Basketball – Page 304 – Worldwide Sports News

March 24, 2025

Men’s March Madness bracket: Predictions, picks for Sweet 16 round of NCAA Tournament

The March Madness bracket has reached the Sweet 16. Here are expert picks on who will win reach the Elite Eight of the 2025 men's NCAA Tournament:

March 24, 2025

No. 1 seed Duke’s opening-week offense in March Madness was a display of elite efficiency

Baylor coach Scott Drew knew beating No. 1 seed Duke would be a tough task considering the Blue Devils' elite efficiency rankings at both ends of the court. “The analytics showed they didn't have any weaknesses,” Drew said Sunday after a 89-66 loss to Duke in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

March 24, 2025

When March Madness meets the transfer portal, the world’s biggest scouting combine erupts

They are playing for more than trips to the Final Four and a chance to cut down the nets at March Madness. It is also a chance to see and be seen by other teams.

March 24, 2025

Big Ten, Calipari top NCAA Tournament storylines

Nicole Auerbach and Jordan Cornette run through the stories of the NCAA Tournament thus far.

March 24, 2025

Is NIL to blame for chalky tournament?

Nicole Auerbach and Jordan Cornette explain how the shifting landscape of college basketball may explain why there haven't been many upsets or Cinderellas in the men's NCAA Tournament.

March 24, 2025

Report: Florida assistant Kevin Hovde is new head men’s basketball coach at Columbia

Kevin Hovde was on the staff at Columbia for five seasons, two alongside current Florida coach Todd Golden.

March 24, 2025

March Madness Round of 32: Complete wrap-up of potential OKC Thunder prospects

March Madness Round of 32: Complete wrap-up of potential Oklahoma City Thunder prospects.

March 24, 2025

Bucks vs. Suns Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, best bets for March 24

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Phoenix Suns Preview

The Milwaukee Bucks (40-30) and Phoenix Suns (34-37) are all set to square off from Footprint Center in Phoenix.

The Bucks are fifth in the Western Conference and have won back-to-back games. The Suns are silently putting together a good stretch of games. They have won six of their last 10 games and are on a three-game winning streak.

The Bucks are currently 16-18 on the road with a point differential of 2, while the Suns have a 6-4 record in their last ten games at home.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Bucks vs. Suns live today

Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
Time: 6:00PM EST
Site: Footprint Center
City: Phoenix, AZ
Network/Streaming:

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Bucks vs. Suns

The latest odds as of Monday:

Odds: Bucks (+125), Suns (-149)
Spread: Suns -3
Over/Under: 226 points

That gives the Bucks an implied team point total of 112.33, and the Suns 113.9.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday's Bucks vs. Suns game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards Milwaukee Bucks +3.5...

Thomas: "The Suns are playing great basketball right now, which gives us the perfect sell high situation for them."

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Bucks & Suns game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Phoenix Suns on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Milwaukee Bucks at +3.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 226.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Bucks vs. Suns on Monday

The Suns have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Eastern Conference Central Division teams
The average total game score (231.0) in the Suns' last 10 home games is over the Total for this game (224.8)
The Suns have covered in their last 5 home games
The Suns have won 6 of their last 7 games at home

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

March 24, 2025

Power conferences fill this year’s Sweet 16 for the first time ever

Years of bracket chaos have given way to the year of the power conference. Cinderella is staying home this time.

March 24, 2025

Sixers sign Marcus Bagley to a 10-day deal

Sixers sign Marcus Bagley to a 10-day deal originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers made another late-season 10-day contract signing Monday.

The team announced that it signed Marcus Bagley to a 10-day deal.

Bagley is a 6-foot-6 wing who’s been in the Sixers organization the last two seasons as a member of the G League’s Delaware Blue Coats. He’s averaged 11.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists this year in 18 regular-season games.

Over three college seasons at Arizona State, Bagley appeared in just 17 games because of injuries and clashing with Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley. He posted 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest in college.

Bagley’s older brother, Marvin Bagley III, plays for the Memphis Grizzlies and was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft.

