Here’s what the four-time NBA champion had to say on Friday’s edition of the “Draymond Green Show” podcast with co-host and ex-Golden State guard Baron Davis:
“I think there’s been so much chatter about JK and what he needs to do and how he needs to find his lane and this, that and other,” Green prefaced to Davis.
“What I will say with GP being out is, if I’m Jonathan Kuminga, forget what everybody’s talking about, forget what everybody’s saying, I’m saying, ‘GP, I want to guard the best guard when I come in the game. I want to be the point-of-attack defender. I’m [going to] hawk this guard. I’m going to change the momentum of the game. I’m going to embrace that.’”
Green wants the 6-foot-8, 210-pound Kuminga to use his frame and two-way potential to emerge as the lockdown defender the Warriors need with Payton out for a lengthy period.
That will be a tough – but feasible – task for Kuminga.
Before partially tearing a left thumb ligament against the Miami Heat, Payton was a Swiss Army Knife in coach Steve Kerr’s rotation. Over 58 games, Payton averaged 6.6 points, 3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game on 58.5 percent shooting from the field with 2.6 steals and 0.8 blocks per 100 possessions.
Conversely, Kuminga is known for his scoring and has averaged a career-high 16.3 points per game on a career-low 45.3 percent shooting during the 2024-25 NBA season.
“Because we know [Kuminga] can score, right, like we know what he is capable of on the offensive end,” Green told Davis. “Imagine him embracing [Payton’s] role and saying, ‘I’m guarding the best [player]. I’m picking up [from full court]. I’m going to work myself to exhaustion because I’m going to defend so hard.’
“That’s how you win championships. And so, if I’m Jonathan Kuminga, that’s my mindset. And I think he’s more than capable of being that and doing that. And if he does, golly – changes everything.”
There always is plenty of chatter surrounding Kuminga’s game, potential and role. So, Green publicly advised Kuminga to ignore everyone and focus on stepping up in Payton’s absence, which is something totally up the four-year wing’s alley.
The Warriors’ trading fan-favorite wing Andrew Wiggins to the Miami Heat hit close to home for Golden State icon Draymond Green.
The four-time NBA champion explained how Wiggins’ involuntary departure emotionally impacted his children during a segment on “The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis.”
“My kids cried when they found out Wiggs was gone because his kids and my kids have a great relationship,” Green told co-host and ex-Warriors guard Baron Davis. “They cried when they found out. And I told Wiggs, because I saw him right after the deadline and All-Star break, ‘Man, my kids were crying when they found out your girls were gone.’
“He was like, ‘Bruh, that’s the only thing Amyah (Wiggins’ eldest daughter) kept saying, “Wait, so I don’t get to see my friends anymore?”’ So, there’s so much more than just basketball there.”
The moment sure was bigger than basketball.
Green, Wiggins and their loved ones grew close after the two were teammates in Golden State from the 2019-2020 campaign until Feb. 5, the day Golden State acquired then-Miami star Jimmy Butler.
And Wiggins, an 11-year NBA veteran, shone on the court with the Warriors. He earned the lone NBA All-Star appearance and championship of his career thus far with the franchise during a thrilling 2021-22 run and averaged 16.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists throughout his 307-game tenure in Golden State.
Green and his children definitely will miss Wiggins. However, Green is glad Wiggins is flourishing in Miami – averaging a strong 19.9 points per game – and wasn’t too upset the ex-Golden State wing helped the Heat to a 112-86 win over the Warriors on Tuesday at Kaseya Center.
“To see your brother on the other side, it was definitely weird,” Green said about facing Wiggins on Tuesday. “Obviously, I’m pissed off we lost a game we needed and wanted to win, but I’m also happy to see Wiggs play well. Because again, the love that’s there, it’s bigger than just a game. …”
Family comes before hoops for Green. And Wiggins is family.
Mar 9, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Taylor Jenkins looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
In a move that shocked the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies have fired head coach Taylor Jenkins with just nine games remaining in their season. The 44-29 Grizzlies are tied with the Lakers for the 4/5 seeds in the West and head into some critical games this weekend, including against those Lakers on Saturday.
"I'm genuinely appreciative of Taylor's contributions to this team and this city over the past six seasons," Memphis general manager Zach Kleiman said in a statement. "This was a difficult decision given the consistent and tangible development of our players and overall success under Taylor's leadership. I wish Taylor the very best going forward."
There had been growing frustration in Memphis with Jenkins and the team's direction. Memphis is 8-11 since the All-Star break with the 16th-ranked offense and 20th-ranked defense in the league. They had been average. While injuries to players such as Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed to that, there was some frustration that there was less buy-in from the players in Jenkins and his system.
