The Predictors

Dexter Lawrence II demands trade from Giants

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:17:00 +0000

Disheartening news coming out of Giants camp this morning as it was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II has demanded a trade and will not be participating in any offseason workouts with the team, which are scheduled to begin Tuesday. According to reports, Lawrence and the Giants front office have been in talks over the past two offseasons about a new contract that exemplifies his role and value to the team but little to no progress has been made during these talks. Lawrence still has two years left on his current contract, where he is slated to make $20 million even after a down season in 2025. Lawrence only had 0.5 sacks with eight quarterback hits last season.

Since being drafted 17th overall by the Giants in 2019, Lawrence has had three Pro Bowl selections as well as being a second-team All-Pro twice. Lawrence really showed his dominance on the defensive line during the 2024 regular season when he led all defensive tackles with 9 sacks. The Giants seemed to be focused on their long term ability to be able to sign multiple pieces, which seems to be the catalyst behind not getting a new deal done with Lawrence.

New Giants head coach John Harbaugh was asked about the situation after learning that his best defensive player would not be present at workouts stating, “He’s super, super important. He’s a cornerstone player… not really a cornerstone, more like a middle stone. He’s right in the middle. He’s a very big stone, and he’s a very active, athletic one.” I’m sure John Harbaugh will be hounding his new front office about getting some sort of deal done, or alleviating the pressure that has mounted surrounding his star defensive lineman, but for now he can only wait to see what a long summer will bring for a Giants team that finished the 2025 season at 4-13.

Michael Malone expected to be hired as next North Carolina head coach

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:17:00 +0000

Breaking news coming out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina this afternoon as the North Carolina Tar Heels are expected to hire long time NBA coach Michael Malone as their next men’s basketball head coach. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to break the news, and many fans on X seem to feel skeptical about Malone’s hiring. While some fans seem on the fence, this hiring makes a lot of sense given how UNC basketball has performed over the last couple of seasons and the success Michael Malone has had at the professional level.

Malone won a NBA Championship with the Denver Nuggets in the 2022-23 season, the franchise’s first ever championship, while going 471-327 in ten seasons as the Nuggets head coach. Malone won almost 60% of his games as the Nuggets head coach and won a total of 510 NBA games as a head coach.

This will be coach Malone’s first head coaching job since being fired from the Nuggets on April 8th, 2025 when there were just three games left in the regular season. Denver’s front office stated he had lost the locker room earlier in the season and the team’s late season slump prompted the team to terminate Malone as head coach as well as general manager Calvin Booth.

The hiring of coach Malone stems from the lack of excitement and consistency the Tar Heels have produced under now former head coach Hubert Davis, who was fired following the Tar Heels first round exit in the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament to VCU. In Davis’ five seasons at the helm of the team, he managed one National Championship appearance in 2022, where he lost to Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks 72-69 but along with his first round exit this year, he also had a first round exit in 2025.

While Davis had not found much success in the tournament recently, he did manage to go 125-54 as the head coach of North Carolina, equating to a .698 win percentage.

UNC athletics seem to be taking a completely new approach towards hiring head coaches for their two major sports programs, football and basketball, after hiring legendary NFL head coach Bill Belichick last season and now hiring former NBA championship coach Michael Malone. So far Belichick has not had much success at the collegiate level, finishing his first season in Chapel Hill with a 4-8 record but UNC has never been known for their football, which makes me think Michael Malone could make more of an instant impact in his first season given his coaching pedigree as well as the history and tradition of North Carolina basketball.

Apr. 6 NBA recap: Rockets edge Warriors, Mavericks top Lakers

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:22:00 +0000

Celtics 115, Raptors 101

The Boston Celtics overcame a slow start to beat the Toronto Raptors 115–101, led by Jaylen Brown’s 26 points and Jayson Tatum’s 23 points and 13 rebounds. Neemias Queta added 18 points while Payton Pritchard chipped in 17. Despite the return of Nikola Vucevic from a finger injury, Boston had to fight through a tight first three quarters before pulling away with a decisive 16–6 run in the fourth.

Suns 120, Bulls 110

The Phoenix Suns used a late 11–2 run to top the Chicago Bulls 120–110. Devin Booker led all scorers with 30 points, complemented by Jalen Green’s 25. Dillon Brooks helped spark the decisive run with key baskets and a blocked shot. The Bulls, missing Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis, fell to their seventh straight defeat.

Nets 121, Wizards 115

The Brooklyn Nets held off the Washington Wizards 121–115 behind Nolan Traore’s 23 points and seven assists. Jalen Wilson added 19 points, with the Nets answering a late Wizards run with an 8–0 burst to take the lead for good. For Washington, Will Riley scored 30 points and Jamir Watkins added 20 in a losing effort.

