Two days after announcing he would return, Butler announced on Monday, March 16, that men's basketball coach Thad Matta is retiring.
The school announced the news in a press release on Monday. Matta, 58, had been the Bulldogs coach since the 2022-23 season. He will remain with the university with a role as a special assistant to the president and athletics director.
"After taking some time to reflect following the end of the season, I have decided that the time has come for me to step away from the sidelines," Matta said in the news release. "The love my wife, my daughters and I have for Butler is what brought us back four years ago, and it feels especially meaningful that I conclude my coaching career here. Butler has always meant more to us than just basketball—and that connection is why I'm grateful to continue working with the University and offering my help in any way I can.
"My commitment to Butler and to the future of this program remains as strong as ever. I want this program to compete at the highest levels of the BIG EAST and national landscape, and I am excited to be part of what we continue to build here."
Matta finishes his head coaching career with a 502-223 overall record. He won a combined eight conference regular-season championships at Butler, Xavier and Ohio State, while also appearing in the NCAA Tournament 13 times, earning two berths in the NCAA Final Four and one appearance in the national championship game in 2006-07 with the Buckeyes.
"It is hard to fully capture in words what the Matta family has meant to Butler University and to our men's basketball program," Butler athletics director Grant Leiendecker said. "As a student-athlete, two assistant coaching tenures and then twice as head coach at Butler, Thad has given so much to our university and his impact on our student-athletes has been life-changing.
"Today is bittersweet in that Thad will no longer be leading our program on the sidelines but we are grateful that he has accepted President (Jim) Danko and my offer to remain at Butler University to continue to elevate the institution, as his wisdom and experience are invaluable and will help maintain stability in our program."
In his first stint with Butler, the Bulldogs went 24-8, won the Midwestern Collegiate Conference and advanced to the Round of 32. After stops at Xavier and Ohio State, Matta returned to Butler ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Matta finished his second stint with the Bulldogs with a 63-69 record, failing to make the NCAA Tournament in any of the four years.
"I want to sincerely thank (President) Jim Danko, (Vice President and Athletic Director) Grant Leiendecker, and (former Athletic Director) Barry Collier for their trust, leadership and friendship," Matta said. To our players, coaches and staff, past and present, thank you for everything you've poured into this program and for living The Butler Way. To our fans and the countless people who support us, you are what makes this place so special.
"I will always be grateful for the experiences, the relationships, and the memories Butler has given me and my family. I'm proud of what we've built together, and I look forward to staying connected and contributing in a new way as the next chapter begins."
Before his head coaching career, Matta served as a Butler assistant twice before being named head coach of the Bulldogs in 2000. He was a two-year starter with Butler after he transferred in as a player from Southern Illinois.
Thad Matta career record
Here's a look at Matta's coaching career with Butler, Xavier and Ohio State:
Over the next few weeks, 68 different Division I men's college basketball teams will go head-to-head in March Madness at different venues and arenas around the country in the hopes of winning a national championship.
But for two nights before the Round of 64 begins on Thursday, March 19, the Men's NCAA Tournament will tip off the very same way it has for all but two years since 2011: with the First Four, hosted on the campus of the University of Dayton.
It's part of the pageantry of what has made the First Four a tradition like no other in March Madness, as it takes place across two nights on a college campus in winner-take-all games to kick off one of the best postseason tournaments in all of sports.
Action gets underway on Tuesday, March 17 with UMBC vs. Howard in the 16-seed game at 6:40 p.m. ET and Texas vs. North Carolina State in the 11-seed game at 9:15 p.m. ET.
No. 16 Prairie View A&M will take on No. 16 Howard at 6:40 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 18, with the winner advancing to play No. 1 seed Florida in the South Region. But perhaps the biggest game of this year's First Four is the March 18 nightcap as No. 11 seed Miami (Ohio) takes on No. 11 seed Southern Methodist.
Will one of these teams go on a March run that is talked about for years? Time will tell as they look to punch their official ticket to the NCAA Tournament. Here's your guide on the history of First Four teams, and their success in March Madness:
What’s the furthest a First Four team has gone in NCAA Tournament?
The furthest a First Four team has advanced in the NCAA Tournament has been the Final Four. Two teams have achieved this feat: VCU in 2011, and UCLA in 2021.
The Rams, coached then by a young Shaka Smart and featuring players Joey Rodriguez, Bradford Burgess and Jamie Skeen, defeated USC in the First Four and then knocked off three top-10 seeds — No. 6 Georgetown (first round), No. 3 Purdue (second round) and No. 10 Florida State (Sweet 16) — to make the Elite Eight. To make the Final Four, VCU knocked off a Kansas team that was the No. 1 seed in the tournament and featured the talent of Markieff and Marcus Morris. The run ended against Butler in the Final Four.
The Bruins went on a similarly magical run from the First Four to the Final Four in the Indianapolis COVID-19 bubble. It started with a comeback from an 11-point halftime deficit against Michigan State at Mackey Arena, and then led to wins over No. 6 BYU, No. 14 Abilene Christian, No. 2 Alabama and No. 1 Michigan to get to the program's first Final Four since 2008. The run came to an end in the national semifinal in a March Madness thriller against No.1 Gonzaga.
