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Will Wade introduced as new LSU basketball coach. Highlights press conference

Will Wade is back in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

After four seasons away, the 43-year-old coach is back as the LSU men's basketball coach following stops at McNeese and North Carolina State. Wade was introduced as the new Tigers coach, starting for the 2026-27 college basketball season on March 30.

REQUIRED READING: Did Dan Hurley deserve a technical after game-winning shot for going face-to-face with ref?

In his first stint with LSU, Wade had a 105-51 record, including a run to the Sweet 16 in 2019. However, he was suspended for the final five games of the 2021-22 season after the NCAA issued a notice to the school based on findings from investigations into alleged recruiting violations.

"The last four years have humbled and changed me," Wade said. "You're getting a better coach, a better leader this time around."

Wade spent the 2023-24 season with McNeese, leading the program to an NCAA Tournament berth. He then coached the program to its first tournament win the following season. He signed a six-year contract with N.C. State on March 22, 2025.

He said on Monday that he had no concerns about how he left the Wolfpack after just one season.

"I long ago quit worrying about my perception," Wade said. "That part doesn't bother me too much. I'd like to focus more on what's going on at LSU. NC State was great to me. I think there have been things I have been mischaracterized on how I left."

"I am at peace with how I left. ... They are pretty mad for a coach they didn't think was very good," Wade added.

LSU opted to bring back Wade and fire head coach Matt McMahon last week. McMahon was 60-70 in four years after replacing Wade, including going 15-17 and 3-15 in SEC play this past season.

USA TODAY brought you coverage of Wade's introductory press conference with LSU on Monday. Catch up here:

Will Wade introduced as LSU coach live updates

Will Wade's LSU introductory press conference concludes

The nearly 50-minute press conference to introduce Will Wade as the new men's basketball coach is over. Wade spoke for nearly 30 minutes, including fielding questions from the media.

Will Wade addresses exit from NC State

"I long ago quit worrying about my perception," Wade said. "That part doesn't bother me too much. I'd like to focus more on what's going on at LSU. NC State was great to me. I think there have been things I have been mischaracterized on how I left."

"I am at peace with how I left. ... They are pretty mad for a coach they didn't think was very good," Wade added.

Wade added he wishes NC State "nothing but success."

Will Wade said he has met with five or six players

Wade added he has met with five or six players since he took the job. He said that with a ton of seniors, there will be a lot of roster. He said conversations will continue for the guys who want to stay with LSU, but will also support players who want to transfer.

He said there has not been a team meeting, but he has met guys one-on-one.

Will Wade will hire some assistant coaches before portal opens next week

Will Wade said he'll have a shell "recruiting staff" in place by next week. The NCAA transfer portal opens on Monday.

He added that as the head coach, he is also the GM, and the final say on who is on the roster will be on him.

Will Wade says first contact with LSU was made last Wednesday

"There wasn't some formal interview," Wade said. "We all knew each other for a long time. It pretty much kicked into high gear on Wednesday, when first contact was made. That was when the process started."

Will Wade says team will add a 'bunch of new players'

"We're going to have to get a bunch of new players," Will Wade said. "Good players cost, they ain't cheap."

Will Wade says he's best coach for LSU men's basketball

"I believe I am the best coach for this university in men's basketball," Will Wade said.

Will Wade said he'll get LSU back to NCAA Tournament

"We're going to get this program back to the NCAA Tournament, back to the top of SEC in short order," Will Wade said. I am honored to be your coach and represent the state in this great school."

Will Wade wants to build a winner at LSU

"We're going to get in that portal when it opens next Monday and we're going to put together a winner, because that's what everyone in here deserves," Will Wade said.

Will Wade says last four years have 'humbled and changed me'

Will Wade said he will be a "better leader" for LSU this time around.

"The last four years have humbled and changed me," Wade said. "You're getting a better coach, a better leader this time around."

Will Wade ready to make history at LSU

Will Wade said he's going to make history with LSU basketball. He will either win a national championship or he will be the first coach fired twice from the same school.

Will Wade speaking now

Will Wade is at the podium speaking now, after being introduced as the new LSU men's basketball coach.

"This is home. I wasn't born in Louisiana, but Louisiana is home for my family."

LSU president Wade Rousse says 'LSU wants to win national championships 

LSU president Wade Rousse, who worked with Will Wade at McNeese, introduced Wade and added that the Tigers are bringing in Wade to win. 

"We want to win national championships," Rousse said before introducing Wade.

LSU AD Verge Ausberry thanks Matt McMahon

LSU's Vice President and Director of Athletics, Verge Ausberry, is the first to speak at Will Wade's introductory press conference. He starts the press conference by thanking Matt McMahon.

Ausberry said that Wade was the only coach that LSU spoke to about the position.

Will Wade greeted by 'LSU' chants

Will Wade has made his entrance and was greeted by "LSU" chants from fans in attendance.

How to watch Will Wade, LSU press conference

Will Wade's introductory press conference for LSU men's basketball will be streamed on SEC Network+, available on ESPN+ or in the ESPN app.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LSU basketball introduces Will Wade as head coach: Highlights

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Celtics could be without several key players against Hawks

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 27: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 27, 2026 at TD Garden 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

ATLANTA — The Celtics will once again be shorthanded when they face the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night on the second night of a back-to-back.

Jayson Tatum (right Achilles repair management) will be sidelined after exploding for 32 points and 8 assists on Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets. And Nikola Vucevic remains out with a right ring finger fracture suffered on March 6th.

The good news for the Celtics, however, is that Jaylen Brown, who missed the last two games with left Achilles tendonitis, is available. Joe Mazzulla said last week that Brown was day-to-day.

