The Toronto Raptors have put together a much-needed three-game winning streak, thanks in part to a red-hot Brandon Ingram.
But the Raps will need him to stay hot if they want to keep up with Nikola Jokic and the high-powered Denver Nuggets offense.
My Raptors vs. Nuggets predictions expect a tight battle, meaning this spread is just a little too big.
That and more NBA picks for this matchup set to tip off at 9:00 pm ET at Ball Arena in Denver, on Friday, March 20.
Raptors vs Nuggets prediction
Raptors vs Nuggets best bet: Raptors +7 (-110)
Brandon Ingram has been a big part of the Toronto Raptors' win streak, putting up 36, 34, and 18 points while shooting nearly 60% from the floor.
He and the Raptors should keep putting in work against a Denver Nuggets defense that ranks 21st in defensive rating.
Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are tough to stop, but Toronto’s eighth-ranked defense should be able to keep this game competitive.
The Raptors will likely do what they always do: give fans hope they can win before giving it away late. Even so, that’s likely enough to cover a 7-point spread.
Raptors vs Nuggets same-game parlay
Ingram has topped this number in three of his last four games, and the only reason he didn’t in the Raptors’ last game was that they were beating the Chicago Bulls so badly he didn’t need to play much late.
The other way the Raptors stay competitive in this game is by moving the ball. Toronto has one of the highest assist rates in the NBA, while Denver ranks 21st in opponent assists per possession.
I’m taking Scottie Barnes Over 4.5 assists. He averages 5.1 per game, and dished out 10 times the last time the Raptors played the Nuggets.
Raptors vs Nuggets SGP
Raptors +7
Brandon Ingram Over 21.5 points
Scottie Barnes Over 4.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dino Dimes
Passing the ball will be the key to the Raptors keeping this game close, so let's jump on them to dish out the dimes.
Raptors vs Nuggets SGP
Scottie Barnes Over 4.5 assists
Brandon Ingram Over 3.5 assists
Immanuel Quickley Over 6.5 assists
Jamal Shead Over 4.5 assists
Raptors vs Nuggets odds
Spread: Raptors +7 | Nuggets -7
Moneyline: Raptors +220 | Nuggets -270
Over/Under: Over 238.5 | Under 238.5
Raptors vs Nuggets betting trend to know
The Nuggets have only covered the 2H spread in nine of their last 30 home games (-15.07 Units / -43% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Nuggets.
How to watch Raptors vs Nuggets
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Friday, March 20, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
SN, ALT2
Raptors vs Nuggets latest injuries
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After Allen Graves hit a go-ahead 3-pointer for Santa Clara with 2.4 seconds left, Broncos coach Herb Sendek tried to call a timeout, likely wanting to set up his defense for Kentucky's last shot. While the CBS broadcast caught it, the referees didn't appear to see it and didn't award the timeout.
Kentucky's Otega Oweh instead hit a stunning 3-point buzzer beater from the March Madness logo to force overtime. While there's no telling if that happens or not if Santa Clara got its timeout, the Broncos could have had a chance to defend the final play more efficiently.
"Well, I unequivocally called timeout. But they didn't grant it," Sendek said. "I think the video evidence is clear, and anybody is able to pull it up. So, you know, is a likely response after Allen hits the three that the coach would be calling timeout to set the defense, which I tried to do, and I was successful in doing, other than it wasn't acknowledged or recognized. So that's what happened."
CBS studio analyst Bruce Pearl said Sendek could have gone slightly on the court to alert the officials, but one of them should've noticed the call.
With the Wildcats up by two points in the final minute of overtime, they were able to block a potential game-tying shot from Santa Clara's Sash Gavalyugov, leading to a loose ball. Oweh grabbed it and threw it ahead to Brandon Garrison for the dunk to make it a two-possession game and get the distance it needed for the win.
A replay of the play appeared to show Oweh took more than two steps without dribbling the ball, which should result in a travel. On the CBS broadcast, play-by-play man Spero Dedes said rules analyst Gene Steratore told them Oweh should have been called for traveling.
The controversial no call did have an effect, with the Wildcats winning 89-84.
Otega Oweh travel reactions
People on social media believed officials cost Santa Clara a huge March Madness upset. Here's a sampling of some reactions:
That’s wild, Santa Clara calls timeout but the ref ignores it.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 19: Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 19, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Julian Champagnie is having a career year and has been one of the steady role players who have helped the San Antonio Spurs have their best season since 2016-17. He’s come a long way since going undrafted in 2022 and being waived as a rookie, serving as another example of a player development system that works.
He’s in his fourth season, averaging the fifth-most minutes per game on the team (27.8), and his style as a knockdown shooter fits anywhere. Still, he’s more than that as 31.7 percent of his shots are two-pointers, he rebounds well and he is not a liability on defense. Don’t forget that he’s been a key piece of the team’s most-used lineup this season: the one including De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Victor Wembanyama and Champagnie, is the 16th most-used lineup in the league.
