ROME (AP) — Substitute Vitinha and Leo Ostigard scored in Genoa's 2-0 win at last-place Verona in the Italian league on Sunday as Daniele De Rossi’s side moved even further away from the relegation zone.
Genoa is in 13th place with 33 points after 29 rounds, nine points above 18th-place Cremonese.
Serie A leader Inter Milan was held 1-1 by Atalanta at home on Saturday, leaving the door open for AC Milan to further close the gap to its rival. Lagging eight points behind Inter, AC Milan played at Lazio later Sunday.
Vitinha scored right after coming on as a replacement for Caleb Ekuban with a powerful shot from long range around the hour mark. Ostigard made it 2-0 in the 86th minute with a header from a free kick.
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Warriors computer picks
Quinten Post Over 10.5 points (-110)
Projection: 13.4
The Golden State Warriors' injury report is looking like a grocery list, which means plenty of minutes for able bodies.
No Al Horford and Draymond Green means Quinten Post is in line for a big minutes bump. Someone will need to score, and Post will be that guy.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Quinten Post Now at bet365!/span
Quinten Post Over 1.5 threes (-160)
Projection: 2.4
More playing time means more shots for the 7-footer, who hasn't shied away from letting it fly when needed. Post has hit two threes multiple times this season, and he's in line to do so again tonight at MSG.
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Gui Santos Over 5.5 rebounds (-150)
Projection: 6.7
Gui Santos will also get a big minutes bump tonight, and he's in line for a big night on the boards.
Santos has started in five straight for the shorthanded Dubs, clearing this rebound total in three of them. The biggest outing came when he snared 11 boards in 37 minutes vs. OKC.
His minutes will be in the high 30s again, giving him ample time to clean the glass.
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Knicks computer picks
Mikal Bridges Over 11.5 points (-120)
Projection: 14.3
A string of rough games has dropped Mikal Bridges' points line to 11.5, which provides us with an excellent buyback spot.
The 29-year-old is still averaging 15 points per game, and our projections have him scoring nearly three more points than his line.
Bridges will get four to six threes up, and his 38% three-point shooting tells us he'll hit enough of those to get him close to or Over this number.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Mikal bridges Now at bet365!/span
Jalen Brunson Under 7.5 assists (-110)
Projection: 6.7
Jalen Brunson has been racking up the dimes over the last month, but our projections call for him to go Under 7.5 assists tonight.
While he can reach this total with ease, he may not need to. The Knicks are 14.5-point favorites, and there's a world where Brunson and the rest of the starters sit the entire fourth quarter. It's hard to get assists with your ass planted on the bench.
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Mitchell Robinson Over 4.5 points (-112)
Projection: 5.7
As mentioned, the Warriors are missing a majority of their interior defense. This opens the door for New York to run some of its offense through Mitchell Robinson. The big man will also be feeling himself after posting a career high in points on Friday.
Three buckets cash this prop, and the line is too low for us not to jump on it.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Mitchell Robinson Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Warriors vs Knicks
Location
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Date
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
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.
MUNICH (AP) — An unlikely run of injuries has sidelined Bayern Munich's top three goalkeepers and could mean the German champion starts New York-born 16-year-old Leonard Prescott for its upcoming Champions League game against Atalanta.
With first-choice Manuel Neuer recovering from a calf muscle tear, Prescott was on the bench in the Champions League last week as Bayern beat Atalanta 6-1 in the first leg of their round-of-16 encounter.
At the time it seemed mostly like a chance to familiarize a promising young player, who starts for the Bayern under-19 team, with a more professional environment.
Prescott was born in New York but started his playing career at Union Berlin before a 2023 move to Bayern’s academy. He has also played for the German under-17 national team.
Prescott has suddenly become a possible starter after Jonas Urbig was concussed in a collision in the final minute of the game. Backup Sven Ulreich tore his right adductor in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen but stayed on the field. He will be “sidelined for the time being,” Bayern said Sunday, after he was examined following the game.
If Neuer or the others can't recover in time, that could leave Prescott as Bayern's starter against Atalanta on Wednesday after he was also the backup for Ulreich on Saturday.
Among the other goalkeepers under contract to Bayern, reserve-team goalkeeper Leon Klanac has been injured since December and Daniel Peretz is on loan at Southampton.
One other option besides Prescott might be the 19-year-old Jannis Bärtl, who has played reserve games since Klanac's injury and was on the bench for two Bundesliga games this season.
Are the Oklahoma City Thunder hot or not? With seven straight wins, OKC has its longest win streak since winning 16 in a row during its 24-1 start to the season. However, the Thunder have failed to cover in all seven games.
That changes today. Minnesota is finishing a road trip and may be without MVP candidate Anthony Edwards, who's dealing with a bad knee. My Timberwolves vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks see the Thunder getting a cover as they win again.
