An injury-riddled Golden State Warriors squad limps into United Center to tip off against the Atlanta Hawks.
Jalen Johnson is having a monster season for Atlanta and I’ll explain why he’ll continue his tear tonight in my Warriors vs. Hawks predictions & NBA picks for Saturday, March 21.
Warriors vs Hawks prediction
Warriors vs Hawks best bet: Jalen Johnson Over 18.5 rebounds and assists (+100)
Nothing is going right with the Golden State Warriors this season, and with Steph Curry still sidelined, it’s looking like a write-off.
The exact opposite can be said of Jalen Johnson, who’s averaging season highs in points (22.9), rebounds (10.5), and assists (8.1) for the Atlanta Hawks.
The Hawks forward has recorded Over 18.5 assists and rebounds in three of his last four contests, with triple-doubles in two of those games.
Golden State ranks near the bottom of the league in rebounding (22nd) while Atlanta is averaging 91.9 field goal attempts per game (2nd), leaving plenty of boards for Johnson.
Warriors vs Hawks same-game parlay
The Warriors are bad and injured, losing nine of their last 11 games. Morale will be low, and points will be easy to come by for the Hawks stars.
Johnson has struggled offensively in his last two games but is due for a bounce back. He’s scored Over 22.5 points in four of his last seven.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been hot for the Hawks with Over 18.5 points in four straight and seven of eight.
Warriors vs Hawks SGP
Jalen Johnson Over 22.5 points
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 18.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dyson gets in on the fun
Dyson Daniels can surpass 10.5 points tonight as the Warriors’ defense has struggled to contain athletic wings in transition. His ability to attack off the dribble and capitalize on fast-break opportunities sets him up for a productive scoring night.
The Hawks are big favorites for a reason, but they’ll need all hands on deck in order to run up the score against the Warriors.
Atlanta has covered the spread in 10 of its last 12 games, while Golden State is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven.
Warriors vs Hawks SGP
Jalen Johnson Over 22.5 points
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 18.5 points
Dyson Daniels Over 10.5 points
Hawks -10
Warriors vs Hawks odds
Spread: Golden State +10.5 (-110) | Atlanta -10.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Golden State +350 | Atlanta -450
Over/Under: Over 229.5 (-110) | Under 229.5 (-110)
Warriors vs Hawks betting trend to know
Atlanta is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings at home. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Hawks. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Hawks.
How to watch Warriors vs Hawks
Location
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Date
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSBA, FDSN SE-ATL
Warriors vs Hawks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 19: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during action against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center on March 19, 2026 in Miami, Florida. 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If the biggest talking point from the Lakers current 8-game winning streak is the unrelenting brilliance of Luka Dončić as he scorches every defense in his path, the second most discussed topic is LeBron James and his buying into a “smaller role” for the benefit of the Lakers.
It’s not just coming from folks outside of the Lakers, either. Prior to the Lakers’ first game against the Rockets this week, head coach JJ Redick spoke about where LeBron’s role is now, particularly in relation to Dončić and Austin Reaves (emphasis added).
“(LeBron’s) still going to be, and still has been, a high-usage player relative to your average player,” Redick said. “The best thing for our team is him being the third-highest-used player. Obviously, there’s been stretches of the year where he’s had to do more, with injuries or guys being out of lineup. And I think finding a rhythm and a groove within the rotations and lineups when those three guys play, I think that’s been the challenge for all of them, not just LeBron, all season.”
After the Lakers’ win over the Heat, LeBron himself built on Redick’s last point about finding that elusive cohesion, noting a key reason things are where they are now is that this group is finally getting more on-court time together and the reps that come with it.
“I think for us, it’s always been about time,” LeBron said. “We haven’t really had a lot of time to actually put in the work on the floor with one another. Obviously, we had a little bit of last year but Luka was just getting to the team and trying to get comfortable with what he wanted to do. We’re all trying to get comfortable with what all three of us wanted to do.
“I start the year not in the lineup. [Reaves] had a moment where he was out. It was just trying to figure it out. Then I was out a couple weeks ago and was able to come back and see how I could best fit [with] those guys because they were playing so dynamic off one another.”
All of these comments ring true to me. But they also obscure something that is hiding right under the surface, and are sort of the unsaid and implied idea that actually make all of this possible.
Namely, that this only works this way because LeBron is a gifted and versatile enough basketball player to lean into the parts of his game that fit the style his head coach wants to play and what best works around a superstar offensive monster like Dončić and a second option like Reaves.
MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 31: Austin Reaves #15 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2025 – 2026 Emirates NBA Cup game on October 31, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Grant Burke/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s not just that LeBron is being asked to play less of an on-ball role. It’s that he’s also supposed to be someone who can be a screener and finisher out of the pick-and-roll, be a connective passer, a shooter in spot up situations, a cutter who slides into the gaps of the defense as his teammates draw attention, a post up threat who can score in single coverage and pass when the double comes and an elite transition player.
And then on the other side of the ball, he needs to be a defender who can help all over the floor, hold up in isolation and matchup with multiple positions, be a good enough rebounder to play in center-less groups, rotate from the paint to the rim and back to the paint again, force turnovers in passing lanes and as a back-line disruptor and be an expert communicator whose voice helps organize the entire unit he’s on the floor with.