It says a lot about his basketball character that he’s a necessity on a contender. Being a seamless fit with the starters has made it possible for the team to preserve the talents of veteran Harrison Barnes. This all begs the question, where would Champagnie go in a re-draft?
He was once asked to assess his game before becoming a pro and he said, “I kind of fill roles on the court.” He elaborated a bit, saying he was more of a shooter than his brother Justin, who prefers to play the power game.
His production mirrors that of a mid-to-late first-round pick, which aligns with where I predict he would go if it was redone today, which is 17th. He is third in made 3-pointers, fifth in effective field goal percentage (55.9), 12th in points and 16th in rebounds in his draft class. All of this makes him more reliable and impactful than 70 percent of the picks, aside from him being an excellent mover without the ball.
When examining further, Andrew Nembhard and Ryan Rollins were the only second-rounders chosen that can be definitively taken over Champagnie since they are better scorers. Still, for the purpose of this exercise, they were re-slotted into the top seven and 14, leaving no one in round two more productive than Champagnie. To boot, anyone who has earned a starting rotation spot brings value that it way above a second-rounder.
Moreover, he’s one of the most lethal shooters in the NBA when given space, making 47.6 percent of wide-open 3-point shots, which NBA describes as having six feet or more of space. Of course, he’s in the perfect situation being next to two great penetrators and a control tower who does it all, and lots of his shots come from a pass to the corner/wing or one outside following an offensive rebound. He also does a good job of getting open in transition, helping the team with unscripted plays that do lots of damage. In many ways, Champagnie is a security blanket.
His marksmanship set a franchise record, making 11 3-pointers on Dec. 31 against the New York Knicks. Stephen Curry and Trey Murphy III are the only players to have made more in a game this season (12).
He is averaging more minutes than 18 2022 first-rounders and is sixth in total minutes. Even being older by modern standards, debuting his career at age 21, shouldn’t have made him fall so much on draft night. Quality players slipping through the cracks happens more often than it should.
The next step for him is to improve his passing out of a two-man action. He’s not catching opponents by surprise anymore, so adding the slip-back pass to prevent a trap on a dribble handoff would be useful.
Finding players like him, and signing them for the low, can make a significant difference for a team’s flexibility. Just for perspective, the Miami Heat drafted Nikola Jović 27th in 2022 and paid him based on potential with a four-year extension worth $62.4 million. He was one of the 12 players from the 2022 draft who got a new deal before the season and, sadly for them, he’s barely an NBA player with availability issues, making his contract unmovable for now.
The Spurs are in the opposite situation with Champagine. I’m not saying the Spurs were scheming for a trade at the deadline, but if they wanted to make a splash, opposing squads would have presumably demanded that he be included in the deal because his production so much outweighs his $3 million salary.
Another one of the valuable things he does well is screen for his teammates. Granted, some of those are ghost screens, but he is third behind Luke Kornet and Wembanyama in screen assists and screen assist points on the team. This hustle extends to the other side since he is second in the league among forwards in defensive loose balls recovered. His 6’ 10 wingspan helps him track those down as well as when closing out to shooters.
Kentucky basketball looked to be on its way to a first-round upset in the Men's NCAA Tournament when 10-seed Santa Clara was up by three with 2.4 seconds remaining in the second half.
Otega Oweh wasn't ready to head home, however, as he hit a game-tying 3-pointer from the logo to tie the game at 73-73 to send it to overtime. He then delivered a dagger in overtime with a pair of free throws to send the 7-seeded Wildcats into the second round of March Madness.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 19: Sons of Dell Curry, Stephen and Seth Curry watch the jersey retirement celebration with family during halftime of a basketball game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic at Spectrum Center on March 19, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 David Jensen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors were well represented in Charlotte on Thursday night — not for a game, but for a moment in history.
NBA legend Dell Curry had his No. 30 jersey officially retired by the Charlotte Hornets, cementing his place within the franchise after spending 10 seasons playing for the team from 1988 to 1998.
"I cannot explain how grateful, blessed, and fortunate I am to be here in this moment."
Dell’s sons, Stephen Curry and Seth Curry, were both in attendance, turning the ceremony into a full-circle moment for one of basketball’s most iconic families. Seth Curry — a former Hornet himself — spoke during the ceremony, reflecting on the meaning of the No. 30 jersey and what it represents as the last player to wear that number for the organization.
A special father-son connection between Seth and Dell Curry that will live on in Charlotte Hornets history forever 🤝 pic.twitter.com/1IqY9sqJcP
The No. 30, of course, later became synonymous with greatness worldwide through Steph Curry’s rise with Golden State. But as Steph shared after the celebration, that legacy started long before the Bay — beginning in Charlotte with his father.
