Matt Hayes' bracket is go big or go home. He has seven double-digit seeds winning first round games.
He's got your typical 5-12 upsets, going with High Point to beat Wisconsin and McNeese beating Vanderbilt in the first round.
But he wasn't done. His prediction of 14-seed Wright State beating 3-seed Virginia in the Midwest Region was our boldest take.
Our biggest Sweet 16 surprise
12-seed Akron was picked to reach the Sweet 16 twice in the Midwest Region (Eddie Timanus and Jordan Mendoza are bullish on the Zips).
12-seed McNeese got a vote for the Sweet 16 from Matt Hayes. He picked the Cowboys to beat Vanderbilt and then Nebraska in the South Region.
Craig Meyer has 11-seed Texas winning Tuesday night's play-in game vs. NC State, then beating 6-seed BYU in Round 1 and shocking 3-seed Gonzaga in the second round before losing to Purdue.
10-seed UCLA got some hometown cooking from Jordan Mendoza, one of our L.A.-based reporters. He picks the Bruins to knock off 2-seed UConn in the second round of the East Region.
Blake Toppmeyer has BYU making the Elite Eight and beating former WCC foe Gonzaga in Round 2.
Paul Myerberg and Craig Meyer have BYU losing in the first round to the Texas/NC State play-in game winner.
Dark horse Final Four prediction
For the most part, there were no real surprises in our Final Four picks. Jordan Mendoza and Eddie Timanus went chalk, hoping to match last year's all-1-seed Final Four. The highest-seeded team picked by our staff to reach the Final Four was 5-seed St. John's, who Paul Myerberg picked to win the loaded East Region.
Most popular Final Four predictions
Arizona to win the West Region was picked eight times (80%).
Duke, Michigan and Florida were each picked six times to win their respective regions (60%).
Arkansas got two votes to win the West Region. Brent Schrotenboer and Craig Meyer are buying stock in John Calipari, and more likely Darius Acuff Jr.
Three teams got one vote. In addition to Paul's St. John's pick, Craig Meyer has UConn winning the East and John Brice predicts Illinois will win the South.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: De'aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs drives past the defense of John Collins #20 and Bennedict Mathurin #9 of the LA Clippers during the first half of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Intuit Dome on March 16, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ok so let me walk you through how this night went for me and see if it tracks similarly for you.
I turn on my TV at 7:00 because I forgot it was a road game.
False start. That’s OK. We can recover from this. We’ll be fine.
The game starts when? 9:00? P.M.? That can’t be right. Wow. Pacific Standard Time, eh? We’re still doing that? I thought we voted to end PST just like we did Daylight Saving Time. Wait, we’re still doing that? I swear, this country has to get its act together.
Alright. 9:00. Here we go.
Spurs–Clippers. Last time we played it was one of the highlights of the season and I can’t wait to see what kind of fireworks we have in store tonight. Should be electric.
Kawhi’s out, eh? Shocking. Dylan’s still out? Bummer. And Kornet? Bummer. Well. Alright. Still might be fun.
Oh shoot, the game started already.
Let’s see. Peacock. Peacock. Where is Peacock?
No, I don’t want to watch Ted. Or Hamnet. Or Love Island All-Stars (it always gets boring near the end anyway).
Ok. Spurs–Clippers. Here we go.
WE’RE DOWN HOW MUCH?
I don’t need to watch this. This is… this is a throwaway game. We’re missing guys. They’re missing guys. It’s Monday night. It’s late. I’m just going to call it a night and see what happened in the morning.
Ok, nice dunk though Devin. I see you. I’m still going to bed though.
Alright, well. De’Aaron, that was nice. Steph, that was very nice.
The funny thing is, the Spurs had already started climbing back into the game while I was busy trying to convince myself to go to bed. And that’s kind of become their thing this year. Games get weird, momentum swings around, and they just calmly work their way back into it.
Stephon Castle was flying around for offensive rebounds and putbacks, and before long the Clippers’ 17–3 start had quietly started to fade. Wemby started controlling things defensively and almost effortlessly asserting himself on offense. Devin Vassell found space and knocked down a couple shots. Fox started getting downhill and bending the defense the way he does. The Spurs started getting stops, the pace flipped, and suddenly the whole thing felt different. By the time Jordan McLaughlin hit a three to tie it early in the second quarter, the entire game had reset.
And honestly, that kind of swing doesn’t even feel unusual anymore.
One thing that’s really stood out to me this year is that across the NBA, no lead feels particularly safe. It doesn’t matter who you are or who you’re playing. Twenty point leads happen all the time, and twenty point comebacks seem to happen just as often.
I don’t know if it’s because scoring is completely off the rails or because defense is now more of a suggestion than a requirement. Maybe the rules are too soft. Or too hard? Look, I honestly don’t know.
What I do know is that a quick 10-point lead doesn’t even register with me anymore when the Spurs have it. That’s nothing. That can disappear during a bathroom break.
For some reason that logic never applies when the Spurs are down, though. That still feels catastrophic. Just one of life’s little mysteries, I guess.
I’m fine. I’m actually the normal amount of anxious for a guy my age. Why do you ask?
The Spurs handled their business in this game. Even when it felt like they weren’t going to. Even when things got a little wobbly down the stretch and it briefly seemed like Darius Garland might have invented a floater that could somehow arc just high enough to evade Wemby’s outstretched arms enough times to pull the Clippers back into it.
But the Spurs were good. They were solid. They got the job done.
I don’t know if I give them enough credit for being professional like that. We talk all the time about their youth and inexperience, as if it’s a defining trait that’s inseparable from who they are. But for all that talk, they don’t really play like it.
They have their ups and downs. Stretches where things aren’t working the way they should. That part can absolutely be chalked up to youth and inexperience.
The key part, though, is what happens next.
They don’t spin out. They don’t let the rough stretch become the whole story. They just attack it like a problem that needs to be solved. A puzzle to figure out.
There’s a steely resolve when they hit a roadblock instead of panic.
I have no idea how or if this will play out in the playoffs. Every single person even tangentially associated with having an opinion on basketball is so quick to fall over themselves and breathlessly explain to you how “the playoffs are a completely different animal.” The intensity is different. The stakes are higher. The lights are brighter. All that jazz. I’m as guilty of doing this as anyone!
The truth is that I don’t know. Frankly, I don’t remember. It’s been a long time since the Spurs were in the playoffs and an even longer time since they were in there with a team full of guys who hadn’t been there before. I don’t know how any of this works anymore. I don’t know what any of these guys are capable of.
I know it will be different, and I know that they know it. They’re getting it from all sides just like we are. It’s not the last test they have to pass, but it certainly is the next one.
