Daily Dawg Chow 4/22: With Draft approaching, intriguing minicamp news

Shedeur Sanders, quarterback, watches as Coach Todd Monken speaks on the radio during a 7 on 7 training session at the Browns mini camp in Berea on April 21, 2026. | Lisa Scalfaro / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The latest Cleveland Browns coverage from Dawgs By Nature:

• ‘It was probably the most advanced in football’ (Thomas Moore) Paul DePodesta’s time in Cleveland was polarizing. But could his approach have worked if only people listened?
• Browns news: 11 free agents tryout at minicamp, including a former 2nd round pick (Jared Mueller) At Cleveland Browns minicamp, the team worked out 11 players including former 2nd round pick Josh Paschal
• Browns ‘26 QB competition starts a lot like ‘25’s with an interesting addition (Jared Mueller) Like last year, the Cleveland Browns have a QB competition, with Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, with helmet cams added
• Browns draft: New trade down option rumored; CLE mock draft after adding ‘27 pick in deal (Jared Mueller) Cleveland Browns draft rumors will flow for the next 2 days, especially on trade downs. Could the Rams trade up?
• NFL draft superlatives: Expert says which WR has best hands, top talent, boom/bust, more (Jared Mueller) The Cleveland Browns should be looking at top WR prospects in the 2026 NFL draft. Best hands? Boom/Bust? Route runner?
• NFL draft: Top CB has injury concern, could fall out of 1st round (Jared Mueller) Could the Cleveland Browns take a risk in the 2026 NFL draft? 1st round talent CB Jermod McCoy could fall due to injury
• Browns schedule: Big day for Todd Monken, QBs just 2 days before the NFL draft (Jared Mueller) The NFL draft is two days away but new HC Todd Monken will see Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson hit the field for 1st time
• Browns NFL draft: Return of the fullback has options (Barry Shuck) The Cleveland Browns under Todd Monken are likely to get their fullback return. A few NFL draft prospects fit the bill
• Browns draft: Final call, select best player available or position of need? (Abby Mueller) With significant draft capital, the Cleveland Browns will need to decide what to prioritize in their selections.

From the Feed:

We are one day away from the start of the 2026 NFL draft, which could be the perfect time to watch “Draft Day.” Is that a love or hate kind of movie for you? tmartin5785 asks you to join DBN’s Feed conversation about it:

More Cleveland Browns news:

• Observations from Day 1 of voluntary veteran minicamp | OTAs & Minicamp (clevelandbrowns.com) “The Browns kicked off their voluntary veteran minicamp on April 21, which will take place from April 21-23. It’s the first time the Browns’ new coaching…”
• Shedeur Sanders Thriving Under Todd Monken’s Early Approach With Browns (Sports Illustrated) “Tuesday marked another new era of Cleveland Browns football as new head coach Todd Monken started his quarterback competition. Shedeur Sanders, who finished…”
• Should Browns draft WR with 6th overall pick or wait until 24th overall pick? | ‘Path to the Draft’ (NFL.com) “The “Path to the Draft” discuss if the Cleveland Browns should draft wide receiver with 6th overall pick or wait until 24th overall pick.“
• Cleveland Browns 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft (OBR) “This Cleveland Browns 2026 mock draft features the Browns picking up some extra picks while bolstering their offensive line, adding some receiving weapons,…“
• Brook Park City Council unanimously approves key pre-development plan for new Cleveland Browns stadium (WKYC) “BROOK PARK, Ohio — Brook Park City Council has approved a pre-development agreement with the Cleveland Browns that marks a crucial step forward in the…”
• Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel talks after practice (Akron Beacon Journal) “Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel talks after the team’s voluntary practice on April 21, 2026, in Berea.”
• 3 Cleveland Browns’ draft predictions that could come true later this week including an unexpected change in direction (A to Z Sports) “The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching and it’s an important one for the Cleveland Browns. Here’s a trio of things I think happen for Cleveland later this week.”
• Cleveland Browns: Was Paul DePodesta destined to fail? (Yahoo Sports) “CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 17, 2017: Chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta of the Cleveland Browns stands on the field prior to a game on December 17,…”
• How will Browns use their two first-round NFL draft picks? (ESPN) “Cleveland’s front office is seeking “difference-makers and elite-level talent” at the No. 6 and No. 24 picks.“
• Shedeur Sanders enters Browns QB battle with a new mindset as Deshaun Watson returns with something to prove (Marca) “Now, with Todd Monken taking over as head coach of the Cleveland Browns moving on from Kevin Stefanski the quarterback room suddenly feels different.”
• Looks like Shedeur is QB1 (1st day of minicamp) (Youtube) Quincy Carrier reacts to the latest

