Game 2.
Game Thread: Suns @ Thunder, Game 2
Spurs' Keldon Johnson named NBA Sixth Man of the Year
Spurs forward Keldon Johnson was a breath of fresh air coming off the bench for San Antonio and it's being recognized and rewarded.
Johnson, 26, was named the 2025-26 NBA Sixth Man of the Year after his seventh NBA season.
Johnson appeared in all 82 games for the Spurs and didn't start any of them. He set a franchise record with 1,081 bench points this season, a record previously held by Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili.
Johnson has started 232 career games with the Spurs, but hasn't started any games the last two seasons.
For someone who had been a starter his entire life, Johnson told ESPN's "Inside the NBA" that he's embraced his new role to be a part of "something special" in San Antonio.
"Honestly, you know, it just came down to wanting to be a part of something special here in San Antonio. I knew that in order (to) really be the best for the team, that coming off the bench was probably my best possibility," Johnson said. "At first it was tough. I had to really remove my ego, put the team first. And you know, after that, the sky was the limit. I feel like my teammates, my coaches, really allow me to be myself. Really allowed me to bring that energy, you know. So my hat goes off to them to allow me to do that and be in the position I am today."
During the 2025-26 campaign, Johnson averaged 13.2 points on 51.9%/36.3%/79.4% shooting splits. He averaged 23.3 minutes per game.
He was selected out of Kentucky with the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft by the Spurs.
"It's a little emotional," Johnson said as he celebrated amongst his mom, dad, little sister and best friends. "It's a big accomplishment. It's a lot of hard work that goes into an award like this, especially, you know, through everything I've been through."
He is the second Spurs player to win an NBA award this season. Teammate Victor Wembanyama was recently named the 2025-26 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Keldon Johnson highlights
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: San Antonio Spurs' Keldon Johnson named NBA Sixth Man of the Year
JJ Redick felt LeBron James played with physicality in Game 2 against Rockets
Playoff basketball demands a higher level of intensity. The stakes are raised, which means every possession matters more, every game can swing a series and the focus on physicality has to be elevated.
If there’s a player on the Lakers who knows this and is capable of it better than most, it’s LeBron James.
At 41 years old, LeBron might not be the fastest player on the floor, but he is certainly one of the strongest. In this series against the Rockets, he has dominated Houston physically.
Offensively, he’s been targeting Alperen Şengün relentlessly. He’s constantly putting Şengün into actions, then either driving into the paint, putting pressure on the rim resulting in easy buckets for James, or open looks for his teammates.
Other Rockets have tried to test James, only to fail miserably. When Jae’Sean Tate tried his best Dillon Brooks impersonation, attempting to agitate LeBron, he pushed him away, got the ball at the top of the key and drilled a three over Şengün.
Thanks to LeBron embracing this physicality and being the one who bullies instead of the one getting picked on, the Lakers are now up 2-0 in this series.
After LA’s Game 2 win, head coach JJ Redick praised LeBron for his physical toughness.
“I thought he brought a level of physicality and he’s done it throughout his career that he’s just really comfortable playing that way and you see that whether it’s him on a back down or getting to the basket or drawing fouls that he forces you to match his physicality,” Redick said.
Throughout this series, LeBron has demonstrated he’s willing to do all the little things that impact winning and physicality is part of that.
He’s still out here making his rotations, crashing the defensive glass and initiating contact in the paint to generate calls.
With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves out, everyone has to step up, and LeBron’s comfortable in that situation. After all, he’s been dragging teams to playoff success since he was in his 20s.
Now, two decades later, he’s still doing it. The Lakers haven’t lost this postseason, and LeBron’s physicality is dominating a Rockets team that is younger, faster and more athletic.
Nothing LeBron does anymore should shock us, but somehow, he is doing it again. After a pair of games, it’s gone from a conversation about how the Lakers might extend their season and turned into the Rockets looking for a path to victory, with none to be found.
