NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 16, 2026, 6:30 PM ET
League Business & Expansion
The NBA continues to move closer toward formal expansion, with internal discussions centering on adding two new franchises, likely destined for Seattle and Las Vegas espn.com, and detailed planning now underway regarding the structure of a potential expansion draft. Separately, Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia espn.com is negotiating to significantly increase his control over the franchise, heading into confidential binding mediation that could see him acquire the minority owners' 13% stake, potentially boosting his total ownership to 96%. Furthermore, league business extended to the Pacific Northwest where Commissioner Adam Silver attended the Trail Blazers game espn.com in Portland following the Oregon Legislature's crucial approval of funding required for the Moda Center renovation project.
Injury Woes & Player Returns
The injury bug has severely bitten the Golden State Warriors espn.com, with Coach Steve Kerr stating the team is "as beaten up as any team I can ever remember" after losing four more players to physical setbacks, extending a slide that has dropped them two games behind the Clippers in the standings. Adding to the medical report, Golden State confirmed that both Seth Curry, dealing with a mild left groin strain, and Al Horford, suffering from a mild left calf strain, are expected to miss at least one week espn.com. Compounding the league's injury concerns, Clippers star Kawhi Leonard espn.com departed Saturday night’s loss to the Kings early after suffering a sprained left ankle, missing the final 9 minutes and 27 seconds of the game.
Star Performances & In-Game Drama
Despite significant injury issues plaguing the league's top teams, several stars delivered exceptional performances over the weekend, including Victor Wembanyama espn.com who showcased his all-around impact in the Spurs' victory, recording 32 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, four blocks, and two steals as San Antonio improved to 17-2 since February 1st. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander espn.com managed to preserve his remarkable scoring streak, registering a late flurry of points to ensure he reached at least 20 points for the 128th consecutive game during Oklahoma City's win over the Timberwolves. In Milwaukee, the Bucks secured a victory espn.com over the Pacers, though the win was overshadowed by Giannis Antetokounmpo exiting the contest after landing awkwardly upon completing a dunk.
Post-Game Controversy & Personal Milestones
The conclusion of a tight Lakers-Nuggets contest on Saturday remains under review after the NBA ruled that a late-game play involving Spencer Jones stripping Austin Reaves was clean, meaning Reaves should not have been awarded free throws, despite Austin Reaves forcing overtime espn.com with a clutch tying bucket before Luka Doncic hit the game-winner in the extra frame. Shifting focus away from the court, Marcus Smart detailed his recovery espn.com from a devastating self-inflicted punch wound that nearly cost him his hand, noting the intense rehabilitation that preceded his return to fuel the Lakers guard's ascendance in the Western Conference standings. Adding to the celebrity crossover, businessman Kevin O’Leary appeared at the Oscars espn.com wearing a card featuring game-used patches from Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
Off-Court Honors & Roster Management
In non-game related news, Golden State Coach Steve Kerr espn.com was recognized off the court as an executive producer for the documentary short "All the Empty Rooms," which secured an Academy Award on Sunday night for its focus on the families affected by mass shootings. As the playoff push intensifies, fantasy managers looking to bolster their rosters for the coming week should examine potential additions, with analysts suggesting players available on the waiver wire from the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers espn.com. Finally, the Cavaliers welcomed back Max Strus espn.com after his absence, with Strus contributing 16 points in the first half against the Mavericks, 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.