Giannis Antetokounmpo is out tonight, while Kevin Porter and Myles Turner are questionable to suit up. That's bad news for the Milwaukee Bucks, who are 11-21 this season without the Greek Freak, averaging 108.4 points per game.
For the Utah Jazz, Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George are sidelined.
Markkanen's 26.7 ppg will be hard to replace, while George's absence leaves Utah with no true playmakers outside of Isaiah Collier.
When these teams met on March 7, Milwaukee won 113-99, with Giannis and George both playing. With three of the best players absent, this one will be ugly.
Bucks vs Jazz same-game parlay
Somebody has to score tonight, and I'm looking at two Utah youngsters to do so.
Brice Sensabaugh has been playing out of his mind lately, erupting for 41 points on Wednesday night in Minnesota. He’s eclipsed his points total in four straight, and the absence of Markkanen and George guarantees he'll get plenty of looks.
Ace Bailey is another player getting more run with the top guys unavailable. He’s hit the Over in points in three of his last five, and the Rutgers product scored 17 on Wednesday.
These two will help keep the game close against a Milwaukee side that shouldn't be favored against anybody sans Giannis.
Bucks vs Jazz SGP
Jazz +5.5
Brice Sensabaugh Over 21.5 points
Ace Bailey Over 16.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Ya like Jazz?
If Utah can keep things close, there's no reason to believe it can't outright win. The Bucks are 2-8 in their last 10, and 12 of the Jazz's 20 wins have come at home.
Sensabaugh has comfortably cashed the Over in triples in four straight games, shooting 40% from downtown in March.
Bucks vs Jazz SGP
Jazz moneyline
Brice Sensabaugh Over 21.5 points
Ace Bailey Over 16.5 points
Brice Sensabaugh Over 2.5 threes
Bucks vs Jazz odds
Spread: Bucks -5.5 (-105) | Jazz +5.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Bucks -230 | Jazz +190
Over/Under: Over 229.5 | Under 229.5
Bucks vs Jazz betting trend to know
The Milwaukee Bucks have hit the game total Under in 21 of their last 30 away games (+11.10 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Jazz.
How to watch Bucks vs Jazz
Location
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Date
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Wisconsin, KJZZ 14
Bucks vs Jazz latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Major League Baseball is entering an official partnership with Polymarket and has an agreement with the federal commission overseeing prediction markets to collaborate on integrity concerns.
MLB said in a statement Thursday it has a memorandum of understanding with Michael S. Selig, the chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, to “further protect the integrity of baseball by ensuring swift response to incidents and anticipating emerging trends more strongly.”
Prediction markets have raised concerns from sports leagues already working to combat issues around legal sports gambling. While legal sports books must follow regulations set by states, prediction markets have argued their trades — called event contracts — are derivative markets, and thus fall under the CFTC's jurisdiction.
One year ago, MLB sent a letter to the commission calling for strong integrity protections.
“The new agreements that we formed with Polymarket and the CFTC are imperative steps in proactively managing the new and rapidly growing prediction market space,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Protecting the integrity of the game on the field is our top priority. By engaging in this community, we are able to work together to create clear boundaries with the goal of mitigating risk while providing fan engagement opportunities.”
This partnership with Polymarket will give the company and its brokers exclusive access to MLB logos to be used within its prediction market products. Polymarket will also get access to official league data from Sportradar, MLB’s exclusive global distributor of data for prediction markets.
Under terms of the memorandum, MLB and the CFTC agreed to share information regarding the integrity of professional baseball and related prediction markets. Shared information will be treated confidentially. Designated representatives will meet regularly.
“We’ve committed to work together to protect the integrity and resilience of prediction markets relating to professional baseball,” Selig said on X. "Through this partnership, the @CFTC is well-positioned to add additional tools to protect our markets from fraud, manipulation, and other abuses. Thanks to @MLB and Commissioner Manfred for working with us to protect the integrity of these growing markets.
Although it has established this partnership with Polymarket, MLB said it wants integrity relationships with all other prediction market exchanges offering baseball contracts. Those exchanges will be required to integrate the necessary integrity protections into their individual rulebooks.
The rapid growth of sports offerings on prediction markets has provided leagues with another revenue opportunity while also causing concerns about the regulation of prediction markets.
Prediction markets provide an opportunity to trade — or wager — on the result of future events. Trades are made as simple yes-no wagers
The NHL announced in October it had reached multiyear partnership agreements with Polymarket and Kalshi, another major prediction markets platform. Major League Soccer announced a partnership with Polymarket on Jan. 26. NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks announced last month that he has become a shareholder in Kalshi, another major prediction markets platform.
MLB had a presentation on prediction markets during its owners’ meetings in Florida last month.
The Cornhuskers were full of surprises this season. Fred Hoiberg's team was picked to finish 15th in the 18-team Big Ten. Nebraska finished second, going 26-6. That earned the Huskers a No. 4 seed in the East Region where they'll face No. 13 Troy at 12:40 p.m. from Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City.
“I know the first question is going to be Nebraska has never won a tournament game,” Hoiberg said Wednesday. “We realize that. Have I talked to our players about it? No, I haven’t. They know. They see it. Is there a pressure that goes along with that? Of course there is.”
