Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado

This Western Conference showdown is a heavyweight clash with major seeding implications in the final week of the regular season. The top-seeded Thunder visit the third-place Nuggets, who have surged into the No. 3 seed with a 10-game winning streak and are closing their home schedule strong. Oklahoma City has already locked up the No. 1 seed in the West, while Denver is fighting to avoid a tougher second-round path.

Injury Report

Oklahoma City Thunder:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (right oblique injury management) – Out

Chet Holmgren (low back spasms) – Out

Jalen Williams (right hamstring injury management) – Out

Isaiah Hartenstein (left soleus/calf injury management) – Out

Isaiah Joe (left knee soreness) – Out

Cason Wallace (left great toe soreness) – Out

Ajay Mitchell (left ankle injury management) – Out

Alex Caruso (rest) – Out

Jaylin Williams (right Achilles) – Out

Thomas Sorber (right ACL recovery) – Out

Denver Nuggets:

Nikola Jokić (right wrist) – Questionable (day-to-day)

Jamal Murray (right shoulder impingement) – Questionable (day-to-day)

Aaron Gordon (right hamstring) – Questionable (day-to-day)

Spencer Jones (right hamstring strain) – Out

Peyton Watson (right hamstring strain) – Out

Oklahoma City is extremely short-handed and in heavy load-management/rest mode with the No. 1 seed secured. Denver’s big three are all questionable but expected to be game-time decisions; the Nuggets’ depth has carried them through the recent streak regardless.

Player Matchups & Probable Starters

OKC Probable Starters (heavily depleted): Lu Dort / reserves, plus young rotation pieces and two-way call-ups (exact lineup fluid due to mass absences).

DEN Probable Starters (TBD pending big-three status): Nikola Jokić (C – if active), Jamal Murray (G – if active), Aaron Gordon (F – if active), plus supporting wings like Christian Braun and frontcourt depth.

Key Matchups:

Nuggets’ star trio (if healthy) vs. Thunder reserves: Jokić’s elite playmaking and interior dominance should overwhelm a depleted OKC frontcourt missing Holmgren and Hartenstein. Murray’s scoring and Gordon’s athleticism exploit mismatches against OKC’s young or rested perimeter.

Thunder youth movement vs. Denver’s experience: Without SGA, Jalen Williams, and Caruso, Oklahoma City relies on unproven pieces that will struggle to match Denver’s half-court execution and transition pace.

Bench/Depth: Denver’s veteran rotation and recent hot form provide a massive edge in second-unit scoring and defensive intensity.

The talent and experience gap widens dramatically if Oklahoma City rests its core.

Recent Team Forms

Thunder (7-3 in last 10, seeking 8th straight win): Oklahoma City remains dominant overall but enters this contest with heavy rest and load management after a strong season-long run.

Nuggets (10-game winning streak, 8-2 in last 10): Denver has been one of the hottest teams in the league, climbing into the No. 3 seed with elite offense and balanced play at home.

Series History

Oklahoma City leads the 2025-26 season series 3-0 (most recent: 129-126 Thunder win on March 9 in Oklahoma City; earlier wins of 127-121 OT on Feb. 27 and 121-111 on Feb. 1 in Denver). Denver has struggled to contain Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in those matchups, but tonight’s absences flip the script. This is the final regular-season meeting.

Betting Trends

Denver is strong as home favorites during winning streaks; unders have hit in several recent Nuggets contests when resting opponents are involved. Oklahoma City is poor ATS when heavily resting stars.

Game Odds

Oklahoma City Thunder                232.5

Denver Nuggets                                – 11.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 9, 2026

Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This late-season Eastern Conference matchup pits the lottery-bound Brooklyn Nets against a Milwaukee Bucks team that has underperformed all year but still holds a better record. Both clubs have been eliminated from playoff contention, turning this contest into a battle for pride, draft positioning, and evaluation of young talent at Fiserv Forum. The Nets are on the road for the second night of a back-to-back after a tough stretch, while the Bucks aim to close the home schedule on a positive note.

Injury Report

Brooklyn Nets:

Dennis Schröder (PG) – Out (groin)

Cam Thomas (SG) – Out for season (knee)

Ben Simmons (PG) – Out (back)

Noah Clowney (PF) – Out (ankle)

Multiple two-way/G-League call-ups filling the roster.

Milwaukee Bucks:

Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF) – Questionable (right calf tightness – limited in recent practices)

Damian Lillard (PG) – Questionable (ankle)

Khris Middleton (SF) – Out (wrist)

Pat Connaughton (SG) – Out (calf)

Milwaukee’s injury list is particularly impactful if Giannis and Lillard are limited or sit, further thinning an already inconsistent rotation. Brooklyn is extremely short-handed and reliant on youth and depth players.

