The Toronto Raptors will likely be going to the 2026 NBA Playoffs. After three straight years of missing the postseason, this qualifies as a feel-good campaign for the franchise. Some good things have happened for the Raptors this year: Scottie Barnes has taken a big leap in his scoring efficiency, Brandon Ingram earned an All-Star nod in his first year with the team, and the defense has jumped from No. 17 last year to No. 6 this season.
The Raptors also feel like a flawed team that beats up on bottom-feeders and loses to anyone good. On Wednesday, they suffered their biggest indignity of the season against a team that has nothing to play for when Dejounte Murray sealed a New Orleans Pelicans win over the Toronto Raptors with an incredibly brutal three-pointer.
Murray was hounded by Toronto’s Jamal Shead late in the fourth quarter. Murray’s crossover put Shead on the floor, then he ripped a three, then he bent at the waist to yell at Shead in the face. Sheesh. Watch the full play here:
Nah this gif of Dejounte Murray after he dropped him is even more disrespectful pic.twitter.com/AF6BALbBUW
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) March 12, 2026
The Pelicans beat the Raptors, 122-111. The Raptors are now in play-in territory as the No. 7 seed in the East, a half-game behind the Miami Heat for the No. 6 seed. It’s cool that Toronto fans have had something to cheer for this season, but I just don’t believe in this team in the playoffs at all. The Raptors can’t beat good teams, and they have been embarrassed by a tanking team.
The Pelicans only have 22 wins, but that’s suddenly good enough to put them in No. 7 in the reverse standings when they were No. 1 a couple months ago. That’s good, because their draft pick is owed to Atlanta. Maybe the Derik Queen trade won’t age so poorly after all.
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 14: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons during the 2025-26 Emirates Cup on November 14, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Sixers are coming off a feel-good victory, defeating the tanking Memphis Grizzlies 139-129 in a game where they were without Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid. Now they’ll look to keep their playoff hopes alive in a much tougher game, traveling to Detroit to face the first-seeded Pistons.
As many know, the Pistons are having their best year in quite some time. They’ve already surpassed the 46-win mark, a feat they haven’t accomplished since the 2007-08 season. The tip of the spear is Cade Cunningham, who is firmly in the MVP mix and in the midst of a stellar season. On the year, Cunningham is averaging 25.1 points, 9.9 assists and 5.6 rebounds on 45.9/35/80.1 splits. Strong, well-rounded numbers for the former No. 1 overall pick.
But of course, with any winning team there are guys behind the guy, and the Pistons are no exception. Jalen Duren has been the other star beside Cade, developing into a double-double machine averaging 18.6 points and 10.6 rebounds on 63.1 percent shooting. Isaiah Stewart has also developed into a capable two-way player, one who can match up against most bigs and not only hold his own, but hit shots on the other end. Duncan Robinson has been strangely important for this team as a vital floor spacer. They also have no shortage of contributors, with Caris LeVert, Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland all offering a varying set of skills.
And of course, our old friends Paul Reed and Tobias Harris are there as well. For those curious, Harris has averaged 13.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 45.1/33/87.9 splits, while Reed has been excellent in a limited role, averaging 6.9 points and 4.5 rebounds on 60.1 percent shooting in 13.1 minutes per contest. Even beyond all of those guys, the Pistons have even more players capable of giving quality minutes. Between the star power of Cunningham and Duren and their depth, it’s easy to see why this team has won so many games.
The Sixers and Pistons have faced off twice this year, with the Pistons taking both games. With two matchups remaining, Philadelphia will look to split the season series before it’s all said and done.
Despite the slew of injuries, there has been some recent positives with this team. You just have to squint. Really hard. VJ Edgecombe is back and playing basketball, which is wonderful to see. A silver lining of the Sixers being decimated by injuries is that Edgecombe will have the ball a lot more, and will have to stretch out those playmaking skills. The Sixers have frankly asked him to do way too much for a 20 year old rookie, and he’s answered the call almost every time.
Beyond Edgecombe, Cameron Payne is coming off what might be the best game of his career. Payne put up 32 points, 10 assists, three rebounds and five stocks with zero turnovers, shooting a blistering 9-of-10 from the field and 8-of-8 from three. It would be unreasonable to expect that type of performance again, but Payne has quietly settled in nicely with the Sixers. It’s a shame we aren’t able to see his production alongside the bigger names.
Quentin Grimes has also picked things up as of late, coming off back-to-back double-digit performances.
Heading into this one, Maxey, Embiid, and George are all out, as expected. Kelly Oubre Jr., who was coming off one of his best games of the season, will also miss a few weeks with an elbow sprain, while Adem Bona is questionable due to back soreness. On the Detroit side, Thompson is out and LeVert is doubtful with a wrist sprain.
If the Sixers aren’t in free fall yet, they’re damn close. The margin for error is slim, and they’ll need everyone firing on all cylinders to get this W. Let’s see if they can pull off the impossible, or if this turns into yet another ugly one.
Game Details
When: Tuesday, March 12, 7:00 p.m. ET Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan Watch: Prime Video Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic Follow:@LibertyBallers
With a rough patch in the rearview mirror, the Los Angeles Lakers have found their groove as of late, and they’ll look to extend their current three-game win streak when they host the surging Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena tonight.
Fresh off the best scoring performance of his career, I expect Matas Buzelis to stay hot on offense, and my Bulls vs. Lakers predictions call for him to hit the Over on his points prop as he and Josh Giddey keep Chicago within striking distance on the road.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference showdown on Thursday, March 12.
Bulls vs Lakers prediction
Bulls vs Lakers best bet: Matas Buzelis Over 18.5 points (-112)
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis posted a career-best 41 points on Tuesday, but I’m not chasing points after one big game. The second-year man has averaged 24 points across his last six outings, scoring 20+ in all five games in which he logged at least 30 minutes.
In 35 games with 30+ minutes, he’s averaged 19 points, compared to just a 12-point average in games with fewer than 30 minutes.
Buzelis averaged just 14.8 points across the first 50 games, but he’s averaged 19.4 in his last 14. The Los Angeles Lakers rank in the bottom third in defensive efficiency, giving Buzelis even more runway to clear this total.
Bulls vs Lakers same-game parlay
The Bulls are 12-8 ATS as the road dog and have covered the spread in four of their last five. The Lakers should win, but the spread is a tad high to bet against a visiting team that’s nearing full strength.
