Sandfort was in the crowd at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Thursday, March 19 as Pryce Sandfort's barrage of 3-pointers helped ignite the Cornhuskers in their quest for the first NCAA Tournament win in program history. Except Pryce Sandfort didn't know he was going to be there. The Thunder had a game in Brooklyn on Wednesday and have a game in Washington, D.C. on Saturday.
Turns out there was time for a pit stop to celebrate what's got to be the best two days in Sandfort basketball history.
Pryce Sandfort, the Big Ten's 3-point leader this season, had the pro-Nebraska crowd going bonkers in the first half when he hit five 3-pointers after the Cornhuskers got off to a slow start. Perhaps he was inspired by his brother.
Payton Sandfort not only made his NBA debut with the Thunder on Wednesday, but also scored his first NBA basket against the Nets. Fittingly, it was a 3-pointer. Sandfort, who signed a two-way contract with the Thunder earlier this month, said the team "got me back here on a plane to watch the game."
“He’s been lying to me this whole week," Pryce Sandfort told reporters after the first-round game. "He’s been telling me he couldn’t make it, so I’m telling everybody that, telling media that, and he shows up and I see him in the stands 10 minutes before the game. ... It was unreal seeing him up there."
Payton and Pryce Sandfort played together at Iowa for two years prior to this season. Pryce Sandfort then transferred to rival Nebraska this past offseason after the Hawkeyes moved on from longtime coach Fran McCaffrey.
So there was Payton Sandfort wearing a Cornhusker red T-shirt on Thursday with the words, "The Pryce is Right" emblazoned in bold letters.
"The Heat is expected to waive Rozier before the end of the regular season to open a roster spot to add a player for depth in the postseason."
Miami had kept Rozier on the roster — listing him as "away from the team" — in part because his expiring $26.6 million contract could have been a valuable trade chip in a larger deal at the trade deadline. Nothing like that developed, but with the Heat depth being so strong and the team playing well of late, there was no urgency to release him for the roster spot. (Rozier's salary for this season was originally held in escrow, however, he won a case, with an arbitrator ruling that he should be paid his contract for this season.)
Miami has a full 15-man roster, plus three two-way players. Waiving Rozier opens up a spot, although the Heat are in no rush to do that, reports Chiang. With the team finally close to fully healthy, they don't have the minutes to go around to the players they already have, so the Heat can be patient. If an injury occurs, then they can move to help fill that gap. If not, they can make whatever move seems best in the final days of the season. That could include converting one of their two-way players into a standard contract (making him playoff eligible).
The ball has been tipped. Now it's all about survive and advance.
March Madness' first round kicked off Thursday, March 19 with day one of the first round, arguably one of the best days in sports as teams start their quest to the Final Four, with sprinkles of upsets in between. Thirty-two teams will play on the loaded docket, and only 16 will be playing another game, advancing to play in the second round on Saturday, March 21.
So who lives another day? Keep tabs on the teams that win in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament here, as well as an updated look at the bracket:
Who advanced in March Madness bracket to NCAA Tournament second round?
The Detroit Pistons will look to complete a two-game series sweep as they visit the Washington Wizards for the second time this week.
Washington has kept it close with Detroit in each of their meetings this season, and I’m taking the home team to cover again in my Pistons vs. Wizards predictions and NBA picks below.
Pistons vs Wizards prediction
Pistons vs Wizards best bet: Wizards +14 (-115)
The Washington Wizards have now lost 13 games in a row, but they’re at least hanging in games lately. They’ve covered in three of their last four contests, beating the number in all three games where they were underdogs by 14+ points.
Washington is averaging 118.8 ppg over its last five games, an offensive spark that has kept it close to opponents.
The Wizards have covered in all three games against the Detroit Pistons this year — even winning one outright — while Detroit is 2-7 ATS in its last nine. All these trends point towards the home team keeping it close enough.
Pistons vs Wizards same-game parlay
The lowest total in any of the three previous meetings has been 243 points, and I’m confident they'll find a way to hit the Over again tonight.
To round out my SGP, I’m taking Detroit center Jalen Duren to pick up a double-double, as he’s averaging 19 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, and has recorded a double-double in each of his last four contests.
Pistons vs Wizards SGP
Wizards +14
Over 231.5
Jalen Duren to record a double-double
Our "from downtown" SGP: All in on Tobias!
