Category: Basketball

For what it’s worth, these Spurs are determined to head into the playoffs winning as many games as they can, building on their success and trying to stay motivated along the way. Couch-surfing fans (like myself) might question the need for motivation playing a game we all love, but 82 games is a grind.

On Wednesday night, Victor Wembanyama needed no extra motivation to score 41 points on 16 -22 shooting along with 18 rebounds. Stephon Castle ran the offense with his usual efficiency to the tune of 15 points while handing out 11 assists.

Let’s address the elephant in the room and just campaign for me to have an MVP vote and all the awards votes that I would unequivocally use to cast all of them for Keldon Johnson (MVP, DPOY, MIP, OPOY, Sixth Man, most likely to end up on a Key & Peele skit when Jordan Peele decides to quit making horror movies).

Back to our regularly scheduled highlights, Victor Wembanyama scored 40+ in back-to-back games, playing basketball on easy mode. For his part, Wembanyama looks both assertive and comfortable out on the floor these days, which bodes well as the team heads into the playoffs. Didn’t take long, but in his third year, Wemby has already set a career-high average of 24.7 points per game. His 11.5 rebounds per game is also a career peak.

This move looked like an elongated euro step if you only needed two steps to go from Belarus to Portugal. It goes without saying how unique and special Wembanyama’s game is, but none of that is possible without his impeccable footwork.

Harrison Barnes, or as I would like to call him, the Blowfish to Hootie’s and, got up for this wide open dunk. I’m sure any chance Barnes gets to score against his former team, he would relish the opportunity. On Wednesday night, Barnes helped lead the bench mob with 13 points with a nice 3 – 6 shooting from downtown.

A recent tweet discussed a re-draft of the 2024 class, which had Stephon Castle at number one with the benefit of hindsight. No arguments from me, but I do want to point out that the Oklahoma Thunder getting 16th pick Jared McCain from the Philadelphia Sixers seems unfair (not unethical) especially if he can contribute as a fourth best scorer for the defending champions. To that end, Alex Sarr and Reed Sheppard, who were drafted ahead of Castle are special players and would have fit well on the Spurs, but given what we see, know, hear, and love, Castle was a very special (and fortuitous) pick just one year after the basketball gods gifted the Spurs Wembanyama.

Someone asked Wembanyama about the Spurs’ lack of playoff experience, and his answer was perfect: “Screw it.” They can only go out and play and let it fly, right? Of course, a little team chemistry doesn’t hurt. Right now, this team has chemistry in spades as evidenced by this play below. Screw it.

Once a game, on plays like the outstretched dunk below, Wembanyama reminds us that he can do Space Jam level dunks, and that if the Mon-Stars invaded Earth to steal our best basketball players skills as part of their mission for galaxy-wide domination, they would stop at Wembanyama. Don’t worry y’all, even if a former president and current sitting president have all but confirmed the existence of extraterrestrials, our planet still has Wayne Knight and Bill Murray to save us.

Does Dylan Harper play more than 25 minutes per game in the playoffs (assuming the Spurs have a full roster available). Discuss amongst yourselves in the comments. Coherent arguments not needed, just outlandish wild takes that would catch the attention of at least 3 of Kevin Durant’s online burner accounts.

Do you get tired of seeing lobs from Castle to Wembanyama? I don’t. But if you do get fatigued, may I suggest watching 8 hours of your daughter’s favorite cartoon at the moment (currently, it’s Super Kitties and Gabby’s Dollhouse)? After that, your eyeballs and psyche will be yearning for more of that sweet, sweet dish from our favorite reigning rookies of the year.

If you missed the game because you were too busy debating whether Darius Rucker is Hootie or the Blowfish, here are the full-game highlights:

Next up, the Spurs head over to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers on April 2, 2026.

The NBA postseason is rapidly approaching, with less than two weeks remaining in the 2025-26 regular season.

While all postseason berths have been clinched, teams are furiously jockeying for playoff positioning, especially those seeking to remain above the fray of the Play-In Tournament. That’s especially true in the Eastern Conference, where only four games separate the current No. 5 seed, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Miami Heat, currently No. 10.