The Bulls and Lakers each sport Top-10 defensive ratings across their last eight games, and each team has hit the Under in eight of their last 10. The point total is set high enough to bet the Under as improved defenses collide.
Bulls vs Lakers SGP
Matas Buzelis Over 18.5 points
Bulls +11
Under 234.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Feelin' Giddey
Josh Giddey has averaged 18.5 rebounds+assists on the road this season, and he's averaged a whopping 21.8 across his last five games. Giddey has hit the Over on this line in 25 of 43 games overall, including 12 of 19 games on the road. Big games from him and Buzelis should keep the Bulls competitive tonight.
Bulls vs Lakers SGP
Matas Buzelis Over 18.5 points
Bulls +11
Under 234.5
Josh Giddey Over 15.5 rebounds + assists
Bulls vs Lakers odds
Spread: Bulls +11 (-110) | Lakers -11 (-110)
Moneyline: Bulls +450 | Lakers -600
Over/Under: Over 236 (-110) | Under 236 (-110)
Bulls vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Chicago Bulls have hit the Game Total Under in 30 of their last 50 games (+8.00 Units / 15% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Lakers.
How to watch Bulls vs Lakers
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Tip-off
10:30 p.m. ET
TV
CHSN+, Spectrum SportsNet
Bulls vs Lakers latest injuries
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The Orlando Magic will be looking to extend their win streak to six tonight as they face the Washington Wizards at the Kia Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
Paolo Banchero is torching his opponents right now, and my Wizards vs. Magic predictions are targeting him to make quick work of Washington.
Wizards vs Magic best bet: Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points (-110)
Paolo Banchero is having a solid campaign, averaging 22.3 PPG across 54 games. While that’s down a bit from last season's 25.9 points, the Orlando Magic forward also played just 46 games last season.
March has been solid so far for the former first overall pick. He’s averaging 26.7 PPG, and Banchero has hit the Over in points in three straight contests.
The Duke product just dropped 25 on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. He also showed out for 35 on Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Back on March 3, Banchero erupted for 37 against the lowly Washington Wizards as well.
Wizards vs Magic same-game parlay
Desmond Bane is also doing his thing offensively right now. He’s cashed the Over in points in two of his last three, and both of those outings were 30+ performances. He dropped 30 against Minnesota and then 35 on Wednesday versus Cleveland.
The TCU product also scored 25 against the Wizards at the beginning of the month.
Orlando beat Washington by 17 points in their last meeting, and they’ve covered tonight’s spread in two of the last three meetings.
The Wizards are in the midst of a nine-game losing skid, with their last two defeats finishing as blowouts. The Pelicans beat them by 20 before Bam Adebayo’s 83-point win propelled the Heat to a 21-point victory.
Wizards vs Magic SGP
Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points
Desmond Bane Over 21.5 points
Magic -15
Our "from downtown" SGP: Bane Damage!
Bane has cashed the Over in dimes in two straight, dishing out 15 assists combined.
Wizards vs Magic SGP
Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points
Desmond Bane Over 21.5 points
Magic -15
Desmond Bane Over 4.5 assists
Wizards vs Magic odds
Spread: Wizards +13.5 (-110) | Magic -13.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Wizards +754 | Magic -1200
Over/Under: Over 230 (-110) | Under 230 (-110)
Wizards vs Magic betting trend to know
The Orlando Magic have hit the 4Q Game Total Over in 21 of their last 30 games at home (+10.65 Units / 31% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Wizards vs. Magic.
How to watch Wizards vs Magic
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
MNMT, FDSN Florida
Wizards vs Magic latest injuries
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The Boston Celtics fell to the Spurs on Tuesday, and the road ahead only gets tougher as the C’s head to Paycom Center to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Key frontcourt injuries have opened up golden opportunities to crash the glass, and my Celtics vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks expect Neemias Queta to gobble up the boards.
Celtics vs Thunder prediction
Celtics vs Thunder best bet: Neemias Queta Over 8.5 rebounds (-110)
Neemias Queta is grabbing a career-high 8.3 rebounds per game, and he’s corralled at least nine in 23 appearances and exactly eight in 10 more. He's averaged just 7.5 rebounds against Eastern Conference opponents but a whopping 9.6 against the West.
Over the last four games with Isaiah Hartenstein out or limited, the Oklahoma City Thunder have surrendered the second-most rebounds. Hartenstein is out again, and Queta should stay hot in this advantageous matchup after grabbing at least nine boards in two of his last three outings overall and three of his last six on the road.
Celtics vs Thunder same-game parlay
Prior to his ejection in Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs, Jaylen Brown recorded 7+ rebounds in eight straight games. Averaging a career-best 7.1 rebounds this season, Brown has recorded 7+ rebounds in 35 of 58 games, including 15 of 28 on the road. The potential absence of Jayson Tatum could force Brown to take on more rebounding responsibilities.
Betting on the Boston Celtics to cover is tempting, but Tatum and Derrick White are questionable, and Payton Pritchard may not be 100%. OKC has been tremendous at home, and I’m far more confident betting the total. The Celtics are 12-22 to the Under on the road, while the Thunder are 16-17 to the Under at home.
Celtics vs Thunder SGP
Neemias Queta Over 8.5 rebounds
Jaylen Brown Over 6.5 rebounds
Under 216
Our "from downtown" SGP: Board men get paid!
Over the first 32 games of the season, Chet Holmgren averaged just 8.2 rebounds, but he's averaged 10.2 across his last 24. In that span, the big man has grabbed 9+ boards 17 times. Hartenstein's absence opens up additional rebounding opportunities for Holmgren, and he should have no problem clearing this line.
Celtics vs Thunder SGP
Neemias Queta Over 8.5 rebounds
Jaylen Brown Over 6.5 rebounds
Under 216
Chet Holmgren Over 8.5 rebounds
Celtics vs Thunder odds
Spread: Celtics +6.5 | Thunder -6.5
Moneyline: Celtics +225 | Thunder -270
Over/Under: Over 216 | Under 216
Celtics vs Thunder betting trend to know
The Celtics have cashed the Under in 29 of their last 40 games for +16.9 units and a 38% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Thunder.
How to watch Celtics vs Thunder
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Celtics vs Thunder latest injuries
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The Memphis Grizzlies look to make it eight straight wins against the Dallas Mavericks tonight.