That’s the power of LeBron. He’s an unstoppable force that’s yet to meet an immovable object.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
Mike Brown keeping anything ‘open to discussion’ about Knicks’ rotation ahead of Game 3
Two days after Mike Brown spent part of his postgame news conference standing by his rotation decision-making, with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns on the bench at the same time during two stretches of Game 2, the Knicks head coach reiterated his trust in any player on the court.
But he also acknowledged before the Knicks left Tarrytown for Atlanta on Wednesday that anything can change in the playoffs.
“First of all, anything’s open to discussion offensively, defensively,” Brown said when asked if he’d be comfortable making that same lineup decision again or if he’d like to limit it. “Maybe changing this defensively. Maybe changing that offensively. I’m comfortable with all of our guys playing, no matter who the five is out there.
“But at the end of the day, just like offensively and defensively, I mean we changed both of those things halfway through the year. Anything can happen, and when you’re in the playoffs, everything should be on the table. But I do feel comfortable with what we’ve had.”
The first instance of Brunson and Towns on the bench at the same time occurred after Jordan Clarkson subbed in for Brunson between the first and second quarter, with Towns already on the bench from when he checked out with 2:48 left in the opening frame.
When the stretch with both out began, the Knicks led 32-23. By the time they entered again midway through the second quarter, that initial advantage had already been erased. The Knicks, at one point, had even trailed before rebuilding a five-point edge as the pair checked back in.
Then, Brown kept the pair off the court again for the final 1:50 of the third quarter and the opening 4:04 of the fourth. And while the Knicks still had a nine-point lead when Brunson and Towns checked back in with just under eight minutes remaining in the game, it had originally been a 12-point advantage.
The Knicks bench, outside of Mitchell Robinson, has struggled to produce for the opening two games of the series. That was only amplified when Brunson and Towns were on the bench together. But Brown’s trust still hasn’t wavered — at least for now.
CJ McCollum again dodged a chance to truly embrace the role as the Knicks villain in this series.
After dropping 32 points Monday and fielding “F–k you, CJ” chants from fans inside the Garden, McCollum downplayed it as a “hostile” environment after his performance that, as Hawks teammate Onyeka Okongwu said, “shut that Knicks crowd up.”
“It’s just fans booing you or cheering you on,” McCollum said Wednesday in Atlanta. “It’s really not that serious. I think when you look at it that way, it’s just a game. It’s fun to compete at the highest level. It’s fun to be recognized by people, but I don’t play for Spike Lee’s approval. I don’t play for Knicks fans’ approval. I don’t play for anybody’s approval. I play for my family, myself and God, so it’s just a game, at the end of the day.”
Thursday will mark the Hawks’ first home postseason game since 2023, and Okongwu expected it to be “very, very loud” at State Farm Arena.
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“Obviously, you know, Knicks fans are gonna be there as well, but I know ATL faithful will be there as well,” Okongwu said. “Excited for [Thursday] night.”
Backup Atlanta center Jock Landale was again ruled out with a right high ankle sprain.
Cavs at Raptors Game 3: How to watch, odds, and injury report
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been in complete control of their first-round series against the Toronto Raptors so far. They’ve cruised to stress-free wins in the first two games of this series, but anything can happen when the series shifts to a different venue.
“The series hasn’t even started yet until you go on the road,” Max Strus said after practice on Wednesday. “So we got to come in with an aggressive mindset, just like we treated games one and two, and play our best basketball.”
We’ll see what adjustments either team makes for Game 3. The Raptors decided to bench normal starting center Jakob Poeltl for the entirety of the second half of Game 2, opting to go small with the 6’7” Collin Murray-Boyles at center. At this point, it’d be surprising if they went back to Poeltl.
No matter who the Raptors decide to go with at center, the Cavs hope to get the version of Evan Mobley they did through the first two games of this series. He put up 25 points and eight assists in the win on Monday.
“He’s in a great, great, spot,” Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson said on Wednesday. “Physically, this is probably the best I’ve seen him move in two years, just moving really well, and then just confidence…he’s kind of in a flow state right now, which equals super [aggressiveness]. I’m watching him go to the offensive board. It’s another level than it was in the regular season. He’s definitely turned it up.”
