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Best Betting Picks for Saturday’s NBA Playoff Matchups | Deadspin.com  Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) is defended by Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) in the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images   The tension between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves is already high with this being their third playoff battle in a four-season span. But a Minnesota victory on Saturday would really make things interesting.That would give the Timberwolves a 3-1 lead and this version of the Nuggets doesn’t really look like the team that can dig out of such a hole. So Game 4 rates as nearly a must-win for Denver if it wants to win the best-of-seven series.The Atlanta Hawks are also vying to take a 3-1 lead over the New York Knicks and that would rate as a stunning development. The Detroit Pistons are tied with the Magic after two games and an Orlando win on Saturday would be another interesting development.DENVER NUGGETS AT MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVESMinnesota delivered a first-half knockout blow in the Game 3 victory (113-96), limiting Denver to 11 first-quarter points and holding a 61-39 halftime advantage. The Nuggets can’t afford another tepid start and their poor showing was summed up by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic going 7-of-26 from the field and posting only three assists. Can’t win that way.Jokic, who still scored 27 points, will be counted on to find his usual form and the same goes for Jamal Murray (12 points on 5-of-17 shooting). Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels regularly earns raves for his defense but he contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds on the same night in which reserve Ayo Dosunmu produced 25 points on a night in which star Anthony Edwards had just 17 points.Motivated Minnesota won a Game 7 over Denver two seasons ago to reach the Western Conference finals for the first of two straight seasons. However, a bounce-back Jokic performance could be a series-changer and return the momentum to the Nuggets.Nikola Jokic to score 31-plus points, -116 (DraftKings) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting NEW YORK KNICKS AT ATLANTA HAWKSThe Hawks have taken the series lead with back-to-back one-point wins and they can increase the pressure on New York with a Game 4 victory. Atlanta led by as many as 18 points in Game 3 but still needed CJ McCollum’s winning jumper to leave victorious. McCollum also stood out with 32 points in the Hawks’ Game 2 victory.Atlanta has won 15 of its past 16 home games with the lone blemish coming against the Knicks on April 6. New York would surely like to even the series before going home and Jalen Brunson (27.7 average in the series) will be counted on to forget an 0-for-5 from 3-point range performance and show the form of the first two games when he made 7 of 14.OG Anunbody stood out with 29 points and nine rebounds for the Knicks in Game 3 and a repeat showing would help New York’s chance. Meanwhile, Jalen Johnson is coming off a stellar performance for the Hawks with 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists and New York needs to clamp down on him and McCollum down the stretch.Knicks minus 2.5-point spread, -102 (DraftKings)  Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting DETROIT PISTONS AT ORLANDO MAGICThe Pistons ceded homecourt advantage to Orlando with their Game 1 setback and now have their sights on returning serve. Detroit was much sharper with a 98-83 victory in Game 2, a contest it led by as many as 27 points.Pistons star Cade Cunningham had 27 points and 11 assists in Game 2 after pouring in 39 points in the opener. Orlando has yet to show it can contain Cunningham so coach J.B. Bickerstaff knows exactly what to do – continually feed the ball to Cunningham until the Magic show some resistance.Jalen Suggs (19 points) was Orlando’s leading scorer in Game 2 and that’s not a good thing when you have Paolo Banchero (18), Franz Wagner (12) and Desmond Bane (12) on the roster. Bane is just 9-of-31 shooting in the series and Orlando can’t win this series – or Game 3 – without Bane shooting significantly better.Pistons minus 2.5-point spread, -110 (DraftKings) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting   #Betting #Picks #Saturdays #NBA #Playoff #Matchups #Deadspin.com

