Category: Basketball

The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 3 pick will play out with Brooklyn Nets making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Brooklyn Nets 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 3, No. 33 and No. 43 (via LAC)

Brooklyn Nets 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 3 overall, Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

While he is no longer perceived as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick that he once was due to relative inconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators feel that Darryn Peterson is the most talented player in this class. The Nets had the worst offense in the NBA and could change the course of the franchise by selecting Peterson. It is incredibly rare to find a prospect who is able to score as efficiently as Peterson did while holding a usage rate as high as his was this season.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Darryn Peterson player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Kansas
• 19.8 points per game
• 4.4 rebounds per game
• 1.7 assists per game
• 44.2 field goal percentage
• 38.4 three-point field goal percentage

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brooklyn Nets NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 5 pick will play out with Utah Jazz making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Utah Jazz 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 4

Utah Jazz 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 5 overall, Kingston Flemings, G, Houston

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Jazz had the worst defensive rating in the Western Conference and could potentially improve that by selecting Houston freshman Kingston Flemings to join Keyonte George in their backcourt. The All-Big 12 guard has several games when he has recorded at least three steals, notching eight against Arizona State earlier this season. He scored 42 points against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24. Flemings helped lead Houston to the Sweet 16, and with highs as high as his were this season, it will not take long for him to hear his name called on draft night.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Kingston Flemings player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Houston
• 16.4 points per game
• 3.9 rebounds per game
• 5.3 assists per game
• 47.5 field goal percentage
• 39.2 three-point field goal percentage

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Utah Jazz NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 1 pick will play out with Washington Wizards making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Washington Wizards 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 1, No. 51 (via MIN) and No. 60 (via OKC)

Washington Wizards 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 1 overall, AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Wizards finished with the worst record in the NBA and would benefit tremendously from a lottery win. They had the second-worst offense in the league and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner. He emphasized that point during his one game for BYU in March Madness, putting up 35 points and 10 rebounds. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star also had 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10 and averaged a stellar 28.8 points per game over his final 17 appearances.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

AJ Dybantsa player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: BYU
• 25.3 points per game
• 6.7 rebounds per game
• 3.8 assists per game
• 51.3 field goal percentage
• 34.0 three-point field goal percentage

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Washington Wizards NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 10 pick will play out with Milwaukee Bucks making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Milwaukee Bucks 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 10

Milwaukee Bucks 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 10 overall, Mikel Brown Jr., G, Louisville

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Milwaukee Bucks, potentially heading toward an ugly Giannis Antetokounmpo divorce, must simply draft the best player available with whatever pick they have and will likely keep Louisville floor general Mikel Brown Jr. highlighted on their big board. The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and was among the freshmen leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year, per CBB Analytics. Brown was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including 45 points against NC State on Feb. 9, while hitting 10 shots from beyond the arc, before an injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Mikel Brown Jr. player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Louisville
• 18.2 points per game
• 3.3 rebounds per game
• 4.7 assists per game
• 41.0 field goal percentage
• 34.4 three-point field goal percentage

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Milwaukee Bucks NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 24 pick will play out with New York Knicks making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

New York Knicks 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 24, No. 31 (via WAS) and No. 55

New York Knicks 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 24 overall, Chris Cenac Jr., F/C, Houston

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

It was an up-and-down season for former five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American Chris Cenac Jr. at Houston. He did, however, got hot at the perfect time. During his first game in the Big Dance, the big man recorded a season-high 18 rebounds, while also knocking down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal. Then in the Round of 32, he showed off more scoring with some impressive cuts to the basket, dropping 17 points against Texas A&M. He was quieter in the Sweet 16 but still managed 10 rebounds.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Chris Cenac Jr. player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Forward-Center
• Current Team: Houston
• 9.5 points per game
• 7.5 rebounds per game
• 0.8 assists per game
• 49.3 field goal percentage
• 34.5 three-point field goal percentage

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New York Knicks NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 29 pick will play out with Cleveland Cavaliers making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Cleveland Cavaliers 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 29 (via SA)