Bucks 131, Grizzlies 115

Milwaukee Bucks ended a series skid against the Memphis Grizzlies 131–115, with Ryan Rollins scoring 24 and Taurean Prince adding 19 on perfect shooting from deep. Rayan Rupert posted a career triple-double for Memphis (33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) in his breakout performance, but injuries left the Grizzlies undermanned.

Cavaliers 117, Pacers 108

Cleveland Cavaliers overcame injuries to their starting frontcourt to beat the Indiana Pacers 117–108. Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points, 23 of them in the second half, and James Harden added 28. Indiana, playing without its top five scorers, received 21 points from both Obi Toppin and Micah Potter, but could not contain Cleveland’s late surge.

Magic 112, Pelicans 108

The Orlando Magic rallied from a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 112–108. Desmond Bane scored 27, including the game-winning free throw with 9.5 seconds left, while Paolo Banchero added 23. Saddiq Bey led the Pelicans with 32 points, but Zion Williamson was limited to a single point in the fourth.

Hornets 122, Timberwolves 108

Charlotte Hornets continued their surge with a 122–108 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. LaMelo Ball scored 35 points, hitting seven threes, while Miles Bridges added 25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Minnesota, missing Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, could not close the gap despite 26 points from Julius Randle.

Thunder 146, Jazz 111

The Oklahoma City Thunder exploded for a season-high 146 points to rout the Utah Jazz. Chet Holmgren scored 21, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 20, sitting out the fourth quarter with a comfortable lead. Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace also contributed, while Brice Sensabaugh led the Jazz with 34 points.

Mavericks 134, Lakers 128

The Dallas Mavericks ended their 14-game home losing streak—longest in 32 years—by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 134–128. Rookie Cooper Flagg scored 45 points, adding nine assists and eight rebounds, while P.J. Washington Jr. scored 13 of his 15 points after halftime. LeBron James finished with 30 points and 15 assists, and Luke Kennard recorded a triple-double for LA, but injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves left the Lakers undermanned.

Clippers 138, Kings 109

The Los Angeles Clippers snapped a two-game skid with a 138–109 win over the Sacramento Kings. Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points, John Collins added 25, and both Darius Garland and Kobe Sanders contributed 17 each. DeMar DeRozan reached 26,711 career points during the first half, surpassing Oscar Robertson for 16th on the NBA all-time scoring list.

Rockets 117, Warriors 116

The Houston Rockets held off the Golden State Warriors 117–116 in a thrilling finish. Alperen Sengun made the game-winning layup with 11 seconds left off a Kevin Durant assist. Durant finished with 31 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Stephen Curry returned after 27 games out with a knee injury, scoring 29 points and sharing the floor with his brother Seth Curry for the first time in franchise history.

Rockets edge Warriors 117-116

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:20:00 +0000

The Houston Rockets held off the Golden State Warriors 117–116 Sunday night, with Alperen Sengun converting the go-ahead layup with 11 seconds left off a Kevin Durant assist. Stephen Curry missed a straightaway 3-pointer in the closing seconds, capping his return after more than two months sidelined with a right knee injury.

Durant led Houston with 31 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists against his former team, including a clutch three-pointer with 2:10 remaining. The Rockets also got strong contributions from Sengun with 24 points, Jabari Smith Jr. with 23 points and nine rebounds, and Amen Thompson with 18 points and seven assists.

Curry dazzled in his first action since Jan. 30, scoring 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting in 26 minutes. He hit a driving layup to cut the deficit to one with 1:27 remaining and later made a three-pointer, but the Rockets’ late execution held firm. Curry entered to a warm ovation and became the first Warrior to come off the bench in a regular-season game since March 7, 2012, marking a historic moment as he shared the floor with younger brother Seth Curry—the first time in franchise history the two brothers played together in a regular-season contest.

The game featured a brief altercation midway through the second quarter between Draymond Green and Smith Jr., which required separation but didn’t affect Houston’s late-game composure.

Up next: With the win, the Rockets extend their momentum as they prepare to visit Phoenix, while Golden State hosts Sacramento in their next outing.

Clippers dominate Kings 138-109

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:18:00 +0000

The Los Angeles Clippers jumped out early and never looked back, cruising past the Sacramento Kings 138–109 on Sunday night to strengthen their playoff positioning.

