Outside noise from fans and media is part of the reality of playing professional sports, and the players and coaching staff are aware of it.
However, the Detroit Red Wings say they are determined not to let outside noise affect them as they enter the final five games of the season - games that will determine their postseason fate.
Following their heartbreaking 5-4 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Sunday afternoon, the fading playoff chances for the Red Wings were dealt another serious blow.
Starting games on time has recently been an issue for the Red Wings. Although they scored on their first shot of the contest, they managed only three shots in the opening 20 minutes.
By the end of the second period, with the team trailing 4–1, they had recorded just eight total shots.
J.T. Compher, who scored Detroit's third goal, once again echoed what several of his teammates have said in recent weeks - they need to play with full intensity right from the opening puck drop.
“We need to play like we did in the third period for more of the game,” he said afterward. "We gave ourselves a chance. I think if we start better, it makes it a little easier on us, but the way we played in the third is the way we have to play for the rest of the games remaining.”
Not only did the Red Wings have trouble getting any kind of sustained offensive pressure for the game's first 40 minutes, but a careless line change opened the door for Minnesota's fourth goal late in the second.
“A horrendous change by two defensemen at the same time, and all of a sudden it’s four (goals against)," head coach Todd McLellan noted. "Then you can feel the energy go from excitement in the building to disappointment in the building."
The Red Wings have five games left in their schedule, beginning with a Tuesday night tilt against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who, like Detroit, are trying to stake their claim on the second and final Wild Card playoff position.
Despite their precarious position, the Red Wings insist they're not finished yet.
"We’re going to come with the most amount of intensity and jam that we can bring on Tuesday," said Andrew Copp. "We’re not six feet under yet."
They have no choice but to do exactly that.
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 22: Jalen Smith #25 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates scoring during the second half against the Washington Wizards at the United Center on November 22, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards are coming off a frustrating loss to the Brooklyn Nets, but one that essentially will guarantee them a top 4 pick in this year’s Draft Lottery.
They now play a double-header at home against the Chicago Bulls.
That’s right, two games against the same team in the same place.
Here’s the preview.
Game Info
When: Tuesday, April 7 at 7 p.m. ET
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
How to watch: Monumental Sports Network
Injury Report
Wizards: Justin Champagnie, Tristan Vukcevic, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, Trae Young, Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Cam Whitmore (Out)
Minutes for the youngsters — This is long the time of year where winning is secondary, and roster management and player development are primary. The Wizards have been on a historic losing run, with only a couple of wins in the stretch since the All-Star Break. Understandably, as they executed a number of trades that netted them injured players.
The Direction-Less Bulls — It’s almost comforting to play the Bulls, even twice in a row this week, as this is one of those teams that makes the Wizards not look too bad. The Bulls have been in that 30-40 win bracket for forever, and seem to never be able to properly rebuild or reposition. Let’s hope the Wizards soon start looking with a direction and a purpose after several years of a rebuild.
Draft Lottery — So the Wizards are 2 games back of the Nets. In the remaining 4 games the Wizards face Chicago (twice), Miami, and Cleveland. The Nets play Milwaukee (twice), Indiana, and Toronto. But that important loss to the Nets, means that the Nets also won the season series against the Wizards 3-1. Be it as it may, it is unlikely the Wizards will surpass the Nets in the standings.
Flashback: The Wizards beat the Bulls on a Beal game-winner (but not buzzer beater)
Just a few years back, Beal hit a rare game-winning shot (with about 8 seconds left in regulation) to give the Wizards the W against the Bulls. Since Beal did not do that too often I like to be reminded of it. Oh, and Kuzma was a Wizard not long ago too!
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Drake Baldwin #30 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Matt Olson #28 after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves face off against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in what looks to be a pitchers duel between the two staff aces. Chris Sale has only given up one run in his two starts, and José Soriano has yet to surrender an earned run this season in twelve innings.
The Braves’ offense has been up and down to put it lightly. The underlying metrics show that they should see some positive regression to the mean, so tonight may be that time. Michael Harris is primed for a good game with an xwOBA of .395 which is top 16.0 percent of MLB, when his wOBA is only .255. His expected slugging is in the top 4.0 percent of all MLB hitters.
The metrics are there for the Braves’ offense to take off. Hopefully that will happen tonight. Follow along in the comments.
Luka Doncic dragged his hamstring through an entire half of basketball last Thursday against the Thunder, tugging at it repeatedly as if it was a loose thread on a championship dream, until he seriously injured it midway through the third quarter.
By the time Doncic limped off the floor, the Lakers weren’t just down their best player, their season was teetering on the brink.
After an MRI in Dallas the next day, Doncic was diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain that comes with a recovery timeline of four to six weeks.
Now he’s in Spain, and that should tell you everything you need to know about what Doncic is trying to do in order to return to the court as soon as possible to help the Lakers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a play during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Getty Images
Doncic looked like the best player on the planet in the month of March.
