The Boston Celtics are massive 15.5-point favorites for tonight’s road game against the banged-up Memphis Grizzlies.
While I don’t think Memphis has much of a shot in this one, my Celtics vs. Grizzlies predictions explain why their offense can do enough for us to attack the total.
That and more NBA picks for this matchup set to tip off at 8:00 pm ET at the FedExForum in Memphis on Friday, March 20.
They rank second in offensive rating. That’s not great for the Memphis Grizzlies. Not only are they banged up, but they have the fourth-worst defensive rating since the All-Star break.
But while Memphis isn’t winning much and doesn’t play defense, they’ve been scrappy on offense thanks to guys like Ty Jerome and GG Jackson.
The Grizz are a respectable 15th in offensive rating over that stretch, and it's a big reason why the Over is 15-7 in their last 22 games.
Celtics vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
Some might have worried that Payton Pritchard’s production might take a dip with the return of Tatum, but he’s scored 18 or more points in five of his last eight games.
And he could get a great run against an overmatched Memphis team.
With all their injuries, the Grizzlies have been short on guys who can get buckets. Then Ty Jerome returned to the lineup at the end of January.
The Grizz shooting guard is averaging 20.7 points while shooting 42.5% from 3-point range over the 13 games he’s played since his return and has topped this number 10 times.
Celtics vs Grizzlies SGP
Over 229
Payton Pritchard Over 16.5 points
Ty Jerome Over 18.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Scoring Bonanza!
There will be plenty of points in Memphis tonight, so why not add the red-hot Jaylen Brown to the mix?
Celtics vs Grizzlies SGP
Jaylen Brown Over 25.5 points
Payton Pritchard Over 16.5 points
Ty Jerome Over 18.5 points
Cam Spencer Over 9.5 points
Celtics vs Grizzlies odds
Spread: Celtics -15 | Grizzlies +15
Moneyline: Celtics -1200 | Grizzlies +750
Over/Under: Over 229 | Under 229
Celtics vs Grizzlies betting trend to know
The Over is 15-7 in the Grizzlies' last 22 games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Celtics vs Grizzlies
Location
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Date
Friday, March 20, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSB, FDSN SE-MEM
Celtics vs Grizzlies 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.
In head-to-head leagues, it all comes down to the weekend. You can have a comfortable lead in multiple categories or by a bunch of points, but if you don’t make the most of the weekend, you can walk out with a loss.
13 teams play twice this weekend, including the Hawks, Celtics, Nets, Nuggets, Warriors, Rockets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Knicks, Suns, Trail Blazers, Raptors and Wizards. Prioritize those teams if you’re looking to maximize your games played. The Bulls are the only team that doesn’t have a game this weekend. If you’re in your fantasy championship, feel free to drop your Bulls!
That’s often what it comes down to in standard points and category leagues, but that’s not always the case. Leagues with some sort of games cap or best ball formats like Yahoo!’s High Score leagues aren’t just looking for volume, though having two chances at a big night is a good strategy in best ball leagues.
With Anthony Edwards (knee) sidelined for at least a few more games, Dosunmu should be considered a must-start player regardless of the matchup. As a starter over the last two games, he has averaged 21.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.0 triples per game. Dosunmu has been a strong trade deadline addition for Minnesota, and he should help them make a run in the postseason. For now, he’s going to help keep them afloat in the standings while Edwards gets healthy.
Guards:
Collin Gillespie, Phoenix Suns
Gillespie has been fantastic for most of the year for the Suns, and he should be in for a productive weekend with the Bucks on the schedule. Milwaukee has been one of the worst defensive teams in the league as of late, and Gillespie just had 24 points, six assists and two steals in Thursday’s loss. He should be in for another strong outing as they try to end this losing streak.
CJ McCollum, Atlanta Hawks
McCollum was sent to Atlanta as part of the Trae Young trade, and while his tenure with the team started off shaky, he has been an excellent fill-in and veteran scorer for this young team. They take on the Rockets and Warriors this weekend, and both teams have really struggled on the defensive end in recent weeks. McCollum should be in for a productive weekend.
Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
Houston has struggled recently, but one thing has become clear: Sheppard’s production off the bench is important to this team. This weekend, they play the Hawks and Heat, two teams that have played at an incredibly fast pace all season long. That should mean extra shots for Sheppard, and hopefully extra steals as they look to get back on track as a team after losing three of their last four games.
