Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined $35K and retroactively assessed a flagrant-2 f...

<p>Charlotte Hornets guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93879">LaMelo Ball</a> has been fined $35K and retroactively assessed a flagrant-2 foul for tripping Miami Heat center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53731" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53731">Bam Adebayo</a> during Charlotte's play-in victory Tuesday.</p><p>Adebayo suffered a back injury during the incident, which occurred in the second quarter. He missed the remainder of the contest as a result.</p><p>As an off-balance Adebayo attempted to bring down a rebound while standing on one leg near the baseline, Ball used his hand to swipe at the big man's planted foot, sending him crashing to the floor.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bam Adebayo goes down after a collision with LaMelo Ball. <a href="https://t.co/j05gnfsBbK">pic.twitter.com/j05gnfsBbK</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2044207902651543589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The game officials didn't call a foul on the play. They couldn't review the incident afterward because there was no immediate stoppage in play, crew chief Zach Zarba said Tuesday in a pool report.</p><p>Had Ball been assessed a flagrant 2 in the moment, he would have been ejected. The 24-year-old finished with a game-high 30 points, including the game-winning layup in the final seconds of overtime.</p><p>Ball apologized for the incident postgame and said he was disoriented after being hit in the head.</p><p>The Hornets guard was fined an additional $25K for using profanity during a live postgame interview.</p><p>Charlotte will travel to Orlando on Friday to face the Magic for the right to advance to the playoffs as the Eastern Conference's eighth seed. The winner will meet the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the opening round.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 12: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 12, 2026 in New York City.

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LaMelo fined, assessed flagrant 2 for tripping Adebayo

The Portland Trail Blazers' four-year playoff drought is over.  Deni Avdija led all scorers with ...

<p>The Portland Trail Blazers' four-year playoff drought is over.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93883" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93883">Deni Avdija</a> led all scorers with 41 points and the Trail Blazers rallied in the fourth quarter to topple the Phoenix Suns in the play-in tournament Tuesday, 114-110.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">DENI JUST DOMINATED 🔥<br><br>41 PTS<br>7 REB<br>12 AST<br>2 BLK<br>3 3PM<br><br>Portland clinches the West #7 seed and will face San Antonio in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/Google?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Google</a>! <a href="https://t.co/4dF1VcsLC1">pic.twitter.com/4dF1VcsLC1</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2044282151470772542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Portland will now advance to the first round, where a series against Victor Wembanyama and the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs awaits. It's the first time the franchise will compete in the playoffs since losing in five games to the Denver Nuggets in the first round in 2021.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Meanwhile, Phoenix will get a second chance to make the playoffs on Friday when it faces the winner of Wednesday's play-in matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers.</p><p>First-time All-Star Avdija also contributed 12 assists, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while veteran guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/383" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/383">Jrue Holiday</a> added 21 points.</p><p>"I feel like I was just being aggressive the whole night going downhill," Avdija <a href="https://x.com/NBATV/status/2044289170189758597?s=20">told</a> reporters. </p><p>Suns guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96116" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96116">Jalen Green</a> led Phoenix with 35 points but missed a three in the closing seconds that would have retaken the lead for Jordan Ott's squad. Instead, the ball bounced high off the back of the rim and eventually ended up in the hands of Blazers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24892" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24892">Jerami Grant</a>, whose subsequent dunk shut the door on the Suns' hopes.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BLAZERS WIN ON THE ROAD :rotating_light:<br><br>THEY HAVE CLINCHED THE WEST #7 SEED AND WILL FACE THE SPURS IN ROUND 1! <a href="https://t.co/4DGeCF5ho7">pic.twitter.com/4DGeCF5ho7</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2044277391279677584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37815" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37815">Devin Booker</a> had 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting in a losing cause, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39256" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39256">Dillon Brooks</a> contributed 20 points and seven boards before fouling out late in the final frame on an Avdija drive.</p><p>With the Blazers making the playoffs, their 2026 first-round draft selection will now convey to the Chicago Bulls to fulfill the lottery-protected pick obligation from the Lauri Markkanen-Larry Nance Jr. trade in 2021.</p><p>Portland went 1-2 against the Spurs this season, with the lone victory coming on Jan. 3 when Wembanyama missed out due to injury.</p>

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 14: Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket during the game against the Phoenix Suns during the 2026 SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 14, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Blazers claw back to beat Suns, book 1st-round date with Spurs

The Miami Heat ruled out Bam Adebayo for the second half of Tuesday's play-in defeat against the ...