For a longshot parlay tonight, let’s focus on Pistons forward Tobias Harris to hit some prop totals, as there should be plenty of opportunity to fill the stat sheet on both sides in a high-scoring game.
Harris has gone Over 21.5 PRA in each of his last three games, picked up two blocks in the last meeting against the Wizards, and has hit at least threes in two of his last three outings.
Pistons vs Wizards SGP
Over 231.5
Tobias Harris Over 21.5 points + rebounds + assists
Tobias Harris Over 0.5 blocks
Tobias Harris Over 1.5 threes
Pistons vs Wizards odds
Spread: Pistons -14 | Wizards +14
Moneyline: Pistons -1000 | Wizards +650
Over/Under: Over 231.5 | Under 231.5
Pistons vs Wizards betting trend to know
The Wizards are 3-0 ATS against the Pistons this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Wizards.
How to watch Pistons vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Date
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Detroit, Monumental SN
Pistons vs Wizards latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
LeBron James has found the fountain of youth as the Los Angeles Lakers have won seven games in a row heading into tonight’s matchup against his former team, the Miami Heat.
Having a red-hot Luka Doncic sure helps, but they have eight straight playing their second game in as many night?
My Lakers vs. Heat predictions and NBA picks explain why Luka and LeBron won’t slow down in this matchup set to tip off at 8 pm ET at the Kaseya Center in Miami, on Thursday, March 19.
Lakers vs Heat prediction
Lakers vs Heat best bet: Lakers +3.5 (-115)
LeBron James and Luka Doncic have been cooking and are a big reason why the Los Angeles Lakers are 7-0 SU/ATS in their last seven and 10-1 SU/ATS in their last 11 overall.
The Lakers lead the NBA in field goal percentage and rank sixth in offensive rating during this seven-game winning streak, and they’re likely to get some shots up against the Miami Heat.
The Heat play at the highest pace in the NBA and allow the third-most opponent field goal attempts per game. Miami’s defense is solid, but if you let shooters shoot, they probably won’t miss.
Lakers vs Heat same-game parlay
With Miami allowing all those shots, it inherently means a lot of rebounds. They allow the second-most opponent rebounds per game. Luka has been putting in a lot of work on the boards lately, averaging 9.4 rebounds over his last nine games, going Over this number of 8.5 seven times during that stretch.
The second half of a back-to-back might mean LeBron will be a little more likely to be a facilitator tonight. So, let’s add Over 6.5 assists to this same-game parlay.
Lakers vs Heat SGP
Lakers +3.5
Luka Doncic Over 8.5 rebounds
LeBron James Over 6.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Stars shine bright
This game should be high-paced and feature a lot of back-and-forth action, so let's sit back and watch the big names get some buckets.
Lakers vs Heat SGP
Luka Doncic Over 31.5 points
LeBron James Over 18.5 points
Bam Adebayo Over 20.5 points
Tyler Herro Over 20.5 points
Lakers vs Heat odds
Spread: Lakers +3.5 | Heat -3.5
Moneyline: Lakers +135 | Heat -160
Over/Under: Over 242.5 | Under 242.5
Lakers vs Heat betting trend to know
The Lakers have covered the spread in 10 of their last 11 games overall, including the last seven in a row. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Heat.
How to watch Lakers vs Heat
Location
Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Date
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
Spectrum SportsNet, FDSN Sun
Lakers vs Heat latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
North Carolina star Caleb Wilson was outstanding for the Tar Heels this season and will hear his name called very early in the 2026 NBA Draft. Unfortunately for the program, an injury ended his season prematurely and he won't be available for the NCAA Tournament.
North Carolina's March Madness path won't be easy, either. It opens the big dance against No. 11 seed VCU, winners of 16 of its last 17 games and the A-10 Conference Championship.
The 6-foot-10 former five-star recruit averaged 19.8 points with 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game on 57.8% shooting in 24 games to start this college career. He scored 23 points in North Carolina's upset win over archrival Duke in February, which also happened to be his last full game before he was injured.
Wilson is in the top tier of NBA prospects for this year's draft, along with BYU's AJ Dybantsa, Kansas' Darryn Peterson and Arkansas' Darius Acuff Jr., among potential others. He's also set for his No. 8 jersey to hang in the rafters next season, joining Tyler Hansbrough as the only true freshmen to earn the honor at North Carolina.