In the Western Conference, all three divisions have been clinched, with the Oklahoma City Thunder claiming the Northwest, the San Antonio Spurs the Southwest and the Los Angeles Lakers the Pacific. But perhaps the most intriguing story as the regular season winds down is whether the Spurs can catch the Thunder for the top seed in the West.

Heading into the slate of April 2 games, the Cleveland Cavaliers, currently the No. 4 team in the East, can clinch a playoff spot with a win, while the Houston Rockets, currently the No. 5 team in the West, can clinch a playoff berth if the Phoenix Suns lose.

Here are the current brackets for the playoffs and the Play-In Tournament, the NBA standings and the schedule for Thursday, April 2:

The king of the Western Conference is here and his name is Luka Dončić.

During the month of March, no one played better than the Wonder Boy and the NBA agreed, naming him the Player of the Month for the Western Conference on Thursday.

This is the second time this season that Luka has won this award after also doing soback in January.

Luka’s scoring output in March placed him among the greatest players to ever play the sport. His 600 points in the month surpassed Kobe Bryant’s 578 points in March of 2006 for the most by a Laker.

Dončić had some ridiculous games, like his 60-point performance on the road in Miami and his game-winner over the Nuggets at home.

Luka scored over 40 points seven times in March and ended the month with 13 consecutive games scoring 30 or more points.

Dončić averaged 37.5 points, eight rebounds, 2.3 steals and 7.4 assists per game in March. Luka was the NBA’s highest scorer in March while also ranking 10th in rebounding and third in steals.

With Luka elevating his game, the Lakers dominated the league, going 15-2 in March. They haven’t won that many games in a month since 2000.

This award only strengthens Luka’s MVP case. He’s been named the best player in the West twice, while Victor Wembanayama only won it in February and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won it back in December.

Luka is also a shoo-in to be the scoring king of the league.

He’s averaging 33.8 points per game, just a decimal point off his career-best of 33.9 in the 2022-23 season when he led the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA Finals appearance.

With the Lakers currently sitting at the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference and Luka playing some of the best basketball of his career, they look like one of the teams to beat as the regular season comes to a close.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

Who: Phoenix Suns (42-34) vs. Charlotte Hornets (40-36)

When: 4:00 pm Arizona Time

Where: Spectrum Center — Charlotte, North Carolina

Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports

Listen: KMVP 98.7

The Phoenix Suns are looking to solidify their position as the seventh seed in the West and maintain control of their standing. With only six games left, this is going to be a big test, as they are only up three games on the Los Angeles Clippers. After a devastating loss to Orlando, they now look to get a sneaky win against one of their Southeast rivals, the Charlotte Hornets.

The Hornets and Suns have been pretty good friends in the trade market, exchanging players over the past few transaction periods. That being said, both are fun, exciting young teams who are trying to make a statement this year. The Suns want to be that defensive powerhouse that can guard anyone one through five, while the Hornets want to outscore you with their lethal offense.

Charlotte has been able to take care of business and is now no longer rebuilding but looking to shine with Kon Knueppel, LaMelo Ball, and Brandon Miller. A relatively healthy team, compared to past seasons, has shown that, with the new culture brought by Charles Lee, they can win now and in the future too.

Probable Starters

Injury Report

Suns

• Mark Williams – QUESTIONABLE (Left Foot Third Metatarsal Stress Reaction)
• Amir Coffey — OUT (Left Ankle Sprain)
• Haywood Highsmith — OUT (Right Knee Injury Management)

Hornets

• PJ Hall — OUT (Right Ankle Soreness)

What to Watch For

One thing to watch for in this one is how Dillon Brooks is back in with this team. He missed 18 games with a broken hand, leaving the Suns a bit disconnected on defense. Not having their main anchor of defense made it tough to stop opponents from getting to the paint and eventually scoring.