Forwards:
Josh Minott, Brooklyn Nets
With Michael Porter Jr. sidelined for the rest of the season, Minott should continue to produce for Brooklyn. Over his last three appearances, Minott has averaged 15.7 points, 2.0 steals, 1.3 blocks and 3.0 three-pointers per game. The Knicks game on Friday is a tough matchup, but Sunday’s game is against the Kings, who have been playing at a fast pace as of late. Sacramento has been better defensively, but this will be an important game for lottery odds, meaning the rotations may look a bit different.
Taylor Hendricks, Memphis Grizzlies
Hendricks may not have figured things out in Utah, but it appears that the Grizzlies have gotten a steal. Over his last six games, he has averaged 13.2 points, 2.2 steals, 1.7 blocks and 1.7 triples per game. This weekend, they have a tough back-to-back, but that means limited availability for the rest of the rotation. GG Jackson is doubtful for Friday’s game, so Hendricks could make a return to the starting lineup. Regardless, he’ll play big minutes and provide production on both ends.
Gui Santos, Golden State Warriors
Santos remains a fixture of this list despite some tough matchups. With Stephen Curry (knee) still out, he’s simply too important to this team to not have in the lineup. He has averaged 17.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game over the past two weeks and should be rostered as long as Curry is out.
Centers:
Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics
Queta has been fantastic all season, and on Friday, he gets matched up with the Grizzlies. Memphis hasn’t had a healthy center recently, which has resulted in them being the worst rebounding team in the league as of late. Sunday’s matchup against Minnesota isn’t as favorable, but it’s another opportunity for him.
Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks
Though he has had a few quieter performances lately, Okongwu has been productive for most of the year. Friday’s matchup with the Rockets isn’t easy, but Saturday’s against the Warriors should result in a big night for him. Atlanta has won 11 games in a row, and rebounding dominance has been key to their success. A lot of that has been Jalen Johnson, but Okongwu has had some solid nights.
Oso Ighodaro, Phoenix Suns
Ighodaro has been quiet as the starting center with Mark Williams sidelined, but his last two games have been productive, as he has averaged 15.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.0 steals. Now, he gets to take on the Bucks and Raptors, with Milwaukee being one of the worst rebounding teams in the league as of late. Ighodaro should close out this five-game week on a high note.
Mar 19, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) beats the drum after the game against the Phoenix Suns at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Coming off a blowout win against the Sacramento Kings, the Spurs returned home to face the Phoenix Suns for the final time this regular season. Stephon Castle was ruled out before the game with a hip injury, but Devin Vassell returned from ankle soreness. What followed was a highly contested game. After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Suns outscored the Spurs 33-28 in the second to take a seven-point lead into halftime. After a low-scoring third that resulted in many foul calls (some, albeit questionable), the Spurs’ deficit was cut to six heading into the fourth. The Suns still held a lead because the Spurs missed many easy layups and committed several unforced turnovers.
After trailing by as much as 10, the Spurs stormed back with over a minute remaining due to the heroics of De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama. After a Jordan Goodwin three-pointer put the Suns up five, Vassell missed a three, but Wembanyama was fouled on the offensive rebound. Wembanyama made both free throws, and the Spurs trailed by three. Devin Booker missed a stepback jumper, and on the Spurs’ next possession, Fox finished at the rim with a crafty move. Now trailing by one, the Spurs fouled rookie Rasheer Fleming. Fleming missed both free throws, and the Spurs called a timeout. With 11 seconds remaining, the Spurs inbounded the ball to Wembanyama, who let the time tickle down until he pulled up from the midrange over Oso Ighodaro. The result? SPLASH. The Spurs took the lead with 1.1 seconds remaining, and Booker missed the half-court heave. The Spurs won 101-100.
Victor Wembanyama dropped an MVP-level performance with 34 points (10-20 FG, 12-12 FT), 12 rebounds, three steals, an assist, and a block. Wemby was the consistent driving offensive force for the Spurs, especially when the team shot 29% from three. He was also in the passing lanes and came up with several steals. Even though Wemby shot two of seven from three, he was contacted throughout the entire game. He made all of his 12 free throw attempts and started to cement his MVP case in the fourth quarter. Alongside Fox, Wemby drained his two threes, got a huge offensive rebound, made his free throws, and hit his first-ever game-winner (while trailing). What made it an MVP moment was the fact that he waited till the clock dwindled until one second was left on the clock. A true risk/reward moment with neither team having any timeouts remaining, and the basket resulting in either a win or a loss. Wemby is on track to make both All-NBA and All-Defensive teams, and his MVP and DPOY cases continue to rise.
PERFECTION! Spurs’ ball movement results in a hook pass from Harrison Barnes to a cutting Wemby, who lays it up!
