Category: Basketball

And here we are, at the end of the road. This season had it’s highs, and then it had its lows …. a lot of them.

A lot of people will probably say that the lows outweighed the good, which is a fair thing to say. What I can say is that this year was a year of growth. We got to see a bunch of young guys figure out a grown man’s league in the NBA. The coach and his staff got better. With something like that, you are going to see a bunch of moments that will make you want to turn your head. But just remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

And of course, the Nets did secure the third seed in the Lottery meaning they will have a 52.1% chance at a top four pick and a 14.0% chance at the overall No. 1.

Before our boys in Brooklyn cross the finish line, they will be taking on the Toronto Raptors in the final regular season game. The Raptors currently stand as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors will need to get used to playing in the city, as it looks like the New York Knicks could be their potential matchup in the first round of the playoffs. What better way to get ready then with a team whose best interest is to lose?

Where to watch

Catch the action at 6:00 p.m. ET on the YES Network and NBA League Pass, as well as streaming on the Gotham Sports App.

Injury Report

A lot of the players will be sitting out for this one as they will get ready for the summer. Perfect time for the G League guys to get one last game in to play their hearts out.

For the Nets, Nolan Traore (illness) is questionable and another nine are just out: Terance Mann (knee), Josh Minott (ankle), Ziaire Williams (bursitis), Egor Demin (plantar fascia), Noah Clowney (ankle), Nic Claxton (finger), Danny Wolf (ankle), Porter (hamstring) and Sharpe (thumb).

For the Raptors, R.J. Barrett (knee), Collin Murray-Boyles (neck), and Trayce Jackson-Davis (illness) are all listed as questionable for the game.

AND THIS JUST IN: Sunday is the last day teams can sign a player and that’s just what the Nets, announcing just before noon that they have signed 10-day player Trevon Scott to a hardship contract, not further described. Scott’s 10-day, would’ve run out Sunday.

Scott appeared in 47 games this season for Long Island, averaging 12 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in 27.9 minutes.

Undrafted out of Cincinnati in 2020, Scott has spent the vast majority of his career bouncing around the G League. He spent time with the affiliates of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, and Orlando Magic before joining the Nets. He also played internationally with the Calgary Surge, Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rico, and Fos Provence Basket in France.

At 29-years-old, Scott is the second oldest player on Brooklyn’s squad. He is just 38 days younger than the team’s oldest player, Terrance Mann.

The Game

When you think of the term underrated, it is a perfect way to describe who the Raptors are in the Eastern Conference. Of course, the heavy hitters that will be looked at closely in the East will be the Celtics, Pistons, and Knicks (who they have lost to 13 straight times), but the Raptors have a ton of talent on their own that can make them very interesting to see.

Brandon Ingram is a natural 20 point scorer, and this season he has done it very efficiently as he has shot almost 48% from the field this year. Scottie Barnes is a special two-way player than guard positions 1-5. Then you have a guard like Immanuel Quickly who is uber quick (get it) who can knock it down from deep as well.

With this level of talent, the Raptors will look to give a little more effort than usual for this Sunday evening matchup. If Toronto wants to lock in the sixth seed and, more importantly, have a chance to get into the fifth seed slot, they will have to beat Brooklyn and hope for Atlanta and Orlando to lose.

For the Nets sake, another loss is unlikely to matter. They have secured the top three seed in the May 10 Lottery. IF they lose again and the Indiana Pacers beat the Detroit Pistons, they would tie for second. However, the chances of that became limited Saturday night when the Pistons, who’ve already clinched the top seed in the East released their injury status. They’re not prioritizing rest. Most of their top players will be available.

Player to Watch

Scottie Barnes has to be one of the most underrated players in the NBA. The 6’8” 24-year-old can play multiple positions, even point guard. On the season, he’s averaging 18.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists. His only weakness is 3-point shooting, where he’s hitting only 30.4%. But bottom line, he is the leader of the Raptors, as Toronto Sun noted this week in one of its post-season lookaheads. Barnes noted that he hasn’t played in the post-season since 2021 and he is ready to go.

“I’m so excited. It’s been a long time coming,” Barnes told the Sun after Thursday’s win over Miami. “I’m ready to get back out there, but just have to focus on these next two games and then really take that moment, it will be a reality.”

“We’re all pretty excited. We want it,” Barnes told the Sun. “That was our goal. It’s coming through. Coming to the end of the season we’re just trying to accomplish that. Play in it, get that experience, try to win and just try to advance.”

So expect Barnes and the rest to give it all in the finale

Personal Note

I had fun with this team this season. The Flatbush Five definitely showed some promise, MPJ proved that he is definitely worthy to be a number one option, Ziaire Williams played some of the best basketball in his career, and the Long Island guys went OFF. And as all of that took place, you as the Brooklyn Nets fan base stayed strong despite the trials and tribulations. Things will get better, guys.

Our guys here at Netdaily, Bob, Brian, Lucas, Collin, Connor, Anthony, and Scott, did an amazing job as always this year. I’m really glad I am apart of this amazing team.

The Vault

A perfect New York song to end the season.

More reading: RaptorsHQ, SB Nation NBA, New York Post, New York Daily News, Clutch Points, Nets Wire, Steve’s Newsletter

• Brooklyn Nets Game Notes – Brooklyn Nets
• Toronto Raptors Game Notes – Toronto Raptors
• Brooklyn faces Toronto, aims to stop road slide – AP

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s latest attempt at saying he doesn’t want to play for the Milwaukee Bucks anymore — without actually saying it, so he doesn’t look bad — could be what finally, mercifully gets his long, ugly, ongoing divorce from the franchise over the finish line.

His fear of becoming the “bad guy” by requesting the trade he’s so clearly been longing for has only prolonged this inevitable split and convinced the Bucks to bleed assets in the process. Now, as their ship sinks, they’re realizing that they offloaded all of their lifeboats to cut weight because Antetokounmpo wanted to sail faster. 

