Heat vs. Celtics Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 2

It’s Wednesday, April 2, and the Miami Heat (34-41) and Boston Celtics (56-19) are all set to square off from TD Garden in Boston.

The Heat are currently 15-22 on the road with a point differential of 0, while the Celtics have an 8-2 record in their last ten games at home. Boston has won all three meetings versus Miami this season by double-digits.

The Celtics have won nine straight games entering this matchup, while the Heat are on a five-game winning streak.

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.

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Game details & how to watch Heat vs. Celtics live today

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 7:30PM EST
Site: TD Garden
City: Boston, MA
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 Heat vs. Celtics

The latest odds as of Wednesday:

Odds: Heat (+425), Celtics (-578)
Spread: Celtics -11
Over/Under: 214 points

That gives the Heat an implied team point total of 105.95, and the Celtics 111.69.

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 Wednesday’s Heat vs. Celtics game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Celtics to cover:

"Both teams are on winning streaks and while Miami earning five consecutive wins might be surprising, it isn't really when you look at who they beat. Miami has beaten Charlotte, Golden State, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Washington in that stretch. Boston is superior to those squads and I think the double-digit spread implies that. It's Boston or pass for me."

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 Heat & Celtics game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the Boston Celtics on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Miami Heat at +11.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 214.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions pagefrom 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 Heat vs. Celtics on Wednesday

The Celtics have won 13 of their last 20 home games
The Heat's last 3 versus the Celtics have stayed under the Total
The Heat have covered in their last 5 games
The Heat have covered as an underdog 3 times in a row

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)

April 2, 2025

Dodgers don't boast MLB's highest payroll. They can thank deferred contracts to Ohtani, Betts

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 20: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with Mookie Betts #50 and manager Dave Roberts after scoring on a two-run double by Tommy Edman #25 during the first inning in game six of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets at Dodger Field on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) — Shohei Ohtani, from left, Dave Roberts and Mookie Betts celebrate after Tommy Edman's two-run double in the first inning of Game 6 in the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Oct. 24 at Dodger Stadium. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

The Dodgers gladly — perhaps even gleefully — defer to the New York Mets.

In large part because of heavily deferred contracts to Shohei Ohtani and other top players, the Dodgers have a payroll slightly lower than that of their National League rival who signed outfielder Juan Soto to a record 15-year, $765-million contract this offseason.

The opening day payrolls of every Major League Baseball team and a trove of other information pertaining to cold, hard cash was calculated by the Associated Press and USA Today. Some surprises are evident, but the overriding theme as usual is up, UP, UP!

The AP calculates the Mets at $322.6 million and the Dodgers at $319.5 million, while USA Today drilled down to the last dollar, with the Mets at $323,099,999 and the Dodgers at $321,287,291. Both calculations put the payrolls of the NL powerhouses within 1% of one another.

The average MLB salary rose 3.6% from a year ago to $5,160,245 — the first time the $5-million barrier was broken. Soto crashed through the ceiling with his salary of $61.875 million, breaking the previous high of $43.3 million shared by former Mets pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.

Contributing mightily to the rise in average salaries are the Dodgers, who increased payroll an MLB-high $69 million, primarily by doling out contracts to free agents Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, Michael Conforto and Kirby Yates. Close behind were the Baltimore Orioles ($66-million increase), Arizona Diamondbacks ($55 million) and San Diego Padres ($47 million) — whose number spiked Wednesday when they announced second-year center fielder Jackson Merrill agreed to a nine-year, $135-million contract.

But the central takeaway from the shower of Monopoly money is the Dodgers’ extensive use of deferred salaries that substantially lower the present-day value of contracts. The New York Yankees can have their torpedo bats, because the Dodgers' extensive use of deferred money wins innovation of the year.

Ohtani is deferring $68 million of his $70-million annual salary every year of the 10-year, $700-million contract he signed before the 2024 season. The massive deferral lowers the team's luxury tax commitment and penalties in addition to simply decreasing payroll.