Best Betting Picks for Saturday’s NBA Playoff Matchups | Deadspin.com
Best Betting Picks for Saturday’s NBA Playoff Matchups | Deadspin.com  Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) is defended by Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) in the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images   The tension between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves is already high with this being their third playoff battle in a four-season span. But a Minnesota victory on Saturday would really make things interesting.That would give the Timberwolves a 3-1 lead and this version of the Nuggets doesn’t really look like the team that can dig out of such a hole. So Game 4 rates as nearly a must-win for Denver if it wants to win the best-of-seven series.The Atlanta Hawks are also vying to take a 3-1 lead over the New York Knicks and that would rate as a stunning development. The Detroit Pistons are tied with the Magic after two games and an Orlando win on Saturday would be another interesting development.DENVER NUGGETS AT MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVESMinnesota delivered a first-half knockout blow in the Game 3 victory (113-96), limiting Denver to 11 first-quarter points and holding a 61-39 halftime advantage. The Nuggets can’t afford another tepid start and their poor showing was summed up by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic going 7-of-26 from the field and posting only three assists. Can’t win that way.Jokic, who still scored 27 points, will be counted on to find his usual form and the same goes for Jamal Murray (12 points on 5-of-17 shooting). Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels regularly earns raves for his defense but he contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds on the same night in which reserve Ayo Dosunmu produced 25 points on a night in which star Anthony Edwards had just 17 points.Motivated Minnesota won a Game 7 over Denver two seasons ago to reach the Western Conference finals for the first of two straight seasons. However, a bounce-back Jokic performance could be a series-changer and return the momentum to the Nuggets.Nikola Jokic to score 31-plus points, -116 (DraftKings) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting NEW YORK KNICKS AT ATLANTA HAWKSThe Hawks have taken the series lead with back-to-back one-point wins and they can increase the pressure on New York with a Game 4 victory. Atlanta led by as many as 18 points in Game 3 but still needed CJ McCollum’s winning jumper to leave victorious. McCollum also stood out with 32 points in the Hawks’ Game 2 victory.Atlanta has won 15 of its past 16 home games with the lone blemish coming against the Knicks on April 6. New York would surely like to even the series before going home and Jalen Brunson (27.7 average in the series) will be counted on to forget an 0-for-5 from 3-point range performance and show the form of the first two games when he made 7 of 14.OG Anunbody stood out with 29 points and nine rebounds for the Knicks in Game 3 and a repeat showing would help New York’s chance. Meanwhile, Jalen Johnson is coming off a stellar performance for the Hawks with 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists and New York needs to clamp down on him and McCollum down the stretch.Knicks minus 2.5-point spread, -102 (DraftKings)  Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting DETROIT PISTONS AT ORLANDO MAGICThe Pistons ceded homecourt advantage to Orlando with their Game 1 setback and now have their sights on returning serve. Detroit was much sharper with a 98-83 victory in Game 2, a contest it led by as many as 27 points.Pistons star Cade Cunningham had 27 points and 11 assists in Game 2 after pouring in 39 points in the opener. Orlando has yet to show it can contain Cunningham so coach J.B. Bickerstaff knows exactly what to do – continually feed the ball to Cunningham until the Magic show some resistance.Jalen Suggs (19 points) was Orlando’s leading scorer in Game 2 and that’s not a good thing when you have Paolo Banchero (18), Franz Wagner (12) and Desmond Bane (12) on the roster. Bane is just 9-of-31 shooting in the series and Orlando can’t win this series – or Game 3 – without Bane shooting significantly better.Pistons minus 2.5-point spread, -110 (DraftKings) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting   #Betting #Picks #Saturdays #NBA #Playoff #Matchups #Deadspin.comApr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) is defended by Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) in the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The tension between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves is already high with this being their third playoff battle in a four-season span. But a Minnesota victory on Saturday would really make things interesting.

That would give the Timberwolves a 3-1 lead and this version of the Nuggets doesn’t really look like the team that can dig out of such a hole. So Game 4 rates as nearly a must-win for Denver if it wants to win the best-of-seven series.

The Atlanta Hawks are also vying to take a 3-1 lead over the New York Knicks and that would rate as a stunning development. The Detroit Pistons are tied with the Magic after two games and an Orlando win on Saturday would be another interesting development.

DENVER NUGGETS AT MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Minnesota delivered a first-half knockout blow in the Game 3 victory (113-96), limiting Denver to 11 first-quarter points and holding a 61-39 halftime advantage. The Nuggets can’t afford another tepid start and their poor showing was summed up by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic going 7-of-26 from the field and posting only three assists. Can’t win that way.

Jokic, who still scored 27 points, will be counted on to find his usual form and the same goes for Jamal Murray (12 points on 5-of-17 shooting). Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels regularly earns raves for his defense but he contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds on the same night in which reserve Ayo Dosunmu produced 25 points on a night in which star Anthony Edwards had just 17 points.

Motivated Minnesota won a Game 7 over Denver two seasons ago to reach the Western Conference finals for the first of two straight seasons. However, a bounce-back Jokic performance could be a series-changer and return the momentum to the Nuggets.

