Deadspin | After dominant regular season, Thunder big favorite to hold onto NBA crown Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder team owner Clay Bennett and the team hold up the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after being announced NBA Champions at the end of game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Oddsmakers really like Oklahoma City Thunder to continue their reign over the NBA and successfully defend their championship. The Thunder, who concluded the regular season on Sunday with the league’s best record at 64-18 (.780), are the clear favorite to keep the Larry O’Brien Trophy at a range of +110 to +135, according to a survey of sportsbooks on Sunday night. Conversely, the Portland Trail Blazers, playing beyond the regular season for the first time since the 2020-21 season, have the most convincing to do. The eighth seed in the Western Conference, Portland has a play-in game against the Phoenix Suns and is the biggest underdog to make it all the way and win the NBA Finals, with some odds at +250000. The odds closely align with the records, as the San Antonio Spurs (62-20, .756) have the second-best odds at +450 to +550. The Boston Celtics (56-26), fortified by the solid return of star Jayson Tatum from a ruptured Achilles in last year’s playoffs, are the next favorite. The Detroit Pistons (60-22) had the better regular season but perhaps not the track record of recent playoff runs compared to their Eastern Conference rival, who won the NBA title two seasons ago. DraftKings has the defending champion Thunder at +110, followed by the Spurs at +500, Celtics at +550 and Nuggets at +950. Then there’s a jump to the Cleveland Cavaliers (+1600), New York Knicks (+1800) and Pistons (+2200). The longest odds of the 20 teams are for the Trail Blazers at +200000. DraftKings favors the seventh-seeded Suns downing eighth-seeded Portland with a 4.5-point spread in their play-in game on Tuesday in Phoenix. FanDuel also likes Oklahoma City to repeat as the NBA champion (+115), with San Antonio and Boston next (each at +550), then Denver and Cleveland (each at +1100) and New York (+1800). Here, Portland is at +75000 along with Phoenix and Miami as the three teams with the longest odds. FanDuel takes the next step by putting odds on the finalists, with a Celtics-Thunder matchup the favorite (+330), which follows the conference breakdown of the overall winner odds. The Thunder represent the Western Conference in the top four favored matchups, against the Cavaliers (+550), Knicks (+850) and Pistons (+900). Those predicting a Celtics-Spurs final can get +1000 odds, and Cavs-Spurs at +1500. The longest odds are +75000 for Cavs-Warriors, Knicks-Lakers, Knicks-Clippers, Knicks-Warriors and Pistons-Lakers. Take the extra step and pick the matchup and winner, and that’s the Thunder over the Celtics at +500. A Boston series win over Oklahoma City is at +1200 odds. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, is favored to repeat as NBA Finals MVP at +135. Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is next at +500. BetMGM likes the Thunder to win it all at +135, followed by the Spurs (+450), Celtics (+550), Nuggets (+1000) and Cavaliers (+1400). The Trail Blazers have the longest odds at +250000. NBA FINALS WINNER ODDS (DraftKings) Oklahoma City (+110) San Antonio (+500) Boston (+550) Denver (+950) Cleveland (+1600) New York (+1800) Detroit (+2200) Houston (+6000) Minnesota (+9000) Atlanta (+13000) Philadelphia (+17000) Charlotte (+17000) Los Angeles Lakers (+25000) Toronto (+25000) Orlando (+35000) Phoenix (+60000) Los Angeles Clippers (+70000) Miami (+70000) Golden State (+80000) Portland (+200000) –Field Level Media #Deadspin #dominant #regular #season #Thunder #big #favorite #hold #NBA #crown

Deadspin | After dominant regular season, Thunder big favorite to hold onto NBA crown
Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder team owner Clay Bennett and the team hold up the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after being announced NBA Champions at the end of game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Oddsmakers really like Oklahoma City Thunder to continue their reign over the NBA and successfully defend their championship.

The Thunder, who concluded the regular season on Sunday with the league’s best record at 64-18 (.780), are the clear favorite to keep the Larry O’Brien Trophy at a range of +110 to +135, according to a survey of sportsbooks on Sunday night.

Conversely, the Portland Trail Blazers, playing beyond the regular season for the first time since the 2020-21 season, have the most convincing to do. The eighth seed in the Western Conference, Portland has a play-in game against the Phoenix Suns and is the biggest underdog to make it all the way and win the NBA Finals, with some odds at +250000.

The odds closely align with the records, as the San Antonio Spurs (62-20, .756) have the second-best odds at +450 to +550.

The Boston Celtics (56-26), fortified by the solid return of star Jayson Tatum from a ruptured Achilles in last year’s playoffs, are the next favorite. The Detroit Pistons (60-22) had the better regular season but perhaps not the track record of recent playoff runs compared to their Eastern Conference rival, who won the NBA title two seasons ago.

DraftKings has the defending champion Thunder at +110, followed by the Spurs at +500, Celtics at +550 and Nuggets at +950.

Then there’s a jump to the Cleveland Cavaliers (+1600), New York Knicks (+1800) and Pistons (+2200).

The longest odds of the 20 teams are for the Trail Blazers at +200000. DraftKings favors the seventh-seeded Suns downing eighth-seeded Portland with a 4.5-point spread in their play-in game on Tuesday in Phoenix.

FanDuel also likes Oklahoma City to repeat as the NBA champion (+115), with San Antonio and Boston next (each at +550), then Denver and Cleveland (each at +1100) and New York (+1800).

