HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 18: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, 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. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After having a relatively long stretch in which their entire rotation was available, the Lakers took the floor in Detroit on Monday without a starter in Marcus Smart and key reserve Rui Hachimura.
Both were listed as questionable in the initial injury report. Prior to the team’s loss to the Pistons, head coach JJ Redick provided updates on both, starting with Rui’s right calf soreness.
JJ Redick says Rui Hachimura was hit in his right calf in the Miami game and it tightened up on him in the Orlando game. He had a MRI that came back clean. He is day to day, per Redick.
Ironically, Rui missed the last game against the Pistons with right calf soreness in late December. It was, however, a short-term injury that Rui returned from in about a week. However, it does show that there’s a bit of a history with this injury.
As for Smart, he has taken a beat recently and while he was listed on the injury report with right ankle soreness, he was also dealing with a hip injury.
Redick added that Marcus Smart is dealing with a right hip issue from the Orlando game as well as the right ankle from the collision with Goga Bitadze. Redick said Smart is also day to day. https://t.co/HW2u9cgdmi
The collision in question was one of the most absurd calls of the season for the Lakers in which a fairly innocuous coming together with Goga Bitadze ended with Smart receiving a technical foul.
The refs just gave Marcus Smart a tech foul for this play.
Given his injury history and the beating he takes on a game-to-game basis, having him sit out for a night or two to heal up isn’t the worst thing. Especially given the Lakers’ upcoming schedule, which includes games against Pacers, Wizards and Nets, sneaking in some rest for players wouldn’t be a bad strategy.
As for Rui and Smart, it appears neither injury is serious. The Lakers should be able to welcome them back soon and potentially in their road trip finale on Wednesday in Indiana.
ATLANTA (AP) — Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 26 points and eight Atlanta players scored in double figures as the Hawks routed the Memphis Grizzlies 146-107 on Monday night.
Atlanta outscored the Grizzlies in the first three quarters and had an insurmountable 41-point advantage at 116-75 after three periods. The Hawks led by 10 points (32-22) after one and 25 points (71-46) at halftime on the way to their 11th straight home win and 13th victory in 14 games. Atlanta kept its lead around 40 points through most of the final period, which was won by the Grizzlies 32-30.
Onyeka Okongwu and Jonathan Kuminga scored 16 points apiece, CJ McCollum had 15 and Dyson Daniels 12. Corey Kispert, Zaccharie Risacher and Jock Landale each added 11 as the Hawks shot 49 for 92 (53%) from the field overall and 25 of 54 (46%) from 3-point range.
Atlanta (40-32) had its highest point total of the season. The Hawks entered the game in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind Toronto, which was playing at Utah later Monday.
GG Jackson scored 26 points, Tyler Burton added 20, Ty Jerome finished with 17 and Walter Clayton Jr. 16 for Memphis, which shot 33% (14 for 43) from 3-point distance.
The Grizzlies lost for the 11th time in 12 games. Memphis' only victory in that span was a 125-118 decision over the Denver Nuggets on March 18.
The Hawks were without Jalen Johnson due to left shoulder inflammation.
Memphis was without Cedric Coward, who missed his third straight game due to personal reasons. The Grizzlies were also without Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke and Jahmai Mashack , who are recovering from injuries. And, Zach Edey, Santi Aldama, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Scotty Pippen Jr. are out for the remainder of the season with injuries.
Up next
Grizzlies: Host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 10: Pete Nance #35 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the first half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum on March 10, 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 John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ahead of their matchup with the Clippers, 110 minutes prior to game time, the Bucks announced one expected move and one somewhat unexpected. First off, they are converting forward Pete Nance from his two-way contract to a standard, multi-year deal. But in order to do that, they needed to open up a slot on their 15-man roster (two-way players aren’t included in that number), so they elected to waive guard Cam Thomas. That one’s a bit surprising.
Let’s begin with Nance: he had just one game remaining of his 50-game eligibility given to two-way players, so if Milwaukee wanted to make him active in any NBA game after tonight, he would have to be converted to a standard deal before the deadline for doing so on April 12th. He’s impressed a fair bit since first seeing rotation minutes in mid-January: while he averages just 4.5 MPG in 12.1 MPG, he shoots a stellar 56.4% from the field and 47.9% from deep. That comes with what appears to be capable perimeter defense; I’ve heard his athleticism compared unfavorably to his older brother Larry Jr. and his father, a former All-Star, but he moves his feet quite well and stays in front of his mark. His playing time ebbed a little bit in February, though he’s since been pretty consistently above 15 each contest.
All that considered, the 26-year-old looked a lot like part of Milwaukee’s future, and he seemed a near-lock to be promoted from his two-way. While contract terms haven’t been reported yet (we’ll update this story when they are), it will likely be a minimum deal, and include team options and/or non-guaranteed salary after this year. This is typical of late-season two-way conversions, so he may still have to earn his 2026–27 roster spot during camp, if not in Summer League.
The 6’9” Northwestern alum will make about $277k the remainder of the year; his minimum salary is projected to be just under $2.6m in 2026–27, which will be his cap hit if it is a three-year deal. If this is a two-year deal expiring in summer 2027, his cap hit will be just under $2.5m. Milwaukee technically opened a two-way spot converting Nance, but the deadline to sign two-way players was March 4th, so it’ll remain open into summer.
