Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks face off against Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks in a compelling 3-vs-6 first-round playoff matchup, with Game 1 set for Friday night.

How to Watch Hawks vs Knicks

• When: Saturday, April 18, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM ET
• TV Channel: Prime Video
• Live Stream: Prime (try for free)

The Knicks enter the series as the East’s No. 3 seed at 53–29, powered by a balanced, defense-first identity and the steady leadership of Jalen Brunson, who averaged 26.0 points and 6.8 assists per game during the regular season.

Karl-Anthony Towns anchors the interior with 11.9 rebounds per game, giving New York a clear advantage in size. The Knicks also took the regular-season series 2–1, including a 128–125 win in December, in which Towns scored 36 and Brunson added 34, highlighting their ability to execute late in tight games.

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Atlanta, the No. 6 seed at 46–36, comes in as one of the hottest teams in the league, winning 18 of its final 20 games to close the season.

Jalen Johnson has emerged as the centerpiece, leading the team with 22.5 points and 7.9 assists per game, while contributors like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum have fueled a high-powered offense averaging nearly 118.5 points per game. The Hawks’ pace and perimeter scoring present a real challenge, but questions remain about their frontcourt depth against New York’s physicality, setting up a series that will hinge on whether Atlanta’s offense can overcome the Knicks’ elite defense.

This is a great NBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.

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Tension is building ahead of the NHL playoff clash between the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins after comments from Bruins coach Marco Sturm.

Sturm claimed his team is “bigger, stronger, and more physical,” adding they plan to go after Buffalo in the series.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has now responded calmly to that message. He said Sturm’s comments reflect Boston’s identity, but Buffalo remains confident in its own style.

“You know, that’s his take on his team,” Ruff said. “I have a lot of respect for what our team has done and how we play, and the speed we play the game, and they’ve got a good team. They know who they are, and we know who we are.”

MORE: Buffalo Sabres’ turnaround ends NHL’s longest playoff drought

Players inside the Sabres locker room echoed that mindset. Forward Alex Tuch said physicality matters in the playoffs but insisted Buffalo will stay focused on its own game.

“Yeah, I mean, that’s his analysis of it,” Tuch said. “When it comes to playoffs, everyone’s gotta play big and strong to be able to win. So I think we have a lot of guys in here that are gonna up the physicality and, yeah, we’re just focused on us and trying to play our game, and not listen to any outside noise.”

Rookie Josh Doan also downplayed the remarks, admitting they are everywhere, but said the group trusts its system.

“Yeah, I think it’s, obviously, we’ve all seen it,” Doan said. “It is everywhere right now, but at the end of the day, I think our group trusts what we’re doing here, and we’ll just let that play out throughout the series, and we’re gonna stick to our game plan.

“So it’s one of those things that you see, but at the end of the day, there’s no real response from us in this room.”

Buffalo Sabres’ performance against the Bruins

Buffalo enters the playoffs in strong form after finishing first in the Atlantic Division. The Sabres posted a 50-23-9 record and carried momentum into the postseason. Their balanced attack, led by Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, has been crucial to their rise.

The Bruins, however, hold an edge from the regular-season series. Boston won three of four matchups, many decided by narrow margins. That history adds an interesting backdrop to an already intense rivalry.

Game 1 is set for April 19 in Buffalo. With contrasting styles and rising tension, this series promises a hard-fought battle from the opening puck drop.

The NBA runs on star power and friendly competition these days, but Dillon Brooks still operates from a different playbook. The Phoenix Suns defender built his reputation on what he calls the “dark arts” – a mix of physical defense and mental warfare designed to throw opponents off balance.

Brooks brought that energy into the spotlight again after the Suns locked up the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. Phoenix dropped a game to Portland before bouncing back with a win over the Golden State Warriors.

MORE: Steve Kerr makes telling future admission after Warriors’ playoff exit

Dillon Brooks takes aim at OKC

That victory set up a first-round playoff clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and known for playing with an edge.

After the Suns rolled past the Warriors 111-96, Brooks sat down for an interview on “NBA on Prime” and didn’t hold back when the topic turned to OKC.

“There are a lot of foul baiters on that team,” Brooks said. “We gotta show our hands. I hope it’s the real playoffs. We can’t be calling too many calls but… Show your hand, we gotta follow the scout, follow them in the paint, and be able to have our rotations proper.”

Dirk Nowitzki, Blake Griffin, and Steve Nash laughed at the comment, but nobody challenged him on it.

Brooks made it clear Phoenix planned to match Oklahoma City’s intensity and wouldn’t get caught up in the whistle game. The Suns rank among the league’s top defensive units, so this confidence is earned.