While Giannis is not solely to blame for this, it’s impossible to argue that his impatience and constant holding his team’s feet to the fire didn’t contribute. Let’s take a trip back to 2021.

Months after Milwaukee captured its first title in 50 years, Antetokounmpo publicly cast doubt on his future with the Bucks, for no discernible reason at all, during an interview with GQ Magazine’s Zach Baron.

“One challenge was to bring a championship here and we did,” he told Baron. “It was very hard, but we did. Very, very hard. I just love challenges. What’s the next challenge? The next challenge might not be here.”

Huh? Less than half a year after winning a title, you’re already thinking about leaving??

“Me and my family chose to stay in this city that we all love and has taken care of us—for now  [with a five-year supermax extension through the 2025 season],” he added. “In two years, that might change. I’m being totally honest with you. I’m always honest.”

Giannis critics — and at this point, even Bucks fans — might argue that sometimes he’s a little too honest. After a second-round exit in 2022 and a devastating first-round upset at the hands of the Miami Heat in 2023 raised tensions further, Giannis memorably went on a long rant about how sports don’t ever feature failure, but it was his next public comments that were more notable: The star issued another public warning to the Bucks, once again hinting at an eventual departure during a September 2023 appearance on the 48 Minutes Podcast.

“So as I said, if the Milwaukee Bucks are on the same page for the rest of my career, great. If not, I have to win. I have to win. And I think the city and people will understand it… I have to do whatever it takes for me to win. And if there’s a better situation for me to win the Larry O’Brien, I have to take that better situation.”

The message echoed what he’d told The New York Timesa month prior.

“But at the end of the day, being a winner, it’s over that goal,” he said. “Winning a championship comes first. I don’t want to be 20 years on the same team and don’t win another championship.”

Just talking about wanting to win championships would be one thing, but his constant flirting with a trade request elsewhere to do so pushed Milwaukee into desperation mode.

General Manager Jon Horst and the rest of the front office, with their collective palms profusely sweating, made the following moves in response to appease their perpetually noncomittal star, despite injuries being the driving force behind the team’s previous playoff shortcomings:

• May 4, 2023: FiredHead Coach Mike Budenholzer 
• June 5, 2023: HiredAdrian Griffin as head coach (Who Giannis endorsed over Nick Nurse and Kenny Atkinson)
• September 27, 2023: Traded Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, and three first-round picks for Damian Lillard
• December, 2023: Brought Doc Rivers in as coaching advisor for Griffin
• January 23, 2024: Fired Griffin after 44 games (31-13)
• January 27, 2024: Hired Rivers as head coach and went 17-19 for the rest of the season
• February 6, 2025: Traded Khris Middleton, A.J. Johnson, and a 2028 first-round pick to the Wizards for Kyle Kuzma
• July 6, 2025: Waived and stretched Damian Lillard to clear cap space used to sign Myles Turner
• February 8, 2026: Signed Cam Thomas
• March 23, 2026: Waived Cam Thomas

It’s not a player’s job to understand how roster construction works, even if they’re openly imploring the team to make moves. Milwaukee’s front office still did all of the above on purpose, and none of it worked. That means they deserve blame too, but now, after years of giving up assets to try and undo the mistakes they made while trying to fix previous mistakes, there isn’t anything left for them to do. They have no control over their own draft picks until 2030 (with no first-rounder at all in 2029) and will have to settle for the less-favorable in three consecutive pick swaps while also working with $20 million in dead cap for the next five seasons thanks to their rush to waive Lillard.

The only way to replenish those assets is by trading a star, like Giannis, for a plethora of picks and young players. It was always going to be the reality for Milwaukee. Now, in a multi-year attempt to avoid ruining his reputation with Bucks fans, Antetokounmpo has stranded them on a sinking ship… and ironically ended up with many fans sick of him anyway, the very thing his tortured will-he-or-wont-he PR strategy seemed intended to avoid.

His unwillingness to choose between loyalty and the pursuit of winning has motivated the Bucks to do anything and everything to prolong their championship window — a window that’s been closed for years due to Antetokounmpo’s unavailability come playoff time in 2023 and 2024, and now permanently shut due to their desperation to reopen it just a sliver, with the team responding like they forgot their keys at the office and decided to burn down their house in response.

Even this year, he tried to save face when he reiterated to the Bucks for a few months before the Feb. 5 trade deadline that he was prepared to be moved. According to NBA insider and personal enemy of Doc Rivers, Shams Charania, while Giannis declined to publicize a trade request, he made it clear to all parties involved behind the scenes that he felt both sides needed to move on immediately, as the franchise was not in position to compete.

“Giannis has wanted to handle this professionally by being very up front with the team,” one source with direct knowledge of the situation told Charania. “This could have been a happy resolution but instead might end up being a nasty breakup.”

It would’ve been a happy resolution for Giannis, who would’ve left to greener pastures, but not for the Bucks, whose lack of any future assets is a result of the long list of attempts to appease their disgruntled Finals MVP — who was playing games before even signing his first contract extension.

Both that, and the one inked in 2023 reportedly came with a handshake agreement that the Bucks would accommodate any desired trade destinations whenever Giannis would hypothetically decide to leave, according to an April 7 report from Charania. It was an early indication that Milwaukee was going to have earn his loyalty.

Man, did they try.

The Bucks were so deprived of picks and young players to use in trades because of their willingness to include half of them to bring in Holiday in 2020, who they later attached the remaining picks to trade for Lillard, who they then waived, stretched, and set their hypothetical home ablaze to enable their final offering to Antetokounmpo — Turner, who falls firmly in the “what does he even do?” category.

Milwaukee’s decision to cut Lillard and sign Turner out of sheer panic should tell you exactly how hamstrung they are in terms of assets. They have Antetokounmpo’s non-comital demeanor to thank for a lot of that.

That would all be bad enough, but even now, as the Bucks try and salvage something from this disaster of this injury-riddled, trade-drama-marred season, Giannis is standing in the way.