Now onto Thomas. After four-plus years in Brooklyn, the high-scoring 24-year-old was waived mere minutes after the NBA trade deadline on February 5th. And not long after, the Bucks were reported as interested, so he signed on February 8th. According to Thomas himself, Milwaukee had been interested in him for years and apparently sold him as being a part of their future. No reason to believe Thomas was lying about this, but it appears their calculus changed.
The results looked good early, with a 34-point outing in his second appearance with the Bucks on February 11th, then 27 two games later. Since then, however, he’s struggled to make a similar impact. He was in double-digits in just five of his following 14 games and shot a poor 37.8% from the field. A slightly below average three-point shooter (34% for his career), he dipped to 25% on 32 attempts after that February 20th game. All told, he put up 10.7 PPG as a Buck on .431/.275/.754 shooting, all beneath his career averages.
At 6’4”, he’s too small to play anywhere but guard, and doesn’t have any defensive chops. While he can sometimes create for others and move the ball, he’s mostly a ballstop, though one really good at creating his own shot and getting to the line. His free-throw rate jumped in Milwaukee, but he sank them 10% less often than his career 85.8% as a Net.
Thomas will return to the free-agent market in search of a new home, but can’t play in the postseason, which he may have thought he was doing when signing with the Bucks. Since he was waived after March 1st, he is ineligible to appear in any playoff games, so he may opt to play in a non-NBA league and/or sit out to try again this summer. Last summer, he picked up his qualifying offer from the Nets in order to hit unrestricted free agency in 2026, rather than restricted free agency a year early. His $845k cap hit will stay on the Bucks’ ledgers until the end of June, but Milwaukee is far beneath the luxury tax line and can afford to keep that while adding Nance’s $277k.
What’s surprising here is that Milwaukee is waiving Thomas just over a month-and-a-half after signing him instead of Andre Jackson Jr. These were always the two most logical release candidates when it became clear Nance should be converted because they could be the Bucks’ only two unrestricted free agents this summer outside of Thanasis Antetokounmpo, who obviously wasn’t getting cut. Jackson has a fully $2.4m non-guaranteed team option for 2026–27, so waiving him or Thomas, who has no money due to him next year, means Milwaukee would owe $0 to either after the season. Gary Harris, Gary Trent Jr., and Taurean Prince each have player options for next year worth $3.8–3.9m; if the Bucks waive one of them, that $3.8m would need to be stretched over three years, so $1.3m in dead cap every season through summer 2029.
However, I got some intel last week that Jackson was the release candidate, echoed by some comments from Doc Rivers during a pregame presser. Jackson was a key rotation piece much of last season, even starting 43 games, but has been relegated to garbage time in 2025–26. In 37 games, he’s averaging just 2.7 PPG on a stinky .258/.176/.900 shooting in 5.9 MPG. Strictly a defensive player at this point, he’s never broken into this year’s rotation and has played upwards of 10 minutes just five times. He’s had 33 DNP-CDs and saw no on-court action for over two weeks surrounding New Year’s.
Rivers’ reticence to play him during a lost season seemed to spell doom for his NBA future, but he’ll survive for now. In fact, Thomas had increasingly been on the outs lately too, with two DNP-CDs last week after just three minutes on March 12th. So it’s not exactly out of the blue, and you’ll certainly find fans who agree with Doc benching him, given some of his struggles in Milwaukee. With Giannis injured again, Thomas got back on the floor for 23 then 15 minutes since Thursday, but a 14-point outing followed up by seven on Saturday wasn’t enough to save him.
Nevertheless, signing him was a low-risk endeavor, and with Nance looking the part of a future rotation piece, there is nothing to be mad about moving on from Thomas. Sure, maybe some preferred Jackson and would have given Thomas a new contract this summer, but in either case, the Bucks assure themselves of keeping Nance, which is the more important part. All that’s actually changed here is the decision between retaining Jackson or retaining Thomas into 2026–27. Best of luck to Thomas elsewhere, and we’ll always appreciate that first week.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 23: VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 23, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
2025-26 Sixers Bell Ringer season standings:
Tyrese Maxey – 22 VJ Edgecombe – 11 Joel Embiid – 9 Paul George – 6 Justin Edwards – 4 Kelly Oubre Jr. – 4 Quentin Grimes – 3 Jared McCain :’( – 3 Dominick Barlow – 2 Andre Drummond – 2 MarJon Beauchamp – 2 Adem Bona – 1 Cam Payne – 1 Jabari Walker – 1 Trendon Watford – 1 15th roster spot – 1
The Philadelphia 76ers — well, still the Hospital Sixers — fell 123-103 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday evening.
The Sixers were without Joel Embiid (oblique), Tyrese Maxey (finger), Paul George (suspension), Kelly Oubre Jr. (elbow) and Quentin Grimes (illness). This was the final game of PG’s suspension and he is set to return to action on Wednesday.
So, VJ Edgecombe and company against the best team in the NBA, coming in on an 11-game win streak. It pretty much went as expected. In fact, I actually think it could have went much worse. The Sixers were never really in this one but they also didn’t let themselves completely fall out of it without a fight for the majority of it. Edgecombe was able to put up a floor-leading 35 points with a career-high seven threes. That part was fun at least.
The Sixers are off Tuesday before hosting the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. As stated, PG is expected to return for that one.
Until then, let’s get to the Bell Ringer. Take a guess.
