The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery is set for Monday at 7 p.m. ET in Chicago, with expectations high for Duke's Cooper Flagg to be the top pick. The lottery's new format now gives three teams—Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets—an equal 14% chance for the coveted No. 1 overall selection, thanks to their dismal records last season. Following them are the New Orleans Pelicans, Philadelphia 76ers, and Brooklyn Nets with lower odds.

The Brooklyn Nets have appointed head coach Jordi Fernandez as their official lottery representative, marking a significant event after the team's struggles post their superstar era, which featured Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Many believe Flagg, at only 18 years old, holds the potential to be a franchise-changing player, having averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during his freshman year.

The Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in a highly anticipated matchup dubbed 'The Rematch' after their recent regular season clash. Unfortunately for the Thunder, they face significant challenges with injuries to key players. Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein are both confirmed out, along with rookie Ajay Mitchell, further complicating Oklahoma City's chances of evening the season series.

Despite these setbacks, the betting line remains relatively stable, now favoring the Thunder by only two points. This slight decline in favor reflects the uncertainty surrounding their injury situation, leaving fans curious about Vegas's perspective. The Thunder are eager to avoid a season sweep at the hands of the Cavaliers, adding to the stakes of this intriguing matchup.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently leading the NBA with the best record, establishing themselves as strong contenders for the Finals this season. Meanwhile, their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge, is also making headlines with exciting developments. In a recent matchup against the South Bay Lakers, the Charge showcased their talent, particularly with the return of Bronny James to Cleveland, where he had previously scored his first NBA points.

This game turned out to be a thrilling display of skill, especially from Emoni Bates, who is emerging as one of Cleveland's promising players. Bates delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 30 points and securing five rebounds, while demonstrating impressive shooting accuracy, including a remarkable 63.6 percent from three-point range. His defensive prowess was evident as he recorded two steals and a block, further solidifying his status as a player to watch.

On the other hand, Bronny James had a decent outing with 15 points and contributed significantly in playmaking, leading his team with six assists and seven rebounds. His efforts included four steals, highlighting his all-around game. This matchup exemplified the value of the G League in nurturing young talent, as both Bates and James continue to develop their skills, potentially paving the way for future opportunities in the NBA.

The Denver Nuggets are gearing up to host the Cleveland Cavaliers in their second and final matchup of the season. The Cavaliers are riding a five-game winning streak, showcasing their current form, while the Nuggets are struggling to find their rhythm. The previous encounter between these two teams served as a wake-up call for Denver, highlighting their shortcomings against a formidable opponent.

In terms of player availability, the Nuggets have a significant injury list, with Jamal Murray being the only player listed as probable due to a right ankle sprain. Aaron Gordon is confirmed out with a right calf strain, while Trey Alexander, Vlatko Cancar, PJ Hall, and DaRon Holmes II are all sidelined due to various reasons, including two-way contracts and recovery from injuries.

On the other side, the Cavaliers also face injury challenges with six players on their report. Emoni Bates, JT Thor, and Luke Travers are unavailable due to their two-way G League contracts. Craig Porter Jr. is out on a G League assignment, while Isaac Okoro is dealing with a right shoulder AC joint sprain. Dean Wade's status is questionable due to right knee soreness. The game is set to tip off at 9:00 p.m. EST, and both teams will be looking to secure a crucial victory.

The upcoming matchup between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers is generating significant interest as both teams are at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. The Cavaliers, boasting a flawless 15-0 record, will be missing Emoni Bates, Max Strus, and Dean Wade, while Caris LeVert, Sam Merrill, and Isaac Okoro are uncertain to play.

On the other hand, the Celtics, currently second with an 11-3 record, will not have Anton Watson, Kristaps Porzingis, Drew Peterson, and JD Davison available. Both teams are coming off recent victories, with the Cavaliers defeating the Charlotte Hornets and the Celtics edging out the Toronto Raptors in overtime.