Injury Update: Mark Williams Upgraded to ‘Questionable’

Mar 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) and center Mark Williams (15) watch as their team plays the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images | Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Suns have been without Mark Williams since March 3rd due to a stress reaction in his left foot. They have gone 6-8 since his extended absence began. He had set a career-high in games played this season with 56 total.

Williams was upgraded on the injury report to “questionable” ahead of their contest against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday evening.

Mark Williams Career Games Played:

  • 2022-23: 43
  • 2023-24: 19
  • 2024-25: 44
  • 2025-26: 56 (and counting)

Williams is averaging 11.6 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.9 BPG, 0.9 SPG on 63.3% shooting from the floor in his first season in Phoenix.

Dillon Brooks just returned to the lineup against Orlando on Tuesday, so the reinforcements are coming as the season winds down to a close. Just in time for the final playoff/play-in push — this will be a great way for them to get reps ahead of the games that actually matter most.

This pushes Khaman Maluach back to the third-string center spot and Oso Ighodaro to backup center. He and Oso more than did their part in Mark’s absence. If they get this trio of centers healthy entering the postseason, they are in good hands down low with plenty of weapons and size at their disposal.

As Voita stated, now with the postseason approaching and a Play-In game looming at home, the timing matters. The enforcer is back (Brooks). The starting center is back. Are we back? We shall see.


Bill Self will return as Kansas basketball coach, ending retirement speculation

One of the most famous and accomplished coaches in men’s college basketball will not be leaving the sideline — at least not quite yet.

After weeks of speculation about a potential retirement, Kansas coach Bill Self announced on Wednesday, April 1 that he will be remaining with the Jayhawks.

“With renewed clarity and the ongoing support from our administration, I remain focused and committed to Kansas basketball competing for a national championship,” Self said in a statement. “I look forward to seeing and hearing the best fans in college basketball next season at Allen Fieldhouse.”

Self recently completed his 23rd season at the school, where he has gone 648-167, made four Final Fours and won two national championships. He's the winningest coach in Kansas history, with more wins at the university than Phog Allen and Roy Williams, among others.

This past season, a Jayhawks team led by potential No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick Darryn Peterson went 24-11 and earned a No. 4 seed to the 2026 NCAA Tournament, where they lost on a buzzer-beater against St. John’s in the second round.

It marked the fourth-consecutive season that Kansas failed to make it to at least the Sweet 16, the longest such skid in Self's time in Lawrence.

At 63 years old, Self is relatively young for someone with his lengthy resume, but he has dealt with several health-related issues in recent years that have raised questions about his future in an increasingly demanding and draining profession. Last July, Self had two stents inserted after experiencing what the school described as "some concerning symptoms." In January, he was hospitalized and did not travel with the team for its 75-69 win at Colorado, a move the university said was “out of an abundance of caution” after the coach was "feeling under the weather."

After the loss to St. John's on March 22, Self said he hadn't yet made a decision on his future.

"I'll get back and visit with family," he said. "I've had obviously some issues off the court health-wise. And that will be discussed. But I love what I do. I want to feel good while I'm doing it, though. We'll get back and we'll discuss that when we get back.”

Prior to arriving at Kansas in 2003, Self was previously the head coach at Illinois, Tulsa and Oral Roberts. He has a career record of 855-272, ranking him fourth among active coaches in career wins.

Though he's losing Peterson, Self has the No. 5 2026 recruiting class nationally for next season, according to 247Sports. That haul includes five-star point guard Taylen Kinney and two other players — center Davion Adkins and small forward Trent Perry — ranked in the top 100 in their class. An even bigger prize may soon be on the way, as Kansas is widely viewed as the favorite to land small forward Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 player in the class.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bill Self returning to Kansas, ending retirement speculation

Rui Hachimura is the latest Laker to make the case for Luka Doncic as MVP

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 24: Rui Hachimura #28 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers high five during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 24, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Luka Dončić is playing his best basketball as a Laker.

His play has placed the Lakers as the No. 3 seed in the West, and with him scoring 600 points in the month of March, second in NBA history behind only Michael Jordan, there’s an argument to be made that he’s never been this good, period.

Dončić raising his level of play has brought him into the MVP conversation. This has also prompted people to critique his game and compare him to other NBA stars, such as Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder.