Cleveland Cavaliers 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 29 overall, Dailyn Swain, G/F, Texas

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason and then leading his team to the Sweet 16, Dailyn Swain became one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball. The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributed a little bit of everything for the Longhorns on both sides of the ball, scoring well both in the paint and on fastbreaks. Another element that is notably compelling is that Swain is efficient one-on-one in isolation against his defenders.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Dailyn Swain player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Guard-Forward
• Current Team: Texas
• 17.7 points per game
• 7.6 rebounds per game
• 3.4 assists per game
• 54.3 field goal percentage
• 34.5 three-point field goal percentage

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cleveland Cavaliers NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 6 pick will play out with Memphis Grizzlies making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Memphis Grizzlies 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 6, No. 16 (via ORL) and No. 32 (via IND)

Memphis Grizzlies 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 6 overall, Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Keep an eye on the Grizzlies as a potential suitor for Yaxel Lendeborg, who showed on his way winning the national championship that he is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. The Big Ten Player of the Year offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. The Grizzlies have selected players with similar trajectories like Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward. They are also not afraid to draft away from consensus and have shown a willingness to pick older, more experiences players like Zach Edey.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Yaxel Lendeborg player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: Michigan
• 17.7 points per game
• 11.4 rebounds per game
• 4.2 assists per game
• 52.2 field goal percentage
• 35.7 three-point field goal percentage

Memphis Grizzlies 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 16 overall, Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Grizzlies will have another first-round pick thanks to the Desmond Bane trade. A few years ago, research indicated that the Grizzlies tend to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. For the second year in a row, the Iowa State forward was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who met many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players who spent many years on their roster. The All-Big 12 forward got injured during the first round of the tournament, but Iowa State still earned a spot in the Sweet 16.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Joshua Jefferson player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: Iowa State
• 16.9 points per game
• 7.6 rebounds per game
• 4.9 assists per game
• 47.0 field goal percentage
• 34.5 three-point field goal percentage

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Memphis Grizzlies NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 8 pick will play out with Dallas Mavericks making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Dallas Mavericks 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 8, No. 30 (via OKC) and No. 47 (via PHX)

Dallas Mavericks 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 8 overall, Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Mavericks had the worst offensive rating in the Western Conference and could benefit from a player like Illinois standout Keaton Wagler. The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role to help the Fighting Illini earn a spot in the Final Four, where he recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds against UConn in the national semifinals. The freshman also dropped 25 points in the Elite Eight. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 39.7 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman, while connecting on as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year has athletic limitations but is a cerebral basketball player who averaged 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Keaton Wagler player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Illinois
• 17.9 points per game
• 4.8 rebounds per game
• 4.4 assists per game
• 44.6 field goal percentage
• 40.2 three-point field goal percentage

Dallas Mavericks 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 30 overall, Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

UConn senior Tarris Reed Jr. helped himself quite a bit during the NCAA tournament en route to an appearance in the national championship game. He recorded four double-doubles during March Madness, notching 31 points and 27 rebounds against Furman. Reed also had 26 points with 9 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals during a win over Duke. Expect him to come into the league and find a role sooner rather than later.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Tarris Reed Jr. player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Center
• Current Team: UConn
• 14.7 points per game
• 9 rebounds per game
• 2.3 assists per game
• 60.7 field goal percentage
• 0.0 three-point field goal percentage

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dallas Mavericks NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 27 pick will play out with Boston Celtics making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Boston Celtics 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 27 and No. 40 (via MIL)

Boston Celtics 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 27 overall, Cameron Carr, G, Baylor

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

One of the players who improved his draft stock the most this season was Baylor junior Cameron Carr. The All-Big 12 wing brings athleticism and shooting and, per Bart Torvik, he was the only player to make at least 40 field goals that were dunks and more than 60 field goals that were 3-pointers this season. Baylor outscored opponents by an additional 28.5 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor relative to when he was not, via CBB Analytics, which ranked as the fourth-most of any high-major player in the NCAA.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Cameron Carr player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Baylor
• 19.2 points per game
• 5.5 rebounds per game
• 2.7 assists per game
• 51.0 field goal percentage
• 39.4 three-point field goal percentage