Few players can check all of those boxes at all, but even fewer can do it while also being, historically, one of the best on-ball shot creators the league has ever seen, who just so happens to be playing in his 23rd campaign in his age-41 season. It’s just not supposed to work that way.
But, here is LeBron doing exactly all that.
For example, here are the highlights from LeBron’s triple-double vs. the Heat:
Look at all the different ways he’s scoring and impacting the game. Flashing into the middle of the Heat’s zone to serve as a scorer and a passer, attacking closeouts from the corner to set up teammates for shots, serving as the hub of the offense out of the team’s Horns sets to get Luka and Reaves the ball in scoring position, running the break as a finisher and a creator.
Just an unreal level of versatility that shows an expertise in multiple parts of the game.
Of course, at this late stage of his career, LeBron isn’t perfect. His effort from play to play is not what it once was and earlier in the season, it would not be difficult to find a string of possessions on either side of the ball where he stood and watched too much and simply did not show the type of activity needed to be a positive contributor in those moments.
Those were the stretches that had analysts and fans alike wondering whether the Lakers were better without LeBron and if this should be his last season…and not just with the Lakers.
With how he’s playing now, though, those sorts of thoughts look totally misguided. Because LeBron isn’t just showing that he still has enough juice to play well and put up counting stats, but that he has the intellect and versatility to impact winning.
I struggle to think of any other player in league history who could claim to make this sort of transition, much less tap into these different aspects of their game on any given possession to give the team exactly what it needs at that time.
Which, I think, is actually the bigger and more impressive point to be made.
We have all seen the evolution of players who could play for extended periods. I think of players like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant who added to their respective games year after year, turning weaknesses into reliable weapons and showing an ability to adapt with age to whatever new circumstances were presented to them.
LeBron fits into this mold too, incorporating post-ups and 3-point shooting into his arsenal over the years to combat any and all defensive coverages.
But LeBron hasn’t just evolved with time. He’s shown an incredible ability to shape-shift and be whatever his team needs him to be. And not just game to game, but from shift to shift and possession to possession.
In the Lakers second win against the Rockets, LeBron began the game knocking down a spot up three on a play designed specifically to get him that shot, in the same game he had six dunks while dominating in transition and working out of the post. At the same time, he had multiple defensive possessions switching between Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün and Kevin Durant — and getting stops on all of them. He flashed similar versatility against the Nuggets recently, defending Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray, all while working offensively from a multitude of spots on the court.
And he’s done stuff like this his entire career. Back in 2011 when he was with the Heat, LeBron famously switched onto Derrick Rose defensively in a matchup with the Bulls in the playoffs to help Miami swing the series in their favor. Less than a year later, I remember LeBron expertly fronting Pau Gasol to deny him the ball in a regular season game to shut down a player who was, at the time, one of the best post-up bigs in the entire league.
Over a decade later, LeBron is still flexing all the different parts of his game to help his team win. And, no, he might not be the main guy he was back then with the Heat. Just like he’s not the same main guy he was with the Lakers just a couple of seasons ago.
But I’d argue that makes what he’s doing now even more impressive. It’s not just that he’s passed the reins to someone else or taken on a lower usage role. It’s that he’s done so while also turning up other aspects of his game that allow him to maintain a baseline level of production while also clearly contributing to winning.
This just isn’t something that we’ve seen in the history of the NBA, and, honestly, I wonder if we’ll ever see it in this exact way ever again.
SAN REMO, Italy (AP) — Bloodied, bruised and battered Tadej Pogacar finally won the Milan-San Remo race.
Pogacar recovered from a crash about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the finish to edge out Tom Pidcock on the line and win the race known as La Classicissima for the first time on Sarurday.
“When I crashed, for a second I thought it’s all over because to crash in Imperia just before the most important part of the race is not ideal,” said Pogacar, who rides for UAE Team Emirates. "But luckily I was quickly back on the bike and not too much damage to me or to the bike.
“Then I saw my team ... they left out everything to come back to the front and they gave me back hope and the legs were still okay ... today if there is no team probably I would just go straight to the finish line.”
Milan-San Remo is one of the longest one-day classics in Europe at almost 300 kilometers (186 miles), and the first of the season.
It was one of the few titles that still eluded Pogacar, the five-time Grand Tour winner, and the Slovenian admitted several times to being desperate to change that.
Pogacar’s chances appeared to diminish when he was caught up in the crash that shredded the left side of his shorts and left him with scrapes and cuts on his leg.
Last year’s winner Mathieu van der Poel also went down but the duo managed to get back onto the back of the peloton at the start of the penultimate Cipressa climb.
Pogacar worked his way to the front, stuck with an initial attack and then attacked himself towards the top, with only Pidcock and van der Poel able to follow.
The trio had a gap of 25 seconds at the top although that was down to 11 seconds as they began the Poggio climb shortly before the finish.
Pogacar attacked halfway up and managed to drop van der Poel. He tried several times to shake Pidcock but couldn’t distance him and they were locked together as they crested the summit.
Little could separate the duo on the descent. Pogacar opened up the sprint 200 meters from the line and beat Pidcock by half a wheel.
“Honestly, I need time to reflect because right now I’m pretty disappointed because it hurts to be so close,” Pidcock said. "I was told it’s four centimeters.