Nikola Jokic to score 31-plus points, -116 (DraftKings)

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Channel debug: betting


NEW YORK KNICKS AT ATLANTA HAWKS

The Hawks have taken the series lead with back-to-back one-point wins and they can increase the pressure on New York with a Game 4 victory. Atlanta led by as many as 18 points in Game 3 but still needed CJ McCollum’s winning jumper to leave victorious. McCollum also stood out with 32 points in the Hawks’ Game 2 victory.

Atlanta has won 15 of its past 16 home games with the lone blemish coming against the Knicks on April 6. New York would surely like to even the series before going home and Jalen Brunson (27.7 average in the series) will be counted on to forget an 0-for-5 from 3-point range performance and show the form of the first two games when he made 7 of 14.

OG Anunbody stood out with 29 points and nine rebounds for the Knicks in Game 3 and a repeat showing would help New York’s chance. Meanwhile, Jalen Johnson is coming off a stellar performance for the Hawks with 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists and New York needs to clamp down on him and McCollum down the stretch.

Knicks minus 2.5-point spread, -102 (DraftKings)

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DETROIT PISTONS AT ORLANDO MAGIC

The Pistons ceded homecourt advantage to Orlando with their Game 1 setback and now have their sights on returning serve. Detroit was much sharper with a 98-83 victory in Game 2, a contest it led by as many as 27 points.

Pistons star Cade Cunningham had 27 points and 11 assists in Game 2 after pouring in 39 points in the opener. Orlando has yet to show it can contain Cunningham so coach J.B. Bickerstaff knows exactly what to do – continually feed the ball to Cunningham until the Magic show some resistance.

Jalen Suggs (19 points) was Orlando’s leading scorer in Game 2 and that’s not a good thing when you have Paolo Banchero (18), Franz Wagner (12) and Desmond Bane (12) on the roster. Bane is just 9-of-31 shooting in the series and Orlando can’t win this series – or Game 3 – without Bane shooting significantly better.

Pistons minus 2.5-point spread, -110 (DraftKings)

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#Betting #Picks #Saturdays #NBA #Playoff #Matchups #Deadspin.com

Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) is defended by Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) in the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The tension between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves is already high with this being their third playoff battle in a four-season span. But a Minnesota victory on Saturday would really make things interesting.

That would give the Timberwolves a 3-1 lead and this version of the Nuggets doesn’t really look like the team that can dig out of such a hole. So Game 4 rates as nearly a must-win for Denver if it wants to win the best-of-seven series.

The Atlanta Hawks are also vying to take a 3-1 lead over the New York Knicks and that would rate as a stunning development. The Detroit Pistons are tied with the Magic after two games and an Orlando win on Saturday would be another interesting development.

DENVER NUGGETS AT MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Minnesota delivered a first-half knockout blow in the Game 3 victory (113-96), limiting Denver to 11 first-quarter points and holding a 61-39 halftime advantage. The Nuggets can’t afford another tepid start and their poor showing was summed up by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic going 7-of-26 from the field and posting only three assists. Can’t win that way.

Jokic, who still scored 27 points, will be counted on to find his usual form and the same goes for Jamal Murray (12 points on 5-of-17 shooting). Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels regularly earns raves for his defense but he contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds on the same night in which reserve Ayo Dosunmu produced 25 points on a night in which star Anthony Edwards had just 17 points.

Motivated Minnesota won a Game 7 over Denver two seasons ago to reach the Western Conference finals for the first of two straight seasons. However, a bounce-back Jokic performance could be a series-changer and return the momentum to the Nuggets.

Nikola Jokic to score 31-plus points, -116 (DraftKings)

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

NEW YORK KNICKS AT ATLANTA HAWKS

The Hawks have taken the series lead with back-to-back one-point wins and they can increase the pressure on New York with a Game 4 victory. Atlanta led by as many as 18 points in Game 3 but still needed CJ McCollum’s winning jumper to leave victorious. McCollum also stood out with 32 points in the Hawks’ Game 2 victory.

Atlanta has won 15 of its past 16 home games with the lone blemish coming against the Knicks on April 6. New York would surely like to even the series before going home and Jalen Brunson (27.7 average in the series) will be counted on to forget an 0-for-5 from 3-point range performance and show the form of the first two games when he made 7 of 14.

OG Anunbody stood out with 29 points and nine rebounds for the Knicks in Game 3 and a repeat showing would help New York’s chance. Meanwhile, Jalen Johnson is coming off a stellar performance for the Hawks with 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists and New York needs to clamp down on him and McCollum down the stretch.