As the debate rages on regarding Luka’s impact and his potential defensive shortcomings compared to SGA and Wemby, Rui Hachimura went to bat for his superstar after he put up another 40-plus point performance in a victory over the Cavs.

“I mean, you can see he’s the MVP, Hachimura said postgame. ”I don’t really know everything about it, but I can only see he’s the MVP in this league. What he does, what he brings to the game, every game literally. He’s so talented offensively and people talk about his defense, but he’s been getting good stops, steals and boxing out. The little stuff he’s been doing on the court, everything. It’s been amazing.”

On offense, Luka’s dominance is without question. He’s the NBA’s leading scorer and has had clutch moments like his game-winner over the Nuggets, which won them the tiebreaker over Denver, and his 60-point game against the Heat on the second night of a back-to-back.

On defense, his quality is tougher to see, but just as evident. Luka is averaging 7.1 defensive rebounds per game, the highest on the Lakers.

He has 194 deflections, which is the second-highest on the team, and averages 1.7 steals per game. Dončić has the 11th most steals in the league.

And when teams try to pick on Luka as a defender, they haven’t been able to capitalize. According to the NBA, in isolation defense scenarios, Dončić is allowing 0.95 points per possession on 104 isolation plays. This places him in the 45.9th percentile.

As a Laker, Hachimura himself has witnessed firsthand what greatness looks like. He played with Anthony Davis when the Lakers reached the Western Conference Finals, has been in countless games with LeBron James, and now with Luka.

If Hachimura is this emphatic that Luka is the MVP, then he has a leg to stand on in this conversation.

Hopefully, the NBA media that votes for the award also sees what Rui does, and Luka gets the recognition his play warrants.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

Roob's Stats: What did the 76ers do Wednesday that no NBA team had ever done?

Roob's Stats: What did the 76ers do Wednesday that no NBA team had ever done? originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

From Feb. 20,1986, through March 24, 2026, a span of 14,642 days, the 76ers played 3,503 games and never scored 153 points. In the last eight days, they’ve scored 153 points twice.

So, yeah, it’s been a crazy few days for the 76ers. The 76ers aren’t even in the top 10 in the NBA in scoring this year, but they’re doing things nobody else has ever done.

Worthy of another 76ers stats piece? Heck yeah!

Here we go!

1A. After scoring 157 points last Wednesday in a win over the Bulls at the Xfinity Mobile Arena and 153 this Wednesday, the 76ers are the first team in NBA history to score at least 153 points twice in the span of eight days. The 76ers held the previous mark for the two-closest 153-points-or-more games with a 159-131 win over the San Diego Rockets at the Spectrum on Jan. 25, 1970, and then a 159-125 win over the Suns at the Spectrum on Feb. 15, for 153 points twice in 22 days. The 76ers are only the 16th team in NBA history to score 153 or more points twice in one season and only the fourth to do it since 1992, joining the 2020 Rockets, 2023 Kings and 2024 Pacers. 

1B. The 153 points are the 76ers’ 3rd-most ever on the road and most in more than 58 years, since a 160-122 win over the Supersonics at Seattle Center early in the 1967-68 season. In 1963, as the Syracuse Nationals, they beat the Pistons 162-135 at Cobo Arena in Detroit.

2. The 76ers committed eight turnovers in the 157-point game against the Bulls and just 10 against the Wizards. They’re now the only franchise in NBA history to score 153 points and commit 10 turnovers more than once in their history – and they did it a week apart. There have been only seven other games in NBA history where a team has scored 153 points and committed 10 or fewer turnovers. At 35 years, 334 days, Paul George became the oldest player in 76ers history to score 39 points in a game. The previous oldest player was Julius Erving, who was 34 years, 44 days when he scored 39 points in the 76ers’ 112-106 win over the Pacera at the Spectrum in 1984.  

3. At 35 years, 334 days, Paul George became the oldest player in 76ers history to score 39 points in a game. The previous oldest player was Julius Erving, who was 34 years, 44 days when he scored 39 points in the 76ers’ 112-106 win over the Pacera at the Spectrum in 1984.  

4. George is the first 76er in franchise history with multiple games scoring 35 points after turning 35. He also scored 35 in a loss to the Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta in December. 

