So.. who else could be moved by Finley and Riccardi? (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks’ season is essentially over, but there’s still plenty to talk about both within the team and around the NBA. And if you’re interested in placing a wager or two, FanDual is the best place for that.
Last week I asked two loaded questions and I’m honestly very surprised at the results. It focused on if our readers want changes at the top. The first question had to do with the front office and our interim general managers.
After the Anthony Davis trade I am shocked that this is right down the middle. One would think they earned some leeway after getting out from under that albatross of a contract, but apparently not! The voting fans were split down the middle here.
The second question asked if fans want to keep Jason Kidd.
Again, this one favoring keeping Kidd surprised me. He was arguably more involved with the Luka Doncic trade than the interim GMs and he’s only ever led Dallas to a winning season with Doncic at the helm. I think he’s a good playoff coach, but you need to make the playoffs, something he’s failed to do in three of his five seasons here.
These next two questions were part of the national survey.
This one makes sense given what we saw out of Tatum. He looks incredible and is going to lead the Celtics deep into the playoffs if the seeding breaks right. The East is weak and the Celtics are good.
Now this one makes me wonder if the voting fans are mostly Spurs fans. I don’t see the young Spurs holding up for two months, the playoffs is a diffferent grind than the regular season. But they certainly are talented enough to win and they’ve beaten the Thunder repeatedly this season, so getting to the Finals is the actual hurdle, not winning them.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 14: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks at a press conference during 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at Intuit Dome on February 14, 2026 in Inglewood, California. 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 GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA may expand to 32 teams in a couple years, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. The league’s Board of Governors will meet on Mar. 24-25. The board may vote on teams being added in Seattle, Wash. and Las Vegas, Nev. If the teams are approved, expansion fees could be $7 to $10 billion each.
Just in: The NBA will hold a vote at the Board of Governors meetings March 24-25 to explore adding expansion teams exclusively in Las Vegas and Seattle, with the two franchises targeted for the 2028-29 season, sources tell ESPN. There is momentum for stakeholders to approve… pic.twitter.com/H6AYVdhh7S
Both markets have long histories with the NBA. Seattle is the original home of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who won their first NBA championship in 1978-79 (as the Seattle SuperSonics) against the Washington Wizards (then the Bullets), one year after Washington won the championship. The Sonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2009 after ownership failed to get a new arena for the city. Since losing the NBA team, Seattle has become a marquee WNBA market where the Storm won numerous WNBA championships and now play their games at Climate Pledge Arena, where the new Seattle NBA team would play.
For Las Vegas, the city has hosted the majority of NBA Summer League games since 2004 with the exceptions of 2011 due to a lockout and 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The city has gradually become a market with multiple professional sports teams like the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA, the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL, and the Las Vegas Raiders of the NFL. Both the Aces and Knights have won championships in Las Vegas too, so professional athletes seem to like the prospect of playing in this market.
How do you think a new Seattle NBA team and a new Las Vegas NBA team could affect the Wizards? Let us know in the comments below.
The NBA appears ready to take the first steps toward expansion for the 2028-29 season.
ESPN reported on Monday, March 16, that the league's board of governors will hold a meeting next week to explore adding expansion teams in Las Vegas and Seattle.
The league is moving toward accepting bids from potential franchise owners exclusively in those two cities. The expansion fee is projected to be in the $7-$10 billion range per team, industry executives said. Both the Seattle and Las Vegas franchises would likely be among the league's top eight revenue generators, ESPN reports.
If the league moves forward, there could potentially be a vote later this year to finalize the expansion to 32 teams. For the proposal to pass, it would need support from 23 of the 30 governors.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal also reported on Monday that Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver last week to discuss expansion and the Las Vegas market. The outlet previously reported that NBA legend Magic Johnson met with Lombardo about joining an ownership group if Las Vegas were to be awarded a team.
The NBA last expanded in 2004 when it added the Charlotte Hornets. Seattle was home to the Supersonics from 1967 to 2008, when owner Clay Bennett moved the franchise to Oklahoma City in 2008 after a dispute over building a new arena. Las Vegas has never had an NBA team, but has added NFL and NHL franchises over the past decade. The A's are also planning to move to Las Vegas ahead of the 2028 MLB season.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in December the league planned to decide in 2026 whether to seek further expansion.
It’s a Southwest Division showdown tonight at the Smoothie King Center as the Dallas Mavericks visit the New Orleans Pelicans.
We have two teams that aren’t great on either end, and I’ll explain in my Mavericks vs. Pelicans predictions and NBA picks why I see value in a low-scoring affair.
Mavericks vs Pelicans prediction
Mavericks vs Pelicans best bet: Under 239 (-110)
The Dallas Mavericks rank just 24th in the Association in points with 113.2 per night, while the New Orleans Pelicans aren’t much better at 115.4. Defensively, they’re also both in the bottom half of the league.
Most importantly, recent meetings have a common trend — low-scoring. Five of the last six meetings have comfortably cashed the Under. This season, they’ve battled it out three times, and all of those meetings hit the Under.
In fact, Dallas and New Orleans haven’t combined for more than 233 points once this season across those three contests.
Mavericks vs Pelicans same-game parlay
Cooper Flagg is having a stellar rookie campaign. He’s averaging 20.2 ppg, and the No. 1 overall pick just cooked the Cavaliers for 27 and 25 points over the last two games.
The youngster has faced the Pelicans three times this season, and he’s averaging 21.7 ppg. He’ll cook tonight.
Trey Murphy III is an elite 3-point shooter. He’s averaging 3.3 makes on 8.5 attempts per contest for a 38.8% clip. In March, across seven appearances, he’s shooting 47.4% from downtown while averaging 3.9 makes.
The 25-year-old has cashed the Over in four of his last five appearances.
