Category: Basketball

Follow all of Saturday's NCAA Tournament second round games with USA TODAY Sports' live updates.

Tom Izzo is "Mr. March."

The Michigan State basketball coach has led the Spartans to 28 straight NCAA tournament appearances, with an overall record of 60-26 in March Madness games.

On Saturday, he'll have a chance at his 17th Sweet 16.

Upset alert! Ranking 5 most likely March Madness upsets in second round

Topp Thoughts: Kentucky's NCAA Tournament win leaves Jamal Mashburn unimpressed

The No. 3 seed Spartans will have to get through No. 6 Louisville first in Saturday's East Region second round game in Buffalo.

The Cardinals will once again be without star freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. A back injury kept him out of Louisville's first round win over South Florida and will keep him sidelined through the tournament's first weekend.

Louisville led comfortably for most of its win over USF until some late, nervy moments. Isaac McKneeley led the Cardinals with 23 points, which included going 7-of-10 from behind the arc. As a whole, Louisville shot 52% from behind the arc. The Cardinals will need that type of hot shooting to knock off the usually rugged Spartans.

Here's what you need to know for today's second round showdown:

HIT REFRESH FOR UPDATES.

Michigan State to the Sweet 16 with win over Louisville

Coen Carr had 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead four Michigan State players in double figures, and Jeremy Fears added 12 points and a school NCAA tournament record 16 assists as the Spartans advanced to the Sweet 16 with a 77-69 win over Louisville.

The Spartans, the East Region’s No. 3 seed, used hot shooting beyond the arc in the first half and used spurts of 8-0 and 7-0 to take an early 10-point lead.

Louisville, who played without Mikel Brown, Jr., out with a back injury, hung around as Michigan State was sloppy with the ball, as the Spartans, who averaged 11.5 turnovers a game, turned it over 12 times in the first half, and took a 36-31 lead into the break.

The Cardinals (24-10) relied on the three-point ball all season long but were betrayed by the rim, hitting only 13-36 from downtown and shooting 41% for the game.

Michigan State used a 13-3 run in the second half, capped by Jaxon Kohler’s 3-pointer, which gave the Spartans their biggest lead at 63-50. Trey Fort had 12 points and Kohler had 10 for Michigan State, who had 21 assists on 25 made field goals.

Fears recorded his second straight game with 10 assists in this year's NCAA Tournament, setting a Big Ten record.

Ryan Conwell scored 21 points, and Adrian Wooley added 17 points for Louisville. Isaac McKneely, who hit seven three-pointers and scored 23 points in the Cardinals’ first-round victory against South Florida, had only nine points.

Michigan State (27-7) advances to the East Regional in Washington, D.C. and will play the winner of UConn and UCLA on Friday.

Louisville inching back in game

Louisville won't go away as every time Michigan State pushes the lead near double figures, the Cardinals improved shooting gets them back in the game. Aly Khalifa hit a three point to cut the lead to three, but Trey Fort answered with a three of his own on the Spartans next possession.

Michigan State carelessness with ball keeping Louisville in game

Michigan State center Coen Carr started the second half with his own dunk fest, taking an alley-oop for one basket and a highlight breakaway slam to push the lead to 42-33. Carr has 11 points and has added seven rebounds. The Spartans average 11.5 turnovers a game, and they have already coughed the ball up 12 times with more than 15 minutes left in regulation.

Halftime: Michigan State 36, Louisville 31

In the first half of runs, Michigan State used spurts of 9-0 and 8-0 to take a 36-31 lead at halftime over Louisville in the second round of the East Region.

The Cardinals fell behind by 10, but despite missing at one point 10 of 11 shots, they used a 7-0 run of their own to get back in the game.

The up-and-down pace is expected as Louisville used 10 players and Michigan State played nine in the first half.

Adrian Wooley had nine points, and Ryan Conwell added nine points and four rebounds for Louisville, who shot 36% and went 4-18 from 3-point land. Coen Carr led the Spartans’ balanced scoring attack with seven points and seven rebounds as they went more than four minutes without a point before Trey Fort’s four-point play to push the lead back up to eight with 3:46 left.

Michigan State shot 46 percent in the first half and had 12 assists on its 13 made field goals.

Starting lineups

Louisville

G - J'Vonne Hadley

G - Ryan Conwell

G - Isaac McKneely

G - Adrian Wooley

F - Vangelis Zougris

Michigan State

G - Jeremy Fears Jr.

F - Jaxon Kohler

F - Jordan Scott

F - Coen Carr

C - Carson Cooper

Michigan State vs Louisville live score

TEAMS	1H	2H	F
Louisville	31	38	64
Michigan St	36	39	74

What time is Michigan State vs Louisville?

• Time: 2:45 p.m. ET, Saturday.

What channel is Michigan State vs Louisville? Streaming, how to watch

• The game is airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Michigan State vs Louisville prediction, live odds

• Ehsan Kassim: Michigan State
• Jordan Mendoza: Michigan State
• John Leuzzi: Michigan State
• Blake Schuster: Michigan State
• Moneyline: Michigan State (-210); Louisville (+170)
• Spread: Michigan State (-4.5)
• Over/under total: 151.5

Mikel Brown Jr. injury update: Will Louisville star play today vs Michigan State?

Prior to the Cardinals' first round game against South Florida, Louisville announced Brown wouldn't play in the opener and would also miss the second round game, should they advance.

Brown, who's projected to be an NBA lottery pick later this year, has been sidelined for the Cardinals' past five games (and 13 total this season). Pat Kelsey said Brown re-aggravated a back injury, which surfaced in mid-December, by taking some hard falls during a Feb. 23 loss at then-No. 19 North Carolina.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan State vs Louisville score: Spartans are into the Sweet 16 again

NEW YORK (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond has been fined $25,000 for what the league described as an objectionable gesture while on the court.

NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations James Jones announced the penalty Saturday.

The incident occurred with eight seconds left in the third quarter of the 76ers’ 139-118 victory at Sacramento on Thursday.

After knocking down a 3-pointer, Drummond appeared to make a shooting motion toward the Kings’ bench, according to a published report.

Drummond finished the game with 13 points, including going 3 for 3 from behind the arc, and 11 rebounds.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

When Rasheer Fleming missed his second free throw in the final seconds against the San Antonio Spurs, you could not help but feel for him. Those are the moments that stick with you, especially early in a career. Those are pressure free throws, the kind you do not fully understand until you are standing there with everything on the line. At the same time, he earned that moment.

San Antonio knew what they were doing. They forced the ball into his hands and put him in that situation on purpose. They understood he is a 54% free throw shooter and played the percentages. This time, the odds went their way.

The hope is that it does not linger. Confidence is fragile for young players, and moments like that can either build you or shake you. Based on what he said after the game, it does not feel like it rattled him too much, which is a good sign.

“They both felt good. I was calm,” Fleming told Suns beat reporter Duane Ranken after the game on Friday. “The noise wasn’t affecting me. I think they were good shots. Just rolled in and out. I’ve been in that situation in college. I wasn’t feeling pressure to shoot them. I just couldn’t hit them. It’s definitely a learning experience because this is my first time it’s happened to me in the league. Just keep working on my shooting.”

“It felt good,” he added when asked about being in the game late. “I didn’t feel the need to shy away from the ball. If I’m in that situation again, I’ll be ready to shoot them again. I’m not shying away from the ball.”

That being said, it is interesting to think about what he could look like as a starting power forward. The best-case scenario coming out of Friday night is that he takes that moment, absorbs it, and builds on it. Because up until that free throw, he was having a stellar game. A highlight dunk over fellow rookie Carter Bryant, a strong defensive stand against Victor Wembanyama; it all felt like another step forward in his development.

This defensive possession showcases the upside of Rasheer and how his length can impact anyone pic.twitter.com/Yac8YX9y07

— Rasheer Fleming Muse (@Fleming_Muse) March 20, 2026

And that is what makes this conversation so compelling right now.

We are late in the season. The runway is short. The postseason is approaching. So the question becomes, is this the time to adjust the lineup? Is this the time to shift roles? Is this the moment to give Rasheer Fleming the starting spot at power forward and move Royce O’Neale to the bench unit? It is not an easy call, but it is one worth asking.

The community has already weighed in and the response was clear. 61% voted in favor of Fleming stepping into the starting lineup for Phoenix.

And how can you blame people for voting that way? Rasheer Fleming has looked good. More than good. It feels safe to say he has exceeded expectations at this point in the season. He looks the part too, standing 6’9” with a 7’5” wingspan, which immediately gives you something this roster has been searching for. Size, length, and the ability to play that role naturally.

He brings more than that. He can space the floor, which matters in this offense, and he has the defensive tools to impact plays in a way that fits what Phoenix is trying to build. He is not trying to survive at the position; he is playing it. Jordan Ott has trusted him with real minutes, and over the last 13 games, he is averaging 18.5 minutes, 6.3 points, and 3.7 rebounds on 48/50/33 shooting splits. That free-throw number stands out, 4-of-12 since earning a consistent run, and that is an area that needs to improve.

At the same time, the shooting touch is real. When you look at his performance in March compared to the rest of his rookie class, he ranks as the second-best three-point shooter among them. That is not nothing. That is a skill that translates.

Rookie 3PT% shooting in the month of March:

1️⃣Dylan Harper – 55.8%
2️⃣Rasheer Fleming – 53.3%
3️⃣Kobe Sanders – 50.0% pic.twitter.com/Cbz1mWmOll

— Rasheer Fleming Muse (@Fleming_Muse) March 21, 2026

And the free-throw shooting should come around. He was a 74.3% free throw shooter in his junior year at Saint Joseph’s, which tells you the foundation is there. He needs reps, he needs rhythm, and he needs opportunity. These are all things he is starting to get now.

And this is where I differ a bit. I understand why people want Rasheer Fleming in the starting lineup, I really do, but I am not there yet. I am part of that 37% that believes Royce O’Neale should continue to hold that spot. It comes down to experience, and it comes down to timing.

What the Suns are doing with Fleming right now is the right approach. They are bringing him along, giving him real minutes, putting him in meaningful situations, and allowing him to grow without overloading him. There will be a time when he is the starting power forward. I believe that. It could be as soon as next season, and it could last for a while. I am a fan of his game and what he can become.

But right now, this moment, this stretch run, it calls for experience. Per FanDuel, this team is trending toward the seventh seed. That means Play In basketball. That means postseason intensity. That means possessions that matter more. In those moments, experience has value. Royce provides that. He spaces the floor, he understands where to be, and he is someone you can trust late in games.

He is also the trigger man. The guy inbounding the ball, organizing the action, making sure things get started clean. It might sound small, but it is not. You felt that absence in moments against San Antonio. Fleming needs reps, no question. He needs to feel pressure, like he did in that Spurs game. That is where growth happens. Keep giving him those opportunities, keep building him up. But starting is different.

He has played above expectations, and that is a great sign, but he has not taken that starting role yet. It still belongs to Royce. And while you can make the case that Fleming brings more defensively, I am not going to argue that, it is encouraging that we are even having that conversation this early in his career. His time is coming. It is simply not right now.