Derrick White, who, like Brown, missed Sunday’s game, is probable to play in this one. Neemias Queta, who is dealing with a right thumb sprain, is doubtful. And, Ron Harper Jr., who sprained his ankle in Sunday’s game, is questionable to play. Harper Jr. left in the second quarter of the game, but returned in the second half and played 4 minutes the rest of the way.

Monday will mark Tatum’s second rest night since returning to action on March 6th.

Atlanta, meanwhile, will be fully healthy in the match-up.

How the Celtics, Hawks stack up

The Celtics are 2-1 against the Hawks this season, most recently beating them 109-102 last Friday at TD Garden. The Celtics overcame a 16-point first-quarter deficit in that game, fueled by a 26-point performance from Payton Pritchard and a 26-point, 12-rebound outing by Jayson Tatum.

Both the Celtics and the Hawks have been two of the hottest teams in the NBA. The Hawks (42-33) are 16-3 since the All-Star break, the third-best record in the NBA in that span.

Celtics-Hawks tips off at 7:30pm ET on Monday night in Atlanta.

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Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Bulls' Collin Sexton continues to cook

It’s Championship Week for fantasy basketball managers, and we’ve reached our last waiver wire article of the season. Thanks for following along in 2025-26, and best of luck in your title matchups!

For a great breakdown of the Week 23 schedule with actionable advice, check out Raphielle Johnson’s Fantasy Basketball Week 23 Schedule Primer.

As a reminder, this article will only feature players rostered in 25% or less of Yahoo! leagues for the rest of the season. The waiver wire in competitive leagues is cut-throat, and managers looking for an end-of-season edge will need to dive deep.

Here are the top fantasy basketball waiver wire adds for Week 23.

Priority Adds

1. Collin Sexton

2. Jaxson Hayes

3. Paul Reed

4. Jamal Shead

5. Sandro Mamukelashvili

6. Gary Payton II

7. Daeqwon Plowden

8. Will Riley

9. Kennedy Chandler

10. Kevin Huerter

Collin Sexton, Chicago Bulls (24 percent rostered)

Chicago’s guard rotation is thin due to injuries, and the “Young (Chicago) Bull" has taken full advantage of his opportunities. In 10 games this month, he’s averaging 21.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.0 dimes, 1.2 steals and 2.9 triples across 26.2 minutes per game. Sexton has offered sixth-round value in that span and scored 20+ points seven times.

Will Riley, Washington Wizards (20 percent rostered)

Riley continues to be one of the most reliable options for the Wizards. Despite numerous injuries and clear tanking protocol, Riley has logged 32 minutes per game across his last seven with averages of 16.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.0 triples.

Daeqwon Plowden, Sacramento Kings (16 percent rostered)

Like Riley, Plowden has been a consistent option for a tanking team, and fantasy managers can pick him up for championship week. Over his last 10, the second-year man out of Bowling Green has averaged 15.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 3.1 triples across 31.6 minutes. He should stay heavily involved for the shorthanded Kings moving forward.

Gary Payton II, Golden State Warriors (14 percent rostered)

Golden State’s roster is as banged up as they come, and Payton II has stepped up with some much-needed scoring, rebounding and defense. He’s scored in double figures in 11 straight games, averaging 14.3 points on 69% shooting, 5.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.6 steals. He’s worth a look for the final week of the season.

Sandro Mamukelashvili, Toronto Raptors (14 percent rostered)

Collin Murray-Boyles is banged up, and Jakob Poeltl doesn’t see big minutes these days. Over the last eight games, Poeltl has averaged 26.5 minutes compared to 19.1 for Mamu. In that span, Mamu has averaged 12.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.6 triples. He could see increased run if CMB misses time and an even bigger role if Poeltl sits out for one game of Toronto’s back-to-back set in Week 23.

Kennedy Chandler, Utah Jazz (13 percent rostered)

Chandler is yet another name in Utah’s rotation who has stepped into an increased role during the team’s blatant tankathon. Over the last five, Chandler has averaged 14.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 triples across 30.6 minutes.

Jaxson Hayes, Los Angeles Lakers (6 percent rostered)

Hayes’ playing time has soared over his last five games, and he’s been great as a shot-blocker. Hayes has averaged 11.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.2 swats across 24.2 minutes in that span, recording multiple rejections in all five appearances.

Paul Reed, Detroit Pistons (5 percent rostered)

B-ball Paul doesn’t see a ton of work when Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart are available, but it’s unclear when Stewart will return, and Duren is listed as doubtful on Monday. Reed could be heavily involved in the frontcourt, and he’s an interesting addition to kick off Championship Week.

Kevin Huerter, Detroit Pistons (4 percent rostered)

Huerter has seen at least 20 minutes in five straight games, turning that court time into 12.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.2 triples. With a slew of Pistons out on Monday and a four-game week on the horizon, Huerter is worth an add in most formats.

Jamal Shead, Toronto Raptors (3 percent rostered)

Shead has seen good run with Immanuel Quickley on the sideline, and he’s averaged 1.6 steals and 8.4 dimes across his last five games overall. Shead isn’t a big-time scorer or rebounder, but he offers strong numbers in two scarce categories.

Other options:Brook Lopez (23%), De’Anthony Melton (17%), Gary Payton II (14%), Ziaire Williams (12%), Julian Reese (5%), Leonard Miller (5%), Ja’Kobe Walter (4%), Leaky Black (0%)

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Tapping, twirling and “T” signs: Sports replays have a language all their own

Every moment of pretty much any major sporting event can be dissected in high-definition these days, and officials and umpires are spending more and more time staring at a TV screen to review close calls.