<p>(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)</p><br> | NBAE via Getty Images
VJ Edgecombe got the Sixers’ night started with a triple on their first possession. He would end up knocking down a new career-high seven three-pointers in this one. That being said, it didn’t start as his most efficient night, shooting just 3-for-10 in the first frame, but he didn’t let it slow him down in the long run.
As this one played on, Edgecombe was really the main factor in the Sixers staying even relatively within the Thunder range throughout the night. The rookie was commanding the offense, stayed aggressive in transition to take any easy bucket the Sixers could get, took advantage of any open looks and hit a number of really difficult shots against a tough OKC defense.
Oh, and any inefficiency that affected him in the first half did not carry over to the second. Before halftime, Edgecombe shot 5-for-14 from the floor (3-for-8 from long range). After the break, the rookie shot 9-for-14 for field goals and 4-for-7 from beyond the arc.
I honestly think this was one of the very few best-case scenarios in this matchup. The reality was that the Sixers, sans four starters, were not likely going to beat the NBA-leading Thunder. Getting to see the rookie not only get more experience as the leader of the Sixers’ squad but to also look pretty damn impressive against a team like OKC individually is probably as good as it was going to get.
Edgecombe finished this one leading the field with 35 points on 14-for-28 (50.0%) field goal shooting and 7-for-15 (46.7%) from beyond the arc. He also had six rebounds, four assists and one steal.
VJ Edgecombe with his fifth triple of the evening. The rookie's up to 25 points and counting 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EXi0K0QOF9
Tyrese Maxey’s reaction to Jared McCain back-to-back threes
I may never stop laughing at this.
Just as we all knew would happen, Jared McCain wasted no time getting on the board when he was subbed in for Oklahoma City in the first frame. McCain quickly sank a triple on one possession before hitting a second triple right after off a pass and screen. The former Sixer, very fairly, had some things to say as he ran back up the court for defense.
And Tyrese Maxey, on the bench in plain clothes as he continues to recover from a tendon injury in his pinky, reacted like this:
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 11: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic on March 11, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers will likely finish fourth in the Eastern Conference, but we don’t know who they’ll face in the first round of the playoffs, given how tight spots five through 10 are in the Eastern Conference standings. One of the many teams that they could play is the Orlando Magic.
The Cavs won the first two meetings of the year against the Magic before Orlando defeated them 128-122 a week and a half ago behind a phenomenal game from Desmond Bane.
The Magic have struggled since that win. They’ve lost five games in a row coming into this one, including on Monday at home against a bad Indiana Pacers team. We’ll see if they can rebound against the Cavs on Tuesday.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE.
Cavs injury report: Jaylon Tyson – OUT (toe), Jarrett Allen – OUT (knee), Craig Porter Jr. – OUT (groin), Tyrese Proctor – QUESTIONABLE (quad), Olivier Sarr – OUT (G League), Tristan Enaruna – OUT (G League)
Magic injury report for Monday’s game vs. Pacers: Jalen Suggs – OUT (illness), Franz Wagner – OUT (ankle), Jonathan Isaac – OUT (knee), Anthony Black – OUT (abdominal strain)
Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley
Magic expected starting lineup: Desomond Bane, Jevon Carter, Tristan da Silva, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.
The Sweet 16 is almost here – who’s still alive? We’re reviewing the week that was in the first week of the NCAA tournament and turning our focus to remaining teams. How bad (or good!) is your bracket? Join us in the SB Nation March Madness Feed and let’s talk about who’s most likely to make a run to glory.
Lakers stars LeBron James, left, and Luka Doncic walk off the court after a 113-110 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday. (Nic Antaya / Getty Images)
The brush from a fingertip toppled the Lakers’ longest winning streak in six seasons.
The Lakers’ nine-game win streak ended Monday with a 113-110 loss to the Detroit Pistons when Luka Doncic missed a game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer after LeBron James’ inbounds pass was deflected by Tobias Harris.
Doncic had 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists, but was three for 13 from three and missed two big shots in the final seconds.
The superstar guard had been on a historic heater, averaging 40 points over the previous nine games. With nine seconds left, James tried to inbound the ball over Harris and across the court to Doncic, who had to chase down the deflected pass that also went off forward Maxi Kleber’s arm. Doncic collected the ball and danced with Detroit forward Jalen Duren, pump faking, spinning and stepping back before launching a sky-high three.
Doncic had made those types of circus shots look easy during the Lakers’ winning streak, their longest since the championship-winning 2019-20 campaign. Though the dramatic run ended, it reintroduced the Lakers (46-26) as a legitimate playoff threat as they rose from sixth in the Western Conference to third. Lakers coach JJ Redick believed that all along.
“I thought we could be a good basketball team the entire season,” Redick said. “We saw flashes of it. We saw short stretches of it, but we're a good basketball team, and I think we have to continue to play together.”
Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt dunks over Detroit's Jalen Duren in the first half Monday. (Nic Antaya / Getty Images)
Austin Reaves had 24 points, dueling with Detroit’s Daniss Jenkins in the final moments. Reaves put the Lakers ahead by one with 29.7 seconds left with a driving layup, bullying Jenkins toward the basket. Jenkins got revenge by hitting a midrange baseline jumper over Reaves to put the Pistons back in front with 25 seconds left. In the back-and-forth fourth quarter, the Lakers blinked first as Doncic missed a go-ahead jumper with 12 seconds left.