The Trojans (22-11) are back in March Madness for a second-straight year after winning the Sun Belt regular season title and conference tournament. Troy lost to Kentucky in last year's first round, 76-57.
Here's what you need to know for Thursday's first round matchup:
What time does Nebraska vs Troy start?
Thursday's first round game between the Cornhuskers and Trojans starts at 12:40 p.m. ET.
What channel is Nebraska vs Troy on today?
The Troy-Nebraska game is on truTV.
How do I find truTV channel for March Madness?
Like past Men's NCAA Tournaments, truTV will carry a handful of March Madness games through the first few days of the tournament. All told, there will be 24 total games either aired or simulcast on truTV for the entire NCAA Tournament.
Here's what channel truTV is on through different TV providers:
Troy is making its fourth appearance in the NCAA Tournament and also seeking its first win. Here's a rundown of the Trojans' appearances in March Madness:
2003: vs. Xavier (L, 71-59)
2017: vs. Duke (L, 87-65)
2025: vs. Kentucky (L, 76-57)
Nebraska basketball top scorer, stat leaders
F Pryce Sandfort: 17.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.0 apg
F Rienk Mast: 13.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.9 apg
F Braden Frager: 11.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 49 FG%
Troy basketball top scorer, stat leaders
F Victor Valdes: 14.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 4.6 apg
F Thomas Dowd: 14.8 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 2.2
F Theo Seng: 12.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 51.7 FG%
G Cooper Campbell: 12.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.2 apg
Where is Nebraska vs Troy March Madness game?
Thursday's first round game between Troy and Nebraska is at the Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City.
Cade Cunningham — in the midst of an MVP-level season and the driving force of the Pistons' offense — will miss extended time due to a collapsed lung, the team announced Thursday morning.
Cunningham had left the Pistons' last game in the first quarter, minutes after colliding with rookie Wizards' Tre Johnson going for a loose ball. He did not return to the game, which the team at the time called back spasms. In announcing the injury, the Pistons said that "After further testing, Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a left lung pneumothorax." ESPN’s Shams Charania was first with the report of the injury.
The team says he will be re-evaluated in two weeks, although he is likely out longer than that. A pneumothorax (collapsed lung) is uncommon in the NBA, although it has happened — CJ McCollum has had it twice — and the average missed time is around 26 days and 11 missed games, reports Jeff Stotts of In Street Clothes. The Pistons have 25 days left in their season. It should be noted that's the average, the first time McCollum dealt with this injury, he missed 18 games.
It's a harsh blow for Cunningham and the Pistons, who sit atop the Eastern Conference with 14 games left to play. The Pistons' offense falls off a cliff when Cunningham is not on the court. With Cunningham, they have one of the best offenses in the NBA (121.5 net rating, via basketball-reference.com), but that drops off to 112 without him, which would be bottom five in the league. That said, thanks to their elite defense, the Pistons still have a +2.7 net rating when Cunningham is off the court this season.
Detroit has a 3.5 game lead over Boston for the No. 1 seed in the East, and while that had seemed safe, without Cunningham, that feels like it's in play. The Pistons have a fairly average remaining schedule, with a .502 winning percentage among the remaining teams (via Elias Sports Bureau) and a few tanking teams on the schedule, including the Washington Wizards tonight (Thursday). If Cunningham misses as much time as McCallum did with his first collapsed lung, he could miss all or part of the first round of the playoffs, although ESPN's Charania reports there is "optimism" he would be back for the playoffs.
Cunningham has been mentioned in MVP conversations and very likely was headed toward landing in the top five in MVP voting and first-team All-NBA. Cunningham has played in 60 qualified games this season — it is very possible he does not play in enough games to reach the 65-game threshold set by the league in the latest CBA to qualify for any postseason awards.
While Cunningham is out, look for Marcus Sasser, Daniss Jenkins, and Caris LeVert to do a lot more ball-handling and play-making.
Cavaliers vs Bulls best bet: James Harden Over 20.5 points (-112)
James Harden hasn’t been the same dominant force since coming over to the Cleveland Cavaliers via trade, as he’s sharing the workload with Donovan Mitchell. However, the veteran did just ball out in Tuesday’s win over the Bucks, though, dropping 27.
In fact, Harden has cashed the Over in points in two of his last four appearances, and he already scored 24 against the Bulls earlier in the campaign.
Overall, he’s played much better on the road this season, averaging 26 PPG compared to 21.9 at home.
Covers' NBA player props system projects Harden for 21.2 points, coming in just Over this number.
Cavaliers vs Bulls same-game parlay
Evan Mobley is averaging 8.9 rebounds per night, and he’s cashed the Over in three of his last four. He had 15 rebounds on Tuesday, and he also brought down 11 on Sunday against the Mavericks. Chicago is allowing over 14 boards per night to opposing centers.
Spida had a bit of an off night on Tuesday, with only 19 points, but he hit the Over in three of five contests before that.
Mitchell is averaging 28 PPG overall, and he’s cooked the Bulls to the tune of 30.5 PPG this season.
