2025 NBA playoff picture: Standings, projections with five West teams separated by half-game in final week

On Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon discuss Luka Doncic's career with the Mavericks and the details leading to his trade. They also analyze the Lakers' dominant win over the Thunder and how it affects their threat to OKC. Additionally, they delve into the Western Conference matchups that could determine the conference winner, including Luka's return to Dallas and the Rockets' need for a superstar. Full Article

On Monday, the NBA schedule features two games with playoff implications as the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Miami Heat and the Sacramento Kings face the Detroit Pistons. Heat's Bam Adebayo has been performing well, with an opportunity to surpass his total points over/under of 20.5. The SportsLine Projection Model suggests betting on Adebayo to exceed 13.5 rebounds + assists and Ausar Thompson to go over 2.5 steals + blocks, while recommending an under on...

The Portland Trail Blazers have extended general manager Joe Cronin's contract for multiple years, though exact terms were not disclosed. Under Cronin's leadership, the team has shown improvement with a 35-44 record and a recent winning streak, positioning them as a top defensive team in the NBA. Since taking over in 2022, Cronin has overseen a rebuild by trading away key players and developing a young core, earning praise from team chair Jody Allen for...

Jamal Murray's lingering hamstring injury is worse than initially feared, with his availability for the start of the playoffs uncertain according to Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. The Nuggets have ruled Murray out for five consecutive games, leading to a four-game losing streak. Malone emphasized that Murray is hurt, not simply being cautious, and expressed hope for his return before the postseason. Murray's health is crucial to Denver's championship hopes, as shown by his...

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry scored just three points in a loss to the Houston Rockets, his lowest total in a game where he played over 30 minutes, due to the suffocating defense led by Amen Thompson. Rockets coach Ime Udoka credited Thompson for shutting down Curry, who had been on a scoring streak, while Warriors forward Jimmy Butler highlighted the physical play against Curry as a key factor in his struggles. Despite Curry's...