Player Matchups & Probable Starters

BKN Probable Starters: Keon Johnson (SG), Ziaire Williams (SF), Nic Claxton (C), plus young pieces like Jalen Wilson (PF) and rotation guards.

MIL Probable Starters: (TBD pending Giannis/Lillard status) – Damian Lillard (PG – if active), Gary Trent Jr. (SG), plus frontcourt depth around Bobby Portis or MarJon Beauchamp.

Key Matchups:

Young Nets wings vs. Bucks perimeter: Brooklyn’s athletic group (Johnson, Williams) will try to exploit any defensive lapses, but Milwaukee’s length (even without Middleton) creates mismatches.

Nic Claxton vs. Milwaukee frontcourt: Claxton’s rim protection is one of Brooklyn’s few bright spots, but he faces a depleted Bucks interior that still features size and rebounding.

Bench/Depth: Both teams are thin, but Milwaukee’s veteran experience (Portis, Trent) gives them a slight edge in second-unit execution if the stars play.

If Giannis sits or is limited, the matchup becomes even more favorable for Brooklyn’s youth movement to compete.

Recent Team Forms

Nets (2-8 in last 10): Brooklyn has shown occasional flashes from their young core but continues to struggle with consistency and defensive effort, dropping most recent games by double digits.

Bucks (3-7 in last 10): Milwaukee has been streaky at best, with wins mixed against lottery teams but losses to stronger squads. Home games have offered slightly better results, but injuries have derailed momentum.

Series History

Milwaukee leads the 2025-26 season series 3-1 (most recent: 118-109 Bucks win on March 12 in Brooklyn). The Bucks have taken 8 of the last 10 meetings overall, with games at Fiserv Forum typically resulting in comfortable home victories when healthy. This is the final 2025-26 matchup between the teams.

Betting Trends

Milwaukee is strong as home favorites against lottery teams; totals have gone UNDER in 6 of Brooklyn’s last 9 road games. Bucks cover the spread at a solid rate when Giannis plays.

Game Odds

Brooklyn Nets                   218.5

Milwaukee Bucks            – 10.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 9, 2026

Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT)
Venue: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas

This Southwest Division matchup is the penultimate game of the 2025-26 regular season for both teams, with the rebuilding Dallas Mavericks visiting the playoff-bound San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. San Antonio enters as one of the league’s top teams and looks to extend its recent dominance over Dallas, while the Mavericks—already eliminated—are focused on development and lottery positioning in a season highlighted by rookie Cooper Flagg’s emergence.

Injury Report

Dallas Mavericks:

Brandon Williams (G) – GTD (illness)

Naji Marshall (F) – GTD (hip)

Caleb Martin (SF) – GTD (foot/heel)

Daniel Gafford (C) – GTD (shoulder)

Long-term: Kyrie Irving (SG) – Out (left knee surgery); Dereck Lively II (C) – Out (right foot surgery, season); additional depth pieces on two-way/G-League status.

San Antonio Spurs:

Stephon Castle (PG) – DTD (knee)

Victor Wembanyama (C) – DTD (rib)

Limited other absences; core rotation largely intact.

Dallas is extremely thin and dealing with multiple day-to-day issues plus season-ending losses, forcing heavy reliance on young talent and call-ups. San Antonio’s injuries are manageable and unlikely to derail their rotation depth.

Player Matchups & Probable Starters

DAL Probable Starters: Cooper Flagg (key rookie forward/guard hybrid), plus available pieces like Marvin Bagley III, Max Christie, and rotation depth (lineup fluid due to GTDs).

SAS Probable Starters: Victor Wembanyama (C), plus backcourt/wing stars including De’Aaron Fox (if healthy) and supporting cast like Harrison Ingram or others in the rotation.

Key Matchups:

Cooper Flagg vs. Victor Wembanyama: The 2025 No. 1 pick Flagg (showing Rookie of the Year flashes with double-doubles and defense) battles Wembanyama’s generational size, rim protection, and scoring in what could be a marquee young-star showdown.

Mavericks perimeter vs. Spurs backcourt: Dallas’s makeshift guard play (Christie, Williams if active) faces San Antonio’s elite spacing and transition attack.

Bench/Depth: The Spurs’ veteran and high-upside rotation provides overwhelming advantages in scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility against Dallas’s injury-riddled and inexperienced group.

San Antonio’s superior size, athleticism, and execution should control the paint and perimeter.

Recent Team Forms

Mavericks (struggling stretch, L2 most recently): Dallas fell 112-107 at Phoenix on April 8 (with Flagg posting 11-13-6) and has been inconsistent offensively while ranking near the bottom league-wide in efficiency.

