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Social media reactions to UNC hiring Michael Malone

Mar 9, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone talks to guard Jamal Murray (27) during a break in the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

After a couple of weeks of excruciating patience, the North Carolina Tar Heels have their new head coach. Former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone is bringing his talents to Chapel Hill, which was an unexpected hire by many. His name started getting brought up near the end of UNC’s coaching search, but nobody really knew how much there was behind that. Now he is the guy that will try his best to return the Heels to the elite ranks in college basketball, and the immediate reviews are pretty mixed.

First, let it be known that former UNC players who have spent time in the NBA really like this move. Theo Pinson and Ty Lawson were two Tar Heels that sounded off immediately via X.

Tyler Hansbrough was one of the first Tar Heels to mention Malone before the school ultimately hired him. He told Field of 68 that he felt like the former Nuggets coach could get some momentum in the coaching search.

After the hire happened, Hansbrough discussed how pumped he was about the hire, saying that he felt like it was the best remaining decision.

On the ACC Basketball Podcast, Joel Berry asked Danny Green about the hire, and Green feels like bringing in a NBA guy that knows how to develop players is huge. He also pointed out that Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was drafted 41st overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, and Malone had a sizable role in developing one of the best players in the NBA.

Finally, Seth Trimble sounded off on Instagram with his approval of the Michael Malone hire.

Outside of the Carolina alumni bubble, things are way more mixed in terms of whether or not this was a good move. In the Field of 68 video that was recorded after Malone was hired, Jeff Goodman pushed back on Hansbrough stating that former NBA guys have not had a good track record in the college ranks. But if that is the case, why did anybody want current Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan so badly? Bomani Jones is one of those people, and he expressed his confusion on The Right Time.

Jones’ reaction signaled what it feels like a lot of fans were going through, which is confusion. Throughout the entire search, we heard a handful of specific names that ultimately did not pan out. One could argue that having such a harsh reaction over the hire is projection for some — there were a lot of people that thought they knew who UNC was actually after that did not see the Michael Malone hire coming. CBS Sports’ Seth Davis expressed this sentiment in his post regarding the hire.

To be fair, Seth Davis wouldn’t like UNC if they hired Coach K in his prime, but the fact remains that a lot of people were caught off guard by the hire. But here’s the thing: Michael Malone didn’t come out of nowhere for those who paid enough attention (and admittedly, I did not pay enough attention). By now everyone has caught wind of the fact that his daughter plays volleyball for the program, and he also had spent time around the basketball program this past fall. He even made time to make an appearance on the Carolina Insider Podcast with Jones Angell and Adam Lucas. One thing he has that Billy Donovan, Tommy Lloyd, and Dusty May didn’t have is some type of tangible tie to the program. It remains to be seen if he’s willing to completely buy in, but this clip of him talking to Kenny Smith while wearing a Tar Heels hoodie should at least warm fans’ hearts a little bit.

For fans that want a reason to be optimistic, it is clear that many players are a big fan of this move. Nobody knows ball like the guys that used to play it, especially the ones that played both for UNC and played in the NBA. For those who seek pessimism, there are more than enough questions that need to be answered. Can Malone handle the NIL/Transfer Portal era? Can he even coach at the college ranks? Will the harsh reality that players at this level aren’t nearly as good as they are in the NBA be too much for him? We can only hope that he can check every box and return UNC to glory, but there’s a lot of work that needs to be done between now and November in order to accomplish that.

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Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. declares for 2026 NBA draft: Latest mock projection

NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr.  is expected to go in the first round after declaring for the NBA draft on Tuesday. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the guard's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Mikel Brown Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 10 overall, Milwaukee Bucks

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Milwaukee Bucks need to simply draft the best player available with whatever pick they have and will likely keep Louisville floor general Mikel Brown Jr. highlighted on their big board. The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and was among the freshmen leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year, per CBB Analytics. Brown was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including 45 points against NC State on Feb. 9, while hitting 10 shots from beyond the arc, before an injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 9.0 here

Mikel Brown Jr. player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

  • Position: Guard
  • Current Team: Louisville
  • 18.2 points per game
  • 3.3 rebounds per game
  • 4.7 assists per game
  • 41.0 field goal percentage
  • 34.4 three-point field goal percentage

Milwaukee Bucks 2026 projected draft picks

  • No. 10

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mikel Brown Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Louisville star is expected to land after March Madness

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Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 5: John Konchar #55 of the Utah Jazz looks to drive the ball during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on April 5, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Utah Jazz are rolling into New Orleans for a vital end-of-season game. Like their counterparts at the top of the Western Conference standings, every game at this point is important for seeding. For the Jazz, of course, it’s ticking up the losses column that matters most; the Jazz hold the tiebreaker over the Sacramento for fourth (worst) place, monumental for eliminating any remote chance at conveying their pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Jazz are not in the clear yet, however. The Pelicans remain a poor basketball team that sits at 25-54, despite gaining no advantage from losing this season. And even if Utah comes out with a loss tonight, they face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, who share the same record as New Orleans and are looking into rise up the draft board.

The Jazz will likely feature a sparse roster tonight, with both Ace Bailey and Kyle Filipowski questionable:

For New Orleans, lead guard Dejounte Murray is questionable with a left hand contusion and wing Trey Murphy is out with a right angle sprain.

How to watch

Who: Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans

When: 6:00 PM MT

Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, La.

How to watch: Jazz+, KJZZ

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Knicks Bulletin: ‘I’m good. I’m chilling’

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 16: An Atlanta Hawks fan displays his Magic City hoodie prior to the game between the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 16, 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New York Knicks somehow, some way, silenced the doubters and the haters by beating a .500-plus team for the first time in a month.

Y’all happy now?

Here’s the latest and spiciest quotes coming straight outta Magic City.

Mike Brown

On the Brunson-Towns two-man game against the Hawks:

“KAT and Jalen … they did what they were supposed to do. It’s no secret that we put them in the two-man game, and those guys delivered on the offensive end of the floor along with everyone else.”

On team composure late:

“Our guys stayed with it, and there wasn’t a panic. The bench was really, really good. Just the chatter. Guys were encouraging one another and uplifting one another. Jose hadn’t played the last couple of games, and he was more into the game than anyone else. His words were really good and helped during the times when we got down.”

On Brunson closing Monday’s game:

“It wasn’t necessarily going his way the whole night. But he stayed with it and did what great players are supposed to do and carried us home down the stretch.”