Stay the course. Keep developing him. Use him when needed. But lean on experience when it matters most.

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An injury-riddled Golden State Warriors squad limps into United Center to tip off against the Atlanta Hawks.

Jalen Johnson is having a monster season for Atlanta and I’ll explain why he’ll continue his tear tonight in my Warriors vs. Hawks predictions & NBA picks for Saturday, March 21.

Warriors vs Hawks prediction

Warriors vs Hawks best bet: Jalen Johnson Over 18.5 rebounds and assists (+100)

Nothing is going right with the Golden State Warriors this season, and with Steph Curry still sidelined, it’s looking like a write-off.

The exact opposite can be said of Jalen Johnson, who’s averaging season highs in points (22.9), rebounds (10.5), and assists (8.1) for the Atlanta Hawks.

The Hawks forward has recorded Over 18.5 assists and rebounds in three of his last four contests, with triple-doubles in two of those games.

Golden State ranks near the bottom of the league in rebounding (22nd) while Atlanta is averaging 91.9 field goal attempts per game (2nd), leaving plenty of boards for Johnson.

Warriors vs Hawks same-game parlay

The Warriors are bad and injured, losing nine of their last 11 games. Morale will be low, and points will be easy to come by for the Hawks stars.

Johnson has struggled offensively in his last two games but is due for a bounce back. He’s scored Over 22.5 points in four of his last seven.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been hot for the Hawks with Over 18.5 points in four straight and seven of eight.

Warriors vs Hawks SGP

• Jalen Johnson Over 22.5 points
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 18.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Dyson gets in on the fun

Dyson Daniels can surpass 10.5 points tonight as the Warriors’ defense has struggled to contain athletic wings in transition. His ability to attack off the dribble and capitalize on fast-break opportunities sets him up for a productive scoring night.

The Hawks are big favorites for a reason, but they’ll need all hands on deck in order to run up the score against the Warriors.

Atlanta has covered the spread in 10 of its last 12 games, while Golden State is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven.

Warriors vs Hawks SGP

• Jalen Johnson Over 22.5 points
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 18.5 points
• Dyson Daniels Over 10.5 points
• Hawks -10

Warriors vs Hawks odds

• Spread: Golden State +10.5 (-110) | Atlanta -10.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Golden State +350 | Atlanta -450
• Over/Under: Over 229.5 (-110) | Under 229.5 (-110)

Warriors vs Hawks betting trend to know

Atlanta is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings at home. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Hawks. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Hawks.

How to watch Warriors vs Hawks

Warriors vs Hawks latest injuries

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If the biggest talking point from the Lakers current 8-game winning streak is the unrelenting brilliance of Luka Dončić as he scorches every defense in his path, the second most discussed topic is LeBron James and his buying into a “smaller role” for the benefit of the Lakers.

Listen tomost any talking headspeak about the team, and there it is: LeBron as the third option is the sort of insert-your-superaltive-here fodder that everyone is feasting on.

It’s not just coming from folks outside of the Lakers, either. Prior to the Lakers’ first game against the Rockets this week, head coach JJ Redick spoke about where LeBron’s role is now, particularly in relation to Dončić and Austin Reaves (emphasis added).

“(LeBron’s) still going to be, and still has been, a high-usage player relative to your average player,” Redick said. “The best thing for our team is him being the third-highest-used player. Obviously, there’s been stretches of the year where he’s had to do more, with injuries or guys being out of lineup. And I think finding a rhythm and a groove within the rotations and lineups when those three guys play, I think that’s been the challenge for all of them, not just LeBron, all season.”

After the Lakers’ win over the Heat, LeBron himself built on Redick’s last point about finding that elusive cohesion, noting a key reason things are where they are now is that this group is finally getting more on-court time together and the reps that come with it.

“I think for us, it’s always been about time,” LeBron said. “We haven’t really had a lot of time to actually put in the work on the floor with one another. Obviously, we had a little bit of last year but Luka was just getting to the team and trying to get comfortable with what he wanted to do. We’re all trying to get comfortable with what all three of us wanted to do.

“I start the year not in the lineup. [Reaves] had a moment where he was out. It was just trying to figure it out. Then I was out a couple weeks ago and was able to come back and see how I could best fit [with] those guys because they were playing so dynamic off one another.”

All of these comments ring true to me. But they also obscure something that is hiding right under the surface, and are sort of the unsaid and implied idea that actually make all of this possible.

Namely, that this only works this way because LeBron is a gifted and versatile enough basketball player to lean into the parts of his game that fit the style his head coach wants to play and what best works around a superstar offensive monster like Dončić and a second option like Reaves.

It’s not just that LeBron is being asked to play less of an on-ball role. It’s that he’s also supposed to be someone who can be a screener and finisher out of the pick-and-roll, be a connective passer, a shooter in spot up situations, a cutter who slides into the gaps of the defense as his teammates draw attention, a post up threat who can score in single coverage and pass when the double comes and an elite transition player.

And then on the other side of the ball, he needs to be a defender who can help all over the floor, hold up in isolation and matchup with multiple positions, be a good enough rebounder to play in center-less groups, rotate from the paint to the rim and back to the paint again, force turnovers in passing lanes and as a back-line disruptor and be an expert communicator whose voice helps organize the entire unit he’s on the floor with.

Few players can check all of those boxes at all, but even fewer can do it while also being, historically, one of the best on-ball shot creators the league has ever seen, who just so happens to be playing in his 23rd campaign in his age-41 season. It’s just not supposed to work that way.

But, here is LeBron doing exactly all that.

For example, here are the highlights from LeBron’s triple-double vs. the Heat:

124th CAREER TRIPLE-DOUBLE FOR LEBRON!

