SUZUKA, Japan (AP) — Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has not ruled out retiring at the end of the Formula 1 season, saying he is trying “very hard” to enjoy racing under the new changes.
The Red Bull driver again openly expressed his dissatisfaction on Sunday after an eighth-place finish at the Japanese Grand Prix, which was won by 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes.
“Privately I’m very happy," Verstappen told the BBC after the race. "You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?"
The 28-year-old Verstappen said “That's what I'm saying” when asked by the BBC if this could be his last season.
“I want to be here to have fun and have a great time and enjoy myself. At the moment that’s not really the case,” he said. "Of course I do enjoy certain aspects. I enjoy working with my team. It’s like a second family. But once I sit in the car it’s not the most enjoyable unfortunately. I’m trying. I keep telling myself every day to try and enjoy it. It’s just very hard.”
Verstappen is among the drivers struggling after one of the most significant regulation changes in F1 took place this season.
“I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am,” he said. “Because I also know that you can’t be dominating or be first or second or whatever, fighting for a podium every time. I’m very realistic in that and I’ve been there before. I’ve not only been winning in F1.
“But at the same time when you are in P7 or P8 and you are not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn’t feel natural to a racing driver," he said.
“Of course I try to adapt to it, but it’s not nice the way you have to race. It’s really anti-driving. Then at one point, yeah, it’s just not what I want to do."
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 19: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs blocks the shot of Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns during the game on March 19, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns are limping into the final parts of the season. Looking to finish as the seventh seed in the West, the team appears to have a hard first-round matchup if they stay in seventh heading into the playoffs.
Here are three reasons why Phoenix will be a first-round exit this year:
Lack of Playoff Experience and Star Power
It’s possible the Suns’ first-round opponent will be the San Antonio Spurs, who, like the Suns, have little playoff experience outside of Luke Kornet and Harrison Barnes.
The Spurs would be likely to take the cake in a series against Phoenix because, one: they employ an alien, Victor Wembanyama, who is likely to finish top-five in MVP voting and be an All-NBA First Team selection; but two: they boast more top-end talent. Both Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox made the All-Star team, Stephon Castle looks to be an All-NBA selection, and Keldon Johnson is the odds-on favorite to win Sixth Man of the Year.
Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams, and Jalen Green surrounding Devin Booker do not provide the same upside that the Spurs’ players do around Wembanyama, and the team has no experience playing in playoff situations as a group.
While both teams have had surprising seasons based on collective team efforts, when rotations shrink in April, the Spurs will have more players to rely on. If the Suns play the Thunder in the first round, the lack of experience and star power problems remain prevalent, but Oklahoma City has experience as a group.
Continuity Struggles
The Suns have been banged up. Williams and Brooks remain out due to foot and hand injuries, respectively. Grayson Allen and Jordan Goodwin have both recently dealt with lower-body injuries, and Jalen Green already missed more than half the season with his hamstring problems.
In order to pull off an upset, Phoenix will need to be possessing some of their best “vibes” as a team all year, and unfortunately, because of injuries, that’s not likely to happen. Brooks and Williams should return by the end of the season, but with fewer than 10 games left in the year, it’s not enough time for a team that’s had a lot of players go in and out of the lineup to build enough continuity to pull off a major upset.
We still don’t fully know what the Suns’ starting lineup is when everyone on the team is healthy. Does Royce O’Neale or Collin Gillespie move to the bench when Brooks returns?
Historical Precedent
For the sake of this article, let’s assume the Suns stay in seventh like they have nearly all year and beat their first-round opponent in the play-in.
Since the playoff field expanded in 1984, only seven 7th seeds have made it past the first round. While it’s happened twice in the last three seasons, both were under extenuating circumstances. When the Lakers beat the Grizzlies in 2023, Los Angeles had the two best players in the series, and Memphis and their best player was out of rhythm after being suspended.
Last season, when the Warriors beat the Rockets, Golden State made a blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler midway through the year, and was playing nothing like a 7th seed. With Steph Curry playing at an All-NBA level, Golden State was always going to have the best player in the series against a young Houston team.
If recent history shows how to pull off the upset, you need to have at least the best player in the series. Devin Booker is having a strong year—he made his fifth All-Star appearance—but whether the Suns play the Thunder or the Spurs, the odds will be stacked against them.
If they do end up in 8th, their historical odds of winning in the first round are even lower.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JUNE 22: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder speaks with referees Josh Tiven #58 and James Williams #60 before Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 22, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 /NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
We got ourselves a Sunday treat as there is an NBA Finals preview on tap.
Knicks vs. Thunder for the second time this regular season as the warm-up game for New York’s future sweep of OKC come June.
Here’s the latest before this evening’s showdown.
“I want y’all to know I’m ready for y’all. Y’all not ready for me, I’m applying all pressure on y’all all summer…Y’all was sleeping on me…All gas no brakes-that’s gone be me rest of my life”
— Dink Pate’s 12 straight for Westchester wins last game of year, Mark Pope courtside pic.twitter.com/RP4ZHvJrfo
On the close loss to Oklahoma City earlier this season:
“It was a good game. It was a competitive game. Shai hit a big three I think down the stretch to create a little separation, but that could have been anybody’s game at the end of the day. Usually when you have two good teams, that’s what the result can be.”
On Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s foul-drawing:
“Does a great job of convincing the referees, probably better than anyone in the league, that he’s getting hit.
“He’s crafty. He’s the one that’s figured out how to make sure he’s in position to take advantage of the situation … We have to do a better job of not helping him or enhancing what he does really well.”
On preparing for the rematch with Oklahoma City:
“You gotta give Shai a lot of credit, because he’s crafty. He’s the one that has figured out how to make sure he’s in a position to take advantage of the situation or the system. We have to do a better job of not helping him or enhancing what he does really well.”
On chasing Pat Riley’s first-season wins record:
“There’s one thing that’s gonna mean a lot to me, and you know what that is.”
On Jordan Clarkson’s leadership:
“You can have leadership in a lot of different ways. As of late, the reality of it is, a guy like Jordan Clarkson is starting to separate himself and showing that he’s one of the leaders of the team. Just because you start, just because you score a ton or shoot a ton, or you’re one of the best defenders, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re a leader. Because one of the things is, leaders aren’t afraid to tell the truth. They do what they say. Being a leader means you gotta be on point all the time. You can’t be worried about whether your teammate likes you at the time because you’re saying something that’s truthful or you’re holding people accountable or not. So when you look at a guy like Jordan, who’s been through a lot, who’s still stayed ready, even when he was out, for him and listening to him speak up in front of the group now, that’s starting to show real leadership. Other guys have spoken up, other guys are trying to do it, and Mitch is one of them.”
"Giannis is not coming. He's not coming to New York."
“I feel like we kind of executed our game plan. We give them credit. Chet had a great game. Shai had a good game. Obviously, defensively they played well. That’s the main thing I remember. They’re good. And I think we played very well, too.”
On adjusting to officiating and SGA’s foul-baiting tendencies:
“There’s so much dialogue about it. You gotta adjust to every ref things differently every game, every player, no two players are the same. You gotta be able to adjust to what the referees are calling, to your opponent.”
“Communication and effort. That kind of slows up anybody. The more connected, the more we talk and be there for one another and have each other’s backs, we’ll be all right.”
On growing into a vocal leader:
“The guys are starting to trust me a lot more. They’re putting trust in me, so I’m telling them what I see and things that I think we can get better at. Being more vocal, it’s coming naturally. The guys mentioned a few times that I’m the anchor of the defense. They trust me on the defensive end. That helps a lot.”
On the need for improvements before the playoffs:
“We’re gonna do some talking and get better connected and stuff like that. That’s basically what we have to do, at this point right now. In the playoffs, you’re playing the same team, potentially, seven times. The more we’re connected, the better off we’ll be. You’ve seen what we did last year, and we’re trying to go farther.”
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray is thriving as a scorer entering tonight's clash with the Golden State Warriors.
My Warriors vs. Nuggets predictions are high on Murray adding to his career-best offensive season.
I explain why with my NBA picks for Sunday, March 29.
Warriors vs Nuggets prediction
Warriors vs Nuggets best bet: Jamal Murray Over 22.5 points (-110)
Jamal Murray is averaging a career-high 25.5 points per game, and he’s in the midst of a major heater right now. Murray has averaged 27.1 points across his last 16 outings, including 84 points across his last two games.
He's been a versatile scorer over that stretch, knocking down 3.4 triples and hitting 5.9 free throws per game. The Denver Nuggets' star point guard has reached 23 points in 44 of 70 games, including 20 of 33 at home.
In three matchups with the Golden State Warriors, Murray scored 21, 23, and 25 points, and Golden State’s defense presents a favorable matchup on Sunday.
Over the last 10 games, the Warriors have allowed the 10th-most points (120.8), and they sport the 19th-ranked defensive rating (117.1).
Golden State’s roster has been ravaged by injuries, and finding the players needed to slow down Murray will be no easy task.
The point total is set at 238.5, and I’m predicting a high-scoring matchup. That means Murray will have plenty of opportunities to score, and he’ll have no problem reaching the Over on such a modest scoring line — given his recent offensive success and friendly defensive matchup.
Warriors vs Nuggets same-game parlay
The Nuggets and Warriors have hit the Over at the highest and second-highest percentages, respectively. Denver is 8-2 to the Over across its last 10 games, and Golden State is 7-3. Both teams also rank in the Top 10 in pace across their last 10 games overall.
The Dubs haven't found much success against the spread on the road. Both teams have struggled to cover in recent contests, but Denver gets the edge due to health and home-court advantage. The home team has also covered in all three meetings this season.
Warriors vs Nuggets SGP
Jamal Murray Over 22.5 points
Over 238
Nuggets -11.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dynamic duo
Murray and Nikola Jokic made history earlier in the week, reaching 400 wins as teammates and becoming the first duo to have one player with 50 points and another with 15/15/15 in the same contest. Both should stay hot against a struggling Warriors defense.
Murray has averaged 7.3 dimes across his last nine outings. He's cashed the Over on this line in two of three matchups with Golden State.
Jokic has averaged 25.7 points across his last 15 games, hitting 26+ in seven of them. He scored at least that many points in two of three matchups with the Warriors. Over his last 15 games, the Joker has averaged 11.9 assists and recorded 12+ dimes 10 times.
