BOSTON, MA - MARCH 14: The sneakers worn by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 14, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory!
Starting a new NBA team these days could cost a pretty penny.
Expansion is set to be discussed and vote on during the Board of Governors meetings on March 24-25 with the possibility of two new franchises targeted to begin in the 2028-29 season.
The potential expansion will focus on two markets: Las Vegas and Seattle.
Adam Silver and the NBA appear prepared to expand the league to 32 teams. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
All 30 team owners will vote on the two new expansion teams, with 23 votes needed to formally move forward in the process.
The expansion fees, according to multiple reports, are projected to be between $7 billion and $10 billion per team, revenue that is split between the league’s current owners and not shared with the players.
With the owners profiting massively from expansion, the expectation is that the new franchises, each of which already has an arena option in their respective cities, will begin playing games in 2028.
If official, there will likely be an expansion draft the year before the teams launch, in which each team can protect eight players on their rosters and the new franchises build their own 14-player teams.
Las Vegas currently hosts the NBA Summer League Tournament for rookie players, played at the Thomas & Mack Center, though it’s unclear if that is a fit for a team to take over as its NBA home. T-Mobile Arena, which has a seated capacity of 18,000 and is the home of the NHL’s Golden Knights, is a potential venue.
The Seattle SuperSonics fans haven’t let go of their team, and it appears they will finally get a new one. Getty Images
Seattle has Climate Pledge Arena, home to the NHL’s Kraken, which is the redeveloped KeyArena — once the home court for the NBA’s SuperSonics, which played in the Emerald City from 1967-2008 before relocating to Oklahoma City as the Thunder.
Seattle fans have continued to embrace their long gone franchise, wearing gear and expressing displeasure with the move.
Mar 13, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; NBA Commissioner Adam Silver walks towards the exit at the end of the first half of the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz game at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images | Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
There have been murmurs for a few years now that the NBA has been considering an expansion from the current 30 teams to 32 teams.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Monday morning that the league has decided to hold a vote at the Board of Governors meetings later this month to explore those ideas once again. If the proposal goes through, Las Vegas and Seattle would target the 2028-29 season as their inaugural campaign.
Just in: The NBA will hold a vote at the Board of Governors meetings March 24-25 to explore adding expansion teams exclusively in Las Vegas and Seattle, with the two franchises targeted for the 2028-29 season, sources tell ESPN. There is momentum for stakeholders to approve… pic.twitter.com/H6AYVdhh7S
Keith Smith of Spotrac also reported that potential rules could include teams being allowed to protect up to eight players, with none of them being allowed to be players who are restricted free agents or players on expiring contracts. Teams must also expose at least one player, and teams may not lose more than one player in an expansion draft.
Potential NBA expansion draft rules
-Existing teams are allowed to protect up to eight (8) players
-Players eligible to be protected are players who are not on expiring contracts and Restricted Free Agents
So with all of that being said, what exactly could this mean for the Knicks? Well, as it pertains to the expansion draft, it’s difficult to say as there’s really no way to predict what the Knicks’ roster and contracts look like heading into the 2028 off-season. Between now and then, trades are bound to happen, and despite the Knicks’ unpredictable drafting patterns and lack of picks, they will have new faces by then.
Then there’s Karl-Anthony Towns, who will be one year removed from his $61 million player option in 2027. If, and I’d say it’s a relatively big if, he’s still a Knick, then chances are, it’s because the Knicks have won a championship, or gotten incredibly close to doing so. And in that case, chances are he’s also protected. That brings the number up to four.
Then you have Josh Hart, who, regardless of what the fans want or think, will likely be a Knick until Brunson is no longer a Knick. And in the chance that he wears a different jersey, you can bet it won’t be because they didn’t protect him in an expansion draft. That’s now five. Here is where it starts to get a bit tricky.
If you go up and down the roster right now, the three guys you want to be a Knick for as long as possible have to be Mitchell Robinson, Deuce McBride, and Mohamed Diawara. All three of those guys are going to be free agents this upcoming summer. New York, which has become one of the most cap-aware and salary-savvy front offices in the league, has surely been planning on this and has done whatever it can to give itself the best shot at retaining all three. If they can manage to do so, the question then becomes, how long will they be signed for?
If they are all signed for three or more years, then they should round out the last three to be protected. But if, for one reason or another, they aren’t a Knick by then, the Knicks are kind of out of players they need to keep. Sure, one of their picks in the late first-round or second-round could surprise us as Diawara has. Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti, and Pacome Dadiet have all shown some flashes. And, given that there will be trades between now and then, whatever player the Knicks bring in may make that list.