"Tadej, he’s the best cyclist ever, so I can’t be disappointed but I can’t help it ... It was so close to a monument win. But I need to look at it from a wider perspective. Because I think what I did was quite amazing, I’m quite proud."
Wout Van Aert, who was also caught up in the crash, won a bunch sprint for third.
“I have to say I saw him (Pogacar) next to me on the ground when we crashed and then the next moment I saw him again was after the finish, so I have no clue what he has been doing, but it must have been impressive because it was quite a hard crash and he still managed to get in the front like that,” Van Aert said.
Five-way sprint in women's race
Lotte Kopecky edged Noemi Rüegg and Eleonora Gasparrini in a sprint of five to win the women’s race.
The Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves will meet for the second and final time this season in a Sunday night game on NBC and Peacock.
The visiting Timberwolves (43-28) will try to sweep the Celtics (47-23) for the first time since 1999-200 and without superstar Anthony Edwards, who is out for at least a week with right knee inflammation.
Minnesota is 7-4 this season without Edwards, who will need to return by March 30 to meet the 65-game eligibility for the MVP, All-NBA and other awards.
The Celtics, meanwhile, have gotten a jolt from the return of another superstar. Since Jayson Tatum made his season debut on March 6, Boston is 4-1 when the 6-8 forward (who tore his right Achilles last May) is on the floor.
Tatum's shooting percentage has slowly improved, and he's scored at least 20 points in each of the past four games.
In their Nov. 29 meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota beat Boston 119-115 with Edwards scoring 39 points for the Timberwolves. Jaylen Brown had a game-high 41 points for the Celtics.
See below for additional information on how to watch the Timberwolves-Celtics matchup and a breakdown of the game. Also check out the schedule for the NBA on NBC and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the 2025-2026 season.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Boston Celtics preview:
Edwards' absence provides opportunities for bigger contributions from several Timberwolves players. Ayo Dosunmu, recently acquired from Chicago, scored 19 points in his first start in place of Edwards, and guard Bones Hyland adde 22 points off the bench in 29 minutes.
Three-time All-Star forward Julius Randle, the team's second-leading scorer, is averaging 26.9 points per game when Edwards is out of the lineup — nearly 7 points more than his average with Edwards. Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo also have bumped up their scoring without Edwards.
Despite Edwards' absences, the Timberwolves have been healthier otherwise, using an NBA-low eight starting lineups over the course of the season.
Though they trail the Pistons by four games in the East, the Celtics now are the favorite for the conference title since Tatum's return.
Brown became an All-Star starter for the first time and is on pace for career highs in scoring (28.4 points per game, fifth in the league), assists (5.1 per game) and field goals per game (10.4). But in games with Tatum this season, Brown is attempting seven fewer shots on average.
The Celtics' strengths continue to be 3-point shooting (third in the league for long-distance shots made and attempted) and scoring defense (107.1 points allowed per game leads the NBA). Derrick White leads the team in steals (1.2 per game) and blocks (1.4 per game, most among guards).
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.
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NBA on NBC 2025-26 schedule:
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Two teams on different trajectories intersect Saturday, when the Indiana Pacers visit the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs are on a 4-game win streak and trying to chase down the top seed in the West, while Indy has dropped 15 straight and is firmly entrenched in the battle for the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
While Miami has dominated this head-to-head series, my Pacers vs. Spurs predictions and NBA picks have this one in a more defensive battle, where I will target the total.
Pacers vs Spurs prediction
Pacers vs Spurs best bet: Under 233 points (-110)
The Indiana Pacers are 18.5-point underdogs, but weirdly enough, they still compete. Of their 15 straight losses, just five have been by 20+ points.
Their injury list is long, with Ivica Zubac (rib) and Micah Potter (triceps) out and Pascal Siakam (knee) and Andrew Nembhard (knee) headlining a list of seven players listed as questionable.
The San Antonio Spurs have allowed just 105.3 points over their 4-game win streak, with opponents shooting just 42.9% from the field.
Indy will struggle against one of the NBA's premier defenses, who have cashed the Under in three of its last four.
Pacers vs Spurs same-game parlay
Victor Wembanyama has just a single block in each of the last two games, but he's yet to go three straight without picking up at least two. He's swatted at least three shots in 11 of his last 15 games and has also grabbed 12 boards or more in three of his last four games.
Pacers vs Spurs SGP
Under 233 points
Victor Wembanyama Over 2.5 blocks
Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Wemby!
Wemby is coming off a 34-point game against the Suns, and he's gone for 26+ in six of the last eight; those two Unders came during this current 4-game win streak.
I've targeted his 3-point prop because he's been around this number for a while. Wembanyama has hit the Over four times in his last eight, but he's missed the Over by a single triple in each of the other four games.
Pacers vs Spurs SGP
Under 233 points
Victor Wembanyama Over 2.5 blocks
Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds
Victor Wembanyama Under 25.5 points
Victor Wembanyama Over 2.5 made threes
Pacers vs Spurs odds
Spread: Pacers +17.5 (-110) | Spurs -17.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Pacers +1000 | Spurs -2000
Over/Under: Over 233.5 (-110) | Under 233.5 (-110)
Pacers vs Spurs betting trend to know
The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last eight road games. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Spurs.