Mavericks vs Pelicans SGP
Under 239
Cooper Flagg Over 20.5 points
Trey Murphy III Over 3.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Capture the Flagg!
Flagg has cashed for Over in assists in two of his last three, and he just dropped 10 dimes against the Cavs yesterday.
Mavericks vs Pelicans SGP
Under 239
Cooper Flagg Over 20.5 points
Trey Murphy III Over 3.5 threes
Cooper Flagg Over 5.5 assists
Mavericks vs Pelicans odds
Spread: Mavericks +8.5 | Pelicans -8.5
Moneyline: Mavericks +275 | Pelicans -350
Over/Under: Over 239 | Under 239
Mavericks vs Pelicans betting trend to know
The Mavericks have gone Under the total in 13 of their last 18 road games for +7.5 units and a 38% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Mavericks vs Pelicans
Location
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Date
Monday, March 16, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
KFAA, GCSEN
Mavericks vs Pelicans 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.
It's time to see if Florida basketball can repeat as national champions or if one of the star freshmen across the sport can lead their team to a championship run. Along with the Gators, Duke, Arizona and Michigan earned No. 1 seeds and are the early favorites to win it all.
But that does not mean they will. Last season, we saw four No. 1 seeds reach the Final Four, a rare occurrence. It's more likely we see a major upset than a repeat of that for the third time in NCAA Tournament history.
With the play-in games, the tournament officially gets underway on Tuesday, March 17. First-round games are scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 19. The Final Four will be played on Monday, April 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Here's what to know about the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament schedule, from the First Four to the national championship game:
March Madness schedule 2026
(All times Eastern)
Tuesday, March 17 (First Four)
(16) UMBC vs. (16) Howard | 6:40 p.m. | truTV (Sling TV)
(11) Texas vs. (11) North Carolina State | 9:15 p.m. | truTV (Sling TV)
(7) Miami vs. (10) Missouri | 10:10 p.m. | truTV (Sling TV
Saturday, March 21 (Second round)
This section will be updated
Sunday, March 22 (Second round)
This section will be updated
Thursday, March 26 (Sweet 16)
At Toyota Center in Houston and SAP Center in San Jose, California
This section will be updated
Friday, March 27 (Sweet 16)
At United Center in Chicago and Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
This section will be updated
Saturday, March 28 (Elite 8)
At Toyota Center in Houston and SAP Center in San Jose, California
This section will be updated
Sunday, March 29 (Elite 8)
At United Center in Chicago and Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
This section will be updated
Saturday, April 4 (Final Four)
At Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
Monday, April 6 (National championship game)
At Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
When is the first March Madness game?
Date: Tuesday, March 17
Start time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Matchup: (16) UMBC vs. (16) Howard | truTV (Sling TV)
March Madness gets underway on Tuesday, March 17, with a pair of play-in games. In the No. 11 seed game, Texas takes on North Carolina State. In the No. 16 game, it will be UMBC vs. Howard.
The matchup between the Retrievers and Bison is scheduled for a 6:40 p.m. ET tip-off. The game is set to be broadcast nationally on truTV.
Warriors vs Wizards best bet: Warriors -7.5 (-110)
The Golden State Warriors have lost five straight, but they’re up against a Washington Wizards team that has dropped its last 11 and is among the league's worst teams.
Golden State has dominated Washington in recent memory, grabbing six consecutive victories, covering tonight's spread in each.
The Wizards have also lost five of their last six contests by at least 10 points, and have failed to cover in two of their previous three home games. Washington ranks in the Bottom 5 in both offensive and defensive efficiency, further providing a soft landing for a reeling Warriors side tonight.
Warriors vs Wizards same-game parlay
Brandin Podziemski is having a solid campaign, averaging 13 points per game. Without Stephen Curry, he’s getting even more of a run recently, and has cashed the Over in back-to-back contests, dropping 25 points in each.
He’s also hit the Over in three of his previous four appearances on the road, and as we know, the Wizards are horrendous defensively.
Gui Santos is another piece who is playing well, cashing the Over in four of his last five, and in three straight. Santos is averaging 15.7 PPG this month as well across seven outings.
He’s also averaging over 35 minutes per night in March compared to 30 in February, giving him a greater opportunity for higher totals.
Warriors vs Wizards SGP
Warriors -7.5
Brandin Podziemski Over 16.5 points
Gui Santos Over 16.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Seeing Green
Draymond Green is expected to return tonight, and he’s hit the Over in dimes in three of his last five.
Over/Under: Over 231.5 (-110) | Under 231.5 (-110)
Warriors vs Wizards betting trend to know
The Golden State Warriors have hit the 4Q Moneyline in 23 of their last 35 games (+10.55 Units / 23% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Wizards.
How to watch Warriors vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Date
Monday, March 16, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports Bay Area, MNMT
Warriors vs Wizards 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 Atlanta Hawks look for a 10th straight win as they host another streaking side, the Orlando Magic, who have reeled off seven straight Ws.
Atlanta’s defense has been dominant during this run, and with Orlando down a key piece, my Magic vs. Hawks predictions and NBA picks have the home team running their win streak to double digits.
Magic vs Hawks prediction
Magic vs Hawks best bet: Hawks moneyline (-135)
The Atlanta Hawks' nine-game win streak has been fueled by a defense allowing just 104 points per game, which is No. 2 in the NBA.
Four times during this run, they’ve held an opponent to less than 100 points.
The Orlando Magic have been far more offensive-minded during their seven-game fun run, averaging 125 points per game, the third-most in the league, and almost 10 points better than their season average.
Against a top-flight defense, though, they need more offensive table-setters, and Franz Wagner is out. That’s enough to tilt the court Atlanta’s way.
Magic vs Hawks same-game parlay
CJ McCollum has had a nice bounce back in the ATL and is coming off 30 points in a win over Milwaukee. But he’s topped his 17.5-point line just once in the last four games.
