BOSTON, MA - MARCH 16: The sneakers worn by Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 16, 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
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 20: Isaiah Collier #8 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 20, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/NBAE via Getty Images | NBAE via Getty Images
The Jazz have achieved 2 essential losses already on this quick road trip, and are looking to continue the trend Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, these are not the same Timberwolves we’ve gotten used to seeing in the Western Conference finals; they will be without star guard Anthony Edwards, who is projected to be out 1-2 weeks with right knee inflammation. This is unfortunate on 3 fronts. First; Anthony Edwards is consistently one of the most entertaining star players to watch in the league, and this contest will be worse without him. Second; a matchup with a player of Edward’s caliber provides very useful experience for the youngsters, who can use every minute of playtime versus star players in preparation for the Jazz 2027 playoff run. And, perhaps most importantly, third; the Jazz’s likelihood of pulling off a stunning win against the Timberwolves increases when Anthony Edwards is nursing a sore knee on the bench.
Nevertheless, the Timberwolves have every incentive to win – they’re currently tied for the 4th seed with the Nuggets and Rockets, so any separation in the race for home court advantage in the first round would be huge for them. And, on the other side of the same coin, the Jazz have a few incentives to lose. They are currently slotted with the 5th best lottery odds, which gives them a 99.4% chance of staying in the top 8 and keeping their pick in the loaded 2026 draft. However, they’re only 3 games behind the Sacramento Kings for the 4th worst record, which would guarantee their keeping the pick. This is to say that this game is enormously important for both parties.
Cody Williams will look to continue his momentum from his career high, 34 point night on Sunday versus the Kings. Additionally, Anderrson Garcia and Bez Mbeng will have another opportunity to show their defensive chops during their 10-day contract tryouts. If I had to bet on which Jazz player will have a big night, my money would be on Isaiah Collier – the combination of Keyonte George and potentially Ace Bailey (got whacked by Anderrson Garcia on a rebound all the way into the concussion report) out with injury, with the Timberwolves sometimes-shoddy guard point of attack defense, Isaiah will have the usage and matchups necessary to put up a big night statistically.
The Timberwolves, who have struggled a bit without Edwards this year (7 wins and 4 losses), will likely funnel additional usage to Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle. We will also get a good look at newest Timberwolf Ayo Dosunmu, acquired from the Bulls at the trade deadline, who took the open starting spot on 3/17 against the Suns with Edwards injured.
Which Jazz youngster are you hoping to see a big game from against the Timberwolves? Let me know below!
BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 1: James Harden #1 and Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high five during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 1, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden is the best pick-and-roll player of this generation. He’s developed seemingly instant chemistry with his various pick-and-roll partners throughout his career.
The key to Harden’s success is two-fold. First, he’s incredibly skilled. Harden can make every pass on the court, creates space with his lateral quickness, has excellent touch, and has the strength to initiate and finish through contact. Additionally, he processes the game at an incredibly high level.
That second part is what head coach Kenny Atkinson believes makes him such a good pick-and-roll player.
“The number one thing I’m usually frustrated with coming out of watching game film is decision making,” Atkinson said. “Even the really, really good players, you get frustrated. ‘Man, there’s three choices here, why did you pick the wrong one?’ I’m not sure I’ve had one of those with James yet.”
Despite how well Harden sees the game, there can still be an adjustment period when you’re working with a new pick-and-roll partner.
Jason Kidd, one of the premier point guards of his generation and now head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, said that it would take him up to half a season before he really felt comfortable with playing alongside a new big. “You have to be able to understand and be truthful to your teammates about what their abilities are if you want to have success,” Kidd said.
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Harden is working through that process with Evan Mobley. The duo has been watching film together, trying to figure out how to best make their pick-and-roll game work. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but Tuesday’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks showed that the Cavs can have success with that duo.
It’s important to acknowledge Mobley’s strengths and weaknesses. He’s not a physical screen setter. That isn’t a part of his game and won’t be unless he puts on considerably more muscle.
Mobley’s athleticism is what made him an All-NBA player last season. He has a quick first step and solid ball skills for someone his size. This allows him to be effective as a cutter and attacking one-on-one in space.
That profile has lent itself to him being more comfortable slipping screens (going up and setting a screen like normal, but moving before initiating complete contact) instead of making firm contact. You can still run an effective pick-and-roll with someone who more often slips screens; the process of doing so is just different.
“It’s just a feel, because you have to lead the defense more than anything,” Kidd said when asked what’s most important when playing with a big who likes to slip screens. “If I know that you’re going to slip, then I have to understand who’s guarding you and who’s guarding me to be able to get you the ball.”
Figuring out the correct way to get Mobley the ball in these actions has been an issue for Harden. Plays like the ones below show why.
Mobley needs to either set a hard screen or slip the screen more quickly for the action to work. In this clip, Harden is turning the corner with Mobley behind the play. Because there isn’t solid contact on the screen, the two defenders involved in the action are also on the same level as the ball, even though Mobley’s defender drops. This leaves the paint congested, and there’s no need for help defense to come.
The goal of a pick-and-roll is to create a brief advantage for the offense so that you’re effectively playing with an extra man for a split second because one of the defenders is taken out of a play. Setting a hard screen does that, but so does decisively slipping the screen instead of just floating.
This is a good example of that. Mobley gets downhill before his defender can react. The guard coming down isn’t able to take the pass away due to Mobley’s height advantage and the quality pass from Harden. By the time the opposing center comes to help, it’s too late.
Screens force defenses to make a decision. The Bucks decided to trap the ball handler when the Cavs set a screen. Mobley quickly getting away from that situation created an advantage on the backend.
Moving quickly and decisively is the key for Mobley. In this next clip, he makes more contact with Harden’s defender, but the advantage comes because he’s diving to the basket before the defense can react, not from any of the contact he made with the defender. And if Mobley gets a head of steam, he’s typically going to be able to finish well at the rim.