Along with Bagley, Chuma Okeke and Oshae Brissett are recent 10-day Sixers signings. The Sixers have been decimated by injuries and much of the team’s usual rotation has watched from the bench in recent weeks.

Going into a Monday night matchup with the 19-53 Pelicans, the Sixers sat at 23-48. March star Quentin Grimes will rest for the finale of the team’s six-game road trip.

Nine other Sixers remain sidelined by injuries, including Tyrese Maxey (lower back sprain and right finger sprain), Joel Embiid (season-ending left knee injury) and Paul George (season-ending left adductor and left knee injuries).

March 24, 2025

Celtics vs. Kings Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and, best bets for March 24

Boston Celtics vs. Sacramento Kings Preview

The Boston Celtics (52-19) and Sacramento Kings (35-35) are all set to square off from Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

The Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference and have won nine of their last 10 games, including a five-game winning streak.

The Kings are 3-7 in their last 10 games and on a two-game skid.

The Celtics are currently 28-7 on the road with a point differential of 9, while the Kings have a 5-5 record in their last ten games at home.

Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
Time: 10:00PM EST
Site: Golden 1 Center
City: Sacramento, CA

Game odds for Celtics vs. Kings

The latest odds as of Monday:

Odds: Celtics (-169), Kings (+142)
Spread: Celtics -4
Over/Under: 225 points

That gives the Celtics an implied team point total of 113.76, and the Kings 111.67.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday's Celtics vs. Kings game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning toward the Celtic's
moneyline…

Thomas: “At around -150 to -160, we are looking at about a 60% implied probability. The Celtics may be sitting some guys, but it’s hard to imagine they lose to the Kings more than then 30 times in a 100-game series. Slight value here.”

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Celtics & Kings game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Boston Celtics on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Sacramento Kings at +4.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 225.

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Celtics vs. Kings on Monday

The Celtics have won 4 straight road games
The Kings' last 4 home games versus the Celtics have gone over the Total
The Celtics have failed to cover in 38 of their 71 games this season
The Celtics have failed to cover in 38 of their 71 games this season

March 24, 2025

Why ex-NBA vet Allen has Hawks' Daniels over Draymond in DPOY race

Why ex-NBA vet Allen has Hawks' Daniels over Draymond in DPOY race originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Two-way Warriors icon Draymond Green has received much praise for his defense over the past few weeks of the 2024-25 NBA season.

However, some league analysts hesitate to consider the future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer for Defensive Player of the Year. One is Tony Allen, a retired NBA veteran who made six All-Defensive teams over 14 seasons.

Allen on Monday explained in an appearance on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” show with Michelle Beadle, Lou Williams and Chandler Parsons why he has Green trailing Atlanta Hawks up-and-comer Dyson Daniels for the end-of-the-year honor.

“Dray is my boy and he locks stuff up,” Allen told the “Run It Back” crew. “He does a lot of stuff on the court, man. … He gets everybody in the right place, being on the backside of that defense. But I wouldn’t have him as my favorite.

“My favorite is the guy from Atlanta. I like how Dyson is all over the court, man. He’s in the passing lanes. I’ve been watching him; when bigs get that ball in that mid-post and they turn their heads, he sprints from that corner and rips [the ball] from behind. I like his game, man. And he’s up for the challenge.”

Tony Allen picks Dyson Daniels, not Draymond Green, for DPOY 👀
"Dray is my boy and he locks stuff up…but I wouldn't have him as my favorite. My favorite is the guy from Atlanta."@MichelleDBeadle | @TeamLou23 | @ChandlerParsons | @aa000G9 pic.twitter.com/8FvHDECq6y
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 24, 2025

Both players are having tremendous seasons. In fact, Green and Daniels even collected three steals apiece when facing each other in the Warriors’ 124-115 loss on Saturday without superstar Steph Curry, who remains rehabbing his pelvic bruise.