Even with Dallas on an eight-game losing skid and wrapping up a gruelling six-game road trip, my Mavericks vs. Grizzlies predictions and NBA picks have the visitors finally breaking a couple of lengthy slides on Thursday, March 12.
Mavericks vs Grizzlies prediction
Mavericks vs Grizzlies best bet: Mavericks -5 (-110)
The Dallas Mavericks have lost five straight on this trip, with double-digit losses in four of them.
It’s part of a bigger skid, where they’ve gone an NBA-worst 2-18 over the last 20 games, averaging just 109.8 points per game.
But road-weary bodies still beat unhealthy ones, and the Memphis Grizzlies, who’ve also dropped five straight, will be without their leading scorer, rebounder, and assist man, as Santi Aldama, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Ja Morant are all sidelined.
Plus, Cedric Coward, Walter Clayton Jr., and Ty Jerome are all doubtful.
Dallas will avoid a four-game regular-season series sweep.
Mavericks vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
Rookie Cooper Flagg has scored just 12 points in each of the two games he’s played against Memphis and has scored sub-20 points in four straight since returning from a foot injury.
That hasn’t affected his rebounding effort, though, as he’s picked up at least eight boards in each of his last three games.
Mavericks vs Grizzlies SGP
Mavericks -5
Cooper Flagg Under 21.5 points
Cooper Flagg Over 6.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: The Flagg Bearer
Let’s stick with the rook as we build out a monster SGP that pays out at +2100.
Flagg has hit at least one triple in three of four games since returning from injury.
And while his scoring has been down, he’s been keeping his teammates well fed, doling out at least six assists in three of his last four games.
Mavericks vs Grizzlies SGP
Mavericks -5
Cooper Flagg Under 21.5 points
Cooper Flagg Over 6.5 rebounds
Cooper Flagg Over 0.5 made threes
Cooper Flagg Over 5.5 assists
Mavericks vs Grizzlies odds
Spread: Mavericks -5 (-110) | Grizzlies +5 (-110)
Moneyline: Mavericks -205 | Grizzlies +170
Over/Under: Over 239.5 (-110) | Under 239.5 (-110)
Mavericks vs Grizzlies betting trend to know
The Memphis Grizzlies have only hit the Moneyline in 12 of their last 40 games (-20.45 Units / -38% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Mavericks vs Grizzlies
Location
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Date
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
KFAA, FDSN SE-Memphis
Mavericks vs Grizzlies 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.
It’s time for harsh truths. Cold, unrelenting reality. Words must no longer be minced.
The Houston Rockets’ situation has materially worsened in 2025-26.
Place the blame where you will. Ime Udoka’s offense lacks sophistication. Rafael Stone picked Jalen Green with the most consequential draft pick of the rebuild. Kevin Durant has a burner.
Each of the young players is flawed. This won’t devolve into a “who are the Rockets trading” piece. It’s a tangentially related “the Rockets will have to trade someone” piece.
Again: Cold, unrelenting reality.
Rockets’ rebuild did not go according to plan
It may be cold, but it shouldn’t be particularly surprising.
Historically, this is the rebuilding cycle, whether a team tanks or not. You have low expectations as a young team, start winning games as an up-and-coming squad, the expectations rise, and then you see if any of your young players can meet them at the highest level. If even one can, you’ve found your franchise player:
If nobody does, then nobody is safe.
That’s when consolidation happens. It’s a dirty word for “young core” enthusiasts. Fine, but NBA years are like dog years – each year is more than a year.
In a couple of seasons, the Rockets’ “young core” will be an “in-prime core”. If you think they project as title contenders, it would be impossible for us to have a conversation. I think that’s utterly delusional.
(Luckily, this is not a conversation, and you are a captive).
Sorry, I do. Let’s talk about it. Alperen Sengun has regressed to his previous standard on defense. He’s as inefficient as ever on offense. If this looks like a franchise player to you…again, delusion is the word.
The same goes for Amen Thompson. I’m not trying to play favorites. His one-level scoring will be exposed in the postseason. Even if Houston ditched Sengun for a floor spacing big and ran a pick-and-spread offense around Thompson, there’s little evidence that it would be viable. The Spurs would love to defend that offense in a seven game four game series.
Reed Sheppard? The last bastion of hope. This is the one player who it’s too soon to dismiss. He’s been outstanding as a sophomore. Yet, as early as it would be to dismiss him, it would be equally early to coronate him. All of which is to say, it would be better to keep him, but he shouldn’t hold up consolidation either.
Moreover, even the idea of running a “team first, no franchise player” team is problematic. To make that work, the synergy needs to be perfect. It isn’t with this team. Sengun and Sheppard are a rough defensive pairing. Sengun and Thompson are a poor offensive pairing.
This is the situation the Rockets are in. They tanked for three years (plus a bonus year of reaping the Nets’ rewards), and they didn’t net a franchise-caliber player or a perfectly constructed roster. They just didn’t.
It’s not as egregiously unfortunate as many will frame it. In that entire window, the only high lottery picks who turned out to be one of those have been Victor Wembanyama and Cade Cunningham. Even Paolo Banchero, the patron saint of Rockets’ would-bes, hasn’t met that bar. This happens. It’s happened before. The question is this:
What happens when it happens?
Rockets need to rebuild the rebuild
The year is 2018. The Toronto Raptors are the second-best team in the Eastern Conference almost annually, but they are second by such a massive margin that it’s moot. The team is homegrown. It’s talented. Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Jakob Poeltl. It is never going to win a championship as constructed:
So, they trade for Kawhi Leonard.
The year is now 2019. LeBron James has joined the Lakers for no reason other than they’re the Lakers. That may break the analogy for you, but the Rockets did land Kevin Durant for just a bit more than nothing, so the situations are comparable enough. Beyond James, the Lakers have a similar collection of strong, but sub-elite talent. Brandon Ingram. Lonzo Ball. Josh Hart. Julius Randle. None of these guys are a viable co-star for James:
So, they trade for Anthony Davis.
Turn the clock back further. Now it’s 2007. Sorry, the time machine is on the fritz. The Boston Celtics have a solid group of young talent. Rajan Rondo, Al Jefferson, Gerald Green. Not going to win a championship, etc.
Yada yada yada, Kevin Garnett.
Take a deep look in the mirror. Be brutally honest with yourself. Take a look at this Rockets core.
