We’re nearly 24 hours from the start of the NFL draft, and we preview where the second-best quarterback could be headed. Plus, the NBA playoffs had an eventful night with a major star going down hard with an injury and all three underdogs taking Game 2.

NFL DRAFT:

One of the most interesting storylines of this year’s NFL draft is where Ty Simpson, who is the consensus second-ranked quarterback, will go.

After Fernando Mendoza goes first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, there aren’t a ton of obvious landing spots for Simpson in the first round.

Even if Aaron Rodgers returns, the Pittsburgh Steelers jump out, but they’d have to really love him to take him top 25 (I don’t expect that). The New York Jets have their bridge quarterback in Geno Smith, and new offensive coordinator Frank Reich might prefer a bigger, more traditional pocket passer to develop. The earliest they’d most likely consider him is the first pick of the second round, but that’s not a lock at all.

That brings us to the Arizona Cardinals picking 34th overall (the second pick of Round 2). They have veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew on the roster, but no one with long-term upside. Could Simpson make it to 34, or would things become even more interesting with Arizona moving into the back end of the first round, much like the Giants did for Jaxson Dart last year?

It’s a tale as old as time: the bright lights on a quarterback enduring a potential draft day fall. Rodgers went through it. More recently, Will Levis went through it. All eyes are on what’s next for Simpson.

NBA RECAP:

LeBron James turned back the clock one more time last night, putting up a very Jamesian stat line of 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in a 101-94 win over the Houston Rockets, giving the Los Angeles Lakers a 2-0 lead in their first-round series.

Thus far, the 41-year-old James has been able to control the pace of play against Houston. Though not quite at the same height athletically, James is playing very similarly to the player who once led his teams to eight straight NBA Finals appearances. He received a big boost from Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard in Game 2, as they combined for 48 points and shot 8-of-13 from 3.

Kevin Durant was held in check, scoring 23 points — and only 3 in the second half — in his return from a knee injury.

Los Angeles now takes a two-game lead to Houston despite missing both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

“When we have two big guns out like we have, we’ve all got to pick up our play, and that’s all it’s about,” James said. “We’re all just trying to make contributions on offense and seize the opportunity.”

Earlier, the Philadelphia 76ers upset the Celtics in Boston, evening their series at 1-1 thanks to a dazzling performance by the duo of Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe. Maxey scored 29, while Edgecombe had 30 points and 10 rebounds, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to post those numbers in the playoffs. He’s also the first rookie with a 30-10 game since Tim Duncan.

Philadelphia beat Boston at its own game, outscoring the Celtics from 3 by 18.

The Portland Trail Blazers also won a road Game 2, stealing home court from the San Antonio Spurs in a thrilling finish. Portland came back from down 14 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. San Antonio was missing Victor Wembanyama for much of the night, as he left the game in the second quarter after a nasty fall led to a concussion. When Wemby will return is up in the air.

WHAT WE’RE READING:

With the NFL draft taking over Pittsburgh, city officials described to NBC News why they decided to make kids go to remote learning for public schools.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel made his first comments since the photo scandal with reporter Dianna Russini.

Did the New York Mets win last night? For the 12th straight game, the answer is no.

The Kansas City Royals, with help from Hallmark Cards, announced new stadium plans.

Columbus will be the 18th NWSL franchise, starting in 2028. The owners paid a record $205 million expansion fee.

Raiders Super Bowl legend Rod Martin died. He was 72.

New Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon doesn’t care that others say he’s cheap.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the NBA Clutch Player of the Year award.

The NFL has defended its streaming strategy to the Trump administration, an FCC filing shows.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING:

Ice? Hardwood? The NBA and NHL playoffs both continue with big games tonight, with pivotal moments coming up in multiple series across both sports. Can the top-seeded Detroit Pistons rebound after a Game 1 loss? Who wins a Game 3 rubber match between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild? Tune in to find out.

All times are Eastern:

7 p.m.: No. 2 Pittsburgh Penguins at No. 3 Philadelphia Flyers on TNT

7 p.m.: No. 8 Orlando Magic vs. No. 1 Detroit Pistons on ESPN

9:30 p.m.: No. 2 Dallas Stars at No. 3 Minnesota Wild on TNT

9:30 p.m.: No. 8 Phoenix Suns at No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder on ESPN

10 p.m.: No. 3 Anaheim Ducks at No. 2 Edmonton Oilers on TBS