Category: NBA

It’s not quite a Friday news dump, but it might as well be one.

In his latest attempt to thwart tanking, NBA commissioner Adam Silver leaked a few new rules he plans to implement to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Here are lots of words:

The NBA presented three comprehensive anti-tanking concepts to its Board of Governors on Wednesday, with modifications expected to each before a formal vote in May, per ESPN sources.

1. 18 teams in draft lottery (seeds 7-15 in each conference) – flattened odds, with bottom 10…

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 27, 2026

Like everything else the NBA does — see: the current CBA, All-Star Game format — this is so convoluted. How do you expect the average fan, the people who you are most trying to appease with anti-tanking rules, to understand or even care about this?

And how does this even help? Having a worse record still gives you a better chance at a higher draft pick. When teams don’t have the ability to build a competitive roster, losing games on purpose will still beat vying for a spot in the Play-In.

The idea of factoring in two years worth of records is also silly. You want teams to be more competitive, so you punish them for tanking, which will then make them even worse. How does that create competitive balance?

What about the teams who are just bad without tanking? The Chicago Bulls came into the season looking to reasonably compete (I know, I know). After being stuck in Play-In purgatory, Chicago fans are probably ecstatic the front office finally decided to go this route.

People make fun of The Process, but it worked. The Sixers were irrelevant basically from the time Allen Iverson was traded until Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons arrived — save for one playoff run where they benefitted from a significant injury to Derrick Rose. No, they haven’t won a championship, but they’ve built multiple rosters over the years that at least felt like they had a chance. And the tanking wasn’t full-proof — they selected Markelle Fultz first overall and Jahlil Okafor third. You still need to have an ounce of competence to make the strategy work.

Look at the top teams in the NBA. The Oklahoma City Thunder deployed the most brazen tanking strategy in professional sports and now they have a juggernaut. The San Antonio Spurs, an organization that’s considered a gold standard, tanked their way into Victor Wembanyama. The Detroit Pistons are led by No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham, but suffered plenty with other bad selections after tanking.

The bottom line is the best franchises find the best way to acquire talent. When you see teams like the Thunder and Spurs tank to build what will likely be dynasties, you know it’s a viable and effective strategy — if you draft properly and get a good bit of luck.

I’ll admit to bias in being a pro-tank guy. I think about teams who are always in the lottery because they don’t have great front offices and they’re not attractive enough destinations for free agents. Even if they don’t tank, they still won’t be very good. Again, how do any of these rules help competitive balance? How can a team like the Washington Wizards get out of NBA hell without tanking?

NBA ratings are OK. There are great games being played almost every night. I just watched that Rockets-Timberwolves game the other night. It was awesome. I think the playoffs have a chance to be very competitive and a lot of fun.

We spend so much time focusing on tanking and not enough on the actual awesome games being played. If you don’t want to watch the Thunder destroy the Bulls, don’t want watch it. Flip on Hawks-Celtics or Heat-Cavs instead.

Tanking and load management are considered big problems with the NBA, but Silver hasn’t done anything to help either cause. Less games might be the answer to both, but then people would lose money.

And therein lies the problem — are you trying to produce the best product or trying to make the most money? Maybe by simply improving the product, the money will come. It’s hard to see how these rules do either.

The ascent of Caleb Williams in his second NFL season was dramatic. It was a rocky beginning, working with new head coach Ben Johnson for the first time, but by the midpoint of the season the two had managed to marry Johnson’s exacting passing demands with Williams’ creativity, giving Chicago something truly special.

One way this manifested throughout 2025 was Williams’ incredible ability in the clutch, leading the Bears’ to six fourth-quarter comebacks and six game-winning drives. He started to get the nickname “Iceman” as a result, referring to his cold nature with the game on the line. One problem: The original “Iceman” in sports isn’t happy.

Williams moved to copyright the nickname this offseason, and San Antonio Spurs legend George Gervin isn’t happy about it.

“I’ve been the Iceman for 40-something years,” Gervin said. “I never thought anybody would try to trademark it. He kind of knocked me out the box.”

Gervin garnered the nickname in 1974 after being drafted into the NBA by the Spurs following several successful ABA seasons. Teammates and fans said Gervin’s relaxed, loose play was effortlessly cool — they also noted that no matter how intense a game was, Gervin seemingly never sweat on the while playing basketball, hence the nickname. Between 1977-1982 the Spurs’ guard won four NBA scoring titles, peaking in 1981-82 when Gervin averaged 33.1 points-per-game on 50% shooting on the year. One of the best pure scorers in NBA history, Gervin was a nine-time All-Star, and was named to the All-NBA First Team five years in a row at his peak.

After learning about Caleb Williams’ trademark attempt Gervin has moved to trademark “Iceman” himself. Now it will be up to the United States Patent and Trading Office (USPTO) to decide who gets the nickname. There’s precedent from the USPTO to both award trademarks to the individual who first filed (which would be Williams), but also side with later filings if there has been a longstanding established history of usage (which would side with Gervin).

The battle over who owns “Iceman” is only just beginning.

It appears that Will Wade is looking to do things more by the book in his second opportunity at LSU.

At least, that's what the now-Tigers men's basketball coach, who was hired back at LSU and away from NC State after one season on Thursday, told a group of reporters from his car outside an airport in Baton Rouge.