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Patriots enjoy exemplary attendance on first day of voluntary offseason workouts

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JUNE 12: New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings (29) and cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) walk onto the field during New England Patriots Minicamp on June 12, 2024, at The Patriots practice facility at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The New England Patriots are back in Foxborough for their 2026 offseason workout program. On Monday, the first session took place at their brand-new training facility and enjoyed some exemplary attendance.

Given the limited information available, a full roll call is not possible. However, material shared by the Patriots on their website and social media channels indicates that at least 62 players checked into Gillette Stadium for Monday’s voluntary workout. The actual number might be even higher, meaning that a significant portion of the 71 currently-rostered men was present.

Among the participants on Day 1 were the usual suspects such as quarterback Drake Maye, tight end Hunter Henry, edge Harold Landry and linebacker Robert Spillane. Also present were cornerback Christian Gonzalez and fullback Jack Westover; the former is still in talks about a longterm contract extension with the team, while the latter participated despite not yet having officially signed his exclusive rights tender, a move that very much is a formality at this point.

All in all, the group accounted for includes most of the Patriots’ starters, team leaders and free agency signings. Here they are listed by position:

• QB Drake Maye
• QB Tommy DeVito
• RB Rhamondre Stevenson
• RB TreVeyon Henderson
• RB Terrell Jennings
• RB Lan Larison
• FB Reggie Gilliam
• FB/TE Jack Westover
• FB Brock Lampe
• WR Romeo Doubs
• WR Mack Hollins
• WR DeMario Douglas
• WR Kyle Williams
• WR Efton Chism III
• TE Hunter Henry
• TE Julian Hill
• TE Marshall Lang
• TE C.J. Dippre
• OT Will Campbell
• OT Morgan Moses
• OT James Hudson III
• OT Marcus Bryant
• OT Lorenz Metz
• G Alijah Vera-Tucker
• C Jared Wilson
• OL Ben Brown
• OL Caedan Wallace
• OL Andrew Rupcich
• OL Mehki Butler
• DT Milton Williams
• DT Christian Barmore
• DT Cory Durden
• DT Joshua Farmer
• DT Eric Gregory
• DT Leonard Taylor III
• DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
• ED Harold Landry III
• ED Dre’Mont Jones
• ED Elijah Ponder
• ED Bradyn Swinson
• ED Jesse Luketa
• LB Robert Spillane
• LB Christian Elliss
• LB K.J. Britt
• LB Chad Muma
• LB Otis Reese
• LB Amari Gainer
• CB Christian Gonzalez
• CB Charles Woods
• CB Kindle Vildor
• CB Marcellas Dial Jr.
• CB Kobee Minor
• CB Brandon Crossley
• S Kevin Byard
• S Craig Woodson
• S Dell Pettus
• S Brenden Schooler
• S Mike Brown
• K Andy Borregales
• P Bryce Baringer
• LS Julian Ashby
• LS Niko Lalos

Not among the players spotted is wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who is the subject of trade rumors for a second straight offseason. Boutte shared a photo on social media on Monday of him supposedly being on a beach in Miami.

The initial phase of offseason workouts runs for two weeks and is being led by Patriots director of sports performance Frank Piraino as well as strength and conditioning coaches Deron Mayo, Brandon Martuccio and Brian McDonough. The focus at this point in the process lies exclusively on strength and conditioning work.

After Phase 1 is over, the Patriots will gradually build up toward their mandatory minicamp, which will conclude their offseason program in mid-June. The team announced its full offseason workout schedule earlier this month.

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6 cornerback fits for the Patriots in the NFL Draft

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 01: DB Daylen Everette #6 of the Georgia Bulldogs signals during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal game between the Ole Miss Rebels and the Georgia Bulldogs on Thursday January 1, 2026 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The 2026 NFL Draft is less than 10 days away as the New England Patriots continue the process of finishing their board. Things will look quite different for the team this draft picking 31st overall after back-to-back years selecting in the top-five. Cornerback is not expected to be a major need as New England returns their top starters, but they could look to add late-round depth even though Eliot Wolf noted the secondary is not a strength of this class.