How to watch Pacers vs Spurs
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-IN, FDSN-SW
Pacers vs Spurs latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Los Angeles Clippers’ four-game losing streak has deflated some of their postseason optimism, and that raises the stakes ahead of tonight’s visit to the Dallas Mavericks.
While this looks like a decent bounce-back spot for L.A., my Clippers vs. Mavericks predictions aren't sleeping on Cooper Flagg, who’s getting quality reps as a No. 1 option.
Get the lowdown on this battle with my free NBA picks for Saturday, March 21.
Clippers vs Mavericks prediction
Clippers vs Mavericks best bet: Cooper Flagg Over 33.5 points + rebounds + assists (-115)
Cooper Flagg has fallen behind Kon Knueppel in the Rookie of the Year race, but he’s poised to finish strong for the Dallas Mavericks.
With the keys to the offense and great size on the boards, Flagg has eclipsed this combo O/U number in three of his last four games.
His scoring will be the driver for this Over, and that’s a nice volume play. Flagg has taken 17+ shots in 12 of his last 17 games, and he’s averaging 22.5 points per game in his past four outings.
With the Clippers trying to improve their play-in seeding and the Mavs seemingly content to pile up losses, I’m taking the visitors’ moneyline here — and wagering on their role players to show up.
Kris Dunn has strung together four straight contests with at least one 3-pointer, while John Collins has cashed this rebounding Over in four of his past five games.
Clippers vs Mavericks SGP
Clippers moneyline
Kris Dunn Over 0.5 threes
John Collins Over 6.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: P.J. Max
This SGP turns to two of Dallas’ steadiest role players, with a focus on P.J. Washington, who’s averaging 18.3 ppg and 9.3 rebounds per game in his last four starts.
Meanwhile, Max Christie has hit the Over on this points prop in four of his past five contests.
Clippers vs Mavericks SGP
P.J. Washington Over 13.5 points
P.J. Washington Over 6.5 rebounds
P.J. Washington Over 1.5 assists
Max Christie Over 11.5 points
Clippers vs Mavericks odds
Spread: Clippers -7 (-110) | Mavericks +7 (-110)
Moneyline: Clippers -280 | Mavericks +230
Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)
Clippers vs Mavericks betting trend to know
The Over has been a winning ticket in six of the last nine meetings between these teams. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Mavericks.
How to watch Clippers vs Mavericks
Location
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Date
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-SC, KFAA
Clippers vs Mavericks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Jonathan Kuminga has looked completely at home since coming over to the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 14.8 points and 7.5 rebounds a game, shooting 56.6% overall and hitting better than 50% of his 3-pointers. While he has been in and out of the lineup with knee issues, the Hawks have won all six games he has played in.
Last summer, Kuminga was pushed in restricted free agency and eventually settled on a two-year, $48.5 million contract extension with Golden State, which included a $24.3 million team option for next season. That contract was built to be traded, and he was at the deadline to the Hawks.
The Hawks and Kuminga are discussing an extension in which the team would not pick up next year's option but would give him a multi-year contract worth more total money, Fischer reports. Kuminga told Fischer that his goal is to make the Hawks a consistent contender.
"That's the goal," Kuminga said. "That's what we're trying to do here, what we're trying to stamp here as a group. We talk about it every day. It starts now. We're not waiting until next year."
Atlanta had its 11-game winning streak snapped by Houston on Friday night, but the Hawks are now up to No. 7 in the East with a real opportunity to move into the top six and avoid the play-in altogether. Kuminga is a part of that push, and maybe a big part of the future in Atlanta.
Two teams jockeying for playoff positioning in their respective conferences clash Saturday, when the Miami Heat visit the Houston Rockets.
Miami is in a logjam of five teams currently battling for the two playoff spots in the East, all separated by 1.5 games.
Houston, meanwhile, the slight betting favorite Saturday, is in a three-way battle for the 4-seed with Denver and Minnesota out West.
While Miami has dominated this head-to-head series, my Heat vs. Rockets prediction and NBA picks have this one in a more defensive battle, where I will target the total.
Heat vs Rockets prediction
Heat vs Rockets best bet: Under 229.5 points (-110)
The Miami Heat has dropped three straight and sits in eighth in the East, though just 1.5 games out of fifth.
They have ripped the Houston Rockets of late, going 9-1 in the last 10 and 8-2-0 against the spread, but they're currently hard to trust. They're also down Andrew Wiggins (toe) and Jaime Jaquez Jr (hip).
Houston just ended Atlanta's 11-game win streak in a 117-95 romp. They're fourth in scoring defense and have held five of the last eight opponents to 105 points or less.
The Under has cashed in three straight matchups, with all signs pointing to a fourth.
Heat vs Rockets same-game parlay
While he's shooting a blistering 55.9% from the field and 43.2% from three, Kevin Durant is only averaging 22.7 points in 10 March games. He's gone Under 26.5 points seven times.
Tyler Herro's 21.5 scoring line is gettable: he's topped that mark in four of seven games, missing the over by a bucket in two others.
Heat vs Rockets SGP
Under 229.5 points
Kevin Durant Under 26.5 points
Tyler Herro Over 21.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Amen!
Bam Adebayo has rebounded well against Houston historically, grabbing at least 10 boards in seven of the last nine meetings, missing the Over by a single rebound in another.
Amen Thompson has hit the 6-assist mark once in his last five, while never hitting six dimes in four career games vs Miami.