Warriors vs Nuggets SGP
Jamal Murray Over 22.5 points
Jamal Murray Over 6.5 assists
Nikola Jokic Over 25.5 points
Nikola Jokic Over 11.5 assists
Warriors vs Nuggets odds
Spread: Warriors +11.5 | Nuggets -11.5
Moneyline: Warriors +450 | Nuggets -600
Over/Under: Over 238.5 | Under 238.5
Warriors vs Nuggets betting trend to know
The Golden State Warriors have hit the game total Over in 31 of their last 50 games (+10.10 Units / 18% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Nuggets.
How to watch Warriors vs Nuggets
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Warriors vs Nuggets latest injuries
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That includes the difficulty — and often years of drought — of making the Final Four. It's something that, after a near trip to the Final Four in 2024, No. 3 seed Illinois finally experienced inside the Toyota Center in Houston on Saturday, March 28. The Fighting Illini defeated Big Ten foe, No. 9 Iowa, in the Elite Eight to become the first team to advance to the Final Four.
Keaton Wagler won the point guard battle against Iowa's Bennett Stirtz, as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year finished with 25 points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal. That line was good enough for Wagler to be named the South Region’s Most Outstanding Player after he averaged 19.0 points in two games in Houston.
"It's better than I dreamt it would ever be," he said in postgame following his team's win vs. Iowa. "Thirty-nine years in the business and that's all I'm going to say about my side of this."
But with the Illini now sitting two wins away from a national championship, curiosity has risen about when the last time Illinois — which had seen four first-round exits in the last five years entering this year's Men's NCAA Tournament — last made the Final Four.
Here's what to know.
When was the last time Illinois made Final Four?
The Illini's win over the Hawkeyes on Saturday sent them past the Elite Eight and into the Final Four for the first time since 2005. It's Illinois' sixth trip to the Final Four, where it is 1-5 in the national semifinal game.
"It feels great. From the moment we stepped on campus, we kind of got a sense of how talented we were, but it feels surreal actually being in this moment. I wouldn't want it any other way with these guys right next to me," Illinois guard Andrej Stojakovic said after the Elite Eight win.
"Don't get it wrong, it's not just us three. We got guys 1 through 15 and a roomful of coaching staff, administration, guys that help us every day, managers that don't get the credit, and it took all of us to get here and it took all of us to give 100% percent of what we got to achieve this.
"Last thing I'll say is I don't want anybody to think that this is it. We didn't get to the Final Four just to get there. We're coming to win two more games, and we'll take it one game at a time."
“It’s been 21 years for the Illini, but finally, the road will take them to Indianapolis. Illinois is going to the Final Four!” pic.twitter.com/FZb8Xj2NQJ
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 29, 2026
Illinois basketball Final Four history
This is the Illini's sixth trip to the Final Four and first since 2005.
1949: lost semifinal to Kentucky, 76-47
1951: lost semifinal to Kentucky, 76-74
1952: lost semifinal to St. John's, 61-59
1989: lost semifinal to Michigan, 83-81
2005: won semifinal vs. Louisville, 72-57; lost in final to North Carolina, 75-70
Mar 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) celebrates after making a basket during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images | Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images
The Sixers went all out on their recruitment pitch for Paul George.
They even enlisted the help of one of the most legendary figures in franchise (and basketball) history, Julius Erving. So, why have Erving involved, aside from him being arguably the coolest person to ever exist? To sell George on what he could be for the Sixers: the missing piece on a championship contender, much like big man Moses Malone was for Erving in 1983.
Lofty, even for a player as accomplished as George.
This isn’t breaking news, but things have not gone as planned for George or the Sixers. In his first season, George played just 41 games in a dismal 24-win campaign. This season was off to a much better start, but a 25-game suspension for George taking a banned substance threatened to derail the whole thing.
But the team survived, still in the thick of the playoff hunt as George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey returned.
While we haven’t seen Daryl Morey’s vision for the Sixers, for one night in Charlotte, you didn’t have to squint to see the potential of the Big 3 he’s assembled.
All three of George, Embiid and Maxey were available Saturday for the first time since Jan. 29, the game before the league handed down George’s suspension. In a game with plenty of playoff implications, the Sixers outlasted the upstart Hornets in a gutty 118-114 win.
The victory improved the Sixers’ record to 41-33, good for seventh in the Eastern Conference. With eight games remaining, there is plenty of room for movement. They sit 1.5 games up on the eighth-place Orlando Magic, but also just a half game back of the sixth-place Atlanta Hawks and fifth-place Toronto Raptors.
Now finally healthy, the Sixers don’t exactly control their own fate, but they have a real opportunity to avoid the play-in and secure a guaranteed playoff spot. It will take more games like Saturday, where the stars play like stars and the supporting cast does what it’s supposed to do.
Much like in his return vs. the Chicago Bulls, Embiid was brilliant from opening tip, putting up 14 points in the first quarter and 21 for the half. That allowed Maxey to ease into the game in his return and for the Sixers to stem the tide of Charlotte’s torrid start. For the first three quarters of the game, it sort of felt like the Sixers were just hanging around. In the fourth, they took over.
Unsurprisingly, it was Maxey who led that charge to start the period, getting the whole bench off their feet with a poster dunk on Miles Bridges. It looked like the All-Star guard had plenty to say to Bridges afterwards, which only got Maxey’s teammates even more fired up.