Antetokounmpo has wanted nothing more than to suit up and help them win games now that Milwaukee is eliminated from playoff contention and trying to shrink the window in which their lesser-pick-swap with the New Orleans Pelicans falls this spring. In doing so, he was willing to not only risk lessening the Bucks’ lottery odds, but also risk another injury, which could discourage trade suitors from offering the best possible return when the market for his services opens (presumably this summer).

“For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face,” Antetokounmpo told reporters ahead of the April 3 matchup against the Boston Celtics. “I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game. I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available.

“So, I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.”

But it’s hard not to find all of this incredibly disingenuous, and poorly considered at that. Giannis clearly doesn’t care about where the relationship is going. He already knows. It’s over. It’s been over for a while. Giannis only cares if he looks good as he’s being flown away from the submerged S.S Fiserv. And in his years-long, hackneyed attempt to avoid looking like the bad guy, he made that perception unavoidable.

NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Illinois's Keaton Wagler is expected to go in the first round after declaring on Saturday night. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Guard's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Keaton Wagler 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 7 overall, Dallas Mavericks

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Mavericks have the worst offensive rating in the Western Conference and could benefit from a player like Illinois standout Keaton Wagler. The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role to earn a spot in the Final Four, where he recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds against UConn. The freshman also dropped 25 points in the Elite Eight. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 39.7 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman while connecting on as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year has athletic limitations but is a cerebral basketball player who is also averaging 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 9.0 here

Keaton Wagler player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Illinois
• 17.9 points per game
• 4.8 rebounds per game
• 4.4 assists per game
• 44.6 field goal percentage
• 40.2 three-point field goal percentage

Dallas Mavericks 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 6, No. 30 (via OKC) and No. 50 (via PHX)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Keaton Wagler NBA mock draft projection: Where Illinois star is expected to land after March Madness

We have arrived. When the Knicks (53*-28) host the Hornets (43-38) tonight at Madison Square Garden, their regular season will draw to a close.

What a season it has been. A success by most measures, for sure, yet disappointing at times. So like life. The obviousness of the Pistons and Celtics stealing the top two seeds from our heroes is only apparent in hindsight, but who among us has never misjudged another to regrettable ends?

Perhaps like our heroes, you have also experienced many highs and lows since opening night on October 22. We endured a rough winter here in upstate New York as I added on another year. Although I am older than Taj Gibson, I’m proud to say I could still give an NBA team six fouls a night. How many of you could make such a bold claim?

The morning sun is shining on tulips sprouting from my flower bed. Where they come from every year, I haven’t a freaking clue. I didn’t plant them. The damned things are everywhere, even in the yard, and a bit of a nuisance, actually. But (pretend that the world is not on fire and) rejoice! A season of renewal is upon us. And tonight’s game pairs two teams that look rejuvenated and ready for some postseason shenanigans.

In the current campaign, the Knicks took an NBA Cup from the San Antonio Spurs, which served as a sort of trial run for playoff glory. They also gave us plenty of reasons to chew on towels during this campaign, like when they started the calendar year on the wrong foot, going 2-8 over the first three weeks.

Since January 21, however, New York has won 28 of 38 games. They are currently enjoying a five-game win streak that included victories over three potential postseason opponents: the Celtics, Hawks, and Raptors. Josh Hart has discovered the Fountain of Three, shooting 53% from deep over his last 10 games (and 43% over the last 20). Just in time, the team is fully healthy (although we’re pensively monitoring OG Anunoby’s ankle). And after two years of playing together, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have finally unlocked their pick-and-roll potential. Everything is falling into place at precisely the right moment as the Knicks prepare for a marathon run deep into the playoffs.

Rooting for the Charlotte Hornets (also Bobcats) must have its ups and downs, too. For one thing, the Spectrum Center offers great seats at much more affordable prices than MSG. On the other hand, fans had to watch the Bees paste together a 16-28 record to start the season. This team seemed to have its sights set on a lottery pick.  A video recorded during that stretch (I could search for it, but sloth) showed LaMelo Ball in street clothes, dapping up his teammates as if he were being traded. If memory serves, that came before Mr. Road Menace smashed into a car at a Charlotte intersection. In addition, a Hornets fan has had to endure the career of Miles (look it up) Bridges, and five seasons of Terry Rozier before he went to Miami. Tough stuff, Carolina.

But now, sophomore head coach Charles Lee turned it around. Since January 21, Charlotte has won 27 of 37 games. The team now ranks eighth for net rating thanks to a top five offense and an improved defense. How? For one thing, rookie Kon Knueppel has exploded, averaging 18.6 points per game on 43% three point shooting and breaking Kemba Walker’s single-season franchise record for made threes with 270 and counting. His defense is sold, too. This kid should be a lock to beat former Duke roommate Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year.

The team has benefited from improved play by Brandon Miller, too. In his third year, the small forward has averaged 20 points. For the third straight season, his long-range shooting has improved, and this year he has averaged 38%, adding to their dangerous arsenal. The club also made a smart move at the trade deadline, adding Coby White to lead the bench. In their frontcourt, Moussa Diabaté has blossomed into a fine center. And believe it or not, Ball has learned to stop heaving from half court with 14 seconds on the clock (…mostly).

New York leads the season series 2-1, winning the first two games by 28 and 15 points. However, Charlotte beat the Knicks 114-103 in an almost wire-to-wire win on March 26 in North Carolina. They got a big night from Kon Knueppel, who posted 26 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. For our heroes, Brunson dropped a 26-point, 13-dime double-double.

The Stingers need to win to secure the ninth seed and home-court advantage for their upcoming Play-In tournament game against the Miami Heat. A win (or a Heat loss) ensures the 9/10 matchup is in Charlotte, while a loss and a Miami win drops them to tenth. As for the Knicks, they have five players (three starters: KAT, Hart, and Anunoby) on the injury list and have secured the third seed. ESPN.com predicts them to win at 51%, and ending Mike Brown’s first season with a six-game win streak would be right nice. I just can’t see them exerting too much effort today, though. Besides, Mike’s already eclipsed Tom Thibodeau’s best of 51 wins as a Knicks coach, and it’s a sunny day outside. Relax, take it easy, fellas, and savor a job well done before embarking on the march to the Finals.

