Ranking the biggest surprises so far in first round of NBA playoffs

The NBA playoffs are not known for upsets. We're used to seeing the mega superstars competing in the latest rounds. Major upsets, storybook performances from underappreciated players seem so rare that one such experience in a postseason makes for some of the most unforgettable moments in recent memory.

Whether it was Tyrese Haliburton leading the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers to the NBA Finals and taking the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games in 2025 or Jimmy Butler taking the No. 8 seed Miami Heat to the Finals in 2023, these surprises turn ordinary postseasons into unforgettable ones. And this year, it seems like we've got a lot of them.

Although only one team – the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder – has advanced to the second round, there are a myriad of upsets on the horizon that I can say with near certainty very few people saw coming. Here are the five biggest surprises of the 2026 NBA postseason thus far:

Biggest surprises of the 2025-26 NBA postseason

5) Where did Marcus Smart come from?

Even without Kevin Durant for most of the series, no one expected the Lakers to get out to a 3-0 series lead. But that is made much easier when someone like Marcus Smart, who shot under 40% during the regular season, scores 46 points combined in Games 2 and 3.

Smart averaged less than 10 points per game during the regular season and only scored more than 20 points three times. Now, in the postseason, we've seen him do it twice in just four games. And considering the combined point differential in those games was just 11 points, with one of those games going into overtime, Smart's out-of-nowhere performances certainly caught the Rockets by surprise.

4) CJ McCollum taking over for Atlanta

Considering that CJ McCollum started just 25 games for the Atlanta Hawks this year, it's kind of shocking that he's been the one that helped elevate the team over the Knicks in Games 2 and 3 of their series.

While the series is still tied 2-2, McCollum has been a breath of fresh air and a pivotal reason the Hawks have any wins in this series at all. Not only is he shooting over 50% from the field, but he's only had one game with fewer than 20 points.

Considering how hot the Hawks ended the season, there were many fans who believed they'd put up a good fight or even upset the Knicks in Round 1. However, most of those fans believed the performances needed would come from All-Star Jalen Johnson, 2026 Most Improved Player Nickeil Alexander-Walker or midseason trade acquisition Jonathan Kuminga. Seeing 34-year-old McCollum continue to give the Knicks' postseason woes was not on very many bingo cards, but it's certainly been great to watch.

3) LeBron James turning back the clock

Marcus Smart isn't the only Laker turning heads, LeBron James at 41 years old is another veteran who's turning back the clock against Houston. Despite the absence of both Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, James has taken command of this Lakers' team and dominated the Houston Rockets through four games.

The 22-time All-Star was two rebounds away from a triple-double in Game 1 and just four assists from another in Game 3. Unsurprisingly, his worst performance of the series thus far wound up being the only Lakers' loss.

2) Ayo Dosunmu and the Minnesota Timberwolves

Though the Minnesota Timberwolves were a popular sleeper pick to emerge from the West, their opening round matchup against the Denver Nuggets was still immensely tough, and many fans wouldn't have been surprised to see them lose the series.

Now, if we were to tell those same fans that Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo would go down with injuries in Game 4, they'd all probably assume the series would be over in six games maximum. However, even in a worst case scenario for Minnesota, this series will go seven games.

That same Game 4 that saw Edwards and DiVincenzo go down gave Dosunmu the avenue to take over. He did exactly that, notching 43 points, the most in a single game this postseason. Though Dosunmu was considered a great midseason acquisition for Minnesota at the time, no one could've expected him to be the catalyst for the Timberwolves' 3-1 series lead over the Nuggets.

Though that lead didn't last long and Denver wound up winning Game 5 handedly, the Timberwolves have put themselves in terrific position to take down Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets despite the absence of two critical players. They have Dosunmu to thank for that.

1) The Detroit Pistons' disappearance

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner reacts to a shot by forward Paolo Banchero against the Detroit Pistons in the fourth quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center.

This was obvious from the get-go, but it really could be considered either the Pistons' disappearance or the Magic's sudden surge.

The former is more likely the case though. While many fans believed the Pistons were more built for the regular season than postseason, nobody expected them to fall apart so quickly. Between increased turnovers and inconsistent offensive production, the Pistons have made it difficult for themselves to win.

