The possibility of Paolo Banchero being traded out of Orlando this summer is very high, according to a new report.

While the Orlando Magic star hasn’t been the dominant force the team needed as a former No. 1 pick, the 23-year-old is still a very talented player. He showed this with his 38 and 45-point performances in the playoff series against the Detroit Pistons. However, it cannot be denied that he has been the face of a team that has suffered first-round exits in three consecutive seasons.

For now, head coach Jamahl Mosley is taking the blame after being fired on Monday. However, an interesting report from ESPN NBA insiders Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst doesn’t look good for Banchero.

“They’re kind of a mess. Their ceiling isn’t very high with Paolo. Their roster construction is off right now,” said one East scout. “…It’s hard to see him leading his team.”

If scouts feel that way about Banchero, it’s likely Magic management feels the same way, especially considering they’ve played well without him during the season. If Orlando does boldly trade the 2022 No. 1 pick, let’s take a look at five teams that could target a trade.

dallas mavericks

Now that Masai Ujiri has been installed as the new president of the Dallas Mavericks, the team will certainly be aggressive in building the roster around last year’s No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. The Mavs have the contracts to make a deal work, but they would have to give up some future first-round picks to garner interest from the Magic. If they do, the combination of Flagg and Banchero will excite Dallas fans for the next five years.

Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets desperately need a long-term face of the franchise. Their rebuild has been poor so far, and they don’t seem eager to make Michael Porter Jr. the heart of their roster. The Nets certainly have draft assets and interesting young talent. The big question is, does Orlando see a big upside in many of its first-round prospects from last June?

Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings will be aggressive in making changes to their roster this offseason after a disastrous 2025-26 campaign. They have two additional first-rounders in the upcoming draft, including two in 2027. What makes the Kings an interesting trade partner is that Orlando could return future first-rounder and three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis.

Despite his age (just turned 30) and injury problems this season, the forward and first-rounder would be a nice return for Orlando. While Sactown have got a new young star in the deal.

phoenix sun

The Phoenix Suns made great strides in 2025-26 after being one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA a season ago. New head coach Jordan Ott implemented a more defensive-minded system that would certainly fit with Banchero, as he played for the Magic.

He won’t come cheap and may cost him some future first-round picks, but the combo of Banchero and Devin Booker could make Phoenix a force in the West for the next few years.

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls are going through a major transformation. They have a new front office leader and are looking for a replacement for head coach Billy Donovan. Chicago also needs a proven star to be the face of this new era.

They definitely don’t want to trade Josh Giddy or Matas Buzelis. But they could offer multiple first-round picks, including one of their two potential selections in a stacked draft next month. It might not be enough to convince Orlando, but they could work out a pretty good trade package.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Brooklyn Nets They’ll have a chance to win back-to-back games for the first time in nearly a month when they host charlotte hornets On Tuesday.

However, they will be cut short when they attempt to do so. With Michael Porter Jr., Igor Demin and De’Ron Sharp sidelined indefinitely, the Nets also have Terrence Mann (left Achilles soreness) and Danny Wolf (left ankle sprain) out for the matchup.

Mann has played a vital role in Brooklyn’s rotation this season. The veteran forward has appeared in 62 games so far with 50 starts and is averaging 7.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists on .455/.358/.788 shooting splits.

Meanwhile, Wolf will miss his fifth consecutive game due to an ankle injury. The rookie forward also missed the start of the season with the same ankle sprain.

Mann, Wolf injuries add to lengthy Nets injury report before Charlotte game

With Sharp sidelined for the season, Wolf had faced an increased workload in the Brooklyn Nets frontcourt prior to his injury. The No. 27 seed has made several encouraging changes during his rookie campaign.

He averaged 8.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 40.5% shooting from the floor in 20.8 minutes per game in 57 games this season.

However, with Mann and Wolf sidelined, rookie guard Drake Powell and two-way forward Cheney Johnson should see increased minutes against Charlotte.

Brooklyn snapped a 10-game losing streak by defeating the Sacramento Kings 116-99 at Barclays Center on Sunday.

Since his first foray into online journalism in 2019, Peter Okereke has written widely on entertainment, politics and pop… More about Peter Okereke

The Cleveland Browns are in the midst of an organizational overhaul. They have already moved on from two-time NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski and hired Todd Monken to replace him. Despite having three QBs on the roster, the Browns also do not have a franchise quarterback.

Still, to properly evaluate Cleveland’s quarterback situation, they may want to strengthen the foundation around him. Whether it’s offensive line, pass-catcher, or both, Brown has a lot of unproven upside. They also have two first-round picks, one or possibly two of which could be used at respective positions.

However, recently, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski had another idea. Why not try to trade for a proven talent who is already an NFL veteran? He suggests that the Browns trade wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to the Jaguars.

While trading for Thomas, a one-time Pro Bowler who is still only 23 years old, might seem like an ideal solution in Cleveland, there is no guarantee Jacksonville wants to trade him. In fact, more reports suggest that the 23rd overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft isn’t actually even available.

Thomas started 14 games last season, recording 707 receiving yards and two touchdowns. A year ago, Thomas started all 17 games while recording 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. If he can get back to that level of production, Thomas could emerge as Cleveland’s new alpha receiver, forming a strong tandem with Jerry Jeudy.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: End of March edition

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

SAN FRANCISCO – This has not been a good season for the Golden State Warriors. And it sure wasn’t a good performance for the Warriors in the tanking 109-106 win over the Brooklyn Nets. However, the sight to behold for sore eyes is Gui Santos and the leaps he has made this season.

The 23-year-old Brazilian scored a career-high 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting from the field, giving a boost to a depleted Warriors team dealing with Moses Moody’s season-ending serious knee injury. After the game, Steve Kerr had nothing but praise for the 55th pick of the 2022 NBA Draft.

