DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 23: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks up against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 23, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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After playing their best basketball in years during March, there is little hope that the Lakers can do much of anything in the playoffs a week into April.
Being the competitor that he is, Luka is doing everything he can to expedite his return. In fact, he’s gone to Spain to get “specialized medical treatment” in hopes that he can speed up his recovery.
For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we are asking, what are your feelings on Luka trying to return for the playoffs?
While his desire to play is commendable, it can make Lakers fans nervous to hear he’s trying to shave days off his recovery time to come back sooner than most would after this injury.
Luka dealt with a hamstring strain earlier this season which caused him to miss a handful of games before the All-Star Break. Now, he’s hurt it again and it’s even more severe. If he rushes back too early, it could end disastrously.
Dončić most certainly thinks the Lakers have a chance at doing something special if he returns. But considering they’ll likely be the fourth or fifth seed in the West and the Thunder have destroyed the Lakers each time they’ve played, rushing back and risking more injury to lose anyway doesn’t seem worth it.
If he’s healthy, he should play. But if there is any feeling that he’s pushing beyond what is normal, then the Lakers’ medical staff has to protect their superstar.
So, what do you think? Does Luka heading to Europe in an attempt to return faster make you worried? Share your opinion by voting and letting us know down below!
Malone, the former Denver Nuggets coach that won the NBA Finals in 2022-23, agreed to a six-year deal with the Tar Heels to replace Hubert Davis, a former assistant coach and player. Malone is the first North Carolina coach since 1952 to not have prior experience as an assistant coach or player.
Malone has 510 career NBA wins as a head coach across stints with the Nuggets and Sacramento Kings. He was fired prior to Denver's playoff run last season, and has since been an NBA analyst for ESPN.
He'll be tasked with revitalizing a program that has failed to meet North Carolina's sky-high standards in recent years, as the Tar Heels are coming off back-to-back first-round NCAA Tournament exits. UNC blew an 18-point lead against No. 11 seed VCU in this year's March Madness.
Here's a look at Malone's contract with North Carolina, which makes him among the highest-paid coaches in college basketball:
Michael Malone contract, salary
Malone agreed to a six-year contract worth $50 million, which makes him believed to be the second highest-paid coach at a public university behind Kansas' Bill Self, according to the Fayetteville Observer. The deal runs through 2032.
He'll make $7.5 million in 2026-27, with his salary raising to $8 million in 2027-28 and $8.5 million for the three following years. Malone will also have an assistant coaches salary pool of $4 million.
Malone's contract also includes $1.475 million in single-season, incentive-based bonuses. Here's a look:
ACC Coach of the Year: $50,000
National Coach of the Year: $100,000
Academic Progress Rate >975: $75,000
ACC Regular-Season Championship: $100,000
ACC Tournament Championship: $100,000
NCAA Sweet 16 Participation: $150,000
NCAA Elite Eight Participation: $200,000
NCAA Final Four Participation: $200,000
NCAA Tournament Championship: $500,000
Michael Malone buyout
Malone's buyout is set at $8 million, should he leave North Carolina or have his contract terminated before April 1, 2027. That number drops to $6.5 million in 2028, $5 million in 2029, $3.5 million in 2030, $2 million in 2031 and $500,000 in 2032, the final year of his current contract.
He will also receiver 80% of the total remaining amount of his contract if terminated without cause before April 1, 2032.
DENVER, CO - APRIL 4: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to pass while being defended by Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets as Nikola Jokic #15 looks on during the fourth quarter at Ball Arena on April 4, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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. The Nuggets won the game 136-134 in overtime. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Antonio Spurs will play their first playoff game in seven seasons in two weeks. The team has blown out all of their expectations on their way to home-court advantage through two rounds of the playoffs. As the season comes to an end, it seems unlikely the Spurs will catch the Oklahoma City Thunder for first place, but they will still be standing watching to see who they may face in the playoffs.