But regardless of what happens, the one good thing about having a team with depth without being overly deep is that you have guys you aren’t necessarily sad to lose for free. Think of a team like the Thunder right now. If they were to only protect eight guys, their conversations and choices would be much more difficult than the ones the Knicks will likely have to make.
The other piece of the puzzle, were an expansion to be agreed on, is the potential changes to the division. The NBA could get rid of divisions altogether. But they could also go through with a realignment. With the Grizzlies or Timberwolves rumored to be the ones entering the Eastern Conference, we could see a situation in which Memphis joins the Southeast Division, or one in which Minnesota joins the Central Division. If that happens, instead of having the current three divisions of five teams, we could just have four divisions of four teams in both conferences.
The Knicks could then see a world in which the Sixers get removed from their division as they head a bit south to a division with, say, the Wizards, Cavaliers, and Pacers. Or a scenario in which the Raptors head out west and join the Bucks, Pistons, and Bulls in a division. Either way, if the league decides to stick with divisions, scheduling may change a bit. But overall, given the Knicks’ roster and contract situation, the proposed expansion and rules don’t seem like they’ll matter much to New York as things currently stand. Obviously, with plenty of time between now and then, roster changes, additional rule proposals, and or scheduling updates could have a larger impact on the Knicks and other teams as well.
Tonight's Peacock NBA Monday slate features an exciting tripleheader. First, at 7:00 PM ET, the Orlando Magic go head-to-head with the Atlanta Hawks. At 9:30 PM, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers take on the KevinDurant and Houston Rockets at Toyota Center, followed by a San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Clippers match up at 10:00 PM ET. Live coverage begins at 6:00 PM with NBA Showtime on NBC and Peacock.
See below for additional information on how to watch tonight's tripleheader. Follow all of the NBA action on NBCSN and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.
Ten days ago, the Spurs overcame a 25-point deficit in the the second half to defeat the Clippers 116-112, in a game that tied for the largest comeback in the NBA this season. Tonight, both teams meet again for the second of three meetings this season.
San Antonio, currently second in the Western Conference, has won 17 of it's last 19 games and is looking to snap a six-season playoff drought.
The Clippers currently sit eighth in the West. They've won six of their last eight games and are 28-12 in their last 40 games, a major turnaround from starting the season 6-21.
Kawhi Leonard has been leading the charge for the Clippers. The 14-year NBA veteran is averaging a career-high 28.3 points per game, while also leading the team in rebounds.
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. Sunday Night Basketball coverage will also be available on NBC and Peacock. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
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The Dallas Mavericks (23-45) are playing their second game in as many nights and their fourth in the last five days on Monday against the Pelicans in New Orleans. It is a tale of two tanks: one with real stakes, and a top-four pick on the line, and one with nothing to play for except the regret of dealing your pick for a lottery player last season. The Mavericks will have their main guys for the most part, and as of the time of writing, the Pelicans should have everyone as well. It won’t be a pretty game, but it should be entertaining. Let’s get into today’s picks to make some money on an ugly March contest.
Tipoff: 7:00p CT at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA
How to watch: The game will be televised locally on KFAA Channel 29, or streaming on Mavs TV for anyone in the Mavericks media market. For those outside of the viewing area, NBA League Pass will have you covered.
Cooper Flagg will likely garner all of the Pelicans attention defensively, and Marshall is in a great spot to take advantage of a weak New Orleans paint defense. Murray, as the lead guard, should tear up the Mavericks’ lack of perimeter defense.
Game sides
Mavericks +8.5 (-106)
Under 240.5 points (-112)
This should be a close game. Cooper Flagg is suiting up, which means the Mavericks should not be 8.5 point underdogs to anyone, really. Tired legs will keep scoring down late, as well as the absence of Klay Thompson.
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Lakers computer picks
Deandre Ayton Over 9.5 points (-105)
Projection: 11.1 points
Deandre Ayton is a feast-or-famine player on offense these days, but he's cleared this number in two of his last three games, narrowly missing last time out with nine points even.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been the second-highest scoring offense in the league over the last 10 games. As long as Ayton gets his minutes, he should comfortably clear 10 points, as the computer has him projected for 11.1.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Ayton Now at bet365!/span
LeBron James Over 5.5 rebounds (+120)
Projection: 5.7 rebounds
LeBron James may be a bit long in the tooth, but he still brings down boards at a solid clip, hauling in five-plus rebounds in four straight games.
The Over 5.5 has hit in six of his last 10 games, and he's projected for 5.7, giving us clear value at plus money.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet James Now at bet365!/span
Rui Hachimura Under 1.5 made threes (-160)
Projection: 1.1 made threes
For the season, Rui Hachimura is hitting 1.8 threes per game on 44% shooting from deep.
The Lakers have played at the fifth-slowest pace in the NBA over the last five games on the road, while the Houston Rockets boast the second-most lethargic pace all season.