“He’s spent a lot of minutes here despite all the injuries this past month, and he continues to get better,” Kerr said. “He’s really smart. He’s finding ways to get to the rim with great footwork, and is a really smart player, feels very confident with his shot. So it’s fun to see Gui really blossom.”

Not known as a scorer coming from Brazil or even the Warriors’ Santa Cruz G-League affiliate, Santos has developed his offense to become a better on-ball creator. His teammates and coaches have noted the developments he has seen in his footwork, his 3-point shot and his playmaking, an all-around level on that end of the floor.

“It’s a good feeling,” Santos said after the game. “I was talking to my family right after the game, and they were asking me how many Brazilian players in the NBA had 30 points? And I think it was just three or four. [players]. I, Leandro Barbosa, [Anderson] Varjao, and Nene Hilario. We all had 30 marks. “It’s special, not gonna lie.”

Gui Santos said his family called him after the game to tell him he was one of four Brazilian players to score at least 30 points in an NBA game:

“It was me, Leandro Barbosa, Varjao and Nene Hilario. So we all had 30 points. It’s special, not gonna lie.” pic.twitter.com/6P24kcQW7m

– Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) 26 March 2026

Draymond Green’s honest reflection of Gui Santos’ hard work

As far as Draymond Green, who can relate to Santos’ underdog story, Santos’ success is due to the hard work he has put in. Green expressed pride in seeing Santos, a sophomore teammate, work so hard to get to this point.

“My honest answer is that when Gui came here he didn’t look like an NBA player,” Green said candidly. “And he put his head down. Worked every day.”

Green recounted times when he would arrive at the practice facility in the morning and find Santos already completing a workout or shootaround.

It’s a tough and tough climb that Green admires because he got his chance not by scoring and doing the things he does now, but by doing the dirty work. Green cited aggressive counterattacks. And for Green, it’s a wonderful thing to see.

“He worked to become this person,” Green explained.

“You talk about countless hours in Santa Cruz, he never complained. Always stuck to the process. And I’ve said since the day he came here, he never turned his back on it. Stuck, kept his head down, kept working, and he’s now getting an opportunity to show everything he’s worked on and the game he’s built, and it’s a beautiful thing to see.”

Draymond Green was asked about the work Gui Santos has done to get to this point:

“When Gui came here, he didn’t look like an NBA player, and he had his head down. Worked every day… From the day he came here, he never turned his back on it.”

Full Soundbyte: pic.twitter.com/GXGT7UJDbB

– Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) 26 March 2026

That work resulted in Santos earning a three-year extension worth $15 million this season. A win-win deal for both the player and the team.

The Golden State Warriors will be shorthanded against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday as they try to post their first win in two months. With Jimmy Butler out for the season, Stephen Curry will miss his 23rd consecutive game with a right knee injury. Meanwhile, Moses Moody (left patellar tendon rupture), Quentin Post (right foot injury management), Al Horford (right soleus strain) and Seth Curry (left adductor strain) are also sidelined.

Steve Kerr clarified the Warriors’ stance on a potential Curry return during an interview on Wednesday.

“If we don’t feel good about (his knee), he’s not going to play. We’re not going to push him into anything if things aren’t really clear,” Kerr said on 95.7 The Game.

The Warriors have suffered injuries to several other rotation pieces amid the absences of Curry and Butler.

Warriors try to maintain momentum in play-in race amid injuries

Horford has missed the team’s last six games due to a calf strain. Meanwhile, Moody ruptured the patellar tendon in his left knee during Monday’s win over the Dallas Mavericks. The post mentioned a problem with his right foot. Wednesday will be his fifth absence since March 7.

The Warriors are 7-15 during Curry’s absence. They rank 25th in offense, 23rd in defense and 22nd in net rating (-5.4) during that span.

Golden State continues to hold on to 10th place in the Western Conference standings. Kerr’s team is 1.5 games behind the ninth-place Portland Trail Blazers and two games behind the eighth-place Los Angeles Clippers with 10 games remaining.

Luckily for them, the Nets will also be severely shorthanded on Wednesday. Michael Porter Jr. is out with a hamstring strain, while Noah Clowney (right wrist sprain), Nolan Traore (rest), Danny Wolf (left ankle sprain), De’Ron Sharp (left thumb surgery) and Egor Demin (left plantar fascia injury management) are also out.

Brooklyn has lost its last eight games.

The Brooklyn Nets have their sights set on the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. With 10 games left in the regular season, the rebuilding squad is ranked No. 3 in the draft lottery standings. If the season ended today, the Nets would have a 52.1 percent chance of being picked in the top four and could fall no lower than seventh.

Many of the draft’s top prospects will square off on Wednesday and Thursday during the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. With that, here are the top four players Nets fans should keep an eye on.

4. Keaton Wagler – PG/SG, Illinois

Wagler has been the biggest surprise of this year’s draft cycle. A three-star recruit and the No. 261 player in the Class of 2025, according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings, he wasn’t on the radar of most draft analysts this summer. Fast forward six months, and he’s made his way into the top-10 of mock drafts.

Wagler’s excellent shooting, ball-handling and high-level playmaking cannot be denied. While the freshman is a limited athlete, his speed, finesse and high-IQ have allowed him to flourish as a dominant creator. The 6-foot-6 guard is averaging 17.8 points per game while shooting 40.8 percent on 10.1 three-point attempts per 100 possessions. He has been one of the most efficient facilitators in the class, averaging 4.4 assists per game with a 2.48 assist/to ratio.

Despite concerns about his limited versatility and ground athleticism, Wagler is able to get to the rim using ball screens, shot fakes and change-of-pace moves. His rim frequency and efficiency have been in line with other top guard prospects, as he has attempted 4.1 close-tos per 36 minutes and converted at a 58.5 percent clip.

The Nets may be hesitant in taking another lead ball-handler with a limited athletic profile after selecting Igor Demin eighth overall last June. However, if they fall at the low end of their lottery range, Wagler should be included in the conversation.