In Game 4 alone, the Pistons committed 20 turnovers which led to 23 points for the Magic. If the Pistons could cut that number down to their game average figure from the regular season (15.1), the Magic would've scored approximately 17 points off turnovers, a six-point difference. Lo and behold, the Magic won Game 4 by six points.

With stars like Jalen Duren and Asuar Thompson all underperforming as well, it's been easy for Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane to take over. Since 2013, only one No. 1 seed has lost in the first round of the NBA Playoffs: the 2023 Milwaukee Bucks. They lost in five games to the Miami Heat. History might be repeating itself in 2026.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA playoffs rankings: 5 biggest surprises of first round thus far

Hawks vs Knicks Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for Game 5

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Our NBA player prop projections are set for a pivotal Game 5 between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks, with the model highlighting several high-value spots.

By comparing the data to current market lines, we’ve pinpointed where the strongest edges are.

These Hawks vs. Knicks predictions are driven by the numbers—not guesswork.

If you’re building your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Tuesday, April 28.

Hawks vs Knicks computer picks for Game 5

Hawks HawksKnicks Knicks
Johnson u20.5 points 
-120
Brunson o26.5 points 
-120
McCollum o3.5 assists
-125
Towns o11.5 rebounds
-105
McCollum o2.5 3-pointers 
-102
Hart o4.5 assists
-135

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Hawks Game 5 computer picks

Jalen Johnson Under 20.5 points (-120)

Projection: 20.4 points

Facing the New York Knicks’ league-slowest pace over the last 25 games, the Atlanta Hawks should see fewer possessions, which works against Jalen Johnson’s scoring outlook and puts his chances of clearing the Over in jeopardy.

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CJ McCollum Over 3.5 assists (-125)

Projection: 3.96 assists

The Hawks’ sixth-fastest road pace this season should create extra opportunities, setting up a favorable spot for CJ McCollum to facilitate after clearing 3.5 assists in six of his last 10 games.

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CJ McCollum Over 2.5 3-pointers (-102)

Projection: 2.9 3-pointers

This is a favorable spot for perimeter volume against New York. At home, the Knicks allow the most 3-point attempts per game to opposing starting shooting guards (7.6). And few have punished them more than CJ McCollum, who should carry that same aggressive, Knicks-killer mindset into Game 5.

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Knicks Game 5 computer picks

Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points (-120)

Projection: 26.9 points

Jalen Brunson has cleared 26.5 points in five of his last 10 games, and the setup in Game 5 puts him in a strong position to do it again.

With the series tightening, Brunson’s usage typically climbs in high-leverage spots, and he’s the clear engine of New York’s half-court offense.

He thrives in playoff settings where the pace slows and possessions become more deliberate, allowing him to hunt mismatches and operate in isolation or pick-and-roll.

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Karl-Anthony Towns Over 11.5 rebounds (-130)

Projection: 13.4 rebounds

The Knicks rank third in the NBA in offensive rebounding at home (13.3 per game), putting Karl-Anthony Towns in a prime spot to control the glass and give New York an edge on the boards.

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Josh Hart Over 4.5 assists (-135) 

Projection: 5.04 assists

The Knicks’ recent surge has been fueled by their heart & energy, with much of it stemming from Josh Hart’s playmaking and especially after clearing 4.5 assists in four of his last 10 games.

Back on their home floor, he’s in a strong spot to make another impact.

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How to watch Hawks vs Knicks Game 5

LocationMadison Square Garden, New York, NY
DateTuesday, April 28, 2026
Tip-off8:00 p.m. ET
TVNBC

Not intended for use in MA.
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Where to watch New York Yankees vs. Texas Rangers: Live stream, TV channel, odds for Tuesday, April 28

The New York Yankees (19-10) face the Texas Rangers(14-15) in the second game of their series. The Yankees won Monday’s opener 4-2. The scheduled starting pitchers are Cam Schlittler for the New York Yankees, with a 1.77 ERA, and Jacob deGrom for the Texas Rangers, with a 2.13 ERA.

