Category: Basketball

The Chicago Bulls announced Monday that they have waived guard Jaden Ivey for "conduct detrimental to the team," soon after the former first-round draft pick made anti-gay comments on Instagram Live.

The move came less than two months after Chicago acquired Ivey from the Detroit Pistons. In recent days, the fourth-year player has posted several videos on Instagram in which he speaks at length about his religious beliefs.

Ivey recorded another such video Monday soon after learning of his release by Chicago. In it, he held firm to his convictions and predicted he would have trouble landing another NBA job because of them.

Background

The Pistons selected Ivey at No. 5 overall in the 2022 draft. He was a starter for much of his first two-plus seasons before being hampered by multiple injuries. In 218 games for Detroit, Ivey averaged 14.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and four assists in 27.9 minutes a game.

Chicago acquired Ivey and his expiring contract in a three-team trade on Feb. 3. He played in four games for the Bulls leading into the All-Star break, but was a healthy scratch for their Feb. 19 game against the Toronto Raptors.

After the game, Ivey told reporters that "the old Jalen is dead."

Read more:Lamar Odom's past is a 'cesspool of trauma,' he says: 'I don't know what made me relevant now'

“I’m alive in Christ" he said. "No matter what the basketball setting is, I’m born again with the Holy Spirit, been saved by Jesus Christ. No matter how many DNPs I don’t get to play, no matter how many points I score, those things are temporary things. ...

"Jesus is not going to say on Judgment Day, ‘How many points did you score today?’ … Jesus is not going to say, “Feb. 19, why didn’t you play, Jaden?’ He’s gonna say, ‘What did you do for my kingdom? Do you believe in my name? Did you love me? Did you keep my commandments? Did you repent of your sin? Are you free from sin?’ And there’s only freedom in Jesus Christ.”

Ivey has not played since. The Bulls announced on Feb. 21 that he would be sidelined for at least two weeks because of soreness in his left knee. On Thursday, the team announced that Ivey would miss the remainder of the season because of injuries.

What he said

The Bulls did not elaborate, but the announcement that Ivey would be waived came soon after one of his videos on Instagram Live .

“They proclaim Pride Month in the NBA. They proclaim it," Ivey said in the video. "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?”

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that a source within the Bulls organization said the decision to dismiss Ivey didn't stem from one incident but rather from an accumulation of posts and comments that started in February.

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After the Bulls announced the move, Ivey returned to Instagram Live and recorded another lengthy video.

"All I'm preaching is about Jesus Christ and they waived me, right? They say I'm crazy, right? I'm psycho," Ivey said. "…God let these things happen for a reason. His will be done. May His will be done. Not my will. My will is done.

"When I came into the league, all I wanted to do was win championships and get millions of bucks, get that next contract, get them cars. That's all I wanted when I came into the league — until the Lord showed me. What good is it to gain the world and forfeit your soul?"

He added: "That's why everybody around me turning their back on me, because of my faith in Him, in the Son of God. That’s why — I didn't get myself waived. I was in the gym today. I was rehabbing, I was lifting, doing what was required of me in my job, doing whatever they said to do. …

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"I could’ve quit on my own, but they kicked me out. And I’m sure every NBA team gonna say the same thing, ‘We don’t want him, he’s too religious for us.’ But I bless you all in Jesus’ name."

On Tuesday, Ivey posted another video in which he seemed to address the aftermath of his previous comments.

"Those who are around me, those who are my family members [are] betraying [me] because of what I spoke — the truth," Ivey said. "Betraying me. Saying that I’m losing my mind. Saying that I’m crazy. Saying that I don’t know the truth. These are my own family members who love me. My blood. Those who raised me, saying that I don’t know the truth. ‘Man, he’s psycho. He’s this, he’s that.' Those are my own household.

"All because of the gospel. All because I said the truth, that unrighteousness will not be let into God’s kingdom. That’s the truth."

What others are saying

Bulls coach Billy Donovan addressed the situation with reporters before his team's game Monday in San Antonio.

“I don’t want to get into what he put out there, but certainly, I hope for him he’s OK," Donovan said of Ivey. "I’ve had conversations with Jaden, and he’s been always 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.”

He added: “We have people from all different walks of life that are working in the building and players from all different walks of life, right? So the first thing is, everybody comes with their own personal experiences. … We’ve got to all be professional. 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.”

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Bulls guard Josh Giddey said Monday: "Obviously, the whole thing is kind of unfortunate in a way. I hope he gets the help he needs, whatever he’s going through or not going through. I do really hope he gets help. It’s not going to be with the Bulls anymore, but wherever it is, I hope he gets it.’’

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson appeared to show his support for Ivey on his Instagram Story. He posted a graphic referencing Ivey's situation along with a quote from the New Testament.

"'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven,'” Henderson wrote. "Matthew 5:10."

Asked about Henderson's post on Tuesday, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said he wants his players "to be able to express what they believe in their heart and in their mind, but also want to make sure that they’re educated."

