Garden. Without Embiid to patrol the paint, I expect Tatum to gobble up rebounds.
76ers vs Celtics SGP
Jaylen Brown Over 25.5 points
Jayson Tatum Over 23.5 points
Jaylen Brown Over 4.5 assists
Jayson Tatum Over 9.5 rebounds
76ers vs Celtics odds for Game 1
Spread: Philadelphia +12.5 (-110) | Boston -12.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Philadelphia +550 | Boston -800
Over/Under: Over 213.5 (-110) | Under 213.5 (-110)
76ers vs Celtics betting trend to know
The Celtics have cashed the Under in 35 of their last 50 games for +18.50 units and a 34% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Celtics.
How to watch 76ers vs Celtics Game 1
Location
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Tip-off
1:00 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
76ers vs Celtics 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.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 03: Head Coach Mike Brown of the New York Knicks speaks to his team during a timeout against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 03, 2025 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 Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On focusing on the Knicks’ strengths: “Obviously, you respect what you’ve done all year. The neat part about it is we’ve faced a lot of different things. We’ve faced cross-matches, we’ve faced teams playing us the same, we’ve faced zone, we’ve faced box-and-1. So to be able to have those different looks throughout the course of the year has helped us work on us. You continue to understand what your strengths are and you try to go to your strengths more than anything else while focusing on some of the things they may possibly do.”
On preparing for Hack-A-Mitch: “We’ve talked about it. We have different things in mind that we’ll do. A lot of them will come down to time and score and feel. But we understand that’s what teams may want to do, especially if our offense is clicking at that point in time.”
On expecting cross-matches from Atlanta: “We’ve been cross-matched all year. We imagine they’ll go to that. We faced a lot of different defenses. They may try to cross-match and they may do some things — we’ve faced a box-and-1, we’ve faced a zone. We feel like we’re prepared for anything that they throw at us, so we’re looking forward to that challenge.”
On adjusting if Alexander-Walker gets hot: “He hit some tough shots, some amazing shots that he’s more than capable of doing. If he hits those shots again, you tip your hat off to him and you say, ‘Great job.’ Now, obviously, you have to be ready to mix in more blitzes or some of this or some of that throughout the course of the series if he’s going like that. Which we will be ready for that stuff.”
"You grow up your whole life wanting to play in the playoffs. Thanks to God that I've been able to be in the playoffs, I think it's my fourth year. It feels like it's time to get it done and finish it out the right way."
On the intensity of playoff basketball: “Playoffs are fun and real amped up and a lot of aggression, a lot of thinking. It’s just fun being in those games. The crowd and everything just goes up another level. So it’s always fun playing playoff games. Just trying to do whatever it takes to win.”
On raising his game in the postseason: “I would want to. I feel like every player would want to. I just try to be the best I can be and try to do whatever it takes to help the team win.”
On sacrificing within the offensive hierarchy: “Sacrifice for your brothers. Putting your body on the line, doing whatever it takes to make the play to help your teammates out.”
On playoff experience being part of his DNA: “That’s kind of what I’ve known. It’s kind of my DNA.”
On learning from last season’s loss: “I think just everything is a learning experience. Obviously, you’re not happy when you lose, especially when you’re close. But you take everything as a learning experience and build from it and learn from it.”
On ignoring outside noise: “I think what motivates us is just trying to be the best team we can be, honestly. Not really too worried what other teams have to do or what they do, we’re just so worried about ourselves and preparing for whoever we have to play, and it’s them. So we’re just worried about preparing and that’s really it, nothing else.”
On Brown vs. Thibodeau playoff prep: “I think they both prepare great. That’s what I take from it.”
On capitalizing on the playoff opportunity: “It’s great that we put ourselves in this position to be in the playoffs in this position. At the end of the day, the season doesn’t mean anything if we don’t capitalize on this opportunity. You can’t look to the future, you can’t look past an opponent. You can’t do any of that. The present is the most important thing. As long as we take care of the present, the future will be taken care of.”
Josh Hart
On being judged in the playoffs: “We made the playoffs. We had 50 wins, so that was good. We know we’re going to be judged by what we do starting now.”
Miles McBride
On the difference between Thibs’ and Brown’s coaching: “It’s a lot more digital, I’d say.”
“They had more experience than us… and they were like, nah, y’all running around thinking this is sweet. It ain’t sweet.” pic.twitter.com/17kCjHVDqy
— Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady (@VinceAndTmac) April 17, 2026
Tracy McGrady
On the key for the Knicks to reach the Finals: “It starts on the defensive end. When they’re locked in and talking, they’re a different team. I’ve seen them have stretches where they look like a top five defense in the league, and that’s what it’s going to take. Good defense turns into better offense for this team. Offensively, they’ve got enough. It’s really just about balance. When Mikal gets going, it opens everything up because now you’ve got a few guys that can give you 20 any night. I like when they’ve got size on the floor too. Towns can space it, Mitch handles the paint, that’s tough to deal with.”
On what the Knicks need from Karl-Anthony Towns: “They need discipline and presence from him in every possession. He’s too skilled to fade in and out of games. I want to see him be aggressive, not just shooting 3s, but putting pressure on the rim, making defenses react. And defensively, just be solid. Contest, rebound, and don’t put your team in tough spots with fouls.”
On boycotting Atlanta rap artists during the first-round series: “We don’t want to hear no Atlanta artists right now. Time to show some New York solidarity.”
On New York bias vs. Atlanta bias: “When people say I have a New York bias, it’s an issue, but if I say you have an Atlanta bias, a down south bias, that’s OK. Any time we can show love and spotlight our city, especially when we need to band tougher, why not have the same pride in New York others have (in their regions)? It’s not bias, it’s just pride.”
