The NBA regular season has finally and mercifully come to an end. While the end of the season was littered with blowouts and tanking (along with endless proposals on how to prevent tanking in the future), the postseason offers hope of a much more exciting and competitive brand of basketball. But before we get to the playoffs, the play-in tournament awaits. Six games will ultimately eliminate four teams, as the 7-10 seeds in each conference square-off for the right to make the NBA playoffs, which begin Saturday. Lets take a look at each game from a betting perspective. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. No. 10 Miami @ No. 9 Charlotte (-5.5, 228.5) The Heat are no stranger to the play-in, as they will now participate in this tournament for the fourth consecutive year. Last season, as the 10-seed, they eliminated the Bulls and Hawks, advancing out of the play-in before being promptly swept by the Cavaliers in the first round. Three years ago, the Heat went from the play-in all the way to the NBA Finals, eventually losing to the Nuggets. They will draw a Hornets team that was 11-23 on Jan. 2, but eventually caught fire and surged to a winning record, as well as the fourth-best point-differential in the East (+4.8 points per game). The Hornets are young, talented and have an extremely promising future for the first time in what feels like forever. Many would agree they are the most dangerous team of this play-in bunch. However,they did stumble at times down the stretch when it looked like they had a chance to avoid the play-in altogether. Ill take the points here and back the experience of the Heat. I trust their future Hall of Fame coach, Erik Spoelstra, on short prep time, over the inexperienced Hornets. PICK: Heat (+5.5) to lose by fewer than 5.5 points or win outright No. 8 Portland @ No. 7 Phoenix (-4.5, 218.5) Both teams have had successful seasons regardless of what happens going forward. The Blazers have been in rebuilding mode since dealing franchise legend Damian Lillard to the Bucks in the summer of 2023, and are looking for their first trip back to the playoffs in the post-Lillard era. The Suns moved on from Kevin Durant, trading him to the Rockets last sunmer. They then exceeded expectations en route to a surprising 45-win season. I expect an uglier, defensive-oriented game here. Both teams are in the top 12 in the NBA in defensive rating, while both are among the bottom of the remaining teams in offensive rating. With a trip to the playoffs on the line, I expect a high level of defensive intensity from both teams. The Blazers have a number of quality defenders they can throw at Suns star Devin Booker. Ill go Under the total. PICK: Under 218.5 total points scored by both teams combined No. 8 Orlando @ No. 7 Philadelphia (-1.5, 220.5) The Magic were unable to beat the Celtics' backups in the regular season finale on Sunday, and will now have to play in Philadelphia as a result. That disappointing loss is a fitting way for the Magic to close out their regular season. While it was a trendy preseason pick by many to advance deep into the Eastern Conference playoffs, trading a haul of draft picks to the Grizzlies for Desmond Bane last summer has not taken Orlando to the next level like some expected. The 76ers will be without star center Joel Embiid as he recovers from appendicitis, but its hard for me to trust a Magic team that has been inconsistent all year, and posted a losing record on the road. The 76ers also have the better and more experienced coach in Nick Nurse, a coach with an NBA championship on his resum, and Philly has the best scorer in this matchup, All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey. PICK: 76ers (-1.5) to win by more than 1.5 points No. 10 Golden State @ No. 9 LA Clippers (-4.5, 220.5) Steph Curry and Kawhi Leonard present an unusual amount of starpower for a 9-10 matchup. The winning team will need to beat the loser of the Blazers-Suns game to earn the "prize" of facing the defending champion Thunder in the playoffs. While its scary to bet against Curry, he is coming off of a lengthy absence, and its hard to imagine he can play the 40+ minutes needed for him to carry the Warriors to another game and continue their season. When Curry sits, it will be too hard for the Warriors to generate offense, and on the other end of the floor, they dont have a perimeter defender that matches up well with Leonard. Ill take the home team to advance. PICK: Clippers (-4.5) to win by more than 4.5 points

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Praful Hinge on Tuesday said yorkers are his go-to deliveries and that he has put in a lot of effort into perfecting the art, adding that encouragement from India all-rounder Hardik Pandya gave him a huge boost

The SportsLine model and team of experts reveal top NBA props picks and NBA predictions Tuesday's NBA Play-In Tournament games