“They don’t have enough experience though”. That’s the story on this team. That’s the line you hear over and over again. The playoffs are different. The intensity is different. The stakes are higher. The lights are brighter. Remember?
But when I think about what this team has spent the entire season doing, I’m not sure the word “experience” means quite what people think it does. Because every night it feels like they’re running into something new. A weird game. A bad stretch. A matchup problem. A moment where things stop working the way they’re supposed to.
And every night they treat it the same way.
They slow down. They look at it. They start figuring it out.
They treat it like a puzzle.
The playoffs are a completely different test. It will expose things this team hasn’t seen yet.
But if experience is really just learning how to solve the problems in front of you, then this team has been getting plenty of it all year.
And so far, when these Spurs run into a problem, they don’t panic.
They solve it.
Takeaways
50 wins feels pretty good. What was our over/under for wins? like, 43? 50 is pretty good! I find this acceptable!
I feel like I could come in here after every single game and just make the whole thing about how much I enjoy watching Stephon Castle play basketball. I love the way he moves. He sort of lopes down the court with this really tall posture, like he’s almost teetering forward when he runs, and it creates this constant feeling that something unexpected might happen. He’s explosive, but not in the same way De’Aaron Fox is explosive. Fox is lightning fast. Castle is more like… sudden. Once he decides to go, everything just starts happening quickly. I realize I’m kind of spinning out trying to explain this, but he’s just an aesthetically pleasing basketball player to watch. The movements are fun. The chaos feels intentional. I saw someone on Twitter say he’s a consistent three point shot away from being Dwyane Wade and I nearly passed out.
It was nice to see the Spurs figure out a way to win without shooting particularly well from three. Obviously I’d prefer them to shoot well from three, but come playoff time that’s the kind of thing that tends to wax and wane a little. So: how to succeed in business without hitting many threes. Step one is you’ve got to grab somewhere in the vicinity of a million rebounds. Absolutely pound the boards. The Spurs did that. They were aggressive, especially on the offensive glass, and it never really felt like they were wasting possessions even when the shots weren’t falling. Step two is you put the clamps on defensively. (This is admittedly a little easier when Kawhi isn’t playing, but still. Odds are pretty decent that on any given night Kawhi won’t be playing.) If you can’t score, then they sure as hell better not be scoring either. Basketball is actually pretty simple when you think about it. As always, my door is open for any NBA consultancy opportunities.
Hi! This is Charlie’s anxiety talking now. For some reason the Clippers feel kind of spooky to me as a playoff matchup and I would simply prefer that we not do that. I know we’ve won these two games against them, but they play us really hard. They’re well coached, they’re disciplined, and they just seem to do a lot of things well. I don’t know. I don’t like the Kawhi storyline being something we have to hear about constantly. I would prefer to simply not experience that. That said, I could probably talk myself into every single possible matchup feeling spooky if you gave me enough time, so please feel free to disregard Charlie’s anxiety. Please feel free to disregard Charlie altogether, he really is just kinda making this up as he goes along.
WWL Post Game Press Conference
– Ok, so it seemed like you were about to do one of those old school running diaries here and then just bailed halfway through. Can you walk us through that decision?
– Yeah, sure. I mean, sometimes you sit down to write and you know your angle. You watched the game, it all made sense, you were in the flow and felt it coming together, and the only step left is pen to paper. Other times… nothing.
– And this was one of the nothing times?
– Yeah, for sure. The game ended so late last night and I really felt like I’d just find it in the morning. Then, sure enough, I sat down in front of a blank WordPress doc and it was crickets.
– So the running diary bit was maybe a way in?
– Yeah. There are a couple tricks like that in the arsenal that are really just a ploy to start writing. Get anything on the page. It’s stupid, but sometimes literally typing out what happened in the game can kickstart something. I don’t know. The biggest enemy of writing is not writing, so sometimes the only answer is to write.
– Of course. So then it seems like you eventually found what you wanted to talk about, but you kept part of the diary bit. I’m not sure I understand that.
– Well, see, I kept it because I had already written it and didn’t want to erase it.
– Sure.
– I thought it was good! I always enjoy poking at Peacock as a streaming service. I thought the thing about dropping into the game down 17–3 was funny. The daylight savings bit?? That’s good stuff! And I really did forget that the game didn’t start until 9. Jokes aside, if I didn’t have to write about it I absolutely would’ve bailed. I don’t know, it felt like a pretty accurate portrayal of the watching experience and I wanted to keep it.
Makes sense. But you didn’t feel like doing it for the whole game?
– I think if you’re going to go full Bill Simmons and run back a Game Watchalong Diary, you have to commit from the beginning. If you want to do it well, you have to go into the game taking notes, workshopping jokes, feeling it in the moment. It’s really hard to fake that. People can tell.
Dec 7, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla (center) looks on between Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and Chris Paul (3) at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Celtics and the Suns met last night, and beyond the game itself, it was a good snapshot of how both teams have evolved over the past year. Not long ago, neither team was particularly effective on the offensive glass. Boston finished 18th in offensive rebound rate last season, Phoenix 26th. This year, both are among the best in the league, ranking 5th and 6th respectively, which says a lot about how intentional that shift has been.
That evolution didn’t happen in a vacuum. Both teams went through an eventful summer and lost a significant part of their offensive creation, forcing them to find other ways to generate an edge. Instead of relying purely on shot-making, they leaned into the possession battle — creating extra chances through offensive rebounds and limiting wasted possessions.
Joe Mazzulla vs. Jordan Ott: two perspectives on the possession battle.
Here's what Jordan Ott said about the Celtics and the Suns possession battle different approaches before the game.
And then, Joe Mazzulla thoughts of the Suns approach for last night game.
When talking with Suns assistant Jordan Ott before the game, what stood out was how differently both teams approach that same objective. The common ground is obvious with offensive rebounding, but the real gap shows up in turnover management. Phoenix has completely changed its defensive profile, going from one of the worst teams in the league at forcing turnovers last season (28th in opponent turnover rate) to one of the best this year (3rd). Boston hasn’t followed that same path and still ranks in the lower third in that category, around 22nd.
However, the Celtics compensate for that on the other end. They are one of the best teams in the league at taking care of the ball, with a turnover rate around 12.5%, second overall, while the Suns are significantly higher at about 14.5%. As Ott explained, that difference has a direct impact on how the Celtics defend. Because they rarely give the ball away, they force opponents to operate more in the half court, naturally reducing transition opportunities and giving Boston a more stable defensive base.
That contrast was visible throughout the game. The Suns leaned heavily into pressure, trying to disrupt ball-handlers and speed up decisions, while also making a clear effort to control the glass after being exposed in that area in the previous matchup in Phoenix. Their approach was aggressive and physical, designed to create the extra possessions they rely on.
SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory!
Thursday 9am-12pm: Chris Dobbertean and Mike Rutherford
Boston answered in a different way. The Celtics didn’t try to match that chaos but instead leaned into their structure, spacing the floor properly and moving the ball to break the pressure. Jaylen Brown was at the center of that, repeatedly attacking downhill with space and finishing with 41 points and 21 free throw attempts. Around him, the ball kept moving, forcing the defense to shift and eventually opening up clean advantages.
That approach translated directly into production, with Boston posting a 79.5% assist rate, their highest of the season. It was less about forcing the issue and more about letting the offense breathe until the right option appeared.
In the end, both teams are chasing the same goal — winning the possession battle — but through very different levers. Phoenix looks to create chaos and generate turnovers, while Boston prioritizes control and limits mistakes. Last night didn’t show who executed better but highlighted two distinct ways of building an edge when pure talent alone isn’t enough.
Brackets are filled out. Cinderellas headed the sweet 16 are selected. There's even a first-round upset you know isn't going to happen but just had to take anyway.
Now it's time to start watching NCAA Men's Tournament games — and seriously scouting for your favorite NBA team for the draft. NBA teams are way ahead of you; they have already done much of their work (they care more about interviews and medical reports from the NBA Draft Combine, as well as individual workouts, than the tournament games). That said, players can help or hurt themselves in the tournament, especially late first-round and second-round picks.
If you're an NBA fan watching a ton of games this week, here are 15 names to keep an eye on.
Cameron Boozer, Patrick Ngongba II, Duke
Cameron Boozer has lived up to the hype — 22.5 points and 10.5 rebounds a game, leading the Blue Devils to the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament. Scouts have noticed, and Boozer is firmly ensconced in the top tier of this draft and is almost certainly going to be taken in the top three. Watch him against Sienna on Thursday and you'll see a polished player who is just good at everything: Shooting (with 3-point range), rebounding, setting picks, using angles, passing, all of it.
Cameron Boozer went off in his final regular season game against UNC
Boozer is the biggest name, but he's not the only guy getting drafted out of Duke this year. Also, keep an eye on Patrick Ngongba II, the Blue Devils' 6'11" center. There are teams that like Ngongba's defensive presence in the paint and his passing skills as a big man. However, he is a divisive prospect because he's not an explosive leaper, leading to questions about his ability to rebound and finish at the rim at the next level. That will matter less in the next few weeks, and he is going to get drafted in the first round because of what he can be as a defensive big man.
Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., Aday Mara, Michigan
You should get plenty of chances to watch this trio over the next few weeks, as the No. 1-seeded Wolverines expect a deep tournament run (they are my pick to win it all).
Michigan has been one of the best teams in the league because of their depth of talent — and their big man have skill. That starts with Yaxel Lendeborg, the 6'9" Big 10 Player of the Year. He plays bigger than his size because of his 7'4" wingspan and has the kind of versatility NBA teams crave: He can handle the ball some on the perimeter, and he can also defend guards out there for a stretch. The only reason he is projected as a mid-first-round pick is because he will be 24 before he sets foot on an NBA court.
Then there is Morez Johnson Jr., another 6'9" big man with a long wingspan (7'2"). Johnson has climbed up draft boards as the season wore on because he plays hard and he's strong, allowing him to defend in the post. While he's averaging 13.6 points and 7.4 rebounds a game for Michigan and shooting 63.5%, he's not seen as a scorer at the next level, but he can score enough in the paint to be part of a big man rotation in the NBA next year. Then there is 7'3" Aday Mara, whose shot blocking has him in the mix for a late first/early second round selection (if he stays in the draft). Mara plays a high-IQ game and is a good passer, but his hands and foot speed have him going later than one might expect.
Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Peterson is must-watch — he's an incredible shot creator, the best playmaker in this class and he's averaging 19.9 points a game while shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc. Peterson may have missed time this year — and teams want to see his medical reports out of the NBA Draft Combine — but he is too dynamic to pass up, both for teams lucky in the NBA Draft Lottery and for fans watching the NCAA Tournament. He may very well go No. 1.
Another must-watch player — he was No. 1 in the first NBC Sports Mock Draft of the season. Dybantsa is averaging 24.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, but what has NBA front offices drooling is that he's maybe the best athlete in the draft as a 6'9" wing player, the archetype most in demand around the NBA right now. Dybantsa can get downhill, create space and hit tough shots when needed. He has great footwork for a young player, and a comfort level shooting contested shots. He will be put to the test in BYU's opener against Texas or NC State (whichever team comes out of the first four game Tuesday).
Mikel Brown, Ryan Conwell, Louisville
I am higher on Brown than the consensus and have him going No. 6 overall in the first NBC Sports Mock Draft of the year (pretty much every team has him going in the top nine). The 6'4" point guard is built for the NBA game with its more spaced out floor and shooters all around him. Brown is very skilled as a scorer and shot creator, and he should show that off against South Florida in the Cardinals' opener.
Conwell is a strong guard who can bully his way in the paint and finish, plus he can drain the 3. Conwell (who played at Xavier before Louisville) is a 22-year-old senior projected as a mid-second-round pick, but a strong showing in the tournament could help boost his stock.
Kingston Flemings, Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
Houston's got a number of players who could be taken at one point during the draft, but these are the two must-watch guys — and for very different reasons. Kingston Flemings, the team's 6'4" point guard, has steadily climbed up draft boards this season as he has shown an explosive first step and ability to get around people and to the rim. He's averaging 16.5 points and 5.4 assists a game, and is shooting 37.6% from 3-point range. We have Flemings going fifth in the NBC Sports Mock Draft.
Chris Cenac Jr. has scouts divided, and he could go anywhere from the late lottery to the 20s. He's 6'10" and very athletic, he's shown off a nice jumper at points, and he's thriving in his role with the Cougars. He also doesn't get to the line very often and is not a shot blocker despite his size. Will he be able to fill that same role as a rim-running big man in the NBA? Will he go pro or decide to spend another year developing in college, then go pro? Watch and decide for yourself what he should do.
Darius Acuff Jr., Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
Darius Acuff Jr. is just a fun player to watch. Acuff can play on or off the ball, has a high motor, a good shot and a high basketball IQ. He is averaging 22.2 points and 6.4 assists per game, he is an old-school true point guard who is a great floor general but can also get a team a bucket. What keeps him out of the very top of this draft is his size (6'2") and the fact that he is the worst defender of any player in the lottery.
Meleek Thomas is the Razorback's other guard, and he's shown he is an explosive scorer in transition, can get to the rim and has a nice floater game. That said, most teams have him in the second round (or at best, late first), which means the 19-year-old likely will return to college for another year, but watch him because he is going to the NBA at some point.
