Arkansas forward Trevon Brazile slam dunks against Kansas in the NCAA Tournament. Eric Canha-Imagn Images The Associated Press released its final Top 25 poll of the college basketball season Tuesday, and the Arkansas Razorbacks ranked No.
Timberwolves vs. Bucks Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 8
It’s Tuesday, April 8, and the Minnesota Timberwolves (46-32) and Milwaukee Bucks (44-34) are all set to square off from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
The Timberwolves are currently 23-16 on the road with a point differential of 5, while the Bucks have a 5-5 record in their last ten games at home. Milwaukee won the only meeting of the season in Minnesota, 103-101.
Minnesota won five straight games and six of the past seven, while Milwaukee is just as hot with four consecutive wins.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.
Game details & how to watch Timberwolves vs. Bucks live today
- Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
- Time: 8:00PM EST
- Site: Fiserv Forum
- City: Milwaukee, WI
- Network/Streaming:
Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for Timberwolves vs. Bucks
The latest odds as of Tuesday:
- Odds: Timberwolves (-167), Bucks (+140)
- Spread: Timberwolves -3.5
- Over/Under: 222 points
That gives the Timberwolves an implied team point total of 112.09, and the Bucks 110.27.
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!
Expert picks & predictions for Tuesday’s Timberwolves vs. Bucks game
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet
Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Timberwolves to win:
"While it's tempting getting a home underdog at +3.5 who's on a four-game winning streak, I am not impressed with who the Bucks have beaten. Recently, Milwaukee has beat Philadelphia, Phoenix, Miami, and New Orleans, so Minnesota will be a step up. The Bucks won by two points in Minnesota earlier this season and I can see Minnesota getting revenge at Milwaukee in a tightly-contested Western Conference."
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Timberwolves & Bucks game:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Milwaukee Bucks at +3.5.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 222.
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Timberwolves vs. Bucks on Tuesday
- The Timberwolves are on a 5-game winning streak
- 7 of the Bucks' last 9 home games have gone over the Total
- The Bucks are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games as an underdog
- The Bucks have covered the Spread in 4 of their last 5 games against the Timberwolves
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Where does Michael Malone firing rank among most shocking 2025 NBA moments?
Where does Michael Malone firing rank among most shocking 2025 NBA moments? originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
What could possibly happen next?
The 2024-2025 NBA season has had its fair share of shocking moments on and off the court. There have been stunning superstar trades, disappointing All-Star laden teams, oddly timed coach firings, and much more.
The latest bombshell came Tuesday when the Denver Nuggets fired head coach Michael Malone with three games remaining in the regular season. The Nuggets, who in 2023 under Malone won their first championship in franchise history, currently hold the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 47-32 record.
Malone’s success, and the timing of his dismissal with the playoffs set to begin, was a shocker. But it wasn’t the most shocking moment of the season, trailing only a stunning midseason trade.
Here’s a look back at some other shocking moments from the season.
The Luka Doncic trade
Everyone assumed Shams Charania was hacked. ESPN’s NBA Insider made a social media post saying the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. The deal was executed without any rumors of either Doncic and Davis even being available on the market, creating what was arguably the most shocking trade in NBA history.
Grizzlies fire Taylor Jenkins
Before Michael Malone was fired, the most stunning termination of the season had been when Taylor Jenkins was let go by the Memphis Grizzlies on March 29 with nine games left in the regular season. The Grizzlies at the time held the No. 5 seed in the West at 44-29 under Jenkins, the franchise’s all-time leader in coaching victories.
Suns disappoint
Playoff teams are firing coaches, while Mike Budenholzer is still roaming the sidelines in the desert. Budenholzer’s Phoenix Suns — with its All-Star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal — are unlikely to make the play-in tournament. The team entered Tuesday at 35-43 under Budenholzer, a two-time Coach of the Year who is in the first year of a five-year deal with the Suns.
Cavs surprise
The NBA season was more than a month old before the Cleveland Cavaliers lost their first game. The Cavs won their first 15 games, matching the second-best start in league history behind the 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors who started 24-0. The Cavs’ first loss came on Nov. 19 against the Boston Celtics.
Celtics sell for $6 billion
Buying the defending champions isn’t cheap. The Celtics, just months after winning their 18th title, were sold to a group led by William Chisholm, a private equity executive, for $6.1 billion in March. It was the largest total paid for a sports team in the United States.
All-Star Game debacle
The NBA All-Star Game needs fixing, but this was not the solution. The new format included a four-team, single-elimination tournament with a target score of 40 points for each round. It did not go over well with many players and fans. The league quickly announced it will not be keeping the tournament format.