It’s also led to a type of sign language unique to the sports world.

There’s the twirling motion with a finger that’s ubiquitous during NBA games when anyone believes their team has been wronged. In the NFL, it’s a red challenge flag thrown by coaches that’s often mimicked by fans.

It’s not just a U.S. phenomenon, either: There’s the rectangular box drawn in the air that’s everywhere in international soccer for VAR (Video assistant referee). In cricket, certain players can make a “T” sign with their hands, signaling they would like a replay from the DRS (Decision review system). Then the umpire draws a rectangular box in the air, similar to soccer.

Now Major League Baseball has a new entry to the lexicon: A couple pats on the head.

The Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System officially now is part of MLB games, with cameras that track each pitch and judge whether it crossed home plate within the strike zone. Human umps still call every pitch, but each team has the ability to challenge two calls per game.

When a batter, pitcher or catcher believes a ball-strike call has been missed, they can pat their head a few times and also verbally confirm they want a challenge. It hasn’t taken long for fans to get in on the lingo, patting their heads when they think there’s a bad call.

“Everybody now knows what touching the top of their hat means,” D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said, laughing. “It’s definitely caught on fast. I think it’s a great thing — everyone wants to get the calls right.”

Sometimes, the hand signals can be seen as a sign of disrespect.

Tampa Bay Rays infielder Taylor Walls was ejected from a regular season game last season after disagreeing with a call, patting his helmet a few times while arguing with the umpire. ABS was used in spring training in 2025 on an experimental basis, but wasn’t allowed during regular season games.

Walls maintained it was an innocent gesture. Plate umpire Nic Lentz disagreed and sent Walls to the clubhouse early.

Lovullo said he doesn’t expect many misunderstandings in the future.

“There’s the verbal command, too, so that should help,” he said.

In many sports, the expanding video review procedures have created new strategies to get challenges right. Many times it’s quick non-verbal cues that make the process work.

Many NBA teams have an assistant coach or staff member on the bench who has a tablet and can view the broadcast, reviewing plays quickly. Players sometimes make emotional decisions in the heat of the game — twirling their finger in the air when they believe their team should challenge. (Spoiler alert: Players always think they’re right.)

But the final say comes from the bench.

For the New York Knicks, assistant coach Jordan Brink is the man who advises head coach Mike Brown.

“If he does this (nodding his head up and down), then you do this (twirls his finger). If he does this (shaking his head side to side), then you just go ‘Hmm...’ and got to tell your players sorry,” Brown said.

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said “you really got to control yourself” because replay reviews are usually emotional situations. Los Angeles Clippers coach Ty Lue had no clue how the finger twirl became the NBA’s go-to symbol for a review, but in his typical deadpan manner, said its prevalence could occasionally be annoying.

“I’m sick of looking at it. Let’s take a look at that,” Lue said, drawing laughs from reporters. “Now they’re doing it in college, too, everybody’s doing it.”

MLB now has a pair of replay review signals. Managers can call for reviews of out-safe calls and some other rulings by tapping their hands over their ears, mimicking umpires putting on headsets to discuss plays with MLB’s replay center. That and the ABS head-pat have taken over at a time when some of the longtime hand signals of baseball are disappearing. For more than a century, catchers called pitches with their fingers, sometimes relying on an elaborate sequence of signs to keep the opposing team from figuring out the next pitch.

That all started to change following the 2017 Houston Astros cheating scandal, which was uncovered in 2020. Now there’s a system called PitchCom that can relay pitch calls and infield positioning decisions without hand signals.

“You used to have signals from the dugout to watch for a bunt, or watch for a delayed steal, but now all you have to do is hit a few buttons,” Lovullo said.

But the low-tech system of hand signals in sports is still very much a thing. In a strange juxtaposition, the high-tech world of video replay is one of the main reasons.

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Celtics win 50th game, Jaylen Brown pokes fun at 'gap year' doubters

It was fitting that Boston won its 50th game of the season on a day that MVP candidate Jaylen Brown and potential All-NBA player Derrick White were out. The story of this season was expected to be about the Celtics being shorthanded — with Jayson Tatum out much of the season recovering from a torn Achilles, plus Jrue Holiday, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis no longer being with the team. This was projected as a 'gap' year between seasons of title contention.

Nobody told the Celtics.

Boston beat Charlotte on Sunday to win its 50th game behind a monster night from the just-returned Jayson Tatum.

Boston is 9-2 since Tatum's return, sits solidly as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, is getting healthy at the right time, and is the betting favorite now at DraftKings to come out of the East and make the NBA Finals. With the win Sunday, Boston officially clinched a playoff spot.

After the game, Brown took a shot at all the doubters who called for this to be a gap season in Boston.

He's in a position to talk all he wants — winners get the microphone. And Brown and the Celtics are big winners this season.

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Best NBA Player Props Today for March 30: Oubre is OK for Philly

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Yeah, it’s Monday again. But look on the bright side: Easter makes it a short week, and the Association eases you back into things with eight games on the board.

With tipoffs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET tonight, basketball fans have a surplus of betting options, including a massive menu of NBA player props.

I dig into those “games within the game” and give you my NBA picks and predictions for March 30.

Best NBA player props today

PlayerPickbet365
Hornets Kelly Oubre Jr.Over 9.5 points+100
Hornets Rui HachimuraOver 1.5 threes-125
Hornets Julian ChampagnieOver 9.5 points-130
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Prop #1: Kelly Oubre Jr. Over 9.5 points

+100 at bet365

Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. was back in action Saturday after an eight-game absence due to an elbow injury. 