Kawhi Leonard led the way with 26 points, scoring 13 in the opening quarter as the Clippers built a quick double-digit lead and controlled the game from the outset. John Collins added 25 points, while Darius Garland and Kobe Sanders each chipped in 17 in a balanced offensive effort.

Los Angeles snapped a two-game skid and moved into a tie for eighth place in the Western Conference, keeping itself in position for the play-in tournament with multiple chances to secure a postseason berth.

Sacramento, meanwhile, couldn’t keep pace as its difficult season continued. Devin Carter scored 21 points and Nique Clifford added 18, while Maxime Raynaud recorded his 18th double-double of the season with 11 points and 16 rebounds — leading all rookies in that category.

A milestone moment came for DeMar DeRozan, who scored nine points in the first half to reach 26,711 career points, passing Oscar Robertson for 16th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. DeRozan did not return in the second half.

The Clippers’ fast start set the tone, and they steadily extended their lead throughout the night against a Kings team nearing the end of a disappointing campaign.

Up next: Los Angeles returns home to face Dallas, while Sacramento hits the road to take on Golden State.

Mavericks top Lakers 134-128

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:17:00 +0000

The Dallas Mavericks finally snapped a historic home skid behind a sensational performance from Cooper Flagg, defeating the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers 134–128 on Sunday night.

Flagg erupted for 45 points, adding nine assists and eight rebounds, as the rookie phenom continued his torrid stretch. Just two nights after a 51-point explosion, the 19-year-old became the first rookie since Allen Iverson to post back-to-back 40-point games. His effort helped Dallas end a 14-game home losing streak—the franchise’s longest in more than three decades.

The Lakers, playing without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves due to recent injuries, leaned heavily on LeBron James. The 41-year-old star delivered 30 points and 15 assists, keeping Los Angeles within striking distance for much of the night.

Luke Kennard added a career-best performance for LA, recording his first triple-double with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists. But despite their efforts, the Lakers struggled to fully overcome an early deficit.

Dallas came out firing, building a 22-point lead before Los Angeles surged back behind a 16-point second quarter from James to cut the deficit to six at halftime. The momentum briefly carried into the third, when a lob from Kennard to James brought the Lakers within two, but they never reclaimed the lead after that.

P. J. Washington Jr. provided key support for Dallas, scoring 13 of his 15 points after halftime as the Mavericks held off multiple Lakers pushes down the stretch.

With the win, Dallas put an end to a drought that dated back weeks at home, while the Lakers—now tied with Denver in the Western Conference standings—continue to navigate injuries to key contributors.

Up next: Los Angeles returns home to face Oklahoma City, while Dallas hits the road to take on the Clippers.

Thunder rout Jazz 146-111

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:15:00 +0000

The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered an offensive explosion Sunday night, rolling past the Utah Jazz 146–111 behind a season-high scoring performance.

Chet Holmgren led the charge with 21 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 20, extending his remarkable streak of 20-point games to 138. Gilgeous-Alexander did his damage early before sitting out the fourth quarter with the game well in hand.

Oklahoma City’s depth shined as Cason Wallace scored 16 points and Jalen Williams contributed 15. The Thunder, winners of five straight and 17 of their last 18, continued their push for the top seed in the West, widening their lead over San Antonio.

The game was never close after the early stages. Oklahoma City shot a blistering 63% in the first half to build a 75–54 lead at the break, highlighted by a thunderous baseline dunk from Holmgren and a highlight sequence where Williams followed up a missed fast-break dunk by Wallace with a two-handed slam.

The rout continued into the second half, with the Thunder extending the margin to 108–81 by the end of the third quarter before emptying the bench.

Utah, now on a nine-game losing streak, was led by Brice Sensabaugh, who poured in 34 points, while Kyle Filipowski added a 20-point, 14-rebound double-double. Cody Williams, the younger brother of Jalen Williams, chipped in eight points in a starting role.

The Thunder finished the night shooting 58.1% from the field and knocked down 24 three-pointers, continuing a dominant stretch that has seen them overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor.

Up next: Utah heads to New Orleans looking to snap its skid, while Oklahoma City travels to Los Angeles to face the Lakers.

Hornets beat Timberwolves 122-108

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:13:00 +0000

The Charlotte Hornets continued their late-season surge with a convincing 122–108 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.

LaMelo Ball put on a shooting clinic, pouring in 35 points while knocking down seven three-pointers—his league-leading eighth game this season with at least seven from deep. Miles Bridges added 25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in a well-rounded performance, and Coby White chipped in 17 as Charlotte secured its fourth straight victory.