Brayden Burries, Koa Peat, Arizona
Brayden Burries is a little old school. He isn't flashy, but he is well-rounded and efficient, which has made him one of the real risers in this draft class. He can play on and off the ball, knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers, attack closeouts, and get downhill off screens, with a midrange pull-up game. He has a lot of fans in NBA front offices.
Peat is a bit divisive among those same front offices, and drafting him would be a bet on a team's player development staff. There's a lot to like, Peat is 6'8" and physical, he hits the boards hard, can do some playmaking and has enough versatility to keep teams interested. He is averaging 13.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. The question mark is his jump shot, he hit just 31.6% from 3-point range this season. A player of his size and skillset has to hit the 3 in the NBA. If he learns to do it consistently, he will earn his likely late lottery selection.
TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 15: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 15, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons will square off with the Washington Wizards in back-to-back games. Detroit looks to improve its road record as Washington hosts the matchups.
Detroit remains the one seed in the Eastern Conference after an uneven last 10 games. They are 3.5 games over on the Boston Celtics, who are getting healthier.
With 15 games remaining in the regular season, Detroit controls its own path to the top seed and homecourt advantage throughout the East side of the bracket. Take care of the Wizards to keep the separation.
Game Vitals
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
When: 7:00 PM
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons (-17.5)
Analysis
Homecourt should be something the Pistons strive to keep. They are a young, energetic, chaotic group that thrives on punishing opponents. Detroit isn’t a high-powered offensive group with loads of playoff experience.
When you are behind the eight-ball offensively and a lesser-experienced group, leaning on your fans in the postseason is a needed advantage. Homecourt advantage doesn’t guarantee playoff success, but it’s not easy for opponents to play in front of a ruckus Detroit crowd.
With the 22nd hardest schedule remaining, Detroit has a clear path to stay No. 1. The Celtics have the eighth hardest schedule and ground to make up to catch Detroit. In reality, you still have to play and win the games no matter who’s on the schedule.
Detroit might have gotten a look at the Wizards with Trae Young, but he exited last night’s game with a right quad contusion. One would think Young could bring some offensive juice to the Wizards when they are trying to compete.
Washington will be without Kyshawn George and Anthony Davis. Those two will be integral pieces for them moving forward. Alex Sarr may be their most intriguing piece, but he hasn’t played 25 minutes in a game since early February. It’s hard to gauge how much he’ll play on a nightly basis due to Washington having its eyes set on the draft.
Detroit isn’t fully whole with Isaiah Stewart out with a calf strain. Ausar Thompson being back in the lineup is major, but losing Stew is a huge loss. They’ll need him healthy and sharp for the postseason.
Games against the Grizzlies, Nets, and now Wizards are opportunities for the others to get going. It’s common knowledge how teams will defend Cade Cunningham in the playoffs. Teams are going to attempt to force others to beat them by throwing multiple bodies at Cade consistently, so the others will have opportunities to take advantage.
Tobias Harris did in the Toronto Raptors L. Those corner 3s can swing the momentum in a playoff game. The shooters need to provide more. Duncan Robinson and Kevin Huerter can bounce back against a Wizards team that allows guys to build confidence.
Before the snipers in Detroit start flowing, the Pistons need to do what got them here. Toronto out-hustled Detroit in the last outing. Dominating on the glass and on the paint are staples in Detroit’s success this year. Get back to doing what got you here and continue the homecourt quest.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 12: Rasheer Fleming #20 of the Phoenix Suns looks on against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 12, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Suns fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
It is one of those conversations that keeps popping up everywhere around the Phoenix Suns ecosystem. In text threads between fans. In the comment section on Bright Side. In those casual basketball debates that happen around the proverbial office water cooler.
What should the Phoenix Suns do at the power forward position?
It is a question that has followed this team all season long, and it started last summer while the roster was still being assembled. The reason is simple. The Suns do not have a traditional power forward in terms of size. That conversation began months ago. When training camp approached, the debate centered around two names. Royce O’Neale, who stands 6’6” according to Basketball Reference, and Ryan Dunn, the 6’7” sophomore out of Virginia.
The argument for Royce was easy to understand. He spaces the floor. He understands the system. He brings veteran stability to the lineup. The argument for Dunn leaned in a different direction. He is longer. More defensively inclined. Slightly taller. The type of player who could bring energy and length to a position that traditionally demands both.
That is where the conversation began. It has been the ongoing conversation all season long. And when the Suns lose a game where size becomes the deciding factor, it is the first place people look. The power forward spot. It becomes the easy explanation. The logical one, too. A team with limited size runs into a bigger lineup, the paint starts to feel crowded, rebounds slip away, and suddenly the conversation circles back to the same question: Is there an opportunity to improve that position?
Now we are late in the basketball calendar. The Suns are entering the homestretch with less than a month remaining in the regular season. At this stage of the year, drastic changes are something most teams try to avoid. Rotations have rhythm, players understand their roles, and you do not usually start pulling major levers unless you absolutely have to.
But a new element has quietly entered the discussion. Rasheer Fleming.
The Suns second round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has begun to carve out real minutes, and more importantly, he has begun to make those minutes matter. When a young player starts producing, it changes the tone of the conversation. Suddenly, the theoretical future becomes something you can see on the floor. And that is why the power forward debate has picked up a little more steam lately. Rasheer Fleming brings something different to the conversation.
He has the size that people have been talking about all season. At 6’9”, he naturally fits the physical profile of a modern power forward. He is long, sporting that condor-ish 7’5” wingspan, and he can stretch the floor with his three-point shot. He has the ability to affect plays defensively in ways that Royce O’Neale simply cannot. The weak side blocks. The length contesting at the rim. The kind of defensive moments that make you pause and say, okay, there is something here.
So the conversation evolves. And honestly, it is a fun one to have. Who should start at the power forward position for the Phoenix Suns?
Should it remain Royce O’Neale, the veteran who spaces the floor, understands the system, and has been a steady part of the lineup all season? Should Rasheer Fleming step into that role and give the Suns the size that people have been asking for since October? Or should Ryan Dunn get another opportunity, seeing as he is still a sophomore, and there is real value in learning what you have in a young player before making long-term decisions?
That is the question on the table. And it is the subject of today’s Suns Reacts.
The shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers head to Ball Arena to face the Denver Nuggets, who will look to get back on track following an overtime loss to the Lakers on Sunday.
Jamal Murray struggled to find his shot in his last game, but my 76ers vs Nuggets predictions call for him to bounce back and dominate Philly.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference showdown on Tuesday, March 17.
76ers vs Nuggets prediction
76ers vs Nuggets best bet: Jamal Murray Over 24.5 points (-112)
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray had a brutal showing against the Lakers, finishing with just five points on 1 of 14 shooting.
In eight games prior, he averaged 29.9 points and scored 25+ six times. He's averaging a career-best 25.1 points per game, and he’s scored 25+ in 30 of 63 games.
Injuries have taken their toll on the Philadelphia 76ers, and over the last 10 games, the Sixers rank 22nd in defensive rating (116.4).
With so many key players sidelined, Philly lacks depth, size, and the quality defenders needed to slow Murray.
76ers vs Nuggets same-game parlay
Over the last 10 games, the Philadelphia 76ers have surrendered 15.5 triples on 36.6% shooting. Murray is knocking down a career-best 3.1 triples at a 42.4% clip, and he should find his rhythm from beyond the arc at home.
In addition to his career-best scoring average, Murray is dishing a career-high 7.1 dimes. He's handed out seven assists in 33 of 63 contests, and he's gone for at least 25 points and seven assists 15 times. Philadelphia has allowed the seventh-most assists per game this season.
76ers vs Nuggets SGP
Jamal Murray Over 24.5 points
Jamal Murray Over 2.5 made threes
Jamal Murray Over 6.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Someone's Gotta Score!
The 76ers will be without four of their Top-5 scorers with all of Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. sidelined. Someone’s got to pick up the scoring slack for Philly.
Quentin Grimes has averaged better than 23 points across his last six games, scoring 21+ four times, including each of his last two. Justin Edwards has started three straight games, and he’s scored 12, 19, and 28 points while running with the first unit.
Cameron Payne has averaged 15.2 points across his last five games with Maxey sidelined, and he’s scored 11+ four times in that span. Dominick Barlow has been a starter for most of the season, but he’s been more productive on offense as of late, scoring 10+ in four straight contests.
76ers vs Nuggets SGP
Quentin Grimes Over 20.5 points
Justin Edwards Over 12.5 points
Cameron Payne Over 10.5 points
Dominick Barlow Over 10.5 points
76ers vs Nuggets odds
Spread: 76ers +15.5 (-110) | Nuggets -15.5 (-110)
Moneyline: 76ers +700 | Nuggets -1100
Over/Under: Over 236 (-110) | Under 236 (-110)
76ers vs Nuggets betting trend to know
The Denver Nuggets have hit the Game Total Over in 32 of their last 50 games (+12.20 Units / 22% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Nuggets.
How to watch 76ers vs Nuggets
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC/Peacock
76ers vs Nuggets latest injuries
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 14: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first half against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on March 14, 2026 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. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images
BOSTON — Jaylen Brown always knew he could do this.
In July, on the last day of his annual educational camp for Boston youth — the Bridge program — I spoke with the Celtics star.
The team had just lost Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday to trades and Al Horford and Luke Kornet to free agency. Jayson Tatum was on crutches, and for the first time in years, the feeling around basketball in Boston was somber.
In that lengthy conversation, Brown shared how, over the years, he sometimes took a back seat, something he felt most players of his caliber in the NBA haven’t had to do. But, as he stressed multiple times, he was okay with it: it was all in pursuit of a championship, the thing that was most important to him in the world.
“I’m extremely grateful that we won a championship,” Brown said then. “I’m extremely grateful that we’ve been able to have success, and that’s what it’s about.”
But, when it came down to leading a Celtics roster devoid of superstars for the very first time, Brown had no doubt that he was up for the challenge.
We sat across a round table at the MIT building where the Bridge camp was based. Dozens of high school students filed out as the day’s sessions concluded; some gave Brown a fist bump on their way out, others a wave.
After the room emptied, Brown cleared his throat and unexpectedly broached the topic of the year ahead.
“I feel like I’m very talented,” he said. “I’m one of the talented people in this league, on this planet, I feel like. I’m looking forward to showing the world more.”
What would more look like?
I wasn’t even sure.
The Celtics star already had a Finals MVP under his belt, a Second Team All-NBA selection, and four All-Star appearances. He’d averaged at least 20 points per game for six consecutive seasons, while often taking on the Celtics’ most difficult defensive assignments.
As my mind wandered, I took note of how he had phrased that sentence: “I’m one of the talented people in this league.”
He skipped over the word most, likely an intentional choice, but though he omitted it, it still hung in the air, framing our conversation. Brown didn’t need to say it for me to know exactly what he meant.
It was clear as day that Brown had long felt like he was one of the world’s best basketball players, even coming off a season in which his shooting numbers substantially declined as he played through a partially torn meniscus. So, though outside expectations around the Celtics lowered, Brown was eager to show everyone else what he already knew to be true.
Not everyone believed.
The conversation around the 2025-2026 Celtics season was framed around the organization taking a “gap year” with Jayson Tatum sidelined. The word “tanking” came up for the first time in over a decade. Even the most optimistic fans struggled to envision how the Celtics could again find themselves near the top of the Eastern Conference, let alone be one of the NBA’s best teams.
But, just like he said he would, Brown has pridefully steered the ship. On the season, he is averaging 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists — all career-highs. His shooting numbers across the board are up from last year, and his 79.2% clip from the free-throw line is the best mark of his career. He’s locked down some of the league’s top stars, taken over in the clutch, and set a franchise record for most consecutive 30+ point games (9).
Brown has tallied six 40+ point games this season, the latest coming on Monday night in a 120-112 win over the Phoenix Suns.
Once again, he was the best player on the floor, outdueling another one of the NBA’s brightest stars. That’s something he’s done countless times in a season filled with masterclass performances.
As MVP chants echoed across a raucous TD Garden, Brown erupted for 18 fourth-quarter points, finishing the night with 41 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
“It’s pretty cool, not gonna lie,” Brown said on Monday night. “It’s pretty awesome to be at my this point in my career and be able to get that love from the fans.”
This year, Brown was named an All-Star starter for the first time in his career. He also earned his first Player of the Month selection, collecting the award for his strong play in January. Those accolades aren’t what drive him, but they indicate the outside world sees what he’s long felt: he’s among the best players in all of basketball.
What has driven Jaylen Brown’s career season?
Most players don’t make a leap at age 29, but Jaylen Brown is now a proven exception.
“I’ve always felt like I could be one of the top players in the world, given the opportunity,” Brown said Monday. “And I feel like I got to display that this season.”
One major factor behind this leap is that this season, Brown has overwhelmingly been the Celtics’ primary creator for the first time.
“I’ve been able to be in this in a role where I’ve been able to control things, and everybody’s kind of playing off me,” Brown said. “I’ve been in those roles seldom over the years, but this year, for an extended amount of time, I’ve been able to be in that position.”