So, with that said, let’s take a look at some of the prospects that might make sense for the Patriots at the position.

Patriots’ current cornerback situation

Christian Gonzalez remains without a long-term extension as of today, but the star 24-year-old corner is still under contract and will be leading the Patriots secondary next season. Gonzalez will team back up with Carlton Davis and Marcus Jones, a talented trio who New England leaned on in their run to the Super Bowl.

The depth behind the top three remains a larger question. After being claimed on waivers after roster cutdown day last summer, Charles Woods worked his way into the rotation as the third boundary cornerback and a key special teamer. Woods held his own when called upon for injury relief and currently projects as the team’s fourth cornerback

Mr. Irrelevant Kobee Minor and 2024 sixth-round pick Marcellas Dial Jr., who missed all of last year with a torn ACL, will factor into the depth equation, while the Patriots signed Kindle Vildor in free agency. Brandon Crossley also remains on the roster and being on-and-off the practice squad in his rookie year.

Patriots NFL Draft fits at cornerback

Daylen Everette (Georgia): A former five-star recruit and three-year starter for the Bulldogs, Everette has the size and speed teams look for in a perimeter cornerback. He needs to play up to his 4.38 speed more and cut down on coverage busts, but Everette can provide immediate depth as a rookie with potential for more. | Consensus ranking: 108

Charles Demmings (Stephen F. Austin): An impressive boundary cornerback at SFA, “Chuck” Demmings was extremely productive over the four years he started recording 35 pass breakups and nine interceptions — while proving to be a top competitor which shows with his physicality. He pairs his strong tape with the height, length, and athletic profile to make him an developmental corner worth betting on. | Consensus ranking: 157

T.J. Hall (Iowa): Hall proved to be a physical cornerback for the Hawkeyes especially coming downhill in the run game and as a tackler. His best work is done in zone coverage as he can be beaten downfield in man which leads to him then getting grabby at times. | Consensus ranking: 170

Thaddeus Dixon (UNC): A physical, outside cornerback coached by Bill Belichick last season (and Steve Belichick at Washington the year prior), Dixon can stick in man coverage and recorded 24 pass breakups over the last three seasons. He only managed two interceptions and will need to improve his tackling, while he also missed half of last season with an injury — but was impressive at the Senior Bowl. | Consensus ranking: 199

Devon Marshall (NC State): Growing up in Massachusetts and attending Catholic Memorial, Marshall was present for the Patriots Local Pro Day this offseason. While he is on the smaller side for an outside cornerback and is an average athlete, Marshall still led the FBS in pass breakups last season and proved reliable in coverage and in run support. | Consensus ranking: 216

Andre Fuller (Toledo): After Quinyon Mitchell was a first-round pick in 2024, the Rockets are now set to see safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and cornerback Avery Smith, and Fuller reach the NFL. While Smith played the inside role, Fuller was a physical boundary cornerback who proved the ability to hold up in man/match coverages. He’ll be a 24-year-old as a sixth-year senior but has enticing tools and truly played cornerback for just one season after starting as a safety. | Consensus ranking: 226

If the Patriots do dip into the cornerback market earlier than expected, Keith Abney II (Arizona State), Devin Moore (Florida), and Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State) are candidates. Other depth options include Jadon Canady (Oregon), Tacario Davis (Washington), Ephesians Prysock (Washington), and Karon Prunty (Wake Forest).

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CelticsBlog predictions: How does this season end?

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 28: A general view of the Boston Celtics 2024 World Champions banner hanging from the rafters seen during the women's free skate in the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 on March 28, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

At a certain point, you have to stop circling possibilities and just make a call. Nobody enjoys that part, because it means putting something on record and living with it for the next two months.

The Celtics enter the playoffs as one of the most difficult teams in the league to pin down. They’ve shown enough to believe in a deep run, but also come with questions that leave the door open for doubt. So we asked the CelticsBlog staff to do the thing everyone eventually has to do this time of year: make a prediction and stick with it.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – JUNE 22: The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate with the Larry O'Brien Trophy after winning Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 22, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

What is your Celtics playoff prediction?

