Deadspin | Report: Battlehawks acquire QB Luis Perez from Renegades Mar 29, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Arlington Renegades quarterback Luis Perez (12) throws downfield during the second half against the San Antonio Brahmas at Choctaw Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images The St. Louis Battlehawks are acquiring quarterback Luis Perez from the Dallas Renegades, multiple UFL insiders reported on Tuesday. The Renegades will receive offensive tackle Corey Stewart from the Battlehawks, who needed a quarterback following an injury to starter Michael Pratt, per the report. Perez, 31, has been dubbed the “Spring King” for his history of success with multiple professional spring leagues. He was named the XFL Championship Game MVP for the 2023 champion Renegades and led the UFL in passing yards in both 2024 and 2025. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Battlehawks #acquire #Luis #Perez #Renegades

Deadspin | Report: Battlehawks acquire QB Luis Perez from Renegades
Deadspin | Report: Battlehawks acquire QB Luis Perez from Renegades Mar 29, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Arlington Renegades quarterback Luis Perez (12) throws downfield during the second half against the San Antonio Brahmas at Choctaw Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images The St. Louis Battlehawks are acquiring quarterback Luis Perez from the Dallas Renegades, multiple UFL insiders reported on Tuesday. The Renegades will receive offensive tackle Corey Stewart from the Battlehawks, who needed a quarterback following an injury to starter Michael Pratt, per the report. Perez, 31, has been dubbed the “Spring King” for his history of success with multiple professional spring leagues. He was named the XFL Championship Game MVP for the 2023 champion Renegades and led the UFL in passing yards in both 2024 and 2025. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Battlehawks #acquire #Luis #Perez #RenegadesMar 29, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Arlington Renegades quarterback Luis Perez (12) throws downfield during the second half against the San Antonio Brahmas at Choctaw Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Battlehawks are acquiring quarterback Luis Perez from the Dallas Renegades, multiple UFL insiders reported on Tuesday.

The Renegades will receive offensive tackle Corey Stewart from the Battlehawks, who needed a quarterback following an injury to starter Michael Pratt, per the report.


Perez, 31, has been dubbed the “Spring King” for his history of success with multiple professional spring leagues.

He was named the XFL Championship Game MVP for the 2023 champion Renegades and led the UFL in passing yards in both 2024 and 2025.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #Battlehawks #acquire #Luis #Perez #Renegades

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Mar 29, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Arlington Renegades quarterback Luis Perez (12) throws downfield during the second half against the San Antonio Brahmas at Choctaw Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Battlehawks are acquiring quarterback Luis Perez from the Dallas Renegades, multiple UFL insiders reported on Tuesday.

The Renegades will receive offensive tackle Corey Stewart from the Battlehawks, who needed a quarterback following an injury to starter Michael Pratt, per the report.

Perez, 31, has been dubbed the “Spring King” for his history of success with multiple professional spring leagues.

He was named the XFL Championship Game MVP for the 2023 champion Renegades and led the UFL in passing yards in both 2024 and 2025.