Wagler’s limited athleticism has led to some struggles against more athletic, physical safeties. After Illinois’ impressive first and second round wins over Penn and VCU, it will face a tough test against Houston’s top-ranked defense on Thursday at 10:05 pm EST.

3. Darius Acuff Jr. – PG, Arkansas

Acuff may be the biggest player in this year’s class since the beginning of tournament play. The freshman led Arkansas to the SEC Championship and became the first player to lead the conference in points and assists per game since Pete Maravich in 1969–70. He is averaging 30.2 points and 7.2 assists while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 48.6 percent in three SEC Tournament appearances and two NCAA Tournament games.

It’s no exaggeration to call Acuff the most talented offensive player in this year’s class. He’s an elite shooter, converting at a 44.6 percent clip on 9.1 three-point attempts per 100 possessions with a mix of catch-and-shoot and pull-up looks. The 6-foot-3 guard is also a talented court-mapper and decision-maker, averaging 6.5 assists and committing only 2.2 turnovers per game (3.01 est/to).

But as good as Acuff’s offense has been, its defensive shortcomings are hard to ignore. He struggles to defend at the point of attack or navigate off-ball actions. Many have questioned whether Acuff’s size would fit at the combine at 6 feet 3 inches, and the NBA has moved away from undersized guards who need to hide on defense. The front office will have to decide whether Acuff’s ridiculous shooting season is an outlier or his bottom line, and whether it outweighs his shortcomings on the other end.

Brooklyn has strayed away from drafting smaller guards during Shawn Marks’ tenure. The Nets GM pointed to positional size as the main selling point of the team’s 2025 class. Still, Acuff’s aggressive production and ability to thrive on the biggest stage is attractive. After scoring 36 points on 11 of 22 shooting during a second-round win over High Point, Acuff and Arkansas will face No. 1-seed Arizona on Thursday at 9:45 p.m. EST.

2. Kingston Flemings – PG, Houston

Flemings headlined the second tier of guard prospects behind Kansas star Darrin Peterson for most of the season. The Houston star’s 6-foot-4 frame, elite athleticism and two-way versatility will give him a strong claim for the No. 5 spot on the draft board.

Flemings is the most explosive guard in this year’s class. He creates advantages with ease and consistently takes advantage of his paint touch. The freshman has been an adequate finisher (57.3 percent on close twos) while posting elite numbers as a mid-range shooter (44.4 percent on far twos) and playmaker (5.2 assists per game, 2.85 ast/to ratio). Considering his defensive value, NBA front offices should jump on the idea of ​​bringing him into their building.

Fleming’s low three-point volume will give some scouts pause. He has attempted just 5.6 threes per 100 possessions. However, he has converted at a 38.8 percent clip. His efficiency from the mid-range and free-throw line (84.3 percent) may ease any concerns.

Houston defeated Idaho and Texas A&M in the first two rounds of the tournament. Fleming faces a much tougher challenge Thursday against Wagler and third-seeded Illinois.

1. Cam Boozer – PF/C, Duke

According to many metrics, Boozer has been the best player in college basketball this season. The 6-foot-9 standout has made his historic mark from high school and the AAU circuit to Duke. He averaged 22.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists on .563/.398/.787 shooting splits while leading the Blue Devils to a 34–2 record.

Boozer has posted a +19.45 box plus/minus, the second-highest of any college player in the last 16 years, trailing only former Duke star Zion Williamson (+20.1, 2018-2019).

The star freshman is widely considered a safe bet in the top three of the draft. Boozer has led Duke’s offense with his steady ball-handling, passing and shooting. He consistently makes the right reads with the ball in his hands while dominating as an interior scorer and showing promise as an outside shooter. Although he has been an elite defensive rebounder, his ground athleticism and above average lateral speed have raised questions about his NBA outlook.

Boozer was shaky during Duke’s narrow first-round win over Siena. However, he bounced back with a stellar performance in the second half during a decisive second-round win over TCU. They face a tough test against St. John’s and reigning Big East Defensive Player of the Year Zubie Ejiofor on Friday at 10 PM EST.

A new rumor suggests that an elite prospect is generating a lot of momentum to land with teams like the Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets or Washington Wizards as the No. 1 pick in June’s NBA Draft.

One of the biggest stories as we approach the end of the NBA regular season, for all the wrong reasons, is the race to the bottom of the standings. While the lottery was created to prevent franchises from having to take the top overall pick, there is a battle going on between the NBA’s worst teams to get the top pick in June.

While tanking is nothing new in the NBA, right now it is worse than most years because there is a very strong class of prospects declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft. So even if a team doesn’t get the No. 1 overall pick, a top-three selection could yield franchise-changing talent.

As we enter the final week of the season, the Pacers, Nets, and Wizards currently have the best chances (14% chance) to win the No. 1 pick. The NCAA Tournament is underway and the discussion is going on about who will be No. 1. And according to ESPN’s Jeremy Wu, it looks like it will be the same player whose team was eliminated in Round 1.

AJ DiBantsa the new favorite to go No. 1 in the 2026 NBA Draft?

“Based on conversations with sources around the NBA in recent weeks, the prospects are leaning toward AJ DiBuntsa as the No. 1 pick,” Wu wrote in a new Draft Stock Watch article.

Throughout the college basketball season, BYU’s freshman has been viewed as a potential No. 1 pick in June. He led the nation in scoring (25.5 points) and led the Cougars to a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, they were eliminated by Texas in the opening round.

Until recently, Kansas star Darrin Peterson was viewed as the favorite to go first because of his NBA-ready game. Unfortunately, injuries and questions about his dedication to the Jayhawks have hurt his standing with many draft experts. Any one of these guys would be a great option if the Pacers, Nets or Wizards land the No. 1 pick.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara remained one of the most underappreciated players in the NBA on Monday against the Brooklyn Nets.