👑 19 PTS (8-12 FGM)
👑 15 REB
👑 10 AST

THE LAKERS HAVE WON 8 GAMES IN A ROW 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ROehOt4HPn

— NBA (@NBA) March 20, 2026

Look at all the different ways he’s scoring and impacting the game. Flashing into the middle of the Heat’s zone to serve as a scorer and a passer, attacking closeouts from the corner to set up teammates for shots, serving as the hub of the offense out of the team’s Horns sets to get Luka and Reaves the ball in scoring position, running the break as a finisher and a creator.

Just an unreal level of versatility that shows an expertise in multiple parts of the game.

Of course, at this late stage of his career, LeBron isn’t perfect. His effort from play to play is not what it once was and earlier in the season, it would not be difficult to find a string of possessions on either side of the ball where he stood and watched too much and simply did not show the type of activity needed to be a positive contributor in those moments.

Those were the stretches that had analysts and fans alike wondering whether the Lakers were better without LeBron and if this should be his last season…and not just with the Lakers.

With how he’s playing now, though, those sorts of thoughts look totally misguided. Because LeBron isn’t just showing that he still has enough juice to play well and put up counting stats, but that he has the intellect and versatility to impact winning.

I struggle to think of any other player in league history who could claim to make this sort of transition, much less tap into these different aspects of their game on any given possession to give the team exactly what it needs at that time.

Which, I think, is actually the bigger and more impressive point to be made.

We have all seen the evolution of players who could play for extended periods. I think of players like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant who added to their respective games year after year, turning weaknesses into reliable weapons and showing an ability to adapt with age to whatever new circumstances were presented to them.

LeBron fits into this mold too, incorporating post-ups and 3-point shooting into his arsenal over the years to combat any and all defensive coverages.

But LeBron hasn’t just evolved with time. He’s shown an incredible ability to shape-shift and be whatever his team needs him to be. And not just game to game, but from shift to shift and possession to possession.

In the Lakers second win against the Rockets, LeBron began the game knocking down a spot up three on a play designed specifically to get him that shot, in the same game he had six dunks while dominating in transition and working out of the post. At the same time, he had multiple defensive possessions switching between Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün and Kevin Durant — and getting stops on all of them. He flashed similar versatility against the Nuggets recently, defending Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray, all while working offensively from a multitude of spots on the court.

And he’s done stuff like this his entire career. Back in 2011 when he was with the Heat, LeBron famously switched onto Derrick Rose defensively in a matchup with the Bulls in the playoffs to help Miami swing the series in their favor. Less than a year later, I remember LeBron expertly fronting Pau Gasol to deny him the ball in a regular season game to shut down a player who was, at the time, one of the best post-up bigs in the entire league.

Over a decade later, LeBron is still flexing all the different parts of his game to help his team win. And, no, he might not be the main guy he was back then with the Heat. Just like he’s not the same main guy he was with the Lakers just a couple of seasons ago.

But I’d argue that makes what he’s doing now even more impressive. It’s not just that he’s passed the reins to someone else or taken on a lower usage role. It’s that he’s done so while also turning up other aspects of his game that allow him to maintain a baseline level of production while also clearly contributing to winning.

This just isn’t something that we’ve seen in the history of the NBA, and, honestly, I wonder if we’ll ever see it in this exact way ever again.

You can follow Darius on BlueSky at @forumbluegoldand find more of his Lakers coverage on the Laker Film Room Podcast.

SAN REMO, Italy (AP) — Bloodied, bruised and battered Tadej Pogacar finally won the Milan-San Remo race.

Pogacar recovered from a crash about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the finish to edge out Tom Pidcock on the line and win the race known as La Classicissima for the first time on Sarurday.

“When I crashed, for a second I thought it’s all over because to crash in Imperia just before the most important part of the race is not ideal,” said Pogacar, who rides for UAE Team Emirates. "But luckily I was quickly back on the bike and not too much damage to me or to the bike.

“Then I saw my team ... they left out everything to come back to the front and they gave me back hope and the legs were still okay ... today if there is no team probably I would just go straight to the finish line.”

Milan-San Remo is one of the longest one-day classics in Europe at almost 300 kilometers (186 miles), and the first of the season.

It was one of the few titles that still eluded Pogacar, the five-time Grand Tour winner, and the Slovenian admitted several times to being desperate to change that.

Pogacar’s chances appeared to diminish when he was caught up in the crash that shredded the left side of his shorts and left him with scrapes and cuts on his leg.

Last year’s winner Mathieu van der Poel also went down but the duo managed to get back onto the back of the peloton at the start of the penultimate Cipressa climb.

Pogacar worked his way to the front, stuck with an initial attack and then attacked himself towards the top, with only Pidcock and van der Poel able to follow.

The trio had a gap of 25 seconds at the top although that was down to 11 seconds as they began the Poggio climb shortly before the finish.

Pogacar attacked halfway up and managed to drop van der Poel. He tried several times to shake Pidcock but couldn’t distance him and they were locked together as they crested the summit.

Little could separate the duo on the descent. Pogacar opened up the sprint 200 meters from the line and beat Pidcock by half a wheel.

“Honestly, I need time to reflect because right now I’m pretty disappointed because it hurts to be so close,” Pidcock said. "I was told it’s four centimeters.

"Tadej, he’s the best cyclist ever, so I can’t be disappointed but I can’t help it ... It was so close to a monument win. But I need to look at it from a wider perspective. Because I think what I did was quite amazing, I’m quite proud."

Wout Van Aert, who was also caught up in the crash, won a bunch sprint for third.