He looked every bit like the NBA’s Most Valuable Player through that stretch of the season, scoring 600 points and leading the Lakers to a 15-2 overall record. Without him on the floor, the Lakers are in trouble — as evidenced by their 134-128 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Easter Sunday.
That’s why Doncic is not rehabbing at home or at the Lakers’ training facility in El Segundo. You won’t see him sitting courtside in designer clothes for the final four games of the regular season.
Instead, he’s chasing the kind of regenerative treatments that are not available in the United States, and could be the difference between watching Doncic on the court in the NBA Playoffs and missing them entirely.
When a franchise cornerstone leaves the country for treatment on a hamstring injury, it raises the question: what does Spain or Europe have that the U.S. doesn’t?
Under the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, players and their respective teams have autonomy over their treatment, as long as they’re not utilizing a banned substance. Therefore, by seeking treatment for his injury in Spain, Doncic isn’t breaking rules; he’s utilizing a medical tool box that is much bigger than what we have available in the U.S.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts from the floor after a play during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Getty Images
Platelet-rich plasma therapy. Stem cells. Exosomes. Regenerative therapies that live in the gray space between innovation and regulation.
In the United States, those options are restricted, filtered through the slow churn of FDA approval.
In Europe — particularly in countries like Spain, Germany, and Switzerland — there’s more flexibility and potentially more reward.
And Doncic is not the first prominent athlete, NBA player, or even Lakers superstar to seek treatment for an injury outside of the U.S.
Kobe Bryant boarded a plane to Germany in 2011 chasing platelet-rich plasma therapy when his knee was failing him. It worked. Years later, he went back again, this time for his Achilles. Anything to gain an edge in his recovery timeline.
LeBron James did something similar in 2023, quietly consulting a specialist overseas when his foot injury threatened to end his season. He returned without surgery and pushed the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James holds his ankle after going down with an injury on March 20, 2021. AP
Different bodies. Different injuries. Same idea.
The difference now? The stakes are sharper.
Doncic isn’t an aging veteran trying to extend his window. He is the window. He is the engine, identity, and gravitational force of the Lakers.
Without him — and without Austin Reaves, who is sidelined with his own 4–6 week injury — the Lakers aren’t just short-handed. They’re in full-on survival mode.
Lakers’ head coach J.J. Redick told reporters before the loss to the Mavericks that the goal of both players is to return. But the Lakers might need to win a first-round playoff series against Minnesota or Houston without them for that to happen.
“It’s our job to extend the season so both those guys can get back,” said Redick.
Luka Doncic and head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers talk during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 12, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
ESPN reported on Monday that Doncic was in Spain to undergo what was described as an “injection procedure,” meant to accelerate healing and recovery.
According to Dr. Evan Jeffries, a certified physical therapist and co-host of the “The Hoops Rehab Show,” that injection and treatment plan likely is some combination of “stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, or more advanced regenerative techniques” that are not available in the U.S. the same way they are in Spain.
“Stem cells can be more manipulated to increase their potency in Spain. Same with PRP,” Jeffries told The California Post. “Theoretically, he [Luka Doncic] could cut his timeline in half.”
Jeffries also added that Doncic would likely also undergo high-power laser therapy (HPLT), red-light therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), SoftWave therapy, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, and cupping during his treatment in Spain, these are also available in the U.S.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. NBAE via Getty Images
All of this is indicative of Doncic’s desire to return to the court as fast as possible in order to help his team chase their championship dreams. His treatments will take hours upon hours of daily work to attack his hamstring injury from every conceivable angle.
Doncic’s strategy for his treatment is certainly bold and aggressive. Hamstrings are notoriously fickle.
This is the fifth hamstring injury he’s dealt with in his career, after he was sidelined in February for four games for a hamstring injury as well. Soft-tissue injuries heal on their own time and come with a higher chance of reaggravation. They are also the protector of the ACL, increasing the risk of a knee injury when the hamstring is not fully healthy.
But if Doncic’s treatment in Spain works, and it cuts his timeline for recovery in half, then not only would he be able to help his team in the first-round of the playoffs, but also beyond should they be fortunate enough to advance.
But if it doesn’t work, the Lakers are likely looking at a first-round exit without him.
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Hurley rocking the same suit through the entire Men's NCAA Tournament isn't something new for the two-time national championship coach. He's been rather open about his superstitions over the years in March Madness. Remember the good luck dragon boxers? He's also thrown holy water along baselines for a sign of good luck.
Another superstition of Hurley's is wearing a holy beads bracelet that he has been wearing for every game that he has coached in, going back even as far as his days as a high school basketball coach in North Jersey. He almost didn't have the beads with him for the Illinois game, as his wife, Andrea Hurley, had to rush back to the team hotel to grab them.
"He got this bracelet years and years ago in church. They're holy beads from Jerusalem, so they said," Andrea Hurley told CBS Sports on Sunday during an interview. "I had to leave the arena last night, run in the rain, grab the beads ... and then I got a police escort."