According to the NCAA, at least one team that played its way into the 64-team field advanced to at least the second round in 12 of the last 14 editions of the First Four.
Some examples include LaSalle winning its First Four game in 2013 and then going on a Sweet 16 run that featured upsets of No. 4 Kansas State and No. 12 Ole Miss. No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson also won its First Four game in 2023 and then upset No. 1 seed Purdue in its first-round game.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 20: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball against Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at FedExForum on January 20, 2025 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. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA has been experiencing Western Conference supremacy since the moment Michael Jordan retired from the Chicago Bulls for the second time following the 1998 NBA Finals. East teams have won plenty of championships over that time period — most recently, the 2019 Toronto Raptors, 2021 Milwaukee Bucks, and 2024 Boston Celtics — but no one disputes that life is always harder in the West. With recent No. 1 overall picks Victor Wembanyama and Cooper Flagg both landing in the West via the draft lottery, the Western Conference should continue to be superior moving forward.
NBA expansion is just ahead, with a vote coming at this week’s board of governors meetings to start the process of adding two new teams for the 2028-29 season. With franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas expected to be added, one existing team is going to move East. The league has narrowed its choices down to two candidates, per Shams Charania:
Executives across the NBA expect either the Minnesota Timberwolves or Memphis Grizzlies to move to the East to realign conferences with 16 each when Seattle and Las Vegas become West teams.
For the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves, the opportunity to move to the East feels almost as important as draft lottery results. One of these teams is about to have a much easier path to contention going forward in the weaker conference due to factors totally outside of their control.
Here’s one mock up of what the conferences could look like if the Wolves move East:
It’s pretty difficult to project what the league is going to look like in 2028-29 and beyond. What if the big three from this year’s NBA draft class — Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, and Darryn Peterson — all end up in the East? Suddenly that conference looks a lot harder moving forward. Who’s to say that Anthony Edwards will even be on the Wolves by then? A few years ago, no one would have thought the Grizzlies would move on from Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane while begging teams to take Ja Morant, but it’s all happened.
It’s fair to point out that the East has closed the gap a bit this season, but the West still looks much better going forward with Wembanyama and Flagg just starting their rise, plus the Thunder being flush with draft assets and young stars. If the Wolves were in the East this year, I might pick them to reach the NBA Finals. Instead, they will have to fight just to make it out of the first round in the West.
Can the Wolves or Grizzlies bride the committee making this decision in any way? It would be worth it. The West continues to dominate the NBA, and moving East would be a huge deal for any franchise.
The NCAA Tournament bracket is set. And if you're a veteran of filling out a bracket, you might feel like you know best. Well, here's your chance to prove it.
Below are our USA TODAY Sports' experts picks for March Madness. They predict every game from the first round to the national championship.
Sign up for USA TODAY's Bracket Challenge, presented by AutoZone, and test your knowledge against our experts. You will have a chance to win up to $40,000 in prizes and a shot at a $1 million perfect bracket.
Want more in-depth analysis of the region? Here are our breakdowns of the East, West, Midwest and South.
Last year’s NCAA Tournament belonged to the 1-seeds. This one might, too, with an excellent lineup of Duke, Arizona, Michigan and Florida atop the seeding.
Underdogs own the tournament's first week, though. Even in a quiet year for upsets, last season’s bracket saw two No. 12 seeds supply first-round upsets, plus an 11-seed and two 10-seeds.
So, who's primed to supply heroics this year? First-round triumphs by a No. 9 seed hardly qualify as upsets, so we're looking for teams seeded no better than No. 10 as our possible Cinderellas.
From the 10- through 14-seed line, here are my teams that offer top Cinderella potential:
No. 10 Santa Clara
First-round opponent: (7) Kentucky
This is Santa Clara’s first NCAA Tournament bid in 30 years. It got here with an offense that can score 80-plus points with relative ease. Two wins against Saint Mary’s proved Santa Clara’s mettle. Santa Clara coach Herb Sendek, a former Kentucky assistant under Rick Pitino, has won NCAA Tournament games with three different schools.
No. 10 Missouri
First-round opponent: (7) Miami
The Tigers received a better seed than they deserved after going 5-5 down the stretch. Along with the seed, the committee gave Missouri the gift of a de facto home game in St. Louis. Tigers guard Mark Mitchell used to be a starter at Duke, and he’s going out strong as a senior. He dropped 32 points in each of his last two games.
No. 11 South Florida
First-round opponent: (6) Louisville
USF coach Bryan Hodgson used to be an assistant for Alabama’s Nate Oats. You can see it in the way the Bulls play. Much like Alabama, USF never saw a 3-point shot it didn’t like to launch. If the Bulls get hot, they can add to their 11-game win streak. USF is 8-5 in games against Quad 1 and Quad 2 opponents. That’s enough to make a 6-seed sweat.
No. 11 VCU
First-round opponent: (6) North Carolina
VCU needs no introduction to the Cinderella role. Fifteen years ago, it went from First Four to Final Four. The red-hot Rams have won 16 of their last 17 games. The 3-point shot is an equalizer in games like this, and VCU shoots well from the perimeter, including 11 3s in the Atlantic-10 Tournament championship win over Dayton.