“I have to say I saw him (Pogacar) next to me on the ground when we crashed and then the next moment I saw him again was after the finish, so I have no clue what he has been doing, but it must have been impressive because it was quite a hard crash and he still managed to get in the front like that,” Van Aert said.

Five-way sprint in women's race

Lotte Kopecky edged Noemi Rüegg and Eleonora Gasparrini in a sprint of five to win the women’s race.

The race was marked by a horrific-looking crash on the descent of the Cipressa.

Several riders were caught up in the incident; Italian Debora Silvestri flew over a guardrail as she tried to avoid the pileup.

Silvestri’s team, Laboral Kutxa, said she was conscious as she was taken to hospital.

The women’s race followed a 156-kilometer (97-mile) route from Genoa to San Remo.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

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The Los Angeles Clippers’ four-game losing streak has deflated some of their postseason optimism, and that raises the stakes ahead of tonight’s visit to the Dallas Mavericks.

While this looks like a decent bounce-back spot for L.A., my Clippers vs. Mavericks predictions aren't sleeping on Cooper Flagg, who’s getting quality reps as a No. 1 option.

Get the lowdown on this battle with my free NBA picks for Saturday, March 21.

Clippers vs Mavericks prediction

Clippers vs Mavericks best bet: Cooper Flagg Over 33.5 points + rebounds + assists (-115)

Cooper Flagg has fallen behind Kon Knueppel in the Rookie of the Year race, but he’s poised to finish strong for the Dallas Mavericks.

With the keys to the offense and great size on the boards, Flagg has eclipsed this combo O/U number in three of his last four games.

His scoring will be the driver for this Over, and that’s a nice volume play. Flagg has taken 17+ shots in 12 of his last 17 games, and he’s averaging 22.5 points per game in his past four outings.

Even if Kawhi Leonard returns for the Los Angeles Clippers, Flagg can still stuff the stat sheet.

Clippers vs Mavericks same-game parlay

With the Clippers trying to improve their play-in seeding and the Mavs seemingly content to pile up losses, I’m taking the visitors’ moneyline here — and wagering on their role players to show up.

Kris Dunn has strung together four straight contests with at least one 3-pointer, while John Collins has cashed this rebounding Over in four of his past five games.

Clippers vs Mavericks SGP

• Clippers moneyline
• Kris Dunn Over 0.5 threes
• John Collins Over 6.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: P.J. Max

This SGP turns to two of Dallas’ steadiest role players, with a focus on P.J. Washington, who’s averaging 18.3 ppg and 9.3 rebounds per game in his last four starts.

Meanwhile, Max Christie has hit the Over on this points prop in four of his past five contests.

Clippers vs Mavericks SGP

• P.J. Washington Over 13.5 points
• P.J. Washington Over 6.5 rebounds
• P.J. Washington Over 1.5 assists
• Max Christie Over 11.5 points

Clippers vs Mavericks odds

• Spread: Clippers -7 (-110) | Mavericks +7 (-110)
• Moneyline: Clippers -280 | Mavericks +230
• Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)

Clippers vs Mavericks betting trend to know

The Over has been a winning ticket in six of the last nine meetings between these teams. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Mavericks.

How to watch Clippers vs Mavericks

Clippers vs Mavericks latest injuries

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Two teams on different trajectories intersect Saturday, when the Indiana Pacers visit the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs are on a 4-game win streak and trying to chase down the top seed in the West, while Indy has dropped 15 straight and is firmly entrenched in the battle for the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

While Miami has dominated this head-to-head series, my Pacers vs. Spurs predictions and NBA picks have this one in a more defensive battle, where I will target the total.

Pacers vs Spurs prediction

Pacers vs Spurs best bet: Under 233 points (-110)

The Indiana Pacers are 18.5-point underdogs, but weirdly enough, they still compete. Of their 15 straight losses, just five have been by 20+ points.

Their injury list is long, with Ivica Zubac (rib) and Micah Potter (triceps) out and Pascal Siakam (knee) and Andrew Nembhard (knee) headlining a list of seven players listed as questionable.

The San Antonio Spurs have allowed just 105.3 points over their 4-game win streak, with opponents shooting just 42.9% from the field.

Indy will struggle against one of the NBA's premier defenses, who have cashed the Under in three of its last four.

Pacers vs Spurs same-game parlay

Victor Wembanyama has just a single block in each of the last two games, but he's yet to go three straight without picking up at least two. He's swatted at least three shots in 11 of his last 15 games and has also grabbed 12 boards or more in three of his last four games.

Pacers vs Spurs SGP

• Under 233 points
• Victor Wembanyama Over 2.5 blocks
• Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Wemby!

Wemby is coming off a 34-point game against the Suns, and he's gone for 26+ in six of the last eight; those two Unders came during this current 4-game win streak.

I've targeted his 3-point prop because he's been around this number for a while. Wembanyama has hit the Over four times in his last eight, but he's missed the Over by a single triple in each of the other four games.

Pacers vs Spurs SGP

• Under 233 points
• Victor Wembanyama Over 2.5 blocks
• Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds
• Victor Wembanyama Under 25.5 points
• Victor Wembanyama Over 2.5 made threes

Pacers vs Spurs odds

• Spread: Pacers +17.5 (-110) | Spurs -17.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Pacers +1000 | Spurs -2000
• Over/Under: Over 233.5 (-110) | Under 233.5 (-110)

Pacers vs Spurs betting trend to know

The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last eight road games. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Spurs.

How to watch Pacers vs Spurs

Pacers vs Spurs latest injuries

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Two teams jockeying for playoff positioning in their respective conferences clash Saturday, when the Miami Heat visit the Houston Rockets.

