Category: Basketball

The 2026 men's NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we'll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it's one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year's draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Illinois's Keaton Wagler  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the guard's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Keaton Wagler 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 8 overall, Atlanta Hawks

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

After trading away Trae Young, the Hawks could use a guard like Illinois standout Keaton Wagler using a first-round pick they received from the Pelicans. The 19-year-old guard has played a crucial role for his team to earn a spot in the Sweet 16. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 40.8 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman while connecting on as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year has athletic limitations but is a cerebral basketball player who is also averaging 4.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game this season.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Keaton Wagler player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Illinois
• 17.9 points per game
• 4.8 rebounds per game
• 4.4 assists per game
• 44.6% field goal percentage
• 40.2% three-point field goal percentage

Atlanta Hawks 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 7 (via NOP), No. 22 (via CLE) and No. 57 (via BOS)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Keaton Wagler NBA mock draft projection: Where Illinois star is expected to land

The 2026 men's NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we'll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it's one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year's draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Arizona's Brayden Burries  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the guard's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Brayden Burries 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 9 overall, Milwaukee Bucks

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Arizona freshman Brayden Burries had two breakout games in January, which helped solidify his draft stock. But the All-Big 12 guard has continued to display his tantalizing talent, scoring 31 points with seven rebounds and five steals against Colorado on March 7 and 20 points with 12 rebounds and five assists during a victory against No. 14 Kansas on Feb. 28. Burries has also looked like a lottery talent during March Madness, earning a spot in the Sweet 16. He has proven productivity and he is able to defend, relocate, move the ball and make 3-pointers off the dribble.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Brayden Burries player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Arizona
• 15.9 points per game
• 4.7 rebounds per game
• 2.6 assists per game
• 49.2% field goal percentage
• 36.7% three-point field goal percentage

Milwaukee Bucks 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 10

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brayden Burries NBA mock draft projection: Where Arizona star is expected to land

The 2026 men's NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we'll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it's one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year's draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Arizona's Koa Peat  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the forward's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Koa Peat 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 12 overall, Portland Trail Blazers

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Portland Trail Blazers have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Arizona forward Koa Peat will probably have some appeal to the organization. Peat is an ideal match for this franchise given his versatility as a playmaking forward. The All-Big 12 forward just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro. Arizona plays at a significantly faster pace (4.1 extra possessions) when Peat is on the floor relative to when he is not, per CBB Analytics, which would fit very well with Portland's fast-paced offense.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Koa Peat player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: Arizona
• 13.6 points per game
• 5.3 rebounds per game
• 2.7 assists per game
• 53.7% field goal percentage
• 31.6% three-point field goal percentage

Portland Trail Blazers 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 11

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Koa Peat NBA mock draft projection: Where Arizona star is expected to land

The 2026 men's NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we'll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it's one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year's draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Alabama's Amari Allen  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Forward's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Amari Allen 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 30 overall, Dallas Mavericks

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Alabama's Amari Allen is a 6-foot-7 freshman who averaged 12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists with 1.7 "stocks" (combined steals and blocks), while shooting 39.5 percent on 3-pointers on 4.8 shots per game for the Crimson Tide during SEC conference play. The SEC All-Freshman wing is a good connective piece who plays hard, cares about winning and knows how to make the right play. He is a player worth watching during the Sweet 16.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Amari Allen player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: Alabama
• 11.7 points per game
• 7.1 rebounds per game
• 3.1 assists per game
• 45.5% field goal percentage
• 36.5% three-point field goal percentage

Dallas Mavericks 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 6, No. 30 (via OKC) and No. 50 (via PHX)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amari Allen NBA mock draft projection: Where Alabama star is expected to land

The 2026 men's NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we'll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it's one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year's draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr.  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the big man's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Morez Johnson Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 25 overall, Los Angeles Lakers

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best, most underrated two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Morez Johnson Jr. player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Forward-Center
• Current Team: Michigan
• 13.1 points per game
• 7.2 rebounds per game
• 1.1 assists per game
• 62.8% field goal percentage
• 37.9% three-point field goal percentage

Los Angeles Lakers 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 25

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Morez Johnson Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land

The 2026 men's NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we'll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it's one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year's draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Alabama's Labaron Philon Jr.  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the guard's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Labaron Philon Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 11 overall, Golden State Warriors

