分類: 综合

The Los Angeles Lakers recorded their seventh consecutive win by defeating the Houston Rockets 124–116 at the Toyota Center.

The Lakers swept the Rockets in their back-to-back contests, with Luka Doncic and LeBron James combining for their best performances of the season.

Doncic had a near triple-double of 40 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists, while James added 30 points, missing only one of his 14 attempts. He also had five rebounds and two assists.

Doncic had seven three-pointers, including a dagger in the final minute, giving them a nine-point lead. After the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick was asked what Doncic said after hitting the shot. In response, Redick told a joke.

“I’m very excited to go to Miami,” Redick said, per Benjamin Royer of the OC Register.

There is no time to rest for the Purple and Gold as they face the Miami Heat on Thursday at Kasia Center.

Redick has talked about his busy schedule this season and reiterated that he has to deal with it and do his job as a professional.

The 27-year-old Doncic has been poor in his recent win streak, averaging 38.7 points. He has reached 40 points for the third time in seven matches. He is on his way to winning his second scoring title.

At the risk of spoiling it, it looks like the Lakers are peaking at the right time. With great play from Doncic and James, Austin Reeves regaining his form, Deandre Ayton learning to buy in and Marcus Smart playing his role perfectly, they will pose a real threat in the playoffs.

This is not a joke.

The Denver Nuggets probably entered FedExForum on Wednesday thinking they were going to get an easy win against the Memphis Grizzlies. However, the opposite happened, as the Grizzlies defeated the Nuggets 125-118.

The Nuggets suffered their fourth loss in seven games, losing 42–28. Although they still have plenty of chances to find their footing, losing to the Grizzlies, who had only 24 wins before their head-to-head, was unforgivable.

In a video posted by Altitude TV after the game, Denver coach David Edelman expressed regret over his inadequate effort and allowing Memphis to blame no one but himself. control Of the game.

“Really a bad loss for us. I give them (the Grizzlies) credit, they played very fast, they played the way they play. There’s no excuse for it. I knew we’d be tired and sloppy to some degree, but it’s a long game, a lot of time to get ourselves into the game, and I thought we just waited too long,” Edelman said.

After falling behind 39-31 in the third period, the Nuggets tried to rally in the fourth quarter. But the Grizzlies managed to stop them. Edelman explained that playing backwards “is not a good place to be in the NBA.”

“The way we played early gave them a lot of confidence, even though it was tied at the half, I don’t think we played well,” Edelman said.

“A bad loss for us”

Hear more from head coach David Edelman at https://t.co/FkAXlCYDGb 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/MdTrJpHK0P

– AltitudeTV (@AlteachTV) 19 March 2026

The Grizzlies played 80% of the game and scored 27 points off the Nuggets’ 19 turnovers.

Nikola Jokic had 24 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists and 10 errors. Jamal Murray added 26 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals.

They’ll look to bounce back on Friday against the Toronto Raptors.

While Rudy Gobert is undoubtedly one of the league’s most complete centers, certain aspects of his offensive game have come under closer scrutiny recently. Among them is his pass-catching ability, with many critics noting how he struggles to catch passes in traffic or during sharp dives, which inadvertently causes turnovers for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

According to a post on X by Dan Moore, that aspect of his game was brought up during Chris Finch’s press conference after his team’s 147-111 win over the Utah Jazz.

When Chris Finch was asked about the possessions where Rudy Gobert drops catchable passes and how his players handle those possessions, thought it was an informative answer.

“They know that if Rudy drops one of their passes, not to look to me for sympathy, because sometimes he… pic.twitter.com/uQmwd7lHHx

– Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) 19 March 2026

“They know if Rudy drops one of his passes, don’t look to me for sympathy, because sometimes he’s going to do that. I tell them to keep throwing them. We have to. It’s more worth it… I’ll take some of those turnovers if we’re trying to make the right play,” Finch said, effectively claiming that he wants his team to continue passing it to Gobert despite the turnovers.

Of course, it paid off in Minnesota’s latest outing, where Gobert was once again dominant defensively, but he had a few incidents with his pass-catching. The French international still finished with his second consecutive double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds.

He went 9-12 from the field and also had a steal and two blocks. Gobert continues to be a great interior threat offensively, despite currently averaging 10.8 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, which is his lowest scoring since the 2015–16 campaign.

Regardless, against the Jazz, the Timberwolves saw Ayo Dosunmu top scoring with 23 points in the absence of Anthony Edwards, with Julius Randle also finishing with 21 points. The latter also recorded eight assists and four steals against Utah.

Additionally, Bones Highland scored 18 points off the bench, going 3-7 from three-point field. For the Jazz, Bryce Sensabaugh top-scored with 41 points, while Ace Bailey and Isaiah Collier added 17 and 14 points, respectively. Minnesota will now host the Portland Trail Blazers while the Jazz will take on the Milwaukee Bucks in the next match.

Stephen Curry is currently dealing with a knee injury, which has kept him out of the Golden State Warriors’ last 19 games. Although it is unclear exactly when he will return, head coach Steve Kerr is optimistic that he will return before the end of the season. Still, after Curry was out, the Dubs’ troubles continued, as they lost another game on Wednesday night, a 120–99 loss on the road to the Boston Celtics.

However, some fans may be desperate to see Curry back in action. In fact, one fan in attendance at TD Garden on Wednesday was so desperate to get Curry’s attention that he crossed a line – pulling the Warriors star towards him, causing Curry to face a confused concussion.

This action of the fan did not go unpunished. the man who drew curry asked to leave game, which is the perfect job to maintain the safety of NBA superstars.

Someone in the Boston crowd pulled Steph Curry’s hand, and that person was asked to leave 😳

(via @KyleCelt33)pic.twitter.com/rhRs80c7LZ

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 19 March 2026

It’s not exactly clear what was going through that fan’s mind, because doing something like this would never go unnoticed and he would not be punished. They paid good money to see the Warriors take on the Celtics, but that doesn’t give them the right to do whatever they want.

The Warriors miss Stephen Curry a lot

Curry is the engine that powers the Warriors’ offense, and over the last 19 games, everything has been rough for Golden State. With Curry out, their net rating has dropped to almost minus-four, and it has led to their decline in the West standings.

What the Dubs are doing amid Curry’s injury is admirable, as many have tried to get Golden State a few wins here and there. But without Curry, the Warriors could reach a point of no comeback, which would be a sad way to go out for this team.

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers’ signing of Marcus Smart may not have been the biggest move in free agency during the offseason, but with the final stretch of the regular season approaching, it has certainly been one of the most impressive. Just ask Lakers teammate Jake Laravia. Laravia first played with Smart at running back with the Memphis Grizzlies, and as a rookie, he could immediately tell Smart’s value to a team.

On a team with Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, it can be claimed that Marcus Smart has been the Lakers’ fourth-best player. According to Jake Laravia, the way Smart goes about playing basketball rubs off on the rest of the team.

“I’ve talked a lot about Smart’s impact on me and my journey with defense. He was a very vocal leader when I was at Memphis, so that helped me jump into that defensive role,” Laravia said during a recent Lakers practice. “When I first came into the league, I wasn’t really good at it. He helped me a lot in getting better at defense and being very vocal with it.

“And then obviously, he brings it here, and whatever team he’s on. How vocal he is, how much energy he brings and then it’s kind of an impact. It rubs off on all the other players. When he does that we all want to play harder.”

Smart has made an impact in some big recent wins for the Lakers. In a win against the New York Knicks on March 8, Smart shot only 1 of 10 from the field. But after the game, head coach JJ Redick benched him due to defensive interference and intensity throughout the game. He was plus-27 despite making only one shot.

Shortly thereafter, in a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Smart held Anthony Edwards to 0-of-5 shooting from the field where he had guarded Edwards. Edwards made 2 of 15 shots overall. Smart was only 1 of 4 from 3-point range in that game, but you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who believes he had no impact on the game.

One area where Smart has had a big impact is drawing offensive fouls. According to Basketball Reference, he currently leads the Lakers in offensive fouls with 36. As Laravia says, this has had a widespread impact, with players like Austin Reeves (34) and Luka Doncic (18) also getting in on the action.

Smart brings something that the Lakers lacked last season; This is a true point of attack defender who can impact the game without scoring a single point. While no one thought the Lakers were getting the player who won the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year award, he has had the same impact. With the NBA playoffs approaching, it will be interesting to see how important a role Smart plays.

Bill Simmons has watched every superstar in the league this year, but one name stands out above the rest in his mind. While Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is gunning for the MVP trophy, Simmons is planting his flag for Victor Wembanyama as the true best player on the planet right now. On a recent episode of his podcast, the veteran analyst expressed his amazement at the sheer defensive intensity the San Antonio Spurs center provides every night.

“I can’t believe how good Wemby is. How hard he plays, and what an impact he makes on both ends of the floor, especially on defense.” Simmons said, “We were just counting all the shots he changes, changes, or changes the guy’s mind, and it was about 30. He never gives up, he keeps playing hard the whole time. And he has an impact on the game. I thought it was the most impressive thing I’ve seen.”

That defensive motor is a primary reason why the San Antonio Spurs currently sit at 51-18, reaching the 50-win mark for the first time since the 2016-17 season. They currently trail only the Thunder in the high-stakes Western Conference race as the playoffs approach.

The seven-foot-four phenom’s efficiency was on full display during Tuesday night’s emphatic 132-104 win over the Sacramento Kings. Wembanyama didn’t need to break a sweat, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists in just 22 minutes of action. He hit 7 of 14 shots from the floor and knocked down two triples before being quickly benched.

Simmons acknowledged Gilgeous-Alexander is hovering in the rarefied air of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. However, he still stressed that the impact Vembanyama has had on both ends of the floor represents the most impressive thing he has seen all season. The big man’s ability to control the game without the need for high-volume scoring is what really sets him apart. As the postseason approaches, the debate over best player vs. most valuable player will only intensify.

As the Memphis Grizzlies navigate more absences than highlights, the same question is being asked in countless ways. What will the future look like if Ja Morant is no longer the answer? Well, Ty Jerome is showing Tuomas Isalo and the front office what a cost-effective solution looks like. While much of the league’s attention has focused on Morant’s availability and trade rumors, Jerome has quietly posted All-Star-caliber numbers.

Jerome is currently the only player averaging over 20 points per game (20.9) at Memphis, surpassing both Jaren Jackson Jr. (19.5) and Morant (19.2) in scoring output this season. It’s a small sample size, admittedly, but the statistical profile shows that Jerome is much more than just a “hot hand” on a weak team. Look at Nikola Jokic’s near triple-double in three quarters against the Denver Nuggets.

The lack of a front court has made it difficult to evaluate this season. However, Isalo knows the Grizzlies have at least one locker room leader for next season.

“Ty has been very strong for us the whole time,” Isalo said. “He’s become one of the premier creators in the entire league, able to create shots for himself and others.”

Jerome leads the Grizzlies in 3-point attempts (6.6) and is shooting better than 40% from beyond the arc, which is the hallmark of a typical modern point guard. Perhaps most impressive is that Jerome Morant is getting to the free-throw line just as often as he is, but maintaining a field goal percentage 8% higher than Morant.

Like Ja, Ty also has a target on his back, given the shorthanded nature of the roster that has been limited to two-way players, 10-day contract signings and 42-year-old Taj Gibson. Yet, Jerome turns the ball over only 1.9 times per game, compared to Morant’s 3.6. His 5.4 assists per game lags Morant’s 8.1, but the raw stats don’t fully capture the circumstances.

“(Jerome) gets the toughest assignments every night…a lot of length on him, a lot of physicality,” Isalo explained. “They try to take the ball out of his hands, but somehow he always finds a way.”

Even under the microscope, Jerome’s statistical profile matches up favorably with the league’s starting guards returning from injury. For example, his production is compared to Dejounte Murray (New Orleans Pelicans). Murray is averaging 19.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 35.1% from three and committing 3.4 turnovers per game. Jerome’s scoring, efficiency and ball security all stand out in that comparison.

The financial implications are equally important. Jerome is under contract for $9.2 million through the 2026-27 season, a fraction of Morant’s $42.4 million cap hit and significantly less than Murray’s $32.8 million salary. In a league where roster flexibility often determines whether teams can pursue contention, the difference in salary cap optionality could prove significant.

That contract disparity is where Jerome’s value becomes truly transformational for the Grizzlies. His cheap deal frees up ample room for frontcourt additions this offseason, giving the front office flexibility that would be lost if the franchise was forced to pay market rate for comparable point guard play. If Morant is traded this summer, the 28-year-old would provide a reliable, affordable bridge rather than a crippling void.

Jerome can also serve as a mentor. A rookie point guard added through the draft would benefit from playing alongside a steady veteran who values ​​efficiency and decision making. With Cedric Coward, Walter Clayton Jr., Cam Spencer, Scottie Pippen Jr. and Jaylen Wells all capable of contributing in ball-handling duties, a Jerome-anchored backcourt could help develop the guy who ultimately assumes the lead guard role long-term.