"They're gonna kill me if I start answering questions. I'm trying to follow more rules this time," Wade said to the group of reporters as he was driven off.

Will Wade is back in Baton Rouge, four years after he was fired by LSU: "They're gonna kill me if I start answering questions. I'm trying to follow more rules this time."#LSUpic.twitter.com/wdjQKhzZoJ

— WBRZ News (@WBRZ) March 27, 2026

REQUIRED READING: Will Wade to LSU: Latest news on NC State coach leaving to return to Tigers

Wade reportedly agreed to a seven-year deal with the Tigers, who also fired Matt McMahon on Thursday after leading LSU to a 60-70 overall record in his four seasons at the helm.

"We are excited to welcome Will back home as the next head coach of the LSU Men’s Basketball program," LSU director of athletics Verge Ausberry said in a statement. "As LSU fans know well, Will is a consistent winner, a diligent program-builder, and a charismatic leader with an incredible ability to connect with his student-athletes and the fan base. Not only does he bring his postseason pedigree and an energetic presence, but he is innovative and strategic at a time in college athletics that requires both."

The 43-year-old coach has a history of rule-breaking from his first stint at LSU, and that is likely the source of his humor in that clip. Wade was fired by the Tigers in 2022 after the NCAA accused him of committing multiple Level I and Level II violations, including "lack of institutional control." That wasn't the first rule-breaking or scrutiny Wade was under at LSU, though. In 2019, Wade was involved in a federal investigation into corruption in college basketball recruiting, centered on paying recruits before the now-NIL era.

The NCAA issued Wade a two-year no-show cause and a 10-game suspension in 2023, the first season he was hired by Heath Schroyer at McNeese State. Schroyer was hired at LSU on Thursday for a senior administrator role that oversees the men's basketball program, a hire that was reported to be a significant factor in Wade's abrupt return to LSU after Wade denied rumors that his name was linked to LSU at the ACC tournament.

On the court, Wade won in his first tenure at LSU. He led the Tigers to a 105-51 overall record, an SEC regular-season championship in 2019, and four postseason tournament appearances, including three to the Men's NCAA Tournament.

LSU and NC State came to terms on a $4 million buyout for Wade to leave the Wolfpack. According to Wade's contract with the Wolfpack, obtained by the USA TODAY Network, the buyout for him to take another job was at $5 million before dropping to $3 million on April 1.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Wade 'trying to follow more rules this time' with LSU basketball

With LA up four and minutes away from sweeping consecutive road games against a fellow Western Conference foe, the team sets up on one of its final defensive possessions.

As they’ve done all game, the Lakers threw a double team at superstar Kevin Durant. His frustrations are clearly mounting over a blatant form of coverage he doesn’t encounter regularly.

Pounding the basketball in retreat, Durant passes out of the trap, pointing and directing to no avail as a cross-court pass creates no advantage with all Lakers in ready position. The weak side catch results in a Tari Eason airball over the outstretched contest of LeBron James.

The Rockets fall in crunch time and give LA a stranglehold on the coveted three seed.

Before the Pistons snatched away victory in the final seconds, the Lakers were in the midst of a nine-game winning streak. It was a run that featured the purple and gold slowing down some of the top stars in the league, doing so with an unorthodox, playoff-style approach to defense.

A variety of reasons contribute to the overall improvement on that end. There’s been a renewed effort across the board, led by LeBron’s role and usage being set appropriately, allowing him to devote more energy to “big man” responsibilities. Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić‘s increased physicality and intent, along with Deandre Ayton’s role rejuvenation, all play a part as well.

A major contributing factor is head coach J.J. Redick’s game planning and adjustment for each matchup, specifically tailoring coverage of the opposing star with his available personnel and the situation it calls for game to game.

“This time of year, with the standings the way they are, a chance to get the tiebreaker over Denver, we treated this like a playoff game,” Redick said after the team’s big home win over the Nuggets. “Our guys approached it like a playoff game. They played it like a playoff game. It wasn’t perfect, but they stuck with it.

“The winning plays really stood out. And then just their ability in high-pressure situations to execute multiple end-of-game situations was really high level.”

That approach began with doing things that normally spell death against a player like Nikola Jokic. It was decided early to switch any screen with the superstar big man, then front the post with the guard to deny the entry pass and close by sending a quick double to prevent any isolation play.

Watch them execute it in the defensive possession below. Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes are involved in the initial action. They switch the screen, with Kennard now responsible for fronting the post and making the pass as difficult as possible. Jokic catches it on the extended wing while the Lakers instantly show him bodies.

Notice the rotations around it. Every player is in sync with their close-outs. The ball swings a few times and leads to a Jamal Murray contested miss at the rim. The fellow Nuggets star, who’s had his way with LA in the past, was held to just 1-14 shooting that evening.

The Lakers didn’t shut down Jokic, as he still put up his numbers. But this aggressive, intentional defense forced him into 13 turnovers in their last two meetings.

“It was a total team effort,” Marcus Smart said. “To be able to adjust on the fly, we were throwing different looks at him. Not a lot of looks we threw at him; we practiced. It was just kind of go and make a play. I think that speaks volumes about the team, the chemistry that we’re building, and the chemistry with the coaching staff.”

That chemistry continued a few days later against the Rockets, as the Lakers brought out another unorthodox game plan.