Heat vs Rockets SGP
Under 229.5 points
Kevin Durant Under 26.5 points
Tyler Herro Over 21.5 points
Bam Adebayo Over 9.5 rebounds
Amen Thompson Under 5.5 assists
Heat vs Rockets odds
Spread: Heat +3 (-110) | Rockets -3 (-110)
Moneyline: Heat +125 | Rockets -150
Over/Under: Over 226.5 (-110) | Under 226.5 (-110)
Heat vs Rockets betting trend to know
Houston has lost eight straight against Miami teams with a winning record. Find more NBA betting trends for Heat vs. Rockets.
How to watch Heat vs Rockets
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-SU, SCHN
Heat vs Rockets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Phoenix Suns have dropped four straight games, but they’ll look to get back on track when they host the banged-up Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.
Devin Booker has been scoring at an elite rate, and my Bucks vs. Suns predictions expect a strong performance from the franchise cornerstone in a comfortable win.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this late-night matchup on Saturday, March 21.
Bucks vs Suns prediction
Bucks vs Suns best bet: Devin Booker Over 27.5 points (-120)
Over his last 10 games, Devin Booker has averaged 30.3 points. In that span, he scored 28+ six times and finished with 27 twice more. He provided 27 points against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 10.
Milwaukee’s defense has been dreadful over the last 10 games, surrendering the fifth-most points (120.5), most three-pointers (16.9) and third-highest three-point percentage (39%), while sporting the 29th-ranked defensive rating (123.3).
Booker should be motivated to get his team back on track after four straight losses, and I expect him to take advantage of this highly-favorable matchup at home.
Bucks vs Suns same-game parlay
The Phoenix Suns are back home after a six-game road trip, and they'll be fired up after losing to the San Antonio Spurs on a Victor Wembanyama buzzer-beater in their last game out.
Phoenix won 129-114 against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum, and they can cover Saturday's big spread against an opponent missing its superstar forward and a number of key role players.
The Suns should have no problem finding their groove offensively. Even if the Bucks have trouble scoring, Phoenix should put up more than enough points to nudge this line to the Over.
Milwaukee's 29th-ranked defense will have no answers for Devin Booker, Jalen Green and Co.
Bucks vs Suns SGP
Devin Booker Over 27.5 points
Suns -11.5
Over 219.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Suns shine bright
Jalen Green has averaged 23.9 points across his last eight games. After scoring 23+ in five straight, he’s gone Under that point total in each of his last three games. He scored 25 against the Bucks on March 10, and I look for him to get back on track in the scoring department.
Collin Gillespie has hit the Over on this combo line in two straight and five of his last eight. He posted 30 PRA in his first matchup with the Bucks.
Oso Ighodaro will get another starting nod with Mark Williams sidelined. He’s gone for at least 22 PRA in two straight and four of his last 10.
Bucks vs Suns SGP
Devin Booker Over 27.5 points
Jalen Green Over 22.5 points
Collin Gillespie Over 22.5 points + rebounds + assists
Oso Ighodaro Over 21.5 points + rebounds + assists
Over/Under: Over 219.5 (-110) | Under 219.5 (-110)
Bucks vs Suns betting trend to know
The Phoenix Suns have covered the 3Q Spread in 26 of their last 40 games (+9.55 Units / 20% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Suns.
How to watch Bucks vs Suns
Location
Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
Date
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-WI, KTVK, KPHE
Bucks vs Suns latest injuries
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Now that the second round of March Madness has arrived, what will fans get on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22? We saw a couple of No. 1 seeds tested in the opening round, while the others cruised to victory.
We also saw some injuries in the first two days that could impact the rest of the tournament. Could Otega Oweh's first-round performance give Kentucky a shot in the arm to make a deep tournament run?
With four double-digit seeds in action in the Round of 32, could we see one of them squeeze their way into the Sweet 16? Here’s a look at the five most likely upsets for the 2026 NCAA Tournament:
1. No. 7 Kentucky over No. 2 Iowa State
Why it could happen: Four words. Two players. Otega Oweh. Joshua Jefferson. Oweh is coming off a career-high performance with 35 points, while Jefferson suffered an ankle sprain minutes into the Cyclones' win over Tennessee State. If Jefferson is our hindered, who will step up for the second-leading scorer and leading rebounder?
Why it won't happen: Kentucky has proven to be inconsistent this season. The way the Wildcats won against Santa Clara could be the spark for the team to make a run. Or it's just another blip on the radar for a team that's spent a lot on its roster for inconsistent play.
2. No. 7 UCLA over No. 2 UConn
Why it could happen: If not for a heroic effort from Tarris Reed Jr. (31 points, 27 rebounds), UConn would have been knocked out in the opening round by No. 15 Furman. Couple that with losses to Marquette and St. John's in the final four games, and the Huskies look vulnerable. The Bruins looked dominant against UCF, until the final minutes.
Why it won't happen: UConn is UConn and Dan Hurley gives them a shot. As does Reed, who was one of USA TODAY's potential breakout players to watch ahead of the NCAA Tournament. The question is, do the Bruins have an answer for him? We'll have to find out.
3. No. 11 Texas over No. 3 Gonzaga
Why it could happen: Gonzaga struggled putting Kennesaw State away on Thursday, and looks susceptible to a potential upset. Texas, meanwhile, seemed to cruise to victory over No. 6 BYU and talented freshman AJ Dybantsa. Could the Longhorns have found their footing?