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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (2-0) at Toronto Raptors (0-2)
Where: Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON
When: Thur., April 23 at 8 PM
TV: Prime Video
Point spread: Cavs -3
Cavs injury report: Thomas Bryant – QUESTIONABLE (calf)
Raptors injury report: Immanuel Quickley – QUESTIONABLE (hamstring)
Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Raptors expected starting lineup: Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles
Previous matchup: The Cavs secured a 2-0 lead with a 10-point victory.
Here’s a look at both teams’ regular-season impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.
| Offensive Rating | Defensive Rating | Net Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cavs | 118.9 (8th) | 115 (15th) | +3.9 (9th) |
| Raptors | 116.8 (13th) | 113.2 (7th) | +3.6 (11th) |
NBA Playoff Wednesday discussion
Here are the NBA Playoff games for today, Apr. 22:
- Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons — 7 p.m. ET (NBA TV)
- Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder — 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT)
Enjoy the games!
Kenny Atkinson predicts Cavs role player to breakout against Raptors
INDEPENDENCE — The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken a comfortable 2-0 lead in their first-round series against the Toronto Raptors despite not getting consistent help outside of their star players.
Max Strus’s 24 points in Game 1 account for nearly half of the team’s bench points through the first two games of the series. In Game 2, Cleveland’s bench was outscored 45-19 by the Raptors’ reserves.
The lack of bench production hasn’t hurt the Cavaliers so far this series. But according to head coach Kenny Atkinson, he believes that one player will help turn this around: Jaylon Tyson.
“I told him today he’s next up,” Atkinson said after practice on Wednesday. “Max had that big game, core four had their big games. [Next] it’s going to be Jaylon Tyson. I can almost guarantee that he’s going to have one of those games where he’s converting that offensive rebound, he’s getting into the half roll because they’re playing smaller.”
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Tyson has been the Cavs’ most pleasant surprise this series. The improvements he’s made as a three-point shooter and defender have allowed him to become a mainstay in the rotation. However, a toe injury at the end of the regular season took him out of the rhythm he was in. That’s difficult for someone heading into their first real postseason action.
The stats haven’t been impressive through two games this series. Tyson has just five points on 1-8 shooting in 26 total minutes. That hasn’t stopped his head coach from praising what he’s seen so far.
“I’d give him a B, B+ in what we’re asking him to do,” Atkinson said. “He’s got all this stuff he could do, and now you have to reduce your package, and then you have to be aware of who I’m on the court with. There’s another level of sacrifice, and he’s getting that.”
Games 3 and 4 will be challenges. Toronto is a tough environment to play in. The margins for Cleveland will be much smaller in the next two games than they were in the first two. They’ll need some of their role players to step up and make positive contributions. Atkinson is sure Tyson will answer the call.
“He’ll have a big game,” Atkinson said. “It’s just a matter of time. It’s really talking to these guys individually about the patience needed until we get there. But I’m loving what I’m seeing from him right now.”
Keldon Johnson wins Sixth Man of the Year
The San Antonio Spurs are collecting the hardware after their strong 2025-26 regular season. On Wednesday, Keldon Johnson was named the Sixth Man of the Year.
This was Johnson’s second full season coming off the bench. He played all 82 games, averaging 23.3 minutes, 13.2 points, and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 51.9% from the field and 36.3% from three. He beat out Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr. to win his first-ever Sixth Man of the Year award.
Johnson was the first-ever Spur to score at least 1,000 points off the bench in a single season. He scored 1,081 points off the bench this year, the second most in the NBA. He is the first Spur to win the award since Manu Ginobili did so in the 2007-08 season. He is the second Spur to win the award.
Johnson became the heart and soul of the team off the bench. He wrote an excellent piece in the Players’ Tribune about coming off the bench before the end of the season. He accepted the role with grace and has now been rewarded for it.
The now-Sixth Man of the Year will be needed more than ever as the Spurs are likely to be without Victor Wembanyama in Game Three against the Portland Trail Blazers, with the series tied 1-1.