That stability could be invaluable for a team dealing with uncertainty around one of its biggest stars. Jerome may not have arrived in Memphis with the fanfare of a franchise cornerstone, but his breakout season has quietly given the Grizzlies something every front office desires. All rebuilds have option rules on everything. And with Morant’s future still a big question mark, the Grizzlies may soon have a strong reason to see how far Jerome’s rise can go.

It took very little time for Jared McCann to carve out a role with the Oklahoma City Thunder after being shipped off to the Philadelphia 76ers at the trade deadline.

McCann helped the Thunder destroy the Brooklyn Nets 121-92 on Wednesday, scoring a game-high 26 points on 9-16 shooting, including five three-pointers. He also had three rebounds and two assists.

With another strong performance from McCann, fans couldn’t help but roast 76ers general manager Daryl Morey for letting the high-scoring guard go.

As a reminder, Morey had said that he was “completely confident” that they were making a “high sell” with the decision to move McCain.

@grandepadre94 said, “Daryl Morey might be the best GM the Thunder have ever had.”

@LobTies said, “We all know Daryl Morey doesn’t like watching Jared McCain play well.”

“Daryl Morey is hellbent on making OKC even better, brother,” Posted @dh__32.

Daryl Morey is going to hell to make OKC even better bro https://t.co/A7s4JTSnXV

— Dar Dar Binks (@dh__32) 19 March 2026

“It’s unbelievable that Daryl Morey still has a job,” @winningdream said.

@JerrySisco8 commented, “Daryl Morey has always been an idiot.”

@BKB639 predicted, “Jared McCann will have a big game in a meaningful playoff series, and we’re all going to talk about how much of an idiot Daryl Morey is.”

When the 76ers sent the 22-year-old playmaker away after particularly impressing in his rookie stint, many were surprised, including McCann himself. In exchange, Philadelphia received four draft picks from Oklahoma City.

McCain missed the first month of his sophomore year due to a right side injury and initially struggled to regain his form, while also seeing a reduced role following the arrival of VJ Edgecombe. Nevertheless, many considered McCain an important asset. But apparently, Morey didn’t see it that way.

This season, the former Duke standout already has four 20-point games with the Thunder, while only one game with the Sixers.

As Paul George nears his return from his 25-game suspension due to violations of the NBA’s anti-drug program, there is still a level of ambiguity behind the actual reason for his suspension. The NBA simply said that the suspension was classified as a first-time offense under the collective bargaining agreement and did not disclose the specific substance he was found taking.

Now, Bill Simmons and Vosny Lambre have provided some clarity on The Bill Simmons Podcast, with both suggesting that they were well aware of what George had taken.

“Paul George is always unavailable, when he’s not injured, he’s being suspended, we don’t know what for. I think I know what that guy was suspended for,” Lambrew initially said, before Simmons claimed he had “a few guesses” about what it was.

Lambre claimed that they could only pretend that they did not know what the substance was.

“Well, we know what it was, I think,” Simmons said, ultimately deciding not to disclose the substance in question.

George himself said after the suspension that he had taken “inappropriate medication” for a mental health issue, claiming that he wanted to take time to put his body and mind in the best possible condition for his return.

“Over the past few years, I have discussed the importance of mental health, and recently in seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an inappropriate medication. I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates, and Philly fans for my poor decision-making during this process,” the 76ers forward said.

George is eligible to return with approximately 10 regular season games left before the playoffs against the Chicago Bulls on March 25. Along with the suspension and a fine of approximately $11.7 million, George had missed 32 games by that point in the season.

They still managed to keep their playoff hopes alive this campaign with a 38–30 record, which is currently good for ninth in the Eastern Conference.

It’s hard to be a Brooklyn Nets supporter these days as they remain near the bottom of the NBA. They are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

Brooklyn’s ineptitude was on full display Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Barclays Center.

It soon became a one-sided affair as the Thunder exerted their power. At halftime, the defending champions were comfortably ahead of the Nets 60–24.

Yes, that is correct. 60-24. Even the man in the White House can’t claim it’s fake news.

Fans at the X were quick to roast the Nets for their low output.

@TGJC1979 said, “The Nets are spending nearly $154 million this season, and have scored 24 points in 24 minutes of professional basketball.”

@dbell983 said, “The Nets need to be investigated. 24 points at halftime in a real game is crooked behavior.”

@EVBettors said, “Bam Adebayo scored more points in his 83-point game in the first quarter than the Nets scored in the first half tonight.”

“The Nets are terrible. I hope they get the top pick,” @Heathh_hayesss posted.

@no_real_id commented, “Adam Silver’s NBA featuring the Nets vs. the Thunder, SMH.”

The Nets recorded their lowest production in the first half since the 1997–1998 season.

They were reportedly willing to trade their best player, Michael Porter Jr., in February as they were potentially aiming for a higher opportunity to get the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft.

Brooklyn lost to Oklahoma City, 121–92.

Jalen Wilson led the team with 15 points and five rebounds off the bench. They fell to 17-52, including 9-25 at home.

When it was revealed that the NBA was set to vote on allowing expansion in Las Vegas and Seattle through the 2028-2029 season, many were thrilled.

Adding more teams has long been a hot topic in the NBA, and now, it may finally become a reality. The last time the league added a new member was in 2004 when the Charlotte Bobcats franchise was granted.

However, ESPN’s Bobby Marks expressed his misgivings about expansion, using the Brooklyn Nets to emphasize his argument.

“After seeing some of these numbers over the past few nights we might want to reconsider the expansion,” Marx wrote on X.

“In the last two games, Brooklyn has trailed by a combined 60 points at halftime.”

He posted it after the Nets scored just 24 points in the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Barclays Center on Wednesday. This is the team’s lowest performance since the 1997–1998 season.

For perspective, the Thunder had 28 points in the first quarter.

The Thunder are dominating the nets 👀

The 24 points in the first half matched Brooklyn’s fewest points since 1997–98. pic.twitter.com/tkdwEqkuNF

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 19 March 2026

Some have argued against expansion because it could dilute talent. Having new teams means having specific players spread out more across rosters, which will further dilute the competitive balance.

This season, the Nets, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings have all separated the top-tier teams from the bottom-tier teams, all with less than 20 wins.

Additionally, with the NBA already dealing with the polarizing issue of load management, expansion would lead to heavier schedules, more travel and less rest. There is also the matter of rearranging conferences.

At the time of writing, the Nets are trailing the Thunder 99-67 in the fourth quarter.

With Cade Cunningham firing on all cylinders throughout the season, the Detroit Pistons have emerged as a major force in the current campaign. They currently lead the Eastern Conference with a 49–19 record. A similar uptrend has been evident with the Toronto Raptors, who finished 11th in the East last season, but currently sit in 5th with a 38-29 record.

However, for former Toronto head coach Sam Mitchell, the Raptors may be even more talented than the Pistons, according to a post on X by Omar Osman, despite both teams’ current records.

Sam Mitchell says the Toronto Raptors may have more talent than the first-seeded Detroit Pistons overall 👀:

“You think about Cade Cunningham, who’s his second best player?”

“Look at the Raptors. You got Scotty Barnes and Bey. They’re your 2 best players.”

“You see… pic.twitter.com/zzr39iikJR

– Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) 18 March 2026

“You think about Cade Cunningham, who’s their second best player? Look at the Raptors. You got Scotty Barnes and BI. Those are your 2 best players,” he said during his appearance on TSN, citing the huge gap between the Pistons’ best and second best players.

This may be understandable since Cunningham is the only Pistons player averaging more than twenty points per game, with Duncan Robinson, who is going at 19 points per game, the only other player averaging more than 15 points a pop. In comparison, the Raptors have a more balanced offensive engine, with RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes averaging more than 15 points per game.

“You look at the center position. Jakob Poeltl and Duren? About the same. So if you look at this Raptors team, and you look at what players have accomplished on the Raptors, you can argue that the Raptors might be a better team in terms of talent than Detroit,” Mitchell concluded.

Of course, Mitchell has a point considering that the Raptors are hardly viewed as favorites to make it out of the Eastern Conference. Detroit has an offensive engine that relies heavily on Cunningham.

However, they still went 5-2 without their main man and fans will argue that their scoring is actually a result of the extremely physical bad-boys-throwback type of basketball they have adopted under JB Bickerstaff. This has resulted in an impressive 25-8 home record this season, which can only be expected to extend into the playoffs.

The LA Clippers have been working with different lineups since the NBA trade deadline as the team looks for ways to incorporate their newest players.

Darius Garland, Benedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson all joined the Clippers via trades during deadline week, as James Harden and Ivica Zubac were surprisingly shipped out in the process. However, on Wednesday night, the Clippers debuted their new look, which could be their lineup for the remainder of the season and the postseason if they qualify.

Kawhi Leonard warmed up and was upgraded to available just before the game, while Garland was upgraded to available after the team’s morning shootaround. Given the back-to-back sets they were playing, there was some concern that both could miss games.

Darius Garland started Wednesday’s game along with Derrick Jones Jr., Kawhi Leonard, John Collins and Brook Lopez, the first time those five have shared the floor this season. Chris Dunne was relegated to a role off the bench, with Collins replacing him in the starting lineup.

Clippers Starters:

darius garland
derrick jones jr
kawhi leonard
john collins
brook lopez

Pelican:

Dejounte Murray
Trey Murphy III
Saddiq Bey
zion williamson
herbert jones

– Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) 18 March 2026

Since acquiring three players at the deadline, this Clippers team has still never been complete. Darius Garland missed the first month after the trade due to heavy management of recent toe injuries. Meanwhile, John Collins suffered two scary neck-related injuries and missed nine games due to them.

Although the Clippers are scheduled to debut their new starting lineup on Wednesday, they are still playing this entire three-game road trip without a big player in Benedict Mathurin. Mathurin has played 16 games for the Clippers, averaging 19.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

“We know we’ve got three tough games,” head coach Tyronn Lue said before Wednesday’s game. “We’ve just got to come out and take it one by one. I know it’s back-to-backs, but they’re playing hard, competing, and we’ve got to come out and do the same. We understand who they are. They’re playing to win, they’re playing for something, and we’ve got to get stuck in.”

The Clippers have fielded only one lineup that has played more than seven games this season, and two players from that lineup – James Harden and Ivica Zubac – were traded in early February. Since the deadline, the Clippers have been checking out different starting units as they try to figure out what works best for them. In total, the Clippers have used 21 different starting lineups, including Wednesday night.

On this three-game trip, the Clippers have the New Orleans Pelicans twice and the Dallas Mavericks once on Saturday night, before returning home for a two-game homestand against the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors.

As Paul George nears his return from his 25-game suspension due to violations of the NBA’s anti-drug program, there is still a level of ambiguity behind the actual reason for his suspension. The NBA simply said that the suspension was classified as a first-time offense under the collective bargaining agreement and did not disclose the specific substance he was found taking.

Now, Bill Simmons and Vosny Lambre have provided some clarity on The Bill Simmons Podcast, with both suggesting that they were well aware of what George had taken.

“Paul George is always unavailable, when he’s not injured, he’s being suspended, we don’t know what for. I think I know what that guy was suspended for,” Lambrew initially said, before Simmons claimed he had “a few guesses” about what it was.

Lambre claimed that they could only pretend that they did not know what the substance was.

“Well, we know what it was, I think,” Simmons said, ultimately deciding not to disclose the substance in question.

George himself said after the suspension that he had taken “inappropriate medication” for a mental health issue, claiming that he wanted to take time to put his body and mind in the best possible condition for his return.

“Over the past few years, I have discussed the importance of mental health, and recently while treating an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking inappropriate medication. I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and Philly fans for my poor decision-making during this process,” the 76ers man said.

George is eligible to return with approximately 10 regular season games left before the playoffs against the Chicago Bulls on March 25. Along with the suspension and a fine of approximately $11.7 million, George had missed 32 games by that point in the season.

They have still managed to keep their playoff hopes alive with a 38–30 record this campaign, which is currently good for 9th place in the Eastern Conference.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James trended for a vicious dunk against the Houston Rockets on Monday. But now a potential future venture seems to be looming over them.

James’s dream of becoming an NBA owner suffered a major setback on Wednesday. James’ partnership with Fenway Sports Group is eyeing Las Vegas for a new expansion franchise. But according to Joe Warden and Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, FSG is ready to expand.

Price is a big factor, with the expected cost “reportedly demanding an expansion fee of up to $8 billion per team.”

This still leaves a major dent in James’ ownership vision as the league continues expansion talks.

What’s next for Lakers’ LeBron James amid ownership blowback?

The Athletic further noted how “FSG was long expected to be James’ primary financial backer in his stated desire to own an NBA team.” But the sudden move makes it “less likely” that James will pursue franchise ownership.

Fenway Sports Group has partnered with James with the Miami Heat since 2011. The group owns the Boston Red Sox of the English Premier League and soccer club Liverpool.

James’s net worth is estimated at $1.4 billion, leading fans to believe that he has enough wealth to own a team. But if he continues to own a sports franchise he will need to join a team of investors.

The four-time NBA champion would also have to retire to run the ownership. The 41-year-old James is currently unsure about playing in 2026-27.

As the season draws to a close, the Chicago Bulls have some decisions to make. Mostly, it has to do with their new players from the seven trades in February.

Who to keep? What to get rid of?