5. George is also the first player in franchise history to score 39 or more points in 26 or fewer minutes. The most points previously by a 76er in 26 or fewer minutes was 38 by Andrew Toney in 26 minutes in a 123-111 loss to the Celtics at the Spectrum in 1982. He’s also the oldest player in NBA history to score 39 points in 26 or fewer minutes. The most points previously by any player 35 and older in 26 or fewer minutes was Michael Jordan’s 34 in 26 minutes while he was with Washington vs. the Bucks in 2002 at the MCI Center, now the Capital One Center, where the 76ers played Wednesday night.

Rockets after four in a row tonight vs. Bucks

Mar 31, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) and guard Reed Sheppard (15) react after a play during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Houston Rockets vs Milwaukee Bucks

April 1, 2026

Location: Toyota Center — Houston, Texas

TV: Space City Home Network

Radio: KBME Sports Talk 790

Online: Rockets App, SCHN+

Time: 7:00pm

Probable Starting Lineups

Rockets: Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun

Bucks: Ryan Rollins, Gary Trent Jr., Ousamane Dieng, Kyle Kuzma, Myles Turner

Lakers cap off historic month of March with win over Cavs and several milestones

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows LeBron James dribbles the basketball during a game, Image 2 shows Luka Doncic dribbles the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Image 3 shows Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacting near forwards Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht during a basketball game

The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t just beat the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. They sealed a month that will be remembered as the turning point of their season.

In doing so, they accomplished a bevy of historical feats, with each milestone leaning against another until at the end of the night it felt like they had built a monument. 

The month of March wasn’t just a hot streak. It was a month that changed everything. 

The Los Angeles Lakers sealed a month that will be remembered as the turning point of their season. NBAE via Getty Images

The Lakers historic month

The Lakers finished the month with a 15-2 record and an 88% winning percentage.

A month ago they were staring directly at the play-in tournament. Holding the same amount of wins as the seventh-place Phoenix Suns and one bad week away from falling into single elimination chaos and uncertainty. Now? They are alone in third place. A guaranteed top-six seed. No play-in. No roulette wheel. 

Exhale, because the Lakers have transformed from a team that looked destined for a first-round exit to a team that just maybe is on the precipice of greatness. 

This is what it looks like when a team comes together, finds their identity and finally hardens.

And if we’re being brutally honest, it’s also an indictment on what this team wasted earlier in the season. They’ve always had the talent. The roster didn’t change dramatically, it just finally aligned. 

And if you’re being honest, it’s also an indictment of what this team wasted earlier in the season. The talent didn’t just arrive in March—it finally aligned.

Luka Doncic didn’t just lead the Lakers through March. He put his stamp on history in the process. NBAE via Getty Images

Luka Doncic’s 600-Point Symphony

Luka Doncic didn’t just lead the Lakers through March. He put his stamp on history in the process.

In the Lakers 127-113 win over the Cavs he scored 42 points, dished out 12 assists, grabbed five rebounds, and had two steals. It was his 16th 40-point game this season. Now tied with Elgin Baylor for the sixth-most in a single season in franchise history—joining Baylor and Kobe Bryant as the only Lakers to reach that mark multiple times.

But even more impressive, Doncic had exactly 600 points in the month of March and that was missing one game because of a suspension. 

That number lands like thunder because only one other player in league history has ever done that in this month: Michael Jordan (687) in 1987. That’s the air Doncic is breathing now.


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He didn’t just pass Bryant’s franchise March record of 578—he cleared it with room to spare and one less game played. He didn’t just score—he dominated every facet of the game: 600 points, 35+ steals, 50+ threes. No one has ever done that in a single month. Ever. 

And yet, Doncic shrugged it off like a man who knows the real story hasn’t been written yet.

“For sure…if you don’t win, it doesn’t really mean anything. The run we have been on…that means a lot more.”

Doncic isn’t chasing numbers, he’s chasing wins and that’s scary for opponents.

15,000 Points and Climbing the Pantheon

Doncic also crossed 15,000 career points during the win on Tuesday. That’s not just an annotation on the box score, it’s a reminder of how quickly he’s climbing the ranks past legends of the past. 