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Warriors could still use more reliable players in the backcourt and could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. Even though the All-SEC guard is not playing at 100 percent due to injury issues, he has played well in March Madness, recording 29 points in his first game and 12 assists in his second. The guard is now averaging 21.6 points per game and has improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 39.7 percent as a sophomore, also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Labaron Philon Jr. player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Alabama
• 21.9 points per game
• 3.2 rebounds per game
• 4.7 assists per game
• 50.9% field goal percentage
• 40.2% three-point field goal percentage

Golden State Warriors 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 12 and No. 54 (via LAL)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Labaron Philon Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Alabama star is expected to land

The 2026 men's NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we'll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it's one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year's draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Michigan's Aday Mara  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the center's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Aday Mara 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 21 overall, Philadelphia 76ers

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Michigan center Aday Mara is one of the prospects who has helped himself the most during March Madness so far. The 7-foot-3 big man, who transferred from UCLA, is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents only attempt 19.9 percent of their field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is on the court, per CBB Analytics, which ranks near lowest among all NCAA players. He can also pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition and at the rim.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Aday Mara player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Center
• Current Team: Michigan
• 11.6 points per game
• 6.9 rebounds per game
• 2.3 assists per game
• 67.4% field goal percentage
• 25.0% three-point field goal percentage

Philadelphia 76ers 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 24 (via HOU)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aday Mara NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land

The 2026 men's NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we'll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it's one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year's draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the forward's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Yaxel Lendeborg 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 7 overall, Memphis Grizzlies

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Grizzlies could add to their rebuilding core after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. by selecting Yaxel Lendeborg, who has shown on his way to the Sweet 16 that he is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. The Big Ten Player of the Year offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. The Grizzlies have drafted players with similar trajectories like Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Yaxel Lendeborg player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: Michigan
• 17.7 points per game
• 7 rebounds per game
• 3.2 assists per game
• 50.9% field goal percentage
• 35.3% three-point field goal percentage

Memphis Grizzlies 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 8, No. 19 (via ORL) and No. 31 (via IND)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yaxel Lendeborg NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land

The 2026 men's NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we'll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it's one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year's draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, BYU's AJ Dybantsa  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the forward's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

AJ Dybantsa 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 2 overall, Brooklyn Nets

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Nets have the worst offense in the NBA and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting AJ Dybantsa, who would likely go No. 1 overall depending on which team gets the pick. He emphasized that point during his one game for BYU in March Madness, putting up 35 points and 10 rebounds. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star also had 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10 and averaged 28.8 points per game over his final 17 appearances.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

AJ Dybantsa player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: BYU
• 25.3 points per game
• 6.7 rebounds per game
• 3.8 assists per game
• 51.3% field goal percentage
• 34.0% three-point field goal percentage

Brooklyn Nets 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 4, No. 34 and No. 44 (via LAC)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: AJ Dybantsa NBA mock draft projection: Where BYU star is expected to land

The 2026 men's NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we'll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it's one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year's draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Duke's Patrick Ngongba II  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the center's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Patrick Ngongba II 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 22 overall, Atlanta Hawks

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Many teams could use a big man like Patrick Ngongba II, who is an above-average passer for his position. His assist rate is the highest among underclassmen listed at 6-foot-11 or taller, per Bart Torvik, and he is at the top of his game when passing to a driving perimeter player. Ngongba, who has helped Duke earn a spot in the Sweet 16, is a big-bodied prospect who can carve out space as one of the more prolific cutters in college basketball. He is on an encouraging development track, displaying legitimate year-over-year improvement from his freshman to sophomore campaign.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Patrick Ngongba II player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Center
• Current Team: Duke
• 10.7 points per game
• 6 rebounds per game
• 1.9 assists per game
• 60.2% field goal percentage
• 27.6% three-point field goal percentage

Atlanta Hawks 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 7 (via NOP), No. 22 (via CLE) and No. 57 (via BOS)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patrick Ngongba II NBA mock draft projection: Where Duke star is expected to land

CHICAGO — In the final injury report ahead of the Sweet 16 matchup from the United Center on Friday, March 27, the No. 2-seeded Cyclones listed Jefferson as "questionable" against No. 6-seed Tennessee. The game is set for a 10:10 p.m. ET tipoff.

