
NCAA Tournament Expansion to 76 Teams Nears Final Approval
The NCAA is moving through the final stages of expanding the men's and women's basketball tournaments to 76 teams. The process could be completed as early as Thursday.
Expert basketball coverage from around the world

The NCAA is moving through the final stages of expanding the men's and women's basketball tournaments to 76 teams. The process could be completed as early as Thursday.

Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam said he would like Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with Milwaukee settled before next month’s NBA draft. The comment places emphasis on clarity for the franchise as it approaches a key offseason checkpoint.

Jaylen Brown made clear Wednesday night that he remains happy with the Celtics. The Boston star said that, if the decision were his, he would stay with the franchise for the next 10 years.

Jalen Brunson scored 26 points as New York edged Philadelphia on Wednesday night. The victory gave the Knicks a 2-0 lead over the 76ers in their series.

Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller underwent surgery to address instability in his left shoulder. The team announced the procedure Wednesday.

Nick Nurse rejoined the Philadelphia 76ers after attending the funeral of his brother, Steve Nurse. The 76ers coach said Steve was a fan who would have wanted him on the sideline for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Cleveland Cavaliers reserve guard Sam Merrill underwent an MRI on his left hamstring after being injured in Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons. The injury occurred during the Cavaliers’ Game 1 loss.

Detroit Mercy has extended men's basketball head coach Mark Montgomery through the 2030-31 season. The agreement gives the program long-term continuity under Montgomery.

A Connecticut Senate amendment has named former UConn stars Sue Bird and Jordan Hawkins as state birds for the month of March. The nod highlights both players’ lasting ties to UConn basketball and their fitting avian-themed surnames.

Brad Stevens dismissed suggestions of tension between Jaylen Brown and the Celtics, saying the veteran wing did not express frustration with the organization in a recent conversation. Stevens also made clear his support for Brown, emphasizing the relationship remains intact.

Lakers star Luka Doncic said he remains unsure when he will be able to return from a Grade 2 hamstring strain. The injury has kept him sidelined since early April.

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will miss Game 2 against the New York Knicks because of ankle and hip injuries. His absence leaves the Sixers without their franchise centerpiece as the series continues.

With all four conference semifinal series underway, the playoff bracket has been re-ranked based on each team’s current position in the postseason. The reset evaluates which remaining teams appear closest to the 2026 NBA title after the opening games of the round.

Celtics forward Jaylen Brown has been fined $50,000 by the NBA for criticizing officials following Boston’s first-round loss to the 76ers. Brown said the officiating crew had “an agenda” against him.

Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell addressed why he has not been getting to the free-throw line as often in the playoffs as he did during the regular season. Asked about the difference Tuesday night, Mitchell offered a blunt explanation: “I don’t flop, maybe that’s why.”

Austin Reaves endured a difficult shooting night as the Lakers dropped Game 1 to the Thunder. The guard finished 3-for-16 from the field and committed a team-high four turnovers, but refused to point to his recent injury layoff as an excuse.

Cade Cunningham scored 23 points and Tobias Harris added 20 as the Pistons defeated the Cavaliers 111-101 in Game 1 of their second-round series. Detroit pulled away Tuesday night to open the matchup with a road-tested playoff win.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt sustained a full dislocation of his right pinky finger during the matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury adds another concern for the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation.

The Thunder delivered a strong Game 1 performance Tuesday night, routing the Lakers to begin their Western Conference semifinal series. The victory gives Oklahoma City an early advantage in the best-of-seven matchup.

The Clippers added some edge to draft lottery weekend with a pointed reminder involving the Pacers’ pick. If Indiana’s selection lands between Nos. 5 and 9, it will be transferred to Los Angeles.

The Pistons established control early on their home floor, jumping out to an opening lead. The strong start set the tone as they looked to dictate the pace in front of their fans.

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse left the team Tuesday to attend his brother’s funeral. He is expected to return in time for Game 2 of the 76ers’ playoff series against the New York Knicks.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said he believed several of Victor Wembanyama’s 12 blocks in Game 1 should have been ruled goaltending. The comment adds a sharp postgame note to Wembanyama’s standout defensive performance.

José “Piculín” Ortiz, widely regarded as one of Puerto Rico’s greatest basketball players, has died at the age of 62. The former center had a brief stint in the NBA but was best known for his lasting impact on Puerto Rican basketball.

After an unpredictable first round, attention across the league has shifted to the NBA conference semifinals. League insiders are assessing the biggest developments, matchups and storylines shaping the next stage of the postseason.
Player movement is underway across major men’s college basketball programs as teams reshape their rosters for the 2026-27 season. This tracker follows notable roster changes during the offseason.

Nigeria’s D’Tigress completed their historic three-game WNBA Tour with three losses against elite opposition. While the results were one-sided on the surface, the tour offered the team a meaningful measure of their level against top competition.

Anthony Edwards returned to help the Timberwolves secure a Game 1 win over the favored Spurs. Minnesota held on despite a record-setting performance from Victor Wembanyama.

Victor Wembanyama delivered a historic defensive performance with a playoff-record 12 blocks as part of a triple-double, but the Spurs fell to the Timberwolves in Game 1. Afterward, he lamented what he described as poor energy management in the loss.

The Knicks delivered a commanding performance against the 76ers as second-round playoff action continued in the Eastern Conference. The latest games offered clearer takeaways on momentum, execution and the demands of postseason basketball.