"And we want to be inclusive," Vrabel added. "Everything we want to do [is] to provide an environment for people to want to feel comfortable, but also to share their personal beliefs. And then also, we represent the team. And we represent the organization.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Some of the first names to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's 2026 class are starting to leak out, and the early wave includes some of the game’s legends.

According to ESPN, former Suns and Knicks forward and center Amar'e Stoudemire, former Los Angeles Sparks icon Candace Parker, former Sky and Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne and longtime NBA coach Doc Rivers, currently with the Milwaukee Bucks, are among the first four members to be enshrined.

The Hall has not issued any statement concerning the induction of the four and did not initially respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY Sports.

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The Milwaukee Bucks host the Dallas Mavericks in NBA action tonight. 

These are two of the worst teams in the league, but there are a few reasons why my Mavericks vs. Bucks predictions favor the home side.

I explain with my best free NBA picks on Tuesday, March 31. 

Mavericks vs Bucks prediction

Mavericks vs Bucks best bet: Bucks moneyline (+110)

Both squads have been terrible lately, with the Dallas Mavericks winning just three of their last 18 games and the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Milwaukee Bucks going 3-14 in their previous 17. The Bucks are last in the NBA in net rating (-17.3) since the start of March, while Dallas is 28th (-11.5).

That said, the Mavs are on the road and could be tired after losing by 30 points to Minnesota last night. 

Meanwhile, the Bucks enjoyed a day off after losing at home to the Clippers on Sunday. They should also have Myles Turner, Bobby Portis, and Ryan Rollins back in the lineup after they missed the previous contest.

They are three of Milwaukee's Top 6 scorers this season (with another being the still-sidelined Antetokounmpo), so having that trio active will boost the Bucks' chances of winning.

That's enough for me to back them at plus money against a Dallas squad that has Cooper Flagg and not much else.

Mavericks vs Bucks same-game parlay

Since both teams have nothing to play for, we've seen little effort from them on the defensive end of the floor. That has me backing a couple of player props in this SGP.

Daniel Gafford has stepped up as the Mavs' No. 2 scoring option and has logged 24+ points and rebounds in seven of his last eight games.

Meanwhile, Rollins has knocked down more than 2.5 threes in six of his last eight games. He'll torch a Dallas squad that is allowing 14.3 threes per game at 38.6% clip since the start of February.

Mavericks vs Bucks SGP

• Bucks moneyline
• Daniel Gafford Over 22.5 points + rebounds
• Ryan Rollins Over 2.5 threes

Our "from downtown" SGP: Planting his Flagg

Flagg is coming off a night against Minnesota, where he went just 5-for-19 from the field. That said, the Rookie of the Year favorite should bounce back against a Milwaukee squad that is second-last in the league in defensive rating since the All-Star break. 

Flagg has dropped 5+ dimes in 12 of 14 games this month, and he also makes plays on the defensive end. He has logged 2+ steals in five of his last seven games while blocking at least one shot in six of his previous eight contests.

Mavericks vs Bucks SGP

• Cooper Flagg Over 24.5 points
• Cooper Flagg Over 4.5 assists
• Cooper Flagg Over 1.5 steals
• Cooper Flagg Over 0.5 blocks

Mavericks vs Bucks odds

• Spread: Mavericks -2 (-110) | Bucks +2 (-110)
• Moneyline: Mavericks -130 | Bucks +110
• Over/Under: Over 230 (-110) | Under 230 (-110)

How to watch Mavericks vs Bucks

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Okay Dub Nation, I see you. Sitting on the stool in the corner of the ring, spitting out blood as the trainers press an ice pack over your swollen eye sockets from watching a rough and tumble month of Golden State Warriors basketball.

The Dubs went 5-10 in March, Steph Curry’s birthday month. Curry and Jimmy Butler didn’t play a single second. The team’s net rating was -5.9, the kind of number that belongs to rebuilds.

And yet. Maybe there’s a chance in here buried under the losses and life lessons. Golden State spent the month caught between two truths: too good to tank and too hurt to compete. If there’s one thing March taught us, it’s that there’s something about this team that is exciting and tragic at the same time.

The Win That Made You Believe

March 5th in Houston. The Warriors were missing seven players, including every name that appears on a marquee. What showed up instead was a ragtag collection of role players, former G-Leaguers, and aging veterans who apparently missed the memo that the game was supposed to be meaningless.

De’Anthony Melton scored 10 points in the first seven minutes. Al Horford, age 39, won the overtime tip and scored a post-up hook shot. LJ Cryer hit threes. Gui Santos played 41 minutes, finished plus-20, and put Kevin Durant on the floor with a spin move.

Brandin Podziemski went 3-for-3 in overtime and reached a season-high 26 points. And KD, one of the greatest players alive and a forever legend in Golden State, bricked two consecutive free throws to give Golden State the game.

Final score: 115-113. The Warriors owned the Rockets franchise one more time without a single star. That was the argument for this team. For one night, every player on that floor had something to prove, and together they proved it.