Cavaliers vs Bulls SGP
James Harden Over 20.5 points
Evan Mobley Over 9.5 rebounds
Donovan Mitchell Over 24.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: The Not-So-Itsy-Bitsy-Spida
Mitchell is averaging 3.3 makes on 9.2 attempts from downtown for a 36.4% clip. He’s cashed the Over in three of his last six, and he’s averaged 4.5 makes from 3-point territory against Chicago this season.
Sam Merrill is a 44.3% shooter from deep, averaging 3.2 makes on 7.2 attempts. He’s also hit the Over in three of six, and went 3-for-8 against Milwaukee.
Cavaliers vs Bulls SGP
James Harden Over 20.5 points
Evan Mobley Over 9.5 rebounds
Donovan Mitchell Over 24.5 points
Donovan Mitchell Over 2.5 made threes
Sam Merrill Over 2.5 made threes
Cavaliers vs Bulls odds
Spread: Cavaliers -13 (-110) | Bulls +13 (-110)
Moneyline: Cavaliers -750 | Bulls +525
Over/Under: Over 241 (-110) | Under 241 (-110)
Cavaliers vs Bulls betting trend to know
The Cleveland Cavaliers have hit the Team Total Over in 14 of their last 18 away games (+9.35 Units / 45% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Bulls.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Bulls
Location
United Center, Chicago, IL
Date
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Ohio, CHSN
Cavaliers vs Bulls latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Detroit Pistons have been atop the Eastern Conference standings for much of the 2025-26 NBA season, and Cade Cunningham's ascension as one of the league's best players is a driving force behind their rise. But the Pistons' run encountered an unexpected setback on Thursday, March 19 with news of a potentially serious injury to Cunningham.
The No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft left the Pistons' game against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday in the first quarter with what the team initially described as back spasms. The official diagnosis appears to be worse, according to a new report, and could jeopardize Cunningham's availability for the postseason.
Here's the latest injury update on Pistons star Cade Cunningham:
No. Cunningham is listed as out when the Pistons face the Washington Wizards again on Thursday, March 19. The NBA's official injury report cited Cunningham as having a left back injury and contusion as of 9:30 a.m. ET.
Cade Cunningham injury report
The Pistons initially said Cunningham left Tuesday's game against the Wizards with back spasms shortly after Washington guard Tre Johnson fell on top of him as the two dove for a loose ball in the first quarter.
By Thursday, however, Cunningham's diagnosis had reportedly changed. Cunningham is dealing with a collapsed lung as a result of the injury, according to ESPN, and he will miss an extended period of time. The team has not yet announced an exact timeline.
Cade Cunningham won’t return tonight due to back spasms. This is the play that took him out pic.twitter.com/Mj5ZHcWL7G
Having appeared in just 61 games this season, Cunningham would not be eligible for all-NBA status or postseason awards if he were to not play again in the regular season. More importantly, the start of the NBA playoffs is less than a month away and it's uncertain if Cunningham will be available.
Bruce Thornton is a rare breed in today's college athletics.
The former four-star point guard has stuck around with Ohio State basketball for four full years despite never sniffing the NCAA Tournament. However, that drought is now over, as Thornton and Buckeyes are the No. 8 seed in the East Regional.
Ohio State takes on Texas Christian in the first-round matchup on Thursday, March 19, with a chance for Thornton to add to his historic career with the Buckeyes. He's already the all-time leading scorer and the second player in Big Ten history with 2,000 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists.
Now the star guard will have a chance to get Ohio State its first tournament win since a 54-41 win over Loyola-Chicago in the 2022 NCAA Tournament.
Heading into March Madness, here's what you need to know about the Ohio State Buckeyes veteran guard:
Bruce Thornton stats
Here’s a look at Thornton's stats from his college career:
2025-26: 20.2 points per game, 3.9 assists per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, 1.2 steals per game, 1.3 turnovers per game, 55.8% on field goals, 40% on 3-pointers, 82.7% on free throws
2024-25: 17.7 points per game, 4.6 assists per game, 3.4 rebounds per game, 1.1 steals per game, 1.5 turnovers per game, 50.1% on field goals, 42.4% on 3-pointers, 85.3% on free throws
2023-24: 15.7 points per game, 4.8 assists per game, 3.7 rebounds per game, 1.2 steals per game, 1.2 turnovers per game, 42.7% on field goals, 33.3% on 3-pointers, 85% on free throws
2022-23: 10.6 points per game, 2.6 assists per game, 2.7 rebounds per game, 0.8 steals per game, 1.3 turnovers per game, 45.6% on field goals, 37.5% on 3-pointers, 72.9% on free throws
Bruce Thornton NBA draft stock, mock draft predictions
Despite a strong collegiate resume, Thornton is not projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. In fact, ESPN has him going near the backend of the second round, if he is selected.
Keaton Wagler is 22 years old. He'll turn 23 on Sept. 14.
What was Bruce Thornton's recruiting ranking?
Stars: 4
National rating: No. 54
Position ranking: No. 10 PG
State ranking: No. 1 player from Georgia
Thornton was a four-star recruit who was rated as the No. 10 point guard and the No. 54 overall prospect nationally in the 2022 class, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.
