NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 4:38 PM ET
Playoff Performances
Luka Doncic erupted for 51 points as the Lakers exploded in LeBron James' return, with the starting five combining for 137 points — the most by a lineup in a regulation game since the 1970-71 season. The offensive explosion came as Victor Wembanyama sat out with right ankle soreness, leaving the Spurs without their star in a 136-131 loss to the Nuggets. Denver's Nikola Jokic dominated the paint, exploiting San Antonio's interior vulnerability.
Draft Speculation
League insiders are debating whether Darryn Peterson or AJ Dybantsa should go No. 1 in the upcoming NBA draft, with scouts divided on their contrasting skill sets. Meanwhile, Tristan da Silva continues rising up draft boards, while Cameron Johnson and Bennedict Mathurin's fantasy value remains in flux as teams evaluate their postseason contributions. Some executives are also pressing Chris Boozer's case as a sleeper first-round pick.
League Issues
Celtics star Jaylen Brown criticized the league's "foul baiting" trend, arguing that rewarding players for drawing contact undermines basketball's integrity. "I just don't think it's basketball," Brown said, joining a growing chorus of veterans frustrated with how officiating impacts game flow. The comments came as fantasy managers debate roster decisions, weighing whether to keep established veterans or roll with younger, more aggressive players who capitalize on drawing fouls.