<p>The Miami Heat ruled out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53731" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53731">Bam Adebayo</a> for the second half of Tuesday's play-in defeat against the Charlotte Hornets after the star center hurt his lower back in the second quarter following a collision with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93879">LaMelo Ball</a>.</p><p>Adebayo lost his balance along the baseline when Ball appeared to pull his planted left foot, causing the Heat big man to crash hard onto his backside.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bam Adebayo goes down after a collision with LaMelo Ball. <a href="https://t.co/j05gnfsBbK">pic.twitter.com/j05gnfsBbK</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2044207902651543589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>After heading to the locker room with Miami's trainers, Adebayo was initially considered questionable to return before being ruled out in the second half.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I didn't see it, but I don't think it's cute; I don't think it's funny. I think it's a stupid play," Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters, per <a href="https://x.com/ByTimReynolds/status/2044249243930501375?s=20">The Associated Press' Tim Reynolds</a>. "It's a dangerous play. Obviously, our best player is out, but I'm not making any excuses."</p><p>Referees couldn't review the incident because no foul was called on the play.</p><p>"(Ball) should have been thrown out of the game for that," Spoelstra added.</p><p>Adebayo recorded six points and three rebounds on 3-of-3 shooting in 11 minutes before exiting. </p><p>"I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head and didn't really know where I was, but I'm going to check on him, see if he's OK," Ball told reporters, according to <a href="https://x.com/scott_fowler/status/2044247927866929526?s=20">Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer.</a></p><p>The Hornets won a thrilling overtime affair 127-126 when Miles Bridges blocked Heat guard Davion Mitchell at the buzzer following Ball's clutch layup. Charlotte will now play the loser of Wednesday's play-in meeting between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers with a playoff spot on the line.</p>

CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 14: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat celebrates during the game against the Charlotte Hornets during the Play-In Tournament on April 14, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Spoelstra slams LaMelo's 'stupid' trip of Adebayo

Doc Rivers stepped down as the Milwaukee Bucks' head coach, the club announced Monday.  Rivers we...

<p>Doc Rivers stepped down as the Milwaukee Bucks' head coach, the club announced Monday.</p><p>Rivers went a combined 97-103 over three seasons after replacing Adrian Griffin in January 2024. This season, Milwaukee produced a 32-50 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016.</p><p>"I am disappointed that things did not turn out the way any of us hoped, but I am deeply grateful for this experience, the relationships built, and unwavering support from the fans and the community," Rivers said in a statement. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Bucks, who previously signed Rivers to a $40-million contract through 2026-27, will pay out the remainder of his deal and consider the veteran coach for an advisory role, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48470896/sources-doc-rivers-three-years-bucks-coach">Shams Charania of ESPN</a> reports.</p><p>Rivers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3517490" href="https://thescore.com/news/3517490">hinted</a> last week that he was considering leaving his role at the end of the season to spend more time with his grandchildren.</p><p>The 64-year-old struggled to achieve postseason success with the Bucks, who won just three playoff games under his guidance and never made it out of the first round.</p><p>The former Coach of the Year also occasionally appeared at odds with star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>, who criticized the team's playing style multiple times during the season before being shut down with a hyperextended knee. Antetokounmpo disagreed with the organization's assessment that he wasn't fit to play and called its decision to bench him "a slap in my face." He again took aim at the team following Sunday's finale, calling it "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3521820" href="https://thescore.com/news/3521820">disrespectful</a>" to not play him in the final weeks of the season.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 12: Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 12, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Rivers steps down as Bucks coach, reportedly may return in advisory role

The 2026 WNBA Draft takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET Monday in New York City. Here's everything you ne...