"Basketball has been in our family, its the family legacy."
Steph on what Dell's jersey retirement last night means to his family and the impact his dad has had on him as a player! pic.twitter.com/p8Yv2roZQV
Dell shared that Steph already had asked him if he’d make an exception to wear No. 30 should the Warriors star leave Golden State for Charlotte, to which Steph further detailed the reasoning behind the conversation.
“You always keep your options open,” Curry said on WSOC-TV. “I know what that means when you get your jersey retired, it’s immortalized. Nobody should be able to touch it, but yeah. I’m sure he’d be able to make a special exception if that was the case.”
Curry couldn’t help but grin and even chuckle while responding.
As Kerr looks back with the benefit of even more perspective, he does so with empathy for the situation. The Warriors drafted the then-18-year-old Kuminga with the seventh pick in the 2021 Draft.
“I think this is part of the modern NBA,” Kerr said. “You’re getting guys who are so inexperienced. I will tell you, the optimal circumstance for JK when he entered the NBA would have been to go to a bad team. Instead, he came to a championship team. But the way to develop in this league is to play 30, 35 minutes every night, make your mistakes, learn from your mistakes, grow, be able to do it out of the spotlight. And he wasn’t able to do any of those things (here), and I recognize that. That’s why I’m really hoping that the change in scenery will be what he needed.”
Milwaukee Bucks co-owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam told ESPN in a joint 90-minute interview that they will decide the path to take with their two-time MVP together, and the most important factor will be whether Antetokounmpo signs the four-year, $275 million extension he is eligible to receive on Oct. 1.
“Giannis is going into the last year [of his contract],” said Edens, the team’s controlling owner until April 2028. “So one of two things will happen: Either he will be extended or he’ll be traded.”
“The likelihood you’ll let him just kind of play out the last year, we can’t afford that. It’s not consistent with what’s good for the organization. That’s not a Giannis issue. That’s any player that’s in their last year.”
It's the first 60-PT game for a Lakers player since Kobe Bryant scored 60 PTS in his final NBA game on April 13, 2016 vs the Jazz. pic.twitter.com/6lf8h82phH
While the team maintained hope that Moody’s on-court workouts and new left-handed shooting stroke could get him back on the court for their six-game road trip, it turns out that playing NBA basketball with one hand is quite difficult, especially when it’s not Moody’s dominant hand.
A post to end the week:
"So we should just quit? What is the point of what we're doing? It's competition…Every opportunity you have to make the playoffs, you want it because you always have a chance." 🔥
Our NBA player prop projections are back for tonight’s primetime matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons, and the model has already identified several standout opportunities.
After breaking down the data and comparing our projections with the current market lines, we’ve pinpointed the spots offering the strongest betting value.
These Warriors vs. Pistons predictions aren’t based on gut instinct — they’re driven by the numbers.
If you’re building your betting card, these are the model’s top NBA picks for Friday, March 20.
Warriors vs Pistons computer picks for March 20
Warriors
Pistons
Porziņģis u17.5 points -120
Duren u23.5 points -112
Green o5.5 rebounds +105
LeVert u3.5 assists -105
Podziemski o1.5 3-pointers -140
Thompson o6.5 rebounds +105
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Warriors computer picks
Kristaps Porziņģis Under 17.5 points (-120)
Projection: 16.1 points
The Golden State Warriors have been the ninth-lowest scoring road offense this season and have also played at the third-slowest pace among visiting teams over their last five games.
That combination could limit scoring opportunities for Kristaps Porzingis, supporting the Under on his 17.5-point line—a number he’s fallen short of in eight of his last 10 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet PORZINGIS Now at bet365!/span
Draymond Green Over 5.5 rebounds (+105)
Projection: 6.2 rebounds
The Warriors have been the top offensive rebounding team on the road over their last five games, creating added opportunities on the glass.
That should benefit Draymond Green, who has gone Over his 5.5 rebound line in six of his last 10 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet green Now at bet365!/span
Brandin Podziemski Over 1.5 3-pointers (-140)
Projection: 2.2 3-pointers
Brandin Podziemski has cleared the 1.5 made threes line in six of his last 10 games largely due to his evolving role within the Warriors’ offense.
If the Warriors continue to draw help defenders from the Detroit Pistons and kick the ball out, he’ll be in position to capitalize and knock down multiple threes once again.
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Pistons computer picks
Jalen Duren Under 23.5 points (-112)
Projection: 20.0 points
The Pistons could see fewer possessions in this matchup, facing one of the league’s slowest-paced road offenses in the Warriors over the last five games.
That reduced tempo may limit Jalen Duren’s chances to pile up stats, making the Over a tougher ask tonight.
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Caris LeVert Under 3.5 assists (+105)
Projection: 3.4 assists
The Pistons are likely to see fewer possessions in this matchup, facing one of the league’s slowest-paced road offenses in the Warriors over the last five games.