The goal of these actions is to create advantages for the offense. Mobley created that in this play below. By diving hard and then stopping at the free-throw line to keep a passing lane open, he caused the defense to collapse. This allowed Harden to find Dean Wade for a wide-open three.
It’d be premature to say that Harden and Mobley have figured things out because they both played well — scoring 27 each — in a win over a bad Bucks team that was without its two best defenders in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner. However, from a process perspective, this is the most on the same page the duo has been.
Even though it’s looked clunky at times, it’s important to acknowledge that the Cavs have thrived when Harden and Mobley share the floor.
Mobley isn’t the typical, physical big man who has thrived with Harden in the past. However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t able to make it work. The duo just needs to be on the same page and understand what the other is trying to do on that end of the floor.
And fortunately for the Cavs, the partnership is heading in the right direction if Tuesday’s game is any indication of things.
“They’re really starting to get some nice synergy in the pick-and-roll,” Atkinson said.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 19: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on February 19, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Golden State Warriors (33-35) at Boston Celtics (45-23) Wednesday, March 18, 2026 7:00 PM ET Regular Season Game #69 Home Game #34 TV: ESPN, NBCSB, NBCSBA Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 95.7 the Game, Sirius XM TD Garden
The Celtics host the Golden State Warriors for the 2nd, and final, game between them this season. The Celtics won the first game 121-110 at Golden State on February 19. These two teams tied the series last season with each team winning on the road. The Celtics are 212-141 overall, all time against the Warriors and 118-40 in games played in Boston.
There are plenty of story lines surrounding this game. Warriors coach, Steve Kerr, coached the last Olympics team and he treated Jayson Tatum shabbily, not playing him in 2 games and limited minutes in others. We could also talk about the 2 former Celtics on the team. Al Horford left Boston expecting to have a better chance at another ring but it hasn’t turned out that way. Kristaps Porzingis joined the Warriors at the trade deadline and although he has played in just 22 games this season, he played in the Warriors’ 1st game against the Celtics and is expected to play in this game as well.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 4 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are 1 game ahead of 3rd place New York, 3.5 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 6.5 games ahead of 5th place Toronto, 7 games ahead of 6th place Orlando, and 7.5 games ahead of 7th place Miami. The Celtics are 16-9 against Western Conference opponents. They are 23-10 at home and 7-3 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 2 games.
The Warriors are 9th in the West, 20 games behind the 1st place Thunder, 8 games behind 6th place Minnesota, 6 games behind 7th place Phoenix, and 1 game behind the 8th place Clippers. They are half a game ahead of 10th place Portland and 9.5 games ahead of 11th place Memphis. They are 14-20 on the road and 3-7 in their last 10 games. They are 11-13 against Eastern Conference opponents and they are coming off a win in their last game.
After this game at home against Golden State, The Celtics will play one game at Memphis before a 3 game home stand against Minnesota, Oklahoma City and Atlanta. Then it’s back on the road for a 4 game trip through Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami and Milwaukee. They will then play two games at home against Toronto and Charlotte before one game on the road at New York. They will finish the season with 2 games at home against New Orleans and Orlando.
The Warriors are playing in the 3rd game of a 6 game road trip. They will finish it playing at Detroit, Atlanta and Dallas. They will return home for games against Brooklyn and Washington before one game on the road at Denver. They will then have a 5 game home stand where they will host San Antonio, Cleveland, Houston, Sacramento, and the Lakers. They will finish the season on the road against Sacramento and the Clippers.
The Celtics have just one player on the injury report at this time. Nikola Vucevic remains out after surgery to stabilize a fracture in his right ring finger. The Warriors have 5 players out and another 2 players questionable. Jimmy Butler (knee), Seth Curry (thigh), Stephen Curry (knee), Al Horford (calf), and Moses Moody (wrist) are all listed as out. LJ Cryer (hamstring) and Quinten Post (foot) are both questionable. Finally, Gary Payton II (tibia) is listed as probable.
Probable Celtics Starters PG: Derrick White vs De’Anthony Melton
Derrick White | NBAE via Getty ImagesDe’Anthony Melton | NBAE via Getty Images
SG: Jaylen Brown vs Brandin Podziemski
Jaylen Brown | Getty ImagesBrandin Podziemski | NBAE via Getty Images
SF: Sam Hauser vs Will Richard
Sam Hauser | NBAE via Getty ImagesWill Richard | Getty Images
Neemias Queta | NBAE via Getty ImagesDraymond Green | Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Jordan Walsh Baylor Scheierman Max Shulga Charles Bassey (10-Day) 2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr Injuries/Out Nikola Vucevic (finger) out John Tonje (G-League) out
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Warriors Reserves Pat Spencer Gary Payton II Kristaps Porzingis Omer Yurtseven (10 Day)
2 Way Players LJ Cryer Malevy Leons Nate Williams
Injuries/Out Jimmy Butler (knee) out Seth Curry (thigh) out Stephen Curry (knee) out Al Horford (calf) out Moses Moody (wrist) out Quinten Post (foot) questionable LJ Cryer (hamstring) questonable Gary Payton II (tibia) probable Head Coach Steve Kerr
Key Matchups Derrick White vs De’Anthony Melton Melton is averaging 13.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He is shooting 42.5% from the field and 29.8% from beyond the arc. He is coming off a game where he finished with 27 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. In the first game against the Celtics, he finished with 18 points, 3 rebounds 1 assist and 1 steal while shooting 53.8% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.
Jaylen Brown vs Brandin Podziemski Podziemski is averaging 13 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. He is shooting 44.7% from the field and 36.9% from beyond the arc. In the first game against the Celtics, he finished with 11 points 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block and 1 steal while shooting 62.5% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.