Knicks minus 2.5-point spread, -102 (DraftKings)

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DETROIT PISTONS AT ORLANDO MAGIC

The Pistons ceded homecourt advantage to Orlando with their Game 1 setback and now have their sights on returning serve. Detroit was much sharper with a 98-83 victory in Game 2, a contest it led by as many as 27 points.

Pistons star Cade Cunningham had 27 points and 11 assists in Game 2 after pouring in 39 points in the opener. Orlando has yet to show it can contain Cunningham so coach J.B. Bickerstaff knows exactly what to do – continually feed the ball to Cunningham until the Magic show some resistance.

Jalen Suggs (19 points) was Orlando’s leading scorer in Game 2 and that’s not a good thing when you have Paolo Banchero (18), Franz Wagner (12) and Desmond Bane (12) on the roster. Bane is just 9-of-31 shooting in the series and Orlando can’t win this series – or Game 3 – without Bane shooting significantly better.

Pistons minus 2.5-point spread, -110 (DraftKings)

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#Betting #Picks #Saturdays #NBA #Playoff #Matchups #Deadspin.com

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Bayern Munich survives scare, beats Mainz after being down by three goals <div id="content-body-70906257" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich survived a scare, fighting back from three goals down to beat Mainz 4-3 on Saturday for a morale-booster before facing Paris Saint-Germain.</p><p>Bayern, which goes to Paris on Tuesday for the first leg of their Champions League semifinal, arrived in Mainz in good cheer after clinching the title last weekend and reaching the German Cup final with a win over Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.</p><p>But Mainz romped to a deserved 3-0 half-time lead against a heavily-rotated Bayern team, with Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise among those on the bench.</p><p>Mainz might even have scored more than the goals that came from from Dominik Kohr, Paul Nebel and Sheraldo Becker.</p><p>Bayern coach Vincent Kompany sent on Kane and Olise for Luis Díaz and Aleksandar Pavlović at the break – all four are likely to start against PSG.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/dfb-pokal-vfb-stuttgart-sails-past-freiburg-to-set-up-german-cup-final-against-bayern/article70900242.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">DFB Pokal: Stuttgart sails past Freiburg to set up German Cup final against Bayern</a></b></p><p>Nicolas Jackson pulled one back in the 53rd and Olise let fly with a brilliant strike inside the far post in the 73rd before Musiala equalized in the 81st.</p><p>Kane then scored the winner two minutes later from the rebound after Daniel Batz had saved Musiala’s effort.</p><p>Last-place Heidenheim staved off demotion with a 2-0 win over relegation rival St. Pauli. Budu Zivzivadze scored early and Eren Dinkçi late on to keep Heidenheim’s hopes of survival alive with three rounds remaining.</p><p>Second-last Wolfsburg was unable to capitalise on St. Pauli’s loss as it drew 0-0 at home with Borussia Mönchengladbach.</p><p>Cologne remains in danger after a 2-1 loss at home to Leverkusen in their Rhine derby. The win moved Leverkusen a point behind fourth-place Stuttgart before its game against visiting Werder Bremen on Sunday.</p><p>Also Saturday, Eintracht Frankfurt drew 1-1 at Augsburg.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #Bayern #Munich #survives #scare #beats #Mainz #goals

Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA">Victor Wembanyama is working on Dirk Nowitzki’s fadeaway, and it might be over for the NBA  Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.  #Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA

Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA">Victor Wembanyama is working on Dirk Nowitzki’s fadeaway, and it might be over for the NBA

Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA
IND vs SL XI Day 2 LIVE Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Saturday.

Updated : Aug 08, 2026 12:35 IST

India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI LIVE score, Tour match Day 2 updates: Rahul, Padikkal at crease, India 71/1; Match resumes after rain delay  
  IND vs SL XI Day 2 LIVE Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Saturday.
Updated : Aug 08, 2026 12:35 IST NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026.
Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu 
                                                                          | Photo Credit:  
                                      MOORTHY RV
                                                                      