MORE MOVEMENT! After Barnes intercepts Amir Coffey’s pass, the ensuing fastbreak results in more beautiful Spurs ball movement that results in a Wemby dime to HB for an easy layup!
After the game, Wemby and the rest of the team were asked what they thought of Wemby’s performance. Keldon Johnson took the mic and began an MVP chant that could be heard from all of San Antonio!
De’Aaron Fox dropped 23 points (6-7 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Fox shot below 50% from the field, but made most of his points count in the fourth. Both he and Wemby were clutch down the stretch, with Fox pulling off two crafty moves that resulted in clutch buckets. The All-Star duo will continue to use their talent to will this team when the going gets tough.
Too smooth! Fox dribbles into the paint and pulls off a turnaround spin jumper on Fleming!
CLUTCH FOX! Fox dribbles past Ighodaro and finishes off the glass to cut the deficit to one!
De'Aaron Fox goes around the defender and scores the clutch layup to cut the Suns lead to 1, with 26.6 seconds remaining in regulation pic.twitter.com/UxlKTTVVTK
Julian Champagnie 14 points (4-8 3PT), two rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Julian was solid from the three-point line, shooting 50%. He also tossed up a sweet lob to Wemby and swatted two shots. One of the shots was a three-point attempt from the corner. The spacing he provides playmakers and other shooters has been valuable all season.
Devin Vassell dropped 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Like Julian, Dev was solid from the field, but also missed five threes. Nonetheless, he finished with the highest plus/minus on the team with +21. His perimeter defense alongside Julian has been solid all season, and will need to continue as the playoffs draw near.
Clear skies ahead! On the fastbreak, Dylan Harper catches the lob pass from KJ, and he drops it off to Dev, who puts Ryan Dunn on a poster!
Keldon Johnson dropped six points, four rebounds, and an assist. KJ struggled from the field, but made up for it with his usual hustle on the boards. The spark plug energy he has provided all season is more on the motivator side, but no matter what, he will continue to slash in the paint to get tough buckets when the team needs offense.
All in all, this was one of the best finishes of the season. In a game where the Suns’ lead seemed to grow larger in the second half, this team did not waver and instead relied on hustle and offensive flow. When it came down to clutch time, the ball was either in Fox’s or Wemby’s hands. As said earlier, you could not write a better script for how this game ended. Wemby knew the moment was his, and he capitalized on it to the fullest extent. The result? The Spurs are playoff-bound for the first time in six seasons!
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs continue their mini homestand against the Indiana Pacers this Saturday at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on FDSN-SW.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump issued an executive order Friday barring College Football Playoff and other postseason games from airing during the annual Army-Navy matchup in December.
Trump directed the commerce secretary and the FCC chairman to coordinate with the playoff committee, the NCAA and media rights partners to ensure an exclusive broadcasting window for a storied rivalry played on the second Saturday each December.
Trump's order makes reference to potential expansion of the CFP, which likely would lead to an earlier start for the playoff. In the first two years of the 12-team format, the first-round games were the weekend after Army-Navy, which moved off the first Saturday in December in 2009 because of conference championship games.
This year, Army-Navy is scheduled for Dec. 12 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the home of the NFL's New York Giants and Jets. The CFP first-round games are set for Dec. 18-19.
If the playoff were to expand to 24 teams, a model that has been discussed, at least one more week of games would be required. Starting the postseason earlier in December would be a consideration. A smaller expansion to 16 teams wouldn't necessarily change the number of weeks required for the playoff.
“Such scheduling conflicts weaken the national focus on our Military Service Academies and detract from a morale-building event of vital interest to the Department of War,” Trump's executive order said. “Accordingly, it is the policy of the United States that no college football game, specifically college football’s CFP or other postseason games, be broadcast in a manner that directly conflicts with the Army Navy Game.”
Army and Navy have played every year since 1930, including the pandemic-altered 2020 season and during World War II. There have been 126 meetings, and other neutral sites have included the NFL homes of the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens.
One might think the drama around Giannis Antetokounmpo and his future with the Milwaukee Bucks would wind down, at least until the season ends and we get closer to the NBA Draft. Nothing is happening before then.
One would be wrong. The latest saga comes from Bucks' co-owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam telling ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne the duo will work together on what comes next for Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. Then Edens said basically what every other team has been expecting, what has been reported here and elsewhere: It all comes down to what Antetokounmpo says he will do about a $275 million extension the Bucks can offer (but Antetokounmpo could not sign until Oct. 1).
