Draymond Green has a $27.7 million player option for next season. He could decline that option and test the free agent market, seeing if a younger playoff team might want to bring him in to lift them to the next level. Golden State had put his name out there as part of a proposed Giannis Antetokounmpo trade in February (a deal that never really had traction), does Green want to be proactive and be the guy who does the leaving?
Don't bet on it. Here is what sources told Anthony Slater of ESPN:
But the opt-out to test unrestricted free agency isn't a route that team or league sources are predicting. The expectation is that Green will either opt in — keeping him as a bulky $27.6 million expiring deal that the Warriors could either hold or move — or work out a multiyear extension starting at a lower number, signaling a greater likelihood he finishes his career with the Warriors.
Opting out for a longer deal with a lower starting point but more long-term money is what Green did four years ago when he was last a free agent, and there's a good chance the 36-year-old former Defensive Player of the Year does the same thing again. With that, he likely ends his career in Golden State.
Golden State is expected to look at bold moves this summer to restructure a team around Curry — and Jimmy Butler, when he returns from a torn ACL at some point in the second half of next season — but they see Green as a defensive anchor part of that. It's one thing to throw Green's name in trade talks for Antetokounmpo, one of the five best players in the world when healthy, but Green isn't going to be traded for a lesser player.
The smart money is on Green not only staying with the Warriors but also ending his career there. Nothing is ever certain, however, in life or the NBA.
The NBA has been holding regular-season games in Europe since 2011 [Getty Images]
The NBA has received several billion-dollar bids for teams in the proposed European league, BBC Sport understands.
Initial plans for 'NBA Europe' are for 10 to 12 franchises that would stay in the league on an annual basis.
It is understood multiple bids worth between $500m and $1bn (£375m to £750m) have been made, while there are also several above the billion-dollar mark.
Europe's best teams currently compete in the EuroLeague, which was started by basketball's international governing body Fiba but has been run by Euroleague Basketball since 2000.
Mark Tatum, the NBA's deputy commissioner and chief operating officer, said the NBA had "received significant interest from a range of prospective teams".
The league is expected to be made up of new franchises, current basketball teams and football clubs who may or may not already have associated basketball teams.
More than a dozen existing teams have been in talks with the NBA, including some EuroLeague teams, sources said.
EuroLeague did not comment when asked by BBC Sport about the talks, but said it is open to exploring ways to collaborate with the NBA.
With a current working title of NBA Europe, the plan is to launch the new league as soon as the 2027-28 season.
As many as 16 teams across the continent could be involved, with a team from both London and Manchester expected to feature.
Tatum said: "The level of engagement and the scale of the bids reflect the marketplace's belief in our proposed model and the enormous, untapped potential for European basketball.
"We will now review the bids in more detail and shortlist the partners who share our vision and commitment to accelerating the growth of the game across the continent."
The Indiana Pacers travel to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center tonight.
My Pacers vs. Bulls predictions and NBA picks take into account the fine line teams walk when tanking.
Even on Wednesday, April 1, tanking can determine where the winning value lies.
Pacers vs Bulls prediction
Pacers vs Bulls best bet: Pacers moneyline (+160)
Among the many twists of needed tanking reform is how it could impact draft-pick protections.
During last year’s NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers reacquired their 2026 first-round pick from the Pelicans, though it will still be conveyed to the Clippers if falling between pick No. 5 and 9.
That sounds complicated. Well, the timing of the trade is needed to explain why in the world New Orleans would have made that deal; Tyrese Haliburton had not yet torn his Achilles.
And the exact protections are necessary to grasp how badly Indiana has wanted to lose this season. It has done so successfully, tied with the Wizards for the worst record in the NBA and two games clear of slipping out of the bottom three, when the Pacers’ odds of a top-four pick would start to drop from 52.1%.
Indiana no longer needs to emphasize losing.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls should emphasize losing.
The Bulls are barely holding off the Bucks for the No. 9 spot in the lottery. Perhaps not surprisingly, Chicago has lost four straight, including at Memphis as 5-point favorites.
Although the Pacers have been terrible all season, they no longer need to be, and simply recognizing that creates value betting on Indiana.
Pacers vs Bulls same-game parlay
When focus and discipline lag amid a tank, it tends to first show on defense. Seven of Indiana’s last eight games have cashed their Overs, while four of Chicago’s last five have done so as well.
Pascal Siakam’s return to the lineup 10 days ago underscored the Pacers’ lack of a need to lose anymore. They could have easily followed Sacramento’s and Utah’s leads and found an excuse to bench their best player.
Instead, Siakam has returned to clear this prop in two of his last four contests.