<p><em>The 2026 WNBA Draft takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET Monday in New York City. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the marquee event.</em></p><h3>How to watch 📺</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Country</th>
<th>Channel</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>U.S. 🇺🇸</td>
<td> ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canada 🇨🇦</td>
<td> TSN/SN</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Draft order (Round 1) 🔢</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pick</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Wings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Lynx (via CHI)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Storm (via LA)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Mystics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Sky (via CON)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Tempo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Fire</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Valkyries</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Mystics (via SEA)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Fever</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Mystics (via NY)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Sun (via PHX)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Dream</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>Storm (via LV)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Sun (via MIN)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Click <a href="https://www.tankathon.com/wnba/full_draft">here</a> for draft order in Rounds 2 and 3.</em></p><h3>Tempo's plans at No. 6 🤔</h3><p>After winning a coin toss, the Toronto Tempo prioritized picking sixth rather than seventh in the rookie draft and gave the Portland Fire first dibs on the expansion pool instead. That allowed the Fire to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3513987" href="https://thescore.com/news/3513987">nab</a> Minnesota Lynx forward Bridget Carleton, a Canada Basketball mainstay who would've seemingly been a great fit for a Toronto team flush with other international talent aiming to compete in Year 1.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, Tempo assistant general manager Eli Horowitz admitted interest in "a group of names that we know ... will be available with that No. 6 pick," according to <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/the-shift/article/tempo-to-choose-second-in-wnba-expansion-draft-will-select-no-6-in-draft/">The Canadian Press</a>, suggesting the spot was too valuable to pass up. With so much experience on their inaugural roster, Toronto's first rookie will likely need to be someone who can acclimate quickly to the pro game.</p><p><em>Why wait for the season to start? Click <a href="thescore:///wnba/teams/3685">here</a> and tap the ⭐ to subscribe to Toronto Tempo alerts, and click <a href="thescore:///wnba/teams/3686">here</a> for Portland Fire alerts.</em></p><h3>Expansion draft analysis 🔍</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829256/cropped_WNBAdraft.jpg?ts=1775247565" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829256/w220xh124_WNBAdraft.jpg?ts=1775247565 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829256/w320xh180_WNBAdraft.jpg?ts=1775247565 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829256/w640xh360_WNBAdraft.jpg?ts=1775247565 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829256/w768xh432_WNBAdraft.jpg?ts=1775247565 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829256/w1080xh607_WNBAdraft.jpg?ts=1775247565 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Toronto and Portland were each limited to one unrestricted free agent among their selections, making the timing of their picks notable. Portland chose immediately with Carleton, but as Tempo GM Monica Wright Rogers explained to <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/wnba/video/2026/04/03/tempo-gm-wright-rogers-breaks-down-teams-expansion-draft-strategy/">ESPN's Malika Andrews</a>, that allowed Toronto to delay its UFA target. Instead, the Tempo managed to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3514005" href="https://thescore.com/news/3514005">secure</a> Julie Allemand and reunite Nyara Sabally with her former New York Liberty head coach, Sandy Brondello, before locking in veteran guard Marina Mabrey's free-agent rights.</p><p><em>Click <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3508023" href="https://thescore.com/news/3508023">here</a> to view our expansion draft analysis, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3510682" href="https://thescore.com/news/3510682">here</a> to recap all of the picks made by the Tempo and Fire.</em></p><h3>Mock draft 🔮</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829771/cropped_2026_WNBA_Mock_Draft_4.jpg?ts=1775576030" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829771/w220xh124_2026_WNBA_Mock_Draft_4.jpg?ts=1775576030 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829771/w320xh180_2026_WNBA_Mock_Draft_4.jpg?ts=1775576030 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829771/w640xh360_2026_WNBA_Mock_Draft_4.jpg?ts=1775576030 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829771/w768xh432_2026_WNBA_Mock_Draft_4.jpg?ts=1775576030 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829771/w1080xh607_2026_WNBA_Mock_Draft_4.jpg?ts=1775576030 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julian Catalfo / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p>Who will be selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft: Awa Fam, Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles, or Lauren Betts? A year after Paige Bueckers was the no-brainer first pick, there's some mystery surrounding who could earn top billing in 2026.</p><p><em>Click <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3441403" href="https://thescore.com/news/3441403">here</a> to view the first-round projections in our 2026 WNBA mock draft.</em></p><h3>Players to watch ✍️</h3><p><strong>Awa Fam, F/C (Valencia)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829240/cropped_GettyImages-2257402970.jpg?ts=1775230051" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829240/w220xh124_GettyImages-2257402970.jpg?ts=1775230051 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829240/w320xh180_GettyImages-2257402970.jpg?ts=1775230051 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829240/w640xh360_GettyImages-2257402970.jpg?ts=1775230051 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829240/w768xh432_GettyImages-2257402970.jpg?ts=1775230051 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/829240/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2257402970.jpg?ts=1775230051 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Borja B. Hojas / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Despite a star-studded crop of seniors coming out of the NCAA, the most exciting prospect may be Spanish post-player Fam. The 19-year-old's 6-foot-4 frame makes her difficult to handle, but she's also a confident passer who rewards teammates on backdoor cuts. Though not a volume shooter, Fam has shown that she can extend her range to the 3-point line. Her comprehensive talent could set her up for a long, decorated WNBA career.</p><p><strong>Azzi Fudd, G (UConn)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827781/cropped_GettyImages-2267619359.jpg?ts=1774314392" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827781/w220xh124_GettyImages-2267619359.jpg?ts=1774314392 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827781/w320xh180_GettyImages-2267619359.jpg?ts=1774314392 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827781/w640xh360_GettyImages-2267619359.jpg?ts=1774314392 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827781/w768xh432_GettyImages-2267619359.jpg?ts=1774314392 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827781/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2267619359.jpg?ts=1774314392 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Sean Elliot / NCAA Photos / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Fudd was the de facto captain of Geno Auriemma's UConn squad that reached the Final Four earlier in April. She's a dangerous knockdown shooter who needs little room to operate, with the redshirt senior leading the Big East last season with a 44.7% clip from downtown on nearly seven attempts per contest. Fudd was also an incredibly active defender in her final year, posting 2.5 steals per game, nearly double the 1.4 she averaged during UConn's championship-winning 2024-25 season.</p><p><strong>Olivia Miles, G (TCU)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830248/cropped_GettyImages-2268632199.jpg?ts=1775861147" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830248/w220xh124_GettyImages-2268632199.jpg?ts=1775861147 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830248/w320xh180_GettyImages-2268632199.jpg?ts=1775861147 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830248/w640xh360_GettyImages-2268632199.jpg?ts=1775861147 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830248/w768xh432_GettyImages-2268632199.jpg?ts=1775861147 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830248/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2268632199.jpg?ts=1775861147 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Tanner Pearson / NCAA Photos / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Miles is arguably the best pure point guard up for selection. Prior to arriving at TCU for 2025-26, she topped the ACC in assists per game for three straight seasons at Notre Dame, with the third instance coming after a one-year layoff due to a torn ACL. The 23-year-old continued to thrive after joining the Horned Frogs, not just as their main playmaker but as one of their better rebounders, too. The Big 12 Player of the Year became just the third person to ever register a triple-double at more than one women's NCAA Tournament.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 06: The WNBA logo is seen on a basketball before the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center on August 06, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Everything you need to know about 2026 WNBA Draft

The NBA playoff picture is complete following a frenetic final day of the regular season where al...