–Field Level Media

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Duke lands elite transfer portal guard John Blackwell, and its roster is coming together for next season <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Duke Blue Devils probably won’t have a superstar freshman who doubles as the best player in the country for the 2026-27 season like they did the previous two years with Cooper Flagg and Cameron Boozer. That means Duke has real work to do in the transfer portal this season, and it landed its best piece yet on Wednesday afternoon by <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/24481294/college-basketball-transfer-portal-rankings-best-available">nabbing one of the top players available</a>.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">John Blackwell committed to Duke in the transfer portal <a href="https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/2046687676670087338">per ESPN</a> after deciding to leave the Wisconsin Badgers after three seasons. Blackwell was a three-star recruit who didn’t even place in the top-200 of the national recruiting rankings entering Wisconsin, but he exploded into one of the best guards in the Big Ten as a sophomore, and then <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/1106304/wisconsin-college-basketball-best-backcourt-nick-boyd-john-blackwell-big-ten-tournament">took another step forward as a junior</a>. Wisconsin won 51 games over the last two years and made a pair of NCAA tournament appearances with Blackwell as one of their lead players. Now he’s set to be the top option on the perimeter after choosing the Blue Devils over interest from Louisville, Illinois, and others.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">We <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/1105461/march-madness-top-50-players-2026-mens-ncaa-tournament">ranked Blackwell as the 44th best player entering the 2026 NCAA tournament</a>. He averaged 19.1 points on per game on 59.3 percent true shooting this year by blending on- and off-ball versatility on offense and showing off a very good three-point shooting stroke and advanced mid-range game. Blackwell made 39 percent of the 241 threes he attempted this past season with 25 percent of those being unassisted, and also made 40 percent of his mid-range shots with more than 70 percent unassisted. The 6’4 guard is more of a scorer than a pure point, but he does a a good job suppressing turnovers as a ball handler. In general, he’s a guard who can handle high usage (25.6 percent last season), create a good look for himself, and rip threes while proving he can play alongside other stars the last two years next to John Tonje and Nick Boyd at Wisconsin respectively.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Duke had already landed a transfer portal commitment from 6’9 Belmont big man Drew Scharnowski. Star center Patrick Ngongba is also coming back to Duke instead of entering the NBA Draft, and will Cayden Boozer is back for his sophomore year, too. Duke almost certainly isn’t done adding to the roster, but it might have to wait for a few players to make decisions on the 2026 NBA Draft. Remember: Duke had a commitment from Cedric Coward this time last year before he won over pro scouts at the combine and eventually developed into a lottery pick and one of this year’s better rookies.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Let’s dive into what Duke has on the 2026-27 roster right now, plus the players they could still land.</p></div><div><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Duke men’s basketball projected roster for 2026-2027 season</h2></p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">These are the players Duke has committed for next year if everyone returns. I’m just going to take a wild guess at the lineup.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>Bench</strong>: F/C Drew Scharnowski, G Caleb Foster*, G Deron Ripley Jr., F Bryson Howard, C Maxime Meyer, F Sebastian Wilkins</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The <em>* </em>next to a player’s name means they’re currently expected to return without an announcement yet. Sarr and Foster will both have big decisions that will go a long way toward shaping Duke’s roster.</p></div><div><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Who else could Duke still land in the transfer portal?</h2></p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The biggest name available for Duke or any school is Allen Graves. The Santa Clara forward declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, but it’s hard to say what his stock will look like right now. Graves was one of the most productive players in the country on a per-minute basis, but he also didn’t play a ton of minutes because of constant foul trouble. The 6’9 forward is a defensive ballhawk with a five percent block rate and 4.9 percent steal rate, and he also hit 40 percent of his three-pointers this past season. He’s an elite rebounder with crazy hands, a non-stop motor, and a true nose for the ball on both ends. I would take him with a first-round pick this year, but it’s likely Duke or Kentucky or anyone else would offer him more money to return to college and prove his stock against better competition in a bigger role.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Could Duke still land Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic if he doesn’t stick in the draft? Is there another high-profile player coming? It’s all possible. After falling in the Final Four with Flagg and the Elite Eight with Boozer, head coach Jon Scheyer needs a deep run in the tournament. He’s got his work cut out for him, but this is a strong start.</p></div> #Duke #lands #elite #transfer #portal #guard #John #Blackwell #roster #coming #season

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Deadspin | Utah’s Terrence Brown, NC State G Matthew Able commit to North Carolina Mar 10, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Utah Utes guard Terrence Brown (2) drives around Cincinnati Bearcats guard Day Day Thomas (1) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images Utah guard Terrence Brown and North Carolina State guard Matthew Able both pledged to join North Carolina on Tuesday. Brown was third in the Big 12 with a 19.9 scoring average last season. Able averaged 8.8 points off the bench for the Wolfpack. Brown has three years of college experience – two coming at Fairleigh Dickinson before playing for the Utes last season. He averaged 20.6 points in his second season at FDU. The 6-foot-3 Brown also averaged 3.8 assists and 1.4 steals while starting all 32 games for the Utes in 2025-26. He shot 32.7% from 3-point range. Able was a freshman and averaged 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 34 games for NC State. He shot 35.5% from behind the arc. A highly acclaimed recruit, Able began looking at other options after Will Wade left as coach for the LSU gig. North Carolina previously reeled in guard Neoklis Avdalas, who averaged 12.1 points, 4.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds as a freshman for Virginia Tech this season. New coach Michael Malone is quickly trying to put together a roster after replacing the ousted Hubert Davis. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Utahs #Terrence #Brown #State #Matthew #commit #North #CarolinaMar 10, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Utah Utes guard Terrence Brown (2) drives around Cincinnati Bearcats guard Day Day Thomas (1) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

Utah guard Terrence Brown and North Carolina State guard Matthew Able both pledged to join North Carolina on Tuesday.

Brown was third in the Big 12 with a 19.9 scoring average last season. Able averaged 8.8 points off the bench for the Wolfpack.

Brown has three years of college experience – two coming at Fairleigh Dickinson before playing for the Utes last season. He averaged 20.6 points in his second season at FDU.

The 6-foot-3 Brown also averaged 3.8 assists and 1.4 steals while starting all 32 games for the Utes in 2025-26. He shot 32.7% from 3-point range.