Pistons vs. Magic Discussion: Game Time, TV, Odds, and More
Of all the superlatives that one can bestow on the Detroit Pistons this season, one of the most significant is the team’s resilience. The 60-win Pistons have experienced multiple-game losing streaks three times this season. When the team dropped four in a row in early March, you would have thought the roof was caving in on their season.
When a bunch of starters were out at the beginning of the season, the team stepped up. Whenever they would lose, they bounced back. When Cade Cunningham went down with a collapsed lung the team banded together. It’s just what these Pistons do. We shouldn’t expect anything different tonight in what is effectively a must-win game against the Orlando Magic.
Detroit is down 0-1 in the best-of-seven series, and doesn’t want to fly to Orlando facing a giant two-game deficit. We know Cade will step up. He tried to will his team to victory in Game 1, scoring 39 points while the rest of the team seemingly short-circuited. We need Jalen Duren to step up, one game after one of his worst showings of the season. We need JB Bickerstaff to step up and find the lineup combinations and matchups that unlock the offense and slow down Orlando, no offensive juggernaut.
The Pistons are looking to break an 11-game losing streak at home, the longest in the NBA. They have spent the entire season brushing aside old, embarrassing records. Tonight shouldn’t be any different. It can’t be.
Game Vitals
When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: ESPN
Odds: Pistons -9.5
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (0-1)
Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
Orlando Magic (1-0)
Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.
Projected top-10 pick Darius Acuff declares for NBA Draft
Allen Iverson said Darius Acuff reminds him of him. Praise does not come much higher than that.
Acuff, the freshman guard out of Arkansas, told Malika Andrews on ESPN that he will declare for the 2026 NBA Draft.
Breaking: Darius Acuff Jr. has declared for the NBA draft, he announced on NBA Today. pic.twitter.com/psxbfFgehp
— ESPN (@espn) April 22, 2026
This announcement was not a surprise, Acuff is expected to be a top-10 pick in this June's draft. In most mock drafts, he is projected as either the No. 5 or No. 6 pick, near the top of a group of point guards expected to be taken between fifth and eighth.
Acuff led the SEC, averaging 23.5 points per game, shooting 44% from 3-point range, while dishing out 6.4 assists per game. He is a high-motor player with a good shot and a high basketball IQ — qualities that will have coaches enamored with him. Acuff has shown he can play on or off the ball, but maybe his greatest asset is his ability to be a great floor general who can also get a team a bucket.
That said, scouts and front offices have some concerns. Acuff is listed at 6'3", but many scouts expect him to measure shorter at the NBA Draft Combine (he measured 6'1" barefoot at the 2023 Nike Elite 100). He also is likely the worst defender to be taken in the lottery in this draft. The recent history in the NBA of smaller guards who don't defend well is not good.
Acuff's dynamic offensive game may cover over those concerns, he's a player with All-Star potential. Which is why he is wisely entering the draft — he's ready, and it's the smart financial move.
Who is No. 1 pick in new 2026 NBA mock draft? AI predicts first round
The clock is ticking for potential 2026 NBA draft prospects. The early entry deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft is Friday, April 24 and the draft lottery to determine the exact order of picks is less than a month away.
Most of the top players have already made their decisions known, although several have elected to enter college basketball's transfer portal and test the NBA draft waters to keep their options open within the NIL landscape. But artificial intelligence, like the various mock draft experts around the country, can already predict how the first round of this loaded draft class stacks up.
USA TODAY Sports once again queried the Microsoft Copilot chatbot for its version of a 2026 NBA mock draft based on information and analysis currently available on the internet, and it continued to have BYU's AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson of Kansas and Duke's Cameron Boozer as the top-three picks. But the order was slightly different than the most recent USA TODAY Sports NBA mock draft, and selections varied even more further down the draft order.
How the order settles is likely to depend on the pre-draft process if the current variety in mock drafts are to be believed. Here's Microsoft Copilot's latest 2026 NBA mock draft, as curated by USA TODAY Sports:
2026 NBA mock draft by USA TODAY Sports
You can compare AI's picks to the latest USA TODAY 2026 NBA mock draft by clicking here.