                        NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026.
Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu
                                                  | Photo Credit:  
                          MOORTHY RV
                                              elcome to Sportstar’s LIVE updates of Day 2 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game. Match info:Date: August 7-9, 2026Time: 10 am startVenue: NCC Ground, ColomboIndia squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor BrarSri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha
				Match resumes
			The players are back on the field after the early lunch. The conditions seem to be clear. The new session timings will be: 2:30 to 2:50 PM second session2:50 to 3:10 PM Tea3:10 to 5:28 PM third session
				IND 67/1
			The weather has not cleared yet and the teams have decided to take an early lunch. 
				IND 67/1 – Rain stops play
			Despite losing Jaiswal early in the innings, India has got a good start with Padikkal and Rahul getting good starts. However, it has started to rain suddenly, and the players are going off the field. Could be a passing shower. 
				IND 50/1
			Devdutt Padikkal has got a good start. He has left a few angled in deliveries well and pounced on anything that’s too wide. Rahul, meanwhile, is focused on his defence – a crucial skill needed in the upcoming two Tests. 
				Rahul, Padikkal at the crease
			K.L. Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal will look to make the most of this opportunity and dig in on a pitch that’s proved to be pretty flat thus far. Jaiswal will be gutted with himself for not having cashed in on this surface.
				Early setback 
			India has been rocked early in the innings, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal getting caught at backward point off the second ball he faced. It was a wide delivery from Vishwa Fernando and Jaiswal failed to keep the ball down!
				Sri Lanka declares
			Sri Lanka has delcared its first innings on 363/8. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar grab two wickets apiece. 
				Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1
			India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI: Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1Sri Lanka Cricket XI put up 363 for eight to end its first innings on the opening day of the three-day warm-up game against India, which made a comeback in the last session.
				Welcome!
			Welcome to Sportstar’s Live Updates of the tour match between India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Published on Aug 08, 2026  #India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay

NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV

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NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV

elcome to Sportstar’s LIVE updates of Day 2 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.

The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.

Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game. 

Match info:

Date: August 7-9, 2026

Time: 10 am start

Venue: NCC Ground, Colombo

India squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar

Sri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha

Published on Aug 08, 2026

#India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay">India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI LIVE score, Tour match Day 2 updates: Rahul, Padikkal at crease, India 71/1; Match resumes after rain delay  
  IND vs SL XI Day 2 LIVE Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Saturday.
Updated : Aug 08, 2026 12:35 IST NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026.
Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu 
                                                                          | Photo Credit:  
                                      MOORTHY RV
                                                                      
                        NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026.
Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu
                                                  | Photo Credit:  
                          MOORTHY RV
                                              elcome to Sportstar’s LIVE updates of Day 2 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game. Match info:Date: August 7-9, 2026Time: 10 am startVenue: NCC Ground, ColomboIndia squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor BrarSri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha
				Match resumes
			The players are back on the field after the early lunch. The conditions seem to be clear. The new session timings will be: 2:30 to 2:50 PM second session2:50 to 3:10 PM Tea3:10 to 5:28 PM third session
				IND 67/1
			The weather has not cleared yet and the teams have decided to take an early lunch. 
				IND 67/1 – Rain stops play
			Despite losing Jaiswal early in the innings, India has got a good start with Padikkal and Rahul getting good starts. However, it has started to rain suddenly, and the players are going off the field. Could be a passing shower. 
				IND 50/1
			Devdutt Padikkal has got a good start. He has left a few angled in deliveries well and pounced on anything that’s too wide. Rahul, meanwhile, is focused on his defence – a crucial skill needed in the upcoming two Tests. 
				Rahul, Padikkal at the crease
			K.L. Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal will look to make the most of this opportunity and dig in on a pitch that’s proved to be pretty flat thus far. Jaiswal will be gutted with himself for not having cashed in on this surface.
				Early setback 
			India has been rocked early in the innings, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal getting caught at backward point off the second ball he faced. It was a wide delivery from Vishwa Fernando and Jaiswal failed to keep the ball down!
				Sri Lanka declares
			Sri Lanka has delcared its first innings on 363/8. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar grab two wickets apiece. 
				Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1
			India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI: Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1Sri Lanka Cricket XI put up 363 for eight to end its first innings on the opening day of the three-day warm-up game against India, which made a comeback in the last session.
				Welcome!
			Welcome to Sportstar’s Live Updates of the tour match between India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Published on Aug 08, 2026  #India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay

Published on Aug 08, 2026

#India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay">India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI LIVE score, Tour match Day 2 updates: Rahul, Padikkal at crease, India 71/1; Match resumes after rain delay

IND vs SL XI Day 2 LIVE Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Saturday.