The Hornets shot an efficient 48.9% from the field and continued their red-hot stretch, improving to 9–2 since mid-March. With the win, Charlotte moved to within a half-game of sixth place in the Eastern Conference, putting itself in position to potentially avoid the play-in tournament entirely.

Minnesota, meanwhile, continues to battle injuries and inconsistency. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 26 points, while Bones Hyland provided a spark off the bench with 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists.

Playing without Anthony Edwards for the eighth time in 10 games and missing key defender Jaden McDaniels, the Timberwolves couldn’t keep pace in the second half. They carried a 60–55 lead into halftime after Hyland beat the buzzer with a three, but Charlotte took control in the third quarter.

Behind Bridges and Ball, the Hornets outscored Minnesota in the period and built a double-digit lead they wouldn’t relinquish, maintaining separation down the stretch to secure the win.

With the loss, Minnesota has dropped four of its last five but remains in sixth place in the Western Conference with a slim cushion above the play-in line.

Up next: the Hornets hit the road to face Boston, while the Timberwolves travel to Indiana as both teams continue their playoff pushes.

Magic edge Pelicans 112-108

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:12:00 +0000

The Orlando Magic staged a second-half comeback to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 112–108 on Sunday night, continuing their dominance in the matchup.

Desmond Bane led the rally with 27 points, delivering in the clutch as Orlando erased a 15-point deficit and extended its winning streak against New Orleans to nine games. Paolo Banchero added 23 points as the Magic overcame a cold shooting night from beyond the arc.

Trailing 94–84 early in the fourth quarter, Orlando flipped the game with a 14–2 run to reclaim the lead. Bane’s go-ahead three-pointer made it 101–99, and he later sealed the win at the free-throw line in the closing seconds.

Despite shooting just 7-for-33 (21%) from deep, the Magic found their rhythm late after struggling early—particularly Jalen Suggs, who endured a rough start before helping spark the turnaround with back-to-back threes late in the third quarter.

New Orleans, meanwhile, couldn’t close it out. Saddiq Bey poured in 32 points to lead all scorers, and Yves Missi added a strong double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Zion Williamson finished with 17 points but was limited to just one in the fourth quarter as the Pelicans offense stalled late.

The Pelicans led 60–52 at halftime and stretched the advantage to double digits in the third behind contributions from Jeremiah Fears, but they went cold down the stretch—managing just one field goal over the final 4:50 as their losing streak reached seven games.

With the win, Orlando continues its push up the Eastern Conference standings, now within striking distance of avoiding the play-in tournament.

Up next: the Magic return home to face Detroit, while the Pelicans stay in New Orleans to host Utah.

Cavaliers down Pacers 117-108

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:10:00 +0000

The Cleveland Cavaliers used a dominant second half from their star backcourt to pull away from the short-handed Indiana Pacers, earning a 117–108 win Sunday night.

Donovan Mitchell caught fire after the break, scoring 23 of his 38 points in the second half while finishing an efficient 16-of-27 from the field to go along with six rebounds and six assists. James Harden added 28 points and seven assists, helping Cleveland overcome a slow start and seize control late.

Making his first start of the season, Thomas Bryant contributed a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland, which rested key frontcourt players but still moved closer to securing home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Indiana, despite being severely depleted, showed resilience early. Jalen Slawson delivered a career-best 19 points, including four three-pointers, while Obi Toppin posted a season-high 21 points with eight rebounds. Micah Potter added a strong inside presence with 21 points and 12 rebounds.

The Pacers, missing several key contributors including Pascal Siakam and Ben Sheppard, came out hot—knocking down eight three-pointers in the first half and building a 47–35 lead early in the second quarter. They carried a 58–55 advantage into halftime behind Potter’s interior scoring.

Cleveland didn’t take its first lead until the third quarter, but the game shifted decisively in the fourth. With the score tight, Nae’Qwan Tomlin drained a go-ahead three-pointer to put the Cavaliers up 99–96, igniting a run that eventually stretched the lead to 15 and put the game out of reach.

Now sitting comfortably in fourth place in the East, Cleveland is closing in on locking up home-court advantage, while Indiana—down to just nine available players—continues to battle through a difficult stretch near the bottom of the standings.

Up next: the Pacers return home to face Minnesota, while the Cavaliers head to Memphis before a key home-and-home set with Atlanta.

Bucks defeat Grizzlies 131-115

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:09:00 +0000

The Milwaukee Bucks leaned on hot shooting and a balanced attack to snap a long skid against the Memphis Grizzlies, pulling away late for a 131–115 win Sunday afternoon between two short-handed squads.