Jeff Clark: C’s over Philly in 4, C’s over the Knicks in 5, C’s over Pistons in 6, C’s over Thunder in 7.

Bill Sy: Ultimately, I think the Celtics lose to the Spurs in six and there’s no shame in that. It’ll be a resounding endorsement of everything that Mazzulla and Stevens have built and the franchise will reload in July.

Rich Jensen: I hate predictions even more than I hate hot takes. I will, therefore, go the safe route. The Celtics are going to win another championship. I don’t think that we’ve seen all that this team is capable of. This is quite different from 2024, where the C’s showed the whole league what they were during the regular season. 

Here, the Celtics have evolved before our very eyes into a team that is peaking at the right time. They are the great unknowns heading into the playoffs. None of the other contenders have played the Celtics at full strength, they are deep and multifaceted, and they present challenges to defenses at every position on the court.

Now if the C’s don’t win, that’s fine with me because this team is still very much a work in progress, and I think there’s every reason to expect that they’ll be even better next year.

The San Antonio Spurs were projected to win 44.5 games. They won 62

Which NBA team had the most surprising season? pic.twitter.com/Rv09RCn89D

— Lev Akabas (@LevAkabas) April 13, 2026

Ian Inangelo: My playoff prediction is that the Celtics have the talent to make it all the way to the finals and have a chance to beat any team out of the west once they get there. I’ll say Celtics beat the Thunder in 7.

Mark Aboyoun: Boston gets to the Finals. I’m not sure whether they’ll win it or not, and I don’t want to jinx the team, but I feel they have enough to get back. If Tatum can stay healthy and Brown continues to play at an MVP level, they’re a hard team to beat, especially at TD Garden.

Nirav Barman: This is incredibly tough, again because of my superstitious self. I see the Celtics in the Finals this year. I leave it up to fate from there.

Mike Dynon: In 2024, we expected the ultimate high, and the Celtics delivered. Dominant regular season, never threatened in the playoffs, cue the duck boats. This year’s team was the opposite because we expected little – but Celtics culture proved all the doubters wrong. No doubt, it will be very difficult to reach the pinnacle again. 

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 21: Derrick White #9, Al Horford #42, Jayson Tatum #0, Jaylen Brown #7, Kristaps Porzingis #8, and Jrue Holiday #4 of the Boston Celtics pose for a photograph with the Larry O'Brien Trophy and the Bill Russell Finals MVP Trophy before the 2024 Boston Celtics championship parade on June 21, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Despite their amazing season, the reality check was a 1-3 record versus both the East’s first and third seeds (Pistons and Knicks) and a combined 1-5 against the West’s top three (Thunder, Spurs and Nuggets). However, most of that was without Jayson Tatum. And after seeing the Celtics trample all expectations over the past 82 games, this is no time to be rational. The only possible prediction is: Banner 19.

Ryan Paice: I think the Celtics either lose to the Knicks or make a run to the Finals. The Knicks have been a thorn in the team’s side since last year’s Eastern Conference Semifinals. I think the C’s have more than enough firepower to take NY down, but it will be a battle. New York has the wings to slow down the Jays and performs well in clutch time, something Boston has struggled with at times in the Jays era. If Boston can overcome that challenge, they’ll ride the high right through the Pistons and to the Finals.

Gio Rivera: The Celtics reach the NBA Finals and meet the Spurs (not OKC). Officiating won’t be nearly the nuisance it was for JB back in January, and by then, Garza will have delivered several key moments/performances up to that point to earn a player’s tunnel reception reminiscent of KP’s in Game 1 against Dallas two years ago.

Grant Burfeind: I’m going Celtics…losing in seven to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a full-on Brothers Grimm ending. OKC looks like the next machine, and as much as I trust this version of Boston, I’m not totally convinced Jayson Tatum has had enough runway to get all the way back to peak form after everything he’s been through.

And if they do win it all, you’re welcome, Celtics Nation, for the anti-hex I’m casting with this prediction.

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Bengals News (4/19): A big day for Cincinnati

New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) dances while running out of the tunnel during a Thursday Night Football game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Oct. 9, 2025. | Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Bengals News

Reports: Bengals Transform Defense In Draft Deal For Dexter Lawrence

According to explosive reports racing across Saturday night screens, the Bengals have pulled off a franchise first by dealing their first-round pick in next week’s NFL draft for Giants’ three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

Dexter Lawrence is Bengals’ new D-lineman. 5 things about ‘Sexy Dexy’

The Cincinnati Bengals acquired defensive lineman and three-time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence from the Giants in a blockbuster trade that sends the Bengals’ 2026 NFL Draft first-round pick (10th overall) to New York.