Do we have Baby Jokic, Turbo Igoudala, White Curry, and wings? Or, does this look a bit more like Siakam, Anunoby, and Poeltl. Ingram, Ball, and Hart.
(OK, it’s probably better than Rondo and Jefferson).
So, what should the Rockets do?
The Rockets need to make a decision soon
It doesn’t have to be this summer. It doesn’t have to be Giannis. If the Rockets want to kick the can, they can wait to see if they can find a franchise-caliber diamond in the rough in the 2027 draft. Heck, they could wait for the 2029 draft. They have major skin in that game with multiple swap rights with potential lottery teams, but good luck selling Tilman Fertitta on waiting four more years for a “guy”.
So Antetokounmpo should be on the table. Nothing should be sacred between these walls. Still, Antetokounmpo is not the perfect answer. No matter who the Rockets move, they’ll be pairing him with another non-spacer unless they’re moving both Sengun and Thompson.
Alternatively, Antetokounmpo is almost certainly the best player who’s going to shake loose during the Rockets’ consolidation window. Remember: That window isn’t particularly wide. Once these guys are in-prime players, teams will be thinking about their next deal. In two seasons, Alperen Sengun will be two (or three, pending his player option) seasons away from his first non-rookie deal.
As it stands, Reed Sheppard is an outstanding value on his rookie contract. When it comes time for his rookie extension, his team will have to answer (theme alert) difficult questions. The same holds for Amen Thompson, only a year sooner. How much do you pay the best defensive wing in basketball if he’s a non-shooting role player?
None of this is optimal, but can we be realistic for a moment? The Spurs have Victor Wembanyama, and Dylan Harper would be the Rockets’ franchise player. The Thunder. Period.
Sure, that’s just two teams. Otherwise, as Nikola Jokic eventually ages, the Rockets have an opportunity to solidify themselves as the third-best team in the Western Conference for years to come.
…Hang the banner.
The third-best team in the conference consolidates, especially with another half-decade as the fourth-best team in front of them. It isn’t good enough to win an NBA championship.
This isn’t what we wanted. It wasn’t Plan A. Historically speaking, it is the de facto Plan B.
Rockets fans will say that our guys are not being optimized. There’s some truth in that. Ime Udoka’s read-and-react offense is suboptimal for a roster that’s light on pass/dribble/shoot players. Yet, that points to the broader issue:
This roster is light on pass/dribble/shoot guys.
It’s heavy on specialists. Players who are outlier strong in one area, but struggle in another. The closest player to reaching pass/dribble/shoot in the young core is Sheppard, and only time will tell if Udoka can scheme around his defensive shortcomings.
Maybe you love these kids. Perhaps you’ve grown attached. That’s cute, but if you take a long, honest look at the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, it’s impossible to come away feeling like the Rockets have enough.
A few minutes before the ejection that stole the spotlight of the Celtics-Spurs showdown, Jaylen Brown calmly dribbled out of an impending corner trap with Victor Wembanyama racing his way, then patiently examined the floor before feeding Sam Hauser for a straightaway 3-pointer.
It was Brown’s seventh assist in little more than 10 minutes of floor time. Brown had fed five different teammates with those helpers and was fueling Boston’s early offense with his combination of scoring and playmaking.
Overshadowed by his scoring output in the absence of Jayson Tatum, and further clouded by Tuesday’s ejection when an official overstepped his bounds, Brown has leveled up as a playmaker in recent weeks and is confidently making all the right reads on the floor.
For all the consternation about shot distribution and how the offense would run upon Tatum’s return from a nine-plus-month absence, Brown’s playmaking numbers have spiked both before and after Tatum’s season debut. Over the two-and-a-half games he’s been available with Tatum back in the lineup, Brown is averaging 7.3 assists per game leading to 19.3 assist points created per game.
If maintained for the season, that potential assists mark would rank just outside the top 20 in the entire NBA, while the assist points created would slot in the top 10. For a comp: Luka Doncic generates 21.2 assists points per game on 8.5 assists (and 14.0 potential assists) this season.
Just look at Brown’s playmaking uptick both over Boston’s last 10 games, and especially since last season:
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Teammates’ shooting percentages off Brown feeds over the last three games are rather astounding: Boston players are shooting 58.1 percent off Brown passes in that span. The biggest beneficiary has been Derrick White, who is 5-for-7 (71.4 percent) off Brown feeds in those games.
Take out Tatum (1-4 FG off Brown passes) and Payton Pritchard (4-10 FG on Brown passes) and the rest of Boston’s roster is shooting 69 percent (20-for-29) off Brown feeds in those games.
Suyash Mehta robbed all of us of the opportunity to see what kind of assist numbers Brown might have put up overall in Tuesday’s showdown between two of the best teams in the NBA. Brown always seems to thrive in these big-stage moments, particularly with other MVP-caliber players across the court. But his outburst after a lack of a whistle on a turnover left him susceptible to getting tossed.
Brown’s assist percentage for the season is at 25.6 percent, which ranks in the 99th percentile among wings, per Cleaning the Glass data. It’s 5.2 percent higher than last year’s mark and easily the best mark of his career.
Brown averages 13.7 potential assists per 100 possessions, ranking in the 91st percentile overall. Teammates have an effective field goal percentage of 69 percent on his feeds, which ranks in the 70th percentile. When Brown limits his turnovers, his playmaking stats further leap off the page.
The best version of the Celtics moving forward is when the Brown/Tatum combo is able to use all the attention they draw to bring out the best in the supporting cast. It’s no surprise that White’s scoring has already spiked since Tatum’s return.
Brown shouldered a heavy load in Tatum’s absence, and even after Tatum’s return, Brown is using his playmaking to continue elevating everyone around him.
The Brooklyn Nets head to State Farm Arena tonight to face the Atlanta Hawks in an Eastern Conference clash. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Jalen Johnson has found his best shooting lately, and I’m eyeing him to ball out in my Nets vs. Hawks predictions.
Nets vs Hawks best bet: Jalen Johnson Over 22.5 points (-120)
Jalen Johnson has been the Atlanta Hawks' best player this season, averaging 23 PPG. The Duke product has broken onto the scene, and he’s killing the competition lately. Johnson has cashed the Over in back-to-back games.
The 24-year-old erupted for 35 against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday before dropping 27 points on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks. Johnson is averaging 24.5 PPG this season against the Brooklyn Nets, who just allowed 138 points to the Detroit Pistons.