  • Date: Tuesday, April 28

  • Time: 8:05 p.m. ET / 5:05 p.m. PT

  • Where: Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX

  • TV Channels: Rangers Sports Network, Amazon Prime Video

  • Live Stream:ESPN+, MLB.TV | Follow on Yahoo Sports

  • New York Yankees: 19-10 (No. 1 in AL East)

  • Texas Rangers: 14-15 (No. 2 in AL West)

  • Spread: Texas Rangers +1.5

  • Moneyline: Texas Rangers +105 (46.8%) / New York Yankees -125 (53.2%)

  • Over/Under: 7.5

New York Yankees: Cam Schlittler (3-1, ERA: 1.77, K: 41, WHIP: 0.73)
Texas Rangers: Jacob deGrom (2-0, ERA: 2.13, K: 35, WHIP: 1.07)

Weather: 61°F at first pitch

Ballpark: Capacity: 40,000 | Roof: Retractable | Surface: Artificial Turf

Connor McDavid injury update: Is Oilers star playing tonight vs. Ducks?

The Edmonton Oilers are in dire straits.

The Anaheim Ducks have pushed the reigning two-time Western Conference champions to the brink of elimination in the first round ... and the Oilers may have to fight for their playoff lives without their best player.

Connor McDavid is a "game-time decision" for Game 5 against the Ducks, head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters after the Oilers' captain did not take part in the team's morning skate.

It's not entirely clear what McDavid is dealing with, but the six-time scoring champ did leave Game 2 of this series with what appeared to be a lower-body injury.

He's played in all four games, though the April 26 overtime contest saw him log his least amount of ice time so far (19:32). He still recorded two points in that game, and had two on April 24 — both Oilers losses that dropped them in a 3-1 hole.

"We do have some guys who are banged up, and they continue to play and do the best they can do," Knoblauch said, per ESPN. "Ultimately, everyone has to step it up a little bit. Playoffs are a tough time to play. It's tight checking, there's not much room... right now, we need those guys who are healthy to pick up the slack for the guys who can't play like they want to."

This story will be updated when McDavid's status is clear.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Connor McDavid injury news, and updates for Oilers vs Ducks Game 5

Pelicans hope to interview former Warriors guard for head coach vacancy

Assistant coach Jarrett Jack of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on January 04, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 04: Assistant coach Jarrett Jack of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on January 04, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New Orleans Pelicans have requested permission to interview Detroit Pistons assistant coach Jarrett Jack for their vacant head coach position, according to report by Jake Fischer and Mark Stein of The Stein Line. Jack has been an assistant coach with the Pistons since August 2023, but is most well known for his 13-year playing career, which included a stint with the Golden State Warriors in the 2012-13 season.

“Also: Sources say that the Pelicans have requested permission to interview Pistons assistant coach Jarrett Jack, who spent three seasons in New Orleans as a player and is in the midst of Detroit’s difficult first-round series with Orlando,” write Fischer and Stein.

While Jack last played in the NBA in 2018, he stuck around in the G-League for multiple years, finishing off as a veteran mentor on the experimental G-League Ignite. After his stint with the Ignite, he became an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns in 2021, where he worked until he joined the Pistons staff.

Despite his journeyman career, playing for eight teams, Jack made a strong impression with Dub Nation during his lone season with the Warriors. That season, Jack averaged 12.9 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 29.7 minutes per game (79 games) on 45.2%/40.4%/84.3% shooting and finished third in the league’s Sixth Man of the Year voting, the best finish of his career. The Warriors finished the season 47-35, reaching the playoffs for the first time since the “We Believe” team.

Jack was even more productive in the playoffs, finishing second on the team in scoring behind Steph Curry. He recorded 17.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in 35.5 minutes per game while shooting 50.6% from the field. Jack was pivotal in helping the Warriors upset the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs and pushing the San Antonio Spurs to a six-game series.

José Caballero did exactly what was asked of him in Anthony Volpe’s absence

Apr 25, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero (72) hits a single during the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

We don’t know exactly when, but Anthony Volpe is nearing a return to the Yankees. Once the team ends his rehab assignment and brings him back to the big leagues, the expectation is that Volpe will resume his duties as the starting shortstop or, at the very least, play the majority of games there going forward. That means José Caballero, who has filled in for the former first-round pick as he recovered from his offseason shoulder surgery, will be pushed off shortstop.