Camara led the Trail Blazers to a lopsided 134–99 win over the Nets, scoring a career-high 35 points and nine three-pointers. He made 10 of 12 shots from the field, including 9 of 11 from beyond the arc. He also had three rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Portland won four of its last five assignments to improve to 36–37. They are just one game behind the Los Angeles Clippers for eighth place in the Western Conference.

Camara, who is in his third season in Rip City, set a new team record with his career night.

“Camara’s 35 points are the most on 12 or fewer field goal attempts in Trail Blazers history,” the team’s official account on the

He also set two milestones after getting hot from three-point range.

“Camara’s 9-for-11 (.818) three-point shooting performance marks the most made three-pointers by a @trailblazers player since February 26, 2023 (Damian Lillard) and the best three-point percentage with at least 10 three-point attempts since April 27, 2021 (Anfernee Simmons),” the Trail Blazers said.

The 25-year-old is having a breakout campaign, averaging career-best 13.0 points and 2.5 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals. He could make a case for a nod to the All-Defensive Team or get some votes for Most Improved Player.

Camara, who hails from Belgium, was drafted by the Phoenix Suns as the 52nd overall pick in 2023. However, he was shipped to the Trail Blazers as part of the three-team deal that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks.

He has slowly carved out a role in Portland, building an upstart core with Denny Avdija, Donovan Clingan, Shadden Sharp and Scooter Henderson.

Sunday’s Brooklyn Nets-Sacrmato Kings matchup will have a significant impact on the NBA’s draft lottery race. The Kings will be without Russell Westbrook, one of their top contributors, during the game. Westbrook was forced out of the game due to right leg pain.

The Kings are already without Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, De’Andre Hunter and Drew Eubanks.

Westbrook played 28 minutes during the Kings’ 139-118 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday. He posted 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting, three rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal. The veteran guard has appeared in 64 games with 58 starts this season, averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists on .427/.338/.694 shooting splits.

Russell Westbrook out of Kings-Nets matchup due to foot illness

Sacramento entered Sunday’s game one spot behind Brooklyn in the draft lottery standings. The Kings have lost their last two games 4-1, slipping from first place to fourth. They have one more win than the Nets in third.

The Nets have lost six games after consecutive wins over the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies earlier this month. They recently ruled out Igor Demin and Deron Sharp for the season, while Michael Porter Jr. is out for 2-3 weeks with a hamstring strain. Brooklyn also will be without Noah Clowney (right wrist sprain) and Nic Claxton (rest) on Sunday. Terrence Mann (illness) is probable for the matchup.

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Kings enter Sunday’s game as 5.5-point favorites. They have another meeting with the Nets in Brooklyn a week from Sunday.

The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets are set to play on Friday night. Karl-Anthony Towns is listed on the injury report for the game. While Towns has faced injury concerns at times this season, he listed “personal reasons” on Friday’s injury report. So, is he playing tonight?

Everything we know about Karl-Anthony Towns’ situation ahead of the Knicks and Nets game on Friday night.

Karl-Anthony Towns’ status vs. Nets

According to the NBA injury report, Towns is currently listed as questionable to play against the Nets.

The Knicks will enter the game with a 45–25 record. They are in third place in the Eastern Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Nets are 17-52 and in 13th place in the East.

As far as the question of whether Karl-Anthony Towns is playing tonight against the Nets, the answer is probably.

knicks injury report

The Knicks have seven players listed on the injury report.

• Karl-Anthony Towns (personal reasons): Questionable
• Kevin McCullers Jr. (G League Two-Way): Questionable
• Dillon Jones (G League Two-Way): Questionable
• Trey Jamison III (G League Two-Way): Questionable
• Pacom Dadiet (G League Two-Way): Questionable
• Josh Hart (right knee patella femoral syndrome): out
• Miles McBride (pelvic core muscle surgery): out

net injury report

The Nets also have seven players listed on the injury report.

• Ziare Williams (left hand soreness): Available
• Ben Saraf (pain in left foot): Available
• Noah Clowney (right wrist sprain): Out
• Igor Demin (left plantar fascia injury management): out
• Terence Mann (illness): Out
• Michael Porter Jr. (left hamstring strain): Out
• Deron Sharp (left thumb surgery): Out

The potential franchise defender for the Sacramento Kings, Brooklyn Nets, or Washington Wizards is a long way from being available in June’s NBA Draft.

One of the biggest stories in the NBA after last month’s trade deadline was that many teams were doing little to hide the fact that they were vying to get one of the top three picks in the draft. While tanking is nothing new and the NBA lottery strategy was created to curb this, this year is different as the 2026 class of prospects is absolutely stacked.

Young guys like Cam Boozer, Darius Acuff Jr., Kingston Flemings, Darrin Peterson and AJ DiBuntsa have NBA executives scrambling to lose their way to landing early in Round 1 of the draft. Most basketball pundits expect all five stars of the NCAA Tournament to enter this year’s event. However, these are different times in college sports.

In the era of name, image and likeness deals, college stars earn shocking sums of money for scholarships alone compared to their playing days. Dyabantsa is one of those players. According to various reports before the season, the newcomer is reportedly making $5 to $7 million from his zero commitments at BYU.

AJ DiBantsa’s mother will decide whether he enters the NBA draft

Being king for another year on a major college campus has an allure it didn’t have years ago. Therefore, star players jumping into the NBA Draft after their freshman year are no longer guaranteed. However, following the Cougars’ Round of 64 loss to Texas on Thursday, DiBantsa gave a surprising response when asked about the timeline for deciding on the draft.

“Mostly my mom,” he said about who would actually make the decisions. “She’s kind of a big boss. Just talk to her and see what she says.”