Where is Bruce Thornton's hometown?
Thornton is from Milton, Georgia. He played at Milton High School and was named the Gatorade Georgia Boys' Basketball Player of the Year in 2022.
The Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs face off for the fourth and final time this season, as familiar Western Conference foes meet at Frost Bank Center tonight.
Phoenix’s offense has been humming, but its defense? Not so much. My Suns vs Spurs predictions expect a high-scoring game in San Antonio as Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Victor Wembanyama, and De’Aaron Fox trade buckets.
Here are my free NBA picks for this offensive-focused matchup on Thursday, March 19.
Suns vs Spurs prediction
Suns vs Spurs best bet: Over 227 (-110)
The absence of Dillon Brooks has weakened the Phoenix Suns’ defense, forcing them to put up more points to keep up.
Devin Booker and Jalen Green have posted elite scoring numbers over their last seven games, leading to a major improvement in the Suns’ offense.
Phoenix ranks 26th in points per game (112.4) and 17th in offensive rating (113.9) on the season, but over the last seven, it's seventh in points (116) and eighth in offensive rating (120.3).
Phoenix’s defensive rating fell to 23rd (119.2) in that span, and the San Antonio Spurs’ fourth-ranked offense will have no problem scoring.
Suns vs Spurs same-game parlay
Booker has averaged 33.9 points per game across his last seven appearances, scoring 28+ six times and finishing with exactly 27 points once more.
Prior to his nine-point dud against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, Green averaged 27.5 points across six games. In that six-game sample, he finished with 22+ points in five games and 21 points in one more.
Suns vs Spurs SGP
Over 227.5
Devin Booker Over 27.5 points
Jalen Green Over 21.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Plenty O' buckets
Victor Wembanyama has averaged 29.1 points across his last seven games, scoring 23+ five times. Without Mark Williams, PHX lacks proper size to contain the French superstar.
De’Aaron Fox scored only 15 points in Tuesday’s blowout victory, snapping a streak of seven straight games with at least 17 points scored.
He logged only 22 minutes in a comfortable win over the Sacramento Kings, but should see more playing time tonight in a more competitive matchup.
Suns vs Spurs SGP
Devin Booker Over 27.5 points
Jalen Green Over 21.5 points
Victor Wembanyama Over 22.5 points
De'Aaron Fox Over 16.5 points
Suns vs Spurs odds
Spread: Suns +10 (-115) | Spurs -10 (-105)
Moneyline: Suns +375 | Spurs -500
Over/Under: Over 227.5 | Under 227.5
Suns vs Spurs betting trend to know
The Phoenix Suns have hit the second-quarter game total Over in 13 of their last 18 away games (+8.40 Units / 40% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Spurs.
How to watch Suns vs Spurs
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
Suns+, FDSN Southwest
Suns vs Spurs latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
If I loan a friend my car, and he returns it with a dent in it, I’m sure we'll bury the hatchet. After all, my car has nearly 140,000 miles on it, and a couple of zip ties are holding my skid plate in place. (As Dave Ramsey would say, that’s better than having a car note.) What’s a dent going to do that I haven’t done already?
If you're my pal and you suck down a few beers too many and make a fool of yourself before crashing on my couch, we’ll have a laugh about it the next day.
Insult my haircut, and we’re all good.
Don’t vote for the same elected officials as I do? That’s OK, because I don’t choose my friends based on how they vote.
Neglect to pay back that $20 I loaned you? I’ll manage. We’ll call it a friend-tax and move on.
Seriously, have we lost all pride in our Nostradamus skills? Surrendered our desire for bragging rights? Lost the urge to shout, “Called it!” and lord our ingenuity over anyone and everyone within earshot, when the 13-seed you picked upsets the No. 4?
Because, if the robot fills out your bracket and happens to pick an upset correctly, you didn’t call squat. Your bot pal did, while your brain hit snooze and your clever streak withered.
Anyway, how sure are you this bot knows ball or understands how points are awarded in your office bracket pool?
Do we trust the bot to spot a Cinderella? I received one email this week from a flack informing me his outfit’s AI product of choice spit out a bracket with four 1-seeds in the Final Four. Well, knock me over with a feather. That’s genius, R2-D2!
No shame in picking the 1-seeds to the Final Four. That would have been a great strategy last year. But, do you really need HAL 9000 to tell you Duke, Arizona, Michigan and Florida are quite good? The little "1" next to their name ought to be a strong hint.
Understand that the bot learns by reading and consuming data, so when you’re using a bot bracket, you’re likely just getting a conglomerate of expert picks and analysis. If you need assistance with your bracket, is it too much to glance at KenPom metrics for 10 minutes that Bot Buddy’s got to do it for you?
If you really need some bracket help and don’t trust your gut, phone a friend. That’s what friends are for, right? That, and looking the other way when you ding their car. Never mind the dent, just tell me all about the 12-seed you picked to reach the Sweet 16.
The Orlando Magic have cooled since a seven-game win streak, and it doesn’t get easier as they visit the Charlotte Hornets tonight.