Plus, the Lakers have been the worst offensive rebounding offense in the league over the last 25 games. Offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them can therefore reduce additional opportunities for scoring, which works against Hachimura getting his long-range shot off.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Hachimura Now at bet365!/span
Rockets computer picks
Kevin Durant Over 26.5 points (-110)
Projection: 26.8 points
Kevin Durant has averaged a flat 26 points during his first season in Houston and has eclipsed that number in two of his last three games.
In contrast to the Lakers, the Rockets grade out best in the NBA with 15.2 offensive rebounds per game this year, which will help KD get those extra points down low.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Durant Now at bet365!/span
Amen Thompson Under 19.5 points (-120)
Projection: 17.7 points
Trends may suggest Amen Thompson is good to clear 20 points, something he's done in four of his last five games, but the computer projects 17.7, which is right around his season-long average.
This has more to do with Houston serving as the second-lowest scoring offense in the NBA over the last 20 games at home. Both teams play at a Bottom-5 tempo, which may limit Thompson's opportunities to thrive, especially if Durant is guiding the ship.
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Jabari Smith Jr. Under 14.5 points (+100)
Projection: 14.4 points
The computer isn't bullish on many Rockets scorers tonight, and that includes Jabari Smith Jr., who is projected to come in just below his scoring prop.
Like with Thompson, Smith is expected to come up short due to the slowed pace, but also because the Lakers haven't been sending power forwards to the line.
Over the last 15 games, the opposing team's starting PFs have attempted 2.2 free throws per game (fewest in the NBA). This could result in a dud from Smith, who has cleared this prop in just five of his last 10 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Smith Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Lakers vs Rockets tonight
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Monday, March 16, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
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Like the rest of the NBA knows, the perfect solution to snapping a losing streak is playing the Washington Wizards.
The Warriors ended their season-high five-game losing streak by extending the Wizards’ losing streak to 12 straight in a 125-117 win on Monday night at Capital One Arena.
In his fifth game as a Warrior, Kristaps Porziņģis scored 30 points off the bench. He went 8 of 13 from the field and drew seven fouls. The more the Warriors are seeing from Porziņģis, the better he has looked in his second straight game scoring at least 20 points.
Behind Porziņģis was De’Anthony Melton, who scored 27 points in a game where he took two 3-pointers and missed both. Gui Santos efficiently scored 18 points as a game-high plus-20, and Gary Payton II again was a spark off the bench with 15 points, six rebounds and two steals.
Here are three takeaways from a Warriors win that improved their record to 33-35.
Look At KP Go
Staring at a box score is a pointless exercise when evaluating Porziņģis. It’s all about the eye test. How is he moving? What’s his stamina? Does he fit the Warriors?
Those first two questions are even more important than the third. The Warriors always have known Porziņģis’ talent, size and skill set would be great in their system. How he was moving in his fifth game as a Warrior after sitting the previous night was a major positive.
Porziņģis in the first quarter played seven minutes and stuffed the stat sheet while moving with ease. In just seven minutes, he scored eight points and was a plus-10 with two rebounds, two assists, two blocked shots and a steal. By halftime, Porziņģis was the Warriors’ leading scorer with 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting in 13 minutes.
The second half was equally impressive for Porziņģis in the box score, and in the way he was moving. Porziņģis scored 15 of his 30 points in the second half. He played nearly 26 minutes and attempted half of the Warriors’ 28 free throws, going 13 of 14 at the line.
His 26 minutes played were Porziņģis’ most since Nov. 22 when he scored 30 points against the New Orleans Pelicans as a member of the Atlanta Hawks.
Follow Melton, GP2’s Lead
Settling for 3-pointers, even without the game’s greatest shooter, has been a problem for the Warriors. Melton and Payton were the perfect examples of the solution.
“Yeah, they got no rim protectors, so as long as we can keep diving and getting buckets at the rim – if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” Payton said during his halftime interview.
Each had 13 points in the first half, going a combined 12 of 16 from the field. The Warriors as a team were a lowly 5 of 17 behind the 3-point line (29.4 percent), but not because of Melton and Payton. Melton took one three and missed, and Payton stayed completely away from the 3-point line one night after making three treys.
Look at the shot chart of De'Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II in the first half
Melton: 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting Payton: 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting
That should have been how the Warriors as a team were playing. They outscored the Wizards 36-24 in the paint through the first two quarters. Melton then scored another 10 points in the third quarter as he continued to find his way to the paint, and even threw down a crazy poster dunk.
How Melton and Payton played is what the Warriors did best. They scored a season-high 68 points in the paint on a night where the Warriors went 9 of 32 from deep (28.1 percent). Take note.