San Antonio will likely play the winner of the first Play-In game. The Phoenix Suns are likely to host the game, while the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers are battling it out for eighth place. Of all those teams, the Spurs have had the most success against the Clippers, going 3-0 in their matchup this season. San Antonio is 2-2 against the Suns and 1-1 against the Blazers, with their final matchup coming on Wednesday night.
The Spurs are likely to face some stout competition in the second round, if they advance. With the Lakers in free fall following injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Denver Nuggets have grabbed the three seed, and they seem to be a lock to hold onto it. Denver just defeated the Spurs in overtime and holds a 2-1 record against San Antonio this year. The Spurs will play the Nuggets in game 82, looking to even the series. If Denver loses in the first round, the Spurs will face the Minnesota Timberwolves, whom San Antonio went 1-2 against this season.
The Spurs have some potentially tough matchups coming up this postseason. Which team would you most like to see them face in each round? What is your best, realistic path for the Spurs to win a championship? Vote in the poll, and we will be back with the results later this week.
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Royce O'Neale #00 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates with Collin Gillespie #12 after making the go-ahead three-point shot against the Los Angeles Lakers during the final seconds of the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott did something different in the team’s 120-110 win over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday. Collin Gillespie and Royce O’Neale were not in the starting lineup. With the squad mostly at full strength, Phoenix went with Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Jordan Goodwin, Dillon Brooks, and Mark Williams, with O’Neale and Gillespie, who have started the first and third most games for the Suns this year, respectively, coming off the bench.
Along with starting the game with the second unit, both played fewer minutes than they usually do. The change comes after Phoenix suffered two straight losses, including a 20-point defeat to the Charlotte Hornets, which prompted Ott to say everything was “on the table” after the game.
It’s not a surprise O’Neale went to the bench. With Dillon Brooks returning, O’Neale and the starting power forward spot looked to be Brooks’ once he got up to speed after returning from his broken hand. O’Neale and Brooks have both started together this year, but not many games with Jalen Green and Devin Booker both healthy.
Collin Gillespie starting the game with the second unit is a noticeable change in tactics from the Suns. Goodwin replaced him in the starting lineup. They both played 24 minutes, but Phoenix deciding to go with the more physical, better defending Goodwin signals a change in approach. Gillespie has been struggling with his shot since the start of March. He’s shooting 37% from the field and 36% from three; both well below his season averages.
As the Suns continue to get closer to the end of the regular season. Rotations and lineups should continue to tighten up to build some continuity. The team played just nine guys on Sunday. After being integral parts of the rotation in March, rookies Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluach didn’t play at all in the team’s last game. For a squad that has not been uniformly healthy all year, it’s noteworthy that the team is shortening its rotation when everyone but Haywood Highsmith is active.
Often in the playoffs, teams shorten their rotations. Pat Riley’s famous quote, “use eight, rotate seven, play six and trust five,” is the strategy many squads deploy when a best-of-seven series begins.
The Suns have four games left and three against Western Conference teams who will be in the top-six of the playoff standings. Another nearly clean injury report tonight against the Houston Rockets, the Suns will continue to show their cards on how their rotations look heading into the play-in and potentially the playoffs.
If Gillespie and O’Neale continue to come off the bench, would you agree with the decision? Why or why not?
CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high five during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on February 19, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers don’t have much to play for at this time of the season. They’ve secured home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs and don’t have much of a chance of moving up from the fourth spot to the third with three games left in the season. As of now, that doesn’t seem like it’s going to deter the Cavs from trying to finish strong.
The Cavs could have their full complement of players for Wednesday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks, which could be a preview for their first-round matchup. Cleveland has no players on the injury report due to rest.
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That said, Donovan Mitchell could be missing the game with an ankle injury. He twisted his ankle late in the win over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday and sat out against the Memphis Grizzlies the following evening. After Sunday’s game, he told reporters that his ankle was fine and that it wasn’t even worth asking him about. We’ll see if he’s able to go on Wednesday.
The Cavs might be getting two key players back for Wednesday. Both Dean Wade (ankle) and Jaylon Tyson (toe) have been upgraded to questionable. Wade has missed the team’s last seven games. Tyson has been absent for the last nine.