"Giannis is going into the last year [of his contract]," said Edens, the team's controlling owner until April 2028. "So one of two things will happen: Either he will be extended or he'll be traded. The likelihood you'll let him just kind of play out the last year, we can't afford that. It's not consistent with what's good for the organization. That's not a Giannis issue. That's any player that's in their last year."
Other teams are not convinced the decision is that simple for the Bucks, Shelburne reports. The combination of Edens and Haslam — the latter of whom takes over as governor in 2028 — leads to a muddled picture.
"This has nothing to do with Giannis and whether he asks out," said one source with knowledge of the team's operations. "It's about who's making the decision on whether to trade Giannis, and I don't think anyone knows that. I deal with them all the time and honestly it depends on the day. They're not even close to being ready to make a decision like that."
Milwaukee tested the waters of an Antetokounmpo trade at the deadline, but teams around the league thought it was just that — the Bucks front office wanted to gauge the market. What could the return be? Golden State offered four first-round picks. What more might be out there from other teams — especially win-now teams that struggle in these playoffs? A first-round exit for a team with higher expectations can change how it approaches a potential Antetokounmpo trade. Teams like the Knicks and Lakers could make better offers this summer than they could at the deadline, and they're not alone.
Ultimately, it comes down to what Antetokounmpo wants. Every previous time he was faced with this situation, he pressured the Bucks into making an all-in move — trading for Jrue Holiday or Damian Lillard — then signed the extension. It may happen again, especially if the draft lottery ping-pong balls bounce the Bucks' way. Or, maybe this is the year that things are different. Maybe, after a rough season for him, one where the Bucks are not going to make the play-in (whether or not Antetokounmpo returns), he decides he needs to chase another ring elsewhere.
We know this: As of today, Edens does not want this soap opera to drag out beyond this summer.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 17: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Fiserv Forum on March 17, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
By now, I assume everyone is aware of the disagreement between Giannis and the Bucks over him being shut down for the season after yet another injury. If you’re not, please read Van’s recap (along with his take on what Milwaukee should do). And to be clear, Van’s logic is completely reasonable: essentially, if and when Antetokounmpo gets 100% healthy, he can play the remainder of the season. On its face, it’s a position I have no issue with: get him back to full health, and he won’t be playing at any level of deficit, significantly reducing the risk of reinjury. He stays happy, everyone wins. I also no longer care too much about the tanking element of it at this point; it feels like they are locked into the ninth or 10th-best draft odds.
Here’s my problem: that doesn’t rule out freak injuries; you know, the injuries that take 12 months to recover from (touch wood, but I have to mention it). Now, you might say, “but Jack, what are the chances of that happening? 1%? 3%?” I don’t care how small the chances are. By putting him on the court for no tangible reason, you are accepting some percentage of risk—crucially, risk that is increased from that of a standard player because of GA’s high-flying style of play. My heart dropped when he hyperextended his knee, as it did when he went down holding his calf (both times). All three of those injuries had the potential to be catastrophic. Nope. I’m done tempting fate. Come hell or high water, they must stop him from returning.
At this point, the only thing that tangibly matters to me is getting Antetokounmpo to the offseason healthy. A catastrophic injury to Giannis could significantly slow their return to competitiveness: if he demanded a trade while hurt, the package Milwaukee receives in return would likely be halved. I’m not comfortable with any level of risk. This offseason is going to be the most consequential offseason I can remember since I became a fan in 2018, which is why the front office needs to stand firm.
Here’s the bottom line: regardless of what happens this offseason, it is imperative that GA enters it healthy. From that point, the path forward will quite literally sort itself out: he’ll either A) sign the supermax extension, giving the front office leeway to take more risks and also cover for future injuries, or B) not sign it, giving the front office no choice but to trade him with one guaranteed year left on his contract. But you have to get to that point with him in one piece, or else this all becomes moot, and the team is stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Truly, I can appreciate the “you have to keep Giannis happy” argument, but this isn’t a matter I’m playing with. I’d be willing to risk any unhappiness that would come with forcing him to sit, if that’s what it came to. That said, what are we talking about here? Is Antetokounmpo really going to be “happy” if he is allowed to play? Because playing this season hasn’t seemed to bring him much joy. Like, am I taking crazy pills, or is this argument something of a red herring? He’s seemed miserable playing in these blowouts. Why bother putting yourself through more?
In closing, I strongly believe Milwaukee should stand firm and prevent the big fella from playing any further this season. It’s not worth it—from their end or his. And crucially, it’s not as if they’re asking for the world! They’re simply requesting he sit out 13 meaningless games. Is that really all that big of a deal? Think about the silver lining, Giannis. With no international basketball this summer, you can start your planning for a long European holiday early! Win-win, eh?
