NBA Basketball 3h Briefing
×Last updated: April 11, 2026, 2:30 AM ET
NBA Playoff Picture & Player Milestones
The Celtics tied the franchise record by draining 29 three-pointers Friday night, securing the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed after a decisive victory over the Pelicans. Meanwhile, in the West, rookie Victor Wembanyama achieved a major benchmark, reaching 65 games played—the minimum for awards consideration—following a 40-point, 13-rebound performance in the Spurs' 139-120 win against the Mavericks. This surge of activity contrasts sharply with league-wide load management, as at least 168 players, including MVP candidates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, were *held out league-wide Friday.
Amid the resting stars, chatter about playoff matchups is intensifying, with Lakers coach JJ Redick suggesting that opposing teams prefer facing the hobbled Lakers in the first round rather than navigating other determined West seeds. This sentiment comes as teams solidify their final seeding positions before the postseason begins next week, making every remaining game outcome critical for positioning.