Welcome to Layup Lines, our daily NBA newsletter where we’ll prep you for a tip-off of tonight’s action, from what to watch to bets to make. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox every afternoon.
We all have a lot of complicated thoughts about Ben Simmons. Somewhere in the process, though, we may have forgotten how good he actually is at this sport.
Simmons is one of the most interesting players in the league because his skill set is so unique. I’m not sure exactly how much he will be able to give to Brooklyn in his debut for the Nets, especially considering how long it has been since he has last played in an NBA game.
The playoffs are a tough time to jump in with a new group of guys, especially considering Brooklyn already trails Boston in the series.
But if he comes in and uses his length and versatility to defend, it could do wonders in slowing down the likes of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. I’m glad he plans to play in Game 4, although I’ll miss seeing what he wears to the bench in each game.
Meanwhile, I’m just as pleased that Celtics big Robert Williams also intends to return to action for Game 3 on Monday. He was a legitimate candidate for All-Defense consideration before his injury, and Boston is giving Brooklyn nightmares on the defensive end of the floor.
The Tip-Off
It’s a controversial opinion, I know, but I’m a fan of the transfer portal in college sports. I think the roster fluidity leads to fascinating decisions for players and coaches alike.
The transfer portal is always loaded, but allow me to tell you about my favorite player potentially on the move: Tyrese Hunter. The freshman had a solid debut campaign for Iowa State, and I think he can only get better:
“I had a first-round grade for Hunter in my most recent mock draft, and when I release my initial mock draft for 2023, I’m confident Hunter will have a first-round projection once again no matter where he lands via transfer. Although he was one of the youngest players in college basketball, he was incredibly productive.
Hunter was one of the best playmakers among players in his class, and he is an excellent perimeter defender as well. While his jumper was inconsistent, it looked phenomenal at times, including an especially brilliant March Madness debut performance in which he hit seven 3-pointers.”
For a full list of the other most notable names to watch in the transfer portal, including more blurbs on my favorite players, click here.
One to Watch
Heat (-1.5, -130) vs. Hawks (+105), O/U 221.5, 7:00 PM ET
(All odds via Tipico.)
I’ve long felt that the Heat were the best team in the Eastern Conference, and I’m only more convinced based on what I’ve seen in the playoffs thus far. We saw Jimmy Butler score 45 points with no turnovers the last time he played!
But now that Trae Young has his back to the wall as the series heads to State Farm Arena in Atlanta, I’m expecting some fireworks.
Who’s in and out?
— Suns: Devin Booker (hamstring) is out until early May
— Bucks: Khris Middleton (knee) is out until early May, George Hill (abdominal) is out and Bobby Portis (eye) is probable on Friday
— Heat: Bam Adebayo (quad), Caleb Martin (ankle), Markieff Morris (hip), and PJ Tucker (calf) are all questionable on Friday
Shootaround
— Meet @ArtButSports, your new favorite meme account on Twitter
— Charles Barkley calls Timberwolves’ loss ’embarrassing for basketball’
— HoopsHype ranked the top NBA free agents available next offseason
— Cameron Tabatabaie wonders where Gordon Hayward should play next
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).