• AJ DiBuntsa Stats: 25.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.1 spg

This certainly puts an unpredictable element into the equation for teams like the Nets, Kings and Wizards, who are certainly taking a close look at using their top picks on the forward in June. Dyabantsa claimed that he would make his decision “in the next few weeks” and wanted to discuss things with his family first.

If Dyabantsa chose to stay at BYU, it would be an elite prospect off the board for the Nets, Kings and Wizards, who have a big chance to get a top-three pick in June. AJ DiBantsa led the nation in scoring (25.3 points per game), has impressive athleticism, and scoring versatility at 6-foot-9.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

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.

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 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.

The Portland Trail Blazers will look to bounce back against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday after Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. They may be without backup center Robert Williams during the second night of a back-to-back.

Williams is questionable for the game with Brooklyn because of a left knee injury. The veteran center has been nursing his left knee since undergoing surgery last March and has missed the start of this season.

However, Williams has played his best basketball of the season recently. The 28-year-old has averaged 10.1 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks on 66.7 percent shooting in 21.1 minutes per game over his last seven appearances.

He posted six points, 12 rebounds and three blocks on 3-of-5 shooting in 20 minutes during Sunday’s 109-103 loss to the 76ers.

Robert Williams questionable for Nets matchup as Trail Blazers fight for play-in position

Williams’ presence on Monday will give the Trail Blazers a significant advantage against a Nets team with only one available center. Nick Claxton is available for Brooklyn after missing Saturday’s loss at Philadelphia due to rest. However, Deron Sharp has been ruled out for the season, leaving the team without a traditional center on the second unit.

The Trail Blazers are fighting for a spot in the Western Conference play-in race. They are 10th at 3-5, half a game behind the ninth-place Golden State Warriors.

Meanwhile, the Nets have lost three in a row while moving to a more aggressive tank after back-to-back wins over the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies. Brooklyn will be without Michael Porter Jr. (right ankle sprain), Noah Clowney (rest), Terrence Mann (left Achilles soreness), Igor Demin (left plantar fascia injury management) and Sharp (left thumb UCL tear) on Monday.

After three road games in their last four contests, the Philadelphia 76ers return home to face the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday afternoon. The 76ers’ frontcourt depth is a concern heading into the game, with Andre Drummond listed as questionable and Joel Embiid still out with an oblique strain. Here’s everything we know about Andre Drummond’s injury and his playing status against the Nets.

Andre Drummond’s injury status vs. Nets

Andre Drummond has not played since the 76ers faced the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 9. He missed the team’s next game the following night and the upcoming game against the Detroit Pistons due to back spasms.

Drummond is once again listed as questionable for the same reason as the 76ers prepare to face the Nets on Saturday afternoon. Having already missed 17 games in the 2025-2026 season, Drummond could be viewed as a true game-time decision.

The 76ers will be severely short-handed up front due to another absence. Embiid is out with an oblique strain, and Adem Bona, who has started eight games this season, is also questionable with a back injury.

Bona also missed the 76ers’ last game, forcing head coach Nick Nurse to deploy a skeleton unit against the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons. Nurse started 6-foot-8 Trendon Watford as his makeshift center, allowing Jalen Duren to collect an easy 14-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Philadelphia will also be without Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. The Nets will play without Michael Porter Jr., but with or without Drummond, the 76ers will be the clear shorthanded team on Saturday afternoon.

Given his current roster status and his recent absences, Drummond is likely questionable for Saturday’s contest.

76ers injury report

Edem Bona, doubtful – back pain

Jonny Broom, out – recovering from right knee surgery.

Andre Drummond, doubtful – back spasms

Joel Embiid, out – right oblique strain

Paul George, out-suspension

Tyrese Maxi, out – right finger tendon strain

Kelly Oubre Jr., out – left elbow sprain

net injury report

Fracture, possible – pain in left ankle

Nick Claxton, Out – Rest

Igor Demin, out – left plantar fascia injury management

Michael Porter Jr., out – right ankle sprain

Drake Powell, out – left knee injury management

De’Ron Sharp, out – torn left thumb UCL

The Atlanta Hawks are currently on a seven-game winning streak, and they are planning to make it eight when they face off against the Brooklyn Nets. It was the win against the Nets that started their streak, and hopefully they can continue it as they try to climb the Eastern Conference standings.

Jonathan Kuminga was able to contribute to wins in some games, but he missed the last three games due to injury. The injury report initially listed him with left knee soreness, but the Hawks recently changed it to a left knee bone bruise, which sidelined him when he was traded.

Here is Kuminga’s position before the game.

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Jonathan Kuminga’s injury status vs. Nets

Kuminga is listed as questionable against the Nets, meaning he is likely to play. Additionally, he has been listed as questionable for the last three matches and has been subbed out an hour and a half before each game. It is uncertain how serious the injury is, but it is something that has been bothering him for some time and is affecting his ability to step on the court.

The Hawks were able to see what Kuminga can do when he’s on the field, and he showed a little bit of everything in the three games he played. There is no doubt that Kuminga can be a big contributor for the team, especially during this time of the season, and they are hoping he returns soon.

It would also be nice to see more from him on the front office side of the Hawks so they can determine if they want to accept his option when the season ends so he can come back next year.

The Memphis Grizzlies are vying for a spot in the hotly contested NBA tank race. He unveiled a lengthy injury report for Monday’s matchup with the Brooklyn Nets.

The Grizzlies will be without Ja Morant, Zack Eddy, Santi Aldama, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Clarke and Taj Gibson. Meanwhile, Cedric Coward, Ty Jerome, Scottie Pippen Jr. and Taylor Hendricks are questionable.

That group includes Memphis’ eight highest-paid players. If all of the above names are ruled out, the Grizzlies will have only eight available players against the Nets: Walter Clayton Jr., Cam Spencer, GG Jackson, Jaylen Wells, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Javon Small, Ryan Rupert and Jahmai Meshach.