Thomas Bryant will be missing this game with a calf strain.
Unlike the Cavs, the Hawks do have something to play for. Three and a half games separate spots five through 10 in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hawks are likely to get the fifth seed, given they’re a game and a half up on the Toronto Raptors, but there’s a chance that they could fall into the Play-In Tournament depending on how the final three games go.
As such, Atlanta won’t be resting any of their rotation players either. Jock Landale is the only player on a standard contract who will be missing Wednesday’s game.
LeBron James brings the ball up against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half . AP
How much further they’ll play beyond the first four games of their first-round playoff series, and whether they’ll extend the season to give Doncic and Reaves enough time to return to the floor in the postseason, will depend on several factors.
The main one being whether they can find the right formulas and game plans to win during life without their star guards.
“We have to be diligent on the offensive end with our screening and still want to just have a paint-touch mentality,” coach JJ Redick said ahead of Sunday’s loss to the Mavericks. “Got to put guys in a position to do that, but our screening’s going to be a big part of that, our effort offense as well. We’ll play lineups that haven’t played together probably all season. Got to crash, got to run.”
The loss to the Mavericks, in which they scored 128 points but allowed the Mavericks to score 134 points in their first home win in over two months, showed there’s progress for the Lakers to make.
And with LeBron James missing Tuesday’s home game against the Thunder because of left foot injury management, in addition to Marcus Smart sitting out of the matchup for his eighth consecutive missed game because of a right ankle contusion, significant progress won’t be able to be made until Thursday’s road game against the Warriors at the earliest.
Here are the factors the Lakers need to hone in on to maximize the team without Doncic and Reaves
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick walks onto the court during a time out in the first half against the Dallas Mavericks. AP
The possession battle
Doncic and Reaves combined to average 56.8 points, 13.8 assists and 6.3 made 3-pointers per game for the Lakers during the regular season.
There isn’t a player, or even a collection of a few players, who can replicate or replace the statistical production the team’s star duo produced on a nightly basis.
But what the Lakers can do is improve even more on the margins.
The Lakers have been one of the league’s better teams this season at winning the possession battle, but they can be even better.
Already one of the league’s best teams at getting to the free throw line, a strength of Doncic’s and Reaves’, and not allowing many offensive rebounds or opponent free throws, the biggest way they can give themselves more bites at apple is from better offensive rebounding.
This can be achieved by playing bigger lineups more often, which they did against the Mavericks when they used Maxi Kleber as the 4 alongside either Deandre Ayton or Jaxson Hayes.
They have an above-average offensive rebounding rate when Kleber and Hayes share the floor, and become an elite offensive rebounding team when Kleber and Ayton are on the court together.
Transition defense
Getting stops has been an up-and-down challenge for the Lakers.
And a depleted offense won’t make things easier defensively.
But the Lakers can help themselves by consistently getting back on defense with more urgency compared to how they did against the Mavericks.
Their 12 turnovers, a very low mark, weren’t the problem. But the 21 points they allowed off turnovers made it a game of catch up.
Slow down
The Lakers are going to need all of the easy points they can get.
But they also need to be strategic with how often they push the ball up the floor in transition offensively.
And they have multiple players besides James, including Hayes, Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Rui Hachimura, who thrive offensively when getting up and down the floor.
But without the proper ball-handlers to feed them, the Lakers need to be careful with how often they push.
Mistakes in transition not only would prevent them from having offensive rebounding opportunities, but will spread their defense thin.
It makes you wonder if James just gave us a clue about his future.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 27, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NBAE via Getty Images
Let’s rewind.
In a recent appearance on “Bob Does Sports,” James talked about Milwaukee and Memphis as NBA road cities that he doesn’t enjoy visiting.
His comments about Memphis, in particular, sparked significant backlash. At Lakers practice on Saturday in Dallas, he was asked if he wanted to clarify them.