Here, Portland is at +75000 along with Phoenix and Miami as the three teams with the longest odds.

FanDuel takes the next step by putting odds on the finalists, with a Celtics-Thunder matchup the favorite (+330), which follows the conference breakdown of the overall winner odds.

The Thunder represent the Western Conference in the top four favored matchups, against the Cavaliers (+550), Knicks (+850) and Pistons (+900). Those predicting a Celtics-Spurs final can get +1000 odds, and Cavs-Spurs at +1500.

The longest odds are +75000 for Cavs-Warriors, Knicks-Lakers, Knicks-Clippers, Knicks-Warriors and Pistons-Lakers.

Take the extra step and pick the matchup and winner, and that’s the Thunder over the Celtics at +500. A Boston series win over Oklahoma City is at +1200 odds.

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, is favored to repeat as NBA Finals MVP at +135. Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is next at +500.

BetMGM likes the Thunder to win it all at +135, followed by the Spurs (+450), Celtics (+550), Nuggets (+1000) and Cavaliers (+1400). The Trail Blazers have the longest odds at +250000.

NBA FINALS WINNER ODDS (DraftKings)

Oklahoma City (+110)

San Antonio (+500)

Boston (+550)

Denver (+950)

Cleveland (+1600)

New York (+1800)

Detroit (+2200)

Houston (+6000)

Minnesota (+9000)

Atlanta (+13000)

Philadelphia (+17000)

Charlotte (+17000)

Los Angeles Lakers (+25000)

Toronto (+25000)

Orlando (+35000)

Phoenix (+60000)

Los Angeles Clippers (+70000)

Miami (+70000)

Golden State (+80000)

Portland (+200000)

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #dominant #regular #season #Thunder #big #favorite #hold #NBA #crown

Sports news April 13, 2026

Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder team owner Clay Bennett and the team hold up the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after being announced NBA Champions at the end of game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Oddsmakers really like Oklahoma City Thunder to continue their reign over the NBA and successfully defend their championship.

The Thunder, who concluded the regular season on Sunday with the league’s best record at 64-18 (.780), are the clear favorite to keep the Larry O’Brien Trophy at a range of +110 to +135, according to a survey of sportsbooks on Sunday night.

Conversely, the Portland Trail Blazers, playing beyond the regular season for the first time since the 2020-21 season, have the most convincing to do. The eighth seed in the Western Conference, Portland has a play-in game against the Phoenix Suns and is the biggest underdog to make it all the way and win the NBA Finals, with some odds at +250000.

The odds closely align with the records, as the San Antonio Spurs (62-20, .756) have the second-best odds at +450 to +550.

The Boston Celtics (56-26), fortified by the solid return of star Jayson Tatum from a ruptured Achilles in last year’s playoffs, are the next favorite. The Detroit Pistons (60-22) had the better regular season but perhaps not the track record of recent playoff runs compared to their Eastern Conference rival, who won the NBA title two seasons ago.

DraftKings has the defending champion Thunder at +110, followed by the Spurs at +500, Celtics at +550 and Nuggets at +950.

Then there’s a jump to the Cleveland Cavaliers (+1600), New York Knicks (+1800) and Pistons (+2200).

The longest odds of the 20 teams are for the Trail Blazers at +200000. DraftKings favors the seventh-seeded Suns downing eighth-seeded Portland with a 4.5-point spread in their play-in game on Tuesday in Phoenix.

FanDuel also likes Oklahoma City to repeat as the NBA champion (+115), with San Antonio and Boston next (each at +550), then Denver and Cleveland (each at +1100) and New York (+1800).

Here, Portland is at +75000 along with Phoenix and Miami as the three teams with the longest odds.

FanDuel takes the next step by putting odds on the finalists, with a Celtics-Thunder matchup the favorite (+330), which follows the conference breakdown of the overall winner odds.

The Thunder represent the Western Conference in the top four favored matchups, against the Cavaliers (+550), Knicks (+850) and Pistons (+900). Those predicting a Celtics-Spurs final can get +1000 odds, and Cavs-Spurs at +1500.

The longest odds are +75000 for Cavs-Warriors, Knicks-Lakers, Knicks-Clippers, Knicks-Warriors and Pistons-Lakers.

Take the extra step and pick the matchup and winner, and that’s the Thunder over the Celtics at +500. A Boston series win over Oklahoma City is at +1200 odds.

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, is favored to repeat as NBA Finals MVP at +135. Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is next at +500.

BetMGM likes the Thunder to win it all at +135, followed by the Spurs (+450), Celtics (+550), Nuggets (+1000) and Cavaliers (+1400). The Trail Blazers have the longest odds at +250000.