Paolo Banchero is averaging 9.3 rebounds in eight March games, topping his 8.5-rebound line four times, missing the Over by a single board on two other occasions.
Magic vs Hawks SGP
Hawks moneyline
CJ McCollum Under 17.5 points
Paolo Banchero Over 8.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Banchero Does His Part
Let’s ride Banchero to fill out this SGP.
He’s yet to hit a 3-pointer against Atlanta this year, going 0-for-9 in two games. Banchero has been a good table-setter recently, though, doling out 19 assists in his last three games, topping his 5.5 assist line twice.
Magic vs Hawks SGP
Hawks moneyline
CJ McCollum Under 17.5 points
Paolo Banchero Over 8.5 rebounds
Paolo Banchero Under 1.5 threes
Paolo Banchero Over 5.5 assists
Magic vs Hawks odds
Spread: Magic +3 (-110) | Hawks -3 (-110)
Moneyline: Magic +125 | Hawks -150
Over/Under: Over 230.5 (-110) | Under 230.5 (-110)
Magic vs Hawks betting trend to know
The Hawks have cashed the moneyline in 16 of their last 22 games for +10.8 units and a 19% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Hawks.
How to watch Magic vs Hawks
Location
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Date
Monday, March 16, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Magic vs Hawks 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.
Boston, MA - November 3: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with assistant coach Tony Dobbins in the third quarter at TD Garden on November 3, 2025. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
BOSTON – During every single timeout, Joe Mazzulla and four Celtics’ assistant coaches huddle up on the court.
In the center is former NBA star Sam Cassell, one of the team’s most veteran (and vocal) sideline presences.
There’s Matt Reynolds, the franchise’s longest-tenured assistant — and the coach most responsible for determining when the team will pull the trigger on a coach’s challenge.
There’s DJ MacLeay, who spearheads the team’s defensive schemes.
And, there’s Tony Dobbins.
It doesn’t take long to realize that Dobbins, in many ways, serves as the antithesis of the intensity that exudes from (the majority) of the Celtics’ bench, in particular from Mazzulla and MacLeay. He’s soft-spoken and comforting, frequently putting his arms around players, fellow assistants, and even referees.
“I’m not going to be able to be more intense than Joe or more intense than DMac [DJ MacLeay],” Dobbins told CelticsBlog in a lengthy sit-down conversation. “But I can offer a different perspective, or in a moment, I can offer a different lens through which to view the situation, whether it’s my conversation with a player or an official.”
That calm, even-keeled demeanor makes Dobbins a favorite in the locker room. When tensions are high, especially in-game, his very presence lowers them.
“He’s one of the best people you’ll ever be around,” said Jayson Tatum matter-of-factly.
Of course, the intensity that exudes from Mazzulla and others is needed, too. Dobbins said one of the many keys to the Celtics’ coaching staff’s success is their ability to balance different personalities, problem-solve, and work together.
“The staff dynamic is something that’s pretty special,” Dobbins said.
Joe Mazzulla is LIVID — as mad as we’ve ever seen him
Dobbins has risen through the Celtics coaching ranks as one of the assistants powering the Celtics’ defense. This year, he’s also played a critical behind-the-scenes role in Tatum’s recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture.
“He has been in the trenches with me, essentially, since I was able to start 15-minute workouts on the court,” Tatum said. “He’s been there, and he’s been able to find the line of pushing me and understanding where I’m at and what I’m coming back from.”
Jayson Tatum playing through some defensive pressure from assistant coach Tony Dobbins
“As far as human beings go? He’s one of the most patient people I’ve been around,” said Payton Pritchard. “I don’t think you could ever say something bad about him.”
How Tony Dobbins found himself on the Celtics
Dobbins, a Washington D.C. native, started playing basketball when he was five years old. A defensive specialist, he went on to enjoy an illustrative career at Virginia Tech (1999-2000) and Richmond (2001-2004) before going undrafted in 2004.
After college, Dobbins spent a few years in the G League, but the majority of his 13-year pro career took place overseas, where he laced up for professional clubs in Italy, Greece, France, and Spain. And, after he retired in 2017, he was ready to begin his next chapter: coaching.
In many ways, Dobbins was always primed to be a coach. His father coached him from when he was a toddler all the way through high school, and while Dobbins expected his dad to retire once he went off to college.
“I thought that he was coaching me because I was his kid,” Dobbins said. “But then, when I went away to college, he went and got a group of 7-year-olds and started coaching them. And that’s what he’d do.”
So, in the summers, when Dobbins would come home from college, he joined his father.
Tony Dobbins in first round of the NCAA Tournament in 2004, as a member of Richmond’s basketball team. | Sporting News via Getty Images
Dobbins’ wife, Allyson Hardy Dobbins, was a college basketball star in her own right at Bowie State University. She also played overseas for 12 years, and Dobbins often emphasizes one key point about her: “She’s the best basketball player in the family.”
The couple shared the coaching bug; when Tony and Allyson would finish up their seasons overseas, they’d head back to Maryland and lead both the men’s and women’s teams in offseason workouts.
Then, right around the time Tatum was drafted by the Celtics, Dobbins got an interview to join the Celtics’ film staff.
In some organizations, starting out as a video coordinator could prove limiting. But with the Celtics, that’s almost become the norm; it’s how president of basketball operations Brad Stevens and head coach Joe Mazzulla both got their starts, too – so it’s evident that the sky is the limit.
“I don’t ever feel like for any of us, there are limits put on us,” Dobbins said. “You got these two guys who are running the organization, so to speak, from a basketball ops standpoint – whether it be Brad running the front office or Joe running the coaching staff – that see the value of giving people space to learn and grow because of what it can lead to. I feel like working for Joe, he’s not saying to anyone, you just do this or you just do that.”
