NBA Basketball 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 16, 2026, 2:35 AM ET
NBA Injury & Return Notes
The Cavaliers saw Max Strus return after an absence, as he immediately chipped in 16 points during the first half against the Mavericks; Strus is the first player since the 1997-98 season to post at least 15 points in the first half of a season debut following a layoff. Elsewhere in personnel news, the Warriors confirmed key absences for at least one week, with both Al Horford dealing with a mild left calf strain and Seth Curry sidelined due to a mild left groin strain. Adding to the league's injury concerns, Giannis Antetokounmpo departed Milwaukee’s contest versus the Indiana Pacers after landing awkwardly while finishing a dunk, raising immediate questions about his status League Business & Memorabilia
While the on-court action provided immediate drama, off-court figures demonstrated the league's enduring cultural cachet as businessman Kevin O'Leary displayed memorabilia at the Oscars featuring game-used patches from legends Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.