NBA FINALS WINNER ODDS (DraftKings)

Oklahoma City (+110)

San Antonio (+500)

Boston (+550)

Denver (+950)

Cleveland (+1600)

New York (+1800)

Detroit (+2200)

Houston (+6000)

Minnesota (+9000)

Atlanta (+13000)

Philadelphia (+17000)

Charlotte (+17000)

Los Angeles Lakers (+25000)

Toronto (+25000)

Orlando (+35000)

Phoenix (+60000)

Los Angeles Clippers (+70000)

Miami (+70000)

Golden State (+80000)

Portland (+200000)

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #dominant #regular #season #Thunder #big #favorite #hold #NBA #crown

NBA roundup: Raptors top Nets to earn first postseason spot since 2022 <div id="content-body-70856954" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Scottie Barnes had 18 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists Sunday, and the Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets 136-101 to clinch their first playoff spot since 2022.</p><p>In recording his third triple-double of the season and the ninth of his career, Barnes helped the Raptors (46-36) secure the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. They face the fourth-seeded Cavaliers in the first round, beginning on Saturday in Cleveland.</p><p>RJ Barrett scored 26 points, and Brandon Ingram added 25 points for Toronto. Ja’Kobe Walter and Jakob Poeltl each scored 11 points, while A.J. Lawson chipped in with 10 points. Immanuel Quickley had four points and five assists for Toronto and did not return for the second half because of a tight hamstring.</p><p>Chaney Johnson had 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Nets (20-62), who are in a lottery spot. Tyson Etienne scored 20 points, and E.J. Liddell had 17 points. Ben Saraf scored 15 points and also picked up six fouls.</p><h4 class="sub_head">76ers 126, Bucks 106</h4><p>Tyrese Maxey scored 16 of his team-high 21 points in the third quarter as the host Philadelphia 76ers pulled away from Milwaukee in the second ‌half to win what could be Hall of Fame coach Doc Rivers’ last game at the helm of the Bucks.</p><p>The club and Rivers are discussing a possible move to the front office for 2026-27, according to sources, after he has coached for parts of three seasons with the team. Rivers, 64, will be inducted as a coach into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in August. Quentin Grimes had four 3-pointers and scored 20 points for Philadelphia, which won its second straight and is locked into the play-in tournament. The seventh-seeded 76ers will host the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic on Wednesday. ⁠Center Joel Embiid was out again while recovering from an appendectomy.</p><p>AJ Green made five 3-pointers for Milwaukee (32-50) to finish the season with 232 treys, breaking Ray Allen’s single-season franchise record of 229 in 2001-02. Green was 7 of 10 from the field and 5 of 8 from 3 in the first half for 19 points; he failed to score after halftime.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Celtics 113, Magic 108</h4><p>Baylor Scheierman tossed in a career-high 30 points to lead Boston to a victory over visiting Orlando in the final regular-season game for each team.</p><p>The Celtics, who had already secured the No. 2 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs, rested eight players, including their top seven scorers. Boston’s first playoff opponent will be the team that earns the No. 7 seed in the play- in tournament, either the Magic or the Philadelphia 76ers. Boston’s ‌starting lineup was Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga, Jordan Wash, Luka Garza and Scheierman.</p><p>The loss ended Orlando’s five-game winning streak. The Magic had won three in a row on the road. They will be the eighth seed in the play-in tournament and visit the seventh-seeded 76ers on Wednesday. The winner faces the Celtics, and the loser will host the winner of the 9/10 matchup on Friday.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Heat 143, Hawks 117</h4><p>Bam Adebayo produced 25 points and 10 rebounds, leading host Miami to a win over Atlanta in the regular-season finale for both teams.</p><p>Miami also got 26 points and five assists from Jaime Jaquez Jr. and 25 ‌points from Norman Powell, who returned from a groin injury. The Heat next will play at the Charlotte Hornets in the first game of the play-in round. The Heat, 5-10 over their past 15 games, are in the play-in round for the fourth straight year.</p><p>Atlanta, which had already clinched its first playoff berth since 2023, sat its entire starting ‌lineup ⁠plus three reserves. Veteran Buddy Hield led the Hawks with a game-high 31 points, and Corey Kispert added 21 points.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Rockets 132, Grizzlies 101</h4><p>Clint Capela produced a double-double in his third start of the season while Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard combined for 39 points as host Houston closed the regular season ⁠with a victory over short-handed Memphis.</p><p>The Rockets concluded the schedule with nine victories in their last 10 games. With the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs already secured, Houston rested four starters in its finale: Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. Capela paired a season-high 23 points on 9-for-11 shooting with 13 rebounds and three blocks. Eason added 20 points and eight rebounds while Sheppard posted 19 points.</p><p>Memphis had only seven players available. Dariq Whitehead scored a career-high 26 points; Rayan Rupert (21 points, 12 rebounds) and Jahmai Mashack (11 points, 11 assists) added double-doubles for the Grizzlies, who closed the season with 21 losses in 23 games.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Nuggets 128, Spurs 118</h4><p>Denver’s Nikola Jokic scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds in 18-plus minutes of court time — all in the first half — as the visiting Nuggets rolled to a win over San Antonio in the regular-season finale for both playoff-bound teams.</p><p>The Nuggets clinched the third seed in the Western Conference and will host sixth-seeded Minnesota for the first two games of their best-of-seven first- round playoff ‌series. Denver ended the regular season with 12 straight wins and took three of the four games against the Spurs this year. Jokic played the necessary minutes to reach the league’s 65-game threshold for postseason award consideration.</p><p>Victor Wembanyama sat out the game for San Antonio, which already clinched the No. 2 spot in the West and had little to gain from Sunday’s game. The Spurs will host the winner of Tuesday’s 7/8 play-in tournament game between Phoenix and Portland in the opening two contests of a best-of-seven first-round playoffs series. The Spurs had a three-game winning streak snapped but finished the campaign with a 62-20 mark, their best since the 2015-16 season in which they won 67 games.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Cavaliers 130, Wizards 117</h4><p>Nae’Qwan Tomlin scored a career-high 26 points and rookie Tyrese Proctor collected 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists as playoff-bound Cleveland beat visiting Washington.</p><p>Jaylon Tyson had 18 points and rookie Tristan Enaruna had a season-best 15 points for Cleveland, which is the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland will have home-court advantage over the ‌fifth-place Toronto Raptors in their first-round series.</p><p>Rookie guard Jamir Watkins scored a career-high 24 points for the Wizards, who finished with the worst record in the league. Bub Carrington scored 20 points and dished out nine assists, and Sharife Cooper had 20 points and six assists off the bench. Cleveland had eight players reach double digits in points.