Ryan Rollins led Milwaukee with 24 points, while Cormac Ryan added 21 on an efficient 7-of-8 shooting night. Taurean Prince chipped in 19 points, knocking down all five of his three-point attempts, and Myles Turner recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Milwaukee overcame 20 turnovers by shooting a blistering 60.2% from the field and 16-of-32 from beyond the arc, earning its first win over Memphis since January 2022 and snapping an eight-game losing streak in the series.

Despite the loss, Rayan Rupert delivered a breakout performance for Memphis, posting a career-high 33 points along with 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his first triple-double. The 21-year-old far exceeded his season averages, leading a depleted Grizzlies roster that has now lost four straight and 17 of its last 19.

Injuries and roster shortages defined the matchup. Memphis suited up multiple players on 10-day contracts, including Dariq Whitehead, Toby Okani, Lucas Williamson, and Adama Bal. Milwaukee, meanwhile, remained without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed his 11th straight game with a knee injury, as well as Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis, and Gary Trent Jr..

The Bucks seized control early, using a 13–0 run to turn a deficit into a lead they would not relinquish. Memphis made a late push and cut the margin to one with under eight minutes remaining, but Milwaukee responded with a closing surge to put the game out of reach.

A lighthearted moment capped the night when Thanasis Antetokounmpo finished a lob from his brother Alex Antetokounmpo for the Bucks’ final basket.

Up next: Memphis returns home to face Cleveland, while Milwaukee heads to Brooklyn looking to build on the victory.

Nets top Wizards 121-115

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:07:00 +0000

The Brooklyn Nets came up with timely shots late to outlast the Washington Wizards 121–115 on Sunday, snapping a prolonged skid.

Nolan Traore led the way with 23 points, knocking down five 3-pointers to go along with seven assists, while Jalen Wilson added 19 points as Brooklyn picked up just its second win in the last 14 games.

The loss continued a brutal stretch for Washington, which has dropped six straight and 22 of its last 23. Despite the defeat, the Wizards remain ahead of Brooklyn in the race for top lottery odds, with both teams near the bottom of the standings alongside Indiana.

Washington got big performances across the board. Will Riley followed up his 31-point outing the night before with 30 more, while Jamir Watkins scored 20. Julian Reese added a dominant double-double with 17 points and 16 rebounds, and Anthony Gill chipped in 17, with Bub Carrington finishing with 13.

Brooklyn countered with balanced scoring, getting 15 points apiece from E.J. Liddell and Josh Minott, plus 13 from Drake Powell and 12 from Ochai Agbaji.

The game turned in the final minutes. After Watkins buried a three-pointer to give Washington a four-point lead with under four minutes to play, the Nets responded with an 8–0 run. Traore capped it with a driving layup that put Brooklyn ahead 109–105 with two minutes remaining.

The Wizards briefly answered when Leaky Black hit a three to cut the deficit to one, but Brooklyn had the final word. Wilson and Traore drilled back-to-back triples to create breathing room, and a late layup from Trevon Scott sealed it in the closing seconds.

Washington, which has struggled defensively in recent games, couldn’t complete the comeback as Brooklyn executed down the stretch to secure the win.

Up next: the Wizards return home to face Chicago, while the Nets host Milwaukee as they look to build on the victory.

Suns down Bulls 120-110

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:05:00 +0000

The Phoenix Suns closed strong down the stretch, riding a late 11–2 run to defeat the Chicago Bulls 120–110 on Sunday night.

Devin Booker led the way with 30 points, while Jalen Green added 25 as Phoenix snapped a brief skid after losses in Orlando and Charlotte. Dillon Brooks played a pivotal role in the closing minutes, finishing with 15 points and delivering on both ends during the decisive stretch.

The Suns appeared in control late in the third quarter, building an 84–71 lead before Chicago surged back with an 11–0 run sparked by Rob Dillingham. The Bulls carried that momentum into the fourth and trimmed the deficit to a single point, trailing just 109–108 with under three minutes to play.

That’s when Brooks took over. He drilled a turnaround jumper to ignite the game-sealing run, followed by a three-pointer and a key defensive stand. On one chaotic Chicago possession, the Bulls missed four consecutive attempts—including a three from Guerschon Yabusele and multiple close-range looks by Leonard Miller—with Brooks swatting away a put-back attempt to preserve momentum.

Moments later, Booker buried a clutch three-pointer to extend the lead to 117–108 with just over a minute remaining, effectively sealing the win.

Chicago, playing without Josh Giddey (hamstring) and Matas Buzelis (illness), dropped its seventh straight game. Tre Jones led the Bulls with 29 points, while Collin Sexton added 18 points and nine rebounds. Miller contributed a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards in the loss.