<p>The NBA playoff picture is complete following a frenetic final day of the regular season where all 30 teams were in action.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE BRACKET IS SET 🍿 <a href="https://t.co/bqSnxeDnzv">pic.twitter.com/bqSnxeDnzv</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2043526145396592760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>While most of the East was settled heading into Sunday's finale, the Toronto Raptors nabbed the conference's final playoff spot while simultaneously vaulting the Atlanta Hawks for fifth. The Raptors' win meant the Orlando Magic were destined for the play-in regardless, but they dropped a spot further to eighth thanks to the Philadelphia 76ers routing the Milwaukee Bucks.</p><p>There was less to figure out in the West, but one of the unknowns involved who would visit the Phoenix Suns with the No. 7 seed on the line. The upstart Portland Trail Blazers won that right by taking care of business against the second-worst Sacramento Kings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The play-in tournament runs Tuesday through Friday, affording the top-six teams in both conferences plenty of rest before the first round tips off.</p><h3>Western Conference play-in tournament</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Away</th>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Game 1</td>
<td>April 14</td>
<td>(8) Trail Blazers</td>
<td>(7) Suns</td>
<td>10 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 2</td>
<td>April 15</td>
<td>(10) Warriors</td>
<td>(9) Clippers</td>
<td>10 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 3</td>
<td>April 17</td>
<td>Winner of Game 2</td>
<td>Loser of Game 1</td>
<td> 10 p.m.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Had the Blazers lost to Sacramento, it would have allowed the Los Angeles Clippers to move into the No. 7 vs. 8 matchup thanks to their own win Sunday at home to the Golden State Warriors. In a "life comes at you fast" moment for both teams, they'll meet again Wednesday with someone's season on the line.</p><h3>Eastern Conference play-in tournament</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Away</th>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Game 1</td>
<td>April 14</td>
<td>(10) Heat</td>
<td>(9) Hornets</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 2</td>
<td>April 15</td>
<td>(8) Magic</td>
<td>(7) 76ers</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 3</td>
<td>April 17</td>
<td>Winner of Game 1</td>
<td>Loser of Game 2</td>
<td> 7:30 p.m.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Toronto's lopsided win over the lowly Brooklyn Nets took the Magic's playoff hopes out of their hands, but Orlando's comeback against the Boston Celtics fell short, meaning Jamahl Mosley's men now have to travel to Philly to battle for the No. 7 seed when they could have played at home.</p><h3>Western Conference</h3><ul>
<li>(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) TBD</li>
<li>(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) PHX/POR</li>
<li>(3) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves</li>
<li>(4) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Houston Rockets</li>
</ul><p>Oklahoma City didn't replicate its 68-win total from last season but still did enough to secure home-court advantage in the Finals - if the defending champs can get back there. While they won't immediately know their opponents in the first round, the bracket worked out pretty well overall for the West's No. 1 seed; the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs all fell on the other side, leaving the unsteady Houston Rockets or undermanned Los Angeles Lakers in the Thunder's sights for Round 2.</p><h3>Eastern Conference</h3><ul>
<li>(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (8) TBD</li>
<li>(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) ORL/PHI</li>
<li>(3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks</li>
<li>(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Toronto Raptors</li>
</ul><p>Thanks to Atlanta falling to Miami on Sunday, Toronto was able to clinch its first playoffs since 2022 while also jumping up to fifth. That puts Darko Rajakovic's squad up against the Cavaliers rather than the New York Knicks - who they haven't beaten in 13 straight meetings - and also avoids what will potentially be a healthy Celtics squad in the conference semifinals.</p>

HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 18: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets guards LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game on March 18, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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The Dallas Mavericks denied making any errors during an MRI for Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin R...