Spurs (strong form, W2): San Antonio has maintained elite production (119.6 PPG scored, 111.2 allowed) with balanced scoring and defense, winning consistently at home and against divisional foes.

Series History

The Spurs have dominated the 2025-26 season series and hold a 4-game head-to-head win streak entering tonight (including recent blowouts and competitive victories). Historically, San Antonio has owned this rivalry in recent years, with games at Frost Bank Center often resulting in comfortable home wins. This is the final 2025-26 meeting between the divisional rivals.

Betting Trends

San Antonio covers as large home favorites at a high rate; unders have been common in some recent Spurs games, but Mavericks contests often trend higher due to pace. Dallas is poor ATS against top teams.

Game Odds

Dallas Mavericks              238.5

San Antonio Spurs           – 18.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 9, 2026

Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: United Center, Chicago, Illinois

This late-season Eastern Conference matchup features the surging Orlando Magic visiting the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. Orlando enters on a four-game winning streak and sits in the thick of the Eastern Conference play-in race (currently 7th), while the Bulls—already eliminated from postseason contention—are playing out the string with little left to play for beyond pride and lottery positioning.

Injury Report

Orlando Magic:

Jett Howard (G) – Out (ankle; expected return ~April 12)

Jonathan Isaac (F) – Out (knee; expected return ~April 12)

Chicago Bulls:

Guerschon Yabusele (F) – GTD (shoulder)

Matas Buzelis (F) – GTD (illness)

Josh Giddey (G) – GTD (hamstring)

Isaac Okoro (F) – GTD (quadriceps)

Orlando is relatively healthy for a late-season road game but will miss key depth pieces on the wing and in the frontcourt. Chicago’s injury list features several day-to-day rotation players, further thinning an already inconsistent lineup.

Player Matchups & Probable Starters

ORL Probable Starters: Paolo Banchero (PF), Franz Wagner (SF), Jalen Suggs (PG), plus supporting wings and bigs like Goga Bitadze (C) and others in the rotation.

CHI Probable Starters: Coby White (PG), plus available pieces including Nikola Vučević (C) and wings/frontcourt depth (lineup fluid due to GTD statuses).

Key Matchups:

Paolo Banchero vs. Chicago frontcourt: Banchero (22.3 PPG leader for Orlando) should dominate a depleted Bulls interior lacking size and rim protection.

Jalen Suggs / Magic perimeter vs. Coby White: Suggs’ defensive intensity and Orlando’s spacing will challenge White (18.6 PPG) and the Bulls’ backcourt.

Bench/Depth: Orlando’s veteran and athletic rotation provides a clear edge in second-unit scoring and rebounding against Chicago’s inconsistent youth and injury-riddled group.

Orlando’s superior talent, size, and defensive versatility give them a significant edge, especially if Chicago is missing multiple rotation.

Recent Team Forms

Magic (4-1 in last 5 / 4-game win streak): Orlando has rolled to impressive victories over Minnesota (132-120), Detroit (123-107), New Orleans (112-108), and Dallas (138-127). Offense has been efficient, and defense has tightened up during the surge.

Bulls (mixed, roughly 3-7 in last 10): Chicago earned a blowout win over Washington (129-98) on April 7 but has otherwise struggled with inconsistent scoring and defensive lapses (including recent losses to Phoenix and New York).

Series History

The 2025-26 season series is competitive, with each team winning two of the first four meetings (most recent: Bulls 121-114 on Jan. 2; Magic 125-120 on Dec. 1). Historically, the Bulls hold a slight all-time edge (69-62), but recent games have been high-scoring and closely contested. This is the final 2025-26 meeting.

Betting Trends

Orlando covers as large favorites at a high rate on the road lately; totals have trended over in several recent Magic games during their win streak. Bulls are poor ATS against winning teams.

Game Odds

Orlando Magic                  – 15.5

Chicago Bulls                     244.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 9, 2026

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

This late-season Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference matchup features the lottery-bound New Orleans Pelicans visiting the playoff-locked Boston Celtics at TD Garden. New Orleans has been eliminated from postseason contention for weeks and is simply playing out the schedule, while Boston sits comfortably in the top tier of the East and can focus on fine-tuning for the playoffs.

Injury Report

New Orleans Pelicans:

Yves Missi (C) – Out (hand)

Dejounte Murray (PG) – Out (Achilles)

Zion Williamson (PF) – Out (knee)

Trey Murphy III (SF) – Out (ankle)

Bryce McGowens (G) – Out (toe)

Herbert Jones (PF) – Questionable (ankle)

Saddiq Bey (G) – GTD (rest)

Boston Celtics:
No major injuries reported for key rotation players. Boston enters with a healthy core and typical late-season load-management flexibility. The Pelicans are extremely shorthanded, with their top offensive and defensive pieces unavailable, leaving them reliant on a patchwork lineup of young and depth players.