In the clip below, the Lakers have Jake Laravia and Hayes involved at the top of the key. They “red” one through five, meaning to switch and hope to negate any advantage a screen may create. Then, Laravia comes to “fire”, or put two on the ball to get the ball out of Durant’s hands.

This way, it not only gets the ball out of the superstar’s hands but also lets the team dictate the terms of engagement for who gets the open shot.

LA trusted their rotations behind the aggressive on-ball coverage and lived with the Rockets’ wings being forced to playmake out of a four-on-three situation. Dorian Finney-Smith, under duress, heaves the ball over the head of his teammate out of bounds.

Durant was held to just two points in the second half, along with seven turnovers, the second most he’s had all year. He joins a host of stars LA has kept in check with this style, including Anthony Edwards at 2-15 shooting and Paulo Banchero at 4-14 shooting.

How this holds up against teams in a real playoff setting with time to prepare remains to be seen. Taking something away defensively will open up counters elsewhere. This aggressive switching style, with the tendency to overhelp, can create damaging mismatches and wide-open looks.

With that said, the Lakers are 13-2 in their last 15 games, posting the 10th-best defense during that stretch, and seem to be rolling high into the playoffs. It’s allowed a team made up of below-average to passable defenders at best to commit to a style that rewards them with wins for the effort they put in.

Whether this defense is legit or a “gimmick,” as Durant described it postgame, it has the Lakers believing and playing in lock step with each other. That’s just as, if not more than, important as anything Redick could draw up on his clipboard.

You can follow Raj on X at @RajChipalu

CHICAGO – Michigan vs. Alabama sounds like a football fan's dream. But Friday night's Sweet 16 game will be everything a basketball would want, too. Why? Expect plenty of fireworks.

Michigan averages 87.4 points per game, while Alabama leads the nation at 91.6 ppg. Giddy up.

Alabama has looked impressive with tournament wins over Hofstra (90-70) and Texas Tech (90-65), and even without Aden Holloway, the backcourt pairing of Labaron Philon (29 points vs. Hofstra) and Latrell Wrightsell (24 points vs. Texas Tech) have been lethal.

East is a Beast: When does a Sweet 16 resemble a Final Four? In the East Region of March Madness

Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg leads the line for Michigan, with Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Aday Mara anchoring the post. The Wolverines were able to slow down the run-and-gun, high-flying Saint Louis offense in the second round. Can they do the same vs. the Crimson Tide?

The winner of tonight's game advances to Sunday's Elite Eight, where it will play the winner of No. 2 Iowa State vs. No. 6 Tennessee.

Here's what you need to know for tonight's Michigan vs. Alabama Sweet 16 game, including predictions and how to watch.

HIT REFRESH FOR UPDATES.

Michigan vs Alabama live score

TEAMS	1H	2H	F
Alabama	—	—	—
Michigan	—	—	—

What time is Michigan vs Alabama?

• Time: 7:35 p.m. ET, Friday, March 27.

What channel is Michigan vs Alabama? How to watch, streaming info

• The game is airing on TBS/truTV, streaming via Fubo.

Michigan vs Alabama prediction, odds

Odds provided by BetMGM.

∎ Tony Garcia, Detroit Free Press: Michigan 94, Alabama 82

The Tide have the shooting and know their formula to win: "Execute the game plan, make shots, protect the way to ball, find a way to rebound," Oats said. Saying it is one thing. Doing it is entirely different. Michigan has more avenues to victory. If the shots aren't falling, it can go inside. If drop coverage isn't working on pick-and-rolls, U-M can hard hedge. If one player is having an off day, even Lendeborg, there is enough talent to offset that. Alabama doesn't quite have the same room for error. It must hit 3s, lots of them, to win this game. With the belief Michigan can eventually find a way to slow the Tide down as the game goes on, it's reasonable to think the Wolverines will be in a tight game that they eventually pull away in.

∎ Emilee Smarr, Tuscaloosa News: Michigan 95, Alabama 88

• Blake Toppmeyer: Michigan
• Paul Myerberg: Michigan
• Jordan Mendoza: Michigan
• John Brice: Michigan
• Matt Glenesk: Michigan
• Craig Meyer: Michigan
• John Leuzzi: Michigan
• Austin Curtright: Michigan
• Ehsan Kassim: Alabama
• Moneyline: Michigan (-500); Alabama (+375)
• Spread: Michigan (-8.5)
• Over/under total: 172.5

What did Nate Oats say about UNC basketball coach opening? 'I'm a glorified PE teacher.'

Nate Oats' name continues to circulate for the North Carolina men's basketball head coach job opening. Oats candidly answered questions about his future with Alabama on Thursday, March 26, one day before the Crimson Tide takes on No. 1 Michigan in the Sweet 16 from the United Center.

"As a young high school coach, I didn't think I'd ever be in this spot not too long ago. I'm not a guy that's always trying to jump around," Oats said. "The grass isn't always greener. I love Alabama. My girls love Alabama.

"I'm not looking to leave."

Oats continued: "I still can't believe I am getting paid this much. I'm coaching basketball guys," Oats said of his current contract with Alabama. "I did this thing for free at Maranatha [Baptist] for three years. … For the first 16 years I coached basketball, [I made] less than $500,000 total.

"My salary goes up half a million every year. I am a glorified P.E. teacher making too much money right now. So, I'm not going to complain."