Here's what to know of Wilson's injury and why he's missing the entire NCAA Tournament:
Why isn't Caleb Wilson playing for North Carolina?
North Carolina announced March 5 that Wilson broke his right thumb in practice while preparing for his return from another injury that sidelined him for nearly a month during the regular season. Wilson broke a bone in his left hand against Miami on Feb. 10 and was aiming for a return vs. Duke in the regular season finale before breaking his right thumb.
"I didn't know right away," Wilson told reporters March 18 before UNC's game against VCU in the NCAA Tournament. "It hurt a lot, and things usually don't hurt that much. I just went and got x-rays and found out."
The injury was severe enough to end the rest of Wilson's true freshman season. It was a devastating blow to North Carolina's March Madness chances, especially as he was nearing a return from his previous injury.
Caleb Wilson stats
Here's a look at Wilson's per-game averages in 2025-26:
2025-26: 19.8 points with 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game on 57.8% shooting. 1.4 blocks and 1.5 steals per game.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a basket against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, 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. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
No one, not even LeBron James, knows whether he’ll play basketball next year or not. But one thing he has consistently said is that he’d be interested in owning an NBA team at some point, specifically in Las Vegas.
.@DanWoikeSports: "We've heard you talk for years about your ownership desires. Where did the expansion stuff kind of hit you? Is that still something big-picture that you're interested in?"
This is a big change of heart from James. He has consistently expressed interests, so why the sudden change?
While LeBron has no ownership in an NBA team, he does own a part of the historic football club Liverpool. That investment has been a slam dunk for the king, and owning an NBA team, even at a low percentage, has proven to be a hot commodity.
Could the $7-$10 billion price range be too rich for him to get involved, even as a minority owner?
According to a report by Joe Vardon and Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, the Fenway Sports Group, which James has been involved with since 2011, does not plan on pursuing a bid for the potential Las Vegas NBA team. In the article, the estimated cost of an NBA expansion team was stated as one of the reasons they are not pursuing a bid.
If James’ partners are out, then maybe that’s why he is no longer enthused about NBA ownership in Sin City.
And who knows, maybe he changes his mind again, or the ownership group that wins the bid convinces him to come along.
This story is far from over, but as things stand, whenever Las Vegas begins playing in the NBA, LeBron looks more likely to be playing against them than to be seated in a suite as the team’s owner.
Four years ago, LeBron James was unequivocal, saying on his own podcast that he wanted to be an NBA owner when he retired: "I want to buy a team, for sure... I want a team in Vegas. I want the team in Vegas."
LeBron is an investor and partner in the Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox and English Premier League soccer powerhouse Liverpool, among other holdings. That group is not interested in bidding for an NBA team in Las Vegas, reports Joe Vardon and Mike Vorkunov at The Athletic. It is put off by the reported at least $7 billion expansion rights fee the league is seeking from each new team. If Fenway is out, LeBron would have to find other financial backers to make that kind of bid, and it doesn't sound like he is interested.
The CBA also prohibits an active NBA player from owning a team, and on a night LeBron dropped 30 points on the Rockets on 13-of-14 shooting, he didn't look like someone ready to retire.
LEBRON WITH A SET OF SPECTACULAR SLAMS IN THE FIRST HALF!
LeBron will be a free agent at the end of this season, at age 41, and has said he is undecided about his future. The expectation in league circles is that he will play one more season, although likely with another team rather than the Lakers. That timeline would prevent him from being in on the ground floor of any NBA team in Las Vegas.
The Detroit Pistons' odds to win the Eastern Conference and NBA Finals took a major hit after Cade Cunningham was revealed to have suffered a collapsed lung.
Cunningham is also off the board in the NBA MVP market at several top sportsbooks, while he sits at less than a 1% chance to win the award at Kalshi.
Key Takeaways
Cunningham exited after five minutes of action after diving for a loose ball Tuesday.
Recent players who sustained a collapsed lung missed an average of 10.8 games.
The league’s CBA requires Cunningham to miss no more than 10 more games to be eligible for end-of-season awards.
Cunningham will be sidelined for an extended period, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Thursday. He played five minutes Tuesday against the Washington Wizards before leaving with what was initially called back spasms.