If anyone were to ask former player-turned-analyst Stacey King, he’d say Leonard Miller needs to stick around. On Wednesday, King made his case for Miller on his Gimme the Hot Sauce podcast.

“I think the one thing you want to see on this team is the guys they want to keep,” King said. “You want to look at some of the new guys that they’re probably going to keep, like Leonard Miller, who has emerged as a guy that should be on your roster.”

Additionally, King admitted that some fans were surprised to see Miller flourish. However, he said he called it before everyone else.

“So I think he’s a surprise to a lot of people. Not to me because I was calling for him to play from day one.”

Have the Bulls found a gem in 6’11 F, Leonard Miller? 👀

Stacey thinks so.

Watch here: https://t.co/hTG2oXWy1i pic.twitter.com/XZ5ai1d4X0

– Gimme the Hot Sauce Podcast (@gimmehotsauce21) 18 March 2026

In February, Miller arrived in Chicago via the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a four-player trade. A trade that sent Ayo Dosunmu to the Timberwolves and Rob Dillingham to Chicago.

Since then, Miller has played significantly more minutes with the Bulls. He increased from averaging 5.0 minutes per game to 19.0 per game.

Additionally, Miller’s average increased from 2.3 points per game to 8.3 points per game. Additionally, he went from shooting 8.3% from the 3-point line to 33.3%.

Additionally, Miller has had some notable performances, including a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds against the Golden State Warriors on March 10.

The Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors are in the middle of a competitive battle on ESPN. The Celtics are playing in front of a packed crowd at home against a Warriors team without Steph Curry due to injury.

Another popular name, Kristaps Porzingis, is back at TD Garden after playing two incredible seasons with the Celtics in Beantown. Porzingis was traded to the Atlanta Hawks last offseason, and then the Hawks ultimately traded him to the Warriors before the NBA trade deadline. It’s Porzingis’ first game back, so the Celtics gave him an emotional tribute video.

Celtics tribute video for Kristaps Porzingis 🙌

(via @danield1214) pic.twitter.com/8bhBguM1ik

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 18 March 2026

The Celtics can’t win the NBA Finals without Porzingis in 2023-24. His ability to stretch the field and play elite defense was a big part of why Boston was so dominant during that championship run. Remember the first game of the Finals, when Porzingis couldn’t miss a shot in the first quarter? He scored 20 points off the bench in the game, along with six rebounds and three blocks.

His time, as well as Jrue Holiday’s, ended after last season when the Celtics lost to the New York Knicks in the quarterfinals of the NBA playoffs. Porzingis was not playing at the time as he was dealing with an undisclosed illness. The Celtics moved on, but they remained a very good team.

Boston is in second place in the conference, and if they beat the Warriors, they will be just 3.5 games behind the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the East.

Recently, one of the major talking points in the NBA has been whether or not the Miami Heat violated some unwritten rules of basketball when center Bam Adebayo scored 83 points in a game against the Washington Wizards, passing Kobe Bryant for second-most all-time. Many critics have pointed to Adebayo’s 43 free throw attempts as well as some of the Heat’s bizarre late-game strategies as reasons to discredit the scoring explosion.

However, one person coming to Adebayo’s defense is former NBA guard Patrick Beverley, who recently took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the debate.

“I never knew there was a fake 83. A motherf***** never scored an 83, how could it be fake? This is as real as it gets… People were shocked it was Bam and it wasn’t Steph Curry, it was LeBron James… If KD had the same 83 with the same stats, they wouldn’t treat it like that. It was shocking to people that Bam did that… Bam tops in the NBA Big in 3. Big in top 3… I don’t know what the surprise is,” he said on X, according to Heat Central.

In fact, many were surprised that it was Adebayo, who was averaging just under 20 points per game before the game, who broke Bryant’s second-place mark, and not one of the more high-octane scorers across the NBA landscape.

However, it does show just how talented NBA players really are… and how bad the Wizards defense really is.

Meanwhile, the Heat are looking to bounce back from their seven-game winning streak after losing two consecutive games. They will next take the field on Thursday evening in a home match against the Los Angeles Lakers.

De’Aaron Fox spent the first seven and a half years of his NBA career with the Sacramento Kings. 13 months after being traded to the San Antonio Spurs, there’s no doubt where the two-time All-Star’s attention lies, including when he returns to his former home.

“No, it’s just another game to me,” Fox said. “We’re worried about us. We’re worried about trying to win a championship.”

Fox’s tenure in Sacramento included two of the franchise’s best seasons in the last 20 years. The 2022–2023 team won the division championship with 48 wins. The following year, the Kings won 46. It was the organization’s most successful season since a 50-win campaign in 2004–05.

Fox reiterated, “Obviously, it’s nice to be back here because I get a chance to meet people I’ve seen for years. But, other than that, when we get between those lines, it’s a normal game.”

De’Aaron Fox comments on current Kings

Things are a lot different in Sacramento than they were in February of 2024, when a trade sent Fox to San Antonio. Kings star Domantas Sabonis is out the remainder of the season after undergoing meniscus surgery. Russell Westbrook, who started 51-18 in his most recent contest, a 132-104 loss to the Spurs, is now a key rotational player.

“I mean, obviously, the personnel and everything has changed, but I don’t see them any more than any other team,” Fox said.

At 18–52, the Kings have the worst record in the West after the loss to the Spurs. It’s a spot these Spurs are somewhat familiar with. Two years ago, they finished 22-60 with rookie Victor Vembanyama. Although Fox was still in Sacramento at the time, it’s a reality he sees through the eyes of his current and former teammates.

“In the rebuilding phase, I think the young guys (Kings) are playing well,” Fox said. “You want to be able to see it because, looking at where we were last year, the young guys are playing well.”

De’Aaron Fox reflects on the rise of the Spurs

The former Kentucky star played just over a month with the Spurs last season and played just five games with Wembley during that span. Two weeks after the Foxes arrived in San Antonio, Wembanyama was shut down for the remainder of the regular season due to a blood clot in his right shoulder. Less than a month later, the team decided to sideline Fox for the remainder of the year, dealing with a finger injury since training camp.

Through it all, the Spurs improved by 12 wins from the previous season.

“You get that experience, you get those reps, and then you come in the next season, try to hit the ground running,” the 28-year-old guard said.

With 19 points per game this season, Fox is second to Wembley among team scoring leaders and earned his second trip to the All-Star Game. Like the Kings, he is proving to be a major factor in the Spurs’ return to winning ways.

The Golden State Warriors have “cautious optimism” that Stephen Curry will return before the end of March as the team continues to advance into a crucial stretch of the regular season.

Golden State (33-35) is set to face the Boston Celtics (45-23) on Wednesday at TD Garden, with tipoff scheduled for 4:00 pm PT on ESPN. Before the matchup, Curry was seen taking shots during pregame warmups, indicating progress in his recovery.

ClutchPoints’ Kenzo Fukuda captured Curry’s on-court activity on X, formerly known as Twitter, while ESPN’s Shams Charania provided more details during an appearance on NBA Today.

“There is cautious optimism that Stephen Curry will be back in the lineup sometime by the end of the month. And then I’m told that on Tuesday afternoon in Boston he had a vigorous workout on the court, running, cutting, moving, starting to make some light contact like the Stephen Curry we know again.”

There is “cautious optimism” that Steph Curry (knee) will return to the Warriors lineup by the end of the month. @shamscharania. https://t.co/9FVDOkEDO5

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 18 March 2026

Charania said:

“The most important thing is that he’s not experiencing the inflammation that he had the last several weeks or a month ago when he needed to get PRP injections because of knee problems, from my understanding, so, now it’s about him maintaining this conditioning, getting as much comfort in the knee as possible before he’s able to get the call to get back on the court.”

Stephen Curry’s potential return looms as the Warriors enter a crucial March schedule

Curry has been sidelined with a knee problem that required PRP injections, limiting his availability during a significant portion of the schedule. His potential return comes at a crucial time, as the Warriors have slipped to ninth in the Western Conference standings despite a 125-117 win over the Washington Wizards on Monday night.

After Wednesday’s contest in Boston, Golden State has six games remaining in March, including a continuation of its current six-game road trip with three upcoming games away from home. The remainder of the schedule presents an opportunity for the Warriors to gain momentum as they strive for position in the play-in tournament.

Curry’s return would provide a significant boost to a Warriors team that has struggled with consistency in his absence. As the regular season enters its final stretch, Golden State remains focused on balancing Curry’s long-term health with the urgency of climbing the standings.

Tracy McGrady voiced opposition to potential NBA expansion as the league prepares for a Board of Governors meeting next week, where Las Vegas and Seattle are expected to be discussed as potential new markets.

Speaking on the latest episode of Cousins ​​with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, McGrady questioned whether the league currently has enough talent to support additional teams.

“I’m trying my best to increase revenue… I’m just like, we have 30 teams, we have a lot of players, 450 probably even more now. We don’t have the talent to try to start two more teams. I don’t think we have the talent to start two more teams. Now can we remove two teams and add two teams?”

The NBA currently fields 30 teams, with rosters spanning the entire league as its popularity and global reach continues to grow. Expansion has long been seen as a possible next step, particularly with Seattle seeking the return of the SuperSonics and Las Vegas emerging as a strong candidate for a new franchise.

Tracy McGrady says he doesn’t think the NBA has enough talent to add expansion teams:

“We got 30 teams. We don’t have the talent to try to start two more teams. Can we remove two teams and add two teams? I say keep it at 30. I’m short on talent, brother!”

(via… pic.twitter.com/71EL0ih4Ov

– NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) 18 March 2026

Tracy McGrady raises questions about league talent pool amid NBA expansion talks

However, McGrady emphasized that talent distribution remains a concern throughout the league, suggesting that expansion could dilute the overall level of play.

“I say keep it at 30. Not enough talent for me, bro.”

The comments come as the NBA is evaluating both the competitive balance and financial opportunities associated with expansion. The addition of two new teams will increase league revenue and create additional roster spots, but will also require a deeper pool of high-level talent to maintain quality across all franchises.

Although discussions on expansion are ongoing, the league has not yet made a final decision. It is expected that the upcoming meeting will be an initial step in the assessment process as owners assess the long-term impact on both competition and business growth.

McGrady’s approach adds to a broader conversation within basketball circles about whether the current talent pool can sustain further expansion without compromising the product on the court.

On Tuesday evening, the San Antonio Spurs continued their winning ways with a blowout win over the Sacramento Kings. The win gave the Spurs their 19th win in their last 21 tries and allowed them to keep pace with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference.

In this, the Spurs made an astonishing 41 assists, and also broke the franchise record of 25 threes.

After the game, point guard De’Aaron Fox, who was playing against his former team in the Kings, spoke about why San Antonio was able to enjoy so much success on Tuesday night.

X, formerly of Twitter, said, “We enjoy playing together,” he said, according to Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. “We enjoy seeing each other succeed. It makes sharing the ball a lot easier.”

Indeed, the Spurs have shown a remarkable team chemistry this year, despite this being the first full season this group has been together.

Of course, the head of the snake is superstar Victor Wembanyama, who didn’t have to do all that much in Sacramento on Tuesday, but the Spurs’ front office deserves credit for building an elite supporting cast around the former number one overall pick, which includes Fox, last year’s Rookie of the Year Stephen Cassel and an assortment of solid three-and-D wings, not to mention this year’s rookie standout, Dylan Harper.

It’s extremely rare that teams make deep playoff runs on their first attempt in the postseason, but this Spurs team may be the exception to the rule, as Wembanyama estimates there will be many sleepless nights for whichever coaching staff is tasked with gameplanning against him in a postseason setting.

The Spurs next take the field against a potential playoff opponent in the Phoenix Suns on Thursday evening.

On Tuesday evening, the New York Knicks continued their winning ways with an easy home win over the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks played this game without star point guard Jalen Brunson, who was nursing a neck injury, which meant other players had to take on larger roles.

One of those players was wing Josh Hart, who stepped up to the challenge and scored 33 points with seven rebounds and five assists in the win. After the game, the newest member of the Knicks, Jose Alvarado, jokingly made fun of Hart’s point guard abilities.

“Oh no, he can’t handle any basketball. He just takes the ball and keeps his shoulder down but he’s no point guard. He just did good today, man,” said Alvarado, according to the former Knicks video on Twitter.

Hart and some of his other teammates, including Brunson, have long been known for poking fun at each other in the media, so the fact that Alvarado is already into this tradition shows how quickly he’s fitting in to his new home in New York.

Alvarado had a solid game in his own right in Brunson’s absence on Tuesday, scoring 16 points along with 10 assists in the win.

Meanwhile, Knicks fans will certainly be hoping that Brunson’s injury isn’t something that will keep him out of the lineup for a long time as the playoffs approach. New York is currently third in the Eastern Conference, but they could realistically move up or down one spot by the end of the season depending on how things go.

The Knicks next take the field on Friday evening for a bridge-across road game against the Brooklyn Nets.

The Oklahoma City Thunder could continue their five-game road trip by facing the Brooklyn Nets without three starters – All-Star Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Lou Dort. The Thunder clinched a playoff spot after defeating the Orlando Magic, becoming the first team to do so this season, while extending their winning streak to eight. Oklahoma City improved to 54–15.