Charlotte is coming off a demolition of the Heat and could push the Magic out of the Top 6 and into the Play-In realm with a win.
With Orlando’s offense sputtering, my Magic vs Hornets predictions and free NBA picks have the home team taking its third straight over the visitors on Thursday, March 19.
Magic vs Hornets prediction
Magic vs Hornets best bet: Hornets -4 (-110)
The Charlotte Hornets kicked off a season-long seven-game homestand with a 30-point thrashing of Miami, holding it to just 106 points.
The Orlando Magic know that deal. In their last two losses to the Hornets, both by double digits, they’ve scored just 202 total points.
The Magic are feeling the effects of not having Franz Wagner in the lineup against teams that can score.
They’ve been held to an average of 110 in back-to-back losses to the Hawks and Thunder. They also won’t have Anthony Black (abdomen) or Jonathan Isaac (knee).
Charlotte will convincingly make it three straight over Orlando.
Magic vs Hornets same-game parlay
LaMelo Ball just went off for 30 against Miami, and he continues to do damage from the 3-point line. His 4-for-12 effort from deep makes it seven times in eight March games he’s drilled at least four moneyballs.
Kon Knueppel hasn’t done much wrong in his rookie season, but one thing he hasn’t been able to do is get cooking against Orlando. He’s scored 16 points or fewer in all three games against them.
Magic vs Hornets SGP
Hornets -4
LaMelo Ball Over 3.5 made threes
Kon Knueppel Under 18.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Depth Charge
We’ll keep it beyond the arc for this lotto SGP. Brandon Miller has gone 13 straight games with at least two 3-point makes, with at least three hits in eight of those contests.
And despite a recent hot streak, going 9-for-16 from 3-point range the last three games, Miles Bridges is shooting just 31.7% from distance in March, and has made two or fewer 3-pointers in 11 of his last 12 against Orlando.
Magic vs Hornets SGP
Hornets -4
LaMelo Ball Over 3.5 made threes
Kon Knueppel Under 18.5 points
Brandon Miller Over 2.5 made threes
Miles Bridges Uver 1.5 made threes
Magic vs Hornets odds
Spread: Magic +5 (-110) | Hornets -5 (-110)
Moneyline: Magic +175 | Hornets -210
Over/Under: Over 225.5 (-110) | Under 225.5 (-110)
Magic vs Hornets betting trend to know
Charlotte has covered the spread in seven of its last eight vs East opponents. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Hornets.
How to watch Magic vs Hornets
Location
Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Date
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Florida, FDSN Southeast Charlotte
Magic vs Hornets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
When the Knicks added Jordan Clarkson on a veteran’s minimum deal this offseason, it looked like one of their best scoops in recent free agencies. After all, he was just two years removed from averaging 20 points a game, which shortly followed a Sixth Man of the Year campaign.
After expecting a prolific sparkplug scorer off the bench, New York eventually benched Clarkson halfway through the season, not satisfied with his on-and-off offense and vulnerable defense. But head coach Mike Brown has experimented with his rotation all year, and Clarkson stayed professional and ready.
Amid injuries and slow starts to games, Brown recently turned back to Clarkson, and the vet has rewarded his coach. Clarkson went off for 27 points on 10-for-15 shooting in a win against the Jazz and has averaged double-digits in the three games since, returning to his usual playing time.
It’s late in the season for material rotation developments, but with just 12 games left before the postseason, anything can (and will) change in the chase for a championship.
Here’s what Clarkson’s return means for the Knicks and their playoff run...
It’s no secret why Brown turned away from Clarkson when he did. He had averaged 10 points in 20 minutes a night on 51 percent shooting from two and 33 percent from three.
That’s just not enough efficiency from your offense-centric guard, and his play elsewhere didn’t pick up the slack. Clarkson would get roasted defensively, and as often as he got into the paint, he couldn’t draw defensive attention or create great looks for his teammates.
He did have massive moments -- including contributing big buckets on Christmas and securing the Knicks' NBA Cup Championship. But when the team hit a low with a 2-9 skid in January, regressing into one of the worst defenses in the league, Brown had to switch things up.
The hole left by Clarkson was filled up with better-fitting specialists -- Tyler Kolek and his penetration and kick game, Jose Alvarado at the trade deadline, and Mohamed Diawara giving them more size and defense. All have impressed and had their own cold streaks, as they’ve been moved in and out of the rotation like Clarkson.
Dec 25, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson (00) reacts after makes a three point basket during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The benching may have been equally about experimenting as Clarkson’s own play. We saw him get reinserted for a few games in early February before riding the pine yet again.
This latest stint, which he seems ready to keep, couldn’t have come at a better time. Jalen Brunson has been slumping and hurt, Miles McBride is out, and Mikal Bridges hasn’t scored 15 points or more in seven games.
In a funny twist, the Knicks offense has looked much worse than their defense in some games, hence the turn to Clarkson’s score-first attitude. Credit to him for responding so matter-of-fact despite the inconsistent playing time -- the mark of a true pro.
There hasn’t been much of a difference in Clarkson’s approach outside of actually converting his shots. He may just be a player who is valuable when he’s hitting and isn’t when he’s not.