Cade Cunningham won’t return tonight due to back spasms. This is the play that took him out pic.twitter.com/Mj5ZHcWL7G
The Pistons lead the East with a record of 49-19, three-and-a-half games ahead of the Boston Celtics. Oddsmakers had still preferred Boston in the race to reach and win the NBA Finals, but Detroit’s indefinite loss of its star player set it back even further.
DraftKings dropped the Pistons from +2,000 to +2,500 in NBA title odds after the injury was announced. Although they remain seventh in the odds ladder, they’re down to a 3.9% implied chance to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy this summer.
The Pistons also lengthened from +400 to +700 to win the East, dropping from a 20% to 12.5% probability. That puts them behind the Celtics (+145), Cleveland Cavaliers (+330), and New York Knicks (+370).
Cunningham will be re-evaluated on April 2, the day the Pistons host the Minnesota Timberwolves.
There will be five more opportunities after that to get on the court before the postseason begins.
Cunningham out of MVP consideration?
Cunningham had been leading one of the most impressive franchise turnarounds over the last two seasons, taking the Pistons from 14-68 and the worst record in the league in 2023-24, to a sixth-place finish and playoff appearance in 2024-25, to the best record in the conference this season.
The 24-year-old is averaging 24.5 points (13th), 9.9 assists (second), and 5.6 rebounds in 34.4 minutes per game.
Despite his excellence, the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement may leave him ineligible for the league’s highest individual honor.
Written to disincentivize tanking, the CBA mandates players must make at least 65 appearances, including 63 appearances of at least 20 minutes, during the 82-game regular season to be eligible for awards. That includes MVP and All-NBA spots.
With 61 games under his belt, Cunningham won’t have a chance to win the award if he can’t get back on the court by April 6. He’s been viewed as a top-five contender in NBA MVP odds for the majority of the season, but as mentioned above, he’s off the board at most online sportsbooks.
CJ McCollum (2023): 12 missed games in three-and-a-half weeks
CJ McCollum (2021): 18 missed games in six weeks
Terrence Jones (2015): Six missed games in two weeks
Gerald Wallace (2009): Seven missed games in three weeks
If Cunningham misses the average number of contests (about 11) between the above players, he will come up one short of the 64-game minimum.
Playoff impact
If the Pistons can maintain their position atop the East, they would match up with the lowest-seeded team remaining after the play-in tournament.
The Pistons have a winning record against three of the four teams currently projected to participate in the play-in. The Miami Heat are the exception, winning two of their three encounters.
You’re probably busy with your bracket today, but if you want to build up that bankroll for March Madness betting, I’ve got some slam dunk plays in the NBA player prop market for today.
My best bets include Evan Mobley dominating the paint against the Bulls, and Victor Wembanyama continuing his block party when he faces the Suns.
Those and more NBA picks for Thursday, March 19 below.
The Cleveland Cavaliers need Evan Mobley to play his best basketball if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs. Luckily, he seems to be peaking at the right time.
Mobley is averaging 21 points and 10.2 rebounds over his last nine games and has scored 24 or more in three of his last six. I’m betting he keeps getting buckets tonight against the Chicago Bulls.
The Bulls have turned their attention to next season and are surrendering 120.5 points per game over their last 11 games and now allow the fourth most opponent points in the paint per game.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, CHSN
Prop #2: Victor Wembanyama Over 3.5 blocks
+115 at bet365
As long as sportsbooks keep giving me plus money for the Over on Victor Wembanyama blocks, I’m going to keep betting it.
The Alien has been out of this world when it comes to protecting the rim in the second half of the season. Wemby is averaging 4.0 blocks over the 14 games since coming out of the All-Star break, which includes rejecting four or more shots 11 times during that stretch.
The block party continues when the San Antonio Spurs face the Phoenix Suns. Wemby has blocked at least four shots in his two previous meetings against the Suns this season.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: KTVK, FanDuel Sports Network-Southwest
Prop #3: Kyle Filipowski double-double
+235 at bet365
More drama brews with the Milwaukee Bucks as Giannis doesn’t want to sit out the remainder of the season, but he’s at least out tonight against the Utah Jazz.
That means a team that already has the third-worst rebounding rate will be without one of the best rebounders in the NBA.
That has me looking at Jazz big man Kyle Filipowski to have a big night stuffing the stat sheet. Since becoming a regular starter, Filipowski is averaging 14.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
He’s recorded a double-double in three of his last six games.