Honorable Mention Luka Garza vs Kristaps Porzingis This is a battle of big men off the bench. Porzingis has played in just 5 games for Golden State this season and in 17 games for the Hawks before being traded. He is averaging 17.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He is shooting 45.8% from the field and 34.5% from beyond the arc. He is coming off his best game as a Warrior in which he finished with 30 points, , 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks. In the first game against the Celtics,he finished with 12 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist while shooting 55.6% from the field and 40% from 3. Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is always the key to winning. The Celtics are 5th in the league with a defensive rating of 111.8. The Warriors are 13th in the league, with a defensive rating of 113.4. The Celtics are 2nd with an offensive rating of 119.7 while the Warriors are 14th and have an offensive rating of 114.3. The Celtics need to play lock down defense consistently. The Celtics need to especially defend the perimeter as the Warriors are 1st in the league making 16.2 threes per game. They are 26th with 44.6 points in the paint per game. Of course, their biggest 3 point threat, Steph Curry is out for this game, but the Celtics can’t let up on defense because of it since other Warriors are capable of hitting shots as well.
Rebound – Rebounding is always a key to winning as you need the ball to score and a good way to get it is to grab rebounds. It takes effort to grab rebounds and the Celtics must make an extra effort to crash the boards and beat the Warriors to rebounds. If they put out extra effort on the boards, that usually carries through to the rest of their game. More rebounds gives them extra possessions and limits the possessions for the Warriors. The Warriors are 22nd with 42.9 rebounds per game while the Celtics are 4th with 46.2 rebounds per game.
Three Pointers – Both of these teams shoot a lot of 3 pointers. The Celtics are 3rd in the league, shooting 42.5 threes a game. The Warriors are 1st, shooting 45.2 threes a game. The Celtics shoot 36.2% from beyond the arc while the Warriors shoot 35.7% on threes. With Steph Curry out, they don’t shoot quite as many 3’s or quite as well but they still are dangerous from the perimeter. The Celtics are tough to beat when their 3’s are falling but they struggle when they aren’t They need to stay focused on taking and making good shots and if the 3’s aren’t falling they should take a page from Jaylen Brown’s book and drive into the paint.
Move the Ball Carefully – The Celtics play the best when they move the ball and find the open man. They struggle more when players try to do too much and when the ball sticks with one player too long and when they take quick shots without looking for the best shot. The Celtics are 30-2 when they have at least 25 assists and they are 16-0 when they have at least 29 assists. They need to look to share the ball and not over dribble or try to take over at the expense of open teammates. They have to be careful with their passes as the Warriors average 19.4 points off turnovers per game.
Be Aggressive – The Celtics need to be the more aggressive team from start to finish. They need to be aggressive in going to the hoop, in crashing the boards, in fighting for loose balls and in running the court. They also have to be more aggressive on defense. The Warriors are short handed and will be playing hard to make up for that. The Celtics can’t slack off and expect an easy game because key Warriors are out. Effort and being more aggressive will likely be the difference in this game.
X-Factors Home Game vs Road Fatigue – The Warriors have won 1 and lost 1 game on this road trip and have 3 more games to go on the trip after this one.. The Warriors are away from family and home and have the distractions of staying in a hotel and playing in an unfamiliar arena in front of a (very) hostile crowd. Hopefully the Celtics crowd will be loud and rowdy and give the Celtics extra energy to avenge Kerr’s treatment of Tatum in the Olympics along with their loss in the 2022 Finals.
Officiating – Officiating always has the potential to be a factor in every game. Every officiating team calls the game differently. Some call it tight and others let them play. Some favor the home team while some call it evenly. However the game is called, the Celtics must adjust to it and not allow the officiating to take away their focus on playing the game. They need to play well enough that a few bad calls won’t make a difference in the game.
A Division II men's basketball coach removed from the court in handcuffs earlier this season is planning to file a lawsuit against Morehouse College and two of its campus police officers, according to the coach's attorneys.
Tuskegee University coach Benjy Taylor was never charged with a crime despite being escorted off the floor after a 77-69 loss at rival Morehouse and he will announce on Friday, March 20 in College Park, Georgia that he's seeking further legal ramifications from the incident. Taylor is being represented by well-known civil rights attorneys Harry Daniels, John Burris, Gerald Griggs and Gregory Reynald Williams.
Taylor's attorneys wrote in a news release announcing their intention to officially file a lawsuit this week that the treatment Taylor received "sparked national attention and outcry." In addition to Morehouse College, campus police officers "R. Clark and M. Roberson" were named by Taylor's legal team as defendants in the impending civil case. Daniels previously said Taylor had retained him to explore "all legal avenues."
The incident occurred as players from Tuskegee and Morehouse shook hands after a Jan. 31 game at Forbes Arena in Atlanta, with an HBCU Gameday video widely shared on social media showing Taylor initially confronting security.
According to Taylor and Tuskegee athletic director Reginald Ruffin, Taylor asked the security officer to follow conference rules and help remove a group of Morehouse football players — who Taylor said were yelling obscenities — from the handshake line. Instead, after a brief interaction, the security officer handcuffed Taylor and walked him off the court.
“I am at a loss for words and I am upset about how I was violated and treated today," Taylor said in a statement to multiple outlets in the immediate aftermath of the incident. "For my players, my family and people of Tuskegee to witness that is heartbreaking for me. I was simply trying to get the football team out of the handshake line as they were following right behind me and the team yelling obscenities! It was a very dangerous situation.”
Trying to sort out what happened at the end of this HBCU rivalry game 👀
The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), of which both schools are members, subsequently fined Morehouse an undisclosed amount. An investigation by the conference into the situation determined Morehouse, "did not satisfy the required security standards for a host institution, specifically as it relates to crowd control and ensuring the safe entry and exit of visiting teams and game participants."
Taylor recently finished his seventh season at Tuskegee. He was previously the head coach at Chicago State and interim head coach at Hawaii, and served as an assistant coach at Tulane, CSU-Bakersfield and Missouri State during a career spanning 35 years.