Player Matchups & Probable Starters

NOP Probable Starters (subject to final confirmation): Limited healthy bodies; heavy minutes expected for available rotation pieces including Jeremiah Fears (G), Karlo Matkovic (F), and other call-ups/depth options.

BOS Probable Starters: Jayson Tatum (F), Jaylen Brown (F), Jrue Holiday (G), Derrick White (G), and Kristaps Porziņģis or Al Horford (C/big). Key Matchups:

Pelicans youth/depth vs. Celtics perimeter stars (Tatum/Brown): Boston’s All-Star wings should exploit New Orleans’ depleted defense and lack of size.

Boston’s frontcourt vs. Pelicans’ makeshift interior: Without Williamson, Missi, and Murphy, the Pelicans will struggle to contest the paint or rebound against Boston’s length and versatility.

Bench/Depth: The Celtics’ veteran rotation provides overwhelming advantages in scoring, playmaking, and defensive intensity.

Boston’s superior talent, spacing, and execution should dictate the game from tip-off.

Recent Team Forms

Pelicans (poor stretch, consistent with 26-54 overall): New Orleans has struggled mightily with injuries and inconsistency, posting low offensive output and defensive lapses in recent games.
Celtics (solid 7-3 in last 10, L1 most recently): Boston has been efficient on both ends, showcasing elite defense and balanced scoring even in limited minutes for stars. They remain one of the league’s top teams when healthy.

Series History

Boston has dominated recent meetings, winning the last several encounters including a 122-90 victory on October 27, 2025. The Celtics hold a strong all-time edge and have taken every matchup in the 2025-26 season to date. Games have typically been one-sided when the Pelicans are depleted.

Betting Trends

Boston covers as large favorites at a high rate against lottery teams; totals have varied but recent Boston home games trend toward moderate-to-high scoring when rested.

Game Odds

New Orleans Pelicans    227.5

Boston Celtics                   – 17.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 9, 2026

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

This Atlantic Division matchup pits the surging Toronto Raptors against the streaking New York Knicks in the penultimate week of the regular season. Toronto is fighting for a top-six Eastern Conference seed and playoff positioning, while New York looks to lock in home-court advantage and extend its winning ways at the Garden.

Injury Report

Toronto Raptors:

G Chucky Hepburn – Out (knee)

F Trayce Jackson-Davis – Out (illness)

New York Knicks:

G Tyler Kolek – Out (oblique)

Toronto is otherwise healthy for a critical road game, though the absences thin the guard and frontcourt rotation. New York’s injury list is minimal and does not impact core rotation pieces.

Player Matchups & Probable Starters

TOR Probable Starters: Immanuel Quickley (PG), Brandon Ingram (SG), RJ Barrett (SF), Scottie Barnes (PF), Jakob Poeltl (C)

NYK Probable Starters: Jalen Brunson (PG), plus wings/forward pieces like Mikal Bridges / OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns (C), and supporting cast.

Key Matchups:

Immanuel Quickley / Brandon Ingram vs. Knicks backcourt: Quickley’s speed and Ingram’s scoring (season-high 38 vs. Miami on April 9) will test New York’s perimeter defense.

Scottie Barnes vs. New York frontcourt (Towns / Anunoby): Barnes’ all-around game (18.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 5.9 APG) battles Towns’ interior dominance and rebounding.

RJ Barrett vs. former team: Barrett’s familiarity with Madison Square Garden adds intrigue as he faces his ex-Knicks teammates.

Bench/Depth: Toronto’s second unit gets a boost from recent hot shooting; Knicks’ veteran depth (Brunson’s playmaking, Towns’ efficiency) provides a clear edge in crunch time.

Recent Team Forms

Raptors (strong 7-3 in last 10, including back-to-back wins over Miami): Toronto rolled to a 128-114 victory over the Heat on April 9 (Brandon Ingram’s season-high 38 points) after a 121-95 win on April 7. Offense has been efficient, and they’ve moved past Atlanta in the standings.

Knicks (4-game winning streak, 8-2 in last 10): New York is rolling with recent victories over Chicago (136-96) and Atlanta (108-105), showcasing elite defense and balanced scoring led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Series History

New York has dominated the 2025-26 season series 4-0 (most recent: 111-95 on March 3; earlier wins of 119-92, 117-101, and 116-94). The Knicks have won 12 straight against Toronto dating back multiple seasons. Games in New York have been particularly one-sided.

Betting Trends

Toronto is 0-10 SU in its last 10 meetings vs. New York; unders have hit in 8 of Toronto’s last 11 road games. Knicks are strong as home favorites and on winning streaks.

Game Odds

Toronto Raptors               221.5

New York Knicks               – 6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 9, 2026