Game Details

Who: New York Knicks (53*-28) vs Charlotte Hornets (43-38)

Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026

Time: 6 PM ET

Place: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

TV: MSG

Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky

​

* Should be one more, but NBA Cups are made of tin foil.

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Season finales with nothing at stake may be boring across most of the league, but the Minnesota Timberwolves have made sure to make tonight’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans a headline event in the Twin Cities. Kevin Garnett is returning for the first time since 2018.

With few angles to bet in what is effectively an exhibition game, my Pelicans vs. Timberwolves predictions and these NBA picks put a touch of stock in Garnett’s influence on Minnesota’s reserves on Sunday, April 12.

Pelicans vs Timberwolves prediction

Pelicans vs Timberwolves best bet: Timberwolves -6 (-110)

If you know a Minnesota Timberwolves player’s name, he's either sitting tonight or is named Donte DiVincenzo, and the latter is playing tonight simply to have played in all 82 games this season. He is not likely to see a full workload.

However, are Minnesota’s reserves better than the New Orleans Pelicans in general? Quite possibly. Terrence Shannon Jr. figures to score 30 points in this role. Joan Beringer may grab 15 rebounds if he can stay out of foul trouble. This is quite possibly Joe Ingles’ final NBA game.

There are ways of envisioning the Timberwolves putting up some numbers tonight.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans are not opposed to losing. They have a slight hope of tying the Grizzlies and Mavericks for the sixth-worst record in the league. In fact, Dallas is favored by 6.5 points tonight against the Bulls, the one inter-conference game on the slate.

Kevin Garnett at courtside should only further Shannon’s and Beringer’s motivation, though perhaps not holding as much mystique for Ingles, who overlapped with the Hall of Famer by two seasons in the NBA, the two seasons in which Garnett returned to Minnesota.

That motivation and the Pelicans’ lack of it should keep this a multi-bucket game.

Pelicans vs Timberwolves same-game parlay

Betting on the Timberwolves early and betting on an Over are both bets on Terrence Shannon Jr. The second-year wing has been stymied by injury this season, slowed to start the year, and then sidelined for two months in the middle of it.

With Minnesota coasting into the postseason, however, Shannon has taken center stage in the last two games, shooting 19-for-27 from the field and 10-for-14 from deep while scoring 33 and then 23 points.

He does not take long to get going, and once rolling, Shannon does not stop. It is not a coincidence that each of Minnesota's last two games went Over the total.

Pelicans vs Timberwolves SGP

• Timberwolves -6
• Timberwolves first half -3
• Over 236

Pelicans vs Timberwolves odds

• Spread: Pelicans +6 | Timberwolves -6
• Moneyline: Pelicans +220 | Timberwolves -270
• Over/Under: Over 236 | Under 236

Pelicans vs Timberwolves betting trend to know

The Pelicans are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Timberwolves.

How to watch Pelicans vs Timberwolves

Pelicans vs Timberwolves latest injuries

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The Milwaukee Bucks have their final game of the 2025-26 regular season, traveling to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers. Philly has won all three games and will look to complete a season sweep.

Where We’re At

What a season; I don’t think anybody expected this. To be honest, a lot went wrong. The Bucks didn’t have much control of injuries to key rotation players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, and Kevin Porter Jr., or regression from role players like Gary Trent Jr. A portion of the problems was self-inflicted, stemming from roster construction, effort in games, and coaching malpractice. The Bucks will not be playing in the postseason for the first time in 10 years, and what happens next will be the biggest question for Bucks ownership.

Philadelphia has had an interesting season. Some might view their current 8th place as underachieving, but with Joel Embiid injured and Paul George suspended for 25 games, maybe they handled it better than most teams, like the Bucks, would have. The Sixers do have something to play for: a win and other results could have them move up to sixth place and avoid the play-in game(s), but a loss could have them in the 9-10 game against the Miami Heat.

Injury Report

The Bucks will not have Giannis Antetokounpo (knee), Kevin Porter Jr. (knee), Bobby Portis (wrist), Kyle Kuzma (achilles), Myles Turner (ankle), Gary Trent Jr. (oblique), and Ryan Rollins (thumb). Gary Harris (groin) and Pete Nance (knee) are listed as questionable.

The Sixers will not have Joel Embiid (appendicitis) and Johni Broome (knee), but will have Tyrese Maxey (finger) available.

Player To Watch

Ousmane Dieng has been a nice addition for the Bucks, and with Rollins out, the Bucks will lean on him for the playmaking and offensive burden. The Sixers will make him work hard for it.

How To Watch

5:00 p.m. CDT on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.

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The Utah Jazz take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on the final night of the NBA regular season.

The Lakers will be without at least two of their Big 3, and my Jazz vs. Lakers predictions and NBA picks expect Luke Kennard to step up in a big way.

Jazz vs Lakers prediction

Jazz vs Lakers best bet: Luke Kennard Over 25.5 points + rebounds + assists (-112)

With Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic both sidelined, Luke Kennard has joined the first unit, logging 31 minutes per game across four straight starts. In that span, he’s averaged 27.6 PRA and recorded his first career triple-double.

Over his last four, Kennard has posted PRA totals of 23, 24, 21, and 42, respectively, clearing the Over only once but coming close in each contest. LeBron James is questionable tonight, and with James at less than 100%, Kennard could operate as the team’s leading facilitator and a go-to scoring option.

Over the last 10 games, the Utah Jazz have allowed the most points per game to opponents at a whopping 134, and their 123 defensive rating ranks 26th. The Jazz have surrendered the third-most rebounds (49), second-most assists (33.1), and third-most made 3-pointers (15.5). 