March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Alabama's Labaron Philon Jr. is expected to go in the first round.
Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the guard's draft night will play out.
Labaron Philon Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 12 overall, Golden State Warriors
The Warriors could still use more reliable players in the backcourt and could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. Even though the All-SEC guard is not playing at 100 percent due to injury issues, he is still playing well. The guard is now averaging 21.5 points per game and has improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 38.9 percent as a sophomore, also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process. He has one of the most productive one-footed floaters in college basketball, too.
March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson is expected to go in the first round.
Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the forward's draft night will play out.
Joshua Jefferson 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 18 overall, Memphis Grizzlies
A few years ago, research indicated that the Grizzlies tend to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. For the second year in a row, Iowa State do-it-all Joshua Jefferson is an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who meets many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players who spent many years on their roster. The All-Big 12 forward is someone who looks destined to have a sustainable NBA career.
It may be peak March Madness time, but don’t forget about the pros! There are six NBA games on the board, full of player props to bet on.
I’ve dug through the odds and found my three best bets for today, which include Amen Thompson stuffing the stat sheet against the Atlanta Hawks and Scottie Barnes dishing out the dimes when the Toronto Raptors face the Denver Nuggets.
Those and more NBA picks for Friday, March 20, below.
The Houston Rockets are the best rebounding team in the NBA. They not only have great length, but everyone crashes the boards.
Tonight, they play the Atlanta Hawks, who have a great rebounder in Jalen Johnson, but are not a great rebounding team. The Hawks rank 21st in rebounding rate and surrender the fifth-most opponent rebounds per game.
So, let’s target Amen Thompson. He’s been a beast on the boards since the All-Star break, averaging 8.5 rebounds, hauling down double-digit boards seven times over 14 games.
With that in mind, let’s not just take the Over on his rebounds; let’s back him to record another double-double.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast-Atlanta, SCHN
Prop #2: Ty Jerome Over 18.5 points
-120 at bet365
The Memphis Grizzlies' injury report is something out of a horror story. But it has created an opportunity for Ty Jerome.
Jerome returned to the Grizzlies lineup at the end of January, and he’s basically been the only reliable bucket getter for them ever since.
The Grizz shooting guard is averaging 20.2 points while shooting 42.5% from three in the 13 games he’s played since his return.
Tonight, he takes on the Boston Celtics, who are big faves, but that could also mean they let off the gas late. Jerome has topped this number 10 times during those 13 games.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCSB, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast-Memphis
Prop #3: Scottie Barnes Over 4.5 assists
-115 at bet365
The Toronto Raptors have won three in a row thanks to an offense that is clicking. They’ll need that to continue to keep up with the high-powered Denver Nuggets, and I like their chances.
While the Nuggets have one of the best offenses in the NBA, the effort at the other end of the floor has been lacking. Denver ranks 21st in defensive rating and opponent assists per possession.
The Raptors are one of the best teams at moving the basketball, ranking fifth in assist rate. So, give me Scottie Barnes Over 4.5 assists. Despite a bit of a dip lately, he averages 5.3 assists per game and had 10 assists in Toronto’s other meeting with Denver this season.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. 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.
March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Tennessee's Nate Ament is expected to go in the first round.
Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the forward's draft night will play out.
After a relatively slow and inefficient start to the season, Tennessee freshman Nate Ament is starting to realize some of his lofty expectations. The freshman averaged 21.6 points per game while shooting 38.9 percent on 3-pointers during a 13-game stretch before an injury against Alabama on Feb. 28. The All-SEC forward then had 27 points (4-of-6 on 3-pointers) with eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal against Auburn on March 12. It will only take one team to fall in love with Ament and given so much of what he brings to the table cannot be taught, that team is probably picking fairly early in the lottery.
March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Florida's Thomas Haugh is expected to go in the first round.
Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the forward's draft night will play out.
Thomas Haugh 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 14 overall, San Antonio Spurs
After winning a national championship with Florida last season, Thomas Haugh was instantly regarded as one of the most interesting players who elected to return to college. The All-SEC forward has one of the top motors in the NCAA and he is an incredibly skilled basketball player. He does not need the ball in his hands very often to make a difference on the floor for his team, and he can serve as a glue guy for a contending team looking to win an NBA title like the Spurs.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 19: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs 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 come limping home after a long, arduous road trip. When their plane lifted off from Sky Harbor, they were 37–27, sitting 1.5 games back of the seventh seed in the Western Conference. By the time they touched back down, they were 39–31, now 3 games back of that same spot, a subtle shift in the standings that carries a heavier weight when you feel everything that happened in between. There are plenty of reasons why, and the context matters.