MORE: NBA ratings received major boost for 2026 regular season

Brooks wasn’t just talking in general terms either. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 9.0 free throw attempts per game during the regular season, and the Thunder offense leaned heavily on drawing contact.

Brooks frustrates opponents because his defense goes beyond physicality. He crowds players constantly, takes away space, and stays attached to his assignment like glue. The pressure builds over time rather than in single moments.

Players lose their cool dealing with him because the contact never stops and the room to operate shrinks possession after possession. That style wears down even the most disciplined scorers, and Gilgeous-Alexander appears to be Brooks’ next target in a long line of stars who’ve dealt with his relentless approach.

The intensity is back, the stakes are higher, and chaos is guaranteed. The first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs is shaping up to deliver everything we expect from postseason hockey: tight games, breakout stars, and at least a few shocking upsets. Here are 5 bold predictions that could define the opening round.

MORE: Stanley Cup Playoffs power rankings entering NHL postseason

1. A No. 1 Seed Gets Knocked Out Early

It happens more often than you think, and it’s going to happen again. The top-seeded Carolina Hurricanes will fall in the first round, as the lower-seeded Senators have caught fire at the right time. Whether it’s hot goaltending or a red-hot power play, one of the league’s best regular-season teams won’t make it past Round 1.

2. Connor McDavid Has a Historic Series

Superstars elevate in the playoffs, and McDavid is due for a statement series. Expect him to take over games, rack up points, and remind everyone why he’s the most dynamic player in the National Hockey League. If Edmonton makes a run, it’ll start here in round one against the Ducks.

3. A Goalie Steals a Series

Playoff hockey always comes down to goaltending, and one netminder is going to stand on his head. Whether it’s a veteran rediscovering form or a young goalie breaking out, expect one series to be completely flipped by elite goaltending. Look for the Minnesota Wild goaltending tandem to lead them to an upset over the Dallas Stars.

4. A Surprise Team Dominates Instead of Sneaking By

There’s always a “Cinderella”—but this year, one underdog won’t just survive… they’ll dominate. Instead of grinding out a seven-game series, a lower-seeded team will win convincingly, sending a message to the rest of the bracket. That team will be the Utah Mammoth.

5. Overtime Chaos Defines the Round

If you like drama, you’re in luck. Multiple games—and potentially multiple series—will be decided in overtime. One bounce, one mistake, one moment of brilliance will swing everything. And those moments will shape the entire playoff picture.

Conclusion:

The first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is where unpredictability thrives. Favorites fall. Stars rise. Unknown players become legends overnight. And if these predictions hold true, the 2026 playoffs are about to deliver one of the most chaotic—and unforgettable—opening rounds in years.

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SLIDELL, La. (WGNO) — The Natchitoches Central Chiefs faced the Northshore Panthers in Division I Non-Select baseball play on Friday night.

The Panthers ace Connor Smith dominated a pitching duel Thursday night.

The senior threw a complete game shutout, allowing only three hits and recording seven strikeouts.

Fellow senior Aviel Johnson had a redemption arc in game one.

The centerfielder hit a triple to center field midway through the contest, but Johnson got picked off at home, trying to score on a pass ball.

However, Northshore has two on in the bottom of the seventh and was down to its final out, Johnson hit a dropper into shallow center and drove in Jayden Hellmers for the walk-off single.

The Panthers beat the Chiefs 1-0 in game one and 5-1 in game two.

No. 12 Northshore will face No. 5 Hahnville in the second round.

You can catch more high school baseball action on WGNO’s Friday Night Fastball, presented by Delgado Community College, Step Closer to Unstoppable.

Friday Night Fastball airs at 11 p.m. on Nola 38, The CW. The show replays at midnight on WGNO.

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This season, the Atlanta Hawks front office decided to make Jalen Johnson its franchise star. 

With that power comes responsibility, and perhaps no star is under more pressure to perform well than Johnson. While the Hawks have no expectations to win a championship this season, that doesn’t mean Johnson can’t perform well.

A number-one option’s playoff performance can make or break a championship window. If Atlanta wants to get to the top eventually, Johnson has to prove he’s capable of leading the team.

Can Jalen Johnson Rise to the Occasion?

Oftentimes, the difference between a championship run and an early exit is how the star player performs on the biggest stage. Last season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a championship while averaging 29.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.5 assists throughout the playoff run.

In the NBA Finals, he upped his scoring to 30.3 points per game, including 29 points in the deciding Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers. 

The best players rise to the occasion when the lights are brightest, and Johnson has the chance to do the same. This season, Johnson nearly averaged a triple-double against the New York Knicks with marks of 19.7 points, 10.0 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game. 

