NBA Basketball 3 Days

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

MVP Races & Star Performances

The MVP conversation remains heated as the regular season winds down, with Victor Wembanyama doubling down on his candidacy after delivering a massive 41-point, 18-rebound performance in a decisive Spurs victory, where he also posted his third-fastest double-double since the 1997-98 season posting 41 points and 16 boards. Across the league, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander maintained his measured approach to the chatter, stating he prefers to let his game do the talking, while Lakers coach JJ Redick publicly threw his support behind Luka Doncic, arguing that if the Lakers maintain their current momentum, Doncic deserves the award after compiling 600 points in March and leading his team to a 15-2 record for the month.

Team Milestones & Disciplinary Actions

The Boston Celtics achieved a blistering start Wednesday night, exploding for 53 points in the first quarter during a 147-129 dismantling of the Miami Heat, falling just two points shy of the NBA record for most points in a single period. In contrast to Boston's success, the Detroit Pistons celebrated clinching their first Central Division title since the 2007-08 campaign following a victory over the Raptors earlier in the week. Meanwhile, the league levied sanctions against the Portland Trail Blazers for early contact with Yang Hansen in December 2023, resulting in a $100,000 fine and two-week suspensions for assistant GMs Mike Schmitz and Sergi Oliva, two years before Hansen is eligible to enter the draft.

Front Office Moves & Ownership Changes

In ownership news, the NBA Board of Governors formally approved the Trail Blazers' sale on Monday, transferring controlling interest from Paul Allen's estate to the investment group steered by Tom Dundon. Adding to the league's personnel movements, former Raptors President Masai Ujiri joined the ownership group of Toronto's newly established WNBA franchise, the Tempo. On the coaching front, Michigan State mentor Tom Izzo confirmed he spoke "seriously" with Suns owner Mat Ishbia last summer regarding the Phoenix head coaching vacancy before Jordan Ott was ultimately hired.

Player Status & Off-Court Incidents

Several high-profile players navigated injury updates or off-court issues this week; Golden State's Stephen Curry cleared a major hurdle by participating in a five-on-five scrimmage, representing the largest step toward his return from a persistent right knee issue. For the Timberwolves, while Anthony Edwards made his return after missing six games—attributing his late arrival to the bench to needing the restroom admitting "nature calls"—the team simultaneously announced that Jaden McDaniels is now sidelined on a week-to-week basis due to knee injuries sidelining McDaniels week-to-week. On a more serious note, Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested Wednesday in Arkansas on charges including speeding and possession of a controlled substance.

League Integrity & Future Speculation

The league continues to manage high-level inquiries, with insider details emerging regarding the ongoing investigation into the LA Clippers concerning Kawhi Leonard’s contract details and the nature of his relationship with owner Steve Ballmer. Separately, the Chicago Bulls moved swiftly to waive guard Jaden Ivey immediately following controversial anti-gay comments he made during public rants. In a peculiar instance of organizational transparency, the Wizards issued an apology after a scripted half-court shot "skit" where a planted fan appeared to be tricked out of a $10,000 prize, admitting the entire segment was pre-planned.

Retirement Paths & Draft Strategy

As the league looks toward the offseason, uncertainty clouds the future of Draymond Green amid a disappointing Warriors season, while league sources are detailing six potential free agency destinations for LeBron James this summer, ranging from the Lakers to the Warriors. Furthermore, the pre-draft process is intensifying, with scouts and executives debating whether to prioritize fit over raw talent or versatility over established production when considering prospects near the top of the draft board, particularly concerning the race for the No. 5 pick and beyond. Adding an unusual note to the global basketball ecosystem, rap superstar J. Cole has reportedly signed a contract to compete professionally in China with the Nanjing Monkey Kings.

Organizational Regrets & Hall of Fame Honors

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban recently expressed deep regret over the sale of the franchise to the Adelson and Dumont families, conceding that he made multiple errors during the process. In positive organizational news, the league announced that the upcoming Hall of Fame class will induct several decorated figures, including former WNBA MVP Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, former NBA center Amar'e Stoudemire, and Doc Rivers. Separately, Grizzlies center Nikola Jokic joked that his agent was the reason for high praise received from teammate Brandon Clarke.