However, if the defending champions are to extend their streak to nine, the Thunder will have to do it without Dortch and Hartenstein, with Holmgren listed as questionable on the injury report. Hartenstein, who returned from a left foot injury last week, is out due to management. Dort is out due to rest, and Holmgren, who is still recovering from a left hip injury, is listed as questionable.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 40 points, five rebounds and four steals in Tuesday’s win against the Magic. Chet Holmgren added 20 points, 12 rebounds and one block. Lou Dortch had five points and two rebounds and Isaiah Hartenstein had eight assists, seven rebounds and a block.

Alex Caruso addresses memorable play in Thunder’s win

One of the most memorable moments of the Thunder’s 113–108 win against the Magic occurred in the first half when Alex Caruso used his shoe to block a shot. Caruso, who was charged with goaltending and technical fouls during the game, admitted she regrets doing the dramahe said, according to Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman.

Caruso said, “I’d never been in that situation before. It came next to me. So, I was like I’m going to use it.” “I just thought I was going to block it. Honestly, I didn’t know what the call was going to be. I didn’t know it was going to be goaltending and a take. If I had known that, I probably wouldn’t have made it.”

When Caruso realized it was too late to put his shoe back on during the game, he decided to use it.

“As soon as I got my shoe in my hands, I was thinking of using it,” Caruso said. “Not in a malicious way, but I’m going to try to make a play to stop the ball. It’s one of those weird NBA plays that probably won’t happen for the next 10 years.”

“As soon as I got my shoe in my hand, I thought about using it… It’s one of those weird NBA plays that probably won’t happen for another 10 years.”

Alex Caruso finding a technique for using his shoes to block a shot.

(via @justintohoops)pic.twitter.com/8QyPsPf1OB https://t.co/DPknnY5ha1

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 18 March 2026

Caruso finished with two points, eight rebounds and two steals in Tuesday’s win against the Magic.

The main point of discussion in this NBA Draft cycle is who will be the number one overall pick, with three candidates separating themselves from the group. All of those players are new: Kansas Jayhawks guard Darrin Peterson, BYU small forward AJ DiBuntsa, and Duke power forward Cameron Boozer.

Recently, Boozer’s father Carlos, who enjoyed a successful NBA career in his own right, teared up at the thought of what such a special prospect his son was going through.

“There aren’t a lot of guys that can be on the biggest stage in college basketball like Duke basketball as an 18-year-old.” [and] What comes with it – and the whole team will follow,” says Andscape’s Mark J. Boozer said, according to Spears. “You know why they do this to Cameron? Because he gives a lot to the game. He gives a lot to his team. No matter what, he’s an unselfish superstar and that means the NBA.”

Boozer also named some NBA legends to illustrate what his son brings to the table.

“”You look at what Tim Duncan did. I’m not comparing Cameron to Tim Duncan, but he was another guy who wasn’t [athletically] Kevin Garnett or Tracy McGrady or Kobe Bryant or Shaquille O’Neal. But do you know what he did? They won five championships in that era…”

Indeed, Tim Duncan has long been the standard for power forward dominance in the NBA, despite him not being an athletic freak by league standards.

Boozer hopes to bring the same level of consistency and defensive prowess to whichever team selects him this June. Whether he goes first, second or third could depend on which team gets the number one overall pick, and what their needs are.

Deandre Ayton has had a mixed start to life with the Los Angeles Lakers, largely due to his new role with the team. Accustomed to being the focal point on offense, it’s no secret that Ayton has faced his struggles being the defensive lynchpin on an offensively stacked roster.

There was even a feud with Houston Rockets star Clint Capela, with Ayton claiming after a game that the Lakers were trying to make him play like the former Atlanta Hawks man. However, things have changed recently, with the 27-year-old recently telling The Athletic that he has taken a part out of his game.

“That’s a fact. That’s a true fact. But I, I scratched him, I took him out. I said… when it comes to scoring, we don’t need that. We need you to put that energy into offense and defense,” he said.

Lakers fans have been saying this since the beginning. However, it appears Ayton needed a ‘mirror session’ to get it on his game.

“I just started looking in the mirror and saying ‘Yo bro, … you’re not that guy. You don’t need to be on this team at all to do this. This team, you’re here to try and be the guy to shut down possessions, get rebounds, run the floor very hard, do big things, outwork superstars,'” he revealed.

And well, even though it came late, the No. 1 pick of the 2018 draft claimed he’s finally “having fun with it,” which also seems like the way to go. The Lakers are one of the most offensively talented teams in recent NBA history, featuring players like LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as their Big-3, all three of whom have recently returned to form.

This means that Ayton’s job in the team is to shore up the defense and ensure that his team is not weak inside. This undoubtedly represents a huge difference in what a successful game could look like for Ayton.

“I’m telling you, once I sit that long, that’s usually what happens. It’s like… ‘You got kicked out (of the game) for some reason – think about it. But lately it’s been like, ‘No, DA. You’re good.'” he said.

Ayton said he has ‘completely bought in, 110%’, claiming that he was hoping fans would also be able to see the work he was doing. This coincides with the Lakers’ stellar performance recently, with Ayton finishing with a positive plus/minus in each of his last five games.

Oklahoma City Thunder veteran Alex Caruso attempted to make a unique defensive stop during the second quarter of Tuesday’s 113-108 win against the Orlando Magic. Caruso used his shoe to stop Tristan da Silva, who was driving to the rim for a layup.

Caruso received a technical foul, and the Magic were awarded a goaltending layup. caruso addressed the play After the game, according to Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman.

Caruso said, “I’d never been in that situation before. It came next to me. So, I was like I’m going to use it.” “I just thought I was going to block it. Honestly, I didn’t know what the call was going to be. I didn’t know it was going to be goaltending and a take. If I had known that, I probably wouldn’t have made it.”

When Caruso realized it was too late to put his shoe back on during the game, he decided to use it.

“As soon as I got my shoe in my hands, I was thinking of using it,” Caruso said. “Not in a malicious way, but I’m going to try to make a play to stop the ball. It’s one of those weird NBA plays that probably won’t happen for the next 10 years.”

“As soon as I got my shoe in my hand, I thought about using it… It’s one of those weird NBA plays that probably won’t happen for another 10 years.”

Alex Caruso finding a technique for using his shoes to block a shot.

(via @justintohoops)pic.twitter.com/8QyPsPf1OB https://t.co/DPknnY5ha1

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 18 March 2026

Alex Caruso finished with eight rebounds, two points and two steals in the Thunder’s win.

Thunder seal playoff spot with win against Magic

All-Shy Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40 points led the Thunder to a five-point win against the Magic, extending their winning streak to eight. The defending champion Thunder clinched a playoff spot with 13 games remaining in the regular season.

Despite an injury-filled campaign, due to the absence of Jalen Williams – the All-NBA forward has played only 26 games – the defending champions have remained on top of the Western Conference standings throughout the season.

Gilgeous-Alexander recorded his 129th consecutive 20+ point game. On the second night of a back-to-back, the Thunder will face the Nets on Wednesday.

Phoenix Suns legend Kevin Johnson offered a remarkable perspective on Devin Booker’s playing style, comparing him to Los Angeles Lakers icon Jerry West during a recent interview. Speaking with Ratings’ DJ Siddiqui, Johnson initially made the comparison in an unconventional way before settling on West as the most appropriate parallel.

Johnson emphasized Booker’s scoring approach, particularly his ability to operate without relying too heavily on the three-point shot, a trait that has become less common in today’s NBA.

“First I throw it at you, and then if it doesn’t work you tell me. I’m going to flip this script for you – Jerry West.”

Johnson later expanded on the comparison by referencing other perimeter scorers before confirming his initial choice.

“I’ve got another name, he’s better than this guy, so don’t quote me on this, but he reminds me a little bit of Allan Houston, a little bit of Rip Hamilton. But Devin is more distinctive than those guys. But I’m going with Jerry West. I’ll leave it at that.”

Comparisons to West, one of the most skilled guards in NBA history, highlight Booker’s midrange scoring ability, shot creation and overall offensive versatility. While Booker operates in a modern era that emphasizes spacing and three-point shooting, his game often stands out for the balance between perimeter scoring and efficient work inside the arc.

Devin Booker’s production draws Jerry West comparisons amid Suns’ playoff push

The 29-year-old Booker is leading Phoenix with consistent production during the 2025-26 season. In 53 games, he averaged 25.8 points, 5.9 assists and 4.0 rebounds, while shooting 45.5% from the field, 32.2% from three-point range, and 86.9% from the free-throw line. He has logged 33.5 minutes per game, serving as the focal point of the Suns’ attack.

Phoenix entered the latter half of the season with a 39–30 record, clinching the seventh seed in the Western Conference standings. The team remains in the playoff race as it continues to advance in the competitive conference landscape.

The Suns suffered a 116-104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, a result that ended a challenging stretch during their current six-game road trip. Phoenix will try to regroup as it prepares to wrap up the trip against the San Antonio Spurs (51-18) on Thursday at 5:00 pm PT.

The Johnson comparisons underscore Booker’s continued development as one of the league’s premier scoring guards, with a skill set that bridges eras and invites comparisons with some of the game’s most respected figures.

In a widely expected move, NBA commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged that the league is taking steps toward expansion with teams potentially coming to Seattle and Las Vegas. Assuming everything happens, this will lead to an imbalance of teams in the Western Conference. But Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green believes he has the answer.

During a recent episode of ‘The Draymond Green Show,’ Green argued that not only should the Memphis Grizzlies be moved to the Eastern Conference, but they should be completely uprooted and moved to Nashville as a home city.

“Obviously the first consideration is what happens with the conference, the conferences. You have two Western Conference teams coming in, Vegas has to be in the Western Conference, Seattle has to be in the Western Conference,” Green said. “Minnesota should be an Eastern Conference team. No losses, no fouls. Memphis, which should probably be in Nashville, should be an Eastern Conference team.

“Adam, let them just do us all a favor, and move the team to Nashville. No losses, no fouls, transfer fees, it’s a swap. Give up that area, you don’t have to pay a transfer fee. … I think it’s actually a lot easier to rearrange the conferences. But you ask yourself, or do you get rid of the conferences.”

While the Grizzlies moving to Memphis is an entirely different story, only one team would need to move to the Eastern Conference, given that Seattle and Las Vegas are both in the West. After this, there will be a total of 16 teams in each conference. Memphis is slightly further east than the Minnesota Timberwolves, and a potential move to Nashville would make them even further east than some of the teams already in the Eastern Conference.

The New Orleans Pelicans could also be a candidate to move to the Eastern Conference following NBA expansion.

BOSTON — This latest six-game road trip is basically a brief reunion tour for Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis. With stops in New York, Washington, DC, Atlanta and Dallas, Porzingis has been making waves in the city of every team he has been with throughout his decade in the NBA. But this latest stop in Boston, the city where he helped the Celtics win their first title in sixteen years, is the place where it may mean the most.

At the Warriors’ morning shootaround, Porzingis spoke to the media about his time playing in Boston and all of the good memories he has with the Celtics.

“It feels good to be back,” Porzingis smiled. “It’s a little weird. I missed the city. Of course, as you’re reading, I missed everything. Honestly, it’s good memories. You know, [it] It’s weird to be back a little bit, but it’s a good feeling.”

Porzingis joined Boston via trade with the Washington Wizards in the summer of 2023, with hopes he could give the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown Celtics a boost up front. And with his size, defense and shooting, Porzingis did exactly that.

he averaged Averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.9 blocks in 57 games in 2023-24. And while injuries sidelined him in the second and third rounds of the NBA Playoffs, Porzingis made a triumphant return in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, rocking TD Garden when he scored 18 points off the bench in the first half.

But for all of his basketball successes with the Celtics, what Porzingis remembers most about his time in Bean Town is the city itself.

“[I remember] A lot of little moments, even outside of basketball,” Porzingis said. “Being in the city, my little places to go for coffee, just overall my life in Boston, I really enjoyed it. Basketball was very stressful here. I won’t lie, but it comes with character. And we did it. So I would say the whole package was special.

Kristaps Porzingis after leaving the Celtics

But while the memories of Boston will remain fond, it has been a bit of a rough ride for Porzingis since leaving. Porzingis played only 42 games in the Celtics’ title defense season, as injuries derailed his availability. And when the New York Knicks eliminated Boston in six games, with Tatum tearing his Achilles in the process, it signaled the end of that iteration of the Celtics, as salary cap issues would prove too costly to run it back.

As such, the Celtics sent Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks as a sacrifice to avoid the second apron penalty. And in Atlanta, things will get worse. Porzingis was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a chronic condition that cut his time in Atlanta short. Porzingis would only play 17 games for the Hawks before the Warriors traded him for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.

And while Porzingis has recently gotten healthy, scoring a season-high 30 points last night in D.C., the illness sidelined him for six games just after joining the Warriors. It’s safe to say that it’s been a tough season for Latvians.

“This season has been rough,” Porzingis admitted. “But now I’m healthy. Feeling really good. So I’m getting a real good feeling about basketball again, you know? Which is the most important, because everything else goes second when you’re not feeling right.