“I said Milwaukee as well,” James said. “I’m 41 years old, there’s two cities I do not like playing in right now. And that’s Milwaukee and that’s Memphis. What is your problem with it? I don’t like going home either, s–t, and I’m from there. People are ridiculous. They also get mad at my son being on the team, too. So, what are we talking about?”
For James, the uproar was much ado about nothing. He’s been doing this for an unprecedented 23 seasons. Is he not allowed to have preferences?
But while he shut down the reporter’s question, he raised another: Would James not want to return to Cleveland?
James, who’s earning $52.6 million this season with the Lakers, will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three point basket during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on April 5, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images
He remains uncertain about his future. He could retire or return for his 24th season — with the Lakers or elsewhere.
It’s hard to imagine him playing with any team at this stage in his career besides the Lakers (where he has spent the last eight seasons) and Cavaliers (where he played 11 seasons), though he has also been tied to the Warriors and Knicks.
But if he chooses to return — and doesn’t want to remain with the purple and gold — playing for the Cavaliers would wrap a bow around his storied career.
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James, who’s from Akron, Ohio, was drafted by the Cavaliers in 2003. He spent seven seasons with the team before leaving for Miami in 2010. After four years with the Heat, James returned to the Cavaliers in 2014, leading them to four straight Finals appearances, including their first championship in 2016.
Cleveland may not be one of James’ favorite road cities to pass through, but it clearly holds a very special place in his heart.
When the Lakers played there in January, James teared up during a video tribute.
After all, James would have a much easier path to the Finals with the Cavaliers than the Lakers in the very crowded West. If James teamed up with Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers would instantly become a title contender.
LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after hitting the game winning shot to beat the Toronto Raptors 105-103 in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 5, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. Getty Images
But the truth is, no one knows what James is going to do, including probably James himself.
At the top of the season, there was a lot of speculation about James returning to Cleveland, with multiple pundits claiming that was the most likely scenario for him next year if he chose not to retire. But that chatter died down after the Lakers found their stride in March, going on a 15-2 run.
James’ agent, Rich Paul, says all of that conjecture is nothing but hot air.
“There’s no truth to any of it,” Paul said on his podcast, “Game over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul.” “First of all, I don’t know what’s happening. He don’t know either. We don’t even talk about it.”
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 30, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NBAE via Getty Images
James wants to see how he’s feeling after the season.
What happens in the playoffs will likely have a large influence on his future, which is unfortunate because the Lakers will be surrounded with “what ifs” after Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both sustained injuries Thursday that will sideline them for the remainder of the regular season and likely the first round of the playoffs.
He might’ve been referring to the hotel he stays at in Cleveland. Or the cold weather. It’s hard to know how much to read into that and whether it’ll impact his decision.
But it was one of the biggest clues James’ fans received about what he may or may not do next season.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 30: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 30, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Victor Wembanyama has been listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s game against the Trail Blazers, but “there’s confidence” he will suit up for one of the Spurs’ last three games, achieving award eligibility, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Wembanyama suffered the injury when he collided with Paul George in the second quarter of the Spurs’ Monday night win over the 76ers. Initially, he went to the locker room only to return to the game before asking to be subbed out before the break. He was ruled out for the second half due to what was described by the team as a rib contusion.
The big man underwent X-rays, which came back negative, but he was expected to have additional tests, according to what Charania said in an earlier appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today. It seems the results were encouraging, since he hasn’t been listed as out for the next game. Still, being listed as doubtful means he’s very unlikely to play.
Rib contusions don’t tend to cause many missed games, with the average time sitting out being 4.4 days and 1.1 games, according to Jeff Stotts of In Street Clothes, an athletic trainer who has been documenting NBA injuries for years.
Victor Wembanyama Injury News: Spurs may have dodged a bullet here as rib contusions don't often result in significant missed time (Average ~1.1 games or 4 days). However, ribs can be tricky to x-ray & I'm betting Wemby undergoes a more detailed exam soon.