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Boston Celtics NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 28 pick will play out with Minnesota Timberwolves making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Minnesota Timberwolves 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 28 (via DET) and No. 59 (via SA)

Minnesota Timberwolves 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 28 overall, Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Stanford freshman Ebuka Okorie is an interesting early entry candidate in the 2026 NBA Draft. The first-team All-ACC guard was a day-one starter in the NCAA who is potentially capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the Timberwolves. He averaged 23.2 points per game, recording 40 points against conference rival Virginia Tech and seven other games with at least. 30points. Okorie could also return to school but should earn serious first-round buzz if he turns pro.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Ebuka Okorie player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Stanford
• 23.2 points per game
• 3.6 rebounds per game
• 3.6 assists per game
• 46.5 field goal percentage
• 35.4 three-point field goal percentage

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota Timberwolves NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 23 pick will play out with Philadelphia 76ers making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Philadelphia 76ers 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 23 (via HOU)

Philadelphia 76ers 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 23 overall, Allen Graves, F, Santa Clara

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

One of the most under-the-radar prospects in all of college basketball this season was Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves, who was nearly a March Madness hero. It was hard not to notice the WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year after he scored 30 points with 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals Feb. 7 against Washington State. The only players under 21 years old who held a higher box plus-minus, via Bart Torvik, were Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. He declared early entry for the 2026 NBA Draft but also entered his name in the transfer portal.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Allen Graves player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: Santa Clara
• 11.6 points per game
• 6.5 rebounds per game
• 1.8 assists per game
• 51.7 field goal percentage
• 41.6 three-point field goal percentage

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Philadelphia 76ers NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 22 pick will play out with Atlanta Hawks making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Atlanta Hawks 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 7 (via NOP), No. 22 (via CLE) and No. 57 (via BOS)

Atlanta Hawks 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 7 overall, Darius Acuff Jr., G, Arkansas

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Hawks need a guard like Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. after trading away Trae Young, using a first-round pick they received from the Pelicans. En route to the Sweet 16, the SEC Player of the Year proved he is one of the most enticing offensive prospects in recent memory. Acuff Jr. led the nation for points created (1,394) either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics. He led freshmen for field goals made in transition (72) and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. He was among the freshmen leaders in alley-oop assists (17) as well. He has significant defensive deficiencies but playing alongside Dyson Daniels would help cover that problem.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Darius Acuff Jr. player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Arkansas
• 22.9 points per game
• 3.2 rebounds per game
• 6.5 assists per game
• 48.6 field goal percentage
• 44.5 three-point field goal percentage

Atlanta Hawks 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 22 overall, Patrick Ngongba II, C, Duke

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Many teams might benefit from a big like Patrick Ngongba II, who is an above-average passer for his position. His assist rate is the highest among underclassmen listed at 6-foot-11 or taller, per Bart Torvik, and he is at the top of his game when passing to a driving perimeter player. The big man, who helped Duke earn a spot in the Elite Eight, is a big-bodied prospect who can carve out space as one of the more prolific cutters in college basketball. He is on an encouraging development track, displaying legitimate year-over-year improvement from his freshman to sophomore campaign.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Patrick Ngongba II player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Center
• Current Team: Duke
• 10.7 points per game
• 6 rebounds per game
• 1.9 assists per game
• 60.2 field goal percentage
• 27.6 three-point field goal percentage

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Hawks NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 13 pick will play out with Miami Heat making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Miami Heat 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 13 and No. 41 (vis GS)

Miami Heat 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 13 overall, Koa Peat, F, Arizona