Doncic is the third-youngest ever to accomplish the feat. Behind only LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Ahead of Bryant. Ahead of Wilt Chamberlain.

And he got there in 513 games—the sixth-fastest in league history.

LeBron James and the Weight of Wins

At 41 years old, in his 23rd season, LeBron is no longer chasing history—he’s now dragging it along behind him.

Tuesday gave him another crown: 1,229 total wins (regular season + playoffs), passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most in NBA history.

It’s almost absurd how routine this has become. Another game, another record.

But inside the Lakers locker room, when you celebrate the King, the face of the franchise, the young head coach, and the role players around them, you’re celebrating a team, and that means more than you know. 

Lost in the avalanche was Rui Hachimura crossing 5,000 career points. AP

Rui Hachimura’s Quiet Climb

Lost in the avalanche was Rui Hachimura crossing 5,000 career points. It won’t grab the headlines, but as mentioned above it will go a long way in terms of this team’s success come the postseason. Moments in any player’s career, even the ones that aren’t superstars need to be acknowledged and celebrated. 

J.J. Redick’s Vindication Tour

Let’s be honest—when J.J. Redick got this job, a lot of people rolled their eyes.

“Podcaster.” “Broadcaster.” “In over his head.”

Two seasons later? 100 wins. Back-to-back 50-win seasons. The first Lakers coach to do that since Phil Jackson, and he did it in his first two seasons coaching at any level. Period. Only the 16th NBA coach to ever accomplish that feat, and just the fourth in Lakers history.

And when his kids, Knox and Kai, appeared on screen in that locker room to congratulate him, the moment cracked through the edge and revealed something human beneath the résumé.

Let’s be honest—when J.J. Redick got this job, a lot of people rolled their eyes. AP

“I don’t deserve to be mentioned along with Phil and Pat…we have a lot left to accomplish,” said Redick humbly.

That humility is real. So is the fact that Redick didn’t inherit a contender, he shaped one. And he did it all with clarity, stubbornness, and refusal to let the outside noise define him. 

“I knew I wanted to be a head coach before I ever got the job,” said Redick reflecting back his motivation for getting into coaching. “My Dad was a potter and an artist. My parents were hippies. We grew up in the sticks…he became a counselor and eventually he and my mom both became life coaches. For most of the entirety that I’ve played basketball it’s been with that mindset to help people and to coach people.”

What It All Means 

Milestones are nice. Banners are better. That’s something every Lakers fan knows. 

March gave them everything you could ask for—momentum, identity, belief, proof. It bonded them through wins, adversity, road trips, late-night dinners, rounds on the golf course, and shared belief. It gave them something every contender needs but can’t ever fake: Trust.

But none of these milestones mean anything if it doesn’t get packed onto the plane with them come April, May, and June. 

Because history doesn’t care about your best month. It only remembers your last one.

Marlins' Sandy Alcantara throws his 2nd career 'Maddux' and MLB's 1st complete game of the season

MIAMI (AP) — Sandy Alcantara never stopped believing in himself.

Not when Tommy John surgery robbed him of the 2024 season. Not when 2025 ended in a disappointing 11-12 record, and a 5.36 ERA.

Instead, he “always kept the faith.”

Alcantara threw the first complete game of the MLB season in a 93-pitch shutout on Wednesday, leading the Miami Marlins to a 10-0 domination of the Chicago White Sox.

It was Alcantara’s second career shutout with fewer than 100 pitches, known as a “Maddux” in honor of Hall of Famer Greg Maddux.

Alcantara also threw his 13th career complete game and fifth shutout.

“Many negative things happened last year but that didn’t hold me back trying to be better,” Alcantara said. “This year, I am going to give my best every time, win more games and be more aggressive in counts. Today, as a club, we did a tremendous job.”

The White Sox did not have a hitter reach second as Alcantara (2-0) scattered three singles, hit a batter and struck out seven. After a dominant outing against Colorado in the season-opener, the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner extended his scoreless streak to 15 innings.

Alcantara used six pitches to shut down the White Sox. Although his changeup and four-seam fastball were mostly used in his outing, Alcantara also utilized his slider, sweeper, sinker and cutter to carve through the Chicago lineup.