Nets vs Hawks same-game parlay
CJ McCollum is averaging 3.8 dimes in 25 games with the Hawks since coming over in the Trae Young trade. He’s cashed the Over in assists in four straight appearances.
Dyson Daniels is questionable tonight, which means there could be even more playmaking duties on CJ’s shoulders. Whether Daniels plays or not, though, McCollum will drop at least four dimes.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has hit the Over in treys in three straight, and he was 3-for-9 against the Nets at the end of February. Brooklyn is dead last in the Association in opponent three-point percentage, with teams shooting 38.2% from deep against them.
Nets vs Hawks SGP
Jalen Johnson Over 22.5 points
CJ McCollum Over 3.5 assists
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 2.5 made threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Brooooooklyn!
Brooklyn only lost by 11 to the Hawks on February 22, and they’ve actually won two of their last three. I still expect Atlanta to win here at home, but the Nets will make it relatively competitive.
Nets vs Hawks SGP
Jalen Johnson Over 22.5 points
CJ McCollum Over 3.5 assists
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 2.5 made threes
Brooklyn Nets +15
Nets vs Hawks odds
Spread: Nets +14 (-110) | Hawks -14 (-110)
Moneyline: Nets +637 | Hawks -950
Over/Under: Over 226.5 (-110) | Under 226.5 (-110)
Nets vs Hawks betting trend to know
The Atlanta Hawks have hit the Moneyline in 14 of their last 20 games (+8.80 Units / 21% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Hawks.
How to watch Nets vs Hawks
Location
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Date
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
YES, FDSN SE-Atlanta
Nets vs Hawks latest injuries
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MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks look on at Kaseya Center on April 05, 2025 in Miami, Florida. 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 Brennan Asplen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After playing nine of their last 10 games at home, the Bucks are back on the road tonight taking on the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center. Losers by 15 to the Suns, Milwaukee will need every bit of juice it has against a Miami team that has won six on the trot, including a 150-129 demolition of the Washington Wizards in which perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate Bam Adebayo scored 83 points! Tonight’s game is the final regular-season matchup between the teams, with the Heat taking the first matchup behind 29 points from Tyler Herro, and the Bucks winning the second thanks to Kevin Porter Jr.’s clutch play down the stretch.
Where We’re At
In a reversal of their season-long trend of small-ball, the Bucks have opted to go big lately, starting Myles Turner, Giannis, Kyle Kuzma, Ousmane Dieng, and Ryan Rollins. That’s a whole lot of length, Rollins’ 6’10” wingspan the only one under seven feet. And while the results haven’t been there in the win column, it at least bodes better in theory while enabling the Bucks to look towards the future—namely, what role Dieng plays in it. As a starter, Dieng has certainly been promising, averaging 11.8 PPG on .475/.406/.500 shooting, 6.3 RPG, 4.3 APG, and 0.8 BPG in 31.2 MPG across six games, and of the five-man lineups he’s been part of, this is the most successful one (-2.2 net rating, while all others are -17.5 or worse). Food for thought.
The Miami Heat, on the other hand, are firing on all cylinders despite their extensive injury report. Now up to sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, the Heat are just three games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (i.e., within striking distance of a top-four finish), and have recorded recent quality wins against the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons. But all the latest talk, rightfully so, has been on Bam Adebayo’s history-making performance against the Wizards. His 83-point outburst is now the second-highest scoring total in NBA history. Wilt, Bam, then Kobe. Let that sink in. This season, Adebayo has struggled offensively against the Bucks (17.5 PPG, 43% FG), so his offensive explosion comes at unideal timing from a Bucks’ perspective. Regardless, Milwaukee mustn’t be too Bam focused, as Tyler Herro (26.3 PPG on .537/.517/.947 to go along with 5.5 RPG and 4.8 APG) and Jamie Jaquez Jr. (16.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 6.0 APG) have also been balling over the past five games, giving the Bucks more than enough reasons to keep 911 on speed dial.
Injury Report
For the Bucks, Kevin Porter Jr. (Right Knee; Synovitis), Bobby Portis (Back; Thoracic Spine Contusion), and Jericho Sims (Right Patella; Tendonitis) are all questionable.
For the Heat, Tyler Herro (Left Quadriceps; Soreness) and Kel’el Ware (Right Shoulder; Strain) are questionable, while Nikola Jovic (Low Back; Injury Management), Norman Powell (Right Groin; Strain), Terry Rozier (Not With Team), and Andrew Wiggins (Left Big Toe; Sesamoiditis) are out.
Player to Watch
Once more for good measure: Bam Adebayo dropped 83 frickin’ points when he last played. Eighty. Three. If he’s not the player to watch, then this section needs a new name. In addition to scoring the second most points of all time, Adebayo’s 36 free throws and 43 attempts were the most in NBA history, and his 22 three-point attempts tied for third-most in a game in NBA history. So, what does he have in store as an encore? While Adebayo has struggled so far this season against Milwaukee, he typically fares better, averaging 19.9 PPG on 47% over his last 10 games against them. Of course, the Bucks have a pretty good front-court player of their own. But while all the hoopla around Adebayo could give Giannis extra incentive to remind the world who he is, turning this into a mano a mano matchup might hurt Milwaukee more than it helps.
How To Watch
Tune in at 6:30 p.m. CDT on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin or the following stations:
Adebayo, the Heat and the Wizards all faced criticism for the manner in which Miami’s big man racked up his ridiculous scoring total Tuesday night, with the Heat intentionally fouling late in the game and Adebayo bullying his way to the charity stripe in a game that was out of hand.
The Miami star, who scored 31 points in the first quarter, finished with the second-most points in a game in league history.
Bam Adebayo shot 16 fourth quarter free throws on Tuesday as the Heat big man scored 83 points. AP
“Was I slightly uncomfortable with the six-minute mark and down with some of the intentional fouling and free throws? A little bit,” Burke said Wednesday night on ESPN.
“But I am taking nothing away from Bam Adebayo.”
Miami led comfortably in fourth quarter against the Wizards, who are tanking to end their season and deliberately trying to lose games, while Adebayo made his push.
The Heat intentionally fouled the Wizards four times to give Adebayo additional touches and chances to score and overcome Kobe Bryant’s 81-point showcase on Jan. 22, 2006.