Oubre came off the bench for the Sixers but still logged 28 minutes, showing a little rust in his return. He scored nine points on 3-for-5 shooting but looked plenty healthy after putting Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabaté on a poster in the fourth quarter. 

Oubre, who rated his return as “ehh” on Instagram, will play a bigger role against the Miami Heat tonight. Philadelphia is fighting to avoid the Play-In tournament and sits just a half-game behind the Atlanta Hawks for the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Miami offers ample opportunities for Oubre to find his form. The Heat have been one of the worst defensive teams since the All-Star break and have allowed more than 122 points per game over their last 14 outings.

Oubre scores over 14 points a contest on the season, and Monday’s projections have him coming close to that output, ranging from 11 to 13 points. My number comes out just north of 12 points, providing excellent value for the Over 9.5 points tonight.

  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: Peacock

Prop #2: Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 threes

-125 at bet365

The Los Angeles Lakers are without star Luka Doncic against the Washington Wizards, which means offensive touches trickle down throughout L.A.’s lineup.

Rui Hachimura returned to action just in time to pick up that offensive slack. He logged 26 minutes against the Brooklyn Nets Friday, which was his heaviest workload since getting hurt in mid-March.

While Hachimura finished with eight points and went 0-for-2 on triples, he’ll play a bigger role on the perimeter with Doncic absent tonight. Player projections call for an uptick in scoring, but I believe the better value is in his 3-point prop.

If Hachimura is going to put up points, those will come from beyond the arc. In Luka’s absence, LeBron James plays more of a distributor, and he’ll attack and kick to spot-up shooters like Rui on the wing.

In Hachimura’s eight appearances without Doncic in the lineup, he knocked down two or more triples in five of those games. This prop is as high as Over 1.5 -172 at some books, but you can get it as low as -125 at bet365.

  • Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: SportsNet LA, MNMT

Prop #3: Julian Champagnie Over 9.5 points

-130 at bet365

The San Antonio Spurs are pushing toward the No. 1 seed in the West and have a solid shot at picking up a win against the visiting Chicago Bulls tonight.

Power forward Julian Champagnie is hitting his stride at the right time. After suffering through a scoring lull for most of the month, he’s averaging more than 11 points over the past six contests.
 
Outside shooting has been the biggest factor for Champagnie’s surge, going a collective 15-for-38 from beyond the arc in that span (39.5%). He’s hit at least three triples in four of those six games.

The Bulls are sinking like a stone in the Eastern Conference standings with only one win in their last six showings. Chicago is hemorrhaging almost 132 points against in that skid, and with plenty of points to go around, Champagnie’s scoring projections sit north of 11 points Monday.

  • Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: Peacock, NBCSN Extra, FanDuel Sports Network Southwest

These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.

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Who is Braylon Mullins? What to know of UConn's March Madness hero

Braylon Mullins, an Indiana kid, sent UConn basketball to the Final Four in Indianapolis with the shot of his life against Duke in the Elite Eight.

The true freshman guard nailed a game-winning 3-pointer from 35 feet out in the Huskies' 73-72 win over top-seeded Duke on Sunday, March 29, securing his spot in March Madness lore. The sharpshooter was 0-of-4 from 3-point range before the shot, but no one will remember UConn's shooting struggles after his all-time make.

REQUIRED READING: Braylon Mullins on game-winning 3 vs Duke: 'You play for those moments'

The 6-6 guard has been an important addition to Dan Hurley's squad in 2025-26. After UConn was bounced in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season, Hurley shored up the Huskies' backcourt with Mullins and Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr., both of whom were huge down the stretch in their win over Duke.

Mullins, one of the best players of the 2025 high school recruiting class, proved the moment wasn't too big for him.

Here's everything to know of Mullins, who became a household name against Duke in the Elite Eight:

Braylon Mullins shot

Mullins' 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds left in UConn's win vs. Duke will go down as one of the top buzzer-beaters in March Madness history. Here's a look at the shot:

Braylon Mullins NBA mock draft projection

USA TODAY Sports projects Mullins as the No. 29 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Draft analyst Bryan Kalbrosky wrote March 26: Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, missed the start of the season due to an ankle injury. But he has returned to action for the Huskies and has shown what makes him such an appealing player. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level. The Big East All-Freshman wing shot 40.7 percent on 3-pointers during his first 18 games in the starting lineup, but it may be tough for scouts to forget his 0-for-8 performance from beyond the arc during his first game in March Madness.

Braylon Mullins recruiting rank

Mullins was one of the top-rated players of the 2025 high school recruiting class, tabbed as a five-star recruit. He was rated the No. 15 player nationally and No. 4 shooting guard, according to 247Sports' Composite ratings.

Mullins chose UConn over Michigan, North Carolina and Indiana, his hometown school.

Where is Braylon Mullins from?

Mullins is from Greenfield, Indiana, where he attended Greenfield-Central High School. Greenfield is roughly 30 minutes outside of Indianapolis, where the Final Four is located in 2026.

Braylon Mullins high school stats

Mullins was ridiculous in high school, averaging 32.9 points with 7.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game as a senior, along with 3.7 steals and 1.1 blocks, per MaxPreps. He was named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 2025, the highest honor in the state, and was a McDonald's All American.

Braylon Mullins parents

Mullins' parents are Katie and Josh Mullins. His dad played two seasons at IUPUI averaging 10.7 points per game.

How old is Braylon Mullins?

Mullins is 19 years old, as he was born on April 18, 2006, according to his UConn bio.

