Bryan Bash delivered an impressive performance on April 2, 2026, posting a 5-1 record across six NBA selections. The handicapper navigated a challenging slate that featured several games impacted by star absences, capitalizing on value opportunities while suffering just one loss on the evening.
Timberwolves @ Pistons
Bash opened with a winner on Detroit -3.5, as the Pistons defeated Minnesota 113-108 in a game missing both teams’ superstars. The Timberwolves ruled out All-Star guard Anthony Edwards approximately 90 minutes before tipoff due to a right knee injury and illness, while Detroit’s Cade Cunningham remained sidelined with a collapsed left lung. Despite the absences, the Pistons found enough firepower with Daniss Jenkins pouring in 26 points and Jalen Duren adding 22 points and 14 rebounds. Detroit’s superior shooting performance proved decisive—the Pistons shot 47.7% from the field and 43.5% from three-point range compared to Minnesota’s 44.2% and 31.0% respectively. The Pistons pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Timberwolves 34-28 to secure the cover. The pick Won.
Suns @ Hornets
Bash’s second selection on Charlotte -5.5 proved to be a comfortable winner as the Hornets demolished Phoenix 127-107. Miles Bridges led the way with 25 points while rookie Kon Knueppel set a franchise record for three-pointers in a season with 261, surpassing Kemba Walker’s previous mark. The Hornets dominated the middle quarters, outscoring Phoenix 33-19 in the second and 36-27 in the third to build an insurmountable lead. Charlotte’s balanced attack featured four players scoring at least 17 points, including LaMelo Ball’s 15-point, 11-assist double-double. The Hornets’ 51.6% field goal percentage and significant rebounding advantage (47-31) allowed them to cruise to a 20-point victory that easily cleared the 5.5-point spread. The pick Won.
Spurs @ Clippers
Bash’s lone loss came on the Clippers +3.5, as San Antonio dominated Los Angeles 118-99. The Spurs controlled the game from the opening tip, building a commanding 68-44 halftime lead by outscoring the Clippers 33-25 in the first quarter and 35-19 in the second. Los Angeles mounted a third-quarter rally, winning that frame 34-19, but it wasn’t nearly enough to threaten the spread. The Clippers’ abysmal three-point shooting—just 18.5%—proved fatal to any comeback hopes. Despite Kawhi Leonard’s 24 points, the Clippers couldn’t overcome San Antonio’s balanced attack led by De’Aaron Fox’s 22 points. The 19-point final margin left the Clippers well short of covering. The pick Lost.
Cavaliers @ Warriors
Bash bounced back with Golden State +10.0 in a game the Warriors lost 118-111 to Cleveland. Despite the defeat, the Warriors covered comfortably as the seven-point margin came in well under the double-digit spread. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 25 points while Max Strus added 24, including a crucial three-pointer with 54 seconds remaining. Golden State received strong performances from Gui Santos and Brandin Podziemski, who each scored 25 points while playing without Stephen Curry for the 27th consecutive game. The Warriors stayed competitive throughout, winning the third quarter 33-30, but Cleveland’s superior shooting (51.2% from the field and 44.4% from three) was enough to secure the victory without covering the spread. The pick Won.
Lakers @ Thunder
Bash cashed easily on Oklahoma City -8.5 as the Thunder demolished the Lakers 139-96 in one of the most lopsided games in recent Lakers history. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points to lead the Thunder, who shot an impressive 53.9% from the field and 45.2% from three-point range. The game was effectively over after the first quarter, with Oklahoma City jumping out to a stunning 44-21 lead. The 43-point final margin represented only the sixth time in Lakers history they’d been defeated by that many points, falling just six points short of their worst-ever defeat. NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic left the game due to injury, and LeBron James managed just 13 points as the Lakers shot a dismal 23.3% from three-point range. The pick Won.
Pelicans @ Trail Blazers
Bash closed the evening with another winner on Portland -6.5, as the Trail Blazers defeated New Orleans 118-106. Jrue Holiday led Portland with 27 points including seven three-pointers, while Deni Avdija added 26 points and Toumani Camara contributed 23. After trailing at halftime, the Blazers seized control with a dominant 28-16 third quarter that swung the momentum decisively in their favor. Portland extended the lead to 106-96 late in the game, ultimately winning by 12 points to cover the 6.5-point spread. The victory marked Portland’s third straight win and eighth in their last 10 games, while the Pelicans dropped their 11th loss in 12 games. The pick Won.
Bryan Bash’s 5-1 performance on April 2nd showcased strong handicapping across a diverse slate of games. His ability to identify value in both favorites and underdogs, combined with only one misstep on the Clippers, resulted in a highly profitable evening that demonstrated solid analysis and execution.
