Expert basketball coverage from around the world
Jeremy Fears finished with a game-high 26 points as Michigan State edged Illinois 85-82 in overtime. The win came amid renewed controversy after the Illini accused Fears of intentionally tripping one of their players.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun said he is sorry for a sexist remark directed at a female official earlier this week. Sengun said he apologized to the referee after the game.
Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy said Draymond Green was not included in any trade conversations amid the team’s pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Dunleavy’s comments addressed speculation about Green’s status during the discussions.
The Lakers are working with the Dodgers as they look to model elements of the NBA franchise’s practices and organizational structure after the MLB club’s recent championship success. The collaboration is aimed at learning from the Dodgers’ approach as back-to-back World Series champions.
Spurs guard Stephon Castle delivered a landmark performance, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to post at least 40 points, 12 assists and 12 rebounds in a game. The outing placed Castle in rare statistical company and added another milestone to his early career.
Cameron Johnson is set to return after a six-week absence, giving Denver a timely reinforcement. His comeback comes as Peyton Watson is sidelined with a right hamstring strain.
Syracuse coach Adrian Autry said he made the decision to bench Kiyan Anthony for the entirety of the Orange’s 72-59 loss at No. 18 Virginia on Saturday. Autry noted Anthony was not injured and was available to play.
Golden State is signing two-way guard Pat Spencer to a contract for the rest of the season. The move keeps Spencer in the Warriors’ backcourt as the team pushes through the final stretch of its schedule.
Rudy Gobert criticized the Timberwolves’ effort following a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, calling it “unacceptable.” The veteran center also challenged the coaching staff to sit players who aren’t bringing enough energy.
The NBA is bringing back the Shooting Stars competition following an 11-year hiatus. The event will be part of All-Star Saturday night and will feature four mixed teams of current and former players.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren will not compete in the Slam Dunk contest after suffering a knee injury. Orlando Magic rookie Jase Richardson has been selected as his replacement.
St. John’s picked up its first marquee win of the season Friday night, defeating No. 3 UConn 81-72 at Madison Square Garden. The result ended the Huskies’ 18-game winning streak in front of a charged home crowd.
Alabama center Charles Bediako is expected to be available Saturday at Auburn after a county circuit court judge did not issue an immediate decision following a Friday hearing in Bediako’s lawsuit against the NCAA.
Memphis guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and Portland guard Scoot Henderson both made their season debuts Friday night. The two young guards returned to action on the same floor as the Grizzlies and Trail Blazers met.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has partnered with prediction market Kalshi as a shareholder. The announcement was made Friday, marking Antetokounmpo as the first basketball star to take an ownership stake in the company.
Lakers star Luka Doncic will not play Saturday against the Golden State Warriors due to a strained left hamstring. There is optimism the injury is not considered major, according to reports.
Ivica Zubac’s first appearance with the Indiana Pacers remains on hold. Coach Rick Carlisle said Friday the center won’t debut until an ankle injury he has been dealing with since December is fully healed.
Detroit chose not to make a major move at the trade deadline despite leading the Eastern Conference. With the playoffs a little more than two months away, the Pistons emphasized internal growth and team chemistry.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Giannis Antetokounmpo is “close” to returning from a strained right calf. Rivers emphasized Milwaukee will wait until the star forward is fully healthy before he plays.
Brad Stevens delivered a clear message to Jayson Tatum as the Celtics star remains sidelined by injury. If Tatum has questioned whether he still fits with Boston, Stevens said the answer is simple: the Celtics are better with him.
Michigan State is facing a major setback with Divine Ugochukwu sidelined for the rest of the season. Coach Tom Izzo also said discipline for star guard Jeremy Fears is possible as the Spartans navigate the situation.
Mike Conley Jr. is planning to rejoin the Minnesota Timberwolves after a brief stretch of roster movement this week. The veteran guard was traded by Minnesota, moved again, and then waived—clearing a path for a quick reunion.
Fantasy managers weighing whether to hold or move surging players have a familiar dilemma: ride the hot streak or cash in. Cooper Flagg and Saddiq Bey headline a group that also includes DeMar DeRozan and Ty Jerome.
The trade involving James Harden reflected a shared understanding between the guard and the Clippers that his best path to winning lay elsewhere. It also signaled the end of a turbulent stretch in Los Angeles.
Stephen Curry said his right knee injury is “trending in the right direction” as Golden State navigates the trade deadline. He also addressed the franchise impact of Jimmy Butler’s injury and his reaction to the Kristaps Porzingis trade.
The first Duke-North Carolina meeting of the season will put two of the nation’s top four freshmen on the same floor. Duke’s Boozer and UNC’s Wilson enter the rivalry game in the Freshman of the Year conversation.
In the wake of the NBA trade deadline’s final wave of deals, teams around the league are reassessing where they stand. The moves have also sharpened focus on what could be a pivotal summer ahead.
Lakers star Luka Doncic limped off the floor in the second quarter Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. He is set to undergo an MRI on his left hamstring Friday.
Golden State has not set a timetable for Kristaps Porzingis’ first appearance with the team. The Warriors said they expect the oft-injured big man to be back on the court soon.
Tyus Jones is on the move again after being traded from Orlando to Charlotte on Wednesday. He is now headed to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Malaki Branham.