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, KJZZ
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 16: Jordi Fernandez head coach of the Brooklyn Nets looks during the second quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Barclays Center on March 16, 2026 in New York City. 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA tanking problem is an utter disaster, and the Brooklyn Nets are a symptom of the broken system.
The Nets on Wednesday night lost 121-92 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, by no surprise. That’s not being disrespectful towards the Nets either, it’s just common knowledge that their strategy is completely opposite from OKCs. One is trying to accumulate as many losses as possible, the other is trying to win as much as possible.
Sean Marks, Jordi Fernandez, Joe Tsai and the Nets have caught their fair share of praise and flack. But it’s not just leadership at play.
They’re navigating a system that rewards losing over competing.
They’ve tanked hard enough to be a bottom-3 team, but for some, it still hasn’t been egregious enough because they’re not the absolute worst team in the league.
For the Nets, it’s a conflict of interest and that conflict comes from balancing development and draft strategy with the desire to win. Marks and Fernandez both want to win. They have five rookies they need to develop, while scouting and praying they hit the lotto. Fernandez is in his second season as a coach so he’s naturally hungry to win and continue to improve.
The irony, of course, is that under the current system, math doesn’t even guarantee a miracle. Even if the Nets manage to secure one of the three worst records in the league, they are only rewarded with a 14% chance at the No. 1 pick. The league has created a system where teams are forced to torch their culture and disrespect their fans for a reward that is statistically unlikely to actually happen.
History bears that out: the Pistons had the best record three years running and finished fifth each time. The Mavericks and Hawks vaulted from the play-in to the overall No. 1. Of the top 28 picks in the last seven draft lotteries, since changes were instituted, 11 were won by teams with the seventh worst odds.
We aren’t just watching the Nets get blown out, we’re watching them gamble their dignity on a metaphorical dice toss where the house almost always wins. Take a look at last year.
This creates a bizarre disconnect when you look at the messaging. “He made it very clear ‘I’m going to try and win every game.’ I said great, go for it. The goal isn’t to not compete,” said Marks before the season. “The goal is go out there, develop a culture of competing, playing hard & playing the right way. And that’s what he’s done.”
It was a noble sentiment at the time, but on nights like Wednesday — it feels like a hollow one.
The score was 60-24 at halftime, the fewest points for any team since 2019. At that point they were shooting 1-of-16 from 3 and had three assists to 15 turnovers. Low effort isn’t a habit this team can afford to pick up — it only makes development that much harder. That’s where the frustration comes in.
“I think our readiness to play the game was not there,” Fernandez said after the game.
It’s only one game, but that isn’t exactly reassuring. These are young players who should be hungry every night, regardless of the opponent. Effort shouldn’t be the variable. That’s how bad habits start to form.
Still, there’s only so much blame they deserve. It was pitiful, even shameful – and almost as disrespectful as the game of basketball has been to its fans.
Adam Silver has been open about expansion, which could happen as soon as 2028-29. But while more teams enter the league, more teams are also tanking than ever. As the 2024-25 season wrapped up, five teams lost by 30+ points in one day. The total number of games decided by 30+ points hit 79 at that point, tying the league mark for such games set in 2021-22.
No matter how angry fans want to get at the Nets for tanking — or not tanking — this whole shtick is a necessary evil that’s just flat out wrong. It’s hardly a sport if you reward losing, yet it’s the only way the Nets can navigate this flawed system.
Marks inherited an awful product and we’ll be clear about that. Over the past 10 years, the Nets have lost 50+ games six times, including this season. They’re pushing their third potential 60-loss season during that span with a single playoff series victory to show for it.
This season, it’s impossible to dispute their tanking efforts. They’ve lost by 50+ points two times. It’s happened twice in franchise history before this season — once last year and the other in 1978. They’ve lost by 30+ points six times with 12 games remaining; 20+ points on 19 occasions. have had 12 games this season where they’ve been down 30 or more points at one point or another. Including two straight. It’s a franchise record.