Trading Dexter Lawrence II Didn’t Make Sense—but the Outcome Is Brilliant for All Sides

The Giants dealt the star defensive tackle to the Bengals on Saturday and every party involved has an argument for coming out on top.

Grading the trade: Bengals go completely off script to make a blockbuster move for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence

The Cincinnati Bengals have decided to part ways with the 10th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft for star DT Dexter Lawrence. But was it the right move? We grade it.

Top reactions by Bengals players, NFL world to Dexter Lawrence trade

The Cincinnati Bengals decided to make Saturday night as hyped as the first round of the NFL draft when they shipped the 10th overall pick to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

NFL News

Seven-round 2026 NFL mock draft: Jets pick QB Ty Simpson in Round 1; Lions trade up

The 2026 National Football League Annual Player Selection Meeting, more commonly known as the NFL draft (April 23-25 in Pittsburgh), is almost here.

2026 NFL Draft Rumors: Ty Simpson Status, Dexter Lawrence Trade Price, More

The NFL Draft is a beast. Rumors flying all over the place. Trade talk concerning players across the sport, which could involve draft picks in the coming draft.

Every NFL team’s best and worst draft pick of the 21st century

Every NFL team has a draft pick that changed the game, and they all want at least one redo

2026 NFL mock draft 8.3: What do Giants do at No. 5 and 10 after trading Dexter Lawrence to Bengals?

The attention of the sports world is turning toward the 2026 NFL Draft.

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Inside the numbers: Some notes going into NBA playoffs

A winning season usually gets you to the NBA playoffs. Not this year.

There were a record-tying three teams — Charlotte at 44-38, Miami at 43-39 and the Los Angeles Clippers at 42-40 — that finished over .500 this season but failed to qualify for the playoffs.

The only other years when that happened were 1971 and 2022.

In NBA history, teams with records over the .500 mark have gone to the playoffs just over 95% of the time. For teams going at least 43-39 (or the equivalent in shorter seasons), that in-the-playoffs rate was 97.3%, until this season.

Miami now has finished over .500 in 25 of its 38 seasons. Of the first 24 Heat teams with winning records, 100% wound up going to the playoffs.

“My first year as a head coach, we won 43 games and we were the fifth seed,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We were the 10th seed this year with 43.”

If playoff teams only counted ...

If the playoff teams were their own 16-team league, counting only their games against one another in the standings, the top overall seed in these playoffs would be Detroit.

The Pistons went 30-12 against the other playoff clubs, just ahead of Oklahoma City (31-14) and San Antonio (29-14).

The Thunder had the biggest point differential in games against other playoff teams (8.4 per game), while the Thunder and the Spurs both had the most double-digit wins (18 apiece).

The money matters

The playoff pool for this season is the most in NBA history, with $35,740,226 to be divided up between the 16 teams.

As the team with the NBA’s best record, the Oklahoma City Thunder are already assured $2,161,408 from that pool. If the Thunder win the NBA title, they will claim more than one-third of the pool — $12,805,503.

Teams get shares for finishing with a top-six record in their conference, plus for making the playoffs and the size of the shares increase for advancing to later rounds. There’s about a $5 million difference between winning and losing the NBA Finals.

Hawks hit 50

Atlanta is in the playoffs for the 50th time, the Hawks becoming the fourth franchise to hit that total.

The other three? The Los Angeles Lakers (66), Boston (63) and Philadelphia (55).

It’ll be at least another four years before the 50-playoff-aappearance club grows. New York has made 46 appearances, including this year’s.

It's 17 and counting for James Harden

James Harden has yet to win an NBA championship. But at least he gets into the playoffs — every single year.

That's right: 17 years in the league, 17 playoff trips for Harden.

He and the Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the Toronto Raptors in Round 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Cavs will be the sixth team that Harden appears with in the postseason, after stints with Oklahoma City, Houston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Clippers and now Cleveland.

