NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 16, 2026, 7:30 PM ET
League & Ownership Developments
The prospect of league expansion appears to be advancing, with internal discussions focusing on the potential ripple effects of adding Seattle and Las Vegas franchises, including specifics around how an expansion draft might be structured FAQ: Potential ripple effects. Separately, off-court business dealings show movement in owner valuations, as Phoenix Suns principal Mat Ishbia is pursuing the acquisition of a 13% minority stake from two current owners, potentially raising his total stake to 96% following confidential binding mediation. These ownership shifts occur while league figures garner external recognition, such as Golden State coach Steve Kerr receiving an executive producer credit for the Oscar-winning documentary short, "All the Empty Rooms," which focuses on victims' families from mass shootings.
Injury Updates & Player Returns
Injury concerns mounted for several contenders as the season pushes into its final stretch, most immediately impacting the Milwaukee Bucks after Giannis Antetokounmpo departed their victory over the Pacers following an awkward landing while completing a dunk. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors confirmed that both Al Horford (mild left calf and Seth Curry (mild left groin will each be sidelined for a minimum of one week Horford, Seth Curry out. On a more positive note, Cavaliers guard Max Strus made a welcome return to the lineup against the Mavericks, netting 16 points in the first half alone, making him the first player since the 1997-98 season to score 15 or more points in the first half of a season debut after missing time.
Roster Moves & Guard Resilience
As teams assess their rosters for playoff positioning, fantasy managers are being advised to target available assets, with suggestions pointing toward players on the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers waivers Pickups: Look to Jazz. This focus on team composition is juxtaposed against the remarkable resilience shown by players overcoming severe physical setbacks, exemplified by Lakers guard Marcus Smart, who is reportedly fueling the team's surge following a devastating self-inflicted hand injury that required extensive recovery. Further tying the league's history to current events, businessman Kevin O'Leary was seen at the Oscars displaying a card featuring game-used NBA logo patches from legends Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James Businessman Kevin O'Leary wears card.