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Pistons 133, Pacers 121</h4><p>Eastern Conference leader Detroit closed out just the third 60-win regular season in franchise history, leading wire to wire in a defeat of Indiana in Indianapolis.</p><p>With the East’s No. 1 seed in the upcoming NBA playoffs also secured, Detroit limited its entire starting five to fewer than 26 minutes in the regular- season finale. That was plenty of time for Paul Reed to make some Pistons history, as he became the organization’s first player ever to score 25-plus points on a perfect field-goal shooting performance. Reed scored a game-high 26 points on 11-of-11 ⁠from the floor.</p><p>The Pacers finished the worst season by won-loss record in franchise history. Quenton Jackson and Obi Toppin led the Pacers with 21 points each, Kobe Brown added 20 and Ethan Thompson 18. Micah Potter finished with a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Hornets 110, Knicks 96</h4><p>Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball and Coby White each scored 19 points as visiting Charlotte earned the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament with a win over New York.</p><p>The Hornets will host the Miami Heat in a No. 9 vs. No. 10 play-in game on Tuesday. Kon Knueppel finished with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists.</p><p>New York had nothing to play for after already clinching the East’s No. 3 seed. With most of their regulars sitting out, the Knicks started Miles McBride, Jose ‌Alvarado, Mikal Bridges, Mohamed Diawara and Ariel Hukporti. Bridges’ consecutive games played streak reached 638 — the eighth longest in NBA history — with his 23-second appearance. New York will face the Atlanta Hawks, the East’s No. 6 seed, in a first-round series beginning Saturday.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Mavericks 149, Bulls 128</h4><p>Ryan Nembhard notched the second-most assists in a game in franchise history as Dallas beat visiting Chicago.</p><p>Nembhard fell narrowly short of a triple-double in the season-ending clash, chalking up 15 points, nine rebounds and 23 assists. Only current Dallas coach Jason Kidd, with 25 assists in a two-overtime game in February 1996, has registered more for the Mavericks. Cooper Flagg scored 10 points, his stellar rookie campaign ending with 10:11 left in the second quarter after spraining his left ankle on a bad landing while leaping for an offensive rebound.</p><p>Rob Dillingham scored 25 for the Bulls. Collin Sexton contributed 19, Leonard Miller had 17 and Lachlan Olbrich added a triple-double, finishing with 10 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Timberwolves 132, Pelicans 126</h4><p>Rookie big man Joan Beringer recorded career highs with 24 points and 13 rebounds, and Minnesota held on for a victory over New Orleans in Minneapolis.</p><p>Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 26 points for the Timberwolves, who relied on young players and reserves in their final game of the regular season. Zyon Pullin scored 19 points off the bench, and Joe Ingles capitalized on a rare start to notch a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists. The Timberwolves already were locked into the No. 6 playoff seed in the Western Conference and will face the third-seeded Nuggets, beginning Saturday in Denver.</p><p>Rookie Jeremiah Fears scored 36 points on 12-for-29 shooting to lead the Pelicans. Fellow rookie Derik Queen finished with 30 points and 22 rebounds, and Micah Peavy scored 21 points.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Suns 135, Thunder 103</h4><p>Jamaree Bouyea scored a career-high 27 points to help Phoenix close the regular season with a road win over Oklahoma ‌City as both teams, with their playoff positions secure going into the game, sat the majority of their starters and major rotational players.</p><p>The Suns’ Ryan Dunn scored a season-high 20 points, shooting 8 for 11 from the field with a career-high tying 11 rebounds and a career-high five assists. Koby Brea added 20 points off the bench for Phoenix. Brea had scored just 25 points total in his first 11 NBA games. Rookie center Khaman Maluach had a career-high 18 points and tied his career high with 14 rebounds off the bench as well.</p><p>Branden Carlson tied his career high with 26 points to lead the Thunder. He also had 10 rebounds. Payton Sandfort added 23 points off the bench. Oklahoma City is the top overall seed in the NBA playoffs. Phoenix is the No. 7 seed and will open the play-in tournament at home Tuesday against eighth-seeded Portland.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Lakers 131, Jazz 107</h4><p>Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton each posted 22-point, 10-rebound double- doubles to help Los Angeles down visiting Utah in their regular-season finale.</p><p>LeBron James completed his ⁠23rd regular season, finishing with 18 points in 17 minutes for the Lakers, who will be the No. 4 seed in next week’s Western Conference playoffs and face the Houston Rockets in the first round. Dalton Knecht scored 17 points, Nick Smith Jr. added 12 and Bronny James chipped in 11 for Los Angeles, which finished with its most victories in a season ⁠since the 2010-11 campaign (57).</p><p>Oscar Tshiebwe led the Jazz with 29 points and 17 rebounds, while Ace Bailey and Brice Sensabaugh added 15 points apiece. Cody Williams and Bez Mbeng both scored 14 points and Blake Hinson had 10 for Utah, which recorded its second 60-loss season in franchise history and second in as many years.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Clippers 115, Warriors 110</h4><p>Los Angeles sent a message to it play-in opponent, riding Bennedict Mathurin’s 20 points and a stingy defense to a home win over Golden State in what turned out to be an otherwise meaningless regular-season finale.</p><p>The Clippers lost a tiebreaker with eighth-place Portland and were relegated to ninth for play-in purposes, where they’ll get a ‌home game Wednesday against the 10th-place Warriors. The loser will be eliminated from playoff contention.</p><p>John Collins backed Mathurin with 18 points, and Mathurin and Collins each collected a game-high nine rebounds, while Mathurin also found time for a game-high eight assists. In just his third game after missing 27 straight with a sore right knee, Stephen Curry paced Golden State with a game-high 24 points.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Trail Blazers 122, Kings 110</h4><p>Deni Avdija recorded 25 points, 10 assists and six rebounds and Portland secured the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference with a win over visiting Sacramento in the regular-season finale for both teams.</p><p>Jrue Holiday added 23 points and seven rebounds for Portland, which will play beyond the regular season for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign. The Trail Blazers will visit the No. 7 Phoenix Suns on Tuesday in the play-in round. The winner goes directly to the Western Conference playoffs against the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs while the loser will have a second opportunity on Friday.</p><p>Precious Achiuwa registered 27 points and 11 rebounds and Nique Clifford added 24 points and seven rebounds for the Kings. Maxime Raynaud had 21 points and nine rebounds for Sacramento (22-60), which finished with the second-most losses in franchise history. The Kings went 17-65 in 2008-09.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 13, 2026</p></div> #NBA #roundup #Raptors #top #Nets #earn #postseason #spot

