Lauren Betts is the pick of this group who is likely to go the highest. Kiki Rice is likely to be the second Bruin announced on draft night. Gianna Kneepkens and Gabriela Jaquez are expected to be drafted in the middle to late first round, with Charlisse Leger-Walker projected in the late first or early second round.
Many teams have had three players drafted in the first round. Others have had four players go in the WNBA draft overall. But just how historic is this group of Bruins among WNBA draft history?
Four teams have had five players selected in a single WNBA draft. The most recent was South Carolina in 2023, after making the final four. Its five draftees included Aliyah Boston (No. 1), Laeticia Amihere (No. 8), Zia Cooke (No. 10), Brea Beal (No. 24) and Victaria Saxton (No. 25).
The other teams to accomplish this feat were Notre Dame in 2019 and Tennessee in both 2008 and 1999. Notre Dame held the record for the highest picks of these four occasions, with each of their five players taken in the first 20 picks.
The record for most first-round picks from one school is UConn, who had four players drafted in the first round back in 2005. These include Sue Bird (No. 1), Swin Cash (No. 2), Asjha Jones (No. 4) and Tamika Williams (No. 6).
The 2026 WNBA Draft arrives Monday night with no clear-cut No. 1 pick, featuring a deep and diverse class headlined by elite guards, dominant post players, and rising international talent.
Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) against South Carolina Gamecocks during the semifinal of the Final Four of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Unlike last year’s star-driven class, the 2026 draft is wide open at the top, with several players in contention for the first overall pick.
Azzi Fudd of UConn is one of the most polished scorers available, averaging around 17 points per game while shooting efficiently from three, making her one of the best pure shooters in the class.
Olivia Miles has also surged up boards after a standout season at TCU, putting up roughly 20 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds per game, showcasing elite playmaking ability.
Meanwhile, international prospect Awa Fam has drawn major attention as a high-upside center with size, athleticism, and long-term potential, making her a legitimate candidate to go first overall.
The depth of the class is equally impressive, especially from recent NCAA Tournament standouts. Lauren Betts, a 6’7” center from UCLA, anchors the frontcourt group after averaging around 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while teammates like Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez have also boosted their stock following a national title run.
Guards like Flau’jae Johnson and Ta’Niya Latson bring scoring versatility after posting high averages in college, while international players such as Iyana Martín and Nell Angloma add to one of the most globally diverse draft pools in recent years.
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Draft Order
Dallas Wings
Minnesota Lynx (from Chicago Sky)
Seattle Storm (from Los Angeles Sparks)
Washington Mystics
Chicago Sky (from Connecticut Sun)
Toronto Tempo (expansion)
Portland Fire (expansion)
Golden State Valkyries
Washington Mystics (from Seattle Storm)
Indiana Fever
Washington Mystics (from New York via trades)
Connecticut Sun (from Phoenix via Chicago)
Atlanta Dream
Seattle Storm (from Las Vegas Aces)
Connecticut Sun (from Minnesota via Washington)
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Drew Hill: I asked Kleiman on Memphis criticisms and the lack of organizational response 1/3: "We want to win here. We love being here. We take a major pride in doing what we do to put the best possible product on the court here.
Drew Hill: "I have enough of a lens into this to see that the people who are working with the city are focused on improving downtown and putting everything in a position where are in the best possible spot in Memphis going forward. That is the goal. The goal is to win here."
The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.
With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.
As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.
The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.
Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa
TEAM: BYU
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Massachusetts
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 19
The Wizards finished with the worst record in the NBA and would benefit tremendously from a lottery win. They had the second-worst offense in the league 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 a stellar 28.8 points per game over his final 17 appearances.
2. Indiana Pacers: Cameron Boozer
TEAM: Duke
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Florida
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 18
Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was dominant during his first NCAA season, earning national collegiate player of the year honors. 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 isn’t 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.
3. Brooklyn Nets: Darryn Peterson
TEAM: Kansas
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Ohio
HEIGHT: 6-5
DRAFT AGE: 19
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 had 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.
4. Sacramento Kings: Caleb Wilson
TEAM: North Carolina
POSITION: Big
BORN: Georgia
HEIGHT: 6-10
DRAFT AGE: 19
The Kings need the best player available regardless of fit, and that is North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson, who unfortunately missed the NCAA Tournament with a broken thumb. Wilson, who also suffered a hand fracture earlier in the season, did more than enough to earn this placement. According to Bart Torvik, before the injury the All-ACC big man led the nation with 67 dunks recorded. He was also the only player under 20 years old to reach thresholds of 2.5 percent for both block and steal percentage while also notching a defensive rebound percentage above 20.0 percent.
5. Utah Jazz: Kingston Flemings
TEAM: Houston
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Texas
HEIGHT: 6-4
DRAFT AGE: 19
The Jazz had the worst defensive rating in the Western Conference and could potentially improve that by selecting Houston freshman Kingston Flemings to join Keyonte George in their backcourt. The All-Big 12 guard has several games when he has recorded at least three steals, notching eight against Arizona State earlier this season. He scored 42 points against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24. Flemings helped lead Houston to the Sweet 16, and with highs as high as his were this season, it will not take long for him to hear his name called on draft night.
6. Memphis Grizzlies: Yaxel Lendeborg
TEAM: Michigan
POSITION: Forward
BORN: New Jersey
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 23
Keep an eye on the Grizzlies as a potential suitor for Yaxel Lendeborg, who showed on his way winning the national championship 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 selected players with similar trajectories like Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward. They are also not afraid to draft away from consensus and have shown a willingness to pick older, more experiences players like Zach Edey.
7. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Darius Acuff Jr.
TEAM: Arkansas
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Michigan
HEIGHT: 6-3
DRAFT AGE: 19
The Hawks need a guard like Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. after trading away Trae Young, using a first-round pick they received from the Pelicans. En route to the Sweet 16, the SEC Player of the Year proved he is one of the most enticing offensive prospects in recent memory. Acuff Jr. led the nation for points created (1,394) either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics. He led freshmen for field goals made in transition (72) and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. He was among the freshmen leaders in alley-oop assists (17) as well. He has significant defensive deficiencies but playing alongside Dyson Daniels would help cover that problem.
8. Dallas Mavericks: Keaton Wagler
TEAM: Illinois
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Kansas
HEIGHT: 6-6
DRAFT AGE: 19
The Mavericks had the worst offensive rating in the Western Conference and could benefit from a player like Illinois standout Keaton Wagler. The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role to help the Fighting Illini earn a spot in the Final Four, where he recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds against UConn in the national semifinals. The freshman also dropped 25 points in the Elite Eight. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 39.7 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman, while connecting on as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year has athletic limitations but is a cerebral basketball player who averaged 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season.
9. Chicago Bulls: Brayden Burries
TEAM: Arizona
POSITION: Guard
BORN: California
HEIGHT: 6-4
DRAFT AGE: 20
Arizona freshman Brayden Burries was an exciting prospect to watch during the Big Dance, making it all the way to the Final Four and dropping 23 points against Arkansas. He had two breakout games in January, which helped solidify his draft stock. But the All-Big 12 guard continued to display his tantalizing talent, scoring 31 points with seven rebounds and five steals against Colorado on March 7 and 20 points with 12 rebounds and five assists during a victory against No. 14 Kansas on Feb. 28. He has proven productivity, and he is able to defend, relocate, move the ball and make 3-pointers off the dribble. Burries would make a great pick for whatever new executives take over the front office for the Bulls.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Mikel Brown Jr.
TEAM: Louisville
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Florida
HEIGHT: 6-5
DRAFT AGE: 20
The Milwaukee Bucks, potentially heading toward an ugly Giannis Antetokounmpo divorce, must simply draft the best player available with whatever pick they have and will likely keep Louisville floor general Mikel Brown Jr. highlighted on their big board. The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and was among the freshmen leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year, per CBB Analytics. Brown was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including 45 points against NC State on Feb. 9, while hitting 10 shots from beyond the arc, before an injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness.
11. Golden State Warriors: Labaron Philon
TEAM: Alabama
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Alabama
HEIGHT: 6-4
DRAFT AGE: 20
The Warriors will be seeking more reliable players in the backcourt and could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. Even though the All-SEC guard was not playing at 100 percent during March Madness due to injury issues, he played well in the tournament, recording 35 points during a loss against Michigan. He also notched 29 points in his first-round game and 12 assists in his second. The guard averaged 22.0 points per game this season, and he improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 39.9 percent as a sophomore, while also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Aday Mara
TEAM: Michigan
POSITION: Big
BORN: Spain
HEIGHT: 7-3
DRAFT AGE: 21
After winning the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder could add even more lottery-caliber talent, like Michigan center Aday Mara, in the 2026 NBA Draft. While leading his team to win the NCAA championship, 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 20.4 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.
13. Miami Heat: Koa Peat
TEAM: Arizona
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Arizona
HEIGHT: 6-8
DRAFT AGE: 19
The Miami Heat have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Arizona forward Koa Peat will probably have some appeal to the organization. Peat is an ideal match for this franchise given his versatility as a playmaking forward. Arizona played at a significantly faster pace (3.9 extra possessions) when Peat was on the floor relative to when he was not, per CBB Analytics, which would fit very well with Miami’s fastest-paced offense in the NBA. The All-Big 12 forward just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro.
14. Charlotte Hornets: Braylon Mullins
TEAM: Connecticut
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Indiana
HEIGHT: 6-6
DRAFT AGE: 19
Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, was a breakout star in the NCAA tournament after hitting one of the most improbable 3-pointers in March Madness history. Mullins continued to show a winning mentality, helping the Huskies earn a spot in the 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, too, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level.
15. Chicago Bulls (via Trail Blazers): Nate Ament
TEAM: Tennessee
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Virginia
HEIGHT: 6-10
DRAFT AGE: 19
The Chicago Bulls will receive this pick if the Portland Trail Blazers advance in the play-in tournament. After a relatively slow and inefficient start to the season, Tennessee freshman Nate Ament started 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. He was not as efficient during March Madness, but it will only take one team to fall in love with Ament, and that team is likely picking near the lottery.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic): Joshua Jefferson
TEAM: Iowa State
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Nevada
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 22
The Grizzlies will have another first-round pick thanks to the Desmond Bane trade. 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, the Iowa State forward was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who met many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players who spent many years on their roster. The All-Big 12 forward got injured during the first round of the tournament, but Iowa State still earned a spot in the Sweet 16.
17. Charlotte Hornets (via Suns): Jayden Quaintance
TEAM: Kentucky
POSITION: Big
BORN: Ohio
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 18
Jayden Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign as he recovered from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. The big man is still one of the youngest players in this class, but he has shown flashes during his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that desperately needs frontcourt help, like the Hornets. But health may cause some concern for evaluators.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Karim López
TEAM: International (Australia)
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Mexico
HEIGHT: 6-8
DRAFT AGE: 19
The Thunder have drafted multiple players from Australia’s NBL and could dip into this well again by selecting Karim López with their pick from the Philadelphia 76ers. While the Mexican-born forward still needs some development, he is physically gifted and widely seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30. Even if he is a draft-and-stash player, that is ideal for a team with a rotation as crowded as the Thunder.
19. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Hannes Steinbach
TEAM: Washington
POSITION: Big
BORN: Germany
HEIGHT: 6-11
DRAFT AGE: 20
German big man Hannes Steinbach is a name worth watching in the 2026 NBA Draft. While his team missed the tournament, the All-Big Ten post is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, including an absurd 24 rebounds against USC on March 4. Additionally, the center is one of the more prolific pick-and-roll finishers in college basketball. He shined during the FIBA U19 World Cup, too, and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads. Steinbach could make an excellent backup to Victor Wembanyama.
20. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz
TEAM: Iowa
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Missouri
HEIGHT: 6-4
DRAFT AGE: 22
The Raptors need another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz on their priority list. After transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble in isolation or the pick-and-roll. The All-Big Ten guard can also finish plays from dribble handoffs. His play during March Madness, which included 24 points against Illinois and 20 points against Nebraska, earned a spot in the Elite Eight. The Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who did the same at Iowa.
21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Christian Anderson
TEAM: Texas Tech
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Georgia
HEIGHT: 6-3
DRAFT AGE: 20
While they are one of the best teams in the league this season, the Pistons are still struggling from the perimeter and will want more talented 3-point shooters on their roster. A simple fix would be drafting Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson, who had the most unassisted 3-pointers (61) among high-major players, per CBB Analytics. After moving from the two-guard to point guard, the All-Big 12 Most Improved Player recorded more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore compared to when he was a freshman.
22. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Patrick Ngongba II
TEAM: Duke
POSITION: Big
BORN: Virginia
HEIGHT: 6-11
DRAFT AGE: 20
Many teams might benefit from a big like Patrick Ngongba II, who is an above-average passer for his position. His assist rate is the highest among underclassmen listed at 6-foot-11 or taller, per Bart Torvik, and he is at the top of his game when passing to a driving perimeter player. The big man, who helped Duke earn a spot in the Elite Eight, is a big-bodied prospect who can carve out space as one of the more prolific cutters in college basketball. He is on an encouraging development track, displaying legitimate year-over-year improvement from his freshman to sophomore campaign.
23. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Allen Graves
TEAM: Santa Clara
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Louisiana
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 20
One of the most under-the-radar prospects in all of college basketball this season was Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves, who was nearly a March Madness hero. It was hard not to notice the WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year after he scored 30 points with 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals Feb. 7 against Washington State. The only players under 21 years old who held a higher box plus-minus, via Bart Torvik, were Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. He declared early entry for the 2026 NBA Draft but also entered his name in the transfer portal.
24. New York Knicks: Chris Cenac Jr.
TEAM: Houston
POSITION: Big
BORN: Louisiana
HEIGHT: 6-11
DRAFT AGE: 19
It was an up-and-down season for former five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American Chris Cenac Jr. at Houston. He did, however, got hot at the perfect time. During his first game in the Big Dance, the big man recorded a season-high 18 rebounds, while also knocking down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal. Then in the Round of 32, he showed off more scoring with some impressive cuts to the basket, dropping 17 points against Texas A&M. He was quieter in the Sweet 16 but still managed 10 rebounds.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Morez Johnson Jr.
TEAM: Michigan
POSITION: Big
BORN: Illinois
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 20
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 win the NCAA 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 carve out minutes at the next level.
26. Denver Nuggets: Thomas Haugh
TEAM: Florida
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Pennsylvania
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 22
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 had one of the top motors in the NCAA this season before an early elimination from March Madness. While he did not score efficiently in a set offense this year, he does not need the ball in his hands very often to make a difference on the floor for his team. He can serve as a glue guy for a contending team looking to win an NBA title like the Nuggets.
27. Boston Celtics: Cameron Carr
TEAM: Baylor
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Minnesota
HEIGHT: 6-5
DRAFT AGE: 21
One of the players who improved his draft stock the most this season was Baylor junior Cameron Carr. The All-Big 12 wing brings athleticism and shooting and, per Bart Torvik, he was the only player to make at least 40 field goals that were dunks and more than 60 field goals that were 3-pointers this season. Baylor outscored opponents by an additional 28.5 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor relative to when he was not, via CBB Analytics, which ranked as the fourth-most of any high-major player in the NCAA.
Stanford freshman Ebuka Okorie is an interesting early entry candidate in the 2026 NBA Draft. The first-team All-ACC guard was a day-one starter in the NCAA who is potentially capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the Timberwolves. He averaged 23.2 points per game, recording 40 points against conference rival Virginia Tech and seven other games with at least. 30points. Okorie could also return to school but should earn serious first-round buzz if he turns pro.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Dailyn Swain
TEAM: Texas
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Ohio
HEIGHT: 6-8
DRAFT AGE: 21
After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason and then leading his team to the Sweet 16, Dailyn Swain became one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball. The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributed a little bit of everything for the Longhorns on both sides of the ball, scoring well both in the paint and on fastbreaks. Another element that is notably compelling is that Swain is efficient one-on-one in isolation against his defenders.
30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Tarris Reed Jr.
TEAM: Connecticut
POSITION: Big
BORN: Missouri
HEIGHT: 6-10
DRAFT AGE: 23
UConn senior Tarris Reed Jr. helped himself quite a bit during the NCAA tournament en route to an appearance in the national championship game. He recorded four double-doubles during March Madness, notching 31 points and 27 rebounds against Furman. Reed also had 26 points with 9 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals during a win over Duke. Expect him to come into the league and find a role sooner rather than later.
Going from one NBA home to another, Isaiah Hartenstein's journeyman start to his career could've hardened his heart. Cynicism could've usurped any goodwill. After all, he saw firsthand just how cold and calculated the results-oriented basketball conglomerate is.
When he joined the Oklahoma City Thunder, Hartenstein could've taken a mercenary approach — sign a life-altering three-year, $87 million contract; arrive; morph into a double-double machine; help them bring home an NBA championship and then dip for an even bigger payday.
But nope. That's not in Hartenstein's DNA. Instead, the seven-footer stretched out his pterodactyl-esque wingspan and wrapped his arms around the small-market fanbase for a squeezing hug. Even though he's only in his second season with the Thunder, he quickly accommodated himself to his latest home — to the point that his foundation has become a staple in the OKC community.
In some parts of the city, Hartenstein is known as a philanthropist first and an NBA player second. While every player does the occasional community work during the regular season, he's gone out of his way to add even more onto his plate under his own accord.
The latest example? Helping make a 14-minute documentary about the tragic Oklahoma City bombing. On the cusp of the 31st anniversary, the Hartenstein Foundation funded the mini-film that highlights the 'Oklahoma Standard' — the values of service, resilience and community that emerged from what happened on Apr. 19, 1995.
The Oklahoma City bombing was a domestic terrorist attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. American anti-government extremist Timothy McVeigh's makeshift bomb resulted in the deaths of 168 people and injured 684 more. Over 30 years later, it remains the biggest act of domestic terrorism in United States history.
So what caused Hartenstein to bring this project to life? While there are countless documentaries about the national tragedy, he didn't feel like any really captured the intangible strengths of those directly impacted. We know what happened, but we don't really know how people moved forward with their lives after such a traumatic event.
"Before we did this, we watched a couple of documentaries about it before. A lot of them were focused on the negative part and so little on what made Oklahoma and Oklahoma City so special, which was how they responded," Hartenstein said. "Me and the director wanted to come down and say, 'How can we teach the new generation and the people who maybe don't know much about it, about the Oklahoma Standard?'"
Since the Thunder arrived in 2008, they've proudly embraced that darkest chapter of OKC's history. The tragedy's aftermath saw an entire county work together to help the city recover. To honor the victims, rescuers and everybody affected, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum opened up.
Every Thunder player has paid a visit to it. It's a tradition that Sam Presti and the rest of the organization have held up high in their nearly two decades of existence. Every year, newbie players tour the OKC National Memorial & Museum.
In one of the final stops of the museum's emotional tour, you can spot OKC's 2019-20 City Edition uniform on full display. The grey-and-gold jersey featured several symbolic elements reflective of what happened.
Speaking from personal experience, there's a sickening beauty to the museum. It does such an impeccable job at immersing visitors into what happened and the aftermath of the tragedy. To the point that you feel a lump in your throat by the end of it and unlock a level of appreciativeness to even the ugliest chapters of life.
Sadly, time has caused the national tragedy to fall into the background. Most folks around the country remain unaware of it — or have obscurely heard about it. As we get further away from what happened, newer NBA players first learn about it when they arrive in OKC. But as long as the Thunder are around, they won't let it get lost in the passage of time.
Now, Hartenstein has done his part to do the same. The 14-minute film — coined 'The Oklahoma Standard' — aims to help educate a new generation of Oklahomans about the Standard’s origin. It explores how those principles continue to shape Oklahoma today and inspire acts of kindness and unity across generations.
Hartenstein recently showed a special screening of the documentary. It will be publicly available to watch on his YouTube channel on Sunday, Apr. 19 — which marks the anniversary of the tragedy. Consider it appointment viewing before OKC hosts the eighth seed in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
"Doing it on the anniversary, I think so many people have been through such a rough time. There's a certain meaning behind it," Hartenstein said. "Now, so many people are being impacted by what came out of it. So many people's lives have changed by it. I know it's a hard time for people who were impacted by it, but just kinda giving them a little hope that it's really changing people's lives."
We'll see what happens with Hartenstein's future. The Thunder have a $28.5 million team option for the 2026-27 season. But regardless of whether he stays or goes, his lasting legacy in OKC will equally be about being a starter on a championship team and going all out to help people across the state.
The playoffs are just about underway, and four teams in the playoff field will need to close shop if they fail to make the NBA Finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ Veterans’ Playoff Failures
Despite making the playoffs every year of his career, Donovan Mitchell has yet to make a conference finals.
He’s led multiple teams to the one seed, including one season of over 60 wins. Should Cleveland get out of the first round, they will most likely play a young Detroit Pistons team.
In the last two years, Cleveland has been eliminated by the team that would go on to represent the East in the NBA Finals.
MONDAY'S FINAL SCORES
Donovan Mitchell and the @cavs win a THRILLER in Denver!
For James Harden, the story has been the same the last few years — make the playoffs and lose in the second round.
Harden will now make his 17th straight postseason appearance.
This year, Cleveland will not need to deal with Tyrese Haliburton. And they won’t see Jayson Tatum and the Celtics until the East Finals, should both teams reach that stage.
If Mitchell and Harden cannot make it to the NBA Finals, it will end in heartbreak, again.
Denver Nuggets Wasting History
Denver has been eliminated in the second round in game seven in back-to-back seasons.
In the Nikola Jokic–Jamal Murray era, they have been eliminated on their home floor in game seven twice (2019 and 2024).
Jokic finished the season leading the league in both rebounds per game and assists per game. Anything less than a conference finals appearance will be a wasted historical season.
In the first round, they will get their long-awaited rematch with the Minnesota Timberwolves. If they manage to get their revenge in the first, they will face the unicorn in Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, who’s on the best team of his career.
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Aging Cast
If Minnesota does not make another deep playoff run, the supporting cast around Anthony Edwards will have hit its ceiling.
Seven Timberwolves Players in Double-Figures Tonight:
The long-time veteran Mike Conley was moved to the bench, and Minnesota has been operating without a reliable starting point guard all season.
The starting front court of Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle is 33 and 31 years old, respectively — a combination that doesn’t align with Edwards’ timeline.
Conley, Randle, and Gobert were all starters in last year’s playoffs. Changes will need to be made if Minnesota does not reach the NBA Finals and wants to maximize Edwards’ prime.
New York Knicks Defensive Questions
The Indiana Pacers have eliminated New York in back-to-back years. This year, Indiana does not stand in their way.
One of the biggest questions around the Knicks has been: Can they win a title with an undersized guard, Jalen Brunson, as their lead guard?
The other question is: How effective will Karl-Anthony Towns be in pick-and-roll defense in the playoffs?
Now combine these two, and opposing offenses have an answer: put Brunson and Towns in pick-and-roll action.
The great thing for these two is that they have terrific wings in Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart that can support them. But that puts them in rotation defensively, and that’s one of the last things they want to do.
Load management has become an increasing trend in the NBA, and it has affected many players in the hunt for NBA season awards.
While the league recently created a 65-game minimum to qualify for awards, teams have still opted to play the risk and rest their stars during some games. This has been shown to come back and bite them if a player would later miss extended time due to injury.
In these 65 or more games, players are required to be on the court for 20 minutes or more. A player is allowed two "near misses," where the player has played 15-19 minutes, and still be allowed to qualify. Along with this, players who are on the court for 62 credited games can remain eligible if they were to suffer a season-ending injury.
Here are the stars who missed out or came close to qualifying for this year's awards.
With the NBA's new rule of the 65-game threshold to qualify for season awards, teams have opted to rest their players fewer times than in previous years. However, some star players still fall short of qualifying due to injury or other factors.
For example, many of this year's players with a significant amount of minutes played found themselves outside of award eligibility due to not playing 20 minutes or more. This season, Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown was the only player to have played in all 82 of the team's games this season. However, he played under 20 minutes in 20 of the Nuggets' games, meaning he had missed out on the minimum threshold.
Wow. It hadn’t occurred to me to check because he’s not up for anything, but this is correct. Bruce Brown, the Nuggets’ only player to appear in all 82 games, is not eligible for awards under the 65-game rule. https://t.co/kn6Tovlj9a
Despite the chatter from the NBA community, commissioner Adam Silver has held steady in the league's stance. According to Silver, "In the league's view, the rule is working." The NBA's Board of Governors meeting in July will likely bring up the topic against, but for now, the threshold is not set to be altered or removed.
Adam Silver reportedly shut down the idea of changing the 65 game rule in the last Board of Governors meeting, per @TheSteinLine
Silver said “in the leagues view, the rule is working.”
The next Board of Governors meeting will be in July where the topic will most likely be… pic.twitter.com/Vu3syQfifa
Here are five notable NBA players who had question marks surrounding their NBA award eligibility.
Is Luka Doncic eligible for MVP?
After suffering a regular-season ending hamstring injury, Luka Doncic fell out of contention for this year's MVP award. The Slovenian star was among the league's best this year and led the NBA in scoring, averaging 33.5 points per game. The Laker also averaged 8.3 assists (3rd in NBA) and 7.7 rebounds.
Doncic and his team have appealed his ineligibility for awards under the Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge umbrella, per a statement obtained by ESPN. Earlier this season, he missed two games due to the birth of his daughter in Slovenia. Doncic was back in the U.S. just two days after his daughter was born on Dec. 4, and his agent, Bill Duffy, believes the Slovenian did everything in his power to play as much as he could have despite this.
Despite leading the Pistons to their third-best record in franchise history (60-22) and the East's top seed for the 2026 Playoffs, Cade Cunningham has not reached the 65-game threshold to qualify for NBA awards this season. On March 17, the point guard's stellar season was put on pause after it was revealed Cunningham had a collapsed lung.
The injury sidelined him for 11 games, with Detroit's star returning for the team's final three. Prior to that, Detroit's star had missed seven additional games. The Piston averaged the NBA's second-most assists with 9.8. He also scored 24.2 points per game and added an average of 5.5 rebounds.
Victor Wembanyama's award eligibility came down to the wire this season, but the Frenchman has qualified for regular-season awards. The 7'4" Frenchman was in danger of missing out by a game due to a late-season rib injury, but battled through on April 10 against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite only playing 26 minutes, he scored a 40-point, 13-rebound double-double and will be eligible for this season's MVP award.
After the game, Wembanyama said that he would not have played had he already qualified for awards. The Spurs' star averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds (4th in NBA), 3.1 assists, and a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game.
Wembanyama also shared his belief that the league should change the minimum number of games to 75% of the season, which would be 62 games instead of 65. Here is him discussing the topic during a recent press conference.
"75% of the games, in my opinion, would be a logical thing, and that would be... 61.5 games, so 62 games." - Wemby on the 65-game rule
Due to only suiting up for 60 games this season, LeBron James will be absent from NBA award ballots this year. James started this year sidelined due to right-side sciatica and missed the team's first 14 games of the season. Throughout the season, he went on to miss an additional eight games due to contusions or arthritis.
In his 23rd season in the league, James averaged 21 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds to help lead the Lakers to the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. He will need to step up big, with the team being without Doncic and Austin Reaves to begin their playoff campaign.
After consistently playing over 70 games per season to begin his NBA career, Anthony Edwards will miss out on NBA-award eligibility for the first time. The Minnesota star missed seven of the team's final 10 games due to a right-knee injury and illness, which means he fell just short of eligibility. He missed 21 games this season after his best scoring year, where he was third in most points per game with 28.8.
He will be active in the playoffs for the Timberwolves, where they will play the No. 3 Denver Nuggets in the first round.
NBA award eligibility rules
Beginning in the 2023-24 season, NBA rules state that players must appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and Most Improved Player awards, as well as All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams. The rule doesn't apply to the Rookie of the Year or Sixth Man of the Year awards.
Along with the 65-game threshold, players must appear in those games for 20 minutes or more for it to qualify as a "played-in game." A player is allowed two "near misses," in which the player appeared for 15 to 19 minutes, which can be included in the 65-game count. Protections also exist for players who suffer season-ending injuries, who are eligible with 62 credited games, and those affected by what the CBA calls "bad faith circumstances."
"Load management," the term coined to describe when teams rest their star players, has become an increasing trend around the NBA. The 65-game rule was agreed upon in the league's current collective bargaining agreement to help combat this, in which teams rested players to either keep them fresh or nurse minor ailments.
Jordan Ott has had a huge say in the Phoenix Suns having a surprise season.
That’s a major reason why he should be considered for 2025-26 NBA Coach of the Year.
“First-year coach, the expectations people had of us,” Suns big Oso Ighodaro said. “And to do it in the West this year with how competitive the West was. More importantly than the results, just who he is and how he’s handled this season. His character has been high level. He’s been elite.”
The Suns made the now 41-year-old Ott their fourth head in four seasons last summer in replacing Mike Budenholzer after a 36-win season with a Big 3 of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.
Ott took on the challenge that included long-term injuries to key players and coached the Suns (45-37) to seventh in the West, four spots better than last season.
The Suns will look to advance to the playoffs through the play-in tournament as they’ll face the Portland Trail Blazers (42-40) in the 7-8 Play-In game April 14 at Mortgage Matchup Center.
The winner will advance to the Western Conference playoffs as the seventh seed. The loser gets one more shot, on April 17, against the winner of the No. 9 Clippers vs. No. 10 Warriors Play-In game, which is April 15.
“When you’re around the league for so many years, just in basketball, you’re really grateful for a group that likes each other,” Ott said, who won Western Conference coach of the month in January. “That’s stuff, we as coaches, it’s really hard to generate. We have good guys who are about the right stuff.”
The Suns have their share of award candidates aside from Ott.
Most improved: Collin Gillespie
Gillespie averaged a career-high 12.7 points in his second season in Phoenix, setting the franchise single-season record for made 3s at 232.
Gillespie went 39-of-90 last season on 3s as a two-way contract player. He spent much of 2024-25 with the Valley Suns G League team.
Playing all but two games this season, Gillespie is one of nine players in NBA history to have 350-plus assists, 230-plus 3-pointers and 95-plus steals in a season. He started 58 games after collecting just nine starts last season.
Gillespie scored a career-high 30 points in a road win Feb. 3 over the Blazers.
All-Defensive team: Jordan Goodwin
One of the league leaders in steals, Goodwin has averaged two-plus steals in 31 games off the bench, the most among NBA reserves this season.
He averaged 1.5 steals in his second season with the Suns.
The Suns finished ninth in the NBA in defensive rating, with Goodwin their best on-ball defender. He’s also able to defend bigger players in the post despite standing just 6-3.
Goodwin earned the 2026 Dan Majerle Hustle Award.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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Joan Beringer registered his first double-double on Sunday and joined Kevin Garnett in franchise history, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a win in their regular-season finale.
Beringer recorded a career-high 24 points, 13 rebounds, seven blocked shots and two assists in a 132-126 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Earning his third start, Beringer finished by shooting 9-of-12 from the field in 31 minutes, 16 seconds of action.
The 17th overall pick tied Garnett for the most blocks by a rookie in a single game in franchise history. He also became the youngest player in history to record at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots in a game (19 years, 152 days).
"There is a lot to polish there, but the motor is high," Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of Beringer. "We've said from Day 1 that he is pretty fearless. He has got to keep learning on the job. He did a good job the last two games of staying out of foul trouble but still being a big presence defensively."
Beringer played sparingly this season with the Timberwolves, averaging 3.9 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 66.3% from the field in 40 appearances. He had the chance to log 20 or more minutes over their last three games after they clinched a playoff berth on April 7.
The Frenchman also spent time in the G League with the Iowa Wolves, averaging 14.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 11 games. He registered seven double-doubles, including an 18-point, 19-rebound effort on March 16 in a win over the Salt Lake City Stars.
Beringer has spent the year mostly in a developmental role, showcasing his ability as a rim-roller and rebounder in a limited sample size. The team is excited about his potential as he continues to expand his overall game on both ends of the court.
The NBA's 65-game threshold for postseason award eligibility remains under tremendous scrutiny.
A quirk in the rules that helps San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama -- but hurts Cade Cunningham, Luka Doncic and others -- will only heighten the furor and calls for NBA commissioner Adam Silver to move that threshold.
It means Wembanyama will be eligible for MVP, All-NBA and Defensive Player of the Year despite playing 1,866 minutes -- fewer than Doncic, Cunningham, Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards, none of whom met the 65-game criteria.