This is a team that spent the entire trip without Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams, two starters who anchor both ends of the floor in different ways, and their absence was felt in the margins, in the rotations, and in the moments where you need stability and instead are searching for answers. Sprinkle in games where Grayson Allen could not go, add in the fact that Royce O’Neale, who had been a constant presence all season, missed time as well, and you start to see the shape of it. The continuity was not there. The availability was not there. The rhythm never had a chance to fully settle in.
Health has been an issue. It is not the only issue, but it is the one that keeps showing up, the one that keeps nudging everything else slightly off balance, the one that forces adjustments that are necessary but rarely ideal. And when you are navigating that over the course of a six-game road trip, it compounds. It stretches you thin. It asks players to take on roles they are still growing into, and it tests how sustainable your identity really is.
The result? A 2–4 trip that feels like it could have been more, but also one that tells a deeper story about where this team is right now, and what it is still trying to figure out as it heads home.
One of the primary reasons the Suns did not fare better on this road trip is simple: if this team wants to be better, Devin Booker has to be better late in games.
When you look at the last four games Phoenix has played, Booker has struggled in the fourth quarter, and the reason is not hard to find. Opposing defenses know exactly where the pressure point is. With so many rotation players unavailable, it becomes much easier to load up on him, to send extra bodies, to crowd his space, and to force somebody else to beat you. That is the tax of being the engine. That is the burden of being the one every defense circles before the game even tips.
You could see it clearly against San Antonio. Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson made the plan obvious: blitz everything until the ball ends up in Rasheer Fleming’s hands. That strategy worked. Fleming missed the free throws, Wemby hit the game-winner, and Phoenix walked away with another late-game lesson and another loss that felt avoidable.
Fleming is a 57% FT shooter. Not sure why you keep him in after the timeout and then on the inbounds play pass it to him. Spurs forced the timeout with three traps one each on Jalen, Collin and Book. Then the game plan was to deny everyone else on the inbounds play and even have…
Boston had a similar rhythm, only Phoenix played into it.
The Suns were so committed to getting Booker the ball late that they kept initiating actions in ways that made life easier for the Celtics’ defense. Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard were draped all over him possession after possession, and still Phoenix kept trying to force the offense through that same point of attack. The result was an offense that stalled out completely, allowing Boston to close the game on a 12-1 run and turn a competitive finish into another frustrating collapse.
Three nights prior, Toronto followed a familiar script. Booker is the driver of the offense, so naturally the Suns kept trying to put the ball in his hands and let him organize the late-game attack. Some poor officiating played its part, sure, but the larger issue remained the same. Phoenix became too predictable, too dependent on one initiation point, and when the resistance tightened, the offense did not have enough counters to survive it. The game slipped. Then it was gone.
That is three of the four losses on this trip. Because of late-game execution, because of predictable offense, and because of an inability to adapt quickly enough when teams made Booker the entire focus of their defensive plan. The only loss that does not really fit that description is Minnesota, which felt less like a choke and more like a team running out of answers.
And that is where the frustration should live. Not in the idea that Booker is incapable, because he is not. Not in pretending he is the only problem, because he is not. But if Phoenix wants to climb out of this lane it keeps drifting into, its best player has to find a way to be sharper, calmer, and more effective when defenses inevitably come hunting for him late. That is what stars are asked to solve. That is what this version of the Suns keeps running into.
So yes, there is some real cause and effect here. When there is no proper release valve around Devin Booker, it becomes harder to expect him to operate cleanly. Defenses know where the play is headed. They know who matters most. They know where to send the extra attention. That context is real, and it matters. At the same time, two things can be true. He is your max player. He is the one who is supposed to rise above moments like this and execute.
One way to create cleaner offense for Booker, especially against teams with high defensive IQ, is to place him in secondary and tertiary actions within the same possession, allowing the defense to shift first, allowing the floor to bend a little, and then giving him a better chance to either get to a clean look or create a positive possession. We saw some of that on the trip, and it worked at times. It is a smart adjustment. It is a necessary adjustment.
It also should not be necessary every single time.
Because when you watch other teams late in close games, their primary offensive players still get the ball and still make things happen. Phoenix is not some broken defensive team either. They sit 10th in defensive rating, and yet the Suns still watched Jaylen Brown score 18 points in the fourth quarter, Julius Randle put up 11, and Wemby deliver 9, including the buzzer beater. Those players were not hidden away in secondary actions all night, hoping the defense might forget about them. They got the ball, they handled the pressure, and they executed.