No. 12 Northern Iowa
First-round opponent: (5) St. John’s
The Missouri Valley enjoys a rich history of NCAA Tournament upsets. That includes Northern Iowa stunning No. 1 Kansas to reach the Sweet 16 in 2010. Ben Jacobson coached that team. He’s still coaching UNI. True to Jacobson’s brand, this team plays tough defense. Each of his last three teams that reached the NCAA Tournament won at least one game.
No. 12 Akron
First-round opponent: (5) Texas Tech
All of the attention on 31-win Miami (Ohio) overshadowed Akron winning the Mid-American Conference Tournament. The Zips have been playing like the MAC’s best team for the past month. An excellent shooting team, they average nearly 11 3-pointers per game. One of those sharpshooters, Tavari Johnson, averages more than 20 points.
No. 13 Hofstra
First-round opponent: (4) Alabama
Hofstra went 2-0 against ACC teams. Granted, those wins came against Pittsburgh and Syracuse, two of the ACC’s worst teams. Hofstra will need a big game from super scorer Cruz Davis, who shoots nearly 40% from 3-point range. My knock on Hofstra? Hofstra Flying Dutchmen sounds way better than Hofstra Pride. The school never should’ve rebranded.
No. 14 North Dakota State
First-round opponent: (3) Michigan State
The Bison didn’t play any top-tier competition in the regular season, but they were excellent within the Summit League. They shoot it well from 3-point range, and the lineup is filled with veterans. A dozen years ago, North Dakota State delivered an upset from the 12-seed line. An upset in this one would be more stunning, a true glass slipper moment.
The 27-40 Chicago Bulls have lost two in a row, but are returning home, where they have a 16-18 record. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies — losers of seven straight — are 11-22 on the road.
The Bulls have won four of the last five against Memphis, and they’ve covered tonight’s spread in all but one of those victories. The Grizz have lost by at least eight points in each of their last four defeats.
Memphis is dealing with a slew of injuries, and several "active" players like Jaylen Wells, Walter Clayton Jr., and Santi Aldama are on nursing ailments despite being listed as day-to-day.
Grizzlies vs Bulls same-game parlay
Josh Giddey has cashed the Over in assists in four straight, and he’s compiled 15 dimes across his last two games alone. He’s averaging 11.8 assists in March and will pick apart the Memphis defense tonight.
Matas Buzelis is playing at a different level over these last few games, which is exactly why his total is sitting higher. The second-year forward has hit the Over in two of his last three outings.
He dropped 22 against the Lakers last week, and just two days prior, Buzelis erupted for a career-high 41 points vs. the Warriors.
Grizzlies vs Bulls SGP
Bulls -6
Josh Giddey Over 9.5 assists
Matas Buzelis Over 21.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Tre Cool
Tre Jones has hit the Over in points in three straight, posting 20+ in two of those contests.
Grizzlies vs Bulls SGP
Bulls -6
Josh Giddey Over 9.5 assists
Matas Buzelis Over 21.5 points
Tre Jones Over 15.5 points
Grizzlies vs Bulls odds
Spread: Grizzlies +6 (-110) | Bulls -6 (-110)
Moneyline: Grizzlies +195 | Bulls -240
Over/Under: Over 243 (-110) | Under 243 (-110)
Grizzlies vs Bulls betting trend to know
The Chicago Bulls have hit the Game Total Under in 20 of their last 30 games at home (+10.10 Units / 31% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. Bulls.
How to watch Grizzlies vs Bulls
Location
United Center, Chicago, IL
Date
Monday, March 16, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN SE-Memphis, CHSN
Grizzlies vs Bulls 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.
Week 21 marks the start of the fantasy basketball playoffs for managers in Yahoo! default leagues. Those in need of pickups have come to the right place, as there are 10 options who can help you win your matchup and advance!
As a reminder, this article will only feature players rostered in 25% or less of Yahoo! leagues for the rest of the season. The waiver wire in competitive leagues is cut-throat, and managers looking for an end-of-season edge will need to dive deep.
Here are the top fantasy basketball waiver wire adds for Week 21.
Priority Adds
1. Cody Williams
2. Tristan da Silva
3. Danny Wolf
4. Leonard Miller
5. Javon Small
6. Justin Edwards
7. Mitchell Robinson
8. Bilal Coulibaly
9. Pelle Larsson
10. Ayo Dosunmu
Tristan da Silva, Orlando Magic (25 percent rostered)
With Franz Wagner and Anthony Black still on the shelf, da Silva has taken on a larger role for Orlando, and he’s shined with the new opportunities. He’s ranked 15th in per-game value across the last week behind four-game averages of 20 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.3 steals, 1.0 blocks and 2.3 triples across 35.5 minutes. In that span, he’s shot an efficient 53.5% from the floor and 87.5% from the charity stripe.
Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards (22 percent rostered)
Washington has mixed up its rotations and shared playing time generously throughout the season, but Coulibaly has been a consistent presence over the last week. He’s offered fantasy managers top-75 per-game value in that span thanks to averages of 17.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks and 2.3 triples across 31.9 minutes.