Able was a freshman and averaged 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 34 games for NC State. He shot 35.5% from behind the arc.

A highly acclaimed recruit, Able began looking at other options after Will Wade left as coach for the LSU gig.

North Carolina previously reeled in guard Neoklis Avdalas, who averaged 12.1 points, 4.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds as a freshman for Virginia Tech this season.

New coach Michael Malone is quickly trying to put together a roster after replacing the ousted Hubert Davis.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Utahs #Terrence #Brown #State #Matthew #commit #North #Carolina">Deadspin | Utah’s Terrence Brown, NC State G Matthew Able commit to North Carolina Mar 10, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Utah Utes guard Terrence Brown (2) drives around Cincinnati Bearcats guard Day Day Thomas (1) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images Utah guard Terrence Brown and North Carolina State guard Matthew Able both pledged to join North Carolina on Tuesday. Brown was third in the Big 12 with a 19.9 scoring average last season. Able averaged 8.8 points off the bench for the Wolfpack. Brown has three years of college experience – two coming at Fairleigh Dickinson before playing for the Utes last season. He averaged 20.6 points in his second season at FDU. The 6-foot-3 Brown also averaged 3.8 assists and 1.4 steals while starting all 32 games for the Utes in 2025-26. He shot 32.7% from 3-point range. Able was a freshman and averaged 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 34 games for NC State. He shot 35.5% from behind the arc. A highly acclaimed recruit, Able began looking at other options after Will Wade left as coach for the LSU gig. North Carolina previously reeled in guard Neoklis Avdalas, who averaged 12.1 points, 4.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds as a freshman for Virginia Tech this season. New coach Michael Malone is quickly trying to put together a roster after replacing the ousted Hubert Davis. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Utahs #Terrence #Brown #State #Matthew #commit #North #Carolina

Deadspin | Duke lands coveted transfer guard John Blackwell Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives to the basket against High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Coveted Wisconsin transfer guard John Blackwell committed to Duke on Tuesday. Blackwell announced the news on his social media accounts with the caption, “Committed! #TheBrotherhood.” The rising senior, who’s ranked by 247Sports as the No. 1 guard and No. 3 overall player in the transfer portal class, has seen his production shoot up over each of his three seasons with the Badgers. The 6-foot-4 guard is coming off a season where he earned third-team All-Big 10 honors after averaging 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 43% from the floor and 38.9% from 3-point range. Blackwell averaged 15.8 points per game as a sophomore in 2024-25. He’s set to become a featured piece of Duke’s roster, filling the void left by national Player of the Year Cameron Boozer, who is off to the NBA after one season with the Blue Devils. It continues a great week of news for Duke, which also announced Monday that center Patrick Ngongba II will return for his junior season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Duke #lands #coveted #transfer #guard #John #BlackwellMar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives to the basket against High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Coveted Wisconsin transfer guard John Blackwell committed to Duke on Tuesday.

Blackwell announced the news on his social media accounts with the caption, “Committed! #TheBrotherhood.”

The rising senior, who’s ranked by 247Sports as the No. 1 guard and No. 3 overall player in the transfer portal class, has seen his production shoot up over each of his three seasons with the Badgers. The 6-foot-4 guard is coming off a season where he earned third-team All-Big 10 honors after averaging 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 43% from the floor and 38.9% from 3-point range.


Blackwell averaged 15.8 points per game as a sophomore in 2024-25.

He’s set to become a featured piece of Duke’s roster, filling the void left by national Player of the Year Cameron Boozer, who is off to the NBA after one season with the Blue Devils.

It continues a great week of news for Duke, which also announced Monday that center Patrick Ngongba II will return for his junior season.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Duke #lands #coveted #transfer #guard #John #Blackwell">Deadspin | Duke lands coveted transfer guard John Blackwell Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives to the basket against High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Coveted Wisconsin transfer guard John Blackwell committed to Duke on Tuesday. Blackwell announced the news on his social media accounts with the caption, “Committed! #TheBrotherhood.” The rising senior, who’s ranked by 247Sports as the No. 1 guard and No. 3 overall player in the transfer portal class, has seen his production shoot up over each of his three seasons with the Badgers. The 6-foot-4 guard is coming off a season where he earned third-team All-Big 10 honors after averaging 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 43% from the floor and 38.9% from 3-point range. Blackwell averaged 15.8 points per game as a sophomore in 2024-25. He’s set to become a featured piece of Duke’s roster, filling the void left by national Player of the Year Cameron Boozer, who is off to the NBA after one season with the Blue Devils. It continues a great week of news for Duke, which also announced Monday that center Patrick Ngongba II will return for his junior season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Duke #lands #coveted #transfer #guard #John #Blackwell

NBA Playoff Picks: Rockets vs Lakers & Spurs vs Blazers Best Bets | Deadspin.com Apr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images The Knicks got wrapped up in emotion-fueled, lockdown defense in a testy playoff environment and wound up blowing Game 2 on Monday.While that series and the Nuggets-Wolves in the West are even at 1-1, a few teams with designs on doing the same take the court Tuesday night.The Rockets are hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ETNo sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ETWe plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ #NBA #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.comApr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The Knicks got wrapped up in emotion-fueled, lockdown defense in a testy playoff environment and wound up blowing Game 2 on Monday.