Tuskegee president Dr. Mark A. Brown has stated Taylor has “our full, unequivocal, and unwavering support.”
“It would be bad for a police officer to treat anyone like this," Daniels said last month. "But to do it to a man like Coach Taylor, a highly respected professional and role model, to put him in handcuffs, humiliate him and treat him like a criminal in front of his team, his family and a gym full of fans is absolutely disgusting and they need to be held accountable.”
-USA TODAY Sports reporter Craig Meyer contributed to this story
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Lakers computer picks
Deandrea Ayton Over 9.5 points (-105)
Projection: 11.1 points
Deandre Ayton came up just short in Monday's contest, but we're going back to the well with the Los Angeles Lakers big man, who remains a steady presence in the paint.
The Lakers' superb 120.7 points per game rate sixth-strongest in the NBA over the last 10 games, and this is a low enough total that Ayton is appealing with his low ceiling but relatively high floor.
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Luka Doncic Under 31.5 points (-110)
Projection: 30.3 points
Yes, Luka Doncic scored 36 points on Monday, but this Houston Rockets defense is excellent and can't be expected to lay down again.
The matchup is a hard one; when the Rockets are playing at home, they have allowed the second-fewest points per game to the opposing team's starting PGs over the last 10 games.
The Lakers also rank as the second-worst offensive rebounding offense over the last 25 games (offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them can eliminate extra opportunities for scoring and assists).
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Marcus Smart Over 2.5 rebounds (+140)
Projection: 2.7 rebounds
Marcus Smart isn't your prototypical rebounder, but this is a low enough number that he's cleared in six of his last 10 games.
The matchup isn't super favorable, but that's accounted for with the +140 line.
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Rockets computer picks
Reed Sheppard Over 12.5 points (-120)
Projection: 14.6 points
Even though Reed Sheppard has been relatively quiet, going Under this total in three of his last four games, he had cleared 12.5 points in six straight before that.
The Rockets check in as the best offensive rebounding offense in the NBA this year (offensive rebounds maintain possession and can therefore provide added opportunities for scoring and assists).
Plus, Sheppard still played 31 minutes on Monday, so his floor time hasn't diminished.
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Tari Eason Over 9.5 points (-115)
Projection: 11.2 points
Don't fret the fact that Tari Eason has scored double-digit points just once in his last 10 games. Despite Monday's five-point dud on 2-for-11 shooting, including 0-for-3 from deep, this should generally be a positive matchup.
The Lakers are vulnerable from beyond the arc, and Eason put up 13 points against the Lakers when these squads met on Christmas Day.
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Alperen Sengun Under 8.5 rebounds (-135)
Projection: 7.9 rebounds
Alperen Sengun has sat out the Rockets' last two games with a lingering back issue and was limited to 24 minutes against the Nuggets when he last played.
While he's averaged 8.9 boards this season, that injury may keep his minutes low and prevent him from being at his best when he is on the floor. The Rockets also play at a sluggish pace, which will take away volume, especially if Sengun isn't playing his full share in his first game back.
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How to watch Lakers vs Rockets tonight
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 20: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a three-point shot over Kyle Filipowski #22 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of their game at the Delta Center on January 20, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Chris Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Utah Jazz Date: March 18th, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM CDT Location: Target Center Television Coverage: FanDuel Sports Network – North Radio Coverage: KFAN FM, Wolves App, iHeart Radio
For one night at least, the Minnesota Timberwolves managed to pull themselves back from the edge.
With word breaking Monday night that Anthony Edwards would miss the game against Phoenix and then the even more concerning follow-up that the absence could stretch one to two weeks, Tuesday night had all the makings of a game that could send a season spiraling. The Wolves entered it already walking the tightrope in the Western Conference standings, with the Suns lurking directly beneath them and the play-in line looming dangerously close. Lose that game, and suddenly Phoenix is right back in the mix, Minnesota’s margin for error is basically gone, and all of the bad vibes from the past week get amplified. Win it, and the team could buy itself some breathing room and a little bit of hope they can tread water until Ant returns.
Thankfully for the Wolves, they answered the bell.
Things did not start in particularly inspiring fashion. Minnesota came out in the first quarter and defended like a team that had not fully grasped the gravity of the moment. Phoenix was getting to the rim at will. The Wolves were coughing up turnovers. The effort level and the execution both looked shaky, and before long the Suns had pushed out to an 11-point lead. It had all the signs of one of those ugly nights where the Wolves spend the first half sleepwalking, then have to talk themselves into urgency after the damage is already done. By the end of the first quarter, Minnesota had at least stabilized enough offensively to climb back within 39-36, but let’s be honest, giving up 39 points was not exactly the kind of opening act that builds confidence.
But to the Wolves’ credit, they actually responded like a serious team. Over the final three quarters, Minnesota allowed just 65 points. That is an enormous course correction and, frankly, exactly the kind of defensive resilience this team needed to show if it wants to be taken seriously without Edwards in the lineup. The game flipped because the Wolves finally started acting like the bigger, more athletic, more defensively imposing team. The rim protection came alive. The rotations tightened. Phoenix stopped getting those easy runway looks that had fueled the first-quarter surge. Once the Wolves got the game onto their terms, the Suns simply did not have enough resistance to hold up over 48 minutes.
One of the biggest reasons Minnesota survived and then took control was Julius Randle, who once again stepped into the role of offensive centerpiece and delivered exactly what the Wolves needed. Randle finished with 32 points, building on the positive signs he had shown against Oklahoma City and looking much more like the early-season version of himself than the post-All-Star guy who had been drifting in and out of games. He attacked the paint, scored with force, and, most importantly, he looked like he understood that without Ant on the floor, this team was going to need him to be more than just a complementary scorer. It needed him to be the guy.