REQUIRED READING: March Madness games today: Analyzing Friday's Sweet 16 men's NCAA Tournament matchups

Jefferson went down in the opening minutes of the first round with an ankle injury and has been sidelined since, including Iowa State's second-round victory over Kentucky.

The senior is second on the Cyclones with his 16.4 points per game and led the team with 7.4 rebounds per game. His return would be crucial to help Iowa State reach the Elite Eight for the first time since the 2000 NCAA Tournament.

Here's the latest on Jefferson:

Will Joshua Jefferson play vs Tennessee? Iowa State guard status for March Madness Sweet 16 game

According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Jefferson is out for Iowa State's Sweet 16 matchup against Tennessee.

Source: Iowa State star forward Joshua Jefferson will not play against Tennessee tonight in the Sweet 16 for the No. 2 Cyclones. He suffered a low ankle sprain against Tennessee Tech in the first round on March 20. pic.twitter.com/tR9F6H3BV2

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 28, 2026

Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger told reporters on Thursday, March 26 that Jefferson would be a game-time decision for Friday, March 27's Sweet 16 game vs. Tennessee.

Otzelberger added that the final decision would come from Jefferson, closer to tipoff time. He was listed as "questionable" on the injury report at 6:30 p.m. ET.

"Yeah, there's nothing new at this point," Otzelberger said. "We're going to give him every opportunity up until the game to do everything he can. He's a fierce competitor. Our medical staff has been amazing, and he's continued to work diligently.

"But at this point, it would be premature to make any type of determination until we get closer to tip."

Did Joshua Jefferson practice ahead of Friday's Sweet 16 game vs Tennessee?

Jefferson was present for the 15-minutes the media could observe practice on Thursday, March 26. While he opened the period, taking shots with teammates, he moved to midcourt and was seen dribbling and talking to coaches for most of that session.

Jefferson was wearing pink high-top shoes with long socks, but had shed the boot he had been observed in previously.

What is Joshua Jefferson's injury?

Jefferson is dealing with an ankle injury he suffered against Middle Tennessee State on Friday, March 20.

He was seen on crutches for the remainder of the game and then ruled out for Iowa State's second-round win over Kentucky and was seen riding a scooter.

Here's a look at his injury:

Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson was helped off the floor after an apparent ankle injury pic.twitter.com/R4xaFzgsJU

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 20, 2026

Joshua Jefferson stats

Here's a look at Jefferson's season stats:

• Points: 16.4
• Rebounds: 7.4
• Assists: 4.8
• Blocks: 0.8
• Steals: 1.6
• Shooting: 47.1%
• 3-Point Shooting: 34.5%

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joshua Jefferson injury update: Will Iowa State star play in Sweet 16?

This is a revenge game for the Toronto Raptors. Sort of. 

Some have said that the Raps’ last loss to the Pelicans and the brutal staredown Jamal Shead suffered at the hands of Dejounte Murray were the catalyst to the Raptors getting their act back together and winning three games in a row. This game is a rematch to see if, indeed, the Raptors took any lessons about team cohesion and toughness to heart.

Both the Raptors and Pelicans find themselves in ironically similar circumstances finishing out the regular season. The Raps’ road trip has finally come to an end with a loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers, while Nola is walking off a loss to the Pistons. Both teams have been middling of late, going .500 in their last 10 games. While the Pelicans have been mathematically eliminated, they found themselves at the 11th seed, just outside of the postseason, while the Raptors are fighting to hold on to their playoff berth, jostling with the rest of the East for the 6th seed. More similarities abound, with the Raptor and Pelicans playing without their starting point guards, as Immanuel Quickley and Dejounte Murray are both missing tonight’s game due to injuries.

The Raptors are no strangers to thrashing bottom of the conference opponents, with their most recent handiwork being the dismantling of the Utah Jazz on Monday. It’s been a matter of public record that the Raptors kill teams worse than them and fumble games against the best in the league, and this looks to be no different of a situation. The loss of Quickley’s shooting and facilitating is of course a blow to Toronto, but the recent heroics of Ja’Kobe Walter make this the best time to be dealing with that deficiency. Walter has been fantastic from long range of late, and his shooting throughout March has been a standout part of a Raptors team that has left much to be desired. Jamal Shead has been a more than solid backup ball handler, and has great potential to show out tonight. The Pelicans are playing without a number of starters, their guard depth especially weak tonight, suggesting the need of a scoring explosion from Zion Williamson to keep the Pels in the game. Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles should match up well with the bowling-ball forward, who was held to only 19 points during their last matchup.