Dosunmu has logged better than 30 minutes in each of his last two games, averaging 15.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.0 triples. He’s been a reliable source of offense off the Wolves’ bench, but he’s shown the ability to grab boards and find teammates for easy looks, making him a solid pickup off the waiver wire.
Justin Edwards, Philadelphia 76ers (16 percent rostered)
Philly has lost a number of players to injury, and the absences continue to pile up. Edwards has been a prime beneficiary of additional minutes, and he went off for a 21/2/2/2 and three triples on Sunday. Over the last week, Edwards has provided top-70 fantasy value with averages of 17.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 3.0 steals, 0.7 blocks and 1.0 triples across 28.3 minutes per game.
Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks (14 percent rostered)
Robinson recorded a career-high 22 rebounds against the Pacers, drawing a spot start in place of Karl-Anthony Towns. That signature performance was sandwiched between rebound performances of 10 and 13 off the bench. Robinson has been great with the second unit, and he’s averaged 7.3 points, 15 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.3 swats across his last three games. He’s a reliable source of defensive stats with the upside for monster rebound totals.
Despite a number of rest days and sporadic absences, Small has been a fixture in Memphis’ rotation as of late. Over his last four games, the West Virginia product has averaged 18.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.5 triples across 27.3 minutes. He’s ranked 52nd in per-game fantasy value over the last week, and he deserves a pickup.
Cody Williams, Utah Jazz (11 percent rostered)
Williams set a new career high in the scoring department with 19 points against the Trail Blazers on Friday before blowing that scoring total out of the water with 34 points in Sunday’s loss to the Kings. Williams posted a monster 34/7/7/1/1 line with three triples against Sacramento, showcasing his high ceiling. Across the last five games, Williams has averaged 17.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists across a whopping 38.4 minutes. The Jazz are actively tanking, so Williams seeing nearly 40 minutes per night is huge for his fantasy value down the stretch. The Jazz play three games this week and four games next week. Add him as soon as you can.
Larsson has taken full advantage of his starting opportunities, and he’s averaged 17.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 swipes and 1.3 triples across his last three outings. Those numbers are good for top-40 fantasy value over the last week. Larsson isn’t a flashy option, but he’s available in more than 90% of Yahoo! leagues, making him a worthwhile add.
Danny Wolf, Brooklyn Nets (8 percent rostered)
The rookie has started three of his last four games, averaging 12.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 “stocks” and 1.5 triples across 27.5 minutes. Day’Ron Sharpe is out for the season, and Brooklyn has no incentive to play starters Nic Claxton or Michael Porter Jr. big minutes down the stretch. Wolf should see plenty of run to close out his inaugural campaign on a high note.
Leonard Miller, Chicago Bulls (3 percent rostered)
Chicago’s already-thin frontcourt rotation has been hit with injuries, and Miller has answered the call as the next man up. In three straight starts, he’s averaged 15.3 points, 9.3 boards, 1.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.7 triples across 35 minutes. Expect him to see substantial playing time over the final month of the NBA season, making him a strong add in 12-team leagues.
Other options:Cason Wallace (25%), Herbert Jones (20%), Julian Champagnie (18%), Derrick Jones Jr. (18%), Royce O’Neale (16%), Jaylin Williams (15%), Keon Ellis (11%)
So.. who else could be moved by Finley and Riccardi? (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks’ season is essentially over, but there’s still plenty to talk about both within the team and around the NBA. And if you’re interested in placing a wager or two, FanDual is the best place for that.
Last week I asked two loaded questions and I’m honestly very surprised at the results. It focused on if our readers want changes at the top. The first question had to do with the front office and our interim general managers.
After the Anthony Davis trade I am shocked that this is right down the middle. One would think they earned some leeway after getting out from under that albatross of a contract, but apparently not! The voting fans were split down the middle here.
The second question asked if fans want to keep Jason Kidd.
Again, this one favoring keeping Kidd surprised me. He was arguably more involved with the Luka Doncic trade than the interim GMs and he’s only ever led Dallas to a winning season with Doncic at the helm. I think he’s a good playoff coach, but you need to make the playoffs, something he’s failed to do in three of his five seasons here.
These next two questions were part of the national survey.
This one makes sense given what we saw out of Tatum. He looks incredible and is going to lead the Celtics deep into the playoffs if the seeding breaks right. The East is weak and the Celtics are good.
Now this one makes me wonder if the voting fans are mostly Spurs fans. I don’t see the young Spurs holding up for two months, the playoffs is a diffferent grind than the regular season. But they certainly are talented enough to win and they’ve beaten the Thunder repeatedly this season, so getting to the Finals is the actual hurdle, not winning them.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 14: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks at a press conference during 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at Intuit Dome on February 14, 2026 in Inglewood, 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 GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA may expand to 32 teams in a couple years, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. The league’s Board of Governors will meet on Mar. 24-25. The board may vote on teams being added in Seattle, Wash. and Las Vegas, Nev. If the teams are approved, expansion fees could be $7 to $10 billion each.
