Basketball news from around the world
Arkansas coach John Calipari said “stuff happens” after the Razorbacks suffered a defeat that matched the largest margin of loss in his 34-year coaching career. The result marked a notable low point for the veteran coach in terms of point differential.
No. 7 Florida secured at least a share of the SEC championship Saturday night with a 111-77 blowout of 20th-ranked Arkansas. The win also extended the Gators’ winning streak to nine games.
Warriors star Stephen Curry said he has not yet progressed to on-court work as he continues rehabbing persistent right knee issues. Curry acknowledged he will remain sidelined “a little longer.”
Pelicans forward Zion Williamson left Saturday’s win over the Utah Jazz in the second quarter after tweaking his ankle. New Orleans finished out the game without him and secured the victory.
Villanova starting forward Matt Hodge injured his right leg Saturday night against No. 15 St. John’s at Madison Square Garden. The injury occurred in a road loss for the Wildcats.
Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis will remain sidelined Saturday night due to a general illness. It will mark his fourth consecutive missed game.
Michigan will be without reserve guard L.J. Cason for the remainder of the season after he suffered a torn right ACL. Cason had emerged as one of the nation’s top backup guards this year.
76ers center Joel Embiid will be sidelined for at least three games due to a strained right oblique, the team announced Saturday. Philadelphia will be without its star big man as it navigates the upcoming stretch of its schedule.
Erik Spoelstra said it would be “incredible” to imagine Kevin Durant playing for the U.S. in the 2028 Olympics. Spoelstra added the possibility hinges on whether Durant still wants to play at that time.
Golden State has reached a three-year, $15 million contract extension with forward Gui Santos. The deal was completed Saturday, per reports.
Kon Knueppel’s recent surge has reshaped the NBA’s Rookie of the Year betting market. The Charlotte Hornets rookie has overtaken Cooper Flagg to become the new favorite.
Thunder guard Lu Dort was assessed a flagrant foul 2 and ejected Friday night after appearing to trip Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. Jokic described the play as “an unnecessary move.”
Boston produced one of the most efficient offensive performances in NBA history Friday night against Brooklyn. The Celtics’ scoring and shot-making from the floor powered a decisive victory.
Friday night’s matchup between the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers was interrupted by an 18-minute delay in the third quarter. A power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction, triggering a blaring horn.
No. 3 Michigan beat No. 10 Illinois 84-70 on Friday night to secure the Big Ten regular-season title. The win locked up the championship outright for the Wolverines.
Jake Fiegen drilled a go-ahead 3-pointer with one second remaining to lift Cornell past first-place Yale, 72-69, on Friday night. The late shot capped an Ivy League thriller and handed Yale a setback at the top of the standings.
The Alabama Supreme Court has denied Crimson Tide center Charles Bediako’s request to be allowed to play while his eligibility case is on appeal. The decision means Bediako will remain sidelined as the appeal process continues.
Trey Perry scored on a driving layup with one second left as No. 21 Miami (Ohio) rallied late to beat Western Michigan 69-67. The win pushed the RedHawks’ season-opening streak to 29 straight victories.
Donovan Mitchell and James Harden will miss a second straight game for Cleveland. The Cavaliers also listed Keon Ellis and Dean Wade as out for Friday’s matchup with Detroit.
Miami Heat guard Norman Powell will miss at least a week after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 right groin strain. Powell, an All-Star and the team’s leading scorer, was ruled out in an update issued Friday.
The Phoenix Suns waived guard Cole Anthony on Friday. Anthony did not appear in a game for Phoenix after being acquired at the NBA trade deadline.
The San Antonio Spurs have signed center Mason Plumlee to a deal for the remainder of the season. The agreement was confirmed by his representation.
With the regular season moving deeper into the stretch run, the NBA’s awards picture continues to draw heavy attention. Analyst Andre Snellings breaks down the current markets, highlighting which award bets offer value and which are best avoided.
Tarleton State is expected to formally announce Friday morning that men’s basketball coach Billy Gillispie will not return next season. The move would mark the end of Gillispie’s tenure leading the Texans.
With no clear-cut frontrunner, NBA insiders were asked to identify which teams hold the strongest case in the Eastern Conference. The survey reflects how open the race remains as contenders jockey for position.
Isaiah Stewart has built a reputation in Detroit around physical play, highlight blocks and a confrontational edge. The full ‘Beef Stew’ experience has also included suspensions, underscoring the fine line he walks.
A new wave of unexpected standouts is reshaping the season’s early storylines. From injury comebacks to expanded responsibilities, 25 players — including Tyler Tanner and Ebuka Okorie — are outperforming preseason expectations.
Kon Knueppel set a new NBA rookie record for 3-pointers Thursday night against the Pacers. His 207th make surpassed the previous mark held by Keegan Murray.
Utah forward Lauri Markkanen will be reevaluated in two weeks following an MRI on his hip. His absence adds to a growing list of Jazz players dealing with injuries.
The Atlanta Hawks are planning a promotional night to pay tribute to Magic City, the city’s famed strip club. The event is scheduled for March 16.