Deadspin | Heat rout Hawks in regular-season finale, on to Charlotte for play-in game Apr 12, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) grabs a rebound against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images Bam Adebayo produced 25 points and 10 rebounds, leading the host Miami Heat to a 143-117 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night in the regular-season finale for both teams. Miami (43-39) also got 26 points and five assists from Jaime Jaquez Jr. and 25 points from Norman Powell, who returned from a groin injury. The Heat next will play at the Charlotte Hornets in the first game of the play-in round. The Heat, 5-10 over their past 15 games, are in the play-in round for the fourth straight year. Atlanta (46-35), which had already clinched its first playoff berth since 2023, sat its entire starting lineup plus three reserves. The players who sat were Jalen Johnson (rest), Dyson Daniels (toe sprain), CJ McCollum (rest), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (toe sprain), Jonathan Kuminga (knee/injury management), Gabe Vincent (knee inflammation), Jock Landale (ankle sprain) and Onyeka Okongwu (finger sprain). “The focus for us is to get into the postseason healthy,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said just prior to tip-off on Sunday. Veteran Buddy Hield led the Hawks with a game-high 31 points, and Corey Kispert added 21 points. For Miami, two players who competed on Friday in a win over Washington were out against Atlanta: Simone Fontecchio (sore left ankle) and Pelle Larsson (right-leg contusion). The Heat also were without Dru Smith (toe sprain); and Nikola Jovic (left ankle sprain). However, Miami got three players back from the injured list: the aforementioned Powell along with Tyler Herro (right foot soreness); and Davion Mitchell (right shoulder contusion). Herro had five points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in 22 minutes. Mitchell had 12 points in 26 minutes. Meanwhile, Adebayo scored 13 points in the first quarter as Miami led 33-24. The teams played even in the second quarter as Miami went into halftime leading 70-61. In the first half, Miami made 58.7% of its shots (27 of 46), had a 40-28 edge on paint points and a 14-4 advantage on fastbreak points. Adebayo led Miami with 17 first-half points. The Hawks — who never led in this game — cut their deficit to six points midway through the third, but Miami pulled away to lead 99-84 by the end of the quarter. Miami cruised in the fourth quarter, when it outscored Atlanta 44-33. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Heat #rout #Hawks #regularseason #finale #Charlotte #playin #game

#Deadspin #Heat #rout #Hawks #regularseason #finale #Charlotte #playin #game">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 12, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) grabs a rebound against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Bam Adebayo produced 25 points and 10 rebounds, leading the host Miami Heat to a 143-117 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Miami (43-39) also got 26 points and five assists from Jaime Jaquez Jr. and 25 points from Norman Powell, who returned from a groin injury.

The Heat next will play at the Charlotte Hornets in the first game of the play-in round. The Heat, 5-10 over their past 15 games, are in the play-in round for the fourth straight year.

Atlanta (46-35), which had already clinched its first playoff berth since 2023, sat its entire starting lineup plus three reserves. The players who sat were Jalen Johnson (rest), Dyson Daniels (toe sprain), CJ McCollum (rest), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (toe sprain), Jonathan Kuminga (knee/injury management), Gabe Vincent (knee inflammation), Jock Landale (ankle sprain) and Onyeka Okongwu (finger sprain).

“The focus for us is to get into the postseason healthy,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said just prior to tip-off on Sunday.

Veteran Buddy Hield led the Hawks with a game-high 31 points, and Corey Kispert added 21 points.