The Yankees trusted Caballero to handle shortstop duties in Volpe’s absence, and the talented, speedy infielder managed to overcome a slow start to become everything the organization wanted him to be while the starter was gone.

Before taking the field on Monday, Caballero was slashing a solid .271/.314/.417 with a 104 wRC+, three home runs, 11 stolen bases, and 0.7 fWAR, third on the Yankees among position players. That fWAR output is higher than that of established stars such as Jazz Chisholm Jr., Trent Grisham, and Giancarlo Stanton.

It’s important to point out, however, that things weren’t always going this smoothly for Caballero in the still-young 2026 campaign. From the start of the season until April 14, he was actually hitting a disappointing .179/.220/.286 with a 39 wRC+ and a 28.8 percent strikeout rate in 59 plate appearances. Some criticized the Yankees for not having a better plan to replace Volpe.

Patience proved to be a virtue. The Yanks didn’t have much of a choice, but they stuck with Caballero and were rewarded. In 43 trips to the plate from April 15 until Sunday, the utilityman slashed .400/.442/.600 with two doubles, two home runs, five stolen bases, and a 192 wRC+. His strikeout rate over that span is at a solid 16.3 percent.

Defensively, Caballero has also been an asset. In 238.2 innings at shortstop before Monday’s game, he racked up five Defensive Runs Saved, or DRS. He is also tied for the American League lead in steals with Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez, through Sunday’s games. In other words, Caballero has been a net positive in all three facets of the game for position players: hitting, fielding, and baserunning.

Now that his playing time at shortstop will be cut due to Volpe’s presence later this week, the Yankees will have to find creative ways to keep one of their hottest players in the lineup. In the last two years alone, Caballero has played second base, third base, shortstop, and the three outfield positions. He could potentially find playing time at all those spots, but things could get crowded for him once Volpe returns.

The main takeaway for Caballero and the Yankees is that he rose to the occasion when the team needed him. He had a month to impress and managed to achieve his goal, even if the road wasn’t always smooth. Perhaps he isn’t the most willing walker, and he sure can be streaky, but Caballero has been a very solid addition to the Yankees ever since he came before last year’s deadline. The team asked for league-average offense, strong defense, and bold baserunning from the shortstop position during Volpe’s absence, and it ended up getting all three. Acquired at last year’s deadline and under team control through 2029, Caballero looks like he should be a more than fine super utilityman for years to come.

If everybody’s healthy, Caballero is probably not an everyday player. Still, manager Aaron Boone knows he has a capable Swiss Army knife ready to cover almost any position on the field capably. It may not always be pretty, but Caballero usually finds ways to contribute, and he managed to produce in all facets of the game these last few weeks.

Mets' Luis Robert Jr. day-to-day with lower back tightness, Jorge Polanco making progress

Early-season injuries are beginning to pile up for the Mets

On the same day that the club placed starting pitcher Kodai Senga on the IL with lumbar spine inflammation, manager Carlos Mendoza explained that outfielderLuis Robert Jr.is day-to-day with lower back tightness that popped up during Sunday's doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies.

"That’s why he only played one game [on Sunday]," Mendoza said. "It didn’t get better, so he’s getting treatment. As of right now, he’s day-to-day, but he’s dealing with the low back tightness there."

The good news is that, as of now, it doesn't seem like Robert will need to undergo any further testing for his back. But that could change if the outlook doesn't improve soon.

"They [our training staff] think the next couple of days they can kind of just treat it, but we’ll see," Mendoza said. "If in the next 48 hours he doesn’t get better, obviously we’ll have to move forward, but as of right now they’re not considering [further testing]."

Robert, who has dealt with a handful of other injury issues throughout his career, is hitting .224 this season with two home runs and eight RBI in 24 games.

On a better note, Mendoza said that 1B/DH Jorge Polanco continues to improve as he recovers from Achilles and wrist issues.