Perhaps that’s the approach Brown will take into the postseason. As he filters guys in and out of the regular-season rotation, they learn to be ready at a moment’s notice to take advantage of a particular matchup or provide a specific need.
Once McBride is healthy, it won’t be easy for Clarkson to find burn, even if he’s percolating and a clear choice over his competitors for minutes. That’s the nature of being a tenth man in an eight-to-nine-man playoff rotation world.
But Clarkson has proven he can step up when needed, even if he isn’t getting the consistent minutes he might want. These March performances may not make headlines like the rest of the year, but they’re setting up a foundation that can help the Knicks achieve their ultimate goal.
Clarkson’s reemergence has been a testament to his professionalism and scoring aptitude, a credit to Brown for doing what he was hired to do, and a major spark during the dog days of the season. Most importantly, it could be key to a Knicks playoff run.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 18: Brice Sensabaugh #28 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 18, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After a three-game roadtrip, the Utah Jazz are returning home to host the Milwaukee Bucks.
Milwaukee has had a tumultuous season. After rumors that star Giannis Antetokounmpo was looking for a new home, trade talks fizzled and nothing materialized. Now the Bucks, 28-40 and in the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference, have found themselves at odds with Antetokounmpo again after he suffered a hyperextended left knee and a bone bruise:
The Milwaukee Bucks want Giannis Antetokounmpo to shut down for the remainder of the season after his latest injury and the team's playoff chances dwindled, but Antetokounmpo has refused the team's requests and wants to play again, sources tell ESPN.
The Bucks have not found their footing after attempting to pair Antetokounmpo with Damian Lillard a couple of seasons ago. Lillard suffered an injury and was dumped to the Portland Trail Blazers for nothing. Kyle Kuzma, an addition the Bucks hoped would bring an additional offensive punch, hasn’t panned out. And the signing of Miles Turner to a four-year, $108 million contract already seems like an overpay.
Regardless, the Jazz must continue their effort to climb up the lottery rankings tonight. Utah is only 2.5 games behind the Sacramento Kings for fourth. Although it is unlikely that Utah leapfrogs the Kings, Sacramento is 5-5 over their last 10.
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 12: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 12, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons are the surprise team of the NBA season. Two years ago, the Pistons won only 14 games. This season, they own the best record in the Eastern Conference at 49-19 overall thanks to the league’s No. 2 defense and the rise of Cade Cunningham as an All-NBA caliber player.
Now the Pistons’ dream season is facing a set back: Cunningham has a collapsed lung, and will miss an “extended period” of time, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania.
Cunningham has emerged as a fringe MVP candidate this season by averaging 24.5 points, 10 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game. He’s also a key part of Detroit’s elite defense, and might be the best defender of any star guard in the league. The 24-year-old was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, and is now fulling living up to the hype that started when he was back in high school.
The Pistons could make the 2026 NBA Finals, but they need Cunningham to do it. A collapsed lung typically has a timeline of anywhere from 3-8 weeks. The NBA Playoffs being April 18.
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 18: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors shares a laugh with former teammate Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the second half at TD Garden on March 18, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
#1 – Kristaps Porzingis felt like home
What a start for a comeback. After showing transparency about how emotional that comeback was for him, KP didn’t lose his focus. As soon as the game started, KP reminded Brad Stevens why he traded for him in the first place. The Latvian big man brought strong rim protection off the jump, blocking two shots back to back.
Quickly after that, he triggered a bomb from deep just like old times, as Neemias Queta was way too low in his positioning against such an elite shooter.
Overall, despite the loss, it was a great night for Kristaps Porzingis, who seems to finally be back in shape and ready to play multiple games in a row – and on top of that, he received a nice standing ovation and video tribute in the first quarter.
It’s been only six games, but the Celtics’ best offensive weapon might already be built around Jayson Tatum and his pick-and-roll game. It is really efficient because it either creates space for JT because of the screen – or the defense will focus on JT and that leaves the roll man open – and if the defense protects both, be sure that #0 will find the open players despite the crowd around him.
Jayson Tatum has been back from 6 games and his pick-and-rolls are already the best Celtics offensive weapon.
The Celtics really wanted to go after the Warriors’ drop coverage. This is one of the reasons why JT is such a valuable ball-handler in pick-and-roll situations. When the defense drops like here with Porzingis, he will pull up from deep with ease.
The Celtics also added a little twist with a Spain pick-and-roll, with Sam Hauser setting a backscreen to free KP. This creates chaos within the Warriors defense, and JT goes to the rim for a layup.
The pick-and-roll keeps on going for Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta, and that could be a game changer for the Celtics’ season.
#3 – Jaylen Brown carried the Celtics early
It’s hard to find a good balance between off-ball threat and ball dominance when you are skilled at both, like Brown. Especially when there are other ball-handlers around him.
Well, in the first quarter, JB found a great equilibrium between drives with force and cutting from behind while the defense was looking somewhere else.
Yet, when he had the ball, things were working pretty well for the Celtics too, as he kept driving on whoever the Warriors were putting on him. On this play, he doesn’t even use the screen from Neemias Queta and bullies two Warriors to find his way to the rim.