All of those players are on rookie contracts, minimum or two-way deals. There is no center among the group.

Ja Morant headlines Grizzlies’ lengthy injury report for tank matchup with Nets

Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr. is resting for the Nets after playing 39 minutes during Saturday’s upset win over the Detroit Pistons. Egor Demin will miss his fifth consecutive game with a plantar fascia injury. However, Ben Saraf, who is probable with back tightness, is the only other Nets on the injury report.

Memphis will be without a traditional center on Monday. Meanwhile, both of Brooklyn’s centers, Nick Claxton and De’Ron Sharp, are available.

The Grizzlies have lost their last three games after consecutive wins over the Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers. They are eighth in the draft lottery standings, two games ahead of the ninth-place Chicago Bulls and three games behind the seventh-place Mavericks.

Meanwhile, the Nets’ upset win over the Pistons moved them into a tie with the Washington Wizards for third place. They are 1.5 games behind the second-place Indiana Pacers and two games behind the first-place Sacramento Kings.

The Detroit Pistons find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they look to end a three-game losing streak when they take on the surging Miami Heat. The last time Detroit suffered a dramatic loss against the Brooklyn Nets in the absence of Cade Cunningham, Michael Porter Jr. and Ziaire Williams led the way with 53 points apiece in the second half.

However, they have been given a big boost as Cade Cunningham has been listed as probable on the official injury report. Detroit is still missing Caris LeVert and Aussie Thompson due to injuries, while Wendell Moore Jr. and Isaac Jones are out on G League assignment. Of course, the Heat have also struggled with injuries.

Simon Fontecchio (groin strain), Nikola Jovic (low back injury management), Norman Powell (groin strain) and Andrew Wiggins (toe inflammation) are all out, while Keshaad Johnson and Jahmir Young are unavailable on G League assignment and Terry Rozier is away from the team. However, the Heat have made a resurgence in recent games and are currently on a four-game winning streak.

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Cade Cunningham injury status vs. Heat

Cade Cunningham is officially listed as probable due to a left quad injury, suggesting he is likely to play. Detroit held him out as a precaution during the loss to Brooklyn, but the Pistons fought back in the second half and will be looking to welcome back their best player.

When Cunningham is on the floor the Pistons’ offensive rating is 118.8 while when he sits it is only 107.7. Detroit’s net rating also increased from 2.8 without him to 10.3 with him, underscoring his MVP-level impact.

Cunningham has averaged 25.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game and has been the offensive engine for a team that currently has a 45–17 record, best in the East and third best in the entire NBA.

Detroit’s loss to Brooklyn proved his importance. The Pistons struggled to generate shots late as Tobias Harris led the team with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Jalen Duren added 17 points and 14 boards.

Detroit and Miami have split their two meetings this season, with each team winning. That makes Sunday’s game the deciding matchup in the season series.

piston injury report

Cade Cunningham – Probable (left quadriceps contusion)

Ausser Thompson – Out (right ankle sprain)

Caris LeVert – Out (left wrist sprain)

Isaac Jones – Out (G League Two-Way)

Wendell Moore Jr. – Out (G League Two-Way)

heat injury report

Simon Fontecchio – Out (left groin strain)

Nikola Jovic – Out (lower back injury management)

Norman Powell – Out (right groin strain)

Andrew Wiggins – out (swelling of left big toe)

Terry Rozier – Out (not with team)

Keshad Johnson – Out (G League Assignment)

Jahmir Young – out (G League two-way)

Davion Mitchell – Available (left shoulder injury)

As the Miami Heat battle injuries ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, one player whose status is up in the air is point guard Davion Mitchell. Following the Heat’s win over the Houston Rockets, Mitchell’s injury is worth monitoring as the team looks to add more wins in the home stretch of the season, as he talked about his latest injury.

Mitchell is listed as “questionable” for Tuesday’s game against Brooklyn as he is dealing with a left shoulder injury that fans may be familiar with. The 27-year-old, who previously missed eight games in January with a left shoulder problem, suffered a hard screen during Saturday’s game-opening win over the Rockets, although he finished the contest.

He will practice partially on Monday, saying the current shoulder problem is not as severe as the one that caused him to miss time in January.

According to The Miami Herald, Mitchell said, “It’s not that bad.” “Definitely a little bit of the same pain. But definitely not as bad.”

The Heat’s Davion Mitchell is potentially changing a certain aspect

In Saturday’s win over Houston, Mitchell would record 10 points and five assists, as he has been a mainstay in Miami’s starting lineup when healthy, averaging 8.9 points and 6.9 assists per game. In addition to his point-guard abilities, he is also one of the team’s better defenders, although he was asked if he would limit himself to passing screens due to shoulder injuries.

“I try to play the same way,” Mitchell said. “I don’t try to change anything, I mean, honestly, he caught me. I’ve been looking at a screen for a minute since that injury, and it hasn’t really bothered me. This time, he caught me.”

It remains to be seen whether Mitchell will play, as he said, “We’ll see” when asked the question after Monday’s practice. At any rate, Miami will be looking for a win as Tuesday’s home matchup against the Nets will be crucial for the team with a 32-29 record, which will keep them in eighth place in the East.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will face the Brooklyn Nets, and there is a possibility that they may get one of their key players back. James Harden has missed the last few games after being diagnosed with a fractured right thumb, but he is expected to return game-to-game. It doesn’t appear that Harden will have surgery, and it may be a matter of enduring the pain if he returns to the court.

Luckily for the Cavs, they’ll be playing the Nets, a team that hasn’t had much success this season. This could be a game in which they let Harden sit out so he can continue to recover.

Anyway, here’s Harden’s position for the game.

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Injury status of James Harden vs. Nets

Harden is listed as questionable against the Nets, which means he is likely to play.

The latest update on Harden wasn’t the best when thinking about a return soon, as head coach Kenny Atkinson shared that the guard was having difficulty dribbling.