Gui Gets It Done Again
During the Warriors’ five-game losing streak, the finger couldn’t be pointed at the best story of the season. Plenty of blame could be had but not at Santos, who averaged 18.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game. That same kind of production followed Santos in getting Golden State back in the win column.
The Wizards cut their deficit to just seven points with nine minutes remaining, so Kerr called Santos’ number, who was a plus-23, to get off the bench and into the game to stop the bleeding.
Santos wound up playing nine minutes and 20 seconds in the fourth quarter, and the Warriors needed him the whole way down the stretch. The losing streak was full of heartbreak. Not this time, though.
Here’s how valuable Santos was: Melton had the second-highest plus/minus on the team at plus-10. Whenever Santos was on the court, the Warriors simply put were a much better team.
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 04: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against Kyshawn George #18 of the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on November 04, 2024 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors travel to the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Wizards on Monday night. The game will be played at 4:00 PM PT in Washington, D.C. and can be watched on NBC Sports Bay Area.
Sunday’s 110–107 loss to the New York Knicks followed a familiar script for the Warriors during this stretch. Golden State competed hard throughout the night and even built a lead as large as 21 points. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s lack of available talent, as they played without eight players due to injury.
Brandin Podziemski, Quinten Post, and Gui Santos each scored more than 20 points, while Gary Payton II added 19. The game was close in the second half, but turnovers opened the door for the Knicks to rally. All-Star guard Jalen Brunson took full advantage, finishing with a game-high 30 points.
Afterwards, head coach Steve Kerr emphasized that regardless of the outcome, he continues to be proud of the effort his team has shown during this difficult stretch.
Despite the loss, Steve Kerr was proud of the undermanned Warriors’ fight and effort tonight:
“Could not ask for anything more. These guys are so fun to coach. They're playing so hard together. I just want them to be rewarded for their efforts.” pic.twitter.com/MFdLUKN09g
The Warriors could be getting some much-needed reinforcements on this second night of a back-to-back. After missing the last two games, Draymond Green is listed as probable, while De’Anthony Melton and Kristaps Porzingis have both been cleared to return.
Draymond Green is probable tonight in DC. De’Anthony Melton and Kristaps Porzingis have been cleared to return at Wizards.
The timing of the matchup couldn’t be better for Golden State. The Wizards enter the night with a 16–50 record on the season and have lost 11 straight games. If Green, Melton, and Porzingis are able to return to the lineup, the added depth should give Golden State the boost it needs against a struggling Washington team and provide a strong opportunity for them to snap their five-game losing streak.
“We got to keep, like, trying to win games when we don't have other guys, because we know when they get back, we're going to be good.”
Gui Santos on how the Warriors are remaining optimistic despite the 5 game losing streak. pic.twitter.com/f4w3na44nZ
SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory!
The Spurs lead the NBA in net rating over that stretch, which has made them an excellent bet, going 13-5-1 ATS.
The Los Angeles Clippers have been playing better basketball, but Kawhi Leonard is listed as doubtful, and one of their biggest weaknesses is their depth, already ranking 21st in bench points per game.
The Spurs' talent and depth will become apparent over the course of the game, so lay points as they pull away late.
Spurs vs Clippers same-game parlay
Wemby has been having his own block party lately, averaging 4.3 blocks per game over 12 games since the All-Star break, blocking 4+ shots 10 times over that stretch.
And with Kawhi out, someone’s going to have to score for L.A., so give me Darius Garland Over 20.5 points. The newest Clipper has topped this number in each of his last four games.
Spurs vs Clippers SGP
Spurs -8.5
Victor Wembanyama Over 3.5 blocks
Darius Garland Over 20.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Board crashers!
With no Kawhi, the Clippers could be putting up a lot of bricks tonight, in turn creating a lot of rebounding opportunities for the Spurs.
Spurs vs Clippers SGP
Victor Wembanyama Over 10.5 rebounds
Stephon Castle Over 5.5 rebounds
Julian Champagnie Over 5.5 rebounds
Keldon Johnson Over 5.5 rebounds
Spurs vs Clippers odds
Spread: Spurs -8.5 | Clippers +8.5
Moneyline: Spurs -350 | Clippers +275
Over/Under: Over 233.5 | Under 233.5
Spurs vs Clippers betting trend to know
The Spurs have covered the first-half spread in 33 of their last 50 games for +13.35 units and a 23% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Clippers.
How to watch Spurs vs Clippers
Location
Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
Date
Monday, March 16, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Spurs vs Clippers 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.
Even with Jayson Tatum still easing his way back from injury, the Boston Celtics are starting to look like the team to beat in the East, but they’ll be tested tonight as they welcome the Phoenix Suns to TD Garden.
Boston moved to 22-10 at home this season with Saturday’s win over the Washington Wizards, and my Suns vs. Celtics predictions signal another smooth playmaking effort from Derrick White here.
Read on for my free NBA picks ahead of this March 16 battle.
Suns vs Celtics prediction
Suns vs Celtics best bet: Derrick White Over 4.5 assists (-120)
Derrick White fits with just about any lineup that Joe Mazzulla could conjure up, so it’s no surprise to see him adjust easily to Jayson Tatum’s return. I like the Over on White’s assists tally tonight, and he’s cleared this O/U number in his last three outings.
In fact, White is averaging 5.9 APG in March, on the heels of a stellar 6.9 APG last month, so the Boston Celtics are clearly comfortable with him at the controls.
He dished eight dimes in his last outing against the Phoenix Suns, who are a little vulnerable defensively without Dillon Brooks.
Suns vs Celtics same-game parlay
I still like Boston to pick up the W here, but this spread is too big.
The Suns are 20-12 ATS on the road this year, and you have to go back to December 31 for the last time the visitors lost by this many points when Devin Booker has played 25+ minutes.
Speaking of Booker, he’s averaging 29.6 PPG in March and feels primed for another big game tonight. He’s knocked down 3+ triples four times this month.
Suns vs Celtics SGP
Suns +9
Devin Booker Over 24.5 points
Devin Booker Over 2.5 3-pointers
Our "from downtown" SGP: Colorful combo
We’ve got all the colors in this SGP. Jaylen Brown is still the Celtics’ go-to scorer, but I’m most excited about Jalen Green, who’s averaging 25.1 PPG and 3.1 APG in March and has scored 70 points across his last two outings.
Suns vs Celtics SGP
Derrick White Over 4.5 assists
Jaylen Brown Over 23.5 points
Jalen Green Over 19.5 points
Jalen Green Over 2.5 assists
Suns vs Celtics odds
Spread: Suns +9 | Celtics -9
Moneyline: Suns +310 | Celtics -400
Over/Under: Over 214.5 | Under 214.5
Suns vs Celtics betting trend to know
The Suns, who fell 122-115 in Toronto on Friday, are 16-11 ATS this season after a loss. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Celtics.
How to watch Suns vs Celtics
Location
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date
Monday, March 16, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
KTVK, NBC Sports Boston
Suns vs Celtics 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.
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 15: Will Richard #3 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball during the game against the New York Knicks on March 15, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
For some reason, the Knicks have decided to play down to the level of their opponents.
Nearly lost in Indianapolis. Damningly close to dropping one to a G League-like Warriors. Will it finally happen when the Pacers visit MSG on Tuesday?
Here’s what the protagonists had to say, including Steve Kerr.
"I was not happy with the way that we started the game and the way we played most of the game…we have to figure out how to start games better"
Mike Brown's thoughts following the Knicks' 110-107 win last night over the Warriors: pic.twitter.com/CVkQj6fWy5
On whether he will change the starting lineup before or for the playoffs:
“Right now I don’t feel the need to. But like I said, if I felt the need to, I would. I don’t feel the need to right now.
“It’s not too late to do anything. And if I feel the need, I will. I’m not thinking that right now. I’m not concentrating on each individual because, like you said, we’ve started different people at different times.”
On demanding better starts despite the recent wins:
“We have to figure out individually, collectively, how we can start games better…. I’m not talking about the outcome, win or loss, I’m talking about the start of the game. (We need to start games) with a level of focus, a level of physicality, so that they’re feeling us to start the game. This group knows it. They understand it. Now we’ve just gotta go do it.”
On Mikal Bridges’ overall impact on the game:
“It’s no secret Mikal has not shot the ball well. But he’s given us life at times, and he’s given us life at the right time at times. I thought he was fantastic in Indiana. On both ends of the floor. So it’s not just Mikal. It’s us collectively as a group.”
On expecting more from the team despite the strong defensive numbers:
“I’m sitting here bitching about this and somebody told me from the first of January on, we had the No. 1 defense in the league. Something like that. We can play better. I know for myself and every man in that locker room, every person in that locker room, expects more. And somehow, someway, we got to figure it out.”
On Steve Kerr’s pregame warning text:
“Steve texted me and he said he came up with some killer plays that were going to make us spin backwards and forward. I believe him. Situations like this, we faced it in Utah. We faced it to a certain degree in Indiana. They’re tough. But if you expect to be who you think you are at the end of the day, you will approach this in a business-like manner.”
On not skipping details against undermanned teams:
“The biggest thing is making sure you don’t skip any details. I think in games like this, the details or the small things are huge. And playing with a sense of urgency while making them feel you on both ends of the floor — that doesn’t mean going out and blowing them out, but if you’re lackadaisical at any point in the game for any stretch, they’re NBA players. A lot of these guys are hungry and some of them have proven that they belong on this level and in a pretty good spot in terms of a rotation. If you relax at any moment in time and they see one, two, three go in, like the guys did in Utah, it can be a climb back up the hill to get back in the game.”