Other Dodgers whose contracts include deferrals reads like the heart of the batting order: Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernández, Will Smith and Tommy Edman. Oh, and Snell, the two-time Cy Young Award winner whose five-year, $182-million contract was the largest the team doled out during the offseason and includes $13 million deferred every year.

The Dodgers have been accused of gaming the system, although MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and players union boss Tony Clark said during spring training that the contract deferrals don't break any rules.

The collective bargaining agreement will expire after the 2026 season, however, and the creative use of deferrals certainly will be a point of discussion. Manfred said as much during a February news conference.

“It’s clear we have fans in some markets that are concerned about the ability of the team in their market to compete with the financial resources of the Dodgers,” he said. “I think that disparity, as it should be, is certainly at the top of my list of concerns about what’s going on in the sport.

"When I say I can’t be critical of the Dodgers, they are doing what the system wants. If I’m going to be critical of something, it’s not going to be the Dodgers. It’s going to be the system.”

The Dodgers and Mets aren't the only big spenders. Seven other teams had opening day payrolls exceeding $200 million, according to USA Today: the Yankees at $293,488,972; Philadelphia Phillies at $284,210,820; Toronto Blue Jays at $239,642,532; Texas Rangers at $220,541,332; Houston Astros at $220,217,813; Atlanta Braves at $214,836,398; and Padres at $208,909,333.

The Angels rank No. 13 at $190,508,096, which includes $38 million owed to injured third baseman Anthony Rendon.

The payrolls of five teams are under $100 million: the Pittsburgh Pirates at $87,645,246; Chicago White Sox at $82,279,825; Tampa Bay Rays at $79,216,312; Athletics at $73,118,981; and Miami Marlins at $67,412,619.

The top 50 out of 953 players on opening day rosters will make 29% of the salaries, a percentage that has held steady for three years, according to the AP. The top 100 earn 48%.

Fifteen players will make $30 million or more and another 51 will make $20 million to $30 million. A total of 526 players will make $1 million or more and 35 players will make the $760,000 minimum.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

April 2, 2025

Is Logan Stanley Deserving Of A Spot In The Jets Lineup?

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Logan Stanley (64) before the game between the Winnipeg Jets and the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

The Winnipeg Jets had cut the lead in half and were building off of the momentum before a costly turnover by Logan Stanley allowed the Los Angeles Kings to regain their two-goal advantage, proving to be enough to sink their hopes of a comeback.

While the turnover by Stanley isn't the sole reason they lost, the timeliness of his costly error is a reoccurring theme that many fans have grown tired of witnessing.

Second time Jets have lost a puck in the neutral zone and get burned by it.

Logan Stanley trying to channel his inner Cale Makar but doesn’t quite get it to go.

Kuzmenko makes it a 3-1 game. pic.twitter.com/Vw25ocN6io
— Dave Minuk (@ICdave) April 2, 2025

Listed at 6'7 and 231 lbs, Stanley has the frame to be a physical force but shies away from imposing himself far too frequently. In 56 games, Stanley has thrown just 78 hits, ranking sixth on the team. For reference, Luke Schenn has thrown 49 hits in nine games with the Jets.

If Stanley isn't a physical force, isn't providing offence from the blue line, is prone to costly turnovers and struggles to impact the game defensively, what argument is there for HC Scott Arniel to continuously write down Stanley's name in the lineup? Now 26 years old, there's little to no evidence that shows Stanley will break out and become what the Jets envisioned.

Making matters worse, Stanley has remained in the lineup over Ville Heinola, who's yet to be given a proper shot at consistent NHL hockey. He's skated in 52 games in his NHL career, spanning over five seasons. His career-high of 17 games has come this year, a season in which Heinola has played in one game since Jan. 17.

Heinola has been a point producer on every team he's played for prior to joining the Jets. In 154 AHL games with the Manitoba Moose, the 24-year-old has scored 23 goals and 103 points.