Why isn't Aden Holloway playing for Alabama? Latest news on guard's arrest

Holloway was arrested on Monday, March 16 and charged with first-degree possession of marijuana and failure to affix a tax stamp after the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force found 2.1 pounds of marijuana in his residence.

He was transported to the Tuscaloosa County Jail and was set with a $5,000 bond, according to The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. The University of Alabama later released a statement and said he was removed from campus and won't return to the team until the university's office of student conduct finishes its investigation.

What Yaxel Lendeborg said about Alabama not recruiting him

Lendeborg played for the University of Alabama-Birmingham for two years in 2023-24 and 2024-25 before entering the portal at the conclusion of last season. When he entered, he had hoped to stay in-state.

"When I entered the transfer portal out of UAB, I was hoping to get recruited by Alabama. And when I didn't, it kind of hurt me a little bit. Not in a way that I can say 'I hate them.' It just bothered me a little."

"There's going to be juice for sure," Lendeborg said of playing Alabama. "I know I'm going to try my best to be the best player on the floor tomorrow for sure. All it is extra motivation for sure, just not in the sense where I'm like, 'this is what you guys missed on,' but like you guys could have called at least, or something like that."

Dusty May and Nate Oats refuted that Alabama never recruited Lendeborg, who was named Big Ten Player of the Year this season.

"Nate and I being friends, we talked through that process," May said. "And don't tell Yax, but they did try to recruit him."

Michigan PG Elliot Cadeau overcame hearing, vision issues

Elliot Cadeau is half-deaf in one ear, dealt with blurred vision in one eye. That hasn't stopped Michigan point guard from turning in his best season.

∎ Read more about Cadeau overcoming adversity via USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan vs Alabama updates, news, prediction, how to watch Sweet 16

Oubre plans to play in Charlotte as Sixers gear up for 2 important games  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

CAMDEN, N.J. — Kelly Oubre Jr.’s self-reported status was straightforward after the Sixers’ practice Friday.

“I’m playing basketball tomorrow,” Oubre said.

The 30-year-old wing’s imminent return is more significant, positive injury news for a Sixers team that got Joel Embiid and Paul George back Wednesday in a blowout win over the Bulls.

Oubre’s missed the Sixers’ last eight games with a left elbow sprain. The Sixers face one of his former teams Saturday night in the Hornets. 

“I’m excited just to get back out there and bring the crazy,” he said.

Both the Charlotte game and the Sixers’ Monday night meeting with the Heat figure to be important ones in determining how the Eastern Conference standings shake out. 

The Sixers entered Friday night seventh in the conference at 40-33, a game ahead of the Hornets and the Heat. Their regular-season series against both teams are even at one game apiece. 

Charlotte’s been among the NBA’s best teams for two months and change. Since Jan. 22, the Hornets have gone 23-6. They’ve had the NBA’s No 2 net rating, No. 1 offensive rating and No. 5 defensive rating during that stretch, according to Cleaning the Glass. The Hornets held a 50-point lead over the Sixers back on Jan. 26.

“Listen, Charlotte’s obviously a big surprise to everybody, but they’re legitimately for real,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said. “They are very good. You guys can look at all the numbers … the record, who they’re beating, all that stuff is totally legitimate. It’s not like they’re doing it once in a while. It’s been a consistent thing here since the turn of the new year. So we’ve got to get ready to go. 

“The pace they’re playing at, the energy, the amount of people they’re playing. … There’s just no moments to relax or ease into anything. It’s just kind of on from the jump ball. I think it’s a tremendous test for us to see how we react to that and see how our bench can react to that, too. We’re going to have to play all these guys that have been playing, which I think is a positive for us. … They’re definitely going to play a lot of guys and with a lot of speed.”

While the Sixers will still be down a very speedy player in Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers’ All-Star guard has made obvious progress in recent days with his right pinky injury. 

Maxey took jumpers with his right hand following the Sixers’ practice. The Sixers announced on March 10 that he’d be re-evaluated in approximately three weeks. 

“I feel pretty good,” Maxey said Friday. “I just got a new splint. … I’ve been working conditioning-wise, doing all the things that they need me to do. So we’ll see.”

Maxey said he’s “learned patience” while rehabbing his injury and felt confidence in his teammates’ ability to “hold down the fort.”

“Our team has really done a good job of just maintaining all season,” he said. “So being able to have this time off, rehab and just let the pinky get better … it’s on my shooting hand. That’s the main reason. If it were on my left hand, no one would really even know I was hurt. I’d just be like, ‘Listen, I’m playing regardless.’ 

“But I’m just trying to get better every single day, stay with the team and keep doing the things that I’m asked.”

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The Washington Wizards are in full-blown tank mode, while the injury-riddled Golden State Warriors are essentially locked into a spot within the Western Conference Play-In Tournament.

Wizards vs Warriors prediction

Wizards vs Warriors best bet: Gui Santos Over 15.5 points (-112)

Already running low on quality scoring options, the Golden State Warriors suffered another devastating loss, as Moses Moody tore a ligament in his left knee. With Moody joining Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and a number of role players on the sideline, someone else will need to step up on offense.

Wizards vs Warriors same-game parlay

Washington could be without Alex Sarr and Tristan Vukcevic tonight, leaving the Wizards vulnerable on the glass. Golden State doesn’t have an elite rebounder, and with Al Horford and Quinten Post out again, someone else will need to step up to grab boards.