The Hawks are the clear underdog in the series against New York, but that doesn’t mean Johnson can’t play like the rising star he’s becoming.

Atlanta is still building towards a championship window, but this series is an important step.

Dropping the Ball Like Embiid

For some players, their play in the playoffs is indicative of their team’s lack of playoff success.

Joel Embiid has one of the best resumes for a big man in the modern era. Unfortunately, his career has been highlighted by the fact that the Philadelphia 76ers have not made the Eastern Conference Finals during his time in Philadelphia.

Of course, Embiid isn’t the sole reason why the Sixers have failed to make it past the second round. However, his disappearance in big moments hasn’t helped either.    

Philadelphia was on the cusp of the Eastern Conference Finals in 2019, taking the Toronto Raptors to seven games. In that series, Embiid only averaged 17.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists, well below his normal marks. 

His shooting for most of the series was a particular weakness. In Game 3, Embiid scored 33 points while shooting 50% from the field. His best game of the series coincided with a blowout win for the Sixers. For the rest of the series, however, Embiid shot below 40% from the field and scored under 20 points in five games. This includes him shooting 0-for-9 from three during the final three games of the series and 4-for-21 from three overall.

That’s not to say Embiid is always bad in the playoffs, but his play in big moments has been disappointing. He’s only averaged 22.3 points and 10 rebounds per game on 49.3% true shooting in three career Game 7s. Philadelphia is 0-3 in these games — two of which could have sent the Sixers to the Eastern Conference Finals.

First Time for Everything

This upcoming series versus New York doesn’t define how Johnson will play in the playoffs for his entire career. It can, however, serve as an indication of where Atlanta’s ceiling is in the future. 

The Hawks have already had a successful season by avoiding the Play-In Tournament. If the Hawks are to pull off a first-round upset, Johnson’s play will have to be up to par to make it happen. 

Other players like CJ McCollum and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will have to pull their weight as well, but Johnson will have to be the best player in the series for Atlanta to win.

There is a strong correlation between players who rise in the playoffs and their teams finding success. If the Hawks are right that Johnson is their franchise player and hope to be championship contenders in the future, he will have to prove he is built to handle the pressure of the playoffs. 

Atlanta has a very bright future, and Johnson is the biggest reason why. If he can carry over his regular-season performances versus the Knicks into the series, the Hawks will have a great chance to win the series. 

The post Jalen Johnson Is Under More Pressure Than You Think appeared first on The Lead.

An argument over whether to play Luka Garza or Nikola Vucevic would have been unheard of at the start of this season.

That is now the question: who will be the backup center for the Celtics’ playoff run?

Vucevic’s Stint in the 617

Let’s start with what Vucevic has accomplished in his short time in Boston.

Vucevic was acquired from the Chicago Bulls at the trade deadline in February and has played only 16 games after missing a month due to a fractured finger. In that short span, the veteran has posted his lowest stats since his rookie season, averaging 9.7 points and 6.6 rebounds in 21.1 minutes per game.

Vucevic is also shooting a career-low 43.9% from the field.

The story of the big man’s career has been that he was a dominant offensive player but a weak defender. His stint with Boston has been different.

Vucevic has a 1.0 Defensive Box Plus/Minus, his highest mark since his All-Star season in 2018-19. On the flip side, the European has the lowest Offensive Box Plus/Minus of his career, outside his rookie season, at minus-0.8.

Garza’s Career Season

Now, let’s look at what Garza has accomplished this season.

The Washington, D.C., native is averaging a career high across nearly every category.

He has averaged 8.1 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 57.7% from the field and 43.3% from beyond the arc. Like Vucevic, Garza has been considered a defensive liability.

In his first four seasons with the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves, Garza posted a Defensive Box Plus/Minus below -1.9 each season. In Boston, the center has raised that number to 0.2.

Over the past month, Garza has found his stride, highlighted by three 20-point games. The former National College Player of the Year scored a career-high 27 points in the Celtics’ regular-season finale against the Orlando Magic.

Mazzulla Leans Vucevic

The Celtics have shown they trust Vucevic as the backup center, as he has played more minutes than Garza in their 16 games.

The last time Boston faced the Philadelphia 76ers, on March 1, Vucevic played 20 minutes and recorded an 11-point double-double, while Garza did not play. The Celtics have also opted not to play Garza in three-fourths of their matchups against the New York Knicks, the team’s likely second-round opponent.

Vucevic will likely open the playoffs in the backup center role, but he could have a short leash if his offensive struggles persist, while Garza has averaged 15 points in his last five games.

The post Who Will Be the Celtics’ Backup Center in the Playoffs? appeared first on The Lead.