Pacers vs Bulls SGP
Pacers moneyline
Over 247
Pascal Siakam Over 24.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Pascal's Wager
Siakam has hit all three of these Overs in two of his last four games, both of which were Pacers’ outright wins as notable underdogs.
Pacers vs Bulls SGP
Pacers moneyline
Pascal Siakam Over 24.5 points
Pascal Siakam Over 1.5 threes
Pascal Siakam Over 6.5 rebounds
Pacers vs Bulls odds
Spread: Pacers +4.5 (-110) | Bulls -4.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Pacers +160 | Bulls -190
Over/Under: Over 247 (-110) | Under 247 (-110)
Pacers vs Bulls betting trend to know
Indiana is 6-0 against the spread in its last six, exceeding bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 8.9 points per game. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Bulls.
How to watch Pacers vs Bulls
Location
United Center, Chicago, IL
Date
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-IN, CHSN
Pacers 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.
The Atlanta Hawks have been one of the hottest teams in the Association since the All-Star break, and they truly look like a dark horse coming out of the East. Quin Snyder’s group is 8-2 in their last 10, and they’ve covered tonight’s spread in back-to-back contests.
The Hawks beat the Kings 123-113 on Saturday before grabbing a 112-102 win over the Celtics on Monday. When Atlanta does win, they’re dominating opponents. Last week’s 130-129 victory over the Pistons was their closest victory in weeks.
Atlanta has also won four straight versus the Orlando Magic, covering the four-point spread in all of those meetings.
Hawks vs Magic same-game parlay
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is one of the best three-point shooters in the Association. He’s averaging 3.1 treys per game on 8.0 attempts for a 39.1% clip. The guard has cashed the Over in four of his last five.
The Canadian has also tormented Orlando from long range this season. Across three meetings, he’s averaging 4.3 makes on 9.7 attempts for a 44.8% clip.
Jalen Johnson is one of the best all-around players in the league, and he showcases his versatility on a nightly basis. The Duke product is averaging 22.9 ppg and 8.1 assists per game.
He’s hit the Over in points+assists in three of his last four contests, and two of those games were on the road.
Hawks vs Magic SGP
Hawks -4.5
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 2.5 threes
Jalen Johnson Over 31.5 points + assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Hawks take flight
CJ McCollum is averaging 18.7 ppg since joining the Hawks, and he averaged 18.9 ppg in March. The veteran has cashed the Over in three of his previous four outings, and he’s scored 20+ in back-to-back road contests.
Onyeka Okongwu is averaging 15.3 ppg this season against Orlando, and he’s hit the Over in two of his last four. The big man just poured in 20 points in the win versus Boston, and he’s averaging 15.9 points per contest on the road in 2025-26.
Hawks vs Magic SGP
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 2.5 threes
Jalen Johnson Over 31.5 points + assists
CJ McCollum Over 18.5 points
Onyeka Okongwu Over 14.5 points
Hawks vs Magic odds
Spread: Atlanta -4.5 (-110) | Orlando +4.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Atlanta -185 | Orlando +155
Over/Under: Over 232.5 (-110) | Under 232.5 (-110)
Hawks vs Magic betting trend to know
The Atlanta Hawks have hit the Moneyline in 22 of their last 30 games (+15.00 Units / 18% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Magic.
How to watch Hawks vs Magic
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN SE-ATL, FDSN-FL
Hawks vs Magic latest injuries
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Cuban also dredged up the Luka Doncic trade — and dragged Jason Kidd into it. Here are Cuban comments from the “Intersections” podcast: "I think there were issues that J-Kidd coached with Anthony Davis and was close to him, and [former GM Nico Harrison] was close to AD... You talk about confirmation bias, there was some of that as well. That doesn't justify it for our coach and general manager to stand up and trade our best player."
"When are we going to move on? We have to move forward. We're focused on the present and the future, and we've got an incredible opportunity to build...
"And so the things that are going on between two owners is between the two owners. I think we have a great owner in Patrick, and he's going to give us every resource to build a championship team. Out of respect to Cuban, he helped me and my family. We won a championship together. The two owners will figure it out. I truly believe that we have to focus on the present and the future. We've got a great opportunity."
That "we have to move forward" mentality is what Kidd was saying the day after the trade — and from his perspective as coach, that's exactly what he has to preach. To the team, to the fans, to everyone. He said in his full comments that the Mavericks and their fans have to rebuild and, again, from his perspective, that is what has to happen. We can discuss how they wouldn't have to rebuild without that trade — and Doncic's recent MVP-level play, scoring 600 points in March, is a little salt in the wound — but that's living in the past, and Kidd has moved on.
It's a lot easier to move on and rebuild because the Mavericks lucked into Cooper Flagg, too.