Heinola is built similarly to Josh Morrissey, both are a bit undersized with great mobility and puck skills. Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo have formed a great pairing due to their games complementing each other. DeMelo's best trait is his defensive game allows Morrissey to flourish offensively, something Heinola and Schenn could do if given the opportunity.

Heinola is signed for an additional season at a very low cap hit, but the Jets need to decide on his future before his value hits rock bottom. Wasting his development sitting in the press box while a defenseman older than him continues to make ill-advised errors could result in a waste of valuable assets.

Stay updated with the most interesting Jets stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

April 2, 2025

Victor Soderstrom Wins Borje Salming Trophy As SHL’s Top Defenseman

Victor Söderström playing for the Arizona Coyotes in 2023. © Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Victor Söderström has been named the top defenseman in the Swedish Hockey League for the 2024-25 season. As a result, he has been awarded the Börje Salming Trophy.

In 2019, he was picked 11th overall in the NHL Entry Draft by the Arizona Coyotes but, just five years later, he signed a two-year deal to play with his hometown team, Brynäs Gävle, which has just been promoted back to the SHL. He went on to have a spectacular season, recording 37 points in 49 regular-season games as Brynäs surprisingly finished first.

“I definitely don’t regret a thing,” Söderström is quoted on the club’s website. “It’s a slightly different path to take because I’m still young and my goal is still very much to make it in the NHL.”

That might happen next season as Söderström, now 24, was traded from Utah HC to the Chicago Blackhawks on the NHL trade deadline, and he indicated at the time that he had been seeking to get his NHL rights moved.

Victor Soderstrom Might Return To NHL After Rights Traded To Chicago: ‘We’ve Been Trying To Arrange It All Season’ Victor Söderström didn’t want to give up on the NHL so early, but it seems that he didn’t see a path to that dream running through Salt Lake City. Playing this season for Brynäs IF in the SHL, he learned on Friday – the NHL trade deadline – that his NHL rights had been traded from Utah HC to the Chicago Blackhawks along with the rights to Shea Weber – who hasn’t played since 2021 and is essentially retired – in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.

But first things first, as Brynäs has a semifinal series coming up against Skellefteå AIK starting on Friday. Skellefteå’s lineup includes Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Jonathan Pudas, the two previous winners of the award.

“I love coming to the rink every day,” Söderström continued. “The fact that the pairing with Charles-Édouard D’Astous has worked so well has of course also meant a lot.”

D’Astous, a 26-year-old Canadian who was the top defenseman in the Finnish Liiga last season, outscored Söderström by two points this year and has also apparently drawn interest from NHL teams.

According to the Brynäs website the jury for the award described Soderstrom as:

An elegant player on the ice who has been one of the biggest contributors to newcomer Bynäs' record-breaking season in the SHL. Extremely skilled, and also a top-notch point-scorer as a defenseman. Has formed the league's best defenseman pair during the season with Charles-Édouard D’Astous.

The award for best defenseman in Sweden’s top league was named after Börje Salming in 2008, the same year the legendary defenseman was named to the IIHF’s All-Century Team. Salming died in 2022 from complications related to ALS.

Börje’s older brother Stig Salming was present when Söderström received the Salming Trophy. Both Salming brothers were also Brynäs defensemen.

“Börje would have liked this,” Stig Salming was quoted.

Previous winners of the Salming Trophy

2024-25 Victor Söderström, Brynäs
2023-24 Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Skellefteå
2022-23 Jonathan Pudas, Skellefteå
2021-22 Maja Nylén-Persson, Brynäs
2020-21 Nils Lundkvist, Luleå
2019-20 No winner due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2018-19 Erik Gustafsson, Luleå
2017-18 Lawrence Pilut, HV71
2016-17 Henrik Tömmernes, Frölunda
2015-16 Niclas Burström, Skellefteå
2014-15 Tim Heed, Skellefteå
2013-14 Patrik Hersley, Leksand
2012-13 Magnus Nygren, Färjestad
2011-12 Mattias Ekholm, Brynäs
2010-11 David Rundblad, Skellefteå
2009-10 Magnus Johansson, Linköping
2008-09 Markus Ragnarsson, Djurgården
2007-08 Mikko Luoma, HV71