The Win That That Didn’t Feel Like One

Eighteen days later, same state, different city, different kind of Texas night entirely.

Moses Moody stole the ball from Cooper Flagg with 1:13 left in overtime. He got out in space with the dunk coming into view. And we know Moody can elevate. This time, unfortunately he planted his foot, and the floor gave out beneath a season that had finally started to mean something. Torn patellar tendon. Season over.

Original Splash Bro Klay Thompson was on the other side in a Mavericks uniform. He watched that basketball inheritance collapse in real time. Nobody felt like celebrating the overtime win. The Warriors needed a big victory, but at what cost? I wonder if they’d rather have the loss if it meant preserving Moody’s future.

This is what March 2026 was. A month where the Warriors were simultaneously too good to tank and too hurt to compete. Steph has now missed over two dozen consecutive games. Butler has been gone since January. Horford went down with a calf strain. Moody, who was the living proof that the Two-Timeline strategy could actually work, is watching the rest of this season from a treatment table. A month where the best version of this roster kept flashing, and the injury report kept taking it away.

April Starts Against San Antonio

The Warriors open April against the Spurs. The one with Victor Wembanyama, the version of the future this season was supposed to hold off. They are going into that game without Steph, without Jimmy, without Moses, and with a net rating that politely suggests the process is still very much in progress. Another Texas team, another test, and another day of wondering if the glass is half full or half empty on this season.

March presented two true things simultaneously. The Warriors can still be beautiful when the ball moves and the right people show up hungry. And it also whispered that this season is not going to end in triumph. Both are hella real and define Warriors basketball in 2026.

Goodbye March, you were tough on the team.

Rapper J. Cole has long been an NBA sicko. In 2018, he hopped on 21 Savage’s track ‘a lot’ and immediately shouted out Markelle Fultz and Dennis Smith Jr. However, there is no NBA player he loves like Steph Curry — who also hails from his native North Carolina.

On Carmelo Anthony’s 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast, Cole spoke extensively about his love for Steph.

“I love basketball — it’s an even playing field,” Cole said. “Of course, you’re going to get athletically gifted people, but that’s why I love Steph so much. Compared to the average NBA player — 6’6″, 6’7″, freak of nature — he doesn’t fit that bill. He’s more of a regular size in the league.”

Cole sees Curry as an emblem of working with what you’ve got and using your own unique skillset to grow and become the best version of yourself.

“I stand next to Steph and I’m like, ‘Damn, this dude my height,'” Cole said. “He’s not little, but he maxed out his ability. If I work harder than everybody else, I can max my abilities out, and then I got a fair shot.”

Cole, 41, has pretty famously always wanted to be an NBA player, trying out for the Draft in 2020 and going pro briefly between 2021 and 2022 in the Basketball Africa League and the Canadian Elite Basketball League.

“That’s what I love about basketball,” Cole said. “I can measure my growth. I can see it. I can watch how bad I was or how regular I was, and how much better I’ve gotten in this one area. And I feel like I need that in my life. My music is the same way. My writing is the same way. My rap is the same passion — I want to push myself. Basketball gives me something measurable.”

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Our NBA player prop projections are set for tonight’s showdown between the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets, with the model pinpointing several standout opportunities.

By analyzing the data and comparing it to current market lines, we’ve uncovered the bets with the highest value.

These Knicks vs. Rockets predictions aren’t guesswork — they’re driven by the numbers.

For those building their cards, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Tuesday, March 31.

Knicks vs Rockets computer picks for March 31

Knicks	Rockets
Brunson u24.5 points  -112	Durant u25.5 points  -120
Bridges o1.5 threes -125	Sengun u8.5 rebounds +105
Hart o6.5 rebounds -130	Thompson o4.5 assists -120

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Knicks computer picks

Jalen Brunson Under 24.5 points (-112)

Projection: 24.6 points

Over their last 10 road games, opposing starting point guards have averaged just 12.8 points per game against the Houston Rockets — the second-lowest mark in the NBA — making this a difficult offensive matchup, particularly for Jalen Brunson.

Additionally, the New York Knicks have played at the slowest pace in the league over their last five games. They're likely to see even fewer possessions against a Houston team that ranks as the second-slowest offense in terms of pace this season.

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Mikal Bridges Over 1.5 threes (-125)

Projection: 1.7 3-pointers

Mikal Bridges has eclipsed 1.5 made threes in five of his last 10 games, and this matchup sets up well for him to build on that trend against the Rockets.

While Houston plays at a slower pace, their defensive scheme often prioritizes protecting the paint and limiting high-percentage looks inside. That naturally shifts opportunities to the perimeter, where Bridges thrives as a catch-and-shoot weapon.

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Josh Hart Over 6.5 rebounds (-130)

Projection: 7.4 rebounds

Josh Hart has gone Over 6.5 rebounds in six of his last 10 games, and the Knicks’ strong presence on the glass should continue to boost his rebounding outlook.

New York ranks fifth in the NBA with 13.0 offensive rebounds per game this season, creating extra opportunities for Hart to capitalize on the boards.