Fourteen of Adebayo’s 21 fourth-quarter points came via free throws as the game came to a halt during his historic pursuit.
Doris Burke recognized that the Heat’s intentional fouling was a bit uncomfortable. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Adebayo was fouled 26 times and shot an absurd 43 free throws in Miami’s 150-129 win.
“I just played the game,” Adebayo said after he set the record for free throw attempts in a game.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra called the game an “absolutely surreal night” as the league debated Adebayo’s wild performance.
Adebayo’s previous career high was just 41 points, which he tallied against the Brooklyn Nets in 2022.
Most years, the outcome of the NBA Draft Lottery doesn't impact the top of the draft board too much — Cooper Flagg was going No. 1 last year and didn't matter which team the ping pong balls favored. Most years are like that.
This year is different. With three (some might say four) players in the top tier of the draft, which team wins the lottery could go a long way in deciding which player gets selected first. Here is the first NBC Sports Mock Draft of the year — there will be more coming (future ones working with the strong team of writers at Rotoworld).
[Note: This was done without consideration of which team will be drafting in which spot, a pointless exercise before the draft lottery.]
1. AJ Dybantsa (BYU)
It's not just the impressive season-long stats — 24.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists per game — or the way he showed out in big games (36 points against Baylor, 35 against Arizona, 28 against Houston), or even that he's maybe the best athlete in the draft as a 6'9" wing player, the archetype most in demand around the NBA right now. What has impressed most is the way Dybantsa can get downhill, create space and hit tough shots when needed. This isn't new, a year ago at the Nike Hoops Summit, he didn't push it in the first half, let the game come to him, then in the third quarter took over, getting to the rim or his spots at will. He has great footwork for a young player, and a comfort level shooting contested shots — and his decision making on when to pass out of those tough shots to open teammates seems to be improving, according to scouts who spoke with NBC Sports. His jumper is also looking better. Who goes No. 1 may ultimately depend on the NBA Draft Lottery and which team lands that pick, but right now Dybantsa seems to be on top of a lot of boards.
AJ Dybantsa just WENT OFF in his Big 12 Tournament debut
The question isn't Peterson's talent or potential — it's elite, he is the best playmaker in this class (even if Kansas has him off the ball more), and there are plenty of scouts who still have him atop their draft board — but his health and availability have become talking points. When NBC Sports talked to scouts and team officials about Peterson's yo-yo availability, the cramping that has kept him from finishing some games, and concerns that he is not looking as explosive as he did a year ago, the response is always a variation of "we want to see the medicals." At the NBA Draft Combine, Peterson will undergo a full medical workup, and teams are being patient until then, with many believing the tests will show he was slowed by trying to play through something that is not a long-term issue.
Peterson's talent is unquestioned. He's averaging 19.9 points a game this season while shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc, plus grabbing 4.2 rebounds a game. The 6'5" guard is an incredible shot creator and maker, and a lot of scouts feel Peterson has been held back with the Jayhawks because of their system and lack of floor spacing. Unless the medical reports start waving red flags, Peterson is almost a lock as a top-two pick.
3. Cameron Boozer (Duke)
Boozer plays with the polish and feel for the game you might expect from someone who grew up the son of a very good NBA player (Carlos Boozer was a two-time All-Star). Of the top players near the draft, Boozer has the highest floor — he is going to be a very good, productive pro. He just does everything well: Shooting, rebounding, setting picks, using angles, passing, all of it. When I saw him a year ago at the Nike Hoops Summit, he had 22 points (with a couple of 3-pointers), 16 rebounds, six assists, and a block. That game played into Boozer's reputation as just a winner — the USA would not have beaten the World without Boozer's all-around contributions.
While there are scenarios where Boozer might go No. 1, most likely he goes third because many scouts are not convinced his ceiling is as high, or even that he is a true No. 1 option on a championship team (and as a big he doesn't create his shot the same way as Peterson or Dybantsa). The comp I have heard scouts use is young Kevin Love, but in terms of impact, he may be more like Pau Gasol next to Kobe. That said, whoever lands Boozer is going to get a very good player who can help immediately.
Cameron Boozer went off in his final regular season game against UNC
Wilson was in the midst of a breakout season with the Tar Heels — averaging 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds a game on 57.8% shooting — until a fractured hand ended his season. Before that injury, he was consistently impressive all season, including dropping 24 on Kansas and 23 on Duke and outplaying Peterson and Boozer in those games. Wilson is a 6'10" forward who is athletic, powerful, and while he needs to develop his shot (25% from 3-point range), his motor and upside have scouts very intrigued, and he likely is the first guy taken after the top three.
5. Kingston Flemings (Houston)
Before this season tipped off, Fleming was in the mid-20s or lower on most draft boards — the kind of player who often stays in college another season because the NIL money is similar to what an NBA salary would be. However, his play has pushed him way up draft boards and now he is a lock one-and-done. He's always been explosive and able to get to the rim, but he's shown a good pull-up jumper this season. Flemming, at 6'4", also has the physical build of a good two-way guard. He's averaging 16.5 points and 5.4 assists a game, and is shooting 37.6% from 3-point range. In what will be a string of guards taken between five and nine, Kingston seems like the safest bet.
6. Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville)
I am slightly higher on Brown than the consensus. I fell in love with his game and his skill as a scorer and shot creator — especially with his use of ball-screens — after watching him at the Nike Hoops Summit. I believe his game is better suited for the pace and space of the NBA than what is happening in Kentucky. The question with Brown has been consistency (and missing eight games with a back issue didn't help things), but when he is rolling — like his 45 points with 3-pointers against NC State — he is dynamic offensively. Brown has to get stronger, play better defense and be consistent, but I believe he is a player teams may regret passing on.
Nobody has shot up draft boards like the 6'6" guard from Illinois, a guy who was not in the top 100 in his class a year ago is now projected to be taken in the top six or seven. He's thrived as a point guard for Illinois and, for the season, is averaging 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, while shooting 41% from 3-point range. He needs to get stronger and prove he can defend at the NBA level, but he can play on and off the ball and has shown he has room to improve.
8. Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)
The SEC Player of the Year just keeps on silencing critics with his play on the court — how hard and smart he plays is going to have coaches pushing to pick him. Acuff is averaging 22.2 points and 6.4 assists per game, he is an old-school true point guard who is a great floor general but can also get a team a bucket. The concerns are that he is just 6'2" — smaller guards have struggled in the NBA of late — and he is the worst defender in the lottery. That said, it's easy to envision him thriving when running an NBA offense, and he could help a lot of teams drafting in this range.