Jari Kurri – 2024 Börje Salming Courage Award Winner – Is A Controversial Figure In His Home ClubOn Saturday afternoon in Tampere, hours before the Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers played the second of two NHL regular-season games in the Finnish city, the NHL Alumni Association made Finnish hockey icon Jari Kurri the second recipient of the Börje Salming Courage Award.

April 2, 2025

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 2

It’s Wednesday, April 2, and the New York Knicks (48-27) and Cleveland Cavaliers (60-15) are all set to square off from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.

The Knicks are currently 22-15 on the road with a point differential of 4, while the Cavaliers have an 8-2 record in their last ten games at home. Cleveland has won both meetings versus New York by six and 37 points.

New York is on a three-game winning streak and is 5-1 over the last six games, including a 14-point win over the 76ers last night. Cleveland is 4-1 over the past five games and coming off a five-point win over the Clippers on Sunday.

Game details & how to watch Knicks vs. Cavaliers live today

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 7:00PM EST
Site: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
City: Cleveland, OH
Network/Streaming: ESPN

Game odds for Knicks vs. Cavaliers

The latest odds as of Wednesday:

Odds: Knicks (+404), Cavaliers (-549)
Spread: Cavaliers -10.5
Over/Under: 230 points

That gives the Knicks an implied team point total of 113.96, and the Cavaliers 119.44.

Expert picks & predictions for Wednesday’s Knicks vs. Cavaliers game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Cavs on the spread and Mobley Over his stocks prop:

"The Knicks playing last night as -14 point favorites then turning around and being 10-point underdogs is not ideal. The Knicks are not full strength and it'll be a tough task to hang with the Cavs. Evan Mobley is coming off a three-block game and had four combined blocks and steals in the previous meeting versus New York, plus three blocks in the first meeting. If you get +100 or better on his Over 2.5 blocks and steals prop, that's another lean of mine as he continues to build his Defensive Player of the Year campaign."

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

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 Knicks & Cavaliers game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Cleveland Cavaliers on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the New York Knicks at +10.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 230.

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 Knicks vs. Cavaliers on Wednesday

The Cavaliers have won 12 of their last 14 games when having a two-day rest advantage
The Over is 20-17 in the Knicks' road games this season
The Cavaliers have covered in 11 of their 17 matches against Eastern Conference Atlantic Division teams this season
The Cavaliers have won 12 of their last 15 home games but could be pushed by a New York Knicks outfit who head to the Rocket Arena following five wins in their last six.

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)

April 2, 2025

3 Takeaways: Golden Knights Clinch Seventh Playoff Berth In Eight Years, Despite 3-2 Loss To Edmonton

<i>Golden Knights center William Karlsson (71) shoots against the stick of Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) during the second period of an NHL game at T-Mobile Arena on April 1, 2025. <b>Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images</b></i>

LAS VEGAS -- The Golden Knights returned home from a successful road trip only to have their six-game win streak brought to an abrupt halt with a 3-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

Despite the loss, though, Vegas is in the playoffs for the seventh time in its eight seasons in the NHL, as it qualified when the Utah Hockey Club defeated the Calgary Flames 3-1 to clinch for the Knights before the Oilers game was decided.

"Three years in a row, that’s the objective here, I think," said Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy, whose led the Knights to the postseason in all three years he's been in Vegas. "This team is, to me, a playoff team that should be in the playoffs. We’re going to be happy we’re in, but that’s not our ultimate goal, nor should it be. Especially a night like tonight, we’d rather have done it with a win."

Pavel Dorofeyev had a goal and an assist, while center Nicolas Roy also scored for the Knights, who suffered their first loss since March 16. Goaltender Adin Hill made 17 saves.