On the heave that could have sent the game to OT:

“It’s tricky. If he misses it, obviously it’s a long heave. But if you foul him on the rebound or you foul him when he’s turning to heave it now they get three free throws. It’s something we’ve talked about before — it’s still a toss-up situation. … The whole thing was at worst they’ll tie it and we’ll go to overtime. Lesson learned on a couple possessions down the stretch.”

On Brunson’s scoring ability:

“It’s huge to know a guy like Jalen can shoot and score the way he does. On top of that, he’s crafty.”

On sticking with the starting five:

“I don’t believe in never ever. But right now we’re going to start that five and that’s how I foresee it. If I feel I need to make a change at any time, I’ll make a change. But I don’t feel that way right now.”

On lineup debates and potential starting-five change:

“There’s debate literally all the time. Obviously there was a debate at the start of the season when we started two bigs. And there was debate almost every day because I was the only one with that plan – and I was getting hammered this angle, that angle, every angle. So we talked about it a lot. That’s just chatter that you have throughout the course of the year, trying to ways to improve your team. So I think there’s always going to be chatter about it. But there’s nothing I’ve felt close to acting on yet.”

Jalen Brunson

On his fourth-quarter surge:

“The ball found a way to go in the hoop for me.”

On the win over Atlanta:

“Happy with the way we finished the game. They came to fight and put us on our heels, but we found a way to come back every time with an answer and find a way to win.”

On maintaining his confidence even after struggling during the first half on Monday:

“Just found a way to keep my confidence. Obviously, things aren’t going to be perfect all the time but you trust your work and find a way.”

On Josh Hart’s late improvements:

“To be honest, it’s all about how you respond. Things aren’t going to be perfect. You’re going to have bad stretches. You’re going to have things that don’t go your way. You’re going to do things that seem easy but don’t go your way. It’s all about how you respond.”

On the need to finish games strong every time out:

“I think everything matters. So regardless if you’re up 30, down 30, if it’s a close game, the way you finish games translates to the next game. So being able to have that rhythm going into the next game is really important for us.”

Karl-Anthony Towns

On the clutch-time execution with Brunson:

“It was great. Obviously, give credit to all of our teammates who put us in the position to be there and have a chance to win. We have one of the best closers in the NBA in Brunson, so you feel good about your chances. We were just ready for the moment. It was funny. I thought, in the moment, I’d have to hit a big shot for us to win, and it ended up being three assists. I just accepted what the defense gave and Brunson hit the shots, which he’s been known to do when the game matters.”

On rising expectations:

“The perception and standards have obviously changed for us ever since we made that stride last year in the playoffs. Getting through the first round, we weren’t supposed to make it out of there. Then the second round, we definitely weren’t supposed to be making it out of there. We showed the world that we can beat these teams, especially in the playoffs. But in doing that, we put the antennas up for the rest of the league as well. They know what we can do and on top of that, coming in with the expectations we had this year, finding a way to win the NBA Cup. Even through all the ups and downs, finding ourselves the third seed. The world is not unaware of how good we are. But it’s up to us to execute in a seven-game series and be disciplined and find a way to win.”

On embracing pressure:

“Me, personally, I’ve been dealing with expectations since before I stepped into the league. Honestly, it’s really the same thing. It’s been the story of my career. Dealing with expectations that are lofty. On top of that, the expectations I have for myself are even higher than what people give me. So I have a lot of work to do. But I’ve been used to it. So it’s a blessing to have pressure.”

On treating the stretch like playoffs:

“The playoffs should’ve started 10 games ago for us. We should be building on our standards all year. That’s what the goal was. We have four good games where we can get some good tape, get our coverages right. See how we can execute different coverages, different things. And we could just find different ways to show what we can do, and have adjustments ready to go in the playoffs.”

On his elbow issue:

“It is what it is at this point.”

Jose Alvarado

On being ready all day every day:

“I’m good. I’m chilling. I’m ready for my moment. I’m ready for my name to get called whenever it is. … So just whenever it’s Jose’s time, whenever that time is, I’m ready.”

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NBA power rankings 2025-26: Oklahoma City moves back into top spot, Denver shows it's a contender

There are five teams in the contender tier, the big question heading into the playoffs is could one of the "in the hunt" teams knock a contender off?

Title Contenders

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

(62-16, last week No. 3)
If the ESPN straw poll is to be believed (and it is), Shai Gilgeous Alexander has a massive lead in the MVP race. The Thunder, however, do not have a massive lead in the race for the No. 1 overall seed and need to pick up a few more wins this week to keep the Spurs at bay (San Antonio has the tiebreaker, if it comes to that). If the Spurs win out, the Thunder need to go at least 2-2, not easy with the Clippers, Nuggets and Thunder on the schedule (the game against the Lakers Tuesday is less threatening now). Getting the No. 1 seed in the West matters less for home-court advantage throughout the playoffs (though that helps) and more about avoiding Denver in the second round.

2. Denver Nuggets

(51-28, last week No. 5)
It feels like all season long we've been saying, "If Denver just gets healthy, watch out." Well, they're healthy, have won nine in a row, and if you have any questions just ask the Spurs just how good Nikola Jokic and company are. That Jokic fadeaway over Victor Wembanyama might have been the single best shot of the season. Jokic is on pace to be the first player in league history to lead the league in rebounds and assists (and yet he likely finishes third in MVP voting).

3. San Antonio Spurs

(60-19, last week No. 1)
Victor Wembanyama leaving the Spurs game at half Monday night against Philadelphia with a rib contusion is concerning. That said, this is not an injury that usually keeps players out for long, and Wembanyama needs to play 20+ minutes in just one of the Spurs' games this week to remain eligible for postseason awards. The Spurs have a few questions to answer this postseason, but the loss to Denver brought one into focus: How well will Wembanyama hold up when he has to play 35+ minutes a game in every game?

4. Boston Celtics

(53-25, last week No. 2)
Jaylen Brown is very likely to finish in the top five in MVP voting and get a First Team All-NBA nod for his work this season. He has stepped up his playmaking this season and remained largely healthy — a genuine question coming in — and deserves all the accolades coming his way. Boston is 12-2 with Jayson Tatum in the lineup and will enter the playoffs as the favorites to come out of the East.

5. Detroit Pistons

(57-22, last week No. 4)
Cade Cunningham has been upgraded to doubtful, a sign that he might return for a game or two this week, getting his legs under him before the start of the playoffs. The same is true for Isaiah Stewart. Don't read anything into Detroit's loss in Orlando on Monday night, the Pistons had already sewn up the No. 1 seed in the East and had nothing to play for. Don't be shocked if there's another ugly loss for Detroit this week, as they take their foot off the gas a little.