Santos has averaged 5.8 rebounds in 13 March games, grabbing 6+ six times.

Wizards vs Warriors SGP

• Gui Santos Over 15.5 points
• Gui Santos Over 5.5 rebounds
• Over 232.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Podz & Porzingis

Brandin Podziemski has averaged 16.5 points and 5.9 rebounds across his last eight games, leading his team in rebounds in that span. He's scored 16+ four times in that span, including 20+ in two straight.

Podz recorded 7+ rebounds twice, and exactly six rebounds three more times.

Wizards vs Warriors SGP

• Brandin Podziemski Over 15.5 points
• Kristaps Porzingis Over 18.5 points
• Brandin Podziemski Over 6.5 rebounds
• Kristaps Porzingis Over 5.5 rebounds

Wizards vs Warriors odds

• Spread: Washington +14 (-110) | Golden State -14 (-110)
• Moneyline: Washington +650 | Golden State -1000
• Over/Under: Over 232.5 (-110) | Under 232.5 (-110)

Wizards vs Warriors betting trend to know

The Wizards have hit the Over in 18 of their last 25 games (+10.30 Units / 37% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Wizards vs. Warriors.

How to watch Wizards vs Warriors

Wizards vs Warriors latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

WASHINGTON, DC – Nearly all eyes will on the East Region's collection of Sweet 16 teams. It's got a little bit of everything. A blue-blood (Duke). A new-blood (UConn) and Hall of Fame coaches (Tom Izzo and Rick Pitino).

Friday night's showdown between No. 1 Duke and No. 5 St. John's tips off the fun at the Capital One Arena.

The Blue Devils, who haven't looked the part of the tournament's top overall seed in the first two rounds, may get a boost with the potential return of point guard Caleb Foster, who Jon Scheyer deemed a "game-time decision."

East is a Beast: When does a Sweet 16 resemble a Final Four? In the East Region of March Madness

Rick Pitino is back in Sweet 16: Examining St. John's coach's secret sauce to success

St. John's is coming off the high of knocking off another blue-blood, Kansas, with a buzzer-beating layup by Dylan Darling. The Red Storm's secret weapon may be Pitino, who is 12-1 in Sweet 16 games.

Tonight's winner advances to Sunday's Elite Eight where it will play the winner of Michigan State vs. UConn.

Here's what you need to know for tonight's Duke-St. John's showdown, including predictions and how to watch.

HIT REFRESH FOR UPDATES.

Duke vs St John's live score

TEAMS	1H	2H	F
St John's	—	—	—
Duke	—	—	—

What time is St John's vs Duke?

• Time: 7:15 p.m. ET, Friday, March 27.

What channel is St John's vs Duke? How to watch, streaming info

• The game is airing on CBS, streaming via Paramount+.

Duke vs St. John's prediction, odds

Odds provided by BetMGM.

• Blake Toppmeyer: Duke
• Paul Myerberg: St. John's
• Jordan Mendoza: Duke
• John Brice: Duke
• Matt Glenesk: St. John's
• Craig Meyer: Duke
• John Leuzzi: Duke
• Austin Curtright: Duke
• Ehsan Kassim: Duke
• Moneyline: Duke (-285); St. John's (+230)
• Spread: Duke (-6.5)
• Over/under total: 140.5

Caleb Foster injury update: Will Duke guard today play vs St John's

Could Duke have its point guard back for Friday's Sweet 16 game against St. John's?

Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer told reporters during a media availability Thursday that Caleb Foster is going to be a game-time decision for Friday's 7:10 p.m. ET tip-off against the 5th-seeded Red Storm.

"He's in a position where he's going to try to do that tomorrow night," Scheyer told reporters. "... He's going to give it everything he has to go tomorrow night."

Foster has been out since March 7 with a foot injury that he sustained in the final game of the regular season against North Carolina.

Rick Pitino NCAA Tournament history: When was Rick Pitino's last Sweet 16 appearance?

Rick Pitino has been to 14 Sweet 16s. His last trip to the Sweet 16 prior to this season was in 2014-15 with Louisville.

What is Rick Pitino's record in Sweet 16 games?

The St. John's coach is a remarkable 12-1 in the Sweet 16. His lone loss was in 2014 with Louisville... to Kentucky.

Cameron Boozer NBA draft stock, mock draft predictions

Boozer is widely projected as a top-3 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Here’s a look at where various mock drafts from major outlets have the Duke freshman going:

• USA TODAY (as of March 13):No. 3 overall to the Sacramento Kings
• ESPN (as of March 11):No. 3 overall to the Indiana Pacers
• CBS Sports (as of March 17):No. 3 overall to the Brooklyn Nets

Is Cameron Boozer related to Carlos Boozer?

Cameron Boozer and his twin brother, Cayden (also a freshman for Duke) are the sons of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer.

Before his 13-year career in the NBA, Carlos Boozer was a standout forward for the Blue Devils under Mike Krzyzewski from 1999-2002. A member of Duke's 2001 national championship team, Carlos Boozer finished his three-year career with the Blue Devils with more than 1,500 points scored and started 93 of the 101 games in which he appeared.

Rick Pitino history vs Duke: Christian Laettner shot

on the eve of another game against Duke, the memory is still fresh for Pitino, who was the coach at Kentucky in 1992 when Christian Laettner hit a game-winning shot at the buzzer to beat Kentucky and lift Duke to the Final Four.