Here are three takeaways from the game:

700 FOR STONE: Captain Mark Stone appeared in his 700th game Tuesday night, in what was also his 334th regular-season game as a member of the Golden Knights. Stone, who was acquired from the Ottawa Senators in February 2019, has played in 409 games overall and ranks second on the team with 246 assists in both the regular season and the playoffs since arriving. His 140 goals and 386 points rank No. 1 overall among current members of the team.

SECOND PERIOD BLUES: The Golden Knights have dominated their competition in the first and third periods, outscoring teams by a combined score of 175-118. Their 73 goals in the first period rank fifth in the NHL, while they've allowed only 57 in the opening stanza. The margin is even greater in the third, with a 102-61 edge. Their 102 goals rank first in the league. After being outscored by the Oilers in the second period, 3-0, the Knights have just a 74-72 edge in the middle set. They rank 14th with their 74 goals. If the playoffs started Wednesday, the Knights would face a tough challenge in the St. Louis Blues, who are outscoring teams 75-57 in the second period.

NOW WHAT: Though the Golden Knights have clinched a playoff berth, they're not out of the wild-card woods just yet. Vegas (98) is five points ahead of the Los Angeles Kings (93) and seven in front of the Edmonton Oilers (91). Sitting in first and second of the Western Conference Wild Card standings are the Blues and Minnesota Wild, both from the Central Division. The Knights aren't in jeopardy of slipping out of the Pacific Division's top three, but could fall into second- or third-place with a late-season collapse. By doing so, they would face either the Kings or Oilers in the first round, rather than the Blues or Wild. The Knights have eight games remaining, including five on the road. They'll need to shake off Tuesday's loss and get back to winning if they want to wrap up their fifth Pacific Division title.

April 2, 2025

Hawks vs. Mavericks Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for April 2

Atlanta Hawks vs. Dallas Mavericks Preview

The Atlanta Hawks (36-39) and Dallas Mavericks (37-39) are all set to square off from American Airlines Center in Dallas.

The Hawks are coming off an embarrassing home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers last night. They must turn around and play on the road against the Mavericks.

The Hawks are currently 17-20 on the road with a point differential of -2, while the Mavericks have a 4-6 record in their last ten games at home.

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.

Game details & how to watch Hawks vs. Mavericks live today

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 8:30PM EST
Site: American Airlines Center
City: Dallas, TX
Network/Streaming:

Game odds for Hawks vs. Mavericks

The latest odds as of Wednesday:

Odds: Hawks (+140), Mavericks (-165)
Spread: Mavericks -4
Over/Under: 237 points

That gives the Hawks an implied team point total of 117.67, and the Mavericks 119.75.

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 Wednesday's Hawks vs. Mavericks game

NBC Sports Bet 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 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 Hawks & Mavericks game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Dallas Mavericks on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Atlanta Hawks at +4.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 237.

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 Hawks vs. Mavericks on Wednesday

The Mavericks have lost 4 of their last 5 home games
7 of the Hawks' last 8 road games have gone over the Total
The Hawks have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with better records
The Mavericks have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Eastern Conference Southeast Division 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!

Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

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)

April 2, 2025

Pistons vs. Thunder Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and, best bets for April 2

Detroit Pistons vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview

The Detroit Pistons (42-33) and Oklahoma City Thunder (63-12) are all set to square off from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

The Pistons are having a great season. They are fifth in the Eastern Conference and just a few wins away from clinching a playoff berth. They have won six of their last 10 games and will be playing in the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-2019 season.

The Thunder have the best record in the NBA and continue to roll. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on his way to his first league MVP.

The Pistons are currently 21-17 on the road with a point differential of 2, while the Thunder have a 8-2 record in their last ten games at home.

Game details & how to watch Pistons vs. Thunder live today

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 9:30PM EST
Site: Paycom Center
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Network/Streaming:

Game odds for Pistons vs. Thunder

The latest odds as of Wednesday:

Odds: Pistons (+715), Thunder (-1136)
Spread: Thunder -14.5
Over/Under: 231 points

That gives the Pistons an implied team point total of 114.61, and the Thunder 122.16.