With Murray out, however, some of the narrative of this game has had the wind taken out of it. Shead, likely to start, won’t get a chance to avenge his staredown on the court. The best thing the Raptors can do to show the Pelicans that they mean business is to play tough defense, avoid giving up early leads, and preventing either of Jeremiah Fears or Derik Queen from getting hot, as they’ve been able to do throughout the season. Is a rose by any other name just as sweet? Maybe it is, when the rose is a potential win this late in the season. 

Game Information and Details

Game Time: 8:30 EDT

Watch On: SportsNet

Injury Report

Raptors: Immanuel Quickley (Out – right foot plantar fasciitis)

Pelicans: Trey Murphy III (Out – ankle), Dejounte Murray (Out – achilles), Bryce McGowens (Out – toe)

Projected Lineups

Raptors: Jamal Shead, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl

Pelicans: Zion Williamson, Saddiq Bey, Herb Jones, Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Poole

The 2026 men's NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we'll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it's one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year's draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Duke's Cameron Boozer  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the forward's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Cameron Boozer 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 1 overall, Indiana Pacers

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was one of the best players in college basketball during his first NCAA season and now makes his USA TODAY mock draft pole position debut. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival teams believe Boozer would be the "preferred selection" for the Pacers at No. 1 overall because of his "potential fit" alongside Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac. The ACC Player of the Year isnt a human highlight reel but he offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set. More importantly, he can bring a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and an elite Duke team that has made it to the Sweet 16.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Cameron Boozer player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: Duke
• 22.5 points per game
• 10.2 rebounds per game
• 4.2 assists per game
• 56.5% field goal percentage
• 40.9% three-point field goal percentage

Indiana Pacers 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 1

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cameron Boozer NBA mock draft projection: Where Duke star is expected to land

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen is expected to make his return to the starting lineup, per head coach Kenny Atkinson in his pre-game press conference.

It’ll be the first time Allen has appeared in a game since early in the month, when he left their March 3rd game against the Detroit Pistons with what was initially described as a “knocked knee”. Turns out it was a little more serious than that.

The team expects Allen to play with a minutes restriction “in the mid-20s”, per Atkinson. The Cavs have missed Allen on both ends of the floor, with his paint protection and ability to finish efficiently at the rim on offense. His absence has made the Cavs more of a three-point shooting team, which does not play as well in the head coach’s mind.

“His rim presence offensively, I think sometimes without him, we become too perimeter oriented,” Atkinson said prior to the team’s game against the Miami Heat. “I hope we get some reps with this little runway to run with that big lineup, because that’s our best lineup, and we haven’t seen a lot of the combinations that can go around that,” Atkinson continued. “So at least we’ll get some games under our belt before the playoffs start.”

The Cavs have been tinkering with different lineups all season, but with now single-digit regular season games remaining, it’ll be important to get some consistency going. That goes for the defensive side of the ball as well.

“Opposing teams’ rim attempts go down when he’s in the game, he’s like a seven-foot goalie — he just deters, guys don’t want to challenge him,” Atkinson said when asked about Allen’s impact on what he himself has described as a subpar defense of late.

“It starts at the rim with him on both ends, I keep saying it, he’s been the best rim protector in the league post All-Star.”

The Cavs had another poor showing on the defensive end in their last game out, also against the Heat. Allen’s return, even if for 23 minutes, will have an impact on both ends of the floor. And with the playoffs approaching, the team needs the continuity in the rotation for the final stretch of the regular season.

The Atlanta Hawks (41-32) look to take down Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics (48-24).

Jock Landle (right shoulder impingement) has been ruled out for this game.

Starting lineup:

• G CJ McCollum
• G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
• F Dyson Daniels
• F Jalen Johnson
• C Onyeka Okongwu

Please join in the comments below as you follow along.

Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen

Location: TD Garden, Boston, MA

Start Time: 7:30 PM EDT

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (FDSNSE)

Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)

Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network app, Fubo (out of market), NBA League Pass (out of market), Youtube TV (NBA League Pass out of market)