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Rockets computer picks

Kevin Durant Under 25.5 points (-120)

Projection: 24.2 points

From a scoring standpoint, the Rockets have struggled at home, averaging just 109.9 points per game over their last 25 contests — the second-lowest mark in the NBA.

They also operate at the second-slowest pace in the league this season, a combination that could limit possessions and make it tougher for Kevin Durant to clear his points prop tonight.

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Alperen Şengün Under 8.5 rebounds (+105)

Projection: 8.4 rebounds

The Knicks have operated at the slowest pace in the league over their last five games.

This should limit possessions for the Rockets and cut into rebounding chances for Alperen Şengün, especially after he’s gone Under in five of his last 10 games at an 8.5 rebound line.

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Amen Thompson Over 4.5 assists (-120)

Projection: 5.2 assists

Amen Thompson has gone Over 4.5 assists in four of his last 10 games, and tonight’s matchup against the Knicks sets up favorably for him to continue that trend.

Thompson thrives when he can push the pace, and with the Knicks playing at the slowest tempo in the league over their last five contests, defensive rotations will be critical — opening passing lanes for a quick, athletic playmaker like Thompson.

His ability to penetrate and draw attention often forces collapses that create open opportunities for teammates, giving Thompson plenty of chances to rack up assists.

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How to watch Knicks vs Rockets tonight

Location	Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date	Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Tip-off	8:00 p.m. ET
TV	Peacock

Not intended for use in MA.
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There’s a “2-for-1” deal inside Intuit Dome when the Los Angeles Clippers host the Portland Trail Blazers tonight. These Western Conference rivals are Nos. 8 and 9, respectively, in the Western Conference standings, which means a victory is twice as nice. 

Los Angeles is on a five-game run, but kicking the tires on that tear sees L.A. taking advantage of some NBA bottom-feeders.

My Trail Blazers vs. Clippers predictions and NBA picks believe L.A. reserve Bennedict Mathurin has gotten fat off that cupcake competition, and aren’t convinced he’ll keep the points coming.

Trail Blazers vs Clippers prediction

Trail Blazers vs Clippers best bet: Bennedict Mathurin Under 17.5 points (-125)

Bennedict Mathurin has been massive for the Los Angeles Clippers' turnaround the past two months. 

The 6-foot-5 guard gives L.A. a shot of energy off the bench, upping his scoring to 20+ points per game since the beginning of February. Mathurin has been especially hot in his last nine outings, averaging almost 23 points since March 7.

Helping heap on the points has been a schedule littered with lousy defenses. Four of those last nine games came against teams ranked Bottom 4 in defensive rating since the All-Star break (Indiana, Milwaukee, Sacramento, Memphis), along with a 26-point showing versus Chicago (21st).

Tuesday’s tilt brings a sneaky-good Portland Trail Blazers team to Los Angeles. Portland has also roughed up some weaker foes in recent games but sits No. 4 in defensive rating since the break and will approach this vital matchup with a playoff-like intensity.

The Blazers blitz opposing ball-handlers with smothering pressure and force them to get rid of the rock. That tactic has Portland giving up the third-fewest points to guards across the Association (47.2 per game).

Mathurin relies on getting to the foul line to pick up points, going to the stripe at least nine times in seven of his last nine outings. He won’t be able to get into attack mode versus that Portland press.

Projections all sit below his scoring prop, with my number just north of 15 points. That should have this Under 17.5 priced around -200 rather than the modest ask of -125.

Trail Blazers vs Clippers same-game parlay

The Clippers have boosted their stock against some bad teams recently. Portland is a stiff defensive challenge for L.A,. and our game models see the Clippers escaping but not covering as home chalk.

The forecasted final also comes up short of the current Over/Under total. The Trail Blazers can’t match the firepower of the Clippers and will try to turn this into a grinder of a game.

Trail Blazers vs Clippers SGP

• Trail Blazers +5.5
• Under 227.5
• Bennedict Mathurin Under 17.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Chairmen of the boards

The Trail Blazers need this win to keep pace in the playoff race, but won’t win a shootout against the Clippers. Defense is the name of the game for Portland, which keeps the score low and Jrue Holiday and Deni Avdija busy on the glass. Both Blazers are projected to top their rebound markets tonight.

Trail Blazers vs Clippers SGP

• Trail Blazers moneyline
• Under 227.5
• Jrue Holiday Over 3.5 rebounds
• Deni Avdija Over 6.5 rebounds

Trail Blazers vs Clippers odds

• Spread: Trail Blazers +5.5 | Clippers -5.5
• Moneyline: Trail Blazers +180 | Clippers -220
• Over/Under: Over 227.5 | Under 227.5

Trail Blazers vs Clippers betting trend to know

The Trail Blazers are 7-14 Over/Under (63% Unders) as road underdogs this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Clippers.

How to watch Trail Blazers vs Clippers

Trail Blazers vs Clippers latest injuries

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Allow Charlotte Hornets fans to feel optimism for once. They have earned it. They can even look at an opponent like the Brooklyn Nets and have complete confidence in a win tonight.