The Spurs have three games left and have claimed the second seed in the West. Normally, they would err on the side of caution even if everything looks good and shut down Wembanyama for the rest of the regular season. The problem is, not suiting up against the Trail Blazers, Mavericks, and Nuggets could cost Wembanyama some very important individual accolades.
Wembanyama needs to play 20 minutes or more for one more game to get to the misguided 65-game threshold the NBA imposes to be eligible for end-of-season awards. If he does, he’s the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, an MVP candidate, and a likely first-team All-NBA selection. Playoff success is the ultimate goal, but Wemby deserves recognition for a fantastic year, which could be denied if he can’t play at least once more in the regular season.
Stephon Castle has also been listed as doubtful for the matchup against the Trail Blazers due to right knee soreness, per the Spurs’ injury report.
Wembanyama is averaging 24.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, a steal, and a league-leading 3.1 blocks in just 29.2 minutes per game this season.
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will miss the rest of the season.
The Bucks announced that Porter had undergone the procedure Tuesday in Vail, Colorado. Dr. Tom Hackett at The Steadman Clinic performed the surgery.
“It started eight minutes into the first game (of the season),” Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers said before the Bucks’ game in Brooklyn against the Nets. “When you look at how he played overall, he had a hell of a year and was going to have even a better year but the injury thing caught him eight minutes into our first game and he never really recovered from that.”
The 25-year-old Porter last played on March 17. He has averaged 17.4 points, 7.4 assists and 5.2 rebounds in 38 games this season.
Rivers said Porter told him Sunday that “man, I didn’t come through for you.”
"And I said, ‘No, you’re fine. You just got injured. It’s part of the game and it happens,’” Rivers replied.
___
AP freelance writer Denis Gorman in New York contributed to this report.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 9: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball as Maxime Raynaud #42 of the Sacramento Kings plays defense during the game on January 9, 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 look to snap their four-game losing streak as they host the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. The game is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT in San Francisco and can be watched on NBC Sports Bay Area.
The Warriors lost another close one on Sunday night, falling 117–116 to the Houston Rockets. Despite the loss, the night was highlighted by the return of Steph Curry, who had missed the team’s previous 27 games. Curry logged 26 minutes in his return, finishing with a team-high 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting from the field.
Despite the loss, Steph was electric in his return!
On the other side, Golden State battled former Warrior Kevin Durant who led both teams in scoring with 31 points. He, along with Alperen Şengün (24 points), who knocked down the go-ahead basket late in regulation, powered Houston to their sixth win in a row. Meanwhile, the loss dropped the Warriors to 36–42, officially securing their first below-.500 finish since 2021.
With the emotions of Curry’s return now behind them, the Warriors look to build some rhythm heading into the postseason, beginning with Tuesday’s matchup against Sacramento. Curry is expected to suit up again, though he will likely remain on a minutes restriction, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater. Golden State’s frontcourt depth, however, remains a concern as Kristaps Porzingis is listed as questionable, while Al Horford, Quinten Post, and Gui Santos have already been ruled out.
Steph Curry is listed as probable for tonight's Warriors game against the Kings @NBCSWarriors
Kristaps Porzingis (right knee soreness) is questionable, and Gui Santos (right pelvic contusion) is OUT
There were encouraging signs from Curry, who said after Sunday’s game that he “felt good” both physically and mentally. The next step will be reacclimating him within this current iteration of the Warriors—particularly alongside Porzingis—if the Warriors hope to generate any real momentum in their last four games before the play-in tournament.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks dunks against Dyson Daniels #5 and Gabe Vincent #4 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on April 06, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been a whirlwind of a season for Karl-Anthony Towns.
In training camp, he turned heads by stating that he was trying to figure out his role in Mike Brown’s offense. Then, after an uneven start, he played genuinely bad basketball for several weeks. His touches decreased, he got frustrated with his offensive whistle, and just seemed to be pressing. There were games where his body language would’ve made any kinesiologist faint. I try not to write articles that just attack how a player is performing, but I got as close to being the irrational fan I hate after that loss to the Kings in January.