So, for every 10 games that fans watch, roughly three out of 10 are lost by 20+ points. Here’s a look at the 20+ losses from Brooklyn’s season thus far:
Margin
Date
Opponent
-54
Jan 21, 2026
@ New York Knicks
-53
Feb 1, 2026
@ Detroit Pistons
-38
Mar 10, 2026
vs. Detroit Pistons
-37
Jan 25, 2026
@ LA Clippers
-37
Feb 27, 2026
@ Boston Celtics
-36
Nov 9, 2025
@ New York Knicks
-29
Mar 18, 2026
vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
-29
Dec 16, 2025
vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
-28
Oct 27, 2025
@ Houston Rockets
-28
Feb 19, 2026
@ Cleveland Cavaliers
-26
Dec 1, 2025
@ Chicago Bulls
-26
Mar 3, 2026
@ Miami Heat
-24
Nov 2, 2025
vs. Philadelphia 76ers
-24
Jan 1, 2026
vs. Houston Rockets
-23
Dec 23, 2025
@ New York Knicks
-22
Jan 18, 2026
@ Chicago Bulls
-20
Mar 16, 2026
vs. Portland Trail Blazers
-20
Feb 5, 2026
@ Orlando Magic
-20
Jan 2, 2026
@ Washington Wizards
Now, compare this to 20 years ago in 2005-06: the worst team in the league (the Blazers) still won 21 games. While they had their share of blowout losses, they never experienced the absolute disaster we see today. That team didn’t lose a single game by 50 points, a feat the Nets have already accomplished twice this season. They also only lost by 20+ points 12 times compared to Brooklyn’s 19. And that’s when bad teams had better odds to get the first overall pick!
It’s heartbreaking as a basketball fan because it’s deliberate, yet if they finish with a top-3 pick in the 2026 Draft, these games will become friendly reminders when Cam Boozer or AJ Dybantsa slams one home as Barclays Center goes berserk.
But until then, it’s all a dream.
The fact of the matter is that fans pay A LOT of money to watch NBA basketball. Nets basketball to be more specific. Entry-level season tickets are around $2,500 entering 2026-27 (for one of the worst teams in the league). On streaming (if it works), fans pay $299/year to watch Gotham Sports, $29.99/month for ESPN, $11.00/month for Prime Video, and $15.00/month for Peacock. Not to mention subscriptions to read around paywalls for so many sites. Fandom ain’t cheap.
The Nets didn’t create this system, but they’re operating within it and benefiting from it. That makes them part of the problem, too.
The real question is whether the NBA cares enough to fix a system that forces every team to compete. The league seems to have forgotten that the fan is its customer. Until then, every fan, every team, and every game is paying the price.
The first-year South Florida basketball coach has led the Bulls to an NCAA Tournament appearance following a 25-8 record, which included winning the American Conference tournament.
The 11-seeded Bulls are scheduled to take on No. 6 Louisville at 1:30 p.m. ET from KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.
For Hodgson, the game will have extra meaning. It serves as a homecoming for the Western New York native in a game that will serve as his debut in the NCAA Tournament as a head coach.
He will also have the opportunity to have his father, Larry, in the crowd to watch him coach for the first time. With the Bulls a popular pick to upset the Cardinals in the first round, here's what you need to know about Hodgson:
Who is Bryan Hodgson?
The current USF men's basketball coach played collegiate basketball at Jamestown Community College in Jamestown, New York. Following his playing career, he was hired as an assistant at Fredonia State in 2007 in Fredonia, New York. He returned to the Jayhawks in 2010 as an assistant before assisting at Midland Junior College (Texas).
Hodgson was hired by current Alabama coach Nate Oats as an assistant at Buffalo in 2015, his first opportunity as a Division I coach. He followed Oats to the Crimson Tide in 2019, when he became the lead recruiter.
He helped recruit Brandon Miller as part of the 2022 Alabama recruiting class, which was ranked third in the nation by 247Sports.
On March 22, 2023, Hodgson was named the head coach of Arkansas State. He went 45-28 in two years with the Red Wolves, leading them to the CBI semifinals in 2024 and the NIT second round in 2025.
South Florida named Hodgson its next head coach on March 24, 2025, replacing Amir Abdur-Rahim, who died on Oct. 24, 2024. He led the Bulls to their second American title in three years in 2026, reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time as a head coach.
Hodgson was born on April 11, 1987. That makes him 38 years old during the 2025-26 college basketball season.