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Miami Heat have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Arizona forward Koa Peat will probably have some appeal to the organization. Peat is an ideal match for this franchise given his versatility as a playmaking forward. Arizona played at a significantly faster pace (3.9 extra possessions) when Peat was on the floor relative to when he was not, per CBB Analytics, which would fit very well with Miami's fastest-paced offense in the NBA. The All-Big 12 forward just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Koa Peat player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: Arizona
• 13.6 points per game
• 5.3 rebounds per game
• 2.7 assists per game
• 53.7 field goal percentage
• 31.6 three-point field goal percentage

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami Heat NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

Golden State Warriors (37-45, 10th in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (42-40, ninth in the Western Conference)

Inglewood, California; Wednesday, 10 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Clippers -5; over/under is 220.5

PLAY-IN GAME: The Clippers and Warriors meet with the winner advancing to play for the eighth seed.

BOTTOM LINE: The Los Angeles Clippers host the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Playoffs Play-In Tournament. The winner moves on in the tournament to play for the eighth seed in the Western Conference Playoffs.

The Clippers have gone 10-6 against division opponents. Los Angeles ranks last in the Western Conference recording 40.6 rebounds per game led by Kawhi Leonard averaging 6.4.

The Warriors are 24-28 in Western Conference play. Golden State has a 5-6 record in one-possession games.

The Clippers' 12.4 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.5 fewer made shots on average than the 12.9 per game the Warriors give up. The Warriors average 15.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.4 more made shots on average than the 13.3 per game the Clippers give up.

TOP PERFORMERS: Leonard is averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals for the Clippers. Darius Garland is averaging 17.0 points over the last 10 games.

Stephen Curry is scoring 26.6 points per game and averaging 3.6 rebounds for the Warriors. Brandin Podziemski is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Clippers: 6-4, averaging 113.9 points, 41.0 rebounds, 23.4 assists, 8.8 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.8 points per game.

Warriors: 3-7, averaging 111.4 points, 40.3 rebounds, 27.5 assists, 8.2 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.3 points.

INJURIES: Clippers: Isaiah Jackson: out (ankle), Yanic Konan Niederhauser: out for season (foot), Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), Kawhi Leonard: day to day (ankle).

Warriors: Quinten Post: out (foot), Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), LJ Cryer: out (ankle), Moses Moody: out for season (knee), Draymond Green: day to day (back).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Portland Trail Blazers (42-40, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (45-37, seventh in the Western Conference)

Phoenix; Tuesday, 10 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Suns -3.5; over/under is 217.5

PLAY-IN GAME: The Suns and Trail Blazers meet to decide the seventh seed in the Western Conference.

BOTTOM LINE: The Phoenix Suns host the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA Playoffs Play-In Tournament. The winner secures the seventh seed in the Western Conference Playoffs.

The Suns are 29-23 in Western Conference games. Phoenix averages 112.6 points and has outscored opponents by 1.5 points per game.

The Trail Blazers are 29-23 in conference games. Portland is 23-18 in games decided by 10 or more points.

The Suns average 14.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.3 more made shots on average than the 12.5 per game the Trail Blazers allow. The Trail Blazers average 14.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.3 more made shots on average than the 12.2 per game the Suns give up.

TOP PERFORMERS: Royce O'Neale is scoring 9.8 points per game and averaging 4.8 rebounds for the Suns. Devin Booker is averaging 23.8 points and 2.8 rebounds over the last 10 games.

Donovan Clingan is averaging 12.1 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks for the Trail Blazers. Deni Avdija is averaging 24.5 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 5-5, averaging 115.1 points, 44.2 rebounds, 24.0 assists, 7.8 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.1 points per game.

Trail Blazers: 7-3, averaging 118.3 points, 46.3 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 9.4 steals and 6.7 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.2 points.

INJURIES: Suns: Collin Gillespie: day to day (shoulder), Grayson Allen: day to day (hamstring), Devin Booker: day to day (ankle), Mark Williams: day to day (foot), Royce O'Neale: day to day (knee), Jalen Green: day to day (knee), Jordan Goodwin: day to day (ankle), Dillon Brooks: day to day (hand).

Trail Blazers: Jerami Grant: day to day (calf), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.