While it does prompt questions about the NBA's methodology, for Wembanyama, the news is absolutely fantastic. Though he sat out the Spurs' loss to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, Wembanyama steered San Antonio to its best season in 10 years: a 62-20 record, good enough for second in the Western Conference.
It would be quite the draft night shake-up if the Indiana Fever were in position to draft one of Caitlin Clark's former NCAA rivals.
But after a busy weekend in free agency, where teams picking ahead of Clark's Fever on Monday night addressed various needs, the draft board could shake out to where Indiana would make some sense as a landing spot for one of Angel Reese's former LSU teammates.
The Athletic's Sabreena Merchant made the bold call Monday when she predicted the Fever would draft Flau'jae Johnson with the 10th overall pick in a revamped draft.
Indiana re-signed Sophie Cunningham, Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell in free agency while adding an interior presence in Monique Billings. That leaves the Fever roster -- complete with Aliyah Boston and a now-healthy Clark -- without "obvious holes," which would give general manager Amber Cox the flexibility to go anywhere.
"Johnson makes sense for Indiana because she can play at Indiana’s pace and should excel in transition, even against WNBA athletes," Merchant writes.
Two-way guard with real impact 💪
Flau'jae Johnson brings consistent pressure on both ends of the floor.
Though Johnson's senior season at LSU ended with a surprise loss to Duke in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, the 5'10'' guard didn't really hurt her individual draft stock. The 2026 rookie class is deep, and even picks at the end of the first round figure to produce quickly in the WNBA.
Johnson is one of them. With an athletic build, electric speed and scoring ability, she fits in a lot of different WNBA systems. It would be intriguing to see her possible backcourt partnership with Clark, and how she might profile as Mitchell's long-term replacement if the All-WNBA guard leaves as a free agent in 2027.
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the best players in the NBA when he is healthy. That qualifier came under heavy scrutiny in the latter part of the 2025-2026 season, as there were conflicting reports about his availability from him and the Milwaukee Bucks.
This is just a snippet of how the relationship between the two sides deteriorated, leaving Antetokounmpo's future with the organization in limbo.
The star forward is under contract through the 2026-2027 regular season, and then he has a player option for the following year. Antetokounmpo still has high trade value, and Milwaukee could look into trading him now to commit to rebuilding the franchise.
After the Bucks' current season ended, the forward was asked about his future with the franchise. His response didn't reveal much, but it was clear he was frustrated with how the season had gone for him and the team.
Here is more on what Antetokounmpo said about his future with the Bucks after the team's 2025-2026 season came to an end without a playoff berth.
Antetokounmpo did a media scrum for 10 minutes following Milwaukee's final game of the season, and it came on the heels of the news that Doc Rivers was no longer going to be the head coach for the team. The star forward was asked directly if he thought he had played his last game with the Bucks, and he responded, "That's a very good question. I don't know. It's not up to me. We'll see."
Two of the main points that Antetokounmpo made throughout his media scrum were that he felt the organization was "as far from contention as they were at any point in his career" and that he was upset at the lack of communication with the franchise.
"I feel like sometimes people just don't listen," the Bucks star said. "They listen to the sources. The main source is me. It is what it is. So again, do not disturb on my phone, go about my day, improve, and come back better."
"I don't have control. Being cleared to play, I don't understand ... from my understanding, coming back to play, which I don't think I ever had any return-to-play protocol, but to my understanding was I had to play 3-on-3 to be able to be available to play. I did that multiple times. I've never in my life denied participation of practice. I don't know who said that, who came up with that, but that's disrespectful towards what I've done for this team and the way I carry myself my whole career, pretty much. But I did what I was supposed to do. I wasn't able to come on the court now. Who has that say? It probably comes from my boss, probably comes from the members of the front office or the owners. So, I thought I had control, kind of like, 'OK, if I'm healthy, I'm going to play.' But this shows me that not just me, just players in general, don't have no control. We got to do what we've been told. So, to answer your question, no. I didn't feel like I had control."
With how much Antetokounmpo's contract and a possible extension are being brought up, you'd think he was entering free agency, but he isn't. The 2026-2027 season marks the last fully guaranteed year of his contract, making him eligible for a massive contract extension. This situation leaves the Milwaukee front office in a bit of a pickle because they either have to commit four more years and a massive cap hit to the 31-year-old Antetokounmpo or trade him so that he doesn't walk in free agency next offseason for nothing.
Antetokounmpo was asked about his contract situation and whether he would be willing to sign an extension when he becomes eligible in October 2026.
"We'll see when we get there. We have [several] months [until then] ... it's a long time. But somebody has to offer you that, for you to sign. I haven't been offered an extension. So, if that is on the table, then I will try to make the best decision for me and my family. But if it's not on the table, then I have to focus on how can I improve my worth and get on the floor and do what I do."
The star forward is currently playing on a three-year, $175.37 million veteran max extension, per Spotrac. It runs through the 2026-2027 season, and he has a player option for 2027-2028. If he chose to pick it up, Antetokounmpo would hit free agency ahead of the 2028-2029 season with the way his contract is currently constructed.
When Antetokounmpo says that he doesn't have control over his situation in Milwaukee, he isn't wrong. The Bucks front office could trade him at any time, and reportedly were shopping him in potential deals ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline. Despite being a superstar of the game, Antetokounmpo's contract does not contain any sort of no-trade clause, so he can be traded to any team without his approval.
Milwaukee will now have all offseason to take a step back and look at its roster and assets and see if it is worth attempting to sign Antetokounmpo to the massive extension he will be eligible for, or if it makes more sense to make a blockbuster deal and send him to a new franchise for the first time in his 13-year career.
“All signs are leading LeBron back to Los Angeles. Sure, he doesn't have the leverage he once had, but he doesn't need to sign a max deal. All of these factors should lead LeBron to sign a team-friendly contract to continue his tenure with the Lakers for at least one more season,” Lake Show Life’s Jason Reed wrote.
However, the same cannot be said for second-year Laker Dalton Knecht, who has struggled throughout the season.
“The former first-round draft pick is behind Bronny James and Drew Timme in LA’s rotation at this stage. Redick doesn’t trust Knecht in any situation, so it is time to move on. The Lakers love what JJ is doing. If it becomes a choice between the two, Knecht will be gone instantly. Jovan Buha reported the Lakers will shop Knecht on the trade market in the offseason. He is under contract for $4.2 million next season and has a team option in his contract for the 2027-28 campaign. Teams are always looking for rookie-scale deals to save money, but the Lakers will have to give Knecht away to get him off their roster,” Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts wrote.
One possible reason for Knecht’s lack of production could be overexertion during the offseason, something head coach JJ Redick mentioned before the season began.
“The guy did too much after the season. And I think in summer league, he was burnt out. He was coming in here at 5 AM, getting shots up, then doing two workouts with our summer league staff and in the weight room,” Redick said.
Knecht is currently buried on the roster given the Lakers’ current makeup. A change of scenery could benefit him, particularly with a younger team in need of shooting.
Despite his struggles, Knecht has shown flashes of his potential, including a strong regular-season finale in which he scored 17 points in the fourth quarter alone. The Lakers may attempt to recoup some value for him, but his limited role this season may have diminished his trade market.
Now that the NBA regular season has come to a close, the big question in Milwaukee is: Has Giannis Antentokounmpo played his last game in a Bucks uniform?
In a 10-minute session with reporters, the two-time league MVP repeated his frequently expressed frustrations with the state of the Bucks franchise, but he also didn't rule out the possibility of signing an extension with the team either.
If they don't trade him this offseason, the Bucks do have the option of signing Antetokounmpo to an extension this fall, something owner Wes Edens did tell ESPN was a possibility last month.
However Antetokounmpo said there's been no movement on that front.
"We'll see when we get there," he said. "But somebody has to offer you that, for you to sign. I haven't been offered an extension. So, if that is on the table, then I will try to make the best decision for me and my family."
Antetokounmpo can be an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The 10-time All-Star also expressed frustration with the team not clearing him to play after he suffered a hyperextension of his knee and a bone bruise last month − even though he says he's healthy.
"I don't have control," he said. "(M)y understanding was I had to play 3-on-3 to be able to be available to play. I did that multiple times ...
"I don't know who said that, who came up with that, but that's disrespectful towards what I've done for this team and the way I carry myself my whole career, pretty much.
Kon Knueppel and LaMelo Ball have made NBA history not achieved since the 'Splash Brothers' for the Golden State Warriors, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, were doing their thing.
The feat: a pair of teammates with 270-plus 3-pointers in the same season.
Curry and Thompson did it multiple times. Now, Knueppel and Ball have done it.
KON WINS NBA 3PT RACE OVER LAMELO BY ONE THREE 🤯
LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel are the first duo with 270+ threes each in a season since Steph and Klay 😳 pic.twitter.com/RReU3h3uJH
While Knueppel ended up making one more, Ball shot a lot more.
Knueppel just had astounding efficiency in his first season out of Duke.
The rookie shot 42.5% from beyond the arc this season.
Ball was at 36.8% from deep.
Th Hornets also had Brandon Miller shoot 38.3% from 3-point land while making 3.1 3s per game, so this is a team that lets it fly -- and that's not even counting frequent shooters Coby White and Miles Bridges.
The Hornets' offense was red hot in the second half of the season, enough to get into the play-in tournament and make them feel sneaky dangerous for a team that far down the standings.
But even if there isn't a playoff run this season, Knueppel and Ball appear to have the Hornets primed to be a trendy sleeper pick for next season. We've seen what happens when guys can shoot it like this side by side.
PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe wrapped up his first NBA regular season on Sunday as he scored nine points with 11 assists and seven rebounds in a 126-106 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at home. He played in 75 games and averaged 16.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 43.8% from the floor and 35.4% from deep.
Edgecombe averaged 25 minutes per night and had quite a few big games for the Sixers as a rookie. He was impressive in all facets of the game, and it felt like he never really went through the vaunted "Rookie Wall" in his maiden NBA season.
"I really don't understand what this rookie wall is," Edgecombe said after the win on Sunday. "I'm being so honest with you because I don't know if it's I'm not scoring the same or, you know? I've had games where I scored single digits. Tonight, I scored single digits. I'm not too sure what the rookie wall is, but I don't think I hit it. I just try to stay the same and continue just getting better every day."
That "Rookie Wall" is normally when rookies begin to understand what it's like to be in the NBA. A collegiate season is somewhere around 35 to 40 games. An NBA season is twice that and then some as the games come fast as compared to the college game where games can sometimes be once, maybe twice a week.
"I'm not too sure what the rookie wall is," he continued. "Maybe someone can explain it to me, but I mean, obviously, the season had its ups and downs. I've had my ups and downs. I just try to keep building daily. Just to make sure I’m bringing my best foot forward every day."
While Edgecombe may not have met the "Rookie Wall", he will be meeting postseason basketball for the first time when the Sixers play host to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game. The winner advances to the playoffs as the No. 7 seed to face the Boston Celtics while the loser will then face the winner of the 9 vs. 10 game for the right to earn the No. 8 seed and face the Detroit Pistons.
Playing on a team with a slew of veterans who have a ton of playoff experience to lean on, Edgecombe isn't sure what to expect, but he keeps hearing about one thing: physicality.
"I'll probably say the physicality," Edgecombe explained. "Probably the physicality. Every possession matters. I mean, that's what you hear about a lot about the playoffs. Every possession matters. I think it’ll be that for sure. Just where every possession matters. Can't give us a layup or can't give up anything. Just go out there and play balls to wall and play hard."
A player who relies a lot on watching film and working hard to prepare for certain matchups, Edgecombe is about to endure what it's like to prep for big moments such as the postseason. He gave his thoughts and guesses on what he thinks Philadelphia will do to prepare for such a moment.
"To be honest, I have no idea," he finished. "I'll be so honest with you, but I'm assuming there's gonna be more film, more attention to details, but other than that, I’m just gonna do the same recovery."
The Sixers and the Magic will face off on Wednesday at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.
OKC's title defense begins with the first round of the playoffs, which starts with Game 1 at 2:30 p.m. CT Sunday inside Paycom Center (ABC). And it'll learn its opponent following the conclusion of the play-in tournament.
Golden State has the most championship experience on this list. That's a big strength come playoff time, but the Warriors wouldn't have many other advantages in a first-round matchup with the Thunder.
Golden State doesn't have a ton of reliable scoring options outside of Stephen Curry, who'd be swarmed by players such as Cason Wallace, Lu Dort and Alex Caruso all series. And the rest of its turnover-prone offense would also struggle against OKC's defensive pressure.
The Warriors wouldn't have a ton of answers for the Thunder's offense either, especially Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. I'd expect OKC to complete the sweep without too much trouble.
Portland hasn't been in the playoffs since 2021. But if it can snap that streak, it'd present a slightly bigger challenge to OKC than Golden State.
The Trail Blazers rank 11th in the NBA in defensive weapons, and they have some standout players on that end of the floor. From Jrue Holiday to Toumani Camara to Donovan Clingan, it's a group that would present some problems both inside and outside the arc.
Portland excels at creating turnovers and converting them into points, but that'll be difficult to do against an OKC offense that takes great care of the ball. And if the Trail Blazers are forced to rely on their halfcourt offense, I don't see them making this much of a series.
Los Angeles began the season 6-21, and yet it found a way to climb into the play-in tournament. Part of that process included retooled the roster, sending out James Harden and Ivica Zubac while adding Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin.
Garland has played well since joining the Clippers, and he'll be leaned on to take some scoring pressure off of Kawhi Leonard. Mathurin has also shown that he can catch fire.
But it's still hard to imagine Los Angeles, the third-slowest team in the NBA, keeping up with OKC. I think Leonard would will the Clippers to one win before the Thunder completed the gentleman's sweep.
I don't think any of the play-in teams would make it a long first-round series for OKC. But when it comes to which squad would challenge the Thunder the most, it's the Suns.
Phoenix ranks 10th in the NBA in defensive rating, and it can certainly muck up a game with physical players at every position. The Suns also have an elite scorer in Devin Booker and a few other scoring options such as Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green.
Of course, all of that can be said about OKC as well. It's a better team across the board, which is why I think it'd win this series in five games. But some of those wins would be close ones against a Phoenix squad that'd put up a good fight.
Prediction: Thunder in 5
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers finished up the regular season with a 126-106 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday evening to finish the season at 45-37 and the No. 7 seed in the East. The Sixers will now play host to the Orlando Magic in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game on Wednesday.
Tyrese Maxey led the way with 21 points, Andre Drummond had 12 points and 13 rebounds, Justin Edwards had 17 points, and Paul George had 11 points and five rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 11 points and five rebounds and Quentin Grimes added 20 and five assists.
Here are the three biggest takeaways following the win:
Maxey finds a rhythm
The Sixers saw Maxey struggle to start the night on Sunday as he only had five points on 1-for-5 shooting at halftime as the Bucks held a 62-58 halftime lead. Continuing to work his way back from a finger injury, Maxey's efficiency has been up and down, but he got it going in the third quarter against the Bucks. He had 16 points on 7-for-8 shooting in the third as the Sixers outscored Milwaukee 38-16 to get the job done and put the Bucks away.
"I think it's a little bit of a difficult game to play, and I don't think we came out with a lot of life and kind of wanted it to be easier than it was going to be," said coach Nick Nurse. "It's always the case in this league. I just think he just came out and turned up his work rate and aggressiveness and all that stuff in the second half. He played more like himself."
Drummond provides a lift
When the Sixers inserted Drummond into the game on Sunday, he changed everything. His physicality, size, and strength played a big role for Philadelphia taking control of the game as he continues to play well recently. Six of his 13 rebounds were on the offensive end as his presence immediately changed the game in Philadelphia's favor. It allowed the Sixers to really find their rhythm and continue to push forward toward postseason play.
Nurse said on Drummond:
He’s done a good job, no doubt about it, and we needed him to so that's been good. Just a little bit of everything. I think the rebounding always is a big one, but a couple good passes. Some back cut passes, couple, two of them, at least tonight, and some good number of offensive rebounds, getting some extra possessions. I know he had six of them. He might have got three of them on his own shot there one time, but he finished. So it doesn't matter once as long he doesn't leave until it's in the basket, but just pretty good, solid play. I thought defensively, he started getting up. That was the one thing at halftime. We weren't doing all the work pressuring the 5s, and they were wheeling deal and paying and off to all those 3-point shooters, but he got up, played really aggressive in the second half.
A bounce back season
The Sixers, once again, had to deal with a ton of adversity in the 2025-26 season between the 25-game suspension to George, the injuries and the current appendicitis surgery recovery for Joel Embiid, and a myriad of other issues that arose. Instead of crumbling as they did in the 2024-25 season, the Sixers won 21 more games than they did the previous season and head into a chance to compete in the playoffs. There is still more work to be done, but the Sixers showed their resilience and toughness in order to bounce back and be back in this moment.
Nurss stated:
I mean, I think the overall assessment is as choppy as it was again, injury-wise, I'm glad we were able to handle that a lot better. I thought a lot of guys improved, and a lot of lot of guys filled in. There was, I think, moments for almost everybody over there. That was really important considering, you know, certain times, especially, I think we were missing four starters for a good stretch there and those guys were able to pick off a good—probably a little under .500, but pretty close to keep things going, which I think was hugely important. So, I'm pretty proud of them for hanging in there and battling through the adversity and all that kind of stuff. I think we got a lot of ceiling to go yet. I think there's a lot. So, hopefully we'll get to play a bunch of games and keep improving.
NEW YORK — The 2026 WNBA Draft gets underway in a few hours.
After months of waiting, on Monday, April 13, one of the biggest events of the offseason will commence at The Shed in New York. In the previous few years, there's been a consensus No. 1 pick leading up to the event. This year's top spot has been up for grabs for weeks, driving lots of chatter about all the possibilities.
However, after an action-packed first week of WNBA free agency, the choice for the Dallas Wings got a lot clearer. The Wings should draft UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd at No. 1. Others in the mix for No. 1 include Spaniard Awa Fam, UCLA center Lauren Betts and TCU guard Olivia Miles.
How will all shake out? Here's USA TODAY's final 2026 WNBA mock draft:
1. Dallas Wings: Azzi Fudd, G, UConn
After free agency, Dallas has a crowded front court. While drafting another post player would not be a bad option, the Wings need guard depth and shooting. Because of that, Fudd then becomes the easy choice. She can move off-ball, defend when asked and is the purest shooter in the draft class. Dallas will have to figure out where Fudd lands in the lineup with Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers, but a three-guard attack should dramatically help the offense.
2. Minnesota Lynx: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA
After losing key pieces in free agency like Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard, Minnesota would be wise to draft Betts. She provides an interior presence, has no problem cleaning up the board or kicking it out to an open teammate for an easy score. The Bruins center is a good defender, but Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve could potentially help Betts become elite.
3. Seattle Storm: Olivia Miles, G, TCU
It's no secret after the exits of Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams and Nneka Ogwumike, the Storm are in full rebuild mode. Seattle should lean into young talent like Dominique Malonga, who was drafted No. 2 overall in 2025, and pair her with Miles. The TCU product has exquisite vision and would easily become a scoring option the Storm could lean on. Early chemistry with Malonga is needed.
4. Washington Mystics: Awa Fam, C, Spain
The Mystics could sorely use some big depth. Veteran Stef Dolson joined Seattle during free agency, and it's unclear if current center Shakira Austin will return. (Austin has an offer from the Tempo as of this publishing. The Mystics can match.) Regardless, Fam could use a place that will be patient as she continues to grow. Washington can provide that without the pressure to produce now.
5. Chicago Sky: Flau'jae Johnson, G, LSU
Chicago made some solid moves during free agency to put itself in a position to compete. Rickea Jackson, DiJonai Carrington, Skylar Diggins and Azurá Stevens are all in the mix in the Windy City. The additions plug a lot of holes, but do leave a gap at shooting guard. Johnson immediately fills that need and could start now if the Sky needed her to, bringing immediate two-way production.
6. Toronto Tempo: Ta'Niya Latson, G, South Carolina
The Tempo are also need guard help, and while Latson is a bit undersized at 5-foot-8, her confidence should help her at the next level. Latson needs to go into an environment that will elevate her as a score-first guard, and head coach Sandy Brondello has proven she can do that throughout her career. Latson may not start right away, but in Toronto, there may not be a rush.
7. Portland Fire: Kiki Rice, G, UCLA
Portland needs a floor general to round out its roster, and Rice fits the bill. During her senior season with UCLA, she proved she was more than capable of handling facilitation duties and calling her own number if needed. In the WNBA, if she can trust her judgment and take what the defense has given her, she should have a solid rookie season.
The thought of adding Jaquez to the roster should excite Golden State. The Valkyries would be getting a do-it-all player who isn't afraid to lean into the things that don't often show up on the stat sheet. She also comes with an electric 3-ball that should be a solid addition to a team that led the WNBA in made 3-points per game (9.7) last season.
9. Washington Mystics: Raven Johnson, G South Carolina
There's never anything wrong with taking guard depth and insurance as the Mystics wait to see how Georgia Amoore will fare once she returns to the court this season. Still, even with a healthy Amoore, Washington could use a gritty, scrappy guard like Johnson to anchor the defense and keep the offense running smoothly.
10. Indiana Fever: Gianna Kneepkens, G, UCLA
The one thing Indiana could never have enough of last season was guards and shooters. Kneepkens is both. She can work inside out, is underrated with her footwork and can sink a corner 3-pointer, a Fever staple over the years. Head coach Stephanie White will likely appreciate Kneepkens' intensity and energy.
11. Washington Mystics: Nell Angloma, F, France
Angloma is a versatile piece the Mystics could lean into now or stash for later. At 5-foot-11, she's likely more of a wing than a pure forward, but she can play both. Angloma does a lot of work in the paint, getting downhill quickly, but can make her baskets from 3-point range, too, when asked.
Carrión is the type of guard who exploits any second-guessing by opponents and makes them pay. She can get to the cup with her footwork, navigating traffic or she can let it go from deep without flinching. She may not play now, if drafted, but the Sun would be wise to hold on to the Spainish guard.
13. Atlanta Dream: Madina Okot, C, South Carolina
The Dream plan to take the best player available at 13. That player could contribute now, but Atlanta isn't looking for an immediate star. If the pick is Okot, the South Carolina center would be landing in a great place for her development. Head coach Karl Smesko could help her as a defender and strengthen her shooting, especially from 3-point range.
14. Seattle Storm: Marta Suarez, F, TCU
Reuniting Suarez with her college point guard might be worth it for Seattle. She led the Horned Frogs in 3-point shooting this past season and could help a Seattle team that needs chemistry sooner rather than later. A young trio of Malonga, Miles and Saurez could help the Storm build for the future.
15. Connecticut Sun: Cotie McMahon, F, Ole Miss
McMahon is a versatile player who could find her groove with the Sun as a wing or forward. She brings a lot of energy and is not afraid to get downhill or pull up from the midrange. She also moves well without the ball, opening up lanes for teammates, which could help her earn more minutes as the season progresses.
PHOENIX — Ahead of the Final Four and with the 2026 WNBA Draft looming, ESPN’s Andraya Carter had a simple response to a question about one of the biggest stars of the Women’s NCAA Tournament.
Could UConn’s Azzi Fudd be picked No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings?
“Yeah, of course,” Carter told USA TODAY Sports. “Why not?”
Pressed further, Carter explained Fudd’s value.
“She's a specialist when it comes to being a shooter — the ability to hit shots, the ability to space the floor,” Carter said. “There's so many things that when you have a floor spacer, just that skill set alone is an amazing opportunity to have success at the WNBA level. Even on nights if she's not hitting (3-pointers), she can attack long close outs, which puts the defense in scramble mode. When the defense is in scramble mode, somebody's going to be open.”
In this year’s WNBA draft — which will be held Monday night in New York — there seems to be a clear separation between the top four prospects and everyone else.
There’s 6-foot-7 UCLA center Lauren Betts, who just powered the Bruins to the national championship. There’s TCU point guard Olivia Miles, a wizard with the ball in her hands who can dish out neck-breaking assists and swish open shots from deep range. There’s also Awa Fam, the 19-year-old 6-foot-6 center from Spain who is a bit unpolished, but brings sky-high potential.
And then there’s Fudd, a product UConn − the most successful program in women’s college basketball. Should the Dallas Wings take her with the top pick, she would be the seventh player coached by 12-time champion Geno Auriemma to go No. 1 overall.
“I look at Dallas and I wonder, are they going to focus more on positional need for the future? Because when it comes to post players, it's been a little inconsistent, right? So that's the only cause for pause that I have,” ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike, a former No. 1 overall pick in 2014 said. “Are they going to take the best shooter or for-sure player, or are they going to look a little bit more positionally?
“It’s tough. I see Azzi’s skill set and she’s a sure bet. And one thing that translates is shooting.”
Like any draft prospect, there are arguments for and against Fudd having success in the WNBA.
The positives start with her offensive abilities. Fudd nearly had a 50-40-90 season this year for the dominant Huskies, shooting 48.1% from the floor, 44.7% from 3-point land and 95.5% from the free throw line. In a more prominent scoring role this year for UConn, she averaged 17.3 points and 3.1 assists per game.
Since 2009 — which is as far back as the databases for the women’s basketball analytics and statistics website Her Hoop Stats goes — Fudd is one of four players to average at least 17 points, three assists and 6.5 3-point attempts per game while shooting better than 44% from behind the arc. The others were Army’s Kelsey Minato in 2015-16, Gianna Kneepkens last season at Utah and Oklahoma’s Taylor Robertson in the 2021-22 campaign.
She’s underrated as a defender too, and this season ranked third in defensive win shares (2.8) and was 15th nationally in defensive rating (72.4).
Fudd was an All-American this season and is a two-time All-Big East selection. Last year, she was named the Most Outstanding Player at the Final Four after scoring a combined 43 points in wins over UCLA and South Carolina en route to UConn’s first national title since 2016.
“That’s who I would take No. 1 if I was a general manager,” ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo told USA TODAY Sports. “She's gonna fit in seamlessly. She's one of the greatest shooters we've seen in college. Her efficiency of movement, the way she has expanded her game — it's not just 3s. She's incredible in the mid-range, she's become a really next level defender out on the perimeter. I think she is WNBA-ready today. I think she has WNBA All-Star potential as a rookie.”
The knocks on Fudd begin with her injury history. She was tabbed as the high school National Player of the Year in 2019 and in 2021 was a McDonald’s All-American. A product of St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C., ESPN ranked her as the best prospect in the 2021 class.
But after the end of her high school season in 2019, Fudd tore the ACL and MCL in her right knee while competing in a 3-on-3 tournament. Her senior season of high school ball was limited by a foot sprain.
The injury bug followed her to UConn. She missed 11 games as a freshman due to a foot injury, then 22 games of her sophomore season due to a knee injury. She played two games in the 2023-24 season before tearing the ACL in her right knee again.
For the past two seasons, Fudd has been healthy and helped UConn go 75-4 with a national championship.
While Fudd avoided injuries this season, she didn’t finish strong. In her final three games for the Huskies — the Sweet 16 through their Final Four loss to South Carolina — Fudd averaged 10.3 points per game on 32% shooting from the floor while turning the ball over 2.6 times a game.
Experts believe that WNBA teams shouldn’t be deterred from drafting her high.
“She's a great fit anywhere. When you can shoot the way she can shoot — it's different than a post player,” Lobo said. “Everybody can use a shooter and somebody who has the versatile skill set that she has.”
Fudd proved at other points this season she can shine under bright lights. She tallied 27 points and seven assists in a win over Tennessee, scored 31 points in a narrow non-conference win over Michigan and dropped a career-high 34 points in a second-round March Madness victory over Syracuse.
Should Fudd get selected with the top pick by the Dallas Wings, it will reunite her with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers and put her in new coach Jose Fernandez’s scheme that emphasizes constant motion on offense and 3-pointers.
“I’m interested in what Jose’s going to be able to do in Dallas,” Carter said. “Obviously, Paige and Azzi have played together before, so you trust that chemistry on the court. I think any system that he tries to put in place, having a knock down 3-point shooter would be helpful.”
After wrapping up March Madness, the best women's basketball players in the country are headed to New York City for the 2026 WNBA Draft.
While fans have a general idea of where their favorite players could go, Monday's draft will be different than years past as there's not a clear cut overall No. 1 pick. Whereas Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers headlined 2024 and 2025, The Dallas Wings could go in several different directions with their first selection.
The picture was even more muddied with player performances during the NCAA Tournament. UCLA's Lauren Betts upped her draft stock exponentially after helping her team to national championship and being named overall MVP, but UConn's Azzi Fudd dropped a few picks in the eyes of experts.
Olivia Miles, Awa Fam, Kiki Rice and Flau'jae Johnson are also expected to go early in the first round.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 WNBA Draft, including TV channel and streaming options for the annual event.
This year's WNBA Draft will air nationally on ESPN. There will be an "Orange Carpet" ceremony and a special edition of "WNBA Countdown" airing on ESPN before the draft begins.
Cord-cutters can also stream the action live on the ESPN app.
Now you can watch ESPN without cable. Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, plus SportsCenter, First Take, and all your favorite ESPN shows—anytime, anywhere—only in the ESPN app.
WNBA Draft start time
Date: Monday, April 13
Time: 7 p.m. ET
This year's WNBA Draft will start at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, April 13. It will take place at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City, NY.
The next generation of hoop mavens will bask beneath the moonlight at The Shed at Hudson Yards on Monday night. The 2026 WNBA Draft is on the horizon, vowing to enchant the masses -- and drum up controversy, too.
Who will WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert call first? There are a host of captivating options, with Spanish forward Awa Fam and college stars Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles and Lauren Betts all drawing interest. The Wings found their franchise cornerstone in last year's draft. Can they repeat the feat once more?
The drama is certain to continue down the board. Players like Flau'jae Johnson, Ta'Niya Latson and Janiah Barker could see their stock wax and wane as the draft wears on.
With that, here are The Sporting News' latest pick projections for the 2026 WNBA Draft, now going from picks No. 1 through No. 30.
After weeks of deliberation, it seems the Wings have landed on Fudd. The UConn guard is the best shooter in her class -- and one of the best in draft history. Blessed with impressive relocation skills and effortless form, Fudd figures to fit nicely next to girlfriend Paige Bueckers.
Fam is the best prospect available in this year's draft. Her size, versatility, footwork and passing chops -- especially in the short roll -- make her an enchanting prospect, especially to a side already blessed with one gifted pick-and-roll operator in Paige Bueckers.
Three years younger than the majority of her draft class peers, Fam and her two-way skillset make her poised to be the first international prospect to go No. 1 overall since Lauren Jackson did so in 2001.
2. Minnesota Lynx: Lauren Betts, UCLA
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-7
Minnesota saw its front-court depth dissipate in the first few days of free agency, with Jessica Shepard and reigning co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith exiting stage left. The Lynx will swiftly find a replacement in Betts, the draft's best defensive prospect.
It's unclear how Betts' offensive game will scale up at the next level. But she is a defensive savant, adept at contesting and swatting away shots and stepping out on ball-handlers in drop coverage. Her defensive potential is enchanting. That should be enough to prompt Cheryl Reeve to invest in her services in 2026.
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3. Seattle Storm: Olivia Miles, TCU
Age: 23, Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 5-foot-10
Miles is one of the best passers in draft history, blessed with a passing repertoire awash with glitter and gold.
Her defense leaves a lot to be desired. But her offensive gifts are dizzying, both as a driver and shooter. Miles sank 37.6 percent of her threes across her final two collegiate seasons. If that shooting prowess sticks at the WNBA level, she could find herself in contention for All-Star berths for years to come.
Seattle needs a ball-handler to join its ranks after Skylar Diggins and Gabby Williams left town in the offseason. Who better than Miles, who was widely assumed to be interested in Miles' services before she spurned last year's draft?
4. Washington Mystics: Awa Fam, Valencia (Spain) | Spain
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-4
Fam has the highest upside of any player in this year's draft. Her size, versatility, footwork and passing chops -- especially in the short roll -- are befitting of ballads.
She finds a home in Washington after a brief tumble, a dynamic that had less to do with her skillset than her fit on Dallas, Minnesota and Seattle's rosters. Washington will benefit
Her slide has less to do with her gifts and more to do with fit. Dallas looks to have settled on its frontcourt, while Minnesota and Seattle have more glaring holes in their roster than at forward.