Timberwolves vs Thunder prediction
Timberwolves vs Thunder best bet: Thunder -7.5 (-105)
The Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a three-game losing streak — both straight up and ATS — with a win at Golden State. However,they've failed to cover in the game following a victory 60% of the time this season.
Minnesota has been this large an underdog just one other time this season, and that was also against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They've covered in all three games against the Thunder this year, but the teams haven’t played in a month and a half.
Since then, Minnesota has gone 6-12 ATS. OKC had been 8-3 ATS since that game before the current, puzzling 7-game streak.
Timberwolves vs Thunder same-game parlay
OKC plays at the No. 18 pace in the league. Minnesota is at No. 10. Lately, both teams seem to have slowed things down. OKC has gone Under five of the last six games, including two games with cutoffs below 220. Minnesota has gone Under in six of the last eight, including two with a points cutoff lower than today’s.
Ajay Mitchell faces the prospect of having to defend against a Minnesota team that's either missing Anthony Edwards or he’ll be guarding a hobbled Edwards. That should free him up to spend more energy on the other end of the floor, where he’s scored at least 15 in four of the last five.
Timberwolves vs Thunder SGP
Thunder -7.5
Under 226.5
Ajay Mitchell Over 13.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Ajay Against Ayo!
Edwards is a game-time decision. If he doesn’t play, Ayo Dosunmu will likely see an increase in shots. Even if Edwards plays, Dosunmu has scored in double digits in four of the last five and remains a good pick to go Over.
OKC center Isaiah Hartenstein is day-to-day with a calf injury. That means Chet Holmgren will need to handle more of the work in the paint. He’s pulled down 58 rebounds in the last five games, so getting 9+ against a Minnesota team that ranks No. 19 in the league in offensive rebounding seems likely.
Timberwolves vs Thunder SGP
Under 226.5
Ajay Mitchell Over 13.5 points
Ayo Dosunmu Over 10.5 points
Chet Holmgren Over 8.5 rebounds
Timberwolves vs Thunder odds
Spread: Timberwolves +8.5 | Thunder -8.5
Moneyline: Timberwolves +275 | Thunder -320
Over/Under: Over 225.5 | Under 225.5
Timberwolves vs Thunder betting trend to know
The Thunder have gone Under their team total in 13 of their 17 home games. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Thunder.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Thunder
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Tip-off
1:00 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Timberwolves vs Thunder latest injuries
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SIOUX FALLS, SD - FEBRUARY 6: Max Shulga #44 of the Maine Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Sioux Falls Skyforce on February 6, 2026 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 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 Dave Eggen/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Shortly after the Boston Celtics took care of the Washington Wizards in a 111-100 victory, Shams Charania of ESPN announced that Boston will be signing Max Shulga to a standard two-year contract. Shulga was previously on a two-way contract that he signed with the Celtics after they selected him 57th overall in the 2025 Draft (via the Orlando Magic).
Max is a 24-year-old 6’4 wing out of VCU, with an excellent three-point shot. He has only appeared in four games for Boston this year, most recently seeing just one minute of court time against the Wizards mere hours before inking his new deal. In fact, he’s only played six total minutes with Boston, and has just one shot attempt, which he missed.
Shulga has spent most of his time with Boston’s G-League counterpart up in Maine where he has been very productive. In 34.5 minutes per game, Max has averaged 16.2 points, 7.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, all while shooting 43.8% from the floor and 39.6% from beyond the arc on 6.5 three-point attempts per game.
He’s scored as much as 35 points in a game (13-19 on field goals, 6-11 from three), and has career-highs of 9 rebounds, 14 assists, 5 steals, and 3 blocks. He has clearly shown his skill as a shooter, which Boston will surely look to utilize in the future, but his passing game will be an underrated addition.
Along with Shulga’s standard deal, the Celtics also announced that they will be signing Charles Bassey to a 10-day contract earlier today.
By making both of these signings, Boston gets back in roster compliance before tomorrow’s deadline by having 14 players on standard deals, the league minimum. Since Shulga was drafted by Boston, his pro-rated contract ends up being even cheaper than if the Celtics were to sign a veteran to a standard minimum contract. This helps them stay under the luxury tax, and opens the door for them to reset their repeater bill next year if they see a path to doing so while remaining competitive.
For those wondering, this does not prevent the Celtics from converting Ron Harper Jr. to a standard contract before the end of the year. They will likely do that on the final day of the regular season to keep the cap hit to a minimum, while ensuring that he is eligible for the playoffs. Shulga’s signing also opens up a two-way spot for the team, which they will likely fill in the coming days.
NYON, Switzerland (AP) — UEFA said Sunday that the game between Argentina and Spain known as Finalissima that was supposed to be held in Qatar has been canceled after the widening Middle East war.