In The Hunt

6. New York Knicks

(51-28, last week No. 7)
This may be the biggest concern for the Knicks heading into the playoffs: Mike Brown's preferred starting five — Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns — has a pedestrian +1.1 net rating. That lineup's offense is more than three points per 100 possessions worse than the team average, and the defense is a little bit worse than average, too. New York too often finds itself trying to dig out of a first quarter hole created by the starters, as they did against Houston last week. That loss to the Rockets was their third straight, but the Knicks have bounced back with three straight wins, including a key comeback against the Hawks Monday. Tough week ahead with games against Boston and Charlotte, but New York needs wins to hold off Cleveland and keep the No. 3 seed (unless the Knicks want to fall to fourth and get out of the Celtics side of the bracket).

7. Houston Rockets

(49-29, last week No. 10)
Houston has won six in a row — including an overtime win over the Warriors, spoiling Stephen Curry's return — and now is just one game back of the shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 4 seed in the West and hosting their first-round playoff series (likely against that same Lakers team). That said, Los Angeles has the tiebreaker so Houston needs to make up two games, not just one. That will have to come against a fairly tough schedule that includes Phoenix, Philadelphia and Minnesota.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers

(50-29, last week No. 8)
Cleveland has won 50 games, is 8-2 in its last 10, sits fourth in the East with a chance to move up to third if New York stumbles, yet it's not striking fear in anyone's hearts. Maybe it's that they had to overcome fourth quarter deficits to the Pacers, Jazz and Curry-less Warriors. Maybe it's that they have James Harden, who has his share of playoff duds. It seems likely that Cleveland and Atlanta will play each other in the 4/5 series in the East — and they play each other twice this week.

Playoff Teams

9. Minnesota Timberwolves

(46-32, last week No. 9)
The Timberwolves are essentially locked in as the No. 6 seed in the West — exactly where they were a season ago when they made a run to the conference finals. What Minnesota needs to reach those heights again starts with getting healthy, which includes Anthony Edwards (who is now ineligible for postseason awards because of time missed), but also Jaden McDaniels.

10. Atlanta Hawks

(45-34, last week No. 11)
Atlanta's hot streak — going 7-3 in its last 10 and winning 18-of-21 — has it as the No. 5 seed in the East, 1.5 games up on Toronto and two games ahead of No. 7 Philadelphia and the play-in. Meaning the Hawks need wins in the season's final week. Atlanta also has two games against No. 4 seed Cleveland, very possibly a first-round preview. That leaves coach Quin Snyder with some interesting choices: If he has a matchup he really wants to exploit, or sees something he thinks can be a huge advantage for Atlanta, does he tip his hand and go at it in these two games to get the regular season win, or does he keep it in his back pocket for the playoffs?

11. Charlotte Hornets

(43-36, last week No. 13)
Kon Knueppel's march to be Rookie of the Year now includes another milestone: Most 3-pointers in a season in Hornets history. And Knueppel will be the ROY winner — don't get sucked in by recency bias (with all due respect to Flagg). Charlotte needs to focus not on getting Knueppel buckets this season, it needs wins to hold on to the No. 8 seed and keep Orlando at bay. It looks like a brutal schedule on paper, but the games later in the week against Detroit and New York will be against teams with nothing to play for.

12. Los Angeles Lakers

(50-28, last week No. 6)
What a brutal week for the Lakers. Luka Doncic is out and is now in Spain getting specialized treatment for his strained hamstring (does Spain have some magical trick for better healing muscle injuries?). Austin Reaves is out with a strained oblique. Both are out for the rest of the regular season — meaning the Lakers sliding to fifth in the West is very possible — and may be out for part or all of the first round of the playoffs. Right now, the role of primary offensive creator falls on 41-year-old LeBron James. The challenge for the Lakers is that their theory of winning is that their offense is spectacular and the defense is good enough, but as seen in the loss to Dallas, the offense isn't quite the same (and the defense has holes). It was a brutal week for the Lakers and the next couple may be the same way.

13. Phoenix Suns

(43-35, last week No. 15)
Things nobody saw coming before the season: Collin Gillespie setting the Suns' franchise record for 3-pointers in a season. This is a franchise with Steve Nash, Devin Booker, and even Dan Majerle back in the day, and Gillespie is the best of them. Phoenix has stumbled down the stretch, going 4-8 in its last dozen, but it needs a couple of wins this week to hold off the Clippers and keep the No. 7 seed. That includes a big game Tuesday night against Houston, part of Coast 2 Coast Tuesday on NBC and Peacock.

14. Toronto Raptors

(43-35, last week No. 14)
The Raptors need wins this week to hold off the 76ers and keep the No. 6 seed in the East, avoiding the play-in (which is why last week's loss to Sacramento was so brutal, Toronto cannot drop more games like that). Toronto hosts Miami for two games and needs both of them, then the Raptors travel to face the Knicks (who may not have anything to play for at that point). The Raptors need Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes to step up this week.

Play-In Teams

15. Portland Trail Blazers

(40-39, last week No. 17)
Portland had pushed up to the top eight in the West — and an easier path out of the play-in to the playoffs proper — by racking up wins against a soft part of the schedule, but they also beat the Clippers last week in a critical win, then took Denver to overtime on Monday. Portland is going to the play-in, but if they are the No. 8 or 9 seed may well come down to Friday night's rematch with the LA Clippers, one of the biggest games of the week.

16. Los Angeles Clippers

(40-38, last week No. 12)
That the Clippers are headed to the play-in after an ugly 6-21 start to the season — and trading away James Harden and Ivica Zubac at the deadline — is a testament to how well Kawhi Leonard is playing and Tyronn Lue's coaching. That said, to hold on to the No. 8 seed, the Clippers need to head to Portland this week and beat the Trail Blazers, who sit ninth (and beat LA last week). That is one of the biggest games of the week. Lose and the Clippers have a much tougher path out of the play-in.

17. Orlando Magic

(43-36, last week No. 19)
Franz Wagner returned to the court last week after missing 22 games, and while that didn’t help much in his first game back — a loss to Atlanta — Orlando has won three straight after that (including over Detroit, although it had clinched the No. 1 seed and had nothing to play for) and now is tied with Charlotte for the No. 8 seed (and a much easier path out of the play-in). Orlando will need another win in a tough game against Minnesota on Wednesday, and they close the season at Boston but the Celtics likely will have nothing to play for in that one.

