Apr 1, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) talks with guard Gary Payton II (0) during a timeout against the San Antonio Spurs in...
Steph Curry only logged minutes in 43 games for the Warriors this season, but the lack of playing time has not impacted his popularity one bit.
The NBA announced on Monday that the Warriors star’s jersey was the league’s top-selling one for the 2025-26 regular season.
The league said the results were based on sales from NBAStore.com, Fanatics.com and other Fanatics partner sites.
Luka Doncic’s No. 77 Lakers threads came in second place, and jerseys belonging to Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, Spurs center Victor Wembanyama and Lakers forward LeBron James rounded out the top five.
Despite playing in just 43 games for the Warriors this season, Steph Curry’s jersey was the NBA’s top seller. Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Other notables in the top 15 included Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, Pistons guard Cade Cunningham and Hornets guard LaMelo Ball.
Mavericks star Cooper Flagg, who came in at No. 9, was the only rookie to secure a spot on the list.
Cooper Flagg’s Mavericks jersey came in at No. 9 on the NBA’s list of top sellers in 2025-26. NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA also revealed on Monday which teams’ merchandise was the best-selling during this past regular season, and the Knicks landed the No. 1 spot there.
The Lakers, Celtics, Warriors, Spurs, 76ers, Bulls, Thunder, Timberwolves and Nuggets made up the rest of the top 10.
The NBA’s regular season officially concluded on Sunday. The postseason is scheduled to begin on Tuesday with the play-in tournament.
The Boston Celtics’ 2025-26 regular season has come to an end. But before we turn our attention to the team’s quest for Banner 19, it’s time to recognize the C’s who played key roles en route to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
From MVP (an obvious choice) to the biggest surprise (a toss-up), we handed out superlatives and awards for a team that smashed preseason expectations. Here’s who’s taking home the fake hardware:
Most Valuable Player: Jaylen Brown
No need to spend much time on this no-brainer. Jaylen Brown was counted on to step up as the Celtics’ No. 1 option with Jayson Tatum out, and he exceeded even the loftiest expectations.
In what many believed would be a “gap year” for the C’s, Brown averaged career highs in points (28.7), rebounds (6.9), and assists (5.1) per game while leading Boston to a 56-26 record and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Brown notched three triple-doubles and 14 double-doubles during the 2025-26 campaign. He tied his career high with 50 points in a January win over the Los Angeles Clippers and had six other games with at least 40 points.
Not only was Brown the Celtics’ MVP, but he also earned some NBA MVP consideration for his spectacular season as Boston’s go-to option.
Most Improved Player: Neemias Queta
Queta took his game to another level as the Celtics’ starting center. The 26-year-old averaged 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game — all career highs and double his 2024-25 numbers — as Boston’s top big man without Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet. He recorded 17 double-doubles.
Queta is a long shot to win the award, but that doesn’t take anything away from his breakout season. He added a new dimension to a C’s offense that has been largely dependent on the 3-ball, all while being exceptional on the defensive end.
Defensive Player of the Year: Derrick White
D-White went through his fair share of offensive slumps, yet he still averaged a career-high 16.5 points per game. On the defensive end, he was even better than usual.
White came two blocks shy of becoming the first player in NBA history to make 200 3-pointers and record 100 blocks in a season. The best shot-blocking guard in the league averaged 1.3 per game, and on Dec. 30 vs. the Utah Jazz, he tied C’s great Dennis Johnson for the most blocks by a guard in a single game with seven swats.
White also averaged a career-high 1.1 steals per game. He should be a lock for his first career First-Team All-Defense nod.
Biggest surprise: Luka Garza
The Celtics’ depth at center became a concern after they traded Kristaps Porzingis and lost Al Horford and Luke Kornet in free agency. Luka Garza was the only big man they added to the roster, and entering the season with him as the top center off the bench was a head-scratcher.
Garza was a two-way player for the Minnesota Timberwolves until he signed a standard deal at the end of the 2023-24 season. The former Iowa standout was never anything more than a depth piece for Minnesota, but he carved out a critical role in Boston.
In 69 games, Garza averaged 8.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 16.1 minutes per game while shooting 43.3 percent from 3-point range. He delivered several memorable performances, including a 22-point, seven-rebound game in Memphis and a 27-point, 12-rebound outburst in the season finale vs. Orlando.
Garza has made the case to be the Celtics’ go-to big man off the bench in the playoffs over trade deadline acquisition Nikola Vucevic. That probably won’t be the case to start the postseason, but Garza has earned Joe Mazzulla’s trust if Vucevic struggles.
Baylor Scheierman gets an honorable mention as a surprising force off the Celtics’ bench.
Rookie of the Year: Hugo Gonzalez
Gonzalez didn’t have much competition for this one. Amari Williams was the only other rookie on the roster, and he appeared in only 22 games with Boston.
Still, Gonzalez’s rookie season should be celebrated. The 20-year-old was a spark plug off the Celtics’ bench, showing tremendous hustle each time he stepped onto the court.
Gonzalez’s biggest game of his rookie season came on March 2, when he logged 18 points and 16 rebounds in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks. He also had several noteworthy performances on the defensive end and was often tasked with guarding the opponent’s top option.
It’s scary to think about how good Gonzalez could become on both ends of the floor if his development continues on its current trajectory.
Sixth Man of the Year: Baylor Scheierman
Payton Pritchard doesn’t qualify for this honor as he started in 50 of his 79 games played. Therefore, second-year sharpshooter Baylor Scheierman is the clear choice.
Scheierman delivered a jolt off the C’s bench with impressive 3-point shooting and outstanding hustle on both ends. He finished the season with four double-doubles despite his limited minutes.
In Thursday’s win over the New York Knicks, Scheierman tallied a career-high 20 points with six 3-pointers. He followed that up in the regular-season finale vs. the Magic with a career-high 30 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and six 3s.
These performances show what Scheierman is capable of with more playing time in the coming years.
Tatum’s 10-month absence ended on March 6 against the Dallas Mavericks. He made his long-awaited return to the parquet to loud cheers from the TD Garden crowd.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 18: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 18, 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 Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Luka Dončić’s trip to Spain has brought with it a lack of clarity. With no real precedent of a player going there during the season and no firm idea on a timetable for a return, there isn’t much known about what’s going on and when he could be back.
It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, that there were some conflicting reports initially on Monday about him coming back to America. According to longtime NBA reporter — and someone who is well-connected with Luka and his camp — Marc Stein, Luka is expected back in LA on Friday, a day before the Lakers open the playoffs at home against the Rockets.
That report was later backed up by Dan Woike of The Athletic.
The Lakers’ Luka Dončić, I’m told, is scheduled to rejoin the team in Los Angeles on Friday in advance of the Lakers’ first-round series against Houston after his recent trip to Madrid for treatment of his Grade 2 hamstring strain.
This came after Shams Charania of ESPN provided a bit more insight into what Luka has been doing in Europe, but also initially reported he would be back on Tuesday. Later in the day, he said he would be back on Friday, which seems to be the consensus at this point.
Shams on Luka:
"He spent the last week in Spain from my understanding, the majority of time in Spain, he underwent multiple injection treatments in that hamstring. My understanding is he'll be back in the states on Tuesday and they're gonna reevaluate him"
The “majority of his time in Spain” line does stick out, but it’s because Luka was allowed to travel back to Slovenia while in Europe to see his kids. According to the Slovenian outlet Ekipa, after completing his first set of injections, Luka traveled to Slovenia with the Lakers’ approval.
Here is a section of the article, translated from Slovenian:
It is clear that Dončić also received the blessing of the Los Angeles Lakers, who of course support Luka in every decision he makes. From going to Madrid for treatment, to traveling to Slovenia for a short time in between two series of therapies.
The Lakers are aware that the mental well-being of their first star is just as important as the physical. And it is clear that Dončić’s association with his two children will fill his soul and heart and have a beneficial effect on his mental state.
After the brief trip to Slovenia, Luka returned to Madrid for a second set of injections and will now head back to Los Angeles this week.
Austin Reaves is not close to return
In the initial Shams tweet above during his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” he also provided an update on Austin Reaves, and not really an encouraging one.
Austin Reaves, he’s out for [the] majority of this first round series. Most likely, probably, the earliest for him is going to be the first week of May.
This doesn’t rule him out entirely for the first round necessarily, but it leaves a pretty tight window that he could return. Looking back on previous first round series for the Lakers, last year’s Game 1 against the Wolves came on April 19 and the series ended on April 30. In 2023-24, Game 1 against the Nuggets was on April 20 and Game 5 was on April 29.
This year, Game 1 against the Rockets will be on April 18. While the full schedule is not yet out, to even give Austin a shot of returning for the first round, the Lakers will need to go at least six games and even then, that’s would only be the very beginning of the first week of May.
Realistically, Austin’s only chance of returning this year is if the Lakers make the second round, which would be a tall task.
Lamine Yamal is taking inspiration from NBA legend LeBron James ahead of Barcelona's Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, April 14.
Yamal changed his Instagram profile picture to James before the match at Camp Nou, which Barcelona must win by at least two goals after dropping the first leg 2-0 in Madrid last week.
The Barcelona star didn't just use any image of James, but a picture of him holding the championship trophy after the 2016 NBA Finals.
In that series, James helped the Cleveland Cavaliers overturn a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors, winning the final three games to be crowned NBA champions.
In a news conference on Monday, April 13, Yamal said he was hoping to emulate the comeback that James and the Cavs pulled off a decade ago.
“[James] is one of my references that can inspire me for tomorrow’s game,” Yamal said. “I’ll think about how he did the comeback [in 2016] and I hope it unfolds the same way for me.
"We have plenty of leaders in the team. I consider myself one of them, but not the only one.”
Lamine Yamal has changed his profile picture to LeBron James holding the NBA championship trophy after making a 3-1 comeback in the finals.
Barca needs to make a 2-0 comeback this week vs. Atlético in the Champions League 👀 pic.twitter.com/m4h7YpVuze
Barcelona fell 2-0 in the first leg, as a first-half red card for defender Pau Cubarsí proved costly. Julián Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth scored on either side of halftime to give Atlético a huge win at home.
Yamal, who has 22 goals and 18 assists this season, said his team would give everything to overturn the deficit against Diego Simeone's team.
“What I can promise for tomorrow is that if we get knocked out, it will be with us fighting until the end,” Yamal said. “We won’t stop running for one minute and give everything for this badge. I think the comeback is possible.”
Luka Doncic, who went to Spain to receive treatment on his injured hamstring, will return to the United States on Friday, sources told the California Post.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic drives past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus. AP
The Lakers’ star guard suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain in a 134-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2. The Injury typically sidelines athletes around 30 days, but Doncic is hoping to expedite his return to the court.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic celebrates after scoring. AP
The fourth-seeded Lakers will host the fifth-seeded Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena at 5:30 pm.
Doncic was having an MVP-caliber season before suffering the injury with five games remaining in the regular season. He led the league in scoring (33.5 points), was third in assists (8.3) and sixth in steals (1.6).
Over the month of March, Doncic averaged a league-leading 37.5 points on 49.2% shooting, 8 rebounds and 7.4 assists. He led the Lakers to a 15-2 record over that period.
The Charlotte Hornets may be the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference, but they sure aren't playing like it.
Charlotte has been one of the better sides since the All-Star break, finishing the home stretch of the regular season with an 18-9 record. That span included splitting two meetings with the Miami Heat, who the Hornets host in the Play-In Tournament.
Point guard LaMelo Ball dished out a ton of dimes in his most recent run-in with Miami, and our Heat vs. Hornets predictions see Ball at the wheel of that offense tonight.
My NBA picks love LaMelo to top his assist prop on April 14.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Heat vs Hornets prediction
Who will win Heat vs Hornets?
Hornets: While the Hornets climbed the Eastern Conference standings, the Heat were going in the opposite direction. Miami has five wins in its last 15 games. The Heat have issues on defense and now face a Hornets attack that was the second-best offense in the back half of the season. Charlotte is 15-6 SU (14-7 ATS) as a home favorite this season.
Heat vs Hornets best bet: LaMelo Ball Over 7.5 assists (-120)
LaMelo Ball is at the center of the Charlotte Hornets’ surge. The polarizing point guard watched his playmaking prowess rise in the home stretch, dishing out more than seven assists per game.
His brightest passing performance was 13 assists in a 136-106 blowout of the Miami Heat on March 17.
Since then, Ball has recorded at least eight dimes in eight of 14 games and did so against defenses much stiffer than Miami. Charlotte took on the likes of Detroit, Boston (twice), New York (twice), Minnesota, and Phoenix — all Top 10 in defensive rating.
The Heat, on the other hand, are horrendous on D. Miami was 28th in defensive rating in the final 15 games while allowing 127.5 points against in that stretch. Foes racked up an average of 30 assists per contest — fifth most.
Charlotte cracked open the Heat’s zone defense like a piñata in that last meeting, thriving with off-ball movement and dribble-kick passing to spot-up shooters. Ball is excellent at creating opportunities from collapsing the defense as well as working out of guard-on-guard screen action.
Since scorching the Heat in mid-March, Ball has generated an average of 12 potential assists per game. In his three head-to-head battles with Miami, that advanced measurement leaps to 14.3 potential dimes for outputs of five, nine, and 13 assists.
Player projections for Tuesday’s tilt sit at 8+ assists from Ball.
Heat vs Hornets same-game parlay
The Hornets are excellent at home when catching points and come into the Play-In Tournament producing some of the best two-way basketball, boasting a net rating of +11.3 over the final 15 games.
Kon Knueppel gets his first taste of postseason play. The sharp-shooting rookie is the main beneficiary of Ball's playmaking and torched the Heat this season, scoring 19, 22, 27, and 30 points in four matchups. He was 18 for 40 from beyond the 3-point arc in those games.
Heat vs Hornets SGP
Hornets moneyline
LaMelo Ball Over 7.5 assists
Kon Knueppel Over 17.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Ball's in your Court
LaMelo’s projections call for as many as 24 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. He cashed this same stat line when Charlotte smoked Miami back on March 17.
Heat vs Hornets SGP
Hornets -5.5
LaMelo Ball Over 22.5 points
LaMelo Ball Over 7.5 assists
LaMelo Ball Over 5.5 rebounds
Heat vs Hornets odds
Spread: Heat +5.5 | Hornets -5.5
Moneyline: Heat +185 | Hornets -225
Over/Under: Over 228 | Under 228
Heat vs Hornets betting trend to know
The Hornets are 12-4 SU and 11-5 ATS (69%) when laying more than three points as a home favorite this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Heat vs. Hornets.
How to watch Heat vs Hornets
Location
Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Date
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Heat vs Hornets latest injuries
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Let’s enjoy the beauty of the NBA Play-In Tournament, the rare moment of single-elimination stress in the NBA, and the only welcome addition to the league calendar spurred by the pandemic.
My four-game NBA Play-In Tournament moneyline parlay tells you why Magic vs. 76ers may be the hardest game to pick from, and why Stephen Curry could uncork a vintage effort. Check out my NBA picks below, starting tonight.
What a world to live in, one where the Charlotte Hornets are the biggest favorites in a round of the NBA postseason.
The longest playoff drought in the NBA should come to an end this week, but that needs to start by holding serve against the Miami Heat on Tuesday.
Since New Year’s Day, Charlotte has a 33-16 record, a 55-win pace across a full season. Quick context: 55 wins would have given the Hornets the No. 3 seed in the East.
More impressively, Charlotte has the No. 1 net rating in the NBA in 2026, 8.9 points better per 100 possessions than Miami’s at No. 16.
This game should not be close.
Suns will rise
Defer to Devin Booker. He is one of the most pure scorers in the NBA, and that is always an asset to enjoy in a single-elimination tournament. Well, single elimination-ish.
The loser between the Phoenix Suns and the Portland Trail Blazers will get a second chance at advancing to the playoffs on Friday, but that would be a path toward the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Both Phoenix and Portland should treat Tuesday night like a do-or-die moment, and in such a stressor, deferring to the best scorer on the court is a sound approach, especially with homecourt advantage in his favor.
While 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey may be the best player on the court, his long-range looks have gone awry since he returned from a pinky injury, shooting just 18 of 57 (31.6%) from beyond the arc in nine games.
And Maxey may need that shot against Orlando’s defense, one with a few different deterrents to driving to the rim. Lessening Maxey’s effectiveness should effectively neuter Philadelphia with Joel Embiid already sidelined by an appendectomy.
Curry pumps up the volume
Maybe this is the end of the Golden State Warriors' time in relevance. It could end not with a bang, but with a whimper.
But do you really want to bet against Stephen Curry in a single-elimination moment? You must be too young to remember the joy that was Davidson in 2008. But how could you have already forgotten the gold medal game against France in the 2024 Olympics?
Curry shot 15 of 36 (41.7%) from deep in his brief return to the Warriors’ lineup in the last week. Expect him to shoot at volume against the Los Angeles Clippers, and there are few things more dangerous in this basketball universe than Steph Curry shooting at volume.
When speaking with reporters Monday, April 13, Haliburton revealed that the medication he has been taking for the shingles diagnosis has led to weight gain and being out of shape, thus delaying his progress on the Achilles.
"This has sucked," Haliburton said. "My dad had it during the Finals on his stomach; a lot of people get it there, but mine has been on my face, so I couldn’t even go in front of a camera if I wanted to, earlier, because my eye was basically closed shut and it was all over my face."
Haliburton added that he didn’t feel itchiness for the first two weeks, but that he had a bad rash.
"But then when the rash went away, the itching came," he continued. "It’s been miserable."
Haliburton was speaking to reporters for his final interview before the team departed for the offseason. Indiana struggled significantly without Haliburton and also faced several other key injuries early in the season.
The Pacers finished the season with a 19-63 record, which was second-worst in the NBA. The Pacers had good reason to underperform, as a midseason trade with the Los Angeles Clippers that brought Ivica Zubac resulted in Indiana’s 2026 first-round draft pick being protected for picks No. 1-4 and 10-30. That means that if the Pacers fall in that 5-9 range in the lottery, the selection will go to the Clippers.
"I lost part of my eyebrow, my eye is always swollen from itching it," Haliburton continued. "I have good days and bad days, but for the most part, it’s bad days. It has not been any fun.
"I’ve been taking unbelievable amounts of medication to try to get rid of it. It hasn’t worked. It has obviously caused me to gain weight and look a little bigger, so that has been a topic of conversation through social media and stuff, but what can you do?"
Despite all that, Haliburton remained optimistic that the treatment would solve the issue and said he expects his training over the offseason will lead to a return to playing shape.
"I feel great," he said. "My body feels great. I feel like I’m in a great spot in terms of my leg."
In 73 games last season, Haliburton averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. He hit several massive shots late in games throughout the regular season and playoffs, posting one of the most prolific stretches of clutch performances in NBA history.
I have found one more positive of a tanking season. The Brooklyn Nets hosted exit interviews on Monday morning, but thanks to the players that had already bid farewell to the season (largely due to season-ending injury), the festivities at HSS Training Center lasted only a couple hours instead of the the usual marathon.
General Manager Sean Marks and Head Coach Jordi Fernández shared the first podium, then Michael Porter Jr. joined on Zoom before Noah Clowney reflected on his season in person. And that was it. Clowney was particularly introspective about his season, at one point saying, “I think I progressed this year, maybe not as much as I wanted to or as much as I thought I would have.”
Clowney had a fascinating third season; his 1780 minutes were more than his first two years combined, and he morphed into a full-time wing who shot a ton of threes and drew plenty of fouls, driving the ball more than he ever has. He shot very well on corner threes but very poorly on above-the-break attempts, a fact that he discussed on Monday, but we’ll save Clowney’s self-analysis for a genuine, in-depth look at his growth another day.
Our Jordan Greene will have a full run-down of noteworthy quotes from Nets exits tomorrow, like Fernández admitting that the stress of losing took a toll on him, or Marks once again emphasizing high-minute counts for the rookies. But the main story of the day was, of course, what roster moves await Brooklyn this summer. Namely a potential Michael Porter Jr. extension, as well as team options looming for Josh Minott and Day’Ron Sharpe.
Porter Jr. is entering the final year of a five-year contract in 2026-27, which would pay him nearly $41 million. Thus, the 27-year-old (turning 28 in June) is up for an extension, and fortunately for him, it comes after the best individual season of his NBA career, where he averaged 24/7/3 as a true first option.
Marks admitted as much on Monday: “You look at his usage — it’s the highest it’s ever been. I don’t think anybody questioned whether he could shoot, but I think, could he be a number one option? And I think for us, he’s the number-one option. And I just enjoyed the person, I enjoyed being around him. I think he’s a fun-loving guy. He’s curious, as we all know.”
That’s a tremendous reference to MPJ’s high-octane podcasting career — Curious Mike is the name of his own pod. Still, when it came to a potential extension (or, in a different attempt to capitalize on MPJ’s resurgence, a trade), Marks didn’t give much away.
“I think in the summer there’s going to be a lot of those discussions” he said. “Whether it’s with Michael … there’s a variety of decisions we have to make with a variety of our players on the team. But in terms of a long-term build, short-term build, I think we’ve positioned ourselves over the last year or two to maintain flexibility and have optionality, which I’m really looking forward to.”
Porter Jr. was a bit more open about his contract situation, even admitting that “it hasn’t been on my mind enough until now.”
The team’s leading scorer clearly enjoyed his inaugural season in Brooklyn. He hopes it’s not his last: “If it was up to me I would love to sign an extension with this franchise.”
He continued: “I would love to spend many, many years in Brooklyn and make this my home and watch this franchise take off. Terance Mann actually just sent me a little breakdown of that stretch when we were winning … there were a lot of positives, and the front office has the ability to make some moves and make us even better.”
On the most recent episode of Locked On Nets with Erik Slater, I guessed that the Nets wouldn’t trade Porter Jr. this offseason, though I wasn’t too confident in my prediction. Simply put, it’s a tough sell to everybody — ownership, the coaching staff, the fans — to trade the best player on the team right when you’re trying to compete in earnest.
Marks even mentioned “competitiveness” as the first trait the team looks for in draft prospects: “You’ve heard us all talk about having a Brooklyn grit, being a connected guy, being part of something bigger than yourself, all the old clichés that every team uses in pro sports. But for us, you’ve got to be competitive. That’s going to be the number one thing here. Can we rely on you?”
Paying $40 million annually to a player with a rough injury history and a relative inability to create his offense may be tough to stomach. Brooklyn does have other routes to that roster flexibility and optionality Marks mentioned, though.
Day’Ron Sharpe has a $6 million team option for next season. Might the Nets try to trade Nic Claxton and ink Sharpe to a long-term extension instead, making him their starting center? It wouldn’t be so crazy. Sharpe has evolved into one of the best backup bigs in the league. This is pure speculation, but if the Nets signed him to a contract that pays $15 million annually, that’s only 9% of next year’s salary cap allocated to a starter. Not bad.
“If those talks happen and if it goes down that way, that’s probably a good problem to have,” said Marks. “And I give Day’Ron a lot of credit because he embraced the summer work last year. In his exit meeting this year — I don’t think I’m speaking out of turn — he said he wants to come back an even better, improved player. So when that’s what he wants to embark on and that’s how he’s motivated, I think that’s great.”
At his exit interview a couple weeks ago, Sharpe said he was proud of his growth this season, but that he hasn’t even thought about his contract situation moving forward: “Whatever the team has in plan for me, that’s what they got.”
Similarly, the team holds an option on Josh Minott’s $2.6 million contract for next season. Given how Minott performed after a mid-season trade from the Boston Celtics, it seems like a foregone conclusion he’ll be back as well…
Josh Minott's second 20+ point 3+ stock performance over his last 4 games, in that span averaging 17.3/2.8/1.3/3.3 on 76% TS in just 22 MPG
Immediate impact on both sides of the floor every game as the Nets continue to win his minutes, should be an extension priority in summer pic.twitter.com/Zi3e4J6P0V
Marks seemed to imply as much in his sole answer about the 23-year-old wing: “He’s really confident out there. I think the shooting is something that probably surprised me slightly, but I look forward to seeing him healthy. He was playing on one leg with us for most of the time here, so it’s nice to get that ankle taken care of, and then again, have another big summer for a young man like that.”
Minott already had the ankle injury when he arrived in Brooklyn, and even after his call-up from the G League, he missed nearly half of potential games in a Nets uniform. Some of that was due to the tank (for which he was occasionally too good), but clearly, it was also about a balky left ankle. As long as that ankle gets taken of, that’s pretty damn encouraging.
Another spit-ball here, but if Minott is extended rather than just picked up at, say, $8 million per year, Marks could lock in two real rotation players at a combined 14% of the cap. Trade Claxton, and now you’re rocking with some real flexibility no matter what happens with Porter Jr.
The rest of Brooklyn Nets’ exit day was not so eventful. Again, our Jordan Greene will have you covered with the rest of the important quotes, such as some rookie praise from both head coach and GM.
This team is still at the beginning of a rebuild, but it seems like the trend-arrow is pointing up. The Nets plan to be competitive next season, and they can improve without making splashy moves. Some lottery luck on May 12 will help, of course. No matter what happens, we’ll have full coverage on NetsDaily.
Again, thanks to all our readers for a great season. With lockers cleaned out and exit interviews over, may our offseason begin in earnest.
INGLEWOOD, CA - APRIL 12: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on April 12, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors closed out their regular season with a 115-110 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night. The result ultimately didn’t carry much weight in the standings for the Warriors, but the end of the regular season did bring clarity as Golden State now shifts their full attention to a rematch against the Clippers in the Play-In Tournament.
Steph Curry, who finished with 24 points in 29 minutes on Sunday, acknowledged the reality of the situation. For the fourth time in the Play-In era, the Warriors find themselves in a win-or-go-home situation to keep their season alive — this time as the 10th seed once again.
The Warriors finished 37-45 but still have playoff life because of the play-in. They’ve been a play-in participant four out of the six years.
Steph Curry: “We’ve been 10th twice?”
“Grateful for it now because you have one game and hopefully another to keep your season alive.” pic.twitter.com/8LXRlOMCsw
It’s not where the Warriors expected to be heading into the year, but it’s where they are after injuries derailed their season. And Curry made it clear the belief inside the locker room hasn’t wavered. With just a few days to regroup and build chemistry, he’s confident the Warriors can raise their level when it matters most.
Steph Curry says it will be “super easy” for him and the Warriors to shift into do-or-die mode Wednesday night against the Clippers in the play-in tournament pic.twitter.com/sgvmKkGIVu
When the teams meet on Wednesday, two matchups will heavily dictate the outcome. One of those matchups might have been on display in this game, the other not at all.
There was a glimpse of LA’s defense against Curry. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue opted to use a tag-team approach with his best perimeter defenders: Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr.
Dunn, whose height mirrors Curry’s 6-foot-3, is a solid defender who relies on physicality and muscle. Jones Jr., a terrific athlete standing 6-foot-6, uses his 7-foot wingspan to try to smother Curry. Both get plenty of support from their teammates.
Draymond Green doesn’t hesitate when he hears the question. Looking back on the Golden State Warriors’ 2015-16 season a decade later, a simple thought pops into the now 36-year-old forward’s mind.
“It’s pretty easy,” Green told The Athletic. “We beat the s— outta everybody.”
Monday marks the 10th anniversary of the night Green and the Warriors dominated the Memphis Grizzlies in the regular-season finale to secure their 73rd win. That mark still stands, and many within the organization believe it always will.
Following a March 21 morning shootaround in Phoenix, multiple league sources told The Athletic that Rivers called a group of veteran players together for a meeting in Mortgage Matchup Center. Per multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, Rivers informed the veterans that he believed they had failed him this season and questioned the group’s commitment, conditioning, focus and leadership.
Rivers’ message incensed the group, and the players stood up for themselves, firing back at the head coach over his claims.
“That’s when I checked out on this season,” one of the veterans told The Athletic.
The Clippers controlled the game until the final buzzer, though the Warriors subs made it a close score of 115-110, even though the game didn’t feel at all up for grabs. Then again, the Warriors weren’t really trying to grab it, so who cares.
Curry led the Warriors with 24 points, while shooting 7-for-14 from the field and 4-for-9 on threes, with six rebounds and three assists. Bassey had 16 points off the bench on nearly-perfect 5-for-6 shooting, while going 6-for-8 on free throws. Porziņģis (12) and Podziemski (10) were the only other Warriors in double digits, as no one played much.
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Former Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers, left, and star Giannis Antetokounmpo embrace before a game against the Brooklyn Nets on April 10 in Milwaukee. (Jeffrey Phelps/Associated Press)
The NBA regular season ended Sunday and the first order of business for teams that fell short of making the playoffs was to evaluate their head coach. Hall of Famer Doc Rivers wasn't spared the scrutiny.
He agreed to depart from the Milwaukee Bucks after winning 16 fewer games this season than last. Rivers has one year remaining on the $40-million contract he signed in January 2024 and will be paid for the final season.
The Bucks were 32-50 this season largely because superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo played in only 36 games because of injuries. Antetokounmpo, who expressed frustration talking to reporters Sunday, might be next out the door.
If so, the Lakers undoubtedly would be interested. They are projected to have about $60 million in salary-cap space and three first-round draft picks they can use — 2026, 2031 and 2033 — to try to make a deal this offseason.
Despite his insistence that he was healthy fairly soon after he suffered a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise March 15, Antetokounmpo didn't play in the last 15 games of the season.
"To my understanding, I had to play three-on-three to be able to be available to play," he said. "I did that multiple times. I've never in my life denied participation of practice. Whoever came up with that is disrespectful toward what I’ve done for this team and the way I carry myself."
The decision was likely made to ensure the trade value of the two-time most valuable player wasn't diminished by another injury. Antetokounmpo, 31, is under contract for 2026-2027 and has a player option of $62.7 million for 2027-28.
The Lakers — and other trade partners — would be more than willing to give him an extension. The contracts of LeBron James ($52.6 million), Rui Hachimura ($18 million) and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) expire after this season, giving the Lakers the cash to toss in Antetokounmpo's direction.
The Bucks floundered without him and the coach paid the price. Rivers, 64, hadn't had a losing full season since 2006-2007, a span that included an NBA title with Boston in 2007-2008, seven seasons with the Clippers and three with the Philadelphia 76ers.
“I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee,” said Rivers, who played college basketball at Marquette. “Coming back to where I got my start, to a city that has always embraced me, has been a privilege. I am disappointed that things did not turn out the way any of us hoped, but I am deeply grateful for this experience, the relationships built, and unwavering support from our fans and the community.”
Rivers began coaching after a 13-year NBA playing career and has a 1,194-866 record (.580) with five teams across 27 seasons. His regular-season wins are the sixth most in NBA history and he will be enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this year.
The Bucks discussed with him an advisory role in the organization, but Rivers is taking his time deciding what to do next. Asked how long he envisions coaching, Rivers mentioned his grandchildren.
“I won’t answer that, but I have grandkids that I want to see,” Rivers told reporters. “I’ll let you figure it out from there. I have seven grandkids now, and they’re all 8 years and under, and it kills me every time I miss grandparents day with each one of them in school. It’s probably time to go see them more, so I’ll let you figure out the rest.”
His seven consecutive winning seasons with the Clippers are part of the franchise's current streak of 15 consecutive seasons with a winning record, the longest active run in the NBA and fourth-longest in league history.
Other NBA coaches on the hot seat include Jamahl Mosley of the Orlando Magic and Brian Keefe of the Washington Wizards. Portland Trail Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter also might be replaced.
Splitter took over for Chauncey Billups, who has pleaded not guilty to charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and at least one other ex-NBA player.
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 12: Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) dribbles the ball during the Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Lakers game on April 12, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
In their final regular season game, the Lakers routed a tanking Utah Jazz team for their 53rd win, the most for the franchise since 2010-11. All the machinations of surviving a grueling 82 games are over and the brain trust now shifts its focus towards the playoffs.
The unfortunate injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves not only remove a star backcourt but leave behind a gaping playmaking void. With almost 14 assists combined per game, production is impossible to replace with one player.
But by racking up ten assists of his own on Sunday, Marcus Smart showed why he will be integral in helping the team fill in as best as they can.
Smart returned from injury against the Suns on Friday after missing nine straight games with a right ankle contusion. While playing under a minute restriction, he collected 17 assists in his two games back, finding teammates in a variety of ways. He serves not only as a desperately needed ball handler but also as someone who understands the next read against a compromised defense while continuing the “blender” as head coach J.J. Redick calls it.