The game between South American champion Argentina and European champion Spain was scheduled to be held in Doha on March 27. It was going to be a marquee matchup between the teams led by Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal before this summer’s World Cup in North America.
But the security of the game was put into serious doubt when Iran intensified its attacks on neighboring countries in retaliation to the aerial attacks by United States and Israel that are now in their third week.
“After much discussion between UEFA and the organizing authorities in Qatar, it is announced today that due to the current political situation in the region, the Finalissima between UEFA EURO 2024 winners Spain and CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 champions Argentina cannot be played as hoped in Qatar on 27 March,” UEFA said in a statement.
Argentina and Spain were to play at Lusail Stadium, which staged the epic 2022 World Cup final. Argentina won a penalty shootout against France after Messi scored twice and Kylian Mbappé got a hat trick in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Other venues had reportedly been considered as alternatives to Doha, including Spain's capital. UEFA, however, said all other feasible alternatives it explored “ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentinian Football Association.”
“The first option was to stage the match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on the original date with a 50:50 split of supporters in the stadium,” UEFA said. “This would have provided a world-class setting, befitting of such a prestigious event, but Argentina refused."
The option of staging the event over two legs — one in Madrid on March 27, the other in Buenos Aires before the Euros and Copa America in 2028 — was also rejected. Argentina had proposed to play the match later this year after the World Cup but Spain had no available dates.
South American soccer body Conmebol said in a statement on Sunday that Argentina’s soccer federation (AFA) received an offer from UEFA to play the match in Italy on March 27, but the defending World Cup and Copa America champions countered that the game take place on March 31.
“Regrettably, UEFA said the match taking place on the 31st – only four days after their original offer – was not possible, and so the Finalissima was cancelled,” the South American confederation said. “CONMEBOL and AFA regret deeply that, despite all the efforts and the manifested interest in playing the match in a neutral ground since the first moment, it was not possible.”
Argentina won the inaugural edition of the Finalissima in 2022 with a 3-0 victory over Italy at Wembley Stadium in London.
The violence in the Middle East, where Iran is hitting the Gulf Arab states with drone and missile attacks, has stranded travelers, upset economic markets and sent oil prices soaring.
It has also impacted the world of international sport beyond the Finalissima. Formula 1’s races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia scheduled for April have been called off due to the war, while President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran not participate in this summer's World Cup that is co-hosted by the U.S.
PORTLAND, OR - FEBRUARY 9: Donovan Clingan #23 of the Portland Trail Blazers grabs the rebound during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 9, 2026 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This ain’t the Brooklyn Nets.
The Portland Trail Blazers come to Philly Sunday a young and hungry team firmly in the Play-In picture of the loaded Western Conference. The Sixers, still decimated by injuries and one suspension, will have their work cut out for them.
On Saturday, the VJ Edgecombe-led Sixers built a 28-point lead against the tanking Nets. Brooklyn then made a fourth-quarter push to briefly take a one-point lead. Luckily, Quentin Grimes and company did just enough in the final minutes to secure the win, which keeps them tied with the Atlanta Hawks — who own the tiebreaker — for eighth in the East. They’re 1.5 games back of the sixth seed and final guaranteed playoff spot.
No true reinforcements are on the way. Joel Embiid (oblique), Tyrese Maxey (pinky), Kelly Oubre Jr. (elbow) and Paul George (suspension) remain out of the lineup. The team doesn’t have an injury report out yet, so we’ll have to see the statuses of Andre Drummond (back) and Jabari Walker (illness), who missed Saturday’s game — and also see if any surprises pop up.
Portland comes into this one relatively healthy. Young guard Shaedon Sharpe is out with a stress reaction in his right fibula. Veteran guard Damian Lillard will miss the entire 2025-26 season — sans the three-point contest — while recovering from an Achilles injury. Big man Robert Williams III is questionable with a left knee injury recovery designation.
The Trail Blazers aren’t a juggernaut by any stretch. They’re a bottom-10 team offensively and middle of the pack in defensive rating. They do have talented and capable players, though. Offensively, they’re led by All-Star forward Deni Avdija, who is a mismatch problem for most teams, but their scoring as a team is fairly balanced. Defensively, they have one of the toughest backcourts in the NBA with Toumani Camara and old friend Jrue Holiday, plus massive big man Donovan Clingan protecting the rim and crashing the glass.
This should be as stiff a test as Edgecombe will see as the team’s lead ball-handler. Nick Nurse said postgame Saturday that he’s still looking for the rookie to be more aggressive while the team is missing its top offensive threats. This isn’t the easiest matchup to get that done.
Game Details
When: Sunday, March 15, 6:00 p.m. ET Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic Follow:@LibertyBallers
The Golden State Warriors will be without a majority of their key players in today’s matchup at Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks look for a third straight win.
With no size or depth in Golden State’s frontcourt, my Warriors vs. Knicks predictions and NBA picks expect a big game from Karl-Anthony Towns.
Warriors vs Knicks prediction
Warriors vs Knicks best bet: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 32.5 points + rebounds (-105)
The Golden State Warriors have allowed the 10th-most rebounds, 15th-most points in the paint, and sixth-most second-chance points this season.
An already undersized and undermanned defensive unit will be even more shorthanded tonight, as Golden State will be without most of its key defenders.
Karl-Anthony Towns has averaged 22.7 points and 12.8 rebounds across his last six games, going for 33+ points + rebounds four times in that span.
He posted a 17/20 line against the Warriors in his first meeting, and Towns will be able to exploit a lineup missing Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and Draymond Green.
Warriors vs Knicks same-game parlay
The Warriors are playing the first leg of a back-to-back set, and they’re punting against the New York Knicks before playing the Wizards on Monday. The Knicks are 21-11 ATS at home, and the Warriors are 14-18 ATS on the road.
With so many key players out for Golden State, they’ll have a tough time putting points on the board. Seven of the team’s Top-8 scorers will be sidelined, accounting for 103.5 points per game on the bench.
This Knicks defense has allowed just 109.6 points per game at home, and the Warriors have averaged a pitiful 110.1 points across their last seven games. They’ve scored 101 points or fewer in three of them.
Warriors vs Knicks SGP
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 32.5 points + rebounds
Knicks -13
Warriors team total Under 102.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Defense wins!
New York’s defense will be able to put the clamps on Golden State’s skeleton crew lineup, leading to ample blocks and steals.
Mitchell Robinson has recorded multiple blocks in 16 of 49 games, but he’s in a great position to reach that mark against the undersized Warriors.
OG Anunoby has recorded a block in more than half of his games, doing so in 30 of 54 appearances, including six of 13 since returning from the All-Star break.
Jalen Brunson doesn’t record a ton of steals. He’s averaging 0.7 on the season and has recorded one in just 29 of 63 appearances. He’s done so in six of his last seven games, however, and steals should be plentiful against Golden State’s third-stringers.
Mikal Bridges ranks ninth in total steals at 95, and he’s averaging 1.4 per game. The iron man has recorded at least one swipe in 47 of 68 games, and he’ll have no problem doing so against Golden State’s depleted roster.
Warriors vs Knicks SGP
Mitchell Robinson Over 1.5 blocks
OG Anunoby Over 0.5 blocks
Jalen Brunson Over 0.5 steals
Mikal Bridges Over 0.5 steals
Warriors vs Knicks odds
Spread: Warriors +13 | Knicks -13
Moneyline: Warriors +500 | Knicks -700
Over/Under: Over 216.5 | Under 216.5
Warriors vs Knicks betting trend to know
The Knicks have covered the spread in 32 of their last 50 home games for +13.3 units and 24% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Knicks.
How to watch Warriors vs Knicks
Location
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Date
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Warriors vs Knicks 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.
SAN ANTONIO, TX -MARCH 14: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates with Stephon Castle after a score in the second half at Frost Bank Center on March 14, 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
The San Antonio Spurs’ loss to the Charlotte Hornets earlier in the season may have been one of the most disappointing losses of the year… at least if you ask Victor Wembanyama.
After the Spurs’ 115-102 win over Charlotte on their home court, Wembanyama told the Amazon Prime crew that the loss to the Hornets was his “worst defensive game.” It was clear that this game was a chance to make amends. Wembanyama dominated in response.
The star big man had 32 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks. The Hornets scored just 30 points in the paint because Wembanyama had it almost completely walled off. While not an official stat, Charlotte may have had the most “nopes” I’ve seen against the Spurs in the Wemby era, completely abandoning drives several times in the same possession. On the other end, there wasn’t a single Hornet who could slow down Wembanyama. He could get a basket just about any time he wanted.
This game, despite being a somewhat inconsequential Saturday matinee, shows a lot about Wembanyama and the Spurs’ overall mentality. They want to win, and when they don’t, they take it personally. It was clear from the jump that the team remembered the sting of the earlier loss to Charlotte. That’s the mentality of a team ready to compete. When they lose a playoff game (and rest assured, they will), they can either let it rattle them or get motivated to win the next one. Saturday’s win shows that Wembanyama and his teammates have a winning mentality.
Takeaways:
The French vanilla minutes on Saturday were great. Wembanyama’s playmaking really stood out as he hit Kornet several times on lobs. It’s not always a sustainable lineup, but in a game when Wembanyama’s perimeter game is seeing a lot of success, it makes sense to throw another big body in there to wall off the paint even more and punish teams on the glass. The Spurs out-rebounded the Hornets 54-39.
Stephon Castle has been great since the All-Star break. He almost had another triple-double with 15 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. He guarded everyone on the Hornets as well, which is no small feat given all the screening they do for their shooters. After the game, Keldon Johnson said that Castle deserves first-team all-defense.
The Spurs shot 33% from deep, but dominated the paint. They outscored Charlotte 58-30 inside. We’ve already covered how Wembanyama walled off the paint, but offensively, the Spurs went right at Charlotte inside. Carter Bryant had a few good cuts for dunks, Keldon Johnson was physical inside, and De’Aaron Fox hit creative shots in the paint. The team is so much better when they are aggressively attacking the paint. We’ve seen a lot of that style of play over the course of the last two months.
Fox deserves a lot of credit for being the Spurs’ steadying hand. Whenever the Hornets would make a run, the veteran guard would be there to get San Antonio into a good offensive set or make something happen himself. Fox had 17 points on 6-16 shooting in the win.
Bryant missed another big-time dunk on Saturday. If my memory serves me right, that’s his second since the team threatened to shave his head. We may see bald Bryant before the end of the season.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 12: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks tries to get past Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics in the first half in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images). (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA play-in tournament is less than a month away, making every game count. With that, we’ve decided to give you, the fans, a watching guide.
We’ll post weekly updates so you know exactly which non-Knicks team you should be rooting for and against during the home stretch of the season, with a deep postseason run—and why not a Finals triumph!—in our Knickerbocker mind.
March 15th
To kick off week two of our end-of-season standings watch and rooting guide, we have the reeling Raptors hosting the top-of-the-east Pistons. Toronto has struggled mightily against the best teams in both conferences, so it will be a difficult task, but just like every other game the Pistons will play from hereon out, root against them.
The other game, besides the Knicks’ very own one, that really matters today will be the Cavaliers’ one. They’ll be hosting one of the worst teams in the league in the Mavericks, so it should be an easy win for Cleveland, but we did just see Brooklyn defeat Detroit not too long ago, so take your shot and hope the Mavericks can pull off this upset.
March 16th
In the two games that really matter on Monday, the Hawks take on the Magic, while the Celtics host the Suns. In the former game, it doesn’t matter too much as the Knicks have distanced themselves enough from both teams. Barring a historical collapse, the Knicks should be safe as the fourth seed at the very worst. That being said, you can never be too sure. While the stakes are lower, if you need someone to root for in this one, go with the Hawks as it not only pushes the Magic down a bit, but also keeps the Hawks’ distance from the hot Hornets.
In the second game, the Celtics enter Sunday with a one and a half game lead over the Knicks. That could be down to a one-game lead if New York takes care of business tonight against the Warriors. And a Suns road victory on Monday could shrink that lead to half a game. Go Suns.
March 17th
The Heat, who are the seventh seed as of now, and the Hornets, who are currently in the 10th seed, play to kick off the evening. Who you root for in this one is completely dependent on what seed you think the Knicks will end up with, and how good you think these two teams are. So let me break it down.
If you believe in the Hornets and think that they could be a scary playoff opponent, then keeping them as the ninth or 10th seed, where they’ll need two wins to make it through the play-ins, may be the best route. If you are a Hornets believer, root for the Heat.
A Hornets win could help keep the Heat in the play-ins, which, if they advance, would match them up with the second seed. If you think the Knicks can surpass the Celtics for sole possession of the second seed, but don’t want them to play the Heat in the first round, root for the Heat. But if you think the Celtics will finish the season as the second seed, and think the Heat, given their experience, scrappiness, make for a tougher matchup for the Celtics, then, root for the Hornets, as New York would then get to avoid playing the Heat in the first round.
After that, we have the Pistons hosting the Wizards. Detroit should be heavily favored in this one, but it could unironically be a chance for an upset if the Pistons decide to rest some of their main guys. Cheer for the Wizards at your own risk.
Then there’s the Thunder visiting the Magic, and the Cavaliers visiting the Bucks. Much like the Pistons and Celtics have been for much of the season, the Cavaliers are now in the “root against them every single time” category, so hope for a Bucks win there, as well as a Magic loss against the defending champion Thunder.
March 18th
With most of the games on Wednesday being between teams that are irrelevant to the Knicks’ race for the second seed, there’s really only one game here that deserves any attention, and it’s the Warriors at Celtics game. Golden State will be underdogs in this one, as they may be, like they are tonight, without many of their key players. But Knicks fans should hope for an unexpected upset against the Celtics here. The only other one that has even the slightest significance to the Knicks is the Hawks at Mavericks game. As mentioned above, if you think the Hornets could make any noise in the playoffs, rooting for the Hawks to win and maintain their spot in the top eight becomes somewhat crucial. If you, on the other hand, think Atlanta poses a bit more of a threat, then root for Dallas.
March 19th
Just 48 hours after Knicks fans have the unenviable task of rooting for the Wizards against the Pistons, they’ll get to do it all over again as the two teams face off again. Root for Washington here. As for the Magic at Hornets game that’ll be taking place concurrently, root for the Magic if you are worried about the Hornets jumping the 76ers, and Hawks to become the eight seed, or think that they could pose a tough challenge for the Cavaliers in the first round. And root for the Hornets, if you think the Magic could catch up to the Knicks. And lastly, in yet another game between a top Eastern Conference team and a bottom-feeder, root for the Bulls to somehow pull off the improbable with a win against the Cavaliers.
March 20th
Friday has two games involving the teams ahead of the Knicks, but they are both ones in which an upset seems unlikely. The Pistons host the struggling, and bandaged up Warriors, while the Celtics visit the struggling Grizzlies, who enter Sunday as losers of seven straight. It won’t be fun, but if you are committed, root for the Warriors and the Grizzlies.
March 21st
While the Knicks’ schedule to end the season looks relatively easy, so do a lot of the other top Eastern Conference teams’. The Cavaliers visit the Pelicans, who are 22-46 at the time of writing this piece. You know the drill by now: root against the Cavaliers, and in this case, the Pelicans. As for the Heat at Rockets game, it kind of depends on where the standings stand at this point, but to clarify what was said earlier, if you want the Heat to end up playing the Celtics in the first round, you just want to root for whatever outcomes end up with them doing that. It’s hard to predict six days out what that’ll be because some of that is predicated on whether the Celtics or the Knicks are the second seed.
With all eyes on Selection Sunday, the NBA offers a tasty seven-game slate with several NBA player prop betting opportunities on the board.
My three selections begin in Cleveland, head to Madison Square Garden, and hopefully end with another vintage Russell Westbrook performance in Sacramento.
NBA Rookie of the Year candidate Cooper Flagg continues to take on a larger playmaking role for the Dallas Mavericks.
Flagg is beginning to learn the NBA game. He’s not forcing as many shots as he did earlier this season and has recorded five or more assists in six straight games.
Today’s matchup also helps. The Cleveland Cavaliers are allowing 27 assists per game over their last 10 and should give the rookie plenty of chances to reach five helpers again.
Towns recently snapped a long drought from downtown and has now made multiple threes in two straight games. He’s been even more reliable at home, averaging 1.6 made threes per home game while shooting 37% from deep.
The Golden State Warriors have allowed 13 made threes per game over their last 10 games.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBC
Prop #3: Russell Westbrook triple-double
+1100 at bet365
Russell Westbrook remains one of the few players capable of producing a triple-double at any time.
Westbrook has recorded two triple-doubles in his last three games, and his role has grown with 30+ minutes expected again tonight.
The matchup against the Utah Jazz also looks promising. They're one of the worst defenses in the league over the last 10 games, and tonight’s total is the second highest on the board.
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There are few things more embarrassing that missing a dunk in a basketball game. If you're even attempting a dunk, that means you have a mostly clear look at the basket, hoping to flex your athleticism and make your teammates go crazy. Then, whatever ill-begotten fate awaits you, be it a slip, mishandling the ball, or a weird takeoff happens and you whiff. Not a great look.
It's even worse when it happens in one of the biggest games of your college program's history. It's even worse when it happens with less than five seconds left in that game and your team is trailing by two points.
That's exactly the nightmare that Utah Valley forward Isaac Davis underwent during last night's Western Athletic Conference championship game. Trailing by two points to Cal Baptist with a spot in the Division I NCAA Tournament on the line – a feat Utah Valley has never been able to accomplish – Davis had an alley-oop opportunity to tie the game.
ISAAC DAVIS MISSES THE DUNK TO CLINCH CBU’S FIRST EVER D1 NCAA TOURNAMENT BERTH🤯🍿
— The College Sports Company (@CollegeSportsCo) March 15, 2026
He missed.
Isaac Davis stats
While this was obviously a harrowing moment in Davis' career, his impact on the Utah Valley men's basketball program cannot be overstated. The team's 25-7 record this season was the best record (by win-loss percentage) in program history, and the sophomore Davis played a pivotal role in that success.
Davis was fourth on the team in points per game with 11, while shooting 64.8% from the field. He also averaged 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.
Utah Valley outlook
While this is a tough moment for the Utah Valley Wolverines program, the program does have a bright future. After all, the team only boasted a single senior on this year's roster – guard Noah Taitz.
Furthermore, the team has improved its record each of the three years since head coach Todd Phillips took over in 2023.
When does the NCAA Tournament begin?
The NCAA Tournament begins with the First Four on March 17-18, with the championship game set for April 6 in Indianapolis.
Cal Baptist's victory over Utah Valley gave the team their first tournament bid in program history. They will figure out who their NCAA Tournament first-round opponent will be during Selection Sunday, at 6 p.m. ET on CBS tonight.
Selection Sunday is the closing of one book and the opening of another on the college basketball season. For some teams, their hopes of making it in as an at-large potential Cinderella to March Madness are extinguished, while for others, hope springs eternal as they look to become the latest dancing darlings.
Some things are all but set in stone. Michigan, Arizona, and Duke are universally projected to be No. 1 seeds, leaving questions as to which team will join them on the No. 1 seed line: Florida or UConn, two teams that lost their respective conference tournament games on Saturday, March 14.
Elsewhere, the Atlantic 10 will be a two-bid conference after Dayton upset Josh Schertz, Robbie Avila and Saint Louis in the conference semifinals. Others teams' fates remain up in the air, like Miami (Ohio) — who will be on the bubble after losing its MAC tournament opener following an undefeated regular season — and Auburn, which has great wins to pair against a 16-loss season.
The shape of the bracket will continue to ebb and flow throughout March 15, as conference tournaments come to a close and we figure out the last of the automatic qualifiers.
USA TODAY is following the latest prospective bracket updates live. Follow along below as the selection show creeps ever closer.
Fran McCaffrey and Penn are looking to steal an auto-bid out from under the feet of 24-win Yale, as the Quakers are within three with under 10 minutes to play in the second half. The Ivy League is a one-bid league, so both of these teams are playing for their tournament lives.
March Madness bracket: Updated seeds
Teams in bold have clinched tournament berth.
Michigan, Duke, Arizona, Florida
UConn, Illinois, Iowa State, Houston
Michigan State, Gonzaga, Nebraska, Purdue
St. John's, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Virginia
Wisconsin, Texas Tech, Alabama, Kansas
Tennessee, North Carolina, Louisville, BYU
Miami (Fla.), Saint Mary's, Utah State, Kentucky
Iowa, Clemson, UCLA, TCU
Georgia, Villanova, Saint Louis, Ohio State
NC State, UCF, Santa Clara, VCU
South Florida, Texas A&M, SMU/Missouri, Texas/Miami (Ohio)
Northern Iowa, Yale, Akron, McNeese
Hawaii, Hofstra, High Point, Cal Baptist
North Dakota State, Troy, Wright State, Idaho
Kennesaw State, UMBC, Tennessee State, Queens
Siena, Furman, Long Island/Prairie View A&M, Howard/Lehigh
March Madness last four in
Texas, Missouri, SMU, Miami (Ohio).
March Madness first four out
Oklahoma, San Diego State, New Mexico, Auburn.
Who is left on March Madness bubble?
SMU (ACC)
VCU (Atlantic 10)
Indiana (Big Ten)
Miami (Ohio) (MAC)
San Diego State (Mountain West)
New Mexico (Mountain West)
Auburn (SEC)
Missouri (SEC)
Oklahoma (SEC)
Texas (SEC)
Texas A&M (SEC)
March Madness automatic bids
Here are the teams that have already clinched automatic berths to the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament by virtue of winning their respective conference championships heading into Selection Sunday:
America East: Maryland-Baltimore County
ASUN: Queens
ACC: Duke
Big 12: Arizona
Big East: St. John's
Big Sky: Idaho
Big South: High Point
Big West: Hawaii
CAA: Hofstra
Conference USA: Kennesaw State
Horizon: Wright State
MAAC: Siena
MAC: Akron
MEAC: Howard
Missouri Valley: Northern Iowa
Mountain West: Utah State
NEC: Long Island
Ohio Valley: Tennessee State
Patriot: Lehigh
Southern: Furman
Southland: McNeese State
SWAC: Prairie View A&M
Summit: North Dakota State
Sun Belt: Troy
WAC: Cal Baptist
WCC: Gonzaga
Here are the conferences that have yet to be determined:
All times Eastern
Ivy League: Penn vs. Yale | noon | ESPN2 (Fubo)
SEC: Vanderbilt vs. Arkansas | 1 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
Atlantic 10: Dayton vs. VCU | 1 p.m. | CBS (Fubo)
American: Wichita State vs. South Florida | 3:15 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
Big Ten: Michigan vs. Purdue | 3:30 p.m. | CBS (Fubo)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 06: Kevin Porter Jr. #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on February 06, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks complete the second leg of their back-to-back today against the Indiana Pacers (or should I say “Tankers”). Yes, it’s pretty clear what result Indy wants today, so Milwaukee will just need to play semi-competently, and they should get across the line. The Bucks have won all three games in the season series thus far, and can complete the sweep today.
Where We’re At
The Bucks have now lost four straight and eight of their last nine, now 12 games below .500. Down Giannis, yesterday’s game was a tire fire; it featured a season-high 23 turnovers, and as Van pointed out in the rapid recap, there was a 30-14 points-off-turnovers disparity. Just ugly stuff all around. The season can’t end quickly enough.
As I alluded to, the Pacers—who were made to place 1-4 and 10-30 protections on their first-round pick in order to acquire Ivica Zubac—have been doing everything possible to give that pick the best chance of landing 1-4, shall we say. They have not won a single game since the All-Star break. Not one! I mean, this has been one of the most shameless tank jobs I’ve ever seen. A marasse of phantom injuries, illnesses, and unexplained substitution patterns. Maybe the most shameless has been how they’ve handled the aforementioned Zubac, who—before he was traded—was playing for the LA Clippers. However, when he landed in Indy, he mysteriously popped up on the injury report with an “ankle injury,” which he has only just returned from. Hmmm.
Injury Report
Having played yesterday, the Bucks’ injury report will come out at midday. Tyrese Haliburton and Johnny Furphy are out for Indy, while Pascal Siakam is doubtful. The following Pacers are questionable *clears throat*: Quenton Jackson, T.J. McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Ben Sheppard, Obi Toppin, and Ivica Zubac.
Player to Watch
Ryan Rollins has been much better over the last two games, dropping 22 points and eight assists (on 8/11 shooting) in their last one against Atlanta. Can he make it three straight awesome games?
How To Watch
FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 2:30 p.m. CDT.
This is not an appeal for sympathy. These are certainly not the worst problems I’ve encountered in my life. But, I will say that I have received literal death threats for observing that Alperen Sengun does not play defense very well.
If the internet is a cesspool, that points to broader issues with human nature. Is the internet a place where the confidence of anonymity emboldens people, or is that just a consequence of them taking their masks off?
Ugh.
Anyway, writing about the Houston Rockets necessitates writing about Alperen Sengun. Writing about Alperen Sengun, if you intend on preserving journalistic integrity, requires the occasional use of a critical lens. So here comes a piece that’s critical of Alperen Sengun.
Please don’t (threaten to) shoot the messenger.
Rockets’ best lineup does not feature their best young player
Per CleaningTheGlass, he’s not part of the Rockets’ best 2025-26 lineup.
That would be Clint Capela, Dorian Finney-Smith (yes, that Dorian Finney-Smith), Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard. That group is +38.4 in 154 possessions. That’s not a massive sample size, but it’s consequential enough to talk about.
So what’s going on here?
Let’s turn to the increasingly fashionable databallr. When Sengun and Sheppard share the floor, they’re +0.2 in 816 minutes. The Rockets shoot 35.1% from deep when they share the floor.
Remove Sengun, add Capela. The Rockets are +14.1 in 467 minutes. The team shoots 40.2% from deep. Hypothesis:
Sheppard plays better with a big man who does the big man stuff.
He shoots better when he’s on the floor with a big man who sets jarring screens. He’s easier to insulate on defense alongside a – here comes the dirtiest word in Rockets fandom – a rim protector.
It’s only a theory. It’s possible that, in more extended minutes, defenses would adjust their coverage. Capela’s total inability to do, well, much of anything other than dunk on the offensive end could prove problematic.
What’s the solution here?
Rockets need more grit from Alperen Sengun
This is not a trade Alperen Sengun piece. Or, at least, that’s not the only solution that will be presented.
It is an “Alperen Sengun needs to play differently” piece. As gifted as he is, he’s not quite prodigious enough to have the Luka Doncic mentality (and realistically, even Luka Doncic needs to change his mentality). He can’t absolve himself from the dirty work if this team is going to succeed.
Last year, Sengun made dramatic strides on defense. He improved so much that he forced me to eat crow. I praised him profusely in public. A wholesale mea culpa. Self-flagellation to the point of deep bruising.
Now, it feels like I’m eating crow again.
Sengun has regressed to “is this guy viable” levels on defense. He needs to get back to his 2024-25 level. If he can’t defend that well while conserving energy for a large offensive role, he’s not worth rostering. Luckily, he did it last year, and he should be able to do it again.
One thing he’s never done is properly screen for his guards. That needs to change. Functionally, the Rockets need Sengun to be basically Sabonis-with-defense. He should be leveraging his high basketball feel to operate as a dribble hand-off hub. His ability to score in isolation should be part of the Rockets’ package as well, but when it’s his primary role, it doesn’t do much to elevate his teammates.
Here’s a simple NBA principle: If you don’t complement your teammates, there is a threshold you need to meet for individual productivity. Sengun isn’t reaching that (exceedingly high) threshold, so he needs to complement his teammates. That means making their life easier on defense and screening for shooters. If he can’t do that, the Rockets may have to have some uncomfortable conversations.
Warriors
Knicks
Cooper Flagg
Russell Westbrook