Braylon Mullins stats

Here's a look at Mullin's per-game averages in 2025-26:

  • 2025-26: 11.9 points with 3.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game on 43.4% shooting (32.8% from 3-point range)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Braylon Mullins? Get to know of UConn basketball's March Madness hero

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Bulls at Spurs Prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for March 30

The streaky Spurs ( 56-18) take on the Bulls (29-45) as the extra edition of Peacock's Monday Night NBA coverage. San Antonio won the only prior meeting of the season in Chicago, 121-117, back in November.

The Spurs have won eight-straight games and 13 of the last 14. San Antonio is streaking at the right time and appear ready to finish with the second-best record in the NBA behind Oklahoma City. In March, the Spurs own the NBA's best-rated offense and come in at third on defense.

For Chicago, the Bulls have the 22nd-rated offense and 16th-ranked defense this month. The Bulls have lost three consecutive games and five of the previous six. In March, Chicago sports a 5-9 record after going winless in February (0-11). Chicago will likely finish with a bottom 10 record in the league this season as they currently rank ninth.

Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content. 

Game Details and How to Watch Live: Bulls at Spurs

  • Date: Monday, March 30, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 PM EST
  • Site: Frost Bank Center
  • City: San Antonio, TX
  • Network/Streaming: Peacock

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Game Odds: Bulls at Spurs

The latest odds as of Monday, courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: San Antonio Spurs (-1800), Chicago Bulls (+1000)
  • Spread: San Antonio -16.5
  • Total: O/U 244.5 points

This game opened San Antonio -4.5 with the Total set at 238.5.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Expected Starting Lineups: Bulls at Spurs

Chicago Bulls

  • PG Josh Giddey
  • SG Tre Jones
  • SF Isaac Okoro
  • PF Matas Buzelis
  • C Nick Richards

San Antonio Spurs

  • PG De'Aaron Fox
  • SG Stephon Castle
  • SF Devin Vassell
  • PF Julian Champagnie
  • C Victor Wembanyama

Injury Report: Bulls at Spurs

Chicago Bulls

  • Nick Richards (elbow) is QUESTIONABLE for tonight's game
  • Guerschon Yabusele (ankle) is QUESTIONABLE for tonight's game
  • Anfernee Simons (wrist) is OUT for tonight's game
  • Jaden Ivey (knee) is OUT for tonight's game
  • Jalen Smith (calf) is OUT for tonight's game
  • Zach Collins (toe) is OUT for tonight's game

San Antonio Spurs

  • None

Important stats, trends and insights: Bulls at Spurs

  • San Antonio is 17-15-1 ATS as a home favorite and 19-14-1 to the Under
  • San Antonio is 42-31-2 ATS, ranking 3rd-best
  • San Antonio is 42-33 to the Under, ranking 5th-best
  • Chicago is 39-35 to the ATS overall
  • Chicago is 38-36 to the Under overall
  • Chicago is 14-10 ATS as a road underdog and 14-10 to the Over, ranking 4th-best

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s Bulls and Spurs game:

  • Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Spurs’ Moneyline
  • Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Spurs -18.5 ATS
  • Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 238.5

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

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Where to watch Washington Wizards vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Monday, March 30

The Los Angeles Lakers won’t have Luka Doncic when they face the Washington Wizards on Monday. Doncic will serve a one-game suspension after he picked up his 16th technical foul of the season. The Lakers are closing in on the Pacific Division title while the Wizards are headed for the NBA Draft lottery. The Lakers are heavily favored with a -15.5 spread and a -1400 moneyline, indicating an 89.4% implied probability of winning.

  • Washington Wizards: 17-57 (No. 5 in Southeast Division)

  • Los Angeles Lakers: 48-26 (No. 1 in Pacific Division)

  • Spread: Los Angeles Lakers -15.5

  • Moneyline: Los Angeles Lakers -1400 / Washington Wizards +800

  • Over/Under: 235.5

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Pistons at Thunder Prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for March 30

The Oklahoma City Thunder (59-16) and Detroit Pistons (54-20) meet in a triple-header on Peacock as the nightcap as the two teams with the best record in the East and West battle it out.

In their only meeting of the season in Detroit, the Pistons won 124-116. Detroit are the winners of two-straight games, six of the past seven, and nine of the previous 11. The Pistons have held strong on the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and look like they will end up with the third-best record in the NBA.

Entering this matchup, Oklahoma City has won two consecutive games and 14 of the last 15 games. The Thunder are arguably the hottest team in the league and has the much healthier team between the two.

Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content. 

Game Details and How to Watch Live: Pistons at Thunder

  • Date: Monday, March 30, 2026
  • Time: 9:30 PM EST
  • Site: Paycom Center
  • City: Oklahoma City, OK
  • Network/Streaming: Peacock

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Game Odds: Pistons at Thunder

The latest odds as of Monday, courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Oklahoma City Thunder (-700), Detroit Pistons (+500)
  • Spread: Oklahoma City -11.5
  • Total: O/U 218.5 points

This game opened Oklahoma City -8.5 with the Total set at 223.5.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Expected Starting Lineups: Pistons at Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder

  • PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • SG Lu Dort
  • SF Jalen Williams
  • PF Chet Holmgren
  • C Isaiah Hartenstein

Detroit Pistons

  • PG Daniss Jenkins
  • SG Kevin Huerter
  • SF Ausar Thompson
  • PF Ronald Holland II
  • C Paul Reed

Injury Report: Pistons at Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder

  • None

Detroit Pistons

  • Tobias Harris (hip) is listed as DOUBTFUL for tonight's game
  • Jalen Duren (knee) is listed as DOUBTFUL for tonight’s game
  • Ausar Thompson (ankle) is listed as QUESTIONABLE for tonight's game
  • Duncan Robinson (hip) is listed as DOUBTFUL for tonight's game
  • Isaiah Stewart (calf) is listed as OUT for tonight's game
  • Cade Cunningham (chest) is listed as OUT for tonight's game

Important stats, trends and insights: Pistons at Thunder

  • Oklahoma City is 34-40 ATS and 16-20 at home
  • Oklahoma City is 15-20 ATS as a home favorite and 19-16 to the Under
  • Detroit is 38-36 ATS and 19-17 on the road
  • Detroit is an NBA-best 7-1 ATS as a road underdog
  • Detroit is 4-3-1 to the Under as a road underdog and 20-15-1 to the Under on the road

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s Pistons and Thunder game:

  • Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Thunder Moneyline
  • Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Thunder -11.5 ATS
  • Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 218.5

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
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  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
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76ers vs Heat Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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The Philadelphia 76ers will look for a third straight win when they travel south to face the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center tonight.