“Everything was working. Everything was good today,” Alcantara said. “I think I did a great job, trying to not miss much.”

Alcantara’s battery mate Liam Hicks continued his torrid offensive start as he homered, had two singles and drove in four runs to give him a major league-leading 12 RBIs.

“It was fun,” Hicks said of catching Alcantara’s gem. “He had a lot of pitches working. When you’re back there and he’s rolling like that, it’s cool to see. It makes your job catching easy.”

As Alcantara accumulated quick outs, the decision became easier for manager Clayton McCullough to allow his ace to pitch the ninth. With Alcantara needing only three pitches to retire the White Sox in the eighth, it became an easy call.

“I gave him a thumbs up and he gave me a thumbs up,” McCullough said.

He called the outing remarkable.

“It’s hard to do that today, to go nine innings with how you view workload," McCullough said. "Hitters are good. He was so efficient and guys played great behind him.”

There were 29 complete games thrown last season, and pitchers threw just 13 shutouts, the lowest in a non-shortened season since 1873.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Michigan State's Tom Izzo says he had serious talks last year about coaching NBA's Phoenix Suns

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan State's Tom Izzo said he considered coaching the Phoenix Suns after discussing the possibility last year with one of his former players, Mat Ishbia, who owns the NBA team.

“We talked seriously about it,” Izzo said Wednesday on “The Dan Patrick Show," during a virtual interview from his office on campus.

The 71-year-old Hall of Fame coach chose to lead the Spartans for a 31st season and extended his record of reaching 28 consecutive NCAA Tournaments. They were eliminated by Connecticut in the Sweet 16.

Izzo has turned down multiple opportunities to coach in the NBA, including with Cleveland and Atlanta. Izzo said last week that Huskies coach Dan Hurley asked him for advice after the Los Angeles Lakers offered him a $70 million, six-year contract in 2024.

Ishiba, a walk-on guard on Izzo's national championship team in 2000, hired former Michigan State video coordinator Jordan Ott to coach the Suns this season. Ishiba also hired a former Spartans assistant, Brian Gregory, to be the team's general manager and gave former teammate Mateen Cleaves a job in player development.

Phoenix is in a position to make the playoffs with Ott on the bench after it was 10 games under .500 under coach Mike Budenholzer in his only season with the franchise.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba

Hawks at Magic: start time, TV, streaming, radio, game thread

Mar 21, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Hawks (43-33) see Franz Wagner return for the Orlando Magic (40-35) tonight in a big seeding battle.

Starting lineup:

  • CJ McCollum
  • Nickeil Alexander-Walker
  • Dyson Daniels
  • Jalen Johnson
  • Onyeka Okongwu

Please join in the comments below as you follow along.

Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen

Location: Kia Center, Orlando, FL

Start Time: 7:00 PM EDT

TV: Peachtree Sports Network (PSN), Atlanta News First (WANF), FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (FDSNSE)

Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)

Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network app, Fubo (out of market), NBA League Pass (out of market), Youtube TV (NBA League Pass out of market)

How to watch Warriors vs. Spurs

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 11: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs driving to the basket is guarded by Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 11, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Golden State Warriors begin the final month of the regular season with a five game homestand starting with Wednesday night’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. The game will be played at 7:00 PM PT in San Francisco and can be watched on ESPN and NBC Sports Bay Area.

Previously with the Warriors:

Golden State saw their three-game winning streak come to an end on Sunday night, losing to the Denver Nuggets on the road, 116–93. Despite entering the game as big underdogs, the Warriors came out strong and even took a seven-point lead into halftime.

However, behind three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, Denver took control in the second half, outscoring Golden State 70–40 across the final two quarters to pull away with the victory. Jokić finished just shy of a triple-double with a game-high 23 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists.

Meanwhile on the Warriors’ side, Brandin Podziemski and Kristaps Porziņģis tied for the team lead with 23 points apiece. Both were efficient from beyond the arc, with Podziemski knocking down five of his eight attempts, while Porziņģis went a perfect 5-of-5 from three.

What to watch for tonight:

While the Warriors received encouraging injury news with Steph Curry returning to practice and participating in a 5-on-5 scrimmage, he is not quite ready for tonight’s matchup against the Spurs. That means Curry will have now missed 26 games since suffering a right knee injury back in January, though there is optimism he could return Sunday against the Houston Rockets.