Towns was a relatively surprising all-star selection in early February, given how rough his play has been, but that seemed to wake him up. He’s played great basketball since, even if he isn’t the consistent 25-and-12 guy he was last season.
Mike Brown has never really had the services of a big man like KAT. He’s coached some great bigs: Shaq and Big Z when coaching the Cavs, Dwight Howard (very briefly) in LA, Domantas Sabonis with the Kings, etc. But overall, the center position has usually been reserved for non-all-stars who play a role. The closest thing he’s ever had to KAT is Tim Duncan when he was an assistant under Gregg Popovich, but Duncan played power forward and had a completely different playstyle.
Trying to turn Towns into Sabonis, the most skilled *center* that Brown had ever coached, has been a roller coaster. There are fewer plays run for him, less emphasis on his skills, and his coaching style is much more predicated on spraying to open shooters, rather than leaning on your two all-stars to create offense as Tom Thibodeau did. With Jalen Brunson being the team’s initiator and Towns as the center, you do the math.
And while he reiterated very recently that he’s still very unsure in his role, his play as of late seems to suggest he’s found a groove at the best possible time. Since February 3, he’s averaging a modest 20.5 points and 11.9 rebounds, which don’t seem like improvements, but his shooting splits are up to 56.6/39.6/85.6. His true shooting percentage was 59.2% through the beginning of February; it’s 66.3% since.
He’s embraced being a playmaking hub of his own when he has the ball at the top of the key. Of his seven games this season with at least six assists, five of them have come since March 1. He’s been playing clean, efficient, team basketball, even if he’s still committing some baffling offensive fouls.
There are several encouraging signs with Towns’ game as the playoffs approach, but the one that’s stood out the most to me is how he’s responded to mismatches. As we know, teams are electing to put their bigs on Josh Hart to frustrate Towns with lanky, defensively disciplined wings. Most games, KAT has mismatches that sometimes get exploited, but others lead to offensive stagnation.
A few times recently, though, Towns is attacking the mismatch. He’s especially aggressive when the team is in an offensive funk. Against the Thunder in OKC, the Knicks were fading fast against the defending champs when Towns began to bully Alex Caruso in the post to re-invigorate the offense. A few fouls later, OKC had to change strategies. The Knicks came up short, but the aggressiveness was notable.
Last night against Atlanta, Towns was being guarded by Onyeka Okongwu, who serves as Atlanta’s undersized center. When the Hawks went up 10 in the third quarter and threatened to break the game open, Towns went to work in the post and dragged the Knicks back into a game they eventually won. By the end of the game, the Hawks were having to account for the mismatch and elected to let Brunson go up against Nickeil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum one-on-one, which ended poorly for them.
Knicks continue to lean on Karl-Anthony Towns, getting the payoff of the Hawks keeping a 5 on him. Went with double P&R (almost stepups_, Hart and KAT as screeners
-Hawks go late switch vs. KAT's pop, drive + finish -Next time Okongwu at the level and recovers, drive + finish pic.twitter.com/OxIkZPRzAs
We saw it with the Rockets, which was one of Towns’ less efficient games of late. If nobody can step up and be enough of a threat outside of Brunson, teams will blitz him to get the ball out of his hands. If KAT is cooking, teams will have to adjust. If OG Anunoby looks as aggressive as he was last night as well, it changes the dynamic.
There are multiple potential playoff matchups where teams will rely on smaller players to guard Towns. The Raptors have Jakob Poeltl, but could elect to throw Scottie Barnes on him. It seems doubtful the Sixers will over-extend Embiid to KAT’s range, so the pesky Dominick Barlow could. Moussa Diabate is a very good defensive big man, but he’s two inches shorter and 35 pounds lighter. Wendell Carter Jr. is also a smaller big man. Even potential later-round matchups like Detroit, Boston, and Cleveland can. We’ve seen guys like Tobias Harris and Derrick White defend him in the past.
The Knicks need an efficient and confident Karl-Anthony Towns if they want to make the run that the city has been dreaming about. Anything less might not give the team enough to get over the hump.