Here's a look at Hurley coming off the court on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium, where he's talking about his jacket with UConn Sports Information Director Bobby Mullen, and even told Mullen to look at his jacket:
NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft , Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr. is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Forward's draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Morez Johnson Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 26 overall, Los Angeles Lakers
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season, leading his team to an appearance in the NCAA mens basketball national championship game, and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.
NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft , Kansas's Darryn Peterson is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Guard's draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
While he is no longer perceived as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick that he once was due to relative inconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators feel that Darryn Peterson is the most talented player in this class. The Nets have the worst offense in the NBA and could change the course of the franchise by selecting Peterson. It is incredibly rare to find a prospect who is able to score as efficiently as Peterson did while holding a usage rate as high as his was this season.
Australian golfer saddened by his ‘hero’ facing struggle with addiction
Five-time Masters champion to miss first major after car crash and arrest
Australian ace Jason Day has expressed sadness at Tiger Woods’ plight but taken issue with the golf great’s “selfish” judgement for driving under the influence.
Woods has reportedly checked himself into rehab in Switzerland after being arrested and charged on 27 March after crashing his car near his home on Jupiter Island in Florida.
NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Forward's draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
The Grizzlies could add to their rebuilding core after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. by selecting Yaxel Lendeborg, who has shown on his way to the mens collegiate national championship game that he is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. The Big Ten Player of the Year offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. The Grizzlies have drafted players with similar trajectories like Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward.
Cade Cunningham was upgraded from "out" to "doubtful" before Detroit's Monday night game in Orlando, but he did not take the court. What that showed, however, is that he is close to a return from a collapsed lung, and the Pistons' All-Star could play before the end of the season.
Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff said pregame he hopes that Cunningham, as well as injured big man Isaiah Stewart — also upgraded to doubtful but not playing in the game due to a calf strain — can play in at least one more game before the season ends, via Omari Sankofa, Detroit Free Press.
"There's no way to replicate what a game is other than playing the game… especially ramping up to the intensity of playoff basketball, it would be beneficial for the guys, and the group."
Cunningham has been out since March 17, when he collided with Wizards' rookie Tre Johnson diving for a loose ball. That led to Cunningham's collapsed lung, which was expected to keep him out through the end of the season. Detroit has gone an impressive 8-2 without Cunningham and, as a result, has locked up the No. 1 seed in the East.
Cunningham, however, will fall short of the 65 games needed to qualify for postseason awards. He very likely would have been in the top five in MVP voting and made First Team All-NBA. Cunningham has averaged 24.5 points, 9.9 assists and 5.6 rebounds a game this season.
NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft , Michigan's Aday Mara is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Center's draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Aday Mara 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 20 overall, San Antonio Spurs
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
After leading his team to the collegiate national championship game, Michigan center Aday Mara became one of the prospects who helped himself the most during March Madness. The 7-foot-3 big man, who transferred from UCLA, is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents only attempted 20.9 percent of their field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was on the court, per CBB Analytics, which ranks near lowest among all NCAA players. He can also pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition and at the rim. Especially in short spurts, Mara would make an excellent backup to Victor Wembanyama.
NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft , Duke's Cameron Boozer is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Forward's draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was dominant during his first NCAA season, earning national collegiate player of the year. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival teams believe Boozer would be the "preferred selection" for the Pacers because of his "potential fit" alongside Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac. The ACC Player of the Year isnt a human highlight reel but he offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set. More importantly, he can bring a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and an elite Duke team that made it to the Sweet 16 before a heartbreaking last-second loss.
NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, UConn's Braylon Mullins is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Guard's draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Braylon Mullins 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 15 overall, Charlotte Hornets
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, was a breakout star in the NCAA mens basketball tournament after hitting one of the most improbable 3-pointers in March Madness history. Mullins continued to show a winning mentality, helping earn a spot in the collegiate national championship game. The Big East All-Freshman wing shot 40.7 percent on 3-pointers during his first 18 games in the starting lineup. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level.
Scherzer, the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer, was facing the Dodgers in a rematch of his Game 7 World Series start in November, and gave up a two-run homer to Teoscar Hernández in the top of the first inning.
Something seemed to bother him in both innings, as cameras caught him telling the Blue Jays dugout, "I'm OK" on multiple occasions. Yet he seemed to expend a lot facing his last batter, Andy Pages, who worked him for 10 pitches before popping out to second.
Scherzer threw 36 pitches before getting replaced by lefty Josh Fleming in the top of the third. He re-signed on a one-year, $3 million deal to add depth to a rotation that faced question marks.
Just two weeks into the season, Jose BerrÍos, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, Cody Ponce and Bowden Francis are all on the injured list, most of them coming back from off-season maladies or out for extended periods. Now, they must dig out from a short Scherzer start.
NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft , BYU's AJ Dybantsa is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Forward's draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
AJ Dybantsa 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 1 overall, Washington Wizards
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
The Wizards have the second-worst offense in the NBA and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner. He emphasized that point during his one game for BYU in March Madness, putting up 35 points and 10 rebounds. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star also had 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10 and averaged 28.8 points per game over his final 17 appearances.