Dobbin’s lengthy experience as a professional basketball player has also prepared him for this moment, giving him a level of baseline empathy. When bench players struggle on the floor, he often goes over to them to offer encouragement as soon as they check out of the game.
“I try to put myself in a guy’s shoes… what they may be dealing with, what they may be going through, what they may need,” he said. “That gives me the most fulfillment or purpose — just helping them in their journey, seeing guys accomplish their goals, have breakthroughs.”
So, Dobbins was a great pick to be one of the Celtics assistants spearheading Tatum’s recovery behind the scenes. From the moment Tatum was cleared for even minimal on-court workouts, he and Dobbins began working closely together.
“Even when we didn’t know if I was coming back this year, he still approached every single day as if I was a super important part of his team,” Tatum said.
Joe Mazzulla has long touted Dobbins as one of the key members of the coaching staff.
“He’s a great communicator to the guys, but also to his staff,” said the Celtics’ head coach. “He’s wise beyond his years. We’re lucky to have him.”
How Tony Dobbins’ demeanor diffuses tensions
Oftentimes, after Joe Mazzulla or a Celtics player is upset with a referee, Dobbins goes over to the official for a quick conversation.
“If Joe had just gone and had some intense interaction with an official and they may be feeling a bit offended, or feeling like he was incorrect or he overstepped, then I may come in and say, ‘Okay, but you got to understand, from Joe’s perspective, we just had this play, and this play, and this play happen. So it’s not toward you. It’s just like, ‘Put yourself in our shoes, and we’re looking at it, and this doesn’t seem like it’s a balanced situation,’” Dobbins said. “And then hopefully the goal would be [the ref saying], ‘Okay, I see what you’re saying. I’ll keep an eye on it.’”
Joe Mazzulla is heated and gets a technical foul — assistant coach Tony Dobbins holding him back pic.twitter.com/5lynsCrgHf
Jaylen Brown, like many of his teammates, has been a direct beneficiary of Dobbins’ de-escalation.
“Tony is always keeping everybody level-headed – reminding me, and reminding our team just to breathe,” Brown said. “Managing the emotions of the game is what he speaks to a lot, because the better players — the better professionals — can manage their stress levels and their emotions during the game, so that they can see the game clearly.”
At times, tensions will still be inflamed; high emotions are a part of the game, after all, and at times, they can be channelled toward something beneficial.
But Brown and the Celtics have experienced firsthand just how important it can be to diffuse emotions in the heat of battle, too.
“Once you have frustration, and all that type of stuff starts to seep in, it starts to cloud your vision and your decision-making,” Brown said. “So when you’re out on the floor — when you’re out in life, really — you just want to be able to make the best decisions possible.”
Celtics assistant coach Tony Dobbins of the Boston Celtics chats with Jaylen Brown during the NBA Finals in 2024. | NBAE via Getty Images
Dobbins doesn’t view emotions as an inherently bad thing, either. But it’s his role to de-escalate when the moment calls for it.
“A lot of times, in a game, the intensity level is so high, the emotional level is so high, that I can come and offer a different perspective,” he said.
It’s a perspective that typically resonates.
“He’s a very calming presence,” Pritchard said. “He’s a great human being, great basketball mind.”
Tony Dobbins trying to calm down Tatum after his technical foul
There have been instances in which Dobbins’ nonchalant demeanor has been misinterpreted. After Dobbins interviewed with Reynolds for the Celtics’ film room position in 2017, he was internally overjoyed to find out he got the job.
But that wasn’t the reaction Reynolds observed.
“The way he tells the story, it was like, ‘You didn’t sound excited at all.’ I was just so like, even with it,” Dobbins said, laughing. “I naturally have a laid-back demeanor.”
Since that first phone call, Reynolds and Dobbins have grown to become close friends. In a coaching landscape often defined by turnover, they’ve together survived the tenures of three different head coaches — Brad Stevens, Ime Udoka, and now, Mazzulla.
And Reynolds, a long-time Celtics fan, has taught Dobbins everything he needed to know about Celtics culture.
“He’s from Boston, and I’ve [gotten] an education on what that means,” Dobbins said. “He taught me about Tommy Heinsohn. He taught me about Mike Gorman. He taught me about all these different aspects of Celtics culture that are beyond what the outside world knows.”
Dobbins’ rise through the coaching ranks, however, can be attributed to far more than just his personality. Dobbins, who won multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards in the French league, now helps power the Celtics’ defense, which ranks 5th in the entire NBA.
“That was my biggest strength [as a player],” Dobbins said. “So, it’s something that I gravitate toward.”
Neemias Queta, who is starting for the first time in his career and has been one of Boston’s most important defenders, said that Dobbins’ attention to detail on the defensive end has been crucial to his own success.
“His ability to break down the game, and every possession with film and just having that type of brain around every day – it’s so much easier for us to go out there and execute,” Queta said.
Tatum credits Dobbins with his unwavering behind-the-scenes support throughout his rehab.
“I can’t thank him enough for his selflessness and just really being engaged with me every single day,” he said.
And Sam Hauser succinctly explained why the Celtics have relied on Dobbins for almost a decade.
It’s a sentiment echoed by players and coaches across the organization: “Tony is one of the greatest humans in this world.”
The Houston Rockets haven’t won consecutive games in three weeks, and the Los Angeles Lakers will look to keep that trend going as they seek a sixth straight victory.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have gotten the Lakers rolling, and my Lakers vs. Rockets predictions expect the pair to lead L.A. to an upset win on the road.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this matchup of Western Conference contenders on Monday, March 16.
Lakers vs Rockets prediction
Lakers vs Rockets best bet: Lakers moneyline (+115)
The Los Angeles Lakers have won five straight and eight of their last nine.
