NBA Picks — Friday, April 24, 2026
Three more Game 3s on the slate — a team fighting to stay alive, a series that just flipped momentum, and one that could go either way. Here are my picks.
Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers — Game 3 (Series tied 1-1)
🏀 Boston Celtics
Philly made a statement winning Game 2 in Boston, but that's exactly the kind of gut-punch the Celtics tend to respond to. Boston has championship DNA and they've proven they can win in hostile buildings. The 76ers showed they can compete — now Boston shows they can close.
Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets — Game 3 (Lakers lead 2-0)
🏀 Houston Rockets
Down 2-0 and playing at home — this is a must-win for Houston and the crowd is going to be electric. The Rockets are young and athletic and sometimes that energy is enough to steal a game when your season is on the line. The Lakers could be looking ahead. Houston takes one back.
San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers — Game 3 (Series tied 1-1)
🏀 Portland Trail Blazers
Portland won Game 2 in a comeback and now they're home with all the momentum. The Blazers are feeding off that energy and San Antonio is a young team still learning how to win on the road in the playoffs. Home crowd, momentum, and a hungry team — Trail Blazers take Game 3.
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