Without star guard Cade Cunningham, who was out with a collapsed lung, Jenkins led the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons (52-19) with 30 points and eight assists. Forward Jalen Duren had 20 points and 11 rebounds.
The Lakers won five consecutive clutch time games before Monday, three requiring late comebacks. They had to repeat the process after the Pistons built a 14-point advantage in the third quarter.
The Lakers looked disjointed early as James, Doncic and Reaves combined on seven-for-28 shooting in the first half. James was held without a point in the first half for just the third time in his career and for the first time since Dec. 20, 2010.
The 41-year-old didn’t hit his first shot until the 5:54 mark of the third quarter, draining a three from the wing. It sparked a 20-6 Lakers run that James fueled on both ends. He blocked a shot from Paul Reed on the next possession. He then assisted a three-pointer from Reaves. He finished a layup in transition off a steal by Doncic and an assist from Reaves.
James finished with 12 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds.
“I thought he did a good job of not just trying to score, but make the right play like he always does,” Redick said.
The Lakers were without Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart. Both are day-to-day. Hachimura got imaging on his right calf and it came back clear, Redick said, after he took a hit against Miami on Thursday. Smart injured his right ankle Saturday when an Orlando player fell on his leg. Smart is also dealing with right hip soreness from another fall in that physical game.
Smart leads the Lakers in overall plus-minus, a quiet cog who connects the Lakers’ constellation of stars. Not having him “killed us,” Redick said.
The Lakers’ winning streak coincided with the team’s best run of health this season, Redick said. The Lakers hope that staying healthy and maintaining the level of play they discovered during the stretch can carry them through the final 10 games.
“We were able to stay resilient and come back,” James said. “So we’re a tough-minded [group].”
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 23: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons plays defense during the game against Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers on March 23, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers’ win streak finally came to an end on Monday, but not without a valiant fight.
Despite trailing by as many as 16 points in the second half against the Pistons, the Lakers surged back to tie the game in the fourth before eventually falling down the stretch, losing 113-110.
The loss ends their win streak at nine games.
The two teams traded the lead multiple times in the final 40 seconds. Deandre Ayton and Daniss Jenkins each knocked down free throws. Reaves and Jenkins then traded jumpers. A miss by Luka allowed Jenkins to put Detroit up three before Luka’s desperation three off a broken play came up well short.
Both sides were shorthanded on the night, though Detroit more notably than LA. The Pistons are still without Cade Cunningham due to a collapsed lung while the Lakers saw both Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura miss the game due to minor injuries.
Unlike the previous meeting between the two teams, the Lakers held their own in the paint, outscoring the Pistons 58-48 in the paint. They also scored 16 fastbreak points to Detroit’s eight. The Pistons negated some of that by knocking down 11 threes to LA’s eight and turning 12 Lakers turnovers into 17 points.
Luka Dončić got things started with a midrange shot off the glass. Ausar Thompson responded with a wide-open dunk on the other end after a defensive collapse from the Lakers. Jake LaRavia, who was put into the starting lineup for the injured Marcus Smart, picked up two early fouls.
LA was one for nine from behind the arc.
Both teams were struggling to find consistency offensively. Detroit was shooting 22% from the field and Los Angeles was shooting 23%. Luka was leading the Lakers with five points and Austin Reaves had two points.
The Pistons had three players with two points with 6:26 left in the quarter.
The offenses started to pick up late in the frame as Luka was now in double figures with 17 points. Jaxson Hayes came in and was playing excellent defense with two blocks. Luke Kennard also drained his first triple of the game from the same spot he won Saturday’s contest in Orlando.
At the end of the first, the purple and gold were up by four.
Jarred Vanderbilt, who's been out of the rotation the last several games, got the Lakers two extra possessions late in the 1st, helping LA go up by 7 prior to a last-second 3 from Detroit to end the quarter.
Caris LeVert started the second period with a shot in the paint for the Pistons. On the other end, Jarred Vanderbilt had an easy dunk for LA. Detroit went on a 13-2 scoring run, giving them a seven-point lead.
Reaves stopped that run by converting on a three-point play.
In the quarter, the Lakers were shooting 42%, while Detroit was shooting 54%. Daniss Jenkins knocked down back-to-back triples, leading to a 10-point deficit for LA. Jenkins was leading all Pistons with 15 points.
With 3:25 left in the half, Los Angeles still only had one player in double figures.
LaRavia converted on a layup that stopped some of the bleeding. Duncan Robinson responded with two 3-pointers, giving the Pistons an even bigger cushion. The Lakers struggled through the end of the half, leaving them with a 13-point deficit at halftime.
Detroit had 5 made 3's in the 2nd Q, to 0 from the road-weary Lakers, helping the Pistons push to a 65-52 lead at the half.
Robinson started the third period with a quick six points off two triples. Reaves began this quarter with five points for LA. Luka started cooking with six points, trying to keep Los Angeles in it.
At the 6:50 mark, the Lakers were down by 11 thanks to the efforts of Luka and Reaves.
Jenkins knocked down his fourth 3-pointer of the game. LA went on an 8-0 run, led by LeBron as he started to heat up with his first points of the night. Reaves had 12 points in a big quarter of his own.
LeVert converted on a midrange jumper to slow LA’s surge.