On road trip fatigue not being an excuse:
“I think every game can be challenging for a lot of different reasons. Mainly, all teams are in the NBA, and they’re here for a reason. That stuff’s above my head. A lot of times they say, ‘it’s because of your clock’ or whatever. You win some, you lose some, and I don’t see rhyme or reason for it.”
On prioritizing playing the right way over seeding:
“It’s tricky because let’s say we were in second, and we were a game in front of somebody. Are we just gonna play better because of that? I hope at this point of the season we’re playing the right way regardless of seeding, and sometimes, you’ll lose while playing the right way, but you’re playing the right way all the time—not just to try to catch Boston. That’s part of the equation, but that’s not the end-all, be-all.
“I want us to play the right way because it’s time to do that. We’re going into the playoffs. Play the right way. Again, you’ll lose sometimes playing the right way, but you want to go into the playoffs doing this, not just with your play but with your confidence or your belief, and so I think that’s just as much of it as opposed to — hey let’s find a way to win just to catch these guys. No, no: handle all the small details, embrace the details, embrace the journey. All that stuff and go get a win. So there are a lot of factors, not just those guys are ahead of us by a game-and-a-half and the guys are behind us by two games.”
Josh Hart stops by the NBA Showtime desk before Sunday Night Basketball tips off!
On the possibility of the NBA reducing the 82-game schedule:
“I probably be retired before that happens. So I don’t care. Nah, do I think it will be probably be better for the game and the quality on the court? I think so. Do I think it will happen? Probably not because everybody is so money-hungry and money-driven. I think everybody puts that above everything else.”
On the need for respecting undermanned opponents:
“At the end of the day, you got to respect everybody. And if you’re in a situation like this against a team without its starters, you never want to play with a game or anything like that because you’ll never what’ll happen at the end of a game. You don’t want to put yourself in that position for someone to make a shot, someone to miss a shot or a ref to call a call you don’t agree with. So we got to approach this like any other game. And if that’s the case, then we should handle business early and it should be a game where everybody gets to play. But these guys are good. They’re in the NBA for a reason.”
On his knee soreness leaving him out of two games of late:
“It was just a play in the Laker game where I did my normal fastbreak finish, but just the landing on it kind of irritated it. So I think that kind of flared it up.”
On whether the knee will linger:
“I hope not. We’ll see. Time will tell.”
On not making excuses based on the injury:
“Ehh. I was out there. If I’m out there and able to play, there’s no excuses.”
Karl-Anthony Towns says the final call in tonight's WBC game against his Dominican Republic team was "some bulls–t" pic.twitter.com/iuDTV9ypP5
“Don’t play like that. I think it’s pretty simple.”
On Brown’s frustration even after the win:
“Yeah, he was frustrated. Obviously, the win’s everything, but we don’t want to win games like that, especially this late in the year when we should have better standards and a better execution in playing. I understand it.”
On Jordan Clarkson’s impact off the bench:
“Special. The stats don’t lie. One of the best players coming off the bench in NBA history. He does one thing better than almost anybody in the league, and that’s put the ball in the basket. When he’s doing that, he’s playing with that fire and that passion he has; there’s not many players in the NBA coming off the bench you feel better about.”
On the Dominican Republic’s elimination from the WBC at the hands of the USA:
“Hell yeah, that was a ball, man! That was some bulls**t. They should have had a chance. They had Tatis Jr. coming up. Come on, man.”
"A win is a win, definitely not the prettiest."
Jalen Brunson talks with Zora Stephenson after the Knicks' win over an undermanned Warriors team. pic.twitter.com/P5nrc60ufR
On the need to avoid playing catch-up every damn game:
“If we play better from the start, we don’t have to play catch-up. It’s definitely something that we need to get better at and it has to be our focus.”
Steve Kerr wants the NBA to shorten the 82-game regular season by 10 games to prevent injuries:
“I’m well aware fewer games would mean less revenue which means everybody takes a pay cut and I’m willing to stick my neck out and say I’m all for that because I think the quality of… pic.twitter.com/rfY2KhRuOE
“I’m willing to stick my neck out and say I’m all for that because I think the quality of the product is the most important thing.”