For Miami, two players who competed on Friday in a win over Washington were out against Atlanta: Simone Fontecchio (sore left ankle) and Pelle Larsson (right-leg contusion). The Heat also were without Dru Smith (toe sprain); and Nikola Jovic (left ankle sprain).

However, Miami got three players back from the injured list: the aforementioned Powell along with Tyler Herro (right foot soreness); and Davion Mitchell (right shoulder contusion). Herro had five points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in 22 minutes. Mitchell had 12 points in 26 minutes.

Meanwhile, Adebayo scored 13 points in the first quarter as Miami led 33-24.

The teams played even in the second quarter as Miami went into halftime leading 70-61.

In the first half, Miami made 58.7% of its shots (27 of 46), had a 40-28 edge on paint points and a 14-4 advantage on fastbreak points. Adebayo led Miami with 17 first-half points.

The Hawks — who never led in this game — cut their deficit to six points midway through the third, but Miami pulled away to lead 99-84 by the end of the quarter.

Miami cruised in the fourth quarter, when it outscored Atlanta 44-33.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Heat #rout #Hawks #regularseason #finale #Charlotte #playin #game">Deadspin | Heat rout Hawks in regular-season finale, on to Charlotte for play-in game

Apr 12, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) grabs a rebound against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Bam Adebayo produced 25 points and 10 rebounds, leading the host Miami Heat to a 143-117 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Miami (43-39) also got 26 points and five assists from Jaime Jaquez Jr. and 25 points from Norman Powell, who returned from a groin injury.

The Heat next will play at the Charlotte Hornets in the first game of the play-in round. The Heat, 5-10 over their past 15 games, are in the play-in round for the fourth straight year.

Atlanta (46-35), which had already clinched its first playoff berth since 2023, sat its entire starting lineup plus three reserves. The players who sat were Jalen Johnson (rest), Dyson Daniels (toe sprain), CJ McCollum (rest), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (toe sprain), Jonathan Kuminga (knee/injury management), Gabe Vincent (knee inflammation), Jock Landale (ankle sprain) and Onyeka Okongwu (finger sprain).

“The focus for us is to get into the postseason healthy,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said just prior to tip-off on Sunday.

Veteran Buddy Hield led the Hawks with a game-high 31 points, and Corey Kispert added 21 points.

For Miami, two players who competed on Friday in a win over Washington were out against Atlanta: Simone Fontecchio (sore left ankle) and Pelle Larsson (right-leg contusion). The Heat also were without Dru Smith (toe sprain); and Nikola Jovic (left ankle sprain).

However, Miami got three players back from the injured list: the aforementioned Powell along with Tyler Herro (right foot soreness); and Davion Mitchell (right shoulder contusion). Herro had five points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in 22 minutes. Mitchell had 12 points in 26 minutes.

Meanwhile, Adebayo scored 13 points in the first quarter as Miami led 33-24.

The teams played even in the second quarter as Miami went into halftime leading 70-61.

In the first half, Miami made 58.7% of its shots (27 of 46), had a 40-28 edge on paint points and a 14-4 advantage on fastbreak points. Adebayo led Miami with 17 first-half points.

The Hawks — who never led in this game — cut their deficit to six points midway through the third, but Miami pulled away to lead 99-84 by the end of the quarter.

Miami cruised in the fourth quarter, when it outscored Atlanta 44-33.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Heat #rout #Hawks #regularseason #finale #Charlotte #playin #game

Capital One Orange Bowl - Penn State v Notre Dame

NCAA Football: ACC Football Championship-Clemson at North Carolina

#QBsonly #projection #landing #spots #quarterbacks #draft">

Our QBs-only projection has 12 landing spots for quarterbacks in the draft There is no position in the NFL draft that garners attention like the quarterback. Even though this is considered a pretty meager overall quarterback class, there is always intrigue about who will land where.So, we’re going to conduct a quarterback mock draft through the seven-round process. Here we go:1 overall: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, Las Vegas RaidersSlam dunk. The Raiders badly need a franchise quarterback. Mendoza is the quarterback at the position worthy of a top pick. It’s done.34: Ty Simpson, Alabama, Arizona CardinalsThere’s a long wait from the Mendoza pick. Many think Simpson will go in the first round, but we see him dropping because there’s just too many questions about him. This 1s a value pick for the Cardinals. If he hits great. If not, it is back at it next year with a much better quarterback class.87: Garrett Nussmeier, LSU, Miami DolphinsThe Dolphins have four picks in the third round and Nussmeier is a perfect fit here. A lot of scouts think he has a chance to develop into a starter. Nussmeier looks like a Shanahan coaching tree prototype and that’s exactly the roots of Miami offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. There’s no risk for Miami here.99: Carson Beck, Miami, Pittsburgh SteelersBeck is a hit-or-miss player, but he’s worth a shot at the end of Day Two. It’s the perfect time for the Steelers to use a comp pick on him. They like Will Howard, but there’s no reason not to add another young quarterback to a franchise that badly needs to find a long-term answer.Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty ImagesFourth-round quarterbacks103: Drew Allar, Penn State, New York JetsKind of love this one. Allar has prototypical NFL quarterback size. He is coming off an injury. He is a lottery ticket. There is no risk for the Jets. They didn’t have to reach for Simpson in the first round and they don’t need to play Allar right away. And if he doesn’t pan out, the Jets have three first-round picks in the quarterback-rich 2027 draft.107: Cole Payton, North Dakota State, Cleveland BrownsAnother year, another drafted QB for the Brownies. Why not? They don’t have any answers and the small-school Payton has some skills. Don’t rush him to the field and it may pay off.109: Taylen Green, Arkansas, Kansas City CHuiefsGreen is an athletic freak and lit up the NFL combine. He is a developmental quarterback and this is a good place for him to develop. if the Chiefs can flip him in a couple of years for a high-round pick, this would be a good move.141: Luke Altmyer, Illinois, Houston TexansThe Texans could groom a young quarterback and many scouts think Altmyer could stick around the NFL for quite a while.Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports152: Cade Klubnik, Clemson, Dallas CowboysSome teams really like him and others are worried about him. Seems like a perfect Jerry Jones pick to develop behind Dak Prescott, who will be 33. It’s a late-round flier on a guy with some talent.197: Behren Morton, Texas Tech, Philadelphia EaglesThe Eagles like their quarterbacks and Morton worth be worth getting at this point.Seventh-round quarterbacks220: Sawyer Robertson, Baylor, Buffalo BillsRobertson has some skills that with coaching can develop. Joe Brady gets a toy and Josh Allen gets a youngster to mentor.229. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt, Tampa Bay BuccaneersPavia and Baker Mayfield: Tell me you don’t love it. #QBsonly #projection #landing #spots #quarterbacks #draft