Just in: The NBA will hold a vote at the Board of Governors meetings March 24-25 to explore adding expansion teams exclusively in Las Vegas and Seattle, with the two franchises targeted for the 2028-29 season, sources tell ESPN. There is momentum for stakeholders to approve… pic.twitter.com/H6AYVdhh7S
Both markets have long histories with the NBA. Seattle is the original home of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who won their first NBA championship in 1978-79 (as the Seattle SuperSonics) against the Washington Wizards (then the Bullets), one year after Washington won the championship. The Sonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2009 after ownership failed to get a new arena for the city. Since losing the NBA team, Seattle has become a marquee WNBA market where the Storm won numerous WNBA championships and now play their games at Climate Pledge Arena, where the new Seattle NBA team would play.
For Las Vegas, the city has hosted the majority of NBA Summer League games since 2004 with the exceptions of 2011 due to a lockout and 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The city has gradually become a market with multiple professional sports teams like the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA, the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL, and the Las Vegas Raiders of the NFL. Both the Aces and Knights have won championships in Las Vegas too, so professional athletes seem to like the prospect of playing in this market.
How do you think a new Seattle NBA team and a new Las Vegas NBA team could affect the Wizards? Let us know in the comments below.
The NBA appears ready to take the first steps toward expansion for the 2028-29 season.
ESPN reported on Monday, March 16, that the league's board of governors will hold a meeting next week to explore adding expansion teams in Las Vegas and Seattle.
The league is moving toward accepting bids from potential franchise owners exclusively in those two cities. The expansion fee is projected to be in the $7-$10 billion range per team, industry executives said. Both the Seattle and Las Vegas franchises would likely be among the league's top eight revenue generators, ESPN reports.
If the league moves forward, there could potentially be a vote later this year to finalize the expansion to 32 teams. For the proposal to pass, it would need support from 23 of the 30 governors.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal also reported on Monday that Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver last week to discuss expansion and the Las Vegas market. The outlet previously reported that NBA legend Magic Johnson met with Lombardo about joining an ownership group if Las Vegas were to be awarded a team.
The NBA last expanded in 2004 when it added the Charlotte Hornets. Seattle was home to the Supersonics from 1967 to 2008, when owner Clay Bennett moved the franchise to Oklahoma City in 2008 after a dispute over building a new arena. Las Vegas has never had an NBA team, but has added NFL and NHL franchises over the past decade. The A's are also planning to move to Las Vegas ahead of the 2028 MLB season.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in December the league planned to decide in 2026 whether to seek further expansion.
It’s a Southwest Division showdown tonight at the Smoothie King Center as the Dallas Mavericks visit the New Orleans Pelicans.
We have two teams that aren’t great on either end, and I’ll explain in my Mavericks vs. Pelicans predictions and NBA picks why I see value in a low-scoring affair.
Mavericks vs Pelicans prediction
Mavericks vs Pelicans best bet: Under 239 (-110)
The Dallas Mavericks rank just 24th in the Association in points with 113.2 per night, while the New Orleans Pelicans aren’t much better at 115.4. Defensively, they’re also both in the bottom half of the league.
Most importantly, recent meetings have a common trend — low-scoring. Five of the last six meetings have comfortably cashed the Under. This season, they’ve battled it out three times, and all of those meetings hit the Under.
In fact, Dallas and New Orleans haven’t combined for more than 233 points once this season across those three contests.
Mavericks vs Pelicans same-game parlay
Cooper Flagg is having a stellar rookie campaign. He’s averaging 20.2 ppg, and the No. 1 overall pick just cooked the Cavaliers for 27 and 25 points over the last two games.
The youngster has faced the Pelicans three times this season, and he’s averaging 21.7 ppg. He’ll cook tonight.
Trey Murphy III is an elite 3-point shooter. He’s averaging 3.3 makes on 8.5 attempts per contest for a 38.8% clip. In March, across seven appearances, he’s shooting 47.4% from downtown while averaging 3.9 makes.
The 25-year-old has cashed the Over in four of his last five appearances.
Mavericks vs Pelicans SGP
Under 239
Cooper Flagg Over 20.5 points
Trey Murphy III Over 3.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Capture the Flagg!
Flagg has cashed for Over in assists in two of his last three, and he just dropped 10 dimes against the Cavs yesterday.
Mavericks vs Pelicans SGP
Under 239
Cooper Flagg Over 20.5 points
Trey Murphy III Over 3.5 threes
Cooper Flagg Over 5.5 assists
Mavericks vs Pelicans odds
Spread: Mavericks +8.5 | Pelicans -8.5
Moneyline: Mavericks +275 | Pelicans -350
Over/Under: Over 239 | Under 239
Mavericks vs Pelicans betting trend to know
The Mavericks have gone Under the total in 13 of their last 18 road games for +7.5 units and a 38% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Mavericks vs Pelicans
Location
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Date
Monday, March 16, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
KFAA, GCSEN
Mavericks vs Pelicans 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.
It's time to see if Florida basketball can repeat as national champions or if one of the star freshmen across the sport can lead their team to a championship run. Along with the Gators, Duke, Arizona and Michigan earned No. 1 seeds and are the early favorites to win it all.
But that does not mean they will. Last season, we saw four No. 1 seeds reach the Final Four, a rare occurrence. It's more likely we see a major upset than a repeat of that for the third time in NCAA Tournament history.