Miami is in a logjam of five teams currently battling for the two playoff spots in the East, all separated by 1.5 games.

Houston, meanwhile, the slight betting favorite Saturday, is in a three-way battle for the 4-seed with Denver and Minnesota out West.

While Miami has dominated this head-to-head series, my Heat vs. Rockets prediction and NBA picks have this one in a more defensive battle, where I will target the total.

Heat vs Rockets prediction

Heat vs Rockets best bet: Under 229.5 points (-110)

The Miami Heat has dropped three straight and sits in eighth in the East, though just 1.5 games out of fifth.

They have ripped the Houston Rockets of late, going 9-1 in the last 10 and 8-2-0 against the spread, but they're currently hard to trust. They're also down Andrew Wiggins (toe) and Jaime Jaquez Jr (hip).

Houston just ended Atlanta's 11-game win streak in a 117-95 romp. They're fourth in scoring defense and have held five of the last eight opponents to 105 points or less.

The Under has cashed in three straight matchups, with all signs pointing to a fourth.

Heat vs Rockets same-game parlay

While he's shooting a blistering 55.9% from the field and 43.2% from three, Kevin Durant is only averaging 22.7 points in 10 March games. He's gone Under 26.5 points seven times.

Tyler Herro's 21.5 scoring line is gettable: he's topped that mark in four of seven games, missing the over by a bucket in two others.

Heat vs Rockets SGP

• Under 229.5 points
• Kevin Durant Under 26.5 points
• Tyler Herro Over 21.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Amen!

Bam Adebayo has rebounded well against Houston historically, grabbing at least 10 boards in seven of the last nine meetings, missing the Over by a single rebound in another.

Amen Thompson has hit the 6-assist mark once in his last five, while never hitting six dimes in four career games vs Miami.

Heat vs Rockets SGP

• Under 229.5 points
• Kevin Durant Under 26.5 points
• Tyler Herro Over 21.5 points
• Bam Adebayo Over 9.5 rebounds
• Amen Thompson Under 5.5 assists

Heat vs Rockets odds

• Spread: Heat +3 (-110) | Rockets -3 (-110)
• Moneyline: Heat +125 | Rockets -150
• Over/Under: Over 226.5 (-110) | Under 226.5 (-110)

Heat vs Rockets betting trend to know

Houston has lost eight straight against Miami teams with a winning record. Find more NBA betting trends for Heat vs. Rockets.

How to watch Heat vs Rockets

Heat vs Rockets latest injuries

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The Phoenix Suns have dropped four straight games, but they’ll look to get back on track when they host the banged-up Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.

Devin Booker has been scoring at an elite rate, and my Bucks vs. Suns predictions expect a strong performance from the franchise cornerstone in a comfortable win.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this late-night matchup on Saturday, March 21.

Bucks vs Suns prediction

Bucks vs Suns best bet: Devin Booker Over 27.5 points (-120)

Over his last 10 games, Devin Booker has averaged 30.3 points. In that span, he scored 28+ six times and finished with 27 twice more. He provided 27 points against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 10.

Milwaukee’s defense has been dreadful over the last 10 games, surrendering the fifth-most points (120.5), most three-pointers (16.9) and third-highest three-point percentage (39%), while sporting the 29th-ranked defensive rating (123.3).

Booker should be motivated to get his team back on track after four straight losses, and I expect him to take advantage of this highly-favorable matchup at home.

Bucks vs Suns same-game parlay

The Phoenix Suns are back home after a six-game road trip, and they'll be fired up after losing to the San Antonio Spurs on a Victor Wembanyama buzzer-beater in their last game out.

Phoenix won 129-114 against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum, and they can cover Saturday's big spread against an opponent missing its superstar forward and a number of key role players.

The Suns should have no problem finding their groove offensively. Even if the Bucks have trouble scoring, Phoenix should put up more than enough points to nudge this line to the Over.

Milwaukee's 29th-ranked defense will have no answers for Devin Booker, Jalen Green and Co.

Bucks vs Suns SGP

• Devin Booker Over 27.5 points
• Suns -11.5
• Over 219.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: Suns shine bright

Jalen Green has averaged 23.9 points across his last eight games. After scoring 23+ in five straight, he’s gone Under that point total in each of his last three games. He scored 25 against the Bucks on March 10, and I look for him to get back on track in the scoring department.

Collin Gillespie has hit the Over on this combo line in two straight and five of his last eight. He posted 30 PRA in his first matchup with the Bucks.

Oso Ighodaro will get another starting nod with Mark Williams sidelined. He’s gone for at least 22 PRA in two straight and four of his last 10.

Bucks vs Suns SGP

• Devin Booker Over 27.5 points
• Jalen Green Over 22.5 points
• Collin Gillespie Over 22.5 points + rebounds + assists
• Oso Ighodaro Over 21.5 points + rebounds + assists

Bucks vs Suns odds

• Spread: Milwaukee +11.5 (-110) | Phoenix -11.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Milwaukee +450 | Phoenix -600
• Over/Under: Over 219.5 (-110) | Under 219.5 (-110)

Bucks vs Suns betting trend to know

The Phoenix Suns have covered the 3Q Spread in 26 of their last 40 games (+9.55 Units / 20% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Suns.

How to watch Bucks vs Suns

Bucks vs Suns latest injuries

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Follow all of Saturday's NCAA Tournament second round games with USA TODAY Sports' live updates.

Day 1 of the 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament provided college basketball fans with upsets. Day 2 was all chalk.

Now that the second round of March Madness has arrived, what will fans get on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22? We saw a couple of No. 1 seeds tested in the opening round, while the others cruised to victory.