Bryan Hodgson's coaching career
Here's a look at Hodgson's coaching career:
Head coach unless otherwise specified. Assistant role listed in parentheses
2007-10: Fredonia State (assistant)
2010-13: Jamestown Community College (assistant)
2013-15: Midland (assistant)
2015-19: Buffalo (assistant)
2019-23: Alabama (assistant)
2023-25: Arkansas State
2025-present: South Florida
Bryan Hodgson's coaching record
Here's a look at Hodgson's record as a head coach:
2023-24 (Arkansas State): 20-17, 11-7 Sun Belt
2024-25 (Arkansas State): 25-11, 13-5 Sun Belt
2025-26 (South Florida): 25-8, 15-3 American
Career: 70-36
Bryan Hodgson dad
For the first time in his coaching career, Hodgson will have his father, Larry, in attendance for a game he is coaching. Larry suffers from dementia. The first-round matchup against Louisville is being played at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 25: Hugo González is drafted twenty-eighth overall by the Boston Celtics during the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
March is here. The madness of college basketball has arrived, ready to push us into Spring and the NBA Playoffs. The Big Dance is the proving ground where players are stress-tested in front of millions of eyes. Some players thrive in this environment, while others falter. A few games don’t override a body of work, but NBA scouts are watching, and a strong tournament has boosted the stock of many.
Player development has been at the core of the Celtics’ success this season, with Boston quickly reloading their depth. They currently hold the 27th pick — one spot below where they selected Hugo Gonzalez. It’s remarkable for a team that many projected was set for a down year.
With the bracket locked and games starting today, here are five players to watch that Boston could consider when they’re on the clock in June.
Isaiah Evans | Wing | Duke
RALEIGH, NC – MARCH 02: Isaiah Evans #3 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates the play during the college basketball game between the NC State Wolfpack and the Duke Blue Devils on March 2, 2026 at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. (Photo by Nicholas Faulkner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A year ago, Evans appeared on this list as a freshman playing a supporting role behind the eventual first overall pick, Cooper Flagg. His three point shotmaking stood out, paired with his comfort in a complementary role made him worth tracking. He elected to come back for his sophomore year, and the intrigue is definitely still there.
Evans’ three point percentage is down a bit this year, but it’s his shot profile, attempt rate and size that still makes him a dangerous marksman. He’s Duke’s 2nd leading scorer putting up 14.9 points per game. After ranking sixth in scoring and playing just 14 minutes per game as a freshman, he’s taken a clear step forward into a featured role.
His comfort as a movement shooter would make him an easy fit with Boston. The way he flies around screens, or ghosts them, is reminiscent of how the Celtics shooters operate. That utility paired with his elite 87% from the free throw line makes his shot a great bet to translate to the next level.
For a Celtics team that places a premium on floor spacing, a decisive and reliable off-ball weapon is an interesting option at 27.
Where to watch: Thursday, March 19 | (1) Duke vs. (16) Siena | 2:50 p.m. ET
Aday Mara | Center | Michigan
The 7’3 Spaniard Aday Mara has been one of the most impactful defensive forces in college basketball this season. He leads the NCAA in Defensive Box Plus/Minus, and block percentage, earning him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
Mara is a massive individual, and controls the paint on both ends. An interesting wrinkle to his game is that he’s not just a rim-runner. He’s a skilled and creative passer as well, averaging 2.3 APG. The Celtics would value his short roll passing, and potential to serve as a playmaker in dribble handoff scenarios.
Whether he falls to 27 is certainly a question. But if the board breaks right, Mara could be a game-changing interior presence to bolster the Celtics center rotation. It would also be fun to reunite him with fellow Spaniard Hugo Gonzalez.
Where to watch: Thursday, March 19 | (1) Michigan vs. (16) Howard | 7:10 p.m. ET
Dailyn Swain | Wing | Texas
DAYTON, OHIO – MARCH 17: Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the First Four round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball tournament held at UD Arena on March 17, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Texas had to survive the First Four just to get here, beating NC State on Tuesday night to punch their ticket as an 11-seed. Swain is flying under the radar a bit, but if he performs on this stage, he’ll be difficult to ignore.
He’s having an impressive breakout season after following head coach Sean Miller to Texas from Xavier. Swain is averaging 17.7 points and 7.6 rebounds on 54.3% from the field, and 34.5% from three.