Why it won't happen: Texas lost five of its last six games heading into the NCAA Tournament, while Gonzaga lost three games all season. Yes, the NCAA Tournament is a reset, but the regular season matters, too.
4. No. 9 Saint Louis over No. 1 Michigan
Why it could happen: Saint Louis arguably had the most impressive win of the first round, beating Georgia 102-77, which is not even indicative of the 40-point lead it once held. With Yaxel Lendeborg dealing with an ankle issue, the Billikens can apply pressure early and potentially have a shot to knock out a No. 1 seed.
Why it won't happen: Michigan is elite. The regular season proved that, and Dusty May has brought his program very far in just two years of leading it. Lendeborg, if healthy, is the best player on the court, and that helps in March when the pressure begins to build.
5. No. 9 Iowa over No. 1 Florida
Why it could happen: Florida's Achilles' heel could be its guard play. The Gators were exposed a little by Vanderbilt in the SEC tournament. Iowa is led by AP All-American Honorable Mention Bennett Stirtz, who could cause problems for Boogie Fland and Xavien Lee to defend. The Hawkeyes play slow and can win if they dictate the pace.
Why it won't happen: The Gators are coming off one of the most dominant wins in NCAA Tournament history. Iowa cannot match up with Florida's big men, giving the Gators the opportunity for several second-chance plays. Ultimately, Florida is more talented and deeper than Iowa.
The Los Angeles Lakers have won eight straight games, but the Orlando Magic will look to snap that streak and get back in the win column tonight at Kia Center.
Austin Reaves’ injury and a tightly compacted schedule give the visiting team a disadvantage, and my Lakers vs. Magic predictions call for an upset victory by the home team.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference matchup on Saturday, March 21.
Lakers vs Magic prediction
Lakers vs Magic best bet: Magic moneyline (+125)
The Orlando Magic have dropped three straight games after winning seven in a row, and they can earn a much-needed victory tonight.
Over the last 10 games, the Los Angeles Lakers and Magic both rank in the top-11 in offensive and defensive efficiency, and despite LA’s recent surge, the Magic can hang with them.
The Lakers will play their fourth road game in six days, and Austin Reaves could sit this one out. LA sports a +3.4 net rating with Reaves, but that falls to -1.5 without him. Look for a rested and motivated Magic team to get the dub.
Lakers vs Magic same-game parlay
The Lakers sport a 120.9 offensive rating across the last 10 games, and the Magic aren't far behind at 118.5.
Even if Reaves is sidelined, the Lakers have a 116.3 offensive rating without him. The Lakers have hit the Over in five of their last eight, and the Magic have gone Over in six of seven.
Jalen Suggs is averaging 5.2 assists on the season, and he's dished 6+ dimes in 14 of 26 games at home. He's reached at least that many helpers in four of his last five outings.
Lakers vs Magic SGP
Magic moneyline
Over 233
Jalen Suggs Over 5.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Magic Tricks
Paolo Banchero has aveeraged 25.1 points across his last 10 games, going for 23+ six times in that span. He scored 36 in his first tilt with LA this season.
Desmond Bane has also hit the Over on his scoring line in six of his last 10, and he's reached that mark in 21 of 35 home games. He scored 22 against the Lakers in his first matchup.
Jevon Carter has gone for 8+ points in nine of 16 games since joining Orlando, including each of his last three.
Lakers vs Magic SGP
Jalen Suggs Over 5.5 assists
Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points
Desmond Bane Over 21.5 points
Jevon Carter Over 7.5 points
Lakers vs Magic odds
Spread: Los Angeles +3 (-110) | Orlando -3 (-110)
Moneyline: Los Angeles -150 | Orlando +125
Over/Under: Over 233 (-110) | Under 233 (-110)
Lakers vs Magic betting trend to know
The Orlando Magic have hit the 4Q Game Total Over in 27 of their last 40 games at home (+12.10 Units / 26% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Magic.
How to watch Lakers vs Magic
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
SPECSN, FDSN-FL
Lakers vs Magic latest injuries
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If you listened to Mashburn’s postgame studio monologue, you would have thought Kentucky lost to Santa Clara. It didn’t. Thanks to Oweh’s 35 points, including a buzzer-beating bucket to send the game to overtime, the Wildcats prevailed against the 10th-seeded Broncos. But, Mashburn spoke for Big Blue Nation when he said Kentucky is supposed to beat Santa Clara, especially with its pricey roster. Merely advancing to the second round won’t be enough to meet Kentucky’s standard.
“It's not an expectation to get to the tournament,” Mashburn said in the TNT studio. “It's about Final Fours and championships.”
The ‘Cats survived a first-round upset in a tournament filled with chalk, but now they’ll have their hands full with No. 2 Iowa State.
If the officials had granted Santa Clara coach Herb Sendek the timeout he wanted, this game might have ended differently. Up three points with a couple of seconds remaining, Sendek probably would have instructed his team to foul Kentucky to prevent a 3-point shot.
But, the officials didn’t see Sendek signaling timeout, Santa Clara didn’t foul, and Oweh banked in a bomb to stave off an upset.