Bayern Munich boss remains wary of Real Madrid Current situation doesnt reflect their true potentialReal Madrid and Bayern Munich face off tomorrow in a high-stakes UEFA Champions League match at the Allianz Arena.With Real Madrid losing 1-2 to the Bavarians in the first leg of their quarter-final tie, Alvaro Arbeloa & co. have a mountain to climb on Wednesday night.Despite there being confidence of mounting a comeback within the locker room, their recent performances and results raise concerns.After all, Real Madrid have failed to win any of their last three matches in all competitions, losing two and drawing one. Vincent Kompany waryHowever, Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany remains wary of Real Madrid, irrespective of their current form, as he firmly believes that their recent form does not reflect their true quality.I always emphasize that we have a lot of respect for them. I said it at the Bernabu and I stand by it, said Kompany in his pre-match press conference.Were ready for the best version of Real Madrid, and their current situation certainly doesnt reflect their true potential. Theyre one of the best teams in the world, thats a fact, he added.However, the Belgian manager downplayed Real Madrids history of comebacks in the Champions League, stating:But the history of Barcelona, Liverpool, Atltico, PSG, Arsenal if you look at it, everyone has stories to tell about their past performances. We lost to them recently. But Im focused on what we can do to beat them tomorrow. I dont dwell on anything else, on the past. I believe we can win, and then you can write whatever you want.On whether he expects tomorrows match to be similar to the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, Kompany explained: I think the first leg was a good result, and thats all there is to it. Im not thinking about whether we let them off the hook or whether Neuer was the best player. Its a result that allows us to play tomorrow, at home, with the intention of winning. And thats all were focused on. We have a slight advantage, but nothing more. Its going to be a difficult match; nothing is decided yet. I feel we can improve for tomorrow.Bayern Munich have an advantage over Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)Further discussing the performance in the first leg, he added: But we could have scored more goals in the first leg too, not just Real Madrid. Its true they improved in the second half; those 45 minutes might give them confidence. But in the first half, we had a very good feeling, and I think we can still give even more. Winning at the Bernabeu gives you that confidence, but now you have to prove it at the Allianz Arena. That you can play even better. And with their quality, their speed they can be very dangerous. But I think we have to focus on ourselves. On how we can find solutions.Meanwhile, Kompany also confirmed that rising superstar Jamal Musiala is fit to start and Serge Gnabry, too, will be available for the game.Everything is working very well. Its difficult to explain all the details. For example, what we see every day, what we talk about with him every day but the direction is right. I wont say anything about tomorrow, he said on Musiala.Regarding Gnabry, Kompany added: Yes, he is. Weve managed to get him fit to play. He had a break against St. Pauli. And its a difficult decision, of course. But everyone will be available for tomorrow.The Belgian was also full of praise for Michael Olise, who was Bayerns top performer at the Bernabeu last week, saying: Were all seeing it hes playing at an incredibly high level. Im sure hell be one of the best someday; but for now, hes on the right track. At an incredible level. Among the very best. But I know what might happen if I say hes one of the best now So lets talk about his performance, the performance hes had over the last 18 months. Lets hope he keeps it up.Talking about how the atmosphere will be at the Allianz Arena tomorrow, the Bayern Munich manager remarked: Ive played here as an opponent and I know what this stadium can do. And my wish is that we have all the fans behind us tomorrow. Because they give us the support we need.On what will be the most important decisive factor in the game tomorrow, Kompany explained: This is a difficult question, because there are so many things We can talk about individual qualities, the team as a whole, intensity, commitment, resilience, even a referee can make a decision, which I dont expect. Every detail can be important. But for us, the most important thing is that we are physically and mentally prepared. Weve trained well and were excited for tomorrow, of course.Source: AS

Dubai has become a global hub for luxury living, real estate investment, and entrepreneurial growth. With its modern infrastructure, tax-free policies, and strong economic environment, the city attracts investors and professionals from around the world. If you are planning to invest in premium apartments Dubai while exploring Dubai business setup, you are making a strategic move toward...

There isn't much season left to determine playoff seeding and draft lottery order. Here's a rundown of what's on tap.

If you’re looking to start online betting in India, getting a Mahadev Book ID is your first step. With the growing popularity of cricket betting and live sports platforms, Mahadev Book has become one of the most searched platforms in 2026. In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn how to get a Mahadev Book ID, how it works, and important tips to get started...

The fan, known as Grace, went viral after cameras caught her seemingly running out of patience with her boyfriend Michael while he was talking to her during a Pacers game.

Matt Crocker quit as sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation on Tuesday, just two months ahead of the World Cup, to take a new job in Saudi Arabia.The USSF said Crocker was leaving to pursue an unidentified international soccer opportunity, and a person familiar with the decision, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Crocker's new job was not announced, said he will work in Saudi Arabia. His hiring by Saudis was first reported by Fox.Crocker's departure was a surprise, given the U.S. is co-host of the World Cup starting June 11 and the contract of mens coach Mauricio Pochettino ends after the tournament. The USSF next month will open its 200-acre, 17-field training center and office complex in Fayetteville, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb.Dan Helfrich, hired as the U.S. federation's chief operating officer in November, will provide executive oversight and support across the federations sporting operations, the USSF said in a statement. Helfrich will work with assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu a former national team defender and Tracey Kevins, head of development for the womens youth national team.Crocker, 51, was hired by the USSF in April 2023 after serving as Southampton's director of football since February 2020.Crocker oversaw the decisions to rehire Gregg Berhalter as men's coach in June 2023, to fire Berhalter in July 2024 after first-round elimination at the Copa America and to hire Pochettino that September.He also made the recommendation to hire Emma Hayes as women's national team coach starting in the spring of 2024. Hayes led the women's team to the Olympic gold medal.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer