DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 25: Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on February 25, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons seem to be taking a proactive schedule loss tonight against the NBA’s top team and reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. With Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart already sidelined, the Pistons appear to be letting their crop of banged-up players get a night off. Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris, and Duncan Robinson are all out tonight. The last starter left standing is Ausar Thompson, who will suit up as he attempts to reach the minimum-game threshold to qualify for an All-NBA defense nod.
The Pistons won’t be the only team with absent players, to be clear. The Thunder will be without Isaiah Hartenstein and Jalen Williams. The last time these two teams faced off, the Thunder were even more banged up, and Detroit stole a 124-116 win. I’m not sure that’ll be in the cards tonight. Hopefully, the Pistons can keep it as close tonight as the Thunder kept it in February.
Game Vitals
When: 9:30 p.m. Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Watch: Peacock, NBC Sports Network Odds: Pistons +12
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (54-20):
Daniss Jenkins, Kevin Huerter, Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, Paul Reed
Oklahoma City Thunder (59-16):
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 23: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots a three point basket during the game against the Utah Jazz on March 23, 2025 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to start their three-game road trip out with a win against the Utah Jazz.
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Dealing with a busted bracket?
The Sweet 16 is almost here – who’s still alive? We’re reviewing the week that was in the first week of the NCAA tournament and turning our focus to remaining teams. How bad (or good!) is your bracket? Join us in the SB Nation March Madness Feed and let’s talk about who’s most likely to make a run to glory.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The Chicago Bulls waived guard Jaden Ivey on Monday in the wake of anti-LGBTQ comments and remarks about religion he made in videos on his Instagram account.
“They proclaim Pride Month in the NBA,” he said. “They proclaim it. They show it to the world. They say come join us for Pride, for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness. They proclaim it. They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it in the streets. Unrighteousness. So how is it that one can't speak righteousness? How are they to say that this man is crazy?”
Coach Billy Donovan said the Bulls have employees from “all different walks of life" and Ivey's comments don't reflect the values of the organization.
“Everybody comes with their own personal experiences, but one is we’ve got to all be professional,” Donovan said prior to Chicago's game at San Antonio. "I think there’s got to be a high level of respect for one another, and we’ve got to help each other and then be accountable to those standards.”
In an Instagram live conducted on an airplane hours after the Bulls let him go, Ivey again spoke at length about religion. He said the championship rings LeBron James and Michael Jordan earned are “not gonna matter on judgment day.”
He also insisted he “didn't get myself waived” and that other teams won't sign him because they think “he's too religious.” He said he was in the gym, rehabbing and “doing what was required of me in my job” on Monday.
At one point, a flight attendant asked him to end the session because the plane was about ready to depart and the cellphone could interfere with the communication systems. He continued to discuss religion for about another minute before wrapping it up.
Ivey has spoken this season about dealing with depression. He recently started posting lengthy videos expressing his thoughts about religion on Instagram.
“How is it when the gospel is preached that people hate it?” Ivey said. “That people don't want to hear it? And they think it's strange when someone preaches the gospel, the true gospel?”
Chicago acquired Ivey from Detroit in a three-team trade on Feb. 3. He had an expiring contract.
“I don't want to get into what he put out there, but certainly, I hope for him he's okay,” Donovan said. “I've had conversations with Jaden and he's always been about rehabbing his knee and trying to get on the court and wanting to play. But I think organizationally, there are certain standards we want to have as an organization and try to live up to those each and every day.”
Since being shut down for the season Thursday, March 26 because of lingering knee issues, Ivey, 24, has gone live on his Instagram on three separate occasions to rant about his religious beliefs and other issues. Several comments he made in reply to fans have since gone viral, including referring to Catholicism as a "false religion" and telling a fan that "God does not hear your prayer if you are a sinner."
But the final straw for the Bulls appears to have come on Monday morning, when Ivey again took to social media – this time targeting the LGBTQ community, Pride Month and the NBA's advocacy efforts in a 45-minute-long rant.
"... the NBA, they proclaim it. They show it to the world. They say, 'Come join us for Pride Month,' to celebrate unrighteousness," Ivey said on his livestream.
Ivey has spoken in the past about dealing with depression.
A former fifth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Bulls acquired Ivey from the Detroit Pistons at the trade deadline on Feb. 3 in exchange for Kevin Huerter. He appeared in four games for Chicago and has been sidelined since Feb. 11 with left patellofemoral pain syndrome, a common and sometimes chronic pain behind or around the kneecap more widely known as runner's knee.
Ivey averaged career-lows in points (8.5), rebounds (2.5) and assists (1.8) across 37 games played this year and played just 30 games in 2024-25 due to a broken left fibula. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in October that forced him to miss the Pistons' first 15 games of the season.
Ivey, in his fourth NBA season, was set to be a restricted free agent this summer after he and Detroit could not finalize an agreement on a contract extension last offseason.
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 18: Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors smiles after the game against the Boston Celtics on March 18, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Steve Kerr is no stranger to catastrophic losses. As much as he’s won both as an NBA coach and as a player, he’s also lost in both scenarios. Most notably, in 2016, the Warriors lost in 7 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite starting the series 3-1 — which is an oddly similar scenario to what happened to the Toronto Blue Jays last season versus the Dodgers in the World Series.
Per The Athletic, Kerr reached out to John Schneider, the manager of the Blue Jays, shortly after their loss last year, writing a handwritten letter which Schneider recently discussed with The Athletic.
“I don’t know you,” Kerr wrote, “but I felt compelled to reach out after watching your incredible leadership on display during the World Series.”
“The pain [in 2016] was real,” Kerr wrote. “But what always survives through the tough losses is the character and connection of the group. The loss won’t define you, but the way you and your guys carried themselves afterwards will.”
As the MLB season begins and as the Warriors approach the play-in tournament, this sentiment rings true, and also speaks to Kerr’s expertise and experience as a coach — no matter how the season goes, how you and your players react is what matters most. It’s pretty sound life advice for us non-athletes too.
“It was the message we’ve been preaching all offseason and in spring,” Schneider told The Athletic. “The run was great, and the heartbreak was real, but it’s not going to define who we are. We all went through it together. What we’re going to be defined by is how we persevere through it… If he can see the good in what we did, it kind of gives you a little bit of reassurance that you’re preaching the right things.”
After that 2016 loss, Kerr won three more championships with the Warriors. Schneider hasn’t won anything yet with the Blue Jays, but this past World Series proves that he’ll be able to — and he recently signed a two-year extension, so he’ll definitely have a chance.
The initial 68-team field has dwindled to the semifinals, with a national champion to be crowned a week from today. After a bracket that featured four No. 1 seeds in the Final Four last season, this year's bracket has a couple of shockers.
No. 2 Connecticut knocked off No. 1 overall seed Duke on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Braylon Mullins. No. 3 Illinois advanced to the Final Four with a win over No. 9 Iowa, which had knocked out No. 1 seed and defending national champion Florida in the second round action.
That leaves Michigan and Arizona as the lone remaining No. 1 seeds left in the tournament. But are those two the favorites to cut down the nets? Both programs are seeking their second national title, while the Huskies are seeking their seventh. The Fighting Illini are seeking their first.
Here's a look at the Final Four teams with the best odds of winning the national championship:
March Madness favorites: Ranking Top 20 college basketball teams based on odds
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of 6:30 p.m. ET on Monday, March 30
Michigan: +165
Arizona, +180
Illinois, +475
UConn, +550
Final Four schedule, game times
Saturday, April 4
Game 1: No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 UConn | 6:09 p.m. | TBS | Sling TV
Game 2: No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 1 Michigan | 8:49 p.m. | TBS | Sling TV
No. 3 Illinois and No. 2 UConn get the Final Four started at 6:09 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 4, from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. No. 1 Arizona and No. 1 Michigan are scheduled for an 8:49 p.m. ET tip to set the stage for the national title game on Monday, April 6.
No team has more than eight remaining games, and the 10 teams – five from each conference – that will miss the playoffs and Play-In Tournament are already determined.
Still, there’s plenty at stake, where teams can mount late charges to improve their seeding. In the East, only one game separates the No. 5 team, the Toronto Raptors, from the No. 7 squad, the Philadelphia 76ers. The six-seed, an automatic playoff spot currently occupied by the Atlanta Hawks, is the prize everyone below is chasing.
It might not be fair, in practice, to drop the Thunder down one spot, even as they’ve won 14 of their last 15. But the Spurs have been even hotter, and, with their 4-1 record this season over Oklahoma City, they look every bit like a legitimate title contender. Over the last nine games, the Spurs have posted the NBA’s second-best offensive rating, scoring 123.9 points per 100 possessions.
The Lakers and Nuggets, who have been stellar recently, are each angling for the coveted No. 3 seed in the West and both have 48 wins.
The teams sliding here are the Knicks, who have been outperformed by Los Angeles and Denver, and the Rockets, who have lost five of their last 10.
There’s movement all over the middle of the pack. The Hawks have maximized new acquisitions, and no one has been better than point guard CJ McCollum. The Hawks don’t miss Trae Young, and his absence has allowed Jalen Johnson to fully take over as the star point-forward of the team. Headed into its game Monday against the Celtics, Atlanta has gone 12-2 in March, best of all teams in the East.
Though there’s probably too much ground for them to make up, the Clippers have won five consecutive and could be a lurking threat out West, especially after they struggled to start the season.
Two teams plummeting down the rankings are the Magic and the Heat, who have each gone 1-7 in their last eight games. Miami’s defense, which had been a strength most of the season, has been a recent liability. The Heat rank 27th in the league over the last eight games with a defensive rating of 125.5. A loss Sunday, March 29, against the Pacers – one in which Miami scored 11 points in the fourth quarter – at this point in the season, is inexcusable.
The Magic aren’t doing much better, with a defensive rating over that span of 125.4.
There are 10 teams currently eliminated from playoff and play-in contention. Each of them is in this bottom third. These teams have, by and large, shut down star players and are playing to lose. It’s a common tactic in the NBA and shouldn’t even carry some moral judgment. But it’s also not worth spending a lot of time dissecting the recent play of these teams, as they build for the future.
Miles McBride's first game back since mid-February surgery for a sports hernia left the Knicks holding their collective breath.
McBride collided with Luguentz Dort going for a loose ball and did not return to the game, leaving the court for the locker room midway through the third quarter of Sunday's 111-100 loss at the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Now, New York is listing McBride as questionable for Tuesday's matchup with the Houston Rockets. Additionally, Landry Shamet (knee) will remain out.
"And I don't think he made a shot in the first half, but he gave us a lift. You felt his presence. It made us deeper. And because of the foul trouble we had, we were a little shorthanded in that second half, and it was part of the reason they were able to pull away, too."
McBride was scoreless on 0-of-3 shooting but grabbed a rebound, dished an assist and blocked a shot in 11 minutes off the bench against the NBA-best Thunder (59-16).
Prior to his Sunday return, he last played Jan. 27 in New York's 103-87 win over the Sacramento Kings.
McBride entered Sunday with averages of 12.9 points and 2.8 assists in 28 minutes through 35 games (14 starts).
The top teams in each conference face off tonight as the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Detroit Pistons at Paycom Center.
With defensive attention focused on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Detroit’s frontcourt decimated by injuries, my Pistons vs. Thunder predictions call for Chet Holmgren to have a monster night at home.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this powerhouse showdown on Monday, March 30.
Pistons vs Thunder prediction
Pistons vs Thunder best bet: Chet Holmgren Over 22.5 points+rebounds (-120)
Chet Holmgren is averaging 17.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, and he’s recorded 24-plus points+rebounds in 39 of 64 appearances. That includes five of his last eight games heading into tonight's tilt with the Detroit Pistons.
Holmgren has been more productive at Paycom Center, averaging 27.4 points+rebounds at home compared to just 24.8 on the road. He’s hit the Over on this combo line in 20 of 31 games in front of the home crowd, recording exactly 23 twice more. Holmgren has posted 24+ points+rebounds in four of his last five at home, finishing with 23 once more.
Star defender Ausar Thompson should be tasked with guarding superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tonight, which means Holmgren should see more open looks. In a game with a 218.5 implied point total, there may be additional rebounding opportunities if the teams are forced into tough, contested shots.
Isaiah Hartenstein will be sidelined for the second leg of the Oklahoma City Thunder's back-to-back set, allowing Holmgren to operate as the team’s unquestioned leader in the frontcourt. He’s averaged 25.3 points+rebounds while sharing the court with Hartenstein, compared to 27.2 with Hartenstein sidelined. Jalen Williams’ absence will also boost Holmgren’s statistical workload.
All-Star center Jalen Duren is out tonight, and backup Isaiah Stewart is still sidelined. Detroit will have to rely on undersized big man Paul Reed to pick up the slack and limit Holmgren in the paint and on the glass. That’s a mismatch opportunity, and Holmgren should feast.
This line has fluctuated between 22.5 and 24.5 throughout the day, but I’m more than willing to bet it up to 24.5.
Pistons vs Thunder same-game parlay
Detroit will be missing Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart, and all of Duncan Robinson, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren are doubtful.
Despite Detroit’s deep bench and scrappy style of play, they’re simply outmanned by the first-place Thunder, who will cruise to their 60th win of the season.
The Thunder should put away the Pistons with ease, and starters on both sides may see less run late in the game. The short-handed Pistons will struggle to score against OKC’s dominant defense, so I’ll take the Under here.
Pistons vs Thunder SGP
Chet Holmgren Over 22.5 points+rebounds
Under 219
Thunder -12
Our "from downtown" SGP: Defense matters
SGA has seen his scoring dip from 31.4 points to 29.4 points per game across his last 12 outings, and he’s reached 30+ points only six times in that span.
Get the popcorn ready as one of the NBA’s best scorers takes on one of its best defenders. Thompson is one of the favorites for Defensive Player of the Year, and he should be tasked with guarding SGA tonight.
Thompson’s 107 defensive rating ranks seventh among starters with at least 40 appearances and 25 minutes per game, and he can limit the reigning MVP in the scoring column.
He's also recorded multiple swipes in 36 of 65 games, including three straight. In his first tilt with OKC, Thompson recorded three steals.
Pistons vs Thunder SGP
Chet Holmgren Over 22.5 points+rebounds
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 29.5 points
Ausar Thompson Over 1.5 steals
Under 218.5
Pistons vs Thunder odds
Spread: Pistons +12 (-110) | Thunder -12 (-110)
Moneyline: Pistons +475 | Thunder -650
Over/Under: Over 218.5 (-110) | Under 218.5 (-110)
Pistons vs Thunder betting trend to know
The Oklahoma City Thunder have hit the Team Total Under in 15 of their last 20 games at home (+9.25 Units / 41% ROI) Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Thunder.
How to watch Pistons vs Thunder
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Monday, March 30, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Pistons vs Thunder latest injuries
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 09: Jaden Ivey #31 of the Chicago Bulls reacts during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 09, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Chicago Bulls acquired Jaden Ivey at the trade deadline from the Detroit Pistons in an attempt to cash in on the potential he once showed as a former top-five pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Ivey only played four games with the Bulls before being shut down with knee soreness, which had been bothering him since the start of the season. Ivey was slated to become a restricted free agent this summer, but he’s no longer in the Bulls’ plans after some strange rants on social media over the weekend.
Ivey was also responding to fans on Instagram comments. When asked if he goes to confession, Ivey called Catholicism a “false religion” and said it “does not lead to salvation in Jesus Christ.”
Ivey drew headlines earlier this season when he said “the old JI is dead.” Here’s the full quote:
“I’ve been dealing with knee soreness in my knee,” Ivey said. “I’m sure people can call it out that I’m not the same player I used to be. That’s why. I’m not the J.I. I used to be. But the old J.I. is dead. I’m alive in Christ no matter what the basketball setting is.”
Ivey suffered a horrific leg injury when he broke his fibula during a terrifying play on New Years Day 2025. He was out through Nov. of that year, and then experienced knee soreness when he tried to come back, which ultimately ended his short run with the Bulls.
When Detroit fans commented on Ivey’s social media videos, he said “the Pistons aren’t going to matter on judgement day.”
Ivey had a $30 million cap hold this summer if the Bulls would have extended him the qualifying offer as a restricted free agent. Essentially, the Bulls would not have been able to access their cap space unless they came to a quick free agent agreement with Ivey. That’s not a problem anymore with the team deciding to move on.
Ivey had a reputation as a “preacher” in the locker room before he got to the Bulls, and there were rumblings he liked to talk to teammates about their faith. Chicago Sun-Times reporter Joe Cowley first reported that the Bulls planned to move on from the guard.
By the way, it's important to note during the trade even the Bulls media was informed that Ivey's a "preacher" so be prepared for that in interviews. He's obviously derailed into something else … but if we heard that, what was AK listening to before the trade? The streets talk.
STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Deniz Undav turned up the pressure on Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann to select him for the World Cup after he scored the 2-1 winner against Ghana on Monday to back up strong club form.
Undav hadn't played for Germany since June but seven goals in his last six Bundesliga games helped him earn a recall. Germany was playing the friendly at the home stadium of his club Stuttgart and fans chanted for Undav long before he came off the bench.
The game seemed to be fizzling out to a draw when he flicked the ball over Ghana's goalkeeper in the 88th minute to give Germany a seventh successive win.
Ghana's Abdul Fatuwu earlier scored on the counter to cancel out Kai Havertz's penalty for Germany.
After Florian Wirtz's spectacular attacking display in Germany's 4-3 win against Switzerland, Germany was expected to score high against an opponent coming off a 5-1 loss to Austria. It ended up being a subdued win in constant driving rain.
Nick Woltemade started in one of four German changes but his main impact was heading against the bar in the second half.
Havertz put Germany ahead with his penalty just before halftime after Jonas Adjetey blocked a shot with his arm. Ghana leveled on the counter in the 70th when Germany-born Derrick Köhn surged down the left flank, beat defender Josha Vagnoman and crossed low for Fatawu to score.
Ghana defender Kojo Peprah Oppong of Nice had to be helped off the field after injuring his left leg challenging Woltemade.
Germany has further pre-World Cup friendlies against Finland in May and co-host the United States in June before facing Curacao, the Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E of the tournament.
Ghana has lost four friendlies in a row. It's in Group L with Panama, England and Croatia.
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 12: Svi Mykhailiuk #10 and Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz box out Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on January 12, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
As the season slowly winds to a close, Utah Jazz fans should be excited for the future at this point. It’s finally the end of this years-long blatant tank job. Depending on what happens with the Draft Lottery and the 2026 NBA Draft, next year should look tremendously different for this young Jazz squad.
There are 7 total games left. All of them are against decent team, apart from the last three against New Orleans, Memphis, and the Lakers. Tonight, we see an old friend back in town. Donovan Mitchell and the 46-28 Cleveland Cavaliers. Don is our what-if after the what-if of Gordon Hayward. To be fair, we did give that Mitchell-Gobert core a good run, but it’ll be interesting to see how Utah greets Spida Mitchell, as his exit wasn’t necessarily negative or even positive. It just was.
On the Cavs side, they will be without several rotation players, including Craig Porter Jr, Max Strus, Jarrett Allen, Jaylon Tyson, and Dean Wade. For Utah, expect a lot of the G League guys and end of roster fill-ins. For the Jazz injury report, most of the main guys are out, including Isaiah Collier, Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen, Jusuf Nurkic (out for year), Jaren Jackson (out for rest of year), and Walker Kessler (he’s been out folks).
It’ll continue to be fun watching these young guys develop. We’ve seen a lot of promise for Filipowski, Elijah Harkless, and Brice Sensabaugh to grab rotation bench sports next year. We still don’t know what we have in guys like Blake Hinson, Oscar Tshiebwe, and Bez Mbeng. Perhaps tonight will be another big game for future star Ace Bailey.
Have fun and enjoy these final test games! Next year will be much different.
Three marquee NBA teams can secure their playoff seeding on Monday night, and there are a couple of must-watch games with playoff seeding on the line. Here's what you need to know about NBA playoff scenarios for March 30.
Playoff Scenarios
• The Los Angeles Lakers can clinch a playoff spot and the Pacific Division title with a win over the Washington Wizards and a Phoenix loss at Memphis. The Lakers will have to pick up that win without Luka Doncic in the lineup, he is suspended for the game after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season over the weekend.
• Denver can clinch a playoff spot with the exact same scenario above: A Lakers win over Washington and a Phoenix loss to Memphis.
• New York has the night off, but the No. 3 seed in the East can still clinch a playoff spot if Miami beats Philadelphia (in a game that is important for the East's tight 5-10 seeding race.
• Detroit will clinch the Central Division title with a win against Oklahoma City in the best game of the night. The Pistons can also clinch that title if the Cavaliers are upset by the Jazz Monday night.
Games to Watch
Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat (7 p.m. ET, Peacock)
These two teams are just 2.5 games apart in the crowded middle of the Eastern Conference, but headed in opposite directions. Philadelphia has finally gotten healthy with Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey all expected to play. The No. 7 seed 76ers are just half a game behind the No. 6 Atlanta Hawks, so a win here is a huge boost for Philly. Miami is 1-7 in its last eight games.
Detroit Pistons at Oklahoma City Thunder (9:30 p.m. ET, Peacock)
This is a potential NBA Finals preview, with both teams sitting as the No. 1 seeds in their conferences. However, this isn't all about sending a statement for June, both of these teams are trying to hold off hot teams (Boston and San Antonio) to maintain those No. 1 seeds, so the wins matter. Detroit will be without Cade Cunningham, but has gone 5-1 without its All-Star.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There aren’t many things Clark can’t do on a basketball court, which now apparently includes photography as Clark snapped photos of LA’s win over the Pacers.
After the game, Luka Dončić said he noticed Clark taking photos and revealed that he’s a fan of her game.
“I’m a big fan, for sure,” Luka said. “I watch a lot of games. Definitely, her hooping, it’s great to watch. For sure, I got to go to one game this year.”
This came a couple of days before Clark appeared on NBC’s pregame show on Sunday before Thunder-Knicks and declared Nikola Jokić was her favorite player and the best player in the world.
"H'es probably my favorite player to watch and I think he's the best player in the world"
Before Lakers fans turn on Clark too much, she did call LeBron her GOAT when talking about the experience of taking photos at the game.
Caitlin Clark on taking photos of LeBron James during Lakers vs Pacers:
"The King. That's my GOAT…. I swear we made eye contact so I sat down the camera and I smiled at him and he just looked at me with a straight face" https://t.co/TFKKtZ0ph2pic.twitter.com/YkxoTLixyX
Caitlin comes to Los Angeles a couple of times this year to play the Sparks, which could be an opportunity for Luka to catch her in person, though one of them is in mid-May when the Lakers could be in the playoffs and the other is in early July when players typically flock to Las Vegas for Summer League.
Still, regardless if Luka shows up or not, it’s very cool to see greats of the game showing respect for one another. Just maybe a little less praise for the Nuggets in the future, please.
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 27: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 27, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston Celtics (50-24) at Atlanta Hawks (42-33) Monday, March 30, 2026 7:30 PM ET Regular Season Game #75 Road Game #38 TV: NBCSB, FDSNSE, NBA-LP 98.5 Sports Hub, 92.9 The Game, Sirius XM State Farm Arena
The Celtics continue their road trip after a win over the Hornets. This is the 4th of 4 games between these two teams this season. The Celtics won the first game 132-106 in Atlanta on January 17. They lost the second game 117-106 in Boston on January 28. they won the 3rd game 109-102 in Boston on March 27. The Celtics are 247-152 overall all time and they are 114-95 in games played in Atlanta. The Celtics are playing on the second night of back to back games. They are 7-4 in the 2nd of back to back games.
Atlanta has won 12 straight home games with 9 of those wins coming in the month of March. They are 12-2 overall in the month of March, which is the most wins in the East in March. They have had 45 games with 30 or more assists this season and they have had 37 games with 10 or more steals this season. Both of these are the most in the NBA this season. Since the All Star break, the Hawks are 16-2, the best record amongst all Eastern Conference teams.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 4 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are 2.5 games ahead of 3rd place New York, 4 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 8 games ahead of 5th place Toronto, 8.5 games ahead of 6th place Atlanta, and 9 games ahead of 7th place Philadelphia. The Celtics are 31-14 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 24-13 on the road and 7-3 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 3 games.
The Hawks are 6th in the East, 12.5 games behind 1st place Detroit, and 4.5 games behind 4th place Cleveland. They are tied with 5th place Toronto, half a game ahead of 7th place Philadelphia, and 2 games ahead of 8th place Orlando. They are 23-22 against Eastern Conference teams. They are 22-16 at home and 8-2 in their last 10 games. They are coming off a win in their last game.
After completing a 3 game home stand, The Celtics are on the road for a 4 game trip that began with a win in Charlotte and will finish up in Miami and Milwaukee. They will then play two games at home against Toronto and Charlotte before one game on the road at New York. They will finish the season with 2 games at home against New Orleans and Orlando.
This is the 2nd straight home game for Atlanta. They beat Sacramento on Saturday and complete the home stand against Boston. Then they play at Orlando and at Brooklyn. They then have a game at home against New York before a home and home series against Cleveland. They will finish the season on the road at Miami.
Jayson Tatum will sit this one out for injury management. and that Jaylen Brown will return. Derrick White (knee) is probable and Neemias Queta (thumb) is doubtful. Nikola Vucevic (finger) is out. Ron Harper, Jr. (ankle) is questionable. Jaylen Brown is not on the injury report. For the Hawks, Jock Landale is questionable due to illness. I’m just guessing that Jordan Walsh will get the start in place of Tatum and Luka Garza will start in place of Queta.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs CJ McCollum
Derrick White | NBAE via Getty ImagesCJ McCollum | NBAE via Getty Images
SG: Jaylen Brown vs Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Jaylen Brown | Getty ImagesNickeil Alexander-Walker | Getty Images
SF: Sam Hauser vs Dyson Daniels
Sam Hauser | NBAE via Getty ImagesDyson Daniels | NBAE via Getty Images
PF: Jordan Walsh vs Jalen Johnson
Jordan Walsh | NBAE via Getty ImagesJalen Johnson | NBAE via Getty Images
C: Luka Garza vs Onyeka Okongwu
Luka Garza | NBAE via Getty ImagesOnyeka Okongwu | Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Amare Williams Baylor Scheierman Max Shulga Charles Bassey (10-Day) 2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr
Injuries/Out Nikola Vucevic (finger) out Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out Derrick White (knee) probable Neemias Queta (thumb) doubtful Ron Harper, Jr (ankle) questionable
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Hawks Reserves Mouhamed Gueye Buddy Hield Caleb Houston Corey Kispert Jonathan Kuminga Asa Newell Zaccharie Risacher Gabe Vincent Keaton Wallace
2-Way Players Rayj Dennis Keshon Gilbert Christian Koloko
Injuries/Out Jock Landale (illness) questionable Head Coach Quin Snyder
Key Matchups Jordan Walsh vs Jalen Johnson Johnson is averaging 22.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He is shooting 49.3% from the field and 35.3% from beyond the arc. In the first 3 games against the Celtics, he averaged 20 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 6 assists while shooting 37.3% from the field and 45.5% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to defend him well and keep him off the boards. If I am wrong and Tatum plays, he would start here.
Jaylen Brown vs Nickeil Alexander-Walker Alexander-Walker is averaging 20.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 45.1% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc. In the first 3 games against the Celtics, he averaged 19.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.0 steals while shooting 43.2% from the field and 42.3% from beyond the arc. He is a good 3 point shooter and the Celtics need to stay with him on the perimeter. If Jaylen remains out, it will likely be Baylor Scheierman starting here.
Honorable Mention Derrick White vs CJ McCollum McCollum is averaging 18.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. He is shooting 45.5% from the field and 36.9% from beyond the arc. In 5 games against the Celtics this season, he is averaging 14 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 35.6% from the field and 21.9% from beyond the arc.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is always a key to winning games. The Celtics have an offensive rating of 119.3 (2nd) while the Hawks have an offensive rating of 114.8, which is 14th. The Celtics have a defensive rating of 111.5 which is 4th while the Hawks have a defensive rating of 113.2, which is 11th. The Celtics have been hot and cold on defense this season. Sometimes they can shut down the other team (See OKC) and sometimes they allow them to score at will (see Minnesota). The Celtics need to defend the perimeter because the Hawks are 6th, shooting 36.8% on threes. They also have to defend the paint as the Hawks are 10th with 51.9 points in the paint per game. The Celtics must make defense a priority in this game and they have to play that tough defense for 48 minutes and not let up.
Rebound – Next to defense, rebounding is the key to winning. When the Celtics put out the extra effort on the boards, it usually carries through to the rest of their game. The Hawks are averaging 43.4 rebounds per game (18th) while the Celtics are averaging 46.5 rebounds per game (4th). When the Celtics have more rebounds then their opponents, they are 38-10 when they have fewer rebounds, they are just 9-13. The Celtics need to aggressively go after every rebound. They can’t afford to give the Hawks extra possessions and 2nd chance points by allowing them to beat them to rebounds.
Move the Ball Carefully – When the Celtics move the ball and find the open man, they are tough to beat. When they hold the ball and try to play iso ball, they become predictable and struggle. When the Celtics have more assists than their opponents they are 30-0 and when their opponents have more assists than the Celtics, they are just 17-22. The Hawks average 30.3 assists per game so getting more assists will not be easy. The Celtics need to move the ball, but they have to make careful passes because the Hawks are 3rd in the league with 20.2 points off turnovers per game.
Effort and Focus for 48 Minutes– The Celtics have to play with extra effort overall for all 4 quarters. In most of their losses and even in some of their wins, they have allowed their opponents to play with more energy than them for periods of time during the game. They play well for stretches but let up and allow their opponents to surge ahead, especially down the stretch as they did against Minnesota. They have to stay focused for all 48 minutes and be ready for their opponents to play harder in the second half and they need to match that effort. They also have to come out with more effort and energy to start the game and not dig themselves into a hole. The Hawks have been playing the best of any team in the league and will be looking to avenge their loss in the March 27th game. The Celtics will need maximum effort for all 48 minutes to beat them.
X-Factors Road Game and Fatigue – The Celtics are playing in the second of back to back games on the road and will have the distractions of travel and a hotel stay and playing in front of hostile fans in an unfamiliar arena. The Celtics may be playing short handed for the second straight game and so fatigue due to the missing players, travel and playing back to back can be a factor down the stretch.
Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor in every game. Every crew officiates differently. Some call it tight, others let them play. The Celtics need to adjust to how the refs are calling the game and not allow bad calls or no calls to take away their focus from playing the game the right way. We have seen how much of an x-factor officiating can be in a few games this season. The Celtics have to play so well all game that the officiating, no matter how bad, can’t influence the outcome.