It didn’t work, though, as the Lakers’ scoring run was up to 12-4, leading to a six-point deficit. They had gotten it to four before Jenkins scored on a layup. The Pistons were 8-20 from the field in the period.
The Lakers have been fantastic in the second half on this trip, and they start the 3rd Q here on a 27-18 push to cut a 13-point margin down to as few as 4.
LaRavia drained a 3-pointer that was much-needed both for himself and the team. LA ended the third on a 20-8 scoring run to make it just a two-point deficit. Luka and Reaves combined for 21 points in that quarter.
The final frame began with Jalen Duren getting fouled and converting on both free throws. After a flurry of turnovers and missed shots, the Lakers eventually got on the board with a layup by LeBron.
At the nine-minute mark, the game was tied.
Duren converted on a pair of free throws to give the Pistons the two-point edge to start a 6-0 run. LeBron cut the deficit in half with three free throws. With 5:50 left, Detroit was up by seven. LA went back and forth cutting the deficit from seven to five multiple times.
With 2:55 left, the Lakers were now within three.
Kennard was fouled from behind the arc and converted on all three free throws to tie the game. Harris then scored on the other end on a midrange jumper, giving the Pistons a two-point lead again.
Ayton was fouled and converted on a free throw to make it a one-point deficit with 1:56 left. With 39 seconds left, Ayton was fouled again and converted on both to give LA the lead by one.
Los Angeles did not manage to get the stop, sending Jenkins to the charity stripe where he converted on both to put Detroit back up by one with 34.6 seconds left. Reaves immediately scored on a shot in the paint, putting LA back up by one with 29.7 seconds left.
Jenkins then scored on the other end as Detroit took the lead again. Luka had the opportunity to put Los Angeles back ahead with an elbow jumper but missed. Jenkins was fouled and converted on both free throws to give the Pistons the lead by three with 9 seconds left.
The Lakers had the opportunity to tie it, but a broken play on the ensuing inbound led to a contested deep three from Luka falling short.
Key Player Stats
Luka finished with 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists. LeBron was held scoreless in a half for the first time since 2010. Still, a big second half saw him end with 12 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists. Reaves notched 24 points with five assists.
Ayton scored 13 points with 10 rebounds. Hayes logged 11 points with three rebounds and four blocks.
The Lakers’ next matchup will be against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday at 4:00 PM PT.
Mar 23, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) stretches before coming back into the game against the Miami Heat during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
San Antonio bludgeoned the once-vaunted Miami defense with three straight quarters of 30+ point scoring on their way to a 136-111 road win. The Heat and Spurs began this late season matchup with the proper respect and went after each other with a physicality resembling a conference semifinals game. But with matching 38 point bursts to counter all of the physicality that the Heat threw at them, the Spurs put up nearly 80 points in a first half that just missed the mystical 50/40/90 mark (52% FG, 45% 3-Pt, 88% FT). San Antonio did not let off the gas from there, as they started the second half with a white-hot 13-0 run to put the game away and make it five straight games where the Heat have given up 120 points or more.
Wembanyama (26 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 blocks) had himself an all-around brilliant night along with too many highlight plays to keep track of. Stephon Castle (19 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists), and 2 steals and De’Aaron Fox (14 points and 6 assists) provided plentiful support of their MVP and DPOY candidate. San Antonio’s bench demonstrably showed up, as Keldon Johnson (21 points and 6 rebounds) and Dylan Harper (21 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds) bullied their Heat counterparts, while Carter Bryant (6 points and 7 rebounds) continued to impress with his dogged on-ball defense. Miami’s veterans led the way in defeat and were the only ones to get into double digits – Tyler Herro (18 points and 5 rebounds), Bam Adebayo (18 points and 4 assists), and Norman Powell (21 points).
The starting guards were front and center in a highly competitive and physical first 12 minutes – Fox for the Spurs and Herro for the Heat. There was much offense to be had all around, as the teams put up 40+ points combined by the halfway mark. San Antonio was able to create some separation late in the quarter through the playmaking of Fox and Harper. Herro, Wiggins, and Adebayo supplied roughly 70% of the team’s output until Kasparas Jakucionis hit two late threes to close Miami within seven.
After some quiet moments, Wembanyama figured on the next five San Antonio baskets – four baskets and one assist – and made the second quarter his own personal playground. Undeterred, Norman Powell and Adebayo closed the gap with some needed scoring for Miami. More important than the persistently impressive offense, the San Antonio’s rookies, Bryant and Harper, made their presence known by hounding Miami’s ballhandlers. In a game seemingly made for him, Johnson’s eight point flurry (which drove Austin Rivers to repeatedly call him ‘bowling ball’) drove the Spurs to 76-58 going to the break.
An opening 13-0 run done with frightening fervor, including two lobs to Wembanyama, pushed San Antonio ahead by as much as 29 and put them in the driver’s seat. Miami did start finding their collective shooting stroke later in the third, but there was too much distance between the teams by then.
Observations
‘Still competing hard’ sequence of the game: Late in the fourth quarter, Luke Kornet turned away a Jakucionis floater after his teammates had forced several other misses.
The Kings have littered with the league with so many quality guards that they’ve given up on – Davion Mitchell being another one of them.
NBC sideline reporter Jordan Cornette sounds like actor Anthony Anderson.