It's still a massive leap from frustration to firing the coach with the most wins in franchise history — he went 250-214 as head coach — just before the playoffs. The Grizzlies reportedly did this in person on Friday morning.
Jenkins quickly becomes one of the top coaches on the market this summer when other teams make changes, although all those other teams will wait until the season ends to make their change.
Week 22 is "Championship Week" for Yahoo! public leagues and leagues that use the default settings. And with most of the NBA's teams playing four games, there won't be a lack of options amongst teams competing for playoff seeding or looking to improve their draft lottery odds. Here are some low-rostered players (below 50 percent in Yahoo! leagues) who should be on your radar heading into Week 22.
Camara remains rostered in less than 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Even though the Trail Blazers have fallen off the pace in the race for the final play-in spot, the second-year wing may be safe from a late-season shutdown. Camara has been among the best defenders in the NBA this season and has made strides offensively. Since the All-Star break, he has averaged 13.6 points per game on 47.8 percent shooting from the field, one reason why Camara has been a top-50 player in nine-cat formats. Portland plays four games during Week 22, with two against teams that will also be in the draft lottery (Toronto and San Antonio).
PG/SG Scotty Pippen Jr. (37%), Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have been without Ja Morant since March 14, with the starting point guard missing six games with a hamstring injury. While Luke Kennard was the replacement in the starting lineup for the first three contests, Pippen took over that role in the last three and has provided top-10 value in eight-cat formats over the past week. If Morant is available for the beginning of Week 22, there won't be a need to roster Pippen in most leagues. However, with Memphis beginning the week with a Monday/Tuesday back-to-back, there's the opportunity to get at least one start out of Pippen for injury management reasons.
SF Justin Edwards (36%), Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers' intentions are well-known by now, as the front office looks to strengthen its chances of holding onto its top-6 protected first-round pick. Due to those ambitions and injuries to key players, Edwards has played plenty, averaging 30.2 minutes per game since the All-Star break. And over the past two weeks, the rookie small forward has offered fifth-round value in eight-cat formats. Philadelphia only plays three games during Week 22, but Edwards's status as a fixture in the starting lineup makes him worth the risk.
SG/SF/PF Keldon Johnson (37%), San Antonio Spurs
Over the past two weeks, Johnson has been a top 100 player in nine-cat formats while sitting just outside that threshold in eight-cat. He's hit double figures in three of his last four games, including a 17-point, 10-rebound effort in a March 27 loss to the Cavaliers. As long as Johnson averages 25 minutes per game, his fantasy value should hold steady. The Spurs play four games during Week 22, starting with the Magic on Tuesday as part of a back-to-back (at Denver on Wednesday).
PF/C Kyle Filipowski (29%), Utah Jazz
While the Jazz announced on March 14 that John Collins (ankle) will be re-evaluated in two weeks, there's little reason to believe he will take on a full workload again this season. And the same can probably be said about Lauri Markkanen, who has missed Utah's last five games. Filipowski, who has started the previous three, may not provide much defensive value, but the rookie can be helpful for managers seeking points, rebounds and three-pointers. However, the rookie did finish Utah's March 27 loss to the Rockets with 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, two blocks and one three-pointer in 33 minutes. His fantasy ceiling will be raised if Filipowski can approach 30 minutes per game during Utah's four-game Week 22.
PF/C Guerschon Yabusele (29%), Philadelphia 76ers
Yabusele may only be a 10th-round player in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks, but he's still logging just over 29 minutes per game on a team down multiple frontcourt contributors. Maybe there will come a point when the 76ers decide to prioritize rookie Adem Bona, but we aren't there yet. Yabusele offers a safe floor and has reached double figures in six straight games, providing eighth-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats. Bona (nine percent rostered) has been more productive in the steals and blocks categories, which has boosted his value in recent weeks.
PG/SG/SF Gary Trent Jr. (27%), Milwaukee Bucks
Damian Lillard is out indefinitely due to a deep vein thrombosis in his calf, and Trent may be the Bucks player best equipped to pick up the slack. Over the past two weeks, he has provided sixth-round value in nine-cat formats, averaging 14.9 points, 1.3 steals and 3.4 three-pointers per game. Trent does not offer much value in the other fantasy-relevant categories. Still, he remains the superior choice to Ryan Rollins or Kevin Porter Jr. Milwaukee, which is fighting for positioning in the Eastern Conference standings, plays four games during Week 22.
SF/PF Matas Buzelis (16%), Chicago Bulls
While Buzelis's playing time has decreased recently, the schedule works in his favor for Week 22. The Bulls will play four games, including a Monday/Tuesday back-to-back, which makes the rookie worth the risk in deeper leagues. Buzelis has offered 11th-round value over the past two weeks, including a 31-point effort in Chicago's March 22 blowout of the Lakers.