Utah also ranks first in pace by a mile at 109.3. Kennard gets the perfect storm of an excellent matchup, quick tempo, and potential high usage in front of the home crowd. My money’s on a big game.

Jazz vs Lakers same-game parlay

The Lakers can clinch the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a win and a Nuggets loss, so L.A. should be all-in on a victory tonight. The Jazz are doing all they can to lose games, and they've been getting blown out with regularity. Even if LeBron is sidelined, the Lakers have enough firepower to win this game comfortably.

The Jazz play at such a high pace that I'm taking the Over despite lengthy injury reports from both teams. The Jazz have allowed the second-most field goal attempts from opponents at a healthy 96.1, and the Lakers can take advantage of a weak Utah defense. The Jazz have enough scorers to get some buckets and take this Over the total.

Jazz vs Lakers SGP

• Luke Kennard Over 25.5 points + rebounds + assists
• Lakers -14.5
• Over 236.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Double-double trouble!

Kennard recorded his first career triple-double against the Mavericks last Sunday, and he came within one and two assists of reaching a double-double in each of his next two games. He can reach 10 points and 10 dimes tonight, and for bettors interested in turning up the heat even more, his line to record a triple-double is set at +3500.

Deandre Ayton’s production has been hit-or-miss lately, but he should have no problem reaching this statistical milestone against one of the worst defenses in the NBA. The Jazz have surrendered the third-most rebounds and second-most points in the paint across the last 10 games, and Ayton went for 20 and 14 in his only game against Utah with a full allotment of minutes this season.

Jazz vs Lakers SGP

• Lakers -14.5
• Luke Kennard to record a double-double
• Deandre Ayton to record a double-double

Jazz vs Lakers odds

• Spread: Jazz +14.5 | Lakers -14.5
• Moneyline: Jazz +750 | Lakers -1200
• Over/Under: Over 236.5 | Under 236.5

Jazz vs Lakers betting trend to know

The Jazz have gone Over their team total in 14 of their last 17 games for +10.6 units and a 54% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Jazz vs. Lakers.

How to watch Jazz vs Lakers

Jazz vs Lakers latest injuries

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The Orlando Magic are hoping to improve their postseason seeding with a victory over the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are locked into the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 playoff seed and could rest several of their key players in their final game of the regular season.

How to watch Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics

• Date: Sunday, April 12

• Time: 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT

• Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

• TV Channels: NBCS, FDSF, ESPN

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

Team records

• Orlando Magic: 45-36 (No. 2 in Southeast Division)

• Boston Celtics: 55-26 (No. 1 in Atlantic Division)

Odds

• Spread: Boston Celtics +12.5

• Moneyline: Boston Celtics +500 (16.0%) / Orlando Magic -700 (84.0%)

• Over/Under: 219.5

The Charlotte Hornets are still trying to determine their postseason seeding heading into their regular-season finale against the New York Knicks. The Knicks, who will be the Eastern Conference’s No. 3 seed in the first-round of the playoffs, could rest several players.

How to watch Charlotte Hornets vs. New York Knicks

• Date: Sunday, April 12

• Time: 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT

• Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

• TV Channels: FDSS, MSG

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

Team records

• Charlotte Hornets: 43-38 (No. 3 in Southeast Division)

• New York Knicks: 53-28 (No. 2 in Atlantic Division)

Odds

• Spread: New York Knicks +13.5

• Moneyline: New York Knicks +575 (14.1%) / Charlotte Hornets -900 (85.9%)

• Over/Under: 218.5

The Los Angeles Lakers can secure the Western Conference’s No. 3 playoff seed with a victory over the Utah Jazz and a loss by the Denver Nuggets to the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers enter the final game of the season guaranteed of home-court advantage in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

How to watch Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Lakers

• Date: Sunday, April 12

• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

• Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California

• TV Channels: KJZZ, Jazz, SN-LA

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

Team records

• Utah Jazz: 22-59 (No. 5 in Northwest Division)

• Los Angeles Lakers: 52-29 (No. 1 in Pacific Division)

Odds

• Spread: Los Angeles Lakers -14.5

• Moneyline: Los Angeles Lakers -1200 (88.7%) / Utah Jazz +750 (11.3%)

• Over/Under: 236.5

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On paper, the Los Angeles Clippers have something to play for tonight. In reality, they are more likely to mail in this game against the Golden State Warriors and get ready for the next one against Steph Curry this week.

My Warriors vs. Clippers predictions and these NBA picks spot that quiet logic to folding tonight, Sunday, April 12.

Warriors vs Clippers prediction

Warriors vs Clippers best bet: Kawhi Leonard Under 28.5 points (-115)

Fun fact: As this bet was being logged before sunrise on the West Coast, Kawhi Leonard’s points prop jumped to 28.5 from 26.5. That only emboldens this belief.

The Los Angeles Clippers made their bed. Now they have to lie in it. Losing to Portland twice in the last two weeks knocked the Clippers into the No. 9 seed, now needing the Trail Blazers to lose to the Kings today if L.A. is to have any hope of escaping the single-elimination half of the Play-In Tournament.

Not only does Portland have an obvious incentive to win, but Sacramento also wants to lose to give its tanking efforts one last boost, currently tied with Utah for the fourth-worst record in the NBA.

So, welcome the Clippers to the stressor of a single-elimination game against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. No, not today. This is just a prelude to that stressor this week.

And knowing that is coming down the pipe lessens any incentive for Los Angeles to show anything notable today. As Portland pulls away against Sacramento — a 17-point favorite — do not be surprised if L.A. benches its main contributors.

Kawhi Leonard has already fallen short of this prop in six of his last seven games. Fewer minutes or intentionally less aggression tonight should assure that becomes seven of eight to close the season.

Warriors vs Clippers same-game parlay

While the Warriors have nothing to play for tonight, they do need to keep playing Steph Curry back into a rhythm. He missed two full months of the season.