Having a force like JB in the post-up and on drives is amazing when a play call doesn’t go as planned. Below, the screens and the cuts from Hugo Gonzalez aren’t enough to create separation from the off-ball movement with Pritchard, so Brown just goes for it.
After a strong start (19 points on nine shots in 12 minutes), Jaylen Brown had more difficulty getting going, but the playmaking from JT and others was enough to finish what he started. His struggles later in the game were also caused by an aggressive Warriors defense that forced him into five turnovers.
#4 – Defenses are becoming more aggressive
This trend is correlated with recent Celtics opponents, but you can see that teams are trying to be more aggressive on the Celtics ball-handlers. Like Phoenix a couple of days ago, the Warriors were willing to commit fouls sometimes so they could generate turnovers. In their rotation concepts too, the Warriors didn’t hesitate to leave a weakside player alone to cut a passing lane.
The Celtics will need to learn from these possessions because there is a pattern. The weakside defender, like Green below, waits until the drive from Brown starts and then goes for it.
Yet, the Warriors also made a lot of fouls because of this level of aggression. For example, with nine minutes left in the 3rd quarter, the Celtics were already in the bonus. On the other side of the court, the Celtics also have some defensive concepts to bother the Warriors.
#5 – A taste of his own medicine
A couple of seasons ago, the Warriors made the bold strategy to leave Jaylen Brown open to start the game – resulting in an absolute massacre, as Brown didn’t let that bother him and kept shooting until the Warriors were forced to adapt. Well, last night it was Draymond Green who was left open from three, and safe to say things didn’t go the same way.
As the game started, the Celtics put Jayson Tatum on Kristaps Porzingis because the Latvian big man wouldn’t be able to post up the big wing. While JT was on KP, Neemias Queta was roaming off Draymond Green. Despite making the first two triples, the Celtics kept the same approach.
This created a wall for the Warriors ball-handler. Like in the clip above, there is no driving lane, and the Warriors are forced into another empty possession with a Draymond Green three.
Beyond that defensive bet they made on the Warriors forward, the Celtics also wanted to test Porzingis’ ability to deal with double teams.
#6 – Sending double on KP
Back in February, the Celtics didn’t hesitate to trap Porzingis when he was posting up a mismatch.
So, coming into the game, the Latvian big man was ready for what could be coming. As he posted up his former teammate Derrick White, he was mindful that the pressure could come from anywhere. Ron Harper Jr. runs toward him, leaving Green alone at the rim for a second, and KP finds him straight away.
So, in the next similar situations, the Celtics were far more careful, using stunts instead of doubling the big man, with the Draymond Green defender always ready to help. A great example of how offenses and defenses learn and adapt to each other in the NBA, even in the regular season.
#7 – Payton Pritchard playmaking
With the high focus the Warriors defense had on the Jays, it was important that someone else could carry the ball and the burden of creation – so PP stepped up when asked to do so. We saw it all season long: Payton’s ability to go anywhere on the court with the ball in his hands thanks to his amazing handle and low center of gravity. With those abilities, he can get to his spot whenever he wants.
As the season unfolds, defenses are more and more inclined to help on his drives. With more responsibilities this year, Pritchard has learned how to better read his plays and use his gravity to find open teammates, like on this play for Luka Garza.
Not only is Pritchard creating for himself, but the Celtics are calling some great actions for him. On this Double Get action, Jayson Tatum is the first screener and Neemias Queta is the ball-handler, ready to hand it off to PP. With the space and Pritchard’s speed, this is really hard to stop for a defense.
#8 – Queta all-around impact
Speaking of Neemias Queta, his impact on this game and on the team’s offense has been really versatile over the last few games. As Joe Mazzulla mentioned when talking about his relationship with Jayson Tatum in the pick-and-roll, the Portuguese big man has made great improvements as a connector.
Like @NIKNBAYT, I loved how much the chemistry in pick-and-roll situations between Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta is building-up every game.
When I asked Joe Mazzulla about it for the @celticsblog, he made a big emphasis on Queta's improvement as a connector.
And it shows in a lot of situations. In this play, Queta runs into the paint after a pindown screen for Jayson Tatum. As he gets the ball on the short roll, he reads the defensive help and swings it to Sam Hauser, open in the corner.
As the season keeps going, the Celtics keep having more guys to build their offense around. Queta is not only impacting the game with his rebounding and screens now. It goes beyond that, as they keep passing and touching the ball a lot more.
#9 – Celtics spacing
Before the game, I asked Steve Kerr about the Celtics offense and the process behind picking the poison between giving the stars isolation or helping and living with the ball movement it creates.
The Golden State Warriors coach explained that beyond the individual talent, what makes it very hard to defend is the spacing in which the Celtics are playing. For him, the Celtics currently have the best spacing in the NBA – which is scary knowing how much talent they lost in the summer.
Yet, with great coaching and smart court geometry, it reminds one of the most efficient teams at the rim, with a 71% field-goal percentage on shots within 4 feet from the basket.