Unfortunately, the Warriors’ injury problems don’t end there. On the first night of a back-to-back, Golden State enters with a more extensive injury report than usual. It will be especially noticeable in the frontcourt as Porzingis, Al Horford, and Quinten Post are among those listed as out, leaving the team extremely thin at center.

That lack of size comes at a tough time as Golden State prepares to face one of the league’s most dominant big men in San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama. The MVP candidate is coming off a monster 41-point performance against the Chicago Bulls on Monday, adding 16 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and a steal.

Draymond Green is expected to draw the primary assignment on Wembanyama, but with limited depth behind him, players like 10-day contract Omer Yurtseven and two-way forward Malevy Leons could be forced into extended minutes against him too — a matchup that could spell a long night for the Warriors.

Enjoy the game Dub Nation. GO WARRIORS!!! 

Projected Starters

Warriors: Brandin Podziemski, Pat Spencer, Will Richard, Gui Santos, Draymond Green

Spurs: De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Victor Wembanyama

How to watch Regular Season Game 76

Who: Golden State Warriors (36 – 39) vs. San Antonio Spurs (57 – 18)

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

Where: Chase Center — San Francisco, California

TV and Streaming: ESPN and NBC Sports Bay Area (available on fuboTV)

Spurs vs Warriors Prediction, Picks & Best Bets for Tonight’s NBA Game

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There’s no joking around on “April Fools” when the San Antonio Spurs come to the Bay Area tonight to battle the Golden State Warriors... or what’s left of them.

My Spurs vs. Warriors predictions like Wemby to wipe the glass clean tonight against a thin Dubs frontcourt.

Find out more in my NBA picks for Wednesday, April 1.

Spurs vs Warriors prediction

Spurs vs Warriors best bet: Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds (-120)

The Golden State Warriors limp to the finish line with injuries up and down the roster. 

That includes holes in the frontcourt, with veteran center Al Horford and 7-footer Quinten Post out of action. Kristaps Porzingis and Draymond Green are all that stand between Victor Wembanyama and the rim.
 
With those forwards primarily playing above the foul line, they aren’t contending for offensive rebounds, letting Wemby scoop up a surplus of misses from a Golden State offense that finished March ranked 23rd in effective field goal rate.

The Warriors weren’t a great rebounding team even before injuries thinned out the herd, sitting 20th in rebound rate overall while allowing 11.5 offensive rebounds per outing.

Wembanyama grabbed nine, 12, and 15 boards in his three matchups with the Dubs, tallying nine offensive rebounds in those games.

The San Antonio Spurs’ 7-footer averaged a dozen rebounds throughout March on 17.3 rebounding chances across 15 games and closed the month with 16, 15, 15, and 15 boards in his last four outings.

It helps that the Spurs' defense is tightening the screws down the stretch, holding foes to under 44% from the floor during their nine-game winning streak.

That drum-tight defense is producing a spike in rebounding chances, with that metric jumping to 85.6 (the third-most in that span) from 77.3 since the All-Star break.

Player projections call for Wemby to dominate the window again, with forecasts between 12.6 and 14.2 rebounds tonight.

Spurs vs Warriors same-game parlay

The Dubs are running out of answers on offense, and while they’ve put up some points against bottom-tier defenses, San Antonio shuts Golden State down from outside and allows nothing easy in the paint.

Devin Vassell runs hot and cold. He finished with only six points last time out, following efforts of 16 and 19 points. Projections peg the Spurs' small forward for as many as 13.5 points tonight.

Spurs vs Warriors SGP

  • Under 226.5
  • Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds
  • Devin Vassell Over 12.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Lights go down in the city

If defense wins championships, then the Spurs are on the right path. This is one of the Association's most stingy teams, with Wemby cleaning the glass and sending shots back against a smaller Warriors lineup.

Wemby has cleared this block line in five of his last 10 games, totaling 33 swats over that span. With Wemby doing what he wants all game, the Spurs will cover with relative ease.