In that span, L.A. owns the second-best offensive rating (122.5), sixth-best defensive rating (110.1), and third-best net rating (12.3).
The Houston Rockets rank 19th in offensive rating (112.6), 20th in defensive rating (117.1), and 19th in net rating (-4.5) in that same span.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have posted tremendous numbers, averaging 33.2 and 22 points per game, respectively, over that nine-game sample. The Lakers have the best player on the court and, given their recent form, the edge.
Lakers vs Rockets same-game parlay
LeBron James has taken a deferential role to Doncic and Reaves in two games since returning to the lineup. In that pair of games, Doncic’s usage rating is 36, Reaves’ is 25.3, and LeBron’s is just 20.8. Doncic and Reaves have delivered huge numbers as a result, but the pair were on heaters even before that.
Doncic has been masterful across his last five games, averaging 56.4 PRA. In that span, he’s cleared the Over on his combo line four times and finished with exactly 47 PRA in the other.
Reaves has averaged 41.8 PRA across his last four, going for 30-plus in each contest. He’s scored 30-plus points in three straight, surpassing his combo line in that category alone. This line is comically low.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
Lakers moneyline
Luka Doncic Over 47.5 points + rebounds + assists
Austin Reaves Over 29.5 points + rebounds + assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Make it Rain!
Over the last nine games, no team has been more generous to opposing three-point shooters than the Rockets, who have allowed a league-best 40.9% shooting from beyond the arc.
Doncic has knocked down 4.8 triples per game across his last nine outings, canning 4-plus in five straight, while Reaves has sunk 3-plus in four straight games.
Luke Kennard is one of the deadliest sharpshooters in the NBA, and his long-range shooting has been an important part of the Lakers’ success over their last nine. In that span, Kennard has buried 2.1 triples on 48.7% shooting.
Marcus Smart also has the green light from beyond the arc, and he’s converted 2.3 of his 5.7 3-point attempts per game across his last nine, hitting multiple triples seven times.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
Luka Doncic Over 3.5 made threes
Austin Reaves Over 2.5 made threes
Luke Kennard Over 1.5 made threes
Marcus Smart Over 1.5 made threes
Lakers vs Rockets odds
Spread: Lakers +2.5 (-110) | Rockets -2.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Lakers +125 | Rockets -150
Over/Under: Over 227 (-110) | Under 227 (-110)
Lakers vs Rockets betting trend to know
The Houston Rockets have only covered the Spread in 15 of their last 45 games (-18.00 Units / -36% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Rockets.
How to watch Lakers vs Rockets
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Monday, March 16, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Lakers vs Rockets 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.
TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 13: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns goes up for a dunk during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 13, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It was just a three-game week for the Phoenix Suns, but the team had an opportunity to go undefeated during it, and it looked like they were on track to do so, until they blew a double-digit fourth quarter lead to the Toronto Raptors on Friday. That being said, it was a strong week for the Suns, as Jalen Green and Devin Booker continue to find a rhythm playing next to each other.
Here are the main questions for Week 21 we want your thoughts on:
Fourth Quarter Meltdown in Canada
Up as much as 10 in the fourth quarter, Phoenix had a chance to extend its win streak to five, but could not get it done late, allowing Toronto to score 36 points on 64% shooting from the field in the fourth quarter. If the Suns had won, they would have been just a half-game back of the fifth and sixth spots in the Western Conference. Instead, they remain a game and a half out and are still slotted in the play-in.
The Suns were coming off a back-to-back, in which they won by 15 against the Indiana Pacers but had to play Devin Booker and other key players late into the game to secure the win. Any game where a team has to travel internationally puts them at a disadvantage, and even more so on a back-to-back, and the Raptors were the more rested team, but what do you attribute most to the Suns’ fourth quarter meltdown?
The Jalen Green/Devin Booker Dynamic
Jalen Green and Devin Booker are both hitting their stride in the final fifth of the season. In March, Booker is averaging his most points in a month since October and shooting 42% from deep, while Green has crept his season shooting percentage all the way up to 40% for the season after a rough 12 games to start his season, doing so on the most shots per game. The two are averaging a combined 55 points per game, and both are averaging at least 25.
While the two have been dominant and it’s led to wins, for the Suns to have a chance to make a real playoff run, they’re going to need more balance (look at the team’s 2022-2023 playoff campaign). Only one other Suns’ starter is averaging over 10 points per game in March, and it’s Collin Gillespie, who just had his first zero-point game of his season. When Green or Booker don’t have it going (like they didn’t down the stretch against the Raptors), Phoenix needs to create more consistent opportunities for others to contribute so the team can stay offensively competent.
How can the Suns find more balance in their offense around Jalen Green and Devin Booker?
Ryan Dunn’s Benching
Ryan Dunn received his first benching for an entire game this season. The second-year forward did not play against the Raptors, as Jordan Ott favored rookie Rasheer Fleming and recent signing Haywood Highsmith over him in the reserve forward spots. Before his benching, Dunn was averaging 3 points in 14 minutes per game, shooting 30% from three. Teams tend to leave Dunn open when he shoots.
Overall, Dunn’s minutes have decreased as Fleming has improved, and Highsmith and Amir Coffey were acquired. Fleming has become a reliable three-point shooter for the Suns, while Highsmith and Coffey attract more gravity from defenses.
What does Ryan Dunn’s future look like in Phoenix, especially with another young player’s ascension? Could he be a trade candidate in the offseason?
On the Suns’ Plate This Week
Phoenix heads to Boston to face the Celtics tonight, and Minnesota to face the Timberwolves tomorrow. Then they’ll have a short break before they face the Spurs on Thursday to end their road trip. Once they get back to Phoenix, they’ll have their third back-to-back in 11 days, when they host the Bucks on Saturday and the Raptors on Sunday.