First-round bids for teams in the new NBA Europe were due Tuesday, and multiple bidders offered $1 billion to be part of the league. Several others offered at least $500 million, according to someone familiar with the process who was not authorized to discuss publicly.
Overall, more than 120 investors, including private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds and high-net-worth individuals expressed interest. Bidders also included multiple existing EuroLeague teams. The bids are non-binding, and it is a still a wildly complicated process to get the league off the ground for the NBA’s target of a fall 2027 launch.
The owners of Paris Saint-Germain, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), did not submit a bid by the deadline, according to two sources, but the soccer club is still expected to file a bid and would not be excluded from league consideration, per one source. Sporticopreviously reported that Real Madrid and AC Milan, and sovereign wealth funds like Saudi Arabia’s PIF, were interested in teams.
“We have received significant interest from a range of prospective teams and investors for permanent franchise spots in a new league in Europe backed by the NBA and FIBA,” Mark Tatum, NBA deputy commissioner, said in a statement. “The level of engagement and the scale of the bids reflect the marketplace’s belief in our proposed model and the enormous, untapped potential for European basketball.”
Tatum said the league will now review the bids and “shortlist the partners who share our vision and commitment” to growing the game in Europe. The league is expected to announce new teams on a rolling basis, versus all at once.
The NBA would own 50% of NBA Europe. Multiple potential investors expressed concerns to Sportico about the economic structure of the league that would require significant initial outlays for the franchise fee and infrastructure needs, and then have the NBA retain 50% of the entity.
The NBA’s plan calls for teams in 12 permanent cities, including Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris and Rome. There is competition for teams in each of those markets, but not necessarily bids, according to a source. NBA Europe would encompass 14 to 16 teams overall, with the non-permanent slots open to teams in existing European leagues.
The NBA’s ambitious plans in Europe started more than two years ago. FIBA aligned itself with the NBA, but it has consistently been rebuffed by the EuroLeague. The frosty relationship between the two organizations has thawed a bit with former NBA executive Chus Bueno taking over as EuroLeague CEO earlier this year. He spent 12 years at the NBA, including running NBA Spain.
“I think for the betterment of European basketball, the best outcome would be if we came together with the EuroLeague here and that we came up with a systematic approach to growing the game throughout Europe,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver told the media last week after the league’s board of governors meeting.
The NBA and EuroLeague have a meeting scheduled for the end of April.
Raine Group and JPMorgan Chase are advising the league on the matter.
The Sacramento Kings have sunk to the bottom of the Western Conference, leaving little to play for.
However, my Kings vs. Raptors predictions forecast a motivated showing from veteran forward DeMar DeRozan when Sacramento wraps up its five-game road trip in Toronto.
Find out more about why our NBA picks like the setup for DeRozan on Wednesday, April 1.
Kings vs Raptors prediction
Kings vs Raptors best bet: DeMar DeRozan Over 17.5 points (-120)
DeMar DeRozan is one of the few Sacramento Kings stars still standing at this point in the season. With a laundry list of injuries around him, DeRozan’s usage has shot up this month, jumping to a team high 25.8% from 21.43% on the season.
He’s averaging 19 points over that stretch and posted 22 and 33 points in his last two games before sitting out Sunday’s trip to Brooklyn with a sore hamstring. That’s given DeRozan three full days off, bringing fresh legs and plenty of motivation to Toronto.
DeRozan started his career with the Toronto Raptors, and while he has a soft spot for the city, he’s gone after his former club.
For his career, DeRozan’s 22.5-point average against Toronto ranks fourth among all 30 NBA teams. In his last appearance at Scotiabank Arena, he dropped 33 points, and who knows how many more times the 17-year pro will return to Toronto.
If sticking it to the Raptors again wasn’t enough motivation to feed him the ball, DeRozan is just nine points away from 17th on the NBA’s All-Time scoring list and 51 points out of 16th.
Given his rest, usage, and motivations, I like the Kings vet to top 17.5 points tonight.
Kings vs Raptors same-game parlay
Toronto is playing the second night of a back-to-back after a tough matchup in Detroit. The Raptors rarely cover spreads this big, going 6-0 SU but just 2-4 ATS as double-digit favorites this season.
Brandon Ingram was back in action last night after sitting out due to injury. He finished with 22 points but looked a little rusty from outside, shooting 1-for -6 from beyond the arc. He’ll get cleaner looks against a poor Sacramento perimeter defense.
Kings vs Raptors SGP
Kings +13.5
DeMar DeRozan Over 17.5 points
Brandon Ingram Over 1.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Canadian Beef
DeRozan will get a warm welcome from the Toronto crowd, but they could be cursing him by the time the final whistle blows.