The 76ers’ "Big Three" is finally available at the same time, and my 76ers vs Heat predictions expect the trio to deliver a big performance on the road.

Here are my free NBA picks for Monday, March 30.

76ers vs Heat prediction

76ers vs Heat best bet: Joel Embiid Over 28.5 points (-105)

Joel Embiid has had trouble staying on the court again this season, but he’s played in two straight contests and is absent from Monday morning’s injury report.

In two games since returning from a lengthy absence, Embiid shows no signs of rust, posting 29 and 35 points. 

Embiid has scored 29+ in 16 of 35 games overall this season, reaching that mark in two straight and 11 of his last 14.

The big man has logged 30+ minutes in 23 games this season, averaging 29.3 points in those games and hitting the Over on this scoring line 13 times. Embiid has recorded 30+ minutes in 11 of 15 road games.

Over the last 10 games, the Miami Heat have allowed the third-most points and the third-highest 3-point percentage, and they own the eighth-worst defensive rating.

Both teams rank in the Top 4 in pace, and the point total for Monday’s matchup is set at a whopping 246.5. 

Embiid should push for 30 minutes, and he should see plenty of opportunities in a fast-paced, high-scoring environment.

76ers vs Heat same-game parlay

The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the best teams against the spread on the road this season, going 23-13. In the last game out with all of Philly's Big Three — Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George — available, the Sixers earned a quality win over the Charlotte Hornets.

They dropped 157 points on the Chicago Bulls with Embiid and George in the lineup, and Maxey sidelined. The Sixers will also have Kelly Oubre Jr. back for a second straight game, and a healthy team will overwhelm Miami's lackluster defense.

The Heat have hit the Over in four of their last five games at home and eight times across their last 10 games overall. The 76ers have hit the Over in three of their last five on the road. 

76ers vs Heat SGP

  • Joel Embiid Over 28.5 points
  • 76ers -2
  • Over 246.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Big 3

Miami's defense has been one of the most generous in the Association over the last 10 games, and I expect Embiid, Maxey, and George to feast tonight in South Beach.

Maxey returned from a 10-game absence and dropped 26 points against the Charlotte Hornets in his last game out. He’s scored 26+ in 45 of 62 games overall, including 26 of 30 on the road.

Since returning from suspension, Paul George has played like a man possessed. He scored 28 and 26 in his last two games, and he’s reached 17 points in six of 13 road games.

76ers vs Heat SGP

  • 76ers -2
  • Over 246.5
  • Joel Embiid Over 28.5 points
  • Tyrese Maxey Over 26.5 points
  • Paul George Over 16.5 points

76ers vs Heat odds

  • Spread: 76ers -2 | Heat +2
  • Moneyline: 76ers -130 | Heat +110
  • Over/Under: Over 246.5 | Under 246.5

76ers vs Heat betting trend to know

The Philadelphia 76ers have hit the team total Over in 23 of their last 35 away games (+8.95 Units / 22% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Heat.

How to watch 76ers vs Heat

LocationKaseya Center, Miami, FL
DateMonday, March 30, 2026
Tip-off7:00 p.m. ET
TVPeacock

76ers vs Heat latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Cavaliers vs Jazz Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers hit the road tonight to visit his former team, the Utah Jazz, at the Delta Center. 

My Cavs vs. Jazz predictions are targeting Spida to bounce back after a quiet game in his last appearance. 

Read more in my NBA picks for Monday, March 30. 

Cavaliers vs Jazz prediction

Cavaliers vs Jazz best bet: Donovan Mitchell Over 26.5 points (-115)

Donovan Mitchell is having another stellar campaign for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s seventh in the league in scoring, averaging 27.9 PPG. Mitchell is a walking bucket, and his ability to score from all three levels is usually present on a nightly basis. 

While Spida was held to just six points in 31 minutes of action on Friday against the Heat, the Louisville product did cash the Over in three straight appearances before that, dropping 28, 42, and 27 points. 

It’s very rare for Mitchell to be held to just single digits, and tonight is a prime opportunity for him to respond as he faces his former team in the Utah Jazz. Utah is an easy matchup for opposing shooting guards, and they’re one of the worst defensive clubs in the Association. 

Mitchell is averaging 27.4 points per contest on the road, and he scored 27 in his last road game in New Orleans. 

He’ll cook tonight in Salt Lake City.

Cavaliers vs Jazz same-game parlay

James Harden is averaging 8.1 dimes per game this season, which ranks fifth in the NBA. The guard has cashed the Over in assists in three of his last five, and he just dished out 14 on Friday against the Heat. Utah is allowing over nine assists per game to point guards. 

Mitchell scores a decent amount of his points from downtown, averaging 3.3 makes on 9.0 attempts per game. He’s cashed the Over in treys in three of his last four, and the Jazz are allowing 3.8 triples per contest to opposing shooting guards. 