Every minute Curry can get on the court right now helps Golden State’s slim chances of winning two games in the Play-In Tournament, to then at least worry the Thunder.

Curry playing nearly 30 minutes tonight against an ambivalent Clippers team should be enough to notch this win against the spread.

Warriors vs Clippers SGP

• Kawhi Leonard Under 28.5 points
• Kawhi Leonard Under 7.5 rebounds
• Warriors +6.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Steph, please!

Curry has shot 11-for-27 (40.7%) from deep in his three games back from injury. If he finds a rhythm tonight, Golden State should encourage him to keep shooting to establish some team-wide confidence before the Play-In Tournament.

And we all know, Steph Curry chucking from deep is always a recipe for an outright upset.

Warriors vs Clippers SGP

• Kawhi Leonard Under 28.5 points
• Kawhi Leonard Under 7.5 rebounds
• Warriors moneyline

Warriors vs Clippers odds

• Spread: Warriors +6.5 | Clippers -6.5
• Moneyline: Warriors +220 | Clippers -270
• Over/Under: Over 224.5 | Under 224.5

Warriors vs Clippers betting trend to know

The Clippers have gone 2-6 ATS in their last eight games. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Clippers.

How to watch Warriors vs Clippers

Warriors vs Clippers latest injuries

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81 down, one to go.

81 games into this roller coaster ride of a regular season, we’ve reached a point of reflection.

In a season that’s seen few true moments to breathe, the Knicks are entering Game 82 with absolutely nothing to play for (unless you want to go for the team’s first 54-win season since 1996, that is). The Hornets looked like a potential playoff matchup for a while, but they’re currently locked into the 9-10 game despite being one of the best teams in basketball in the last few months. It’s a cruel world!

While four different teams can still slide into the 6-seed and face the Knicks (Antonio broke down the scenarios for Sunday), the Knicks have no control over it. They’ll play their final game tomorrow and get ready for war.

But before then, I want to rehash an exercise I had fun with last year: looking at the rarest of the rare calls in the NBA and how many times the Knicks have been called for it.

The Least Rare Calls

A bunch of normal violations fall under here. The Knicks have committed:

150 offensive fouls, 63 shot-clock violations, 22 kicked-ball violations, 40 travels, 20 delay-of-games, and 33 charges.

Where do those rank in the NBA?

3rd, 8th, T-24th, T-19th, T-10th, and 3rd.

Compared to last year, the Knicks are committing more offensive fouls and charges, but less kicked-balls, delay-of-games, and shot-clock violations. Here’s who leads the Knicks in each of these categories:

Offensive Fouls: Karl-Anthony Towns (65, lol)
Kicked-Ball Violations: Karl-Anthony Towns (9)
Travels: Clarkson/Bridges/Anunoby (7)
Charges: Karl-Anthony Towns (15)

The teamwide kings of these calls are as follows:

Hornets (163 offensive fouls and 76 SCVs), Wizards (45 kicked balls), Hawks (62 travels), Timberwolves (32 DoGs), and Pelicans (50 charges)

The most frugal?

Heat (78 offensive fouls), Grizzlies (32 SCVs), Wizards (7 DoGs), Celtics (13 kicked balls), Pelicans (22 travels), Cavs (9 charges)

Ok, onto the more fun ones.

Defensive Goaltending (9)

Rank: 27th | Most: Wizards (38) | Least: Nuggets/Jazz (7)

The Knicks do not goaltend very often. The average team has committed around 20 of these violations, but we only see it happen once every nine games for the Knicks.

Mitchell Robinson’s done it three times, KAT and Mo Diawara have done it twice, and both OG Anunoby and Ariel Hukporti have done it once. Leaguewide, Kel’el Ware has somehow done it 21 times, followed by Alex Sarr at 14.

Defensive 3-Seconds (9)

Rank: T-14th | Most: Nets/Blazers (26) | Least: Grizzlies (2)

I miss Ryan Arcidiacono.

Defensive 3-seconds is a center’s call. Of the 11 players who’ve been called for it at least five times, only one isn’t a big man (Egor Demin has somehow been called for it eight times as a guard).

On the Knicks, Mikal Bridges leads the way with three, but the only other regular to be called for it is KAT. The other five violations are by Diawara, Hukporti, and Guershon Yabusele.

Backcourt Violation (9)

Rank: T-16th | Most: Timberwolves (16) | Least: 3 teams (4)

Last year, the Knicks committed a league-low two, but they struggled to keep it in the frontcourt this year.

Anthony Edwards led the NBA with six of these, while the Knicks’ leaders were Towns and Brunson, who both had two.

Mitchell Robinson somehow found his way to one in early November.

Offensive 3-Seconds (6)

Rank: T-5th | Most: Kings (9) | Least: Wizards (0)

Defensive 3-seconds’ less-common brother.

Of all the teams not to commit this violation, you wouldn’t think it’s the worst team in basketball, but it is! DeAndre Ayton has been called for this seven times this season on his own, but the man who’s second in this category turns out to be Towns, who’s been called for it all six times.

It’s a very innocent call that I think goes uncalled a lot. Towns just parks the bus in the paint here in March 20’s extremely odd win over the Nets.

Offensive Goaltending (4)

Rank: T-14th | Most: Blazers (11) | Least: 4 teams (2)

The ol’ cylinder call.

I think offensive goaltending is an extremely interesting concept. It’s legal in Europe and in international play, but illegal in the NBA.

My issue with it is that if a player tips a ball in while it’s on the cylinder and it isn’t called, there is no way to check it. Now, if it was called incorrectly, it could be challenged, but that only plays one side of the coin. It’s basically the same as an uncalled goaltending.

Jalen Duren, Nick Richards, and Robert Williams III have all been called for it five times. Both of the Sixers’ backup centers have been called for it four times. On the Knicks, only two have been called on Mitch, which tells you just how good he is at his craft that almost none of his tip-ins are illegal. Both of them were in March, too. He was perfect for months!