Topp Thoughts: Kentucky's win leaves Jamal Mashburn unimpressed

March Madness games today: Ranking all 8 men's NCAA Tournament games Saturday

We also saw some injuries in the first two days that could impact the rest of the tournament. Could Otega Oweh's first-round performance give Kentucky a shot in the arm to make a deep tournament run?

With four double-digit seeds in action in the Round of 32, could we see one of them squeeze their way into the Sweet 16? Here’s a look at the five most likely upsets for the 2026 NCAA Tournament:

1. No. 7 Kentucky over No. 2 Iowa State

Why it could happen: Four words. Two players. Otega Oweh. Joshua Jefferson. Oweh is coming off a career-high performance with 35 points, while Jefferson suffered an ankle sprain minutes into the Cyclones' win over Tennessee State. If Jefferson is our hindered, who will step up for the second-leading scorer and leading rebounder?

Why it won't happen: Kentucky has proven to be inconsistent this season. The way the Wildcats won against Santa Clara could be the spark for the team to make a run. Or it's just another blip on the radar for a team that's spent a lot on its roster for inconsistent play.

2. No. 7 UCLA over No. 2 UConn

Why it could happen: If not for a heroic effort from Tarris Reed Jr. (31 points, 27 rebounds), UConn would have been knocked out in the opening round by No. 15 Furman. Couple that with losses to Marquette and St. John's in the final four games, and the Huskies look vulnerable. The Bruins looked dominant against UCF, until the final minutes.

Why it won't happen: UConn is UConn and Dan Hurley gives them a shot. As does Reed, who was one of USA TODAY's potential breakout players to watch ahead of the NCAA Tournament. The question is, do the Bruins have an answer for him? We'll have to find out.

3. No. 11 Texas over No. 3 Gonzaga

Why it could happen: Gonzaga struggled putting Kennesaw State away on Thursday, and looks susceptible to a potential upset. Texas, meanwhile, seemed to cruise to victory over No. 6 BYU and talented freshman AJ Dybantsa. Could the Longhorns have found their footing?

Why it won't happen: Texas lost five of its last six games heading into the NCAA Tournament, while Gonzaga lost three games all season. Yes, the NCAA Tournament is a reset, but the regular season matters, too.

4. No. 9 Saint Louis over No. 1 Michigan

Why it could happen: Saint Louis arguably had the most impressive win of the first round, beating Georgia 102-77, which is not even indicative of the 40-point lead it once held. With Yaxel Lendeborg dealing with an ankle issue, the Billikens can apply pressure early and potentially have a shot to knock out a No. 1 seed.

Why it won't happen: Michigan is elite. The regular season proved that, and Dusty May has brought his program very far in just two years of leading it. Lendeborg, if healthy, is the best player on the court, and that helps in March when the pressure begins to build.

5. No. 9 Iowa over No. 1 Florida

Why it could happen: Florida's Achilles' heel could be its guard play. The Gators were exposed a little by Vanderbilt in the SEC tournament. Iowa is led by AP All-American Honorable Mention Bennett Stirtz, who could cause problems for Boogie Fland and Xavien Lee to defend. The Hawkeyes play slow and can win if they dictate the pace.

Why it won't happen: The Gators are coming off one of the most dominant wins in NCAA Tournament history. Iowa cannot match up with Florida's big men, giving the Gators the opportunity for several second-chance plays. Ultimately, Florida is more talented and deeper than Iowa.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March Madness upset predictions: Ranking most likely second round surprises

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The Los Angeles Lakers have won eight straight games, but the Orlando Magic will look to snap that streak and get back in the win column tonight at Kia Center.

Austin Reaves’ injury and a tightly compacted schedule give the visiting team a disadvantage, and my Lakers vs. Magic predictions call for an upset victory by the home team.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference matchup on Saturday, March 21.

Lakers vs Magic prediction

Lakers vs Magic best bet: Magic moneyline (+125)

The Orlando Magic have dropped three straight games after winning seven in a row, and they can earn a much-needed victory tonight.

Over the last 10 games, the Los Angeles Lakers and Magic both rank in the top-11 in offensive and defensive efficiency, and despite LA’s recent surge, the Magic can hang with them.

The Lakers will play their fourth road game in six days, and Austin Reaves could sit this one out. LA sports a +3.4 net rating with Reaves, but that falls to -1.5 without him. Look for a rested and motivated Magic team to get the dub.

Lakers vs Magic same-game parlay

The Lakers sport a 120.9 offensive rating across the last 10 games, and the Magic aren't far behind at 118.5.

Even if Reaves is sidelined, the Lakers have a 116.3 offensive rating without him. The Lakers have hit the Over in five of their last eight, and the Magic have gone Over in six of seven.

Jalen Suggs is averaging 5.2 assists on the season, and he's dished 6+ dimes in 14 of 26 games at home. He's reached at least that many helpers in four of his last five outings.

Lakers vs Magic SGP

• Magic moneyline
• Over 233
• Jalen Suggs Over 5.5 assists

Our "from downtown" SGP: Magic Tricks

Paolo Banchero has aveeraged 25.1 points across his last 10 games, going for 23+ six times in that span. He scored 36 in his first tilt with LA this season.

Desmond Bane has also hit the Over on his scoring line in six of his last 10, and he's reached that mark in 21 of 35 home games. He scored 22 against the Lakers in his first matchup. 

Jevon Carter has gone for 8+ points in nine of 16 games since joining Orlando, including each of his last three.