Tracy Morgan gets sick at Knicks game
A courtside cleanup was needed after comedian and New York Knicks superfan Tracy Morgan got ill during the third quarter of the team’s game against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden. The game was delayed for more than 10 minutes. Morgan made a social media post the following day saying it was due to food poisoning.
The Jimmy Butler saga
It was a messy ending to the Jimmy Butler era in Miami. Seeking a contract extension, Butler was suspended by the Heat three times during the season, twice for conduct detrimental to the team and one for missing a team flight. The six-time All-Star, who led the Heat to the Finals twice, was traded to the Warriors in February for Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson and a protected 2025 first-round pick.
Games postponed due to California wildfires
The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers each postponed games in January following the devastation caused by the Southern California wildfires. The Lakers, whose head coach J.J. Redick lost his house in the fires, rescheduled home games against the Charlotte Hornets and San Antonio Spurs. The Clippers’ home game against the Hornets was also postponed.
Atlanta Hawks game postponed due to winter storm
A winter storm postponement might be expected in certain parts of the country, but Atlanta? The Hawks’ game against the Houston Rockets that was scheduled for Jan. 11 was postponed after snow and ice in the area led to dangerous conditions and power outages.
LeBron James vs. Stephen A. Smith
LeBron James confronted ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith courtside during the fourth quarter of the Lakers’ win over the New York Knicks in March. Smith had been critical of James’ son and teammate Bronny James earlier this season, saying in late January that he belonged in the developmental G-League and not the NBA. James, appearing on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” after the confrontation, criticized Smith for making personal attacks as opposed to discussing on-court play when talking about the NBA.
The rise of the Pistons
The most shocking team of the season? The Detroit Pistons. After finishing the 2023-2024 season with the league’s worst record at 14-68, the Pistons became the first NBA team to triple their win total from their previous 82-game season when they captured their 42nd victory.
Half-court game winner
In what was one of the most shocking finishes to an NBA game, the Chicago Bulls won on a…
Just watch…
One of the craziest finishes to an NBA game you’ll ever see. pic.twitter.com/AnEdq02ROh
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) March 28, 2025
Bulls vs. Cavaliers Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 8
It’s Tuesday, April 8, and the Chicago Bulls (36-42) and Cleveland Cavaliers (62-16) are all set to square off from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.
The Bulls are currently 20-19 on the road with a point differential of -2, while the Cavaliers have an 8-2 record in their last ten games at home. Cleveland is 3-0 against Chicago this season with wins of 6, 18, and 12 points.
Chicago is on a three-game winning streak and won seven of the past nine games. Cleveland is 6-2 over the previous eight games and looking to bounce back off a 120-113 loss to Sacramento.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.
Game details & how to watch Bulls vs. Cavaliers live today
- Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
- Time: 7:00PM EST
- Site: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
- City: Cleveland, OH
- Network/Streaming:
Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for Bulls vs. Cavaliers
The latest odds as of Tuesday:
- Odds: Bulls (+449), Cavaliers (-613)
- Spread: Cavaliers -11.5
- Over/Under: 238 points
That gives the Bulls an implied team point total of 117.95, and the Cavaliers 123.94.
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!
Expert picks & predictions for Tuesday’s Bulls vs. Cavaliers game
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet
Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Bulls to cover the big spread:
"Cleveland is 3-0 against Chicago this season, but the Cavs are not in good form recently. Coming off a loss, Cleveland would be the easy bet, but Chicago has been playing quality basketball over the last three to four weeks. I'd take the Bulls at +14 or better."
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Bulls & Cavaliers game:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the Cleveland Cavaliers on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Chicago Bulls at +11.5.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 238.
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Bulls vs. Cavaliers on Tuesday
- The Cavaliers have won 4 of their last 5 games at home against divisional opponents
- The Bulls' last 6 road games have gone over the Total
- The Bulls are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as a road underdog
- The Cavaliers have won 4 of their last 5 games at home against Eastern Conference teams
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Boston's Jarren Duran says he opened up about suicide attempt to ‘reach those who feel alone’
Apr 6, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) hits an RBI single against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Eric Canha/Eric Canha-Imagn Images
BOSTON — EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.
___
Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran said he went public about his 2022 suicide attempt to “reach those who feel alone.”
Duran said in an episode of the Netflix series “The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox” that he tried to kill himself after struggling early in his baseball career. In a statement released through the team after the episode aired, Duran said: “Talking about this wasn’t easy, but it felt important.”