"He actually was running out there today, up to like 80 percent. So he's improving, feeling a lot better," Mendoza said. "Today they went through a series of exercises where they were kind of testing him pretty good and he responded well."

That being said, there's still no exact timeline on when Polanco, who landed on the 10-day IL on April 18, will be back on the field.

"No, but he's now continuing to do more baseball activity," Mendoza said. "He played catch, he's going to hit in the cages now. But like the running part today was pretty encouraging."

To add on, Mendoza also said that Juan Soto had an MRI for forearm tightness that he first felt on Friday, but everything was structurally clean, so he should be able to play in the outfield in the next few days. Soto is in the lineup on Monday as DH.

76ers vs Celtics Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for Game 5

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The Boston Celtics can send the Philadelphia 76ers into the offseason with a win in Game 5 tonight, and there are plenty of NBA player prop projections and NBA picks to take advantage of before the series likely comes to an end.

For more, be sure to check out our full 76ers vs. Celtics predictions

76ers vs Celtics computer picks for Game 5

76ers 76ersCeltics Celtics
Edgecombe o11.5 points 
-115
Brown o6.5 rebounds 
+102
Oubre Jr. o9.5 points 
-105
Queta o7.5 points 
-110
Embiid u26.5 points 
-115
Queta o6.5 rebounds 
-115

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76ers Game 5 computer picks

VJ Edgecombe Over 11.5 points (-115)

Projection: 14.76 points

It's fair to expect VJ Edgecombe's volume to go down with Joel Embiid back in the lineup, but this is still a low bar to clear for a guy who's averaged 14.8 ppg in this series, including 30 in Game 2.

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Kelly Oubre Jr. Over 9.5 points (-105)

Projection: 11.45 points

Kelly Oubre Jr. reached double figures in the first three games of this series and scored 17 in Game 3 before shooting 0-for-6 in Game 4. His shooting touch will return tonight.

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Joel Embiid Under 26.5 points (-115)

Projection: 23.27 points

Though Joel Embiid scored 26 in his return, this is still a big number to clear in just his second game back. He also averaged just 25.9 ppg on the road this season.

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Celtics Game 5 computer picks

Jaylen Brown Over 6.5 rebounds (+102)

Projection: 7.94 rebounds

Jaylen Brown has gone Over this number in three straight games and averaged 6.9 rpg on the year. The plus-money price is simply the cherry on top.

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Neemias Queta Over 7.5 points (-110)

Projection: 9.68 points

Neemias Queta has cleared this small total in three of the four games despite battling foul trouble and fewer minutes. Our model calls for 9.68 points, which gives you lots of wiggle room.

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Neemias Queta Over 6.5 rebounds (-115)

Projection: 8.5 rebounds

And despite fewer minutes, he's still snatched 15 rebounds over his last two games, clearing this number in both. Projections (8.5) call for two full rebounds more than this 6.5-rebound total.

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How to watch 76ers vs Celtics Game 5

LocationTD Garden, Boston, MA
DateTuesday, April 28, 2026
Tip-off7:00 p.m. ET
TVESPN

Not intended for use in MA.
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Lakers' Austin Reaves will again be a game-time decision Wednesday

Los Angeles, CA - March 30: Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) at the free throw.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves will again be a game-time decision for Game 5 vs. the Rockets on Wednesday night. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Less than four weeks after suffering a Grade 2 left oblique muscle strain, Austin Reaves is closing in on a return with the Lakers in position to clinch a spot in the Western Conference semifinals.

Reaves will officially be a game-time decision before Wednesday’s potentially series-clinching Game 5 against the Houston Rockets at 7 p.m. at Crypto.com Arena. He was questionable for Games 3 and 4, warming up on the court before each game, but is "trending in the right direction," he said Tuesday.

The Lakers have a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series despite playing without Reaves and leading scorer Luka Doncic, who is out because of a Grad 2 left hamstring strain.

“JJ [Redick] specifically was like you have to be comfortable with your body and what you can do to go out there and help us be successful,” Reaves said of his coach in his first comments to reporters since suffering the injury on April 2. “And I want to get back out there as fast as I can.”