Betts showed out in the tournament, flaunting her considerable defensive traits while showcasing a deft passing touch out of the post. She's not the perfect prospect by any means -- her build doesn't appear to lend itself to fast-pace play. But the Mystics need help on the defensive side of the court, especially with Shakira Austin slated to hit restricted free agency in the offseason.
5. Chicago Sky: Kiki Rice, UCLA
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 5-foot-11
Angel Reese's departure kicks off a new era in Chicago. Reinforcements are on the way in the form of Rice, a talented senior who helped push the Bruins during their run to the national title.
Rice is athletic, aggressive and defensively sound. She also sank 38 percent of her threes during her senior year, an enchanting proposition for a Chicago side that ranked fifth-worst in three-point shooting. The Sky boasted the league's worst backcourt in 2025. Rice figures to change that.
6. Toronto Tempo: Flau'jae Johnson, LSU
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 5-foot-10
Johnson slips slightly in our latest mock draft. She struggled at times during her final season in Baton Rouge.
Still, the talent is enchanting. Johnson is a dogged defender whose athletic gifts alone bring her the title of her draft class' best slasher. Johnson could be a star in the right setting. We think she'll land in Toronto, where she should get a chance to see plenty of the ball.
Johnson has all the makings of a steady pro, pairing strong defense with a burgeoning 3-point stroke to propel South Carolina up the college ranks. Johnson brings her 41.4% 3-point shooting to a Fire squad that will look to find consistency in its maiden WNBA season.
8. Golden State Valkyries: Nell Angloma, BMLA (France) | France
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-10
The Valkyries dipped into the international market during the 2025 WNBA Draft, adding Janelle Salaun and Juste Jocyte to a roster already teeming with foreign flavor.
We think they'll go to that well once more to land Angloma. She is the latest standout France prospect, enjoying a splendid campaign with Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration. Her success at the EuroCup level has drawn admirers, although there are questions about her ability to shoot the ball at the next level.
Still, Angloma is a strong, lanky athlete who should have ample time to fill into her frame. If she can consistently hit shots from range, the Valkyries will have quite the building block at their disposal.
Kneepkens is the easy pick for the Mystics, who ranked bottom of the league in three-point attempts. Sonia Citron is a trebuchet, flaunting a scorching 44.5% three-point rate in her rookie season. Beyond her, Washington was lacking in floor spacers.
Kneepkens should fill that role with aplomb. The Utah transfer is a career 43.2% three-point shooter across five collegiate seasons.
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10. Indiana Fever: Gabriela Jaquez, UCLA
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 6-foot
The Fever fell just short of a Finals berth in 2025. Assuming Caitlin Clark has a clean bill of health in 2026, they should be able to contend for glory in 2026.
Jaquez possesses all the skills desired out of a modern wing. She projects to be something of a utility player at the next level, with her potential hinging on whether her jumper is consistent. If the NCAA tournament was any indication, things are trending up in that direction.
11. Washington Mystics: Madina Okot, South Carolina | Kenya
Age: 21, Senior
Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-6
Okot is the youngest college prospect in this year's class. Her game is fairly unrefined -- she only started playing basketball five years ago. But she has shown flashes of brilliance on both ends of the floor, touting a burgeoning shooting stroke on triples -- albeit on limited attempts.
If she does declare, though, Okot could draw first-round buzz. Her youth, athleticism and hands are enchanting. So, too, are her budding shooting skills -- Okot has hit 48.1% of her three-pointers, albeit on limited attempts.
Washington enjoyed marked success putting its faith in youngsters last season. With Stefanie Dolson's contract expiring, the Mystics could do worse than add another young big to their ranks.
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12. Connecticut Sun: Ta’Niya Latson, South Carolina
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 5-foot-8
Latson can light the basket up like few others in the nation. At Florida State, she was artful, particularly in transition. Her athletic gifts make her a difficult matchup to handle out in the open floor.
The South Carolina guard has her detractors — she’s not much of a shooter and can struggle to attack defenders one-on-one. But Latson’s athleticism should be enough to draw first-round consideration, especially for a Connecticut side still finding its way after Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Brionna Jones’ departures.
13. Atlanta Dream: Iyana Martin, Perfumerias Avenida (Spain) | Spain
Age: 20
Position: Guard
Height: 5-foot-8
Martin is one of the best passers in this year’s draft, adept at finding cutters and shooters with unique passing angles.
She’s undoubtedly a prospect player, needing to add some dynamism in other parts of her game. Her lackluster frame is also of concern, although Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray and Angel Reese should have the defensive chops to help her at the next level.
Martin projects as a draft-and-stash. Atlanta has the talent to justify keeping her in Europe for an additional season.
Jackson is far from your proverbial 3-and-D wing, also offering a play-making flourish. She averaged a career-best 4.6 assists as a senior and should sizzle coming off the bench for Seattle.
15. Connecticut Sun: Cotie McMahon, Ole Miss
Age: 21, Senior
Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-1
McMahon rounds out the list of first-rounders. The Ole Miss wing needs to improve her shooting stroke at the next level. But she’s an athletic marvel at her size. That’s a welcome addition to the Sun’s underwhelming roster.
Second round
16. Seattle Storm (via Dallas Wings)
Janiah Barker, F, Tennessee (6-4)
17. Portland Fire (via Chicago Sky)
Charlisse Leger-Walker, G, UCLA | New Zealand (5-10)
The Boston Celtics developed a deep roster over the course of the 2025-26 campaign, and it was ironically most apparent when they had just eight players available on Sunday night against the Orlando Magic. With most of the Celtics resting and sidelined — including stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, center Neemias Queta, guard Derrick White, and others — the bench was forced to step up. But to say they stepped up would be putting it lightly, as the undermanned Celtics took down the (mostly healthy) Magic 113-108 at TD Garden.
In just his fifth start of the season, center Luka Garza dazzled with a career-high 27 points, including a dagger 3-pointer with 32 seconds to go that essentially ruined the Magic's chances of capturing the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. Celtics guard Ron Harper Jr., who had never started in an NBA game prior to this season, also finished with a career-high 27 points.
Against all odds the undermanned Celtics shock the Magic in one of the best games of the year: pic.twitter.com/T1Eid2X99O
Wing Baylor Scheierman rounded out the surprising, yet strong performances from the Celtics starters with a game-high (and career-high) 30 points in almost 39 minutes of play. His hustle on both ends of the floor boosted Boston and encapsulated the high effort of the Celtics, who largely outworked the Magic despite having nothing to play for in terms of seeding.
Up next for the 56-26 Celtics are the playoffs, which tip off for them on Sunday afternoon at TD Garden. The Green Team's first-round opponent will be the winner of a Wednesday night Play-In Tournament matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the aforementioned Magic.
But before the C's know who they're facing, let's take a look at the best photos from their stunning regular season finale:
It's official, the Golden State Warriors will face the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the play-in tournament. As the ninth and tenth seeds, the winner of that game will then face the loser of the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers for a chance to play the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.
For the Warriors, their play-in game against the Clippers will be a rematch of their season finale, which they lost 115-110 on Sunday, April 12. When speaking to the media after that game, Stephen Curry gave an honest assessment of the mindset his team must have when facing Kawhi Leonard and the rest of the Clippers roster.
"It's going to be fun. I mean, we know who they are. We've played them twice since the trade deadline," Curry said, via Joseph Dycus. "A little faster paced, obviously not Kawhi tonight, but you know what he's about and how well he's been playing...You know the tendencies. You know what our game plan is going to be. Just come with a level of focus. You obviously know, with a guy like Kawhi, you're going to play your best defense. He still can get his numbers, it's just how he gets them and making him work...We gotta be able to impose our will, even if he still gets his. That's the challenge to try to beat those guys."
Golden State has struggled when facing the Clippers this season, losing three of its four matchups. However, the play-in tournament will give them an opportunity to knock Ty Lue's team out of the running for a postseason spot. The most important thing for Golden State will be staying healthy between now and Wednesday, April 15, after all, injuries have been the recurring theme this season.
The Clippers will be a tough opponent. Fortunately for Golden State, when healthy, they have enough talent to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the NBA, and that includes Kawhi Leonard and the rest of the Clippers roster.
After a season and a half with the Philadelphia 76ers, Jared McCain was surprisingly traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. It was a big-time change for McCain because many thought he would be a fixture in Philly.
Now, he has quickly become an important player for the Thunder. Not only did he land with a team that offers him a bright opportunity in the Playoffs, but he is also playing for a team that is ready to defend their championship.
Jared McCain is happy to play in the Playoffs for the first time with OKC
At the trade deadline, the Thunder managed to pull off another great trade by snatching McCain from the 76ers. The defending champions needed a boost with their perimeter shooting, so getting McCain was a big-time solution.
Considering McCain is arguably the best shooter from the 2024 Draft, this was yet another steal for Thunder general manager Sam Presti. Now, they have an eager McCain who is ready to contribute to another championship run.
As a second-year player, McCain is ecstatic to be playing in the Playoffs. Not only is he playing in the postseason, but he is playing high-stakes basketball with the favorite to win it all.
"I'm super excited. First of all, I'm proud of finishing the season... I’m just grateful to be here. Super excited for playoff basketball. I’ve watched it all my life, and it’s going to be super fun to be a part of," McCain said after the Thunder's 82nd game of the regular season.
McCain seems like a player who will be staying in the league for a long time. He is ready to keep showing that he belongs in the league, and this first postseason run with the Thunder will be his first chance to showcase himself on the biggest stage possible.
The Oklahoma City Thunder finished their 2025-26 regular season with a 135-103 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. The inconsequential matchup was played out of necessity as both teams had their seeding locked up.
Nikola Topic had 18 points and 14 assists. Branden Carlson had 26 points and 10 rebounds. Payton Sandfort finished with 23 points off the bench. Kenrich Williams tallied 13 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
Jamaree Bouyea finished with 27 points and nine assists. Ryan Dunn had 20 points and 11 rebounds. Koby Brea tallied 20 points and five rebounds. Khaman Maluach finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds.
Let's look at some of the best photos from the Thunder's 32-point loss to the Suns:
For women's hoops fans, March Madness was just a preview of the talent expected at the 2026 WNBA Draft Monday.
Once again, many of the best eligible players will head to New York to find out where they'll continue their careers professionally. Just like last year, the Dallas Wings have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, but the choice is not as clear this time around as it was with Paige Bueckers in 2025.
After carrying UCLA to a historic NCAA championship win last week, Lauren Betts is expected to be a top pick. Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd, Awa Fam, Kiki Rice and Flau'Jae Johnson are amongst the other biggest names to look out for Monday.
How will the new-look W shape up for the 2026 season with two new franchises entering the fold in Portland and Toronto?
Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 WNBA Draft, including TV channel and streaming options for the annual event in New York City.
What time does the WNBA Draft start today?
Date: Monday, April 13
Time: 7 p.m. ET
This year's WNBA Draft will start at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, April 13. It will take place at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York.
This year's WNBA Draft will air nationally on ESPN. There will be an "Orange Carpet" ceremony and a special edition of "WNBA Countdown" airing on ESPN before the draft begins.
Cord-cutters can also stream the action live on the ESPN app.
Now you can watch ESPN without cable. Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, plus SportsCenter, First Take, and all your favorite ESPN shows—anytime, anywhere—only in the ESPN app.
The Los Angeles Lakers are now in the Playoffs as the fourth seed. With a 12-game winning streak, the Denver Nuggets leapfrogged them in the Western Conference standings.
Since the Lakers are now the fourth seed to end the season, they will be playing against the fifth-seeded Houston Rockets. This came as a surprise to Lakers center Deandre Ayton, who did not know the matchup when he was asked about it.
Ayton reveals he did not know the Lakers would play against the Rockets
After the Lakers' last game against the Utah Jazz on Sunday, the postseason matchups were sealed. The Lakers are now set to play against Kevin Durant and the Rockets, which is a blockbuster matchup.
The Lakers and Rockets are familiar with each other for the longest time, but it will now feature a postseason clash that involves the classic rivalry between LeBron James and Kevin Durant on either side.
Ayton has admitted that he was unaware of this matchup before the game. He wanted to find out for himself because it would have been a pleasant surprise for him. However, the reporters were the first to tell him about the matchup.
It will be an interesting matchup, as even Rockets head coach Ime Udoka knows the gravity of the matchup. He knows the Rockets are the favorites because the Lakers do not have Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
However, it will always be a tough matchup when playing against LeBron. With a renewed vigor and a motivated supporting cast, the Lakers could pull off some surprises in the first round.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Playing the regular-season finale out of necessity, this consequence-free outing shaped more into a two-hour party than an actual basketball game. Nothing left to prove in the regular season for the reigning NBA champions. Instead, this acted as the calm before the playoff storm.
The Oklahoma City Thunder fell in a forgettable 135-103 loss to the Phoenix Suns. Anybody hoping to finish the regular season with a bang was quickly disappointed.
Just like last game, the Thunder sat out their nine best players. Only one longtime starter suited up in Lu Dort — and that was only to meet the 65-game requirement to qualify for an All-Defense Team. The other seven guys who suited up were end-of-the-bench players plus the three two-way guys.
The Suns did the same. Stuck in the seventh seed, they sat out all of their starters. They'll get two chances to clinch a playoff spot this upcoming week in the play-in tournament. Which means there's a coin flip chance they return to OKC in a week for a Round 1 matchup.
Things got out of hand pretty quickly. The Thunder fell in a 26-5 deficit in the first eight minutes. Just some bad two-sided basketball. On offense, nobody could create their own look. They leaned on Nikola Topic's playmaking to generate looks. And on defense, Ryan Dunn bullied his way to the rim. The Suns put up some video-game-esque shooting splits.
Zapping any watchability of this game, the Suns scored 21 consecutive points in the first quarter. The Thunder were in a 37-19 deficit after the frame. It only got worse from there. Phoenix ripped off eight straight points during the second frame. While OKC looked better with 33 points, it still was a ways behind on the scoreboard.
The only highlights were Jared McCain's rare dunk and Chet Holmgren — fully suited up like Slenderman — hopping off the bench and using one of the ball boy's mops to poke out a wedged ball. Oh, Game 82 of the NBA regular season — you garden some fun and weird moments across the league.
The Thunder entered halftime in a 70-52 deficit. Let's be blunt — this game was over. Most OKC fans likely had their eyes glued to the Denver Nuggets' matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. That had much more dire effects on OKC's title odds. Especially since the former locked into the third seed and is on the opposite side of the playoff bracket from the reigning NBA champions. More on that later, though.
Coming out of the halftime break, it was much of the same story. Dort eventually checked out once he logged 20 minutes. And while Topic put up some pretty impressive tape, nobody else on the Thunder had anything really going. That was until Branden Carlson became an alley-oop threat.
The Thunder scored 25 points in the third quarter. They trailed 104-77 to the Suns. At one point, they were down by as many as 32 points. That will surely hurt OKC's point differential and net rating — for those who care about such miscellaneous activities.
In front of a quarter-filled OKC crowd, the Thunder played out the fourth quarter. They scored 26 points. The local broadcast reminisced on their final game. Thanks to the NBA's new partners, every playoff game will be shown on national TV. Before, Round 1 was also shown on local broadcasts. It was also the last game of the FanDuel Sports Network era.
The Thunder shot 43% from the field and went 18-of-46 (39.1%) from 3. They shot 3-of-9 on free throws. They had 32 assists on 41 baskets. Four Thunder players scored double-digit points.
Topic finished with 18 points and 14 assists. Carlson had 26 points and 10 rebounds. Payton Sandfort dropped 23 points with five outside jumpers. Kenrich Williams flirted with a triple-double with 13 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
Meanwhile, the Suns shot 55% from the field and went 20-of-41 (48.8%) from 3. They shot 3-of-6 on free throws. They had 28 assists on 56 baskets. Seven Suns players scored double-digit points.
Jamaree Bouyea went off for 27 points and nine assists. Dunn had 20 points and 11 rebounds. Koby Brea had 20 points and five rebounds. Amir Coffey scored 17 points. Khaman Maluach tallied an 18-point and 14-rebound double-double. Rasheer Fleming had 16 points and six rebounds. Finally, CJ Huntley scored 10 points.
And just like that, the Thunder finish the 2025-26 regular season. Man, time sure does fly. This was a pretty forgettable game with literally zero stakes. At least Topic had a strong two games to finish his tumultuous rookie year that only started right before the All-Star break. He flashed his scoring and playmaking skills. Elsewhere, though, not much else. At least the two-way guys got serious minutes for their last game of the year.
And even though the Thunder were beaten up at home, they gotta be in a good mood with the regular-season finale. The Nuggets stole a game against the Spurs. Shoutout to Nikola Jokic's one-half of play and the rest of their squad. With their win, OKC will now only have to worry about one of those two teams in a potential Western Conference Finals. The plan is that the survivor will enter limping. You need as much luck as talent to win an NBA championship. The Thunder are off to a good start in that department.
Let's look at Thunder player grades:
Nikola Topic: A-plus
Going full speed, Topic ran the full floor to get the Thunder going in the second half. His pass-fake fooled Maluach enough for him to go right at the basket. He muscled his way through the Suns' rookie contest for the running layup. Talk about finesse as the 20-year-old showed off his potential again.
Topic finished with 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting, 14 assists and four rebounds. He shot 2-of-5 from 3 and went 0-of-3 on free throws.
If you stomached through this whole game, Topic at least salvaged some of your time. Receiving another start, he showed why he was a lottery pick just two years ago. The Thunder ran their offense through him. Mostly out of both necessity and experimentation. He showed out as the primary ball-handler.
Bulldozing his way through Phoenix defenders, Topic showed his downhill ability. The 20-year-old attacks the paint with a full head of steam. There are no signs of hesitation or overthinking when the ball is in his hands. He had some difficult finishes that made your eyes pop out in excitement. He also showed off his range once again. A couple of outside jumpers displayed how fearless he is to let it fly — even if there's someone on his grill.
And then there's the playmaking. Oh, boy. Topic set an OKC rookie record for most assists in a single game. Familiar with his OKC Blue teammates, he orchestrated their offense. Whether it was dump-off passes near the rim or throwing up alley-oops or spraying it out to the perimeter. He got into a flow as their offensive engine. Mix that with some daring passes, and you heard plenty of folks audibly 'ooh' and 'aah' at his highlight reel.
Honestly, it was dope to see Topic play like this. He logged back-to-back point-assist double-doubles to finish his rookie season. Whenever the Thunder are asked about his journey and resilience, they gush nonstop. Hard to blame them, either. He was just going through chemotherapy five months ago. Now, he's playing entire NBA games. Still a feel-good story, the 20-year-old has also graduated into having real potential.
Setting a screen for a curling Topic, Carlson quickly rolled to the basket. Left open at the dunker spot, the 26-year-old had no problem going up for the alley-oop connection. He left it all on the floor as he played his final game of the 2025-26 season.
Carlson finished with 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting, 10 rebounds and one assist. He shot 5-of-10 from 3 and went 1-of-2 on free throws. He also had five blocks and two steals.
One of the handful of plays that actually worked for the Thunder, they spammed Carlson's lob-catching ability. He didn't mind it, though. The seven-footer got up plenty of shot attempts. Eventually, he found a rhythm with 13 points in the fourth quarter. That included three outside jumpers.
As the sole center, Carlson was everybody's best friend. He helped his Thunder teammates notch easy assists. While he's categorized as a stretch big, he's shown a sneaky talent to get up there and throw the ball down through traffic for loud alley-oop plays. He's no prime DeAndre Jordan, but he has a large enough catch radius to warrant the attempts.
On defense, Carlson was a block machine. He's not as nimble or quick on his feet as Holmgren, but he can easily deny undersized players who dare to go at him. Putting up five blocks is one of those box-score stats that exemplify wacky NBA regular-season basketball in March and April.
Cool for Carlson to go all out and stuff the statsheet. He's been an awesome two-way player since he arrived at the Thunder last season. Perhaps a little too good for his spot. He helped them survive a plethora of injuries in their frontcourt. These last two games of playing nearly the entire 48 minutes were a nice treat for his work.
Camping at the left corner spot, Sandfort waved his hand up as soon as the ball touched the paint. He knows his bread and butter. The Thunder kept feeding him passes as he knocked down catch-and-shoot looks. Starting the season injured, this was a nice ribbon to tie up his first year.
Sandfort finished with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting and four rebounds. He shot 5-of-9 from 3. He also had one steal.
Scoring possessions up for grabs, Sandfort took him a handful. The 23-year-old caught fire from the outside. The Thunder gladly fed him the ball while on his heater. He eventually mixed things up when he had a handful of floaters inside the paint. Good for him and the rest of the two-way players to get their moment in the sunshine.
Sandfort was the last player to join the Thunder this season. He was signed to a two-way deal in March. That only happened after he cleared some physical hurdles. He missed all of the offseason and the start of the G League season recovering from torn labrums on both of his shoulders. Brutal luck. Especially for somebody known for their outside shooting.
After overcoming that, the Thunder added Sandfort. He's seldom played. But he put up some serious minutes off the bench in these last two games of the regular season. Nice way for him to finish his rookie year after he had doubts about even making the NBA to begin with.
Poking the ball out of Bouyea's pocket, McCain got ahead of the crowd. He ran full court as Topic flung the ball in his direction. The 22-year-old showed off some rare hops as he threw down an ultra-rare one-handed dunk in transition. You could see Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams jump up and down in excitement.
McCain finished with nine points on 4-of-13 shooting, four rebounds and two assists. He shot 0-of-4 from 3 and went 1-of-2 on free throws. He also had one steal.
Of the eight players who suited up, McCain has the second-best odds to get playoff minutes — sorry, Aaron Wiggins. It all depends on his jumper, though. If he can knock down outside looks, he could give the Thunder some big-time buckets. If not, it's difficult to keep him on the floor.
Playing in the regular-season finale, McCain's jumper didn't fall. But he made up for it with some difficult finishes in the packed paint. He checked out for the final time with a little over four minutes left in the third quarter. That alone should tell you what the Thunder think of his possible playoff impact.
We'll see what happens. Mostly running it back with the same group, he's the only newbie in OKC's playoff run this year. It'll also be his first playoff run — period. You never know how a role player reacts to those high-leverage environments. Good news is, the Thunder's back-to-back hopes won't really depend on him.
In a high-profile matchup, Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets (52-30) will face LeBron James and the Lakers (53-29) in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
Game 1 tips off in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. Central, and it will be televised and streamed to a national audience via ABC. The availability of Luka Doncic (hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (oblique strain), who led the Lakers in scoring this season, remains very much in doubt.
Dates for the remainder of the best-of-seven series will be announced following results of the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, which takes place from April 14-17.
Games 3 and 4, along with a possible Game 6, will be played at Toyota Center in Houston — where the Rockets went 29-12 at home this season.
Tickets to all potential first-round home games in Houston can be purchased on Monday, April 13, with additional information available at the team’s official website of Rockets.com.
Ime Udoka said the Rockets were watching the end of the Nuggets-Spurs game in the locker room.
On playing the shorthanded LA Lakers in the first round:
"For us, obviously it's fresh that we lost two games to them recently and then kind of flipped the switch since then. Had a… pic.twitter.com/pTPuIAheeA
Historically, this will be the 10th time for the Rockets and Lakers to meet in the NBA playoffs, and the first since the 2020 Western Conference semifinals. That series was played in Orlando as part of the NBA’s “bubble” experience.
Since NBA adopted its current 16-team playoff format in 1983-84, the fourth- and fifth-seeded teams have an even series record against each other (42-42). The Rockets won their second title in 1994-95 as the sixth seed and are still the lowest-seeded champion in NBA history.
The 2025-26 Rockets finished their regular season with Sunday’s 132-101 victory (box score) over Memphis, which featured Clint Capela leading the way with a season-high 23 points (81.8% FG), 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Since the Rockets were locked into the West’s No. 5 seed before the game, Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. all sat out to rest. Each is believed to be healthy, and all should be fully available for Game 1 against the Lakers next weekend.
The Los Angeles Lakers took the court on Sunday for one final tune-up before the start of the NBA playoffs. They faced the Utah Jazz, a team that came in tied for the worst record in the Western Conference and has allegedly been tanking for a while now.
The Jazz had a number of their key guys out due to injury, while Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Jaxson Hayes were out of action for the Lakers. This game was never really competitive, as L.A. got out to a double-digit lead midway through the first quarter and never looked back. Even though it played mostly its reserves throughout the second half, it kept increasing its lead and cruised to a 131-107 victory.
Los Angeles shot 54.8% from the field and 44.1% from 3-point range, notched 37 assists on 51 made baskets and had 20 fast-break points. The team finished the regular season with a 53-29 record, and with the Denver Nuggets defeating the San Antonio Spurs, it claimed the fourth seed in the Western Conference, which means it will face the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.
Luke Kennard: C
Kennard played just 11 minutes, attempted only one shot (which he made) and finished with three points and one assist.
Marcus Smart: C-plus
Smart shot just 1-of-7 overall and 1-of-5 from 3-point land, limiting him to five points, but he dished off 10 assists and added two rebounds and one steal. His mere presence on the court will be invaluable during the playoffs, as the Lakers didn't have a backcourt player with that kind of experience last season when they lost in five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
Rui Hachimura: A-plus
Hachimura was on point throughout the 29 minutes he got versus Utah. He made eight of his 12 field-goal attempts, three of his five 3-point tries and three of his four free throw attempts, giving him 22 points. He also grabbed 10 rebounds, which was tied for the team high in that category, and he added one steal.
In the last five games, ever since Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves went down with hamstring and oblique strains, respectively, Hachimura averaged 16.6 points a contest on 60% overall shooting and 61.1% 3-point shooting. His aggressiveness offensively will be a big key to the Lakers' success in the playoffs, and it would also greatly help if he pounds the boards hard.
Deandre Ayton: A
Ayton had a great showing on Sunday. By making a team high 10 shots on 14 attempts, he scored 22 points, and he also gobbled up 10 rebounds, blocked three shots and added one assist.
He's another player who will need to step things up if the Lakers are to get past the first round of the playoffs. But his teammates can greatly help in that regard by feeding him the ball in the paint early and often, especially as long as Doncic and Reaves are out of action.
LeBron James: B-plus
James got 17 minutes of playing time on Sunday and didn't play at all in the second half. He made pretty good use of the time he got on the court and scored 18 points on 6-of-15 shooting and 6-of-7 from the foul line while adding six assists, four rebounds and three steals.
He has looked fresh ever since he reverted to his old role as the Lakers' main superstar about a week ago, and he seems to be very ready to drop big numbers during the playoffs.
Nick Smith Jr.: B-plus/A-minus
Armed with a two-year standard NBA contract after previously playing on a two-way deal this season, Smith turned in 12 points on 5-of-11 overall shooting and 2-of-6 from downtown, plus one assist in 18 minutes. His fluidity, ability to handle the basketball, score off the bounce and occasionally hit the open man can help prevent James, Kennard and Smart from burning themselves out.
Jake LaRavia: C-minus
LaRavia shot 1-of-3 and scored just two points in 25 minutes, but he did contribute four rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. While he can be counted on to hustle on the boards and on the defensive end, his scoring must be there, and he must hit from the outside often enough for L.A. to advance.
Bronny James: A
The younger James was on the court for 19 minutes against Utah, and he finished the regular season with a nice performance. He shot 4-of-7 overall and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, giving him 11 points. He also did a nice job of hitting the open man when appropriate, which resulted in him getting four assists against zero turnovers, and he also chipped in one rebound and one steal.
Jarred Vanderbilt: B
In 16 minutes, Vanderbilt scored four points and had four rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
Maxi Kleber: B-plus
Kleber gave the Lakers two points, six rebounds and one block in 15 minutes. While he won't contribute much, if at all, in terms of scoring and is no longer an outside shooting threat, his ability to play with physicality, especially defensively and on the boards, will come in handy against Alperen Sengun and Clint Capela of the Rockets.
Dalton Knecht: A
Knecht had what was likely his best game of this season. In just 12 minutes, he scored a season-high 17 points by making six of his nine shot attempts and five of his six attempts from 3-point land. He also added four assists, two rebounds and one steal.
This was the first time he scored in double figures since a Dec. 30 loss to the Detroit Pistons.
Adou Thiero: B-plus
Thiero got onto the court for 12 minutes on Sunday, and he made all four of his shot attempts, giving him eight points. He also chipped in four rebounds and two assists to close out his first regular season in the NBA.
Drew Timme, Chris Mañon: Incomplete
The Lakers' two remaining two-way contract players got seven minutes apiece of playing time in this game. Both converted one basket, with Timme's bucket coming from beyond the 3-point line. Timme also had two assists and one steal, and Mañon logged two rebounds and one assist.
BOSTON — To the untrained eye, the Boston Celtics' 113-108 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night was extraordinary. The C's had just eight players available and couldn't advance or fall in the standings, so one would expect them to take the virtual rest day easy. Meanwhile, the Magic had nearly their whole lineup healthy and could improve their seeding, making the matchup theoretically mean a lot more to them.
That's not how things went down at TD Garden, though. The Celtics played harder and were fueled by several guys motivated to prove themselves, even in the last game of the season. And while Boston's benchwarmers defeating the Magic's starters was stunning in some ways, it also epitomized what the Celtics had done all season long: exceed expectations.
I asked Joe Mazzulla how proud he is of his guys for persevering and exceeding expectations tonight and all season long:
“We said it all year, one through 15, whoever steps on the floor there is an expectation to put us in position with the opportunity to win. Stick to the… pic.twitter.com/ahxhkexanQ
“We said it all year, 1 through 15, whoever steps on the floor there is an expectation to put us in position with the opportunity to win," Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla told Celtics Wire following the regular season finale. "Stick to the process of winning. Today is no different than the other 81 games from the standpoint of we had...eight guys and the expectation is to put us in a position to win, to execute, to play hard, to play together."
On Sunday, the Celtics had four players set career-highs for scoring, including wing Baylor Scheierman (30 points), center Luka Garza (27 points), guard Ron Harper Jr. (27 points), and rookie John Tonje (13 ponts). Despite these incredible and largely unexpected performances, Mazzulla emphasized that it was nothing out of the ordinary for his hard-working squad that never quits.
"Today is no different than the other 81 times," Mazzulla said. "Regardless of who’s in, who’s out."
Ron Harper Jr. on how the Celtics stay steady and even-keeled:
“We definitely didn’t go into this game thinking it was David vs. Goliath…We came into the game expecting to compete and expecting to win.” pic.twitter.com/zxB2EVx6GK
While some would argue that the aforementioned Celtics overachieving and helping upset the Magic perfectly encapsulates why Mazzulla should be Coach of the Year, he'd never propose that argument himself. At the end of the day, he'll always credit his players first.
"I think today is kind of the perfect example of just the locker room and the group of guys that we have," he said. "Everybody knows that if you’re on the floor, you’re expected to play a certain way to put us in a position to win, and the guys did that tonight.”
Where the Magic made careless mistakes, the Celtics played connected. Boston's starting five wasn't one that had ever been used before, yet the young, largely inexperienced group seemed more at ease than Orlando's crew.
“No matter who (Mazzulla) puts on the court, you know they're going to play hard for him and for each other," Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said prior to his team's disappointing defeat.
Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley on the Celtics being inspired by Joe Mazzulla:
“They have a hell of a coach.”
“No matter who he puts on the court, you know they're going to play hard for him and for each other.” pic.twitter.com/OfYZmO2hm0
Although the Celtics' on-court success stems from their strong, persevering locker room identity, they also received a boost from their surroundings. Despite the fact that the C's essentially had nothing to play for on Sunday, the crowd was rocking and treating Game 82 like it was Game 7 of a playoff series.
"I thought the crowd was tremendous for us tonight...and I think they kept us in it," Mazzulla praised. "I think the great thing about our fans is, one, they're smart, they know good basketball. Two, they care about winning. They care about playing the right way."
Before the season even began, some members of that same crowd likely doubted the Celtics. Few fans and pundits thought they could overcome an extended absence from star forward Jayson Tatum. The Green Team then proceeded to go 41-21 without him healthy, but that didn't quiet all the naysayers.
The Celtics were again doubted heading into their showdown with the Magic. The stakes weren't nearly as high and the doubt was more legitimate, however, the Celtics proved for seemingly the thousandth time this season that underestimating them at any point is a bad idea.
"It just proves that we have really good players, proves that we have a system," Mazzulla said of their final victory of the regular season. "It proves that we have a locker room that cares about winning."
The time to prove their commitment to winning on the biggest stage is nearly here. The Celtics will host either the Philadelphia 76ers or, coincidentally, the Magic next Sunday for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
"I'm super excited and super proud of the effort we put out tonight," Scheierman said at the podium. "(I'm) trying to move on and get ready for, obviously, the best time of the year, which is the playoffs."
Kon Knueppel was always viewed as a high-floor draft prospect thanks to his shooting ability and size. But the Charlotte Hornets may even be surprised how quickly he became a premiere offensive talent in the NBA.
The rookie forward wrapped up his debut regular season on Sunday night, one in which he helped Charlotte improve to Eastern Conference Play-In contention with his sharpshooting abilities.
In multiple ways, Knueppel has made both Hornets and NBA history with his shooting from deep in 2025-26 -- and by officially leading the league in 3-pointers made, he's done something no rookie has before.
Here's a look at Knueppel's historic rookie season and how it compares to the best debut shooting performances ever.
Knueppel, with 273 shots made from deep this season, has blown past the rookie record for 3-pointers made. It was previously held by Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings in 2022-23.
That wasn't the only way that Knueppel made shooting history.
His 273 3-pointers made also officially led the entire NBA, barely besting his teammate, LaMelo Ball, who had 272. Knueppel became the first rookie to ever lead the league in total 3-pointers made.
Kon Knueppel is the only rookie in NBA history to lead the league in 3-pointers made 👏 pic.twitter.com/yPyGfyU9wq
With each making over 270 threes this season, Knueppel and Ball became the first teammates to do that since Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for the 2022-23 Warriors.
KON WINS NBA 3PT RACE OVER LAMELO BY ONE THREE 🤯
LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel are the first duo with 270+ threes each in a season since Steph and Klay 😳 pic.twitter.com/RReU3h3uJH
On the season, Knueppel finished with averages of 18.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. By clearing the 15-point and 5-rebound thresholds while shooting at least 40% from 3-point range, Knueppel joined elite rookie company:
There are three rookies in NBA history who averaged 15 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 40% from 3-point range for the season.
The NBA Playoffs are officially here. After 82 games of grinding through the regular season, the marathon has finally turned into a sprint, as the 2025-26 postseason field is set to narrow through the high-stakes crucible of the Play-In Tournament.
With the first round officially tipping off on Saturday, April 18, the margin for error has vanished, and the quest for the Larry O'Brien Trophy is finally underway.
Here's everything you need to know for the 2026 NBA playoffs, from schedule to streaming information.
NBA playoffs bracket 2026
The bracket will be updated as teams are locked into seeds.
Eastern Conference
(1) Pistons vs. (8) Play-In TBD
(2) Celtics vs. (7) Play-In TBD
(3) Knicks vs. (6) Hawks
(4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Raptors
Western Conference
(1) Thunder vs. (8) Play-In TBD
(2) Spurs vs. (7) Play-In TBD
(3) Nuggets vs. (6) Timberwolves
(4) Lakers vs. (5) Rockets
Where to watch NBA Playoffs 2026: TV channels, live streams
NBA Playoff action is spread across ABC, ESPN, NBC and Prime Video, though the NBA Finals remain the exclusive domain of ABC. Fans have a wide range of streaming options to catch the postseason, including Prime, the ESPN app, and Peacock, with each service carrying specific games depending on their broadcast rights.
All games airing on ABC, ESPN and NBC are also available via DIRECTV Stream.
Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.
Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.
NBA Playoffs 2026: Updated schedule for every round of postseason games
This section will be filled in when series schedules are announced.
The 2025-26 NBA regular season has reached its conclusion, setting the stage for a postseason defined by high-stakes matchups and a brand-new broadcast landscape.
The journey to the Larry O'Brien Trophy officially begins with the Play-In Tournament on April 14, followed by the start of the first round on April 18. With dominant forces like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons having secured the top seeds, the focus is on what other teams can compete for the NBA championship.
This year marks a significant shift in how fans will consume the playoffs, as a landmark media rights deal introduces a three-pronged distribution model featuring ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video. While the NBA Finals remain the exclusive property of ABC, earlier rounds will be split across these platforms, including the entirety of the Play-In Tournament moving to Prime Video.
Whether you are a cord-cutter relying on Peacock and Amazon or a traditional viewer tuned into ESPN and NBC, navigating the 2026 bracket requires a clear roadmap of where and when to find each game. From the opening tip of the play-in games to the final buzzer of the NBA Finals on June 19, every series offers a different path to glory.
Below is the comprehensive guide to the 2026 NBA Playoff schedule, including a full look at the current bracket, confirmed tip-off times, and a breakdown of which streaming services and cable channels you'll need to catch every minute of the action.
Where to watch NBA Playoffs 2026: TV channels, live streams
NBA Playoff action is spread across ABC, ESPN, NBC and Prime Video, though the NBA Finals remain on ABC. Fans have a wide range of streaming options to catch the postseason, including Prime, the ESPN app, and Peacock, with each service carrying specific games depending on their broadcast rights.
All games airing on ABC, ESPN and NBC are also available via DIRECTV Stream.
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NBA Playoffs schedule 2026
This section will be filled in when series schedules are announced.
Playing only their backups, the Boston Celtics stunned the Orlando Magic 113-108 Sunday night to drop Orlando to the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Instead of hosting the No. 7 versus No. 8 seed Play-In Tournament game this week, Orlando will now head to Philadelphia Wednesday night for a 7:30 tipoff. The winner locks in as the No. 7 seed and will face No. 2 Boston in the first round.
Wednesday’s loser will host the Charlotte vs Miami winner on Friday night. That winner will then lock up the No. 8 seed and a matchup with No. 1 seed Detroit in the first round.
The Magic finish the regular season with a 45-37 record.
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It’s been a while since Jimmy Butler has taken to the court for the Golden State Warriors, given that his first full season in the Bay Area was cut short due to a torn ACL in January. That injury brought an end to a 38-game slate for Butler, a period of time in which he’d average 20 points, along with 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game.
Since going out for the season, the Warriors star has had to sit back and watch his teammates fight tooth and nail for each result, going into Sunday night’s season finale against the Los Angeles Clippers with a record of 37-44. This is enough to see Golden State make the NBA’s Play-In tournament as they’re the tenth seed in the Western Conference.
Apart from the obvious contributions from Stephen Curry, the Warriors have gotten other players to pick up some slack in Butler’s absence, as the likes of De’Anthony Melton and Brandon Poziemski are averaging double-digit scoring numbers, with the latter also posting a win share of 5.1, 0.7 down from where the aforementioned Curry sits.
Butler makes an appearance during the Warriors' warm-ups on Sunday night
Despite being stuck on the bench as he makes his way back to action from his season-ending injury, this doesn’t mean that Butler hasn’t been supporting his teammates from the bench. This was the case on Sunday night, as the six-time All-Star was spotted on the Warriors’ bench at the Intuit Dome.
Jimmy Butler is with the Warriors in Los Angeles. Just popped out during Steph Curry’s warmup. Moving gingerly but he’s off crutches. pic.twitter.com/LfhGGOj4VL
Butler wasn’t just seen on the bench alongside his teammates, but was also seen putting up a shot in the warm-ups leading up to tip-off. This doesn’t do much to move the needle in his progress back onto the court, but it shows that he’s making progress.
PHILADELPHIA − Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 13th season with the Milwaukee Bucks ended informally on March 15, after he suffered a hyperextension and bone bruise in his left knee after landing awkwardly following a dunk. He did not play again, despite his belief he was healthy enough to do so, and a league investigation into the Bucks' handling of the situation.
And on April 12, the official end of the 2025-26 season, in the visiting locker room at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Antetokounmpo wasn’t sure if that was his last game ever for the only franchise he’s ever known.
“I don't know, it's not up to me anymore,” he said. “It's not up to me. We'll see."
Antetokounmpo, 31, is under contract for the 2026-27 season and holds a player option for 2027-28. But, the two-time league Most Valuable Player was the subject of trade speculation since last May, and that will once again pick up now that the Bucks' season is over.
Antetokounmpo is extension-eligible, but not until Oct. 1. And Bucks co-owner and governor Wes Edens told ESPN that the superstar will either sign the extension or be traded – but no one in the organization has clarified if Antetokounmpo will still be on the roster in order to make that choice.
For his part, Antetokounmpo said that if he’s on the team in October and is offered that choice, he wouldn’t necessarily walk away from a new four-year, $275 million deal.
“To sign? A contract? No,” he said. “But, we’ll see when we get there. Until we get to October it’s eight months, seven months. It’s a long time. But somebody has to offer you that for you to sign. I haven’t been offered an extension. So if that is on the table, then I will try to make the best decision for me and family. But if it’s not on the table, then I have to focus on like how can I prove my worth and get on the floor and do what I do.”
In an interview just before the end of the season, Bucks GM Jon Horst insisted the team had yet to come to a decision on its path.
“The truth is I don’t know,” he said. “We don’t know what we’re going to do today [April 7]. And we don’t have to. What I do think we have to do is be very honest, very direct, make a big assessment. We learned a lot this year. It’s a pretty great opportunity. Of course, I’d rather be in the playoffs and be planning for whoever we’re going to play, but we’re not. So what can we learn from it and figure out how we do we get to where we want to get as quick as we can.”
In order to get to that point, however, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks ownership group (which includes co-owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam) and Horst must figure out if they’re actually going to arrive there together.
“I’m very big on communication,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’m very big on communication. I think this is why I’m able to have a happy marriage, you know? I’ve been 10 years with my wife [Mariah]. Ten years with my wife, married one and a half and I think we have an incredible family, we love one another and we support one another and the reason that is, is because we communicate with one another. This is why we so tight. We always say the truth and we never argue. Even when we argue we try to figure out a way for us to move on forward and try to find a solution that for that specific moment.
“You don’t let things linger. I’m very big on communication. I’ve always been open. But, I don’t know if that; it gotta go both ways. It has to go both ways. It cannot go one way.”
The Bucks will conduct exit interviews on April 13 in Milwaukee, and the offseason begins in earnest.
The next key date for the franchise is May 10, when the NBA will hold its annual draft lottery. The Bucks will likely get a top 10 pick for the first time since 2016, although they do not “control” their ultimate selection slot. Should the Bucks jump over New Orleans in the lottery slotting, the Pelicans will swap spots a part of the 2020 Jrue Holiday trade.
The draft is in late June, followed by free agency.
As for how far the Bucks are away from contention, Doc Rivers said after the game against Philadelphia it depends on whether the team keeps Antetokounmpo or rebuilds. Antetokounmpo pointed out that the team won the second-fewest games [32] in his tenure, so it would appear they have a long way to go.
“Whether you have an actual commitment and you offer an actual extension, it’s way more about sentimentality and alignment and togetherness and path,” Horst said. “You either have an alignment and an understanding and not commitment necessarily, but a path forward together that you understand and you go execute it. You could call that an extension or you try to figure out the best win-win that you possibly can moving forward via a trade.
“It’s not actually the only two doors, right? There’s door No. 3 that actually exists, but that’s just a level set, non-emotional reality of where it’s at on October 1. And I’m not saying that you do something beforehand. I’m just saying you do have to understand where you want to go, but we don’t have to know that today.”
PHILADELPHIA − Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 13th season with the Milwaukee Bucks ended informally on March 15, after he suffered a hyperextension and bone bruise in his left knee after landing awkwardly following a dunk. He did not play again, despite his belief he was healthy enough to do so, and a league investigation into the Bucks' handling of the situation.
And on April 12, the official end of the 2025-26 season, in the visiting locker room at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Antetokounmpo wasn’t sure if that was his last game ever for the only franchise he’s ever known.
“I don't know, it's not up to me anymore,” he said. “It's not up to me. We'll see."
Antetokounmpo, 31, is under contract for the 2026-27 season and holds a player option for 2027-28. But, the two-time league Most Valuable Player was the subject of trade speculation since last May, and that will once again pick up now that the Bucks' season is over.
Antetokounmpo is extension-eligible, but not until Oct. 1. And Bucks co-owner and governor Wes Edens told ESPN that the superstar will either sign the extension or be traded – but no one in the organization has clarified if Antetokounmpo will still be on the roster in order to make that choice.
For his part, Antetokounmpo said that if he’s on the team in October and is offered that choice, he wouldn’t necessarily walk away from a new four-year, $275 million deal.
“To sign? A contract? No,” he said. “But, we’ll see when we get there. Until we get to October it’s eight months, seven months. It’s a long time. But somebody has to offer you that for you to sign. I haven’t been offered an extension. So if that is on the table, then I will try to make the best decision for me and family. But if it’s not on the table, then I have to focus on like how can I prove my worth and get on the floor and do what I do.”
In an interview just before the end of the season, Bucks GM Jon Horst insisted the team had yet to come to a decision on its path.
“The truth is I don’t know,” he said. “We don’t know what we’re going to do today [April 7]. And we don’t have to. What I do think we have to do is be very honest, very direct, make a big assessment. We learned a lot this year. It’s a pretty great opportunity. Of course, I’d rather be in the playoffs and be planning for whoever we’re going to play, but we’re not. So what can we learn from it and figure out how we do we get to where we want to get as quick as we can.”
In order to get to that point, however, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks ownership group (which includes co-owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam) and Horst must figure out if they’re actually going to arrive there together.
“I’m very big on communication,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’m very big on communication. I think this is why I’m able to have a happy marriage, you know? I’ve been 10 years with my wife [Mariah]. Ten years with my wife, married one and a half and I think we have an incredible family, we love one another and we support one another and the reason that is, is because we communicate with one another. This is why we so tight. We always say the truth and we never argue. Even when we argue we try to figure out a way for us to move on forward and try to find a solution that for that specific moment.
“You don’t let things linger. I’m very big on communication. I’ve always been open. But, I don’t know if that; it gotta go both ways. It has to go both ways. It cannot go one way.”
The Bucks will conduct exit interviews on April 13 in Milwaukee, and the offseason begins in earnest.
The next key date for the franchise is May 10, when the NBA will hold its annual draft lottery. The Bucks will likely get a top 10 pick for the first time since 2016, although they do not “control” their ultimate selection slot. Should the Bucks jump over New Orleans in the lottery slotting, the Pelicans will swap spots a part of the 2020 Jrue Holiday trade.
The draft is in late June, followed by free agency.
As for how far the Bucks are away from contention, Doc Rivers said after the game against Philadelphia it depends on whether the team keeps Antetokounmpo or rebuilds. Antetokounmpo pointed out that the team won the second-fewest games [32] in his tenure, so it would appear they have a long way to go.
“Whether you have an actual commitment and you offer an actual extension, it’s way more about sentimentality and alignment and togetherness and path,” Horst said. “You either have an alignment and an understanding and not commitment necessarily, but a path forward together that you understand and you go execute it. You could call that an extension or you try to figure out the best win-win that you possibly can moving forward via a trade.
“It’s not actually the only two doors, right? There’s door No. 3 that actually exists, but that’s just a level set, non-emotional reality of where it’s at on October 1. And I’m not saying that you do something beforehand. I’m just saying you do have to understand where you want to go, but we don’t have to know that today.”
The Knicks entered the playoffs last year fresh off a mildly disappointing regular season, but they came together and found their mojo to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in a quarter-century. New York fans might have to hope history repeats itself this year.
It's been a fine season for the Knicks, who reached the 50-win mark, but a team that entered the season with realistic hopes of winning the East doesn't look like the juggernaut many expected. Not only did New York cede the top spot in the East to the Pistons, but the Celtics also have a better record despite playing most of the season without Jayson Tatum.
If the Knicks want to put together another deep run, their path might go through the Celtics once again.
Here's a look at the Knicks' updated playoff scenarios and their place in the East standings.
With Friday's win over the Toronto Raptors, the Knicks have clinched the No. 3 seed in the East. The Celtics were able to beat the Pelicans handily on Friday night, which clinched the two seed for Boston.
New York entered Friday as the East's No. 3 seed, one game up on the Cavaliers. Because the Knicks can't finish lower than fourth in the East, they were guaranteed to start the playoffs at home. As the third seed, however, the Knicks look to be on a collision course for a second-round rematch on the road in Boston for the second round.
The Milwaukee Bucks' season did not go according to plan, with or without Giannis Antetokounmpo on the court. The Bucks didn't come close to even a play-in berth, sitting as close to the play-in as they are to teams in the East that are blatantly tanking.
The future of Antetokounmpo is the biggest story of the Bucks' offseason, and potentially the NBA offseason as a whole, but the future of coach Doc Rivers is already a more immediate storyline.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Sunday that Milwaukee is parting ways with Rivers, a move that was expected following the coach's first missed playoff berth since 2018.
Here's what you need to know about Rivers' future and whether he could retire.
The news of Rivers' departure from Milwaukee officially arrived Sunday night, shortly after the Bucks' final game of a 32-win season. However, there were growing signs that the Bucks were prepared for a change, needing a reset following a disappointing campaign dominated by trade rumors surrounding Antetokounmpo.
GM Jon Horst, while complimentary of Rivers, had recently been noncommittal about the veteran coach's future in Milwaukee in a recent sit-down with The Athletic, and Rivers himself has also implied that he could consider retirement from coaching altogether.
With the Bucks at a crossroads with Antetokounmpo and Horst having fired coaches during or after much better seasons than this one, it would have been out of character for the franchise to stay the course with Rivers even if he wanted to keep coaching.
The Bucks don't have the talent they did when they fired Jason Kidd, Mike Budenholzer or even Adrian Griffin, but if they plan to try to keep Antetokounmpo, it would have been difficult to convince him that major changes aren't needed. If the plan is to trade Antetokounmpo, it also appears to be the right moment for a fresh start at head coach.
Prior to Rivers' official exit from Milwaukee, ESPN's Shams Charania recently reported not everyone in the Bucks' locker room was a fan of the coach's approach.
"In a team meeting, according to six people in the room, Doc Rivers hit the Milwaukee Bucks with, 'Look at my resume. Google me. I took teams to the playoffs and championship that weren't supposed to be there." That was not well received internally," Charania reported. "And that was just another example of the disconnect between players and coach.
Rivers has always landed on his feet in his coaching career, but after five different head coaching opportunities and a reputation that wouldn't make him a popular hire with fans of any other team, the end of his time in Milwaukee could also be the end of the line for his time as an NBA head coach.
Here's what Rivers had to say about potentially retiring from coaching.
Rivers recently hinted to reporters that retirement is on his mind when asked how long he envisions himself coaching.
"I won't answer that, but I have grandkids that I want to see. I'll put it that way. And so I'll let you figure it out from there," Rivers said. "I have seven grandkids now and they're all eight years and under and it kills me every time I miss Grandparents' Day with each one of them in school. It's probably time to go see them more, so I'll let you figure out the rest."
The 2008 NBA champion is in his 27th consecutive season as a head coach; 2023-24 marked the first season since 1998-99 he didn't start as a head coach, but he joined the Bucks midway through after Adrian Griffin's firing.
Rivers is 64 years old; he would be 65 on opening night of the 2026-27 season.
With Gregg Popovich's retirement and Tom Thibodeau's firing in 2025, Rivers became the NBA's second-oldest head coach behind only Indiana's Rick Carlisle.
Doc Rivers coaching record
Years
Team
W
L
Pct.
1999-03
Magic
171
168
.504
2004-13
Celtics
416
305
.577
2013-20
Clippers
356
208
.631
2020-23
76ers
154
82
.653
2024-26
Bucks
96
103
.485
Total
1,193
866
.579
Rivers' stint in Milwaukee is his only with a losing record, as he won more than he lost in Orlando, Boston, L.A. and Philadelphia.
Rivers ranks sixth all-time in wins, behind only Gregg Popovich, Don Nelson, Lenny Wilkens, Jerry Sloan and Pat Riley. He was recently announced as a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2026.
The first significant decision of a huge offseason for the Milwaukee Bucks was announced just minutes after their final game of 2025-26.
Shortly after a season-ending loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Sunday night that the Bucks and head coach Doc Rivers are parting ways.
While Rivers' departure following a 32-win season was generally expected, the official news now means the Bucks will be searching for a new head coach, who may or may not have Giannis Antetokounmpo around by the time next season begins.
Here's what to know about Milwaukee and Rivers parting ways.
Throughout a tough 2025-26 season, it's become more apparent that Rivers' days in Milwaukee were likely numbered. He was hired by the team in 2024 as the kind of coach expected to lead a playoff contender, owning a deep history of leading teams to the franchise, including a title.
With Antetokounmpo dealing with injuries, lackluster depth behind him, and on-and-off tension between the star forward and his franchise throughout the season, from trade rumors to his disagreements about sitting to end the season, Milwaukee was expected to seek a big reset this offseason, whether it trades Antetokounmpo or not.
Shortly after the Bucks' final loss of 2025-26, the expectation that Rivers would be departing became official — although Charania's report was unclear about whether it was a mutual decision, Rivers' or the Bucks'.
Rivers will be paid the remainder of his deal with the team, per Charania.
A summer of change begins for the Bucks as Rivers exits at 97-103 across three seasons in Milwaukee -- two first-round exits and missing the playoffs and play-in this year. The Bucks will pay out Rivers on his eight-figure salary for the final year on his deal in 2026-27. https://t.co/lrycwExcGG
Rivers has coached five different franchises, leading each to a winning record in his tenure except the Bucks.
He began with the Orlando Magic as a head coach in 1999, remaining with the franchise through 2003. From 2004-13, he was at the helm of the Boston Celtics, where he led teams headlined by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen — including the lone title of Rivers' career in 2008.
Rivers then spent seven years with the Los Angeles Clippers, often leading the team to the playoffs, but coming up short on the path to the Finals.
In 2024, the Bucks hired Rivers mid-season to replace Adrian Griffin. He leaves Milwaukee with a losing record, but ranking sixth all-time in coaching wins.
Doc Rivers championships
Rivers has guided one team to a title in his long coaching career, the 2007-08 Celtics.
That season, Boston went 66-16 in the regular season, then took down the Hawks, Cavaliers and Pistons to reach the NBA Finals, where it took down the Lakers in six games.
Doc Rivers contract
Rivers landed with the Bucks during the 2023-24 season, signing a contract that was supposed to take him through 2026-27.
According to Charania, Rivers will still be paid his "eight-figure salary" for next season as part of his Bucks exit.
Ever since their 2021 championship, the Milwaukee Bucks have been an interesting team to keep track of. Most people know they are reliant on Giannis Antetokounmpo, their superstar, to carry them to victory.
They have done a lot of things to keep him around, including trading for Damian Lillard. Unfortunately, many of their big-time decisions keep backfiring. This includes the Dame trade, Adrian Griffin's tenure as head coach, and now, Doc Rivers' tenure.
The reason behind the Milwaukee Bucks letting go of Doc Rivers
Rivers spent the majority of three seasons with the Bucks as a mediocre team. He only mustered two first-round exits with the Bucks and even missed the Play-In Tournament in the 2025-26 season.
He mustered a 97-103 total record with the Bucks, while his predecessor was let go when they were doing well with a 30-13 record midway through the 2023-24 season.
It was clear that Rivers was on his way out because that is not a good track record. He was supposed to have one more year in his contract, but it seems the Bucks have decided to pay him his salary, but relieve him of his duties.
Rivers has been a successful head coach in his career. He won a championship with the Boston Celtics, but since then, he has become known for struggling to get his teams over the line. Whether that is the Los Angeles Clippers or the Philadelphia 76ers.
Rivers might have been a coach with a long legacy, but that does not matter anymore for Milwaukee. They will now have an eventful offseason where they will look for the next person to take the Bucks into a new era.
Although Stephen Curry was back in the lineup on Friday night after missing Thursday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers, it was Brandin Podziemski who fueled the Golden State Warriors' offense in Sacramento.
On his way to a new career-high, the third-year guard notched a 30-point performance for the first time in his career. In the second-to-last game of his third season in the association, Podziemski notched a 30-point performance, erasing his previous career-high of 29 points. Podziemski's 30th point came on the final bucket of the game with free throw with 4.5 seconds remaining in Golden State's 124-118 loss to the Sacramento Kings at Golden One Center.
Podziemski finished with 30 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field with three made 3-pointers to go along with three boards, an assist and a steal in 32 minutes. Podziemski finished 9-of-10 from the free-throw line.
In Podziemski's last 10 games, the former Santa Clara Bronco has scored 20 or more points in seven contests.
Watch highlights from Podziemski's career-high performance via YouTube:
Memphis Grizzlies "star" guard Ja Morant has been an afterthought this season after playing in just 20 games.
But, he recently popped up on a list of the league's most overrated players.
Ja Morant makes list of NBA's most overrated players
Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey ranked Morant as the No. 8 most overrated player in the NBA this season, arguing that Morant's perceived star power isn't backed up by on-court production or availability.
"Another one who's lost plenty of support already, Ja Morant's 2025-26 was worse than you realize," Bailey wrote.
"He's still seen by many as a star,' despite a ridiculous lack of availability (79 games over the last three years), hilariously bad scoring efficiency and a near-non-existent jumper.
The Boston Celtics are on a collision course for the second round of the 2025-26 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs. Or at least that is the point of view of the hosts of the CLNS Media "First to the Floor" podcast, Jake Issenberg, Ben Vallis, and Wayne Spooney, who together took some time on a recent episode of their show to talk over the impact and odds for a likely second-round series between the Celtics and the team that sent Boston packing with an injured Jayson Tatum last year.
What are the implications of this potential rematch? Do we think that the Knicks are better or worse than last season? And what about the Celtics? Most importantly, do we think that Boston is going to come away with a win to advance to the Conference Finals?
Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say about a potential second-round Knicks-Celtics series.
The 2025-26 season was supposed to be a gap year for the Boston Celtics. Coach Joe Mazzulla practically had to reinvent his team after losing their core because salary issues and not having Jayson Tatum for the majority of the year due to an Achilles injury. Still, the team persisted and will hold the second seed in the Eastern Conference. A lot of players in the association posit that Jaylen Brown should get his flowers and be crowned as the NBA MVP. All of that was revealed in the NBA Anonymous Player Poll.
Why should Celtics' Brown be NBA MVP?
The Athletic's NBA Anonymous Player Poll ranked Jaylen Brown as the third-most deserving player to win league MVP. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander overwhelmingly leads all players as he notched 39% of the votes among 159 players asked. Nikola Jokic follows it up as he garnered 21.4% of those votes. Brown tied with Cade Cunningham and Luka Doncic as each three got 8.2% of the votes each.
It is clear that there is a defined distinction for why Brown deserves the NBA MVP. He was able to erase all narratives that the Celtics would suck without Tatum. Not to mention, a lot of analysts did not even think that they would win more than 40 games because of their offseason transactions. An NBA player outlined why all of this would make the Celtics star more deserving than others.
"In terms of what the team lost last year, to come in with the low expectations there were and to see the standings now, it’s because of him and the level of play he’s been at. He does it on both ends at a super high level. He’s consistent every night," he declared.
Notably, Brown has not been actively campaigning to win the NBA MVP award like Victor Wembanyama. He is more focused on getting Tatum back to his former self, executing Coach Mazzulla's schemes properly, and getting the Celtics their 19th banner. This soon-to-be all-time great is clearly a team player and it will help him reap a lot of benefits.
The San Antonio Spurs are locked into the No. 2 seed, but a win today over the Denver Nuggets could mean avoiding Nikola Jokic & Co. in the second round of the playoffs.
While Denver enters the final day of the regular season as the third seed, there’s still potential to slide back, and my Nuggets vs. Spurs predictions favor a San Antonio squad sitting fewer players.
Take a closer look at this clash on Sunday, April 12, with my NBA picks and betting angles.
Nuggets vs Spurs prediction
Nuggets vs Spurs best bet: Spurs -11.5 (-110)
These teams have served up three thrillers already this season, including an overtime classic earlier this month, but the lengthy injury reports suggest today’s matchup will have less star power.
In that scenario, I have more faith in the San Antonio Spurs’ depth, with Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant among those poised for bigger roles if neither Victor Wembanyama nor Stephon Castle, both questionable, play. The Spurs are 22-16-1 ATS at home this year, and they’ve lost just once at Frost Bank Center since January 25.
Meanwhile, it’s going to be a real mash unit for the Denver Nuggets, with Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cam Johnson all ruled out.
Nikola Jokic (questionable) could log some minutes to hit the 65-game mark, but the visitors will otherwise turn to a collection of fringe rotation guys while shifting their attention toward the playoffs.
That’s enough for me to lay the large spread with the relentless Spurs, who are 9-1 straight up in their last 10, and 32-7 SU at home this year.
Mitch Johnson can still call on a talented rotation, which may even include De'Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes, and that’s a formula for a comfortable home victory here, ending Denver’s 11-game win streak.
Nuggets vs Spurs same-game parlay
Plenty of San Antonio wins have been sparked by defensive tenacity, and the Under is 47-35 for the hosts this season.
It’s also 6-3 in the Spurs’ last nine outings, and I’m counting on that grit to keep the total below an O/U number that feels high, especially with so many regulars missing for the Nuggets.
Nuggets vs Spurs SGP
Spurs -11.5
Under 233.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Straw man argument
There have likely been times this season when Julian Strawther wished he were a bigger part of the Denver offense. Well, tonight is the night for Strawther, who’s walking into all the minutes he can handle, and he poured in 22 points last time out while dishing three assists. Tyus Jones will be another beneficiary of the Nuggets’ decision to rest key players for the playoffs, upping his role as a facilitator.
Nuggets vs Spurs SGP
Julian Strawther Over 15.5 points
Julian Strawther Over 1.5 assists
Julian Strawther Over 3.5 rebounds
Tyus Jones Over 5.5 assists
Nuggets vs Spurs odds
Spread: Nuggets +11.5 (-110) | Spurs -11.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Nuggets +400 | Spurs -550
Over/Under: Over 233 (-110) | Under 233 (-110)
Nuggets vs Spurs betting trend to know
The Spurs are 30-3 SU in their last 33 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Spurs.
How to watch Nuggets vs Spurs
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Nuggets vs Spurs 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.
The NBA regular season concludes on Sunday night with a Nuggets vs. Spurs matchup that offers more betting value in the player prop market than the spread or total.
Our NBA player prop projections break down the expected production on both sides, highlighting where the numbers create betting value.
Alongside our Nuggets vs. Spurs predictions and top NBA picks, here are the best player props to target for April 12.
Nuggets vs Spurs computer picks for April 12
Nuggets
Spurs
Jokic o0.5 threes -150
Fox u6.5 assists -105
Jones u5.5 assists -112
Champagnie u12.5 points -110
Strawther u2.5 threes -135
Fox o1.5 threes -110
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Nuggets computer picks
Nikola Jokic Over 0.5 threes (-150)
Projection: 1.5 threes
Nikola Jokic clearing one three is about as low a bar as it gets, especially in a game Denver actually cares about. With the Nuggets still pushing for seeding, expect full minutes and a normal offensive role.
San Antonio’s defense gives up clean looks to bigs on the perimeter, and Jokic has been more willing to fire.
He's hit at least one 3-pointer in two of his last three games.
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Tyus Jones Under 5.5 assists (-112)
Projection: 4.1 assists
Tyus Jones’ role is the issue here, not his talent. With Denver playing for seeding, the ball is going to live in Nikola Jokic’s hands, not Jones’.
He’s more of a secondary initiator in this offense, and his assist upside is capped unless minutes spike. In a tighter rotation game, that’s unlikely.
Jones has gone Under this total in 14 straight games.
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Julian Strawther Under 2.5 threes (-135)
Projection: 2.0 threes
Julian Strawther’s role is always fragile, and that’s amplified in a high-leverage game for Denver. The Nuggets will tighten the rotation, leaning more on trusted options, which limits Strawther’s volume and minutes.
Even if he gets on the floor, he’s a streaky shooter who needs attempts to get there.
He's gone Under this number in 16 of his last 17 games.
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Spurs computer picks
De'Aaron Fox Under 6.5 assists (-120)
Projection: 5.6 assists
De'Aaron Fox’s role is score-first, and that becomes even more pronounced in a meaningless end-of-season spot.
With the Spurs not playing for anything, offensive structure tends to break down, leading to fewer clean assist opportunities. He’s more likely to hunt his own shot than facilitate, and the projection reflects that.
At 5.6 assists, this line is simply a bit too aggressive for his expected usage and game environment.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Fox Now at bet365!/span
Julian Champagnie Under 12.5 points (-110)
Projection: 10.9 points
Julian Champagnie is a decent role player, but 12.5 is a touch too high for someone whose production can disappear fast if the shot volume is not there.
With a projection of 10.9, there is enough cushion to back the Under, especially if his minutes or usage dip even slightly.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Champagnie Now at bet365!/span
De'Aaron Fox Over 1.5 threes (-110)
Projection: 1.7 threes
De’Aaron Fox isn’t known as a high-volume 3-point shooter, but he’s quietly cleared this number with more consistency when his usage spikes.
With a 1.7 projection, you’re not getting a massive edge, but you don’t need one at this line.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Fox Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Nuggets vs Spurs tonight
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
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.
Kevin Chouinard: Hawks missing lots of players tonight. For tonight’s game at Miami: Mo Gueye (right shoulder inflammation) is questionable. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (right great toe sprain) is out. Dyson Daniels (left great toe sprain) is out. Jalen Johnson (rest) is out. Jonathan Kuminga (left knee injury management) is out. Jock Landale (right high ankle sprain) is out. CJ McCollum (rest) is out. Onyeka Okongwu (left index finger sprain) is out. Gabe Vincent (left knee inflammation) is out.
The Indiana Fever are putting the band back together for a run at the 2026 WNBA title.
Now, they just have to hope everybody stays healthy.
On Sunday, April 12, the Fever announced they agreed to a one-year contract with guard Sophie Cunningham. She joins fellow free-agent guards Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull, both of whom elected to return to Indiana.
The Fever finished 24-20 in 2025 and advanced to the WNBA semifinals. They fell in overtime in a decisive Game 5 to the eventual WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.
Indiana suffered injuries throughout the season. Clark played just 13 games due to several injuries. To make matters worse, Cunningham, Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, Chloe Bibby and Damiris Dantas also incurred season-ending injuries. Mitchell left Game 5 of the semifinal series with a serious muscle condition.
Cunningham averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 30 games. Additionally, she knocked down 43.2 percent of her 3-point attempts.
“We had a really special group last year. … We fought through a ton of adversity, and it was important to me that we have a chance to see through what we started,” Cunningham said in a release from the Fever. “I have a feeling this is going to be another special season, so I’m excited to get things started and to, of course, keep playing in front of the best fans in the WNBA.
“Let’s get spicy!”
Cunningham, 29, spent the first six years of her career with the Phoenix Mercury. She became known as Clark’s protector and an enforcer during her first campaign with the Fever. During a game against the Connecticut Sun, Cunningham delivered a hard foul on Sun guard Jacy Sheldon, leading to an altercation.
The Fever added free agents in guards Monique Billings and Ty Harris.
Finally, Indiana opens its WNBA schedule on May 9 with a game against Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings.
No matter what happens, they'll be locked into the 10-seed in the Western Conference. That's the final play-in spot.
The 10-seed travels to the 9-seed for an opening play-in game. If the 10 wins there, they have to play the loser of the 7-8 play-in game, and have to win again -- and that's just for the right to play top-seed Oklahoma City in the first round of the actual playoffs.
The most intriguing part of Sunday's game is that, if the Clippers don't get the help they need, they'll be the 9-seed. Which means that Golden State will play in this same arena in the play-in round this week as the Clippers would host the Warriors in the 9-10 game.
That'd certainly make for compelling TV, if the Warriors can somehow get a little healthier.
Even if not, it'd be a couple of well-known teams in a spotlight that they'd probably prefer was the actual playoffs as opposed to the play-in.
It will be the fourth meeting between the teams on the season. The Lakers won all three previous matchups.
LeBron James listed as 'questionable' to play vs. Jazz due to left foot injury management
When it comes to LeBron James' status for the season finale, we'll have to wait and see.
James is currently listed as "questionable" on the official injury report for the contest due to left foot injury management. His final status will be determined prior to tipoff.
On the season, James has appeared in 59 games for L.A. and averaged 21.0 points, 7.2 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per performance. The Lakers have to hope that James will be available, as they still have something to play for against the Jazz.
If the Lakers beat Utah and the Denver Nuggets lose to the San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers will pass Denver in the standings and secure the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Otherwise, they'll remain in the fourth seed.
The Brooklyn Nets are nearing the end of their 2025-26 NBA regular season as they have their regular season-finale on Sunday at the Toronto Raptors before heading back home for exit interviews. Brooklyn has been focused on evaluating the end of the roster as much as possible as this season comes to a close, but the Nets still need to keep those players available.
The Nets announced on Sunday that they signed forward Trevon Scott to a contract ahead of their season finale at the Raptors on Sunday. Brian Lewis of the New York Post added that a source told him that Scott was being signed to a hardship deal that only covers Sunday's game in Toronto which could explain why Brooklyn's press release didn't specify if Scott's deal was of the multi-year variety.
Scott, 29, signed his initial 10-day contract with the Nets on Apr. 2 and since then, he has been providing solid production as head coach Jordi Fernandez is looking to evaluate more players to end the season. In five games (three starts), Scott is averaging 8.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 38.1% from the field and 28.6% from behind the three-point line.
"It was fun. It was a fun experience being out there. I'm pretty familiar with some of the guys I was at the on the court with, credit of playing in Long Island," Scott said when asked after his Nets debut what it was like to take the floor with Brooklyn. "Me just hearing them give me confidence like just go out there and play your game. Be Tre Scott. I prepared for this moment, thank God for being here again."
Scott has started the past three games at center for the Nets and in his starts, he is averaging 10.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 35.3% from the floor and 27.3% from deep. Scott will most likely start at center again on Sunday and if he does, he'll have the chance to end his season on a strong note as he ends into this offseason.
The Nets announced they have signed F Trevon Scott. Scott signed his first 10-day contract on April 2nd and since then, he is averaging 8.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.8 APG, and 1.4 SPG while shooting 38.1% from the field and 28.6% from behind the three-point line.
The #Nets signed Tre Scott on a hardship deal, per a source. It just covers today’s game against the #Raptors, since his 10 day contact expired yesterday. #nba
It may be most relevant in the second round. The 3/6 winner won't play the Oklahoma City Thunder until, potentially, the Western Conference Finals.
The Lakers will simply want the path that gives them the best chance of advancing and getting healthy as they still await the returns of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The Nuggets, with Nikola Jokic at the peak of his powers, will feel like they can beat anyone.
The first weekend of WNBA free agency has seen plenty of player movement.
On the eve of the 2026 WNBA Draft, some teams already plan to look toward the incoming rookie class for answers to their questions. But with the league's salary cap exploding to $7 million per team, there is more room to maneuver than ever as existing contenders fortify and others try to break through into the league's elite.
Here are some winners -- and some losers -- as the first weekend of WNBA free agency draws to a close.
WNBA free agency winners & losers 2026
Winner: Dallas Wings (and Azzi Fudd)
The Wings shocked the WNBA on Saturday by signing Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith to a three-year max contract. Smith joins former Minnesota Lynx teammate Jessica Shepard in Texas as part of a refurbished frontcourt; Dallas, one of the WNBA's worst defensive teams a year ago, should be much improved on that end in 2026.
We'll just leave this here:
1 of 8 players in WNBA history to record at least 80 blocks in a single season.
Arike Ogunbowale re-signing for a figure below the max helped the Wings make these moves. There is optimism that Ogunbowale returns to form after a career-worst season in 2025, while Paige Bueckers should continue her ascent as one of the game's superstars.
So how does Fudd become a winner in all this? The Wings' moves indicate that Dallas is lining up the UConn sharpshooter as the top pick in Monday night's draft. Drafting a big with Smith and Shepard newly signed wouldn't make as much sense as pairing Bueckers with former UConn teammate Fudd, the best pure shooter in the draft.
Winner: Satou Sabally
Sabally has joined the New York Liberty after one season in Phoenix. She now forms a "Big Four" in the Big Apple alongside Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart as New York -- under new head coach Chris DeMarco -- aims to return to the WNBA Finals.
Sabally's injury record and penchant for inconsistency could prove challenging for the Liberty to absorb over a full season. But when Sabally is at her best, few players in The W provide everything that she can. After coming up just short with the Mercury in 2025, the three-time All-Star could achieve her goal of winning a ring in 2026.
Major WNBA free agency domino: All-Star Satou Sabally has agreed to sign a multiyear deal to join the New York Liberty, agent Zack Miller of WME Basketball tells me, @alexaphilippou and @kendra__andrews. Sabally departs after leading the Phoenix Mercury to the 2025 WNBA Finals. pic.twitter.com/PMltamlxK1
Rest in peace to the Sparks' rebuild, circa 2023 to 2026.
Los Angeles has abandoned its plan to build around youth like Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson to embrace the familiar trappings of chasing All-Stars to finish somewhere in the 6-8 seed range. How else can you explain Los Angeles' moves over the past year, like the trade for Kelsey Plum or the draft miss on Sarah Ashlee Barker?
To cap off this half-hearted rebuild, the Sparks are trading Jackson to the Chicago Sky for veteran Ariel Atkins after re-signing franchise icon Nneka Ogwumike. At this rate, Brink might want to start thinking about where she'll be playing in 2027.
Loser: Phoenix Mercury
Re-signing Alyssa Thomas is great. But the Mercury haven't done much else to fortify a team that surprisingly reached the WNBA Finals in 2025 -- and fears that Phoenix will take a step back in 2026 appear to be well-founded.
Satou Sabally, a key contributor to that Finals run, is in New York now. Key reserve Lexi Held was left unprotected in the expansion draft, where the Toronto Tempo selected. Phoenix hasn't re-signed All-Star guard Kahleah Copper, nor have the Mercury been tied to any major free agents.
The Mercury don't pick in Monday's rookie draft until the back half of the second round, so it isn't as if Phoenix can feasibly acquire one of the top prospects on the board either.
It isn't clear what Phoenix's plan is, and it looks like the Mercury are being left behind after last year's impressive postseason run.
Winner: Las Vegas and contenders choosing continuity
The Aces have brought back their entire championship-winning core except A'ja Wilson, though Wilson has publicly said that she isn't leaving Las Vegas. The Atlanta Dream re-signed all of their core contributors this week after trading for Angel Reese. The Indiana Fever are bringing back Sophie Cunningham, Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell while adding frontcourt depth in Monique Billings.
These title contenders all chose stability. As the saying goes: "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Lexie Hull posted a video with Caitlin Clark to announce she's re-signing with the Indiana Fever 🫂 pic.twitter.com/4JbuLTkJxA
The Lynx's incredible roster depth has taken a sizable hit this month.
Minnesota ceded Bridget Carleton and Maria Kliundikova in the expansion draft, while Shepard, Smith and Natisha Hiedeman all moved on as free agents. At least All-Star guard Courtney Williams is re-upping on a max contract.
It sounds like the Lynx are preparing to play at least the first couple months of 2026 without MVP candidate Napheesa Collier. Having the second overall pick in Monday's draft suddenly looks crucial for the Lynx's future as head coach Cheryl Reeve tries to revamp the roster.
Will Minnesota take a "gap year" before returning to contention in 2027? Only time will tell.
Winner: Bridget Carleton
Carleton signed a three-year max contract with the Fire after Portland took her at the top of the expansion draft. Carleton is a good player who carved out a starting role in Minnesota over the past two seasons. She can shoot, she can make plays and she can defend multiple positions.
But perhaps most importantly, Carleton goes from being the Lynx's lowest-paid starter to earning one of the league's best contracts as the Fire's first marquee player. It might make her the single biggest winner of the free agency.
We did it -- Game 82 of 82 for the Boston Celtics of the 2025-26 NBA regular season is nearly upon us. And it will take place between the Celtics and the Orlando Magic at Boston's home arena of TD Garden this Sunday (April 12) evening. In it, the Celtics will be suiting up without a number of key players snatching a bit of rest before the start of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
On the other end of the court, the Magic are going to be mostly healthy heading into this game, setting themselves up to steal a win from the surprise Eastern Conference ball club of the year. We expect a Magic win given the circumstances, but a Boston win is certainly not out of the question.
Records, standing, and streaks
At present, the Celtics have a 55-26 record, which has them locked into second in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Magic are the owners of a 45-36 record and a five-game win streak, good enough for seventh place in the East.
What happened in the last game for each team?
Boston beat the New Orleans Pelicans 144-118 at home.
Orlando beat the Chicago Bulls 127-103 on the road.
Injuries
For Boston, Jaylen Brown (tendinitis), Neemias Queta (toe), and Jayson Tatum (Achilles) are out and Sam Hauser (back), Payton Pritchard (foot), and Nikola Vucevic (finger) are doubtful.
For Orlando, Jett Howard (ankle) and Jonathan Isaac (knee) are questionable.
The Chicago Sky didn't want to leave a void in their frontcourt. It just turns out they didn't want to fill it with Angel Reese.
A rumored trade has now gone through -- it's Rickea Jackson coming to Chicago in exchange for Ariel Atkins.
Reese had been traded last week to the Atlanta Dream, leaving the Sky an opening at power forward.
Jackson is set to fill it.
Why did Sky trade for Rickea Jackson to replace Angel Reese?
The Sky wanted a different look at their power forward to what Reese could provide.
They traded Reese for draft picks that could have future value.
In acquiring Jackson, they get a 6-foot-2 floor spacer.
Jackson shoots 3-pointers at a volume Reese didn't approach, and she makes them at 34.7%.
She's a quality player across the board, averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.4 blocks per game in 2025 as she finished ninth in WNBA MVP voting.
She is also a great foul shooter (82.5%) for a player in the frontcourt.
The Sky are keeping massive center Kamilla Cardoso, and so they evidently decided they needed a power forward that fit alongside her better than Reese did.
They're hoping that's what they've gotten in Jackson.
As the Philadelphia 76ers head into the season finale on Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks, they will be looking to take care of business while also receiving some help in order to sneak into the postseason.
The Sixers are a game back of the Orlando Magic and the Toronto Raptors in the standings. If Philadelphia beats the Bucks while the Magic and Raptors end up losing their respective matchups, then the Sixers get the 6 seed and go straight to the playoffs.
The task will be tall for Philadelphia with Joel Embiid sidelined after undergoing an appendectomy. The Sixers will be leaning more on Tyrese Maxey to lead the way in the finale as well as any postseason play for them. He just wants the Sixers to be confident going into this stretch.
"I want our spirits to be high," Maxey told reporters. "No matter what the scenario is, no matter who we go have to play. No matter what—I don't care what the scenario is. I want our spirits to be high. I want us to go out there and compete our tails off, win the game, get prepared for whatever we have next. You know what I'm saying?"
The Sixers still have a lot of talent in the locker room to get the job done. Of course, it will be extremely challenging to win without Embiid, but Maxey isn't concerned about that. It's all about getting up and making sure they compete and make things tough on opponents.
"Whether it's 6, 7, 8, 9. I don't care," Maxey added. "Going to play at home. Play on the road. I don't care. I just want to have high spirits going into the postseason. I guess that's still the postseason. So, I'm ready, man. I'm ready. I'm locked in. I don't really care about anything else right now, but that."
The Sixers will face the Bucks at 6 p.m. EDT on Sunday before figuring out their next opponent in the play-in tournament or the playoffs.
The Utah Jazz take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on the final night of the NBA regular season.
The Lakers will be without at least two of their Big 3, and my Jazz vs. Lakers predictions and NBA picks expect Luke Kennard to step up in a big way.
Jazz vs Lakers prediction
Jazz vs Lakers best bet: Luke Kennard Over 25.5 points + rebounds + assists (-112)
With Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic both sidelined, Luke Kennard has joined the first unit, logging 31 minutes per game across four straight starts. In that span, he’s averaged 27.6 PRA and recorded his first career triple-double.
Over his last four, Kennard has posted PRA totals of 23, 24, 21, and 42, respectively, clearing the Over only once but coming close in each contest. LeBron James is questionable tonight, and with James at less than 100%, Kennard could operate as the team’s leading facilitator and a go-to scoring option.
Over the last 10 games, the Utah Jazz have allowed the most points per game to opponents at a whopping 134, and their 123 defensive rating ranks 26th. The Jazz have surrendered the third-most rebounds (49), second-most assists (33.1), and third-most made 3-pointers (15.5).
Utah also ranks first in pace by a mile at 109.3. Kennard gets the perfect storm of an excellent matchup, quick tempo, and potential high usage in front of the home crowd. My money’s on a big game.
Jazz vs Lakers same-game parlay
The Lakers can clinch the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a win and a Nuggets loss, so L.A. should be all-in on a victory tonight. The Jazz are doing all they can to lose games, and they've been getting blown out with regularity. Even if LeBron is sidelined, the Lakers have enough firepower to win this game comfortably.
The Jazz play at such a high pace that I'm taking the Over despite lengthy injury reports from both teams. The Jazz have allowed the second-most field goal attempts from opponents at a healthy 96.1, and the Lakers can take advantage of a weak Utah defense. The Jazz have enough scorers to get some buckets and take this Over the total.
Jazz vs Lakers SGP
Luke Kennard Over 25.5 points + rebounds + assists
Lakers -14.5
Over 236.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Double-double trouble!
Kennard recorded his first career triple-double against the Mavericks last Sunday, and he came within one and two assists of reaching a double-double in each of his next two games. He can reach 10 points and 10 dimes tonight, and for bettors interested in turning up the heat even more, his line to record a triple-double is set at +3500.
Deandre Ayton’s production has been hit-or-miss lately, but he should have no problem reaching this statistical milestone against one of the worst defenses in the NBA. The Jazz have surrendered the third-most rebounds and second-most points in the paint across the last 10 games, and Ayton went for 20 and 14 in his only game against Utah with a full allotment of minutes this season.
Jazz vs Lakers SGP
Lakers -14.5
Luke Kennard to record a double-double
Deandre Ayton to record a double-double
Jazz vs Lakers odds
Spread: Jazz +14.5 | Lakers -14.5
Moneyline: Jazz +750 | Lakers -1200
Over/Under: Over 236.5 | Under 236.5
Jazz vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Jazz have gone Over their team total in 14 of their last 17 games for +10.6 units and a 54% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Jazz vs. Lakers.
How to watch Jazz vs Lakers
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
Jazz+, Spectrum SportsNet
Jazz vs Lakers 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.
Tonight’s game isn't about whether the Orlando Magic will win, because they likely will.
This game is about whether two teams can combine for 218 points when one of them is sending out a collection of nice guys who probably have bright futures as role players but aren't scoring 100 points against anyone on Sunday night.
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Neemias Queta, Nikola Vucevic, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchard are all out or doubtful.
Solid professionals. Hard workers who have earned their spot in this league, they just aren’t a 100-point offense.
Here are the two numbers that matter.
Boston ranks 28th-slowest in the league over the last 10 games, averaging 95.05 possessions per game. That's a system, not a coincidence.
Even shorthanded, Joe Mazzulla's offensive schemes slow the game down regardless of who's in uniform.
Orlando's defensive rating over that same stretch is 115.3. That sounds like points until you realize the teams they've been running up and down the floor were actually capable of exploiting it.
Garza and Scheierman can score, but the Celtics' reserves are not that team. They don't have enough overall firepower to punish a leaky defense, but they will scrap like crazy defensively.
Take the Under and don't look back.
Magic vs Celtics same-game parlay
Paolo Banchero has hit more than one three-point shot exactly zero times in his last nine games.
Boston will likely turn tonight’s clash into a half-court battle, and they’ll hold Orlando’s leading scorer Under his made threes prop.
The same applies to Luke Garza. Garza’s had some success beyond the arc, but he’s only made two or more twice in his previous 11 games.
Magic vs Celtics SGP
Under 217.5
Banchero Under 1.5 threes
Garza Under 1.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: A full-blown Magic trick
Boston runs a system and is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games. The system doesn't disappear when the starters sit, and I don’t see Orlando blowing them out.
Boston should force Jalen Suggs to play real minutes tonight, and he’s dropped 9, 8, and 12 dimes in his last three competitive games.
Garza is the focal point tonight, and with twice as many minutes to double his scoring average.
Desmond Bane is coming off a rough night, but he’s drained at least three triples in three of his last five.
Magic vs Celtics SGP
Celtics +12
Garza Over 14.5 points
Bane Over 2.5 threes
Suggs Over 7.5 assists
Magic vs Celtics odds
Spread: Magic -12 | Celtics +12
Moneyline: Magic -575 | Celtics +475
Over/Under: Over 217.5 | Under 217.5
Magic vs Celtics betting trend to know
The Boston Celtics have hit the Game Total Under in 34 of their last 50 games (+16.40 Units / 30% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Celtics.
How to watch Magic vs Celtics
Location
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off
6:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Magic vs Celtics 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.
The Philadelphia 76ers will play host to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday in the regular season finale, and if you're wondering how you can watch all the action live, you've come to the right place. The Sixers need a lot to happen for them to get into the playoffs on Sunday, but it is a possibility.
The Bucks have nothing to play for as they're just playing out the string, but there is much on the line for the Sixers. If Philadelphia can win this one and the Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors lose their respective games, then the Sixers can sneak into the playoffs with the sixth and final guaranteed playoff spot. If not, then they will have to battle through the play-in tournament to get into the playoffs that way.
Here's when and where you should tune in to see the matchup:
How to watch
Date: Sunday, April 12
Time: 6 p.m. EDT
Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena Philadelphia, PA
Channel: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Notable injuries
Sixers: OUT: Joel Embiid (post appendectomy surgery recovery), Johni Broome (right knee surgery recovery)
Bucks: OUT: Giannis Antetokounmpo (left knee hyper extension bone bruise), Kevin Porter Jr. (right knee surgery), Bobby Portis (left wrist sprain), Ryan Rollins (right thumb sprain), Gary Trent Jr. (oblique muscle strain), Myles Turner (left ankle sprain), Kyle Kuzma (right Achilles tendonopathy) QUESTIONABLE: Gary Harris (right groin tightness), Pete Nance (right knee sprain)
Uniform assignments
Sixers: Classic Edition (Black)
Bucks: Association Edition (White)
Probable starting lineups
Philadelphia 76ers
Guard - Tyrese Maxey
Guard - VJ Edgecombe
Forward - Paul George
Forward - Kelly Oubre Jr.
Center - Adem Bona
Milwaukee Bucks
Guard - AJ Green
Guard - Cormac Ryan
Forward - Taurean Prince
Forward - Ousmane Dieng
Center - Jericho Sims
Next 5 games for Sixers
NONE (postseason schedule to be released after games on Sunday)
Jalen Williams pumped his fists in synchrony with the "O-K-C" chants from a packed Paycom Center crowd.
He then shoved his right one directly into the camera, giving nearly six million viewers a clear look at his jewelry. A 14-karat gold ring covered in more than 800 gemstones that commemorated the Thunder's 2025 NBA championship.
Williams played through the injury during OKC's title run, knowing it'd cause his recovery timeline to carry into this season. But he didn't know he'd miss the first 19 games after needing a second surgery, and he didn't know he'd miss another 26 combined games due to a nagging right hamstring strain.
It's been a season filled with setbacks, but Williams no longer needs any numbing effects. He's finally healthy and ready to help OKC compete for another championship this postseason.
"Patience," Williams said when asked what he has learned this season. "I've been through two hamstring injuries and my wrist to start the season. Just patience. Everything in the moment is worse than what it'll be later on. When you start looking at the bigger picture, I think it'll end up being a good thing."
'He does whatever it takes for this basketball team to win'
It would've been easy for Williams to take the summer off after OKC's championship run. He could've prioritized resting his body following surgery on July 1 to repair the torn ligament in his right wrist.
But by the end of the month, Williams practicing twice per day at Chandler-Gilbert Community College back home in Arizona. And he was even playing one-on-one against his workout crew, former college hoopers Leon Sutton and Emeka Udenyi, all while only using his left hand.
Their goal was to get five stops before Williams got seven buckets, and they were up 4-0 on the star forward in one game. But that's when Langston Morris-Walker, an Adidas rep who was in attendance, began trash talking Williams.
"(Williams) just ran off seven in a row with his left hand after that," Udenyi, who played three seasons at Seattle University from 2020-23, told The Oklahoman. "Left-handed jumpers. Getting to the rim for left-handed layups. It was just wild. We only needed one stop, and he ran off seven in a row. That just shows there are really levels to the skill level of basketball."
Williams got creative during those workouts. He spent them doing dribbling and shooting drills with his off-hand in order to keep his skills sharp. And that creativity continued when he returned for OKC after missing the first 19 games of this season due in part to a second surgery that removed an irritating screw.
Williams found ways to impact the game despite being limited as a shooter, like playmaking and defending at an elite level. And he even found creative ways to manage his wrist pain, like when he purchased a $53 heated glove on Amazon and wore it on the bench to keep his muscles loose during a home game against Miami on Jan. 12.
"I think he just honestly goes out there and tries to win," Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. "And no matter what it looks like, he's going to do it. We've seen it throughout his career. He's been a center for us. He's played point guard. He's played the wing. He's played the two. He does whatever it takes for this basketball team to win."
Of course, Williams has still received some trash talking upon his return. He hears it on social media from those who critique his career-low shooting splits. Or those who blame him for the fact that OKC went 18-1 to start the season in his absence but 17-7 during his first 24 games back.
But the trash talking doesn't slow down Williams, just like it didn't on the court of Chandler-Gilbert Community College this past offseason. After already missing so much time, he can't spare a second for outside negativity. And his persistent positivity is seen whenever he's on the court.
“Dub is an energy guy," Thunder forward Jaylin Williams said of Jalen Williams. "He yells regardless. If he gets an and-one, he’s yelling with the crowd. If he gets a steal, he’s looking at us and yelling with us. Regardless of what it is, he brings energy. ... He’s a great teammate, a great player and a great friend. Just having him back is amazing.”
But he wasn't yet aware of the irony. The fact that more cloudy days were ahead, and they appeared midway through the second quarter when Williams drove into the lane and immediately grabbed the back of his right thigh.
Williams needed help from staff members as he limped off the floor. And while he didn't speak to the media after the game, he later posted a broken-heart emoji on his Instagram story. It was ultimately announced that he sustained a right hamstring strain, which sidelined him for the next 10 games.
"I always feel bad for guys," Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said. "This is their life, and they put so much work into it. And in his case, he put so much work into getting back on the court. He'd already missed a chunk of time, so I always feel for guys when an injury prevents them from playing. It sucks."
Williams' second game back from the injury was also supposed to be a special night. It was a road game against Phoenix on Feb. 11, and plenty of friends and family were in attendance.
The homecoming contest got off to a strong start for Williams, who erupted for 28 points in 20 minutes, and he was only a few seconds away from subbing out late in the third quarter. But that's when he went for a layup and grabbed at his right hamstring once again.
Williams hobbled over to the sideline during the ensuing timeout. He then kicked a seat cushion in frustration, sending it into the air, before making his way toward the locker room.
Williams sustained another right hamstring strain, sidelining him for the next 16 games. A brutal setback for a player who was showing real progress.
But Williams leaned on his teammates for support during that time. The same guys he energized when he was on the court.
"I think if I was on a different team, I'd be more frustrated," Williams said. "But I'm around good energy. I think that's been one of the things that has kept me going. ... It does suck that you work your way up all season and then you have the same injury twice in a row. And I was dealing with my hand at the time too, so that part was a little frustrating. But I've been around good energy. I've been around a good organization that's made it pretty easy for me to come back."
Chet Holmgren knows all about long-term injuries. The Thunder star missed his entire rookie season due to a Lisfranc injury in his right foot, and he knows time away from basketball is far from a vacation.
“The thing most people don’t see is the way injuries impact daily life," Holmgren said. "A lot of people think when a player is injured he’s just out shopping somewhere and enjoying life and just kicking his feet up, but that’s really not the case. A lot of times with injuries, it really hampers going through your daily routine."
Williams actually did do some shopping, in all fairness. After not traveling to Orlando for the start of OKC's road trip in mid-March, he joined the team for its next stop in Brooklyn. And he visited a vintage clothing store in New York called Procell with Gilgeous-Alexander and Jared McCain.
But there was a bigger reason for Williams' appearance on the road. He made his return to the court during OKC's following game against Philadelphia on March 23, and he was in his bag. The star forward racked up 18 points, six rebounds and four rebounds in 20 minutes.
Williams has continued to impress since. He has shown more explosiveness with each game, and he hasn't shown any noticeable limitations with his shooting wrist. That's one benefit of the time he missed due to his hamstring. It allowed him to get more shooting reps.
"I've been trying to use it as a positive," Williams said of his hamstring injury. "My wrist feels better than it ever has. I think that was a big hurdle during the season that I've been able to kind of, I guess, really get over. It feels back to normal, which is dope. ... I feel really good."
OKC will need Williams to look like his normal self this postseason. It'll need him to take scoring and playmaking pressure off of Gilgeous-Alexander. It'll need him to place pressure on the rim with his driving ability. It'll need him to pressure opposing players with his elite, versatile defense.
That's a lot of pressure, but those expectations come with being a star on a championship team. And Williams knows he has to live up to them, just like he did last postseason.
He isn't numb to that fact.
"I don't have a choice, do I?" Williams replied when asked if he'll be ready to deliver before cracking a smile.
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
Jalen Williams pumped his fists in synchrony with the "O-K-C" chants from a packed Paycom Center crowd.
He then shoved his right one directly into the camera, giving nearly six million viewers a clear look at his jewelry. A 14-karat gold ring covered in more than 800 gemstones that commemorated the Thunder's 2025 NBA championship.
Williams played through the injury during OKC's title run, knowing it'd cause his recovery timeline to carry into this season. But he didn't know he'd miss the first 19 games after needing a second surgery, and he didn't know he'd miss another 26 combined games due to a nagging right hamstring strain.
It's been a season filled with setbacks, but Williams no longer needs any numbing effects. He's finally healthy and ready to help OKC compete for another championship this postseason.
"Patience," Williams said when asked what he has learned this season. "I've been through two hamstring injuries and my wrist to start the season. Just patience. Everything in the moment is worse than what it'll be later on. When you start looking at the bigger picture, I think it'll end up being a good thing."
'He does whatever it takes for this basketball team to win'
It would've been easy for Williams to take the summer off after OKC's championship run. He could've prioritized resting his body following surgery on July 1 to repair the torn ligament in his right wrist.
But by the end of the month, Williams practicing twice per day at Chandler-Gilbert Community College back home in Arizona. And he was even playing one-on-one against his workout crew, former college hoopers Leon Sutton and Emeka Udenyi, all while only using his left hand.
Their goal was to get five stops before Williams got seven buckets, and they were up 4-0 on the star forward in one game. But that's when Langston Morris-Walker, an Adidas rep who was in attendance, began trash talking Williams.
"(Williams) just ran off seven in a row with his left hand after that," Udenyi, who played three seasons at Seattle University from 2020-23, told The Oklahoman. "Left-handed jumpers. Getting to the rim for left-handed layups. It was just wild. We only needed one stop, and he ran off seven in a row. That just shows there are really levels to the skill level of basketball."
Williams got creative during those workouts. He spent them doing dribbling and shooting drills with his off-hand in order to keep his skills sharp. And that creativity continued when he returned for OKC after missing the first 19 games of this season due in part to a second surgery that removed an irritating screw.
Williams found ways to impact the game despite being limited as a shooter, like playmaking and defending at an elite level. And he even found creative ways to manage his wrist pain, like when he purchased a $53 heated glove on Amazon and wore it on the bench to keep his muscles loose during a home game against Miami on Jan. 12.
"I think he just honestly goes out there and tries to win," Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. "And no matter what it looks like, he's going to do it. We've seen it throughout his career. He's been a center for us. He's played point guard. He's played the wing. He's played the two. He does whatever it takes for this basketball team to win."
Of course, Williams has still received some trash talking upon his return. He hears it on social media from those who critique his career-low shooting splits. Or those who blame him for the fact that OKC went 18-1 to start the season in his absence but 17-7 during his first 24 games back.
But the trash talking doesn't slow down Williams, just like it didn't on the court of Chandler-Gilbert Community College this past offseason. After already missing so much time, he can't spare a second for outside negativity. And his persistent positivity is seen whenever he's on the court.
“Dub is an energy guy," Thunder forward Jaylin Williams said of Jalen Williams. "He yells regardless. If he gets an and-one, he’s yelling with the crowd. If he gets a steal, he’s looking at us and yelling with us. Regardless of what it is, he brings energy. ... He’s a great teammate, a great player and a great friend. Just having him back is amazing.”
But he wasn't yet aware of the irony. The fact that more cloudy days were ahead, and they appeared midway through the second quarter when Williams drove into the lane and immediately grabbed the back of his right thigh.
