NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: April 3, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

MVP Race & Rookie Standings

The race for the NBA's Most Valuable Player award remains incredibly tight as the regular season concludes, with a recent straw poll of 100 league insiders suggesting that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's strong case is being seriously challenged by Victor Wembanyama's late surge unseat SGA. Wembanyama, who continues to dominate headlines, was rested on a back-to-back for injury management as the Spurs still beat the Clippers 118-99 on Thursday, yet he doubled down on his MVP pursuit after a recent 41-point, 18-rebound performance MVP chase. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards has effectively taken himself out of consideration for major postseason honors, including MVP, after being ruled out against Detroit due to illness, failing to meet the mandatory 65-game threshold required for eligibility ineligible for NBA awards.

Franchise Records & Team Milestones

Several players cemented their places in team history this past week by setting new franchise marks for three-point shooting volume Knueppel sets Hornets mark. Charlotte rookie Kon Knueppel achieved the franchise record for threes made in a single season, while Phoenix guard Collin Gillespie also claimed the Suns' club record for seasonal triples during Thursday night's action Gillespie sets club 3-pointer season mark. On the team success front, the Detroit Pistons managed to secure their first division title in 18 years, having clinched the Central Division crown for the first time since the 2007-08 season following a victory over the Raptors Pistons clinch first division title. Furthermore, the Boston Celtics delivered a historic offensive display Wednesday, netting 53 points in the first quarter of their 147-129 win over the Heat, coming within just two points of the all-time NBA record for scoring in a single period.

Player Injuries & Off-Court Issues

Injury concerns loom large for playoff contenders, most pressingly for the Dallas Mavericks after superstar Luka Doncic was forced to exit Thursday's loss to the Thunder due to a strained left hamstring, necessitating an MRI Doncic set for MRI. This setback comes after Doncic capped off a phenomenal March, recording his third consecutive 40-point contest to push his monthly total to 600 points as the Mavericks finished the month 15-2 ends March with 600 points. Away from the court, the league is dealing with several off-court matters, including the ongoing investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers regarding the contract details involving Kawhi Leonard and owner Steve Ballmer Leonard, Ballmer and the NBA's investigation. Separately, Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested Wednesday in Arkansas on drug and traffic violations, including speeding Clarke arrested on drug, traffic charges.

Organizational Shifts & Offseason Outlook

As the regular season winds down, organizational priorities are shifting across the league, evidenced by the new ownership in Portland, where Tom Dundon is urging the Trail Blazers to move beyond simple youth development toward achieving loftier competitive goals owner urging shift. In coaching news, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo confirmed he engaged in serious discussions with Suns majority owner Mat Ishbia last summer regarding the Phoenix head coaching vacancy before the team settled on Jordan Ott Izzo 'seriously' eyed Suns HC job. Meanwhile, the Warriors face an uncertain future as Draymond Green confronts the reality of another injury-plagued season in Golden State Green reflects on his future. On the draft front, scouts are debating the merits of top prospects, weighing fit against raw talent as they assess players like Peterson and Dybantsa for the No. 1 selection Is Peterson or Dybantsa No. 1?.

Futures Betting & League Missteps

Despite the uncertainty surrounding team trajectories, playoff futures betting remains active, with some analysts identifying high-payout opportunities, including a contrarian wager suggesting the San Antonio Spurs could ultimately win the championship Spurs to win it all. In league discipline, the Portland Trail Blazers were hit with a $100,000 fine, and two assistant general managers received two-week suspensions for illegal contact made with Yang Hansen back in December 2023 Trail Blazers fined $100K. In a bizarre incident, the Washington Wizards issued an apology for an April Fools' "skit" that falsely suggested a planted fan had won $10,000 for making a half-court shot Wizards sorry about $10K shot 'skit'. Adding to the league's diverse news cycle, rap artist J. Cole has reportedly signed a contract to play professional basketball overseas with the Nanjing Monkey Kings in the Chinese Basketball Association Rapper J. Cole to play pro hoops in China.