“I knew that if I was going to share this, I had to be real about it,” he said. “A few years ago, I found myself in a dark place, but I’m still here, and I’m so lucky I am. And if my story can help even one person, then it was worth telling.”
A seventh-round draft choice who was an All-Star last season, Duran was one of baseball’s top hitting prospects when he was called up to the major leagues in 2021. But he struggled early, and spent much of his first two seasons shuttling the majors and minors.
Duran said in the documentary that the expectations of the fans and media wore on him, and at times he felt players were treated like “zoo animals.” But he was even harder on himself.
“I couldn’t deal with telling myself how much I sucked every day,” he said. “I was already hearing it from fans. And what they said to me, (it’s not like) I haven’t told myself 10 times worse in the mirror. That was a really tough time for me. I didn’t even want to be here anymore.”
Director Greg Whiteley then asked, “When you say, ‘here,’ you mean ‘here with the Red Sox’ or ‘here on planet Earth’?”
“Probably both,” Duran said. He then described his suicide attempt.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Duran’s decision to tell his story will save lives. Team President Sam Kennedy called it “an act of courage that reaches far beyond baseball.”
“By opening up, he’s showing others who may be struggling that they’re not alone and that asking for help isn’t just OK, it’s essential,” Kennedy said. “Every member of this organization continues to stand with him. He has our deepest admiration, he’s always had our full support, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have him as part of our team.”
Duran’s Parents, Octavio and Dena Duran, said in a statement that they only recently learned the depths of their son’s mental health struggle.
“It was heartbreaking to hear,” they said. “We are beyond grateful that he is still here, that he has found the courage to keep going, and that he is using his voice to help others. If his story can help even one person, then it was worth sharing. We are incredibly proud of the man he is today and love him more than words can say. We will always be in his corner.”
Jarren Duran said that he wanted to turn his attention back to the baseball season. He has six hits in his last four games, with two doubles after the details of his comments in the documentary were reported.
“Right now, my focus is on the field,” he said in his statement. “We have a postseason to chase, and that’s where my head is. I’ve shared what I needed to share, and I appreciate everyone’s understanding that my focus right now is on baseball and helping my team win a World Series.
“I am grateful for the tremendous support I’ve received. If you’re struggling, please know there’s help. You can call a friend, a trusted person, your doctor, or an organization like Samaritans. And, if you’re in immediate danger, call 988.”
Potential lottery pick Egor Demin announces he is leaving BYU, will enter the 2025 NBA Draft
Egor Demin — the 6'9" Russian guard whose path went from Real Madrid to BYU — is headed to the NBA.
Demin made the long-expected announcement official on social media Tuesday.
Thank you, BYU pic.twitter.com/Gg3WMY3N3m
— Egor Demin (@whoisegor3) April 8, 2025
Demin is a polarizing figure among scouts that NBC Sports has spoken with — some see him as an end-of-the-lottery pick, others think he could end up falling down draft boards.
At BYU, he averaged 10.6 points and 5.5 assists a game, shooting 27.3% from 3, and he led the Cougars to the Sweet 16 for the first time in more than a decade. His path to the NBA Draft was winding. Demin was born in Moscow but moved to Spain to play for Real Madrid at age 15. New BYU coach Kevin Young (formerly of the Phoenix Suns) wanted him, and so they threw seven digits of NIL money at the problem to get him out of his Real Madrid contract to play in Utah. It worked out well for the Cougars.
Demin is a big guard at 6'9" and is the best passer in this draft class. He has a strong feel for the game and great vision. The question becomes, can he score at the NBA level? How he looks in team workouts could go a long way to where he ends up getting drafted, he just needs one team to fall in love with his potential.
He is absolutely a first-round lock and with that is making the right move entering the 2025 NBA Draft. The only question is where he lands.
NRL takeover of Super League depends on keeping French sides
- Australian powerbrokers ready to purchase 33% stake
- London club also favoured to play in a 10-team format
Any potential deal for the NRL to take control of Super League depends on the continued presence of French clubs in the British game, with Australian powerbrokers likely to abandon plans to purchase a stake if Catalans Dragons and Toulouse are ejected by clubs leading a review into the sport in the UK.
British rugby league is on the verge of a hugely critical period. There is an increasingly hostile power struggle developing, after a number of clubs – spearheaded by Leigh Leopards and Batley Bulldogs – successfully removed Simon Johnson as the the Rugby Football League chair, and installed as his replacement the governing body’s former chief executive Nigel Wood.
Continue reading...Current Red Wings' You Didn't Know Played For The Canadiens
The original six.
When two teams that have been around since the inception of the NHL play each other, there is bound to be overlap.
There is plenty for the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens.
Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.