Here’s one that Diawara committed back in November.

Double Dribble (2)

Rank: T-17th | Most: Hornets (7) | Least: Nuggets (0)

What’s the archetype of player who usually commits the most double-dribbles? I’d think it’s also centers, and in looking at the data, I’m mostly right. Yves Missi has had three of them this season by himself.

For the Knicks, only Brunson and Bridges have done it. Does it surprise you that one of the violations came during the three-week stretch from hell?

Lane Violation (2)

Rank: T-15th | Most: Rockets (10) | Least: Jazz (0)

A ticky-tack call most of the time. I feel like a lot of lane violations also go uncalled, but the Rockets have managed to do it 10 times.

Brunson and Bridges have both been called for it. The refs clearly weren’t in the Christmas spirit when the Knicks played the Cavs, because that’s when Brunson was called for it.

8-Second Violation (1)

Rank: T-15th | Most: Rockets (5) | Least: Several (0)

These ones are always interesting. I feel like you see them more in college basketball, since pros can break a press better.

The only time it’s been called on the Knicks all season was January 2 against the Hawks. Of course, it was in that three-week slump.

5-Second Violation (1)

Rank: T-16th | Most: Raptors (6) | Least: 4 teams (0)

The Knicks are getting better at inbound plays, especially in situations where they’re getting intentionally fouled. That was an issue in prior years, but they seem to be more dialed in on that front. Their potential first-round opponents just so happen to lead the league in this category…

Jump Ball Violation (1)

Most: Nuggets (3) | Least: Several (0)

You usually see this with guards who get matched up on centers and are just trying to find any type of advantage. Unless you’re Nikola Jokic, who’s committed a jump ball violation three times.

Predictably, the lone Knick to do it is Jose Alvarado, who was called for it early in the second quarter of the team’s February 24 win over Cleveland.

Discontinued Dribble (1)

Most: Timberwolves (5) | Least: Several (0)

I need a primer on a discontinued dribble. Hang on.

If you’re curious, here’s the definition.

The only time this happened was on March 31, when Josh Hart did it against the Rockets. Frankly, it looks like a double-dribble.

Palming (0)

Most: Raptors (5) | Least: Several (0)

Another one that, frankly, should be called more. The Knicks were only called for it three times last season, but are at zero through 81 games.

Say, does that say the Raptors also lead the league in this category? Hmm.

Inbound Violation (0)

Most: Clippers (3) | Least: Several (0)

The last time a Knick committed an inbound violation?

March 16, 2022 against Portland (lol) by Jericho Sims. I can’t find a video of that, but the Knicks somehow committed one just nine days earlier in Sacramento, when Deuce McBride literally handed the ball to Immanuel Quickley on an inbound with 0.2 seconds left in 16-point game.

If you’re wondering, the Josh Hart inbound mistake before Bridges’ game-winner against the Blazers last year technically counted as a travel.

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For the fourth and final time this season, the Milwaukee Bucks will take on the Philadelphia 76ers, and the home team will look to complete the sweep with a much-needed victory.

Paul George has been on a roll offensively, and my Bucks vs. 76ers predictions and NBA picks expect him to rack up points against a shorthanded opponent.

Bucks vs 76ers prediction

Bucks vs 76ers best bet: Paul George Over 18.5 points (-120)

Paul George has been great as a scorer since returning to this Philadelphia 76ers lineup. Across his last nine games, PG has averaged 22.1 points and 3.7 triples while shooting 46.8% from the field and 42.3% from beyond the arc.

Across the last five games, the Milwaukee Bucks rank 27th in defensive rating at 125.6. The team has surrendered the ninth-most points per game (120.3) and the fifth-highest shooting percentage from beyond the arc (41%).

George has scored 19+ in seven of his last nine, doing so in three straight at home. George has been stellar against Milwaukee this season, averaging 24.3 points and five triples in three matchups. He's shot 52.1% from the floor and 53.6% from downtown in those games, scoring 19+ in each of them.

The Bucks are missing several key defenders, and George should be able to take full advantage. With Joel Embiid sidelined, George should be the second option on offense behind Tyrese Maxey, and I don’t expect a depleted Milwaukee team to slow him down in front of the home crowd in a critical game.

Bucks vs 76ers same-game parlay

The 76ers have failed to cover the spread in four straight games, but they’ll return from a three-game road trip in a must-win situation. A Sixers win and losses by the Magic and Raptors would move Philly into the No. 6 seed, so I expect the home team to come out highly motivated. 

Neither offense has been playing at a high level lately, but this Bucks defense is so depleted that Philadelphia should be able to score at will in front of the home crowd.

Aside from Joel Embiid’s absence, the home team is healthy, and Paul George and Tyrese Maxey can lead Philly to a big night on the scoreboard and push the Over the total.

Bucks vs 76ers SGP

• Paul George Over 18.5 points
• 76ers -15.5
• Over 227

Our "from downtown" SGP: Next man up!

Milwaukee’s injury report reads like a CVS receipt, so Cormac Ryan, A.J. Green, and Ousmane Dieng will need to step up to provide big minutes on the final day of the season.

Ryan has averaged 19.2 points across his last six games, going for 20+ in three of them. He finished with a career-high 28 points in his last game out.

Green has scored 20+ in two of his last three. He went off for a career-best 35 points in his last game, setting a Bucks franchise record with 11 triples.

Dieng has averaged 6.7 rebounds across his last seven games, grabbing at least seven four times. With most of the team’s frontcourt sidelined, Dieng should see plenty of opportunities to crash the glass.

Bucks vs 76ers SGP

• Cormac Ryan Over 19.5 points
• A.J. Green Over 19.5 points
• Ousmane Dieng Over 6.5 rebounds

Bucks vs 76ers odds

• Spread: Bucks +15.5 | 76ers -15.5
• Moneyline: Bucks +750 | 76ers -1200
• Over/Under: Over 227 | Under 227

Bucks vs 76ers betting trend to know

The 76ers have cashed the second-half moneyline in 11 of their last 14 games for +13.05 units and a 63% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. 76ers.