Up next: Phoenix returns home to host Houston on Tuesday, while Chicago heads on the road for a matchup in Washington as it looks to snap its losing streak.

Celtics beat Raptors 115-101

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:03:00 +0000

The Boston Celtics leaned on their stars and a decisive fourth-quarter surge to pull away from the Toronto Raptors, securing a 115–101 win Sunday night.

Jaylen Brown led the way with 26 points, while Jayson Tatum delivered a strong all-around performance with 23 points and 13 rebounds as Boston notched its third straight victory, tightening its grip on the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

Boston’s depth made the difference. Neemias Queta added 18 points and seven rebounds, and Payton Pritchard chipped in 17 points, including a momentum-shifting three-pointer early in the fourth quarter that helped spark the Boston's run.

For Toronto, Ja’Kobe Walter paced the scoring with 16 points, while Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett each contributed 15. But the Raptors couldn’t keep up late, undone by turnovers and defensive lapses in a 35–24 fourth quarter that swung the game decisively in Boston’s favor.

The Celtics welcomed back Nikola Vucevic, who returned after a month-long absence following finger surgery. He showed signs of rust, finishing with four points and four rebounds in limited minutes.

After a slow start that saw Boston struggle from deep and the teams deadlocked at 26 after one quarter, the game remained tight into the final period. The Celtics held just a three-point edge entering the fourth before unleashing a 16–6 run to create separation. Brown took over down the stretch, scoring multiple key baskets—including a hustle putback after his own missed free throw—to seal the win.

The Raptors, who entered the night fresh off a 32-point blowout of Memphis, couldn’t replicate that momentum as they continue battling for a top-six playoff spot.

Up next: Toronto returns home to face Miami on Tuesday, while Boston hosts Charlotte as it looks to keep its winning streak rolling.

Kirk Cousins signs five-year, $172 million contract with Raiders

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:32:00 +0000

Breaking news out of Las Vegas, Nevada as 13-year veteran Kirk Cousins has signed a five-year, $172 million deal with the Raiders, where he is expected to back up soon to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft Fernando Mendoza. While this contract looks absolutely ridiculous when ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news, Cousins’ deal is actually a fully guaranteed one-year, $20 million deal with a club option for an additional two years at $80 million. This move is not surprising after the Falcons recently signed former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year minimum contract to start in place of Michael Penix Jr who suffered a torn ACL in November of last season.

The Falcons seemed to be just fine with parting ways with Cousins and will also be fine with only paying $8.7 million of the 20 million with the Raiders fronting the majority of his pay this season, covering the remaining $11.3 million. The Raiders seem to be keen on improving their roster this off season by finding the right pieces to surround their soon to be rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza by bringing in an experienced quarterback in Cousins but also agreeing to pay Cousins an additional $10 million roster bonus on the third day of the new league year for 2027. I have a hard time believing the Raiders won’t have Cousins on the roster by that time next season given the experience and leadership he can bring to that locker room and Mendoza.

In the ten games that Kirk Cousins played for the Falcons last season, he threw for 1,721 yards with a 61.7 completion percentage, ten touchdowns and five interceptions. While Cousins is nowhere near the level of being able to start all 17 games in an NFL season, the tools and tricks he can pass on to Mendoza could be worth the money alone if the Indiana alum and reigning National Champion pans out to be the Raiders next franchise quarterback. Even if Mendoza is a bust Cousins in the end probably won’t care given that with this new contract, this is now the eleventh-straight NFL season where Cousins' contract is fully guaranteed.

Suns dominate Jazz 134-109

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:10:00 +0000

Jalen Green scored 31 points and Devin Booker added 26 as the Phoenix Suns dominated the Utah Jazz 134-109 on Saturday night, snapping a rough stretch in which Phoenix had lost six of seven games. Grayson Allen chipped in 19 points, Oso Ighodaro added 13, and Khaman Maluach posted 12 points and nine rebounds. Both Green and Booker sat out the fourth quarter as the Suns cruised to a lopsided win.

Utah was paced by Brice Sensabaugh and Kyle Filipowski, who each scored 26 points, while Svi Mykhailuk contributed 14 and Ace Bailey had all 13 of his points in the second half. Kennedy Chandler added 11 points and eight assists for the Jazz, who have lost five straight, seven consecutive road games, and 10 of their last 11 overall. Utah has been hampered by injuries to regulars including Lauri Markkanen, Isaiah Collier, and Keyonte George, with Walker Kessler and Jaren Jackson already out for the season.