At the end of the game, it was George’s turn. With the Sixers trailing 114-113, Embiid missed his second free throw. George fought Grant Williams for the rebound. Williams could never fully grasp it and the ball went out of bounds, earning the Sixers another possession. On the inbounds play, Maxey found George for a corner three. Splash.
But George wasn’t done. He forced a LaMelo Ball turnover and Maxey was fouled on a drive with 31.1 seconds left, splitting the free throws. After Ball missed a 31-footer, Charlotte was able to retain possession. Ball then snaked into the lane, finding Brandon Miller, who scorched the Sixers on multiple occasions Saturday, for a three in the corner. It was then Embiid who rumbled out there for an impressive block with 7.4 seconds left.
On the final possession, Ball was able to corral the inbound pass and get to the corner. George jumped for Ball’s pump fake, but recovered to contest Ball’s actual attempt, which was way off the mark. George was then fouled, splitting the pair of free throws to seal the Sixers’ win.
Embiid finished with 29 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Maxey had 26 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, a steal and a block. George recorded 26 points, 13 rebounds (his highest total since 2021), two assists, four steals and one block. A balanced effort from three stars.
But it wasn’t just the stars. Rookie VJ Edgecombe, who took a backseat offensively, filled his role to perfection, making plenty of timely plays on both ends. Kelly Oubre Jr. provided a huge spark off the bench in his return and closed the game. Andre Drummond, who was summoned like a rebounding geist in the fourth quarter, restored order on the glass.
The Sixers outscored the Hornets 26-17 in the fourth. It felt like a playoff-level intensity — and the veteran Sixers were up for the challenge.
Maybe George won’t be the Moses who leads the Sixers to the promised land, but Saturday’s win in Charlotte was just what the Doctor ordered.
It's official: The Milwaukee Bucks are eliminated from the postseason.
That, however, feels much more like the light just turned green on the speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo's future in the city.
After being blown out by the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday behind a Stephon Castle triple-double, Milwaukee is now 9.5 games back of the No. 10 seed Charlotte Hornets with nine games remaining in the season. The Bucks are eliminated. Bucks coach Doc Rivers talked about being eliminated postgame.
Will being eliminated change Antetokounmpo’s plan to try to return to the court this season once he recovers from a left knee hyperextension that led to a bone bruise? The Bucks front office has wanted him to shut it down both because of that injury and the lingering other ones that have limited him to 36 games this season, plus they should be focusing on the best draft position possible. But Antetokounmpo's push to return was always more performative and about how he views himself, so that fight may not be over.
Milwaukee missing these playoffs started last playoffs, when Damian Lillard tore his Achilles and was going to miss this season entirely because of it. That led to a desperation move by the Bucks front office, waiving and stretching the more than $112 million remaining on his contract over five years, freeing up the money to sign Myles Turner as a free agent. He did not live up to expectations for the Bucks this season.
The question now becomes, will Antetokounmpo agree to a max extension with the Bucks this offseason (something he can't sign until Oct. 1, but the talks will happen much earlier)? The Bucks' front office will explore trading more draft picks and players to upgrade the roster, but will that be enough for Antetokounmpo to see a contender and stay? The expectation in league circles is that he will tell the Bucks he will not sign an extension with them — not asking for a trade directly (something he has said he would never do) but essentially forcing the Bucks to deal him or lose him for nothing in a year — and the sides working to find him a new home this offseason.
Let the Antetokounmpo offseason speculation begin.
With 51 double-doubles in 69 games, Karl-Anthony Towns has put himself in elite company this season. In fact, he leads the league in that category, just edging out Nikola Jokic (50).
The New York Knicks center is almost automatic for a double-double every night, logging 12 in his last 14 outings.
His opponent, the Oklahoma City Thunder, rank 23rd in rebounds allowed per game since the All-Star break (45.2) and 22nd in offensive rebounds corralled (10.2).
Towns is averaging 11.9 rpg, with 8.8 defensive boards per game, so he should dominate this matchup on the glass and register another double-double.
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Peacock/NNC
Prop #2: Nikola Jokic Over 11.5 assists
+100 at bet365
Despite the Denver Nuggets’ five-game win streak, Nikola Jokic has had a bit of a sluggish run on the box score, with less than 25 points in four of those contests. However, the three-time MVP has still contributed in other ways.
Jokic has dished out Over 11.5 assists in four straight contests and nine of his last 11, while averaging a league-leading 10.8 dimes per game this season.
The Golden State Warriors are 20th in points against per game (118.4) and 23rd in field goals allowed per game (43.9) since the All-Star break.
The Nuggets will run up the score, and Jokic will dish out at least a dozen dimes.
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Peacock/NBC
Prop #3: Ziaire Williams Over 12.5 points
+100 at bet365
The lowly Brooklyn Nets are in the midst of another lengthy losing streak, but on the positive side, they’re seeing some progression from Ziaire Williams.
The 24-year-old has scored 16+ points in five straight games, as well as Over 12.5 points in nine of his last 12 outings.
The Sacramento Kings are just as bad as the Nets, and even worse on the defensive end. Sacramento is allowing 122.9 ppg post All-Star break — the sixth-worst mark in the NBA.
With Michael Porter Jr. out for Brooklyn, Williams is the Nets’ go-to scorer, and he’ll lead the way again tonight vs. the Kings.