Nevertheless, over 57 Golden State games, Green has averaged 1.5 steals, 1.1 blocks and a defensive rating of 109 per 100 possessions with opponents making just 42.8 percent of 14.3 field goals against him – or 48.5 percent of two-point shots and 34.4 of triples.

Over 66 Atlanta games, Daniels has averaged a league-high 3.1 steals, 0.7 blocks and a defensive rating of 111 per 100 possessions with opponents making 49.6 percent of field attempts against him – or 56.5 percent of two-pointers and 38.1 percent of threes.

Each player has a solid case for DPOY. Though Allen admitted he is biased in favor of Daniels.

“You know me, I’m always going to be in favor of the guards,” Allen said. “But Draymond, you know he’s going to politic himself, you know he’s got to put himself in [the conversation].”

Golden State and Atlanta each have 11 games remaining during the regular season and are primed to at least make their conferences’ respective NBA play-in tournaments. Whether Green or Daniels will earn DPOY is unknown, but the race certainly is one to follow down the stretch.

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March 24, 2025

Bulls vs. Nuggets Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for March 24

Chicago Bulls vs. Denver Nuggets Preview

The Chicago Bulls (31-40) and Denver Nuggets (45-27) are all set to square off from Ball Arena in Denver.

The Bulls are 9th in the East, and the Nuggets are 3^rd in the West. Both teams are playing good basketball and are vying for better playoff positioning.

The Bulls are currently 18-18 on the road with a point differential of -3, while the Nuggets have a 7-3 record in their last ten games at home.

Game details & how to watch Bulls vs. Nuggets live today

Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
Time: 9:00PM EST
Site: Ball Arena
City: Denver, CO
Network/Streaming:

Game odds for Bulls vs. Nuggets

The latest odds as of Monday:

Odds: Bulls (+145), Nuggets (-172)
Spread: Nuggets -4
Over/Under: 237 points

That gives the Bulls an implied team point total of 117.68, and the Nuggets 119.76.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday's Bulls vs. Nuggets game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards Nuggets -3.5…

Thomas: “This is a stone-cold pass for me until we get the status of Nikola Jokic tonight. However, I have a strong lean towards the Nuggets. If he’s in the game, I’d imagine the line closes around 4.5. If you are a believer in his availability tonight, you will get at least a point of value on him tonight.”

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Bulls & Nuggets game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Denver Nuggets on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Chicago Bulls at +4.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 237.

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Bulls vs. Nuggets on Monday

The Nuggets have won 4 of their last 5 games at home against Eastern Conference Central Division teams
The Over is 4-1 in the Nuggets' last 5 games
The Bulls have covered in 4 of their last 5 road games
The Nuggets have won 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with losing records

March 24, 2025

Barks and Bajas: The keys to the Celtics' championship mentality

Barks and Bajas: The keys to the Celtics' championship mentality originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Hang around the Boston Celtics long enough and you’ll invariably hear some barking.

Maybe it’ll occur when Kristaps Porzingis huddles up the team pregame and asks, “Where my doggies at?” Maybe it’ll happen when Luke Kornet skies for a tip-in, and Derrick White gets all the dogs on Boston’s roster riled up by barking in the middle of the lane.

The Celtics’ affinity for pups is longstanding. During last year’s title run, Jaylen Brown routinely asked teammates, “Where my road dogs at?” and it became a locker room query for a Boston team that thrived away from home.

These Celtics are still road dogs. They are an NBA-best 28-7 away from home this season. What’s more, that .800 winning percentage is tied for the best mark in team history, matching the 1972-73 squad that finished 32-8 away from home.

If Brown popularized Boston’s dog attendance call, he’s perfectly fine with the way teammates are co-opting it this year.

“I didn’t invent, ‘Where my dogs at?’ It’s just something that we need to bring out, bring that mentality out of us,” said Brown. “Because I feel like we’re at our best when — we have the skill, but when we’re playing with that edge, that physicality, and that mindset that you’re not going to mess with us today, I think it’s better for our group.”

After Kornet started barking loudly — triggered by White doing the same — after a putback against the Blazers on Sunday night, teammates were asked about all the barking.