mwasimuddin125 0

There is no position in the NFL draft that garners attention like the quarterback. Even though this is considered a pretty meager overall quarterback class, there is always intrigue about who will land where.
So, we’re going to conduct a quarterback mock draft through the seven-round process. Here we go:
1 overall: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, Las Vegas Raiders
Slam dunk. The Raiders badly need a franchise quarterback. Mendoza is the quarterback at the position worthy of a top pick. It’s done.
34: Ty Simpson, Alabama, Arizona Cardinals
There’s a long wait from the Mendoza pick. Many think Simpson will go in the first round, but we see him dropping because there’s just too many questions about him. This 1s a value pick for the Cardinals. If he hits great. If not, it is back at it next year with a much better quarterback class.
87: Garrett Nussmeier, LSU, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have four picks in the third round and Nussmeier is a perfect fit here. A lot of scouts think he has a chance to develop into a starter. Nussmeier looks like a Shanahan coaching tree prototype and that’s exactly the roots of Miami offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. There’s no risk for Miami here.
99: Carson Beck, Miami, Pittsburgh Steelers
Beck is a hit-or-miss player, but he’s worth a shot at the end of Day Two. It’s the perfect time for the Steelers to use a comp pick on him. They like Will Howard, but there’s no reason not to add another young quarterback to a franchise that badly needs to find a long-term answer.
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Fourth-round quarterbacks
103: Drew Allar, Penn State, New York Jets
Kind of love this one. Allar has prototypical NFL quarterback size. He is coming off an injury. He is a lottery ticket. There is no risk for the Jets. They didn’t have to reach for Simpson in the first round and they don’t need to play Allar right away. And if he doesn’t pan out, the Jets have three first-round picks in the quarterback-rich 2027 draft.
107: Cole Payton, North Dakota State, Cleveland Browns
Another year, another drafted QB for the Brownies. Why not? They don’t have any answers and the small-school Payton has some skills. Don’t rush him to the field and it may pay off.
109: Taylen Green, Arkansas, Kansas City CHuiefs
Green is an athletic freak and lit up the NFL combine. He is a developmental quarterback and this is a good place for him to develop. if the Chiefs can flip him in a couple of years for a high-round pick, this would be a good move.
141: Luke Altmyer, Illinois, Houston Texans
The Texans could groom a young quarterback and many scouts think Altmyer could stick around the NFL for quite a while.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
152: Cade Klubnik, Clemson, Dallas Cowboys
Some teams really like him and others are worried about him. Seems like a perfect Jerry Jones pick to develop behind Dak Prescott, who will be 33. It’s a late-round flier on a guy with some talent.
197: Behren Morton, Texas Tech, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles like their quarterbacks and Morton worth be worth getting at this point.
Seventh-round quarterbacks
220: Sawyer Robertson, Baylor, Buffalo Bills
Robertson has some skills that with coaching can develop. Joe Brady gets a toy and Josh Allen gets a youngster to mentor.
229. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pavia and Baker Mayfield: Tell me you don’t love it.

#QBsonly #projection #landing #spots #quarterbacks #draft">Our QBs-only projection has 12 landing spots for quarterbacks in the draft

There is no position in the NFL draft that garners attention like the quarterback. Even though this is considered a pretty meager overall quarterback class, there is always intrigue about who will land where.

So, we’re going to conduct a quarterback mock draft through the seven-round process. Here we go:

1 overall: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, Las Vegas Raiders

Slam dunk. The Raiders badly need a franchise quarterback. Mendoza is the quarterback at the position worthy of a top pick. It’s done.

34: Ty Simpson, Alabama, Arizona Cardinals

There’s a long wait from the Mendoza pick. Many think Simpson will go in the first round, but we see him dropping because there’s just too many questions about him. This 1s a value pick for the Cardinals. If he hits great. If not, it is back at it next year with a much better quarterback class.

