NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×MVP Race Heats Up
Le Bron James espn.com threw his support behind Celtics star Jaylen Brown after Brown led Boston to a victory over the Lakers on Sunday. The endorsement from the Lakers legend adds another layer to Brown's MVP candidacy as the regular season winds down.
Injury Updates
Trail Blazers guard Deni Avdija espn.com exited Sunday's win against the Suns after his lower back issue flared up again. The All-Star has been battling the injury for weeks. Meanwhile, Bulls guard Anfernee Simons espn.com will undergo additional imaging on his injured left wrist Monday and visit a hand specialist.
Historic Honors
The Lakers unveiled a statue of legendary coach Pat Riley espn.com outside Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, immortalizing the five-time NBA champion coach in his iconic Armani suit. The ceremony celebrated Riley's transformative impact on the franchise during the Showtime era.
Warriors Edge Nuggets
Despite Nikola Jokic espn.com posting a 35-point, 20-rebound, 12-assist triple-double, the undermanned Warriors defeated the Nuggets 128-117 on Sunday. Golden State was missing both Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Draymond Green (back , who were late scratches.
Pacers Point Guard Sidelined
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton espn.com was diagnosed with shingles and will miss several weeks. Coach Rick Carlisle confirmed the diagnosis Sunday, dealing a blow to Indiana's playoff positioning as they lose their floor general during a crucial stretch.
Knicks' Fourth-Quarter Surge
Languishing for three quarters espn.com, the Knicks erupted for 18 points in the final period to overcome an 18-point deficit and defeat the Rockets 108-106 on Saturday. The comeback showcased New York's resilience as they fight for home-court advantage in the playoffs.
Suns Survive Double Overtime
Jalen Green espn.com hit a dramatic 3-pointer from the right corner at the buzzer to give the Suns a 113-110 double-overtime victory over the Magic on Saturday. The win came at a cost as Dillon Brooks espn.com suffered a broken left hand and will undergo further testing.
Kings' Season Crumbles
De'Andre Hunter espn.com became the third Kings player to undergo season-ending surgery in recent days after repairing a detached retina in his left eye on Friday. The mounting injuries have derailed Sacramento's playoff hopes as they limp toward the finish line.
Bulls' Backcourt Woes
The Bulls announced guard Jaden Ivey espn.com will miss at least two weeks with left knee soreness, adding to Chicago's injury list. The timing is particularly challenging as the team fights to stay in the play-in tournament picture.
Lakers' Ticket Strategy
The Lakers confirmed to ESPN they're planning significant ticket price increases for the 2026-27 season. The move comes as the franchise prepares for what could be a transformative offseason with multiple roster decisions ahead.
Suns' Backcourt Concerns
Suns All-Star Devin Booker espn.com will miss at least one week with a right hip strain suffered against the Spurs on Thursday. The injury compounds Phoenix's backcourt issues following Dillon Brooks' broken hand from Saturday's double-overtime win.
Clippers' Unwavering Focus
Despite a drastically different roster than expected, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue espn.com emphasized that the organization's championship aspirations remain unchanged. The team continues to compete with their modified roster as the regular season concludes.
Olympic Representation
Two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol espn.com was chosen by Olympic athletes to represent them on the IOC executive board through the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games. The honor recognizes Gasol's global basketball impact and leadership both on and off the court.