Reaves said he typically has a very high pain tolerance. So he knew that even though he finished the game against Oklahoma City on April 2, the injury that left him grabbing at his left side repeatedly could turn out to be significant. 

But getting the news that he would be out for the rest of the regular season was especially painful. Doncic had just been diagnosed with his injury the day before. The Lakers, then in third place in the Western Conference, came crashing down from a 15-2 record in March. They suddenly looked like sitting ducks in the playoff hunt.

Read more:LeBron James needs sidekicks back to help Lakers hold off Rockets

At least only to those outside the locker room. 

“Our confidence doesn't waver as a team,” Reaves said. “Basically the message from that day forward was … that they were going to do everything as a team to give us an opportunity to come back and play. And they've done exactly what they said.”

The Lakers finished the regular season with three consecutive wins to hold onto home-court advantage as the fourth seed. They raced out to a 3-0 series lead against the Rockets, who staved off elimination with a blowout win in Game 4 despite playing without Kevin Durant. The star forward, who missed Games 3 and 4 because of a sprained left ankle, remains questionable for Game 5. 

LeBron James reclaimed the primary playmaker role for the Lakers with Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard sharing ballhandling duties. But intense defense from the Rockets has exposed just how much the Lakers miss Reaves and Doncic. The Lakers have averaged 20 turnovers per game during the playoffs.

Reaves has been “miserable” watching it all, he said. But at least the show from his teammates has been a silver lining. 

“It's been a lot of fun, just seeing the determination, the togetherness, and just the joy of them playing basketball together,” Reaves said. “Competing every single possession, it's been a lot of fun. Me and Luka talk about it every time we're watching, just how hard we're playing."

Lakers guard Luka Doncic winks while pointing across the court after scoring.
Lakers guard Luka Doncic has not played since getting injured April 2, but he's still a big part of the team as he watches from the sideline. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Doncic is progressing in his return, but still has not started playing one-on-one yet, Lakers coach JJ Redick said. Last weekend, he improved enough to incorporate movement into his on-court work instead of just standstill shooting.

Reaves said he has done “everything” in an attempt to maintain his rhythm and conditioning to get back on the court as soon as possible. Clearing the final hurdle will depend on how his body feels. After his availability is determined, Redick said the team will discuss any potential minutes restrictions. 

"Everything from the get-go has been a group effort," Reaves said, "and the main thing is to get me back out there as fast as I can without putting myself at risk to re-injure myself. … We're all working for one goal.” 

Doncic’s latest injury is an aggravation of the same left hamstring that kept him out for four games during the regular season. Soon after the game in Oklahoma City, Doncic went to Europe to seek specialized treatment. He missed the last five games of the regular season then rejoined the team for the beginning of the playoffs. 

Now Doncic and Reaves sit next to each other on the Lakers' bench. They dole out high-fives and shout encouragement to teammates. During timeouts, they whisper to teammates or shoot baskets. Sometimes they play rock, paper, scissors. Doncic playfully slapped Maxi Kleber on the back of the head when Kleber was shooting during a Game 4 timeout. 

“When you have some of your top guys out and … they’re still around, they’re on the bench, in the timeouts, at practices just being around, it kind of lifts us up a little bit,” Kennard said. “We know that they’re here for us."

Kennard, Smart fined

Kennard and Smart were fined by the NBA for inappropriate conduct toward game officials, the league announced Monday, after the Lakers guards were involved in a postgame dust-up near midcourt on Sunday. Smart was fined $35,000 for “questioning the integrity of game officials” and Kennard was fined $25,000 for “directing inappropriate language toward game officials.” 

After the game that featured five technical fouls and thee ejections, players from both teams jawed back and forth near midcourt. Referees intervened with James and the Rockets’ Jeff Green and at the center trying to separate their respective teammates. 

“I always have my teammates' back,” Kennard said Tuesday of the incident. “Not much other to say than that. I got to be a little bit more composed and under control and can't let the emotions get the best of me.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Austin Reaves has felt ‘miserable’ watching Lakers play without him, doing everything to return

Los Angeles, CA - March 27: Lakers guard Austin Reaves, #15, celebrates his three-point basket over the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Friday, March 27, 2026. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

If Lakers fans have felt anxious and hopeful about Austin Reaves returning, they can rest assured that he is right there with them.