“It’s natural to feel that way, and now, when I’m really getting my feet back, getting in good shape, it’s a good reminder of why I love it. Just enjoying playing here.”

Kristaps Porzingis’ expectations from the Boston crowd

The POTS situation, along with the illness, is why this season has been so disappointing for Porzingis. From constantly feeling low on energy, to constant fatigue, to sudden bouts of illness, it has been a tough time for the big man.

But as far as whether it would put his career in question, Porzingis didn’t want to go there.

“I really didn’t want to get those thoughts in my mind,” Porzingis explained.

“Even in general, for life, I don’t want to live at 60% of my energy. I don’t want to feel – I don’t want to live this way. Eventually, I will find a way. No matter what, I will find a way to get how I feel to where I need to feel. At least I’m close to where I was, you know? And I honestly did. Now I’m healing really well again. Everything is back. So I finally feel. “I am starting to be myself again.”

Either way, it will be a heartwarming return for Porzingis in Boston. She will get the full red carpet. A tribute video, standing ovations, high-fives and hugs from past teammates and coaches, the whole nine yards. But whether it will make him emotional or not, Porzingis can’t say.

“I don’t know. But not in the middle of the game, like, I’m not going to cry then,” Porzingis said, laughing. “But definitely, good memories. Good, good memories. Honestly, thinking about it now, I got a good feeling. Obviously I loved my team here a lot, and let’s see how tonight goes.”

Kevin Durant is not expected to finish his career in Seattle, even as the NBA moves toward a potential expansion that could bring a franchise back to the city.

The league is reportedly targeting both Las Vegas and Seattle for expansion, with a Board of Governors meeting scheduled for next week where an initial vote is expected to take place. Seattle, where the SuperSonics were based before the franchise relocated in 2008, has long been seen as a leading candidate for a comeback.

This possibility has naturally given rise to speculation about Durant, who was originally drafted by Seattle in 2007, possibly ending his career where it began. However, a recent report from The Ringer’s Michael Lee suggests that outcome is unlikely.

Lee wrote, “With the NBA potentially trying to add an expansion franchise in Seattle in 2028 – when he is set to become a free agent and will turn 40 – Durant could be setting himself up for a potential storybook ending with the SuperSonics, the organization that drafted him.”

” But Durant has never been interested in getting back to where he was. When he approached free agency in 2016, he fended off overwhelming offers from his hometown Wizards, and he rejected a deal that would have reunited him with the Warriors last season. He may be more open to nostalgia because being on the Rockets has brought him back to Texas, where he starred in college. But even Joe Athletes are able to leave sports on their own terms, they don’t always choose the ending that makes the most sense, if that were the case, Jordan would have stopped playing after Brian Russell’s bust in 1998.

Kevin Durant focused on Rockets’ playoff push amid Seattle speculation

Durant, now with the Houston Rockets, is focusing on the present as Houston continues its push into the Western Conference. The Rockets currently have a record of 41-26, which ranks them in fourth place in the standings after a 100-92 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.

The 37-year-old has continued to produce at an excellent level in his 17th NBA season. Through 64 games, Durant is averaging 25.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game, while shooting 51.4% from the field, 40.2% from three-point range and 88.6% from the free-throw line in 36.5 minutes per contest.

While the idea of ​​a return to Seattle may hold sentimental appeal, Durant’s career decisions have historically prioritized fit and competitiveness over nostalgia.

For now, his focus is on helping Houston maintain its position in the competitive Western Conference race. The Rockets will try to respond in a rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night at 6:30 pm PT as they continue a five-game homestand.

The Golden State Warriors have been without Stephen Curry since the All-Star break as he deals with a knee injury. It seems like Curry may be close to returning to the court as the Warriors try to make a late-season push, as he was seen taking shots in shootaround before the game against the Boston Celtics.

Warriors star Steph Curry gets a shot during a team shootaround in Boston.

(via @kenzofuku) pic.twitter.com/tuJ7X2Ghxg

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 18 March 2026

This is good news for the Warriors, but it also may not mean much. Curry is believed to be reevaluated soon, and there is a possibility he could return sooner rather than later.

Head coach Steve Kerr recently spoke about Curry’s injury, as many have asked why he doesn’t shut down the guard for the remainder of the season if he is injured.

“When people ask me about this year, and I’ve been asked this many times, why don’t you rest Steph all year? OK, he’s healthy, we’re competing, that’s what we do. And we want to give ourselves a chance and that’s the whole point. The beauty is in the pursuit, in the work. And when you fail, it’s hard to recover from that,” Kerr said on the Tom Tolbert Show.

The Warriors are still in the playoff race, and will likely have to make it out of the play-in tournament to earn a win. This is nothing new for them, as last year they found themselves in the same situation, and were able to earn the No. 7 seed. What made it even better was that they defeated the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.

There’s no doubt that the Warriors are battle-tested, but they need their star player to improve their chances of winning more games during the season.

Over the course of his career, New York Knicks wing Josh Hart has become the ultimate glue man, similar to former Golden State Warriors champion Andre Iguodala. Knicks head coach Mike Brown was an assistant coach on those Warriors teams when Andre Iguodala was helping them win titles, and according to SNYTV’s Ian Begley, he sees similarities between Iguodala and Josh Hart.

“I think the main thing … is he connects with the group. I’m not saying he’s Andre Iguodala, or his game is like Andre Iguodala, but there’s a lot of similarities where you look at him … he’s really good in a lot of different areas,” Brown said. “But more importantly, he connects the group and to have a guy like that, especially to start the game, is huge.

“He’s been great in giving us that energy, giving us the connectivity we need with the starting group and then doing the little things. The offensive glass, pushing the pace, getting down in transition. He’s a switchable guy, he’s a physical guy and [he does] A lot of things that don’t necessarily show up on the statsheet. . “Also help in connectivity.”

Mike Brown is in his first season as head coach of the Knicks, and thus this is the first time he has had the chance to coach Josh Hart. Drafted 30th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, Hart has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers before finding a home with the Knicks. He is in his third full season with the team after being acquired at the 2023 NBA trade deadline.

Hart has appeared in 56 games this season, including 42 starts, averaging approximately 30 minutes per game. He averaged 12.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 50.6 percent from the field, 39.5 percent from the 3-point line and 71 percent from the free-throw line.

On Tuesday evening, the Detroit Pistons continued their winning ways with an impressive win over the Washington Wizards. It was a monster game for big man Jalen Duren, who scored a career-high 36 points in the road win.

After the game, Duren turned the spotlight on his teammates after his epic night.

“I’m just trying to do what my teammates and my coaches tell me. It’s not all about me. I think my teammates put me in places to be great. JB puts me in places to be great. It’s just credit to him, man,” Duren, formerly of the Detroit Free Press, said on Twitter, per Omari Sanfoca II of the Detroit Free Press.

In fact, the Pistons have done a great job of playing as a collective unit this entire season, and Duren’s emergence on both sides of the ball has played a huge role in their success as the number one seed in the Eastern Conference.

Recently, the Pistons were on a four-game losing streak, leading some fans to wonder whether the team was beginning to lose energy as the season went on, or whether concerns about Detroit’s lack of perimeter shooting were proving justified after all.

However, since then, Detroit has been able to get back on track, albeit not against the toughest competition, and have regained their grip on the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

To carry that success into the postseason, the Pistons will likely be leaning even more on Duren to get things done around the basket as things slow down in a playoff setting.

The Pistons will take the field for another match against the Wizards on Thursday evening.

The Charlotte Hornets resumed their winning ways with a blowout win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday evening. The win allowed Charlotte to hold on to the No. 10 position in the East, and LaMelo Ball was dominant, scoring 30 points with 13 assists in the win.

After the game, the NBA on NBC crew detailed some of the team’s successes and Tracy McGrady called Ball “Melo”. One guy who wasn’t involved was Carmelo Anthony Also a part of the broadcast.

“LaMelo.*”

Carmelo Anthony had to correct T-Mac after calling LaMelo Ball Melo. ??? pic.twitter.com/7JmoREL3lV

– NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) 18 March 2026

Older fans in the NBA have long sought to stop younger fans from referring to LaMelo Ball as simply “Melo”, noting that Carmelo Anthony’s name was shortened during his Hall of Fame career.

While he may need a new nickname, Ball has certainly taken his game to another level this season, continuing to extend his shooting range, showing more commitment on defense, and taking advantage of the plethora of weapons that Charlotte has put around him on offense, including Rookie of the Year candidate Kon Nueppel.

Now that all of these pieces are starting to fall into place, the Hornets are playing some of the best basketball in the NBA, and head coach Charles Lee has done an impressive job of helping bring everything together.

Nevertheless, due to their struggles early in the season, it will be difficult for the Hornets to climb out of the play-in zone in the Eastern Conference, and it is looking increasingly likely that Charlotte will have to win two straight elimination games to make their first playoff appearance in ten years.

The Hornets next face off at home against the Orlando Magic on Thursday evening.

The New Orleans Pelicans face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night and Dejounte Murray is once again at the center of the injury report. He is listed as questionable due to the illness, making the Pelicans guard a focus as the team tries to win consecutive games. Murray’s situation is even more critical as he recently returned from a ruptured Achilles in late February, leading to his every appearance being closely monitored.

The Pelicans enter the matchup at 23-46. They are ranked 12th in the West and are trying to win games regularly. Meanwhile, the Clippers fall to 34-34. They are ranked eighth in the West and are aiming to break a two-match losing streak. They are also trying to stabilize their playoff position. Here’s everything we know from the injury report about Dejounte Murray and his game status against the Clippers.

Dejounte Murray has made an immediate impact following his return. In eight games, he is averaging 19.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 27.0 minutes per game. He is shooting an efficient 54.7 percent from the field, 35.1 percent from three and 82.9 percent from the free-throw line.

His all-around production gives the Pelicans a reliable playmaker and scorer. Murray’s ability to control the pace, create opportunities and contribute defensively adds balance to the Pelicans’ lineup. When he is available, the offense operates with more structure and confidence.

Dejounte Murray’s injury status vs. Clippers

The Pelicans’ injury report makes Murray’s availability especially important because New Orleans is shorthanded. Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson are out on G League assignment, Bryce McGowens (toe) is out, and Josh Oduro is also unavailable.

On the other hand, the Clippers are struggling with key injuries. Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and Darius Garland (toe) are questionable, while Bradley Beal (hip), Benedict Mathurin (toe), and Yannick Konan Niederhauser (foot) are out.

The Pelicans are looking to string together wins, while Los Angeles aims to stop their decline and stay in the playoff race. So when it comes to whether Dejounte Murray is playing tonight against the Clippers, the answer is uncertain. His status will depend on pregame evaluation.

On Tuesday evening, the Philadelphia 76ers returned to the loss column with a blowout road loss at the hands of the Denver Nuggets. The 76ers were playing without several key players, including big man Joel Embiid, who remained out of the lineup due to injury.

However, Embiid was present on the sidelines at Ball Arena, and after the game, he shared a good moment With fellow Nuggets MVP big man Nikola Jokic.

Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid catch up after the game

pic.twitter.com/eD98cAqoJq

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 18 March 2026

Embiid and Jokic have long been viewed as the two best centers on the NBA landscape, and fans have been frustrated by the lack of a head-to-head matchup between the two former MVPs. In fact, Embiid hasn’t played a game in Denver since the 2019-20 season, having been injured at that time of year every season since then.

Meanwhile, the 76ers recently slipped to ninth place in the Eastern Conference amid the Atlanta Hawks’ 10-game winning streak, and it’s unclear when Embiid will be ready to return to the court. The 76ers are still dealing with the absence of Paul George due to league suspension, as well as Tyrese Maxey, who is out with a finger injury.

At this point, it’s highly unlikely that the 76ers could realistically fall further than tenth place in the Eastern Conference, meaning they would be at worst heading into the play-in tournament. However, in a season that started with so much promise, it is certainly disappointing for Philadelphia fans to see things fall apart due to injuries once again.

The 76ers will next take the court on Thursday evening as they look to get back into the win column against the Sacramento Kings.

The Sacramento Kings suffered another tough loss when Doug Christie and his team fell to the San Antonio Spurs 132-104, in a game that quickly got out of hand. The Kings continue to be on the rise this season, and the presence of Victor Wembanyama has made the difference even more pronounced. During the game, cameras caught Christie raking smelling salts on the bench and waving them at associate coach Mike Woodson. That moment felt desperate. It also symbolizes the team that is searching for answers that have not yet come.

Doug Christie and Mike Woodson on the Kings Bench 😭😭

Tanking is really affecting teams

(h/t @Brewin07) pic.twitter.com/SXRPIAYKCW

– FullCourtPass (@FullCourtPass) 18 March 2026

The Kings never stood still. Spurs controlled the momentum early and never looked back. Vembanyama decided everything. He scored with confidence, varied shots and made the game look simple. On the contrary, the king looked trapped. His crime stopped. His defenses were broken. Each Spurs run felt heavier than the last. The energy never transferred.

At 18-52, the numbers tell part of the story. A 5-5 record in the last 10 games provides some comfort. Because when the lights get brighter, the same issues come back. Same pattern repeats. And the struggles of the Kings’ season are far from over.