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 22: Alexandre Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls on November 22, 2025 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards play the Chicago Bulls at 7 p.m. today. Watch the game on Monumental Sports Network.
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 29: Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 29, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Charlotte Hornets (43-36) at Boston Celtics (53-25) Tuesday, April 7, 2026 8:00 PM ET Regular Season Game #79 Home Game #39 TV: NBC/Peacock, NBCSB, FDSN Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 92.7 WFNZ-FM, Sirius XM TD Garden
In another game that could be a first round preview, the Celtics host the Charlotte Hornets. The teams in the 6th through 10th spots are all separated by just 2 games. With each of these teams having 3 or 4 games left to play, every game is important for the final seeding. The Hornets are going to want to win so as not to drop into the 9th or 10th spot, which will require 2 wins rather than 1 in order to make the playoffs.
This is the 3rd, and final, game between these 2 teams. The Hornets won the first game between these two teams 118-89 in Boston on March 4. The Celtics evened the series with a 114-99 win in Charlotte on March 29. The Celtics are 82-47 overall all time against Charlotte and they are 43-21 in games played in Boston. The Celtics won the series last season, winning all 4 games.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 3.5 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are 2.5 games ahead of 3rd place New York, 3.5 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 8.5 games ahead of 5th place Atlanta, and 10 games ahead of 6th place Toronto and 10.5 games ahead of 7th place Philadelphia. The Celtics are 34-15 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 27-11 at home and 8-2 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 3 games.
The Hornets are 8th in the East, 7 games behind 4th place Cleveland, 2 games behind 5th place Atlanta, and half a game behind 6th place Toronto. They are tied with 7th place Philadelphia, and 9th place Orlando and 1.5 games ahead of 10th place Miami. They are 25-24 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 22-17 on the road and 8-2 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 4 games.
After this game at home against Charlotte, the Celtics will play one game on the road at New York and then host New Orleans in back to back games. They will finish the season by hosting Orlando. After this game at Boston, Charlotte has just 2 more games to play. They will then host Detroit before taking on the Knicks at New York.
The Celtics have a clear injury list for the first time in a long time. Nikola Vucevic returned on Sunday after missing 4 weeks due to finger surgery. The Hornets are close to full strength as well. Two-way player, PJ Hall is out due to an ankle injury. Coby White is listed as probable due to left groin soreness.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs LaMelo Ball
Derrick White | Getty ImagesLaMelo Ball | Getty Images
SG: Jaylen Brown vs Brandon Miller
Jaylen Brown | Getty ImagesBrandon Miller | Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
SF: Sam Hauser vs Kon Knueppel
Sam Hauser | NBAE via Getty ImagesKon Knueppel | Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Jordan Walsh Baylor Scheierman Max Shulga Nikola Vucevic Ron Harper, Jr
2-Way Players None
Injuries/Out None
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Hornets Reserves Grant Williams Sion James Josh Green Ryan Kalkbrenner Pat Connaughton Tre Mann Liam McNeeley Coby White Tidjane Salaun
2-Way Players Tosan Evbuomwan Antonio Reeves PJ Hall Injuries/Out PJ Hall (ankle) out Coby White (groin) probable
Head Coach Charles Lee
Key Matchups Jaylen Brown vs Brandon Miller Miller is averaging 20.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. He’s shooting 48.1% from the field and 43.0% from beyond the arc. In the first 2 games against the Celtics, he averaged 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 50% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc. He is a good 3 point shooter and so the Celtics have to stay with him on the perimeter.
Derrick White vs LaMelo Ball Ball is averaging 19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He is shooting 40.6% from the field and 36.8% from beyond the arc. In the first 2 games against the Celtics, he averaged 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 38.9% from the field and 31.8% from beyond the arc. He is 2nd in the league with 255 total 3 pointers this season and is always a threat from the perimeter. He is quick and always a threat to steal the ball.