That reduced tempo could limit Caris LeVert’s playmaking opportunities, aligning with the Under on his 3.5 assist line—a number he’s fallen short of in nine of his last 10 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet levert Now at bet365!/span
Ausar Thompson Over 6.5 rebounds (+105)
Projection: 6.5 rebounds
Offensive rebounds extend possessions and create extra chances for scoring and assists, and the Pistons have led the league with 14.5 offensive boards per game over their last 15 contests.
That added volume should benefit Ausar Thompson, who has gone Over his 6.5 rebound line in four of his last 10 games.
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How to watch Warriors vs Pistons tonight
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Friday, March 20, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports Bay Area, Detroit SportsNet
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.
ST. LOUIS — The standout game of the morning session needed five more minutes to finish Friday, as No. 7 Kentucky fended off No. 10 Santa Clara, 89-84, in an overtime classic extended into the extra period by Otega Oweh’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer.
A game that delivered perhaps the moment of the first round of this year’s NCAA Tournament set a high bar for excitement here in St. Louis.
Here are three reasons why:
Broncos navigate rocky first half
Santa Clara (26-9) battled early against Kentucky’s length and reach, particularly at the offensive end. Herb Sendek’s team struggled to manufacture quality offensive possessions, at times flirting with fading away from their first-round matchup here in the Gateway City.
But one of the country’s best rebounding teams locked in defensively, cleaned the glass with the same intention as its SEC counterpart and weathered that storm.
By halftime, no one was shooting the ball particularly well, but Santa Clara had managed to drag the Wildcats into a defensive struggle.
Despite foul trouble that limited dynamic freshman Allen Graves, the Broncos nursed a hard-earned halftime lead, 31-29, into the locker room, in front of an outnumbered but enthusiastic band of Santa Clara fans making the trip east.
Sash Gavalyugov arrives
With Graves quieted by fouls, and Kentucky doing the same defensively to Christian Hammond, Santa Clara’s leading scorer, the Broncos turned to Sash Gavalyugov. The Villanova transfer from Bulgaria answered that need time and again.
In the flow of the offense or against isolated defenders, Gavalyugov poured in 16 crucial points, hitting important shots either side of the deficit.
When Otega Oweh (35 points, 28 after halftime) came alive after the break and injected life into Kentucky’s offense, it was often Gavalyugov answering that momentum. And when the Wildcats (22-13) left gaps in transition or in the halfcourt, Gavalyugov took advantage.
Together with leading scorer Elijah Mahi (20 points, five rebounds), the former Villanova Wildcat kept swinging back every time Kentucky looked like pulling away. As the second half wore on, survival began turning into threat. Santa Clara transformed from the chaser to the chased, leading by four at the under-8 timeout.
Otega Oweh’s excellence saves the day
No player quite defined the second half like Kentucky’s leading scorer.
Good in the first half, Otega Oweh was borderline unplayable in the second. He scored those aforementioned points every way imaginable, adding eight rebounds and seven assists as he pulled Santa Clara’s defense back and forth on a string. Corner 3s, finishing through contact, transition dimes — Oweh’s fingerprints were all over the game by the time it reached full boil inside the final two minutes.
He hit no more important shot the last one of regulation. With just more than two seconds left and no timeouts to set up anything more structured, Oweh let fly a running 3-pointer just moments after Allen Graves’ own 3 had given Santa Clara the lead.
Oweh’s answer banked in off the glass, drawing a roar from the Enterprise Center and sending the game of the afternoon session into overtime.
There, the Wildcats eventually pulled ahead for good following a pair of crucial blocks. Twice, Gavalyugov tried to answer with stepback 3s, and twice, Brandon Garrison blocked him, opening a door to the second round the Wildcats gladly walked through.
Fittingly, they sealed their win thanks to Oweh’s free throws — no player so defined the game as the senior from New Jersey.
Santa Clara's Allen Graves gave the Broncos a 73-70 lead with 2.4 seconds left, which looked like enough to seal the win. However, Oweh received the ensuing inbounds pass and ran up to the March Madness logo, rising for a deep 3-pointer that clanked off the backboard through the net to tie the game at 73-73 to send the game to overtime.
Oweh, the SEC Player of the Year last season, saved his career-best performance for the perfect time against Santa Clara. The senior guard scored a career-high 35 points in the 89-84 overtime win, while racking up eight rebounds and seven assists with a block and a steal. It was an historic performance, as Oweh is only the second player since Larry Bird in 1979 to record at least 35 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in an NCAA Tournament game, according to CBS Sports Research.
"I was trying to get as close as possible to make the shot," Oweh said on the CBS postgame broadcast. "I don't know, it just went in. It's March Madness, that's the type of vibe it is, I ain't even gonna lie."