Despair grows as King searches for direction

Doug Christie’s smelling salty moment quickly became the talk of the town online. Fans reacted quickly. Some laughed. Others saw a coach going to great lengths to breathe life into his team. Somehow, it captured the mood surrounding this group.

On the court, the stats told the same story. Nearly every Kings player finished with a negative plus-minus, a clear indication of how one-sided the game had become. Only one player managed to stay positive. That difference reflects overall performance. Defensive lapses piled up. The aggressive rhythm disappeared under pressure. Against a Spurs team brimming with confidence, those flaws were exposed again. Victor Vembanyama took control, and the Kings had no response.

Time is still on the clock. But the urgency keeps increasing. Change is needed in this team. It needs recognition. This requires faith. Otherwise, moments like this will continue to define everything. So the question now is, how much longer will it take for the Kings to finally make some changes this season?

The Utah Jazz face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night and Ace Bailey is once again at the center of the injury report. He is listed as questionable under the concussion protocol, putting the Jazz rookie in focus as Utah looks to snap a three-game losing streak.

Looking for momentum heading into the season finale, the Jazz enter the matchup at 20-48, No. 14 in the West. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves, 42-27, come in at No. 6 in the West, aiming to make it back-to-back wins and solidify their playoff position. Here’s everything we know from the injury report about Ace Bailey and his game status against the Timberwolves.

Ace Bailey has been a consistent contributor for the Jazz throughout the season. In 59 games, he averaged 12.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 26.7 minutes per game. He is shooting 44.5 percent from the field, 34.9 percent from three and 74.2 percent from the free-throw line. Even as a young unit, Bailey provides scoring balance and spacing on the wing. His ability to contribute on both ends provides Utah with additional structure, especially with several key players sidelined. When he’s available, the Jazz offense flows with more rhythm and flexibility.

Ace Bailey Injury Status vs. Timberwolves

The Jazz’s injury report makes Bailey’s availability even more important. Utah is already shorthanded. Lauri Markkanen (hip), Walker Kessler (shoulder), Jusuf Nurkic (nose), Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee), and Keyonte George (hamstring) are all out. John Conchar (calf) is questionable, while Blake Hinson is out on G League assignment.

Utah’s margin for error becomes smaller with each absence as the team tries to stop its skid and find stability late in the season. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, have not yet submitted their full injury report, but they have already confirmed that Anthony Edwards will miss 1-2 weeks, which will pose a challenge as Minnesota looks to build momentum with another win.

So when the question comes whether Ace Bailey is playing tonight against the Timberwolves, the answer is uncertain. His status will depend on pregame evaluation as the Jazz remain mindful of the need to compete.

The Atlanta Hawks are riding a 10-game winning streak, and it’s safe to say that they are one of the hottest teams in the league right now. Their next match is against the Dallas Mavericks, who they have already defeated during the streak, but this time they will be on the road. The Mavericks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers just a few days ago, so no matter what their record says, they won’t be easily eliminated.

The Hawks have been fairly healthy during the streak, but Jonathan Kuminga has been in and out of the lineup due to a left knee problem. This is something that has been going on with the Hawks since before he was involved in the trade, and the team is managing it as best it can.

Here are their standings ahead of their game against the Mavericks.

Jonathan Kuminga’s injury status vs. Mavericks

Kuminga is listed as questionable against the Mavericks, meaning there’s a possibility he could suit up. Before his last game against the Orlando Magic, Kuminga was listed as questionable and was able to play. Earlier in the game, where they faced the Milwaukee Bucks, he was listed as questionable but was ruled out.

The Hawks will be trying to give Kuminga as much rest as possible this season so he can be healthy enough come the postseason.

So far, when Kuminga has been on the field for the Hawks, he has been productive and a big help to their second unit. His rebounding and ability to get to the foul line are keys to his success, and if he can continue to do that, he will continue to get significant minutes on the team.

The only thing is he has to stay healthy, which will go a long way in whatever decision the Hawks make regarding his future.

The Brooklyn Nets will look to snap a four-game losing streak when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. Leading scorer Michael Porter Jr. could return to their lineup for the match after a three-game absence.

Porter is questionable to play against Oklahoma City after missing Brooklyn’s last three games due to an ankle sprain. Head coach Jordi Fernandez said the star forward participated in his first on-court workout on Monday.

Brooklyn has built its offense around Porter’s off-ball movement and elite shotmaking. Porter is averaging a career-high 24.2 points on .463/.363/.859 shooting splits in 52 appearances this season. In the games he missed, the Nets are 3-13.

He has struggled to do anything offensively during his latest absence.

Michael Porter Jr. upgraded to questionable vs. Thunder amid three-game absence

Brooklyn is averaging 96.3 points on 40.1 percent shooting over its last three games, which ranks last in the league in both categories. The rebuilding team has been without several other rotation pieces besides Porter in each loss.

With the Nets out of play-in contention, they have given extended minutes to two-way players Tyson Etienne, EJ Liddell, Chanie Johnson and 10-day signee Malachi Smith over the past week. Trade acquisitions Josh Minot and Ochai Agbaji have also played a heavy role.

Meanwhile, the Thunder have won twelve of their last 13 games as they look to lock down the NBA’s top seed for the second consecutive season. Oklahoma City will be on the second night of a back-to-back on Wednesday after defeating the Orlando Magic 113-108 on Tuesday at the Kia Center.

Ben Saraf (left foot soreness) is also doubtful for the Nets on Wednesday. Nolan Traore (right eye strain) and Terrence Mann (left eye strain) are probable.

After having a career night against the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks star Josh Hart revealed the real reason he’s had such a great game — and you won’t guess why.

He responded to the Knicks’ celebratory post after defeating the Pacers on Twitter. The Knicks reported that Hart joined elite company by scoring more than 30 points while making more than 90% of his shots.

“Because it’s Mike and Ike’s night,” Hart replied, tagging the iconic candy brand’s official X account.

The Mike & Ike Gift Night was held at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, when the Knicks took on the Pacers. Fans were given T-shirts and this inspired Hart.

Josh Hart had the best night of his career as the Knicks blew out the Pacers.

The Knicks played their final four games against the Pacers on March 17. They defeated Indiana, winning by 26 points and were led by Hart.

In 26 minutes on the floor, Hart scored 33 points while making 12 of 13 shots. He was also perfect from behind the three-point line, and made all five shots. He also made four out of five free throws. Additionally, Hart recorded seven rebounds and five assists. He also had two steals in the game.

For context, Hart is averaging 12.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game during the 2025-26 season. His statistics are a bit behind last season’s, but he is averaging about eight minutes less per game.

OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns also contributed 26 and 22 points, respectively. Jose Alvarado was also integral, scoring 16 points and making half of his shots.

The Knicks will now travel to Brooklyn to play the Nets on Friday, March 20. Like the Pacers, the Nets are also out of the playoffs. His record is 17-51.

Currently, the Knicks are in third place in the Eastern Conference. They sit behind the Detroit Pistons (49-19) and Boston Celtics (45-23).

The LA Clippers begin a three-game two-city road trip starting with the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. This is the fourth game in a difficult five-seven stretch for the Clippers.

Seven-time NBA All-Star Kawhi Leonard was unable to play in Monday night’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs after suffering a left ankle sprain suffered in Saturday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings. Leonard left the game in the fourth quarter, went back to the locker, and was immediately ruled out for the remainder of the game. After the game, the Clippers announced that Leonard was suffering from a left ankle sprain and would be reevaluated before the upcoming three-game trip.

Here’s everything we know about Kawhi Leonard’s injury status for tonight’s game vs. the Pelicans.

Kawhi Leonard’s injury status vs. Pelicans

Kawhi Leonard was listed as “questionable” to play in the Clippers’ home contest against the Spurs, and was ultimately ruled out of the contest in the afternoon. Leonard is once again listed on the Clippers’ injury report for Wednesday, but he has already been upgraded to “questionable” against the Pelicans, the first night of back-to-back sets and the end of a five-game stretch.

If Leonard plays in Wednesday night’s game, it is highly unlikely that he will also play in Thursday night’s game against the Pelicans, given the franchise’s cautious history with the two-time NBA Finals MVP. Another factor to consider is that Darius Garland is also listed as “questionable” to play in Wednesday’s game. He has not played a consistent match since his return and there is no reason to believe he will do so any time soon this season.

Despite bad signs due to his unfortunate injuries, Kawhi Leonard has played in both halves of nine back-to-back sets during the 2025-26 regular season with the Clippers, demonstrating his ability to stay healthy and produce at a high level. In previous years, the Clippers have kept him out of back-to-back sets due to serious injuries, such as a torn ACL that ended his 2021 and 2022 postseasons, a torn meniscus that cut his 2023 postseason short, and knee inflammation that caused him to miss the 2024 postseason.

Leonard has been mostly healthy this season and has played in 53 of the Clippers’ 68 games so far. Of the 15 games Leonard missed, 10 were due to a severe right ankle sprain. Despite suffering a left ankle injury against the Spurs, Leonard finished with his 45th straight game of 20+ points, surpassing Bob McAdoo and setting a new franchise record. Leonard’s current streak is the second-longest active streak behind Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“Passing McAdoo is a huge accomplishment,” Tyronn Lue recently said of Kawhi Leonard. “He was a really good player, great player, and it says a lot about Kawhi. When he’s healthy, you know, what he’s done this year is crazy. Someone asked the other day, ‘Have you seen anybody do that in their 14th season, which is more than what they’ve averaged their entire career?’ And I said, ‘No, I’m not surprised.’ Because I see the work he does every day. I see what he does every night to get on the floor and try to play. He plays as healthy as he is. And it may take him a long time to do so.

This season, the Clippers are 30-23 in the 53 games that Kawhi Leonard has played and 4-11 in the 15 games that he has not played. They’re also 0-3 in the three games Leonard has missed due to injury in the fourth quarter – against the Heat, Lakers and Kings.

Leonard is averaging 28.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.0 steals, while shooting 50.3 percent from the field, 38 percent from three and 90.6 percent from the free-throw line. 28.3 points are a career high.

So far, the Clippers have posted a 34–34 record, turning their season around to 28–13 since starting the season 6–21.

clippers injury report

The Clippers have five players listed on the injury report for Wednesday’s game.

• Kawhi Leonard (sprained left ankle): Questionable
• Darius Garland (left toe injury management): Questionable.
• Bradley Beal (left hip fracture): Out
• Yannick Konan Niederhauser (right Lisfranc ligament rupture): out
• Benedict Mathurin (recovering from right toe injury): Out

pelicans injury report

The Pelicans have five players listed on the injury report for Wednesday’s game.

• Trey Alexander (G League – Two Way): Out
• Hunter Dickerson (G League – Two Way): Out
• Bryce McGowens (fractured right little toe): out
• Dejounte Murray (illness): Out
• Josh Oduro (G League – Two Way): Out

The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Dallas Mavericks 129-111 in their last game on Monday night. Wednesday night’s game represents the third of four matchups between the LA Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans.

There was a lot to like about the New York Knicks’ emphatic win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, and now superfan Ben Stiller is looking forward to 2026.

On March 17, the Knicks defeated the Pacers, who were battling injury problems during the 2025–26 season. This marked their third win of the year over Indiana, finishing the season 3–1 against them.

Stiller was enjoying the win, as evidenced by his live-posting during the entire game on Twitter, EX, but he also acknowledged that the Pacers were not at “full strength”.

In turn, he is looking forward to watching the Pacers vs. Knicks if both teams are healthy, writing, “Look forward to Indiana at full strength next year.”

When the teams meet during the 2026-27 season, the Pacers will likely have Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered an Achilles injury during the NBA Finals in 2025.

The Knicks’ resounding win over the Pacers.

Even without Jalen Brunson, the Knicks were able to shut out the Pacers. They were led by Josh Hart, who had one of the best games of his career.

Hart scored 33 points, making 12 of 13 shots, including five of five from behind the three-point line. He also had seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Meanwhile, the Knicks got even bigger games from OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 26 and 22, respectively. Jose Alvarado scored 16 points and Jordan Clarkson contributed 10 points off the bench.

The Pacers got some of their injured stars back, such as TJ McConnell, Aaron Nesmith and Oba Toppin. They all came back without wasting any opportunity. McConnell scored 10 points and 10 assists, Nesmith scored 14 points while making five of his eight shots, and Toppin scored 15 points and made 75% of his shots.

As soon as the regular season ends, the Knicks and Pacers will go their separate ways until next year. Indiana is 15-54, the worst record in the entire NBA, and has no chance to make the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Knicks are in third place in the Eastern Conference behind the Detroit Pistons (49-19) and Boston Celtics (45-23).

The LA Clippers have been one of the best teams in the league since mid-December, but have faltered with a few losses of late as injuries have mounted. Kawhi Leonard is currently out with a sprained left ankle and now the franchise will be without its sixth player in Benedict Mathurin.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Clippers announced that Mathurin would miss Wednesday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a right toe injury. Mathurin will not play in any of the three games during this Clippers road trip as he continues to receive treatment for an injured toe.

Mathurin played 34 minutes off the bench in Monday night’s loss against the San Antonio Spurs, and finished with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals on 5 of 12 shooting.

After the game, reporters in the locker room said that Mathurin was seen walking a little strangely.