The playoffs are where expectations meet reality, and where chaos usually wins. As the 2026 NBA postseason tips off, every team enters with a path to the Finals on paper. But history tells us that the first round rarely follows the script. Upsets happen, stars emerge, and narratives shift fast. So instead of playing it safe, let’s lean into the unpredictability. Here are five bold predictions that could define the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

MORE: Pressure mounts on Knicks to win NBA playoffs first-round matchup

It’s a KAT Attack

The New York Knicks offense runs through Jalen Brunson. He is their best and most consistent player, along with being their leader. But it’s not going to be easy for him against Dyson Daniels and the speedy Atlanta Hawks.

That’s not to say Brunson isn’t going to have a good series, but Karl-Anthony Towns will lead the Knicks offense. For as fast and athletic as the Hawks may be, they don’t have the size and strength to go along with it. Towns had success against Atlanta in the regular season, and now that he’s truly found his groove within the Knicks’ offense, look for him to go nuts this round.

LeBron James Has 3 Triple Doubles

With no Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves, it’s all about LeBron James to begin the postseason. It’s not going to be easy for James and the Los Angeles Lakers against the Houston Rockets, but we know he’s going to give it his best effort. After all, a down season for James was seeing him average 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game this year.

We know that James can rise to the occasion, and he certainly has to here. This isn’t the way he’s going to want to go out, so look for him to be heavily involved and have three triple-doubles.

VJ Edgecombe Averages 25 Points per Game

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Joel Embiid is injured. The Philadelphia 76ers begin the postseason without Embiid, and that means the focus is on their backcourt. It’s an easy matchup against the Boston Celtics, and I’d expect them to focus on shutting down Tyrese Maxey. That’s not to say he won’t have success, but it will open things up for VJ Edgecombe.

In a strong rookie season, Edgecombe averaged 16 points per game, but that jumped to 20.6 in his last 11 games. Based on game context, I’m looking for that number to rise even more in the first round of the NBA playoffs, as the 76ers will likely be trailing as well.

Daniss Jenkins Averages 15 Points per Game

Yes, Cade Cunningham is healthy and returned before the end of the regular season. This is the NBA playoffs, so the urgency is also there. However, it’s also the first round of what should be a long postseason journey for the Detroit Pistons.

Over a 10-game stretch when Cunningham was sidelined, Daniss Jenkins averaged 19.9 points per game, so we know he’s capable. The Pistons will be heavily favored in round one, so look for them to manage Cunningham’s workload where possible. That will open up more opportunities for Jenkins, who could be one of the best bench players of the postseason.

Neemias Queta Averages 15 and 10

Credit is due to Neemias Queta as he’s seemingly taken the center role for the Boston Celtics and run with it. In 25 minutes per game during the regular season, Queta averaged 10.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. The 76ers won’t have Joel Embiid available against Queta and the Celtics, and I’d expect Boston to lean even more heavily on Queta in what should be a relatively stress-free first-round series. 

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The 2025-2026 NHL regular season has ended. The Eastern Conference’s top four seeds are set, and the 5th seed, 6th seed, and two wild-card seeds are still in play. In the Western Conference, only the top three seeds are set. The 4th seed, 5th seed, 6th seed, and two wild card seeds are up for grabs. The playoffs begin tonight, and here are the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs power rankings.

MORE: Pressure on Maple Leafs as Auston Matthews seeks clarity on Toronto’s direction

1. Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche will enter the playoffs as winners of this year’s Presidents Trophy. Colorado was the league’s best team throughout the season. They end the season 1^st in goals scored and goals allowed per game. In round one, they will face the Western Conference’s second wild-card team.

2. Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina’s season was overshadowed by Colorado. The Hurricanes were the top Eastern Conference team and ranked 2^nd overall during the regular season. They ranked 2^nd in goals scored per game, 8^th in goals allowed per game, and 4^th on the power play. In the first round of the playoffs, they will face the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card team.

3. Dallas Stars

Dallas was consistent throughout the regular season, finishing as runners-up to Colorado in the Central Division. The Stars’ defense and goaltending ranked 2^nd in goals allowed per game, anchoring the team throughout the season. The Edmonton Oilers were the only team ranked above the Stars in power play percentage.

4. Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres were the best story of the season. They conquered the adversity they faced early in the season and propelled themselves to the top of the Atlantic Division. The young Buffalo team finished 5^th in goals scored per game.

5. Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning had the league’s best hot streak from December 20^th to February 25^th. They catapulted to the top of the Atlantic Division and fell below 2^nd place once. They ended the regular season ranked 4^th in goals scored and 3^rd in goals allowed per game.