2026 NBA mock draft: AI picks first round
USA TODAY Sports asked Microsoft Copilot AI to generate a mock draft for the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft featuring only players who could be eligible this year, with an additional prompt to include players that had either already declared for the NBA draft or not announced a return to college.
Microsoft Copilot assigned the draft order based on regular-season NBA records and recent draft lottery tiebreakers, with the worst record getting the No. 1 pick and the best record getting the No. 30 pick. It used current mock drafts from reputable websites, as well as team needs, prospect analysis and potential pick swaps/protections, to determine the first-round selections for each team in this exercise.
AI models still have issues with accuracy as seen in the mock draft below. Of particular note, Microsoft Copilot had several picks inaccurately assigned to teams based on previous trades and pick swaps.
Here's a 2026 NBA first-round mock draft, according to Microsoft Copilot AI, as of April 22.
1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, BYU
2. Indiana Pacers: Darryn Peterson, Kansas
3. Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Boozer, Duke
4. Utah Jazz: Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
5. Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
6. Memphis Grizzlies: Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville
7. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans): Kingston Flemings, Houston
Note: The Hawks receive the better pick between the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks through a trade during the 2025 NBA draft. The Bucks get the lesser of the two selections.
8. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries, Arizona
9. Chicago Bulls: Nate Ament, Tennessee
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama
11. Golden State Warriors: Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers): Hannes Steinbach, Washington
13. Miami Heat: Isaiah Evans, Duke
14. Charlotte Hornets: Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers (NBL)
15. Chicago Bulls (via Portland): Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Phoenix): Keaton Wagler, Illinois
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia): Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
18. Charlotte Hornets (via Orlando): Allen Graves, Santa Clara
19. Toronto Raptors: Koa Peat, Arizona
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta): Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State
21. Detroit Pistons (via Minnesota): Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Houston): Cameron Carr, Baylor
23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cleveland): Aday Mara, Michigan
24. New York Knicks: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Dailyn Swain, Texas
26. Denver Nuggets: Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
27. Boston Celtics: Alex Karaban, UConn
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit): Dash Daniels, Melbourne United (NBL)
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via San Antonio): Adam Atamna, ASVEL (France)
30. Dallas Mavericks (via Oklahoma City): Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA mock draft 2026: AI makes first round picks for all 30 teams
Game Preview: Suns look to even series after blowout loss to Thunder in Game 1
Who: Phoenix Suns @ Oklahoma City Thunder
When: 6:30pm Arizona Time
Where: Paycom Center — Oklahoma City, OK
Watch: ESPN
Listen: KMVP 98.7
Series Status: Thunder up 1-0
OKLAHOMA CITY — Game One for the Phoenix Suns in their first round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder was rough, to say the least. At the very, very beginning of the game, Phoenix showed a bit of hope, getting up 12-9, just for the Thunder to go on a 110-72 run the rest of the game. You read that right.
The Thunder completely shut down the Suns, forcing them to shoot a horrid 35% from the field and take 10 fewer shots than Oklahoma City, thanks to the Thunder’s offensive rebounding efforts. Dillon Brooks, Devin Booker, and Jalen Green took 66% of the team’s field goals and were inefficient in their efforts. Collin Gillespie was the only other Sun who took at least six shots. The likely MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, didn’t even have a great game for the Thunder. While he got to the line 17 times and hit 15 of his foul shots, he shot 28% from the field on 18 shots. Don’t count on the Finals MVP doing the same again in Game 2.
It’s going to take more than just the Suns shooting better from the field to even up the series tonight. The team is going to have to move the ball better. In Game 1, Phoenix had just 16 assists. Every game the team had 16 or fewer dimes this season, they lost.
Devin Booker and the team’s top scorers are not only going to need to have a herculean offensive performance to stop the defending champs from taking a 2-0 series lead, but the team also needs to play with connectivity. Bright Side is in Oklahoma to give you live coverage that you can find on X at @HoldenSherman1 and @BrightSideSun with exclusive media for tonight’s game.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
- Grayson Allen — QUESTIONABLE (Left Hamstring Strain)
- Jordan Goodwin — QUESTIONABLE (Left Calf Soreness)
- Mark Williams — QUESTIONABLE (Left Foot Stress Reaction)
Thunder
- Thomas Sorber — OUT (Torn Right ACL)
What to Watch For
Can the Suns play better on offense?