That is the standard.
Yes, I think it is a good idea to avoid force-feeding Booker late to the point that opposing defenses can load up on him and choke off the entire possession before it starts. That part is basketball survival. That part is smart. But it also should not have to live there permanently. At some point, your best player has to be able to take the ball in those moments, see the coverage, absorb the pressure, and still deliver. That is what this league asks of stars. That is what Phoenix needs from Devin Booker.
When you look at Devin Booker’s fourth quarter production over the last four games, the problem becomes pretty clear. He is averaging 5.0 points, but doing it on 35.3% shooting. He has not hit a three. His assist-to-turnover ratio sits at -0.6, and he is a -17 in plus/minus. That is the part of the story that keeps showing up late, and it is hard to ignore.
What makes it feel so strange is everything else he is doing.
Over those same four games, Booker is second in the NBA in scoring at 31.8 points per game. He has poured in 127 total points, yet only 20 of them have come in the fourth quarter. So the scoring volume is there. The aggression is there. The burden is certainly there. But when games tighten, when the floor shrinks, when defenses stop messing around and start sending real pressure, that is where Phoenix has needed more from its best player.
In short, when the defenses get tougher, Devin Booker has to get tougher. That is the blunt truth. It feels weird saying considering that Booker has been one tough son of a bitch this season, but to be the best, you have to rise above what the opposition is attempting to do to you.
Now, there is context here, and it should not be ignored. He is missing key pieces around him, and that absolutely affects what late-game offense looks like. The spacing changes, the counters change, and the trust points in a possession change. But one of the biggest issues hurting Phoenix right now is that there has been no real release valve in the form of Jalen Green.
Green has scored 81 points over the last four games, which looks good at a glance, until you see where those points are coming from. 55 of them have come in the first half. That is where the split gets interesting and troubling. In the first half, Green is shooting 45.8% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc. Once the second half arrives, and especially as the game leans into winning time, his production falls off a cliff. During this losing stretch, he is shooting 26.5% from the field and 20% from deep after halftime.
So Booker is carrying the early burden and fading late. Green is contributing early and disappearing later. And when both of those trends hit in the same game, Phoenix runs into the exact problem that has defined so much of this road trip, an offense that can survive for long stretches, but not always close. That is where the Suns keep getting stuck.
So again, two things can be true at once.
Devin Booker has to be better in the fourth quarter, especially when you are measuring him against the opposing team’s best players, the ones who are stepping into those same moments and delivering. And Jalen Green has to do his part to make life easier on Booker, to be a real threat that defenses have to respect when the game tightens. Because right now, that balance is not there. During this losing stretch, Green is shooting 14.3% from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter, and when that shot is not falling, it allows defenses to stay locked in on Booker without fear of being punished.
Yes, context exists. Yes, injuries have reshaped what this team looks like on a nightly basis. But that is part of the league. That is part of every season. Champions adjust. They find solutions within the reality in front of them. They do not wait for perfect conditions to execute.
Phoenix is not there yet. Not this season.
BOOK:
But what you are looking for is the beginning of those habits. The ability to recognize what defenses are doing, to counter it in real time, and to execute with purpose when the game is on the line. This road trip, frustrating as it may feel, offered plenty of those moments. Moments where the Suns were tested. Moments where they came up short. Moments that can either sit with you or sharpen you. The hope is they choose the latter.
Because if they do, these losses stop being empty. They start becoming part of something, small steps that, over time, can turn nights like these into something different when it matters most.
March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Alabama's Amari Allen is expected to go in the first round.
Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the forward's draft night will play out.
Amari Allen 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 26 overall, Atlanta Hawks
Alabama's Amari Allen is a 6-foot-7 freshman who averaged 12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists with 1.7 "stocks" (combined steals and blocks) per game for the Crimson Tide during SEC conference play. The SEC All-Freshman wing also shot 39.5 percent on 3-pointers while attempting 4.8 shots per game beyond the arc. Allen is a good connective piece who plays hard and knows how to make the right play.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 15: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yesterday was a dream if you know anything about college basketball … or the upcoming NBA Draft.
A.J. Dybansta dropped 35 and 10 (despite the loss), Cameron Boozer had 22 and 13 (despite the tight win), Darius Acuff Jr. did Darius Acuff Jr. like things. It was great and with the Nets have a lottery pick, likely a high one and two seconds at 33 and 44, there’s a big positive. Watching the NCAA tournament gave me some hope, because I know that one, two or three of these players will be playing in Barclays one day soon.