Honorable Mention Sam Hauser vs Kon Knueppel Knueppel is averaging 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He is shooting 48.9% from the field and 43.8% from beyond the arc. In the first 2 games against the Celtics, he averaged 16.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist while shooting 44.4% from the field and 36.7% from beyond the arc. He leads the league in 3 pointers made with 265. The Celtics have to stay with him on the perimeter.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is always the key to winning. The Celtics are 4th the league with a defensive rating of 111.7. The Hornets are 12th in the league with a defensive rating of 113.4. The Hornets are 4th with an offensive rating of 118.7 while the Celtics are 2nd with an offensive rating of 119.9. The Celtics are capable of playing lock down defense but there are times when they lose focus and allow their opponents to score way too easily. They need to continue to make defense a priority and play tough defense in this game against a very good offensive team.
Rebound – Rebounding is important to give the Celtics extra possessions and to limit possessions for their opponents. Rebounding takes effort and the Celtics need to give extra effort to beat the Hornets to rebounds. The Celtics are 4th with 46.5 rebounds per game and the Hornets are 5th with 46.2 rebounds per game. The Hornets are 2nd with 17.8 second chance points per game and the Celtics need to limit those for the Hornets by putting more effort into grabbing rebounds.
3 Point Shooting – The Celtics are 4th in the league, averaging 41.8 three pointers per game. The Hornets are 2nd, shooting 43.1 threes per game. The Celtics are shooting 36.4% as a team from beyond the arc (9th) while the Hornets are shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc (3rd). The Celtics make 15.2 threes a game (3rd) while the Hornets make 16.4 thees a game (1st). The Celtics need to work to get open and move the ball to find the best shots. If the 3’s aren’t falling, they need to take the ball inside. And they need to defend the perimeter or the Hornets will bury them in threes. In the Celtics March 4 loss to the Hornets, the Celtics shot just 27.8% on 3’s while allowing the Hornets to shoot 38.8% from beyond the arc. In their March 29 win, the Celtics shot 41.2% from beyond the arc while holding the Hornets to just 27.9%. The Celtics need to stay focused on offense and play tough defense in order to win this game.
Move the Ball Carefully– The Celtics are tough to beat when they keep the ball moving and find the open man but when one player over dribbles and lapses into hero ball, they falter. The Celtics are 33-0 when they have more assists than their opponent but just 18-23 when they have fewer assists than their opponent. Keep the ball moving and don’t lapse into hero ball, whether in the first quarter or the 4th quarter. They have to make careful passes and not turn the ball over because in their loss to the Hornets, the Celtics turned the ball over 15 times but in their win, they turned it over just 5 times.
X-Factors Home Game and Motivation – The Celtics need to feed off the energy of the crowd and hopefully, the Hornets will be distracted by travel and the hostile crowd. The Celtics should protect their home court and play harder because of it. Both teams are playing for their seeding in the playoffs. The Celtics need to win to guarantee the 2nd seed. The Hornets are playing to stay in the 7th or 8th spot and avoid having to win 2 games to make the 8th seed. They are going to be very motivated to win and the Celtics have to be focused and play with extra effort to get the win.
Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor. Every crew calls the game differently. Some call it tight and call every bit of contact while others allow more physical play. Some favor the home team while others call both sides evenly. The Celtics have to adjust to the way the refs are calling the game and not allow no calls and bad calls to affect their focus on playing the game.
NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Alabama's Labaron Philon Jr. is expected to go in the first round after declaring on Tuesday. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Guard's draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Labaron Philon Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 11 overall, Golden State Warriors
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
The Warriors could still use more reliable players in the backcourt and could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. Even though the All-SEC guard was not playing at 100 percent during March Madness due to injury issues, he played well in the tournament, recording 35 points during a loss against Michigan. He also notched 29 points in his first game and 12 assists in his second. The guard averaged 22.0 points per game and he improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 39.9 percent as a sophomore, also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process.
Here's a running list of player movement in the Big Ten this offseason (players USA TODAY Sports has confirmed are in the portal, have either announced intention to transfer or it's been reported they are in portal).