Evan Mobley is a physical presence down low, averaging 8.9 rebounds per game. Coming off a 10-board performance, the big man is averaging 9.2 rebounds on the road, and he’s cashed the Over in two of his last three away from home. Utah is allowing nearly 15 boards per contest to opposing centers.

Cavaliers vs Jazz SGP

  • James Harden Over 8.5 assists
  • Donovan Mitchell Over 2.5 made threes
  • Evan Mobley Over 9.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Web-slinging goodness

Mitchell has averaged 5.8 assists this season to go along with his 27.9 points, and he’s hit the Over in points+assists in two of his last three games. The Jazz are weak on the perimeter, so he could truly thrive as a passer tonight as well. 

Sam Merrill is averaging 13 PPG, and he’s cashed the Over in two of his last three appearances. Before a 10-point performance on Friday, he had posted 18 and 19 points in back-to-back games.

Cavaliers vs Jazz SGP

  • James Harden Over 8.5 assists
  • Donovan Mitchell Over 31.5 points+assists
  • Evan Mobley Over 9.5 rebounds
  • Sam Merrill Over 14.5 points

Cavaliers vs Jazz odds

  • Spread: Cavaliers -17 (-110) | Jazz +17 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Cavaliers -2000 | Jazz +1000
  • Over/Under: Over 242.5 (-110) | Under 242.5 (-110)

Cavaliers vs Jazz betting trend to know

The Cleveland Cavaliers have hit the 4Q Moneyline in 28 of their last 40 away games (+13.40 Units / 24% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Jazz.

How to watch Cavaliers vs Jazz

LocationDelta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
DateMonday, March 30, 2026
Tip-off9:00 p.m. ET
TVFDSN Ohio, KJZZ

Cavaliers vs Jazz latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

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76ers at Heat Prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for March 30

The Miami Heat (39-36) and Philadelphia 76ers (41-33) meet on Peacock at 7 PM Eastern in the first of a doubleheader. The two teams have met twice this season, with the Heat winning by 10 points and the 76ers winning by seven. Both matchups were in Philadelphia. This is the final meeting, which will take place in Miami.

Miami has now lost seven of the past eight games with a lone victory over Cleveland. The Heat’s losing streak has gotten so bad that they lost to the Pacers yesterday by double digits. Miami is tied with Charlotte for the 10th and final spot in the play-in tournament, trailing Orlando by half a game and Philadelphia by two games. During the Heat’s 1-7 skid, Miami ranks 18th in offensive rating and 25th in defensive rating, while playing at the fifth-quickest pace. The 76ers play at the third-quickest pace in that same span, so this should be a fun matchup with plenty of points.

Philadelphia has won two-straight games, four of the past five, and six of the previous eight as they are starting to find their footing. The 76ers rank eighth in defensive rating over the past eight games and 16th in offensive rating. However, if you look at the last six teams that the 76ers have beaten, the Nets, Trail Blazers, Kings, Jazz, Bulls, and Hornets, well, it’s not exactly the most impressive list of teams. Philadelphia is 5-5 in its last 10 road games and will be in Miami for the first time all season.

Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content. 

Game Details and How to Watch Live: 76ers at Heat

  • Date: Monday, March 30, 2026
  • Time: 7:00 PM EST
  • Site: Kaseya Center
  • City: Miami, FL
  • Network/Streaming: Peacock

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Game Odds: 76ers at Heat

The latest odds as of Monday, courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Miami Heat (+110), Philadelphia 76ers (-130)
  • Spread: Philadelphia -2.5
  • Total: O/U 247.5 points

This game opened Philadelphia -1.5 with the Total set at 240.5.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Expected Starting Lineups: 76ers at Heat

Philadelphia 76ers

  • PG Tyrese Maxey
  • SG VJ Edgecombe
  • SF Kelly Oubre Jr.
  • PF Paul George
  • C Joel Embiid

Miami Heat

  • PG Daivon Mitchell
  • SG Tyler Herro
  • SF Norman Powell (questionable)
  • PF Andrew Wiggins
  • C Bam Adebayo

Injury Report: 76ers at Heat

Philadelphia 76ers

  • None

Miami Heat

  • Norman Powell (illness) is listed as QUESTIONABLE for tonight’s game

Important stats, trends and insights: 76ers at Heat

  • Miami is 45-32-1 ATS, ranking 3rd-best and 21-16 ATS at home, ranking 7th-best
  • Miami is 14-13 ATS as a home favorite and 14-13 to the Under
  • Miami is 40-35 to the Under, ranking 6th-best
  • Miami is 0-3 in the last three home games
  • Philadelphia is 39-34 ATS, ranking 8th-best and 22-13 ATS on the road, ranking 2nd-best
  • Philadelphia is 10-10 ATS as a road underdog and 10-10 to the Under
  • Philadelphia is 38-35 to the Under, ranking 8th-best
  • Philadelphia is 5-5 in the last 10 road games

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s 76ers and Heat game:

  • Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the 76ers’ Moneyline
  • Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the 76ers -2.5 ATS
  • Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 247.5

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

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Bill Simmons Throws Cold Water On Las Vegas, And NBA, Expansion

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On his eponymous podcast Sunday night, Bill Simmons took a bucket of cold water and poured it on the idea of the NBA expansion plans. Then he refilled the bucket and held the NBA expansion plans — including the idea of placing a team in Las Vegas — under the water until it was but a memory.

In short: Simmons, who has octopus-like connections throughout the NBA, thinks it ain’t happening.

He broke it down into two parts, with the first — and most pressing — issue being his certainty expansion will not pass muster with the owners. There are 30 NBA franchises, and 23 have to approve any expansion. Simmons is sure NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is going to have problems with nearly half of the owners.