As Ziaire Williams said two days ago at a Special Olympics event at the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, “We have something very special brewing here in Brooklyn. A year or two from now we’ll be in the mix for the playoffs and winning a lot more games.” Yup, hope springs eternal.
March Madness also helped me to forget about current circumstances at Barclays, particulary the beating Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jared McCain, and the OKC Thunder gave the Nets a few days ago. Was it expected? Maybe, but man did it feel like EVERYTHING went in for the Thunder.
Tonight, the Nets will hope to bring some intensity back in their building as they will be taking on their crosstown rivals in the New York Knicks. The Knicks, who are third in the Eastern Conference with a 45-25 record, are looking to prove that they can get over the hump in this year’s playoffs. With the season winding down, games like this will have separate meanings for both squads. For the Nets, tank, tank, tank. For the Knicks, use this game as preparation to get ready to win a championship.
Where To Watch
Catch today’s action at 7:30 p.m. ET on the YES Network and NBA League Pass, as well as streaming on the Gotham Sports App. You.’ll also be able to watch on MSG
Injury Report
Michael Porter Jr. (left hamstring strain), Noah Clowney (right wrist sprain), Day’Ron Sharpe (left thumb surgery), and Egor (left plantar fascia injury management) will be out. Ziaire Williams is questionable with left hand soreness. The three two-ways will be available as will 10-day Malachi Smith. Expect them to get a good run.
For the Knicks, Josh Hart (knee) and Deuce McBride (pelvis) will be out of play.
The Game
If I were to be a Knicks fan, I would be concerned about my chances in this year’s playoffs. Despite winning their last four games, the Knicks have lost key games against opponents with similar championship hopes. On February 19, 126-111 loss to the Pistons. February 24, 15 point loss to the Cavs. March 4th, three point loss to OKC, and so on and so forth. If the Knicks want to bring a championship to the Mecca, wins against the top teams matter, especially with everyone at the point where they are getting ready for April.
The Knicks chances at success start with Jalen Brunson, who will most likely have his way tonight. Averaging 26.3 points on 46% shooting, Brunson is a master of creating his own shot with his level of pace. Karl-Anthony Towns has a chance to go off as well, as he grew up right across the bridge and down the turnpike to Piscataway. With averages of 20 and 11.8 rebounds, Towns could get Claxton in foul trouble early with his level of physicality. And there is no back-up. None.
For the Nets, the main objective is just to have fun. I gotta say it is really cool to see all the Long Island guys get their shot and show what they can do. The world is noticing it as well.
Then, there’s the tank which with the loss of Michael Porter Jr. is now in high gear.
And of course, we have to note that if the Nets go down tonight, it will be their 14th straight loss in the Battle of the Boroughs, extending what is already a record in the Nets vs. Knicks rivalry. Do not expect to hear many Nets fans either. This one has the potential to be quite ugly.
Player to Watch
Mikal Bridges is not having a good time. The former Net has become the whipping boy for Knicks fans who for whatever reason are disappointed in their team’s season. Add to that what the Nets got for Bridges — five first rounders, all but one unprotected; a first round swap, also unprotected; a second rounder later traded for two future seconds, etc. etc. — and what the Knicks agreed to pay him — four years and $150 million — and you have a recipe for fan angst. “Worst trade ever” is a growing mantra, even if inaccurate.
Indeed things reached a bit of low point the other night when Mike Brown played him for only 21 minutes.
“We all have to play better. It’s no secret Mikal hasn’t shot the ball well, but he’s given us life at times and given us life the right way at times,” Brown said. “I thought he was fantastic at Indiana, on both ends of the floor. It’s not just Mikal, it’s us collectively as a group.”
Not a great endorsement. You might call it damning by faint praise.
Brown is not wrong to point at the bigger picture, but the numbers make it hard to look away from Bridges specifically. Over his last six games, he is averaging just 6.5 points on 32 percent from the floor and under 21 percent from three. He went scoreless against the Lakers, got benched in crunch time against the Clippers, and has not reached 15 points in six straight outings.
Of course, should the Knicks win it all, still a good if not great possibility — and Bridges is a key part of their first NBA championship in 53 years, New York will have won the trade, period. The O’Brien Trophy trumps all.
And if he has a good game tonight, Knick fans will turn again on the 29-year-old and anoint him savior of the day. It’s the nature of the beast at MSG.
The Vault
I had to.
FYI, Jay-Z’s company, Roc Nation, has announced the music titan will perform two hometown shows at Yankee Stadium over the summer.
Amen Thompson
Ty Jerome
Scottie Barnes