Reaves has been out with a Grade 2 oblique strain since Apr. 2, and it was considered unlikely that he would play in the opening round of the playoffs.

However, the Rockets won Game 4, guaranteeing a Game 5, and Reaves is knocking on the door of coming back to play.

He is considered a game-time decision for the pivotal home game on Wednesday, but the expectation is that he will play.

This time away during the most important games of the year has been agonizing for Reaves, whose competitive spirit wants nothing more than to be on the floor impacting winning for the purple and gold.

“I’ve been pretty miserable,” Reaves said after Lakers practice on Tuesday. “Just not having somewhat of a control on a game, just sitting over there with no hope that I can affect the game. Like obviously, I can talk and try to lead, from being over there but not really being on the court. It sucks. I think we’ve seen in the past when I get injured, I’ll do everything I can to get back as soon as I can, with still being safe at the same time.”

While the Lakers have done a tremendous job of winning without Reaves, his on-court play is sorely missed.

The Lakers have struggled to score past 100 points in each game and have had to grind out victories against a Rockets team that is equally shorthanded, with Kevin Durant missing three of the four contests.

Reaves’ return gives them back their starting guard and will provide an injection of offense and an elite ball handler to the rotation.

Whether he’ll play or not in Game 5 will depend on how he feels on Wednesday morning. The key is for Reaves to feel good and not be at further risk of injuring himself by playing in this matchup.

“Everybody’s on the same page here,” Reaves said. “Everything from the get-go has been a group effort. The main thing is to get me back out there as fast as I can with not putting myself at risk to reinjure myself. So everybody’s been extremely positive through this whole process. We’re all working for one goal, and we’re doing everything we can.”

It’s been incredible and a credit to Reaves and the Lakers’ medical staff that he’s been able to get this close to returning so quickly. The optimistic expectation was four weeks, and if he plays on Wednesday, he’ll return before reaching that date.

He’s clearly done a ton of work during his recovery to reach this point. And while he’s been bummed having to watch these games, unable to impact winning, if things go well, that has come to an end, and Reaves will make his 2026 postseason debut in Game 5 with a chance to eliminate the Rockets and advance to the second round for the first time since 2023.

That would be a great reward for Reaves after all his efforts to return to play. Hopefully, that’s the timeline we are under, and he’ll suit up on Wednesday.

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

Where to watch Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks Game 5 NBA playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Tuesday, April 28

The Atlanta Hawks take on the New York Knicks with their first-round playoff series tied 2-2 heading into Game 5. The Knicks evened the series with a 114-98 victory on Saturday. New York is back at home and favored by 6.5 points in Game 5.

  • Spread: New York Knicks -6.5

  • Moneyline: New York Knicks -275 (70.4%) / Atlanta Hawks +225 (29.6%)

  • Over/Under: 213.5

Game 1:Knicks 113, Hawks 102
Game 2:Hawks 107, Knicks 106
Game 3:Hawks 109, Knicks 108
Game 4:Knicks 114, Hawks 98
Game 5: Tue., April 28,at New York (8 p.m., NBC/Peacock)
Game 6: Thu., April 30, at Atlanta (TBD)
*Game 7: Sat., May 2, at New York (TBD)

*if necessary

Meet Travis Bazzana, the Newest Guardian

Feb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Travis Bazzana will make his debut at second base for the Cleveland Guardians tonight in Cleveland.

Bazzana is, as you may have heard from Australia. He was also, you may have heard, the first overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft. He played college ball at Oregon State, and has put up a 138 wRC, 24/17 K/BB%, 25/29 in stolen base attempts, with a .252/.391/.435 slashline.

His batted ball data and plate discipline metrics are very good, as outlined by Eli Ben-Porat on Twitter:

Thomas Nestico also has an excellent breakdown of Bazzana’s underlying metrics in the minors here:

Coming into this season, Bazzana was ranked 16th in MLB by MLB Pipeline, 22nd by Baseball America, 24th by Baseball Prospectus, 50th by the Athletic, 23rd by ESPN and 54th by FanGraphs. I hope Pipeline was the winner here, because then we will be, also.