PG/SG Anthony Black (14%), Orlando Magic
The Magic have been without Cole Anthony (toe) for the last five games, resulting in Cory Joseph (zero percent) entering the starting lineup. However, Black has been the superior fantasy option, averaging 25.3 minutes per game to Joseph's 22.6 over the past two weeks. However, Orlando does not have the best Week 22 schedule, as it begins with a Monday/Tuesday back-to-back and ends with a third game on Thursday. However, that may work in Black's favor, especially for managers who conserve their transactions and can drop him after Thuesday's action.
PG/SG Davion Mitchell (13%), Miami Heat
Mitchell may not rank among the best point guards regarding fantasy value, but the playing time has been there in Miami. Over the past two weeks, "Off Night" has logged 32.4 minutes per game while ranking just outside the top 100 in eight-cat formats. Mitchell has shot 52.3 percent from the field during this stretch, nearly six percentage points higher than his mark for the season (46.7). Since arriving in Miami, he has shot 51.6 percent from the field and 48.4 percent from three, averaging 1.4 three-pointers per game. Add in the assists and steals, and there's value to be had, especially with the Heat playing four games during Week 22.
C Tristan Vukcevic (13%), Washington Wizards
Alexandre Sarr is firmly entrenched as the Wizards' starting center and has been a much-improved player since the All-Star break. However, deep-league managers needing a center should not overlook Vukcevic, who has provided 10th-round value in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks. During this run, he's averaged 12.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 1.4 three-pointers per game while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 76.5 percent from the foul line. And with Washington having four games on its Week 22 schedule, that's even more reason to roll the dice on Vukcevic.
SF/PF Julian Champagnie (8%), San Antonio Spurs
Champagnie has been a slightly better option in nine-cat formats than eight-cat, but he's worth a look across the board with the Spurs playing four games during Week 22. He's hit double figures in two of his last three games, including a 20-point effort and a complete stat line in a March 23 win over the Raptors. Champagnie doesn't need starters' minutes to offer value, and San Antonio's upcoming schedule makes him worth the risk in deep leagues.
It was better than the year before, but it wasn't actually good.
That was NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's assessment of this year's new All-Star format of a mini-tournament of four teams, which echoes the conventional wisdom coming out of the weekend in San Francisco. Add in some extended breaks during the broadcast — including during the championship game of the new tournament — and it didn't work, which is why that format will be one-and-done.
"I thought this was a little better, but it was a miss," Silver said Thursday during a press conference announcing the NBA’s working toward a European league. "We're not there in terms of creating an All-Star experience that we can be proud of and that our players can be proud of."
What would work? The NBA is thinking about an international competition.
Next year, NBC takes over the broadcast of the All-Star Game, set for Feb. 15, 2026, which happens to fall right in the middle of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, which will run Feb. 6 to 22. That sets up nicely for an international-themed competition, something the NHL had great success with this year, running a Four Nations Face-Off in place of its All-Star festivities.
"We're going to fall right in the middle of the Winter Olympics, that they will be both the lead-in into the All-Star Game and the lead-out will be out on the West Coast..." Silver said, noting the Clippers will host the game in Inglewood/Los Angeles. "Which, given the Olympic competition, sort of is creating new thoughts around how we can bring national competition to bear. Of course, we took note of the great success the NHL had with their national team competition as their All-Star festivities...
"People have floated USA-World. I'm not sure that makes sense with the level of development, if that's fair to lump all the other countries together these days. Maybe that we can single out, there are some different national teams that can compete."
One of the knocks of the USA vs. World format was the depth of the international All-Star roster. While it would have some of the league's biggest names at the top — Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic — the back-end of a 12-man roster might not have the All-Star level of talent that the USA would have. This means that some international players would get to be All-Stars over their more deserving American counterparts, something Silver and the NBA seem acutely aware of.
However, what the NBA (and now NBC) most want out of the All-Star experience is player buy-in and real competition — games played with pride. A USA vs. World format might deliver that.
"I would love that. Oh, I would love that," Antetokounmpo said during this year's All-Star weekend. "I think that would be the most interesting and most exciting format. I would love that. For sure, I'd take pride in that. I always compete, but I think that will give me a little bit more extra juice to compete."
"I would love to. My opinion is that it's more purposeful," Wembanyama added. "There's more pride in it. More stakes."
Whatever format it ultimately takes, expect an international-themed All-Star Game in 2026.
And no more of the four-team tournament. Fortunately.
After missing the Warriors’ last two games with a pelvic contusion, Curry officially is active for Golden State’s matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Smoothie Center, the team announced.
Curry exited the Warriors’ 117-114 win over the Toronto Raptors last week after taking a hard fall on his backside in the third quarter.
An MRI the following day revealed Curry didn’t suffer any structural damage, which was good news considering the nature of the fall that forced the superstar point guard to exit Golden State’s win over Toronto.
The Warriors missed Curry dearly over their last two games, lopsided road losses to the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat that dropped Golden State out of the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference playoff picture.
Now the Warriors can take the court in New Orleans with added confidence knowing the two-time MVP will be available to help snap their two-game skid.
The Kings have released an unfortunate injury update on forward Jake LaRavia’s thumb.
The 23-year-old sustained a bone contusion on his left thumb during Sacramento’s matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.
A contusion is an injury to the inner structures of the bone, but it doesn’t result in a fracture. LaRavia will be re-evaluated in seven to 10 days and will remain out of the lineup until then.
LaRavia was acquired by Sacramento from the Memphis Grizzlies at this year’s NBA trade deadline. In 19 games with the Kings, he is averaging 6.9 points on 50-percent shooting from the field and 38.5 percent shooting from 3-point range, with 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in just under 20 minutes per game.
Take a stroll outside TD Garden before a Boston Celtics home game, and you quickly discover that Payton Pritchard-themed merchandise is a hot item.
Street vendors apologize for their lack of inventory on “Pritch Please” hoodies and suggest maybe snagging one of the few remaining T-shirts spilling out of the boxes next to their cluttered tables.
Inside TD Garden, a cartoon Pritchard adorns the shirts of fans clutching “Pritch Please” signage. No. 11 jerseys dot the arena, some with Pritchard’s named still taped over Kyrie Irving’s old nameplate.
Two seasons ago, this all felt slightly improbable. Despite emerging as an immediate role player for the Celtics after being taken 26th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, and despite playing in all 24 playoff games amid Boston’s run to the 2022 NBA Finals, Pritchard’s playing time had all but dried up during the 2022-23 season. The Celtics had an overstocked backcourt with the addition of Malcolm Brogdon, who was steamrolling toward the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Quietly, Pritchard seethed, trying to use his lack of playing time as fuel to work even harder for whenever his next opportunity arrived. But he had started to wonder if that opportunity would be somewhere other than Boston, culminating with what was essentially a plea for Brad Stevens to move him if the Celtics’ president of basketball operations didn’t see a robust role for Pritchard with the team.
“At the time, [asking for a trade] wasn’t really that hard because I just didn’t see a future,” said Pritchard. “I’ve always said this: It was nothing to do with the city or the organization. I think the organization is top-notch. I think Boston is the best sports city in the world. The best fans and the games are always sold out. As a player, you want to play in a situation like that.
“But, end of the day, I’d rather be playing. And I wasn’t playing. I was watching a lot of games. Now, we were really good and I was going to be a good teammate, regardless of the situation. But I’m a competitor and I thought I belonged on the court to play, and play with the best. And so I went to Brad and just asked if, like, there was an opportunity out there where they could get value back. It didn’t end up working.“
Or maybe it did.
“Payton wasn’t playing a couple of years ago and that was hard,” said Stevens. “Part of the reason that that was hard was, he did play a lot his first year, didn’t play as much his second at the start, and then at the end of the second played more. And so you have that as your foundation. Sometimes when you have that as your foundation, it’s a lot more difficult to then go backwards.
“But it was pretty clear, that summer [of 2023], that we should either probably help him find a place to play or make sure that we had space for him to play, because he’s a really good player and he’s kind of guy you want in your building. He’s an all-time worker.”
Danny Ainge, who drafted Pritchard, has often suggested that the best trades you make can be the ones you don’t. The Celtics put a high value on Pritchard and were rewarded for not making any sort of rash decision to ship him out.
“I won’t go into specifics, but it takes two to tango,” said Stevens. “I think, at the end of the day, trade-wise, there wasn’t — to be honest with you, there was nothing even close.”
Stevens made seismic roster changes that summer that shipped out both Smart and Brogdon, as the Celtics reset their core with Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Despite the addition of a championship guard, it was clear there was a pathway to more playing time for Pritchard, whom Stevens soon engaged about a long-term extension.
By the start of 2023-24 season, Pritchard had the hope of consistent playing time and a four-year, $30 million contract extension. Two years after his trade request, it’s Pritchard who is steamrolling toward Sixth Man of the Year — and could be a key piece in Boston’s quest to repeat as champions.
Admitted Pritchard: “It ended up working out.”
To be honest with you, there was nothing even close.
Brad Stevens on trade offers for Payton Pritchard in the summer of 2023
There was a certain glow to Pritchard when he plopped down in a chair inside the WGBH building next to the Celtics’ practice facility earlier this month. Once reserved in these interview settings, he’s open and honest as this reporter asks him to relive the highs and lows of his Boston tenure. Teammates will soon take his spot, and then rave about his work ethic and his importance to Boston’s title hopes.