With the two teams playing their most important game of the season, it was a good time to see who has played for both teams. To limit the selection, we only look at current Red Wings players who have also played for the Canadiens.
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Red Wings April 2025 Schedule: Can They Make The Playoffs?
Lineup Update: Red Wings Head to Montreal Healthy with Talbot Holding Down CreaseTuesday night in Montreal, the Detroit Red Wings will play the biggest game of their season, taking on the Canadiens in a so-called 'four-point' game with the chance to turn the wild card chase on its head.
The list is organized from players you likely knew played for the Canadiens to the least likely. Without further procrastination, here are the four current Red Wings players who have played for the Canadiens.
Ben Chiarot
Ben Chiarot was brought in to the Red Wings organization to beef up the blueline. He plays a rugged game and can chip in offensively.
He played for the Canadiens for nearly three seasons, as he was traded around the deadline to the Florida Panthers. Chiarot’s most successful year with the organization was his first, the 2019-20 season. He recorded 21 points in 69 games, averaging 23:08 a game.
Jeff Petry
Jeff Petry was an Edmonton Oilers draft selection traded to the Canadiens in his fifth season with the team. He would spend seven years playing with them.
Petry had the most offensively productive years of his career with the Canadiens, recording four consecutive 10-goal, 40-point seasons. He also played a lot, averaging between 21 and 24 minutes a game.
Erik Gustafsson
Erik Gustafsson’s tenure with the Canadiens didn’t last long. In April of 2021, he was traded to the Canadiens from the Philadelphia Flyers. He played five regular season games and 16 in the playoffs, the year they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final.
William Lagesson
William Lagesson’s tenure with the Canadiens was even more short-lived. He was traded to the team from the Oilers in a deal that saw the Oilers receive Brett Kulak.
After the deadline, Lagesson played three games for the Canadiens. He recorded one assist and played 15 minutes a night.
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Reds at Giants prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for April 8
Its Tuesday, April 8 and it is Game 2 in the three-game series between the Reds (4-7) and the Giants (8-2) in San Francisco.
Nick Lodolo is slated to take the mound for Cincinnati against Landen Roupp for San Francisco.
The Reds took the series opener 2-0 last night. Hunter Greene was excellent going 8.2 shutout innings allowing just four hits and one walk while striking out seven. Blake Dunn drove in both runs for Cincinnati. Logan Web through seven shutout innings for the Giants.
Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.
Game details & how to watch Reds at Giants
- Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
- Time: 9:45PM EST
- Site: Oracle Park
- City: San Francisco, CA
- Network/Streaming: FDSNOH, NBCSBA
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
Odds for the Reds at the Giants
The latest odds as of Tuesday:
- Moneyline: Reds (+101), Giants (-120)
- Spread: Giants -1.5
- Total: 7.0 runs
Probable starting pitchers for Reds at Giants
- Pitching matchup for April 8, 2025: Nick Lodolo vs. Landen Roupp
- Reds: Nick Lodolo (1-1, 1.42 ERA)
Last outing: 4/3 at Milwaukee - 6.2IP, 0ER, 4H, 0BB, 4Ks - Giants: Landen Roupp (0-0, 6.75 ERA)
Last outing: 4/2 at Houston - 4IP, 3ER, 4H, 4BB, 8Ks
- Reds: Nick Lodolo (1-1, 1.42 ERA)
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Reds at Giants
- The Reds are 6-5 on the Run Line this season
- The Giants 7-game win streak was stopped last night
- The Giants are 7-3 on the Run Line this season
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Reds and the Giants
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Reds and the Giants:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the San Francisco Giants on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Cincinnati Reds at +1.5.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 7.0.
Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Florida’s run to the national title lifts the Gators to No. 1 in the final AP Top 25 men’s poll
Florida is No. 1 in the final Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll of the 2024-25 season after winning the national championship. The Gators (36-4) received all 61 first-place votes Tuesday, the second year the AP has released its last poll after the completion of the NCAA Tournament. Todd Golden's team beat Houston 65-63 on Monday night to clinch the program's third national title and first since Billy Donovan's repeat titles in 2006 and 2007.
Houston’s Kelvin Sampson was close to his 1st national title. It slipped away painfully vs. Florida
All Kelvin Sampson could do was stand there, hands on hips with a blank look on his face, as the ball bounced loose and Houston’s latest chance at a national title bounced away, too.
Celtics vs. Knicks Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 8
It’s Tuesday, April 8, and the Boston Celtics (58-20) and New York Knicks (50-28) are all set to square off from Madison Square Garden in New York.