Phoenix had just three games this year in which they scored fewer than 85 points, and they lost all of them. Unsurprisingly, they got walloped when they did that in Game 1. The team plays best when they’re moving the ball and knocking down their threes. They did neither on Sunday.
Limiting turnoversand creating moreof them
Oklahoma City forced Phoenix into 17 turnovers in Game 1 and allowed just six. At one point, they went 19:14 of gameplay without committing a single one. OKC scored 34 points off turnovers while the Suns scored just two. Phoenix had just three steals in Game 1 after averaging nearly 10 a game in the regular season. Will the Suns be able to cause more raucous than they did on Sunday and manage the tenacious Oklahoma City defense?
Does Mark Williams make an impact if he returns?
Williams was out for game one after re-injuring the left foot that kept him out nearly a month at the end of the regular season. While he didn’t play a huge part in the team’s win over OKC in January, he had a 13-point, 14-rebound game against them back in November’s close loss and is the team’s best rebounder. How could his impact help the Suns on the glass?
Key to a Suns Win
Devin Booker
Plain and simple. It starts with him. For the Suns to have a chance to win games in the series, the five-time All-Star has to have performances reminiscent of his 2023 playoffs, where he averaged 34 points on 59% shooting from the field and 51% shooting from three in 11 games. If that doesn’t happen, the team has no shot to compete with the defending champs. The team with the best player usually wins playoff games, and Booker needs to severely outplay the Thunder’s best players because of the depth advantage OKC has.
If Booker has a strong game, he’ll need the rest of the team to help him space the floor and make his life easier to operate on offense, while forcing the Thunder into more turnovers.
Prediction
Look for the Suns to come out with a better performance than they did in Game 1. They were playing on short rest and now have had a legitimate break between games after being in two play-in games. That said, Oklahoma City’s defensive discipline and depth have given the Suns problems all year because of Phoenix’s lack of elite ball handlers and a paint presence. Give me the Thunder in a moderately close game that they start taking over in the second half.
Thunder 117, Suns 106
Boston Celtics Daily Links 4/22/26
Herald Four Celtics takeaways as tied-up 76ers series shifts to Philadelphia
76ers punch back in Game 2, beat poor-shooting Celtics to even series
After missing 2024 title, newest Celtic ‘blessed’ to be back for playoff run
GlobeVJ Edgecombe, 76ers get hot, steal Game 2 against ice-cold Celtics: 7 takeaways
76ers beat Celtics 111-97 to tie first-round series at 1-1
There’s no need for Celtics to panic after Game 2 loss
After a crushing defeat in Game 1, 76ers decide they’re not going to be a pushover in Game 2
In a game of adjustments, the Celtics didn’t make enough and lost Game 2 to the 76ers
It’s all about the shot in the modern NBA, and after Game 2, the Sixers have one against the Celtics
Sixers’ VJ Edgecombe sets playoff mark for youngest with 30 points and 10 rebounds in a game
Celtics GreenComments from the Other Side – 76ers Game 2 4/21/26
CelticsBlogThe Celtics lost Game 2 on Tuesday. On Wednesday, they figured out why.