In addition to Mathurin’s three-game absence, the Clippers have listed both Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland as questionable for Wednesday night’s game against the Pelicans, the first game of a back-to-back set in New Orleans for the Clippers.

This stretch would culminate in a second five-seven of the month for the Clippers, who also played one game to start March.

After climbing from a 6-21 start to the regular season to 34-32, the Clippers have now lost two straight games and must find ways to remain in the ever-competitive Western Conference. As of Wednesday morning, the Clippers will be just one game ahead of the eighth-seeded Golden State Warriors and just 1.5 games ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Clippers currently lead their season series against the Warriors 2–1 with one game remaining, while they lead their season series against the Trail Blazers 2–0 with two more games remaining. In fact, the final two games of the season for the Clippers are against the Blazers on April 10 and against the Warriors on April 12.

Since arriving in a trade from the Indiana Pacers in early February, Benedict Mathurin has been a star in his role as the sixth man for the Clippers. In his 16 appearances with his new team so far, Mathurin has averaged 19.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game for the Clippers, while shooting 43.3 percent from the floor.

This is the fourth year of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ competitive journey with Donovan Mitchell in town, and they have yet to advance beyond the second round of the NBA playoffs. But if there was ever a year for the Cavs to reach the playoffs, it was in 2026, when they made the aggressive move of acquiring 36-year-old veteran James Harden in exchange for the original member of their main four, Darius Garland, who is only 26 years old.

The trade for Harden signaled the Cavs’ intent to accelerate their competitive timeline, gunning for dominance in a wide-open Eastern Conference playoff picture. Harden has given the Cavs a higher floor than Garland, and he has at least had more playoff success than anyone on the roster, giving them another battle-tested player to try and get over the hump.

But in the playoffs, many times the matchups play a huge role in determining a team’s chances of advancing to the championship. The Cavs unfortunately ran into the red-hot Indiana Pacers last year, lost to the more physically imposing New York Knicks in a first-round matchup in 2023, and then ran into the eventual champion Boston Celtics in 2024.

However, it seems like the Cavs are in a lucky position this time, just in case they enter the postseason at full strength.

Here is the playoff seeding scenario the Cavs should expect with less than a month to go before the playoffs begin.

The Cavs finished fourth, drew with the Magic in the first round, and faced the Pistons in the second round.

Currently, the Cavs are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings, as they are currently behind the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks. They suffered a slow start to the 2025–26 season, which prompted them to remodel the team during the trade deadline, bringing in Harden and turning De’Andre Hunter and Lonzo Ball into viable playoff rotation pieces in Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis.

This slow start caused many fans to be nervous at the start of the campaign, but perhaps this is what enabled them to make a deep playoff run in the first place.

The Cavs should be favored in any first-round matchup, regardless of which team comes up against them. The Toronto Raptors could make things worse, but not before Cleveland moved on with Harden and Jarrett Allen. Nonetheless, they don’t want to tempt fate against Toronto, a team that has won three games against them this season.

Cleveland handled Miami last year, but the Heat have a much better lineup this year, and they have been playing great basketball in recent weeks, finding their stride with less than a month to go before the playoffs. The Philadelphia 76ers would be an ideal matchup, but given their injury problems, they don’t have enough firepower to climb up to fifth place.

The Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets may be good matchups for the Cavs, but playoff battles against teams that have nothing to lose are never fun for teams that are feeling a sense of urgency in their competitive timeline.

This makes the matchup against the Magic ideal for the Cavs.

Orlando doesn’t have the depth to match up with Cleveland, and they’re missing some key guys at the moment – ​​Franz Wagner and Anthony Black are dealing with nagging injuries. He could return in time for the playoffs, but it’s unclear exactly how well he’ll be able to play, given how long his absence has been.

To that end, facing the Magic seems like the most ideal first-round matchup for the Cavs. Being a playoff team the last few years, the Magic have posed such a serious threat to the Cavs that Cleveland will not let their guard down, and at least on paper, they should not have enough resources to overcome the Cavs in a seven-game series.

If they ultimately beat the Magic, they are also avoiding a potential second-round matchup against either the Celtics or Knicks, two of the three teams that sent them home in the playoffs the last three seasons. This should at least set them up for an easy matchup against the Detroit Pistons on paper.

The Pistons have established themselves as a legitimate contending team this season, but their playoff potential has yet to be tested. Last year, they were still “happy to be there” on the playoff team, but this year, they are the favorites: Do they have the mentality to fight off teams that may be gunning for their heads as prey?

There are also some ways to better prepare for the Pistons matchup from a Cavs perspective. Bringing in Harden gives them one less defensive liability; While he isn’t the best defender, his lateral agility isn’t the best either. But he has more size than Garland and is much better suited to integrate into a more tenacious team defensive gameplan.

The Pistons are also relying on a few players who will dare to make open shots from the perimeter. Their best perimeter defender, Aussie Thompson, has significant shortcomings on offense. He has questionable secondary shot-making; Dennis Jenkins’ purple patch appears to be over, Marcus Sasser is a target on defense, and Caris LeVert is like a box of chocolates.

If the Cavs can slow down Cade Cunningham, it’s going to be a question of who the Pistons will run to on offense. Jalen Duren has been great all year, but Cleveland has an Allen-Evan Mobley duo that has made life difficult for him, to say the least. Tobias Harris is not a respectable playoff performer.

Scoring in the halfcourt becomes more important in the playoffs, and unlike the Knicks and Celtics – the Pistons have significant question marks on that end.

That doesn’t mean the Pistons will be an easy matchup at all. They can also suffocate the Cavs with defense and physicality, which has been their calling card this season. But in the playoffs, there are hardly any easy matches. However, the matchups are easier than others, and the Pistons certainly look more beatable in a postseason setting than other contenders in the East.

The Cavs–Pistons season series is also tied 2–2, which suggests the teams are closer to each other in ability than in the standings.

There is something inherently electric about this time of year. The collegiate atmosphere permeates the professional ranks and each high-stakes possession in the NCAA Tournament feels like a job interview for the bright lights of the NBA. For the New York Knicks, the 2026 March Madness tournament is not just a spectacle for fans. It’s a scouting gold mine. As we look ahead to the 2026 NBA Draft, the front office is looking for specific role models who fit into the gritty, blue-collar identity carefully constructed in Manhattan. Of course, the Garden aspires to greatness. As the world of college basketball descends into its annual chaos, three specific names stand out as potential inheritors of the Knicks’ winning culture.

Championship aspirations

By mid-March 2026, the Knicks find themselves firmly established as one of the elite squads in the Eastern Conference. His impressive record is 44-25. This team has proven that their success in the NBA Cup is no fluke. Rather, it’s a harbinger of the deep postseason run the city has craved for decades. Jalen Brunson undoubtedly remains the undisputed engine of the offense. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns has provided a difference and scoring dimension at the center position that the Knicks haven’t seen in years.

Despite the general chaos of an 82-game schedule, they have maintained a top-three seeding. Recently he has also demolished his rivals in a record breaking manner. The chemistry between Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and the rest of the core has made them a defensive nightmare. This set the stage for what many believe could be the most significant playoff push for the franchise in thirty years.

missing pieces

Despite current success, Leon Rose and the Knicks’ brain trust understand that the NBA is an arms race. To be stagnant in this league is to be left behind. With veterans at their peak and a high winning percentage, the Knicks will likely select in the late first round. This is where value and fit outweigh the need for a franchise-changing star. He preferred versatile, multi-position defenders who could shoot the long ball. Still, as the roster matures, there is a growing desire for another dynamic secondary playmaker or a developmental big man who can run the second unit.

Furthermore, with the physical toll of the “Knicks way”, finding a high-motor player who can contribute to the rotation is paramount. The goal is to find a prospect that simply does not have high profits. They need someone who has the mental toughness to survive in the spotlight at Madison Square Garden and thrive under the intense expectations of the city.

Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan

If the Knicks are looking for pure, unadulterated defensive intensity with a frame that screams New York basketball, Moraes Johnson Jr. is the name that should be circled in red on every scout’s clipboard. The Michigan standout has spent the 2025-26 season blowing up draft boards. This is due to the versatility of his size and coordination. Johnson is an absolute beast on the defensive end. This is where he is incredibly variable, he has the length and instincts to disrupt both perimeter players and interior threats.

He also shows what kind of motor the Knicks want. He can consistently impact wins through his rebounding and rim protection. Watching him go through the pressure of March Madness will reveal if his offensive flashes, including some long-term shooting ability, can match his elite defensive floor. This would certainly make him a primary target for a team looking to bolster their frontcourt depth at the end of the first round.

Patrick Ngongba II, Duke

Yes, the Knicks have established a strong identity in the paint. That said, the prospect of adding a talent like Patrick Ngongba II for a team selecting late in the round is almost too tempting to ignore. Duke’s big man is a defensive presence well beyond his years. He has demonstrated a level of polish and passing skill that is rare for modern centre-backs. Ngongba isn’t just a lane-blocker either. He is a smart interior defender who fits the modern structure by using his positioning and high basketball IQ to end games before they develop.

Note that the Knicks’ defensive scheme relies on high-level communication and “shrinking” the floor. Additionally, Ngongba’s discipline and ability to facilitate from the post will be a huge asset. If he can lead the Blue Devils in the tournament and prove he can handle athletic finishers, he will immediately demonstrate the maturity needed to play at the professional level.

Dellin Swain, Texas

For a team that values ​​multi-positional wings with elite physical tools, Texas junior Dellin Swain is the quintessential late riser. He is definitely one to watch this March. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall, Swain has burst onto the national scene this season. They have outscored the Longhorns in almost every major statistical category. He is a premier transition threat who can push the ball himself or finish as a cutter.

Of course, Swain’s defensive versatility also makes him a perfect fit for the Knicks’ culture. He is a disruptive event-maker on the perimeter, using his length to generate steals and deflections at a high rate. Certainly, his outside shooting remains the swing skill for his professional ceiling. However, his high IQ as a connector and his consistent rim pressure suggest he can thrive in an NBA system that offers more spacing. If he leads Texas to a deep tournament, his draft stock will be undeniable.

The San Antonio Spurs earned their 51st win of the season, defeating the Sacramento Kings 132–104. Victor Wembanyama says achieving his first 50-win season in almost a decade is a feat that has been more than a year in the making.

“I look back and think, ‘I hope we can be locked in like this for all of the upcoming offseason,’ because it was a high level of preparation mentally, physically for everybody; the amount of film we did. And that’s why we were so prepared for the season. So, that’s what I think when I look back.”

San Antonio entered the year with a 34–48 campaign, following a 22–60 mark in Wembley’s rookie season. While this provides a context for what could prove to be a very impressive 2025-2026, it reaches the minimum expectation for generational talent.

“One thing you can say is take each step at a time and validate the boxes checked. My goal was never to make the play-ins or win the play-ins. It was to go to the playoffs without question and that would have been a successful season at that point,” the Spurs’ leading scorer said after the win against the Los Angeles Clippers the night before.

At just 22 years old, Vembanyama displayed wisdom beyond his years. It’s been this way since he entered the NBA at the age of 19. And it’s a gift that he went home after the win in LA.

“It’s always difficult to look at a season as a whole. We can look at the season as our worst at the end of 2025 or as our best right now in the month of February.”

After a stint in which they won 11 of 12 games, including three against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Spurs lost consecutive home games to the Utah Jazz and then-struggling Cleveland Cavaliers team. A week later, they again lost consecutive games, this time to the Portland Trail Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies, who were in 10th and 11th place in the Western Conference standings by mid-March.

In contrast, San Antonio did not lose in February and recently lost only one game at a home field filled with postseason contenders, including some of the league’s best players. And that loss came to the Denver Nuggets without Wembanyama.

Spurs resume makes history with 50+ wins

Before this season, the last time the Silver and Black had 50 wins was in 2016–17 when they won 61 and reached the Western Conference Finals. That run, which ended in a 4–1 series loss to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors after Kawhi Leonard re-aggravated an ankle injury, marked the franchise’s 20th consecutive win of 50+ (or the equivalent – ​​37 in strike short ’99).

The Spurs are 51-18 after a 132-104 loss in Sacramento.

“It’s very possible that these last 14 games have been satisfactory. Or not. That’s why we have to take each step at a time,” Wembanyama said after the aforementioned win over the Clippers.

“Although the season will be somewhat successful when viewed overall, we still have (13) games left.”

The truth is that Wembanyama and the Spurs look set to play even better with 13 games left in the regular season.

Stephen Curry has missed the last 18 games for the Golden State Warriors as persistent knee problems have plagued him and kept him out of action. As a result, the Warriors have fallen in the West standings, as their 33–35 record leaves them in ninth place – just a half-game ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers, who are in 10th.

At the moment, the Warriors are far from the title contention picture, as Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury has completely derailed their title hopes. Some are wondering why the Warriors are even making the effort, especially when Curry is apparently dealing with a serious injury.

Still, head coach Steve Kerr isn’t going down without a fight, because even though the Warriors don’t have the looks of a championship-caliber team, they’re going to work hard to achieve that ultimate goal of theirs – and that includes finally getting Curry back from injury.