“Luke’s a dog, so he just barks when he does dog things,” said Sam Hauser.

Porzingis was mic’d up for a game earlier this season when he asked his teammates where the dogs were. After some ruffs, the team broke the huddle with a chant of, “1-2-3 … Baja!”

This reporter, intrigued by the unique huddle break, wondered if it was a playful nod to the Baha Men, who sang the inescapable hit, “Who Let the Dogs Out” in the early 2000s. It turns out it’s more likely, “Baja,” a potential offshoot on the popular “BBQ Chicken” phrase that Shaquille O’Neal popularized while dominating opposing big men around the basket.

“We have to also keep it just for us because, it is like our internal thing,” Porzingis initially protested. “I think it’s more like us being aggressive … But it’s a Luke thing, so maybe Luke can explain.”

Added Brown: “Luke heard it from me. I think he’ll tell you that. But I don’t know where I got it from, to be honest. Like just, ‘Straight to the Baja,’ you know? Not playing around, we get straight to the Baja. That it. I have no idea what it means.

“Finish your breakfast and you go straight to the Baja.”

Seeking further clarification, we asked Kornet for the lineage of the Baja, and he suggested it goes back to his college days and a Vanderbilt teammate who particularly enjoyed the phrase.

“So I believe the Baja originated, I think I took it from Wade Baldwin IV, my college teammate,” said Kornet. “He used to say, ‘Baja.’ To be honest, I don’t really remember sort of what the origin of that was, but I kind of liked it. It’s kind of a great thing to yell out. For a couple of years now, I’ve been yelling it, occasionally, in games.”

Added Hauser: “You’ll catch it on film, like a couple of clips, if you have the volume on and the guy gets to the rack and you hear Luke just yell, “Baja!” Sometimes from the other end of the court.”

Kornet loves the way “Baja!” has taken on a life of its own from its humble beginnings.

“You can really let it out. And so that’s been a thing for a couple of years now,” said Kornet. “JB has kind of taken it out and — going back to the fatherhood thing — it’s kind of just taken on a life of its own.”

March 24, 2025

76ers vs. Pelicans Predictions: Odds, predictions, recent stats, trends, best bets for March 24

Philadelphia 76ers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview

The Philadelphia 76ers (23-48) and New Orleans Pelicans (19-53) are all set to square off from Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

Tonight's contest features two teams trending in the wrong direction.

Both teams are 2-8 in their last 10 games. The 76ers are 13^th in the Eastern Conference, and the Pelicans are 14^th in the Western Conference.

The 76ers are in the second half of a back-to-back. They are 2-11 with no rest this season.

The 76ers are currently 11-26 on the road with a point differential of -6, while the Pelicans have a 4-6 record in their last ten games at home.

Game details & how to watch 76ers vs. Pelicans live today

Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
Time: 8:00PM EST
Site: Smoothie King Center
City: New Orleans, LA

Odds: 76ers (+188), Pelicans (-229)
Spread: Pelicans -6
Over/Under: 231 points

That gives the 76ers an implied team point total of 114.46, and the Pelicans 117.59.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday's 76ers vs. Pelicans game
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards Over 130.5 points…

Thomas: “I can’t find a reason to back the Pelicans -6. It’s a grossly lousy team that doesn’t defend, maybe without Zion Williamson and Yves Missi. The 76ers aren’t without their injury woes. Joel Embiid is still out, and there’s a laundry list of questionable players for the 76ers.

The over has gone 8-1-1 in the 76ers last 10 games. The Pelicans are 5-5 to the over in their last 10 but have seen three straight overs.”

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s 76ers & Pelicans game:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the New Orleans Pelicans on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Philadelphia 76ers at +6.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 231.

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of 76ers vs. Pelicans on Monday

The Pelicans have lost 4 of their last 5 home games
12 of the 76ers' last 15 games (80%) have gone over the Total
The 76ers have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 away games against teams with worse records
The 76ers have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 away games against teams with worse records

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)