The flashback still seems to make him edgy. He said Sunday he was "so sick of commercials with Christian Laettner hitting that shot over and over and over."

He said friends recently convinced him to watch a show on Hulu called “Paradise” but then learned Laettner’s shot is referenced in that, too.

"That’s cruel," Pitino said.

He got his own buzzer-beater from Darling Sunday. Now it’s on to Duke in Washington, D.C.

“You win some, you lose some,” Pitino said. “And I'm hoping we can get Duke at the buzzer next to make up for that Christian Laettner shot.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Duke vs St John's live updates, news, prediction, how to watch Sweet 16

March Madness is routinely a home for buzzer-beaters, prayers, Hail Mary lobs and miracles.

The 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament saw another addition to the madness Thursday, March 27: No. 2 seed Purdue eked out a 79-77 win vs. No. 11 Texas in the West Region after Trey Kaufman-Renn had a last-second putback following a Braden Smith miss.

As Boilermakers coach Matt Painter exited the court at the SAP Center in San Jose, he perfectly captured the sentiment of many college basketball fans around the country:

"Holy s---," Painter said in a video captured by Eli Gehn of WTHR-TV in Indianapolis (editor's note:explicit language used).

REQUIRED READING: Inside the game-winning play that advanced Purdue to Elite 8

Painter was slightly more composed when speaking about the play in Purdue's postgame news conference.

"We got a good shot there at the end," Painter said. "Braden, I thought he executed well, made the right read, and took the right shot. And perfect timing. That's what you want. You want a chance to get a stick back. If you don't, then you go to overtime.

"TK was around the basketball, and it's one of those things that happened, as coaches, you want to fill your defense, and you want the best defenders out there. Sometimes your best offense is a missed shot in those situations. You see it happen a lot, but we've also seen it where you do that and then guys make shots. You feel like, it doesn't matter as a coach either way. It's really, really difficult."

TREY KAUFMAN-RENN GAME-WINNER 🚨

PURDUE ADVANCES TO THE ELITE 8 🤯 pic.twitter.com/CYj7ltsGXT

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 27, 2026

Added Kaufman-Renn:

"I think when you give the ball to Braden, he can go by anybody in the country," he said. "We have plays designed for him to do that. I thought he got a good shot. Then Coach always says that it's not — a lot of times it's not the first shot that goes. They're the tip-in at the end of games. He said that my four years here, so it's kind of cool to actually experience that."

Next up for Purdue is No. 1 seed Arizona, with the West Region championship — and a spot in the Final Four — on the line. The Boilermakers and Wildcats play on Saturday, March 28 at 8:49 p.m. ET.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Matt Painter reacts to Purdue last-second win over Texas in Sweet 16

Rick Pitino is associated with quite a lot of history in the Men's NCAA Tournament.

The St. John's basketball coach has brought a team to the Sweet 16 for the 14th time in his Hall of Fame career, and has the highest all-time winning percentage among Division I coaches who have at least six trips to the regional semifinals of March Madness (92.3%, on a 12-1 record).

REQUIRED READING: Rick Pitino is back in Sweet 16: Examining St. John's coach's secret sauce to success

But as No. 5 St. John's prepares to take on No. 1 Duke in the Sweet 16 inside Washington D.C.'s Capital One Arena, one chapter of Pitino's March Madness history — from his time at Kentucky — has resurfaced: Christian Laettner's game-winning shot against the Wildcats to send the Blue Devils to the 1992 Final Four.

The Christian Laettner shot.

Forever iconic 🔥 @DukeMBBpic.twitter.com/KPT3Va78Ml

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 5, 2023

Laettner's turnaround jumper, which came at the end of a perfect full-court pass from Grant Hill on the baseline, is widely regarded as one of the all-time March Madness moments in the tournament's history. And the memory of that play still stings for Pitino, even when he's least expecting it.

"I'm not big into watching 'Yellowstone' and shows like that on the iPad, but everybody is convincing me to watch this 'Paradise' (show). I was so sick of commercials with Christian Laettner hitting that shot over and over and over," Pitino said after St. John's win over Kansas. "So, OK, I'll watch 'Paradise.'"

Little did the Hall of Fame coach know that the show references Laettner in an episode.

"That's cruel. Why would my staff and friends tell me to watch (that)?" Pitino said.

REQUIRED READING: What teams are left in March Madness? Men's NCAA Tournament bracket updates

Curiously, the Duke-Pitino storyline was made possible because of a game-winning buzzer beater from one of Pitino's own players, Dylan Darling, against the Jayhawks.

Now, Pitino's hoping they can replicate that against Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils — getting back at Duke for putting him on the receiving end of one of the most seminal moments in March Madness history.

"I'm hoping we can get Duke at the buzzer next to make up for that Christian Laettner shot," Pitino said.

“You win some, you lose some. I’m hoping we get Duke at the buzzer next to make up for that Christian Laettner shot.” 😂

Rick Pitino on being on the wrong sides of buzzer beaters in the past. Also mentions the show Paradise 😂 pic.twitter.com/uG5049gZog

— Karter Baughan (@karterb8) March 23, 2026

Friday's game won't be the first time Pitino has coached against Duke in the Men's NCAA Tournament since Laettner's shot. The two met in the 2013 Midwest Regional Elite Eight, with Pitino's Louisville Cardinals team defeating the Blue Devils en route to an NCAA championship.