Mar 14, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) walks off the court after a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Your Atlanta Hawks have won nine straight games with a chance to extend that streak to double digits tonight against the Orlando Magic.
It wasn’t always smooth sailing this season, of course. The team made the decision to part with their superstar player, Trae Young, and continued wheeling and dealing all the way up to the trade deadline.
Jake L. Fischer of the Stein Line substack is always tapped into the inner workings of the Hawks. He dropped some inside knowledge and direct quotes on the latest update of this blog — one that covers many topics of interest to Hawks fans.
On the new team cohesion, vibes shift
Fischer was able to speak directly with players in the locker room, and one common refrain was at how the mood around the team has been lifted. New starting point guard Dyson Daniel had this to say, “everyone’s speaking up [and] the locker room’s gelling. Everyone’s speaking in the group chat. It feels like a whole different vibe.”
Jalen Johnson echoed those remarks in part with “[d]uring timeouts it was pretty quiet. A lot of times earlier in the season, we’d just fold,” Johnson detailed along with referencing a 23-point collapse at home against the Denver Nuggets on December 5th this season. “But our communication [now] allows us to stay together in those moments. Everybody’s coming to the timeout and speaking their mind.”
“This is the closest-knit team I’ve been on with Atlanta,” he would later tell Fischer.
Additionally, newcomer CJ McCollum has pushed a new mantra for this team: ‘[i]f you’ve got something on your mind … say it.’
On Johnson and Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors
Fischer wrote the following passage recounting the saga leading up to the trade deadline — a saga that included a high-profile agent who represents Johnson speaking all too publicly on podcast.
Atlanta would have been a natural trade partner for Milwaukee given the control that the Hawks have over the Bucks’ top selections in the next two drafts, but league sources say that Atlanta has always viewed the notion of trading the 24-year-old Johnson for Antetokounmpo to be a complete non-starter.
The Hawks’ in-house belief, frankly, is that Johnson has MVP potential. So they were very much covering their ears in December when Johnson’s agent, Rich Paul, on his Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman, came out and suggested that the Bucks target Milwaukee native Johnson as the headline return in a deal for The Greek Freak.
“That was probably the first time in my career [hearing] the rumors and stuff like that,” Johnson told The Stein Line. “But I got reassurance from everyone around here that that’s not the plan. Obviously it means a lot … the trust they have in me and the belief they have in me.”
On Onyeka Okongwu’s trade interest
The Indiana Pacers made a big move for Ivica Zubac at the latest deadline. But they (and others) reportedly had their eyes on a different center. Fischer continued:
Atlanta likewise swatted away in-season trade interest from rival teams (Indiana perhaps loudest among them) in Okongwu. “I love being with the Hawks, man,” Atlanta’s starting center told me. “I appreciate all the guys trusting in me and wanting me here.”
On CJ McCollum’s future in Atlanta
CJ McCollum is a fourteen-year veteran in the NBA on the last year of his contract. At his age of 34, this upcoming free agency period is likely his final chance to cash in a multi-year deal.
Since coming to Atlanta, McCollum has put up similar numbers to his previous stops in the league, averaging 18.6 points and 3.7 assists per game on 45% shooting from the floor and 35% from three.
Naturally, Fischer was inclined to inquire about McCollum’s desire to remain with the Hawks past this summer. His response, in part, was this somewhat cryptic exchange (brackets to indicate the speaker are my own insertions):
[CJM]: You might have two situations you end up having to choose between.
[JLF]: What’s the other situation?
[CJM]: You know as well as I do that there’s a lot that can change between now and June 30. Another team needs a scoring guard, offers the same amount…
What do you think? Does Jalen Johnson have ‘MVP upside’? Should the Hawks re-sign CJ McCollum after the season?
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks looks on before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 2026 in New York City. 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
You can’t talk with Jose Alvarado for 15 minutes and not be charmed. Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to chat with the new Knickerbocker and the same exuberance he brings to the court came through our Zoom screen. One of my favorite moments of the season was when Alvarado scored his first basket as a Knick at Madison Square Garden, and the broadcast cut to his family in the stands, joyfully losing their minds. It was exactly the kind of passion the Knicks had been missing before February 5, when they sent Dalen Terry and cash to the New Orleans Pelicans for the 27-year-old guard.
We talked the day after New York scraped out a win in Utah, in the fourth game of a five-game road trip. Soon after joining the team, Alvarado made a splash with a 26-point, 5-steal performance against the 76ers. Since then, his defense and playmaking have continued to benefit the team off the bench, but his shooting has disappointed—Jose hadn’t made a three-pointer in seven games.
I asked how one stays motivated when the season drags on, you’re in the middle of a road trip, your shot isn’t falling, and you’re hunkered down in Salt Lake City. According to Alvarado, the key is perspective.
“The season’s a rollercoaster,” he said. “We had a couple of good games, and then had some trouble, and people start to lose faith. But we trust the process. We’re so deep as a team, we just need to put in the work and the wins will come.”
For Alvarado, the job goes beyond personal statistics. On nights when he’s not scoring, he measures his value in other ways. “It’s not all about the shooting,” he said. “There are lots of ways to contribute. My job is to try to set up easy baskets on offense and get the team going on defense.”
That defensive identity has followed him throughout his career. As a small guard, Alvarado built his reputation by harassing opposing ballhandlers. His secret is surprisingly simple. “I watch their hips,” he explained. “If they’re tilting back, I’ve got them. If they start leaning forward, I know they’re about to drive and I can strike.”
The Knicks guard has quickly developed chemistry with teammates. I asked how much fun it is to throw lobs for Mitchell Robinson.
“It’s great,” Alvarado said with a big smile. “He’s such an easy target to throw the ball to.”
Adjusting to life after the trade
Alvarado’s transition to New York happened fast. After being dealt from the New Orleans Pelicans to the New York Knicks in February, he has had only a short window to settle into a new team and system.