With the Kings' rotation running paper-thin, he’ll get all the touches and minutes he wants tonight.
Kings vs Raptors SGP
Kings +13.5
DeMar DeRozan Over 17.5 points
DeMar DeRozan Over 4.5 assists
DeMar DeRozan Over 2.5 rebounds
Kings vs Raptors odds
Spread: Kings +13.5 (-110) | Raptors -13.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Kings +600 | Raptors -900
Over/Under: Over 226 (-110) | Under 226 (-110)
Kings vs Raptors betting trend to know
Toronto has gone Under the total in 31 of its last 50 games (+10.10 Units / 18% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Kings vs. Raptors.
How to watch Kings vs Raptors
Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSCA, TSN
Kings vs Raptors 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.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 31: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 31, 2026 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
10 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds
Mitchell felt more like a passive participant. He was mostly just moving the ball around, even in the second quarter, when the Cavaliers were looking like they were stalling on the offensive end. Games like this are fine when everyone has it going. The Cavaliers, after the first quarter, appeared to be heading this way, then they only scored 19 in the second. This is where Mitchell should’ve covered the cracks.
Grade: D
James Harden
17 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds
Harden appeared to have it going early, however when the wheels fell off in the second quarter, he just faded into the background. I don’t think it is a coincidence as well that the two biggest net negatives in terms of plus minus were Mitchell and Harden. When the offense is dialed up to an 11, it only makes their lack of defensive effort that much more noticeable.
Grade: C-
Evan Mobley
6 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal
This might have been Mobley’s worst game of the year. I don’t necessarily even think it can be put on him. The offense never seemed to look to get him in actions or set him up for success. Mobley only shot the ball four times, and when he had the ball, he was looking to create a look for someone else rather than himself. Kind of makes you think the past month for Mobley was not a sign of what’s to come.
Grade: F
Jarrett Allen
18 points, 2 assists, 4 rebounds
If the grades were based on the first half, Jarrett Allen might have gotten an A. I don’t think, considering the limited minutes that Allen played in the second half due to coaching decisions, I can give him that. Allen was leaps and bounds the best Cavalier in this game. Allen was running all around the court, driving in the lanes, hunting mismatches. Everything that reminds you of how critical he is to the Cavaliers’ success this season.
Grade: A–
Max Strus
11 points, 1 assist, 3 rebounds
Strus got the start tonight at the three and I think everyone was excited to see what that would look like. Strus played the part well when the five were out to start the game. Unfortunately, we really did not get to see them in closing action. Strus had a fine night all things considered. Hard to determine this unit and his impact when the game went off the rails in the second and then the plug was pulled in the third.
Grade: B–
Keon Ellis
7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal,
Ellis was the first player off the bench for the Cavaliers in this game.
Ellis’s offensive impact is so game-to-game, as well as his defensive sequences. It is so hard to envision what he could look over a potential seven-game series. It is certain for the Cavaliers that he cannot be the first reserve tapped in those situations.
Grade: C-
Craig Porter Jr.
0 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound
Let’s just stop and give these minutes to…
Grade: F
Tyrese Proctor
10 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists
Proctor has shown juice over the last few games. In no way does this mean he needs to be in the playoff rotation. However, it can be said that any minutes that are going to CPJ at this point in the season should be given to Proctor.
Grade: B
Dennis Schroder
9 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 turnovers
Schroder is the Caris LeVert experience, except we are seeing way more lows than highs thus far. While this was one of the better games as of late. It was buried in a poor team outing. Shroder cannot help a sinking ship that much is clear.
Grade: C
Thomas Bryant
14 points, 6 rebounds,
Bryant’s stat line benefits from the way the game went in the third quarter. Bryant’s minutes are still trending as a positive for the Cavaliers this season. It will be interested how the Cavaliers choose to deploy him in the postseason.
Grade: B-
Nae’Qwan Tomlin
9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Tomlin is really a tough watch at his point in the season. It feels like he eats the minutes of the injured players unavailable but does not really fill a certain archetype. Hard to see where his career trajectory is, however, it is very clear he is a coaching staff’s favorite.
But before the 41-year-old Murray, one of the top assistant coaches in the country, can really get started building his own roster in Chestnut Hill, Murray has a few last things to finish up at his old job at Connecticut before he can turn in his key card.
The most notable thing, of course, is helping the Huskies win their third national championship title in four years this weekend at the Final Four of the Men's NCAA Tournament in Indianapolis.
"BC is Back! This guy is the best. Will miss him greatly but so proud and happy for him. Long overdue opportunity. Good Bye Champ!," Murray's boss, Dan Hurley, tweeted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after Murray was announced as Boston College's next head coach on March 26.
