NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: March 31, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Playoff Picture & Team Shakeups

The final push toward the postseason saw the Milwaukee Bucks officially eliminated following a decisive blowout loss to the Spurs, ending the franchise’s second-longest active playoff qualification streak. This elimination contrasts sharply with Eastern Conference frontrunners, as the Boston Celtics secured their 50th victory, prompting Jaylen Brown to jab at critics who had labeled the season a "gap year." Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, the 76ers achieved a crucial road win against the Hornets, marking the first time in months that the core trio of Embiid, George, and Maxey returned fully healthy for a contest.

Star Player Updates & On-Court Incidents

Several high-profile stars faced recent setbacks or navigated off-court noise while on the court. Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards made his return after missing six games, though his entrance was delayed because, as he explained, "nature calls," referring to a necessary bathroom break before tipoff. Unfortunately for Minnesota, their defensive anchor Jaden McDaniels is now sidelined, listed as week-to-week due to knee injuries, tempering the excitement of Edwards' return following the injury announcement. In New York, the return of Miles McBride from core surgery ended abruptly as he exited Monday’s loss to OKC after aggravating the injury sustained previously since undergoing hernia surgery in February.

MVP Discourse & League Transactions

The conversation surrounding the league’s Most Valuable Player award continues to heat up as the regular season concludes, though top candidates remain reticent about campaigning. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dismissed the MVP chatter by stating he prefers to let his game speak for itself, Lakers coach JJ Redick openly endorsed Luka Doncic, arguing that a strong finish by the Mavericks alongside the Lakers’ success should secure the award for the Slovenian star if they close the season strongly. Doncic, however, is facing league discipline, as he will serve a one-game suspension after accumulating his 16th technical foul during Friday's action.

Offseason Strategy & Front Office Moves

As the focus shifts toward the lottery and summer maneuvering, team priorities for non-playoff squads are coming into sharper relief, while major ownership changes have been finalized. The NBA approved the Trail Blazers' sale on Monday, transferring controlling interest from Paul Allen's estate to the investment group headed by Tom Dundon. Elsewhere, Raptors President Masai Ujiri has expanded his influence beyond the court, joining the ownership group of Toronto's new WNBA franchise, the Toronto Tempo, signaling continued investment in the city's basketball future.

Rookies, Veteran Decisions, & Agent Dynamics

Rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama continues to post historic numbers for the Spurs, recording his third-fastest double-double since the 1997-98 season during Monday’s victory, achieving a season-high 41 points paired with 16 rebounds in a dominant performance. In contrast to the looming decisions facing young stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant regarding their respective teams' futures among the lottery teams, LeBron James faces a decision regarding his own path, with league insiders speculating on potential returns to the Lakers, Cavaliers, or even a Warriors wild card. In a lighter moment regarding player praise, Nikola Jokic attributed the effusive compliments he received from Caitlin Clark to their shared representation, joking that the reason for her high praise was simply that they both utilize the same agent.

Managerial Advice & League Conduct

While the focus remains heavily on player performance, league conduct and external pressures are also influencing team environments. The Chicago Bulls acted swiftly in response to recent public statements, waiving guard Jaden Ivey immediately following his anti-gay comments made during public rants. On a more positive note, Blue Jays manager John Schneider shared that he found reassurance in a handwritten letter from highly successful NBA coach Steve Kerr about navigating the emotional fallout from a major disappointment, referencing the specific context of Game 7 heartbreak.

Team Weaknesses & Historic Runs

The evaluation of title contenders continues to center on identifying exploitable flaws that could derail a deep playoff run across the top 10 contenders. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors delivered a staggering performance on Sunday, utilizing an unprecedented 31-0 unanswered run in the first half to crush the Magic 139-87, establishing what is believed to be the longest such scoring streak in the play-by-play era during their massive rout.