“It’s a learning process,” he said. “Those guys had the first half of the season to work together, and I’ve had just a couple of weeks. So it takes time to figure things out, but we’re getting there.”
The basketball adjustment is only part of the challenge. A midseason trade uproots nearly every part of a player’s life overnight.
“People don’t understand,” Alvarado said. “You think, ‘They’ve got millions,’ and don’t get me wrong, the financial security is great. But one day you’re comfortable in your forever home, and overnight you have to go to a different city, leaving your wife and kids behind.”
As Alvarado explained to me, the logistics are chaotic. Players scramble to find temporary housing, ship belongings across the country, and introduce themselves to new teammates—all while continuing to play NBA games. “I haven’t been back to my home in New Orleans since the trade,” he said. “I just had to have someone send me some things from there.”
Despite the upheaval, New York holds special meaning for Alvarado.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m so glad to be back in New York, because my mom and dad are here,” he said. “I grew up a Knicks fan. This is where I want to be. But it’s not easy. Being away from my wife and kids is hard.”
A career built on defense
Long before he reached the NBA, Alvarado made his name as a defensive menace at Georgia Tech. During the 2020–21 season, he led the Yellow Jackets to an unexpected run through the ACC Tournament. March 13 marked the five-year anniversary of winning the tourney. Jose called it, “The highlight of my career. We didn’t have a great season leading up to it, and then went on a nine-game streak. No one saw us coming.”
His playmaking and defensive clamps were vital to the team’s success. That season, Alvarado led the ACC with three steals per game and was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year. It was a target he had set early in his college career.
“Winning that award was my goal,” he said. “As a small guard, I knew that would help me stand out, so that’s what I focused on and worked for.”
Even now, he keeps in touch with teammates from that successful run, though distance and overseas careers make it difficult. “I keep in contact with those guys,” he said. “But it’s hard because some of them are in Europe, in different time zones.”
I asked for Jose’s thoughts on older players returning to college to play, such as James Nnaji at Baylor. Due to a controversial loophole, players who have left college are eligible to return if they never signed an NBA contract or played in an official NBA game.
“I’m against it,” said Jose. “Imagine you’re a senior and trying to line up your career, and then an older player comes back to take your spot. You make one mistake and lose your chance. That just doesn’t seem fair.”
Measuring himself against the best
Asked about the most defining matchup of his career so far, Alvarado didn’t hesitate. He pointed to a playoff series against Chris Paul during the 2022 postseason, when the Pelicans faced the Phoenix Suns.
“He’s one of the best, and he has so many tricks,” he said. “We didn’t win, but I felt like I had achieved what I set out to do and showed everyone what I’m capable of.”
That confidence has fueled his rise from an undrafted guard to a rotation player known across the league for his relentless drive.
From fan to Knick
Alvarado’s connection to Madison Square Garden dates back to early in his career. One of his breakout performances came there in 2022, when he scored 13 points, four assists, and four steals in a game against the Knicks, while still not secured on the Pelicans’ roster.
“I was still on a two-way then and needed to prove myself,” he said. “We had played a few nights before in Brooklyn, so I was warmed up. [Willie Green] gave me a chance, and I made the most of it.”
The Garden experience is like no other. “It’s one thing to go to a Knicks game as a fan, or play there in a college game,” he said. “It’s a different experience as a pro.”
Jose reminds me of my childhood idol, John Starks, who was also a small guard, used grit to define himself, and was not guaranteed a path to NBA success. Alvarado will appear with Starks, Patrick Ewing, Jalen Brunson, and Karl-Anthony Towns in AT&T’s Connection Matters campaign for March Madness.
The campaign highlights the role shared experiences play in college basketball’s biggest moments. The ads focus on how connections—fans in arenas, friends watching games from different places, or loved ones sharing milestones—can lend extra meaning to the tournament. The campaign emphasizes AT&T’s goal of supporting those moments through a dependable network. The spots will run throughout the tournament across CBS, TBS, TNT, the March Madness Live app, and more.
Alvarado said that it is humbling to be in the presence of Knicks legends. Now that he wears the orange and blue himself, the reality still hasn’t quite sunk in. I asked how it felt to check into the game for the first time playing as a Knick, the team he rooted for as a kid.
“It’s surreal,” Alvarado said. “But you tell yourself, ‘Alirght, let’s get rid of these bubbleguts and get to work.‘”
Trust the work, unselfish basketball, and pitbull defense? Thibs would have loved him. Here’s the aforementioned Connection Matters ad. Go Knicks!
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 8: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates during the game against the Houston Rockets on March 8, 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
Recently, Jaylen Brown referred to himself as the best two-way player in the game. But he added a caveat when considering Victor Wembanyama in the league.
“That boy Wemby is a problem, a big problem. When I say I’m the best two-way player in the league, it’s not counting Wemby. Like, Wemby don’t count. He’s not even human. I’m the best human player.”
He is not the first player to praise Wemby’s generational talent.
Josh Paredes put together a great list of quotes.
Ant: "Wemby takes away the layup, jump shot. Good feet, can move. He's one of a kind."
Curry: "He challenges you in a way that doesn't make any sense."
Redick: "It’s more than the counting stats with him because there’s such an avoidance of him defensively."
Anthony Edwards said “Wemby takes away the layup, jump shot. Good feet, can move. He’s one of a kind.”
Stephen Curry shared, “He challenges you in a way that doesn’t make any sense.”
Lakers head coach J. J. Redick added, “It’s more than the counting stats with him because there’s such an avoidance of him defensively.”
Even legendary Boston Celtics big man Robert Parish got in on the action saying, “He may be a player where they have to rewrite the rules.”
And recently on his podcast, Draymond Green pontificated, “Everything he does takes you 4 people to do. He’s just different than everybody.”