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Week 23 is the most important in fantasy basketball for many players, as it is championship week in Yahoo! default leagues. Of course, with injury management and tanking being what it has become, there are a lot of leagues that have already finished up. More than half of the NBA's 30 teams play four games in Week 23, while two are limited to two games. Let's look at the schedule breakdown and some key storylines heading into Week 23.
- The Trail Blazers have the worst Week 23 schedule.
Portland and Denver have two-game weeks, but the former's schedule setup is much worse. While the Nuggets will play on Wednesday and Saturday, the latter being the lightest game day of Week 23, the Trail Blazers are active on Tuesday and Thursday. A player like Jrue Holiday or Toumani Camara will have some value to begin the week, but they'll be of no use to fantasy managers for the final three days. Managers in leagues that allow for lineups to be set daily will need to account for this when utilizing their transactions for the week. As for those competing in leagues where lineups lock for the week after a player's first game, they may need to seek alternatives on the waiver wire or within their current squad.
- Saturday is the light game day of Week 23.
There are only three games on Saturday, with five of the six teams in action playing their final Week 23 game that day. Among those teams are Denver, San Antonio and Philadelphia, which all boast some highly impactful fantasy options. And then there's Washington, which will be active on Saturday and Sunday. Alex Sarr immediately comes to mind as a valuable fantasy option whose availability may be limited at the end of Week 23. Back-to-backs have not been an issue for Will Riley or Bub Carrington, and there could be a game where Julian Reese emerges as a viable streamer. Also, that is the second back-to-back of Week 23 that the Wizards must deal with; the first begins on the final day of Week 22.
- The Cavaliers and Magic are among the teams that have two back-to-backs to navigate.
For both of these teams, their second back-to-back carries over into Week 24, the final week of the regular season. How will that impact the availability of these teams' key players for the final day of Week 23? There aren't many leagues that run through Week 24; with availability already being incredibly unpredictable, running a league through the final week of the regular season feels unnecessary. Cleveland is getting closer to full strength, but the back-to-backs may affect the availability of Jarrett Allen or Max Strus. As for the Magic, they're still awaiting the returns of Franz Wagner and Anthony Black. Will either or both return at some point during Week 23? The answer affects Tristan da Silva, who has offered solid value as the replacement in the starting lineup.
- Fantasy managers won't have Luka Dončić to begin Week 23.
Dončić's managers, hoping to get their Week 23 off to an excellent start with the Lakers hosting the Wizards on Monday, were left disappointed when the NBA announced he would be suspended for a game after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season on Friday. As a result, he'll sit out the first of four games that the Lakers are scheduled to play in Week 23. Dončić will still have games against the Cavaliers, Thunder and Mavericks, and he's clearly capable of putting up gaudy numbers in those matchups. However, missing out on an opportunity to torch a lottery-bound team is unfortunate for those going into championship week with Dončić on their roster. That said, his absence boosts the fantasy values of Austin Reaves and LeBron James.
- Will we see Anthony Edwards or Stephen Curry during Week 23?
It appears more likely that the former will be available than the latter. Edwards was cleared for all on-court activities on Friday, and while there are still a few hurdles for him to clear, playing on Monday in Dallas is a serious possibility. The Timberwolves play four games in Week 23, three of which are scheduled over the final four days (back-to-back on Thursday and Friday in Detroit and Philadelphia). The back-to-back could leave Edwards available for three games, but that's better than nothing.
As for Curry, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged on Friday that the team is “running out of games” to get their star guard back onto the court. He still has not reached the point where he's cleared for 5-on-5 activities, something the team reportedly hoped would have already happened by now. The Warriors won't play their first Week 23 game until Wednesday against the Spurs, but that's the first of two games in as many nights.
For a team that could still win 50 games this year, there’s a surprising amount of gloom around the Houston Rockets, and it’s a “where do we go from here?” derby tonight as they visit the New Orleans Pelicans.
Houston is just 7-7 in March while New Orleans has dropped four games in a row, and my Rockets vs. Pelicans predictions and NBA picks signal a struggle for both offenses tonight.
Rockets vs Pelicans prediction
Rockets vs Pelicans best bet: Under 225.5 (-110)
Put simply, this isn’t likely a matchup for basketball purists who love slick offense. That makes the Under a value pick tonight. It’s 2-7 in the New Orleans Pelicans’ last nine contests, and 41-32 for the Houston Rockets this season.
The numbers tell a compelling story for a low-scoring scrap. Houston is allowing just 110.2 ppg this year, the fourth-best mark in the league, and should lock down a New Orleans offense that may be without Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy III again.
The Pelicans have thrown Jeremiah Fears into a bigger role with the season fading away, and they looked toothless in Toronto on Friday, managing just 44 points in the first half.
Meanwhile, Houston's over-reliance on Kevin Durant to get buckets has been a storyline all year, and they’re still stuck in the bottom half of the NBA at 114.1 ppg. The lack of ball movement is at the root of the problem, with only four teams averaging fewer assists per game.
Equally, these squads have been a mess from beyond the arc this season. New Orleans ranks 26th in 3-pointers made and 25th in 3-pointers attempted; Houston ranks 27th and 29th, respectively, in those categories. That’s not the type of marksmanship to spark an Over.
When these teams squared off earlier this month in Houston, we got a 107-105 rock fight that put a spotlight on their offensive limitations. Tonight feels like a recipe for more of the same.
Rockets vs Pelicans same-game parlay
I like pairing the Under with a rebounding Over, and Amen Thompson is averaging 8.9 rpg in March. He’s gone past this O/U mark in six of his last eight outings, and he hauled in 12 boards against the Pelicans earlier this month.
The Rockets are 6-1 SU in the past seven meetings between these teams, and they have a defensive edge over a New Orleans squad that’s scored fewer than 110 points in four of its past five games.
Rockets vs Pelicans SGP
Under 225.5
Amen Thompson Over 7.5 rebounds
Rockets moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Reed all about it!
One way for Houston to unclog its offense is to bump up Reed Sheppard’s minutes. He’s coming off a 15-point effort in Memphis on Friday, and he’s up to 31.8 mpg this month. His playmaking is the biggest plus, with 28 dimes across his last four contests.
Rockets vs Pelicans SGP
Reed Sheppard Over 14.5 points
Reed Sheppard Over 4.5 assists
Amen Thompson Over 7.5 rebounds
Rockets -6
Rockets vs Pelicans odds
Spread: Rockets -6 | Pelicans +6
Moneyline: Rockets -240 | Pelicans +195
Over/Under: Over 225.5 | Under 225.5
Rockets vs Pelicans betting trend to know
The Under is 28-18 in Houston's games against Western Conference opponents this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Rockets vs Pelicans
Location
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Date
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Space City Home Network, Pelicans+
Rockets vs Pelicans latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
CHICAGO — The Big Ten is the best conference in college basketball. No, the SEC deserves that honor. And what about the Big East?
College basketball fans and media have harped over conference supremacy for much of the 2025-26 men's college basketball season: The SEC got the most teams into the Men's NCAA Tournament, with 10 teams that largely performed to their seedings — excepting, of course, defending national champion and No. 1 seed Florida.
The Big Ten had the most teams left standing entering the Elite Eight play on Saturday, March 28, and could potentially field half the Final Four field should No. 1 seed beat No. 6 seed Tennessee on Sunday, March 29. The Volunteers are the last remaining hope for the SEC.
The four Big Ten teams in the Elite Eight beat the old record of three, which occurred in 2000, 2005 and 2019. However, no Big Ten team has won the national championship since 2000, when Michigan State cut down the nets in, ironically, Indianapolis. Could the quarter century-long curse end there on April 6?
But while talk shows and fans continue to banter on about conference supremacy, how much do the players — the ones actually playing in the games — care about that chatter?
It depends on who you ask.
“Not really,” Tennessee freshman Nate Ament said when asked how much he caried about being the last SEC team standing. “We’re grateful to the SEC for getting us prepared for this tournament. There are so many tough teams in the SEC. But again, it’s just how the cookie crumbles. We’re the only SEC team left, so we want to represent the SEC, but that’s not our motivation or fuel.”
The Vols knocked off No. 2 seed Iowa State in the Midwest Region semifinal at United Center in Chicago on Friday, March 27. Tennessee will take on the Wolverines with a chance to advance to the Final Four for the first time in program history. The Wolverines, of course, are one of the handful of Big Ten teams remaining.
“Obviously, we’re all on social media, so we definitely see it,” Michigan guard Trey McKinney said. “But I think it just really shows the strength of the Big Ten Conference, and I think the Big Ten Conference is definitely the best conference in America.”
McKinney added that he does root for other Big Ten Conference teams when he tunes into games, but with a caveat: “We tend to root for certain Big Ten teams,” McKinney said with a laugh.
Michigan senior guard Roddy Gayle Jr. agreed with McKinney’s assessment.
“I feel like the Big Ten is just one big group,” Gayle said. “I root for the Big Ten teams, especially because I feel like it boosts the conference, it boosts the teams and brings more eyes on the conference.”
Last season, four SEC teams played in the Elite Eight — including Tennessee — with two advancing to the Final Four. Florida defeated Auburn to advance to the national championship, and took home the title after beating Houston.
This year, Tennessee is the last chance for the SEC to win its third national title since 2012.
Tennessee forward Felix Okpara said the team does not feel any added pressure to win for the SEC this season. However, Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie said the team does want to represent the SEC well.
The nine Big Ten teams in the 2026 NCAA Tournament have gone a combined 17-5. That includes a perfect 4-0 against the SEC in March Madness entering play on March 29.
“We definitely want to put on for the SEC,” Gillespie said. “But I think we just go out there and play. I mean, it’s whoever is the better team tomorrow. None of the regular season matters anymore.”
Michigan, should it beat Tennessee on March 29, would play Arizona in the Final Four next weekend in Indianapolis. If the Wolverines advance to the national title game, they could play Illinois, assuming the Fighting Illini also advance.
Gayle has the same belief that many SEC, ACC and Big East teams have come out of the NCAA Tournament feeling.
“I hope we don’t have to play any of them,” Gayle said with a laugh. “They have all our scouts.”
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 27: Luka Garza #52 of the Boston Celtics attempts a layup against forward Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at the TD Garden on March 27, 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Sometimes it feels like you know how 80% of a Celtics game is going to go.