As of now, the Spurs’ best zone busters (occupying the soft center of the defensive zone): Vassell, Johnson, Harper, and late 2025 Harrison Barnes.
These are the types of games that Andrew Wiggins could have made a greater impact on, but that’s been his career in a nutshell.
Sequence of the Game #1: Midway through the opening stanza, and right after he entered the game, Harper drove his defender right beneath the hoop, and then flipped a pretty reverse over his head for his first points. (He repeated that same move late in the half off a pretty wraparound pass from Wembanyama).
Sequence of the Game #2: Late in the opening frame, Harper saved a Spurs turnover by swatting away Jaime Jaquez’ lay-up attempt, and Johnson rewarded that hard-nosed defense by converting a lay-up at the other end.
Sequence of the Game #3: Acknowledging that words don’t describe how great this was to watch live…. partway through the second period, Bryant lofted a feathery lob to Wembanyama on one possession, and the center returned the favor on the next one. After forcing an Adebayo miss, Wembanyama took a feed from the free throw line and threw down a one-hand slam to which Mike Tirico could only scream “GET OUTTA HERE! GET OUTTA HERE!”
Game Rundown
Both teams traded buckets over the first couple of minutes. Fox scored from all three levels to get an early eight points. Miami was able to pester San Antonio on their drives and crowd their spaces, and Wiggins’ two jumpers helped them stay on the Spurs’ heels. Vassell hit a left corner three, and moments later, had a chance for a rightside leaner but instead fed Johnson at the same spot for a swish. After snaring an offensive rebound, Castle took a vicious hit to the side of his head from Jaquez’s knee and immediately exited. Fox got to double digits on a floater to put San Antonio ahead five. Jakucionis connected on two triples, but Barnes’ handful of points kept the Spurs ahead 38-31.
Wembanyama blocked two Heat attempts – one on each side of the rim(!) – to keep the Heat momentarily off the scoreboard. On what might be the greatest 6-0 Wemby-era run, Wembanyama and Bryant fed each other lobs, and those actions were punctuated by the Defensive Player of the Year forcing a brutal Adebayo miss on one end and cramming a thunderous jam in transition. Castle’s personal 5-0 run helped put San Antonio 18 and the team passed 60 points with 5+ minutes to go. Consecutive threes from Johnson helped preserve that advantage and the Spurs went to the half up 18.
Miami got and missed countless wide open perimeter attempts to start the third period but the Spurs went scoreless for nearly two minutes themselves until Wembanyama’s floater. Devin Vassell’s catch-and-shoot and-1 put San Antonio up 21, and San Antonio never looked back from there.
For the Heat fan’s perspective, please visit Hot Hot Heat.
San Antonio takes on GG Jackson and the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night at 7:00 PM CDT.
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 22: Ben Saraf #77 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 22, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Nets lost (or won) depending on how you look at it against the Kings. We’re in the final stretch and guys are going down. Egor Demin is done for the year, Michael Porter Jr. is out at least 2-3 weeks, and Danny Wolf left the game with an ankle sprain. We’ll see what these guys got on the second night of a back-to-back.
This is tonight’s injury report:
Wolf: OUT – Left Ankle Sprain
Powell: OUT – Left Knee Injury Management
Mann: OUT – Rest
Porter Jr.: OUT – Left Hamstring Strain
Clowney: OUT – Right Wrist Sprain
Sharpe: OUT – Left Thumb Surgery
Dëmin: OUT – Left Plantar Fascia Injury Management
Enjoy the Late Night Nets™️
🏀 KEY INFO
Who: Brooklyn Nets (17-54) at Portland Trail Blazers When: 10:00 PM ET Watch: YES Network
💬 DISCUSSION
Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 23: Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives past Dominick Barlow #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 23, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It turns out when your most anticipated game for the second half of the season is the return game of a player you traded at the deadline, that is not a good sign.
The Sixers were crushed 123-103 by the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday night.
They are 39-33, awaiting the results of the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks games for any potential standings movement.
VJ Edgecombe impressively navigated one of the best defenses in the league, leading all scorers with 35 points going 14-of-28 from the floor and a career-high 7-of-15 from deep.
Jared McCain made just enough baskets to keep everyone angry, finishing with 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting in his return to Philadelphia. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 22.
On top of Tyrese Maxey (finger strain), Joel Embiid (oblique strain), Paul George (suspension), Kelly Oubre Jr. (elbow strain) and Johni Broome (meniscus tear), Quentin Grimes was also out for the Sixers with an illness. OKC was without Ajay Mitchell who’s suspended for one game.
Here are some thoughts at the buzzer.
First Quarter
Coming out chucking served the Sixers well to start. Edgecombe, Justin Edwards and MarJon Beauchamp, who started in place of Grimes, each hit their first three of the night. The Sixers couldn’t get anything going inside though, turning it over three times by just dropping the ball and an Edgecombe layup being swatted.
Two more threes for the Sixers here early courtesy of Justin Edwards and MarJon Beauchamp pic.twitter.com/szws4E98yB
The bigs were immediately a matchup problem with Isaiah Hartenstein already vying for offensive rebounds and Chet Holmgren hitting one three stretched the floor quite a bit. On the other end, Edgecombe was able to get open using screens, but it took him a couple attempts to knock down that midrange pull-up.