Next up was Bones Highland, who gave Minnesota exactly the kind of spark bench scorers are supposed to give but so rarely do on command. Bones poured in 22 points, injecting life into the second unit and helping keep the offense afloat during stretches where it might otherwise have bogged down. In a game where Minnesota desperately needed somebody other than Randle to create and convert, Bones stepped in as a microwave scorer.
The frontcourt also rediscovered its identity. Rudy Gobert, coming off a rough outing against the Thunder, reasserted himself around the basket and made the paint feel like a restricted government zone. Gobert finished with four blocks, and he wasn’t alone. Naz Reid also had four blocks, giving Minnesota a combined eight swats between its two most important interior defenders. More than the block totals themselves, it was the tone that mattered. The Wolves used their size, length, and rim protection to turn the game from a first-quarter track meet into a grind, and Phoenix never really recovered once that happened.
There’s not much time to savor it, though, because Utah is rolling into Target Center for the second night of a back-to-back. Under normal circumstances, a home game against a depleted Jazz team might feel like one you circle as a probable win and move on. But this Wolves team has spent the season proving that no game is actually easy if they decide to treat it like a formality. And with Edwards still sidelined, nothing gets to be taken for granted.
Utah, by all appearances, is actively angling for lottery position. They will be without Lauri Markkanen and Jusuf Nurkic. Keyonte George, who went on that scoring binge to steal the last game from Minnesota in Utah, is out as well. Ace Bailey is listed as questionable. On paper, it looks like a setup. On paper, the Wolves hold a clear talent edge even without their superstar. On paper, this should be a “take care of business and move on” type of night.
But Wolves fans have seen enough “on paper” games turn into disasters to know better.
So with that, here are the keys to the game.
#1 – The Wolves cannot play with their food.
This has to be the theme of the night. They cannot look at Utah’s injury report and mentally chalk up the win before the opening tip. That is how bad teams get confidence. That is how random role players start feeling dangerous. That is how you wake up midway through the fourth quarter in a one-possession game wondering how the hell this happened. Even a tanking team still has NBA players, and those players would absolutely love to walk into Target Center, get extra run, and prove they belong. The Wolves need to choke this thing out early. Strong team defense, good pace, and focused execution need to be present from the jump so this game does not become a fourth-quarter survival test on tired legs.
#2 – Dominate around the rim.
Phoenix came in shorthanded in the frontcourt and the Wolves eventually made them pay for it. Utah is bringing a similar setup. This should be a game where Gobert once again functions as a force field around the basket. He needs to rebound, block shots, and make every Jazz drive feel like a bad idea. Randle and Naz also have to carry over the physicality from the Suns game. If Minnesota’s big three in the frontcourt treats this like a paint war, Utah simply should not have enough size or interior talent to hold up over four quarters. This is one of those games where the Wolves need to look bigger, stronger, and more punishing than the other team, simply because they are.
#3 – The ball movement has to continue.
One of the more interesting byproducts of Edwards being out was how willing the Wolves were to move the ball and play team offense. That’s not meant as some shot at Ant, because everyone understands why he dominates the ball at times. He’s the star. He’s the bailout option. He’s the guy who can rescue possessions when everything else fails. But with him off the floor, the Wolves had no choice but to trust the pass, trust each other, and keep the offense from stagnating. That led to better involvement from Bones and Ayo Dosunmu, and it gave the offense a little more collective rhythm. That has to continue. Against Utah, the Wolves can absolutely survive without Edwards’ individual offense if they maximize possessions, create good looks, and stay unselfish.
#4 – Clean up the turnovers.
The Wolves were better against Phoenix than they had been against Oklahoma City, but only because it was nearly mathematically impossible to be worse. Sixteen turnovers is still too many. Without their best player, the Wolves cannot afford to hand away possessions and give the other team transition points. Against a Jazz team that shouldn’t be able to generate much easy offense on its own, the absolute worst thing Minnesota can do is gift-wrap opportunities. This is where professional basketball comes in. Take care of the ball. Finish defensive possessions. Hit your free throws. Don’t make life harder than it needs to be. If the Wolves handle the basic stuff, their talent advantage should take over.
#5 – Julius Randle has to keep being Big Julius.
This is probably the biggest swing factor during Edwards’ absence. Earlier in the season, when Ant missed time with his foot issues, Randle carried the scoring burden and looked like a true offensive hub. Then he hit that post-All-Star funk and became a shell of that guy. The signs against OKC were encouraging, and the performance against Phoenix was more than encouraging and exactly what Minnesota needed. Now comes the challenge of doing it again. Randle has to keep scoring efficiently, keep making the right play when help comes, and keep balancing his own offense with the playmaking element that makes him so dangerous. When he draws defenders and kicks to open teammates instead of stopping the offense, Minnesota becomes much harder to guard. Without Edwards, that version of Randle is not just useful, it’s essential.
This is the kind of game that is easy to dismiss because it probably won’t be pretty and it certainly won’t feel gratifying. But these are the kinds of games that determine whether you stay well above the play-in line or spend the last two weeks of the season sweating every scoreboard update. Tuesday against Phoenix was a must-win, and the Wolves treated it like one after the first quarter. Wednesday against Utah needs to be approached the same way. Then comes Portland on Friday. These are the games Minnesota has to bank, especially while Edwards is sidelined, especially before the schedule stiffens again, and especially because they’ve already made this season harder on themselves than it needed to be.
Nobody is asking for art here. The expectation isn’t some beautiful, flowing masterpiece of offensive basketball. This team just has to be mature, focused, and professional. It needs to be one of those nights where the better team comes out, takes care of business, and moves on.
Given this team’s history, that still feels like a bigger ask than it should.
But if the Wolves are serious about holding their ground in the West while Ant is out, it’s exactly what they have to do.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 17: Head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on March 17, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a much different team now than they were at the beginning of the season.
They came into this year with Darius Garland, Lonzo Ball, and De’Andre Hunter as integral parts of the team. Those three were shipped out at the deadline in exchange for James Harden, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis. In addition to that, Max Strus is working his way back into the lineup after making his season debut on Sunday.