With Murray, the son of legendary comedian Billy Murray, on the bench sitting next to Hurley, No. 2 UConn takes on No. 3 Illinois at 6:09 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 4 inside Lucas Oil Stadium
Here's what to know on Murray's status for the Huskies' Final Four and more:
Will Luke Murray coach in Final Four?
Yes, Murray is still expected to coach in the Final Four with UConn despite already having started in Chestnut Hill at Boston College.
He confirmed his plans to finish the season out with the Huskies in his introductory news conference on Tuesday, March 31.
"It's been chaotic (last few days) for sure. We won the Duke game, we got back to Connecticut about two in the morning...," Murray said. "... Got up Monday morning and drove up here to Boston. Spent all day in the office meeting with a lot of these guys. Obviously, here with all of you today. Tomorrow (Wednesday) morning I'm going back to Connecticut and we're flying to Indianapolis.
"Going to be in Indy all week and hopefully celebrating a national championship on Monday night."
Luke Murray gave the story of his first interactions with Boston College to eventually signing the contract to become Boston College's next head coach ahead of UConn's matchup with Michigan State in the Sweet Sixteen:
Relatively quiet day on the playoff scenario front after both the Lakers and Nuggets clinched playoff berths last night (thanks to Phoenix losing). Still a couple of games to watch. Here's what you need to know.
Playoff Scenarios
• The Cleveland Cavaliers are off for the night but can clinch a playoff spot with a Philadelphia 76ers loss — which is unlikely against tanking Washington. Still, it could happen.
Games to Watch
Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic (7 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass)
Atlanta is the No. 5 seed in the East, Orlando is No. 8, but only 2.5 games separate them — and only three games separate Atlanta from No. 10 Charlotte. Every game matters for teams in the middle of the East playoff chase, but this one counts double with two of these teams facing off. This is a rest advantage game for the Hawks, the Magic played last night (picking up a key win against Phoenix) and this is the Magic's third game in four days.
Boston Celtics at Miami Heat (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Two East teams headed to the postseason, but both needing wins to help their seeding. Boston is pretty securely the No. 2 seed right now, thanks to New York's recent stumbles, but it still needs wins to secure that spot, and to get a rhythm with Jayson Tatum back heading into the playoffs. Miami is a little more desperate. The Heat sit as the No. 9 seed, tied with Charlotte for 9/10 but just half a game back of Orlando for eighth (and a much easier path to the playoffs). Miami is coming off one of its best outings of the season, a 10-point win over Philadelphia on Monday night.
Jan 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) attempts to control the ball as Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. (44) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
SEGABABA! If that acronym doesn’t get you fired up, then you don’t love Bucks basketball—or you’re just too jaded after the grind of this season. Either way, the Bucks are back in action tonight against the Houston Rockets. On the road after a three-game home stand, the Bucks take on a Rockets team that has proven it’s good—you don’t win 60% of your games through luck—but not great, going 5-11 against Western Conference teams above them in the standings. Tonight’s game is the second and final one in the season series between Milwaukee and Houston, with the Rockets taking the first matchup 122-115 behind 31 points and seven assists from Kevin Durant and 23 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists from Alperen Sengun.
Where We’re At
We’ve reached the point of the season where weird is in full effect. Gary Trent Jr. approaching career-highs. Thanasis Antetokounmpo first-quarter minutes. Jericho Sims crossing up dudes on his way to posters. Alex Antetokounmpo minutes. We’ve even seen Andre Jackson Jr. enter the starting lineup—at point guard! While this mightn’t make the Bucks “must-see” in the sense that we’d hope at this time of year, it does make the season’s final games at least somewhat more interesting. Plus, the Bucks are actually coming off a win—just their sixth in their past 20 games!
Unlike the Bucks, the Houston Rockets will feature heavily in the NBA’s postseason. Currently sitting sixth in the Western Conference, the Rockets have survived starting point guard Fred VanVleet’s preseason ACL tear and Steven Adams’ season-ending ankle injury thanks to the consistent play of Durant and Sengun, and the growth of Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, and Jabari Smith Jr. Yet, much of their attention—at least recently—lies closer to home, with reports that the Rockets are expected to make a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason—even if the decision to do so isn’t an easy one. Yesterday, the Rockets made light work of the New York Knicks, jumping out to a 37-21 quarter-time lead and winning 111-94 in a well-balanced effort where no starter scored fewer than 13 points—or stood shorter than 6’7”!
Injury Report
With the Bucks and Rockets both on SEGABABAs, their official injury reports have not yet been submitted. However, it’s likely that Giannis (neck), Thanasis (calf), Kevin Porter Jr. (knee), and Bobby Portis (wrist) will remain out for Milwaukee, and Fred VanVleet (ACL) and Steven Adams (ankle) will remain out for Houston.