On not having Atlanta artists in rotation hurting the most: “We could probably go 10 years without any Boston artists. I’d have an easier time not hearing artists from any of those cities than I would from any artists from Atlanta.”
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against Jordan Goodwin #23 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 18, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There was one assignment heading into Friday night against the Golden State Warriors that nobody really wants. Stephen Curry in an elimination game. That’s not a comfortable place to live.
And sure, this isn’t peak Curry. He’s banged up. He’s 38. But shooters don’t age out of danger. They find ways, and he was coming off a 35-point performance against the Los Angeles Clippers, with 27 of those in the second half. Along with Al Horford, he dragged his team into position for this game. That’s the reality with Curry. You can slow him for stretches. A few minutes, a quarter, maybe even a half. But shutting him down for a full game is rare. And when the Curry Flurry starts, you feel it, brace, and try to survive it.
It wasn’t a great defensive showing against Deni Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday for Jordan Goodwin. He’s your point of attack defender, and he got targeted. Too often, Portland got downhill without much resistance. Some of that is on him. A lot of it is on the scheme behind him. He was left on an island with no lifeboat. There was no rim presence to clean it up. That’s a tough ask against a team committed to attacking the paint, and they took advantage.
His next assignment was Stephen Curry in an elimination game against the Golden State Warriors. High leverage, high pressure, no margin. And Goodwin delivered. He brought it defensively, stayed attached, and made things uncomfortable. On the other end, he found his moments. He knocked down open threes created by the gravity around him, impacted the game on the glass (especially with his work on the offensive boards), and was a menace generating turnovers.
The final stat line jumps off the page. What Jordan Goodwin did to Stephen Curry was a master class, and a big reason the Phoenix Suns are moving on to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. Curry ended scoring just 17 points on 4-of-16 from the field and 3-of-10 from deep. 16 shots to generate 17 points? You’ll take that every day of the week. In his 7:04 minutes as the primary defender, Goodwin held Curry to 1-of-6 shooting across 33.4 possessions. One made three. One assist. One turnover. That’s elite work against one of the greatest to ever do it.
Steph Curry when being covered by Jordan Goodwin in the Play-In:
Offensively, Goodwin became the guy the Suns needed. That tierary punch. Because this team isn’t built to survive on Devin Booker and Jalen Green alone. You need that third voice, an unexpected scorer. Too often this season, whether it’s Royce O’Neale, Collin Gillespie, or Grayson Allen, it hasn’t shown up consistently. But when it does, it changes everything. That’s what Goodwin was. 19 points, 7-of-11 from the field, 4-of-7 from deep.
Then there’s the rebounding. It’s wild to watch a guard that size impact the glass the way Jordan Goodwin does. But it’s been there all season. He finds angles, carves out space, and beats bigger players to the spot. He did it again Friday night, pulling down nine boards (four on the offensive end) even with size on the floor like Al Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis.
And his peskiness was on full display as well. Goodwin snagged 6 steals, which would put him in some interesting company if this game were classified as a playoff game. But it is not. It’s a Play-In game, which is like purgatory. The games don’t count towards your regular season totals, and they don’t count toward postseason. If it were a postseason stat, only 4 other Suns in the history of the franchise have had 6+ steals in a playoff game. Kyle Macy (6, 1984), Charles Barkley (7, 1993), Jason Kidd (6, 1998), and Shawn Marion (6, 2006).
Basketball Purgatory Stat: Only 4 players in Suns' history have had 6+ steals in a playoff game:
“Massive at both ends. We can’t overstate his shot making, but to hold a guy like that (Stephen Curry), 3-of-10, 4- of-16, and then we talked possession, possession, possessions, he had four offensive rebounds and six steals,” head coach Joran Ott said of Goodwin after the game. “Where he started the season to now speaks volumes about who he is and what he’s becoming as a basketball player, super excited and happy he’s on our team.”
“I think that when we are at our best is when we are being aggressive,” Goodwin stated in the post-game presser. “Just go out there and try to set the tone on the defensive end, I know we got the guys who will set it on the offensive end. I am just trying to get us going a bit, get the ball in transition, get them guys going. Definitely just hanging my hat on it, taking on whatever matchup I got, just trying to do my best to make it difficult out there.”
Goodie is the first Suns player to record 19+ PTS, 9+ REB, and 6+ STL in ANY NBA GAME since Shawn Marion in 05-06. pic.twitter.com/63a2Xmposm
It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight. It’s about the size of the fight in the dog. Jordan Goodwin embodies that. He brings everything he has, every possession. He’s undersized, sure. But the impact is undeniable. What he did against the Golden State Warriors on Friday night went beyond the box score. It helped put an overachieving team into the postseason, which allows us to feel great about this season. Because of that effort, we get more time. More games. More chances to evaluate what this Phoenix Suns team can be.
It was a good night for Goodwin. It was a great night for Phoenix.
After running the table in the NBA Play-In, the Phoenix Suns are back in the playoffs, but standing in their way is the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
My Suns vs. Thunder predictions expect OKC to dominate Sunday's series opener, fueled by another standout performance from their reigning MVP.
Before resting their players for the final week of the regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder were clicking.
The Thunder had won seven straight contests, going 5-2 ATS before their skeleton crew dropped the last two regular-season contests. OKC is also 8-2 SU in its last 10 head-to-head matchups against the Phoenix Suns.
Expect the Under to cash, as Phoenix won’t be trying to speed things up — they capped off the season ranked 24th in pace. Meanwhile, the Thunder turned up the defensive pressure in the postseason last year.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been an MVP performer against the Suns this season, averaging 30 points per game and hitting half of his 3-point attempts. SGA also shot 51% on 2-pointers, an area where the Suns were weak this season, allowing opponents to shoot 56% from inside the arc.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