<p>The Dallas Mavericks denied making any errors during an MRI for Los Angeles Lakers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a>, refuting JJ Redick's assertion that their medical staff scanned the wrong area before diagnosing his Grade 2 oblique strain.</p><p>"Our medical team followed standard imaging protocols based on the information provided at the time," the Mavericks said in a statement Tuesday, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48424364/mavericks-dispute-redick-claim-erred-reaves-mri">ESPN</a>. "There was no error in the scan performed."</p><p>Although Redick initially criticized the Mavericks' medical staff, he said he wants to move on from the situation after Dallas disputed his allegations.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I think in the end, we got the image we needed," Redick said in response to the Mavericks' statement, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakers-mavericks-austin-reaves-mri-exam-5260f533d43a6958df5dd302fd1b211a">The Associated Press</a>. "Obviously very appreciative, because it's happened throughout the season, whenever the home team is accommodating to us, just like we would be for them."</p><p>While in Dallas this past weekend, the Lakers asked the Mavericks to conduct imaging on Reaves, who sustained the oblique injury in the previous game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p><p>Redick claimed that Reaves, who will be out for the rest of the season barring a deep playoff run by L.A., needed two MRIs to confirm the diagnosis because Dallas' medical staff initially scanned the wrong area.</p><p>"(The mistake was) not on our end," Redick said Saturday. "We made it explicit what was supposed to be scanned, but they scanned the wrong area."</p><p>Reaves, 27, wasn't the only marquee Laker injured in Thursday's blowout loss to Oklahoma City. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>, the NBA's leading scorer at 33.5 points per game, will also miss the rest of the regular season at minimum after sustaining a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Los Angeles is also without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> for Tuesday's Thunder rematch, with the 22-time All-Star held out due to foot injury management.</p><p>Reaves averaged a career-high 22.3 points this season, second on the Lakers behind Doncic, along with 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds. However, the undrafted guard played in just 51 games, missing 18 straight contests earlier this season after straining his left calf in a Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets.</p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: (L-R) Austin Reaves #15 speaks to head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is considered day-to-day with a rib contusion after an M...

<p>San Antonio Spurs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> is considered day-to-day with a rib contusion after an MRI on the All-Star came back clean, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/2041669404702994487?s=20">Prime Video's Chris Haynes</a>.</p><p>The Spurs officially listed Wembanyama as doubtful for Wednesday's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.</p><p>The 7-foot-4 big man must play 20 minutes in at least one of San Antonio's remaining three regular-season contests to meet the 65-game minimum and maintain eligibility for end-of-season awards. The favorite for Defensive Player of the Year and an MVP candidate, Wembanyama has appeared in 63 regular-season games. However, the NBA Cup final loss to the New York Knicks on Dec. 16 also counts toward award eligibility despite not being recorded as a regular-season game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 22-year-old Frenchman is averaging 24.8 points and leads the league in blocks at 3.1 per game in his third season. He's also recording 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per contest while posting shooting splits of 51/35/82.5.</p>

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 6: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs talks with Mitch Johnson head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after his first injury against Andre Drummond #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half at Frost Bank Center on April 6, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

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Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne announced Sunday the school has agreed to a new contract wit...

<p>Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne announced Sunday the school has agreed to a new contract with men's basketball head coach Nate Oats.</p><p>Oats' new deal will "make him one of the top-five compensated men's basketball coaches in the country," Byrne said in a <a href="https://twitter.com/yea_ala/status/2040836907030994993">statement</a>.</p><p>The head coach is now under contract through 2031-32, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/jeffborzello/status/2040840038875840784">ESPN's Jeff Borzello</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Oats said ahead of Alabama's Sweet 16 loss to Michigan that he had "absolutely no reason to leave" the program for North Carolina, which continues to seek a new bench boss after firing Hubert Davis on March 24. Oats is the third power conference coach to secure a contract extension amid the Tar Heels' coaching vacancy, joining Tommy Lloyd at Arizona and Vanderbilt's Mark Byington.</p><p>Though the Crimson Tide's run ended at the hands of eventual national finalist Michigan, it was the program's sixth consecutive appearance at the NCAA Tournament and the fourth time it reached the Sweet 16 during Oats' seven seasons in charge. He's also assembled another strong recruit class for 2026, including five-star wing Jaxon Richardson, the nation's No. 17-ranked prospect, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/rankings/scnext300boys/_/class/2026">ESPN</a>.</p><p>In 2024, the 51-year-old led Alabama to the Final Four for the first time in the men's national tournament.</p><p>Since joining the team for the 2019-20 campaign, Oats owns a combined 170-73 coaching record.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Head coach Nate Oats of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts against the Michigan Wolverines in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Duke star Cameron Boozer has been named the 2026 Naismith Men's College Player of the Year.  The ...

<p>Duke star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172510" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172510">Cameron Boozer</a> has been named the 2026 Naismith Men's College Player of the Year.</p><p>The 6-foot-9 forward beat out fellow finalists <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/171881" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/171881">Darius Acuff Jr.</a> (Arkansas), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/173442" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/173442">AJ Dybantsa</a> (BYU), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110337" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110337">Yaxel Lendeborg</a> (Michigan).</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥.<br><br>Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/CameronBoozer12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CameronBoozer12</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/DukeMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DukeMBB</a> on being named our 2026 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year.<a href="https://twitter.com/jerseymikes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jerseymikes</a> <a href="https://t.co/1KTd9CVELl">pic.twitter.com/1KTd9CVELl</a></p>— Naismith Awards (@NaismithTrophy) <a href="https://twitter.com/NaismithTrophy/status/2040814945625846136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Boozer gives the Blue Devils consecutive freshman winners after Cooper Flagg won the award before going first overall in the 2025 NBA draft. Boozer is one of three players believed to be in the mix for this year's top selection, joining Dybantsa and Kansas guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172193" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172193">Darryn Peterson</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He's the 10th men's player in school history to win the Naismith Trophy.</p><p>Boozer, 18, started 38 games for the Blue Devils, topping the team in scoring (22.5 points) and leading the Atlantic Coast Conference with 10.2 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-9 forward posted 55.6/39.1/78.9 shooting splits and was also named the Associated Press Player of the Year.</p>

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 2: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts in the second half against the Florida Gators at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 2, 2025 in Durham, North Carolina.

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LeBron James doesn't believe the negative reception to his viral comments about Memphis is warran...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> doesn't believe the negative reception to his viral comments about Memphis is warranted.</p><p>"I'm 41 years old. There's two cities I do not like playing in right now. That's Milwaukee and that's Memphis. What is the problem with that?" the Los Angeles Lakers star said Saturday, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/mcten/status/2040496066382999559">Dave McMenamin of ESPN</a>. "I don't like going home (to Cleveland) either, and I'm from there. People are ridiculous.</p><p>"They also get mad at my son for being on the team, too. So what are we talking about? People need to figure out other ways to put their energy to other things that are important. Like, seriously? I'm not talking about the city, like the people in Memphis. I don't like staying at the Hyatt Centric. What's wrong with that?"</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>James shot barbs at Milwaukee and Memphis during an appearance on a Bob Does Sports episode that released Thursday. The Lakers star aired his frustration with traveling to both cities before suggesting the Grizzlies relocate to Nashville.</p><p>"Being in Memphis on a f-----g random ass Thursday. I'm not the first guy to even talk about it in the NBA. We're all like, 'You guys have to move,'" James <a href="https://youtu.be/1-TBB3y88QQ?t=657">said</a> while golfing with the YouTuber. "Just go over to Nashville. You got Vanderbilt over there. You got the f-----g NASCAR. You got a stadium - don't they got a hockey team, too? They got everything."</p><p>Memphis Mayor Paul Young defended the city after James' comments went viral and offered the four-time MVP an invitation to explore the city with him.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/KingJames?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kingjames</a>, I would welcome the chance to turn your criticism into action in one of the most important cities in the world. Come to Memphis and roll around with me for a bit and I will show you some of the culture and powerful investment opportunities in our City.</p>— Paul Young (@mayorpaulyoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/mayorpaulyoung/status/2040134000610533652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>James will not have to play in Memphis, Milwaukee, or Cleveland again this season. The Lakers' only remaining road contests are against the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors on Sunday and Thursday, respectively. Los Angeles finishes the season at home April 12 against the Utah Jazz.</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 23, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan.

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UConn head coach Geno Auriemma issued an apology for his heated exchange with South Carolina coun...

<p>UConn head coach Geno Auriemma issued an apology for his heated exchange with South Carolina counterpart Dawn Staley at the end of their Final Four matchup Friday.</p><p>"There's no excuse for how I handled the end of the game vs. South Carolina," the longtime Huskies coach said Saturday in a statement. "It's unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut.</p><p>"I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted. The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don't want my actions to detract from that. I've had a great relationship with their staff, and I sincerely want to apologize to them."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>As the clock ticked down on the Gamecocks' 62-48 win, the two met near midcourt to exchange a handshake. That's when Auriemma said something that set off Staley, prompting her assistants and the referees to step in.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Geno Auriemma exchanged words with Dawn Staley in the final seconds of South Carolina and UConn’s Final Four matchup. <a href="https://t.co/S6anlPKqwe">pic.twitter.com/S6anlPKqwe</a></p>— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/2040235702223286734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Auriemma said postgame that his issue with Staley stemmed from the South Carolina icon stranding him as he waited for a routine pregame handshake.</p><p>"The protocol is, before the game, you meet at half court," he told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7171312/2026/04/04/geno-auriemma-dawn-staley-rivalry/">The Athletic's Jerry Brewer</a>. "I waited there for like three minutes."</p><p>Staley, who will try to win her fourth national championship in Sunday's showdown against UCLA, deferred questions about the incident to Auriemma.</p><p>"He's the one that initiated the conversation," Staley said. "I don't want what happened there to dampen what we were able to accomplish."</p>

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MARCH 27: Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies looks on during the third quarter against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Dickies Arena on March 27, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.

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<p>The Detroit Tigers placed starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/195" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/195">Justin Verlander</a> on the 15-day injured list Saturday due to hip inflammation.</p><p>The move is retroactive to April 1.</p><p>In a corresponding move, Detroit called up Triple-A right-hander Keider Montero.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Verlander, who this offseason returned to the franchise in which he won his first Cy Young in 2011, struggled in his season debut Monday. The nine-time All-Star lasted just 3 2/3 innings and allowed five earned runs on six hits, including a second-inning home run to Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12531" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12531">Corbin Carroll</a>.</p><p>In February, the 43-year-old Verlander signed a one-year deal with Detroit worth $13 million. Sunday was supposed to be his triumphant return to Comerica Park.</p><p>"I know a lot of fans were excited about tomorrow night, and I know a lot of people spent their hard-earned money to come to the game," Verlander said, according to <a href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2026/04/04/justin-verlander-goes-on-injured-list-for-detroit-tigers/89466932007/">Chris McCosky of The Detroit News</a>. "It's frustrating for me, obviously. ... Not how I wanted my first start at home to go. I was looking forward to it."</p><p>Montero, 25, made 12 starts and eight relief appearances for the Tigers last season, tossing a 4.37 ERA over 90 2/3 innings. He'll start the series finale in place of Verlander.</p>

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Why wait for the season to start? Click here and tap the ⭐ to subscribe to Toronto Tempo alerts a...