Williams needed help from staff members as he limped off the floor. And while he didn't speak to the media after the game, he later posted a broken-heart emoji on his Instagram story. It was ultimately announced that he sustained a right hamstring strain, which sidelined him for the next 10 games.
"I always feel bad for guys," Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said. "This is their life, and they put so much work into it. And in his case, he put so much work into getting back on the court. He'd already missed a chunk of time, so I always feel for guys when an injury prevents them from playing. It sucks."
Williams' second game back from the injury was also supposed to be a special night. It was a road game against Phoenix on Feb. 11, and plenty of friends and family were in attendance.
The homecoming contest got off to a strong start for Williams, who erupted for 28 points in 20 minutes, and he was only a few seconds away from subbing out late in the third quarter. But that's when he went for a layup and grabbed at his right hamstring once again.
Williams hobbled over to the sideline during the ensuing timeout. He then kicked a seat cushion in frustration, sending it into the air, before making his way toward the locker room.
Williams sustained another right hamstring strain, sidelining him for the next 16 games. A brutal setback for a player who was showing real progress.
But Williams leaned on his teammates for support during that time. The same guys he energized when he was on the court.
"I think if I was on a different team, I'd be more frustrated," Williams said. "But I'm around good energy. I think that's been one of the things that has kept me going. ... It does suck that you work your way up all season and then you have the same injury twice in a row. And I was dealing with my hand at the time too, so that part was a little frustrating. But I've been around good energy. I've been around a good organization that's made it pretty easy for me to come back."
Chet Holmgren knows all about long-term injuries. The Thunder star missed his entire rookie season due to a Lisfranc injury in his right foot, and he knows time away from basketball is far from a vacation.
“The thing most people don’t see is the way injuries impact daily life," Holmgren said. "A lot of people think when a player is injured he’s just out shopping somewhere and enjoying life and just kicking his feet up, but that’s really not the case. A lot of times with injuries, it really hampers going through your daily routine."
Williams actually did do some shopping, in all fairness. After not traveling to Orlando for the start of OKC's road trip in mid-March, he joined the team for its next stop in Brooklyn. And he visited a vintage clothing store in New York called Procell with Gilgeous-Alexander and Jared McCain.
But there was a bigger reason for Williams' appearance on the road. He made his return to the court during OKC's following game against Philadelphia on March 23, and he was in his bag. The star forward racked up 18 points, six rebounds and four rebounds in 20 minutes.
Williams has continued to impress since. He has shown more explosiveness with each game, and he hasn't shown any noticeable limitations with his shooting wrist. That's one benefit of the time he missed due to his hamstring. It allowed him to get more shooting reps.
"I've been trying to use it as a positive," Williams said of his hamstring injury. "My wrist feels better than it ever has. I think that was a big hurdle during the season that I've been able to kind of, I guess, really get over. It feels back to normal, which is dope. ... I feel really good."
OKC will need Williams to look like his normal self this postseason. It'll need him to take scoring and playmaking pressure off of Gilgeous-Alexander. It'll need him to place pressure on the rim with his driving ability. It'll need him to pressure opposing players with his elite, versatile defense.
That's a lot of pressure, but those expectations come with being a star on a championship team. And Williams knows he has to live up to them, just like he did last postseason.
He isn't numb to that fact.
"I don't have a choice, do I?" Williams replied when asked if he'll be ready to deliver before cracking a smile.
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
The final day of the NBA season isn't loaded with high-stakes games, aside from the jumbled mix of teams outside the top-four seeds in the East, but the Warriors and Clippers again meet for Game 82 with something on the line.
While the Warriors are locked into their spot in the West, the Clippers face the possibility of getting another matchup with Golden State in the Play-In Tournament.
Even with a win on Sunday, the Clippers don't control their own fate.
Here's what you need to know about the playoff scenarios for Sunday's game between the Warriors and Clippers.
The Warriors enter the final day of the regular season locked into the No. 10 seed and a Play-In spot, while the Clippers are tied with the Trail Blazers at 41-40 but currently sit behind Portland thanks to a tiebreaker disadvantage.
Here's a look at the NBA's two-team tiebreaking procedure:
Winning percentage head-to-head
If one team is leading its division and the other team isn't, the division leader gets the edge.
If teams are in same division: Winning percentage in division
Winning percentage in conference
Winning percentage against playoff-eligible teams in conference
Winning percentage against playoff-eligible teams in opposing conference
Point differential
As the Clippers' fate is determined, here is a look at how the scenarios break down.
The Warriors are locked into the No. 10 seed and will have to win two Play-In games on the road to reach the playoffs. For the Clippers, here are the scenarios:
If the Warriors win
A Warriors win would guarantee the Clippers remain the No. 9 seed in the West and set up a Play-In Tournament game between these two teams at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The winner of that Play-In game would advance to a winner-take-all game for the No. 8 seed, while the Trail Blazers and Suns would play in Phoenix for the No. 7 seed.
If the Clippers win
The Clippers can only move into the No. 8 seed with a win over the Warriors and a Trail Blazers loss to the Kings. If Portland wins, L.A. cannot move up or down in the West standings.
Should the Clippers jump to the No. 8 seed, they would have a chance to secure the No. 7 seed in the playoffs by beating the Suns in Phoenix. If they remain the No. 9 seed, the Clippers would need to win two games to reach the playoffs and could be no higher than the No. 8 seed in the bracket.
The NBA Playoff field is almost settled, with the top seeds in each conference settled but four spots in the first round still to be filled. That happens this week in the Play-In Tournament, which is now in its sixth season determining the final two seeds in each conference.
The top six seeds in the East and West after the regular season go straight to the first round, with No. 3 facing No. 6 and No. 4 facing No. 5. But the top two seeds have to wait on their preparation until their opponents are determined in a three-day mini-tournament.
It begins Tuesday, with the No. 7 seed hosting the No. 8 seed in each conference. The winners advance to the first round to face the No. 2 seeds, while the losers stay alive to host the winners of Wednesday's games between the No. 9 and No. 10 seed in each conference. Whoever emerges from those games Friday will face the top-seeded Pistons and Thunder in the first round.
Who will make it through the gauntlet in 2026? The Sporting News has everything you need to know for the NBA Play-In Tournament, from start times to streaming.
NBA Play-In Tournament 2026 schedule
Dates: Tuesday, April 14–Friday, April 17
The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament will begin on Tuesday, April 14, and conclude on Friday, April 17. Once the postseason field has been finalized, the 2026 NBA Playoffs will start on Saturday, April 18.
Under the NBA’s new media rights agreement, all six games of the 2026 Play-In Tournament will be streamed exclusively on Prime Video, marking the first time the entire tournament has shifted to a streaming-only platform.
Locked in to the 10th and final Play-In Tournament spot, the Golden State Warriors are trying to gain momentum ahead of a postseason run.
That said, an inconsistent lineup due to injuries has caused the Warriors to lose five of their last six games, including Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, with a matchup scheduled against the Sacramento Kings on the second night of a back-to-back Friday, the Warriors could get some reinforcements.
According to NBA insider Anthony Slater, Golden State is 'hopeful' that the trio of Stephen Curry, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford will suit up for Friday's game.
Curry was sidelined Thursday due to injury management after a brief two-game return. Porzingis has missed the last two contests for Golden State with an illness. As for Horford, he's missed nearly a month due to a calf strain, having last suited up March 13.
Assuming the trio can stay healthy, it would give the Warriors two games of preparation together before Wednesday's elimination showdown.
A person directly involved with the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports on Saturday night that the Wings are signing Alanna Smith to a multi-year deal. The person requested anonymity because the deal hasn't been officially announced.
Smith was the WNBA’s co-Defensive Player of the Year last season with the Minnesota Lynx, sharing the award with A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces.
Dallas signed free agent forward Jessica Shepard, re-signed four-time All-Star guard Arike Ogunbowale, and traded Diamond Miller to the Connecticut Sun for forward Rayah Marshall. Awak Kuier, who the Wings drafted second overall in 2021, has signed her contract with Dallas and will return to the WNBA after spending the last two seasons in Italy and Turkey.
Dallas will, of course, make one more high-profile addition on Monday night with the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft.
A 6-foot-4 center from Australia, Smith played collegiately at Stanford where she was an All-American and two-time All-Pac-12 selection before the Phoenix Mercury drafted her eighth overall in 2019.
After bouncing around from Phoenix to the Indiana Fever and then to the Chicago Sky, Smith found a consistent role over the past two seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, starting in all 81 games she appeared in for Cheryl Reeve’s squad. Across two seasons in Minnesota, Smith averaged 9.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per game, helping the Lynx make back-to-back playoff appearances — including a trip to the Finals in 2024.
Smith made the WNBA’s All-Defense team in each of the past two seasons. She’s also improved as a 3-point shooter, making 39% of her looks from behind the arc in 2024 and 33% last season.
Smith and Shepard played together in Minnesota last season, and their established chemistry could be a boost for the Wings’ revamped front court.
The Wings' new center also played with Ogunbowale in Unrivaled this winter and the duo helped Mist BC win a championship. Smith has also featured for her native country on the international stage, helping Australia win the bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics by notching a double-double in the third-place game.
On paper, with the additions they’ve made in the past week combined with their young core of WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, Aziaha James, Maddy Siegrist and JJ Quinerly, the Wings have the makings of a team that could contend for a playoff spot under first-year head coach Jose Fernandez.
Whoever the Wings draft on Monday night will be another instrument in Fernandez’s expanding toolbox.
During his playing career, Joakim Noah was one of the most unique centers in the league. He was the prototypical playmaking center, but he combined that with elite defense and a loud personality.
Through the years, the center position has evolved. The pinnacle of this evolution is San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama. Unsurprisingly, Noah is a big fan of Wembanyama and his development as a true star.
Joakim Noah celebrates Victor Wembanyama's amazing skill set
Wembanyama has been the primary reason behind the Spurs' ascent to being the second-best team in the Western Conference. This is a familiar development for longtime Spurs fans because this is what it felt like with Tim Duncan.
The Frenchman is one of the most unbelievable players of all time, and that shows with his unique impact. He is pretty unguardable on offense, but he shines the most with his generational defensive impact.
As a fellow center, Noah knows what it is like to play at the highest level of the NBA. However, he is still dumbfounded by everything that Wembanyama has done throughout his three years as a professional.
"Is Wemby ready? You know it’s like when you played, and nobody had seen anything like that. With LeBron, something similar, like athletically, what he could do. But Wemby is getting to blocks, the way he is handling the ball," Noah said on The Big Podcast with Shaquille O'Neal.
"I feel like I’m watching somebody do new sh*t every time he steps on the court. I’m really hoping the Spurs can get out of the West."
That kind of praise is huge for Wembanyama because Noah is an underrated legend. He managed to compete for the MVP in an era when LeBron James and Kevin Durant were involved in heated competition.
Now, Wembanyama appears to be the next torchbearer for centers. Noah appreciates that kind of evolution, and the rest of the league are aware of Wembanyama's star power moving forward.
One more regular-season game awaits the Los Angeles Lakers before they can begin what they hope will somehow be a long run through the NBA playoffs. They will host the Utah Jazz, who are tied for the Western Conference's worst record at 22-59, on Sunday, and they do have some incentive to win this game.
If they defeat the Jazz and the Denver Nuggets lose to the San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers will end up with the Western Conference's third seed. That would mean that, should they get past the first round of the playoffs, they would face the young Spurs, and not the defending world champion Oklahoma City Thunder, in the second round.
For Sunday's game between L.A. and Utah, LeBron James and Jaxson Hayes are listed as questionable. Hayes has missed L.A.'s last three games with a foot ailment. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will continue to sit.
Utah, a team that has been accused of tanking, will have eight players out on Sunday: Isaiah Collier, Kyle Filipowski, Keyonte George, Elijah Harkless, Jaren Jackson Jr., Walker Kessler, Lauri Markkanen and Jusuf Nurkić.
For the Nuggets, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun won't play versus San Antonio, and three-time MVP Nikola Jokić is questionable. That means that the Lakers getting the third seed is a distinct possibility.
The Golden State Warriors have put together their teams through a variety of ways over the years, yet few approaches have proven as successful as the NBA draft. More than anything else, the most talented players to represent the Warriors have arrived in Golden State either by being selected directly in the annual draft or through trades executed on that same night.
The Golden State Warriors have taken many of their top stars through the draft, but have also landed a number of notable players over the years as well. From tiny colleges to blue blood programs, these alumni have contributed significantly to the team's roster over the years. So, we chose to take a closer look at which Dubs came from which schools over the years.
So without further ado, let's take a look at every player who has been drafted by the Warriors out of Baylor.
Ekpe Udoh - center
Draft year and position: first round (sixth pick, sixth overall), 2010 NBA Draft
Seasons at Baylor: one
Seasons played with Warriors: two
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
The Brooklyn Nets have 52 jersey numbers worn by over 600 different players over the course of their history since the franchise was founded in 1967 as a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA), when the team was known as the "New Jersey Americans".
Since then, that league has been absorbed by the NBA, with the team that would later become the New York Nets and New Jersey Nets before settling on the name by which they are known today, bringing their rich player and jersey history with them to the league of today.
To commemorate the players who played for the Nets over the decades wearing those 52 different jersey numbers, Nets Wire is covering the entire history of the franchise's jersey numbers and the players who sported them since the founding of the team.
And for today's article, we will continue with the second of six people to wear the No. 54 jersey, big man alum Bob Elliott. After ending his college career at Arizona, Elliott was picked up with the 42nd overall selection of the 1977 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Ann Arbor, Michigan native played the first three seasons of his NBA career with the (then) New Jersey (now, Brooklyn) Nets after being cut, leaving the league as a player afterward.
During his time suiting up for the Nets, Elliott wore only jersey No. 54 and put up 7.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
The Houston Rockets have had players donning a total of 52 different jersey numbers (and have one not part of any numerical series for Houston assistant coach and general manager Carroll Dawson) since their founding at the start of the 1967-68 season, worn by just under 500 players in the course of Rockets history.
To honor all of the players who wore those numbers over the decades, Rockets Wire is covering the entire history of jersey numbers and the players who wore them since the founding of the team all those years ago right up to the present day.
With seven of those jerseys now retired to honor some of the greatest Rockets of all time to wear those jerseys, there is a lot of history to cover.
And for today's article, we will continue with the ninth of 10 who wore the No. 11, guard alum Bryce Drew. After ending his college career at Valparaiso, Drew was picked up with the 16th overall selection of the 1998 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.
The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native played the first two seasons of his pro career with Houston, coming to an end when he was dealt to the Chicago Bulls in 2000.
During his time suiting up for the Rockets, Drew wore only jersey No. 11 and put up 5.1 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
Anthony Chiang: Nikola Jovic (ankle) and Dru Smith (toe sprain) out for tomorrow's regular-season finale vs. Hawks. Norman Powell (groin) is questionable. Simone Fontecchio (ankle soreness) is probable. Tyler Herro and Davion Mitchell listed as available.
The Brooklyn Nets have been having the kind of season that no one wants to see given that they have one of the worst records (20-61) in the NBA this season. However, given that Brooklyn focused on development as they continue to look for their franchise player of the future, the good news is that they have clinched the best odds for the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
After Friday's 125-108 loss at the Milwaukee Bucks, the Nets will finish in the top-3 of the NBA Draft Lottery no matter what happens during the NBA's regular-season finale on Sunday. Brooklyn travels to Canada to take on the Toronto Raptors on Sunday and the Indiana Pacers (19-62), currently with the second-worst record in the league, will take on the Detroit Pistons.
To add to the good news, the Nets could end up tied for the second-worst record if they lose to the Raptors and the Pacers find some way to beat the Pistons, the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference. Detroit has clinched the No. 1 overall seed in the East playoffs so it stands to reason that they could rest players like Cade Cunningham to make sure nothing untoward happens on Sunday.
To that point, the Raptors are tied with the Orlando Magic for the sixth and last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference so they have every reason to win the game to not have to go through the play-in tournament. Toronto will most likely give Brooklyn as much as they can handle, at least until the game ends up out of hand, so that they can secure their playoff spot.
While the Nets are playing for pride at this point in the season given that they are eliminated from postseason contention, players like Two-Way forward EJ Liddell have shown what they can do with the extra playing time. With the 2026 NBA Draft boasting potential franchise cornerstones in BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, and Duke forward Cameron Boozer, Brooklyn is in a solid position to get one of those players.
Heading into the NBA regular-season finale on Sunday, the Nets are 3rd in the NBA Draft Lottery. Brooklyn is playing at the Raptors while the Pacers are facing the Pistons. Anything can happen, but the Nets could tie the Pacers for the 2nd spot if Brooklyn loses and Indiana wins. pic.twitter.com/6QspKJm4bw
Cleveland has already locked in a playoff berth and is guaranteed at least a spot in the first round of the 2026 playoffs. The Cavaliers make it out of the regular season for the fourth season in a row. In the last two years, Cleveland has made it out of the first round, but has lost the Eastern Conference semi-finals 4-1.
Additionally, the Cavaliers secured the No. 4 seed in the playoff bracket. This means that at least for the first round, Cleveland will have a home-court advantage in the seven-game series.
Here is an updated look at the Cavaliers' playoff standings and scenarios for the 2026 playoffs.
The Cavaliers clinched the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference on Friday night. This means they will have home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs and play the No. 5 seed.
Jason Whitlock has questioned ESPN’s editorial priorities following the widespread coverage of Brittney Griner’s move to the Connecticut Sun, arguing the story has been overemphasised.
The veteran center, who most recently played for the Atlanta Dream, is set for another chapter in her career, with the move carrying both competitive and narrative significance.
However, the level of attention it received has sparked debate about what constitutes headline-worthy news in the current sports landscape. That reaction has now become part of the story itself.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Brittney Griner set to join Connecticut Sun in major WNBA move
The development was reported via ESPN, outlining the details behind Griner’s latest move.
It was reported, “Ten-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner is finalizing a seven-figure deal to join the Connecticut Sun.
“The move comes as the Sun prepare for their final season in Connecticut before the franchise’s relocation to Houston in 2027. Griner, 35, is a Houston native and played collegiately at Baylor.”
The move adds further intrigue given the Sun’s upcoming relocation, while also linking Griner’s future to her home state of Texas in the longer term. At 35, the decision reflects both immediate competitive goals and broader career considerations.
Having spent the past stretch with the Atlanta Dream, her switch to Connecticut signals another shift in the WNBA landscape as teams continue to reshape their rosters.
Jason Whitlock questions ESPN’s focus on Brittney Griner’s story
While the move itself is significant, Whitlock’s reaction centred on the level of prominence it received, particularly on ESPN’s main platform.
In a post via Jason Whitlock’s X handle, he openly challenged the decision to prioritise the story so highly.
He wrote, “Top story splashed across ESPN dot com is a Brittney Griner trade. You cannot convince me that’s the No. 1 story in sports. You can’t convince me it’s in the top 10.”
The criticism reflects a broader debate about media priorities, especially as leagues like the WNBA continue to gain visibility and coverage.
For some, increased attention is a sign of growth, while others question whether it matches the wider sports landscape.
Whitlock’s comments add another perspective to that discussion, highlighting how coverage decisions can become just as scrutinised as the moves themselves.
For the first time in four years, the Toronto Raptors look like a potential playoff team. While the play-in tournament may be an option forced upon them, the Raptors are nonetheless looking like a strong contender.
Currently, Toronto sits in a logjam, right on the bubble between the playoffs and the play-in. As of the completed results on April 8, five teams are all within two games of one another, ranked from No. 5 to No. 9 in the Eastern Conference.
This means that the last few games are make-or-break for each of these teams, should they hope to avoid both the play-in tournament and a matchup with the No. 1-ranked Detroit Pistons.
The Raptors have a few too many scenarios to recount, but the majority of them fall into one of two categories.
Category A is a guaranteed playoff spot. In this case, the Raptors would need to end the season as either Seed No. 5 or Seed No. 6. Should they pull this off successfully, they are likely to meet the New York Knicks or Cleveland Cavaliers for an opening-round playoff matchup.
Category B is a spot in the play-in tournament. In this case, the Raptors would need to win one of two games if they fall to the No. 7 or No. 8 seed.
If the Raptors clinch the first play-in spot, they will likely match up with the Celtics in the opening round. However, if they have to play the final play-in matchup, they'll have an even more uphill battle with the Detroit Pistons.
Through April 11, the Raptors sit at No. 6 in the Eastern Conference. They've confirmed a spot in the play-in tournament at the very least, with the potential to remain in the guaranteed playoff field.
The Raptors are in such a fluid position that their first opponent isn't clear, but they are now guaranteed to finish the regular season seeded No. 8 or higher in the East. If they avoid the Play-In Tournament, however, they would face either the Knicks or Cavaliers in the first round.
The 76ers have clinched at least a Play-In Tournament berth, despite dealing with key injuries throughout the season. Philadelphia missed the postseason a year ago, which ended a streak of seven consecutive playoff berths. Even though the 76ers know they will have extra basketball to play, they don't yet know what seed they will end up with or what team they will face.
Philadelphia has a range of outcomes, including Play-In elimination, that can be affected not only by its own results but also by how other teams play down the stretch of the regular season.
Here is an updated look at the 76ers' playoff scenarios and schedule for the 2026 NBA playoff bracket.
The 76ers have secured at least a Play-In Tournament berth, but they're still aiming to avoid the tournament by being a top-six seed in the East.
With the regular season winding down, Philadelphia's exact seeding is still up in the air. The 76ers could end up anywhere from the 6-seed to the 8-seed. If Philly can be the No. 6 seed, they would avoid the play-in tournament. If they are the No. 7 or No. 8 seed, they will have to secure a playoff berth from the play-in tournament.
76ers standings 2026
Here is a look at the Eastern Conference standings after the games finished on April 10.
Here is how the 76ers will finish out the regular season.
Sunday, April 12 vs. Bucks
76ers potential playoff opponents
Since Philadelphia is able to fall anywhere from the 6-seed to the 8-seed, their potential first opponent could be one of many of the other teams that have already clinched a playoff berth.
As it currently stands, the 76ers would face the Magic in Orlando in the Play-In Tournament for the No. 7 seed, which would mean playing the Boston Celtics in the first round. If the Sixers lose that game, but win the next play-in game to get the No. 8 seed, they would play the Pistons in the first round.
However, if the Sixers rise to the No. 6 seed on the final day, they would play the Knicks in round 1.
Ever since the Warriors' dynasty concluded, they've had a rocky relationship with postseason play.
Golden State has made the playoffs in three of the past six years, including a championship in 2021-22.
This year, however, the team will finish under .500, with the play-in tournament being the only shot at a postseason berth.
With Stephen Curry now 38 years old and Draymond Green at 36, the Warriors are far from their championship-winning days. This is, of course, without mentioning the lack of Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson.
But, the Warriors still have a shot to make noise. How?
The Warriors have officially clinched the No. 10 spot in the 2026 play-in tournament, meaning they'll need to win two straight games for a shot at the NBA playoffs.
Even if the Warriors win their last games, they can still only reach 38 wins, which would result in no better than the No. 10 seed. This guarantees that Golden State will be the visitor in the 9 vs. 10 matchup.
Should they manage to win that matchup and also beat the loser of the 7 vs. 8 matchup, the Warriors will clinch the No. 8 seed.
Through April 11, the Warriors are locked into the No. 10 spot in the conference. They have clinched a spot in the play-in tournament, but will have to win two games to reach the playoffs.
The 9 vs. 10 matchup, with the Warriors locked in as the 10th seed, has them presumably matching up with the Clippers or Trail Blazers. Portland, the No. 9 seed, is currently projected to host Golden State in the Play-In Tournament.
Should the Warriors manage a win there, they may also have to contend with the Suns for a playoff spot.
If the Warriors do use the play-in to their advantage, they'll match up with the conference's number one seed, which will be the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Michael Scotto: The Boston Celtics and Dalano Banton have agreed to a two-year deal, league sources told @hoopshypeofficial.bsky.social . Banton has averaged 6.7 points in 14.3 minutes per game in five NBA seasons with the Raptors, Trail Blazers, Clippers, and Celtics. Deal negotiated by Aaron Turner of Verus Team.
As the Philadelphia 76ers now return home to get ready for the regular season finale on Sunday, one has to wonder what now for Joel Embiid?
The big fella received some awful news on Thursday when he was diagnosed with appendicitis and he had to undergo surgery in Houston. The Sixers lost a critical game to the Rockets that night as they now head into the finale as the No. 8 seed and will likely have to battle through the play-in tournament without Embiid to get into the playoffs.
As far as Embiid's current status is concerned, the Sixers announced that he underwent a successful appendectomy and was able to return home to Philadelphia after being discharged from the hospital. His recovery will be managed by the team doctors in consultation with his surgeon and there is no timetable for his return to basketball activities.
Joel Embiid was discharged from the hospital today following a successful appendectomy and is returning to Philly. His recovery will be managed by team physicians in consultation with his surgeon. A timeline for return to basketball activities has not yet been determined. #Sixers
Without Embiid, the Sixers will continue to look to the duo of Adem Bona and Andre Drummond to get the job done. The two have done an admirable job of filling in for Embiid and the two of them will look to continue giving this team a lift in this run to the postseason.
The Los Angeles Lakers could use some help at the guard position with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out for at least the next few weeks with hamstring and oblique strains, respectively. The return of veteran guard Marcus Smart on Friday was big, but right now, they only have two ball-handling guards who are deserving of significant playing time: Smart and Luke Kennard.
The Lakers are reportedly waiving Kobe Bufkin, a former first-round draft pick whom they called up from the G League earlier this season. Bufkin failed to produce, and his departure will create a roster spot. That will allow Los Angeles to add a player who would then become eligible to be a member of its playoff roster.
These five ball-handling guards are currently available and would be eligible for the playoffs if L.A. picked one of them up.
Cole Anthony
Anthony, who was the No. 15 pick in the 2020 draft, was consistently averaging double figures in scoring until last season when he dipped to 9.4 points in 18.4 minutes a game. This season, he appeared in 35 games with the Milwaukee Bucks and averaged 6.7 points and 3.5 assists in 15.1 minutes per game before being traded to the Phoenix Suns and getting waived in February.
He's not the most efficient shooter overall, but he was a decent 3-point shooter during his first five seasons with the Orlando Magic.
Eric Gordon
Gordon, a 6-foot-3, 37-year-old guard, has long been a potent scorer in the NBA. In his first 16 seasons in the league, he averaged 15.7 points a game and shot 43% from the field and 37.1% from 3-point range, and it wasn't until last season that he averaged less than 11 points per game.
He played in six games with the Philadelphia 76ers this season before he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies and subsequently waived. The former Sixth Man of the Year could still give the Lakers a capable 3-point shooter and someone who could put up points off the bench in certain situations.
Spencer Dinwiddie
Dinwiddie hasn't played in the NBA this regular season. He was with FC Bayern Munich in Germany, but he left in January in order to return to the States and take care of a sick family member. He last played in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks last season.
The 6-foot-5 guard joined the Lakers two seasons ago off the buyout market, so he does have some familiarity with LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes. He's a low-percentage shooter, but he does have a career average of 5.1 assists a game.
Chris Paul
Paul joined the Los Angeles Clippers this past July, but he only lasted 16 games before they sent him home following a reported clash between him and coach Tyronn Lue. They traded him to the Toronto Raptors in February, and after the Raptors waived him, he announced his retirement.
Paul is nearing his 41st birthday and may not be able to contribute much anymore. With the Clippers this season, he averaged 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes a game while shooting 32.1% from the field. But one shouldn't overlook his tight friendship with James. Could James and the Lakers try to talk Paul into postponing his retirement for a few more weeks?
Lonzo Ball
Ball is likely the most polarizing player on this list. While many have come to terms with the fact that he's likely damaged goods by this point, some Lakers fans still buy into the outsized hype about Ball and believe that he would magically revive his career if he returned to Los Angeles.
The Chino Hills native never even came close to living up to his hype after he was the No. 2 pick in the 2017 draft out of the University of California, Los Angeles. But he was a lower-tier starting point guard and was capable of playing effective defense, creating pace and getting teammates involved until multiple injuries ruined his career. In 35 games with the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, he put up 4.6 points, four rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.3 steals in 20.8 minutes a game, and he shot 30.1% overall and 27.2% from downtown.
He had missed two and a half seasons following a meniscus injury he suffered midway through the 2021-22 season. Since returning from that injury, he has played in a total of 70 games over the last two years. The Utah Jazz waived Ball after acquiring him in a Feb. 5 trade with the Cavaliers.
The No. 1 overall pick in most drafts is predictable. This year’s WNBA Draft? Not even close.
The WNBA Draft odds shifted again — and this time, it’s meaningful. Azzi Fudd has now taken over as the betting favorite at both DraftKings and FanDuel, overtaking Awa Fam, who had been hovering in that top spot.
Olivia Miles remains within striking distance, but this is the clearest indication yet that the top pick may be trending away from Fam.
WNBA Draft odds to be No. 1 pick
Player
Awa Fam
+100
+125
+110
Azzi Fudd
+120
-115
+100
Olivia Miles
+1000
+900
+1100
Lauren Betts
+1200
+1000
+900
Flau'jae Johnson
+8000
+10000
+10000
Ta'Niya Latson
+8000
+15000
OTB
Gianna Kneepkens
+10000
+15000
OTB
Odds as of 4-10-26.
Guard vs center: The decision shaping this market
At the core of this market is a simple but critical question: What do the Dallas Wings need more?
Azzi Fudd offers elite perimeter shooting and the potential to reunite with Paige Bueckers in the backcourt.
Awa Fam and Lauren Betts bring size, rim protection, and long-term upside in the frontcourt.
Both directions address clear weaknesses, which is exactly why the odds remain so tight.
Breaking down the favorite to go No. 1 overall
Azzi Fudd
Azzi Fudd spent four seasons at UConn, developing into one of the most efficient perimeter scorers in the class. She averaged 17.3 points per game in her final season while shooting an elite 42% from three-point range for her career, consistently spacing the floor on a loaded Huskies roster.
More importantly, she was a key contributor on a championship-caliber team, showing the ability to play within structure while still delivering high-level scoring.
There’s also a natural fit with the Dallas Wings if they lean toward familiarity, as Fudd was a four-year teammate — and off-court partner — of Paige Bueckers at UConn. That built-in chemistry could make the transition seamless and strengthen an already guard-heavy core.
Awa Fam
Awa Fam enters the draft as one of the youngest and most intriguing prospects on the board, bringing a rare combination of size, mobility, and professional experience. The 6’4” center has already competed against grown professionals with Valencia Basket and the Spanish national team, showing flashes of high-end upside despite modest counting stats.
She averaged just seven points and 4.8 rebounds this past season, but her value goes beyond the box score, projecting as a long-term interior presence with defensive versatility and room to grow offensively.
For the Dallas Wings, Fam represents a different direction than the guard-heavy route. If Dallas prioritizes size, rim protection, and future upside, she fits the profile of a player who could help reshape the frontcourt over time.
Lauren Betts
Like Fudd, Lauren Betts is a winner, coming off a national championship at UCLA, where she was named Most Outstanding Player. The four-year standout averaged 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting an efficient 62% from the field, anchoring both ends of the floor.
At 6’7”, she offers elite size and projects immediately as a high-level rim protector, with the defensive presence to impact games from day one.
The question is how well her offensive game translates at the next level. While dominant in college, her scoring profile may require adjustment against faster, more physical pro defenses.
If Dallas is looking for the safest frontcourt option with proven production, Betts offers a strong middle ground between immediate impact and long-term fit.
A lack of clear direction
Maybe Wings' head coach Jose Fernandez is playing coy, or maybe he's telling the truth. Fernadez is on record as saying:
"There’s been some separation from some folks, so it’s going to be based on need."
That's not the language of a team that's locked in on one prospect. It's a sign the Wings are still trying to decide which path they are going to go down when it comes to roster construction.
How the Wings' free agency moves are shaping the No. 1 pick market
The Dallas Wings have already made key moves in free agency, and it’s starting to influence how the betting market views the top of the draft.
Locking in Arike Ogunbowale on a multi-year deal keeps a high-usage guard in place, while bringing in Jessica Shepard adds frontcourt depth and lineup flexibility. On top of that, moving Diamond Miller to create additional cap space signals that Dallas is still actively shaping its roster rather than locking into one direction.
That uncertainty is exactly why the odds at No. 1 remain tight.