The Suns jumped out to an early lead with a 21-2 first-quarter run, taking a 37-17 advantage. Green scored 11 points in the period, making three of Phoenix’s eight 3-pointers. By halftime, Phoenix held a season-high lead of 73-45, fueled by Green’s 20 points in the first half. Sensabaugh (19 points) and Filipowski (17) scored nearly all of Utah’s first-half points, while the Jazz managed just 10 assists and committed 10 turnovers before the break.

The win moves Phoenix within 3½ games of sixth-place Houston Rockets, the final spot to avoid the Western Conference play-in tournament. Suns coach Jordan Ott noted that Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams, sidelined with a broken hand and foot respectively, have been cleared for 5-on-5 drills and could return during Phoenix’s upcoming four-game road trip.

Up next: Utah hosts the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, while Phoenix travels to Memphis Grizzlies the same night.

Lakers defeat Nets 116-99

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:55:00 +0000

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 116-99 on Friday night, led by a dominant performance from Luka Doncic.

Doncic scored 41 points and grabbed eight rebounds, hitting five 3-pointers in his 15th 40-point game of the season. However, he also picked up his 16th technical foul of the season—a suspension-triggering mark—after a third-quarter altercation with Ziaire WilliamsThe Lakers got a huge boost from Austin Reaves resilient young Nets team. LeBron James added 14 points and eight assists and made NBA history with the first father-son assist on a 3-pointer by his son, James"], in the second quarter. Bronny has earned rotation minutes this week in the absence of Marcus Smart Josh Minott with 18 points and six rebounds. Nic Claxton and Williams each scored 16, but both were held out of the fourth quarter, along with Noah Clowney.

Up next: the Nets host the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, while the Lakers return home to face the Washington Wizards on Monday after their first consecutive days off since the All-Star break.

Mar. 28 NBA recap: Spurs dominate Bucks, Pistons beat Timberwolves

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 14:15:00 +0000

San Antonio Spurs 127, Milwaukee Bucks 95

The San Antonio Spurs steamrolled the Milwaukee Bucks 127-95 on Saturday night behind a dominant performance from Stephon Castle, who recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds.

Castle was one of seven Spurs in double figures, with Victor Wembanyama adding 23 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists. Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell scored 16 each, while Dylan Harper had 14.

San Antonio never trailed and shot 55.1% as the win gave them eight straight victories and ensured at least a No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. The Bucks, missing Giannis Antetokounmpo and several other key players, were eliminated from postseason contention. Gary Trent Jr. led Milwaukee with 18 points.

Spurs: Host the Chicago Bulls on Monday.

Bucks: Host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

Detroit Pistons 109, Minnesota Timberwolves 87

Tobias Harris scored 18 points as the Detroit Pistons used a balanced attack to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-87 and strengthen their hold on the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Jalen Duren added 10 points and 13 rebounds, while five other Pistons scored in double figures. Detroit extended its winning streak to nine of 11 games, maintaining a four-game lead over Boston.

Minnesota, missing Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Ayo Dosunmu, shot just 32% from the floor and 21% from 3-point range. Donte DiVincenzo led the Timberwolves with 22 points, while Rudy Gobert contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Pistons: At Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.

Timberwolves: At Dallas Mavericks on Monday.

Philadelphia 76ers 118, Charlotte Hornets 114

The Philadelphia 76ers overcame a 13-point second-half deficit to defeat the Charlotte Hornets 118-114, led by Joel Embiid’s 29 points and Paul George’s 26 points and 13 rebounds.

Tyrese Maxey returned to the starting lineup and added 26 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Philadelphia rallied from a 15-point deficit midway through the third quarter and took the lead for good with George’s 3-pointer with just over a minute remaining.

Brandon Miller had 29 points and eight rebounds for Charlotte, while LaMelo Ball added 20 points and eight assists. The Hornets’ five-game winning streak was snapped as Philadelphia extended its hold on seventh place in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

76ers: At Miami Heat on Monday.

Hornets: Host Boston Celtics on Sunday.

Atlanta Hawks 123, Sacramento Kings 113

Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 27 points and the Atlanta Hawks hit eight of 12 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to hold off the Sacramento Kings 123-113 in coach Quin Snyder’s 500th career win.

Jalen Johnson tallied 26 points and 10 assists, while Jock Landale added 19 points and 13 rebounds. Atlanta went on a 26-8 run late in the second quarter to take a 66-54 halftime lead and never relinquished control.

DeMar DeRozan scored 22 points for Sacramento, with Maxime Raynaud contributing 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Kings were missing several key players due to injuries, including Russell Westbrook and Domantas Sabonis.

