NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: April 3, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

League Investigations & Player Status

The NBA has formally opened an investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks' handling of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo's health status, sources confirmed to ESPN's Shams Charania, following Antetokounmpo’s public assertion Friday that he was being held out despite feeling healthy Sources: NBA investigating Bucks, Giannis' health. Meanwhile, the league is also reportedly examining the LA Clippers' organization regarding contract details involving Kawhi Leonard and the team’s overall transparency. In personnel news, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards became ineligible for NBA awards after being ruled out against Detroit while sick, failing to meet the 65-game participation threshold for postseason accolades.

Injury Updates & Team Setbacks

The Dallas Mavericks face a significant hurdle as star guard Luka Doncic was officially ruled out for the remainder of the regular season Doncic set to miss at least rest of regular season due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain sustained Thursday against Oklahoma City Luka (hamstring) set for MRI after exiting loss. Adding to the Western Conference injury woes, Karl-Anthony Towns was held out of the Knicks game Towns held out with elbow injury; Knicks rout Bulls due to a right elbow impingement, though he participated in pregame warmups. Conversely, the San Antonio Spurs managed Victor Wembanyama's workload effectively, resting him Thursday Spurs rest Wemby on back-to-back, top Clippers for right ankle injury management, yet still secured a commanding 118-99 victory over the Clippers.

League Commentary & Franchise Philosophies

A pair of unidentified NBA head coaches pushed back Friday 2 HCs push back after LeBron's Memphis remark defending the culture of Memphis following Lakers star LeBron James' suggestion that the Grizzlies franchise should consider relocating. Off the court, new Portland Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon signaled a shift in organizational ambition Blazers' new owner urging shift to bigger goals, stating the team is moving past simple youth development toward pursuing loftier winning objectives, emphasizing that "It's more fun to win." In league business, the flailing Main Street Sports Group Main Street regional network to cease operations has notified NBA and NHL affiliates that it will terminate operations at the conclusion of the current seasons, creating uncertainty for regional coverage.

MVP Races & Rookie Milestones

As the regular season winds down, the MVP race remains tight, with recent polling among 100 NBA insiders showing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Final NBA MVP (and straw poll: Here's who voters are picking to win still leading, though Victor Wembanyama is mounting a late challenge after delivering a 41-point, 18-rebound performance Wemby stays hot, doubles down on MVP chase. While Wembanyama chases the top individual honor, Charlotte rookie Kon Knueppel set a new franchise benchmark Knueppel sets Hornets mark for 3s in a season for three-pointers made in a single season by a Hornet. Phoenix guard Collin Gillespie also etched his name into the record books Suns' Gillespie sets club 3-pointer season mark Thursday night, establishing the Suns' club record for seasonal threes made.

Off-Court Business & Draft Debates

In an unusual career move, rap artist J. Cole signed a professional contract Sources: Rapper J. Cole to play pro hoops in China to compete in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, sources disclosed Wednesday. Meanwhile, team executives are already intensely debating the top selections for the upcoming draft, with scouts weighing the merits Scouts debate the top of the NBA draft class: Peterson or Dybantsa at No. 1? of consensus top prospects like Peterson versus Dybantsa based on fit versus raw production. Furthermore, the Detroit Pistons secured their first division banner Pistons clinch first division title in 18 years since the 2007-08 season following their Tuesday victory over the Raptors, marking a positive milestone for the young squad.

Team Performance & League Oddities

The Boston Celtics delivered an explosive opening quarter Celtics net 53 in first quarter, 2 off NBA record on Wednesday night, pouring in 53 points against the Miami Heat in the first 12 minutes of a 147-129 final, falling just two points shy of the NBA record for points in a quarter. In a bizarre incident, the Washington Wizards issued an apology Just foolin': Wizards sorry about $10K shot 'skit' for an April Fools' Day segment where a planted fan was misled into believing they had won $10,000 for a half-court shot, confirming the entire scenario was scripted. Separately, the league levied a $100,000 fine Trail Blazers fined $100K for early Hansen contact against the Portland Trail Blazers and suspended two assistant general managers for two weeks due to illegal contact with Yang Hansen that occurred last December.