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 Wednesday's Pistons vs. Thunder game

NBC Sports Bet 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.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards Thunder -13…

Thomas: “The Thunder get to play the shorthanded Pistons at home. They have covered in five straight, and continue to be the best team in the NBA. Without Cade Cunningham, the Pistons have an uphill battle just to cover the spread.”

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 Pistons & Thunder 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 Detroit Pistons at +14.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 231.

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 Pistons vs. Thunder on Wednesday

The Thunder have won 5 straight home games
6 of the Pistons' last 8 matchups with the Thunder have stayed under the Total
The Pistons have covered in 23 of their 38 road games this season
The Thunder have won 17 of their last 20 games at home

April 2, 2025

Embiid to undergo arthroscopic surgery on knee, Sixers say

Embiid to undergo arthroscopic surgery on knee, Sixers say originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Joel Embiid has decided on his next step.

The Sixers released the following statement Wednesday on their star center, who was ruled out for the season on Feb. 28 because of persistent left knee problems:

“Following consultations with medical experts, it has been determined that Joel Embiid will undergo arthroscopic surgery next week to address his left knee. Further updates will be provided following the procedure.”

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Embiid “will be re-evaluated in six weeks and is expected to make a full recovery.”

Embiid had been considering treatment options. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse recently said that the team’s vice president of athlete care, Simon Rice, was also a key part of those conversations with doctors.

Embiid publicly indicated multiple times this season that non-surgical approaches were not working and his knee continued to bother him. He ultimately played in just 19 games for the injury-riddled Sixers, who have fallen far out of playoff contention.

“I wish I could play every game,” Embiid said on Feb. 4. “My goal is to be available and play every game. Whatever God decides, from that point on, I can’t control it. I can only control what I can do every single day, what I should focus on, what keeps me on the floor. And whatever happens, happens.

“I don’t really worry about how many games I’m going to play, how much I’m going to be available. The goal is to be available every single night and if God wants it to happen, good. If he doesn’t, back to the drawing board.”

The Sixers went 8-11 in his appearances and Embiid averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists. For the most part, he did not come close to reaching the MVP contender level he’d grown accustomed to over the prior four seasons.

“The way I was playing a year ago is not the way I’m playing right now and it sucks,” Embiid said on Feb. 20. “But I believe I probably need to fix the problem and I’ll be back at that level. But it’s hard to have the trust when you’re not yourself.

“I’m not as dominant as I was a couple months ago, but that doesn’t mean I still can’t have a lot of impact on the game. … But my dominant self, I’ll get there. It’s just tough because you know you can do so much more. There’s no excuses; it’s just the way it is. Just got to keep finding ways to figure it out and get better.”

Last February, Embiid underwent surgery on his left lateral meniscus. He returned for the end of the regular season and the playoffs, then played in the Paris Olympics and earned a gold medal with Team USA.

He missed the beginning of the 2024-25 regular season. The Sixers started horrendously and never truly recovered. They’ve used an NBA-record 52 different starting lineups and are 23-53 overall.

Along with Embiid, Paul George (adductor and left knee injuries), Jared McCain (left lateral meniscus surgery) and Eric Gordon (right wrist surgery) have been ruled out for the remainder of the year. Tyrese Maxey hasn’t played since March 3 because of a right finger sprain.

April 2, 2025

Joel Embiid to undergo arthroscopic surgery on knee, Sixers say

Joel Embiid to undergo arthroscopic surgery on knee, Sixers say originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Joel Embiid has decided on his next step.

The Sixers released the following statement Wednesday on their star center, who was ruled out for the season on Feb. 28 because of persistent left knee problems:

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Embiid “will be re-evaluated in six weeks and is expected to make a full recovery.”