With the play-in games, the tournament officially gets underway on Tuesday, March 17. First-round games are scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 19. The Final Four will be played on Monday, April 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Here's what to know about the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament schedule, from the First Four to the national championship game:
March Madness schedule 2026
(All times Eastern)
Tuesday, March 17 (First Four)
(16) UMBC vs. (16) Howard | 6:40 p.m. | truTV (Sling TV)
(11) Texas vs. (11) North Carolina State | 9:15 p.m. | truTV (Sling TV)
(7) Miami vs. (10) Missouri | 10:10 p.m. | truTV (Sling TV
Saturday, March 21 (Second round)
This section will be updated
Sunday, March 22 (Second round)
This section will be updated
Thursday, March 26 (Sweet 16)
At Toyota Center in Houston and SAP Center in San Jose, California
This section will be updated
Friday, March 27 (Sweet 16)
At United Center in Chicago and Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
This section will be updated
Saturday, March 28 (Elite 8)
At Toyota Center in Houston and SAP Center in San Jose, California
This section will be updated
Sunday, March 29 (Elite 8)
At United Center in Chicago and Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
This section will be updated
Saturday, April 4 (Final Four)
At Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
Monday, April 6 (National championship game)
At Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
When is the first March Madness game?
Date: Tuesday, March 17
Start time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Matchup: (16) UMBC vs. (16) Howard | truTV (Sling TV)
March Madness gets underway on Tuesday, March 17, with a pair of play-in games. In the No. 11 seed game, Texas takes on North Carolina State. In the No. 16 game, it will be UMBC vs. Howard.
The matchup between the Retrievers and Bison is scheduled for a 6:40 p.m. ET tip-off. The game is set to be broadcast nationally on truTV.
Warriors vs Wizards best bet: Warriors -7.5 (-110)
The Golden State Warriors have lost five straight, but they’re up against a Washington Wizards team that has dropped its last 11 and is among the league's worst teams.
Golden State has dominated Washington in recent memory, grabbing six consecutive victories, covering tonight's spread in each.
The Wizards have also lost five of their last six contests by at least 10 points, and have failed to cover in two of their previous three home games. Washington ranks in the Bottom 5 in both offensive and defensive efficiency, further providing a soft landing for a reeling Warriors side tonight.
Warriors vs Wizards same-game parlay
Brandin Podziemski is having a solid campaign, averaging 13 points per game. Without Stephen Curry, he’s getting even more of a run recently, and has cashed the Over in back-to-back contests, dropping 25 points in each.
He’s also hit the Over in three of his previous four appearances on the road, and as we know, the Wizards are horrendous defensively.
Gui Santos is another piece who is playing well, cashing the Over in four of his last five, and in three straight. Santos is averaging 15.7 PPG this month as well across seven outings.
He’s also averaging over 35 minutes per night in March compared to 30 in February, giving him a greater opportunity for higher totals.
Warriors vs Wizards SGP
Warriors -7.5
Brandin Podziemski Over 16.5 points
Gui Santos Over 16.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Seeing Green
Draymond Green is expected to return tonight, and he’s hit the Over in dimes in three of his last five.
Over/Under: Over 231.5 (-110) | Under 231.5 (-110)
Warriors vs Wizards betting trend to know
The Golden State Warriors have hit the 4Q Moneyline in 23 of their last 35 games (+10.55 Units / 23% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Wizards.
How to watch Warriors vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Date
Monday, March 16, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports Bay Area, MNMT
Warriors vs Wizards 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 Atlanta Hawks look for a 10th straight win as they host another streaking side, the Orlando Magic, who have reeled off seven straight Ws.
Atlanta’s defense has been dominant during this run, and with Orlando down a key piece, my Magic vs. Hawks predictions and NBA picks have the home team running their win streak to double digits.
Magic vs Hawks prediction
Magic vs Hawks best bet: Hawks moneyline (-135)
The Atlanta Hawks' nine-game win streak has been fueled by a defense allowing just 104 points per game, which is No. 2 in the NBA.
Four times during this run, they’ve held an opponent to less than 100 points.
The Orlando Magic have been far more offensive-minded during their seven-game fun run, averaging 125 points per game, the third-most in the league, and almost 10 points better than their season average.
Against a top-flight defense, though, they need more offensive table-setters, and Franz Wagner is out. That’s enough to tilt the court Atlanta’s way.
Magic vs Hawks same-game parlay
CJ McCollum has had a nice bounce back in the ATL and is coming off 30 points in a win over Milwaukee. But he’s topped his 17.5-point line just once in the last four games.
Paolo Banchero is averaging 9.3 rebounds in eight March games, topping his 8.5-rebound line four times, missing the Over by a single board on two other occasions.
Magic vs Hawks SGP
Hawks moneyline
CJ McCollum Under 17.5 points
Paolo Banchero Over 8.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Banchero Does His Part
Let’s ride Banchero to fill out this SGP.
He’s yet to hit a 3-pointer against Atlanta this year, going 0-for-9 in two games. Banchero has been a good table-setter recently, though, doling out 19 assists in his last three games, topping his 5.5 assist line twice.