Spurs vs Warriors SGP

  • Spurs -14
  • Under 226.5
  • Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds
  • Victor Wembanyama Over 3.5 blocks

Spurs vs Warriors odds

  • Spread: Spurs -14 | Warriors +14
  • Moneyline: Spurs -950 | Warriors +650
  • Over/Under: Over 226.5 | Under 226.5

Spurs vs Warriors betting trend to know

San Antonio is 7-10 Over/Under when set as a point spread favorite of -10 or higher. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Warriors.

How to watch Spurs vs Warriors

LocationChase Center, San Francisco, CA
DateWednesday, April 1, 2026
Tip-off10:00 p.m. ET
TVESPN

Spurs vs Warriors latest injuries

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Wizards vs. Sixers discussion

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 7: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Bilal Coulibaly #0 of the Washington Wizards at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 7, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Washington Wizards play the Philadelphia 76ers at 7 p.m. tonight. Watch the game on Monumental Sports Network.

Observations after red-hot George pours in 39 points, Sixers blow out Wizards

Observations after red-hot George pours in 39 points, Sixers blow out Wizards originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

WASHINGTON — Paul George exploded for his most points as a Sixer on Wednesday night and at times looked like he couldn’t miss. 

George delivered a brilliant performance in the Sixers’ 153-131 win over the lowly Wizards at Capital One Arena. He posted 39 points on 15-for-22 shooting, six assists, zero turnovers, five rebounds and three steals in 30 minutes. 

Tyrese Maxey had 28 points and nine assists for the Sixers, who improved to 42-34. Washington dropped to 17-59.

VJ Edgecombe added 23 points on 10-for-15 shooting and 10 assists.

Joel Embiid was the only unavailable Sixers regular. He was sidelined by an illness. 

The Sixers will host the Timberwolves on Friday night. Here are observations on their victory in D.C.: 

George attacks off the bat 

George continued to look quite sharp both in the flow of the Sixers’ half-court offense and in transition. He hit two mid-range jumpers for the team’s first four points and also made a strong driving layup in the early going.

When he saw Wizards center Tristan Vukcevic switched on him, George blew past to the rim, drew two free throws and knocked them down. He sunk a step-back three-pointer over Vukcevic in the first quarter, too.

George’s directness has been a major positive in the four games since he came back from his 25-game suspension. More often than not, he’s read the game well, recognized where his advantage lies and gone right to work. The best answer’s frequently been simple for George — a catch-and-shoot three; a comfortable pull-up jumper; a no-nonsense downhill drive. 

It’s notable that Wednesday’s performance came against the team with the Eastern Conference’s worst defensive rating, but the Sixers have to be very pleased with how George has played post-suspension. He had 14 points on 5-for-7 shooting, two rebounds, two assists and two steals in the first quarter. 

Defense far from its best 

Adem Bona started in Embiid’s place. His and-one layup gave the Sixers an 18-8 lead. 

On the other end, Vukcevic had a hot start. He reached 15 points when he drilled a three over Andre Drummond with 9:36 left in the second quarter, although he picked up his third foul shortly after and had to sub out. 

Washington’s second unit outplayed the Sixers’ early in the second quarter. Jaden Hardy leaked free for an easy fast-break dunk to put the Wizards up 45-42. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse called timeout and brought George and Maxey back in. 

The Sixers’ defense did not offer a great degree of resistance in the first half. When the Sixers briefly moved to a zone, Bub Carrington drained a three. A Justin Champagnie second-chance basket inside extended the Wizards’ lead to 10 points.

Maxey’s crafty, speedy driving helped the Sixers stay close and eventually find some momentum despite their defensive problems. He shot 8 for 11 inside the arc in the first half and just 0 for 1 from three-point range. The Sixers entered halftime with a 73-71 lead thanks to a George triple with 2.9 seconds to go in the second quarter. 

So close to 40 

George didn’t turn cold at halftime.

He added two more three-pointers and a driving lay-in early in the third quarter. By that stage, George had already notched his sixth game as a Sixer with at least 30 points. 

A Maxey three bumped the Sixers’ lead up to double digits. The game soon entered blowout territory and the main lingering question was just how many points George would score. 

The nine-time All-Star exited one point shy of 40 at the 3:38 mark of the third quarter. The Wizards never threatened a comeback, but Nurse subbed George in for a final stint with 6:55 to go in the fourth.