I would say that having watched a lot of Bazzana, fans need to be patient as he adjusts to the big leagues. Be prepared for him to be too passive at the plate, initially, as he gets his feet under him. Be prepared for teams to attack him outside ALL the time until he proves he can lay off balls thrown out there and serve enough of the strikes into the opposite field with authority to earn himself some inside pitches to pull. Expect his defense to still be a little shaky, but hopefully a notable step up from what Juan Brito provided. Expect him to display a Jose Ramirez-type motor and enthusiasm for playing the game, as well as a good dose of competitive fire.

Welcome to the big leagues, Travis Bazzana! Everyone, prepare your Bluey catchphrases for home run calls when he hits one (“And that’s a nice parking spot, Rita!” “He gave that one a Whack-a-doo!” “That one will keepy uppy and outta here!”).

Penguins vs Flyers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Wednesday's NHL Playoffs Game 6

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The Battle of Pennsylvania is a battle again, with the Pittsburgh Penguins heading to Xfinity Mobile Arena to face the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 6 of their opening-round series Wednesday, April 29.

My top Penguins vs. Flyers predictions and NHL picks are calling for another low-scoring bout between the division rivals. 

Penguins vs Flyers best bet: First period Under 1.5 goals (+100)

Goals have been at a particular premium during the first period of this low-scoring series. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins have only scored three times in the opening frame, and the Philadelphia Flyers have been held off the scoreboard entirely.

So, while I initially leaned to the Under 5.5 (+100), I think this first-period Under is the better play because there’s always potential for an early goalie pull in an elimination game.

I also value the Pittsburgh goalie switch to Arturs Silovs. He’s sporting a rock-solid .920 save percentage with 1.75 goals saved above expected across his two starts.

Penguins vs Flyers Game 6 same-game parlay

While I do think Silovs will play well in Game 6, his body of work suggests maintaining a .920 SV% and 0.702 GSAx per 60 minutes is asking too much. He finished the regular season with respective .887% and -0.318 marks across 39 games, after all.

Additionally, while difficult to quantify, the go-to Penguins are far older than the best players jumping the boards for the Flyers. So, I expect the physical toll of the series to catch up to Pittsburgh in its third consecutive elimination game.

Turning to the final leg of this same-game parlay, Philly defenseman Jamie Drysdale has quietly had a strong postseason and recorded two or more shots in each of the past three games while averaging a respectable 20:15 per night for the series.

Penguins vs Flyers SGP

  • Flyers moneyline
  • First period Under 1.5 goals
  • Jamie Drysdale Over 1.5 shots

Penguins vs Flyers odds for Game 6

  • Moneyline: Penguins +105 | Flyers -125
  • Puck Line: Penguins +1.5 (-255) | Flyers -1.5 (+200)
  • Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (+100)

Penguins vs Flyers trend

The Philadelphia Flyers have won 17 of their last 25 games (+12.95 Units / 47% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Penguins vs. Flyers.

How to watch Penguins vs Flyers Game 6

LocationXfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
DateWednesday, April 29, 2026
Puck drop7:30 p.m. ET
TVTNT

Penguins vs Flyers latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Where to watch Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Game 5 NBA playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Tuesday, April 28

The Boston Celtics will try to close out their first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5. Boston won the past two games to take a 3-1 series lead. With one more win, the Celtics will advance to play the winner of the Atlanta Hawks-New York Knicks series. Boston is favored by 11.5 points in Game 5.

  • Spread: Boston Celtics -11.5

  • Moneyline: Boston Celtics -600 (81.8%) / Philadelphia 76ers +425 (18.2%)

  • Over/Under: 213.5

Game 1:Celtics 123, 76ers 91
Game 2:76ers 111, Celtics 97
Game 3:Celtics 108, 76ers 100
Game 4:Celtics 128, 76ers 96
Game 5: Tue., April 28 at Boston (7 p.m., ESPN)
*Game 6: Thu., April 30 at Philadelphia (TBD)
*Game 7: Sat., May 2 at Boston (TBD)if necessary