NBA Basketball 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 5:37 PM ET
NBA Playoff Action
The Denver Nuggets clinched their playoff berth with a dominant 118-95 win over the Timberwolves, while the Warriors secured the eighth seed in the West after defeating the Rockets 112-105. In the East, the Bucks locked up the top seed following their 130-117 victory against the Heat, setting up a first-round matchup with the eighth-seeded Bulls.
Rising Stars
Duke's Kyle Filipowski surged up draft boards after his 28-point performance in the ACC Tournament, while Gonzaga's Drew Timme boosted his stock with a 25-point, 12-rebound game in the WCC championship. Both players are now projected as potential lottery picks in June's NBA draft.
Fantasy Impact
With the regular season winding down, fantasy managers are debating whether to hold or cut veterans like Chris Paul and Draymond Green, whose playing time has been limited. Meanwhile, streaming options like Bones Hyland and Jordan Goodwin are seeing increased value as teams rest their stars ahead of the playoffs.
Coaching Carousel
The Charlotte Hornets fired their head coach following a 28-54 season, with owner Michael Jordan citing the need for a "new voice" to develop their young core. The Pistons are also expected to make a coaching change after finishing with the NBA's worst record at 17-65.
Injury Updates
Luka Doncic returned to practice with the Mavericks after missing 12 games with a calf strain, though his availability for the season finale remains uncertain. The Clippers' Paul George was ruled out for the remainder of the regular season due to right knee soreness, impacting their seeding chances.
Trade Rumors
The Raptors are reportedly shopping OG Anunoby ahead of the draft, with multiple teams expressing interest in the versatile forward. Meanwhile, the Lakers are exploring potential trades to improve their perimeter defense before the postseason begins.
International News
Australia's national team announced their Olympic roster, featuring NBA players like Josh Giddey and Matisse Thybulle, as they prepare for Paris 2024. The Nigerian team also revealed their preliminary squad, headlined by Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa.