Wizards vs. 76ers preview: Washington back home to face Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 7: Tre Johnson #12 of the Washington Wizards dribbles the ball against Vj Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 7, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Washington Wizards return to the friendly confines of Capital One Arena to take on the visiting Philadelphia 76ers.

Game info

When: Wednesday, April 1 at 7:00 p.m. ET

Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

How to watch: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass

Injuries: For the Wizards, Bilal Coulibaly (heel), Tre Johnson (foot), and Alex Sarr (toe) are questionable, while Trae Young (quad), Kyshawn George (elbow), Anthony Davis (hand), Cam Whitmore (shoulder), and D’Angelo Russell (not with team) are out.

For the Sixers, Johni Broome (Knee) is out.

What to watch for

The depleted Wizards host a 76ers squad that suddenly has a clean bill of health for the final stretch of the season. Both Joel Embiid and Paul George have been in Philly’s lineup for each of the last three games, and the pair has put up 54.3 points per game between them in those contests.

Will Riley found his scoring touch during Washington’s recently concluded 5-game road trip. He scored in double figures in each contest, pacing the Wizards with 17.2 points per game during that span. If Tre Johnson is cleared to play, he’ll also get his third crack at a head-to-head matchup against his longtime peer VJ Edgecombe.

With the Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets both winning on Sunday, the Wizards are now tied with the Pacers for the No. 1 seed in this year’s tankathon with two weeks left in the season.

Mavericks vs Bucks Preview and Injury Update: Who wants it less?

DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 10: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks after the game on November 10, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks (24-51) head back out on the road Tuesday night to face off against the Milwaukee Bucks (29-45). This one is a make up game following a cancellation due to weather earlier in 2026. Dallas is coming off a brutal beating of a loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Bucks are stumbling down a four game losing streak, most recently Sunday night to the Los Angeles Clippers

Here are the main things you need to know:

  • WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Milwaukee Bucks
  • WHAT: A make up game!
  • WHERE: Firserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • WHEN: 7:00 pm CST
  • HOW: KFAA Channel 29, MavsTV streaming, NBA League Pass

NOW it seems like the Mavericks are embracing an element of tanking. Let’s take a look at who is out for the game: Marvin Bagley, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin, Klay Thompson, and PJ Washington. Moussa Cisse IS going to be playing, so Josh will have something to watch at least. The other two-way guys are available as well, so expect heavy minutes there.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss this one, so the Bucks are folding it in as well. Kevin Port Jr. and Bobby Portis will also miss this game. Kyle Kuzma is playing though, so hey, maybe a big game from him incoming.

The season needs to end already. There’s nothing to watch for and yet here I am. Perhaps a Cooper Flagg bounce back game after a stinker on Monday night? Seems likely, the main question that follows there is can he hit a shot. I have faith. The form looks good, the threes just arent falling.

Be sure to chime in with your predictions in the comments!

Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start LATE. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!

Men's NCAA tournament averaging 10.3 million viewers, its most-watched since 1993

NEW YORK (AP) — The men's NCAA tournament is averaging 10.3 million viewers through the Elite Eight, according to Nielsen. That is the tournament's best audience since 1993 and a 9% increase over last year.

UConn's last-second 73-72 victory over Duke in the East Region final averaged 13.4 million on CBS. The audience peaked at 18.9 million when Braylon Mullins sank a desperation 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds left.

Friday's early window with Duke-St.John's on CBS and Michigan-Alabama on TBS/truTV averaged 14.2 million, the most-watched Friday regional early window since 1992.

The Final Four and title game will be on TBS, TNT and truTV.

The women's NCAA tournament on ESPN's networks and ABC is averaging 789,000 viewers through Saturday's Sweet 16 games. That is a 1% decrease from last year.

Ratings for Sunday and Monday's regional finals are expected to be available on Wednesday.

___

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

Game Thread: Knicks at Rockets, March 31, 2026

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Knicks (48*-27) face the Rockets (45-29) tonight at Toyota Center. New York needs wins to hold onto third place in the East, while Houston is jockeying for playoff positioning in the West. The national audience should enjoy a thriller tonight, with both teams rating in the top ten for offense and defense and motivated to play hard.

Tip off is 8 p.m. EST on NBC and MSG. This is your game thread. This is The Dream Shake. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Keep all limbs inside the vehicle and be respectful of your fellow passengers. And go Knicks!

* Should be one more, but NBA Cup Finals are just well-disguised scrimmages.

Warriors’ Steph Curry takes ‘good step’ in return from knee issue

Steph Curry just might make it back, after all.

The Warriors superstar took his most significant step yet to returning from a knee issue that has kept him out since Jan. 30, participating in practice with the team Tuesday.

While it was a “very light” session, according to Steve Kerr, the coach said Curry was expected to take part in a 5-on-5 scrimmage immediately afterward — a first for the 38-year-old sharpshooter and probably a step that had to happen this week for there to be enough time for Curry to return this season.

“It’s a good step for him,” Kerr said.

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors shoots a three-point shot against the Detroit Pistons. Getty Images

The Warriors must see how Curry’s knee responds to the live, on-court action, ruling him out for a 26th consecutive game Wednesday against the Spurs. Kerr left open the possibility that Curry could play Thursday against the Cavaliers, but said that was “doubtful.”

“We’ve got to see how he responds to the scrimmage. And then we’ll just take it day-by-day,” Kerr said. “It’s scrimmage today. And we’ll see how he feels tomorrow. And we’ll go from there.”


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The development represented the most positive turn of events in a stop-and-go saga that Curry has described as “frustrating.”

He is dealing with inflammation and bone bruising in his right knee — commonly known as runner’s knee — that can be tricky to manage, according to doctors. The injury subsides with rest, but returning to action too quickly can cause it to flare up again.

That is why not only Curry’s return to practice, but how he feels the following day, is critical.

Curry had been progressing well enough for the Warriors to set up a scrimmage for him on their last road trip and fly the head of their medical staff, Rick Celebrini, to Atlanta. In just one example of the unpredictable nature of the injury, Curry wasn’t cleared and the scrimmage didn’t take place.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry reacts against the LA Clippers in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It seemed to be a step in the wrong direction for Curry, leading Kerr to acknowledge last week that there was “actually a conversation now” about whether there would be time left for him to come back this season. “We need to give him a runway if this is gonna work,” he said, “and we are running out of games.”

Golden State has seven games remaining starting Wednesday against the Spurs. Even if Curry wasn’t cleared to return until after the back-to-back, that would still give him five regular-season games to get ready for the Warriors’ inevitable date with the play-in tournament.

With wins against bad teams in three of their past four games, the Warriors improved to 9-16 over the course of Curry’s absence. They once hoped to avoid the play-in, or climb to the No. 7-8 matchup, but their fate has been sealed for some time. All the while, Curry has been determined to return.

Now, the payoff is that much closer.

Pistons vs. Raptors Discussion: Game Time, TV, Odds, and More

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 15: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the net against Jamal Shead #23 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on March 15, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Detroit Pistons gave the Oklahoma City Thunder a good fight on Monday before falling in OT, and now they face a quick turnaround with a game today against the Toronto Raptors. Luckily, the Pistons are getting some reinforcements. Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris, and Duncan Robinson are all listed as probable after being held out of the game against the Thunder. Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart remain out, and Caris LeVert and Marcus Sasser are questionable tonight. The Raptors will be without Immanuel Quickley, and Brandon Ingram is listed as questionable.

These two teams faced off about two weeks ago, with an Ingram-led Raptors attack helping propel Toronto to a 119-108 victory. RJ Barrett chipped in 27 and Jakob Poeltl was a monster on the boards with 18. It was also the rare game where the Pistons were outscored in the paint.

Game Vitals

When: 8 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons -3.5

Projected Lineups

Detroit Pistons (54-21)

Daniss Jenkins, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Toronto Raptors (42-32)

Jamal Shead, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl

Lakers big men are rounding into form with playoffs on horizon

Jaxson Hayes pulled something off he’s done just a few times this season during Monday night’s home win over the Wizards.

And even though Hayes made it clear through his actions and words that he can do it more, the Lakers don’t need him to.

With three seconds left on the shot clock on a sideline out of bounds play midway through the fourth quarter, Hayes caught a pass from LeBron James with none of his teammates open to receive a pass and nothing but space in front of him. 

Instead of attempting to drive into the paint for a floater or one of his signature dunks, Hayes let it fly from beyond the 3-point arc.

And he made it, putting him at 3 for 3 on 3-pointers this season, with a celebration dance to follow. 

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes reacts after making a three-point basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards Monday, March 30, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP

Hayes has attempted just 14 combined 3s with the Lakers over the last three seasons after taking 14 in his second season with the Pelicans, 57 in his third season and 29 in his fourth season before coming to Los Angeles. 

“Always,” Hayes responded when asked whether he works on his 3-pointers. “Always. At the end of the day, I’m an NBA player and I still work on other things too. I can’t just work on dunking all day, so I gotta work on some things.”

But for the Lakers, spacing and stretching out the floor isn’t necessary or the role they need from him.

They need Hayes’ activity near the rim, which was showcased with the three dunks and two putbacks he had against the Wizards.

Or the 2.2 offensive rebounds he’s averaged over the previous six games entering Tuesday’s home game against the Cavaliers. 

“Hopefully not,” coach JJ Redick quickly responded when asked about Hayes or starting center Deandre Ayton shooting more 3s. 

Redick added: “Even though Jaxson made one, it’s so important for those guys, for our team, for them to put pressure on the rim. They’ve done it in a number of ways. Done it in transition. Jaxson gets ahead of his guy early, [LeBron James] hits him, he gets a dunk. DA as a roller. Jaxson out of our 88 spacing always does a really good job just playing off LeBron or Luka [Doncic]. For us, we’re elite when we touch the paint and we don’t touch the paint enough. So, the emphasis is not for our bigs to pick-and-pops and shot 3s. But it’s to put pressure on the rim.”

Deandre Ayton of the Los Angeles Lakers blocks a shot by Nolan Traore of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half of an NBA game at Crypto.com Arena on March 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images

In other words, the Lakers’ big man tandem of Ayton and Hayes are playing their roles, even if they’re capable of more.

And over the last few weeks, both have been exceptional in their roles, giving the Lakers nearly 48 minutes of quality big man play, which is a stark contrast to how they finished last season.

After trading for Doncic last February, with Maxi Kleber sidelined with a foot injury, Hayes was the lone big man getting regular rotation minutes, but still averaged just 21.8 minutes as the Lakers’ starting center post-All-Star break – just two more minutes than he’s averaged as the backup big post All-Star break this season.

The Lakers’ reliance on center-less lineups to close out last season worked, but left them vulnerable to bigger teams, a factor in why the Timberwolves beat them in five games in the first round of last year’s playoffs.

Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers high five before the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 27, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NBAE via Getty Images

But this year is different.

Ayton buying into his role has been well-documented. And Hayes’ continued emergence gives the Lakers another big man option.

“I make sure I do whatever the team needs me to do. So I’m gonna screen and do a bunch of other things.”

But if he finds himself wide open for 3 again?

“It ain’t really my job,” Hayes said. “But if I get an open one, I’m definitely shooting.”


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Game Thread: Suns at Magic

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 21: Desmond Bane #3 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball against Jordan Goodwin #23 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 21, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Game 76. Second in as many nights.

Let’s do this!

NBA Predictions for Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year: Keldon Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker

The NBA's postseason begins in two weeks and as the regular season wraps up, the awards market start to become one-way traffic. Two awards that are still up in the air are Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player. Let's break down the best bet for both awards. Odds are courtesy of DraftKings.

Most Improved Player: Nickeil Alexander-Walker (+100)

One of the most surprising rises of any player in this market is by far Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Not many people had him on their radar for this award, or any award for that matter, but after five consecutive seasons averaging under 10 points per game, Alexander-Walker has exploded for 20.4 points per game this season over a career-high 33.2 minutes.

When you look at his shooting splits, not many players are achieving what he is right now with 45/39/90 splits. The Atlanta Hawks are also one of the most surprising teams on the season, especially the second-half of the year. After trading away Trae Young, the door was open for multiple Hawks to expand their games in increased minutes and Alexander-Walker did just that.

The 27-year-old started 66 games which shatters his previous record of 21 in 2021-22 with the Pelicans and Jazz. After seven years and playing for his fourth team, it appears Alexander-Walker is in his prime it looks like he will be rewarded for that. It's not all about offense or games played though, Alexander-Walker has been outstanding on the defensive end and facilitating too. Alexander-Walker doubled his steals from 0.6 to 1.3 this season, marking his first year totaling more than 1.0 steal per game, plus his 3.8 assists per game is a career-high and the first time going over 3.0 per game.

Alexander-Walker credits a lot of his success to Hawks' coach Quinn Snyder who has allowed him to develop after Snyder saw the potential in Alexander-Walker after a short stint in Utah together. “He saw a ceiling higher for myself than I did,” Alexander-Walker told NBA.com. “And that was really cool for me because I felt like in my career I’ve never had that before.”

Alexander-Walker scored a career-high 41 points against Orlando earlier this month, scored 30 or more points five times, had two double-doubles, and posted three or more steals 9 times. He's truly taken his game other level this season and despite his teammate Jalen Johnson being a favorite for this award most of the year, Alexander-Walker has forged his name in contention with only Jalen Duren having better odds to win the award (-115), but in my opinion, not for long. I played Alexander-Walker to win Most Improved Player at +100 and +105 odds.

Pick: Nickeil Alexander-Walker to win Most Improved Player (2 units)

Sixth Man of the Year: Keldon Johnson (-200)

From 2020-21 to 2022-23, Keldon Johnson was starting every game for the Spurs, but in 2023-24, he started sliding to the bench, playing fewer minutes, scoring less points, and taking a minimal role with a team that was ready to improve drastically. That move has paid off for not just Johnson, but also the Spurs.

In four consecutive seasons, Johnson averaged 28 to 32 minutes per game, but this year, he's recorded 23.2 minutes per game and flourished in that span. Johnson is averaging the best field goal percentage (53.2%) since his rookie season and the fewest shot attempts (9.5). Johnson is knocking down the three-ball at a 38.2% clip and posting the best free-throw percentage of his career (79.4%) to go along with 5.3 boards per game.

Just three seasons ago, Johnson averaged career-high 22.0 points per game before starting his transition to the bench. He averaged 12.7 points per game last year and brought that up slightly to 13.1 this season.

And Johnson hasn't been shy about the potential of him winning the award. When Johnson was asked about being the favorite for Sixth Man of the Year on an Amazon Prime broadcast, he responded with, "Why not? How can you say I'm not the Sixth Man of the Year."

It's a hard argument against him, plus San Antonio does need rewarded for its terrific season. The Spurs will finish with the NBA's second-best record behind the Thunder this season and currently have won nine-straight games and 25 of the last 27. Victor Wembanyama will finish second in MVP voting and win the Defensive Player of the Year, but that's the only league notoriety this team will get, unless Johnson wins Sixth Man of the Year.

Even Wemby has made the case for Johnson to win the award. “He has sacrificed more than anybody on this team, in my opinion, in terms of stats and playing time,” Wembanyama said, "he’s the soul of this team, and he brings energy no matter what time of the day. I think he deserves to be the Sixth Man of the Year," Wemby added.

The steam in the betting market has pushed Johnson all the way out to -200 odds and with Jaime Jaquez (Miami) and Reed Sheppard's (Houston) teams struggling over the last 10 games, this award has clearly become Johnson's for the taking. I say get involved with Johnson to win the award as the league will want to reward the Spurs for an impressive season and Johnson has played his role to perfection.

Pick: Keldon Johnson to win Sixth Man of the Year (2 units)

NBA Futures Card

2 units: Keldon Johnson to win Sixth Man of the Year (-195)
2 units: Nickeil Alexander-Walker to win Most Improved Player (+105)
2 units: Jalen Johnson to win Most Improved Player (-130)
2 units: JB Bickerstaff to win Coach of the Year (+130)
2 units: Oklahoma City Thunder to win NBA Finals (+125)
2 units: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to win MVP (+125)
2 units: Luka Doncic to win MVP (+400)
1 unit: Boston Celtics to win the East (+400)
1 unit: Golden State Warriors to miss playoffs (+120)
1 unit: Los Angeles Clippers to make the playoffs (+130)
0.5 unit: Boston Celtics to win NBA Finals (+2000)
0.5 unit: Victor Wembanyama to win MVP (+1200)

Follow my plays for the season on X @VmoneySports, Instagram @VmoneySports_ and Action App @vaughndalzell.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & team props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

How to Watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock

Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones. Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.

How to sign up for Peacock:

Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You’ll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.

NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule

Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices

Dan Hurley clears air on interaction with ref in UConn's win vs Duke

Connecticut coach Dan Hurley went viral shortly after Braylon Mullins' heroic game-winning 3-pointer against Duke in the Elite Eight for appearing to headbutt official Roger Ayers in celebration of the shot.

Hurley's action raised debate on whether the two-time national championship-winning coach could've received a potentially game-altering technical foul. On Tuesday, March 31, Hurley said it was all in good fun after noting he and Ayers have a good on-court relationship.

"Really at that point in the game we had it won," Hurley said on "The Triple Option" podcast. "And (Ayers is) an easy guy to work with during the game that I thought he was coming over to chest bump me to celebrate the shot. Because it's not like that for me with him.

"My experience with him has been — we haven't won every game, I haven't agreed with every call — so that was, in no way, me and a ref that I had been at their throat the whole game. Other points in the game where I had my arm around him walking out of a timeout, we were cracking jokes and laughing with that situation. ... That was more like the emotion of the shot and this is a cool-(expletive) ref."

Hurley also clarified that Ayers — who commonly officiates UConn games as a Big East referee — was coming up to tell him there was 0.3 seconds left on the game clock. It's clear Hurley felt comfortable with the gesture given their background, and it's not a surprise given the coach's tendency to be fiery on the sidelines — especially with officials.

Hurley then brought up UConn's loss to Marquette in the regular season finale, in which he was fined $25,000 by the Big East after he received a double-technical ejection for appearing to bump into the referee. He noted that situation was much different than the Elite Eight game.

"When I was on my man's neck, screaming into his neck," Hurley said. "That was a guy coming right up to the line and losing his mind.

Seth Greenberg, appearing on ESPN, relayed on March 30 that Ayers was similarly unbothered by the interaction with Hurley:

"I talked to Roger today," Greenberg said. "He said, 'What are you talking about?' He literally didn't know what I was talking about. He said, 'Nothing happened.' The ball went in. I was running back. They were celebrating. … That was social media trying to create something out of nothing because of Dan Hurley's 'allegedly' reputation."

Hurley and "The Triple Option" crew, comprising former Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and host Rob Stone, all laughed at the situation in the clip, clearing the air on a situation that became controversial in the aftermath of Duke's 73-72 win over top-seeded Duke. The Blue Devils' play-by-play announcer even called for a technical foul on a UConn player who allegedly left the bench and stepped on the court after Mullins' shot.

Two-time Final Four participant Sam Dekker, an NBA first-round pick out of Wisconsin, said there should've been a technical foul called on Hurley. At least, that was before Hurley explained what was happening.

"I have no bias here," Dekker wrote on X. "This is a tech 10/10 times. For multiple reasons … it would have lost the game for his team and he would have tried to fight the officials like he did nothing wrong. I just don’t understand it at all. Also, referees need to grow a spine in instances like this."

Regardless, UConn moved on to the Final Four with the instant-classic win and will face No. 3 seed Illinois for a spot in the national championship game against the winner of No. 1 seeds Arizona or Michigan.

All bets are off in UConn's remaining games with Hurley and those officials, though.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dan Hurley says he thought ref wanted to 'chest bump me' to celebrate UConn shot

Jaden Ivey waived by Bulls for 'conduct detrimental to the team.' Here's how we got here

A man in a Chicago Bulls uniform bends down while dribbling the ball, using his right off to fend off a defender
Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey is defended by Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones on Feb. 7. (Erin Hooley / Associated Press)

The Chicago Bulls announced Monday that they have waived guard Jaden Ivey for "conduct detrimental to the team," soon after the former first-round draft pick made anti-gay comments on Instagram Live.

The move came less than two months after Chicago acquired Ivey from the Detroit Pistons. In recent days, the fourth-year player has posted several videos on Instagram in which he speaks at length about his religious beliefs.

Ivey recorded another such video Monday soon after learning of his release by Chicago. In it, he held firm to his convictions and predicted he would have trouble landing another NBA job because of them.

Background

The Pistons selected Ivey at No. 5 overall in the 2022 draft. He was a starter for much of his first two-plus seasons before being hampered by multiple injuries. In 218 games for Detroit, Ivey averaged 14.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and four assists in 27.9 minutes a game.

