Expert basketball coverage from around the world
Joel Embiid said he was angry with the 76ers for not being allowed to play Wednesday against Washington. Despite returning to the floor Friday, he has been ruled out for the next game against Detroit.
Veteran NBA referee Joey Crawford, part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, voiced support for challenge systems in sports. Crawford said the review process helps hold officials accountable for their calls.
Amar’e Stoudemire is set to join the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this year as part of a class that also includes Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne and Chamique Holdsclaw. The group will be joined by the 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s team and several prominent coaches and officials.
The men’s Final Four arrives in Indianapolis with UConn facing Illinois and Arizona meeting Michigan in the national semifinals. Here are the key factors being highlighted heading into Saturday’s matchups.
A UConn freshman has etched his name into Indiana basketball history — and his hometown is making sure it’s seen. The town has added his name to local street signs, creating “Mullins Drive” in recognition of his March moment.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg set an NBA age record Friday night, becoming the youngest player to score 50 points in a game. The 19-year-old rookie poured in 51 points in a 138-127 home loss to the Orlando Magic.
The NBA is investigating the Milwaukee Bucks’ handling of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s health, according to reports. Antetokounmpo said Friday he is being held out despite feeling healthy enough to play.
Two NBA head coaches spoke up for Memphis and the city’s basketball culture after Lakers star LeBron James suggested the Grizzlies should relocate. Their comments came Friday in response to the criticism directed at the franchise and its home market.
Karl-Anthony Towns participated in pregame warmups but was ultimately ruled out Friday due to a right elbow impingement. New York went on to rout Chicago without him.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday that aims to limit NCAA athletes to a five-year playing window and restrict how often they can transfer between schools. The order focuses on eligibility timelines and transfer frequency across college sports.
UConn coach Dan Hurley said he isn’t seeking sympathy amid ongoing attention on his animated coaching style. Hurley acknowledged the perception and made clear he doesn’t view himself as a victim.
Alabama guard Aden Holloway is planning to enroll in fall classes after his campus ban was reversed Friday. His attorney said Holloway hopes to rejoin the Crimson Tide next season, pending the outcome of his legal case.
Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg was named the Associated Press men’s basketball Coach of the Year on Friday. He finished ahead of Duke’s Jon Scheyer and Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd in the voting.
Michigan coach Dusty May said he’s happy in Ann Arbor and reiterated his policy of not discussing other job openings. Asked about the situation at North Carolina, May declined to comment beyond that stance.
League chatter is centering on Luka Dončić’s latest hamstring injury and the question of when he could be back on the floor. The latest round of behind-the-scenes talk reflects how closely teams are tracking health and availability as the season grinds on.
Main Street Sports Group has notified NBA and NHL teams that it plans to cease operations at the end of their respective seasons. The company has been described as a struggling regional sports network.
Lakers star Luka Doncic has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. The team announced Friday he will be out at least through the end of the regular season.
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd announced Friday that he has agreed to a new deal with the Wildcats. The agreement comes amid outside talk linking Lloyd to the North Carolina job.
Warriors star Stephen Curry is expected to receive official clearance to return Sunday after completing two successful scrimmages. Curry has missed the past 27 games while dealing with a persistent right knee issue.
Cameron Boozer has been selected as The Associated Press men’s college basketball national Player of the Year. The Duke freshman is only the fifth first-year player to win the award and the second straight from the program.
Saturday’s national semifinal slate is led by a rematch between Illinois and UConn, renewing a storyline that began with a November meeting. The late game also draws attention to the posted total as bettors evaluate how the matchup could play out on the scoreboard.
Weber State is hiring Kaleb Canales as its next head coach, according to sources. The move fills the program’s top job as the Wildcats prepare for the next season.
A final straw poll of 100 NBA insiders offers a late-season snapshot of where the MVP race stands, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander holding the lead as Victor Wembanyama’s surge draws attention. The same survey also checks in on the race for Rookie of the Year.
Dusty May is back on college basketball’s biggest stage. Three years after guiding Florida Atlantic’s Cinderella run to the national semifinals, May has returned to the Final Four as Michigan’s head coach.
Lakers star Luka Doncic left Thursday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening half due to a strained left hamstring. Los Angeles was forced to adjust on the fly after losing its primary playmaker.
Anthony Edwards will miss Minnesota’s game against the Detroit Pistons with a knee issue. The absence leaves him unable to reach the NBA’s 65-game threshold, making him ineligible for postseason awards.
New Portland Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon said the organization is shifting its mindset from developing young talent to aiming higher. Dundon summed up the change simply: “It’s more fun to win.”
Charlotte rookie Kon Knueppel set a new franchise record for 3-pointers made in a single season. The milestone establishes a new benchmark for long-range shooting in Hornets history.
Phoenix guard Collin Gillespie set a new franchise mark for 3-pointers in a season Thursday night. The milestone adds a notable entry to the Suns’ record book.
Kansas big man Flory Bidunga plans to test the NBA draft process while also entering the transfer portal. He is viewed as a potential second-round pick and would rank among the top available players in a portal field that has already surpassed 800 entrants.
