Basketball news from around the world
Oklahoma City will have Jalen Williams available for Monday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers, meanwhile, will be without Luka Doncic for a second straight game.
North Carolina has been fined $50,000 by the ACC following a court-storming incident after the Tar Heels’ win over rival Duke in Chapel Hill. The league cited a violation of its event security policy.
Michigan 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara knocked down the first two 3-pointers of his college career in an 82-61 victory against Ohio State. The performance placed him in rare company among Division I players of his height.
Cam Thomas has agreed to a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets earlier this week. The move gives Milwaukee another backcourt option as the offseason continues.
The Detroit Pistons are converting two-way guard Daniss Jenkins to a standard NBA deal. Jenkins is signing a two-year contract that includes a team option for the 2026-27 season.
The NBA has announced the participants for the 3-point contest on All-Star Saturday, with Damian Lillard joining the field. Lillard is a two-time winner of the event and was a surprise addition to this year’s lineup.
Wizards general manager Will Dawkins said he expects Anthony Davis to return to the court this season. Dawkins’ comments offer an update on Davis’ status as Washington continues its campaign.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun has been named to the NBA All-Star Game as an injury replacement for reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Sengun will suit up for the World team.
The Big 12 issued a $50,000 fine to Oklahoma State following an anti-Mormon chant directed at BYU during Wednesday’s game. The conference announced the penalty in response to the incident.
Kevin Willard addressed Maryland fans who heckled him throughout Villanova’s game Saturday at Georgetown. The Villanova coach called out the pro-Maryland presence after the contest.
James Harden scored 23 points in his first game with Cleveland, teaming with Donovan Mitchell for 58 combined. The Cavaliers held off the Kings 132-126 in a high-scoring finish.
Nikola Jokic recorded the 182nd triple-double of his career in Saturday’s win over the Chicago Bulls. The milestone moved him past Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson for second place on the NBA’s all-time list.
The Los Angeles Lakers are signing former No. 15 overall pick Kobe Bufkin to a two-year contract. The deal includes a team option for the 2026-27 season.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer said members of his staff were hit as North Carolina fans rushed the floor after a late game-winning shot Saturday night. The incident followed the latest dramatic finish in the Tar Heels’ rivalry matchup with the Blue Devils.
Seth Trimble buried a corner 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds remaining to give No. 14 North Carolina a 71-68 win over No. 4 Duke on Saturday night. The late shot capped a dramatic finish in a marquee matchup between ranked rivals.
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.