It started early in the first quarter on Sunday as he found Deandre Ayton in the clip below for the finish. Watch as he comes to set a screen for LeBron James.
They’ve found good chemistry all year with this “empty side” or “88” in their playbook screen roll throughout the season. It commonly flows into a LeBron post-up against a switch, allowing Smart to screen and pop to the top of the key.
LeBron in the post compromises the defense and Smart found the advantage with a touch pass to Ayton at the basket.
On the play below, he and LeBron reverse roles, with Smart now running the screen action at the top of the key. Smart notices the defender cheating and rejects the screen. A drive and kick to sharp shooter Rui Hachimura, while Maxi Kleber sets a pin screen, pushes the lead to 15 before the half.
“That’s a big reason we wanted to bring Smart here, not just for his defense,” Redick said postgame. “Even post-Boston, the last couple seasons, he’s graded out well as a secondary playmaker. He’s been in that position before. He knows how to get other guys involved. Tonight, he had a great feel for getting [Ayton] involved.”
Smart finished the regular season fourth on the Lakers in assists, behind the three main ball handlers in LeBron, Luka, and Reaves. In addition, he leads the team in plus-minus for the year, epitomizing his all-around impact.
LA enters a playoff series as clear underdogs without their two leading scorers for the season. A Denver Nuggets win over the San Antonio Spurs locked in the Houston Rockets as the 4-5 playoff matchup, with the purple and gold having home court.
Houston has aggressive point-of-attack defenders such as Amen Thompson and Tari Eason to hound the Lakers’ ball handlers. A lot of attention will be thrown at LeBron, opening the door for players like Smart to step in. His experience, which includes 108 playoff games, as a veteran leader and playmaker will be needed if the team hopes to advance at all.
“It’s important with the loss of AR and Luka, it’s not just all on Luke (Kennard) and LeBron to be playmakers,” Redick said. “Smart can fill in with that too.”
Milwaukee was never good this season. There were points early on when the Bucks were not bad — the team was 15-15 through the first 30 games Giannis Antetokounmpo played — but as the injuries piled up, the lack of depth on the roster got exposed. It didn't help that Doc Rivers wasn't connecting with anyone or lifting this team up, and by the end of the season the front office was publicly feuding with its only true star.
It was an unmitigated disaster. The Bucks stumbled at the end of the season, finishing with a 32-50 record. Milwaukee was 11 games back of the final play-in spot in the East.
What comes next in Milwaukee? Or, put more bluntly, can the team's 13-season relationship with Antetokounmpo be salvaged, or are they parting ways (probably a year too late for both of them)? Whatever happens, it is going to be a wild summer in Wisconsin.
It got ugly
For fans looking for some over-the-top reality TV-level drama, Milwaukee is the best show in the league.
How bad did it get? Check out this from The Athletic’s Eric Nehm about a post-shootaround meeting between Rivers and team veterans in March.
Per multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, Rivers informed the veterans that he believed they had failed him this season and questioned the group's commitment, conditioning, focus and leadership. Rivers' message incensed the group, and the players stood up for themselves, firing back at the head coach over his claims.
"That's when I checked out on this season," one of the veterans told The Athletic.
Then there was the late-season public feud between the front office and Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP hyperextended his knee with 15 games left in the season, suffering a bone bruise. While the Bucks were not mathematically out of the playoff race at that point, they were not likely to make it. The Bucks front office wanted to shut Antetokounmpo down and try to improve the team's lottery odds, but the wear-it-on-my-sleeve competitiveness of Antetokounmpo had him pushing to get back on the court. He also wanted to play a game with his brothers, Thanasis and Alex. Giannis was never cleared to play.
That led to a lot of friction between Antetokounmpo and the organization.
Antetokounmpo trade coming?
Around the NBA, in front offices from New York to Los Angeles, the expectation is that Milwaukee will trade Antetokounmpo this summer.
Has Antetokounmpo played his final game in a Bucks uniform? He was asked that Sunday, speaking to reporters (quotes via Tim Bontemps at ESPN).
"That's a very good question. I don't know. It's not up to me. We'll see."
It is up to him. Of course Milwaukee wants to keep him around, and the Bucks can put a four-year, $275 million contract extension in front of Antetokounmpo this offseason. However, Antetokounmpo has said he wants to compete for another title, and the Bucks — whatever bold moves GM Jon Horst may try to make this offseason — are not going to be that next season. So will he sign that extension with the Bucks (if he doesn't, it will be a clear sign to the Bucks he expects to be traded).
"We'll see when we get there. We have months [he cannot sign the extension until Oct. 1] ... it's a long time. But somebody has to offer you that, for you to sign. I haven't been offered an extension. So, if that is on the table, then I will try to make the best decision for me and my family.
"But if it's not on the table, then I have to focus on how can I improve my worth and get on the floor and do what I do."
None of what Antetokounmpo said or can say will change the sense among other front offices that the Bucks will be serious about trading him this summer in a way they were not at the trade deadline (when other front offices told NBC Sports they thought the Bucks were just gauging the market). The real question becomes which teams dive into the mix — could Houston or New York increase their offers if either has an earlier-than-expected playoff exit? Could a team like Golden State up its offer?
Whatever happens in Milwaukee this summer, as messy as it might get, it's not going to be worse than the season the franchise just endured.
The Charlotte Hornets were one of the NBA’s biggest turnaround stories this season, going from a 26-26 record before the All-Star break to finishing the campaign on an 18-9 run.