Santa Clara coach Herb Sendek was shown on the broadcast attempting to call a timeout after Graves' 3-pointer, which would've given the Broncos a chance to set up for the final inbounds play. However, Oweh was able to get momentum down the floor after catching the pass, which ultimately led to Kentucky's win.
Santa Clara's 3-point shooting kept it in the game, as the Broncos made 11 3-pointers to overcome its size disadvantage against Kentucky. Elijah Mahi led the way for the Broncos, scoring 20 points with five rebounds.
But it was Oweh again in overtime who sealed the win for Kentucky, with four crucial points and another assist in the extra period.
Kentucky now looks forward to its second-round matchup against the winner of No. 2 seed Iowa State and No. 15 East Tennessee State, and hopes to reach the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season.
The Wildcats will certainly have a chance to do so, especially if Oweh shows up like he did against Santa Clara.
"That's what March is though," Oweh said. "All the best games happen at this time of the year. It was a blast, I was just glad we got to pull it out."
The Boston Celtics are massive 15.5-point favorites for tonight’s road game against the banged-up Memphis Grizzlies.
While I don’t think Memphis has much of a shot in this one, my Celtics vs. Grizzlies predictions explain why their offense can do enough for us to attack the total.
That and more NBA picks for this matchup set to tip off at 8:00 pm ET at the FedExForum in Memphis on Friday, March 20.
They rank second in offensive rating. That’s not great for the Memphis Grizzlies. Not only are they banged up, but they have the fourth-worst defensive rating since the All-Star break.
But while Memphis isn’t winning much and doesn’t play defense, they’ve been scrappy on offense thanks to guys like Ty Jerome and GG Jackson.
The Grizz are a respectable 15th in offensive rating over that stretch, and it's a big reason why the Over is 15-7 in their last 22 games.
Celtics vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
Some might have worried that Payton Pritchard’s production might take a dip with the return of Tatum, but he’s scored 18 or more points in five of his last eight games.
And he could get a great run against an overmatched Memphis team.
With all their injuries, the Grizzlies have been short on guys who can get buckets. Then Ty Jerome returned to the lineup at the end of January.
The Grizz shooting guard is averaging 20.7 points while shooting 42.5% from 3-point range over the 13 games he’s played since his return and has topped this number 10 times.
Celtics vs Grizzlies SGP
Over 229
Payton Pritchard Over 16.5 points
Ty Jerome Over 18.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Scoring Bonanza!
There will be plenty of points in Memphis tonight, so why not add the red-hot Jaylen Brown to the mix?
Celtics vs Grizzlies SGP
Jaylen Brown Over 25.5 points
Payton Pritchard Over 16.5 points
Ty Jerome Over 18.5 points
Cam Spencer Over 9.5 points
Celtics vs Grizzlies odds
Spread: Celtics -15 | Grizzlies +15
Moneyline: Celtics -1200 | Grizzlies +750
Over/Under: Over 229 | Under 229
Celtics vs Grizzlies betting trend to know
The Over is 15-7 in the Grizzlies' last 22 games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Celtics vs Grizzlies
Location
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Date
Friday, March 20, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSB, FDSN SE-MEM
Celtics vs Grizzlies 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.
In head-to-head leagues, it all comes down to the weekend. You can have a comfortable lead in multiple categories or by a bunch of points, but if you don’t make the most of the weekend, you can walk out with a loss.
13 teams play twice this weekend, including the Hawks, Celtics, Nets, Nuggets, Warriors, Rockets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Knicks, Suns, Trail Blazers, Raptors and Wizards. Prioritize those teams if you’re looking to maximize your games played. The Bulls are the only team that doesn’t have a game this weekend. If you’re in your fantasy championship, feel free to drop your Bulls!
That’s often what it comes down to in standard points and category leagues, but that’s not always the case. Leagues with some sort of games cap or best ball formats like Yahoo!’s High Score leagues aren’t just looking for volume, though having two chances at a big night is a good strategy in best ball leagues.
With Anthony Edwards (knee) sidelined for at least a few more games, Dosunmu should be considered a must-start player regardless of the matchup. As a starter over the last two games, he has averaged 21.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.0 triples per game. Dosunmu has been a strong trade deadline addition for Minnesota, and he should help them make a run in the postseason. For now, he’s going to help keep them afloat in the standings while Edwards gets healthy.
Guards:
Collin Gillespie, Phoenix Suns
Gillespie has been fantastic for most of the year for the Suns, and he should be in for a productive weekend with the Bucks on the schedule. Milwaukee has been one of the worst defensive teams in the league as of late, and Gillespie just had 24 points, six assists and two steals in Thursday’s loss. He should be in for another strong outing as they try to end this losing streak.