If the Wings feel comfortable with their current guard rotation, it could lessen the urgency to take another backcourt player at the top of the draft. But with added flexibility and roster spots still in play, Dallas hasn’t tipped its hand — and the market is reflecting that by keeping the race between Awa Fam and Azzi Fudd close.
Who should the Wings draft?
Unlike in past years, the No.1 spot in this year's draft can go one of three ways.
If you're the Wings, Fudd seems like the safest option in the draft, but finding shooters is a lot easier than finding high-upside bigs who can protect the rim and contribute offensively.
Free agency will have a role to play in the direction the Wings take on draft day, but on a guard-heavy team, you have to look to shore up the defense and protect the paint.
After losing three games in a row and losing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to injury, the Los Angeles Lakers have now won two games in a row. They defeated the Golden State Warriors 119-103 on Thursday, and the following night, they returned home and downed the Phoenix Suns 101-73.
LeBron James has done a great job reverting back to being the Lakers' main scoring threat, and Luke Kennard has stepped up in both the scoring and facilitating departments. Still, even though they still have a shot at claiming the Western Conference's third seed, the Lakers continue to have the look of a very vulnerable team that is limping to the finish line.
Coach JJ Redick said before Friday's game that "everybody wants to play" against the Lakers in the playoffs, per ESPN.
"I'm sure everybody wants to play us," Redick said. "Let's get that out there, like, everybody wants to play us."
Friday's win guaranteed Los Angeles no worse than the fourth seed in the West, as well as home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. It will face the Minnesota Timberwolves or Houston Rockets in the first round, and while both those squads have their own issues, either would surely be favored to knock Los Angeles out.
If the Denver Nuggets, who are in third place, lose one more game, and the Lakers defeat the Utah Jazz on Sunday, the Lakers would claim the third seed. But when Denver faced the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, it rested several of its regular rotation players, including Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Denver ended up losing by 20 points.
"[Teams] are in a position where they can start looking forward to potential second-round matchups as well," Redick said. "We see some of those teams rest their entire lineup basically, so they -- we can't be concerned with all of that."
The Nuggets will visit the San Antonio Spurs, who will be the Western Conference's second seed, on Sunday.
The Philadelphia 76ers received a bit of a scare in the second half of Friday's 105-94 win over the Indiana Pacers when Tyrese Maxey left briefly after it appeared he re-aggravated his injured finger. He had a collision with Pacers big man Jay Huff when both players were going after a loose ball on the perimeter.
Maxey did return to help the Sixers close out the win, but one has to wonder if that finger is continuing to bother him. He shot just 1-for-10 from deep on Friday and was holding his hand as he went to the locker room to get his finger looked at.
"The finger is a little funny, you know what I'm saying?" Maxey told reporters after the win. "So, like, I kind of look a little timid, but I don't have time to be timid right now. My teammates need me. I had a talk with (player development coach) Toure’ (Murray). I just got to go out there and do it."
Maxey is the leader of this Sixers team right now and will have to continue to be that guy for this group with Joel Embiid sidelined after an appendectomy. He has been there for this group every single night and is looking to get Philadelphia over the hump and into the playoffs. He can't worry about the finger right now.
"It is what it is," Maxey added. "We'll worry about that in the offseason. I got this splint or whatever. I'll be structurally OK, and I want to be there for my team. I did it all year, you know? I did it all year. Had high spirits and kept their spirits high, and it's just no way I'm gonna let them down now."
In terms of what the finger is doing to him right now, Maxey is going to just shake it off. He has no choice. Yes. It feels weird, but his focus is on helping Philadelphia push through to the playoffs, whether that's through the play-in or not.
"It's just different," Maxey finished. "That's it. I don't have no, like—I'm not trying to be like, short. I just don't have no explanation. Shoot. It’s just injured. I came back early. I’m fine though. I don’t wanna make it a thing because I'm playing regardless."
The Sixers will finish the regular season on Sunday when they play host to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Los Angeles Lakers are back in the NBA Playoffs as the fourth seed. It has been a superb campaign for the Lakers, as they have a 52-29 record heading into the season finale against the Utah Jazz on Sunday.
This has been yet another superb regular season for the Lakers, as this is the second 50-win season for head coach JJ Redick. He has a good system going with the Lakers, and it seems that he wants more people to recognize that regular season success.
JJ Redick wants the Lakers to get more recognition for the regular season
As a former player and now a coach, Redick knows that every team has one goal. That objective is to win a championship, but to get there, teams must have a good regular season.
The Lakers have done well over the past two years because of Redick's leadership. Of course, he has had some fantastic players like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves.
Despite all those talented players, the Lakers do not have the perfect roster. As the head coach, Redick has done well with what he has, optimizing almost every player in the perfect roles.
Moving forward, he has a bright future as a coach, even if LeBron leaves or retires from the NBA. With Doncic and Reaves to lead his vision, Redick is in a good spot. That starts with their success in the regular season being appreciated more ahead of some good postseason runs.
"Every year I've ever been in the NBA, your goal is to win a championship. That's your goal. When you represent the Lakers, and you play for the Lakers, and you coach the Lakers, that's their goal every year," Redick said after his team's win on Friday.
"That's our fans' goal every year. Let's not discredit what this group did for the regular season, regardless of what happens in the Playoffs."
As he campaigns for more people to recognize his success with the Lakers, the team could become more confident. They are ready for the Playoffs, and this could be a time when they surprise people due to everyone's eyes being on the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs.
The night after defeating the Golden State Warriors 119-103 in San Francisco, the Los Angeles Lakers quickly headed home to host the Phoenix Suns on Friday. As the Warriors were on Thursday, the Suns were short-handed — they didn't have the services of All-Star guard Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Jordan Goodwin and Haywood Highsmith.
The Lakers took advantage and started quickly in this game by getting out to a 30-14 lead with 3:09 left in the first quarter. Phoenix stayed in the thick of things by dominating the offensive boards, and it went ahead momentarily about midway through the second quarter. But Los Angeles regained the lead and was up 57-48 at halftime, and it consistently extended its lead afterward, allowing it to secure a 101-73 victory.
While L.A. shot 50.7% from the field and 40% from 3-point range, it won easily thanks to its defense. The Suns made just 33.8% of their field-goal attempts and seven of their 40 3-point attempts, and in the second half, they were a paltry 22.9% overall. Although L.A. was outrebounded by 12, it forced 24 turnovers, which allowed it to establish a 19-3 advantage in fast-break points.
The Houston Rockets, who entered Friday in fifth place in the Western Conference, lost 136-132 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. That means the Lakers, who now have a 52-29 record, are guaranteed at least the fourth seed, not to mention home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
They can finish with the third seed if they defeat the Utah Jazz on Sunday and if the Denver Nuggets, who currently hold third place, lose to the San Antonio Spurs the same night.
Jake LaRavia: D-plus
It wasn't that LaRavia had a bad game on Friday. He simply didn't assert himself that much. In 31 minutes, he took just one shot attempt (which he made), and he also had three rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Rui Hachimura: B
Hachimura scored 10 points in the first half, and he finished with 13 points on 4-of-8 overall shooting and 2-of-3 from 3-point range, to go along with two rebounds and three assists. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out of action, Hachimura is continuing to do a good job of attacking off the dribble and taking his time to get good shots while being fairly aggressive overall on offense.
Deandre Ayton: C-plus
Ayton had four points and three rebounds in the first half. He perked up a bit in the opening minutes of the third quarter and added six points during that time, giving him a total of 10 points and five rebounds in 30 minutes for the game. He made half of his eight shot attempts, and he also had one steal and one block.
More than anything else, the Lakers are going to need Ayton to be very strong on the boards come playoff time, even if he isn't scoring in double figures.
Luke Kennard: A
Kennard poured in 17 points in the first half and again did an excellent job of playing on the ball, both as a distributor and as a scoring threat. He ended up with 19 points on 6-of-12 from the field and 2-of-4 from downtown while making all five of his free throw attempts. In 28 minutes, he also helped out in other areas with three assists, one rebound, three steals and just one turnover.
LeBron James: A
James continues to lead the hobbled Lakers with the type of superstar-level play people have been accustomed to seeing from him for two decades. He scored 14 points in the first quarter to get the Lakers off to an early lead, and he had 22 points in the first half on 8-of-10 shooting. He continues to play with plenty of energy and bounce, and he showed no signs of fatigue after an excellent performance just 24 hours earlier.
Overall, he played 32 minutes and finished with 28 points while shooting 10-of-16 from the field and 6-of-9 from the charity stripe while making both of his 3-point tries. James also dished off 12 assists, grabbed six rebounds and came up with four steals.
Marcus Smart: A-minus
In his return after missing nine games with an ankle ailment, Smart turned in six points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block while playing 18 minutes off the bench. He shot 2-of-5 from the field and missed both of his attempts from beyond the arc, but he looked like every bit of the player who had been the Lakers' X-factor for several weeks preceding his injury.
Jarred Vanderbilt: B-plus
Vanderbilt made a nice contribution in 19 minutes. He scored six points and made half of his six shot attempts, grabbed seven rebounds and added one assist and one steal. As long as Doncic and Reaves are out of action, Vanderbilt can help the Lakers by providing full-court defense, rebounding, open-court ball handling and overall energy, even if he's unable to hit anything from long range.
Nick Smith Jr.: D
Smith played 13 minutes and made one of his five shot attempts, giving him four points, to go along with two rebounds.
Bronny James: C-minus
The younger James had a very solid outing on Thursday, but on Friday, he wasn't much of a factor. In 13 minutes, he scored three points on two shot attempts and also had two rebounds, one steal and two turnovers.
Maxi Kleber: C
With Jaxson Hayes unable to play again due to a left foot injury, Kleber played 12 minutes and scored two points while adding one steal.
Drew Timme, Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero, Chris Mañon: Incomplete
In six minutes, Timme posted two points and one rebound. Knecht was on the court for four minutes and scored five points, and he had a nice sequence where he blocked a shot attempt by Khaman Malauch, ran the floor and hit a 3-pointer in transition. Thiero went scoreless, while Mañon had one point. Both Thiero and Mañon chipped in one steal.
The San Antonio Spurs have become one of the NBA's most impressive teams this season. Their success is mostly due to Victor Wembanyama's superstardom, which is backed up by a strong supporting cast led by fellow All-Star De'Aaron Fox.
As a veteran of this team, Fox knows what it takes to reach the Playoffs. He knew that he needed a star to play alongside, so getting traded to the Spurs was the right move in 2025. Now, he is reaping the rewards from the move.
De'Aaron Fox celebrates Victor Wembanyama's impact
The 2025-26 season has shown that the Spurs can hang with any team in the league. They even beat the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, multiple times.
They went from a team outside the Playoffs in the previous season to being the second seed in the Western Conference. Now, they seem ready to be a top team this season and moving forward.
Fox is a veteran who has done well to stand out among the talented Spurs. Wembanyama is the clear star, but it is evident that Fox is being a supportive teammate because he knows the Frenchman is the marquee player.
"It's crazy, man. Just day in and day out, just seeing how much he works. The way he works, looks at the game, bar none, no one has that work ethic... That's what I really admire about him," Fox said on SportsCenter after the Spurs' win on Friday.
Fox and the rest of the Spurs know they have a lot of expectations to meet in the Playoffs. They know that people are calling them inexperienced, but the future is bright with all of the amazing talent they have on the roster.
Head coach Mitch Johnson is also coaching in his first postseason run, which means there should be valuable lessons. It will be challenging, but everyone at the Spurs organization is out to prove themselves.
Throughout his long career, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has always been one of the most well-rounded players in the league. His scoring has become a big part of his legacy, as he holds the record for most points in NBA history.
However, LeBron's legacy is not just related to his scoring. He is also a big-time playmaker, now further amplified by his place as the player with the fourth-most assists in NBA history alongside the league's greatest-ever playmakers.
LeBron James gets a new assist milestone
LeBron is one of the biggest candidates for the Greatest of All Time tag. He and Michael Jordan are often named the greatest players in history, but one of the best arguments for LeBron is the sheer number of statistical milestones.
At 6'9", LeBron is not the typical playmaking star. He has changed the game with his playmaking and ball-handling because it is clear that players with unique skills and high basketball IQ can be the primary decision-makers for any team.
He now has 12,000+ assists to his name, and he could get many more moving forward. Of course, Jason Kidd, Chris Paul, and John Stockton are all hard to chase, but it seems LeBron is ready for the challenge with his playmaking.
It will be interesting where he ends up, but it seems Stockton's record will continue to be an unachievable milestone. LeBron's numbers may never reach that pinnacle, but he has already proven to be an elite offensive player, no matter what.
For a moment, there was real concern. When Victor Wembanyama exited earlier this week with a rib injury, the focus was not just on the health of the San Antonio Spurs star. It was also about something bigger. His eligibility.
With the NBA’s 65-game rule looming, even one missed opportunity can change everything for award races. And for a player in the middle of a dominant season, that matters. By Friday night, though, the Spurs made sure there would be no doubt.
The moment that mattered more than it seemed
Wembanyama returned against the Dallas Mavericks and played just over 20 minutes. That number was not random.
Under league rules, players must log at least 20 minutes in a game for it to count toward award eligibility. Wembanyama finished at 20 minutes and change, just enough to officially check another box toward the 65-game threshold.
It was a small detail on the surface. In reality, it may end up being one of the most important moments of his season.
Wembanyama has been in award conversations before. This time feels different. He is not just putting up numbers. He is doing it while leading a team that has taken a major step forward.
The Spurs have surged into the top tier of the Western Conference, turning what used to be a rebuilding situation into something much more serious. That team success is often what separates great seasons from award-winning ones. And Wembanyama is right in the middle of it.
Defensive Player of the Year is within reach
If there is one award that feels closest, it is Defensive Player of the Year. Wembanyama’s impact on that end of the floor shows up everywhere. Shot blocking, rim protection, and the ability to change how teams attack the paint.
He has been here before, finishing behind Rudy Gobert in past races despite putting up elite numbers. This season, the combination of production and team success could finally push him over the top.
The MVP conversation is no longer a stretch
Not long ago, the idea of Wembanyama in the MVP race would have felt early. Now, it feels real.
San Antonio’s rise has put him in a different category. When a team wins at a high level and has a clear centerpiece, that player naturally enters the conversation. Wembanyama’s all-around impact, from scoring to defense to presence, has made him impossible to ignore.
The bigger picture for San Antonio
This is about more than awards. The Spurs are building something that looks sustainable. With a young core growing around Wembanyama and the right mix of experience alongside it, the team is no longer just thinking about the future.
They are thinking about now. And that shift is what makes Wembanyama’s season even more meaningful.
Why this moment could matter later
Friday night was not about stats or highlights. It was about staying on track. Wembanyama did just enough to keep his award eligibility intact, and in doing so, kept the door open for what could be a historic season.
The Brooklyn Nets (20-61) have been in evaluation mode since the team was officially eliminated from the NBA playoffs and along the way, they are looking to finish the season strong. Brooklyn will be spending its last two games on the road before ending the 2025-26 campaign, but the Milwaukee Bucks (32-49) were determined to make this road trip start off horribly for the Nets.
The Nets lost to the Bucks on Friday 125-108 as Brooklyn couldn't get anything going on the defensive end of the floor and Milwaukee made them pay for it. Two-Way guard Tyson Etienne had one of his best games of the season as he dropped 23 points and four rebounds while guard Malachi Smith notched his first double-double of 19 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists.
The Nets began this game on the wrong end as they ended the first quarter trailing the Bucks 38-24 as Milwaukee guard Cormac Ryan went off for 18 points in the period. Not only did Brooklyn picked the worst time to not be able to defend Milwaukee, but they also did not show up on the offensive end as they shot just 33.3% from the field and 30.8% from behind the three-point line.
While the Nets fell behind by as many as 23 points in this game, Brooklyn was able to close the gap at certain points during the second and third quarters thanks to their improved shooting from players like Etienne and Smith. Rookie guard Ben Saraf, who is one of the players being evaluated heading into a huge offseason for the Nets, scored 15 points and dished out three assists in 41 minutes of playing time.
In the end, the Nets struggled to limit Milwaukee's impact at the three-point line as they shot 24-of-48 (50.0%) from deep, led by guard AJ Green and his 33 points (11 made three-pointers). The Nets have one game left on their schedule with Sunday's game at the Toronto Raptors and Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez is probably hoping that the matchup with Toronto will go better than this contest in Milwaukee.
The Indiana Fever are not just making moves. They are building with purpose. After a busy start to free agency, Indiana looks like a team that understands exactly what it needs to do heading into 2026. Put the right pieces around Caitlin Clark and give this group a real chance to grow into something dangerous.
The latest expected move fits that idea. Reports indicate veteran forward Monique Billings could be on her way to Indiana, reuniting with Clark after the two spent time together with Team USA earlier this year. It is not the loudest signing, but it might be one of the more telling ones.
Monique Billings took a meeting with the New York Liberty but should sign with the Indiana Fever, I’m being told. #WNBAFreeAgency
There is no confusion about who this team belongs to now. Clark is the centerpiece, and everything else is being built around her strengths. The Fever made that clear by prioritizing Kelsey Mitchell in free agency. Keeping one of their top scorers in place ensures Clark has a proven option alongside her, someone who can share the offensive load and keep defenses honest.
From there, the approach has been simple. Find players who complement what is already in place.
This is where Billings fits in. She is not being brought in to change everything. She is being brought in to support it. Billings has carved out a role in the league as a dependable forward who can defend, rebound, and bring consistent energy. Those qualities matter for a team like Indiana that already has its primary playmakers.
There is also a level of familiarity here. Playing together with Team USA may not seem like a big deal, but even a short stretch like that can help build trust on the court. For a young team, that matters more than people realize.
Filling in the gaps around the core
The Fever are starting to look more complete. Clark controls the pace and creates opportunities. Aliyah Boston anchors the interior. Mitchell provides scoring on the perimeter.
What they need now are players who connect those pieces. Players who do not need the ball to make an impact but still influence the game in meaningful ways. Billings checks that box.
She can step into different lineups, handle defensive assignments, and help keep things steady when rotations shift. That kind of versatility becomes important over the course of a long season.
A move that could quietly pay off
The Fever are not trying to win headlines right now. They are trying to build something that works. Everything still revolves around Caitlin Clark, and each move feels intentional. Adding a player like Billings may not stand out immediately, but it strengthens the team in ways that show up over time.
If this deal gets finalized, it will be another smart addition for a team that is starting to take shape.
Some nights, everything just feels easy. That was the case Friday for the Boston Celtics, who turned a regular-season game into a full-on shooting showcase in a 144-118 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. By the final buzzer, Boston had tied the NBA record with 29 made three-pointers and locked up the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
It was not just a win. It was one of those performances that makes you stop and think about what this team could look like when the playoffs start.
Boston found a rhythm and never lost it
From the opening minutes, you could tell this might be one of those nights. Boston came out firing, scoring 44 points in the first quarter and following it up with another 38 in the second. By halftime, the game had already tilted heavily in their favor, and it never really swung back.
What stood out was how natural it all looked. The ball moved quickly, shooters were in rhythm, and every possession seemed to end with a clean look.
Sam Hauser led the way with 24 points and eight made threes, but this was far from a one-man show. Boston had contributions across the board, with multiple players stepping into open shots and knocking them down without hesitation.
This is what makes Boston dangerous
There is a difference between a team that can shoot and a team that can overwhelm you with it. Boston showed the second version.
When the Celtics are sharing the ball like this and getting good looks from deep, they are incredibly tough to slow down. They finished with 35 assists, which says just as much about the performance as the 29 made threes. It was not forced. It was not rushed. It was a team playing confidently and trusting what was there.
A perfect time to be clicking
With the postseason right around the corner, this is exactly the kind of performance Boston wanted. They did not just secure their playoff position. They did it in a way that builds momentum.
There is a comfort that comes from knowing your offense can look like this. Even if the shooting cools off, the ball movement and spacing are things that carry over. And when those shots are falling again, it becomes a real problem for anyone on the other side.
Games like this do not happen often, even in today’s NBA. Tying a league record from three while cruising to a win says a lot about where this team is mentally and physically. They look confident. They look connected. And most importantly, they look ready.
The Eastern Conference is going to be competitive, but Boston just gave everyone a reminder of what they are capable of.
The bottom line
The Celtics did not just win on Friday. They made it look easy. And if this is the version of Boston that shows up in the playoffs, they are going to be a tough team to deal with.
The Los Angeles Lakers' quest to end their regular season with enough good vibes in the wake of the injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves continues on Friday when they host the Phoenix Suns. The Suns have been struggling over the last several weeks, and they will be without Devin Booker, their franchise player, due to an ankle injury.
This is the second of a set of back-to-back games for the Lakers. During any such set, there is always the question of whether LeBron James will play in both contests. In addition, guard Luke Kennard, who has greatly stepped up lately, was listed as questionable due to a finger injury.
Both James and Kennard have been cleared to play, and so has veteran Marcus Smart, who missed L.A.'s last nine games with an ankle ailment. Smart will reportedly be on a minutes restriction off the bench on Friday.
Lakers’ updated injury report vs. PHX tonight: — LeBron James and Marcus Smart are available. — Luke Kennard is questionable. pic.twitter.com/4NAjrcGZi6
With a 51-29 record, L.A. is fighting for the highest possible playoff seed in the Western Conference. It is currently in fourth place, and depending on what the third-place Denver Nuggets and fifth-place Houston Rockets do in the next 48 hours, Los Angeles could finish as high as third or as low as fifth.
The Golden State Warriors have put together their teams through a variety of ways over the years, yet few approaches have proven as successful as the NBA draft. More than anything else, the most talented players to represent the Warriors have arrived in Golden State either by being selected directly in the annual draft or through trades executed on that same night.
The Golden State Warriors have taken many of their top stars through the draft, but have also landed a number of notable players over the years as well. From tiny colleges to blue blood programs, these alumni have contributed significantly to the team's roster over the years. So, we chose to take a closer look at which Dubs came from which schools over the years.
So without further ado, let's take a look at every player who has been drafted by the Warriors out of Auburn.
Jim Retseck - forward
Draft year and position: third round (11th pick, 46th overall), 1973 NBA Draft
Seasons at Auburn: two
Seasons played with Warriors: did not make the team
Chris Porter - forward
Draft year and position: second round (26th pick, 55th overall), 2000 NBA Draft
Seasons at Auburn: two
Seasons played with Warriors: one
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
The Brooklyn Nets have 52 jersey numbers worn by over 600 different players over the course of their history since the franchise was founded in 1967 as a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA), when the team was known as the "New Jersey Americans".
Since then, that league has been absorbed by the NBA, with the team that would later become the New York Nets and New Jersey Nets before settling on the name by which they are known today, bringing their rich player and jersey history with them to the league of today.
To commemorate the players who played for the Nets over the decades wearing those 52 different jersey numbers, Nets Wire is covering the entire history of the franchise's jersey numbers and the players who sported them since the founding of the team.
And for today's article, we will continue with the first of four people to wear the No. 54 jersey, forward alum Howard Porter. After ending his college career at Villanova, Porter was picked up with the 32nd overall selection of the 1972 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls.
The Stuart, Florida native played the first three seasons of his pro career with Chicago. He also played for the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons before he was dealt to the (then) New York (now, Brooklyn) Nets in 1977 for the final season of his NBA career.
During his time suiting up for the Nets, Porter wore only jersey No. 54 and put up 12.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
Where are Boston Celtics Jaylen Brown and Derrick White in the All-NBA and All-Defense races? Both Brown and WHite are having excellent years so far as the 2025-26 NBA regular season winds down. Soon, the hardware will be handed out for what players accomplished in this particular campaign, and the Celtics duo are having their names mentioned as potential candidates for at least one of the two honors, if not both.
Who are they competing with for these awards? And which teams do we think they might end up on if any? And while we're talking Celtics and the end of the regular season, what do they need to get done ahead of the 2025 postseason?
The hosts of "Havlicek Stole the Pod" sat down with Forbes reporter Bobby Krivitsky to talk it all over. Check it out below!
Since Fred VanVleet tore the ACL in his right knee in September, the 2025-26 Houston Rockets have seen the fifth spot in their starting lineup become a revolving door.
Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. remain entrenched as starters, assuming health, and Ime Udoka has tried different options to surround that quartet.
With occasional exceptions for game matchup reasons, the majority of fifth-starter opportunities went to Josh Okogie during a two-month window from the Oct. 21 opener until Christmas. Then, from Christmas until mid-March, Tari Eason got the call. And finally, from mid-March until mid-April, most starts went to Reed Sheppard.
Now, with the 2026 playoffs only a week away, the Rockets (51-29, tied for No. 4 in Western Conference standings) could be going back to where they started.
In Friday’s matchup versus the Timberwolves (47-33), Okogie got his second straight start. The 27-year-old, 6-foot-4 guard had 9 points (50.0% FG) and 11 rebounds as a starter during Thursday’s victory over Philadelphia, and he earned postgame praise from Udoka for his defense and energy.
Earlier Friday, Udoka spoke to SportsTalk 790’s Matt Thomas — the team’s radio play-by-play broadcaster — about his options for that fifth spot. Regarding what each player brings to the lineup and rotation, Udoka said:
I think they all bring separate things.
With Josh out there, he started the season (in that role). He’ll take some of the (defensive) pressure off of Amen (Thompson) and guard the best guy for a few minutes.
Reed out there gives us another handler and initiator. It’s something that works well, and differently, than Kevin (Durant) and Amen in the pick-and-roll.
Tari is all around, just doing what he does.
They all give us something different. Obviously, the playoffs will be matchup based, but we see what we like and don’t like with the units and how we can stagger them… and kind of insert other guys into the lineup, as well. So, it’s not just about the starters. It’s what we want coming off the bench, with some balance and not having all of our handlers out there at one time.
That last comment, regarding “not having all of our (ball) handlers out there at one time,” could point to using Sheppard off the bench. Additionally, lineups featuring both Sheppard and Sengun have struggled defensively for most of this season.
Even so, Udoka did leave some wiggle room. Prior to Friday’s tipoff, Udoka reiterated to Rockets Wire that his starting lineup for the playoffs has yet to be decided and that it would still “depend on matchups.”
Denver (52-28) and the Los Angeles Lakers (51-29) are most likely to be Houston’s opponent, followed by a small chance of Minnesota. The Rockets and Nuggets enter the regular season’s final weekend holding the NBA’s longest active winning streaks of eight and 10 games, respectively.
"Obviously, the playoffs will be match up based...its not just about the starters, its what we want coming off bench with some balance..." - Ime Udoka speaks on starting lineup via The Matt Thomas Show[@SportsTalk790]
Mar 9, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) drives around Denver Nuggets guard/forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
How to Watch Thunder vs Nuggets
When: Friday, April 10th, 2026
Time: 9:00 PM ET
TV Channel: Altitude Sports / FanDuel Sports Net Oklahoma
With their most recent win, the Thunder secured the No. 1 overall record in the NBA. The 128-110 win over the Los Angeles Clippers was the Thunder’s seventh consecutive win and an impressive 19th victory in their last 20 games. Oklahoma City is healthy and clicking at the right time, especially Chet Holmgren, who was the star in the win over the Clippers, scoring 30 points with 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and four blocks. Reserve Isaiah Joe added 21 points while reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 20 points and 11 assists.
Denver is on a terrific streak as well, winning 10 games in a row. Their last win came over a Memphis Grizzlies team that has been decimated by injuries, with the Nuggets coming out on top 136-119. Nikola Jokic did his usual, securing a triple-double with 14 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Jamal Murray led the team in scoring, making 5-of-10 3-point attempts en route to his 26 points.
This is a great NBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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NEW YORK -- Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton is nearing the end of his seventh NBA season and it's safe to say that this campaign was a rough one to experience. Claxton did what he could to give Brooklyn the best chance of winning every game during this rebuilding season, including recently playing through a sprain to his right fifth finger to add to the adversity.
"I’ve been dealing with it since January, I think. It’s a pretty bad sprain. I got an MRI for it, so just got to take the proper precautions for it," Claxton said prior to Thursday's 123-94 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Claxton has missed the past three games as he continues to recover from the finger sprain, but he hasn't lost sight of the fact that the organization is trying to build for the future.
"For me personally, I feel like it’s been a good year. I can take a lot of positives from the season, career-high in my free-throw percentage [for example]," Claxton said when asked about how he dealt with this tough season. "Obviously there’s always areas I can improve in as far as rebounding and things like that, but there’s a lot of positives. I feel like I matured a lot."
Claxton, 26, is having arguably the best season of his career despite having to deal with the constant lineup changes and the multiple injuries that the team has had to deal with in the second half of the season. Claxton is averaging 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 57.1% from the field and 61.6% from the free-throw line while playing at least 69 games for the fourth straight year.
With backup center Day'Ron Sharpe being ruled out for the rest of the season due to a UCL tear in his left thumb, Claxton has had to hold down the center spot for the time being until he sustained the finger injury. While Claxton has had to deal with plenty of losing this season as Brooklyn brings along its five rookies from the 2025 NBA Draft, he seems to be in a good place heading into an offseason that hopefully leads to more winning next season.
Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers added fuel to the fire of the simmering feud between ESPN breaking-news reporter Shams Charania and Bucks fans, making an appearance on the "Run It Back" NBA show on FanDuel Sports Network with Michelle Beadle and a series of ex-NBA players.
Rivers suggested the article might have been in response to something that dates two months.
"I made a joke before all-star [break] … where I said Giannis should trade Shams," Rivers said on "Run It Back." "Shams took that so personal that he actually called the Bucks and yelled at them to take it down. The NBA calls the Bucks are like, 'Shams wants us to tell you this, but we really don't care.' Then the NBA posted it. I've heard from 10 different people that have said, 'Shams is going to do a revenge article on you guys, and on you.' I was, like, 'OK, I don't care.' ... I read that article. I'm, like, 'What is this article for?'
"He's very young and emotional, but hopefully he'll grow."
In early February, Rivers joked about the upcoming All-Star Game, where Antetokounmpo and his brothers had agreed to serve as coaches in the celebrity game, in which Charania was set to take part, saying "[Giannis] did inform me that he's going to put Shams on the trading block today. And he's just gonna listen to offers."The Bucks played along on social media with the bit. Apparently, that didn't sit well with Charania.
Just In: Conversations have started about @ShamsCharania’s future, and discussing whether the ESPN Senior NBA Insider’s best fit is staying on Giannis’ All-Star Celebrity team or elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/IS6XMlQSPf
"Shams wrote an article that was so inaccurate that I don't have enough time to go into," he said on the show. "He talked about a locker-room thing and I was laughing, like, yeah, we had a tough locker-room day. We lost to the Chicago Bulls with a 20-point lead. I showed clips the next day of guys who were screwing up. That's what happens in a locker room. The first thing I thought was, 'Where's Woj? I miss Woj so much.'"Rivers is referring to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, who surprisingly took a job with his alma mater St. Bonaventure in September 2024. Charania, now 32, was named his successor after competing directly with Wojnarowski when Charania was at Yahoo! Sports.
"I made a joke before All-Star where I said 'Giannis should trade Shams.' Shams took that so personal that he actually called the Bucks and yelled at them to take it down." 👀
Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers added fuel to the fire of the simmering feud between ESPN breaking-news reporter Shams Charania and Bucks fans, making an appearance on the "Run It Back" NBA show on FanDuel Sports Network with Michelle Beadle and a series of ex-NBA players.
Rivers suggested the article might have been in response to something that dates two months.
"I made a joke before all-star [break] … where I said Giannis should trade Shams," Rivers said on "Run It Back." "Shams took that so personal that he actually called the Bucks and yelled at them to take it down. The NBA calls the Bucks are like, 'Shams wants us to tell you this, but we really don't care.' Then the NBA posted it. I've heard from 10 different people that have said, 'Shams is going to do a revenge article on you guys, and on you.' I was, like, 'OK, I don't care.' ... I read that article. I'm, like, 'What is this article for?'
"He's very young and emotional, but hopefully he'll grow."
In early February, Rivers joked about the upcoming All-Star Game, where Antetokounmpo and his brothers had agreed to serve as coaches in the celebrity game, in which Charania was set to take part, saying "[Giannis] did inform me that he's going to put Shams on the trading block today. And he's just gonna listen to offers."The Bucks played along on social media with the bit. Apparently, that didn't sit well with Charania.