Meanwhile, Pope’s predecessor John Calipari cruised into the second round with a red-hot Arkansas team. Pope’s not going to get that Final Four Mashburn talked about, but better go as far as Cal’s Hogs go, or face the heat.
“Coach (Rick) Pitino often refers to Kentucky as Camelot, and there’s a lot of truth to that,” Sendek said. “It is not like that everywhere else, you know. … I assure you, Big Blue Nation is one of a kind.”
By one of a kind, he means they’re more demanding than any other fan base in college basketball.
No wonder Calipari looks like he’s got the weight of the world off his shoulders.
Cinderella snoozes in 2026 NCAA Tournament
Blame NIL and the transfer portal if you must, or perhaps the Cinderellas are just enjoying a brief hibernation, but for the second straight year, the underdog napped in the first round of the tournament.
Tradition dictates we get a 12 vs. 5 upset, and so High Point delivered. Siena put a scare into Duke, but the Blue Devils rallied to fend off embarrassment. Otherwise, the biggest upsets were a pair of 11-seeds knocking out a couple of 6-seeds. That doesn’t count for madness, especially when you consider No. 6 North Carolina was playing without its best player, Caleb Wilson, and No. 6 Brigham Young was without one of its top scorers, Richie Saunders.
The good news about so much chalk prevailing? It heightens the chance for some epic Sweet 16, Elite Eight and Final Four matchups.
Final Four still intact
Before the tournament, I uncorked a Final Four of Michigan State, Houston, Arizona and Michigan. No reason to modify those picks. All four cruised in Round 1, while No. 1 overall seed Duke threatened to join Virginia and Purdue in the Hall of Shame.
Head to the Missouri Valley
If you’re in need of a new coach, you might try the Missouri Valley Conference. A couple of ex-Valley coaches are wearing their promotion well.
Josh Schertz has Saint Louis in the second round after the Billikens trounced Georgia. Two years ago, Schertz took Indiana State to the NIT finals. At Iowa, Ben McCollum passed the test in Year 1 after getting a call-up from Drake. McCollum’s Hawkeyes beat Clemson in the first round.
NCAA Tournament expansion? Please, no
The first round won’t kill off tournament expansion dialogue, but it should. Did anyone watch those first-round games and think, “You know what we need? We need the 69th-best team in the bracket!”
The bubble was as weak as ever, and the favorites served a barrage of blowouts in Round 1. Please, leave the field at 68. Nothing about this first round made a worthy argument for tournament expansion.
March Madness second-round upsets
Who’s on upset alert in the second round? Here are three to watch:
∎ Few gave Tennessee much chance to reach the Sweet 16 before the tournament began, but the Vols looked better in the first round than No. 3 Virginia did against Wright State. Tennessee plays the type of nasty defense that Rick Barnes loves, and a Vols team that beat Houston and Louisville is good enough to topple Virginia, which would be a fourth straight Sweet 16 for Tennessee.
∎ Miami aced its hire of 37-year-old Jai Lucas. The Hurricanes torched Missouri in St. Louis, and they’re good enough to threaten No. 2 Purdue in the second round. Three of the four 7-seeds won in the first round. If you judge Miami by the way it played against Missouri, it should have been a 6- or even a 5-seed.
∎ Now, for my boldest second-round upset: Kentucky can beat Iowa State if the Cyclones are without Joshua Jefferson, who injured his ankle in the first round. Never mind Mashburn's groaning, a second straight Sweet 16 for Pope would alleviate some heat. Just get the ball into Oweh’s hands, and let him cook.
We have 10 games scheduled across the Association this evening. My NBA player props for all the action will include Luka Doncic, Evan Mobley, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The reigning MVP is doing his thing again this season for the defending NBA champions, averaging 31.5 PPG. That ranks second in the Association behind only Doncic. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has cashed the Over in points in three of his last five.
SGA dropped 40 on Tuesday against Orlando, and he’s up against the lowly Wizards tonight, one of the worst teams around. He’s hit the Over in two of his last three road contests, and Gilgeous-Alexander averages 31.6 PPG on the road.
After scoring only 20 points on Wednesday, expect the well-rested SGA to come in and show out here.
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FDSN OK, MNMT
Prop #2: Evan Mobley Over 19.5 points
-125 at bet365
Evan Mobley is having a nice campaign for the title-chasing Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 18.3 points per night. The big man is killing the competition lately, hitting the Over in three of his last four. Mobley just scored 26 against the Bulls, and 27 against the Bucks.
Both of those games were on the road, and the Cavs are in the Big Easy tonight to take on the Pelicans. The Pels are one of the worst teams in the league, and they’re allowing 22.6 PPG to centers.
Mobley will keep it rolling at Smoothie King Center.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FDSN OH, GCSEN
Prop #3: Luka Doncic Over 33.5 points
-105 at bet365
Luka Doncic has been the talk of the NBA this season, and he looks set to potentially win MVP. The Lakers superstar leads the league in scoring with 33.4 PPG, and he’s been on a different level lately.
The Slovenian just scored 100 points across his last two games. Dropping 40 against the Rockets before pouring in 60 against the Heat. He also scored 36 against Houston last weekend.
Doncic is averaging 37.2 points per contest in March, and he’s cashed the Over in three straight road outings. The Lakers visit the Magic tonight.