Kings: At Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.

Hawks: Host Boston Celtics on Monday.

Memphis Grizzlies 125, Chicago Bulls 124

Cedric Coward scored 24 points, including two clutch free throws with 6.5 seconds left, as the Memphis Grizzlies narrowly defeated the Chicago Bulls 125-124, snapping a five-game losing streak. Tyler Burton added 18 points and Jahmai Mashack 17 for Memphis.

Matas Buzelis led the Bulls with 29 points, while Collin Sexton added 26 off the bench. Josh Giddey recorded his 13th triple-double of the season with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. Both teams were playing on the second night of back-to-back games and were missing multiple key players.

Bulls: At San Antonio Spurs on Monday.

Grizzlies: Host Phoenix Suns on Monday.

Phoenix Suns 134, Utah Jazz 109

Jalen Green scored 31 points and Devin Booker had 26 as the Phoenix Suns routed the Utah Jazz 134-109. Grayson Allen added 19 points, Oso Ighodaro scored 13, and Khaman Maluach added 12 points and nine rebounds. Green and Booker did not play in the fourth quarter as Phoenix cruised to the win.

Brice Sensabaugh and Kyle Filipowski each scored 26 points for Utah. Svi Mykhailuk contributed 14, Ace Bailey scored 13 in the second half, and Kennedy Chandler had 11 points and eight assists. Utah has struggled with injuries, including Lauri Markkanen, Isaiah Collier, and Keyonte George, and has lost five straight games.

The Suns opened with a 21-2 first-quarter run and held a season-high 28-point halftime lead at 73-45. The victory moves Phoenix within 3½ games of sixth-place Houston Rockets, the final spot to avoid the Western Conference play-in tournament.

Jazz: Host Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.

Suns: At Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.

Grizzlies edge Bulls125-124

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 14:08:00 +0000

Cedric Coward scored 24 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and hit two clutch free throws with 6.5 seconds remaining as the Memphis Grizzlies edged the Chicago Bulls 125-124 on Saturday night, snapping a five-game losing streak. Tyler Burton added 18 points and Jahmai Mashack contributed 17 for Memphis.

Chicago threatened in the final seconds, with Josh Giddey making two free throws with 4 seconds left to pull the Bulls within a point. However, the Bulls could not get a shot off after Memphis turned the ensuing inbound pass. Matas Buzelis led Chicago with 29 points, while Collin Sexton added 26 off the bench. Giddey recorded his 13th triple-double of the season, finishing with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough to extend the Bulls’ streak.

The game was tight from start to finish, with neither team able to build a comfortable lead. Memphis stretched its largest advantage to 98-88 entering the fourth quarter, but Chicago fought back behind Giddey and Sexton. Both teams were playing the second night of back-to-back games after losses on Friday—Chicago at Oklahoma City and Memphis hosting Houston—and both rested several key players. Chicago had nine players sidelined, while Memphis was without 11.

Shooting from beyond the arc was a struggle for both sides early. Four minutes before halftime, the teams combined to go just 5-for-28 from 3-point range, leading to a slower, more isolation-heavy style of play. Despite the challenges, Coward’s late free throws and timely scoring from Burton and Mashack carried the Grizzlies to a narrow win.

Up next: Chicago travels to face the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, while Memphis hosts the Phoenix Suns on the same night.

Hawks beat Kings 123-113

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 14:07:00 +0000

The Atlanta Hawks shot 8 of 12 from 3-point range in the fourth quarter to hold off the Sacramento Kings 123-113 on Saturday night, giving coach Quin Snyder his 500th career victory. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 27 points, while Jalen Johnson posted a double-double with 26 points and 10 assists, and Jock Landale contributed 19 points and 13 rebounds.

Atlanta, which has won 15 of its last 17 games, overcame the absence of Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and Jonathan Kuminga due to injury management, with Landale and Mouhamed Gueye stepping into the starting lineup. The Hawks trailed by as many as seven points in a back-and-forth first half before going on a 26-8 run over the final 5:54 of the second quarter to take a 66-54 halftime lead. Atlanta maintained control through the third quarter.

The Kings rallied to tie the game at 97 with 7:56 remaining, but Atlanta responded with a 26-16 run to close out the game, hitting 18 points on 3-pointers in the stretch. Sacramento, plagued by injuries to key players including Russell Westbrook, Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and D'Andre Hunter, was led by DeMar DeRozan with 22 points and Maxime Raynaud with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Up next: Atlanta will host the Boston Celtics on Monday, while Sacramento continues its four-game road trip at the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.