#10 – Legends live forever
It was quite unusual to witness such a giant and charismatic man standing in the middle of the room as we were walking into the press conference room. Everybody seemed to be in awe of that surprise.
Then came an unprepared collective interview with questions about the past and current Celtics. What stood out was the Robert Parish respect and appreciation for Joe Mazzulla and the culture he built with this group.
The other thing that struck me was the stars in the eyes of everyone in the room. It’s rare to be a spectator of such a genuine, cute moment like this one, where everyone seems to be feeling the same admiration for a player. A legend.
Mar 18, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Former Boston Celtics player Robert Parish reacts to the crowd during a break against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images
Boston Celtics legend Robert Parish has kept an eye on the current team from afar. On Wednesday night, he returned to TD Garden for a closer look.
Parish, a four-time NBA champion, nine-time All-Star, and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, has a resume that speaks for itself. He was part of Boston’s iconic 1986 championship team alongside Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Dennis Johnson, and Bill Walton, won three titles with the Celtics, and had his No. 00 jersey retired in 1998.
“Obviously Parish is a legend, so it’s good to see him out there,” Jaylen Brown told reporters, per CLNS Media. “He looked good — looks in great shape — so it’s great to have him around. I haven’t gotten to meet him or talk to him, so hopefully next time he comes back, I’ll make it an emphasis to go say hello.”
Midway through the first quarter, the Celtics played a tribute video for Parish. “Chief” chants immediately broke out, and when the jumbotron camera turned to the now 72-year-old, they grew into a roaring ovation.
Parish turned around and stood with both arms extended toward the thousands in attendance, embracing the crowd and the long-lasting respect he holds within the city.
“It was cool to see him,” Jayson Tatum told reporters, per CLNS Media. “I got a chance to chat with him a bit during warmups before the game — to show my respect. It’s always an honor to see the legends of the game and former players that paved the way for us as NBA players and obviously as Celtics players. So as a team, and as fans in the arena, we love when former players come back to the games.”
Seeing the Celtics of the past is nothing new to Tatum or Brown. Throughout their nearly decade-long run together, the two have been exposed to the organization’s royalty from day one. The late, great Tom Heinsohn served as a color commentator for nearly 40 years before his passing in 2020. Brown has frequently spoken highly of his encounters with Bill Russell before his passing in 2022, and this season, the Jays have watched the likes of Dee Brown, Isaiah Thomas, and Robert Parish be celebrated as part of the team’s “Legendary Moments” campaign.
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 18: Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtic Robert Parish waves to the crowd during the second quarter of the game between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden on March 18, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For a moment, Parish stole the spotlight, even during the awaited return of Kristaps Porziņģis. From the moment Parish stepped foot on the court and made his way to his seat, all eyes were on him.
It made Tatum think back to watching Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett have their jerseys retired and the reception they received. Now, as a champion and a Celtics legend in the making, Tatum has a deeper understanding of every Boston great who walks through the door.
“I was here when Paul got his number retired. I was here for KG,” Tatum told reporters. “Those were two obviously very special moments and special days, and I feel lucky and honored that I was just around and on the team and got to see and witness that.
“Those guys dedicated a lot to the game of basketball, to this organization, so to see them come back on that night — and other times they do come back — receive the welcome and love and appreciation that they earned and deserve, as a player, I understand what they went through and what goes into being an NBA player. So it’s really cool to see other people receive their flowers and witness it.”
When it was time to celebrate Tatum, Brown, and the 2024 champion Celtics, legends came to pay their respects. Pierce, Garnett, Ray Allen, Bob Cousy, and Cedric Maxwell stood by their side as they raised a banner of their own into the rafters and added to the storied history they’ve all helped write. With that torch still in their hands, Tatum and Brown are crafting the latest chapter, turning the once-counted-out Celtics of Opening Night into a title contender and aiming to return to the NBA Finals for the third time in five seasons.
Parish, watching them every step of the way, believes they have what it takes, citing Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla as the main reason.
“They have the right coach in place because that’s where it starts — with the coach,” Parish told reporters pregame, per CLNS Media. “And the team has definitely taken on Joe’s personality — that toughness, grinding it out on both ends of the court — take no prisoners. I like the fact that, another area they mirror us in, they play hard, they play smart, and they play together, and I like that.”
Before Wednesday night, Parish said he and Mazzulla had never spoken. They took a few moments to break the ice and introduce themselves before Mazzulla’s pregame press conference.
“Never met the man, I’m just watching him from afar, and the vibe he’s giving off, seeing him on TV, watching him when I’ve been in the building from afar — he’s serious, and I like that. It kind of reminds me of Bill Fitch. That tough love. I like that.”
With Parish watching, Brown delivered a history-making performance, scoring 32 points against the Warriors and surpassing Celtics great Dave Cowens to move into 10th place on Boston’s all-time scoring list with 13,202 points.
“This job isn’t what it is unless the people before us, who left it better than they found it, who compete at the highest level and made it what it is,” Mazzulla told reporters, per CLNS Media. “So the ability to make history and get into that is the stepping stone of leaving it better than you found it, of setting the standard for what the people before us have come to represent, and it’s something that he takes seriously.”