Magic vs Hawks SGP
Hawks moneyline
CJ McCollum Under 17.5 points
Paolo Banchero Over 8.5 rebounds
Paolo Banchero Under 1.5 threes
Paolo Banchero Over 5.5 assists
Magic vs Hawks odds
Spread: Magic +3 (-110) | Hawks -3 (-110)
Moneyline: Magic +125 | Hawks -150
Over/Under: Over 230.5 (-110) | Under 230.5 (-110)
Magic vs Hawks betting trend to know
The Hawks have cashed the moneyline in 16 of their last 22 games for +10.8 units and a 19% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Hawks.
How to watch Magic vs Hawks
Location
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Date
Monday, March 16, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Magic 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.
Boston, MA - November 3: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with assistant coach Tony Dobbins in the third quarter at TD Garden on November 3, 2025. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
BOSTON – During every single timeout, Joe Mazzulla and four Celtics’ assistant coaches huddle up on the court.
In the center is former NBA star Sam Cassell, one of the team’s most veteran (and vocal) sideline presences.
There’s Matt Reynolds, the franchise’s longest-tenured assistant — and the coach most responsible for determining when the team will pull the trigger on a coach’s challenge.
There’s DJ MacLeay, who spearheads the team’s defensive schemes.
And, there’s Tony Dobbins.
It doesn’t take long to realize that Dobbins, in many ways, serves as the antithesis of the intensity that exudes from (the majority) of the Celtics’ bench, in particular from Mazzulla and MacLeay. He’s soft-spoken and comforting, frequently putting his arms around players, fellow assistants, and even referees.
“I’m not going to be able to be more intense than Joe or more intense than DMac [DJ MacLeay],” Dobbins told CelticsBlog in a lengthy sit-down conversation. “But I can offer a different perspective, or in a moment, I can offer a different lens through which to view the situation, whether it’s my conversation with a player or an official.”
That calm, even-keeled demeanor makes Dobbins a favorite in the locker room. When tensions are high, especially in-game, his very presence lowers them.
“He’s one of the best people you’ll ever be around,” said Jayson Tatum matter-of-factly.
Of course, the intensity that exudes from Mazzulla and others is needed, too. Dobbins said one of the many keys to the Celtics’ coaching staff’s success is their ability to balance different personalities, problem-solve, and work together.
“The staff dynamic is something that’s pretty special,” Dobbins said.
Joe Mazzulla is LIVID — as mad as we’ve ever seen him
Dobbins has risen through the Celtics coaching ranks as one of the assistants powering the Celtics’ defense. This year, he’s also played a critical behind-the-scenes role in Tatum’s recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture.
“He has been in the trenches with me, essentially, since I was able to start 15-minute workouts on the court,” Tatum said. “He’s been there, and he’s been able to find the line of pushing me and understanding where I’m at and what I’m coming back from.”
Jayson Tatum playing through some defensive pressure from assistant coach Tony Dobbins
“As far as human beings go? He’s one of the most patient people I’ve been around,” said Payton Pritchard. “I don’t think you could ever say something bad about him.”
How Tony Dobbins found himself on the Celtics
Dobbins, a Washington D.C. native, started playing basketball when he was five years old. A defensive specialist, he went on to enjoy an illustrative career at Virginia Tech (1999-2000) and Richmond (2001-2004) before going undrafted in 2004.
After college, Dobbins spent a few years in the G League, but the majority of his 13-year pro career took place overseas, where he laced up for professional clubs in Italy, Greece, France, and Spain. And, after he retired in 2017, he was ready to begin his next chapter: coaching.
In many ways, Dobbins was always primed to be a coach. His father coached him from when he was a toddler all the way through high school, and while Dobbins expected his dad to retire once he went off to college.
“I thought that he was coaching me because I was his kid,” Dobbins said. “But then, when I went away to college, he went and got a group of 7-year-olds and started coaching them. And that’s what he’d do.”
So, in the summers, when Dobbins would come home from college, he joined his father.
Tony Dobbins in first round of the NCAA Tournament in 2004, as a member of Richmond’s basketball team. | Sporting News via Getty Images
Dobbins’ wife, Allyson Hardy Dobbins, was a college basketball star in her own right at Bowie State University. She also played overseas for 12 years, and Dobbins often emphasizes one key point about her: “She’s the best basketball player in the family.”
The couple shared the coaching bug; when Tony and Allyson would finish up their seasons overseas, they’d head back to Maryland and lead both the men’s and women’s teams in offseason workouts.
Then, right around the time Tatum was drafted by the Celtics, Dobbins got an interview to join the Celtics’ film staff.
In some organizations, starting out as a video coordinator could prove limiting. But with the Celtics, that’s almost become the norm; it’s how president of basketball operations Brad Stevens and head coach Joe Mazzulla both got their starts, too – so it’s evident that the sky is the limit.
“I don’t ever feel like for any of us, there are limits put on us,” Dobbins said. “You got these two guys who are running the organization, so to speak, from a basketball ops standpoint – whether it be Brad running the front office or Joe running the coaching staff – that see the value of giving people space to learn and grow because of what it can lead to. I feel like working for Joe, he’s not saying to anyone, you just do this or you just do that.”