Those are pretty drastic changes to the lineup. With a month to go before the playoffs, head coach Kenny Atkinson still doesn’t know who’s going to be in their postseason rotation.
“I probably have to get to nine [men in the rotation],” Atkinson said when asked afterward if he can play 10 in the playoffs. “I’m still evaluating who fits and who’s going to take the lead in terms of getting into that rotation. We haven’t made a clear decision on who those nine are.”
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Atkinson mentioned that you can play 10 in the first round, but you would eventually need to get down to nine or even eight as you advance in the playoffs.
One of the logjams is at the wing. Atkinson mentioned that’s a position he’s still evaluating. Even though he didn’t name any names, it seems like minutes at that spot could come down to Keon Ellis or Jaylon Tyson. Although limiting Schroder’s minutes could make room for both.
Strus will presumably be in the rotation. Atkinson said that he isn’t quite sure if Strus is going to enter the starting lineup once his minutes increase or if he’s going to be in a sixth-man role.
Additionally, he needs to figure out the closing lineups as well. The final spot on Tuesday was between Ellis and Strus. Atkinson opted for Strus, but mentioned that Ellis’s fourth-quarter three almost made him reconsider.
Regardless of whether Atkinson chose to close with Ellis or Strus on Tuesday, it’s fair to point out that Atkinson is opting to go with smaller groups with Allen sidelined. Atkinson closed with four players 6’5” or shorter, in Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Strus, and Sam Merrill sharing the floor, with the lone true forward being Evan Mobley.
“I felt like we needed grit and shotmaking, that’s what [Merrill and Strus] bring to the table,” Atkinson said about choosing to go with that lineup. “I obviously have a comfort level with them from last season.”
The Cavaliers have arguably 11 playable options in the postseason — depending on how you feel about Thomas Bryant. That’s a good problem to have. However, many of them have similar skillsets, and there aren’t many great options for matching up with bigger wings outside of Dean Wade. That could present challenges in certain matchups if they advance past the first round.
We’ll see how this all shakes out in the final month of the season. As of now, nothing is set in stone with the rotations.
Jan 24, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) brings the ball up court against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
When Deuce McBride initially underwent surgery to repair what is commonly known as a sports hernia, the big question was whether he was going to be ready for the playoffs. Many fans cosplayed, to the best of their abilities, as a detective, searching timelines for the injury online.
But with so few updates and the Knicks generally being quiet about injuries, many were unsure, and borderline concerned, about if the pivotal backup guard would be ready for the highly anticipated playoffs.
While we still don’t have a concrete timetable, reports surfaced Tuesday night that McBride has returned to doing on-court work and has also started taking contact.
This isn’t a guarantee that he’ll be back in the regular season, but with about a month to go before the playoffs, the fact that he’s progressing well seems like signs are pointing towards a pre-playoff return.
Mike Brown said Miles McBride has progressed to taking contact in his rehab from sports hernia surgery. The Knicks say McBride is doing on-court work, taking contact and progressing well. No reason at this point to think McBride won't be fully ready for the postseason.
Mike Brown shared his own take on Deuce’s status before the win over the Pacers on Tuesday, without revealing much and stopping short of issuing comeback timelines.
“I try not to hear the updates though, because does that mean he’ll be back in two weeks? Three weeks? A week? 10 days? I don’t know.
“Deuce was playing well for us when this happened. It’s part of the season, so keep fingers crossed, allow our medical crew who has done a fantastic job, and when he comes back we’ll all be excited.” — Mike Brown
It still won’t give him too many games to get back in rhythm, but considering there was uncertainty surrounding his availability for a first-round series just a month ago, this has to be encouraging for McBride, the Knicks, and their fans.
If he can indeed be back for the playoffs, and the Knicks maintain their current health, it could be the healthiest they’ve entered the playoffs in some time. With a new coach, a revamped bench, and health on their side, New York could be poised for a deep run. But to do so, they’ll need McBride to not just be back, but close to the elite role player he was prior to the injury.
Thankfully, the updates suggest he’ll have some time to get back there.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 19: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on February 19, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors will take on the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. The game will be played at 4:00 PM PT in Boston and can be watched on ESPN and NBC Sports Bay Area.
Golden State snapped a five-game losing streak with Monday’s 125-117 win over the Washington Wizards. Kristaps Porzingis and De’Anthony Melton returned after missing the front end of the back-to-back and led the way for the Warriors’ offense, combining for 57 points. For Porzingis specifically, it was his best performance since joining the team, finishing with 30 points off the bench along with five rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals.
The victory also marked a major milestone for head coach Steve Kerr. It was the 600th win of his career, making him the 28th coach in NBA history to reach the mark and the fourth fastest to do so.
Wednesday’s matchup against the Celtics presents a tough challenge for the Warriors. Boston enters the night tied for the fourth-most wins in the NBA with a 45–23 record. They rank among the league’s elite on both ends of the floor, sitting top five in offensive and defensive rating while placing second in overall net rating.
The Celtics have also welcomed back six-time All-Star wing Jayson Tatum, who missed most of the season while recovering from an Achilles tear. He has appeared in five of Boston’s last six games and has looked sharp given the severity of the injury, averaging 20 points in 29.2 minutes per game.
Tatum’s return adds another layer to an already loaded rotation. Alongside MVP candidate Jaylen Brown, who leads the team with 28.4 points per game, and additional scoring threats like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, Boston presents a difficult matchup across the board.
For a heavy underdog team like Golden State, keeping pace offensively will be key. If their shots aren’t falling, this has the potential to turn into a long night against one of the league’s most complete teams.
