NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: April 2, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

NBA Playoff Pushes & Regular Season Finishes

As the regular season nears its conclusion, the Boston Celtics demonstrated dominance by netting 53 points in the first quarter against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, ultimately winning 147-129 while coming within two points of the NBA record for initial-quarter scoring. Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference picture, the Detroit Pistons secured their first division title in 18 seasons by defeating the Raptors on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for the franchise since the 2007-08 campaign. Meanwhile, league-wide performance evaluations continue, with the latest NBA Power Rankings assessing all 30 teams ahead of the final two weeks of games, even as analysts dissect the potential weaknesses threatening top title contenders heading into the postseason.

MVP Races & Star Performances

Luka Doncic concluded March by scoring 600 points, capping a stellar month that saw the Lakers finish 15-2, prompting Lakers coach JJ Redick to strongly advocate for Doncic's MVP case should that strong closing run continue. In Oklahoma City, MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander maintained his composed stance regarding the ongoing accolades discussion, stating simply that he prefers to let his superior on-court performance speak for itself. These individual feats contrast with the ongoing injury battles affecting other top players; for instance, Stephen Curry received medical clearance to participate in a five-on-five scrimmage, representing the largest step yet toward his return from a persistent right knee issue.

Player Movement & Offseason Speculation

The swirling rumors regarding LeBron James's next offseason decision continue to generate speculation, with league sources weighing options ranging from the Lakers to the Cavaliers or even a wild card destination before his summer choice. On the management side, the NBA Board of Governors formally approved the sale of the Trail Blazers from Paul Allen's estate to Tom Dundon’s investment group on Monday. In more personnel news, former Raptors President Masai Ujiri joined the ownership consortium of Toronto’s newly established WNBA franchise, the Tempo. Furthermore, in an unexpected international move, rap superstar J. Cole signed a professional contract to compete in the Chinese Basketball Association for the Nanjing Monkey Kings, sources confirmed Wednesday.

League Discipline & Personnel Decisions

The Portland Trail Blazers incurred a steep $100,000 fine from the league office, accompanied by a two-week suspension for assistant GMs Mike Schmitz and Sergi Oliva, stemming from illegal contact made with Yang Hansen back in December 2023. Separately, the Chicago Bulls immediately waived guard Jaden Ivey following a series of public anti-gay comments he made during recent rants. The league also saw a major Hall of Fame announcement, as sources indicated that the upcoming class will include former WNBA MVP Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, former NBA center A'mare Stoudemire, and current coach Doc Rivers among the celebrated inductees.

Team Turmoil & Player Incidents

The Golden State Warriors face a period of uncertainty, with veteran Draymond Green grappling with his future as the team misses the playoffs amid significant injury setbacks throughout the campaign. On the injury front, the Minnesota Timberwolves welcomed back star Anthony Edwards on Monday after a six-game absence, though his return was somewhat overshadowed when he missed the opening tipoff in a comical turn due to needing a restroom break. Further compounding team issues, Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested Wednesday in Arkansas on multiple charges, including speeding and possession of a controlled substance. Meanwhile, Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama continued his historic rookie year, posting 41 points and 16 rebounds on Monday, achieving his third-fastest double-double since the 1997-98 season.

Coaching Carousel & Ownership Regrets

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo revealed that he "talked seriously" last summer with Suns majority owner Mat Ishbia regarding Phoenix's vacant head coaching position before the team ultimately settled on hiring Jordan Ott as their primary choice. In ownership reflection, Dallas Mavericks principal Mark Cuban publicly admitted that he regrets the decision to sell the team to the Adelson and Dumont families, conceding that he made numerous procedural errors during the transaction. Finally, in a lighter moment of fraternity, Nikola Jokic attributed the recent high praise he received from a peer to the simple fact that they share the same representation agent.