87: Garrett Nussmeier, LSU, Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have four picks in the third round and Nussmeier is a perfect fit here. A lot of scouts think he has a chance to develop into a starter. Nussmeier looks like a Shanahan coaching tree prototype and that’s exactly the roots of Miami offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. There’s no risk for Miami here.

99: Carson Beck, Miami, Pittsburgh Steelers

Beck is a hit-or-miss player, but he’s worth a shot at the end of Day Two. It’s the perfect time for the Steelers to use a comp pick on him. They like Will Howard, but there’s no reason not to add another young quarterback to a franchise that badly needs to find a long-term answer.

Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Fourth-round quarterbacks

103: Drew Allar, Penn State, New York Jets

Kind of love this one. Allar has prototypical NFL quarterback size. He is coming off an injury. He is a lottery ticket. There is no risk for the Jets. They didn’t have to reach for Simpson in the first round and they don’t need to play Allar right away. And if he doesn’t pan out, the Jets have three first-round picks in the quarterback-rich 2027 draft.

107: Cole Payton, North Dakota State, Cleveland Browns

Another year, another drafted QB for the Brownies. Why not? They don’t have any answers and the small-school Payton has some skills. Don’t rush him to the field and it may pay off.

109: Taylen Green, Arkansas, Kansas City CHuiefs

Green is an athletic freak and lit up the NFL combine. He is a developmental quarterback and this is a good place for him to develop. if the Chiefs can flip him in a couple of years for a high-round pick, this would be a good move.

141: Luke Altmyer, Illinois, Houston Texans

The Texans could groom a young quarterback and many scouts think Altmyer could stick around the NFL for quite a while.

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

152: Cade Klubnik, Clemson, Dallas Cowboys

Some teams really like him and others are worried about him. Seems like a perfect Jerry Jones pick to develop behind Dak Prescott, who will be 33. It’s a late-round flier on a guy with some talent.

197: Behren Morton, Texas Tech, Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles like their quarterbacks and Morton worth be worth getting at this point.

Seventh-round quarterbacks

220: Sawyer Robertson, Baylor, Buffalo Bills

Robertson has some skills that with coaching can develop. Joe Brady gets a toy and Josh Allen gets a youngster to mentor.

229. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pavia and Baker Mayfield: Tell me you don’t love it.

#QBsonly #projection #landing #spots #quarterbacks #draft

The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) has announced a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh for the ground staff after successfully hosting three IPL matches this season despite challenging weather conditions.

The curator and groundsmen ensured that the pitches were prepared and maintained to the highest standards.

“Their efforts were central to the smooth conduct of the matches and helped uphold the venue’s growing reputation on the national stage.

“In recognition of their contribution, the association has announced a reward of Rs 25 lakh for the curator and groundsmen, ACA secretary Sanatan Das said in a press release.

ACA president Taranga Gogoi and secretary Das praised the team’s professionalism and commitment, stating that their dedication was instrumental in the seamless execution of the matches.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms severely impacted IPL 2026 matches at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium, with the April 7 Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians match shortened to 11 overs per side.

A later match between RR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 10 also suffered significant rain delays, forcing the ground crew to cover the pitch.

Despite the issues, the groundsmen at the ACA stadium managed to hold the matches.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#IPL #ACA #announces #lakh #cash #reward #ground #staff">

IPL 2026: ACA announces Rs 25 lakh cash reward for ground staff The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) has announced a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh for the ground staff after successfully hosting three IPL matches this season despite challenging weather conditions.The curator and groundsmen ensured that the pitches were prepared and maintained to the highest standards.“Their efforts were central to the smooth conduct of the matches and helped uphold the venue’s growing reputation on the national stage.“In recognition of their contribution, the association has announced a reward of Rs 25 lakh for the curator and groundsmen, ACA secretary Sanatan Das said in a press release.ACA president Taranga Gogoi and secretary Das praised the team’s professionalism and commitment, stating that their dedication was instrumental in the seamless execution of the matches.Heavy rain and thunderstorms severely impacted IPL 2026 matches at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium, with the April 7 Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians match shortened to 11 overs per side.A later match between RR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 10 also suffered significant rain delays, forcing the ground crew to cover the pitch.Despite the issues, the groundsmen at the ACA stadium managed to hold the matches.Published on Apr 13, 2026 #IPL #ACA #announces #lakh #cash #reward #ground #staff

mwasimuddin125 0

The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) has announced a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh for the ground staff after successfully hosting three IPL matches this season despite challenging weather conditions.
The curator and groundsmen ensured that the pitches were prepared and maintained to the highest standards.
“Their efforts were central to the smooth conduct of the matches and helped uphold the venue’s growing reputation on the national stage.
“In recognition of their contribution, the association has announced a reward of Rs 25 lakh for the curator and groundsmen, ACA secretary Sanatan Das said in a press release.
ACA president Taranga Gogoi and secretary Das praised the team’s professionalism and commitment, stating that their dedication was instrumental in the seamless execution of the matches.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms severely impacted IPL 2026 matches at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium, with the April 7 Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians match shortened to 11 overs per side.
A later match between RR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 10 also suffered significant rain delays, forcing the ground crew to cover the pitch.
Despite the issues, the groundsmen at the ACA stadium managed to hold the matches.
Published on Apr 13, 2026

#IPL #ACA #announces #lakh #cash #reward #ground #staff">IPL 2026: ACA announces Rs 25 lakh cash reward for ground staff