Harden enters the series with the Raptors 14th on the league's career playoff scoring list, two points behind No. 13 Larry Bird. He's 59 points behind No. 12 Dwyane Wade, and if the Cavs make any sort of deep run would figure to have a chance to reach the top 10 in playoff scoring sometime this spring.

Milestones await

Some stat milestones that could await in these playoffs:

— Houston's Kevin Durant is 15 points shy of 5,000 for his playoff career. He'll be the seventh player to hit that number.

— The Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James — who already holds league records for playoff games, games won, games lost, points scored, field goals made, field goals attempted and steals, among other things — needs seven more steals to get to 500. Nobody else even has 400.

— If New York gets to the Eastern Conference finals, Mike Brown (who has 50 playoff wins) would pass Tyronn Lue (57) and move into the top 20 all-time for coaching playoff victories.

Nuggets playing? Take the over. Celtics? Take the under.

When the Denver Nuggets play, you're going to see a lot of points.

How many points? Well, probably more than what oddsmakers tell you to expect.

Denver's games went over the Vegas over-under total — the number of total points expected in the game from both teams — 63.4% of the time this season. That's the second-highest rate in the last 12 seasons, topped only by Indiana's games going over the total 65.3% of the time in the 2020-21 season.

Other betting nuggets from this season:

— Among the 16 playoff teams, Boston (59.8%) covered more often than any other team, followed by San Antonio (57.3%). Charlotte covered in 61% of its games but missed the playoffs.

— Speaking of the Celtics, only 36.6% of their games went over the total. That's the lowest rate in the NBA in at least 12 years.

— Oklahoma City was favored in 78 of its 82 games, as would probably be expected.

A Game 1, in Detroit

It's been a long time since Pistons fans can say this: Game 1 is at home.

The opener of the Detroit-Orlando series on Sunday will be the first time the Pistons open any playoff series on their home floor since 2008 — an Eastern Conference semifinal matchup, also against the Magic.

Detroit wound up winning in five games before falling to Boston in that season's East finals.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

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Giants news, 4/18: Sonny Styles still top pick, Joe Schoen at Jordyn Tyson workout

Good morning, New York Giants fans!

From Big Blue View

• NY Giants mock draft tracker: Sonny Styles at the top, but there is movement
• NY Giants draft odds: Caleb Downs has entered the chat
• Giants free agency tracker 2026: Rumors, cuts, signings, news, analysis
• NY Giants are attending WR Jordyn Tyson’s workout
• NY Giants 2026 NFL Draft: Cornerback options on all 3 days of the draft  
• NY Giants 2026 NFL Draft: Prospect profiles
• NY Giants 2026 NFL Draft scouting report: Keldric Faulk, DE/EDGE, Auburn
• Pro Day tracker: Schedule, results, Giants attendance, more
• NY Giants NFL Draft meetings tracker 2026: Players the Giants have met with
• Ravens’ WR Zay Flowers blasts John Harbaugh for physical practice approach
• Dexter Lawrence contract talks, trade request: News, rumors, analysis, updates

Other Giant observations

Giants draft trade scenarios: How New York can accumulate more picks for 2026 | The Athletic

With the Giants seeking more picks, a trade back from No. 37 is a strong possibility. The 37th pick, and other picks in that neighborhood, have been dealt frequently in recent years. An ideal package to duplicate would be the Seahawks’ 2019 trade that sent the 37th pick to the Panthers for the 47th pick and a third-round pick (No. 77). Adding a mid-third-round pick to move back 10 spots in the second round is the type of deal the Giants should be seeking if they decide to trade back.

A similar concept applies to the 105th pick, which is the fifth pick of Day 3. Teams could be tempted to trade up for a target still on the board after Day 2. It’s not worth breaking down those possible trades, however, since those types of deals would involve late-round picks.

Tom Pelissero on Giants’ front office dynamics

"There's a lot of voices in that building right now, and I think that everybody's trying to figure out just kind of what the power dynamic is and how the draft is going to play out."@TomPelissero joins the @RichEisenShow to talk about the Giants' approach heading into the NFL… pic.twitter.com/ksOe6mqiG4

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 17, 2026

2026 NFL mock draft: Scouts, execs predict the top 10 picks | ESPN.com

5. New York Giants. AFC college scouting director’s pick: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State. Love is off the board, but the Giants have every wide receiver and offensive lineman available to them. Those are two positions of need for a team that likes where it’s at defensively. Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is also going to get matched with New York a lot, but the Giants added free agent linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to an already stout group.