Player to Watch
Let’s go with Andre Jackson Jr., the man with nine lives. After largely non-eventful rookie and sophomore campaigns, A-Jax agreed to push back his contract guarantee date for this season, then came plummeted to 15th in our pre-season player rankings. Following this, he survived the roster logjam, first when Chris Livingston was waived, and then again when Tyler Smith was waived. But wait, there’s more! Despite playing in only 24 games and averaging 1.5 PPG, 0.8 RPG, and 1.0 APG in just 6.5 MPG—shooting an abysmal 25% from the field and 19% from three—Jackson stuck with the team through the trade deadline, and then, in perhaps his most surprising survival story yet, hung around when newly-signed Cam Thomas was waived so that Pete Nance could be converted to a standard roster spot. So, here we are, with Jackson in a stretch of meaningful minutes—prior to last night’s 4:43 minute total, he’d played at least 14 minutes in four straight games—looking to give Jon Horst a reason to pick up his team option for next season. Can he go Andre 3000, reinventing himself for the future in the city he once found himself a champion? Or is he who he is, a cat with nine lives who’s just about through the last one?
How To Watch
Tune in at 7:00 p.m. CDT on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.
As the NBA regular season continues to wind to a close, every day and game is becoming more and more important in a tight Eastern Conference — and Wednesday is set to be a massive day with some massive games.
As the Philadelphia 76ers sit smack in the middle of a cluster of about six teams within reach of each other for seeds No. 5 through 10, it’s important to be aware of everything going on around them right now. Winning is obviously paramount for the Sixers, but it doesn’t control their destiny.
So let’s take a look at what happened last night while the 76ers were off, how things shifted in the East, and the major day ahead.
Last night (Tuesday, March 31)
Here was the Eastern Conference before any games were played on Tuesday:
Three of the six relevant teams played yesterday: the Toronto Raptors, who started the day No. 5 in the East, the Orlando Magic (No. 8) and the Charlotte Hornets (No. 10).
The Raptors fell 127-116 to the East-leading Detroit Pistons, shifting them back from the No. 5 seed to the No. 6 seed and now half a game behind the Atlanta Hawks, who take over that fifth spot.
The Magic and Hornets, however, both won their contests. They remain in their same positions after the victories, but gain half a game of ground on the teams ahead of them, including the Sixers.
Today (Wednesday, April 1)
Now, let’s see how things look today.
Your Wednesday look at the East!
It's a HUGE night for the Sixers and the East in general. All five teams highlighted play: – Sixers face a tanking Wizards squad – Hawks and Magic play each other – Heat face strong Celtics squad – Raptors host tanking Kings pic.twitter.com/lje1e5YPS5
Comparing from yesterday and as mentioned above, Tuesday saw the Hawks overtake the Raptors by half a game for No. 5 while the Magic and Hornets each add a game in the win column.
What these results mean for the Sixers is that they now are just a game back from the No. 6 seed (Raptors), while holding just a single game lead over the Magic (No. 8) and a game and half over the Hornets (No. 10), losing a half a game of ground to each via their victories.
Looking at the photo above, all five teams highlighted play tonight, including Philadelphia. The No. 7 Sixers have a favorable matchup against a tanking Washington Wizards squad that have won just one of their last 20 contests.
The No. 6 Raptors, however, also face a tanking team in the Sacramento Kings. The Kings are slightly more threatening than the Wizards, having won seven of their last 20 games by comparison, but Toronto are still set to be heavy favorites even on the second leg of a back-to-back.
A huge matchup amongst the five teams features two playing one another — the No. 5 Hawks against the No. 8 Magic. A reminder that the Sixers have the tiebreaker over the Magic, but the Hawks have the tiebreaker over the Sixers.
Last but certainly not least we have the No. 9 Heat, currently a game and a half behind the Sixers, facing off with the tough Boston Celtics. This is good news for Philadelphia, who do not have the tiebreaker over Miami.
So, in summary, here are the games to pay attention to tonight:
No. 7 Sixers at Wizards, 7 p.m. ET
No. 5 Hawks at No. 8 Magic, 7 p.m. ET
Celtics at No. 9 Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET
Kings at No. 6 Raptors, 8 p.m. ET
Just over 10 days left in the regular season. Here we go!
A federal judge this week dismissed a securities fraud lawsuit brought by two men who claim they purchased Warner Bros. Discovery common stock “at artificially inflated prices” and who insist they were duped by allegedly false or misleading statements made by WBD chief executive officer David Zaslav as his company unsuccessfully tried to renew NBA media rights in 2024.