Having him back should bolster the Suns’ rim protection. With Brooks, we saw that he returned in his first game. He got into some old trouble early as well. His limiting that (as best as he can) would be helpful so the Suns can keep him on the court for those defensive purposes. This Hornets offense is talented, and Brooks is going to have to be key to stopping their electric scorers.

Brooks, offensively as well, has to find himself back in this groove as he, Booker, and Green are all healthy. This is the time we have all been waiting for: a healthy three-headed monster that can win the Suns’ games. For Brooks, he needs to find his shots and find when he can take those in the offense. After starting the game off with a nice turnaround jump, he then went 3-of-12 for the entirety of the game from the field. Finding where he can succeed, given how iso-heavy he is on the offensive side, is something to look for in this one as the Suns gear up for the Play-In.

Key to a Suns Win

The big key to his game is going to be matching the Hornets’ offensive output. They have been the best offensive team since the calendar year flipped to 2026, and they have completely changed the franchise’s trajectory. That being said, they put up a lot of points and have the shooters to do so. Both LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel can swing a run individually, something the defense will have to be on lock for.

The Suns will need Jalen Green and Devin Booker to once again combine for a great combination of points to keep them in arm’s reach. This time, hopefully getting some trips to the foul line, unlike in Memphis the other night.

Guys like Dillon Brooks, Ryan Dunn, and Rasheer Fleming are going to have to step up defensively to shut the hot Hornets offense down. With Fleming’s recent development, he needs more playing time, and hopefully, he sees that in this one.

Prediction Time

The Suns turn the corner and beat Charlotte for the second time this season

Suns 114, Hornets 106

If LeBron James leaves the Lakers this offseason, one outcome is certain — he will not be signing with the Grizzlies.

While recently filming a golf video with the “Bob Does Sports” guys, James absolutely tore into Memphis after he was asked if in-season travel wears on him.

The 41-year-old Los Angeles superstar said it definitely does, and he admitted the home of the Grizzlies is one of the cities that makes him feel the most weary.

LeBron James on playing the Grizzlies:

“I’m f***ing 41 years of age. You think I want to do sh** in Memphis on a random Thursday? I’m not the first guy in the NBA to talk about this. You guys got to move the team… go over to Nashville already.”

(via @leaguealerts) pic.twitter.com/ZN5y5vRg2p

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 2, 2026

He then added that he finds it so mundane, he and some of his other colleagues have actually urged Grizzlies players and perhaps even the franchise to move.

“I’m not even, like, the first guy to talk about it in the NBA,” James said in the video, which just dropped on YouTube on Thursday. “We’re all, like, ‘You guys have to move. Just go over to Nashville. You’ve got Vanderbilt over there. You’ve got the f—king NASCAR. You’ve got a stadium. Don’t they got a hockey team, too? They’ve got everything.”

James went on to reveal there’s no way he’d ever play in a Grizzlies uniform, even if they had been the organization with the top overall pick when he was coming out of high school 23 years ago.

“They know,” James said. “Their only chance was in 2003 if they ever won the lottery. And I might have pulled an Eli Manning and not showed up.”

The vid’s only been up for a couple hours, but James’ words have already garnered criticism.

Grizzlies reporter Jessica Benson took to her X page to blast James and defend her Tennessee turf, writing that “the parade of s—ting on Memphis is tired, cruel and so incredibly misguided.”

“The way people talk about this city is nuts,” Benson said. “Happy to give any NBA player (or anyone!) an itinerary the next time they’re in town to debunk this absurdity.”

James hasn’t yet addressed the growing backlash, but if any Memphians were waiting on pins and needles for him to expound, he should have media availability later Thursday following the Lakers vs. Thunder tilt.

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It’s been a few extra days, so it’s time to check with our friends in the Lone Star state.

It’s been a good week for the Houston Rockets, which means it’s been a bad one for the 2026 first-round pick they owe to the Sixers as a result of the Jared McCain trade. Houston rebounded well after starting it as poorly as possible.

They looked to be in a full tailspin when they blew a 13-point lead in overtime to the Minnesota Timberwolves on national television back on March 25. Since then, though, the Rockets have gotten back on track, winners of their last four.