He missed the beginning of the 2024-25 regular season. The Sixers started horrendously and never truly recovered. They’ve used an NBA-record 52 different starting lineups and are 23-53 overall.

April 2, 2025

Cubs at Athletics Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for April 2

Its Wednesday, April 2 and the Cubs (4-4) are in Sacramento for the series finale against the Athletics (2-4).

Jameson Taillon is slated to take the mound for Chicago against Jeffrey Springs for Oakland

Last night, Kyle Tucker homered for the fourth straight game and the Cubs rolled over the Athletics, 7-4. Justin Steele (6.2 IP, 4 earned runs) was less than great but was good enough to earn his second win of the young season.

Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

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Game details & how to watch Cubs at Athletics

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 3:35PM EST
Site: Sutter Health Park
City: Sacramento, CA
Network/Streaming: Marquee, NBC Sports California

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 Cubs at the Athletics

The latest odds as of Wednesday:

Moneyline: Chicago Cubs (-110), Oakland Athletics (-110)
Spread: Athletics 1.5
Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Cubs at Athletics

Pitching matchup for April 2, 2025: Jameson Taillon vs. Jeffrey Springs
- Cubs: Jameson Taillon (0-1, 12.46 ERA)
  Last outing: 3/28 at Arizona - 4.1 IP, 6ER, 9H, 0BB, 1K
- Athletics: Jeffrey Springs (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
  Last outing: 3/28 at Seattle - 6 IP, 0ER, 3H, 1BB, 9Ks

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 Cubs at Athletics

The Cubs Game Totals have cashed to the OVER in each of their last 3 games
The Athletics have lost three straight games
Kyle Tucker is hitting .353 with 4 HRs and 11 RBIs

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 Cubs and the Athletics

Rotoworld Best Bet

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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 Wednesday's game between the Cubs and the Athletics:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play ATS on the Oakland Athletics +1.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

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)

April 2, 2025

Former Knicks star Carmelo Anthony elected to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025: report

Carmelo Anthony is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Anthony has been notified that he’s been elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Anthony, who played parts of seven seasons with the Knicks, was a 10-time All-Star who ended up playing 19 seasons in the NBA with six different teams. He finished his career 10^th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 28,289 points.

Acquired by the Knicks during the 2010-11 season in a blockbuster trade with the Denver Nuggets, Anthony helped the Knicks get back to the playoffs that season for the first time since 2003-04.

The peak of Anthony’s time in New York was the 2012-13 season, when the Knicks won 54 regular season games and advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the first time since 1999-2000.

In 412 regular season games as a Knick, Anthony averaged 24.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

April 2, 2025

Blues Defenseman Continuing To Be Incredible Addition

The St. Louis Blues just won't slow down. The Central Division club defeated the Detroit Red Wings in overtime by a 2-1 final score on April 1, extending their winning streak to an incredible 10 games.

Blues defenseman Cam Fowler was the team's hero, as he scored the overtime winner. His goal was a great one, too, as he beat Red Wings goaltender Cam Talbot top shelf with a beautiful backhander. He also recorded the primary assist on Jordan Kyrou's late third-period goal that forced overtime in the first place.

This is just the latest clutch game Fowler has had since being acquired by the Blues in December from the Anaheim Ducks. The 33-year-old has been a perfect fit for the Blues, and the truth is in his stats.

In 45 games since joining the Blues, Fowler has nine goals, 21 assists, 30 points, and a plus-16 rating. He has not been slowing down in the slightest as the year progresses, either, posting 12 points in his last 13 contests. This includes two goals and five points in his previous four games.

Exciting Blues Forward Is Hitting New LevelEverything is going right for the St. Louis Blues at the perfect time. After winning each of their last nine games, the Blues now have a five-point lead over the Calgary Flames for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. As a result, their playoff odds are certainly increasing.

Fowler's strong all-around play has made him become a massive part of the Blues' defensive group. He is in their top four and used on both their power play and penalty kill. With this and all he is providing offensively, he is continuing to be an amazing addition for the Blues.