REQUIRED READING: Who's in Elite 8? Updated March Madness bracket, NCAA Tournament schedule

Asked whether that Elite Eight win — followed by his second national championship ring — tempered his memories of Laettner's shot during his media availability in D.C. on Thursday, Pitino said he treasures that 1992 game.

"I treasure that game in so many ways. Not the loss, but the way the game was played," Pitino said. "Give all the credit in the world (to Duke). I can't escape Grant Hill, who has done seven games for me this season (on TV)."

Pitino won't be able to escape Hill on Friday either, as he'll be calling the St. John's vs. Duke Sweet 16 game on CBS alongside Ian Eagle, Bill Raftery and Tracy Wolfson. So, you can almost bet on Hill and Co. bringing up "The Shot" a time or two on the broadcast.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rick Pitino revisits Christian Laettner shot as St. John's takes on Duke

One reason Elliot Cadeau was drawn to Michigan as a transfer last spring was the size of the Wolverines’ starting front line, with 7-3 center Aday Mara flanked by 6-9 forwards Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg.

Being surrounded by this length and athleticism has given the more diminutive former North Carolina point guard room to dip and duck his way through coach Dusty May’s read-and-react system, where spacing and ball movement are mandatory and players are “encouraged to pass up good shots for great ones,” according to the program’s definition.

March Madness games today: Analyzing Friday's Sweet 16 matchups

“I would say that he does an amazing job dissecting the offense,” said Michigan guard Nimari Burnett. “He makes it so much easier for us all around the court that played with him, just getting us easy shots. I'm just joyful to play with him every single game.”

Along with Mara and Lendeborg — from UCLA and Alabama-Birmingham, respectively — Cadeau has helped transform the No. 1 Wolverines into one of the best teams in the nation and the favorite to advance out of the Midwest Region for the ninth Final Four appearance in program history.

“Elliott runs the show,” Johnson said.

There have been a few hiccups along the way to Friday’s matchup in Chicago against No. 4 Alabama, including a dud in Michigan’s nonconference loss to Duke in February and a run of poor shooting performances late in Big Ten play.

But Cadeau has rebounded to play some of his best basketball in the past few weeks, including a stretch of 26 assists against just five turnovers in his past three games. That he’s done so while dealing with medical issues has made Cadeau one of Michigan’s unquestioned leaders both on the court and off.

“I think he’s really relatable in terms of where he’s from, what he’s been through,” guard Roddy Gayle Jr. said. “He’s always a guy that you can rely on. I feel like most point guards have that trait, but really, he has been someone where if someone isn’t going right, I’m able to lean on him.”

Hearing, vision issues haven’t stopped Elliot Cadeau

That Cadeau has remained unflappable amid his high-profile transfer from Chapel Hill and the stress of running the show for the Wolverines shouldn’t come as a surprise.

As a child growing up in New Jersey, Cadeau was diagnosed as partially deaf in his right ear. He’s had to manage asthma. As a freshman with the Tar Heels, he needed to have surgery to treat a progressive eye disorder called keratoconus, which thins the cornea and can often cause blurred vision and a sensitivity to bright lights and glare.

None of these conditions would seem to be conducive to playing point guard for a team with national championship goals, let alone playing basketball, period.

Yet these same issues have helped define Cadeau, shaping the way he approaches his role as the Wolverines’ facilitator.

“It kind of just made me feel like I just can’t make excuses,” he said after Michigan’s win against No. 9 Saint Louis in the second round.

“I have really close friends when I was growing up who are all at the highest level of the NBA, high-major basketball players, and I wanted to be just as good as them. I was trying to be better than them.

“Even though they didn’t have the same issues as me, I couldn't just make excuses about it and not be as good as them.”

Handling this adversity helped Cadeau weather a tumultuous two-year run at North Carolina, where he often became the poster child for the Tar Heels’ unrealized expectations after ranking near the bottom of the ACC in turnovers and fouls as a sophomore.

“That’s just kind of a testament to who he is,” said Gayle. “Because of everything that he’s been through, he’s able to kind of separate himself from everything that’s going on and be able to give you advice.”

And despite the challenges he’s faced to reach Friday night, Cadeau insists he’s never been slowed down by the conditions that could have easily derailed a promising career.

“There are no adjustments made,” he said. “Me not being able to hear fully didn’t really make any difference on the court, because you don’t really need hearing unless you’re listening to a play call or you’re listening to your teammates. I feel like basketball-wise, it doesn’t affect me.”

Cadeau a ‘savant’ at the controls of Michigan’s offense

Cadeau’s game has blossomed as the showrunner for one of the top offenses in college basketball. The Wolverines enter the matchup against Alabama ranked ninth nationally in scoring, fourth in field-goal percentage and fifth in assists per game.

The junior is averaging a career-best 10.1 points per game with 57 makes from 3-point range, nearly doubling his total from his final season at North Carolina. Cadeau has 28 fewer turnovers in one fewer game compared to last year while posting 5.7 assists per game, good for fourth in the Big Ten.

Cadeau has been the perfect fit for a system that needs a happy-to-share distributor, especially as Michigan looks to quickly turn defensive stops into transition.