Draymond Agrees With Jaylen Brown's Assessment Of Victor Wembanyama
“Wemby is this otherworldly thing man. Like, I’m not even going to say otherworldly person, he is just this otherworldly thing and everything that he does is going to take you like four people to do. Like, he is… pic.twitter.com/YcOorVJxa4
— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) March 15, 2026
High praise from some big names in basketball.
One thing is for sure, Wemby alters the way the game is played and it is now on the Spurs to make sure opponents continue to alter their game when Wemby is on the bench. As the postseason looms, look for the Spurs and head coach Mitch Johnson to try some new tactics to protect Wemby from the physical defense and to keep teams at bay when Victor takes necessary breaks in play.
Spurs are on the road for the next two nights playing the Clippers and Kings before heading back to the Frost Bank Center for a couple of home games later this week.
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CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Rocket Arena on March 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Strus looked like he hadn’t missed a beat as he drained six of his seven threes. More than that, he provided help on the glass and a compete level on defense that this team has sorely missed at times.
“It was a pretty amazing performance after seven months of not playing an NBA game,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said of Strus. “Maybe the best I’ve seen.”
Strus’s brilliant season debut was wasted by Cleveland’s lackadaisical defense.
Atkinson wasn’t shy when talking about what went wrong defensively. He called the defense “permissive,” said Dallas “never felt them,” and that the effort was “inexcusable.”
“It really comes down to guarding the ball,” Atkinson said.
The Cavs didn’t do that. They allowed Dallas to get into the paint whenever they wanted to. And then when they did, the help defense wasn’t quick enough to stop them at the rim. This led to the Mavericks converting 81% (87th percentile) of their shots at the rim.
And the rare time the help defense was there, the rotations weren’t, which led to Dallas connecting on 50% of their threes (95th percentile) and 75% of their corner triples (97th percentile).
“If you don’t contain the ball, it’s a trigger,” Donovan Mitchell said. “When you get beat, then the next man rotates, and now they’re swinging to the corner. You go to the corner, they swing again, and the guy drives. It’s unpredictable basketball, which makes teams elite. … That’s where we got to be better, and it starts on the ball.”
This would be concerning enough on its own. This performance, coming against a team that entered this game 27th in offensive rating while also without multiple key players in Klay Thompson (rest), Daniel Gafford (illness), and Dereck Lively (foot), makes it even more alarming.
“We’ve got to go out there and figure it out as a group collectively,” Mitchell said. “It’s not just the guy on the ball, it’s the next man. Are we getting into gaps? … When they drive, are we there to go help? Are we there for the next close? Are we there rotating? We got to do that over and over and over.”
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Right now, the Cavs have too many holes on the perimeter. The starting backcourt isn’t good defensively. Neither Mitchell nor James Harden is known for providing much resistance. Their wing defense is better, but they don’t have many good options against teams with size.
The Cavs’ lack of bigger wings hurt them in their recent losses to the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic. They didn’t have anyone other than Dean Wade they could put on to contain opposing wings. That happened again on Sunday as Cooper Flagg torched them for 27 points and 10 assists.
Getting Jarrett Allen back — who’s out with a knee injury — would help immensely. He will provide good help defense at the rim upon his return. But no center can truly make up for a point of attack defense that is this poor. That will need to change if they want to be taken seriously as title contenders.
The Harden and Mobley two-man game isn’t working.
Before the game, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said that it would take up to half a season before he would feel comfortable playing alongside a new big man when he was running point. He mentioned that it took a long time to figure out what his new big’s strengths were and where they needed the ball to be their best selves.
Harden and Mobley can become a lethal duo, but they don’t have the time to work out all the issues they currently have. That showed through on Sunday as they combined to turn the ball over 10 times. More than a few of those were from doomed attempts to get the other involved.
Harden has struggled to find passing lanes to Mobley when they’re running the pick-and-roll.
Mobley isn’t a rim-running big, even when he does set a physical screen. He’s not a vertical finisher when rolling to the basket, even though he can finish lobs off cuts or when he’s standing in the dunker’s spot. This takes away a window for Harden to feed Mobley the ball, which has left him trying to get it to him with the bounce pass. That is a much harder pass to complete, and much easier for a defense to disrupt, as seen in the play below.
Atkinson has mentioned that the duo has been spending a lot of time watching film together. That will likely keep happening. But as of now, they’re no closer to piecing things together, and they’re running out of time to do so.
This new-look Cavs team is running into adversity after playing so well after the deadline. They’ve now lost three of their last five games, with two of those losses coming against teams below them in the standings. They’ve felt disjointed on both ends of the floor.
It isn’t a coincidence that these three losses have come without Allen on the court. He’s been the glue holding this team together. Even so, there’s too much talent on the roster to justify losing a game like this.
Things need to be cleaned up before the postseason, which starts in a month.
“We haven’t had much adversity with the current group that we have,” Mitchell said. “It was all sunshine and rainbows. It was great, right? We had to kind of go through these moments and figure that out. We have time. We don’t have time to delay this, but I think this is good for us. We’ll figure these things out.”
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 28: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets reacts in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center on January 28, 2026 in Houston, 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rockets fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This week’s question asked you about Ime Udoka. There’s no debating that the Rockets have underachieved this season. Despite still sitting in the fourth seed, they’ve been a worse team than the one last year, and one of the reasons is because of head coach Ime Udoka. He’s had struggles with offensive creativity as well as rotation and game management. It hasn’t always been pretty.
That being said, we asked you want you would want to do about Ime in the offseason. This question was what would you want to do, not what the Rockets will do. Here are the results:
It was an interesting poll. A full 54 percent want Ime to have an OC next to him, while 31 percent want him fired. That’s a full 85 percent of Rockets fans are dis-satisfied with the way things are going for Udoka right now. Yikes.
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