CJ McCollum, Atlanta Hawks
McCollum was sent to Atlanta as part of the Trae Young trade, and while his tenure with the team started off shaky, he has been an excellent fill-in and veteran scorer for this young team. They take on the Rockets and Warriors this weekend, and both teams have really struggled on the defensive end in recent weeks. McCollum should be in for a productive weekend.
Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
Houston has struggled recently, but one thing has become clear: Sheppard’s production off the bench is important to this team. This weekend, they play the Hawks and Heat, two teams that have played at an incredibly fast pace all season long. That should mean extra shots for Sheppard, and hopefully extra steals as they look to get back on track as a team after losing three of their last four games.
Forwards:
Josh Minott, Brooklyn Nets
With Michael Porter Jr. sidelined for the rest of the season, Minott should continue to produce for Brooklyn. Over his last three appearances, Minott has averaged 15.7 points, 2.0 steals, 1.3 blocks and 3.0 three-pointers per game. The Knicks game on Friday is a tough matchup, but Sunday’s game is against the Kings, who have been playing at a fast pace as of late. Sacramento has been better defensively, but this will be an important game for lottery odds, meaning the rotations may look a bit different.
Taylor Hendricks, Memphis Grizzlies
Hendricks may not have figured things out in Utah, but it appears that the Grizzlies have gotten a steal. Over his last six games, he has averaged 13.2 points, 2.2 steals, 1.7 blocks and 1.7 triples per game. This weekend, they have a tough back-to-back, but that means limited availability for the rest of the rotation. GG Jackson is doubtful for Friday’s game, so Hendricks could make a return to the starting lineup. Regardless, he’ll play big minutes and provide production on both ends.
Gui Santos, Golden State Warriors
Santos remains a fixture of this list despite some tough matchups. With Stephen Curry (knee) still out, he’s simply too important to this team to not have in the lineup. He has averaged 17.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game over the past two weeks and should be rostered as long as Curry is out.
Centers:
Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics
Queta has been fantastic all season, and on Friday, he gets matched up with the Grizzlies. Memphis hasn’t had a healthy center recently, which has resulted in them being the worst rebounding team in the league as of late. Sunday’s matchup against Minnesota isn’t as favorable, but it’s another opportunity for him.
Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks
Though he has had a few quieter performances lately, Okongwu has been productive for most of the year. Friday’s matchup with the Rockets isn’t easy, but Saturday’s against the Warriors should result in a big night for him. Atlanta has won 11 games in a row, and rebounding dominance has been key to their success. A lot of that has been Jalen Johnson, but Okongwu has had some solid nights.
Oso Ighodaro, Phoenix Suns
Ighodaro has been quiet as the starting center with Mark Williams sidelined, but his last two games have been productive, as he has averaged 15.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.0 steals. Now, he gets to take on the Bucks and Raptors, with Milwaukee being one of the worst rebounding teams in the league as of late. Ighodaro should close out this five-game week on a high note.
Mar 19, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) beats the drum after the game against the Phoenix Suns at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Coming off a blowout win against the Sacramento Kings, the Spurs returned home to face the Phoenix Suns for the final time this regular season. Stephon Castle was ruled out before the game with a hip injury, but Devin Vassell returned from ankle soreness. What followed was a highly contested game. After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Suns outscored the Spurs 33-28 in the second to take a seven-point lead into halftime. After a low-scoring third that resulted in many foul calls (some, albeit questionable), the Spurs’ deficit was cut to six heading into the fourth. The Suns still held a lead because the Spurs missed many easy layups and committed several unforced turnovers.
After trailing by as much as 10, the Spurs stormed back with over a minute remaining due to the heroics of De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama. After a Jordan Goodwin three-pointer put the Suns up five, Vassell missed a three, but Wembanyama was fouled on the offensive rebound. Wembanyama made both free throws, and the Spurs trailed by three. Devin Booker missed a stepback jumper, and on the Spurs’ next possession, Fox finished at the rim with a crafty move. Now trailing by one, the Spurs fouled rookie Rasheer Fleming. Fleming missed both free throws, and the Spurs called a timeout. With 11 seconds remaining, the Spurs inbounded the ball to Wembanyama, who let the time tickle down until he pulled up from the midrange over Oso Ighodaro. The result? SPLASH. The Spurs took the lead with 1.1 seconds remaining, and Booker missed the half-court heave. The Spurs won 101-100.
Victor Wembanyama dropped an MVP-level performance with 34 points (10-20 FG, 12-12 FT), 12 rebounds, three steals, an assist, and a block. Wemby was the consistent driving offensive force for the Spurs, especially when the team shot 29% from three. He was also in the passing lanes and came up with several steals. Even though Wemby shot two of seven from three, he was contacted throughout the entire game. He made all of his 12 free throw attempts and started to cement his MVP case in the fourth quarter. Alongside Fox, Wemby drained his two threes, got a huge offensive rebound, made his free throws, and hit his first-ever game-winner (while trailing). What made it an MVP moment was the fact that he waited till the clock dwindled until one second was left on the clock. A true risk/reward moment with neither team having any timeouts remaining, and the basket resulting in either a win or a loss. Wemby is on track to make both All-NBA and All-Defensive teams, and his MVP and DPOY cases continue to rise.