“When people ask me about this year, and I’ve been asked many times, why don’t you rest Steph all year? OK, he’s healthy, we’re competing, that’s what we do. And we want to give ourselves a chance and that’s the whole point. The beauty is in the finding, in the work. And when you fail, it’s hard to recover from that,” Kerr said in an appearance on the Tom Tolbert Show.

the warriors are marching out

The Warriors’ dynasty is reaching its end, as Curry, already 38 years old, has been struggling with knee problems, undoubtedly caused by all the wear and tear he received from all the racing he has done. They don’t have the kind of star that Curry can pass the baton to.

Still, the Warriors have a lot of pride and Kerr has built a winning culture, so there’s no way they’re going to give up.

As the 2026 NCAA March Madness Tournament begins, the basketball world’s eyes turn from the professional grind to single-elimination theater. This is where legends are born and draft stocks grow strong. For the Boston Celtics, this tournament is a high-risk scouting mission. Of course, most teams are either vying for ping-pong balls or desperate for a play-in race. However, Boston finds itself in the enviable position of being a powerhouse that still keeps a keen eye on the future.

The 2026 draft class has been heralded as one of the deepest and most talented in recent memory. It has been compared to the famous group of 2003. Of course, the Celtics are always trying to maximize their window. Thus, be on the lookout for them to identify the right talent in this pool that could be the difference between a fleeting moment of glory and an ongoing dynasty.

Key strengths in 2025-26

As of mid-March 2026, the Celtics have firmly established themselves as one of the dominant teams in the Eastern Conference. They currently hold a strong record of 45-23. Under the strategic guidance of Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics have navigated a difficult schedule with the poise of a seasoned champion. They are behind only the surprising Detroit Pistons for the top seed in the East. Jaylen Brown is playing at an All-NBA level. He is currently averaging over 28 points per game.

Meanwhile, the supporting cast, including Derrick White and Peyton Pritchard, have provided much-needed continuity as they recover from various roster injuries. Boston’s defense remains their calling card. They lead the league in fewest points allowed per game. That said, it’s their offensive efficiency, which ranks second this season, that has truly made them a nightmare matchup. As the playoffs approach, the Celtics look every bit like a team capable of hanging another banner on the roof of the TD Garden.

Strategic depth and future security

Despite their current success, Brad Stevens and the Celtics front office are well aware that the NBA landscape is constantly changing. This is especially true in the era of second aprons and strict salary cap restrictions. Boston enters the 2026 offseason with their first-round pick. Given his unique position he has probably been placed in the 26th to 28th category. Their draft strategy will likely focus on finding NBA-ready talent who can contribute on cheap rookie-level contracts while providing specialized skills.

The primary need for this roster moving forward includes finding versatile wing depth. They also need high-IQ interior rim protection and secondary playmaking that suits their switchability and spacing. Given the hefty financial commitments at their core, the draft represents the most viable path to adding high-level talent without breaking the bank. The Celtics won’t be looking for a project. They want impact players who have the basketball IQ and defensive versatility that have become hallmarks of the Mazzulla era.

Candidate Mara, Michigan

If the Celtics are looking to secure a long-term anchor for their frontcourt, Michigan’s Ade Mara is the most interesting prospect available at the end of the first round. The 7-foot-3 junior has seen his stock rise during the Big Ten season. He has shown a unique blend of shot-blocking and high-post playmaking that is rare for a player of his stature. Mara is currently averaging around three attempts per game. His 7-foot-6-inch wingspan allows him to contest shots without even leaving his feet.

However, what makes Mara really interesting is her demise. He is arguably the best passer in the country. Mara can initiate sets with elbows or find cutters with pinpoint accuracy. It will be important to see how Mara handles the speed of high-major guards in the tournament. Nevertheless, his ability to serve as both a defensive wall and offensive center makes him a natural fit for the Celtics system.

Dellin Swain, Texas

In the modern NBA, you can never have enough 6-foot-8 wings who can handle multiple positions, pass and defend. Texas standout Dellin Swain is just that. Since transferring from Xavier, Swain has developed into a primary engine for the Longhorns. He is averaging nearly 18 points and 8 rebounds while showing a defensive motor that never stops. He has an impressive handle for his size. This allows him to attack closeouts and finish through traffic with a level of physicality that translates well to the pro level.

For Boston, Swain represents the perfect developmental wing who can provide energy and switchability off the bench. His shooting from deep has also improved by 35 percent. If he can show consistent stroke play during deep runs in the tournament, he will prove he belongs in the first round final conversation.

Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan

Prospects to watch include Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. He is a 6-foot-9 tall interior force who has blown up draft boards due to his elite defensive instincts. Johnson is a quintessential “connector” on the defensive end. He shows the lateral quickness to switch to smaller guards while having the strength to hold his own in the post. Sure, he’s not a high-volume scorer. However, he is an amazing play finisher who understands his role. Johnson shot more than 63 percent from the field, enjoying a lot of lobs and putbacks.

For the Celtics, Johnson is a dream prospect who could finally charm Nikola Vucevic without a massive drop in scheme integrity. Their performance in March will be a litmus test for their offense. However, his defensive ceiling is high enough that he could be a lock for a championship contender looking for immediate help in the trenches.

The New York Knicks faced a tough challenge on Tuesday night when they took on the Indiana Pacers without star guard Jalen Brunson. That’s where his podcast co-host and Knicks teammate Josh Hart decided to step in.

Brunson was ruled out of Tuesday’s game against the Pacers due to a right ankle injury and a cervical strain, having been marked as ‘questionable’ in the morning and ‘out’ before the contest.

Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart, who has worn multiple hats for the organization since arriving in 2022, stepped up in a big way with 30 points, 33 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals, while shooting 12 of 13 from the field and 5 of 5 from beyond the arc.

According to Stathead, Hart became the first player Had 30 points, five rebounds, five assists and five made three-pointers while shooting 80 percent or better from the floor, the first in NBA history.

Josh Hart is the first player in NBA history

30+ pts
5+ REB
5+ AST
5+ 3p
90+ FG%

In a game. pic.twitter.com/IjrSOmLFOj

– Statmuse (@statmuse) 18 March 2026

The only players who have come very close to recording that kind of statline and efficiency are Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul. Leonard recorded 45 points, five rebounds, five assists and six three-pointers while shooting 75 percent from the field in the Clippers’ home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves last week. Paul recorded a line of 32 points, five rebounds, nine assists and five three-pointers while shooting 76.9 percent from the field in 2014.

It was the highest scoring effort of the season for Hart, whose career high of 44 points was recorded in 2022.

Hart was one of six Knicks players to score in double figures in Tuesday’s 136-110 win over the Pacers. OG Anunoby scored 26 points on 10-of-13 shooting from the field with eight rebounds and four assists in the win.

The Pacers also had six players in double figures, but their high-scoring player was Jairus Walker with 16 points.

On the season, Josh Hart is averaging 11.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 49.5 percent from the field and 38 percent from three.

It was the fourth straight win for the Knicks, who are trying to keep up with the rest of the Eastern Conference in their quest for a top-six seed. New York currently boasts a 45–25 record, which trails the Boston Celtics’ 45–23 record for the two-seed in the East. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers (41-27) and Toronto Raptors (38-29) are the closest teams below the Knicks in the standings.

The Knicks will now have two days off before taking on the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, March 20 inside Barclays Center.

The Charlotte Hornets turned Tuesday night against the Miami Heat into a personal playground for LaMelo Ball. While Charlotte walked away with an impressive 136-106 win, the post-game conversation wasn’t about the lopsided score, it was about how on earth Ball keeps making the impossible seem routine.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Ball went through the middle of the defense, took a heavy hit from a defender and somehow put the ball in the hoop while falling. It was the kind of circus shot that would normally be dubbed a ‘fluke’, but for the Hornets’ superstar, it was just another calculated rep.

When asked about the secret behind his highlight-reel finishing, Ball kept it refreshingly simple. He credited his coach and the unconventional reps he did behind the scenes.

“I mean, me and my guy March have been working on it, so I think I’ve been working on all my shots,” Ball said after the win. When a reporter pressed him on whether he specifically practiced falling shots because of how “pretty” they look, he didn’t even blink. “Yeah, to be honest, I work on all my shots.”

“I work on all my shots.”

LaMelo practices every possible look… even shots where he’s falling through contact! https://t.co/vu0P5BSQlJ pic.twitter.com/kxT2ut3SpT

– NBA (@NBA) 18 March 2026

That preparation was on full display as the Hornets were missing star center Bam Adebayo from the Heat squad. Ball finished the night with a spectacular triple-double, scoring 30 points and 13 assists with six rebounds. He remained efficient throughout the field, making 11 of 22 shots from the field and missing four of his 12 attempts from beyond the arc.

Without Adebayo to bolster the interior, Charlotte celebrated a turnaround, powered entirely by Ball’s elite vision and pace. The Hornets effectively closed out the contest with a huge surge in the second half, leaving Miami with no answers. For a team looking to finish 2026 strong, Ball’s magic is looking like a science.

On Tuesday night, the Orlando Magic had a golden opportunity to test themselves against the toughest imaginable opponent in today’s NBA – the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Paolo Banchero played his heart out, scoring 32 points on 12-21 shooting from the field, and the rest of the Magic’s starters did their part – Wendell Carter Jr. recorded a game-high plus-19 on the night.

However, Carter did not play 48 minutes. Unfortunately, the Magic had to play their bench that night, which did not perform well at all against the Thunder. Somehow, in just 13 minutes of play, Carter’s backup Mo Wagner was minus 28 in a five-point loss to the Thunder, 113-108.

To put it mildly, the Magic bench did not play well at all and a large portion of the blame for his team losing the game during his minutes should fall on his shoulders. And after the game, head coach Jamahl Mosley was not at all happy with his bench team, as evidenced by his answer when asked how tough their night was.

“You see it,” Mosley said, according to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel.

The advantage is that come playoff time, the bench doesn’t have to play as much. But Mosley losing confidence in some of his bench players is not promising for the team’s progress for the remainder of the season.

Magical confidence in Franz Wagner’s eventual return from injury

Young Wagner’s eventual return from an ankle injury will help the Magic. Additionally, the team is missing Anthony Black, forcing Tristan da Silva to start – further thinning the team’s bench core.

There is only less than a month until the playoffs start, so the Magic should have time to better configure their rotation after their bench hampered them in their loss to the Thunder.

No Jalen Brunson, no problem. Even without their key player, the New York Knicks recorded an easy 136-110 win over the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

Brunson missed the game with an ankle injury and a neck strain. He had not missed a competition since January.

A big factor in the Knicks’ victory was Jose Alvarado, who replaced Brunson in the starting lineup. He scored 16 points on 5 of 10 shooting, including four three-pointers, two rebounds, 10 assists and two steals.

Before tip-off, Alvarado was introduced as being from Christ the King High School. Players are usually introduced to their alma mater in college. When SNY asked about this, they told a slight change felt appropriate.

“I just wanted to show love for the school in the city where I went. Thanks to my college, I’m definitely grateful for my college. But the debut at The Garden was meant to represent the city where I grew up,” explained Alvarado, who was born and raised in Brooklyn.

During lineup introductions, Jose Alvarado was asked about his introduction to Christ the King High School:

“I just wanted to show love for the school in the town where I went to. The debut at The Garden was meant to represent the town where I grew up.” pic.twitter.com/PI1iaD996y

– Knicks Video (@sny_knicks) 18 March 2026

The 27-year-old guard played four years at Georgia Tech, earning two All-ACC team honors and winning the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021.

Alvarado has been a solid midseason pick-up for the Knicks, providing instant energy, defensive intensity and shooting off the bench. In 18 games, he has averaged 6.2 points, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals in 17.0 minutes.

He’s a perfect fit for the Knicks’ culture, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he earns a bigger role in the playoffs.

The Detroit Pistons remain on top of the Eastern Conference standings, and it’s no coincidence that they stand as one of the favorites to make it to the NBA Finals. Their young core has matured to the point of dominance, and on Tuesday night, it was once again Jalen Duren’s turn to be the star for his team.

In a 130–117 win over the Washington Wizards, Duran put his shorthanded frontcourt to the sword and put up 36 points and 12 rebounds on 13-17 shooting from the field and 10-11 from the foul line. The Wizards allow a large number of players to come through the opposing frontcourt, and Duran made the most of the pillow-soft matchups.

And in doing so, according to OptaStats on

Allowing opponents to record Chamberlain-esque stat lines appears to be the Wizards’ MO, but that shouldn’t discredit how impressive Duren was on Tuesday. Duren still had to work hard to get to those numbers, and he still had to lock down. And now, the Pistons are knocking on the door of a 50-win season – an amazing development for a team that just not long ago was the worst team in NBA history.

Are the Pistons still the team to beat in the East?

The Pistons have been on top of the East for most of the season, but they have some ways to go before they can convince most fans that they are the team to beat in the conference.

The Boston Celtics recently got Jayson Tatum back, the New York Knicks have some battle-tested veteran stars, and the Cleveland Cavaliers will now be eager to get a big win. But the Pistons have shrugged off fans’ skepticism in the past, and perhaps flying under the radar in a playoff setting will do wonders for their competitive psyche.