Chicago acquired Ivey and his expiring contract in a three-team trade on Feb. 3. He played in four games for the Bulls leading into the All-Star break, but was a healthy scratch for their Feb. 19 game against the Toronto Raptors.

After the game, Ivey told reporters that "the old Jalen is dead."

Read more:Lamar Odom's past is a 'cesspool of trauma,' he says: 'I don't know what made me relevant now'

“I’m alive in Christ" he said. "No matter what the basketball setting is, I’m born again with the Holy Spirit, been saved by Jesus Christ. No matter how many DNPs I don’t get to play, no matter how many points I score, those things are temporary things. ...

"Jesus is not going to say on Judgment Day, ‘How many points did you score today?’ … Jesus is not going to say, “Feb. 19, why didn’t you play, Jaden?’ He’s gonna say, ‘What did you do for my kingdom? Do you believe in my name? Did you love me? Did you keep my commandments? Did you repent of your sin? Are you free from sin?’ And there’s only freedom in Jesus Christ.”

Ivey has not played since. The Bulls announced on Feb. 21 that he would be sidelined for at least two weeks because of soreness in his left knee. On Thursday, the team announced that Ivey would miss the remainder of the season because of injuries.

What he said

The Bulls did not elaborate, but the announcement that Ivey would be waived came soon after one of his videos on Instagram Live .

“They proclaim Pride Month in the NBA. They proclaim it," Ivey said in the video. "They show it to the world. They say, 'Come join us for Pride,' for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness. They proclaim it. They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it in the streets. Unrighteousness. So how is it that one can’t speak righteousness? How are they to say that this man is crazy?”

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that a source within the Bulls organization said the decision to dismiss Ivey didn't stem from one incident but rather from an accumulation of posts and comments that started in February.

Read more:How Luka Doncic's season stacks up against the NBA's other MVP contenders

After the Bulls announced the move, Ivey returned to Instagram Live and recorded another lengthy video.

"All I'm preaching is about Jesus Christ and they waived me, right? They say I'm crazy, right? I'm psycho," Ivey said. "…God let these things happen for a reason. His will be done. May His will be done. Not my will. My will is done.

"When I came into the league, all I wanted to do was win championships and get millions of bucks, get that next contract, get them cars. That's all I wanted when I came into the league — until the Lord showed me. What good is it to gain the world and forfeit your soul?"

He added: "That's why everybody around me turning their back on me, because of my faith in Him, in the Son of God. That’s why — I didn't get myself waived. I was in the gym today. I was rehabbing, I was lifting, doing what was required of me in my job, doing whatever they said to do. …

Read more:Swanson: Bronny James has proven he deserves to be a Laker — with or without LeBron

"I could’ve quit on my own, but they kicked me out. And I’m sure every NBA team gonna say the same thing, ‘We don’t want him, he’s too religious for us.’ But I bless you all in Jesus’ name."

On Tuesday, Ivey posted another video in which he seemed to address the aftermath of his previous comments.

"Those who are around me, those who are my family members [are] betraying [me] because of what I spoke — the truth," Ivey said. "Betraying me. Saying that I’m losing my mind. Saying that I’m crazy. Saying that I don’t know the truth. These are my own family members who love me. My blood. Those who raised me, saying that I don’t know the truth. ‘Man, he’s psycho. He’s this, he’s that.' Those are my own household.

"All because of the gospel. All because I said the truth, that unrighteousness will not be let into God’s kingdom. That’s the truth."

What others are saying

Bulls coach Billy Donovan addressed the situation with reporters before his team's game Monday in San Antonio.

“I don’t want to get into what he put out there, but certainly, I hope for him he’s OK," Donovan said of Ivey. "I’ve had conversations with Jaden, and he’s been always about rehabbing his knee and trying to get on the court and wanting to play. But I think organizationally, there are certain standards we want to have as an organization and try to live up to those each and every day.”

He added: “We have people from all different walks of life that are working in the building and players from all different walks of life, right? So the first thing is, everybody comes with their own personal experiences. … We’ve got to all be professional. I think there’s got to be a high level of respect for one another, and we’ve got to help each other and then be accountable to those standards.”