During WBD’s negotiations with the NBA, Zaslav offered remarks that the plaintiffs allege downplayed the importance of NBA rights to WBD or suggested he was confident a deal would be struck.
For example, as part of an earnings call held in February 2024, Zaslav optimistically spoke of WBD’s financial future due to a “global sports portfolio” and the company’s plan to “drive increased shareholder value.”
The lawsuit, filed by Anthony Yuson and Michael Steinberg, criticized Zaslav for these remarks. He allegedly omitted mention of how “NBA Rights were crucial to support the high carriage rates that WBD was able to command, produce significant advertising dollars, provide a ‘halo effect’ that boosted all of WBD’s other properties, and negotiate more favorable terms with other sports leagues.” From that same lens, the lawsuit maintains that Zaslav should have acknowledged that “WBD internally viewed the NBA Rights as a unique irreparable asset.”
Zaslav’s remarks during an earnings call in May 2024 were also slammed in the lawsuit. At the time, Zaslav emphasized how WBD had “matching rights that allow us to match third-party offers before the NBA enters into an agreement with them.” He added, “we’re hopeful that we’ll be able to reach an agreement that makes sense for both sides.”
The plaintiffs maintain Zaslav was disingenuous since, they claim, he knew WBD “could not in fact match NBCUniversal’s and Amazon’s bids.” For instance, Zaslav was aware NBCUniversal and Amazon “offered the NBA cross-promotion alongside their pre-existing NFL media rights, which WBD did not have.”
Also, WBD allegedly could not match Amazon’s ability to offer an internet streaming audience and infrastructure. To further this critique, the plaintiffs point out that while WBD submitted a bid that “equaled Amazon’s monetary offer,” the so-called “match” revised Amazon’s terms “so significantly” that it could not be understood as a match of Amazon’s offer.
U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla disagreed that anything Zaslav said could be construed as fraudulent.
In siding with arguments raised by Jonathan Polkes, Stacy Nettleton and other attorneys from White & Case who represented WBD and Zaslav, Failla reasoned Zaslav’s statements were, “at worst,” puffery. That term encompasses exaggerated, subjective assertions of optimism that are not intended to be taken as factual, are too general to cause a reasonable investor to rely upon them and are not actionable in securities law.
Along those lines, the judge underscored that Zaslav, as an executive engaged in business negotiations, didn’t break any laws when he described negotiations in a positive light—“even if,” Failla noted, “those negotiations later fail.”
She also emphasized that Zaslav and other WBD executives “repeatedly communicated to the public the importance to WBD of the NBA rights.” Those communications were made in various statements to the public, including WBD’s filings to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. To illustrate, the company’s 2023 Form 10-K bluntly acknowledged “failure to renew, renewal with less favorable terms, or termination of our content licenses and similar distribution agreements may cause a decline in our revenue.”
Failla also noted that “widely disseminated media reports” about the importance of NBA rights to WBD and the status of the negotiation informed investors and would-be investors about the situation. She pointed out that the plaintiffs’ complaint “itself proves the point” by citing media reports that offered specifics about the likely economic impact on WBD if it lost NBA games.
“To the extent” WBD’s disclosures “fell short,” Failla wrote (while emphasizing those disclosures did not fall short in her estimation), “media reporting filled in the gaps.”
The WBD-NBA saga ended up in court during the second half of 2024. WBD invoked the matching provision, but the NBA rejected it, claiming the revisions outlined by WBD rendered a non-match, and the NBA questioned WBD’s technological capacity to stream games in the same manner as Amazon. WBD sued the NBA in July 2025 for alleged breach of its matching right, with the parties reaching a settlement and hatching a new partnership four months later.
Yuson and Steinberg can appeal Failla’s ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
AUSTIN, TX - DECEMBER 6: Head Coach T.C. Swirsky of the Memphis Hustle speaks to his players during an NBA G-League game against the Austin Spurs on December 6, 2024 at H-E-B Center in Cedar Park, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Capital City Go-Go have regularly been a playoff team in the NBA G League. Currently they have a 19-17 record and will begin their playoff journey by facing off against the Cleveland Charge later today.
However, some of the coaches on Go-Go head coach Cody Toppert’s staff will not return. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, assistant coach TC Swirsky willl leave the team to join the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury as an assistant coach on Nate Tibbetts’ staff.