“Opportunities come and go, depending on coaching staff, depending on things that sometimes may be outside of your control,” said Jaylen Brown. “As long as you keep your head right, your work ethic, and continue to grow your game, your potential will shine through.
“Payton’s having a hell of a year this year. He’s been great for our group. He’s been a superstar in his role. He’s been the definition of a superstar in his role. And we’ve empowered that. It’s been an honor. It’s been a pleasure to be alongside somebody who has that work ethic, shows up every day to give you his best. And that’s what we need.
“Payton’s a huge part of our team.”
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla struggled to find time for Pritchard at the start of his tenure as Boston coach, but has leaned heavily on him this season.
“I’m grateful for his competitive nature and the passion that he brings every day,” said Mazzulla. “The great thing about him is he’s competitive and he wears his heart on his sleeve. He just wants to win. He wants to be a part of something great and he’ll do whatever it takes to do that.”
Echoed veteran big man Al Horford: “Payton’s resilient and Payton’s very driven. Payton, one of the things that everybody talks about is hard work, and he’s a very hard worker. But his mindset, he’s very competitive. He’s very resilient. And it’s just been pretty impressive to see the big leap that he has taken this year. And he’s obviously more confident.
“But just his will, it’s something that is contagious and inspiring.”
Pritchard’s hard work and resiliency should soon be rewarded with an individual honor: the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award. It’s an award with deep Boston roots, from John Havlicek to Kevin McHale to Bill Walton to Brogdon. Now Pritchard is poised to etch his name into that lineage of Boston bench stars.
Pritchard might carve out a couple other entries in the record book, too.
He already set an NBA record for the most 3-pointers off the bench in a single season, and now is jockeying with teammates Jayson Tatum and White to set a new Celtics single-season record in 3-point makes. Pritchard and White were the first NBA tandem to score 40 points apiece in a win over Pritchard’s hometown Blazers last month.
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Who could have envisioned all this back in February 2023? Pritchard bet on himself and has been handsomely rewarded.
What follows is more from our Q&A with Pritchard earlier this month, edited for clarity and brevity, as he revisited the highs and lows of his Boston journey:
What was your lowest moment of this journey?
Pritchard: “There’s a lot of moments where you question whether you’re going to make it, whether I was even gonna make it to this level, if I was going to be able to continue to play in the NBA.
“After my second year, I was part of the rotation, being in the Finals, and still a young player trying to develop, trying to get better. And then, third year, to not playing at all and going what felt like 20 games in a row, not touching the floor. Having many guys out and not playing still. So that could definitely be a mental test and a lot of people can kind of crumble in that situation.
“I was fortunate to have good vets around. I became close with Blake [Griffin] and he really helped me during that time because it just allowed me to have somebody that was a Hall of Famer in my ear telling me how much potential I really had. I had a coach named Aaron Miles that helped me through that year a lot, too.
“But a lot of those moments, I think, is what made me better. It made me hungrier. I worked on things that I needed to get better at. And hopefully this is just the start of it all. I hope I can continue this growth, and I know I’ll continue to put in the work to keep getting better. I don’t know what the future holds or what my ceiling is.”
Could you ever imagine, in that moment, how quickly it would have flipped? And do you ever think, “Man, I’m kind of glad Brad didn’t trade me?“
Pritchard: “Obviously, Brad made the decision to keep me here and obviously had belief in me that I could turn out to be something.
“I’m very happy to be here. I mean, this is like home. The East Coast is home to me now. So Boston, being from Oregon, I enjoy it here.”
How quickly did you start to see it turning the corner and when did you realize you were going to get a chance?
Pritchard: “Well, once we started talking about the extension in the summertime that was going to come. Waiting to see like how that was going to work out. And then to see the guards leave, Smart and Malcolm, good players; we lost Rob [Williams III]. But like, we gained Jrue and KP. So got a lot of talent back.
“But I saw that there was a position, that I was going to be given at least 15 minutes a night. So I just took that opportunity and said, ‘OK, I’ll take 15 and try to build on that and just keep getting better and better and earn more and more.’
“I went through my slump still at first. I remember the start of my fourth year, I went the first five games, don’t even know if I hit a shot, you know? People forget about those moments, but I don’t. And I remember saying at the time, I feel like it’s these those type of moments were going gonna make me better in the end.”
What did it mean to get that contract extension?
Pritchard: “I feel like, the money aside, I feel like what helped me the most is like I knew I had four more years to prove myself and keep growing in the best league in the world. So that was the biggest thing for me is just to have the opportunity to play and keep showing what I’m capable of.”
You’ve said winning a title is most important. But what would it mean to join the Celtics’ long history of Sixth Men of the Year?
Pritchard: “Oh, it’d be an honor for sure. It’s something that every player does want. If they come off the bench, you do want that award.