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No, not because his team was handed the second-largest defeat in NCAA Tournament history at the hands of No. 1 Florida on Friday, March 20. Rather, it was a moment near the end of the game that made Diallo's reaction go viral.
With under two minutes left in the game, Florida redshirt freshman Olivier Rioux entered the game with the Gators ahead by 62 points. With the Panthers on offense, Diallo — who is listed at 6-8 on the PVAM roster — stood next to the 7-9 center for Florida and could not believe how tall the tallest player in NCAA basketball history was.
With his appearance in Friday's game, Rioux became the tallest player to ever appear in an NCAA Tournament game. Of course, setting records is nothing new for Rioux, who was 7-7 when he was 16, making him the Guinness World Record holder for the world's tallest teenager.
On Nov. 6, 2025, Rioux entered Florida's game against North Florida to become the tallest player to ever play in an NCAA basketball game, beating out Manut Bol, who was 7-7 and played at Division II Bridgeport.
Fifteen days later, Rioux became the tallest player to ever score a point when he made a free throw against Merrimack. On Dec. 17, he made a dunk to become the tallest player to ever score a basket.
He finished the game with two points on 1-of-3 shooting to go along with two offensive rebounds and an assist. He hardly had to get off the floor to complete his dunk for his lone score.
After earning a No. 9 seed in March Madness, the Billikens not only won their first tournament game since 2014, but also did it in style. Saint Louis led No. 8 Georgia wire-to-wire in a 102-77 drubbing, leading by as many as 40 points at one time.
Now, the Billikens are tasked with taking on No. 1 Michigan at 12:15 p.m. ET Saturday, March 21, from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, with a chance to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1957.
But that may still leave college basketball fans unfamiliar with the program asking, "What exactly is a Billiken?" Here's the history of Saint Louis' nickname for its athletic programs ahead of the second round matchup with Michigan in the NCAA Tournament:
What is a Billiken?
According to the Saint Louis University website, the Billiken was a national sensation in the 1900s. The mythical creature was used as the face of items produced, such as dolls, marshmallow candies, belt buckles, and other items.
The Billiken represents "things as they ought to be." According to legends, "To buy a Billiken gives the purchaser luck, but to have one given to you is better luck."
Florence Pretz — a Missouri art teacher and illustrator — is credited with the creation of the figure. In 1908, she patented her "design for an image" of the Billiken while working at Kansas City’s Manual Training School.
The belief is that Pretz found the name in a Bliss Carman poem and bestowed it upon her creation.
"I concluded if there is a chance that we shape our own lives, and my clay was mine to fashion as I would, I might as well make an image, which embodied hope and happiness to sort of live up to," Pretz said to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Why is Saint Louis named the Billikens?
The school website is unsure of when the Billiken first became associated with the university. However, the mascot brings a sense of community to campus.
"Saint Louis University’s unique mascot brings more than team spirit. The Billiken is a mythical figure representing “things as they ought to be” — on campus and wherever he’s found.
According to one story, John Bender — a law student and the coach of the 1910 football team — resembled the good-luck symbol. Legend has it that a cartoonist drew a caricature of Bender and placed it in the window of the local drugstore.
After that, the team became known as the "Bender's Billikens." The rest is legend.
Of course, that's not the only origin story. Another version of the story says that local drugstore owner Billy Gunn was the one who linked the Billiken to SLU. According to a 1946 obituary, "Coach Bender walked into Mr. Gunn's drugstore one afternoon and was greeted by the proprietor with: 'Bender, you're a real Billiken!'
St. Louis Post-Dispatch sportswriter William O'Connor was present when this exchange happened and first used "Billiken" in print when talking about the football team. Eventually, the nickname spread to all the athletic teams.
Other uses of the Billiken in popular culture
While Saint Louis is the only school to use the Billiken as a mascot, it can still be found in different places. Eskimos in Alaska render Billiken carvings as good luck charms, while a wooden statue of a Billiken sits in Tsutenkaku Tower for visitors to rub its feet for good luck.
In Chicago's South Side, the school year starts with the annual Bud Billiken Parade.
Saint Louis' mascot?
The mascot for Saint Louis athletics is simply known as "The Billiken." It has taken on the form of the mythical figure created by Pretz, while donning a blue shirt with the SLU initials on it.
Outside of the university’s basketball arena — Chaifetz Arena — sits the "Golden Billiken," where fans entering the game, or students preparing for final exams, rub its belly for good luck.
Fans will surely be rubbing its belly ahead of the game on Saturday against Michigan.
On the bench: Robert Guillaume (actor, “Sports Night”)
Director of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise, Gunn also wrote and directed the 2025 version of “Superman”… The one-armed man in “The Fugitive”, Katsulas was also known for his role in sci-fi shows “Babylon 5” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation”… Ed Harris portrayed Kranz in “Apollo 13”, which told the story of how Kranz led Misson Control’s efforts to return the crew home safely after a failed mission. He also led the Apollo 11 mission, the first lunar landing with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.,, A comic book writer and editor, O’Neil is known for his work with Green Lantern and Batman. O’Neil’s version of Batman was darker and the inspiration for Christopher Nolan’s version in his Batman films… McBride was a two-time All-American soccer player at SLU and played 96 times for the U.S. national team, including at three World Cups, and scored 30 goals for USMNT.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Evan Mobley
Luka Doncic