The cheers for McCain as he checked into the game were loud, but the cheers for when he made his first two threes of the night may have been louder. To rub salt in the wound, both of those were movement threes playing off his center. Fittingly, Cam Payne tried to keep the Sixers close making his first two jumpers of the night, but only one of those were from behind the arc. Even when the Sixers thought they had drawn SGA’s third foul of the quarter, that was overturned by a challenge. A corner three from Edgecombe cut the Thunder lead to 10 after the first.
The start of this one went like it was scripted. The first Thunder basket of the quarter was an Isaiah Joe three-pointer fresh off of checking into the game. Despite only playing two games since January, Jalen Williams wasn’t showing much rust, moving well to his spots while also setting up his bigs.
Dalen Terry got a couple touches to show off. He made a layup in transition, but was way off on his corner three attempt. Watford was effective with his post-ups, but it’s hard to play catchup when the only offense comes from such a slow setup.
Two quick buckets from Trendon Watford and the Sixers aren't letting the Thunder completely run away with things just yet pic.twitter.com/Peu7oN1E5Q
At least those post-ups were something though. As the starters shuffled back in the Sixers went nearly seven minutes without a field goal and almost six minutes without points. Turning the ball over 11 times in the half didn’t help that effort. Again it was Edgecombe breaking that up, getting to his midrange pull-up before hitting a three on the following possession. The Sixers continued to swarm the paint and give up wide-open threes in the corner on the other end. The last five shots of the half for the Thunder were corner threes as they took a 22-point lead into the break.
Third Quarter
Nick Nurse felt he needed more size as Andre Drummond started the second half in place of Adem Bona. He was able to force a Holmgren miss by the basket and knock down a corner three moments later. Edwards also made his first two shots of the half after having missed his last three. A couple more stops and a three from Beauchamp had OKC calling a timeout to stop a 13-4 Sixers run.
The timeout had its desired effect, with the Thunder responding with a 9-2 run. Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander got back to getting to the paint, creating a good look or two for their bigs in the process. It wasn’t his most efficient night but Edgecombe’s ability to get to his spots was a real positive. He navigated screens really well to get himself open and made enough to feel good about it.
The amount of three-pointers he took and missed is really what skewed his shooting line — he would finally get two more to fall though, hitting one from each corner. Technically the Sixers did win the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 18.
Fourth Quarter
For how banged up they are, these particular Sixers deserve a little credit for hanging around every time the Thunder were on the verge of making things really ugly. Thanks to Edgecombe’s relentless attacking they were able to chop the lead down every time the Thunder got it up to 20. Not that it really matters, but if this game happened a couple weeks ago, it’s easy to believe they’d have been down 40 points a long time ago.
McCain hadn’t made a shot since the first quarter, so naturally he got on the board again right when the crowd was worked into a frenzy. Drummond was on the wrong end of a bad offensive interference call in between a wide open drive for McCain and a corner three.
A rare above the break three from Drummond shortly after kept the Sixers within 16, but that was the best they could do on the night. A crooked loss for sure, but with Edgecombe’s play as the lead guard and Paul George set to return next game, things look a lot less bleak than they did a week ago for the Sixers.
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 20: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 20, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors are, mercifully, wrapping up their six-game road trip tonight. No matter what happens against the Dallas Mavericks, the six-city jaunt has been a struggle and a failure … but they can at least end it on a high note.
Thankfully, there might be reinforcements. Here’s the full injury report for both teams.
Warriors
Out — Steph Curry (right patellofemoral pain syndrome)
This is the 22nd straight missed game for Curry, though it’s finally looking like a return is around the corner. He should practice this week, which is a big step in the right direction.
Out — Al Horford (right soleus strain)
Not sure when we’ll see Horford back in the lineup. It’s certainly not out of the question that his season is over.
Out — Jimmy Butler III (right ACL surgery)
No new news on Butler, which is probably a good thing given that he’s still 10 or so months away from returning.
Out — Quinten Post (right foot injury management)
The Dubs will be down at least two centers tonight. Post continues to nurse an aching foot, as he — and the team — limp to the finish line. He certainly hasn’t been at his healthiest, or best.
Out — Seth Curry (left adductor strain)
Curry is still hoping to get back on the court and play more than just four games this season, but it’s no sure thing.
Questionable — Moses Moody (right wrist sprain)
After 10 straight games on the sidelines — he hasn’t played in March — Moody could rejoin the Dubs tonight. Wouldn’t that be great to see!
Probable — Kristaps Porziņģis(left low back injury management)
When Porziņģis left Saturday’s game with back pain, I didn’t think we’d see him again fro a while. Backs are tricky things, especially for players who have injury histories as extensive as Porziņģis. Him getting back on the floor would be huge, especially with Post and Horford out.
Probable — De’Anthony Melton (left hand contusion)
Melton’s play has been hot-and-cold lately, but there’s no denying that the Warriors need him, especially with Curry out.
Mavericks
Out — Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery)
Irving hasn’t played this season, and that’s not going to change. His focus is on getting healthy for next year.
Out — Brandon Williams (concussion protocol)
After playing just 74 games, combined, from his debut season in 2021-22 through last year, Williams has finally found a home in Dallas, playing in 60 games and averaging 12.8 points per game. Unfortunately, a concussion has kept him out for a week.
Out — Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery)
Lively has a lot of promise, but has been bit hard by the injury bug. After a strong rookie season, he’s played in just 43 games in two years since. He’s out for the year.