“Now, I’m not hanging my head on it, whether I get it or not. I put myself in the best position to get it. But, end of the day, it means I helped my team off the bench, at the best of my ability, and I did my job. But definitely would be an honor and to put my name into history with those guys.”
Has it sunk in that you are an NBA record holder? You’ve done things no other bench player has ever done.
Pritchard: “It hasn’t really. The coaches actually just put the ball in my locker. So I have that. I’ll give that to my wife, maybe she’ll I frame it or something, I don’t know. But hopefully I can build on that.”
What other mementos have you saved from your journey so far?
Pritchard: “I’ve gotten certain people’s jerseys, have done that stuff. My parents really have a lot of it. Like, my dad got the jersey from the Blazers game, when me and D-White both had the 40 [points]. So I felt like that was a monumental moment for Boston history, too. And then the championship jersey.
Have you noticed our teams defending you differently now?
Pritchard: “I think it changes game to game, but I definitely notice there’s certain times where I draw certain defenders, they’re better matchups.
“Sometimes they don’t leave my body or just not try to me get easy looks. Which I want because it’s a respect thing. And when you are a good player, they’re going to put the better defenders on you.”
Do you have a favorite Pritchard nickname or phrase? There’s been no shortage of them this season.
Pritchard: “My teammates, I think they like the, ‘Pritch Please.’ They say that a lot. So I feel like it’s cool, it’s catchy. I see it all over, even on away stadiums now. So it’s definitely cool.”
What is it like to see all the Payton Pritchard gear at the Garden?
Pritchard: “Just very appreciative to have the support of the people. I feel like I give a lot of communities the sense of hope, that with hard work anything is possible. So that’s what I at least want to give off. And I appreciate [the fan support].”
Jalen Brunson continues working his way toward a late-season return.
The Knicks’ All-Star point guard has missed the last 10 games with a sprained right ankle suffered after landing awkwardly on a shot attempt in the closing minutes of an overtime loss to the Los Angles Lakers earlier this month.
New York has gone an even 5-5 over that span, and his absence has certainly been felt.
While Brunson hasn’t been cleared to return to practice just yet, head coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters earlier this week that he’s “feeling a lot better” and has been able to do "more and more each day."
Brunson himself said he’s excited about the progress he’s made during the latest episode of the Roomates Show podcast.
“I’ve been back East since the LA game,” he said. “I’m feeling better, walking without the boot. Thibs said I’ve impressed recently. I’m just doing everything I can to get back to 100 percent. Doing things two, three times a day. Just working my way back.
"For the most part, I’m happy to see the progress with where I’m at, so I think that’s promising."
SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley reported earlier this week that the 28-year-old captain has actually been progressing faster than initially anticipated -- though the team will continue taking things day-by-day to ensure that they don’t rush him back.
While Brunson is currently without a timeline for a return, he is expected to be reevaluated later this week, and Begley reports that there is no thought of him remaining sidelined for the rest of the regular season.
Following Friday night's meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks, New York has just nine games left.
They face a brutally tough schedule the rest of the way, but have already guaranteed themselves a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference after clinching a playoff spot with the Hawks’ loss to the Heat on Thursday night.
As much as injuries hurt a team, they can also open up opportunities for otherwise bench-relegated players to step up. The Knicks witnessed this firsthand with Quentin Grimes’ rookie emergence and Isaiah Hartenstein’s breakout last year.
Now they appear to have found another diamond in the rough, their 34th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Tyler Kolek.
The 6-foot-1 guard dazzled at Marquette but up until recently, most of his professional playing time with has come with Westchester, only sporadically being subbed in during garbage time minutes with the Knicks.
This isn’t surprising, given head coach Tom Thibodeau’s commitment to winning over long-term goals and New York’s established depth at the guard spot in Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride and Cameron Payne.
However, Kolek’s played close to 20 minutes in each of the last three games due to two of those guards being out -- and now all three will be absent for Friday's matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks -- setting the stage for Kolek to continue shining in increased minutes.
If he plays as well as he has, Kolek could earn himself a permanent rotation spot.
In the 56 minutes he’s played over the last three games, Kolek’s recorded 24 assists and just one turnover -- a stellar playmaking performance for the first prolonged stretch of playing time of an NBA career. That equates to a 15.4 assists per-36 minutes pace, and an assist percentage of 46.2 percent, which would rank him first on the season, just above Trae Young.
He’s made NBA history in his brief chance, becoming the first player to record eight assists and zero turnovers in less than 20 minutes off the bench in consecutive games, per Basketball-Reference.
Kolek is as pure a point guard as they come -- constantly looking to push the pace for easy chances, utilizing every available teammate to their strengths, pressuring the paint to open up perimeter looks, and passing absolute dots in every way you dream of. Pocket passes that zip between defenders in the pick-and-roll, quick touch passes as the defense is rotating, and cross-court bullets to the weak-side corner this Knicks offense is built to create but only realizes through Kolek.