To viewers at home, the difference between being the primary creator and the secondary creator might not look as stark as it feels. But, for Brown — a player who sometimes very clearly enters a flow state on the offensive end— it’s night and day.
“People are going to have their critiques and their criticism, but it’s just a completely different flow when people play off you, or when you play off others,” he said. “It’s two completely different things. For people watching the game, you just think, like, ‘just roll the ball out, and everything’s supposed to work great. Players are all supposed to fit together.’ It doesn’t always work like that. Sometimes, you got to take a backseat, or sometimes you got to play more off-ball. So, everything shifts.”
Asked Jaylen Brown if he feels like he’s been able to improve individually this season:
“For sure. And I've been able to be in this in a role where I'd be able to kind of control things, and everybody's kind of playing off me. I've been in those roles seldom over the years, but… pic.twitter.com/5vJtxWJDMm
“I’ve been able to play at my own pace. And I’ve been able to control my own destiny.”
Still, as well as things have gone, he feels like he has a lot of room to grow.
“I feel like even now, over the last couple of games, I’ve adjusted my game,” he said. “And I’m still continuing to get better in my playmaking ability, seeing the floor, taking my time, all of that stuff is still continuing to improve.”
Brown’s offensive production may soon take a hit — and that’s okay
With Jayson Tatum back in the lineup, he’ll once again share the floor with his co-star. Brown is candid: accepting that his role will change as a result takes humility, and isn’t always easy.
But he understands that what’s at stake is a championship.
“JT is extremely important to us for what we want to do,” Brown said. “Obviously, I’m having a great season, but then I have to just think: what’s the big picture?”
And, just like he told me back in July, as much as he feels confident in his own abilities, individual accolades aren’t what drive him.
“I always put the team first and what the bigger picture is first,” Brown said.
Only 14 games remain in the Celtics’ season. They currently sit at 45-23, good for the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. Already, they’re the betting odds favorites to come out of the East.
But Brown still feels like his team has another gear it can reach.
“Everybody has to be patient,” he said. “This is not the best version you’re watching right now.”
NBA fans may want to take heed of that warning — because Jaylen Brown has been right before.
Only those legendary Hall of Fame coaches reached 600 wins as head coaches faster than Steve Kerr, who hit the milestone on Monday night when the Warriors beat the Washington Wizards.
"It's surreal to hear my name in that group, but I can tell you that it's one thing that bonds us all together, those names and mine," Kerr said after the win, via NBC Sports Bay Area. "It's talent. It's talent. I mean, you can't win in this league without great players, and I was blessed from the day I took this job with incredible talent with Steph [Curry] and Klay [Thompson] and Andre [Iguodala] and Andrew Bogut and down down the list ...
"All these guys are just amazing, and so I owe the honor to incredible talent and a great organization. Just to work for the Warriors, to be part of this amazing group of people that [Warriors owners] Joe Lacob and Peter Guber put together. Just to be a part of this, I'm so blessed, and most organizations are not this strong and this aligned, and I'm very, very lucky."
There are 28 coaches who have reached 600 wins, but Kerr does it with four titles and coaching the team of a generation. Kerr won rings as a player for Jackson and Popovich and served as a bridge from that era to the modern game — which his Warriors helped form.
This current Warriors team — with both Jimmy Butler (ACL) and Stephen Curry (knee) — out injured is struggling to hold its position in the West and appears headed for the play-in. The Warriors did get Kristaps Porzingis and Draymond Green back for the win in Washington.
Kerr is in the final year of his contract but has put off discussing his future with the team until this season ends. That said, around the league, the expectation is that he will be back coaching the Warriors next season.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 13: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks walks off the court after the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 13, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With just 13 games left to go in the regular season, it’s go time for the New York Knicks. The boys in orange and blue have won their last three outings, and after a lengthy west coast road trip, should be excited to stick around the eastern time zone for their next few games.
As the playoffs become more and more in focus, it’s imperative that the Knicks are playing the best ball towards the end of the year. You want to be peaking at the right time. Brunson, Towns, and Anunoby have all been playing up to their standards. Mitchell Robinson has been attacking the glass hard. The bench has had a lot of different contributors as of late.
The most noticeable absence from that list, of course, is Mikal Bridges. And what a glaring absence it is.
Over his last six games, Bridges is averaging 6.5 points per outing.
That’s not a typo. Soak it up. 6.5 points. That’s nearly a first-rounder given up per point at that rate. Are we serious?
No Mikal Bridges down the stretch in the 4th. No matter where you stand on it, it’s a massive problem that a guy the franchise emptied the clip for has been benched multiple times in crunch time this season.
Bridges, shooting 32% from the floor and 21% from three over that span, has been playing just over 26 minutes per night over the same period of time. He’s been benched in the fourth quarter multiple times. While he still delivers a steadying presence on the defensive end, the man who once averaged over twenty points per game has now turned into an offensive afterthought.
Last season, Mikal Bridges became the first player in NBA history to log more than 3,000 minutes and attempt fewer than 125 free throws.
This season, Bridges is on pace to finish with fewer than 100 FT attempts.
In general, it’s indicative of a season-long regression. Bridges’ average points have decreased from 17.6 to 14.8 between his two years as a Knick – still very solid, but for the blockbuster price New York paid for him, they just had to be expecting more. He has little to no aggression with the ball in his hands, and when the fadeaway jumpers aren’t falling, things get ugly fast.
Remember, Bridges was hailed as the missing piece when New York traded for him. He was the last of the Nova Knicks, destined to become a part of Madison Square Garden lore and propel the Knicks into championship contention.
Yes, New York may be viewed as a contender, but the reality of the situation is that it’s not because Bridges came in and elevated the level of play.
After last year’s playoffs, we’ve seen Bridges show up in the biggest of moments while under immense scrutiny. I’ll take any opportunity I can get to link these.
MIKAL BRIDGES STEAL TO SEAL GAME 1 FOR THE KNICKS!!
You could argue that the two plays above made the trade worth it alone. I don’t know if you’d be right, but you certainly could argue it, and I certainly would have to smile as I imagined the first two games of the Knicks-Celtics series last year. Bridges is a dog. He has it in him. We all know it. However – and most importantly – if this year’s Knicks want to win a championship, they’ll need Bridges to at least revert to the levels he played at last postseason to go on a true run.
The fate of New York may be in his hands, and a championship push might ultimately be dependent on which version of Mikal Bridges shows up in the playoffs. He has thirteen more games to figure it out before we see for ourselves.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 13: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks and T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers battle for the ball during the second quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 13, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images
They’re back at it again. Thankfully, for the fourth and final time this season, the Knicks (44*-25) will face the Pacers (15-53). Just two games ago, New York had to extert more effort than expected to knock of these cellar dwellers in Indiana. Tonight, they take the floor at Madison Square Garden in the first of seven remaining regular season home games.