Lakers vs Magic SGP

• Jalen Suggs Over 5.5 assists
• Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points
• Desmond Bane Over 21.5 points
• Jevon Carter Over 7.5 points

Lakers vs Magic odds

• Spread: Los Angeles +3 (-110) | Orlando -3 (-110)
• Moneyline: Los Angeles -150 | Orlando +125
• Over/Under: Over 233 (-110) | Under 233 (-110)

Lakers vs Magic betting trend to know

The Orlando Magic have hit the 4Q Game Total Over in 27 of their last 40 games at home (+12.10 Units / 26% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Magic.

How to watch Lakers vs Magic

Lakers vs Magic latest injuries

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Follow all of Saturday's NCAA Tournament second round games with USA TODAY Sports' live updates.

Otega Oweh single-handedly kept his coach from facing a scorching hot seat.

And, still, Jamal Mashburn wasn’t impressed.

If you listened to Mashburn’s postgame studio monologue, you would have thought Kentucky lost to Santa Clara. It didn’t. Thanks to Oweh’s 35 points, including a buzzer-beating bucket to send the game to overtime, the Wildcats prevailed against the 10th-seeded Broncos. But, Mashburn spoke for Big Blue Nation when he said Kentucky is supposed to beat Santa Clara, especially with its pricey roster. Merely advancing to the second round won’t be enough to meet Kentucky’s standard.

“It's not an expectation to get to the tournament,” Mashburn said in the TNT studio. “It's about Final Fours and championships.”

March Madness games today: Ranking all 8 men's NCAA Tournament games Saturday

Upsets, buzzer-beaters and beatdowns: Who impressed most in March Madness first round

The ‘Cats survived a first-round upset in a tournament filled with chalk, but now they’ll have their hands full with No. 2 Iowa State.

If the officials had granted Santa Clara coach Herb Sendek the timeout he wanted, this game might have ended differently. Up three points with a couple of seconds remaining, Sendek probably would have instructed his team to foul Kentucky to prevent a 3-point shot.

But, the officials didn’t see Sendek signaling timeout, Santa Clara didn’t foul, and Oweh banked in a bomb to stave off an upset.

Meanwhile, Pope’s predecessor John Calipari cruised into the second round with a red-hot Arkansas team. Pope’s not going to get that Final Four Mashburn talked about, but better go as far as Cal’s Hogs go, or face the heat.

Pope became a portrait of relief.

Sendek, who used to be an assistant coach at Kentucky, knows the expectations Pope must be facing.

“Coach (Rick) Pitino often refers to Kentucky as Camelot, and there’s a lot of truth to that,” Sendek said. “It is not like that everywhere else, you know. … I assure you, Big Blue Nation is one of a kind.”

By one of a kind, he means they’re more demanding than any other fan base in college basketball.

No wonder Calipari looks like he’s got the weight of the world off his shoulders.

Cinderella snoozes in 2026 NCAA Tournament

Blame NIL and the transfer portal if you must, or perhaps the Cinderellas are just enjoying a brief hibernation, but for the second straight year, the underdog napped in the first round of the tournament.

Tradition dictates we get a 12 vs. 5 upset, and so High Point delivered. Siena put a scare into Duke, but the Blue Devils rallied to fend off embarrassment. Otherwise, the biggest upsets were a pair of 11-seeds knocking out a couple of 6-seeds. That doesn’t count for madness, especially when you consider No. 6 North Carolina was playing without its best player, Caleb Wilson, and No. 6 Brigham Young was without one of its top scorers, Richie Saunders.

The good news about so much chalk prevailing? It heightens the chance for some epic Sweet 16, Elite Eight and Final Four matchups.

Final Four still intact

Before the tournament, I uncorked a Final Four of Michigan State, Houston, Arizona and Michigan. No reason to modify those picks. All four cruised in Round 1, while No. 1 overall seed Duke threatened to join Virginia and Purdue in the Hall of Shame.

Head to the Missouri Valley

If you’re in need of a new coach, you might try the Missouri Valley Conference. A couple of ex-Valley coaches are wearing their promotion well.

Josh Schertz has Saint Louis in the second round after the Billikens trounced Georgia. Two years ago, Schertz took Indiana State to the NIT finals. At Iowa, Ben McCollum passed the test in Year 1 after getting a call-up from Drake. McCollum’s Hawkeyes beat Clemson in the first round.

NCAA Tournament expansion? Please, no

The first round won’t kill off tournament expansion dialogue, but it should. Did anyone watch those first-round games and think, “You know what we need? We need the 69th-best team in the bracket!”

The bubble was as weak as ever, and the favorites served a barrage of blowouts in Round 1. Please, leave the field at 68. Nothing about this first round made a worthy argument for tournament expansion.

March Madness second-round upsets

Who’s on upset alert in the second round? Here are three to watch:

∎ Few gave Tennessee much chance to reach the Sweet 16 before the tournament began, but the Vols looked better in the first round than No. 3 Virginia did against Wright State. Tennessee plays the type of nasty defense that Rick Barnes loves, and a Vols team that beat Houston and Louisville is good enough to topple Virginia, which would be a fourth straight Sweet 16 for Tennessee.

∎ Miami aced its hire of 37-year-old Jai Lucas. The Hurricanes torched Missouri in St. Louis, and they’re good enough to threaten No. 2 Purdue in the second round. Three of the four 7-seeds won in the first round. If you judge Miami by the way it played against Missouri, it should have been a 6- or even a 5-seed.

∎ Now, for my boldest second-round upset: Kentucky can beat Iowa State if the Cyclones are without Joshua Jefferson, who injured his ankle in the first round. Never mind Mashburn's groaning, a second straight Sweet 16 for Pope would alleviate some heat. Just get the ball into Oweh’s hands, and let him cook.

Blake Toppmeyer is a columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kentucky March Madness win leaves Jamal Mashburn unimpressed