18. Miami Heat

(41-37, last week No. 18)
What happened to the Heat defense? Before the All-Star break it was fourth in the NBA, after the break it is 5.8 points per 100 possessions worse and 17th in the league. Miami has given up 130+ points in 6 of its last 9 games [BEFORE THURSDAY]. It is going to be tough to even win a game in the play-in if the Heat can’t get stops. Miami sits 10th in the East and if it doesn’t want to have to win a couple of games on the road to make the playoffs it needs wins this week, including two against Toronto. Which is a big ask.

19. Philadelphia 76ers

(43-36, last week No. 16)
Philadelphia has its three stars healthy for the stretch run and the playoffs, but it needs a little more from them to climb out of the play-in and into the top six in the East. The 76ers have a +4 net rating when Joel Embiid, Paul George (looking like an All-Star), and Tyrese Maxey are all on the court together, a good number but not as dominant as one might hope. The 76ers lost to the Spurs and have a tough game against Houston next, but then get tanking Indiana and whatever Milwaukee is in the final two games — and Philly needs wins in maybe all of them to avoid the play-in.

20. Golden State Warriors

(36-42, last week No. 20)
Stephen Curry was back and showed very little rust in his return. Golden State will be the No. 10 seed in the West — losing Jimmy Butler to an ACL tear and Curry missing 25 games in February and March will do that — but with Curry back they are a threat to win two games on the road and reach the playoffs as the No. 8 seed. If nothing else, it will be entertaining to watch.

Tanking Teams

21. New Orleans Pelicans

(25-54, last week No. 21)
The Pelicans have gone 10-13 with a -1.3 net rating since the All-Star break, a radical improvement from the 15-41 with a -5.6 net rating before the break. Mostly, the Pelicans were just healthy, but can it be a building block for next season? Maybe, but a lot of changes are coming to the Big Easy this offseason.

22. Dallas Mavericks

(25-53, last week No. 23)
Cooper Flagg becoming the first teenager in NBA history to put up 50+ points has been framed by many as his late-season push for Rookie of the Year. I see it more as a reminder that he is going to be the best player out of this class long term, regardless of what happens with the postseason awards this year. Dallas has a cornerstone to build around.

23. Chicago Bulls

(29-49, last week No. 22)
Front office decision makers Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley are out, and the list of potential replacements includes former Bull (now Hawks assistant general manager) Kyle Korver and former Bulls front office person (now with Minnesota) Matt Lloyd. The new GM will have about $65 million in cap space this summer and a lottery pick, but will that be enough to get them out of the middle, where the Bulls have been stuck for too long?

24. Milwaukee Bucks

(31-47, last week No. 25)
What a mess in Milwaukee as Giannis Antetokounmpo is pushing to get back on the court to play with his brothers, but the team is saying he refused to take part in a 3-on-3 scrimmage and is not taking the steps needed to play again. For all the times we heard rumors about Antetokounmpo trades in the past that turned out to be nothing, this just feels different. Also, there is little chance Doc Rivers is back with the Bucks next year.

25. Sacramento Kings

(21-58, last week No. 30)
This year things were going to be different. They have not been — for the 19th time in the last 20 years, the Sacramento Kings will miss the playoffs. Take some solace in the fact that the Kings have gone 9-14 since the All-Star break if you want, but they still have a -9.5 net rating in that time. Changes are coming to Sacramento this summer, to the coaching staff, the roster, all of it. Which means next year is going to be different, right?

26. Indiana Pacers

(18-60, last week No. 26)
It feels like we can already start writing those "biggest statistical one-season turnaround in NBA history" stories we will see in a year for the Pacers. This team is poised for a massive leap, and the only question is where they fall after the NBA Draft Lottery and how a win-now team's approach to picking high in the lottery compares to a rebuilding team.

27. Memphis Grizzlies

(25-54, last week No. 24)
LeBron James caught a lot of flak for saying he doesn't like playing in Memphis and the team should move to Nashville, but what he said publicly has been a quietly discussed topic around the NBA for a long time. It may or may not happen, but the idea of an in-state move to a larger city did not come out of nowhere.

28. Brooklyn Nets

(19-59, last week No. 29)
It's a tankapalooza for the Nets, who beat the Wizards over the weekend and their three remaining games are against the Bucks (twice) and Pacers. Their draft lottery odds are not set.

29. Washington Wizards

(17-61, last week No. 27)
The Wizards are on pace to have fewer than 20 wins in a season for the third straight year. That will change next season with Trae Young and Anthony Davis on the roster, but it doesn't make the final week of this season any prettier.

30. Utah Jazz

(21-58, last week No. 28)
Much like Washington and Indiana, there is going to be a rapid turnaround in Utah next season when Jaren Jackson Jr. joins Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George in the starting lineup. This team may well be deep enough next year that Ace Bailey, despite a late-season surge this season showing promise, will be coming off the bench. There is real reason for optimism in Utah.

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Former Celtic will play at TD Garden for first time

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 13: Sam Hauser #30 of the Boston Celtics hugs Grant Williams #2 of the Charlotte Hornets after a game at the TD Garden on April 13, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images

BOSTON — Grant Williams has yet to play at TD Garden since he signed with the Dallas Mavericks in 2023. But the former Celtics forward will return to the Garden when the Celtics face the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night, with the Hornets fielding a clear injury report.

For the first time all year, the Celtics also have a completely clear injury report. With Nikola Vucevic back in the lineup, they will be at full strength when they face the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night.

Vucevic, who was out for a month due to a ring finger fracture, made his return on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors, tallying 4 points and 4 rebounds in 13 minutes.

“He just wants to win,” Joe Mazzulla said of the 35-year-old. “He’s been in the league a long time. If anything, making sure he’s aggressive enough to where we have the best version of him, so we could add another layer to what we want to accomplish, is the most important thing.”

Vucevic has averaged 9.9 points and 6.1 rebounds in 21 minutes per game through 13 games with the Celtics.

Jayson Tatum — who has only missed two games since returning from his Achilles injury — is not on the injury report. Jaylen Brown, who missed two games with Achilles tendinopathy, is also available.

How the Celtics, Hornets stack up

The Celtics and Hornets have faced off twice this season — both in March. The Hornets beat the Celtics 118-89 on March 4th, and the Celtics bounced back with a 114-99 win in Charlotte on March 29th.

Now, the two teams will face off in a third and final match-up in what could be a first-round preview; the Hornets currently have the 8th-best record in the East.

Provided that the Celtics hold onto the No.2 seed, the Celtics will face the winner of the No. 7 vs No. 8 game (the Toronto Raptors currently have the 7th-best record in the East at 43-35).

The Hornets have been exceptional as of late; they’re 22-8 since January 31st, the 5th-best record in the NBA. The Celtics have the third-best record in that span — they’re 23-7, the third-best record in the league.

Celtics-Hornets tips off at 7:30pm ET on Tuesday night.

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Kings vs Warriors Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors will look to snap a three-game skid when they host the Sacramento Kings tonight at Chase Center.

Curry's return injects life into Golden State’s otherwise listless offense, and my Kings vs. Warriors predictions expect a high-scoring matchup and a high-scoring performance from Golden State’s superstar.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this Pacific Division showdown on Tuesday, April 7.

Kings vs Warriors prediction

Kings vs Warriors best bet: Over 234 (-110)

The Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors have each hit the Over in seven of their last 10 games, and it has hit in six straight head-to-head matchups between these teams. 

The Kings have gone Over in three of their last five on the road, and the Warriors have reached that mark in four of their last five at home.

Stephen Curry immediately boosts Golden State’s offensive abilities, and his on-court/off-court splits this season are eye-opening. The Warriors sport a 119.4 offensive rating with Curry and a 110.6 rating without him. The team has scored 120.2 points per game with Curry, which would be good for the third-best. Without Curry, the team has averaged just 109.2 points, good for 29th.

Golden State’s offense sports a 100.1 pace with Curry compared to a 97.4 pace without him.

The Warriors have shot 47.6% from the floor and 37.4% from beyond the arc with their star point guard and 44.6% from the field and 33.5% from beyond the arc without him. With Curry, the team ranks in the Top 12 in both shooting categories. Without him, they rank in the Bottom 2 in both.

Basically, Golden State is a completely different beast when the most prolific 3-point shooter in NBA history is in the lineup. Go figure.

The Kings may be down several key players, but they have hit the Over consistently across their last 10 games, either playing in shootouts or getting blown out so badly that their opponent’s high score pushes the game total Over.

Kings vs Warriors same-game parlay

Curry looked no worse for wear when he returned to face the Rockets on Sunday. He posted 29 points after two months on the shelf, picking up right where he left off. He's scored 27+ in 23 of 40 games this season, including 12 of 22 at home.

Draymond Green is averaging just 5.8 dimes per game at home this season, but he’s picked up the pace as a playmaker as of late. Green has averaged eight assists per game across his last five outings, clearing the Over on this line four times.

Kings vs Warriors SGP

  • Over 234
  • Stephen Curry Over 26.5 points
  • Draymond Green Over 6.5 assists

Our "from downtown" SGP: Bombs away!

Chef Curry has canned five or more treys in 17 of 40 games this season while averaging 4.5 per contest. He knocked down five on Sunday against the Rockets, and he nailed six in his first matchup with the Kings.

Brandin Podziemski has knocked down multiple triples in seven straight, including 3+ in two of his last five. De’Anthony Melton is averaging 1.7 made 3-pointers at home compared to 1.2 on the road. He’s hit 3+ threes in 12 of 24 at home, and he finished with three against Sacramento earlier in the season.

Kings vs Warriors SGP

  • Draymond Green Over 6.5 assists
  • Stephen Curry Over 4.5 made threes
  • Brandin Podziemski Over 2.5 made threes
  • De'Anthony Melton Over 1.5 made threes

Kings vs Warriors odds

  • Spread: Kings +14.5 (-110) | Warriors -14.5 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Kings +700 | Warriors -1100
  • Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)

Kings vs Warriors betting trend to know

The Golden State Warriors have hit the Team Total Over in 22 of their last 30 games at home (+12.75 Units / 37% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Kings vs. Warriors.

How to watch Kings vs Warriors

LocationChase Center, San Francisco, CA
DateTuesday, April 7, 2026
Tip-off10:00 p.m. ET
TVNBCS-Bay Area, NBCS-California

Kings vs Warriors latest injuries

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In appreciation of the Celtics leadership (Topic Tuesday)

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 18: Head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics aplauds his team along with owner Bill Chisholm during the second half of their win over the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden on March 18, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

I just wanted to pause and point out that we are pretty lucky here when it comes to the Celtics leadership structure. You see coaches and GMs getting fired around this time of year (see Chicago). You see ownership making questionable decisions (see Dallas, Sacramento) or in upheaval for one reason or another. It all makes me feel even more appreciation for what we have in Boston.

Granted, Bill Chisholm still needs the opportunity to prove that he means what he says, but at the very least he’s saying the right things and seems to have the right attitude. (We’ll cover this in a post later this morning)

Brad Stevens has the success and influence that speaks for itself. All Joe Mazzulla does is win and you can see why. He has all the right qualities you would want for a Celtics coach. The rest of the front office staff and coaching staff seem exceptional as well. These are good times.

Side note: If feels like the last time I wrote one of these “we’re so lucky with leadership” posts was right before Danny left and Udoka was suspended, so I hope I’m not jinxing anything here. That’s a good reminder that nothing lasts forever. However, that also highlights how quickly the team was able to pivot and keep moving forward.

I’m fully aware that this is less of an actual “topic for discussion” and more of an open invitation to show your appreciation and respect for what this team has built. However, I’m sure there are some that are taking a wait-and-see approach with ownership (which is fair).

So please jump into the comments and give your own perspective. Even if all you have to say is “amaze, amaze, amaze!”

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Dan Hurley didn’t blame the refs after UConn’s championship loss. He praised them

Though it doesn’t quite eclipse his two national championships and three Final Four appearances, Dan Hurley is known throughout the college basketball world for his spirited interactions with officials.

After one of the most difficult losses of his career, though, the UConn coach had something else to give out to the crew who worked the game: praise.

REQUIRED READING: Big Ten doing college sports better than anyone. They just win more | Opinion

In his postgame news conference following the Huskies’ 69-63 loss to Michigan in the 2026 NCAA Tournament championship game, Hurley referred to the trio of referees working the game — James Breeding, Jeff Anderson and Kipp Kissinger — as “an all-star group.” He added they did what they could to officiate a game between two physical teams.

“It's hard to ref that game,” Hurley said. “We both played so hard. That's not an easy game to officiate. If I could have those three guys ref every game the rest of my career, I would sleep well at night.”

Officiating was a persistent talking point during the Wolverines’ win. UConn was called for 22 fouls, nearly double the 13 Michigan was whistled for, and attempted 16 free throws to the Wolverines' 28 (of which they sank 25).