PERFECTION! Spurs’ ball movement results in a hook pass from Harrison Barnes to a cutting Wemby, who lays it up!
MORE MOVEMENT! After Barnes intercepts Amir Coffey’s pass, the ensuing fastbreak results in more beautiful Spurs ball movement that results in a Wemby dime to HB for an easy layup!
After the game, Wemby and the rest of the team were asked what they thought of Wemby’s performance. Keldon Johnson took the mic and began an MVP chant that could be heard from all of San Antonio!
De’Aaron Fox dropped 23 points (6-7 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Fox shot below 50% from the field, but made most of his points count in the fourth. Both he and Wemby were clutch down the stretch, with Fox pulling off two crafty moves that resulted in clutch buckets. The All-Star duo will continue to use their talent to will this team when the going gets tough.
Too smooth! Fox dribbles into the paint and pulls off a turnaround spin jumper on Fleming!
CLUTCH FOX! Fox dribbles past Ighodaro and finishes off the glass to cut the deficit to one!
De'Aaron Fox goes around the defender and scores the clutch layup to cut the Suns lead to 1, with 26.6 seconds remaining in regulation pic.twitter.com/UxlKTTVVTK
Julian Champagnie 14 points (4-8 3PT), two rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Julian was solid from the three-point line, shooting 50%. He also tossed up a sweet lob to Wemby and swatted two shots. One of the shots was a three-point attempt from the corner. The spacing he provides playmakers and other shooters has been valuable all season.
Devin Vassell dropped 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Like Julian, Dev was solid from the field, but also missed five threes. Nonetheless, he finished with the highest plus/minus on the team with +21. His perimeter defense alongside Julian has been solid all season, and will need to continue as the playoffs draw near.
Clear skies ahead! On the fastbreak, Dylan Harper catches the lob pass from KJ, and he drops it off to Dev, who puts Ryan Dunn on a poster!
Keldon Johnson dropped six points, four rebounds, and an assist. KJ struggled from the field, but made up for it with his usual hustle on the boards. The spark plug energy he has provided all season is more on the motivator side, but no matter what, he will continue to slash in the paint to get tough buckets when the team needs offense.
All in all, this was one of the best finishes of the season. In a game where the Suns’ lead seemed to grow larger in the second half, this team did not waver and instead relied on hustle and offensive flow. When it came down to clutch time, the ball was either in Fox’s or Wemby’s hands. As said earlier, you could not write a better script for how this game ended. Wemby knew the moment was his, and he capitalized on it to the fullest extent. The result? The Spurs are playoff-bound for the first time in six seasons!
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs continue their mini homestand against the Indiana Pacers this Saturday at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on FDSN-SW.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump issued an executive order Friday barring College Football Playoff and other postseason games from airing during the annual Army-Navy matchup in December.
Trump directed the commerce secretary and the FCC chairman to coordinate with the playoff committee, the NCAA and media rights partners to ensure an exclusive broadcasting window for a storied rivalry played on the second Saturday each December.
Trump's order makes reference to potential expansion of the CFP, which likely would lead to an earlier start for the playoff. In the first two years of the 12-team format, the first-round games were the weekend after Army-Navy, which moved off the first Saturday in December in 2009 because of conference championship games.
This year, Army-Navy is scheduled for Dec. 12 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the home of the NFL's New York Giants and Jets. The CFP first-round games are set for Dec. 18-19.
If the playoff were to expand to 24 teams, a model that has been discussed, at least one more week of games would be required. Starting the postseason earlier in December would be a consideration. A smaller expansion to 16 teams wouldn't necessarily change the number of weeks required for the playoff.
“Such scheduling conflicts weaken the national focus on our Military Service Academies and detract from a morale-building event of vital interest to the Department of War,” Trump's executive order said. “Accordingly, it is the policy of the United States that no college football game, specifically college football’s CFP or other postseason games, be broadcast in a manner that directly conflicts with the Army Navy Game.”
Army and Navy have played every year since 1930, including the pandemic-altered 2020 season and during World War II. There have been 126 meetings, and other neutral sites have included the NFL homes of the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens.
One might think the drama around Giannis Antetokounmpo and his future with the Milwaukee Bucks would wind down, at least until the season ends and we get closer to the NBA Draft. Nothing is happening before then.
One would be wrong. The latest saga comes from Bucks' co-owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam telling ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne the duo will work together on what comes next for Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. Then Edens said basically what every other team has been expecting, what has been reported here and elsewhere: It all comes down to what Antetokounmpo says he will do about a $275 million extension the Bucks can offer (but Antetokounmpo could not sign until Oct. 1).