This makes him a natural fit with the starters, who are tremendous scorers off movement and assists but can get sluggish and entranced by hero ball. Kolek directs the traffic, keeps everybody engaged, rewards cuts and hits marksmen in their shooting pockets.
The Knicks can use more of this play-style in general, currently ranking 18th in the league in assist percentage. New York boasting multiple high-level pass-dribble-shoot weapons means little if they over-emphasize the latter two.
While Kolek’s playmaking looks the part, it’ll take developments in the rest of his game to secure minutes once his teammates return to health. His scoring and defense haven’t come around yet, and will need to with the Knicks now relying on him as a part-time starter.
Kolek shot 2-of-10 from the field in these three games, and is sub-36 percent from the field and from three on the season. These aren’t big sample sizes, but teams will start going under and switching on his screens, forcing him to beat them without his passing.
In eight G-League games, Kolek put up underwhelming shooting stats as well -- except from the free throw line, where he eclipsed 90 percent. He was a solid shooter in college and had good touch around the rim, but the pros can be a tough leap for less athletic scorers like Kolek.
Things should start turning around as Kolek gets more comfortable. He’s already able to get to the paint at will, and just needs to make the open ones from deep.
But, defensively, there are some things experience can’t make up for. Kolek’s stature does little to impede bigger inside finishers, though the Knicks have similar struggles with their other guards.
He’s otherwise shown good effort and balance on that end, but Thibodeau isn’t handing out participation trophies. He can easily be supplanted by Delon Wright, the Knicks’ next guard up, as he was late in Wednesday's loss to the Clippers.
That’s all in Kolek’s hands. If he can remain an offensive engine and stand his ground defensively, he has the chance to lift this Knicks team at their most dire moment of the season health-wise, and cement himself as a rotation option for the playoffs.
The Memphis Grizzlies announced they have parted ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins.
Jenkins, 40, became Grizzlies head coach in 2019 after spending five seasons as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks and one season as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks.
He went 250-214 in the regular season with Memphis, making him the winningest head coach in franchise history, and guided the team to three playoff berths. He also finished second in NBA Coach of the Year voting in 2021-22.
Memphis is poised to make the playoffs once again in 2024-25. The team sits at 44-29, putting them in a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings despite the team battling injuries across the roster. The team has lost four of its last five games and is 8-11 since the All-Star break.
With just nine games remaining in the regular season, the Grizzlies will now look to different leadership.
“I’m genuinely appreciative of Taylor’s contributions to this team and this city over the past six seasons,” Grizzlies president and GM of basketball operations Zach Kleiman said in a statement. “This was a difficult decision given the consistent and tangible development of our players and overall success under Taylor’s leadership. I wish Taylor the very best going forward.”
This is a developing story. Please refresh for updates.
The Memphis Grizzlies announced they have parted ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins.
Jenkins, 40, became Grizzlies head coach in 2019 after spending five seasons as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks and one season as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks.
He went 250-214 in the regular season with Memphis, making him the winningest head coach in franchise history, and guided the team to three playoff berths. He also finished second in NBA Coach of the Year voting in 2021-22.
Memphis is poised to make the playoffs once again in 2024-25. The team sits at 44-29, putting them in a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings despite the team battling injuries across the roster. The team has lost four of its last five games and is 8-11 since the All-Star break.
With just nine games remaining in the regular season, the Grizzlies will now look to different leadership.
“I’m genuinely appreciative of Taylor’s contributions to this team and this city over the past six seasons,” Grizzlies president and GM of basketball operations Zach Kleiman said in a statement. “This was a difficult decision given the consistent and tangible development of our players and overall success under Taylor’s leadership. I wish Taylor the very best going forward.”
This is a developing story. Please refresh for updates.
Warriors star Draymond Green has experienced the highest of highs during his 13-year NBA career, but one moment stands apart from the rest.
Golden State shocked the NBA world when it defeated the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals, and Green recently explained on “Dubs Talk” why it was the most rewarding moment from his time in the league.
“I think the sweetest moment for me was winning the championship in 2022,” Green told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole and Kerith Burke. “And the reason that was the sweetest moment for me was [that] I caught so much flak when [Kevin Durant] left. ‘You ran KD off, you’re an idiot.’ Like, it’s crazy that I caught flak for KD coming [to the Warriors]. ‘You cried to KD to get him to come here. You cried in the car. Go cry again.’ And then I caught flak for him leaving.