Warriors wrapping shootaround at TD Garden, where they’re 11.5-point underdogs tonight against the Boston Celtics. Stephen Curry/Al Horford/Moses Moody/Seth Curry out for Golden State. Gary Payton II probable. Quinten Post/LJ Cryer questionable. Nikola Vucevic out for Boston: pic.twitter.com/8mpPyEPOPD
The Houston Rockets are riding the struggle bus, and Vernon Maxwell has pinpointed that the problem is Kevin Durant’s alleged burner account.
The Rockets legend, who won back-to-back NBA titles with Houston in 1994 and 1995, said on the “All The Smoke Podcast” with Matt Barnes that Durant’s alleged burner account, where he purportedly was talking about his teammates behind their backs, has killed the team’s chemistry.
“Like I said last year, all we need was KD,” said Maxwell, who once thought Durant was the missing piece to the championship puzzle. “We got KD, a guy to roll the ball out to get you a bucket.
“But now everybody [is] standing around watching KD.”
Kevin Durant acknowledged previously that he uses burner accounts. NBAE via Getty Images
The alleged Durant drama stems from X account @gethigher77, which claimed the future Hall of Famer was calling out his teammates, with accompanying screenshots.
“They said some s–t about some secret page KD did and talked about some of the players on the team, and it’s f–king split the goddamn guys up and guys don’t like to high five each other no more,” Maxwell said.
Whether the team’s chemistry is off is unknown, as no Rocket teammates have publicly called Durant out for the alleged burner account.
But Maxwell claims its evident.
Durant, 37, has a history of using burner accounts, which he acknowledged in 2023.
“No motherf–kers want to bump chest no more with each other,” Maxwell continued. “Everybody just split up the whole f–king team. So, I don’t know man. It’s a lot of s–t going on out there in Houston.”
Vernon Maxwell talks about Kevin Durant hurting the chemistry in Houston. All The Smoke Podcast
The Rockets enter Wednesday’s clash with the Lakers at 41-26 and in fourth place in the Western Conference, though they are just 8-7 in their last 15 games and 4-5 in their last nine.
Houston did lose center Steven Adams for the season, though, hurting their frontcourt depth dramatically, and guard Fred VanVleet is sidelined with an ACL tear.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 10: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a three-pointer during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 10, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s probably logical to assume that at least entering the 2025-26 season, Quentin Grimes was just playing out his contract and his days as a Sixer were numbered. After all, Grimes and the Sixers were at odds all summer and the two sides seemingly never got close on a long-term deal. In the end, Grimes ended his time as a restricted free agent by accepting a one-year qualifying offer to return to Philadelphia, something that did not happen until training camp had already opened for the current season.
The optics of the situation didn’t exactly lead anyone to believe that Grimes and the Sixers were going to continue their partnership beyond the summer of 2026. After all, when you negotiate for a while and reach an impasse and a restricted free agent finally decides to accept a qualifying offer, said free agent is probably just looking for the stalemate to end and become an unrestricted free agent the following offseason. However, in selecting VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia spent the third overall pick on a guard last offseason and the thought entering the season was that Jared McCain would work his way back into the rotation.
Given Tyrese Maxey was locked up on a max contract, it seemed obvious that Grimes would be the odd-man out in the backcourt and eventually move on in the summer of 2026 when the market for him would seemingly be bigger as an unrestricted free agent. Well, it should come as no surprise to anyone that things did not go according to plan in Philly’s backcourt, because when does anything go according to planned for this franchise?
McCain spent the first 3-4 months getting back up to game speed and even got sent down to the G League in January. In February, McCain was traded to Oklahoma City and now in March, Maxey is dealing with a finger injury and is sidelined for an extended period of time. That leaves Grimes playing a lot of minutes in a Sixers uniform for the second season in a row.
Last season, Philly simply needed bodies as the Sixers dealt with a ton of injuries and prying Grimes out of a toxic environment in Dallas seemed to be a dice roll worth taking. Of course, Edgecombe was still in college at this time one year ago. When Grimes seemed to hit it off as a Sixer, debates ensued about the credibility of his production and how much it could be trusted to carry over given how barren the rotation got down the stretch. Someone had to put the ball in the hoop, and it happened to be Grimes more than almost anyone else wearing a Sixers uniform.
It was this very production from Grimes that likely led to such a rift between the player and the organization in contract talks last summer. Now, here we are again, and Grimes is gobbling up minutes for the Sixers and putting up some decent offensive numbers. It remains to be seen if the Sixers can even get out of the play-in tournament, but we should get a look at what Grimes can do for the franchise in postseason games of some kind next month which should only help the front office evaluate his worth moving forward.
An interesting wrinkle in all of this is that a lot of Grimes’ recent offensive production has been inside the arc. He’s showcasing more of an ability to drive to the basket and finish around the rim as his shooting numbers are down significantly in the month of March. That’s certainly some newer information for everyone to consider as Grimes could be in the process of proving he can be more than a spot-up shooter when necessary.
With McCain no longer with the organization, might the Sixers be more motivated to strike a deal with Grimes? Having said that, Grimes turns 26 in the beginning of May. He knows now’s his time to get the big payday and the gap between Grimes and the Sixers in last year’s negotiations certainly indicates that too. It’s also worth noting the team has his Bird rights, making it so he could theoretically get his most lucrative deal in Philly, barring a sign-and-trade. Grimes certainly looks like a player that can be a solid sixth man and, in this day and age of the NBA, you better expect your sixth man to start a lot of games too.
Grimes has shown he can do both having started 25 of the 28 games he appeared in with the Sixers last season, but only making 16 starts so far this season. Ultimately, my two cents says we’re no closer to figuring out how long Grimes remains a Sixer than we were last summer. There’s a good chance the extended playing time Grimes is getting only empowers him further to dig in on his contract demands from the 2025 offseason. But maybe Grimes plays a key role for the Sixers in the postseason this year and the two sides realize they’re better off with each other moving forward.