“It’s hard to pass on Styles and Downs here,” the AFC college scouting director said, “but I have to build up the talent on this offense. Tate is, at minimum, a really good WR2 but has the route-running ability and sure hands to emerge as a go-to X while freeing up Malik Nabers to move around and find matchups.”

Ideal Pick for Every Team in 1st Round of 2026 NFL Draft | Bleacher Report

5. New York Giants: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State. If a deal doesn’t materialize, the Giants will find themselves in an odd setup, because the roster doesn’t have a major need area to directly address with a top-five pick. Wide receiver makes the most sense based on the current setup.

Carnell Tate is a fantastic route-runner and reliable target to provide the ideal complementary piece in the Giants offense. The 21-year-old prospect isn’t the biggest or more explosive option. However, he doesn’t need to be since the Giants roster already features Malik Nabers, who will be returning from last year’s season-ending ACL tear. Tate can simultaneously offset any rust that Nabers shows early in the season, while providing Jaxson Dart with another talented threat to help in the quarterback’s development. In Tate’s case, he’s a fantastic route-runner and reliable target to provide the ideal complementary piece in the Giants offense.

2026 NFL Draft Guide | The Ringer

5. New York Giants: Jeremiyah Love. I know, I know. The Giants took Saquon Barkley with the no. 2 pick in 2018, and then they were basically the worst team in football for his entire tenure. But if Love is still on the board at no. 5, the Giants seem likely to take him. Head coach John Harbaugh will want to run the ball to help young QB Jaxson Dart. The team will convince itself that Love’s (fantastic) receiving ability makes him more valuable than most running backs. There is a whole debate to be had about whether taking a running back this high is smart. But an offense made of Dart, Malik Nabers, Love, and Cam Skattebo is certainly cool.

New DC Dennard Wilson on the top priority for the Giants defense

What does stopping the run look like to DC Dennard Wilson? pic.twitter.com/hlbaULXxq6

— New York Giants (@Giants) April 17, 2026

2026 NFL Draft: Six potential trades that could rock¢ Round 1 | NFL.com

Chargers send first-round pick to Giants for all-world DT. Three months into his tenure as Giants head coach, John Harbaugh has encountered his first dilemma, with superstar DT Dexter Lawrence asking to be traded. Immediately following Lawrence’s request, Harbaugh publicly stated the team’s desire to repair the relationship, but said “there’s business involved.” It appears that business has gone south, with NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reporting on Tuesday that the Giants have reached an impasse in extension talks with the three-time Pro Bowler. Maybe it’s time for John to pick up the phone and call his brother. For counsel? No, to make a deal! I’m thinking Jim Harbaugh could be interested in beefing up the Chargers’ defensive front with a 6-foot-4, 340-pound game wrecker. And with cap space galore, Los Angeles can give Lawrence the new megadeal he craves. Is the No. 22 overall pick enough to get a deal done with New York? If not, the Bolts could toss in Quentin Johnston — a name that’s drawn trade rumors this offseason — as a sweetener for the WR-needy Giants.

2026 NFL draft: Osi Umenyiora will announce New York Giants’ selections | USATODAY.com

New York Giants great Osi Umenyiora will announce the team’s Day 2 selections at the 2026 NFL draft, the league announced on Thursday. The retired defensive end, a cornerstone of two Super Bowl championship teams in New York, is set to take the stage during the second round on April 24 in Pittsburgh.

Deonte Banks gets Giants ‘clean slate’ at critical point in his NFL career | New York Post

Had things broken slightly differently during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Giants would have traded up to select receiver Zay Flowers, and the Ravens might have pivoted to cornerback Deonte Banks. 

Instead, Flowers went to Baltimore at No. 23, Banks landed with the Giants after a trade up from No.

Around the league

Nick Foles: A.J. Brown wants to be traded | Pro Football Talk

Commanders will ‘more likely than not’ stay and pick at No. 7 in draft, GM says | The Athletic

Source: Texans, Anderson agree to 3-year, $150 million extension | ESPN.com

NFL Network: Jacoby Brissett wants extension, not attending Phase 1 of Cardinals’ offseason program | NFL.com

Joe Flacco sounds off against NFL’s plan for 18-game schedule | CBSSports.com

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