Much of the team’s success can be attributed to its young duo of LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel, who have unequivocally emerged as one of the league’s best shooting backcourts. While that might seem like an extremely lofty endorsement, they shot the three-ball at a historic pace this season.
As shared to X by ESPN Insights, Ball and Knueppel became just the second duo in NBA history to hit at least 270 threes in a season, joining the former iconic Warriors duo of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.
LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel join Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson as the only teammates to each make 270 threes in a season 🎯
Tabbed as the “Splash Brothers,” Curry and Thompson will forever be remembered for being one of the best duos in NBA history. The duo won four NBA championships together and have combined to make 13 All-NBA teams and 17 All-Star selections.
Thompson ultimately joined the Dallas Mavericks after the 2023-24 season, but still is considered a legend in the Bay.
If Ball and Knueppel can even be half as good, the trajectory of the Hornets’ franchise could finally change for the better. Similar to the Warriors, who play the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday in the NBA play-in tournament, the Hornets also will need to make it out of the play-in to make the playoffs.
So, which teams should qualify to create the most quality-filled bracket as possible? Let’s rank the participants in each conference:
Eastern Conference
For both conferences, the rankings will primarily factor the talent at each team’s disposal and the likelihood of an enticing first-round matchup (at the minimum).
The No. 7 seed here will face off against the No. 2 Boston Celtics in the first round, while the 8-seed gets the No. 1 Detroit Pistons. Beating Boston four times is a tough ask for these sides, but the Pistons can be there for the taking with Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren not having the most elite cast around them.
1. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
A good chunk of this placement for Philly boils down to Joel Embiid’s health. After undergoing appendicitis surgery, it’s not clear how fit he’d be for the tournament and, possibly, more grueling playoff series where he’ll be absorbing bumps and bruises down low. Otherwise, Tyrese Maxey is the best player among the four teams and he’ll have a supporting cast of Paul George, rookie VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes. Philly has to be careful, though, because a disappointing exit should mean a deep retooling of the team (hint: Embiid).
2. CHARLOTTE HORNETS
The Hornets have been here a couple of times before with LaMelo Ball. Those times didn’t end well. But Charlotte is back with fresh head coach Charles Lee, with Ball being surrounded by Brandon Miller, star rookie Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges and Coby White. Charlotte is lacking a standout big man, but this is a crucial point in the franchise’s trajectory. As one of the more entertaining teams in 2026, a playoff berth could lead into becoming a sleeper destination for top players in the summer. But losing, preferably avoiding another blowout, keeps the team stuck in this tier.
3. ORLANDO MAGIC
Orlando was hoping to take another step forward this season following the big addition of guard Desmond Bane. But, despite having a relatively deep roster, it has gone backwards even though the gap between current 8-seed Orlando and 5-seed Toronto is just one win. That shouldn’t have been the case with Bane, Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Anthony Black, Wendell Carter Jr. and Jalen Suggs all posting solid numbers. The Magic can’t afford to be this low (they arguably should be above Philly in this ranking), but some convincing performances are needed. If they stay as an 8-seed, they might have the team to upset Detroit early.
4. MIAMI HEAT
The Heat have become accustomed to hovering around Play-In territory ever since its magical run to the NBA Finals as an 8-seed. But they don’t have Jimmy Butler anymore. Miami is led by Norman Powell, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo — a former 83-point scorer — Andrew Wiggins and Jaime Jaquez Jr, while Pelle Larsson and Kel’el Ware have added some freshness to the team. But Miami doesn’t have as much power as the others and an overhaul has been needed for some time. A market like southern Florida should be more attractive to the biggest names.
Western Conference
The two winners of the tournament here don’t exactly receive coveted prizes. The 7-seed will have to face Victor Wembanyama and the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs, while the 8-seed will get the reigning champs in the No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder.
1. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
It’s a whole different ball game when Curry is healthy. It’s a longshot for the 37-45 Warriors to go on a meaningful run, but seeing Curry, Butler Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, among others, take a shot at the Thunder would make for elite viewing. The likely scenario is Golden State losing during the tournament to potentially secure a better draft pick (more youth quality is needed). But the Warriors’ impact when in the playoff conversation is undeniable.
2. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
As aforementioned, the two winners here likely get bounced in the first round. But as far as unproven youthful teams go, Portland can offer something new. Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe are the team’s top scorers, though veterans Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday are still doing their parts to a solid and trusted level. Scoot Henderson, Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan and Caleb Love are also part of the young core. Teams like this can always benefit from the postseason exposure and experience and come back stronger the following season. Portland getting in could do wonders for its trajectory, with Damian Lillard’s return also coming.
3. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
A poor start to the regular season seriously hurt Los Angeles’ chances of a playoff berth, but Ty Lue’s side has rallied to be back in this position, even after trading James Harden. Leonard is the heartbeat of the team and remains playing at an elite level, with Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin, John Collins and Brook Lopez some of the key teammates. But, other than Leonard being back in the playoff frame, this current Clippers team doesn’t exactly move the needle.
4. PHOENIX SUNS
Booker is still doing his thing in the desert and Phoenix has the best record of the four teams here, but player quality and statistics and its translation to the playoffs are a different level. The Suns are in good hands with Booker, but this isn’t the same Phoenix side as year’s past. Dillon Brooks is the team’s second-highest scorer, followed by Jalen Green, Grayson Allen, Collin Gillespie and Mark Williams. The balance isn’t great with multiple small guards, plus there’s a sincere lack in frontcourt quality and depth, so the Suns get cooled down here at the bottom.