It’s like that relationship that ebbs and flows and comes and goes. Sometimes the guy and the girl are both into each other, other times they hate each other and through it all, they’re never really sure if they’re dating or just screwing around and seeing what happens. Well, something’s going to happen in a little over three months with Grimes and the Sixers. We’ll see if one side says thanks for the memories or if they decide that some more time together is what they want.
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 14: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 14, 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
Will Boston be ready to compete?
This may sound like a dumb question, but there’s some merit to it. Will Boston be ready to compete against a Golden State team missing some of its biggest names?
Stephen Curry and Celtics champion Al Horford were both out in Golden State’s win against the Wizards on Monday.
Golden State started De’Anthony Melton, Brandin Podziemski, Will Richard, Draymond Green and Gui Santos. No disrespect to that group — they’re all solid role players, but they don’t have the talent to beat Boston if the Celtics take the game seriously.
In recent years, there have been games where opponents were missing two or three starters, yet the Celtics still struggled more than expected. At the end of the day, rotation players are still very good, and they’re competing for more playing time and potentially their next contract.
It’s imperative that Boston doesn’t look at the Warriors’ lineup and assume it will be a walk in the park. If they do, they could find themselves in trouble late in the game.
Will Jayson Tatum continue to play more than 30 minutes?
Since returning to the lineup, Jayson Tatum played exactly 27 minutes in each of his first three games against Dallas, Cleveland and San Antonio.
Against Washington, he checked out at the 27-minute mark, but head coach Joe Mazzulla reinserted Tatum and the starters as the Wizards made a run. That marked the first time this season Tatum surpassed 30 minutes.
On Monday, Tatum played 32 minutes in a win against Phoenix in a game that was close late. The question now is whether he will log 30-plus minutes for a third straight game.
The opponent could factor into that decision. If Boston builds a comfortable lead, it may make sense to limit his playing time. However, with playoff seeding still at stake, a close game could push the coaching staff to extend him and evaluate how his body responds.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Tatum is held under 30 minutes, but the team appears to be doing a deliberate job gradually ramping him up to ensure he’s in game shape for the playoffs.
Can Boston continue to protect home court?
After completing their road trip, this game marks Boston’s third straight home game before traveling to Memphis on Friday. The Celtics will then return to TD Garden for three more games against stiffer competition in Minnesota, Oklahoma City, and Atlanta.
Home-court advantage matters. If Boston hopes to catch Detroit in the standings, it must continue to win at home. The Celtics are currently 23-10 at TD Garden and have challenging matchups ahead against Oklahoma City and Minnesota.
While those games won’t be easy, playing at home provides an edge. The Warriors, however, present a potential trap game if Boston looks past them — and Memphis — with two Western Conference contenders looming.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Gerrit Cole returned to a mound to pitch in a game after a 377-day absence and threw a scoreless first inning Wednesday for the New York Yankees in an exhibition game against the Boston Red Sox.
Cole threw 10 pitches, seven for strikes, including six four-seam fastballs that averaged 97.1 mph, ranging from 98.7 mph 96.1 mph. He threw two sliders and a pair of knuckle-curves.
His first pitch, a 96.6 mph fastball to Braiden Ward, was bunted to the right side for a single as Cole slid toward the base trying to field it. Ward stole second, held as Kristian Campbell flied out and was caught stealing third by catcher Austin Wells.
Jason Delay lined a 1-2 fastball into left for a single, and Nathan Hickey grounded out on a first-pitch knuckle-curve.
Pitching with a slight beard — the Yankees relaxed their facial hair policy last year — Cole showed his altered windup, in which he puts his hands over his head.
A 35-year-old right-hander, Cole had Tommy John surgery on March 11 last year with Los Angeles Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Cole is signed to a $324 million, nine-year contract through 2028. He has a 153-80 career record and 3.18 ERA over 317 starts with Pittsburgh (2013-17), Houston (2018-19) and the Yankees (starting in 2020).
A new Lamar Odom documentary is promising to shed new light on all the ups and downs of Lamar Odom’s life.
“Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom” is slated to air on Netflix on March 31, and it’ll address his near-death experience in Las Vegas, his NBA career, his addiction and his relationship with Khloe Kardashian.
An 88-second teaser for the project, which dropped earlier this month, shows Odom talking about his first encounter with cocaine.
A new documentary is promising to shed light on all the ups and downs of Lamar Odom’s life. NBAE via Getty Images
“That first hit of cocaine was amazing,” he said, before adding, “but you unlock a vault that you can’t really control.”
Kardashian can also be heard in the preview recalling times where Odom would “escape rehab and go on a drug bender.”
Odom also gave his thoughts on the afterlife in the clip.
Odom’s attorney, Kevin Coburn, submitted a not guilty plea on the former NBA player’s behalf inside a Las Vegas court room on Tuesday.
Pro Tem Justice of the Peace Bruce Nelson listens during an arraignment for former NBA player Lamar Odom on a DUI charge in Las Vegas Justice Court at the Regional Justice Center on March 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images
At the proceedings, Coburn also requested a bench trial for his client, which was set for July 7.
Odom is facing three misdemeanors in the case — one count of DUI, one count of speeding 41 MPH over posted speed limit and one count of failure to properly maintain travel lane — after authorities alleged he drove over 100 MPH while under the influence on a Las Vegas highway on Jan. 17.
Attorney Kevin Coburn speaks during an arraignment for his client, former NBA player Lamar Odom, on a DUI charge in Las Vegas Justice Court at the Regional Justice Center on March 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images
An incident report stated Odom was pulled over for going well over the posted speed limit of 65 MPH and he smelled of marijuana during the ensuing traffic stop.
Lamar Odom was hit with multiple misdemeanors following his January arrest in Nevada. Getty Images
The former Laker was then arrested after he allegedly failed field sobriety tests.
Coburn, according the Las Vegas Review-Journal, declined to comment on the allegations against Odom on Tuesday, though the attorney did confirm his client had completed rehab in the wake of the arrest.
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