10 takeaways from the Celtics losing control in Game 2
Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum share common message after Game 2 loss to 76ers
Joe Mazzulla saw it coming before Game 2. Now Celtics-Sixers is a series
Celtics drop Game 2, homecourt advantage to 76ers, 97-111
CLNS Media Shooting Story of Game 2 but Sixers Found Other Answers Too vs Celtics
Celtics .com Keys to the Game: 76ers 111, Celtics 97
NBC Sports BostonKeys to a bounce-back: Five areas of focus for Celtics entering Game 3
Celtics-Sixers recap: Philly gets hot from 3 to take Game 2 at TD Garden
NESNWhy Celtics Fans Should Be Optimistic About Game 3 Chances Vs. 76ers
Why Stephen A. Smith Is ‘Not Concerned’ About Celtics’ Game 2 Loss
Celtics’ Fatal Flaw Sinks Them Again In Game 2 Vs. 76ers
What Went Wrong: 3 Takeaways After Celtics’ 111-97 Loss To 76ers In Game 2
Mass Live Spurs star Victor Wembanyama in concussion protocol after brutal fall in Game 2
Former Celtics big man has huge night in upset Game 2 win over Spurs
LeBron James gushes about former Celtics guard after Game 2 upset vs. Rockets
Derrick White talks playoffs shooting slump after Game 2 Sixers loss
NBA announces start time for Game 5 of Celtics vs. 76ers series
Joe Mazzulla faces pivotal choice after Celtics surprising Game 2 loss
Celtics revert to controversial tactic in stunning Game 2 loss to 76ers
Tyrese Maxey hints at important switch after Game 2 win over Celtics
Jaylen Brown makes pointed assessment of Game 2 loss to 76ers
Jaylen Brown is the Celtics ‘Name to Know’ Player of the Game in Game 2 loss to 76ers
4 takeaways as Celtics stunned by Sixers in Game 2 to tie series
Celtics Wire Confidence played major role in 76ers Game 2 win; can Celtics kill it in Game 3?
Mazzulla sees Celtics adjustments to counter 76ers backcourt in Game 3
Today in Boston Celtics history: Swain, Smith drafted; Coles born
Jaylen Brown not panicked after Game 2 loss to 76ers: It’s the playoffs
Jayson Tatum refuses to let Celtics Game 2 loss to Sixers get him down
Jayson Tatum has raised the Boston Celtics ceiling since his return
Celtics misfire from beyond the arc and fall 111-97 to 76ers in Game 2
Joe Mazzulla on making adjustments in Celtics series vs. 76ers
The AthleticNBA playoffs first-round series odds: Upsets continue to pile up
The Bounce: Wemby’s concussion shakes up the playoff picture
Celtics’ loss to 76ers will mean more work for ‘still-rehabbing’ Jayson Tatum
Jaylen Brown looking forward to the challenge after Celtics drop Game 2
Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe flex in Boston: Takeaways from Celtics-76ers Game 2
Boston Sports Journal Simone: Game 2 loss to 76ers wasn’t Celtics basketball
BSJ Game Report: 76ers 111, Celtics 97 – An ugly Game 2 mess
Hardwood HoudiniCeltics playoff schedule update will take some of the sting off of Game 2 loss
The most vital element in a deep Celtics run is right in front of our faces
Joe Mazzulla still keeping Tatum trick up his sleeve in playoffs, at least for now
Center position remains biggest point of uncertainty for Celtics playoff run
Bold Joe Mazzulla decision hurt Celtics in Game 2 but didn’t define it
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Celtics’ ugly Game 2 loss followed familiar script that can’t happen again
Anfernee Simons’ absence looms embarrassingly large in Celtics loss
Chowder and ChampionsCeltics Give Their Fans Deja Vu With Vintage Game 2 Loss vs. Sixers
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Suns vs Thunder Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for Game 2
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Our NBA player prop projections are all set for tonight's Game 2 matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder, with the model flagging several high-value opportunities.
By breaking down the data and stacking it up against current market lines, we’ve identified where the strongest edges lie.
These Suns vs. Thunder predictions aren’t based on feel — they’re backed by the numbers.
If you’re building out your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Wednesday, April 22.
Suns vs Thunder computer picks for Game 2
 Suns |  Thunder |
|---|---|
| Brooks u17.5 points -112 | Gilgeous-Alexander o28.5 points -120 |
| Booker o4.5 assists +120 | Dort o1.5 threes -120 |
| Green o2.5 threes +122 | Hartenstein o8.5 rebounds +105 |
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Suns Game 2 computer picks
Dillon Brooks Under 17.5 points (-112)
Projection: 15.4 points
In terms of scoring efficiency, the Phoenix Suns have averaged just 102.6 points per game over their last five outings, the lowest mark in the league during that span.