He’s been sensational driving to the hoop, ranking in the 92nd percentile on rim attacks. He also brings a high level of feel as a creator, emerging as Division I’s leading isolation scorer.
While there’s been real improvement with his jump shot each season, it’s a swing skill that could make it difficult for him to slide naturally into a lower usage role. However, his defensive floor is high. He’s a disruptor on that end, and uses his 6’8” frame to jump passing lanes and switch across multiple positions.
He might be a higher-usage player than Boston typically targets late in the first round, but if he can buy into a smaller creation role, his downhill scoring ability and athleticism would give the Celtics’ wing rotation a new layer of size and skill.
Where to watch: Thursday, March 19 | (11) Texas vs. (6) BYU | 7:25 p.m. ET
Morez Johnson Jr. | Power Forward | Michigan
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 17: Morez Johnson Jr. #21 of the Michigan Wolverines speaks to a teammate during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on February 17, 2026 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Morez Johnson is the second member on this list from Michigan’s exciting frontcourt, which also includes projected first rounder Yaxel Lendeborg.
His season stats – 13.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 62.9% FG — don’t jump off the screen, but he’s got a level of strength and physicality that should make him capable of quickly handling a transition to the NBA.
At 6’9 he lacks some of the size to be full-time 5, but he could be a very interesting switch everything small ball option at times. He’s already proven capable of playing next to a 7-foot center as well in Mara, so the lineup options are not limited.
The Celtics have shown a willingness to play two bigs over the years. Johnson’s motor, defensive playmaking, and physicality make him a natural choice in that way. He provides something different than they have as a 4-5 hybrid, but that could be a welcomed addition and a boost to their defensive versatility.
Where to watch: Thursday, March 19 | (1) Michigan vs. (16) Howard | 7:10 p.m. ET
Amari Allen | Small Forward | Alabama
KNOXVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 28: Alabama Crimson Tide forward Amari Allen (5) celebrates with Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats after defeating the Tennessee Volunteers in the college basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Alabama Crimson Tide on February 28, 2026, at Food City Center in Knoxville, TN. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Allen is the quietest name on this list but a player worth watching nonetheless.
The Alabama freshman has a well-rounded game. He’s averaging 11.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.1 APG along with solid steal and block rates. His three-pointer sits at 36.5% on a smooth, repeatable stroke. He’s 6’7, plays within the flow of an NBA-style offense, and can handle himself on and off the ball on both ends.
Allen may not be the flashiest option, but he profiles as a player who adds value in a lot of areas. He’s not so different from some of the young talent already in Boston’s wing room, but if they reshuffle their depth in the offseason, Allen profiles as the type of plug-and-play piece who could step into minutes early.
Where to watch: Friday, March 20 | (4) Alabama vs. (13) Hofstra | 3:15 p.m. ET
SMU coach Andy Enfield believes star forward B.J. Edwards' right ankle would have been ready by Friday if the Mustangs had found a way to advance out of the First Four at the NCAA Tournament.
Only SMU didn't, falling to Miami (Ohio) with the senior guard out of the lineup. The Mustangs had indicated Edwards might have been available for the tournament at large, which the NCAA selection committee indicated played a factor in giving SMU an at-large berth in the 68-team field.
Enfield brushed off the suggestion that the fact Edwards didn't play could hurt how the selection committee views the Mustangs in the future.
“We deserved to be in the NCAA Tournament if you look at all our metrics and our wins,” Enfield said. “We all thought that B.J. would be back.”
Enfield described Edwards' injury as “serious." Edwards hadn't played since tweaking the ankle against California on Feb. 25. Enfield credited Edwards for making every effort to be available by Wednesday. Instead, Edwards — who averaged 12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists — was “a day short” of being cleared by SMU's medical staff.
“It was heartbreaking when he said, ‘I’m just not quite (there),'” Enfield said. “We thought he’d be right there. But it’s a very heartbreaking thing to have someone that wants to be out there and just can’t do it. It didn’t feel comfortable quite yet.”
The Mustangs (20-14) made the tournament despite an 8-10 mark in the ACC. Their resume did include wins over conference powers North Carolina and Louisville, though they also lost to struggling Syracuse.
“As far as the committee, what they’re — we deserved to be in the NCAA Tournament, bottom line,” Enfield said. “That’s pretty to the point right there.”
Evan Mobley
Victor Wembanyama
Kyle Filipowski
