NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: April 1, 2026, 11:31 AM ET

Western Conference Playoff Push & Star Performances

The final stretch of the regular season saw several Western Conference contenders solidify their positioning, with the Lakers concluding March on a scorching 15-2 run, fueled in part by Luka Doncic posting 600 points for the month, including his third consecutive 40-point outing, leading Coach JJ Redick to actively campaign for Doncic as the league MVP should their hot streak carry them through the finish line. Elsewhere in the West, Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander declined to comment on his MVP candidacy, stating simply that he lets his game do the talking, even as the Thunder maintain a high seeding. In San Antonio, rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama continued his historic pace, recording a blistering 41 points and 16 rebounds, achieving a double-double in the third-fastest time since the 1997-98 season during a Spurs victory on Monday.

The injury landscape remains complex for key teams, as the Timberwolves confirmed that Jaden McDaniels is week-to-week with a knee issue, though they welcomed back Anthony Edwards, whose return from a six-game absence was humorously delayed when he missed the opening tip-off due to needing the restroom. Meanwhile, the Warriors face uncertainty as Draymond Green confronts his future amid another season marred by injuries, though there is a glimmer of hope for their backcourt, as Stephen Curry finally received medical clearance to participate in a full five-on-five scrimmage, marking his largest step yet toward a potential comeback from his nagging right knee injury per team reports. Furthermore, the Knicks suffered a setback when Miles McBride, returning from February hernia surgery, exited Monday's loss shortly after checking back into the game, suggesting a possible re-injury.

Eastern Conference Standings & Offseason Speculation

The Eastern Conference leaders remain dominant, with the Celtics securing their 50th win, prompting Jaylen Brown to jab at critics by framing the season as anything but a "gap year" for the top seed. In sharper contrast, the Detroit Pistons celebrated clinching their first Central Division title in 18 years following a Tuesday night victory over the Raptors, an achievement that contrasts with the mounting questions facing lottery-bound franchises like Milwaukee and Atlanta, whose front offices must address the long-term futures of stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo as analyzed by Bobby Marks. In a bizarre moment of personal trivia, LeBron James confirmed that he once broke a backboard while playing against his son, Bronny, jokingly invoking the intensity of his "Miami Bron" days.

League Transactions, Ownership Changes, and Future Moves

League business saw significant administrative movement this week, as the NBA Board of Governors formally approved the Trail Blazers' sale to the Tom Dundon-led investment group, taking control from the late Paul Allen's estate. In personnel news that crosses leagues, former Raptors President Masai Ujiri has joined the ownership structure for the new WNBA franchise in Toronto, while in Chicago, the Bulls elected to waive guard Jaden Ivey following controversial anti-gay comments he made publicly leading to his immediate release. The league's historical recognition also took shape, with sources indicating that former NBA star A'mare Stoudemire, alongside WNBA legends Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne, and current coach Doc Rivers, will be part of the upcoming Basketball Hall of Fame class as confirmed by inside sources.

Team Evaluations & Executive Regrets

As teams look toward the postseason, analysts are scrutinizing the inherent flaws that could derail championship aspirations, with one comprehensive evaluation cataloging the single greatest weakness facing every contender heading into the playoffs. Meanwhile, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban publicly expressed deep regret over his decision to sell the team to the Adelson and Dumont families, admitting he "made a lot of mistakes in the process" of the transaction Cuban stated recently. For those to the summer, league executives and coaches weighed in on potential destinations for LeBron James in free agency, listing options ranging from a return to the Cavaliers to a surprise wildcard. Finally, the Toronto Raptors demonstrated sheer dominance in one contest, utilizing an unprecedented 31-0 unanswered run in the first half to crush the Magic 139-87 on Sunday, marking the longest such scoring burst in recorded play-by-play history according to game logs.