The Portland Trail Blazers have secured head coach Chauncey Billups with a multiyear contract extension, reflecting the team's belief in his vision for the future. In his fourth year, Billups guided the Blazers to their highest win total under his leadership, earning a 35-46 record as they miss the playoffs again. However, the season has seen notable growth from key young players, notably Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, and Deni Avdija, all averaging over 15 points per game. The team has also developed a robust defense since the All-Star break, ranking fourth in the league.

Billups' overall record stands at 116-211, which typically would not warrant an extension, but the Blazers are committed to a patient rebuild. The improvements made this season have shifted the narrative around his job security, presenting a glimmer of hope for a postseason contention next year. Alongside Billups, general manager Joe Cronin has also received a contract extension, enabling Portland to focus on the upcoming offseason where opportunities in the draft and free agency await.

Chauncey Billups has secured a multiyear contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers, as reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. Despite facing scrutiny earlier in the season, the Blazers have shown improvement, boasting a 22-18 record since January 18, although they currently sit 12th in the Western Conference at 35-46. Billups, in his fourth season with Portland, has a coaching record of 116-211 and is still in pursuit of the franchise's first playoff berth under his leadership.

Billups, a Hall of Famer and a key player in the Detroit Pistons’ 2004 championship victory, has the opportunity to guide a young core of players including Shaedon Sharpe, Anfernee Simons, and Deni Avdija. As they prepare to host the Los Angeles Lakers in their season finale, the team looks to build on the momentum gained in the latter half of the season.

Today's NBA DFS picks are dominated by must-have players as the regular season winds down and teams jockey for playoff positioning. Nikola Jokic stands out, boasting an impressive average of over a 40-point triple-double in his last six games, making him a top priority for lineups. Shaedon Sharpe is also highlighted, especially with Deni Avdija likely out, allowing Sharpe to take on a more significant scoring role against the Utah Jazz, who are the worst in terms of defense against shooting guards. James Harden is another key player to consider, coming off a strong performance and facing a Houston team that should keep the game competitive.

For value picks, Kyle Anderson and Jalen Smith offer affordable options with high upside, particularly if their respective teams are missing key players. Kris Murray emerges as one of the best value plays, given Portland's injury woes, which should ensure him plenty of minutes. Players like Immanuel Quickley and Keyonte George are also poised to shine with favorable matchups, especially as injuries pile up on other teams.

Deni Avdija continues to impress, recently scoring 58 FanDuel points in just 33 minutes against Toronto. His consistent late-season performance makes him a top pick for today's slate against a defensively weak Chicago team. Fellow Portland Trail Blazers player, Shaedon Sharpe, also shines with a great run of form, scoring over 20 points in six of the last seven games, making both players essential for your lineups.

Utah's Kyle Filipowski is highlighted as a solid option, particularly with several starters out, allowing him to take on more responsibility. In tournament pivots, Kristaps Porzingis and rookie Stephon Castle provide great value. Today's value picks include Ja'Kobe Walter and Julian Champagnie, both expected to play significant minutes. Monitor injury reports closely, as they can heavily influence today’s decisions.