My Hornets vs. Nets predictions and these NBA picks even go so far as to expect Charlotte to give some players a lighter workload on Tuesday, March 31.

Hornets vs Nets prediction

Hornets vs Nets best bet: LaMelo Ball Under 19.5 points (-120)

This is what life is like on the other side, Charlotte Hornets fans. You are no longer tanking; you get to take advantage of the teams that are tanking, like the Brooklyn Nets.

Sometimes that joy can be a bit excruciating itself. Your stars may not take the game as seriously, like scoring 20 points on 7-for-16 shooting against the Kings a week ago. Or they may not see as many minutes, like not even playing 22 minutes against the Pacers in late February.

LaMelo Ball cleared this prop in both those instances, but scoring 20 points against tanking teams is hardly an argument that he 'll ruin this prop by the hook tonight.

The Hornets have a back-to-back coming up on Thursday and Friday; they likely need to win both games — vs. Phoenix and then vs. Indiana — to keep their chances of slipping into the preferred Play-In game as the No. 8 seed in mid-April alive.

Limiting Ball’s minutes tonight will only help that cause later in the week, and Charlotte certainly should not need much of a performance from him against Brooklyn. The Nets have one outright win in their last 11 games, against the Kings.

Hornets vs Nets same-game parlay

Limiting Ball’s minutes while increasing Coby White’s will serve Charlotte not only to rest Ball for later in the week but also to further White’s understanding of this Hornets offense. Since joining the rotation in late February, White has taken at least 11 shots in 10 of 15 games, including each of the last eight.

More and more White usage should create Charlotte permutations that frustrate postseason opponents. An early lead will create a clear opportunity for less Ball and more White tonight.

Hornets vs Nets SGP

• Hornets first half -10
• LaMelo Ball Under 19.5 points
• Coby White Over 14.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Nets Hang Around

The Nets may be the complete inverse of the Jazz. While Utah stays competitive into the fourth quarter and then benches its contributing pieces to assure a loss, Brooklyn tends to hang around the whole game, then score garbage-time points to cover the full-game spread. The Nets are 5-1 ATS in their last six.

Hornets vs Nets SGP

• Nets +17.5
• Hornets first half -10
• LaMelo Ball Under 19.5 points

Hornets vs Nets odds

• Spread: Hornets -17.5 | Nets +17.5
• Moneyline: Hornets -1700 | Nets +950
• Over/Under: Over 219.5 | Under 219.5

Hornets vs Nets betting trend to know

The last five Hornets games have all cashed their Unders, and by an average of 5.7 points. Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Nets.

How to watch Hornets vs Nets

Hornets vs Nets latest injuries

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The NBA Rookie of the Year award can be a good indicator of future success, but it doesn’t always mean the player who won it will go on to have the best career of his class, nor does it mean the ones who didn’t win it can’t be just as successful. This year, the NBA’s top candidates are Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg, and both of them are special players with high ceilings. Still, the San Antonio Spurs made the made the right pick by selecting Dylan Harper at 2nd overall (sorry, Kevin O’Connor), and here’s why.

There are 19 NBA rookies playing at least 20 minutes per game in the 2025-26 season, and only three are logging at least 30 mpg (minimum 55 games played): Flagg, Knueppel, and VJ Edgecomb. All three have been mostly starers for their teams, while Harper is 12th among rookies in minutes at 22.3 per game with just two starts, meaning he doesn’t have as strong of a case for ROY as his fellow top four picks. Still, any rookie who has made himself a rotation player has done a good job, especially when they earn that spot on a quality team like the Spurs. 

Keep in mind that only three Spurs rookies have averaged 30 minutes since 1988-89: Tim Duncan, David Robinson and Willie Anderson. A lot of that has to do with how stacked many Spurs teams have been over the years, but it’s also not their motto to put too much on rookies’ plates, especially the younger ones. While the three Spurs above all entered the league aged 21 or older and started from day 1, Harper plays mostly with the second unit. Yet notably, the five-man unit with Harper, Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama is one of their best.

That rotation is their 12th most-used this season, but part of the reason for its success is having added versatility with multiple ball handlers. The other is the sharp perimeter defense that buys Wemby the extra second to get where he wants. 

Harper is a smart shot creator, averaging a 2.76 assist-to-turnover ratio: the best among rookies.  Most of his passes and assists have gone to Johnson, who also passes him the ball the most.  To boot, Harper is one of three rookies to score in double figures with a minimum 54.0 effective field goal percentage, and on the Spurs, he generates the third most 3-pointers (5.4) for his teammates after Castle and De’Aaron Fox.

Harper was never going to make as much noise as many 2nd overall picks do because of his role, but take out that bit of context, and what he’s done matters a lot to a team that has turned into a championship contender at least a year earlier than expected. Despite being a rookie, he’s someone coach Mitch Johnson can count on in big games and is a big part of why the team has a top-eight scoring bench. His rookie campaign may not be as glamourous as Flagg or Knueppel’s, but it’s still rare for a rookie to garner that much trust so early in their careers.