Just In: Conversations have started about @ShamsCharania’s future, and discussing whether the ESPN Senior NBA Insider’s best fit is staying on Giannis’ All-Star Celebrity team or elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/IS6XMlQSPf
"Shams wrote an article that was so inaccurate that I don't have enough time to go into," he said on the show. "He talked about a locker-room thing and I was laughing, like, yeah, we had a tough locker-room day. We lost to the Chicago Bulls with a 20-point lead. I showed clips the next day of guys who were screwing up. That's what happens in a locker room. The first thing I thought was, 'Where's Woj? I miss Woj so much.'"Rivers is referring to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, who surprisingly took a job with his alma mater St. Bonaventure in September 2024. Charania, now 32, was named his successor after competing directly with Wojnarowski when Charania was at Yahoo! Sports.
"I made a joke before All-Star where I said 'Giannis should trade Shams.' Shams took that so personal that he actually called the Bucks and yelled at them to take it down." 👀
The Atlanta Dream sent shockwaves across the WNBA on Monday by acquiring two-time All-Star Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky in a blockbuster trade for two future first-round picks.
Oddsmakers reacted instantly by adjusting the Dream’s championship odds from +1500 to +850, vaulting them into the top tier of genuine title contenders.
Fresh off a franchise-best 30-win season in 2025, Atlanta now pairs the league's reigning rebounding leader with stars Rhyne Howard and Brittney Griner.
Reese’s relentless motor and defensive interior presence provide the final piece for Coach Karl Smesko’s high-efficiency system.
Let's take an early look at 2026 WNBA odds for which squads are favored to hoist the trophy next.
Sportsbooks will post odds for the WNBA Finals shortly after the previous season's conclusion. These odds are constantly adjusted throughout the offseason as players switch teams or are injured. Once the regular season begins (May), title odds will change daily as teams win and lose games and more roster changes occur. Sportsbooks will also adjust the WNBA odds based on handle and liability to certain teams.
WNBA Championship odds will usually look like this:
New York Liberty +300
This means that on a $100 bet, you'll stand to profit $300 if the Liberty win the WNBA title. If it's close to the end of the season and the WNBA has a particularly dominant team, you might see a minus sign (-) ahead of its odds.
Las Vegas Aces -380
This means you have to bet $380 to win $100 on an Aces championship.
Above we have posted the American odds for the WNBA championship. However, these are easy to convert to decimal odds or fractional odds with our odds converter tool. And don't forget to check out our WNBA forum if you're interested in chatting with other basketball bettors about WNBA odds.
Minnesota, Houston, and Seattle are tied atop the all-time WNBA Championship tally with four apiece, while three more teams follow closely with three each.
Despite their early dominance, the Comets folded during the 2008 recession and were disbanded when the league was unable to find new ownership.
Team
WNBA Championships
WNBA Finals appearances
Minnesota Lynx
4
6
Houston Comets
4
4
Seattle Storm
4
4
Los Angeles Sparks
3
5
Detroit Shock (Dallas Wings)
3
4
Phoenix Mercury
3
5
Las Vegas Aces
3
4
Houston Comets
4
4
Seattle Storm
4
4
Los Angeles Sparks
3
5
Detroit Shock (Dallas Wings)
3
4
Phoenix Mercury
3
5
Las Vegas Aces
3
4
WNBA Championship odds trends
Here are some trends to keep in mind when betting on WNBA championship futures:
The No. 1 overall seed has gone on to win the title in eight of the past 10 seasons.
The Houston Comets, Seattle Storm, and Minnesota Lynx are tied for most all-time WNBA Championships with four apiece.
The Aces' 2023 win was the first time a team had repeated as WNBA champs since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2002.
WNBA free agency is underway in what could be one of the most transformative offseasons in the league's history.
More than 100 players have reached free agency following the expiration of their contracts, most of which were timed specifically to end when a new collective bargaining agreement kicked in that would guarantee players the highest salaries in WNBA history.
Below, The Sporting News grades the major deals to date in WNBA free agency, which — depending on the volume of activity — could realign the league's balance of power.
WNBA free agency grades 2026
Brittney Griner makes a strategic move, signs with the Sun
Griner, one of the greatest players in WNBA history, spent 2025 with the Atlanta Dream following her surprise departure from the Phoenix Mercury. Now she is heading east for the first time in her decorated career -- but there's a catch.
Griner grade: A-plus
Griner had to make do with a bench role for the first time in her career last season. The nine-time All-Star made just 25 starts in Atlanta and averaged a career-low 9.8 points as her stats and overall impact steadily decreased under Dream coach Karl Smesko.
Griner's move to Connecticut is particularly intriguing because of the franchise's pending relocation. After the 2026 season, the Sun will head south to become the second iteration of the Houston Comets; Griner is a Houston native and will surely relish the chance to play in front of her hometown fans in 2027.
Sun grade: A-minus
The Sun may not get eye-popping production out of Griner anymore, but the two-time Defensive Player of the Year and one-time WNBA champion will be an invaluable locker room presence for a young, rebuilding team.
Griner likely steps in for free agent Tina Charles as the Sun's heavyweight veteran. She will likely produce enough to put fans in the seats at Mohegan Sun Arena this season, and to remain viable for the franchise as it moves to Houston in 2027.
Jordin Canada re-ups with Atlanta
The Atlanta Dream are re-signing point guard Jordin Canada to a two-year contract, deepening their commitment to running it back with their 2025 core plus the newly-acquired Angel Reese.
Jordin Canada will stay with the Atlanta Dream, re-signing for 2 years at $1.2-plus million.
Canada, an eight-year veteran and a two-time All-Defense selection, has struggled with injuries since she first joined the Dream in 2023. But when healthy, she is a play-driving ball-handler who fits smoothly into Dream coach Karl Smesko's offensive concepts.
Canada grade: B-plus
Canada has proven a good on- and off-court fit in Atlanta, which doubled its win total from 15 to 30 victories last season. Her passing and tenacious defending were key cogs to the Dream's second-ranked offense and second-ranked defense in 2025, and it made sense for her to return to Atlanta even if her shooting efficiency doesn't stand out in a heavily-spaced Dream offense.
Dream grade B-plus
Though injuries have limited Canada to just 48 regular-season games since 2024, she serves an important role as Atlanta's primary ball-handler and facilitator for All-Stars Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. While Reese played some point forward in Chicago last season, the Dream won't want to overburden her after bringing back Canada -- who averaged 10.7 assists per 100 possessions in 2025.
Elizabeth Williams returns to the Sky
Elizabeth Williams, one of the premier defensive bigs in The W, is re-signing with the Chicago Sky on a two-year contract.
BREAKING: All-Defensive Center Elizabeth Williams has agreed to re-sign with the Chicago Sky for $1.2M over two years, fully guaranteed.
She also currently serves as WNBPA Secretary, helping negotiate the historic 2026 CBA.
Williams is an 11-year veteran with one All-Star appearance and two All-Defense selections on her resume. She started 15 games for Chicago last season, averaging 8.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per night.
Williams grade: B
Entering her fourth season in Chicago, WNBPA secretary Williams will provide veteran leadership and experience to a young, rebuilding team that will try to find its identity following this week's Angel Reese trade. Williams may not play a ton of minutes -- she averaged around 21 per game in 2025 -- but she offers good value on a league-average salary.
Sky grade: B-plus
Williams is a solid, dependable defensive anchor for a retooling team. The Sky locker room will rely on her presence, and Chicago hopes that working with Williams can help bring out the best in Kamilla Cardoso, the former third overall pick who has been criticized for her motor and inconsistency over the past two seasons.
Chelsea Gray is back in Las Vegas
The Aces are re-signing star point guard Chelsea Gray to a three-year contract.
BREAKING: Chelsea Gray is finalizing a 3-year, multi-million dollar deal with the Las Vegas Aces, I’m told.
Gray, a six-time All-Star and a WNBA Finals MVP, has been vital to Las Vegas' 2020s dynasty. She has won three titles with the Aces since joining them as a free agent in 2021, and few expected her to leave Vegas after helping the team to another championship last season.
Gray grade: A-plus
Gray is signing a contract that likely ensures she will finish her career in Las Vegas. It would be a fitting end for a player whose character and performance has defined this era of Aces basketball as much as A'ja Wilson or anyone else.
Gray struggled with her shot at times in 2025, but she played all 56 games for the Aces and averaged 11.2 points per game. In the playoffs, the Point Gawd continued to enhance her big-game reputation, averaging 12.3 points and 7.3 assists in the Finals as the Aces swept the Phoenix Mercury in four straight games.
Aces grade: A
The Aces surely never contemplated letting Gray walk in this free agency cycle, given everything she has meant to the franchise since her arrival five years ago.
Gray's return locks in Las Vegas' core for next year, as she joins Jewell Loyd in signing a three-year contract with the franchise. Wilson is expected to sign a supermax deal in the coming days, while Jackie Young on Thursday agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.19 million.
Las Vegas' cap space is limited from here on out, but that is the price to pay to keep a winning group together. Head coach Becky Hammon and team owner Mark Davis both know that.
Wings add frontcourt depth in Jessica Shepard
The Dallas Wings are beefing up their frontcourt with the addition of former Minnesota Lynx forward Jessica Shepard.
Breaking: Forward Jessica Shepard has agreed to join the Dallas Wings on a multi-year deal, sources told ESPN.
She previously played five seasons in the WNBA with the Minnesota Lynx. Averaged 8.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game off the bench in 2025.
Shepard had spent the first six seasons of her career with the Minnesota Lynx, who have lost Shepard, Natasha Hiedeman and Bridget Carleton to free agency this week.
Shepard grade: B-plus
Shepard was never a regular starter under Cheryl Reeve in Minnesota, but incoming Wings coach Jose Fernandez will value her experience, size and scoring ability on a young Dallas team. It is possible that Shepard begins the year as a starter, and she may mentor the Wings' first overall draft pick -- expected to be Spain's 6'4'' phenom Awa Fam.
Wings grade: B-plus
This is a solid move all around. Rebounding wasn't Dallas' weakness in 2025 -- the Wings ranked third in the category and were No.1 in offensive rebounds -- but Shepard averaged 7.3 rebounds in only 20.9 minutes per game last year. One of the WNBA's best passing bigs, Shepard also has shown flashes as an effective interior scorer: in a Lynx win over the Fever last August, Shepard notched a 22-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double.
Kelsey Mitchell returns to Indiana
ESPN's Chiney Ogwumike reports that Kelsey Mitchell is signing a one-year, $1.4 million supermax contract with the Indiana Fever.
Mitchell, a first-team All-WNBA selection in 2025, is arguably the Fever's best player and set a franchise record by averaging 20.2 points per game a season ago.
BREAKING: All-WNBA 1st Team and 3x WNBA All-Star Kelsey Mitchell is finalizing a $1.4M supermax one-year agreement to return to the Indiana Fever.
After a career year helping the Indiana Fever reach the WNBA semi-finals, Mitchell becomes one of the first-ever players in WNBA… pic.twitter.com/Ba8qMjt1BV
Mitchell makes the WNBA's new supermax and retains the flexibility to hit the market again next summer if things go awry in Indy this season. She might be the biggest winner of free agency.
Mitchell withstood the Fever's plague of injuries last season and nearly led the No.6 seed to the WNBA Finals before her legs gave out in Game 5 of the semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces. As pure a scorer as you can find in The W, Mitchell having a healthy Caitlin Clark next to her in 2026 could take her game to even greater heights.
Fever grade: A-minus
Indiana undoubtedly would have hoped to sign Mitchell to a multi-year deal, and the formula of this contract raises the stakes considerably for the Fever in 2026: if Indiana doesn't reach the Finals, the star guard might bolt in 2027.
That however is a problem for next year. Mitchell's return to the Fever was a prerequisite for this team to contend for a championship. Indiana head coach Stephanie White and general manager Amber Cox both publicly stressed Mitchell's importance to the franchise, which has been solidified with this supermax contract.
Arike Ogunbowale stays in Dallas
Arike Ogunbowale is re-signing with the Dallas Wings on a multi-year contract below the WNBA's new $1.4 million supermax.
According to ESPN's Alexa Philippou, Ogunbowale has agreed to take a little less to allow general manager Curt Miller to add more quality pieces around her and reigning Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers.
Breaking: 4x All-Star Arike Ogunbowale is signing a seven-figure, multi-year deal to return to the Dallas Wings, sources told ESPN.
Ogunbowale was eligible for the $1.4M supermax in 2026 but is taking less than that for the team to be able to build a quality roster pic.twitter.com/r9a362Qpuj
At her best, Ogunbowale is an electric scorer capable of challenging for the MVP award. On her worst nights, she shoots her team out of the game.
Ogunbowale endured the toughest season of her career in 2025, when she averaged just 15.5 points per game on 36.4 percent shooting. She played in 29 games due to injury, and the Wings went 10-34. Miller then fired first-year head coach Chris Koclanes during the WNBA playoffs.
Ogunbowale has spent her entire career in Dallas and receives a strong vote of confidence from the Wings with this new contract. Her loyalty might be rewarded with a return to the playoffs in 2026.
Wings grade: B
Was Ogunbowale's rough 2025 season a mirage? Or is it a sign that the 29-year-old is entering a decline? Dallas is betting on the former, choosing to re-sign the franchise's all-time leading scorer instead of drafting Azzi Fudd first overall on Monday night.
Under new head coach Jose Fernandez, the Wings are gambling that Ogunbowale will flirt once more with a 20-point-per-game scoring average -- a mark she has surpassed three times in her career.
Ogunbowale and Bueckers played only 21 games together in 2025; it makes sense to give that backcourt pairing more time. Adding a dominant big -- like Awa Fam or Lauren Betts -- in the draft on Monday would make for a formidable trio on paper. But Ogunbowale has to stay healthy and consistent for that to work.
Naz Hillmon re-signs in Atlanta
Reigning Sixth Player of the Year Naz Hillmon is signing a new contract with the Atlanta Dream.
The move signals that Atlanta is bringing the band back together following a 30-win season in 2025 -- but with the notable acquisition of Angel Reese via a trade with the Chicago Sky.
Breaking: Naz Hillmon is finalizing a 3-year deal to return to the Atlanta Dream, sources tell ESPN.
Hillmon enjoyed a banner year under first-year head coach Karl Smesko last season. Smesko's staff worked on Hillmon's jumper and encouraged her to take more jumpers. That decision opened up the Dream's offense and turned it into the WNBA's second-most efficient unit.
Hillmon averaged a career-best 8.6 points per game and shot 32 percent from beyond the arc. The three-year contract is a rich reward for her and a signal from the Dream that they believe in her continued development.
Dream grade: A
Hillmon represents a big scouting and development win for the Dream front office, which took hr 15th overall in the 2022 draft. General manager Dan Padover has prioritized keeping homegrown talent in Atlanta, and Hillmon now has the platform to get even better in 2026 with her combination of size, floor spacing and defensive impact. Big win for the Dream.
Jewell Loyd returns to the Aces
Six-time WNBA All-Star Jewell Loyd is finalizing a deal to return to the Las Vegas Aces.
Loyd is mere months removed from winning her third WNBA championship, and her first with the Aces, following a blockbuster trade from the Seattle Storm last year.
BREAKING: 3x WNBA Champion and 6x All-Star, Jewell Loyd, is finalizing a three-year deal with the Las Vegas Aces. pic.twitter.com/LBASQXMNvH
Loyd's scoring average cratered last season to 11.2 points per game, her lowest figure since her rookie season in 2015. The 2023 scoring champion was an uneasy fit in Becky Hammon's offense and was moved to the bench in August -- where she flourished.
Loyd averaged 9.4 points in 29.3 minutes across 12 playoff games. She averaged 13.8 points per game in the Finals as the Aces swept aside the Phoenix Mercury. Pursuing more championships in Las Vegas may be worth adapting to a reserve role for Loyd, who gets the added security of a multi-year deal.
Aces grade: B-minus
As mentioned, Loyd's fit in Hammon's scheme was questionable in 2025, making it a curious decision to give the 32-year-old a new three-year contract.
It is perhaps better understood through the prism of the Aces' negotiation with Jackie Young, who has agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.19 million. With Young in full control of her playing future after 2026, Loyd serves as competition and insurance if Young moves on next spring.
Still, seeing as how Loyd's value has decreased over the past year-plus, is this the Aces' best way to allocated their limited resources?
Allisha Gray re-signs with the Dream
The Atlanta Dream are poised to re-sign All-Star guard Allisha Gray to a contract worth "max-plus" money.
Gray, 31, is set to sign a new three-year deal that will be one of the WNBA's most lucrative for a player who received MVP votes in 2025.
News: The Atlanta Dream are finalizing a three-year deal with Allisha Gray, per source. I'm told the multi-year deal is for "max-plus"
Gray has enjoyed the best years of her career in Atlanta. Over three seasons with the Dream, the sharpshooting lefty has averaged 17.0 points per game on 43.9 percent shooting and a 36.3 percent mark from 3-point range.
Gray was a first-team All-WNBA selection last season and she has developed into one of the game's premier players. A three-year contract with the Dream gives her plenty of security -- not to mention a great chance to compete for a championship.
Dream grade: A-plus
Gray has become a franchise cornerstone since Atlanta acquired her from the Dallas Wings before the 2023 season. She is a three-time All-Star and placed fourth in MVP voting last season after averaging a career-best 18.4 points per game.
Gray is a strong cultural fit in Atlanta as well, having established an off-court friendship with fellow All-Star Rhyne Howard and gelling immediately with first-year coach Karl Smesko in 2025.
This was a no-brainer for Dream general manager Dan Padover, who pulled off a blockbuster trade for Angel Reese earlier this week and, with Gray's return, oversees a talent-laden roster that could have enough juice to reach the WNBA Finals this year.
Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes form The W's first million-dollar backcourt
The Toronto Tempo have made a big splash by signing free-agent guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes to two-year maximum contracts.
Breaking: The Toronto Tempo have agreed to terms with guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes, per their agent Marcus Crenshaw of The FAM Sports Agency
With each agreeing to two-year max contracts, they are the first known million dollar backcourt pairing. Big splash for Toronto pic.twitter.com/XHWMziQUpO
The Tempo took Mabrey in last week's expansion draft despite her pending free agency. Instead of taking less money to join a potential contender, Mabrey took the max contract and the challenge of leading an expansion team in its first season.
Mabrey has flashed elite shooting throughout her seven-year career, but she hasn't stayed in one place for long and has struggled for consistency. Getting some security and high usage in Toronto could lead to a career season in 2026.
Sykes grade: B-plus
Sykes is one of the best defensive guards in the WNBA and offers an interesting counter to Mabrey in the Toronto backcourt.
A first-time All-Star in 2025, Sykes' toughness and experience leading a young Washington Mystics team through a rebuild last year could be invaluable for the expansion Tempo, who selected plenty of shooters in the expansion draft and won't have to rely heavily on Sykes' jump shot.
Tempo grade: A-minus
For a franchise in Toronto's position, the Tempo have to pay over the odds to land All-Star level talent in order to get off the ground.
General manager Monica Wright Rogers and head coach Sandy Brondello understand this. Their goal is to develop a winning culture and winning habits from year one, even if the playoffs don't immediately follow.
Toronto owns the sixth pick in Monday's rookie draft and likely will be eyeing one of the bigs -- Lauren Betts looks more and more like a natural fit given the Tempo's roster makeup.
Natisha Hiedeman to join the Storm
Natisha Hiedeman, one of the WNBA's most valuable reserve guards, is leaving the Lynx after two seasons in Minnesota. According to Khristina Williams, Hiedeman will sign with the Seattle Storm.
ESPN's Alexa Philippou reports that Hiedeman has a two-year contract agreement in place to join Seattle, which made the playoffs the past two seasons.
Can confirm @Khristina that Natisha Hiedeman has agreed to a contract to join the Seattle Storm after spending the last two seasons in Minnesota. I am told it's a two-year deal.
Hiedeman enjoyed a career year in 2025, when she averaged 9.1 points per game and finished third in Sixth Player of the Year voting.
Hiedeman was a vital role player on the league's best team a season ago. She shot a career-best 49.2 percent from the floor and over 37 percent from 3-point range. Hiedeman should get an opportunity to start on a young Seattle team that needs shooting, toughness and experience; she's played in two WNBA Finals series, one with the Lynx in 2024 and one with the Connecticut Sun in 2022.
Storm grade: B-plus
It's a new day in Seattle, as high-priced veterans Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike and Gabby Williams are set to depart as free agents. The Storm will build around its frontcourt, specifically the second-year phenom Dominique Malonga.
Hiedeman represents a smart, savvy signing for the Storm's backcourt. Per 100 possessions last season, she averaged 25.1 points and 7.7 assists. The big question here is whether the shooting carries over; Hiedeman owns a career 41.7 field goal percentage, and her value as a starter is significantly higher if she can score consistently in double-digits.
Alyssa Thomas to re-sign in Phoenix
The Phoenix Mercury reportedly are finalizing a new contract with superstar forward Alyssa Thomas after the two sides enjoyed a successful 2025 season together.
Thomas signed with the Mercury as a free agent last year after 11 seasons with the Connecticut Sun. She promptly led the league in assists, finished third in MVP voting and guided Phoenix to the WNBA Finals.
News: Alyssa Thomas is finalizing a deal to return to the Phoenix Mercury, per source
Thomas joined the Mercury in 2025 for a fresh start as the Sun entered a rebuild. Phoenix built a team specifically for her to succeed: the Mercury surrounded Thomas with spot-up shooters and handed her the keys to the offense.
Thomas is the WNBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles for a reason. Melding physical strength with immense basketball IQ, Thomas set a new benchmark last season with a WNBA-record 357 assists. She is the pre-eminent point forward of her era and is a seven-time All-Defense selection. Re-upping in Phoenix made the most sense for her.
Mercury grade: A
It sounds like Phoenix is going to lose Satou Sabally in free agency, while fellow All-Star Kahleah Copper has a bigger chance to stay but could leave too. Those circumstances made it more urgent for the Mercury to prioritize re-signing Thomas in free agency.
Though Thomas turns 34 this week, "the Engine" shows no signs of slowing down. Phoenix is squarely in a contention window, and the Mercury always find a way to land stars despite never seeming to own draft picks as trade capital. General manager Nick U'Ren and head coach Nate Tibbetts will be tasked with doing so again as Phoenix eyes a return trip to the Finals.
Nneka Ogwumike signs with the Los Angeles Sparks
Former WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike is returning to Los Angeles after two seasons with the Seattle Storm, making the WNBPA president the first major free agent to change teams.
Ogwumike, 35, played the first 12 years of her career in Los Angeles, winning an MVP award and a WNBA championship in 2016. She ranks second in franchise history in points scored and third in points per game.
For Ogwumike individually, a return to the Sparks is a dream come true: she comes back to the place where she played her best basketball and again will receive top billing as the franchise player.
Ogwumike's individual excellence has made her one of the Sparks' greatest-ever players, and she isn't really slowing down as she readies for her 15th pro season. In 2025, Ogwumike averaged 18.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while continuing to play superb defense on an inconsistent Storm team. In a vacuum, she helps herself by heading back to LA.
Sparks grade: D-plus
I don't love this at all for Los Angeles.
Yes, adding a 10-time All-Star undoubtedly will get the Sparks closer to the postseason. But what is Los Angeles' idea here beyond just ending a five-year playoff drought?
Moving on from Ogwumike in 2024 signaled the franchise would undertake a deliberate rebuild around young players like Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson. But the Sparks' blockbuster trade for Kelsey Plum last year showed that Los Angeles already was losing patience with the youth movement. And now the franchise is set to trade Jackson to...bring back Ogwumike.
It's hard to see the Sparks' plan as anything other than a slapdash assemblage of All-Stars and a few young players. Sounds a lot like the Seattle team that Ogwumike just left.
Jackie Young becomes the first player to get a $1 million max contract
ESPN's Alexa Philippou on Thursday reported that Jackie Young and the Las Vegas Aces had agreed on a new one-year contract worth the regular maximum salary of $1.19 million.
It will keep Young in Las Vegas alongside A'ja Wilson and (most probably) Chelsea Gray as the Aces try to run it back in 2026 and win a fourth WNBA title in five years.
Breaking: The Las Vegas Aces are finalizing an agreement for Jackie Young to return to Vegas, sources told @alexaphilippou.
Young cashes in and becomes the first player to agree to one of the new maximum contracts. It's hard not to love this for her. And the deal structure — it's a one-year agreement — keeps Young in full control of her future.
That being said, it's getting hard to see her swapping Las Vegas for another locale. The Aces have made the playoffs in seven consecutive seasons and won at least 67 percent of their regular-season games in six of those seasons. Vegas is a well-oiled championship-winning machine, and Young understands that she is a key cog.
Las Vegas Aces grade: A-minus
Despite speculation that Young would pursue a new adventure after winning three championships in Las Vegas, the Aces ponied up the cash to keep the four-time All-Star in Sin City.
Head coach Becky Hammon may have wished for Young to sign a longer-term deal, as the one-year agreement doesn't offer Las Vegas much assurance about the star guard's future beyond 2026. But the Aces nonetheless will be thrilled to retain a key member of their 2020s dynasty, a guard with 50-40-90 potential who has been there for many of the franchise's biggest moments since her rookie season in 2019.
Angel Reese could not hide her pride as her brother Julian Reese continues to make waves with an impressive stretch for the Washington Wizards.
While Angel has been making headlines in the WNBA, her brother is quietly carving out his own story in the NBA. And despite the team’s struggles, his individual performances have started to turn heads.
That is what made her reaction stand out. A simple message, but one that said everything.
Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
Angel Reese celebrates Julian Reese’s breakout run with the Wizards
Angel shared her reaction in a post via her X handle, showing her support as Julian continues his strong form.
The moment highlights the close bond between the siblings as both chase success at the highest level.
She wrote, “I’m so proud of my brother, man!”
The message quickly resonated with fans, especially given the journey Julian has taken to reach this point.
Julian Reese is impressing with a dominant stretch despite the Wizards’ struggles
Julian Reese’s recent performances have been hard to ignore, even as the Wizards continue to struggle as a team.
Across 11 games this season, he is averaging 11.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to impact both ends of the floor.
More notably, he has recorded three straight double-doubles, underlining a level of consistency that few rookies manage to achieve so quickly.
What makes this run even more impressive is the context: Reese entered the league as an undrafted player, meaning every opportunity had to be earned the hard way.
Although Washington has lost all five of their recent games, Reese’s performances suggest he is establishing himself as a key piece for the future.
And if this trajectory continues, Angel Reese may have plenty more reasons to celebrate her brother’s rise in the NBA.
Armed with a new CBA -- forged by weeks of negotiating and years of labor organizing -- the WNBA is set to be filled with fireworks when free agency kicks off in earnest on April 9.
Sides were already locked in negotiations with restricted, reserved or core-eligible players. Signings won't filter in for good until April 12.
Free agency often is an action-packed affair. In 2025, Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd landed in different spots, as did the rights to Storm standout Dominique Malonga. One year on, movers and shakers have already made their presence felt. Angel Reese's trade to the Dream proved the kindling to a spring like no other in recent WNBA history. With more than 100 players set to hit the open market during the offseason, expect free agency -- and all the moves surrounding it -- to be a blazing inferno.
With that, The Sporting News is tracking live updates on all things WNBA free agency. Follow below for an updated list of players to land new contracts in 2026.
Williams reports that Seattle is expected to sign guard Natisha Hiedeman. The 29-year-old averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 assists per game for the Lynx last season.
Toronto has agreed to terms with guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes, per Philippou. Both agreed to two-year max contracts, making them the first known million dollar backcourt duo.
Per Williams, 2021 second-overall pick Awak Kuier is re-signing with the Wings, having last appeared in the WNBA in 2023. In 2025, Kuier competed in the Turkish Women's Basketball Super League.
Sky 'exploring' sign-and-trade with Ariel Atkins, Rickea Jackson
Per Williams, Chicago is "exploring" sign-and-trade framework involving Ariel Atkins, with Rickea Jackson set to come from Sparks as part of the potential deal.
Ogwumike is heading back to Los Angeles, she announced in a social media post captioned, "It was always see you later, now I’ll see you soon."
After two seasons in Seattle, the star forward is returning to her longtime Sparks team. In her first stint with the franchise, she became an eight-time WNBA All-Star, an MVP and won a championship in 2016.
The Aces stayed busy on Thursday and are finalizing a deal to re-sign Young. It is reportedly a one-year deal worth the regular max which is $1.19 million after the new CBA. The veteran guard has spent the entirety of her seven-year career with Las Vegas. Last year, Young started all 44 games and averaged 16.5 points with 5.1 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game.
The Aces are re-signing Kiersten Bell. She has spent all four years of her career in Las Vegas. Last season, Bell played in 35 games and averaged 4.2 points with 1.8 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game.
Damaris Dantas to re-sign with Fever
Date: April 9
Source: Roberta Rodrigues, Forbes
The Fever are slated to bring back Damaris Dantas, who has spent each of the past two seasons in Indiana. Dantas, 33, averaged 4.6 points and 2.4 rebounds in 38 games in 2025.
Sky, Sparks engaged in talks over Ariel Atkins-Rickea Jackson swap
The Sky and Sparks are working on a trade that would see Ariel Atkins sent to Los Angeles in exchange for 2024 No. 4 pick Rickea Jackson. The trade hasn't been agreed yet. But an announcement is expected to be made in the next few days.
Atkins averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 24 games with Chicago last year. Jackson, meanwhile, averaged 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in 38 games in Los Angeles.
Liberty interested in Defensive Player of the Year Team center Alanna Smith
The Liberty are rumored to be interested in Lynx center Alanna Smith, per Kenney. Smith was the league's reigning co-Defensive Player of the Year (alongside A'ja Wilson).
Dallas will bring back rotation pieces Li Yueru and Grace Berger, per Hall. Yueru averaged 20.0 minutes, 7.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in 22 games for the Wings after joining the Wings via trade. Berger, meanwhile, is a former first-round pick who averaged 22.3 minutes per game with Dallas last year.
Source: Former WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike is slated to test the waters in free agency after seeing her contract with the Storm expire. A local balloon company looked to have broke news that Ogwumike was signing with Minnesota. However, the image appears to show the Lynx's pitch to Ogwumike. It is not confirmation of Ogwumike's signing, however.
Satou Sabally not expected to re-sign with Mercury, per report
For the third time in three seasons, Satou Sabally will be on a new roster. Per Costabile, Sabally is not expected to re-sign with the Mercury, the team she landed on via trade last offseason. Sabally immediately becomes one of the most coveted players on the market, with Costabile reporting that the three-time All-Star and one-time All-WNBA first teamer is expected to have a host of meetings in the coming few days.
Ahead of the formal start of free agency negotiations, a slew of players have picked up Core qualifying offers. This is the WNBA's answer to the NFL's franchise tag, giving teams exclusive rights to negotiate with a player on their roster who would enter free agency otherwise. In return, the player lands a one-year deal at the supermax salary (last year, $249,244; this year, $1.4 million). Teams can still iron out long-term agreements with the player in question. The Core designation also serves as a way for teams to protect their assets, helping ensure a team gets something in return for its best player.
Here's a look at the players who have been offered Core qualifying deals by their respective organizations:
The Sky dipped further into their rebuild on April 6, dealing two-time All-Star Angel Reese to the Dream in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick and 2028 second-round pick swap.
The move spells the end of Reese's two-year stint in the Windy City. She emerged as the league's preeminent rebounder during her time in Chicago colors. She'll look to offer similar exploits in Atlanta, where she'll join Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Bri Jones.
Team
Receiving
Dream
F Angel Reese
Sky
2027 first round pick, 2028 first round pick, 2028 second round pick swap
New York is slated to bring back star big Jonquel Jones, according to Powell. The Bahamian-born talent is one of the WNBA's finest players, having captured MVP honors during 2021 and Final MVP honors during the Liberty's title run in 2024. A five-time All-WNBA selection, Jones is one of multiple New York standouts that was slated to hit the open market, although the likelihood remains that Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu will stay in Liberty colors for the long-run.
The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo forged the building blocks to their rosters over the weekend via expansion draft. The Fire selected Bridget Carleton with the first pick, while the Tempo went with Marina Mabrey. Here's a full look at their rosters following the conclusion of their draft:
Days after the WNBA and its player union announced that it had reached an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement, the Aces are already making plans to lock up four-time MVP A'ja Wilson.
Wilson, like many of the league's player population, is slated to his the open market in free agency. It seems unlikely she'll leave, however, with Las Vegas slated to make her the sport's highest-paid player.
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