Dobbin’s lengthy experience as a professional basketball player has also prepared him for this moment, giving him a level of baseline empathy. When bench players struggle on the floor, he often goes over to them to offer encouragement as soon as they check out of the game.
“I try to put myself in a guy’s shoes… what they may be dealing with, what they may be going through, what they may need,” he said. “That gives me the most fulfillment or purpose — just helping them in their journey, seeing guys accomplish their goals, have breakthroughs.”
So, Dobbins was a great pick to be one of the Celtics assistants spearheading Tatum’s recovery behind the scenes. From the moment Tatum was cleared for even minimal on-court workouts, he and Dobbins began working closely together.
“Even when we didn’t know if I was coming back this year, he still approached every single day as if I was a super important part of his team,” Tatum said.
Joe Mazzulla has long touted Dobbins as one of the key members of the coaching staff.
“He’s a great communicator to the guys, but also to his staff,” said the Celtics’ head coach. “He’s wise beyond his years. We’re lucky to have him.”
How Tony Dobbins’ demeanor diffuses tensions
Oftentimes, after Joe Mazzulla or a Celtics player is upset with a referee, Dobbins goes over to the official for a quick conversation.
“If Joe had just gone and had some intense interaction with an official and they may be feeling a bit offended, or feeling like he was incorrect or he overstepped, then I may come in and say, ‘Okay, but you got to understand, from Joe’s perspective, we just had this play, and this play, and this play happen. So it’s not toward you. It’s just like, ‘Put yourself in our shoes, and we’re looking at it, and this doesn’t seem like it’s a balanced situation,’” Dobbins said. “And then hopefully the goal would be [the ref saying], ‘Okay, I see what you’re saying. I’ll keep an eye on it.’”
Joe Mazzulla is heated and gets a technical foul — assistant coach Tony Dobbins holding him back pic.twitter.com/5lynsCrgHf
Jaylen Brown, like many of his teammates, has been a direct beneficiary of Dobbins’ de-escalation.
“Tony is always keeping everybody level-headed – reminding me, and reminding our team just to breathe,” Brown said. “Managing the emotions of the game is what he speaks to a lot, because the better players — the better professionals — can manage their stress levels and their emotions during the game, so that they can see the game clearly.”
At times, tensions will still be inflamed; high emotions are a part of the game, after all, and at times, they can be channelled toward something beneficial.
But Brown and the Celtics have experienced firsthand just how important it can be to diffuse emotions in the heat of battle, too.
“Once you have frustration, and all that type of stuff starts to seep in, it starts to cloud your vision and your decision-making,” Brown said. “So when you’re out on the floor — when you’re out in life, really — you just want to be able to make the best decisions possible.”
Celtics assistant coach Tony Dobbins of the Boston Celtics chats with Jaylen Brown during the NBA Finals in 2024. | NBAE via Getty Images
Dobbins doesn’t view emotions as an inherently bad thing, either. But it’s his role to de-escalate when the moment calls for it.
“A lot of times, in a game, the intensity level is so high, the emotional level is so high, that I can come and offer a different perspective,” he said.
It’s a perspective that typically resonates.
“He’s a very calming presence,” Pritchard said. “He’s a great human being, great basketball mind.”
Tony Dobbins trying to calm down Tatum after his technical foul
There have been instances in which Dobbins’ nonchalant demeanor has been misinterpreted. After Dobbins interviewed with Reynolds for the Celtics’ film room position in 2017, he was internally overjoyed to find out he got the job.
But that wasn’t the reaction Reynolds observed.
“The way he tells the story, it was like, ‘You didn’t sound excited at all.’ I was just so like, even with it,” Dobbins said, laughing. “I naturally have a laid-back demeanor.”
Since that first phone call, Reynolds and Dobbins have grown to become close friends. In a coaching landscape often defined by turnover, they’ve together survived the tenures of three different head coaches — Brad Stevens, Ime Udoka, and now, Mazzulla.
And Reynolds, a long-time Celtics fan, has taught Dobbins everything he needed to know about Celtics culture.
“He’s from Boston, and I’ve [gotten] an education on what that means,” Dobbins said. “He taught me about Tommy Heinsohn. He taught me about Mike Gorman. He taught me about all these different aspects of Celtics culture that are beyond what the outside world knows.”
Dobbins’ rise through the coaching ranks, however, can be attributed to far more than just his personality. Dobbins, who won multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards in the French league, now helps power the Celtics’ defense, which ranks 5th in the entire NBA.
“That was my biggest strength [as a player],” Dobbins said. “So, it’s something that I gravitate toward.”
Neemias Queta, who is starting for the first time in his career and has been one of Boston’s most important defenders, said that Dobbins’ attention to detail on the defensive end has been crucial to his own success.
“His ability to break down the game, and every possession with film and just having that type of brain around every day – it’s so much easier for us to go out there and execute,” Queta said.
Tatum credits Dobbins with his unwavering behind-the-scenes support throughout his rehab.
“I can’t thank him enough for his selflessness and just really being engaged with me every single day,” he said.
And Sam Hauser succinctly explained why the Celtics have relied on Dobbins for almost a decade.
It’s a sentiment echoed by players and coaches across the organization: “Tony is one of the greatest humans in this world.”