Three of those were against tanking teams in the Grizzlies, Pelicans and Bucks, but they impressively blew out the New York Knicks during this streak as well.

Of course the winning streak is bad news for the pick they owe to Philadelphia. They would currently be giving the No. 23 overall pick to the Sixers. They are a half game behind the Timberwolves for the 21st pick and tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Unfortunately for the Sixers, Houston’s schedule remains pretty light for the rest of the regular season as well. The Utah Jazz at home on April 3 should be a breeze for them. Playing in Golden State on April 5 could be tricky, as Stephen Curry is reportedly eyeing a comeback, but that will be his first game back in two months.

After that they’ll head down to Phoenix to take on the struggling Suns, who have won just three of their last 10. The Sixers themselves might have the best chance to take one from them on the April 9. They’ll wrap up the regular season with the Grizzlies and Wolves one more time at home on April 10 and 12, respectively.

Before that pick’s position will be set in stone, Sixers fans can get one last chance to get a look at some potential prospects in the Final Four. Arizona featuring Koa Peat and Michigan featuring Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara will square off on April 4 at 8:49 p.m. ET.

Pick status this week: 23

Pick status last week: 21

The Cleveland Cavaliers can clinch a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference with a victory over the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors are still missing star guard Stephen Curry, who is expected to return next week. The Cavs are currently seeded third in the East while Golden State appears headed for the West’s play-in tournament.

How to watch Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors

• Date: Thursday, April 2

• Time: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT

• Where: Chase Center, San Francisco

• TV Channels: NBCS, FDSO

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

Team records

• Cleveland Cavaliers: 47-29 (No. 2 in Central Division)

• Golden State Warriors: 36-40 (No. 4 in Pacific Division)

Odds

• Spread: Golden State Warriors +10.5

• Moneyline: Golden State Warriors +360 / Cleveland Cavaliers -475

• Over/Under: 227.5

INDIANAPOLIS – For the first day or so, Braylon Mullins watched clips of his game-winning 3-pointer over Duke “countless” times.

He didn’t have much of a choice, really. It was all over social media. (Seriously. Go to any platform and search for it.) ESPN pretty much had it on a loop. His teammates were watching it repeatedly.

The last day or so, however, Mullins has been consciously avoiding it.

Final Four bold predictions: Which drought continues? Who wins it all?

“I'm not trying to keep focused on that,” he said Thursday, April 2, after Connecticut’s practice at the Final Four.

“That game was in the past. It wasn't the national championship,” Mullins said. “I know it was a very competitive game, but we’ve got to focus on the next one.”

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The Los Angeles Lakers’ recent surge has revived hopes of a Finals run, so tonight’s matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder is the clear headliner on the six-game slate.

If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander against Luka Doncic isn’t enough to stir up the NBA player props market, we’ve got Wemby and the San Antonio Spurs chasing a 10th straight win and a tasty clash between the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Check out my Top NBA picks for the April 2 action.

Best NBA player props today

Player	Pick
LeBron James	Over 12.5 rebounds + assists	+100
Brandin Podziemski	Over 21.5 points + rebounds	-112
Victor Wembanyama	Over 25.5 points	-112

Prop #1: LeBron James Over 12.5 rebounds + assists

+100 at bet365

LeBron James’ willingness to be a No. 3 option has unlocked a new level within the Los Angeles Lakers, and he’s still putting up strong numbers in that role, including 6.9 rpg and 7.0 apg in March.

I’m zeroing in on those statistical categories tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder in what’s shaping up to be a marquee matchup, and James has cleared this Over in five of his last seven games.

He can still control possessions with his passing, and he’s dished 8+ dimes in four of his past five outings. That’ll be the key here, and he’s a perfect outlet when the Thunder’s premier perimeter defenders are swarming Luka Doncic.

Coming off 34.4 mpg in March, LeBron has his bounce back, and he finished with 10 assists and six rebounds against OKC in February.

• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: Prime Video

Prop #2: Brandin Podziemski Over 21.5 points + rebounds

-112 at bet365

Steph Curry could finally return for the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, and that’ll relieve some of the burden on Brandin Podziemski’s shoulders. But until then, Podz has to keep grinding.

He’s a threat to hit all his Overs tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but I’m pairing his scoring and rebounding for this prop pick. Podziemski has breezed past this combo number in four of his last five outings – in fact, he’s nailed it on points alone in three of those games.

Podziemski continues to be a sneaky-good rebounder too, and he’s hauled in 6+ rebounds in six of his past eight games. The Warriors are probably locked into the No. 10 seed at this stage, but look for Podz to make the most of the extra reps.

• Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network-Ohio, NBCSBA

Prop #3: Victor Wembanyama Over 25.5 points

-112 at bet365

After serving up consecutive 41-point clinics, Victor Wembanyama is coming for the rest of the NBA, and he might just be hitting the next level in time for the playoffs.

Wemby averaged 26.8 ppg in March, and he’s nailed this Over in nine of his last 14 outings. The scariest part for the rest of the league is that the Frenchman is doing so much damage despite shooting just 35% from beyond the arc.

I like tonight’s matchup against a Los Angeles Clippers squad that’s thin in the frontcourt. We’ll likely see L.A. put wings on Wemby here, and he should feast in the paint and on the offensive glass. He may not add to his 40-point run, but I’ll grab the Over on this reasonable O/U line.

• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network-SW, FanDuel Sports Network-SC

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

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Oklahoma City hasn't had any difficulty limiting the Los Angeles Lakers' scoring production this season, and not even a surging Luka Doncic will get the Lake Show out of Thunder jail. 

The hosts are hefty favorites tonight, and our senior NBA betting analyst sees OKC's defense ruling the day as we examine both teams' win probability and offer our Lakers vs. Thunder prediction to help you make good on those Thursday NBA picks.

Who will win Lakers vs Thunder?

Lakers win probability:25% (+300)
Thunder win probability:76% (-317)

LeBron & Co. are in tough against the No. 1 team in the NBA, trading at just 25 cents (+300) to win, while the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-led Thunder are trading at 76 cents (-317) to inch one step closer to another top playoff seed.

Our prediction:Thunder to win

Covers' NBA expert, Jason Logan, keeps it simple: "Oklahoma City’s defense is stingy at home and will turn the screws on L.A. as the team sharpens its playoff mindset. The Thunder’s 7-footers will have their way with a small Lakers lineup, terrorizing the interior for points and sending back shots on the defensive side."

Check out Jason's complete analysis in his Lakers vs. Thunder predictions.

More Lakers vs Thunder prediction markets

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

You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Oklahoma City -9.5 spread means the Thunder will cover, while "No" on Oklahoma City means the Lakers will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using the Covers odds converter.)

Lakers vs Thunder spread and total at prediction markets

Our predictions:Thunder -9.5 and Over 233.5 points — NO

The Lakers shouldn't put up much of a fight as the Thunder look to successfully neutralize the red-hot Doncic, leaving L.A.'s supporting offense with the tall task of matching one of the most efficient teams in the NBA. L.A. has averaged just 101 points in two meetings with OKC this season, and a similar effort will almost certainly send this total below the threshold.

Other Lakers vs Thunder prediction markets available

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 25+ points (Yes: 81¢)
• Luka Doncic 30+ points (Yes: 63¢)
• LeBron James 20+ points (Yes: 45¢)
• Chet Holmgren to record a double-double (Yes: 32¢)

What is Kalshi and how does it work?

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

How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?

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

Why should I wager on Lakers vs Thunder at Kalshi?

Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:

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

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Tonight's matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder features two MVP favorites, but our NBA player prop projections have found value elsewhere.

Find more NBA picks in our complete Lakers vs. Thunder predictions for Thursday, April 2.

Lakers vs Thunder computer picks for April 2

Lakers	Thunder
James o17.5 points -105	Dort o2.5 rebounds  +122
LaRavia o6.5 points -112	Mitchell u12.5 points -115
Hachimura o2.5 rebounds  +100	Hartenstein o7.5 points -120

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Lakers computer picks

LeBron James Over 17.5 points (-105)

Projection: 19.2 points

LeBron James isn't the elite scorer he once was, but "The King" can still fill the hoop.

With Luka Doncic likely the Oklahoma City Thunder's primary target, Bron will be able to go to work on their secondary defenders.

We don't need a 30-piece from James to cash this — just a measly 18 points from the greatest scorer of all time.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet James Now at bet365!/span

Jake LaRavia Over 6.5 points (-112)

Projection: 8.2 points

Jake LaRavia is fresh off a 14-point game, playing a monstrous 38 minutes.

LaRavia has earned the trust of Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, and if he sees another 30+ minutes, he can make this line of 6.5 look foolish.

With Bron, Luka, and Austin Reaves sharing the floor, it gives LaRavia three capable playmakers to set him up for easy looks. He just needs to knock 'em down.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet laravia Now at bet365!/span

Rui Hachimura Over 2.5 rebounds (+100)

Projection: 3.1 rebounds

Rui Hachimura has cleared this rebounding total in five of his last 10, and we're getting plus money on it at bet365. Rui will likely see time off the bench, with most of his minutes away from Isaiah Hartenstein and/or Chet. 

OKC's No. 1 defense will also lead to more rebounding opportunities, and Rui will see enough floor time to gobble up at least three boards.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Hachimura Now at bet365!/span

---

Thunder computer picks

Luguentz Dort Over 2.5 rebounds (+122)

Projection: 2.9 rebounds

At +122, this play is too good to pass up. 

Lu Dort has snared three or more boards in five of his last 10, and as I mentioned earlier, there will be plenty of rebounding opportunities up for grabs. 

Dort is a physical player and isn't afraid to get down and dirty in the paint.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Dort Now at bet365!/span

Ajay Mitchell Under 12.5 points (-115)

Projection: 12.1 points

Ajay Mitchell has been inconsistent over his last five games, failing to reach double-digit points twice.

This game is also expected to see fewer possessions than normal, with the Lakers slowing things down lately.

The Thunder will only get so many shots, and SGA, alongside Chet and Hart, will offer better success given how Los Angeles is built.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Mitchell Now at bet365!/span

Isaiah Hartenstein Over 7.5 points (-120)

Projection: 8.8 points

Starting centers have been feasting on the Lakers, with the last eight big men all eclipsing 10+ points.

That run includes centers like Jay Huff, Nic Claxton, and Tristan Vukcevic...

Hart will be able to bully L.A. down low and get easy buckets, helping him cover this line.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Hartenstein Now at bet365!/span

How to watch Lakers vs Thunder tonight

Location	Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date	Thursday, April 2, 2026
Tip-off	9:30 p.m. ET
TV	Prime Video

Not intended for use in MA.
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DETROIT (AP) — All-Star guard Cade Cunningham of the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons will be out at least another week in his recovery from a collapsed left lung.

The Pistons gave an update Thursday saying Cunningham will be re-evaluated in one week. He is working to return to the court being supervised by doctors and Detroit's medical and performance staff.

Detroit first announced Cunningham's injury March 19.

Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assists for the Pistons. Only eight players in NBA history have finished a season averaging that many points and assists, and Cunningham would be the first to do so in a Detroit uniform.

The Pistons have clinched the Central Division and have a four-game lead over Boston for the top seed in the Eastern Conference with six games remaining in the regular season. They host Minnesota on Thursday night and start their playoff run either April 18 or 19 when the Eastern quarterfinals begin.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

The Washington Wizards apologized on Thursday after an April Fools’ Day in-game promotion during their loss to the Philadelphia 76ers prompted criticism on social media.

During Wednesday night’s game at Capital One Arena, a fan was brought on to the court for a blindfolded half-court shot promoted as being worth $10,000. The shot missed, but arena staff and performers reacted as if it had gone in and briefly presented the fan with a ceremonial check as part of what later was revealed to a scripted skit.

Video of the sequence circulated online and led to questions about whether the fan had been misled.

“To do this to a fan that chose to come see a 17-win team is unhinged,” Jemele Hill, a contributing reporter for the Atlantic, wrote on X.

“This is so on-brand for the Wizards season,” former NFL executive turned analyst Andrew Brandt added. “Finding new ways to offend their (few) fans.”

As the backlash mounted Thursday morning, the Wizards said in a statement that the segment was pre-planned and that all participants were aware of the joke.

“We apologize for last night’s April Fools’ joke that left many wondering if we had misled a fan,” the team said in a statement posted to X. “The skit involving our mascot and other members of our performance team was scripted and intended to celebrate the day. All participants were in on the joke, but we missed the mark.”

The team added that it remains “committed to providing a positive experience to all who attend our games”.

Washington lost the game 153-131 and are 17-59 this season, dead last in the Eastern Conference.

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The Detroit Pistons handed the Minnesota Timberwolves a frustrating loss on Saturday, perhaps even a humbling one. 

My Timberwolves vs. Pistons predictions and NBA picks expect Minny to even the score on Thursday, April 2.

Timberwolves vs Pistons prediction

Timberwolves vs Pistons best bet: Timberwolves moneyline (+145)

On Saturday, the Minnesota Timberwolves were five-point underdogs at home against the Detroit Pistons. 

Lacking Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu certainly did not help Minnesota’s chances, and the Timberwolves ultimately lost by 22.

However, focus on the pregame spread. It is more predictive moving forward.

Adjusting for homecourt, that spread should translate to that version of Minnesota being about a 10-point underdog tonight at Detroit.

But with Edwards and Dosunmu back in the lineup, that should shorten.

How much should it shorten becomes the question? Is 6-6.5 points enough?

Logically and mathematically, yes. This spread, and thus this moneyline are appropriately priced.

Now consider motivation: the Timberwolves need to win to keep pace with the Rockets for the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, while the Pistons can cruise into the postseason as the East's top seed and hope Cade Cunningham returns before life on the court becomes dire.

Minnesota has a receipt to give Detroit, and it is in a moment when the Timberwolves already have plenty of reason to show up. 

Timberwolves vs Pistons same-game parlay

With Jaden McDaniels sidelined, Ayo Dosunmu slides into Minnesota’s starting lineup for his sixth straight game. In each of his previous five starts with the Timberwolves, Dosunmu has scored at least 17 points.

Minnesota has needed that scoring, as Naz Reid is clearly struggling with a banged-up shoulder and some weary ankles. Reid has fallen short of this prop in four of his last six games, one of those successes coming by merely the hook. He has shot just 6-for-28 (21.4%) from deep in that stretch.

More Dosunmu usage helps hide Reid’s lull.

Timberwolves vs Pistons SGP

• Timberwolves moneyline
• Ayo Dosunmu Over 15.5 points
• Naz Reid Under 11.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Wolves Offense Becomes Defense

Betting on a Timberwolves’ Under while without Jaden McDaniels may seem bold. It may seem especially bold when including an Over on Minnesota’s best transition scorer.

But the psychological truth is, the Timberwolves' best offensive players — Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle — step up their defense only when Minnesota is without a defender like McDaniels or Rudy Gobert.

Timberwolves vs Pistons SGP

• Timberwolves moneyline
• Ayo Dosunmu Over 15.5 points
• Naz Reid Under 11.5 points
• Under 225

Timberwolves vs Pistons odds

• Spread: Timberwolves +3.5 (-110) | Pistons -3.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Timberwolves +145 | Pistons -170
• Over/Under: Over 225 (-110) | Under 225 (-110)

Timberwolves vs Pistons betting trend to know

Minnesota’s last five games have all gone Under their totals, with an average margin of 19.5 points. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Pistons.

How to watch Timberwolves vs Pistons

Timberwolves vs Pistons latest injuries

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