“I know he was struggling a little bit with his dribbling this morning,” Atkinson said. “If you have difficulty dribbling and catching [it’s tough to play]. Jarrett Allen went through this early in the season. We tried to bring him back. He wanted to hurry, and then we had to go back and give him some time.

“I know James is different… We have to get feedback from James… There is no one stronger in the league. There is no one else available. No one wants to play more.”

If Harden is struggling trying to dribble, there is no way he can play. At this point, listing him as questionable is probably just putting opposing teams on edge so they don’t know whether they should prepare for him or not.

The Brooklyn Nets have their sights set on the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. After making an NBA-record five-round selection last June, the team is committed to building through the draft for the first time in the Brooklyn era.

Despite this, according to NBA insider Jake Fisher, rival teams continue to point to Brooklyn as a potential trade suitor for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer.

Fisher wrote, “I’ve heard rival teams thinking loudly about the potential emergence of Brooklyn as a credible destination given the Nets have a large amount of draft capital to package with Michael Porter Jr. … or with a trade construction that puts MPJ to play alongside Antetokounmpo.”

While the Nets are in the early stages of a rebuild, Antetokounmpo has long been viewed as their top trade target.

Rival teams think the Nets could enter the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes

Brooklyn has established itself as one of the NBA’s worst teams in pursuit of the top pick in a crowded 2026 draft. However, the team will not be tanking next season, as it has to pay a 2027 first-round pick swap to the Houston Rockets. The Nets have the ammo to put together one of the most competitive packages for Antetokounmpo.

They have an NBA-best 13 first-round picks over the next seven years. Michael Porter Jr. or Nic Claxton could serve as the main salary filler in an Antetokounmpo deal. Brooklyn could also include young prospects like Nolan Traore, De’Ron Sharp, Noah Clowney, Drake Powell and Danny Wolf.

The main question surrounding the Nets’ potential pursuit of Antetokounmpo is whether they can make a deal with enough assets to build a team around the two-time MVP. With several teams pursuing the Bucks superstar at the deadline and several more teams likely to enter the equation in the offseason, the price won’t be low.

In addition to the veteran leadership that Khris Middleton can bring to the Dallas Mavericks, the 2021 NBA champions can still punish defenses on any given night. Although he is unlikely to remain with the team beyond this season, the franchise should still try to absorb all the wisdom the three-time All-Star has to share. Unfortunately, he injured his right shoulder during Tuesday’s road matchup against the Brooklyn Nets and will not return, according to NBA correspondent Marc Stein.

Middleton helped the Mavs end a 10-game losing streak by scoring a team-high 25 points on 11-of-15 shooting against the Indiana Pacers.

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks know they have a good opportunity in front of them with a long homestand. Not only that, but those games come against teams that haven’t played very well this season. The Brooklyn Nets were on their schedule today, and although some might have thought it would be an easy walk for the Hawks, it turned out to be a dogfight for three quarters.

The battle subsided in the first half of the fourth quarter, where the Nets went up by 11 points, and the Hawks had no answer to anything they did. Fortunately, a flip switch occurred, and the Hawks woke up with less than six minutes left in the game.

The Hawks finished the game on a 24–2 run, and after being down by 11 points at one point in the fourth, they walked away with a 115–104 victory over the Nets.

“We stepped up our aggression in the last six minutes,” Dyson Daniels said. “We had no choice, we were down 11, we had to change something. Everybody changed it. We were more physical on the ball; we were able to create turnovers, get stops and get out and run. We’ve got to be better at the beginning of the game if we want to beat good teams and give ourselves a chance this year.”

Daniels had three steals in the fourth, one of which came from defending the inbounds and catching the ball in the air.

“He kind of threw it down,” Daniels said. “I knew he already had the ball for three or four seconds, so it was coming soon, and I timed the jump.”

It was clear that defense was key in helping the Hawks come back late, and it started with the guards and flowed throughout the team.

“Collectively, we did a good job of stopping them,” Jalen Johnson said. “Nickel [Alexander-Walker] And Dyson set the tone with that and others followed suit. Dyson got some steals and that changed the momentum.”

“Defense wins games,” Jock Landell said. “I think we did a good job in the fourth quarter. C.J. turned it on and made some big shots. [Jalen] Did a good job of figuring out where he wanted the ball and got to his spot. This was a ripe game to end.

As important as defense was, the Hawks had to come back and score on the other end. It was Johnson who led the way in that category, as he scored 14 points in the fourth and sealed the game with some key buckets at the end. CJ McCollum, who moved into the starting lineup, also hit a big three-pointer at the end of the game to give the Hawks the lead.

From there the Hawks never looked back and were able to pick up a win to continue their homestand.

The Philadelphia 76ers were widely expected to make a cost-cutting move before the trade deadline, as that is how their front office has operated over the past few seasons. He has shown an aversion to paying the luxury tax, and for better or worse, he has ensured that he does not stray above the tax apron.

However, the 76ers found the tax savings they were looking for in an unexpected place. They traded their 2024 first-round pick, Jared McCann, who had shown so much promise before tearing his meniscus, to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 2026 first-round pick (from the Houston Rockets) and three second-round picks.

Now, McCain is turning his attention to the defending champion. On Friday night, he scored 21 points on 7-12 shooting from the field in the Thunder’s 105–86 win over the Brooklyn Nets. He starred for an OKC team that was missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, and McCann’s emergence has given OKC more room to rest those key guys — much to the dismay of 76ers fans.

76ers fans crying over Jared McCann loss after big night for OKC

The 76ers’ decision to trade McCain was a surprising development, as it looked like he was going to be part of the team’s core for the near future, given how well he played in his rookie season.

Now, McCann is playing well for the Thunder, and 76ers fans are heartbroken that the guy they picked is working for a different team in his second year campaign.