9. Nate Ament (Tennessee)
Ament is a great pick at No. 9 — a 6'10" forward who can dribble, pass and shoot. He can face up on the perimeter and has a quick first step to get into the lane. He averaged 17.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game for the Volunteers, although he has been out since late February with a leg injury. He has the tools to be an All-Star in the NBA, but he's got to get stronger, improve his shot creation, and become more consistent. That said, players with his size and skill set tend to stick around in the NBA for a long time.
10. Koa Peat (Arizona)
There is a drop off after the top nine in this draft, but there are still good players with real potential, and Peat is at the top of my list. However, he could slide down this draft board because he is a polarizing prospect and whoever takes him is betting on his potential and their player development program. He's a 6'8" forward who scored 30 in the first game of his college career (against a good Florida team) and 25 in his last one (Colorado), and is averaging 13.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He's a 6'8" forward who is a physical rebounder, is a good passer, but has had injuries and is shooting just 31.6% from 3-point range this season. Teams expect a 6'8" forward to knock down 3s. If a team can develop him, Peat will be a great pick.
11. Brayden Burries (Arizona)
Burries has been one of the real risers in this draft, a 6'4" guard who leads the Wildcats in scoring, a player who isn't flashy but is efficient. What scouts NBC Sports spoke with like about him is that he can play on and off the ball, he can knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers but also attack closeouts, and he gets downhill off screens and has a midrange pull-up game. The question is how well his game translates to the next level, he's an undersized two-guard at the NBA level and not the kind of explosive athlete teams seek. He's a top-20 pick in this draft, but he could slide a little on draft night depending on which teams are doing the selecting.
12. Thomas Haugh (Florida)
One impact of the current CBA and its apron is that teams from the late-lottery onward are taking a hard look at older players who can step in and help immediately. Enter 22-year-old junior Thomas Haugh of Florida. As anyone who watched him help Florida to a national title last year will remember, he has a well-rounded game, is a 6'9" forward, and is exactly the kind of player who can play minutes off the bench for a team next season. He is a high-motor player who makes plays on both ends of the court, can be physical inside, and has improved his perimeter game, hitting 34.4% from 3-point range. He's averaging 17.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game; he's fantastic in transition and is a straight-line drive kind of guy. He's not creating his own shot, but he can fit in a system and help.
13. Braylon Mullins (UConn)
You can't go wrong taking the best shooter in the draft. Mullins is a 6'6" two guard who has an incredibly quick release and is shooting 36.4% from 3-point range this season despite teams loading up on him. Injuries led to a slow start to the season, but he is averaging 12 points a game. The questions about him on the next level are all about defense, if he can't defend well enough it's hard to keep him on the floor. If, after the pre-draft process, he doesn't think he's going in the lottery, Mullins could return to UConn, star for them and go higher a year from now in what is considered a thinner draft.
14. Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky)
This is the point in the draft when rolling the dice on a raw player with all the physical tools is a good plan. Quaintance is exactly that, a 6'10" big man with the potential to be a defensive force in the NBA. He's also played just four games, 67 total minutes this season, as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered last season. He pushed to try to get back, but those four games showed he was not ready. Where Quaintance gets drafted will all come down to the medical reports out of the draft combine and his workouts with teams, but it only takes one team to fall in love with his potential to see him go in the lottery.
I’ve been thinking about this for a while now. Some people might call me crazy, but one question keeps coming back to me: could Phoenix actually have the best backcourt (PG/SG) in the league…in terms of depth? I’m sharing my thoughts here, hoping we can maybe reach a conclusion together.
Important clarification right away: Phoenix doesn’t necessarily have the best guard duo, nor the biggest star power. What they do have, though, is something extremely rare. A full-on army in the backcourt. That’s exactly why I consider them one of the strongest guard groups in the league as a whole. So the real question remains: when we talk about depth, could they simply be the best?
A Backcourt Built on Completeness
We can already talk about Phoenix having the most complete backcourt in the league, thanks to a rare diversity of profiles. Seven players who are all technically different, and all playable on a team that expects to make the postseason. The Suns have a backcourt that can adapt to anything the NBA throws at them.
Devin Booker is the star, the leader of this seven‑headed hydra. Every year he gains maturity: his game is calmer, less one‑dimensional, more oriented toward creation. He’s no longer just a three‑level scoring threat. He’s a complete half‑court weapon, capable of creating for himself and for others, with efficiency and cleanliness that are more than respectable for his volume.
To complement this duo of offensive creators, the Suns have Collin Gillespie, who was in the 6MOY conversation before injuries and is now on track to finish high in the MIP race. He’s probably the best pure basketball player of the seven, the one who “respects the game” the most, the most pro. Strong in impact metrics (DPM, RAPM), clean and efficient (89th percentile in rTS%, 99th in 3‑point percentage, 84th in oTOV), he adapts to multiple systems, controls tempo, and reads the game at high speed thanks to elite IQ and execution.
Fire and Ice
Behind the Booker – Gillespie duo, which brings stability and structure, Phoenix can shift into a much more aggressive mode with the Jalen Green – Grayson Allen tandem.
Green is pure athletic spark. This season he’s averaging 14.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 22.8 minutes (including 25 points, 5 rebounds and 59 TS% over his last three games). He constantly pressures the rim and can flip the tempo of a game in just a few possessions. His inconsistency can be frustrating, but his impact is mostly about the offensive energy he injects into every game.
Allen, on the other hand, is the metronome. With 17.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 30.1 minutes, he brings the outside volume and reliability Ott’s system needs, taking nearly 10 threes per game at 35.5%. His off‑ball movement, discipline (even if he still carries his “dirty” reputation), and 1.5 steals make him one of the most reliable guards in the league. Together, they’re the fire and ice of this team.
The Guard Dog
Then you have Jordan Goodwin, the guard dog, the catalyst, the low‑volume player with maximum impact. He’s one of the best players in the league in a very specific — and often overlooked — area: generating extra possessions through offensive rebounds and steals. Beyond that, Goodwin is an excellent on‑ball defender, capable of being a POA stopper or an elite disruptor in passing lanes. His lack of offensive efficiency (89 TS+) keeps him from having a bigger role in the team’s creation, but he remains one of the best role players in the league. And there’s no doubt Phoenix will have to fight to keep him.
PVAL : Possession Value /100 possessions: Measures how much a player helps their team win the battle for possessions.
The Finishing Pieces
Finally, Phoenix can rely on a nice duo to close stretches, absorb minutes, or step in when someone needs rest or gets injured: the surprisingly impactful Jamare Bouyea and rookie Koby Brea. Bouyea is more established, averaging 15 minutes per game and firmly in the rotation, while Brea represents the future — only five games played so far, but flashes of a future rotation‑level shooter.
A Backcourt That Can Become Anything
We’ve gone through the profiles one by one, and they’re all unique. That’s what allows Jordan Ott to deploy an extremely wide range of systems, lineups, and tactical approaches. Among the 12 lineups with 100+ possessions this season, seven feature a different backcourt — and with Green returning, that number will likely rise. Phoenix has seven playable guards, whether as starters or rotation pieces.
With this pool, Ott can shape his team based on context, opponent, or game momentum. He can go with a scoring‑heavy backcourt like Booker/Green (+13.9 net rating), which imposes pace and pressure. He can choose control and management with Booker/Gillespie (+7.5). For maximum spacing, Gillespie/Allen (+1.1) stretches the floor. For defensive impact, Goodwin/Gillespie (+11.9) brings aggression and discipline. For balance, Booker/Goodwin (+9.7) is a natural option. And for speed, small‑ball, and quickness, Bouyea/Gillespie (+2.3) offers a totally different dynamic.
These are just examples — there are more combinations — but very few teams can claim such richness in the backcourt, with six duos already capable of fulfilling a precise mission while being both reliable and effective.
Let’s go back to the initial question. Do the Suns have the best backcourt in the league? As we’ve seen, they don’t have the flashiest or most powerful guard group. But in terms of depth, variety, reliability, and adaptability…it’s hard to find anything better in today’s NBA. And in that specific category, Phoenix does have the best backcourt in the league in my eyes. OKC and the Spurs are strong contenders too — dangerous, well‑built — but are they as versatile? I don’t think so.
In the end, this is just one question among many that crossed my mind. And realistically, it’s not the sheer number that matters. It’s the versatility and depth across all tiers. Three, four, or five guys are enough to build an effective, reliable backcourt. What about you ? How do you see it?
SAN ANTONIO, TX -MARCH 8: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after a three against the Houston Rockets in the first half at Frost Bank Center on March 8, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This is exciting news.
Spurs’ star rookie Dylan Harper is the face of a major new Foot Locker exclusive campaign titled "Unseen Hours," which officially launched this week. 👀
Dylan Harper is starring in a new Foot Locker ad campaign entitled “Unseen Hours” that recently dropped. In it, the recently named February NBA Rookie of the Month is seen waking at 4:00 a.m. to start his workout.
The youngest son of five-time NBA Champion Ron Haprer was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs last summer with the second overall spot.
Harper turned 20-years-old earlier this month. He recently had the opportunity to playt against his brother, Ron Harper, Jr. once at All-Star Weekend in the Rising Star Challenge and earlier this week when the Spurs hosted the Celtics.
The shoe seen at the end of the ad is from his partnership with Nike, resulting in exclusive player editions (PE) of the Nike G.T. Cut series.
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At a time where so much is changing in college basketball, a familiar voice has returned to the sport.
After a yearslong battle with several types of cancer, resulting in a long hiatus, Dick Vitale returned to the headset for the 2025-26 season, getting back to a typical frequency of calling games.
There were several times this didn’t seem possible. The 86-year-old had periods where he wasn’t able to talk, unable to share those signature catchphrases that made him a beloved figure in the sport.
That’s what makes his time now, cancer-free, awesome – with a capital A.
“I'm still doing games,” Vitale told USA TODAY Sports. “It's a miracle. It's absolutely a miracle. I get emotional about it sometimes.”
Vitale spoke with USA TODAY Sports as part of his partnership with Planet Fitness to help college basketball fans handle the excitement and intensity of March Madness, promoting its black card to help with recovery since it “is really important in your life.” It’s a thing Vitale knows all about after spending so much time recovering from a lengthy illness.
He had three battles with cancer in a two-year span, which kept him away from the sport he cherishes so much. Vitale was itching to get back as soon as he could.
“I've had to recover quite a bit,” he said. “It's been a tough ride.”
It wasn’t weekly games called, but Vitale was able to go through the full season. He was there for the opener between Duke and Texas, and called the regular season finale between Kentucky and Florida, returning a sense of normalcy that was missing for so long.
However, that won’t be all. Vitale will be an analyst for the NCAA Tournament First Four, calling the second game on Tuesday, March 17 alongside Brian Anderson and Charles Barkley. Having previously covered the Final Four on radio, it will be the first time Vitale will be a TV analyst for a March Madness game in his illustrious career.
“I always believe in one thing, that if you think positive and have faith, and you got good people,” Vitale said, “a lot of good things are going to happen.”
Dick Vitale previews March Madness
Of course, Vitale is already planning for “a wild time of the year” — the NCAA Tournament.
While he said it’s too early to predict how the bracket will unfold, since you don’t know the matchups yet, Vitale emphasized playing well going into Selection Sunday can determine how far a team goes.
“The team's up on top, the heavyweights, they're going to be tough to beat,” Vitale said. “Duke right now is playing incredible. So is Florida, so is Michigan, so is Arizona, Connecticut.”
Another team Vitale has his eye on is one that’s been at the center of debate: Miami (Ohio).
The RedHawks are the only undefeated team in the country, but questions remain as to whether the mid-major is a tournament lock if it doesn't win the MAC tournament because of the quality of its resume. Conference title or not, Vitale believes Miami (Ohio) should be in, no matter what.
“If they're denied an opportunity to play, it would be criminal, because those kids have earned the right,” Vitale said. “We have a tendency to go for mediocrity out of the elite conferences, teams with 11, 12, 13 losses. But because they play a tougher schedule, they get the edge. All the metrics that are done in picking teams really favor all the elite conference teams.”
Plenty of developments – even some frustrating – but it’s a blessing; it’s March, and Vitale gets to be part of it.
“I really love what I'm doing. I think when you love something and have a passion for it, it's really super,” he said.