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are going to do half of the heavy lifting. Payton Pritchard and Derrick White will cover about another third. But it’s that other 15-20% that you’re going to get from your 5th, 6th, and down to your 9th or 10th man that’s unpredictable. Those role players just might swing a game and that game might just swing a series in the playoffs.
The Celtics roster is littered with guys like that. All year, everybody from Neemias Queta to Jordan Walsh to Hugo Gonzalez to Baylor Scheierman have won the Tommy Award.
And then there’s Luka Garza.
It wasn’t that long ago that Garza was the consensus National Player of the Year in college basketball. In 2020, he averaged 24 and 10 in his junior season at Iowa and followed that up with a First Team All-American selection.
Unfortunately, the college game doesn’t necessarily translate to the NBA. Garza persevered through four seasons with the Pistons and Timberwolves and has finally carved out a spot in Joe Mazzulla’s rotation.
With Nikola Vucevic, Boston’s major pickup at the trade deadline, on the mend, Garza is back terrorizing opposing teams’ frontcourts with his relentless work ethic in the paint, savvy screening above the break, and the occasional three-pointer that harkens back to Al Horford’s catapult-ish shot from behind the arc.
And even when Vooch returns, Celtics fans have resoundingly voted to keep Garza in the fold when the playoffs start next month. Maybe it’s just a two-minute stint in a double big lineup with Queta. Maybe Vucevic gets into early foul trouble. Maybe Mazzulla just wants to shake up the energy with the Garzilla roaming the baseline. Regardless, it’s clear that Luka has found a home in Boston.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 09: Assistant coach Charles Lee (L) of the Boston Celtics speaks to head coach Joe Mazzulla during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at TD Garden on May 09, 2024 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When the Celtics and Hornets face off on Sunday night, it will be a match-up between two of the Eastern Conference’s hottest teams. And, in many ways, the two franchises are interconnected — both due to their personell and emerging styles of play.
Earlier this month, ESPN analyst Jay Williams drew the connection himself: “They’re like a younger version of the Boston Celtics,” he said of the Hornets. “Their games actually mirror each other.”
The parallels between the Celtics and Hornets are striking.
Both teams are heavily reliant on three-pointers — the Hornets have made the most threes in the NBA this season (1193), and the Celtics have made the third-most (1113). Both teams routinely win the margins, meaning they get up more shots than their opponents; the Celtics average the 4th-most offensive rebounds per game, the Hornets average the 7th-most.
And, both franchises have been a part of two of the most extreme midseason turnarounds the league has seen in recent years. The Hornets were 12 games below .500 on January 22nd. Since then, they’ve gone 23-7, completely turning their season around.
The Celtics underwent a similar turnaround in 2022 en route to their first Finals appearance of the Jayson Tatum/Jaylen Brown era. That season, they entered the All-Star break with a 20-21 record, and ended up going 31-10 the rest of the way.
What’s fueled Charlotte’s turnaround? And, why does it feel like the Celtics organization’s tentacles are all over the Hornets?
CelticsBlog caught up with Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, to dive into that question. [The conversation was part of Knueppel’s new partnership with Cheez-It; the rookie star has launched the Double Double Cheez-It Bundle, as an ode to his favorite snack flavor].
Knueppel is averaging 19 points per game and shooting 43.6% from three. He’s already set the record for most three-pointers made in a rookie season (256) and has established himself as one of the most lethal shooters in the game.
The Charlotte Hornets organization is filled with ex-Celtics
Knueppel credited Hornets head coach Charles Lee for powering the team’s success this season. Lee was Joe Mazzulla’s lead assistant during the 2024 championship, and is in his second year as Charlotte’s head coach.
“Charles has been great,” Knueppel said. “He really preaches daily improvement. So even when you know the losses were stacking up early in the season, it was really just about continuing to get better each day. And I think going into each day with that mindset, living in the present, is really good, especially for our young team.”
Lee headlines a long list of critical Hornets personnel who were previously part of the Celtics organization.
Two members of the Hornets coaching staff — Blaine Mueller and Jermaine Bucknor — also hail from that Celtics championship team. Mueller, who was the head coach of the Maine Celtics in 2023-2024, is one of Lee’s lead assistant in Charlotte.
And Bucknor, who was a player development coach in Boston, is also on the staff. Bucknor leads Hornets guard Sion James’ player development work, and oftentimes cosplays some of the NBA’s best players when the Hornets are going through scouts (Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero is an example of a player Bucknor cosplays).
“He’s a good guy to have around,” Knueppel said. “He’s still a bucket, so whenever we need a scout team, he’s in there getting buckets. He’s great.”
The connections don’t end there: last summer, the Hornets named Patrick Chasse as new vice president of Medical and Performance. Chasse had previously been the Celtics’ head athletic trainer since 2022, and began with the organization in 2020.
Knueppel said the Hornets’ midseason turnaround could primarily be attributed to guys getting healthy.
“Brandon [Miller] missed a lot of games,” Knueppel said. “He dislocated his shoulder, or separated his shoulder, in the second game of the season. So, he missed about 20 games early, and LaMelo [Ball] missed 10 games early. So having those guys out of the lineup, obviously super important players for us. And then when they come back, they’re on they’re on minutes restrictions, and they’re not playing back-to-backs. So, getting those guys back healthy, playing full-time, was really important. And then getting guys like Grant Williams and Josh Green back back healthy as well, who are big-time role players for us, was huge.”