“And so with that, it was so deeply embedded in me that I wanted to prove that I can win again, because y’all are telling me I ruined this franchise because KD decided that he wanted to do something else with his life, that he wanted to live in a different city. He wanted a different challenge … and I catch flak for that, that [I] ruined the franchise. And so in saying that, I’m a competitor, so how do I shut all of those people up? You go win another championship. And so I think that was one of the biggest moments. Also, everybody saying, ‘Oh man, they’re done. They can’t do it again. It’s over.’
“To do that again, I’d say that’s one of the biggest moments.”
The Warriors built a dynasty thanks in part to Durant, winning two of their three NBA championships from 2015 to 2018 with Slim Reaper in the Bay. While many criticized Golden State for building a “super team” by signing Durant after their 2016 Finals loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Green also shouldered plenty of blame for Durant’s eventual departure in the summer of 2019 after a series of disagreements, culminating with a heated in-game exchange on Nov. 12, 2018.
There was plenty of disappointment — and losses — in the years after Durant, with NBA pundits and fans alike wondering if the Warriors ever would win again without him.
It’s Friday, March 28, and the Los Angeles Clippers (41-31) and Brooklyn Nets (23-50) are all set to square off from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The Clippers are currently 16-20 on the road with a point differential of 3, while the Nets have a 3-7 record in their last ten games at home. Los Angeles won the only meeting of the season, 126-67 on January 15. The Nets were held to 30.1% from the field and 17.9% from three in that loss to the Clippers.
Brooklyn has lost five straight games and eight of the previous nine contests. Los Angeles is 6-1 in the past seven games with the lone loss coming by two points to the Thunder.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game details & how to watch Clippers vs. Nets live today
Date: Friday, March 28, 2025
Time: 7:30PM EST
Site: Barclays Center
City: Brooklyn, NY
Network/Streaming:
Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for Clippers vs. Nets
The latest odds as of Friday:
Odds: Clippers (-699), Nets (+498)
Spread: Clippers -12.5
Over/Under: 215 points
That gives the Clippers an implied team point total of 112.97, and the Nets 106.45.
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!
Expert picks & predictions for Friday’s Clippers vs. Nets game
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet
Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Under between L.A. and Brooklyn:
"Backing the Clippers by double-digits is a tough ask most nights and the Nets are a tough team to bet on because they are capable of staying within the number. Over the last two games though, Brooklyn has scored 101 and 86 points, so they are trending in the wrong direction and Los Angeles prefers playing in the halfcourt offense. With five straight losses for the Nets, I'd lean toward the Clippers here, but I like the game Under more. I expect the Nets to score more than 67 points this time, but even 97 could be a stretch."
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Clippers & Nets game:
Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Los Angeles Clippers on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Brooklyn Nets at +12.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the over on the Game Total of 215.
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions pagefrom NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Clippers vs. Nets on Friday
The Clippers are on a streak of 3 straight road wins
The Over is 4-1 in the Clippers' last 5 road games
The Clippers have covered in 6 of their 9 matchups against Eastern Conference Atlantic Division teams this season
The Clippers have a winning record (18-8) in matchups against Eastern Conference teams this season
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
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It’s Friday, March 28, and the Charlotte Hornets (18-54) and Toronto Raptors (26-47) are all set to square off from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
The Hornets are currently 7-28 on the road with a point differential of -8, while the Raptors have a 4-6 record in their last ten games at home. Charlotte won the only meetings this season 138-133 on October 30. This is the second of three meetings.
Toronto won the past two games after losing four straight to enter this matchup. Charlotte has lost three straight games and five of the past six.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game details & how to watch Hornets vs. Raptors live today
Date: Friday, March 28, 2025
Time: 7:30PM EST
Site: Scotiabank Arena
City: Toronto, ON
Network/Streaming:
Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for Hornets vs. Raptors
The latest odds as of Friday:
Odds: Hornets (+194), Raptors (-235)
Spread: Raptors -5.5
Over/Under: 216 points
That gives the Hornets an implied team point total of 107.06, and the Raptors 109.93.
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!
Expert picks & predictions for Friday’s Hornets vs. Raptors game
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet
Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Raptors as ML parlay piece:
"Toronto is back on their feet with a few consecutive wins, while Charlotte is the opposite, but I couldn't lay the points or take the points with either side in this matchup. Charlotte won the only meeting and it came in October. Neither of these teams is in good shape, but Toronto is in better shape, so I would take the Raptors ML in a parlay, but ultimately pass on betting this game."
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Hornets & Raptors game:
Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Toronto Raptors on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Charlotte Hornets at +5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the over on the Game Total of 216.
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions pagefrom NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Hornets vs. Raptors on Friday
The Raptors are on a 7-game win streak at home to the Hornets
5 of the Raptors' last 6 games (83%) have stayed under the Total
The Raptors are 23-14 ATS at home this season
The Raptors have won 15 of their last 18 home games against the Hornets
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
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