Updated : Aug 08, 2026 12:35 IST

India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI LIVE score, Tour match Day 2 updates: Rahul, Padikkal at crease, India 71/1; Match resumes after rain delay  
  IND vs SL XI Day 2 LIVE Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Saturday.
Updated : Aug 08, 2026 12:35 IST NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026.
Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu 
                                                                          | Photo Credit:  
                                      MOORTHY RV
                                                                      
                        NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026.
Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu
                                                  | Photo Credit:  
                          MOORTHY RV
                                              elcome to Sportstar’s LIVE updates of Day 2 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game. Match info:Date: August 7-9, 2026Time: 10 am startVenue: NCC Ground, ColomboIndia squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor BrarSri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha
				Match resumes
			The players are back on the field after the early lunch. The conditions seem to be clear. The new session timings will be: 2:30 to 2:50 PM second session2:50 to 3:10 PM Tea3:10 to 5:28 PM third session
				IND 67/1
			The weather has not cleared yet and the teams have decided to take an early lunch. 
				IND 67/1 – Rain stops play
			Despite losing Jaiswal early in the innings, India has got a good start with Padikkal and Rahul getting good starts. However, it has started to rain suddenly, and the players are going off the field. Could be a passing shower. 
				IND 50/1
			Devdutt Padikkal has got a good start. He has left a few angled in deliveries well and pounced on anything that’s too wide. Rahul, meanwhile, is focused on his defence – a crucial skill needed in the upcoming two Tests. 
				Rahul, Padikkal at the crease
			K.L. Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal will look to make the most of this opportunity and dig in on a pitch that’s proved to be pretty flat thus far. Jaiswal will be gutted with himself for not having cashed in on this surface.
				Early setback 
			India has been rocked early in the innings, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal getting caught at backward point off the second ball he faced. It was a wide delivery from Vishwa Fernando and Jaiswal failed to keep the ball down!
				Sri Lanka declares
			Sri Lanka has delcared its first innings on 363/8. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar grab two wickets apiece. 
				Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1
			India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI: Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1Sri Lanka Cricket XI put up 363 for eight to end its first innings on the opening day of the three-day warm-up game against India, which made a comeback in the last session.
				Welcome!
			Welcome to Sportstar’s Live Updates of the tour match between India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Published on Aug 08, 2026  #India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay

NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV

lightbox-info

NEW CHANDIGARH, 06/06/2026 — India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal seen in action on the first day of the cricket test match between India v Afghansitan held at New Chandigarh Stadium on June 06, 2026. Photo R V Moorthy / The Hindu | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV

elcome to Sportstar’s LIVE updates of Day 2 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.

The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.

Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game. 

Match info:

Date: August 7-9, 2026

Time: 10 am start

Venue: NCC Ground, Colombo

India squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar

Sri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha

  • Match resumes

    The players are back on the field after the early lunch. The conditions seem to be clear. The new session timings will be:

    2:30 to 2:50 PM second session

    2:50 to 3:10 PM Tea

    3:10 to 5:28 PM third session

  • IND 67/1

    The weather has not cleared yet and the teams have decided to take an early lunch. 

  • IND 67/1 – Rain stops play

    Despite losing Jaiswal early in the innings, India has got a good start with Padikkal and Rahul getting good starts. However, it has started to rain suddenly, and the players are going off the field. Could be a passing shower. 

  • IND 50/1

    Devdutt Padikkal has got a good start. He has left a few angled in deliveries well and pounced on anything that’s too wide. Rahul, meanwhile, is focused on his defence – a crucial skill needed in the upcoming two Tests. 

  • Rahul, Padikkal at the crease

    K.L. Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal will look to make the most of this opportunity and dig in on a pitch that’s proved to be pretty flat thus far. Jaiswal will be gutted with himself for not having cashed in on this surface.

  • Early setback

    India has been rocked early in the innings, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal getting caught at backward point off the second ball he faced. It was a wide delivery from Vishwa Fernando and Jaiswal failed to keep the ball down!

  • Sri Lanka declares

    Sri Lanka has delcared its first innings on 363/8. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar grab two wickets apiece. 

  • Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1

    India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI: Indian bowlers make comeback after poor first session on Day 1

    Sri Lanka Cricket XI put up 363 for eight to end its first innings on the opening day of the three-day warm-up game against India, which made a comeback in the last session.

  • Welcome!

    Welcome to Sportstar’s Live Updates of the tour match between India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI. 

Published on Aug 08, 2026

#India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #score #Tour #match #Day #updates #Rahul #Padikkal #crease #India #Match #resumes #rain #delay

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