On the other side, opposing starting power forwards have shot 46.3% from the field against the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, ranking among the toughest defensive matchups in the league. That combination sets up a challenging offensive environment for Dillon Brooks to produce at a high level.
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Devin Booker Over 4.5 assists (+120)
Projection: 5.4 assists
Devin Booker has been consistently clearing his playmaking mark, going over 4.5 assists in eight of his last ten games, and that trend has strong staying power heading into tonight’s matchup against the Thunder.
Another factor is offensive balance. Even in games where Booker is scoring efficiently, Phoenix’s offense tends to run through him in key possessions late in quarters and after timeouts. Those structured sets consistently give him at least a handful of assist opportunities just by being the hub of decision-making.
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Jalen Green Over 2.5 threes (+122)
Projection: 2.7 3-pointers
Jalen Green has been trending in and out from deep lately, clearing the 2.5 made threes line in four of his last ten games, and there’s still a workable path for him to hit that mark again tonight against OKC.
Green’s three-point volume is largely tied to how much defensive pressure he draws off the dribble. When he’s aggressive attacking the rim, defenses are forced to collapse, and that naturally opens up catch-and-shoot opportunities on the perimeter.
Even when his shot isn’t fully consistent night-to-night, his role as a primary perimeter scorer keeps the attempts flowing.
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Thunder Game 2 computer picks
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 28.5 points (-120)
Projection: 31.9 points
The Thunder have been one of the league’s most explosive offenses this season, ranking fifth in scoring, and much of that success runs through Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to anchor their attack night after night. That formula isn’t expected to change as OKC looks to take a 2-0 series lead tonight.
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Lu Dort Over 1.5 3-pointers (-120)
Projection: 1.6 3-pointers
The Thunder have been one of the league’s most aggressive perimeter offenses at home over their last 10 games, ranking fifth in three-point attempt rate, a setup that keeps Lu Dort in a strong position to capitalize from beyond the arc after hitting this 1.5 threes line in seven of his last ten games.
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Isaiah Hartenstein Over 8.5 rebounds (+105)
Projection: 9.3 rebounds
Isaiah Hartenstein has been steady on the glass lately, clearing his 8.5 rebounds line in six of his last ten games, and that profile fits well heading into tonight’s matchup against the Suns.
A big part of Hartenstein’s rebound value comes from role and positioning. He consistently plays close to the rim, which naturally keeps him in range for defensive boards and put-backs.
Even when he isn’t the focal point offensively, his minutes are tied to controlling the paint—boxing out, anchoring possessions, and finishing defensive stops.
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How to watch Suns vs Thunder Game 2
| Location | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK |
| Date | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Not intended for use in MA.
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Late NBA legend honored with college basketball showcase
It’s been two years since Bill Walton’s passing, but the basketball world is still finding new ways to honor him.
On Wednesday, the San Diego State men’s basketball team and Sports San Diego announced the creation of the “Bill Walton Classic,” a hoops showcase that’ll pay homage to the two-time NBA champion.
The event, which will be held in November at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, will be a college basketball doubleheader. The first matchup will feature UC San Diego and University of San Diego women’s teams. The second will be the SDSU men’s team vs. a to-be-determined opponent.
“Bill Walton was such a San Diego icon,” Aztecs coach Brian Dutcher said, “and with Chris Walton having played for the Aztecs, this event is really a family affair for us. We could not be prouder to be invited to honor Bill by competing in the inaugural National University Bill Walton Classic.”
Walton was born in La Mesa and later played for Helix High School, where he won multiple San Diego Section championships.
He went on to attend UCLA, before he was taken by the Trailblazers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft.
Walton was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984.
“The Bill Walton Classic is meant to lift up our three Division I basketball programs, unite San Diego’s basketball community under one roof for an extraordinary evening, and pay tribute to a true San Diego legend and Hall of Famer — Bill Walton,” Sports San Diego CEO Mark Neville said Wednesday. “Nights like this remind us of what’s possible when this city comes together around the game.”
The event will take place on Nov. 6 — the day after Walton’s birthday.