It’s always difficult to get a read on how award voters will lean, but while it’s probably safe to assume Harper won’t win Rookie of the Year, he at least deserves to be on one of the All-Rookie teams. He’s quick, strong and shifty with the ball, and while he has only started twice this year against two low-level opponents, the Spurs offense didn’t miss a beat in his minutes. He is in the top five among rookies in points in the paint and fastbreak points, but most importantly, he’s doing all this for a team that’s on the hunt for the league’s best record. Other rookies can put up similar numbers with no pressure since their team is going nowhere or their role is not in jeopardy, but Harper is under pressure to produce, because if he doesn’t, the Spurs can simply turn to Fox or Castle for more minutes.

If Harper has one weakness, it’s his 3-point shooting. Almost all of his attempts are open to wide-open, making league average efficiency with 4-6 feet of space, but only 31.2 percent with six feet or more space. Spurs fans should not worry about this being a long term problem because he works hard, and Chip Engelland’s secret sauce has been closely replicated by the team.  For now, he can focus on becoming a screener after a handoff if opponents scheme him out by daring him to shoot, which will help him rack up assists and is a good counter by attacking the space.

There’s only seven games left in the regular season, so it is doubtful anyone will learn anything new from the crop of youngsters at this point. But we so know who Rookie Harper, and he’s earned himself an A- on my scale. The scary thing for the rest of the league is he has much more room to grow.

CHANDIGARH, India (AP) — Cooper Connolly marked his Indian Premier League debut with an unbeaten half-century in Punjab Kings' three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans on Tuesday.

Batting at No. 3, the 22-year-old Australian smashed 72 not out off 44 balls with five sixes and five fours as last year’s finalist survived a middle-order collapse to reach 165-7 with five balls to spare.

Fast bowler Vijayakumar Vyshak (3-34) and experienced spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (2-28) had earlier bowled well in the middle overs to restrict Gujarat to 162-6 after Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field.

“I was looking forward to the experience of playing with some world-class players, but to put that performance in tonight, very happy," Connolly said. "I’m just more of a tempo player, feel the flow of my hands, don’t hit too many big sixes.”

Punjab had the chase under control at 110-2 in 12 overs before impact substitute Prasidh Krishna rattled the middle order with three wickets in 10 balls and the home team slumped to 118-6 in the 15th over.

But Connolly didn’t lose patience with wickets falling around him provided Punjab a winning start to the tournament.

Krishna ignited the collapse when Iyer clipped a straightforward catch to mid-wicket of the first ball he faced after he was struck hard on his hand at the non-striker by a hard drive from Connolly and needed on-field treatment.

Shashank Singh was undone by a sharp short ball and got a faint edge behind the wicket while Marcus Stoinis sliced a catch to Rashid Khan at third of another short delivery.

Marco Jansen smashed a six but got deceived by a slower delivery from Gujarat debutant Ashok Sharma and offered a tame catch at covers with Punjab still needing 19 runs for victory.

Xavier Bartlett (11 not out) eased the nerves when he pulled Krishna for a six over mid-wicket before Connolly guided Punjab to victory.

Earlier, skipper Shubman Gill top-scored with 39 off 27 balls, but none of the top-order Gujarat batters could convert starts into meaningful knocks. Gill started off well with his fluent boundaries in the power play, but Gujarat got tied down after scoring 54-1 in the first six overs.

Gill dominated Chahal early on with his trademark sweep shots before he got caught at mid-wicket while trying another sweep against the spinner as Gujarat couldn’t find momentum after power play.

Jos Buttler scored 38 off 33 balls, that included 14 dot balls before he holed out to long-on at the start of death overs.

Punjab did well in the last five overs and allowed Gujarat score only 34 runs with Jansen (1-20) intelligently varying his pace. Arshdeep Singh’s (0-42) long 11-ball last over went for 12 runs that included a no-ball and four wide balls.

___

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

On March 23rd, Moses Moody suffered a season-ending patellar tendon tear during the Warriors’ game versus the Dallas Mavericks. Moody was taken off the court on a stretcher with only 58 seconds remaining in overtime. Before his injury, Moody was having a great game, with 23 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Luckily, the Warriors pulled out a win. Moody underwent knee surgery on March 27th.

Two days later, on March 29th, Moody broke his silence via Twitter.

“I appreciate all of the love. Every challenge I’ve been through in life I’m glad I went through. I’m sure I’ll feel the same about this. 💪🏾” Moody said in a tweet Sunday.

Moody, turning 24 next month, was averaging 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game — his best season yet. Moody is young and exceptionally talented, so he has a bright future ahead of him after his recovery process. Hopefully, he comes back stronger. Either way, Dub Nation is behind him every step of the way.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

As the Western Conference playoff race nears its end, it’s once again going to come down to the wire.