The Celtics are currently 32-7 on the road with a point differential of 9, while the Knicks have an 8-2 record in their last ten games at home. Boston is 3-0 against New York this season with a 27-point win at MSG.
New York has won two straight and five of the past six games, while Boston is 11-1 over the last 12 games and on a two-game winning streak as well.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.
Game details & how to watch Celtics vs. Knicks live today
- Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
- Time: 7:30PM EST
- Site: Madison Square Garden
- City: New York, NY
- Network/Streaming: TNT / TruTV / Max
Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for Celtics vs. Knicks
The latest odds as of Tuesday:
- Odds: Celtics (-131), Knicks (+110)
- Spread: Celtics -2
- Over/Under: 221 points
That gives the Celtics an implied team point total of 111.07, and the Knicks 110.02.
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!
Expert picks & predictions for Tuesday’s Celtics vs. Knicks game
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet
Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Knicks to win:
"I was surprised to see the Knicks as slight favorites, but Boston is dealing with injuries and inconsistencies in the lineup, so I shouldn't be as shocked. Jalen Brunson returned and the Knicks likely have a newfound confidence. A win at MSG over the Knicks would be monumental for this team entering the postseason, so it's Knicks ML or pass for me, especially since Boston is 3-0 versus New York this season."
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Celtics & Knicks game:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Boston Celtics on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Boston Celtics at -2.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 221.
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Celtics vs. Knicks on Tuesday
- The Celtics are on a 3-game win streak at the Knicks
- The Knicks' last 3 home games have stayed under the Total
- The Celtics have covered in 4 of their last 5 games as a road favorite
- The Celtics have won 18 of their last 20 games on the road
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
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The Hockey News Big Show: Breaking Down Ovechkin's New NHL Goals Record, The Playoff Chase, Lane Hutson And More
The Hockey News Big Show is back for another week of discussing some of the biggest NHL and hockey topics.
Breaking Down Ovechkin's New NHL Goals Record, The Playoff Chase, Lane Hutson And More by The Big ShowundefinedHere’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and guest co-host Steve Warne discussed in this episode:
1:04: Now that Alex Ovechkin broke the NHL all-time goals record, what's next for him? How will he add to his greatness?
6:28: Will Ovechkin’s new record ever be broken?
9:50: Where does Ovechkin rank on the NHL's "greatest players ever" list?
11:36: The Ottawa Senators are now just two points behind the Florida Panthers for third place in the Atlantic Division. Could the Senators snag that spot?
14:20: On his 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman discussed what is being called the "Sunshine State Conspiracy" against Toronto. Do we think this "conspiracy" of the Panthers trying to get the first wild-card spot to face the Toronto Maple Leafs is real?
18:07: Both conferences’ second wild-card teams, the Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens, have at least a four-point lead over the teams chasing them to get in. Can any team in the chase actually catch up, or is the playoff picture getting clearer?
22:53: Which trade acquisition who didn't hit the ground running with their new team is due for a hot streak?
26:27: Tage Thompson is up to 43 goals this season, the third most in the NHL. Is he the best value contract in the NHL? Are his prime years being wasted in Buffalo? Would they ever consider trading him?
31:36: Anthony Stolarz is 5-0-0 in his last 5 starts with a .944 save percentage. Is the Leafs’ Game 1 starter debate over?
33:33: Which Canadian forward who got snubbed at the 4 Nations Face-Off should be on the Olympic team?
34:40: Lane Hutson is feeling like a lock for the Calder. Should he also be getting some serious consideration for the Norris?
37:30: When asked about his message to his team following their 5-1 loss to the Lightning, Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said, "I don't have a message right now. I don't go into the locker room after the game." Is it weird for the coach not to go in the dressing room after a game?
40:06: Ovechkin's first posts since breaking the NHL all-time goals record both expressed his love for longtime teammate Nicklas Backstrom. Are they the best bro-mance in hockey?
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Kris Jenkins, the Villanova hero in 2016 national title game, sues NCAA for money he could have made
Kris Jenkins, who made the winning shot for Villanova in the 2016 college basketball championship game, is suing the NCAA and six conferences to recoup income he contends he would have earned if athletes at the time were not barred from making money from their name, image and likeness. Jenkins is among some 350 current and former athletes who have opted out of a $2.8 billion antitrust settlement with the NCAA that's on the cusp of final approval. NCAA athletes weren't allowed to make NIL money until July 2021.
Houston on the wrong side of gritty and ugly finish against Florida in national title game
This ending was gritty and ugly, just the way Houston usually likes games. Except it was Florida forcing bad shots and turnovers against the Cougars to finish off the national championship game.