Sixers fan RN after trade of Jared McCain https://t.co/50ysWG7DFf pic.twitter.com/QM3mv0TSnt

– Chilinwari (@chilinwari) 21 February 2026

“Jared McCann playing so well shows just how bad Nick Nurse is on this roster,” wrote X user @Youdownwith_LNV.

@TimeoutSPORTS3 said, “The Sixers gave Jared McCain practically nothing. Non-serious organization.”

@Glenjr1988 added, “I was right about Jared McCain. I mean Sam Presti traded for him.”

76ers president Daryl Morey said they were “highly sold” on McCann. Only time will tell whether this is actually the case or not. However, everything is not looking good for Philly at the moment.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain scored a season-high 21 points in a 105–86 win against the Brooklyn Nets. In the Thunder’s sixth consecutive game without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, McCann’s 21 points led Oklahoma City in scoring before his team’s debut.

McCain, this has become a tradition for new players over the years debuted its bark During his first walk-off interview for the Thunder, according to FanDuel TV.

Jared McCain is barking in his Thunder postgame interview ??? pic.twitter.com/tdMDjD7PqZ

– NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) 21 February 2026

The new Thunder Player Postgame Bark began when Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams introduced it to fans in attendance and during walk-off interviews, and eventually became required for all new Thunder players.

Mark Daigneault praises Thunder for making major adjustments

With the Thunder missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams for the next one to two weeks, head coach Mark Daigneault says that although Friday’s win against the Nets was not good, his players found a way. The Thunder defense held the Nets to 10 points in the second quarter. Then, found their offensive rhythm in the second half.

For Daigneault, the absence of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Ajay Mitchell has disrupted the Thunder’s offensive continuity, forcing the defending champions to make quick adjustments.

“We’re obviously missing some on-ball creators. So, the way we’re trying to create an advantage is different right now,” Daigneault said. “But once we get the lead and once we move the ball, those games are no different. I thought we played some pretty good plays. I also thought we had some plays we could learn from. We had a lot of turnovers. It wasn’t a clean offensive game.

“It was tough to establish a rhythm with some of those plays, but guys are being put in good positions. Obviously, we have to start building our muscles collectively, but we also have to continue to develop those habits offensively.”

The Thunder will host the Cavs in a matinee on Sunday.

The Philadelphia 76ers officially signed guard Tyrese Martin to a two-way contract on Thursday, the team announced in a press release. President of basketball operations Daryl Morey confirmed the move as the Sixers continue to restructure their roster following the All-Star break.

The 26-year-old Martin began the season with the Brooklyn Nets and appeared in 37 games with six starts. He averaged 7.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 18.8 minutes per game while shooting 39.2% from the field. He scored in double figures 12 times, including a season-high 26 points on 7-of-14 shooting and 5-of-9 from three-point range against the Toronto Raptors on November 23. After meeting the guarantee deadline of his January contract and securing his entire $2.2 million salary, Martin was waived on February 5 to make roster space for Brooklyn’s trade for Hunter Tyson.

Over the past two seasons with the Nets, Martin played in 97 games, making 17 starts, and averaged 8.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 20.7 minutes per game, while shooting 34.6% from beyond the arc. For his three-year NBA career with the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn, he has appeared in 113 games, averaging 7.2 points on 40.1% shooting as well as 3.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He has six 20-point performances in his career, including a 30-point outing with eight three-pointers against the Phoenix Suns on November 27, 2024.

Originally selected 51st overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, the Allentown, Pennsylvania native has also performed in the G League. In 72 games with the Atlanta Skyhawks, Iowa Wolves and Long Island Nets, Martin averaged 17.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 32.8 minutes, recording 25 double-doubles and 21 games of at least 20 points, including five 30-point attempts and one 40-point game.

Martin filled Philadelphia’s open two-way spot with Marjon Beauchamp and Delon Terry after Jabari Walker was promoted to the 15-man roster.

The 76ers entered the stretch run with a score of 30–25, sixth in the Eastern Conference, avoiding the play-in tournament. With Paul George serving a 25-game suspension, Martin has added depth to the backcourt as the Sixers head toward the postseason.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night to tip off post-All-Star break play at Rocket Arena. Evan Mobley is not listed on the injury report, meaning he will play his first game since January 26. Dean Wade will also be in action for the first time since February 4. The Nets will be without Nick Claxton for the second consecutive game.

Here’s everything we know about Evan Mobley’s state of play vs. the Nets.

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Evan Mobley’s injury status vs. Nets

When it comes to the question of whether Evan Mobley is playing against the Nets tonight, the answer is yes.

Mobley has been ruled out of Cleveland’s last seven games after experiencing left calf soreness for the second time this season. Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson shared that he and Dean Wade were looking forward to playing after fully participating in Wednesday’s practice.

In his last contest, Mobley scored 20 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks in a win over the Orlando Magic. Wade has been one of Cleveland’s top perimeter defenders as always, so we’ll see how he looks as he returns from his left ankle sprain. He will be a key component with Naquan Tomlin out due to a left calf strain.

The Nets will miss Claxton for the second straight game. Josh Minot, who was recently acquired before the trade deadline, is on G League assignment with Long Island. He will be joined by rookie Ben Saraf of Brooklyn, as well as the team’s three two-way players.

Cavs injury report

Naquan Tomlin: Out (pain in left calf)

Max Strus: Out (left leg surgery)

Tristan Enaruna: Out (Two-Way G League Assignment)

Emmanuel Miller: Out (Two-Way G League Assignment)

Riley Minix: Out (Two-Way G League Assignment)

net injury report

Nick Claxton: Out (sprained right ankle)

Ben Nerve: Out (G League assignment)

Josh Minott: Out (G League assignment)

EJ Liddell: Out (Two-Way G League Assignment)

Tyson Etienne: Out (Two-Way G League Assignment)

Cheney Johnson: Out (Two-Way G League Assignment)