In the first half, when the Huskies started to set the tone for a slower, more plodding game that gave them a better chance to beat the more up-tempo Wolverines, UConn was whistled for 11 fouls to Michigan’s five. In the process, two of the Huskies’ starters were in early foul trouble, with Silas Demary Jr. picking up his second foul with 13:30 remaining in the first half and Solo Ball doing the same with 12:07 before halftime.

They’re the kinds of data points that had Hurley, for all of his kind words about the referees, wondering what could have been.

“It's not the reason why we lost the game,” he said. “Obviously plus-13 at the free-throw line, plus-12 in attempts. I just thought that the first half foul trouble really — I thought we were positioned if we didn't have that foul trouble to potentially go into halftime with a lead. You go in with a lead and they make a run, you're down five instead of 11. But we also, too, a problem for our team has been undisciplined fouling at times.”

The loss was Hurley’s first in the Sweet 16 or later in his eight seasons at UConn. Entering the night, his teams had been 11-0 in such situations.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dan Hurley praises NCAA championship referees despite foul disparity

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Rebels in the Pros: Nikhazy and Pedulla in the news

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 18: Sean Pedulla #00 of the Los Angeles Clippers drives to the basket during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 18, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

On the previous post, I tracked down as many former Rebels playing professional baseball as I could. I’ll admit, I did not scour every High A roster as the research became so tedious. Some of the former Rebs I have etched into memory where they are. Tim Elko and Jacob Gonzalez are together in the White Sox organization and Doug Nikhazy and Dylan DeLucia are both with the Cleveland Guardians affiliates.

What I noticed during that research was that Nikhazy was not officially on any roster. Come to find out, he had been designated for assignment (DFA’d). This simply means that the Guardians were removing Doug from their 40-man roster to make room for someone else. They then have seven days to trade, release or place him on irrevocable waivers.

Apparently, the Chicago White Sox play at Swayze North because Nikhazy will now be joining Elko, Gonzalez, Calvin Harris and Drew McDaniel in the White Sox organization. Great new for all of them is that the Sox aren’t loaded with talent and the door is open for any of them to make the team soon.

Moving on from baseball, two other former Rebels were recognized for postseason awards in another sport.

Yep. You read that right. Undrafted G-League rookie, Sean Pedulla won Rookie of the Year in the NBA G League. Just look at those numbers. His mentality and ability were both sorely missed by this year’s Rebel squad. He also made his NBA debut in some garbage minutes with the Clippers, making the most of it, knocking down two threes.

Remember Jamarion Sharp? Well people in the G League sure do. The tallest player in the league averaged just under four blocks per contest and his presence alone was enough to alter shots and force players to kick the ball out away from the basket. Sharp is likely destined to be a permanent G Leaguer or overseas guy, but this is an impressive trophy to put on the shelf at home.

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Rockets vs Suns Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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The Houston Rockets’ six-game win streak will be put to the test when they head to the Mortgage Matchup Center to face the Phoenix Suns tonight. 

Kevin Durant, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks will all face their former teams, and my Rockets vs. Suns predictions expect big games from the trio of offensive weapons.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this Western Conference clash on Tuesday, April 7.

Rockets vs Suns prediction

Rockets vs Suns best bet: Jalen Green Over 18.5 points (-125)

Between the opening of the season and January 19, Jalen Green appeared in only two games, and he’s played only 30 on the season. The former Houston Rockets guard needed time to ramp up, as he averaged just 12.9 points across his first 12 games. In that span, Green went for 20+ points twice.

However, Green has been excellent over his last 18 games, averaging 22.1 points and clearing this scoring line 14 times. In that span, Green has averaged 22.4 points at home, going for 20+ in six straight home games, averaging a healthy 24.2 points in those contests.

In his last six home games, Green has shot 50.5% from the floor and 42.6% from beyond the arc, while knocking down 3.3 triples and attempting 17.2 field goals and five free throws. He’s been aggressive as a scorer from all three levels.

Green leads the Phoenix Suns in usage this season at a healthy 31.2, and he’s second in shot attempts. His excellence on offense should shine through tonight, as Green will face the Rockets for the first time since getting traded with Dillon Brooks for Kevin Durant. 

I’ll happily take the Over on this modest scoring line in Green’s first-ever “revenge game.”

Rockets vs Suns same-game parlay

The Suns are 23-16 against the spread at home. A mostly healthy Suns team with a motivated Green and Brooks has enough firepower to stifle the Rockets and snap their six-game win streak.

Strong scoring from Green and Brooks, paired with solid play from Devin Booker and the support of the home crowd, should lead to plenty of scoring from Phoenix. Houston’s offense can be lethal when Durant is hot, and that’s just what he’s been lately. This point total is set far too low based on the quality of the offenses.

Rockets vs Suns SGP

  • Jalen Green Over 18.5 points
  • Suns -1
  • Over 220.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: REVENGE!

Green isn’t just an effective scorer. Over his last 12 games, he’s averaged 8.3 assists+rebounds and cleared the Over on this combo line eight times. 

Durant has scored 25+ points in eight of his last 10 games, and he’s reached that mark in each of his two games against his former team. He’s a more prolific scorer on the road, and I expect another strong offensive performance as Durant returns to Phoenix.

Brooks’ minutes and scoring have ticked up in two straight games since returning from more than a month on the shelf, and he scored 15 in his last game. Brooks has reached 16+ points in 40 of 53 games on the season, and he’s cleared that number in two of three matchups with Houston.

Rockets vs Suns SGP

  • Jalen Green Over 18.5 points
  • Jalen Green Over 7.5 assists + rebounds
  • Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points
  • Dillon Brooks Over 15.5 points

Rockets vs Suns odds

  • Spread: Rockets +1 (-110) | Suns -1 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Rockets -105 | Suns -115
  • Over/Under: Over 220.5 (-110) | Under 220.5 (-110)

Rockets vs Suns betting trend to know

The Houston Rockets have hit the Team Total Over in 16 of their last 23 games (+7.80 Units / 29% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Suns.

How to watch Rockets vs Suns

LocationMortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
DateTuesday, April 7, 2026
Tip-off11:00 p.m. ET
TVNBC/Peacock

Rockets vs Suns latest injuries

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Highlights: Spurs batter their way through tough win against the Sixers

‘Twas the night(s) before the playoffs, when all through the Frost Bank Center;
Not a creature was stirring, not even The Coyote;
The banners were hung by the rafters with care;
In hopes that Victor Wembanyama’s ribs healing soon would be there;

“The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of Manu Ginóbili’s fractured elbow on the eve of the 2011 playoffs danced in their heads.”
(I know. You’re here for highlights, not nightmares, but we can’t help it after an anxiety-inducing game like that.)

While overwrought fans like me toiled and trembled at not only Wembanyama’s early exit from the game due to injury, we chewed nervously on our nails when Stephon Castle briefly exited from the game due to injury as well. Alas, the good guys persevered (even with a brief cameo from Wemby before he exited for good out of caution, PRESUMABLY).

The game on Monday was truly a team effort as six different Spurs scored in double digits, but no one cracked the 20-point barrier. Stephon Castle led the team with a triple-double, pouring in 19 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 13 assists. Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper each chipped in 17 points apiece as Wembanyama only played 15 minutes due to that scary rib injury we previously soliloquized.

What a pass from Stephon Castle to Luke Kornet.

What a pass from Stephon Castle to Luke Kornet.

Do you ever feel like you’re repeating yourself about two different things? No? Just me then. Anyway, what a pass from De’Aaron Fox to Dylan Harper.

If you look up “maximum effort” in the dictionary, you’ll see a picture of Keldon Johnson singing Vanessa Carlton songs at karaoke. Between his making his grown men teammates listen to VC before tip-off and my recent discovery of KJ’s love for Hootie and the Blowfish, I feel like both Johnson and I would also be huge fans of Counting Crows and Michelle Branch. He’s a lot younger than me, so his music taste comes off as eclectic at worst while my personal fandom of VC, CC, MB, and bands/musicians like Crazy Town, Blues Traveler, and O-Town just date me to a long time ago in a prequel galaxy far, far away.

What a pass from Stephon Castle to Luke Kornet.

(Writer’s note: This is where our fearless leader and editor-in-chief, J.R. Wilco, might step in and ask me not to mail it in just like the Indiana (redacteds), the (redacted) Wizards, the Utah (redacteds), and the (Brooklyn) (Nets) are mailing it in just because it’s nearing the end of a long regular season. We had to redact some names to protect the identity of certain NBA teams doing the same thing other teams before them have done to get the chance to draft generational players like Victor (redacted)—unless of course you’re the Dallas (redacteds), who incredulously still got the number one overall pick even with 1.8% odds of winning the number one overall pick.

Please enjoy this rambunctious dunk by Wembanyama lobbed up by Fox while I formally apologize for monologuing about the Maverick’s lottery draft fortunes even with the full knowledge that the Spurs have had the most luck when it comes to draft lottery fortunes. But the Spurs would also never let (redacted) (redonciced) walk out of the building if the Spurs drafted someone like (redacted) (redonciced). Detractors (not me) and devil’s advocates (also not me) might also point out that the Spurs once upon a time (allegedly and unequivocally without convincing evidence of premeditated motives) did let a generational talent walk out of the building all the way to Canada and soon later to Los Angeles. But I say we can’t live in the past, man.

Anyway, what’s your favorite Savage Garden song? Mine is “Truly, Madly, Deeply.” I bet Keldon Johnson’s is “I Knew I Loved You.” He seems like a IKILY sort of dude.

I mention Harrison Barnes’s longevity in the league a lot in previous articles because it’s worth mentioning the professional longevity of one Harrison Barnes. He’s been hooping in the pros since Linsanity was a thing (oh my goodness, I did not need to remind myself how long ago Linsanity was). He’s also roughly about the same age as my wife who was born in (redacted).

If you missed the game because you were too busy vehemently denying to your significant other that you posted their age on a San Antonio Spurs website, here are the full-game highlights:

Next up, the Spurs take on the Portland Trailblazers on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

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Luka Doncic’s injury creates a power vacuum with huge stakes for 2026 NBA Playoffs

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 02: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center on April 2, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Sports can be rather ruthless when it comes to poorly timed injuries. Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers’ only hope and a legitimate MVP candidate, strained his hamstring and is out indefinitely — very possibly missing the first round of the NBA Playoffs or more. Austin Reaves, their second primary offensive creator, went down to an oblique strain and could miss even more time. He’s trying to rush back, but that’s a scary idea in itself, too. If this was not pro basketball, everyone could just rest up and hit the ground running when healed. The Lakers do not have time for that, and they must soldier on with whatever forces they can muster.

If LeBron James can somehow drag his shorthanded team out of the first round, it will be an iconic, hitherto unheard-of effort that the poets will sing about for decades. But the far more pressing fallout of these injuries is this: the Lakers’ peril creates a power vacuum in the Western Conference that other teams are ready to pounce on. 

What was a fairly even field in the West just got tilted hard in favor of whoever can figure out how to play the Lakers in the first round. Currently, the Lakers, Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets are separated by less than two games with only four games left. It’s anyone’s guess who will be 3, 4 and 5. The Nuggets and Rockets have both been on absolute tears, winning nine and six straight games, respectively. The Minnesota Timberwolves, the six seed, thought they had won the lottery and that the Lakers had locked up the three seed to be their first-round opponent — not so. This is all terribly confusing, so I’m going to break it down like an NBA seeding-logistic DJ making a really boring mixtape: 

The NBA Playoffs do not re-seed opponents each round. I repeat: The NBA Playoffs do not re-seed opponents. That means the winner of the 2-7 match always plays the winner of the 3-6 match AND the winner of the 1-8 match always plays the winner of the 4-5 match. I forget this every year, but we have to remember it this time because it’s important. Write it on your hand. Tattoo it on your back like John Wick. Schedule send an email to yourself every two hours with the subject line “The NBA Playoffs do not re-seed.” Whatever you have to do.

That is critical this year, because, with the Lakers absolutely gutted but right in the thick of a Western Conference seeding battle, tiny shifts in standing can have explosive results on the bracket. I’m not sure any of this is really controllable, but here’s my read on how it could shake down. 

If Denver bops the Lakers down to four, the Rockets may luck out, and Oklahoma City may seriously luck out by having to play … whoever the eight seed is and then the winner of Los Angeles/Houston; a very easy duo to beat if the Lakers do not have Luka. Meanwhile, Denver is now faced with a super winnable 6-3 against the Timberwolves and a second round against the scary-but-inexperienced San Antonio Spurs. 

The Rockets could mess all of that up if they somehow stumble their way to the three seed, in which case the Spurs are your big winners, staring down only the winner of Houston/Minnesota while the Thunder are like “bro what do you mean I have to play the Nuggets in the second round?” 

Denver, meanwhile, might have four free wins left on their schedule, playing two tanking teams and then the Spurs and Thunder in their last two; seems hard, until you realize both those teams are basically locked into their seeds and will probably rest their starters. Houston has a bunch of teams that might actually be trying, and the Lakers are going to have to dig deep, no matter who they play.

This is a fascinating ordeal. With everyone trying so hard to avoid that guy but seek out that other guy and making sure that this dude isn’t waiting around the corner has created so much confusion that we should probably just all agree to just… win basketball games and circle back later. But if we had to distill all of this into some deliverables, here’s what I got:

1. The Timberwolves could be trouble for everyone if this breaks right — if the Wolves get the Lakers in the first round and the Spurs in the second round, they could plausibly make the Western Conference Finals. They are 2-1 against the Spurs this year and their loss was by three points. They have size and match up pretty well. Meanwhile, the Thunder may have to deal with Stephen Curry in round one and Nikola Jokic in round two. That’s less fun.

2. If LeBron James can drag his team out of the first round without Luka and Reaves, he might be the GOAT — I’m not going to sit here and tell you that LeBron, Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton have a great shot at beating anyone, but if they do… I mean, come on now. That would be legendary stuff. 

3. Every single team in the West’s Top 6 can win the West — this has been a hilarious, weird, unpredictable NBA season. You can talk yourself into every single team in the field to make the Finals; if the Lakers are forfeit, even the Rockets can make this happen. If the Lakers somehow make it to Luka’s return, they could pull a rabbit out of a hat. 

Basically, had the Lakers, Nuggets, Timberwolves and Rockets all stayed in their assigned seats, this would be reasonably simple and predictable. Now, we’re in a full-blown crisis trying to figure this out. Nothing about this will be logical, nothing about this will be boring. And as a fan of a team in the Eastern Conference, I cannot wait. 

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What do you think of UNC hiring Michael Malone?

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - May 22: Stephen A. Smith Michael Malone and Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs speak before the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on May 22, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

It’s really easy in this day and age to have an immediate thought about UNC’s decision to reportedly hire Michael Malone. The immediate reaction by the fan base was one of shock and an immediate comparison to Bill Belichick.

In short—ON MY GOD WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU DO THIS AGAIN?

But just like I preached on Sunday that patience was key in waiting for the decision to be made, time was needed to let the decision wash over fans, other reaction to pour in, and a true analysis of the decision was made. Once all of that started rolling in, there seemed to be some stepping back from the ledge.

Like many, I wasn’t that happy with the initial decision. With all of the names that had been published as being the subject of the search, it felt a lot like just settling for who was there. Then I sat down and started to think about it a little, and I started to realize that there is some logic to the move.

The big one to me was that if your were hinging your hopes on Billy Donovan, why not take a coach that’s a decade younger and has a track record of success at the highest level as opposed to one who’s been OK, but didn’t have a ring and was in the NBA because college wore him out? I thought about the easy reaction of “he’s just like Bill Belichick who used Tom Brady to get his wins by using Nikola Jokić to get his in Denver.” The problem with this line of thinking is that basketball requires more of a buy-in from a player to a coach. Add in the fact that Brady came to the NFL with a fire to prove he wasn’t a Power Five bust, meanwhile by all accounts Jokić doesn’t view basketball as his life and he still was able to develop him to the point where Denver won a title. There’s a development aspect there you don’t normally see with superstars. Plus, Michael Jordan needed Phil Jackson to get him rings, so he had to at least be able to coach.

Once I hit that point, I saw the two interviews that have made the rounds that showed how he was already becoming connected to Carolina, and I started to understand that unlike Belichick who had the tenuous first words of “Beat Duke,” Malone has had real, adult connection to UNC that means he’s at least a little more familiar with Chapel Hill and the environment here than another coach would have been.

Finally, word from former players started to leak out. Tyler Hansbrough, Seth Trimble, and Danny Green all not only supporting the move but doing so enthusiastically. Is there some of this that’s trying to save a move as the portal opens today? Maybe, but we also know how loudly players would be if they weren’t happy with the move and the tone of their enthusiasm at least gives me some pause about this.

So I’ve landed here: I’m not doing backflips over the hire because I would have rather have gotten Dusty May or Tommy Lloyd, but it became clear that UNC was being used as a leveraging play for coach after coach—and it appears it would have continued with Donovan. It’s a risk, but at this point a lot of the other names were a risk. I’m intrigued, and I’m willing to see how the next month goes in terms of building a staff and the portal.

What about you? Are you where you were when this was announced or are you in a different place now? Let us know in the comments below.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Brooklyn Nets Preview & Game Thread: Are… are the Bucks legit tanking?

Nov 29, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) drives for the basket against Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Bucks face a Brooklyn Nets team coming off an unfortunate win over the Wizards, which means they will try their darndest to lose. OK, expected. But having seen the Bucks’ injury report… they just might be playing the same game! Have we got ourselves an old-fashioned tankoff? Shoot, this is the most excitement I’ve felt in months! The season series currently sits at one game apiece, with the fourth game (another riveting tank-off?) coming on the 10th.

Where We’re At

Well, the Bucks actually have a .500 winning percentage over their last four games. Woohoo! (*mumbles under breath* to the tanktastic Mavs and Grizzlies). Nah, but in all seriousness, the losses have been secondary to the storylines we are following as far as player development goes, and zeroing in on Cormac Ryan’s game has been a welcome reprieve from the larger Bucks mess. More on that later.

As for the Nets, well, they were never going to make the “mistake” they made last year by winning too much. They don’t own their pick next year, and so this year was always going to be a tankfest. That said, hilariously, they are also .500 over their last four, losing two tank-offs to the Kings and Wizards. If an average NBA fan knows much about the players Brooklyn (or Milwaukee, for that matter) rolls out today, hats off to them.

Injury Report

OK, so the following players are out for the Bucks: Giannis (knee), Kyle Kuzma (Achilles), Kevin Porter Jr. (knee), Bobby Portis (wrist), Ryan Rollins (hip), Gary Trent Jr. (hip), and Myles Turner (ankle).

The Nets have responded in turn, ruling out the following blokes: Nic Claxton, Noah Clowney, Egor Demin, Terance Mann, Michael Porter Jr., Day’Ron Sharpe, Ziaire Williams, and Danny Wolf. Ben Saraf is probable.

Player to Watch

Cormac Ryan (or should I say Cor-max Ryan… sorry, ignore me) has had great games in two of his last three, scoring 25 against the Rockets and 21 against the Grizzlies. Over those two games, he’s shot 16/22 from the field and 7/11 from deep. I’m watching (Wazowski, always watching) for if he can tack on another great game tonight. The level of the opponent should give him every chance.

How To Watch

6:30 p.m. CDT on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.