With just seven games remaining, the Lakers can finish as high as the No. 3 seed or as low as sixth. The good news is the Lakers have their destiny in their own hands as they currently sit in the three spot and have the tiebreakers over the opponents they’re competing with for a playoff spot.

While their seeding and whether they will have homecourt or not are unknown, the teams they could face are known. LA will play either Denver, Minnesota, or Houston in the postseason.

For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we ask which team you would most like them to play in the first round of the playoffs between the Wolves, Rockets and Nuggets.

The Lakers have beaten this trio in head-to-head matchups, so a case can be made for each being a desired opponent. The team with the current worst record among the three is Houston.

The Rockets haven’t been able to dominate this year, even with the acquisition of Kevin Durant. The Lakers recently beat the Rockets in back-to-back games in Houston, making a matchup against them in the postseason an enticing proposition.

Last season, the Wolves eliminated the Lakers in five games in the opening round. But this year, LA controlled all three contests against Minnesota and swept the season series.

Sure, they still have Anthony Edwards and a defensive titan in Rudy Gobert, but this iteration of the Lakers has proven they can handle them.

Perhaps facing them in the playoffs again can make advancing to the second round by beating them that much sweeter.

And last but certainly not least is the Nuggets. The Lakers won the season series 2-1, but all the games were close. In fact, Denver is the only team to have pushed Los Angeles into overtime this year.

The Lakers came out on top, but it certainly looked like things could have easily gone a different way.

Similar to Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić is also an MVP candidate, and with a player that good on a team that’s beaten the Lakers a couple of times in the playoffs during this decade, maybe that’s not the first opponent you want to have as one begins a playoff run.

But what do you think? Who do you want the Lakers to face in the playoffs? Share your opinion by voting and letting us know down below!

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

All season — and especially the last month — the Utah Jazz have been playing G-league and overseas-level players in an effort to lose games. Some of them made their NBA debuts for the Jazz and some are trying to make their NBA comebacks. Without being too critical, there’s a reason that most of these players have not made a real impact on the world’s best basketball league.

Let’s take a look at every two-way or 10-day contract player to suit up for Utah this season, and see if I would like them to dawn the purple mountains in the future.

Mo Bamba

Games played: Two

Contract: Signed to multiple 10-days, but released before the last contract was up.

Would I like to see him play for Utah again?: No

I was always elated every time the Jazz signed Mo Bamba this past year, simply for how much of a pop culture icon he is. However, in the two games he played for Utah this season — and the seven years of previous NBA play — he did not inspire confidence that he could be a legitimate player for the Utah Jazz. But thanks for the song! I imagine I’ll show it to my future kids in 20 years, and explain why a former Jazz player is the title of one of the most popular hits of my generation.

Andersson Garcia

Games played: Five

Contract: One 10-day. Was not re-signed after.

Would I like to see him play for Utah again?: Yes

Andersson Garcia’s brief time in a Jazz uniform was very reminiscent of Jarred Vanderbilt’s. Both had tremendous hustle and grit, diving for loose balls, snagging boards and playing great defense. Vanderbilt’s play during the first part of the 2022-23 season was a stark contrast to the lackadaisical effort of the 2021-22 team, and Garcia’s drive felt the same exact way. Offensively, Garcia wasn’t great, only shooting 31.0% from the field, but the 8.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals were nothing to scoff at. As excited as I am about JJJ, Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George and Walker Kessler next season, none of those players are known for their tenacity and hustle, so I’ll take as many players with those attributes as I can get.

The Jazz didn’t re-sign him after his 10-day was up, so the odds that he’ll play for the organization again are slim, but I would love it if somehow he wound up on the training camp roster next season. Plus, being one of the few Dominican NBA players ever was a wholesome story.

Kennedy Chandler

Games played: Six (and counting)

Contract: One 10-day

Would I like to see him play for Utah again?: No

Looking at Chandler’s counting stats, they aren’t terrible (14.2 ppg and 6.8 apg), but considering that the only two point guards on the roster are Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier, and there’s an abundance of intriguing guards in the lottery, if the Jazz were to add a non-draft point guard to the roster this summer, I would much rather it be a solid, proven player with a few years under his belt — just look at how great of an addition Ayo Dosunmu has been for Minnesota. Chandler also had nine turnovers in the last two games and stands at only 6-feet tall. The Jazz don’t need another one of those.

Bez Mbeng

Games played: 10 (and counting)

Contract: Multiple 10-days

Would I like to see him play for Utah again?: No

The former 3-time Ivy League defensive player of the year has seemed to have a tough time scoring in his opening stint against NBA competition. He’s failed to score five points in five of the 10 games that he’s played and has only shot 16.7% from deep. Not to compare him to another Yale Bulldog who played for the Jazz, but like Miye Oni, he can disappear at times on the court. Unfortunately for Mbeng, he’s not made a lasting impression for the Jazz front office.