George didn’t force the issue. He missed an open three and a contested runner, and Nurse ultimately pulled the plug with a little under three minutes left. George couldn’t crack 40 for the first time since the 2023-24 season, but he obviously still gave the Sixers a tremendous outing Wednesday night. 

Justin Crawford and Edmundo Sosa lead Phillies past Nationals in 10 innings

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Rookie Justin Crawford had an RBI single in the 10th inning after the Philadelphia Phillies rallied from a four-run deficit for a 6-5 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday.

The Nationals led 5-1 in the seventh. J.T. Realmuto and Bryce Harper hit solo home runs to get the Phillies within 5-3. Edmundo Sosa hit a two-run single with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth to tie the game.

With runners on the corners in the bottom of the 10th, Crawford singled to right off Cole Henry (0-1). It was the third hit for Crawford, a first-round amateur draft pick in 2022 who made his major league debut on opening day.

Sosa ended the top of the 10th with a leaping catch of a CJ Abrams line drive, doubling the automatic runner off second base for winning pitcher Jhoan Duran (1-1).

Washington starter Cade Cavalli went six innings, allowing one run, five hits and two walks and striking out three.

Abrams hit a three-run home run in the seventh inning. Daylen Lile, Brady House and Joey Wiemer each had two hits. Wiemer, who entered leading the majors with a .615 average, scored twice.

Cristopher Sánchez pitched 5 1/3 innings for the Phillies, allowing one run, four hits and four walks and striking out seven.

The Phillies took a lead in the first inning when Trea Turner scored on Kyle Schwarber’s double.

The Nationals scored in the second on an infield single and two walks. With the bases loaded, Sánchez struck out Drew Millas on a pitch in the dirt, and Realmuto threw to first base trying to pick off Jacob Young, allowing Wiemer to score. Millas hit an RBI single in the sixth.

The homers were the first of the season for Realmuto and Harper.

Up next

Both teams are off Thursday. The Nationals prepare for their home opener against the World Series champion Dodgers on Friday. Their starting pitcher is to be announced.

The Phillies begin a road trip in Colorado. Aaron Nola (0-0, 5.40 ERA) will take the mound against former teammate Michael Lorenzen (0-0, 6.23) for the Rockies.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

Milwaukee Brewers use 6-run 8th inning to power past Tampa Bay Rays 8-2

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Christian Yelich hit a go-ahead, two-run single in a six-run eighth inning and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 8-2 on Wednesday.

Garrett Mitchell added a two-run double during the decisive rally, Blake Perkins drove in a run with a groundout and David Hamilton capped the inning with an RBI single as Milwaukee (5-1) broke open a 2-2 game.

Brice Turang tied it earlier with a two-run homer in the third after the Rays took the lead on Yandy Díaz’s two-run shot in the top half of the inning.

Milwaukee starter Jacob Misiorowski (1-0) struck out seven and allowed four hits and two runs in six innings. The right-hander walked two before handing the game to the bullpen. Grant Anderson, Aaron Ashby and DL Hall combined for three scoreless innings, with Hall striking out three in the ninth.

Tampa Bay (2-4) starter Drew Rasmussen allowed one run and two hits while striking out eight in five innings.

The Brewers’ eighth-inning surge opened after Joey Ortiz reached on a fielding error by shortstop Carson Williams. Turang’s sacrifice bunt was mishandled at first base, putting runners on first and second. William Contreras then singled to load the bases.

Yelich followed with a ground-ball single to right field that scored Ortiz and Turang for a 4-2 lead. Mitchell’s double to right brought home two more runs before Perkins’ RBI groundout and Hamilton’s single extended the lead to 8-2. Milwaukee went 5 for 9 with runners in scoring position.

Griffin Jax (0-2) took the loss after allowing five runs in the eighth inning.

Umpire C.B. Bucknor left the game in the second inning after being struck in the mask by a foul ball off Nick Fortes’ bat on a 100.2 mph fastball from Misiorowski.

Up next

Chad Patrick (0-0, 2.08 ERA) will make his second start of the season against the Kansas City Royals on Friday, while Joe Boyle (0-0, 3.00 ERA) takes the mound for Tampa Bay on Friday against the Minnesota Twins.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb