MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Substitute Amine Gouiri scored with 11 minutes remaining to give Marseille a 1-0 win over Ligue 1 struggler Auxerre on Friday.
The result left Marseille in third place, three points clear of Lyon, which plays at Le Havre on Sunday. Marseille was seven points behind second-placed Lens and eight adrift of league leader Paris Saint-Germain.
Although the south coast club has been a constant presence among the clubs pushing for a European place next season its form has been inconsistent since the start of the year.
However, Gouiri’s return has added goals to the mix.
The Algeria international missed nine games after a shoulder injury in October but has scored five times since returning to the side in early January.
Here he replaced English defender CJ Egan-Riley after 62 minutes and proved decisive.
Auxerre remained third to last with just one win in its last 11 games. It was five points from safety.
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the site’s ToS, it’s fair game here.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 14: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talks to Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors on the court during the third quarter of Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Prior to beginning a six-game road trip, the Golden State Warriors will host one more home game on Friday night as they face the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT in San Francisco and will be broadcast on Prime Video and NBC Sports Bay Area.
Golden State is looking to regroup after a frustrating back-to-back that ended with a 130-124 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night. The defeat came just one day after the Warriors lost to the Utah Jazz, 119-116, marking two disappointing losses to sub-.500 tanking teams.
Against Chicago, the Warriors appeared to be in control late, holding an eight-point lead with 1:31 remaining. But things unraveled quickly in the closing moments. Bulls forward Matas Buzelis scored five unanswered points, promptingWarriors head coach Steve Kerr to foul up three to protect their lead in the closing seconds.
The strategy ultimately backfired after rookie LJ Cryer missed a crucial free throw to give them just a two-point lead. Moments later, a defensive foul by Draymond Green sent Chicago to the line, allowing the Bulls to tie the game in regulation. Chicago then carried that momentum into overtime, pulling away to secure the victory.
After the game, Kerr took responsibility for the late-game sequence, acknowledging that he put Green in a difficult position after sitting him for much of the fourth quarter.
“It was a foul. I’m sure he’d like to have that one back. He just got his hand in the wrong spot.”
While the Warriors have had their share of struggles, Minnesota enters Friday’s matchup dealing with problems of their own. The Timberwolves are also riding a three-game losing streak, losing by an average of 22 points during that stretch.
Defensive issues have played a major role in the slide as Minnesota has allowed at least one 30-point scorer in each of those games. In their most recent outing, Kawhi Leonard erupted for 45 points, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 153-128 blowout victory.
While that defensive slump could benefit a Warriors team searching for offensive rhythm, Golden State will still have its hands full with Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves star currently ranks third in the NBA in scoring at 29.4 points per game.
The Warriors’ defense has generally held up well this season, but containing opposing stars has been a challenge at times. Expect Golden State to make slowing Edwards a major defensive priority Friday night, with Draymond Green likely taking on much of that assignment.
Draymond Green: “To draw these responsibilities at this point in my career is amazing, and it energizes me a lot.”
Bunch of interesting postgame breakdowns from Draymond Green tonight, contrasting the differences between playing small-ball 5 vs guarding apex perimeter scorers. https://t.co/OqKHIQnxFt
MONCHENGLADBACH, Germany (AP) — Kevin Stöger’s first goal of the season helped Borussia Mönchengladbach beat St. Pauli 2-0 and boost hopes of avoiding Bundesliga relegation on Friday.
Stöger was making his 200th Bundesliga appearance and struck a superb 25-meter free kick over the St. Pauli wall approaching halftime.
Franck Honorat added the second in the second half when he side-footed home a low left-foot drive.
It was a comfortable win for the 12th-placed Gladbach and lifted it four points clear of a packed relegation zone.
Only five points separate Hamburg in 10th place and St. Pauli, which is third from bottom in the last of the relegation places.
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 10: Kevin Durant #7 and Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets high five during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 10, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans
March 13, 2026
Location: Toyota Center — Houston, Texas
TV: Space City Home Network
Radio: KBME Sports Talk 790
Online: Rockets App, SCHN+
Time: 7:00 CST
Probable Starting Lineups
Rockets: Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun
Pelicans: Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, Saddiq Bey, Zion Williamson, Herbert Jones
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 5: Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics and Alexandre Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards jump for opening tip on November 5, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards play the Boston Celtics tomorrow night. Let’s get to the preview.
Game info
When: Saturday, Mar. 14 at 6 p.m. ET
Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA
How to watch: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass
Injuries: For the Wizards, Kyshawn George (elbow), Anthony Davis (hand, groin), Cam Whitmore (shoulder), and D’Angelo Russell (not with team) are out.
For the Celtics, Nikola Vucevic (hand) is out. Derrick White and Jayson Tatum are day-to-day.
What to watch for
The Wizards head into Saturday’s game on a 10-game losing streak and the NBA’s worst point differential at 11.1 points. Despite Washington’s losing streak, they are still 1.5 games ahead of the Indiana Pacers, who are on an 11-game losing streak and haven’t lost as many games as the Sacramento Kings, who are 16-51. Washington is 16-49.
Boston, on the other hand, has lost two games in a row, most recently to the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road last night. Stranger things have happened in basketball, like …. the 83-point game by some player on the Miami Heat earlier this week. And perhaps the Miami (Ohio) Redhawks’ 31-0 start before losing to UMass last night in the MAC quarterfinals. But it will be hard to see the Wizards upsetting the Celtics tomorrow night. That said, it’s all about the lottery balls now, right?
Lakers forward LeBron James, soaring to the hoop for a layup past Bulls guard Josh Giddey, finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in the win Thursday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Almost three hours later, the play was fresh in coach JJ Redick’s mind. How the Lakers started their win over the Chicago Bulls felt like the blueprint for success.
The Lakers ran a movement set on the opening play Thursday, and using a screen from Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic found LeBron James in the corner. Ayton rolled toward the basket. James then made the extra pass. Austin Reaves splashed a three.
Working in perfect unison, the Lakers showed every component they spent the season searching for: Doncic powering the offense, Reaves finishing it, Ayton’s motor and, at the center, James’ selflessness.
With one month left of the regular season, James is prepared to continue sacrificing for the Lakers if it means they can get closer to contending in a crowded Western Conference playoff race.
"I know what I'm capable of still doing as an individual," James said after he scored 18 points to go with seven rebounds and seven assists against the Bulls in his first game back from a three-game absence. "But what's important for this team, I'm able to adapt to what's important for this team. And that's the only thing that matters. And the win is the only thing that matters.”
The Lakers (41-25) have won seven of their last eight games, climbing from sixth in the West to third before Saturday’s 5:30 p.m. game against Denver (41-26) at Crypto.com Arena. The critical conference game will decide the head-to-head tiebreaker between the teams that are separated by half a game in the standings.
During the week since their last loss to the Nuggets on March 5, the Lakers have reasserted themselves into the postseason conversation despite not having James. He injured his elbow and hip late in the Denver loss on a hard fall. But the Lakers didn’t appear to miss the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
They started this five-game homestand with three convincing wins without James, including two of their most significant of the season. Consecutive wins over New York and Minnesota, teams with records above .600, made the Lakers look like they were peaking at the right time.
Fitting James, Reaves and Doncic on the court together this season hasn’t been seamless. The Lakers are 12-7 in games the three play together. They’re 22-9 in games with only Reaves and Doncic.
Doncic, who scored 51 points Thursday, leads the NBA in scoring at 32.9 points per game and, despite a calf injury that sidelined him for more than a month, Reaves is in the midst of a career season with 23.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. James, averaging 21.4 points and seven assists, has a career-low usage rate.
Lakers forward LeBron James, top, hangs onto the rim as he dunks the ball over three Bulls defenders. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
While James was sidelined over the last week, he and Redick further discussed the approach necessary for the team to continue its recent success when he returned.
“He understands how important it is for Luka and AR to have time on the ball,” Redick said. “The realistic thing is that when they're on the court together, that's going to take away time on the ball from him.”
James didn’t take a shot in the first quarter against the Bulls. He didn’t score his first points until 54 seconds left in the second quarter. But he had three assists in the first half before he and Doncic combined for 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting in the third quarter. James was a perfect five for five from the field during the third quarter, then Reaves took over in the fourth, scoring 13 of his 30 points in the final quarter to eclipse 5,000 points for his career.
The trio was plus-25 together on the court against the Bulls, tied with Doncic, Reaves and Rui Hachimura for the best plus-minus rating of any three-man combination in the game.
“He’s one of the smartest guys to ever play the game of basketball,” Reaves said of James. “So his ability to adapt and to figure out what the game needs is second to none. … When you’ve got a player of that stature who’s willing to play the way the game needs him to play, it just shows how selfless he is.”
The Lakers needed all of James’ versatility with backup big men Jaxson Hayes (back soreness) and Maxi Kleber (lumber back strain) sidelined. Hayes got imaging on his back Thursday, but Redick did not have the results before the game. Redick expects Kleber to “be out for a little bit” after a previous back injury flared up again. Guard Marcus Smart, who missed Thursday’s game because of a hip injury that was lingering for several games, could return Saturday, Redick said.
James recognized he would have to set more screens, be more active on the glass and roll toward the basket more with the shorthanded frontcourt. Smart’s tenacity was a key ingredient to the defensive effort that locked down the Knicks and Timberwolves, and James, revered by coaches and teammates for his defensive communication, stepped up to anchor the defense too.
He and Doncic each had one block against the Bulls and combined for five of the Lakers’ nine steals.
“Greatness fits in with anything,” Ayton said. “That's LeBron James.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 25: Malachi Smith #13 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts after a made basket during the first half against the Connecticut Huskies in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 25, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Another NBA jersey is going up on the Gonzaga Bulldogs’ wall, as former guard Malachi Smith is signing a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets.
Smith averaged 14.4 points on 52 percent shooting from the field and 42 percent from three-point range, 5.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game with the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn’s G League team.
That now marks 34 players from the Pacific Northwest college basketball program who have played in the NBA. 13 of those are competing in the NBA right now.
Smith started his collegiate career with the Wright State Raiders from 2018-19, transferred to the Chattanooga Mocs from 2020-22, before making his way to Spokane, Washington, for his final season of eligibility. He was named the West Coast Conference Sixth Man of the Year in 2023 before going undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Since then, he’s had stops with the G League’s Rip City Remix, Wisconsin Herd, Memphis Hustle, and Long Island Nets over the last three years.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
Mar 7, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center/forward Joel Embiid (21) reacts to the official during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Well, it appears no reinforcements are on the way for the Sixers any time soon.
Joel Embiid will miss his seventh straight game with a right oblique strain when the Sixers host the Brooklyn Nets Saturday afternoon. Head coach Nick Nurse told reporters in Detroit Thursday that Embiid would be reevaluated on Friday. As of this posting, there’s been no update provided by the team.
Centers Adem Bona and Andre Drummond, who both sat out the blowout loss to the Pistons, are considered questionable with respective back issues.
With Tyrese Maxey (pinky), Kelly Oubre Jr. (elbow) and Paul George (suspension) all set to miss the next couple weeks at minimum, Embiid is the Sixers’ only real hope of getting any type of relief. Alas, it does not appear as if Embiid will be available for the team’s home back-to-back this weekend.
The glass half-full outlook is that the Sixers will play three of their next six games against teams that are openly tanking. The glass half-empty outlook is that the Sixers have even struggled with tanking teams in their current state.
In addition to being down Embiid Thursday night in Detroit, the Sixers were missing Bona and Drummond. That meant Dominick Barlow started and played most of the minutes at center while being backed up by Jabari Walker. It’s going to be awfully tough to win games if that arrangement continues.
The Sixers host the Nets Saturday afternoon and are right back at it against the Portland Trail Blazers Sunday night. After that, they go on a three-game road trip out West beginning with a St. Patrick’s Day matchup against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
The Sixers currently sit at 35-31, ninth in the Eastern Conference. They went from being pretty securely in the top-six to free falling to the bottom of the Play-In. They’re 2.5 games up on the 10th-place Charlotte Hornets.
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 15, 2024 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jayson Tatum returns when the Celtics face the Wizards on Saturday night at TD Garden. Tatum, who made his season debut last Friday, played in three consecutive games before he sat out on Thursday night vs the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In addition, Derrick White, who missed Thursday’s game with a right knee contusion, is listed as probable on the injury report. A one-game absence likely signals the injury is not a severe one.
Jayson Tatum is AVAILABLE tomorrow vs the Wizards
Baylor Scheierman, who sprained his right ankle at the end of last night’s game, is PROBABLE.
Derrick White, who is dealing with a right knee contusion, is PROBABLE
Baylor Scheierman appeared to be in pain at the conclusion of Thursday’s game after rolling his ankle. But, like White, Scheierman is listed as probable — also a good sign when it comes to getting a better sense at how severe his ankle injury might be.
The only Celtic expected to miss Saturday’s contest is Nikola Vucevic, who has missed three straight games since fracturing his right ring finger last Friday.
How the Celtics, Wizards stack up
The Celtics and Wizards are two teams headed in complete opposite directions. The Celtics are 43-23, owners of the Eastern Conference’s second-best record. The Wizards, meanwhile, are 15-51, owners of the Eastern Conference’s second-worst record. The Celtics have the NBA’s second-best net rating at +7.8; the Wizards have the NBA’s worst net rating at -10.9.
The Wizards will be without Anthony Davis, who has yet to lace up for DC. Kyshawn George (left elbow sprain) and Cam Whitmore (right shoulder deep vein thrombosis) are also out, while Sharife Cooper (right ankle/foot sprain) is questionable.
The rest of the Wizards roster — Alex Sarr (17.2 points, 7.6 rebounds), Trae Young (14.7 points, 6.7 assists), and Jaden Hardy (12.8 points) have led the way. But, the Wizards have lost 10 straight — including infamously giving up 83 points to Bam Adebayo in a loss to the Heat on Tuesday night.
The two teams have faced off twice this season (in November and in December), and both times, the Celtics walked away with blowout wins.
The Celtics are set to face the Wizards in a third and final match-up at 6pm ET on Sunday.
CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 8: The sneakers worn by Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 8, 2026 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Our NBA player prop projections are back for tonight’s primetime matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors, and the model has already identified several standout opportunities.
After breaking down the data and comparing our projections with the current market lines, we’ve pinpointed the spots offering the strongest betting value.
These Timberwolves vs. Warriors predictions aren’t based on gut instinct — they’re driven by the numbers. If you’re building your betting card, these are the model’s top NBA picks for Friday, March 13.
Timberwolves vs Warriors computer picks for March 13
Timberwolves
Warriors
Edwards u29.5 points -105
Podziemski o15.5 points -115
Reid o6.5 rebounds +102
Green u1.5 threes -105
Randle o4.5 assists +120
Horford o5.5 rebounds -145
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Timberwolves computer picks
Anthony Edwards Under 29.5 points (-105)
Projection: 28.0 points
Although Anthony Edwards has only gone Under his 29.5-point line in four of the last 10 games, the matchup still presents challenges.
Opposing starting shooting guards have been held to just 38.4% shooting from the field against the Golden State Warriors — the second-lowest mark allowed in the league — making this a difficult spot for the Minnesota Timberwolves star to erupt offensively.
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Naz Reid Over 6.5 rebounds (+102)
Projection: 6.6 rebounds
The Timberwolves have played at the ninth-fastest pace in the league over their last 25 road games, a tempo that could boost rebounding opportunities for Naz Reid.
Reid has cleared his 6.5-rebound line in four of his last 10 games and could benefit from the increased possessions in this matchup.
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Julius Randle Over 4.5 assists (+120)
Projection: 4.6 assists
Julius Randle has only cleared the 4.5-rebound line in three of his last 10, but tonight’s matchup presents a much more favorable environment for him to get back on the glass.
One key factor is the style of this Warriors offense. Golden State relies heavily on perimeter shooting and high-volume 3-point attempts, which naturally creates long rebound opportunities.
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Warriors computer picks
Brandin Podziemski Over 15.5 points (-115)
Projection: 16.3 points
Brandin Podziemski has averaged 17.6 points per game over his last five contests, which is 5.0 points higher than his season average.
That scoring bump could continue against the Timberwolves, who have played at the ninth-fastest road pace in the NBA over their last 25 games.
The uptick in tempo should lead to more possessions for the Warriors, giving Podziemski additional opportunities to stay aggressive offensively.
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Draymond Green Under 1.5 threes (-105)
Projection: 1.4 threes
The matchup with the Timberwolves isn’t an ideal one for perimeter shooting. Opposing starting power forwards are attempting just 3.6 threes per game against Minnesota this season — the third-fewest in the league.
That trend could limit opportunities from deep for Draymond Green of the Warriors, especially after he’s already gone Under his 1.5 made threes line in six of his last 10 games.
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Al Horford Over 5.5 rebounds (-145)
Projection: 6.0 rebounds
The Warriors should see an increase in possessions against the Timberwolves.
Golden State has also been the league’s top offensive-rebounding team over the last 10 games, a trend that could benefit Al Horford, who's cleared his 5.5 rebound line in six of his last 10 games.
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How to watch Timberwolves vs Warriors tonight
Location
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Date
Friday, March 13, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime
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The Milwaukee Bucks are six games out of the final play-in spot in the East with 17 games to go, and they are chasing some of the league's hottest teams in Charlotte and Atlanta. Milwaukee's loss to Miami on Thursday was its seventh loss in eight games, and they are 1-4 since Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the lineup. The Bucks aren't trying to lose, they are just not a good team.
After that game, Antetokounmpo's comments sticking up for Bam Adebayo and his 83-point outing a couple of nights before drew the initial headlines. But Antetokounmpo's comments about the Miami Heat raised eyebrows as well. Here's what he said, via Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
"They're going to play tough, and they're not going to stop playing. That's the Miami Heat culture. It's tough. For me personally, I don't know how the team feels, but for me personally, it's a tough season… I'm just trying to take it game by game. I'm grateful — happy that I'm out here competing. But at the same time, it's in my nature to win games...
"Miami's head coach [Erik Spoelstra] is going to keep playing, man. Even when they don't knock down shots, you're going to get second chances. They're going to crash the board, get rebounds, find the open man, try to get to the free-throw line, keep on moving the ball, get the ball to Bam (Adebayo), and try to execute from there. They're going to play hard. They have guards that can penetrate and drive and kick, and that's what they do, man."
Antetokounmpo has been frustrated this season, whether that's enough to get him to leave the only team he has played for in the NBA — the only city he has called home since leaving Greece — is another question. Whatever moves the Bucks front office can make this offseason may well have a lot to say about that.
This offseason, the Bucks and Antetokounmpo will have an honest talk, which will include them offering him a max contract extension. How he responds to that will set the course for what comes next. While many people will read his comments above — and look at his actions over the past year — and think they know the answer, nothing is set in stone until he actually turns down the money Milwaukee puts on the table, which he has never done before.
That said, a lot of teams are prepping their offers to the Bucks for this offseason.
The RedHawks' first loss of the season didn't knock them out of USA TODAY Sports' latest bracketology field prediction, but it means the MAC is going to get a second bid with whoever its automatic qualifier is. That means one less bubble spot.
Elsewhere Thursday, Auburn (17-16) had a chance to punch its NCAA ticket by beating Tennessee but lost to the Volunteers 72-62. The Tigers' case is a curious one.
Missouri lost 78-72 to Kentucky on Thursday and is now on the wrong side of the bubble.
In Friday's early games, top seeds Saint Louis (Atlantic 10), Michigan (Big Ten) and Florida (SEC) avoided upsets.
What to watch Friday for NCAA Tournament bubble
The bubble remains messy but is starting to get a little clearer as contenders advance in or fall out of tournament play.
One team making a late push is Oklahoma, which dropped nine midseason games in a row but has rebounded to go 8-2 in its past 10. The Sooners have recently added wins against Auburn, Texas before strong efforts against South Carolina and Texas A&M at the SEC tournament.
Two contenders to watch are Mountain West rivals San Diego State and New Mexico, which will meet in the conference semifinals. While the Aztecs or Lobos could make it easy by going ahead and winning the MWC title, the winner of the semifinal is in good shape for an at-large spot.
In the Atlantic 10, VCU (24-7) could do itself a favor Friday by beating Duquesne in the A-10 quarterfinals. And Seton Hall (21-11) is making late push in the Big East tournament. If the Pirates beat St. John's in Friday's semifinal, they'll be just one win away from an automatic bid.
Mar 12, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) reacts with forward P.J. Washington (25) during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks (22-44) play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers (40-26) on Friday on the second night of a back-to-back. The Mavericks are coming off a win in one of the year’s biggest Tank games, where they outlasted the vaunted Grizz starting four NBA 2k randomly generated characters and former Mav, Olivier-Maxence Prosper.
Now they’ll go against a Cleveland squad scrapping for seeding in the East and trying to hold off the Orlando Magic for the fourth spot and home-court advantage in the playoffs. Dallas wishes them the best in that endeavor.
Cardio Coop
This is not rocket science, but it’s hard to play NBA basketball when you’re tired. Dallas flew back home from Memphis and has less than 24 hours before lacing ‘em up again for the Cavs. While many of the older vets sat out the front half of the back-to-back, Cooper Flagg seems like he’ll be available for both.
With zero days rest this season, Flagg has played eight times, and he averages roughly two fewer points, one fewer assist, and one fewer rebound than his season averages this year. The disparity between zero days’ rest and two days is even higher. On a back-to-back, and especially this late in the season, we’ll get a look at when or if Cooper does finally hit that rookie wall.
Who guards the guards?
Cleveland adding James Harden as a backcourt partner to Donovan Mitchell has made them one of the more formidable pairings in the league, with Harden flashing some vintage performances since putting on a Cavs jersey.
Dallas, which often flips back and forth between starting Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard at lead guard, is going to have its hands full trying to contain even one, let alone both of those guys. And if one of them gets on a heater, watch out. Things could get out of hand fairly quickly in this one.
Do that again
After this game, Dallas will be on the road again, flying out to take on… the Cleveland Cavaliers! In a rare mid-season home-and-home. How that plays into how Dallas wants to play their lineup is something to consider. Coach Jason Kidd has never been one to shy away from some rather kooky tinkering, and the chance to run his guys against the same team in back-to-back contests might prove irresistible. How will Dallas’ lineup fare in an A/B test? Will Cooper play all his on-court minutes with Nembhard and Powell in game one, and BWill and Gafford in game two? The potential for lineup data is tantalizing.
Timberwolves
Warriors