<p><em>Why wait for the season to start? Click <a href="thescore:///wnba/teams/3685">here</a> and tap the ⭐ to subscribe to Toronto Tempo alerts ahead of the 2026 WNBA season, and click <a href="thescore:///wnba/teams/3686">here</a> for Portland Fire alerts.</em></p><p><em>Click <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3510682" href="https://thescore.com/news/3510682">here</a> to view the complete results of the expansion draft.</em></p><p>The Toronto Tempo took <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/83898" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/83898">Julie Allemand</a> of the Los Angeles Sparks with their first pick in Friday's expansion draft, making the Belgian the first player in franchise history.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Toronto chose the guard after Portland selected Minnesota Lynx forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/47616" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/47616">Bridget Carleton</a> with the top pick.</p><p>Allemand, 29, averaged 5.4 points, five assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 34 games with Los Angeles last season, making 27 starts. Allemand, whom the Indiana Fever picked in the third round in 2016, won back-to-back EuroBasket championships with Belgium in 2023 and 2025, making the All-Tournament team both times.</p><p>The Tempo and Fire had the opportunity to pluck an unprotected player from any franchise except the Chicago Sky, who made their entire roster untouchable by trading a first-round pick to both expansion clubs.</p>

PHOENIX, AZ - SEPTEMBER 9: Julie Allemand #20 of the Los Angeles Sparks handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Mercury on September 9, 2025 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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<p><em>Why wait for the season to start? Click <a href="thescore:///wnba/teams/3685">here</a> and tap the ⭐ to subscribe to Toronto Tempo alerts ahead of the 2026 WNBA season, and click <a href="thescore:///wnba/teams/3686">here</a> for Portland Fire alerts.</em></p><p>The Portland Fire selected <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/47616" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/47616">Bridget Carleton</a> of the Minnesota Lynx with the top pick in the 2026 WNBA expansion draft Friday.</p><p>Portland received the first pick after the Toronto Tempo, who won a coin toss between the two in March, opted for a higher selection (No. 6 instead of 7) in the WNBA's rookie draft.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Carleton started a combined 50 regular-season and playoff games for the Lynx in 2025 and was a key defensive figure for Cheryl Reeve's squad. The Canadian vet averaged 6.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and two assists while shooting 37.3% from behind the arc to help Minnesota finish with a league-best 34 regular-season wins and an appearance in the WNBA semifinals.</p><p>The Fire and Tempo had the opportunity to pluck an unprotected player from any franchise except the Chicago Sky, who made their entire roster untouchable by trading a first-round pick to both expansion clubs.</p>

UNCASVILLE, CT - AUGUST 30: Minnesota Lynx forward Bridget Carleton (6) handles the ball during the WNBA game between Minnesota Lynx and Connecticut Sun on August 30, 2025, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.

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Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is expected to be available for Sunday's matchup against...

<p>Golden State Warriors star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> is expected to be available for Sunday's matchup against former teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> and the Houston Rockets, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/2040147364841677291">ESPN's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater</a>.</p><p>Curry has missed Golden State's last 27 games because of a knee issue. He participated in scrimmages Tuesday and Wednesday and suffered no setbacks. The 38-year-old last played on Jan. 30 against the Detroit Pistons.</p><p>Golden State has struggled without Curry, going 9-18 during his current absence. In total, the team is 13-25 this season when he doesn't play, compared to 23-16 when Curry suits up.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Warriors are 36-41 heading into the final stretch of the regular season. They sit 10th in the Western Conference and are locked into the play-in tournament. </p><p>Curry is averaging a team-leading 27.2 points in 39 contests this season.</p><p> </p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 01: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors smiles as he warms up before their game against the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center on April 01, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement.

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Report: Curry on course to return Sunday vs. Rockets

Arizona and head coach Tommy Lloyd have agreed to a new contract, he announced Friday.   The five...

<p>Arizona and head coach Tommy Lloyd have agreed to a new contract, he announced Friday. </p><p>The five-year extension, which averages $7.5 million per season, puts Lloyd among the top five highest-paid college basketball coaches, according to <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/2040118584572023177?s=20">ESPN's Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello</a>. The deal also reportedly includes significant bonuses and an increased commitment to the staff salary pool.</p><p>The contract removes Lloyd from the running for North Carolina's open head coaching position.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Arizona basketball, you guys know what it means to me," Lloyd <a href="https://x.com/PHNX_Wildcats/status/2040118353243914602">told</a> reporters Friday ahead of Saturday's Final Four showdown with Michigan. "When I say it's a special place, that always comes from the bottom of my heart.</p><p>"I didn't want to make this entire Final Four about that because I'm just a small part of something much bigger. But on that same note, I'd also like to let you know that North Carolina is an amazing place. It's a one-of-one. It's an honor to even be considered for that job. The young kid - for me, the college basketball junkie - watching those games at home never would have thought something like that could have happened to somebody like me."</p><p>North Carolina's offer to Lloyd would have made him one of the two highest-paid coaches in the sport, reports <a href="https://twitter.com/MattNorlander/status/2040118749219414070">Matt Norlander of CBS Sports</a>.</p><p>As part of his new deal with Arizona, the 51-year-old will no longer report to athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois, Norlander adds.</p><p>The Wildcats have reached the NCAA Tournament in each of their five seasons under Lloyd, who led the program to its first Final Four in 25 years.</p>