Out — Caleb Martin (right heel contusion)
Martin’s been out for the last week, and that won’t change today. He’s averaging a career-low 3.9 points per game this year.
Enjoy the game, Dub Nation! It tips off at 6:30 p.m. PT on NBC Bay Area and Peacock.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 21: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts from the bench against the Atlanta Hawks during first quarter at State Farm Arena on March 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Paras Griffin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Back on March 21, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that Steph Curry — rehabilitating his runner’s knee — would be cleared for a scrimmage in Atlanta the following morning.
Steph Curry will get a scrimmage in tomorrow morning in Atlanta. It’s the next big checkpoint in his nearing return.
However, it turns out that Curry did not scrimmage in Atlanta. Rick Celebrini, the Warriors’ director of sports medicine and performance, did not clear Curry for a scrimmage. Instead, he and Curry did more court/rehab work. According to the Warriors, this doesn’t necessarily signal a setback; rather, that Curry just wasn’t ready to progress to the next stage of recovery.
Steph Curry wasn't cleared for the scrimmage in Atlanta on Sunday morning, per Warriors. Just did more court/rehab work with Rick Celebrini. Warriors saying there was no setback. He just wasn't yet ready to advance to next stage.https://t.co/avYZJZKrnX
Jan 22, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) dives for the ball during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks (23-48) are still home for this Monday night nationally televised game against the Golden State Warriors (33-38). Dallas is on a three-game losing streak, falling on Saturday to the Los Angeles Clippers in overtime. The Warriors have also lost three in a row, most recently losing to the Atlanta Hawks.
Here are the main things you need to know:
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors
WHAT: Welcoming the Steph Curry-less Warriors
WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
WHEN: 8:30 pm CST
HOW: Peacock
It’s a pretty clean injury report for the Mavericks. Brandon Williams is still out with a concussion. Caleb Martin is questionable with a heel contusion, but that’s been the case for several days. The two-way contract players are all questionable as well and will likely be a game-time decision. The Mavericks are in a good spot compared to the Warriors
Golden State has a long, long injury list. Steph Curry is missing the game with whatever “Right Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome” means. Al Horford is out due to a “right soleus strain”, which also feels made up. Jimmy Butler tore his ACL a while back. Quinten Post will also miss this game with foot injury management. Seth Curry will also miss this game. De’Anthony Melton and Kristaps Porzingis are probable. Moses Moody is questionable.
No idea how this one goes. Dallas has more talent, but the Warriors play a weird style of basketball and Dallas seems very capable of losing out, which is shocking even to me as someone who isn’t invested in the team winning at all.
Be sure to chime in with your predictions in the comments!
Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start LATE. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!
Markelle Fultz, the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA draft who has bounced around the league for eight years, has signed a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, the team announced.
Fultz played in six games this season for the Raptors G League team, the Raptors 905, and averaged 9.8 points and 5.3 assists per game. He scored in double figures in four of the games, including 17 points in a road victory over Rip City on March 20. The Raptors 905 claimed Fultz off the waiver wire earlier in March.
Fultz was famously the No. 1 pick of the 2017 NBA draft, however, he was dealing with a shoulder/nerve issue and between his college season at Washington and when he started playing for the 76ers, his shot changed. Things did not work out in Philly, and he ended up in Orlando, out of the spotlight. He fixed his game enough to become a solid rotation player and start 60 games for the Magic in one season. In total, Fultz has played in eight NBA seasons, including 21 games at the end of last season for Sacramento.
Current Toronto reserve point guard Jamal Shead has struggled recently, including shooting 1-of-6 Sunday against Phoenix, notes Michael Grange of SportsNet. Fultz may be given a chance to take over that reserve role.
Sacramento Kings guard Markelle Fultz bringing the ball up court.
A former No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft is now on his third NBA franchise in three years.
Markelle Fultz, who had been picked first overall in the 2017 draft by the 76ers, signed a 10-day contract with the Raptors, hoping for a shot to help the team down the stretch run of the season.
Sacramento Kings guard Markelle Fultz bringing the ball up court. AP
The Raptors currently sit in fifth in the Eastern Conference and seem to be looking to bolster their depth at the point guard position, with Immanuel Quickley dealing with plantar fasciitis in his right foot.
Fultz has not played in an NBA game since last season, when he suited up for 21 games with the Kings, for whom he averaged 2.9 points per game, along with one rebound and 1.3 assists.
The University of Washington product has spent some time this season playing for the Raptors’ G League affiliate, Raptors 905.
He’s averaged 9.4 points, 6.2 assists and 2.2 turnovers in five appearances with the G League team.
Fultz could be available for the Raptors in the postseason since he was not on an NBA roster after March 1.
Fultz never panned out into the player he was expected to be coming out of college.
The 76ers traded the No. 3 pick and another first-round selection in 2017 to move up to the top spot in the draft to take Fultz.
Markelle Fultz of the Raptors 905 dribbles the ball during the game against the Delaware Blue Coats on March 8, 2026 NBAE via Getty Images
Injuries have followed Fultz since he was picked, and he ended up playing in fewer than 20 games in both of his first two seasons in the NBA.
He developed into a strong defensive player and ended up playing five seasons in Orlando, with his best being the 2022-23 campaign when he shot 51.4 percent from the field and averaged 14 points.