While that series and the Nuggets-Wolves in the West are even at 1-1, a few teams with designs on doing the same take the court Tuesday night.

The Rockets are hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.

Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET

No sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.

Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.

Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.

Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114)

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Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ET

We plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.

The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.

But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.

San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.

Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel

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#NBA #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.com">NBA Playoff Picks: Rockets vs Lakers & Spurs vs Blazers Best Bets | Deadspin.com Apr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images The Knicks got wrapped up in emotion-fueled, lockdown defense in a testy playoff environment and wound up blowing Game 2 on Monday.While that series and the Nuggets-Wolves in the West are even at 1-1, a few teams with designs on doing the same take the court Tuesday night.The Rockets are hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ETNo sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ETWe plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ #NBA #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.com

hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.

Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET

No sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.

Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.

Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.

Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114)

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Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ET

We plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.

The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.

But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.

San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.

Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel

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#NBA #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.com">NBA Playoff Picks: Rockets vs Lakers & Spurs vs Blazers Best Bets | Deadspin.com
NBA Playoff Picks: Rockets vs Lakers & Spurs vs Blazers Best Bets | Deadspin.com Apr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images The Knicks got wrapped up in emotion-fueled, lockdown defense in a testy playoff environment and wound up blowing Game 2 on Monday.While that series and the Nuggets-Wolves in the West are even at 1-1, a few teams with designs on doing the same take the court Tuesday night.The Rockets are hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ETNo sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ETWe plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ #NBA #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.comApr 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The Knicks got wrapped up in emotion-fueled, lockdown defense in a testy playoff environment and wound up blowing Game 2 on Monday.

While that series and the Nuggets-Wolves in the West are even at 1-1, a few teams with designs on doing the same take the court Tuesday night.

The Rockets are hoping leading scorer Kevin Durant is in the lineup against the Lakers, who used vintage LeBron James to take Game 1, 107-98 on Saturday.

Rockets (-4.5) at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET

No sympathy cards were sent from the Lakers when Durant (knee) was scratched for Game 1. Los Angeles is playing without MVP candidate and NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reeves (oblique), but James did more than his part to bag the opening game of the series on Saturday. He had 19 points and 13 assists.

Without Durant, Houston had 27 more shot attempts than the Lakers. But efficiency and consistency expected of Durant were sorely lacking. The Rockets shot 37.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 68% from the free-throw line.

Durant is a multiplier in the playoffs because of his ability to function and force decisions from the defense in half-court sets. The Rockets are more than willing to roll the dice that Luke Kennard, who produced a playoff career-high 27 points and went 5-of-5 from 3-point range Saturday, won’t produce a similar encore effort.

Our pick: Rockets (-4.5, -114 at FanDuel), over 206.5 total points (-114)

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Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-11.5), 8 p.m. ET

We plan to continue the suggestion these playoffs will morph into one massive Victor Wembanyama celebration/coming-out party and Game 1 underscored most of our thesis.

The Blazers have no answer for Wemby (who does?!) on either end of the floor. When the supporting cast of the Spurs brings juice, the delta between San Antonio and Portland grows exponentially. Wembanyama had 35 in Game 1.

But he was scoreless in the third quarter, and when a two-point lead ballooned to a 21-point edge two minutes into the final period, it was all about the co-stars. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox scored 17 points apiece for San Antonio and Devin Vassell scored 15.

San Antonio naturally forces teams to the perimeter with size and shot-blocking ability. The Blazers were only a hair better than 25 percent on their 38 tries from 3-point range in Game 1. Without a lights-out night from deep, this series continues to trend toward a sweep.

Our pick: Spurs alternate spread (-9.5, -154 at FanDuel) plus Wembanyama double-double (-200) and Jrue Holiday 6+ assists (-115), +298 parlayed at FanDuel

Our Current Best Offers

1

Underdog
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T&Cs apply, 18+

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#NBA #Playoff #Picks #Rockets #Lakers #Spurs #Blazers #Bets #Deadspin.com

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