NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 9:49 AM ET
Recent Games & Player Performances
Luka Doncic exploded for 51 points espn.com in a dominant Lakers performance that saw the starting five combine for 137 points, the highest total by a starting lineup in regulation since the 1970-71 season. Despite LeBron James sitting out his third consecutive game due to left foot arthritis and a right hip contusion espn.com, the Lakers still managed to defeat the Timberwolves. However, Doncic faced consequences after directing an inappropriate "money" gesture espn.com toward a referee during Sunday's win over the Knicks, resulting in a $50,000 fine from the NBA.
Injury Updates
The Spurs were without their star center Victor Wembanyama for Thursday's 136-131 loss to the Nuggets due to right ankle soreness espn.com, while the Warriors announced Stephen Curry will miss another 10 days with a persistent right knee issue espn.com. In Philadelphia, 76ers star guard Tyrese Maxey has been diagnosed with a tendon injury to his right pinky and will be reevaluated in approximately three weeks espn.com, further complicating the team's playoff push as they look to find consistency with their key players.
League Issues & Controversies
Celtics guard Jaylen Brown expressed frustration espn.com with what he called the league's trend of rewarding players for "foul baiting," stating, "I just don't think it's basketball." Brown's comments came after he was ejected in the second quarter espn.com of Tuesday's matchup at the Spurs after receiving back-to-back technical fouls. Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr again called for espn.com the NBA to shorten its 82-game schedule, echoing previous comments about the pace of play and physical toll on players during the demanding regular season.
Draft & Prospects
League insiders are debating the top pick espn.com between Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa in this year's NBA draft, with some making a case for Boozer's potential impact. Jeremy Woo's updated 2026 NBA mock draft shows risers and fallers espn.com as college basketball approaches March Madness, with scouts already evaluating the next generation of talent for the upcoming draft cycles.
Teams & Standings
The NBA power rankings show Thunder and Spurs espn.com ruling the Western Conference as the playoffs approach, with the Celtics rising in the East. Despite holding a 42-25 record and third place in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks face several challenges espn.com that need solving quickly if they hope to make a deep playoff run, particularly regarding the performances of Towns and Brunson down the stretch of the regular season.
Off-Court News
Scottie Pippen's personal collection, including the jersey he wore in the famed "Flu Game," auctioned for $6.2 million espn.com via Sotheby's across 71 lots. Meanwhile, Lakers star Luka Dončić confirmed his separation espn.com from fiancée Anamaria Goltes and is in a custody battle over their two daughters, adding personal complexity to his transition to the Lakers. American Quinn Cook, a two-time NBA champion, revealed that global political issues espn.com have cost him two basketball jobs internationally this year, highlighting the unexpected challenges facing players pursuing overseas opportunities.
Roster Moves & Player Impact
As the NBA regular season approaches its final stretch, experts have identified several "silly season" stars espn.com who could make significant impacts on team rosters, with Tre Johnson and GG Jackson among those gaining attention for their potential contributions during the crucial playoff push. These lesser-known players often rise to prominence in the final weeks, providing valuable depth and unexpected production as teams prepare for the postseason.