On managing player workloads:
“In talking to performance people, looking at the data, hearing the experts in our own group talk about the load that these guys are facing and then you get older players like Steph or Al or Jimmy – we have to manage them through 82 games. So there are nights where you just have to say, can’t play this guy. I get emails all the time from fans saying ‘I spent $2,000 on tickets to go to this game and Steph didn’t play.’ And it wasn’t an injury designation and I held him out. Shouldn’t we reconcile that somehow? Maybe it’s stretching the season out a little bit. If you can’t give up 10 games, can you extend the season by two weeks and give players more time in between games? I don’t know. I know there’s no guarantee that players are going to be out there every night, but I know that we have enough issues all clumped together that if we put our heads together – we’ve got a lot of really smart people in this league. I think we can address a lot of them and satisfy the fans, the owners, the TV partners. I believe that’s possible. Maybe I’m naïve. But I think it’s important to put it out there just for discussion and see where it goes.”
On advocating for a shorter season:
“I’m just saying what I see with all the injuries. The soft tissue injuries. I see all the data about how fast the guys are running, how much distance guys are covering now compared to 20-30 years ago. I see all the injuries, the tanking. I see everything. I’ve been in the league a long time. I’m well aware fewer games would mean less revenue, which means everybody takes a pay cut, and I’m willing to stick my neck out and say I’m all for that because I think the quality of the product is the most important thing. So I don’t say these things flippantly. I say these things because I mean them. I think there’s a meaningful discussion to be had, and I love the league, I’ve loved the NBA my whole life. My whole adult life has been spent in the NBA in some form and it’s an amazing league. We have incredible people in this league and great fans. I just want to make sure we give our fans the very, very best product we can and try to satisfy all of our corporate partners, and I just think there’s probably a way to do that without just completely ignoring some of the obvious issues we’ve established.”
USA beats the Dominican Republic on a really really bad call and the stream is dead quiet pic.twitter.com/sCBRTm322M
We are down to the final month of the 2025-26 NBA regular season.
No NBA team has more than 16 games remaining, as the races for seeding tighten up. And there’s still a possibility for some upheaval at the top of both the Eastern and Western Conferences; the Boston Celtics are only 4 games back of the Detroit Pistons in the East, while the San Antonio Spurs trail the Oklahoma City Thunder by just 3 ½ games.
And, as has been the case for a couple of months now, there’s also a race to the bottom, with tanking teams in the bottom third of this list looking to improve their draft positioning.
Here are USA TODAY Sports’ NBA power rankings after Week 19 of the 2025-26 regular season:
USA TODAY Sports NBA power rankings
Note: Records and stats through March 9. Parentheses show movement from last week’s rankings.
The very top of this list remains intact, and the Thunder, with the Western Conference’s longest active winning streak of eight games, are peaking at the right time; OKC continues to lead the NBA in net rating (10.7), by a healthy margin. The Knicks have course corrected and have won three consecutive, even though the quality of opponent has been below average.
The Lakers are also rolling, having won five consecutive, and their defense has improved markedly over this recent stretch. In recent games against the Nuggets, Timberwolves and Knicks, Los Angeles has allowed just 109.3 points per game.
The Magic simply have the upper hand on the Heat, and it will almost certainly cost Miami come playoff time: Orlando has defeated the Heat all five times that the Southeast Division rivals have played. The Magic have won seven consecutive games and their offense has finally started firing with efficiency, scoring 122.4 points per 100 possessions during their winning streak.
The Hawks have been stellar, winning nine consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NBA. Yet, Atlanta’s recent success should be tempered somewhat. While the Hawks are mauling opponents, leading the league in defensive rating (102.7) over the last nine games, the combined winning percentage of its opponents during its winning streak is just .354.
And now that Stephen Curry will continue to miss time with a right knee injury, the Warriors, losers of five consecutive, are in big trouble.
The big move here is the Sacramento Kings climbing out of the cellar with four victories out of their last five games. But this final third continues to be a race to the bottom, with the Pacers (13 games), Wizards (11), Grizzlies (seven), Jazz (three) and Nets (three) are in the middle of lengthy losing streaks.
One thing to watch with the Bucks, who had been trying to make a late push into the play-in picture — a push that is seemingly unlikely now that Milwaukee is 5 ½ games back of the No. 10 seed — is that Giannis Antetokounmpo left the team’s victory Sunday, March 15 over the Pacers when he tweaked his knee landing after a dunk.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 14, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dives for a loose ball between Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) and Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in overtime at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Given that LeBron James has played more basketball season that any other player you’d think he was done with firsts in his career.
However, he gave us all a new one in LA’s matchup against the Nuggets.
In the fourth quarter, LeBron dove on the floor, fully extending his body and going airborne to try and gain possession for his team. The play didn’t ultimately lead to the Lakers having the possession as they lost the jump ball, but it did make it clear that this level of hustle was the standard for everyone donning a purple and gold uniform.
The Lakers were pushed to the brink by the Nuggets but they came out on top winning 127-125 in overtime. The victory not only gave them their first season series win over Denver since 2021, but it also meant that they’ll have the tiebreaker over them in playoff seeding.