Over their last 10 games, the Knicks have gone 7-3. The Pacers have lost 13 straight.
In their last meeting, on March 13, 2026, the Knicks won 101-92. Jalen Brunson led New York with 29 points and nine assists, while Mitchell Robinson hauled down a career-high 22 boards and OG Anunoby added 25 points. Jarace Walker led the Pacers with 18 points and nine rebounds.
The Pacers have had a dismal season defined by poor efficiency on both ends. Their offensive rating is last in the league and their defensive rating rates 25th. They average 111.2 points per game (27th in the league) and rank in the bottom 10 for wins, points allowed, field goal percentage, and net rating.
The best player on the Pacers is Pascal Siakam, who averages 24 points per game and shoots 36.2% from three while adding 6.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists. He’s missed four straight games, though, and Indiana might be inclined to shut him down for the remainder of the campaign. Andrew Nembhard contributes 17 points and leads the team with 7.3 assists per game. Bennedict Mathurin provides scoring punch at 17.8 points per game with 37.2% from downtown in limited appearances.[Editor’s Note: D’oh.] Aaron Nesmith adds 13.5 points and solid defense.
The Pacers are already without Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) and Johnny Furphy (ACL) for the season, and could be even more shorthanded Tuesday with Pascal Siakam (doubtful) and a long list of rotation players—McConnell, Nembhard, Nesmith, Toppin, Zubac, Sheppard, Jackson, and Potter—listed as questionable. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson is listed as a game-time decision as he’s managing an ankle sprain and neck pain. And I have my suspicions about Landry Shamet’s neck.
Prediction
Quoth Vermont Knicks Fan, “I call BS on the Pacers injury report.” Indeed. It’s Indiana’s special duty to make our lives miserable every time they face the Knicks, and tonight will be no exception. ESPN.com gives the Knicks an 87% chance of winning, but if I were a betting man, I’d count on the Hoosiers to cover the spread.
Coach Mike Brown should rest Brunson. We’ll need Cap’s gas tank as full as possible when the playoffs start, and this would be a prime opportunity for the other point guards on the bench (Tyler Kolek, Jose Alvarado) to show what they can do. We don’t doubt that the Knicks will win, given that the Pacers focused on tanking. It just might not feel like a sure thing until midway through the fourth. The Kolek Game? The Diawara Game? The McCullar Game? Carpe diem, gents. Knicks by 12.
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks (44*-25) vs Indiana Pacers (15-53) Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Time: 7:30 PM ET Place: Madison Square Garden, NYC TV: MSG Network Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
* Should be one more, but NBA Cup wins lurk in the shadows
Kevin Durant was his own harshest critic following Monday's deflating loss.
Kevin Durant was his own harshest critic Monday night.
The Rockets star was brutally honest with reporters after getting neutralized by late-game defensive adjustments, blaming himself for the Houston’s 100–92 home loss to the Lakers.
With its offensive engine hindered by a flurry of double-teams, Houston scored just 12 points on 4-for-16 shooting while committing nine costly turnovers in the final period.
Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant blamed himself for Monday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Getty Images
“I just felt like I lost the game for us tonight,” said Durant, who scored just two of his 18 points in the second half and accounted for seven of Houston’s 24 turnovers. “It’s that simple. Of course we probably could make more 3s, but it’s on me. I mean, to be honest, I’m the offense and the opposing team is going to use all their resources and not let me get comfortable.
“First half, I got comfortable in iso, comfortable coming off of pindowns, pick-and-rolls and they decided not to let me get comfortable no more,” he added. “So I got to be smarter, better with the ball. I got to maybe shoot over some of them double-teams, but space out, be ready to catch and shoot, be ready to be a screener, just be in a dunker spot, just being able to be there as a resource for my teammates to provide space. I didn’t need to have the ball as much as I did tonight.”
The Rockets (41–26) have frequently struggled late in games when teams send reinforcements at Durant, but were further strained Monday night as All-Star center Alperen Sengun was sidelined to nurse lower back pain.
The Lakers (43–25) — who have won nine of their last 10 games behind an emerging defensive identity — planned accordingly, deploying several different coverages to disrupt Houston’s sole source of offense.
It proved a winning strategy for Los Angeles, which offset its own offensive struggles — save for Luka Doncic’s 36 points — by holding Houston to just 35 points and 15 forced turnovers, including six from Durant, after intermission.
Kevin Durant was hit with several double-teams during the second half of Monday’s loss to the Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images
“[Durant’s] one of the greatest players we’ve ever seen play obviously, so you’ve just got to try to show him different looks, try to keep him off balance,” said LeBron James, who scored 18 points.
“And when he shoots, hope he misses. He don’t miss many shots. So I thought we did a good job of having a game plan, but also just switching up our pitches. Can’t show a great like that too many of the same coverages just throughout the whole game.”
The Rockets — now 1 1/2 games behind Los Angeles for third place in the Western Conference — will host the Lakers again Wednesday night.
Durant, who finished 8-for-16 from the floor but shot just 1-for-5 during the second half, would seemingly like to see Houston implement a different strategy in the rematch — questioning his effectiveness as the primary ball handler down the stretch.
“I just feel like it just makes us stagnant,” Durant said. “When I come across half [court] and then they waited on me to drive, but I know they’re coming to double, so I wait a split second. I just think the whole process is too slow.
“And I just think that it’s all on me, because the team, when they see me, it just feels like one-on-five, to be honest,” he added. “You know what I’m saying? Because I see two guys coming up out the corner to help at the elbows and guys at the boxes. It’s almost like a zone when I get the ball up top. When I try to post up anywhere, it’s going to be double-teams. So I’m just trying to find out ways to open myself up, open my teammates up.”
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 16: Kristaps Porzingis #7 and De'anthony Melton #8 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate in the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2026 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 Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Effective field goal percentage:Despite the loss, the Wizards still had a higher shooting percentage here thanks to a better three point shooting night.
Three Wizards players scored 21 points: Will Riley, Bilal Coulibaly and Trae Young scored this magic number each and at a good efficiency.
And the cons:
Kristaps Porzingis: There was no Stephen Curry or Jimmy Butler. Draymond Green was the assist and rebounding power. But Porzingis came off the bench and scored 30 points.
Turnovers: Washington gave up 21 turnovers last night compared to 17 for Golden State. Against a more established team, that’s how things work against the Wizards.
12 straight losses? I’d like to see a win every now and then.
No rest for the weary. The Detroit Pistons are in tonight so let’s hope the Wizards don’t lose 13 in a row.