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Bulls guard Josh Giddey said Monday: "Obviously, the whole thing is kind of unfortunate in a way. I hope he gets the help he needs, whatever he’s going through or not going through. I do really hope he gets help. It’s not going to be with the Bulls anymore, but wherever it is, I hope he gets it.’’

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson appeared to show his support for Ivey on his Instagram Story. He posted a graphic referencing Ivey's situation along with a quote from the New Testament.

"'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven,'” Henderson wrote. "Matthew 5:10."

Asked about Henderson's post on Tuesday, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said he wants his players "to be able to express what they believe in their heart and in their mind, but also want to make sure that they’re educated."

"And we want to be inclusive," Vrabel added. "Everything we want to do [is] to provide an environment for people to want to feel comfortable, but also to share their personal beliefs. And then also, we represent the team. And we represent the organization.”

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Who made Basketball Hall of Fame? Part of 2026 class revealed by report

Some of the first names to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's 2026 class are starting to leak out, and the early wave includes some of the game’s legends.

According to ESPN, former Suns and Knicks forward and center Amar'e Stoudemire, former Los Angeles Sparks icon Candace Parker, former Sky and Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne and longtime NBA coach Doc Rivers, currently with the Milwaukee Bucks, are among the first four members to be enshrined.

The Hall has not issued any statement concerning the induction of the four and did not initially respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY Sports.

Stoudemire, a six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, was the 2002-03 NBA Rookie of the Year, beating out Yao Ming, Caron Butler and Manu Ginóbili for the honor. He played for four teams across 14 seasons, adding stops with the Heat and Mavericks later in his career.

Parker, a current analyst for Amazon Prime and Turner, was a seven-time WNBA All-Star and two-time league Most Valuable Player. She is also a three-time WNBA champion and was the anchor for the Sparks with her two-way dominance. In 2021, in honor of the league’s 25th season, the WNBA released the W25, a list of the greatest and most influential players in the league’s history. Parker was named to that list.

So was Delle Donne, who had been the only player in history to be named WNBA MVP with two different teams, before Breanna Stewart joined her in 2023. A five-time All-WNBA selection and seven-time All-Star, Delle Donne won a WNBA Finals championship in 2019 as a member of the Mystics. She led the league in scoring in 2015, with 23.4 points per game.

Rivers has been tied to the NBA since 1984, when he entered the league as a point guard for the Atlanta Hawks. A one-time All-Star, in 1988, Rivers found success as a head coach, where he currently ranks sixth on the all-time list for victories, with 1,191, which is 19 behind Pat Riley. As a coach, Rivers has two NBA Finals appearances, with one championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008. That team, led by Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo, toppled the Lakers in the Finals in six games. Rivers has coached for five teams across 27 seasons and also has stops with the Magic, Clippers and 76ers. This season, amid injuries and a roster in the middle of transition, the Bucks are just 29-45 and have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

Other finalists who are up for induction include six-time All-Star Blake Griffin, three-time All-Star Kevin Johnson, six-time WNBA All-Star Chamique Holdsclaw and former official Joey Crawford.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will announce the full Class of 2026 Saturday, April 4, and enshrinement weekend is set to begin Aug. 14.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who made Basketball Hall of Fame? Some members of 2026 class leaked

Mavericks vs Bucks Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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The Milwaukee Bucks host the Dallas Mavericks in NBA action tonight. 

These are two of the worst teams in the league, but there are a few reasons why my Mavericks vs. Bucks predictions favor the home side.

I explain with my best free NBA picks on Tuesday, March 31. 

Mavericks vs Bucks prediction

Mavericks vs Bucks best bet: Bucks moneyline (+110)

Both squads have been terrible lately, with the Dallas Mavericks winning just three of their last 18 games and the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Milwaukee Bucks going 3-14 in their previous 17. The Bucks are last in the NBA in net rating (-17.3) since the start of March, while Dallas is 28th (-11.5).

That said, the Mavs are on the road and could be tired after losing by 30 points to Minnesota last night

Meanwhile, the Bucks enjoyed a day off after losing at home to the Clippers on Sunday. They should also have Myles Turner, Bobby Portis, and Ryan Rollins back in the lineup after they missed the previous contest.

They are three of Milwaukee's Top 6 scorers this season (with another being the still-sidelined Antetokounmpo), so having that trio active will boost the Bucks' chances of winning.

That's enough for me to back them at plus money against a Dallas squad that has Cooper Flagg and not much else.

Mavericks vs Bucks same-game parlay

Since both teams have nothing to play for, we've seen little effort from them on the defensive end of the floor. That has me backing a couple of player props in this SGP.

Daniel Gafford has stepped up as the Mavs' No. 2 scoring option and has logged 24+ points and rebounds in seven of his last eight games.

Meanwhile, Rollins has knocked down more than 2.5 threes in six of his last eight games. He'll torch a Dallas squad that is allowing 14.3 threes per game at 38.6% clip since the start of February.

Mavericks vs Bucks SGP

  • Bucks moneyline
  • Daniel Gafford Over 22.5 points + rebounds
  • Ryan Rollins Over 2.5 threes

Our "from downtown" SGP: Planting his Flagg

Flagg is coming off a night against Minnesota, where he went just 5-for-19 from the field. That said, the Rookie of the Year favorite should bounce back against a Milwaukee squad that is second-last in the league in defensive rating since the All-Star break. 

Flagg has dropped 5+ dimes in 12 of 14 games this month, and he also makes plays on the defensive end. He has logged 2+ steals in five of his last seven games while blocking at least one shot in six of his previous eight contests.

Mavericks vs Bucks SGP

  • Cooper Flagg Over 24.5 points
  • Cooper Flagg Over 4.5 assists
  • Cooper Flagg Over 1.5 steals
  • Cooper Flagg Over 0.5 blocks

Mavericks vs Bucks odds

  • Spread: Mavericks -2 (-110) | Bucks +2 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Mavericks -130 | Bucks +110
  • Over/Under: Over 230 (-110) | Under 230 (-110)

How to watch Mavericks vs Bucks

LocationFiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
DateTuesday, March 31, 2026
Tip-off8:00 p.m. ET
TVKFAA, FDSN-WI

Mavericks vs Bucks latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
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Amar'e Stoudemire, Doc Rivers, Candace Parker reportedly in 2026 Hall of Fame class

The official announcement isn't coming until Saturday, but word is starting to leak out about the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Amar'e Stoudemire, Doc Rivers, Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne will be part of the class, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.

Those four are part of a much larger class of Hall of Fame finalists, a group that includes Blake Griffin, Gonzaga coach Mark Few, Chamique Holdsclaw and Marques Johnson, among others.

Parker and Delle Donne would not be a surprise — they were locks to make the Hall of Fame. Stoudemire was considered likely to make the cut.

Parker was a two-time NCAA national champion at Tennessee who was drafted No. 1 in 2008 and became the only player in WNBA history to be named Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. She went on to be a three-time WNBA champion and two-time league MVP (2008, '13). Parker also is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008, '12).

Delle Donne is a WNBA champion (Washington Mystics in 2019) and two-time MVP (2015 and 2019). She was the first player in NBA history to average 50/40/90 shooting percentages for a season. Delle Donne also won a Gold Medal as part of the USA team at the 2016 Olympics in Beijing.

Stoudemire was an integral part of the seven-seconds-or-less Suns with Steve Nash and coach Mike D'Antoni, who changed the way the game is played in the NBA. An incredibly athletic 6'10" forward who was a force in transition, and could play away from the basket and attack off the dribble (and was ahead of his time with that), he is a five-time All-NBA player, six-time All-Star and the 2003 Rookie of the Year who averaged 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds a game during his 14-year NBA Career.

Rivers is the name raising eyebrows among some fans.

Rivers has won more games than all but five coaches in the NBA, and he is ahead of Hall of Famers like Phil Jackson, George Karl and Larry Brown. He has a championship ring as a coach. Rivers is in his 27th consecutive season as an NBA head coach, having started in Orlando then moved on to Boston (where he won a championship in 2008), the LA Clippers, Philadelphia and now Milwaukee. He has a career regular season record of 1,191-861 (58%) and has coached in 226 playoff games. Rivers played more than 10 seasons in the NBA before that and was an All-Star in 1988.

He's also had some spectacular playoff flameouts — his teams have blown 3-1 series leads three times — and had some rough exits from a couple of his stops. The voters for the Hall of Fame (an anonymous vote) looked past that and saw him as a Hall of Famer.

The formal announcement of the Class of 2026 for the Naismith Hall of Fame is set for Saturday.