Recent Blues News

Blues' Jordan Binnington Rewarded For Stellar Month

Blues Star Is Absolutely Thriving Right Now

Blues Reveal Number For Top Prospect Jimmy Snuggerud

Blues' Dylan Holloway Nearing Impressive Milestone

Blues Sign 2 Promising Prospects To Entry-Level Deals

St. Louis Blues Top Prospect Has Great Opportunity

Blues Big Winger Getting Hot At Right Time

April 2, 2025

Jazz vs. Rockets Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 2

Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets Preview

The Utah Jazz (16-60) and Houston Rockets (49-27) are all set to square off from Toyota Center in Houston.

The Jazz will be without Lauri Markkanen for at least seven days. He’s been ruled out due to injury.
The Rockets are coming off a loss on Monday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Before that loss, the Rockets had won three straight.

The Jazz are currently 7-30 on the road with a point differential of -9, while the Rockets have a 8-2 record in their last ten games at home.

Game details & how to watch Jazz vs. Rockets live today

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 8:00PM EST
Site: Toyota Center
City: Houston, TX
Network/Streaming:

Game odds for Jazz vs. Rockets

The latest odds as of Wednesday:

Odds: Jazz (+1058), Rockets (-2083)
Spread: Rockets -17.5
Over/Under: 225 points

That gives the Jazz an implied team point total of 111.74, and the Rockets 120.85.

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 Wednesday's Jazz vs. Rockets game

NBC Sports Bet 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.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is betting on Johnny Juzang over 8.5 points…

Thomas: “With the Jazz shorthanded and a spread of 16.5, Juzang could see extended minutes in this contest.”

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 Jazz & Rockets 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 Utah Jazz at +17.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 225.

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 Jazz vs. Rockets on Wednesday

The Jazz have lost 6 games in a row
The Under is 5-0 in the Jazz's last 5 road games
The Rockets are 40-36 against the spread this season
The Jazz's last 5 road games have stayed under the Total

April 2, 2025

Rockies at Phillies Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for April 2

Its Wednesday, April 2 and the Rockies (1-3) are in the City of Brotherly Love to take on the Phillies (3-1) in Game 2 of their series.

Kyle Freeland is slated to take the mound for Colorado against Zack Wheeler for Philadelphia.

Game 1 of this series was actually Monday night. Philly won 6-1 as Cristopher Sanchez allowed one run in 5.1 innings while striking out seven. Kyle Schwarber smacked his third home run of the season to pace the Philadelphia attack. German Marquez pitched six scoreless innings for the Rockies, but the bullpen imploded and gave up six runs in the final two innings.

Lets dive into today's matchup and find a sweat or two.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Rockies at Phillies

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 6:45PM EST
Site: Citizens Bank Park
City: Philadelphia, PA
Network/Streaming: Rockies.TV, NBC Sports Philadelphia

Odds for the Rockies at the Phillies

The latest odds as of Wednesday:

Moneyline: Colorado Rockies (+262), Philadelphia Phillies (-328)
Spread: Phillies -1.5
Total: 7.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Rockies at Phillies

Pitching matchup for April 2, 2025: Kyle Freeland vs. Zack Wheeler
- Rockies: Kyle Freeland (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
  Last outing: 3/28 at Tampa - 6 IP, 0 ER, 2 hits, 0 BB, 7 Ks
- Phillies: Zack Wheeler (0-0, 1.50 ERA)
  Last outing: 3/27 at Washington - 6 IP, 1 ER, 2H, 2BB, 8Ks

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Rockies at Phillies

Colorado is 2-2 against the spread this season
Colorado Game Totals have cashed to the UNDER in 3 of 4 games this season
Philadelphia Game Totals are 2-2 (O/U) for the season
Philadelphia is 3-1 against the spread 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 Rockies and the Phillies

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.

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 Wednesday's game between the Rockies and the Phillies:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the Philadelphia Phillies on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Phillies -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)