How to watch Bucks vs 76ers

Bucks vs 76ers latest injuries

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The Toronto Raptors will play their final game of the 2025-26 NBA regular season at home against the Brooklyn Nets after receiving a thrashing from the New York Knicks on Friday.

It’s fitting that a matchup with Brooklyn is how this team finishes off this season, characterized by the end of the rebuild begun two years ago. After all, it was the Nets who struck down the 2013-14 Raptors in the first round of the playoffs, all those years ago, when DeMar and Kyle were still coming into their own as the duo that defined Toronto basketball for the 2010s. Perhaps this game against the Nets will be the end of the beginning for the Raptors roster that will define the 2020s.

Toronto is coming into this game after an ugly loss to the Knicks on Friday. No one scored 20 or more points, and they lost by 17 in a blowout. With the contest against the Nets being the last game of the season against such a limited team, the Raptors may choose to rest some starters who are nursing injuries. However, should Toronto lose this game while the Celtics fall to the Magic, the Raptors, currently boasting a record tied with Orlando, could fall into the Play-In. While the Raptors’ situation is favoured in both matchups, they must be cautious in letting the foot off the gas too early. It’s probable that if the game becomes a one-sided contest, some Raptors bench pieces will get extra minutes tonight, so it’s possible that Ja’Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead will see an increased role, especially if RJ Barrett ends up sitting this game out with an injury.

The Raps also have the chance to take the season series tonight, sealing it 3-1 against Brooklyn, who were beat 119-109 on two separate occasions, while trouncing Toronto 96-81 on an off-night for the Raptors in December. Whether for injury or for personal reasons, the Nets are playing without almost every member of their starting lineup, save for Nolan Traore at point guard, who is day-to-day due to illness. Their franchise player, Michael Porter Jr., has been shut down for the season to allow for injury recovery. The Nets have lost 14 of their last 17 games, picking up wins only against fellow bottom-feeders like the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks. There has never been such a game ripe for the taking. But, if the fiasco that was the loss to the Sacramento Kings on April 1st (a crueler April Fools joke there never was) tells us anything, the Raptors can’t afford to let their guard down entirely, even against opponents like the Nets.

Granted, the Nets are throwing out starting fives like Friday’s against the Bucks, featuring not a single player who’s averaged double digits this season. This is not to say that these players are incompetent, of course, with increased roles naturally resulting in better production, but this team is not equipped to take on the Raptors so shorthanded. While there is some uncertainty about the Raptors heading into the postseason, to think that they can’t beat these Brooklyn Nets is to cast too much doubt upon Toronto.

Game Information and Details

Game Time: 6:00 EDT

Watch On: Sportsnet

Injury Report

Raptors: Trayce Jackson-Davis (Day-to-day – illness), Collin Murray-Boyles (Day-to-day – neck), RJ Barrett (Day-to-day – knee)

Nets: Nolan Traore (Day-to-day – illness), Ochai Agbaji (Day-to-day – back)

Projected Lineups

Raptors: Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl

Nets: Trevon Scott, E.J. Liddell, Malachi Smith, Tyson Etienne, Ben Saraf

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Before making any prop bets or NBA picks on the last day of the regular season, study the NBA standings. Be sure the team has something to play for. Only a handful do — the Portland Trail Blazers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Denver Nuggets, and seeds No. 5 through 10 in the Eastern Conference.

Even some of those teams — looking at you, Denver — are choosing to rest more than compete on Sunday, April 12.

Best NBA player props today

Player	Pick
Tyrese Maxey	Under 2.5 threes	+135
Kawhi Leonard	Under 26.5 points	-115
Luke Kennard	Over 5.5 assists	-125

Prop #1: Tyrese Maxey Under 2.5 threes

+135 at bet365

The Philadelphia 76ers could still evade the Play-In Tournament. Most likely, the 76ers will end up the No. 8 seed out East, but it is conceivable they host the first Play-In game, needing the Magic to lose to the Celtics today. Do not hold your breath on that; Orlando is favored by 12 points. But stranger things have happened.

That combination of possible but unlikely yields value in doubting Tyrese Maxey to hit three 3-pointers. The sportsbook is presenting the option on the board because Philadelphia should play a full and honest rotation. Players on any teams without that likelihood are effectively not prop options today.

But if the Magic are up handily on the Celtics late, the 76ers may pull their starters earlier than the game would otherwise suggest.

And it is not like Maxey has been shooting well of late, hitting just 11-of-37 (29.7%) from beyond the arc in his last six games.

• Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin or NBC Sports Philadelphia

Prop #2: Kawhi Leonard Under 26.5 points

-115 at bet365

The writing is on the wall for the Los Angeles Clippers. They need to beat the Warriors, as 6-point favorites, while the Blazers lose to the Kings for Los Angeles to climb back into the No. 8 seed.

First of all, Portland is favored by 16.5 points.

Secondly, LA’s swoon in the last week that knocked it into the No. 9 seed also means it would face Golden State in a single-elimination game this week.

Which is all to say, do not expect the Clippers to play long minutes. They know their fate. And do not expect them to show the Warriors anything of note.

Kawhi Leonard has already fallen short of this prop in each of his last two games and in six of his last seven. Any reduction in his minutes or aggression should assure it tonight.

• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network SoCal or NBC Sports Bay Area

Prop #3: Luke Kennard Over 5.5 assists

-125 at bet365

Point guard Luke Kennard may be a Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff reality. With both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves expected to miss at least the start of the first round, Kennard’s starting streak should extend into the postseason.

It may not be Los Angeles’s design or preference, but Kennard is at least filling the role, clearing this prop in three of his four games as a starter this month and averaging 7.75 assists per game. Perhaps even more impressively, Kennard has committed a total of only five turnovers in those four games.

• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: Spectrum Sports Network or Jazz+

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

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