"Giannis is going into the last year [of his contract]," said Edens, the team's controlling owner until April 2028. "So one of two things will happen: Either he will be extended or he'll be traded. The likelihood you'll let him just kind of play out the last year, we can't afford that. It's not consistent with what's good for the organization. That's not a Giannis issue. That's any player that's in their last year."
Other teams are not convinced the decision is that simple for the Bucks, Shelburne reports. The combination of Edens and Haslam — the latter of whom takes over as governor in 2028 — leads to a muddled picture.
"This has nothing to do with Giannis and whether he asks out," said one source with knowledge of the team's operations. "It's about who's making the decision on whether to trade Giannis, and I don't think anyone knows that. I deal with them all the time and honestly it depends on the day. They're not even close to being ready to make a decision like that."
Milwaukee tested the waters of an Antetokounmpo trade at the deadline, but teams around the league thought it was just that — the Bucks front office wanted to gauge the market. What could the return be? Golden State offered four first-round picks. What more might be out there from other teams — especially win-now teams that struggle in these playoffs? A first-round exit for a team with higher expectations can change how it approaches a potential Antetokounmpo trade. Teams like the Knicks and Lakers could make better offers this summer than they could at the deadline, and they're not alone.
Ultimately, it comes down to what Antetokounmpo wants. Every previous time he was faced with this situation, he pressured the Bucks into making an all-in move — trading for Jrue Holiday or Damian Lillard — then signed the extension. It may happen again, especially if the draft lottery ping-pong balls bounce the Bucks' way. Or, maybe this is the year that things are different. Maybe, after a rough season for him, one where the Bucks are not going to make the play-in (whether or not Antetokounmpo returns), he decides he needs to chase another ring elsewhere.
We know this: As of today, Edens does not want this soap opera to drag out beyond this summer.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 17: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Fiserv Forum on March 17, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
By now, I assume everyone is aware of the disagreement between Giannis and the Bucks over him being shut down for the season after yet another injury. If you’re not, please read Van’s recap (along with his take on what Milwaukee should do). And to be clear, Van’s logic is completely reasonable: essentially, if and when Antetokounmpo gets 100% healthy, he can play the remainder of the season. On its face, it’s a position I have no issue with: get him back to full health, and he won’t be playing at any level of deficit, significantly reducing the risk of reinjury. He stays happy, everyone wins. I also no longer care too much about the tanking element of it at this point; it feels like they are locked into the ninth or 10th-best draft odds.
Here’s my problem: that doesn’t rule out freak injuries; you know, the injuries that take 12 months to recover from (touch wood, but I have to mention it). Now, you might say, “but Jack, what are the chances of that happening? 1%? 3%?” I don’t care how small the chances are. By putting him on the court for no tangible reason, you are accepting some percentage of risk—crucially, risk that is increased from that of a standard player because of GA’s high-flying style of play. My heart dropped when he hyperextended his knee, as it did when he went down holding his calf (both times). All three of those injuries had the potential to be catastrophic. Nope. I’m done tempting fate. Come hell or high water, they must stop him from returning.
At this point, the only thing that tangibly matters to me is getting Antetokounmpo to the offseason healthy. A catastrophic injury to Giannis could significantly slow their return to competitiveness: if he demanded a trade while hurt, the package Milwaukee receives in return would likely be halved. I’m not comfortable with any level of risk. This offseason is going to be the most consequential offseason I can remember since I became a fan in 2018, which is why the front office needs to stand firm.
Here’s the bottom line: regardless of what happens this offseason, it is imperative that GA enters it healthy. From that point, the path forward will quite literally sort itself out: he’ll either A) sign the supermax extension, giving the front office leeway to take more risks and also cover for future injuries, or B) not sign it, giving the front office no choice but to trade him with one guaranteed year left on his contract. But you have to get to that point with him in one piece, or else this all becomes moot, and the team is stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Truly, I can appreciate the “you have to keep Giannis happy” argument, but this isn’t a matter I’m playing with. I’d be willing to risk any unhappiness that would come with forcing him to sit, if that’s what it came to. That said, what are we talking about here? Is Antetokounmpo really going to be “happy” if he is allowed to play? Because playing this season hasn’t seemed to bring him much joy. Like, am I taking crazy pills, or is this argument something of a red herring? He’s seemed miserable playing in these blowouts. Why bother putting yourself through more?
In closing, I strongly believe Milwaukee should stand firm and prevent the big fella from playing any further this season. It’s not worth it—from their end or his. And crucially, it’s not as if they’re asking for the world! They’re simply requesting he sit out 13 meaningless games. Is that really all that big of a deal? Think about the silver lining, Giannis. With no international basketball this summer, you can start your planning for a long European holiday early! Win-win, eh?
Warriors
Pistons