6. Montreal Canadiens

Montreal hit a rough stretch but ended the regular season on a high note. The Canadiens’ offense was electric throughout the season, finishing 6^th in goals scored per game. As the team enters the playoffs, they must increase production in the defensive zone.

7. Minnesota Wild

Minnesota is another team whose great season was overshadowed by foes not only in the same conference, but in the same division. The Wild were outstanding this season and were one of the league’s most consistent performers. They ranked 4^th in defensive efficiency.

8. Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh is ready to head into the playoffs with its veteran squad. The roster is full of playoff experience and will be a tough matchup for any opponent. The Penguins were top 10 in goals scored per game, power play percentage, and penalty kill percentage.

9. Boston Bruins

Boston limps into the playoffs after struggling in April. Its defense gave the team a chance to win, but its offense was stagnant. The Bruins offense must be rejuvenated quickly, or an early playoff exit can occur.

10. Ottawa Senators

Ottawa’s second half was a complete 180 from its first half of the season. The team looked down and out by All-Star Weekend, but found life as play resumed. The team will use its grit to push any playoff series to the final game.

11. Philadelphia Flyers

Philadelphia’s defense and goaltending carried the team throughout the regular season. However, the offense received an immediate boost when the team called up top prospect Porter Martone. He has barely 10 games of experience under his belt, but the team will rely heavily on the rookie winger.

12. Vegas Golden Knights

The Golden Knights underachieved this season, but the regular season goes out the window when the first puck drops in the playoffs. Vegas’ roster is highly talented and is ready to put its talent on display. The Golden Knights must be taken seriously in the playoffs.

13. Edmonton Oilers

It will be tough for Edmonton to reach the Stanley Cup Finals for a third consecutive season. Defensively, the Oilers are one of the league’s worst defensive teams. The team’s glaring issue is playing this postseason without superstar Leon Draisaitl.

14. Utah Mammoth

Utah is a dark horse in the year’s playoffs. The team is talented and will be a tough matchup in the opening round. The Mammoth’s offense didn’t rank as high as other playoff teams, but their defense and goaltending are as good as any team in the playoffs.

15. Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim is young and added crucial points to the standings. The Ducks’ defense and goaltending finished the regular season ranked the lowest of any playoff-bound team, but their offense kept them in games. The Ducks finished the season ranked 18^th in goals scored per game.

16. Los Angeles Kings

Los Angeles isn’t in the postseason because of its offense. The Kings’ offense ranks the lowest in efficiency of all 16 playoff teams. However, standout defense and goaltending lead teams to the postseason, and this is why they clinched a playoff berth.

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You ask, and you shall receive. The pressure is on. Now, it’s time to produce. But did it have to be this way?After winning 51 games last NBA season, things were great in New York. The Knicks were back. Fans trusted the process, and their prize was a team that finished third in the Eastern Conference. Following a tough series against the up-and-coming Detroit Pistons, the Knicks came through as underdogs against the Boston Celtics. What happened next, though, wasn’t great.

Beating the Celtics was the heavy lift. It almost seemed too easy to beat the Indiana Pacers and return to the NBA Finals. The problem, though, is that the Knicks were spent, and Tyrese Haliburton went nuts. Injuries and exhaustion took hold, and New York was sent packing after six games. But sunglasses were needed, as man, the future was bright.

MORE: NBA bends rule for Lakers’ Luka Doncic, Pistons’ Cade Cunningham

The Coaching Change That Shifted Everything

Karl-Anthony Towns still had to find consistency in the offense, as did Mikal Bridges, and more depth was needed. Aside from his rough demeanor and aversion to using his bench, Tom Thibodeau seemed like the perfect coach for the Knicks. Until he wasn’t. In a shocking decision, Thibodeau was fired, and Mike Brown took over.

As an assistant coach, Brown has a great resume, but the same isn’t necessarily true as the head coach. Towns struggled once more with finding his game, and Bridges looked lost at times. The Knicks did their damage against bad teams and had some issues against the top teams, but overall, with 54 victories, it’s hard to complain.

Built for More Than Just Wins

This is a team built to reach the NBA Finals, and excuses will be at a minimum. The Atlanta Hawks could have played their starters in their final regular-season game in an attempt to avoid the Knicks, but they didn’t care. Atlanta is a fast team that could give the Knicks some difficulty, and Jalen Brunson could have a hard time against Dyson Daniels.

The problem, though, is that it doesn’t matter. New York needs to win its first-round series. This isn’t about style points; it’s strictly about results. And Brown’s job could depend on it, along with the future of Towns and Bridges in New York.

Go out there and take care of business. The Knicks are now past the point of excuses.

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