Blake Hinson

Games played: 11 (and counting)

Contract: two-year, two-way contract signed on Feb. 9

Would I like to see him play for Utah again?: Yes

Long story short, Hinson shoots 50.1% from three on over 5.2 attempts per game. If you can shoot that well from long distance consistently, you’ll have an NBA job for years to come. He doesn’t do much besides shooting, only averaging 2.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists and totaling three stocks in 11 games, but man… that 50% 3-point shooting. I’m happy he’ll have a chance to compete for a roster spot next season with the contract he signed.

Elijah Harkless

Games played: 26 (and counting)

Contract: Second year of a two-year, two-way contract

Would I like to see him play for Utah again?: Yes

Elijah Harkless didn’t play for all of December and January, but I immediately noticed his impact when he rejoined the Jazz from the Stars in February. He is a defense-first player, and while his steals numbers aren’t other-worldly (1.2 spg), his on-ball pressure is elite. On March 2, 6-foot-3 Harkless guarded one of the greatest players ever in Nikola Jokic for over six minutes, and he actually bothered the 3-time MVP. Harkless is never going to be a scorer, but he is a good playmaker (2.9 apg) and I think is good enough for another two-way contract.

Oscar Tshiebwe

Games played: 21 (and counting)

Contract: One-year, two-way

Would I like to see him play for Utah again?: No

This is less about Tshiebwe’s performance, and more of a reality check about Utah’s roster construction. The Jazz’s front court rotation — when healthy — is not an easy one to crack. Tshiebwe would have to compete with Markkanen, JJJ, Kessler, Kyle Filipowski and maybe Nurkic if the Jazz and the Bosnian big man come to an agreement for next season. That’s not to mention the possibility of the Jazz ending up with Cam Boozer, or players who can play power forward like AJ Dybantsa and Caleb Wilson in the draft. Sorry to Tshiebwe, but if he does sign with Utah again, he’ll be lucky to see the floor even in garbage time.

Bobby Marks (no relation, as we occasionally note) has an analysis of key decisions lottery teams will have to make beyond the NBA Draft at the end of June.

After the celebratory press conferences after the draft, Starting at noon on July 6, teams will be able to sign their own free agents as well as other free agents. It, along with the Draft, is also when Sean Marks does his best work. Indeed, Marks has made a trade, often a big one, within 48 hours either side of the Draft in nine of the 10 years he’s been Nets GM.

Bobby Marks believes that the Nets big decision in that timeframe will be whether to extend Michael Porter Jr. beyond next season when he will earn $40.8 million and at what price.

Porter’s first season in Brooklyn — Denver sent the forward and a 2032 unprotected first-round pick to the Nets for Cameron Johnson this past July — has featured a career-high 24.2 points per game and a fourth straight season of better than 36% 3-point shooting.

And prior to a strained left hamstring suffered March 19, Porter had missed just 14 games since the 2023-24 season, a trend in the right direction after injuries hampered him early in his career.

His impact on the court, durability and age — Porter will turn 28 in June — should warrant discussions on a new contract. He will be eligible to sign a four-year, $234 million deal.

Those figures — both the total money and length of the contract — are the maximum the Nets can pay MPJ. It seems highly unlikely Brooklyn will him at that level, as Yossi Gozlan told us last month.

“In reality I think he’s looking at something in the 20-25% of the salary cap range.” Gozlan told ND, citing the lack of competition for him. “As great as he’s been, he’s not going to replicate this production elsewhere since any good team that acquires him probably makes him their second or third option. I could see him getting something closer to four years, $160 million, but it’s way too early to project his next contract.“

And in these times, his podcast misadventures aren’t going to help his cause. For the record, the projected salary cap for 2027-28 is going to be around $174 million, meaning a starting salary around $44 million.

If history is any judge, the contract talks are likely to be amicable. Twice in the last four years, the Nets had big decisions on two other key players – Nic Claxton and Cam Johnson – that got done early. In both cases, they got contracts that were front-loaded, giving Sean Marks & co. more cap space and leverage in the future.

There seems little doubt the two sides want to make a deal, at least as of now. The Nets had multiple opportunities to at least talk trade around Porter before the February 5 deadline but chose not to, letting other teams know they saw the 6’10” shot-maker as part of their master plan going forward. For his part, Porter has said all the right things about the organization, calling Jordi Fernandez a “genius” and praising the team’s professionalism.

Bobby Marks also lays out some draft strategy and lists of 2026 free agents beyond MPJ.

It’s important to note that Brooklyn has no incentive to tank next season, as Houston has the right to swap first-round picks in 2027. Brooklyn will enter free agency with a high lottery pick and could have between $45 million and $55 million in cap room heading into free agency.

Free agents: Ochai Agbaji (restricted), Josh Minott ($2.6 million team option), Day’Ron Sharpe ($6.3 million team option), Ziaire Williams ($6.3 million team option), Jalen Wilson (restricted), EJ Liddell (restricted), Tyson Etienne (restricted), Chaney Johnson (restricted)

Of course, things are subject to change and judging by Sean Marks’ calendar, we may not have to wait too long for things to change.

• NBA draft: One big question facing every lottery team’s offseason ($) – Bobby Marks – ESPN