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.
What’s good, family. It’s your boy, Sykes, here to usher you into tomorrow’s playoff action. But first, before we dive in, a word on Bradley Beal.
As most of you know, I’m the resident Washington Wizards fan on staff. Why would I choose this existence? Who knows. But I did it. And this offseason is going to be a pivotal one for the team.
Beal is entering into what will be his first real period of free agency and he’s almost certainly the apple of everyone’s eye once again.
He was supposed to enter the market in 2019, but he’s signed a two-year extension with Washington to push the period back. And why wouldn’t he? He was creeping up on his 10th service year in the NBA, which meant a massive $250 million payday awaited him instead of the $181 million extension he could’ve had.
All signs have pointed to him coming back to the Washington Wizards for that big $250 million payday after earning All-NBA honors in the 2020-21 season, but an interview with Bleacher Reports’ Taylor Rooks has that ground looking a bit shaky.
Here’s what Beal had to say about a potential return to the Wizards.
“So, it’s twofold…You’re gonna have people rooting for you, saying go, you’re gonna have people saying stay, you’re gonna have people saying take less, you’re gonna have people saying all types of stuff. So, all those things are options, everything’s an option, but for the most part, I’m gonna do what’s best for me, and I can’t concern myself with what other people will say.”
Beal reiterated during the Wizards how much he has committed himself to the Wizards, but this doesn’t sound like a man firm in that decision. This sounds like a man open to his options — as he should be. That’s what free agency is.
But look. Honestly? I just want some clarity. A decision. Something. Anything. As a Wizards fan, I’ve been strung through the mud for the last few years at this point.
I’ve had to survive the John Wall trade, the Russell Westbrook season, then the Westbrook trade, then stupid improbable comebacks and a whole lot more.
I’m tired, y’all. I really am. If he leaves the Wizards high and dry? Cool. Would it suck? Absolutely.
It’d be disastrous for the organization that had an opportunity to trade Beal years ago but refused to because of his commitment. And it doesn’t make a ton of sense for him to walk away from that now. But, for the first time in a while, it sounds like he totally could.
As much as it’d suck, though, I’d honestly be glad it’s over. And everyone can finally move on. That’s all I’m looking for. Is the ability to move forward.
Please, somebody. Anybody. Give it to me.
The Tip-Off
Some NBA goodness from around the USA TODAY Sports network.
The Celtics seem to be quite confident in their title chances, as they should be. They made it this far and they didn’t do it by being humble.
But to put a blank banner on a t-shirt before game 4? That’s a pretty bold thing to do considering there’s still lots of basketball left to be played here. Our Bryan Kalbrosky has more.
“Yeah, that is an empty spot for where the eighteenth banner would go if the Celtics won a title this year. Such a decision exudes unabashed confidence for Boston and, meanwhile, provides good bulletin board material for Golden State.”
Boy, if you don’t like the Celtics. this is some good fodder.
One to Watch
(All odds via Tipico.)
Celtics (-3.5, -165) vs. Warriors (+133), O/U 213.5, 9 PM ET
Look, I have no idea what to expect out of this series at this point. When one team punches, the other punches back 10 times harder. That’s been the theme through three games so far. So the expectation is for the Warriors to punch back again — hard. But it’s the NBA Finals. And the Celtics, in theory, should be ready. The Warriors are always a guarantee to win on the road at least once in the playoffs. But I’m picking the Celtics tonight -3.5. We’ll see how that goes.
Who’s in and out?
— Robert Williams (knee) is questionable for tonight’s game against the Warriors
— Andre Iguodala (knee) is questionable for tonight’s game against the Celtics
Shootaround
— Anthony Edwards absolutely has a future in acting and you can’t tell me otherwise.
— Here are the 11 prospects that have been invited to the NBA draft green room so far. We’re so close!
— The Celtics had a pretty historic Game 3 against the Warriors. We’ll see if they can repeat it.
— OG Anunoby might be available and the 76ers might want to look into that.
That’s all, folks! Enjoy tonight’s action.
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