“They don’t have the votes,” Simmons said, in conversation with fellow podcaster/NBA insider Zach Lowe. “I think it got a little testy in the Board of Governors when they were all together last week, with some people like, ‘Why are we doing this? I’m never voting for this. This is stupid. We’re not doing this.’”

Then Simmons went through 13 owners who he believes are either wholly against the idea or would need some serious arm-twisting.

He first broke down the “new” generation of owners, such as the groups that control the Celtics, Jazz, Hornets, Rockets, Suns, and Timberwolves, and how as new (or relatively new) owners, they don’t want to dilute their chances at winning a title.

Then he went into Jim Dolan, the owner of the Knicks who is against it, as well as the new Trail Blazers owner, who Simmons questioned whether he’d want a team two hours away in Seattle.

Then he noted Steve Ballmer, owner of the Clippers, whose net worth is north of $100 billion and couldn’t care less about the proposal for each team to get upward of $500 million if the league expands by two.

“They don’t have the votes. I’m just telling you they don’t,” Simmons said.

New BS Podcast w/ @ZachLowe_NBA
—The UConn Miracle
—The MVP not-a-debate-yet
—Zach’s lottery guard blink text
—Scariest 1-Round Playoff Teams
—Please don’t take NBA “expansion” seriously (yet)
—Is this the weirdest NBA season ever?

Spotify (or Netflix) https://t.co/NdluxDTMHw

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) March 30, 2026

Timing off

Simmons was also put off by the timing of the announcement about the expansion plans, as it was leaked to the press last Monday.

“And when my s**t detector started going off — it was a Monday morning news leak, which as we know, Monday morning is always when you put a story out trying to set the tone for the week, and they put it out in a way that made me think this almost seems like they’re testing this out to see what the reaction is,” he said. “Like they’re either trying to convince the fans this is a good idea or they’re trying to convince the votes that they don’t have that this is a good idea. So I do not think they have the votes.”

Simmons also isn’t sold that Seattle and Vegas are slam dunks to get the teams if expansion did happen.

“This is a two-part process where part one is you get the 30 owners together and they have to vote, you need 23 votes to proceed,” Simmons said. “And basically, Silver is going, ‘I want to see what we can get for these two teams. We’ve decided it’s going to be Seattle and Vegas. We haven’t decided if we’re expanding, but let’s see what kind of price we can get for each of those, and then I’ll bring that back to you and we can vote on it.’”

The number floated was $8 billion per team, a figure Simmons thinks is a fugazi.

“I don’t think the owners are going to necessarily vote for it even if they do get $8 billion a team. And if it’s like $5 to $6 billion, they’re definitely not voting for it,” he said. “And I don’t really understand the point of any of this. Why not just be transparent and say, ‘Hey, we’re just curious to see what we get for these expansion teams, this doesn’t mean we’re gonna have expansion.’”

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Did Dan Hurley deserve a technical after game-winning shot for going face-to-face with ref?

UConn coach Dan Hurley is known for his high-energy antics on the sideline. That unsurprisingly didn't change after true freshman Braylon Mullins buried a game-winning 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds left in the Huskies' 73-72 win over top-seeded Duke in the Elite Eight.

Hurley, a two-time national champion at UConn, came face-to-face with the referee after Mullins' shot, despite there still being 0.4 seconds left on the clock. He wasn't given a technical foul despite coming in contact with the referee, resulting in UConn moving onto the Final Four.

Former Wisconsin star Sam Dekker, who played in the Final Four in 2014 and 2015, was one of many that said Hurley should've been given a technical foul in the moment.

"I have no bias here," Dekker wrote on X. "This is a tech 10/10 times. For multiple reasons… it would have lost the game for his team and he would have tried to fight the officials like he did nothing wrong. I just don’t understand it at all. Also, referees need to grow a spine in instances like this."

Hurley went wild in the aftermath of the shot, just like any personnel would given the intensity of the moment. He threw his arms up in celebration and even had his suit jacket fall halfway off after multiple other staff members swarmed him.

Duke's radio play-by-play announcer also noticed UConn guard Malachi Smith allegedly running off the bench onto the court after Mullins's shot.

“Malachi Smith ran off the bench! That should be a technical!" David Shumate said on the broadcast.

It's all nothing new for one of college basketball's most successful coaches of the past few years. Hurley was fined $25,000 by the Big East after UConn's final loss of the regular season to Marquette after he appeared to come in contact with the referee. He was called for a double-technical ejection in the moment, which sealed the win for the Golden Eagles on March 7.

Hurley even offered his glasses to an official during UConn's eventual 67-63 win over No. 3 Michigan State in the Sweet 16, due to UConn winning a challenge.

Prior to the Sweet 16 against Michigan State, Hurley told Pat McAfee he'd done a decent job this year with his behavior. Apparently, all bets were off come UConn's biggest two games of the season, though.

"For the most part, I think I've been a pretty good boy this year," Hurley said. "My behavior's been pretty good. Even in that situation, I didn't touch him. I never made contact with the official. There was actually never contact made, the official said that. Again, that was quite a long time ago."

UConn trailed by as many as 19 points late in the first half and faced its largest halftime deficit of the season when behind 44-29 at the break. It started 1-of-18 from 3-point range, before ending the game 4-of-5 from distance, all of which makes came in the final few minutes of regulation.

Hurley and UConn are still alive, looking for their third national championship of the last four seasons. And UConn and college basketball fans alike won't have to worry about Hurley not bringing the energy down the stretch as he reaches another Final Four.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dan Hurley comes face-to-face with official in UConn's historic win