Considering how tight the Western Conference race is, that’s a big deal and a huge advantage the Lakers now have.
After the win, Lakers head coach JJ Redick spoke about his oldest player making such a shocking dive during clutch time.
“I told him after the game, I said, ‘In 23 years of watching you play in the NBA and the three years I watched him play in high school, I never saw him make a full-out extension dive like that,’ Redick said. “He said, ‘You’re right. I’ve never done that.’ It’s awesome. I know he’ll feel that tomorrow, but that’s a winning play.”
Seeing LeBron sacrificing his body like that made it clear that he was going to do anything to tip things in LA’s favor.
Teams take the identity of their leaders. For the Lakers Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and LeBron are the players who establish what the Lakers are. If LeBron, the oldest player in the league is out there diving on the floor, then no one has excuses for not bringing their best.
After the game, LeBron discussed why this was the contest to be out there diving for loose balls.
“Just living in the moment and understanding the impact of the game, implications of the game and our opponent and what we’re trying to build,” James said. So, every possession matters.”
This is just another example that for LeBron it’s all about sacrificing in any way possible to earn wins and go after the main goal, which is a title.
Hopefully, there aren’t any more dives on the floor for James this season. Because while it was amazing to see him do it, the Lakers will need him healthy if they are going to maximize their potential this postseason.
Let’s tip off the new week of NBA action with some slam dunk winners in the player prop markets.
My best NBA player props include Zion Williamson dominating the paint against the Mavericks, and Victor Wembanyama continuing his block party when he travels to L.A. to take on the Clippers.
Those and more NBA picks for Monday, March 16, below.
The tank is real for the Memphis Grizzlies. Ty Jerome has been the team’s last reliable scorer. But he hasn’t played back-to-back games since coming out of the All-Star break. And he played last time out.
So, who’s left? Give me Cam Spencer in this matchup against the Chicago Bulls. Spencer is averaging 13.3 points and shooting 47.3% from three.
The Bulls don’t play much defense, ranking 23rd in defensive rating and 21st in opponent effective field goal percentage.
Spencer has a point total of 11.5. A number he’s topped in four of his last five games.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast-Memphis, CHSN
Prop #2: Zion Williamson Over 21.5 Points
-120 at bet365
You’d think a team like the New Orleans Pelicans would be in full tank mode. But Dejounte Murray is back, and Zion Williamson is consistently playing.
So, the Pels don’t look like the teams at the bottom of the West, like tonight’s opponent, the Dallas Mavericks.
Injuries have hampered the Mavs, but it's their interior presence that has really been hurt, ranking last in opponent points in the paint per game.
Williamson has a point total of 21.5 and is averaging 22.7 points over his last 11 full games and has topped this number in both of his games against the Mavs.
The San Antonio Spurs star has been having his own block party, averaging 4.3 blocks per game over 12 games since coming out of the All-Star break, blocking four or more shots 10 times over that stretch.
His block prop for tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers is sitting at 3.5 with the Over at a tantalizing plus-money price.
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The 2026 NCAA Tournament will finally commence with the First Four games on Tuesday, March 17, from Dayton, Ohio. That means March Madness is finally upon us.
UMBC and Howard will kick off the action at 6:40 p.m. from UD Arena with a matchup that will determine the No. 16 seed in the Midwest Region, with the winner taking on No. 1 Michigan.
The second game will pit Texas against North Carolina State to decide the No. 11 seed in the West Region, and the first opponent for No. 6 seed BYU.
Wednesday, March 18, will feature two more First Four games before we dive into first-round action on Thursday, March 19.
Here's what you need to know about Tuesday's schedule for the First Four games, including how to watch:
NCAA Tournament schedule: First Four games today
First Four
(16) UMBC vs. (16) Howard | 6:40 p.m. | truTV (Sling TV)
(11) Texas vs. (11) North Carolina State | 9:15 p.m. | truTV (Sling TV)
UMBC and Howard kick off the 2026 NCAA Tournament with a game that will determine the No. 16 seed in the Midwest Region. The Retreivers and Bison are scheduled for a 6:40 p.m. ET tip, from UD Arena, in Dayton, Ohio.
Following that will be a matchup for the No. 11 seed in the West Region, when Texas takes on North Carolina State.
Both First Four matchups will be nationally broadcast on truTV. Jordan Kent and Jim Spanarkel will be on the call for UMBC and Howard, with Jenny Dell as the courtside reporter. Brian Anderson, Charles Barkley and Dick Vitale will call the second game, with Dell as the courtside reporter.
Raphielle Johnson
Lakers
Rockets
Cam Spencer
Zion Williamson
Victor Wembanyama