Washington Wizards G League assistant coach TC Swirsky is joining the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury as an assistant coach on the staff of Nate Tibbetts, league sources told @hoopshype. Swirsky was previously head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies’ G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. pic.twitter.com/61x5DWMBME
Before coming to the Go-Go and the Wizards’ organization, Swirsky was with the Memphis Grizzlies organization primarily with their G-League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. He was also the Hustle’s head coach.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 31: Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots against Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum on March 31, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks got back in the win column, 123-99, against the Dallas Mavericks last night as several familiar faces (including Khris Middleton), were back in town. The Bucks were piping hot, and the Mavs were ice cold—that’s really the main story of the contest. Sometimes, the game really is just about a bucket. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below.
Far from the first time this season, but Ryan Rollins looked like a poised veteran star in this one. He directed the offense very well and was part of every big Bucks run. The kid’s a stud. Not much else needs to be said.
Kuzma delivered a classic Kuzma performance while still impacting the game as much as anyone. He was inefficient, missed some threes badly, and turned it over a couple times—all hallmark Kuzisms—but don’t get it twisted, he was awesome. His aggression and interior scoring were crucial in the win.
Anyone who still thinks Myles Turner should be more involved in the offense just needs to accept learned helplessness at this point. He’s not much more than a catch-and-shoot big in this Bucks system. But he played that role effectively, draining three high-arching triples. His four blocks stand out too, of course.
Alongside Kuz, Sims was the spark that got the ball rolling for the Bucks in the first quarter. He faded somewhat into the background offensively after that (which is weirdly exactly how things played out on Sunday), but he continued to crash the glass and compete on D.
He’s had an up-and-down season, but lately, Green is starting to look like a matured, more well-rounded version of himself while still bombing threes. He’s getting to the free throw line with more regularity and guarding his yard defensively. How ‘bout six boards for him as well?
Trent didn’t have another 36-point explosion, but that’s not what Milwaukee needed him to do. He was a three-point specialist last night—the good kind, not the bad kind.
Ous’ statline overstates how well he played. His decision-making, shot selection, and shot-making have all been rocky lately. He needs to be more assertive in getting all the way to the rim versus settling for floaters. The youngster can also be too jumpy on fakes defensively.
Pete, man. What a gem this guy is. What a find. This wasn’t a spectacular game in any regard, just a pretty good one, but what did shine through is how unselfish he is. Nance always plays within himself and the team’s structure. He makes the extra pass, sets screens, rolls, works hard on defense… he does it all.
Grade: B
Doc Rivers
This was a replay of the Clippers game in the sense that the Bucks really did “play the right way,” as Doc loves to say. The ball was hopping. The chemistry was tangible. Milwaukee had the fortune of facing another tanking team in the Mavericks, so the win is only worth so much credit, but a win is a win!
Grade: B
Limited Minutes: Andre Jackson Jr., Alex Antetokounmpo
Inactive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis, Gary Harris, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Cormac Ryan
Bonus Bucks Bits
Doc Rivers on what it would mean to him to make the Hall of Fame:
“It would mean the world to me. I’ve done a lot. The numbers are the numbers. But it’s not, I swear, you know this, it’s not why I got into this, honestly, man. It’s the relationships, it’s the people. Even from the day I’ve been nominated, the calls… it’s in the hundreds of player calls. And some of the calls have been amazing cause I thought they didn’t like me anymore. Seriously, just because you get respect, sometimes, you have falling outs with players, and you don’t even worry about it, it’s just part of it, as a coach. It’s been amazing how many people that have reached out, and it’s made me, again, feel really good about just doing what I do.”
Doc on if a player or their former team has an advantage in a revenge game:
“It’s always the player. First of all, coach can’t do anything. I can’t go out and guard Khris, nor probably I could have as a player, so it wouldn’t matter. All I know is, when I was traded the first time, I was trying to give the Hawks 50 if I could, with the ability that I could probably only score 12. I don’t care how much you love the place, when you come back to a place, you wanna go at them.”
Jason Kidd on what it’s like being reunited with the new, older, NBA champion version of Khris Middleton:
“A lot easier. Nah, it’s great. We talked about this version of Khris, we joked about the shoe’s on the other foot. I talked to him about ZaZa (Pachulia) OJ (Mayo), that group that were the vets who were trying to help the younger players, and he had a great response. He goes, ‘you know, younger players don’t want to listen to the coaches or the vets, they know it all.’ I think Khris, again, being part of his journey early, incredible talent, and at this point in his career, still has a lot to give, not just physically, but mentally, being able to share his wisdom of his journey.”
Myles Turner moved up to 40th all-time in total blocks when he rejected Moussa Cisse in the third quarter.
Alex Antetokounmpo made his NBA debut and scored his first career points! Doc said Giannis was very nervous for his brother on the bench.
Up Next
The Bucks have a quick turnaround with a matchup in Houston against the Rockets tonight. Catch that one at 7:00 p.m. CDT on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, but expect a blowout loss.