“He’s a savant with what he’s doing,” May said. “He probably doesn’t even realize a lot of the things he’s doing because he’s so intelligent. He’s able to get us into close-out opportunities without really having to run any offense. His ability to read the floor, read the game, manipulate defenses, is incredibly impressive."

His arrival in Ann Arbor has sparked a clear increase in confidence. Cadeau has been much more willing to chase his own shot, especially given the attention paid to Michigan’s imposing frontcourt. He made three from long range against Saint Louis, helping the Wolverines take control in the first half and cruise to the 95-72 win.

Adding another outside shooter to Burnett and fellow guard Trey McKenney has made the offense even more dangerous, teammates said.

“The difference between him and last year, he was more pass-first,” Lendeborg said. “He's still pass-first now, but he's become way more of a scoring threat. You can't guard him anyway. So having to compete with him and trying to stop him when you think he's going to pass, it's good night pretty much honestly.”

Said Gayle, “It wasn’t the fact that he couldn’t, he’s just more confident in doing so. And he works really hard for it.”

This same level of dedication — one needed to fight through his medical conditions and to become a more complete and well-rounded player on both ends — has built Cadeau into an elite college point guard, and in turn made the Wolverines into a team capable of winning the second national championship in program history.

“He’s what we want in a point guard,” May said. “He’s a guy that makes everyone on the team better.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan basketball PG Elliot Cadeau overcomes hearing, vision issues

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With their 12-game winning streak snapped, the Oklahoma City Thunder will return home and try to get right against the hapless Chicago Bulls tonight.

The Bulls have lost seven straight to OKC, and are a rough 1-6 ATS in that span — a big reason why they’re 19.5-point underdogs on Friday, March 27.

My Bulls vs. Thunder predictions and free NBA picks have OKC laying down a whipping against a less-than-complete Chicago roster.

Bulls vs Thunder prediction

Bulls vs Thunder best bet: Thunder -19.5 (-110)

The Chicago Bulls are coming off a 20-point beating at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers, marking their highest point total (157) allowed this season. This is a team that’s seen its opponent touch 150 points twice previously.

Chicago is fourth-worst in the NBA in scoring defense, surrendering 120.8 points per game.

They’re dinged up as well, with Jaden Ivey (knee) and Jalen Smith (calf) done for the year, Anfernee Simons (wrist) doubtful, and Nick Richards (elbow) and Guerschon Yabusele (ankle) listed as questionable. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder should be surly after dropping a game in Boston to the Celtics, just their second loss in 17 games following the All-Star break.

Prior to their loss to Boston, OKC had walloped each of their last three opponents by at least 20 points. This is a Top 5 scoring team in the NBA, that’s also allowed just 106.3 points per game in their last 13.

That’s a recipe for a blowout win against a banged-up Bulls team that’s playing out the string.

Bulls vs Thunder same-game parlay

It’s an all-MVP edition of an SGP, featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

This might seem foolish, especially if he drops 50, but Shai is more likely to be sidelined in the fourth quarter than gunning for a career high against Chicago. He’s gone for 30+ in just five of 13 career games vs. the Bulls.

However, he’s been doling out a bunch of assists. In his last four games vs. the Bulls, SGA has had at least 10 assists three times.

Bulls vs Thunder SGP

• Thunder -19.5
• Gilgeous-Alexander Under 29.5 points
• Gilgeous-Alexander Over 6.5 assists

Our "from downtown" SGP: SGA (almost) all the way

Gilgeous-Alexander has hit a couple of moneyballs in five of his last eight games, and in three of his last four against the Bulls.

His board work against the Bulls has been impressive, grabbing at least five rebounds in five of his last six games.

Bulls vs Thunder SGP

• Thunder -19.5
• Gilgeous-Alexander Under 29.5 points
• Gilgeous-Alexander Over 6.5 assists
• Gilgeous-Alexander Over 1.5 3-point makes
• Gilgeous-Alexander Over 3.5 rebounds

Bulls vs Thunder odds

• Spread: Bulls +19.5 | Thunder -19.5
• Moneyline: Bulls +1200 | Thunder -2400
• Over/Under: Over 239.5 | Under 239.5

Bulls vs Thunder betting trend to know

Nine of OKC's last 12 games have cashed the Under. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Thunder.

How to watch Bulls vs Thunder

Bulls vs Thunder latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

The Cleveland Browns frequently restructure contracts to create more flexibility under the salary cap. The recent move to restructure Myles Garrett’s contract has generated significant discussion among fans and media about Cleveland’s long-term plans for him. This specific restructure would make it easier for the team to trade him in the near future.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that he spoke with the Browns, who insist they have no intention of trading Garrett, but speculation continues. There has been significant turmoil between Cleveland Garrett and others over the years. Last off-season, Garrett requested a trade before eventually signing his contract extension with the team. It wouldn’t be surprising to learn that the relationship between the two sides remains fractured.

The Browns’ choosing to trade Garrett would be a sign that they are looking to reset the roster by getting some draft picks in return. Coming off a defensive player of the year season, his value is at its highest, so the team could expect to get a nice return while he is still at the peak of his career. 

On the other hand, Garrett is the best player on this roster and has been the face of this team since he was drafted in 2017. He is a fan favorite, and his departure would be upsetting for many. It’s rare for teams to encounter a talent like Myles Garrett, so they should think very carefully before deciding to part ways with him.

Let me know what you think in the comments – Should the Browns trade Myles Garrett?