Amid their win-streak, they’ve beaten multiple teams atop the NBA standings, including the Knicks, Timberwolves, Nuggets and Rockets.
It’s time to accept the reality you’ve been dreading: The Lakers are contenders.
On Saturday, Charles Barkley antagonized Lakers fans by saying he hoped they didn’t beat the Nuggets. He said that would be his “worst nightmare” because then he’d have to hear sports shows calling them contenders.
Getty Images NBAE via Getty Images
Not only did the Lakers beat the Nuggets in overtime, 127-125, but they then won their next game against the Rockets on Monday, 100-92, holding Kevin Durant to nearly as many field goals (eight) as turnovers (seven).
Over the past two weeks, the Lakers have piled on increasingly impressive wins. It’s time to accept the fact that a pattern has formed.
The Lakers win over the Knicks in which they never trailed wasn’t an anomaly. Their victory over the Timberwolves wasn’t because Anthony Edwards was having an off night, shooting 2-for-15 from the field. Their nail-biter over the Nuggets wasn’t luck. And their grind-it-out win over the Rockets wasn’t a one-off victory.
The Lakers are good. Perhaps they’re even really good.
Something has changed for the team.
Luka Doncic is playing MVP-caliber basketball for the second time this season after his sizzling performance amid the Lakers’ 15-4 start. Over the month of March, he’s averaging 34.3 points, 9 rebounds and 7.7 assists.
Deandre Ayton is playing with force. Marcus Smart is reminding everyone that he’s a former Defensive Player of the Year.
Lakers coach JJ Redick can finally exhale. His long nights in his dark basement poring over film have paid off. Everyone has bought in.
The Lakers are in third place in the Western Conference. They’ve hit their stride at just the right time. WIth only 14 games remaining, they’re one of the top teams in the NBA.
Those are whiplash-inducing sentences considering they were counted out mere weeks ago. After going 4-4 on their eight-game homestand, a purple and gold-stained natural disaster had officially struck Los Angeles.
You know, Doncic wasn’t a winner. James was a blight on the Lakers. Reaves was a disappearing act. And former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton didn’t even compare to Rockets’ center Clint Capela.
Oh, how things have changed.
Now, Doncic is a legitimate MVP-contender. James is a selfless winner for playing behind Doncic and Reaves. Reaves is a sensation. Ayton has looked like DominAyton recently. And Smart has become the hard-nosed defender the Lakers needed.
Of course, it remains questionable whether the Lakers could beat the crème de la crème of the West in a seven-game series. The reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder made them look old and tired last time they met. And it’s uncertain whether the Lakers have answers for the 7-foot-4 alien that is Victor Wembanyama and his Spurs.
But the Lakers can no longer be counted out.
They’re tough. They’re able to adapt. They tallying wins against the best teams in the league.
It’s no longer hyperbolic to call them contenders. If everyone keeps starring in their roles, the Lakers could really make some noise in the playoffs.
The four-time NBA champion James obviously knows a thing or two about winning. Doncic carried Dallas to the Finals in 2024 and is desperate to make former Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison regret the day he put his signature on the most shocking trade in NBA history.
Reaves is anxious to play well in the playoffs following his 2025 postseason struggles, especially with a potential max contract awaiting him. Ayton wants to prove he’s not a bust. And Smart is ready to show the world what he can do again.
The Lakers aren’t just a group of mismatched stars who can’t jell anymore. They’ve sacrificed to make The Big Three shine. They’ve filled their holes on the defensive end and from beyond the arc, masking their deficits with unyielding effort.
The Lakers have arrived.
Sorry, Sir Charles. We all know the narrative that the Lakers are good is as abhorrent to you as setting foot in San Antonio.
This postseason, looks like you’re going to be in for a lot of grief.
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 25: Ryan Rollins #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against Dennis Schröder #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on February 25, 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
After a back-to-back where the Milwaukee Bucks lost to the fiery-hot Hawks on the road and beat the Pacers at home, they’ll take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday. The last time these two Central Division teams met, KPJ iced the game with a clean fadeaway over Jarrett Allen in one of the more memorable plays of the season. Since then, Milwaukee’s momentum has been halted by a difficult stretch of games, while Cleveland continues to wrestle for playoff positioning. Tuesday will mark the last time Milwaukee plays Cleveland this season.
Where We’re At
After a difficult stretch of games where Milwaukee has won just two games (Utah, Indy) in their last ten, they seem primed to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The Bucks are struggling with consistency in scoring and concede an uncomfortable amount of three-pointers. Milwaukee’s shootout against the 15-53 Pacers marked a burst of offensive firepower Milwaukee has missed for most of the season. After shooting north of 50% from three through the efforts of players like Bobby Portis and Ryan Rollins, the Bucks will look to continue their solid shooting in their home matchup against Cleveland.
Cleveland, much like Milwaukee, is looking for some steadiness after a tumultuous stretch of games. The Cavaliers are mired in a difficult playoff race, and recent losses to the likes of Boston and Orlando have knocked them down to fourth place, 7.5 games behind first-place Detroit. They travel to Fiserv Forum coming off an “embarrassing” 130-120 loss to Dallas, where they’ll try to fix their defensive mishaps and careless turnovers.
Injury Report
For the Bucks, Giannis is questionable with a sprained ankle. His ankle has been bugging him recently, and a potential hyperextended knee that took him out of Sunday’s game against the Pacers hasn’t helped. Although Giannis downplayed the scary leg injury, his ankle troubles make playing him a risky bet against the Cavs, especially with low stakes in a relatively meaningless game. Ousmane Dieng (illness) and Myles Turner (calf strain) are also marked as questionable.
The Cavs will miss Jarrett Allen, who averages north of 15 points per game, with tendonitis in the knee. Allen has missed the last five games with the injury and will miss Cleveland’s three-game road trip to undergo treatment. Craig Porter Jr. (groin) and Tyrese Proctor (quad) are also out, while Sam Merrill (questionable, hamstring) and Jaylon Tyson (probable, ankle) round out their injury list.
Player to Watch
Cam Thomas has logged 19 minutes across the last three games, even sitting out the entirety of the Bucks’ Sunday win over Indiana. Thomas is a gifted scorer whose main strength comes from his ability to create separation off the dribble and convert tough jumpers. However, struggles with efficiency and an inability to mesh with the established Bucks rotation have left Thomas in the dust when it comes to playing time. Thomas is averaging 7.4 points in 13.4 minutes per game, posting shooting splits of .375/.278/.667 in March. Could Doc take another chance on such an unpredictable scorer, especially against a floundering Cavaliers defense?
How To Watch
Watch on NBC/Peacock or FanDuel Sports Network at 7 p.m. CDT.