And, the Hornets veterans include two former Celtics: Grant Williams and Xavier Tillman. Williams was traded to Charlotte in 2024, and quickly became a key locker room presence. Knueppel named him as one of the most welcoming guys on the roster. He, Williams, and Pat Connaughton use the sauna together after every home game and chat.
“He’s been really, really good for us rookies, really good to us, making us feel comfortable, taking us out to dinner, paying for dinner when he doesn’t have to, making us feel welcome,” Knueppel said. “So, he’s been phenomenal. He’s been a really good friend.”
Grant Williams has emerged as a key locker room presence in Charlotte. | Getty Images
The Hornets are now making a playoff push, and Williams has routinely drawn from his own experiences making playoff runs with the Celtics in order to advise the younger guys who haven’t been there before.
“He talks about it a lot – just the standard that we have to hold ourselves to, and how it’s going to be in the playoffs, committing to what we do, and our identity on a nightly basis is important,” Knueppel said. “He really, really talks about that a lot.”
The most recent ex-Celtics addition?
Tillman, who was traded from the Celtics to the Hornets at the trade deadline. Knueppel said Tillman has been a great veteran presence, and that the team has really enjoyed having his family around.
“He’s one of the best locker room presences you can have in the league,” Williams said of Tillman earlier this month. “I bet you everyone here in Boston would say the same.”
As they gear up to face the Celtics, on Sunday the Hornets are currently 39-35, good for the 10th-best record in the Eastern Conference. But, they’re only 2.5 games behind the Toronto Raptors for the 5th seed, with 7 games left to play.
And, they’ve become an increasingly daunting first-round opponent.
“We have a chance to get out of the play-in,” Knueppel said. “And so that’s really the goal at the end of the day – we have a couple of tie-breakers with teams in our division. So it’d be great to get into that.”
The Milwaukee Bucks are getting a glimpse into a grim Giannis-less future, and a nightmare week wraps up with a visit from the Los Angeles Clippers this afternoon.
Milwaukee has lost its last three games by a combined 96 points, including a thumping against Kawhi Leonard & Co. at Intuit Dome, and my Clippers vs. Bucks predictions and NBA picks explain why a similar script is brewing for this rematch, with Darius Garland continuing his hot streak.
Clippers vs Bucks prediction
Clippers vs Bucks best bet: Darius Garland Over 18.5 points (-120)
Maybe Darius Garland has just been healthier this month. Maybe there’s some extra juice after the Cavaliers gave up on him at the trade deadline. Either way, his strong March numbers have solidified the Los Angeles Clippers as a dangerous potential first-round playoff opponent — assuming they get there.
With that in mind, the Garland points prop is the standout pick for me today. He poured in 30 points for L.A. on Friday against the Pacers, making 10 of his 19 shots, including six 3-pointers, and he’s gone past this O/U number in eight of his last 10 outings.
I’m buying into the crafty point guard’s 21.8 ppg average in March, and a lackluster Milwaukee squad is an ideal opponent. Garland is shooting better than 50% from downtown as a Clipper, and, while that’s not sustainable in the long run, don’t count on him slowing down this afternoon. After all, the Bucks have allowed 120+ points in seven of their past eight contests.
The hosts’ woeful defense isn’t likely to get any better on the second day of a back-to-back set, and we saw Stephon Castle toy with Milwaukee on the way to 22 points and a triple-double yesterday. Garland is a different kind of guard, but there’s a blueprint for attacking a Milwaukee Bucks team that’s seemingly counting the days until the offseason.
This game has blowout written all over it, but the prop line is low enough that Garland can do his damage in limited minutes.
Clippers vs Bucks same-game parlay
A healthy Garland next to Kawhi gives the Clippers a new ceiling, and I’m wagering on more hot shooting from the former Cav, who’s drilled 22 threes across his last four games.
The Clippers cruised to a 129-96 victory over the Bucks on Monday, so there’s appeal for laying the points, especially with Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma on the injury report for Milwaukee. Plus, the hosts are 3-7 ATS in their past 10 contests.
Clippers vs Bucks SGP
Darius Garland Over 18.5 points
Darius Garland Over 2.5 threes
Clippers -14
Our "from downtown" SGP: A wrong Turn!
The Myles Turner contract is looking like a major blunder for the Bucks, and he’s shown very few signs of carrying Milwaukee during Antetokounmpo’s latest spell on the sidelines.
He had 15 points yesterday, but he’s averaging just 8.3 ppg and 3.8 rpg in March. The hosts could have done worse than stick with Brook Lopez, who’s scored 10+ points in four straight games.
Clippers vs Bucks SGP
Myles Turner Under 10.5 points
Myles Turner Under 4.5 rebounds
Brook Lopez Over 9.5 points
Clippers -14
Clippers vs Bucks odds
Spread: Clippers -14 | Bucks +14
Moneyline: Clippers -1000 | Bucks +650
Over/Under: Over 221.5 | Under 221.5
Clippers vs Bucks betting trend to know
The Bucks are 1-5 ATS in their last six games without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Bucks.
How to watch Clippers vs Bucks
Location
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Date
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Tip-off
3:30 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN SoCal, FDSN Wisconsin
Clippers vs Bucks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Nikola Jokic
Ziaire Williams
Raphielle Johnson