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Head coach Tommy Lloyd of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the first half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.

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Lloyd takes Arizona extension, rebuffing North Carolina

Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu are shutting down the rumors before they can begin.  While bo...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/27502" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/27502">Breanna Stewart</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/55066" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/55066">Sabrina Ionescu</a> are shutting down the rumors before they can begin.</p><p>While both New York Liberty stars are set to become free agents this offseason, they each confirmed Wednesday that they plan to return to the franchise where they have been teammates for the last three seasons.</p><p>"I'm gonna just set the record straight here: I will be staying in New York. I'm not planning on taking any free agency meetings, even though I am an unrestricted free agent," Stewart said on the "<a href="https://youtu.be/YJiHAxZcRXM?t=2137">Game Recognize Game</a>" podcast, which she co-hosts with Myles Turner of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>She added, "Good luck to everybody else in free agency, but I'm not a part of that."</p><p>Ionescu, meanwhile, shared her intention to return to the team at USA Basketball's training camp.</p><p>"Obviously I'm where I'm supposed to be," the four-time All-WNBA star said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/48371687/breanna-stewart-sabrina-ionescu-say-re-sign-liberty">ESPN's Alexa Philippou</a>. "Never thought anything different, and so excited to be able to sign and get started. It's coming up really quickly, so excited to get all this behind us and just be able to start our season and get going in New York."</p><p>Neither Stewart nor Ionescu confirmed terms of their new contracts with New York. However, thanks to the league's new collective bargaining agreement, the deals will likely come with a substantial pay increase from the $222K they each earned in 2025.</p><p>Free agents are expected to receive permission to negotiate with teams later in April.</p><p>Stewart led the Liberty in scoring last season, averaging 18.3 points along with 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks. However, she missed 13 games because of a bone bruise in her right knee. She returned for New York's final seven regular-season games before its first-round series loss to the Phoenix Mercury.</p><p>The pair are among six unrestricted free agents for the Liberty this offseason, a list that includes 2021 MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/27540" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/27540">Jonquel Jones</a> and three-time All-Defensive pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/18106" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/18106">Natasha Cloud</a>.</p>

BROOKLYN, NY - JULY 22: Breanna Stewart #30 and Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty looks on during the game against the Indiana Fever during a WNBA game on July 22, 2025 at Barclays Center Arena in Brooklyn, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Stewart, Ionescu both plan to re-sign with Liberty in free agency

A familiar face nearly convinced Tom Izzo to make the jump to the NBA.  The longtime Michigan Sta...

<p>A familiar face nearly convinced Tom Izzo to make the jump to the NBA.</p><p>The longtime Michigan State bench boss revealed Wednesday that he spoke with Phoenix Suns owner and former Spartans guard Mat Ishbia about becoming the Suns' head coach before the team hired Jordan Ott in June 2025.</p><p>"I've had more than a couple job offers in the NBA and looked at one last year with Phoenix ... my former player, Mat Ishbia. That was hard, that was a hard thing to turn down," Izzo said on "<a href="https://x.com/dpshow/status/2039359058340123042">The Dan Patrick Show</a>." "Because No. 1, I wanted to go with him."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>When Patrick asked whether Phoenix had offered the job, Izzo kept his response vague.</p><p>"We talked seriously about it, let's say that," Izzo said.</p><p>The decision appears to have benefited both Izzo and Ott, with the latter beating out fellow Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant to secure his first NBA head coaching position. Having previously worked under Izzo at Michigan State from 2008-13, Ott has the Suns sitting in seventh in the Western Conference at 42-34 this season.</p><p>Meanwhile, Izzo is fresh off a sixth straight March Madness and 28th NCAA Tournament overall. He almost certainly would have made it 29 straight had the 2020 tournament not been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p>Izzo and Ishbia's history dates back to Ishbia's 1999-00 freshman season, when he joined the Spartans as a walk-on point guard on the national championship team. Though he played sparingly throughout his college career, Ishbia appeared in 48 games over three years under Izzo, including one start as a junior.</p><p>A 2016 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Izzo has occasionally been linked to NBA coaching positions throughout his 31-year tenure at Michigan State. In June 2010, he revealed he turned down the Cleveland Cavaliers, citing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>' impending free agency as a significant factor. A month later, James announced on "The Decision" that he was leaving his hometown team and taking his talents to South Beach.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 25: Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia and Michigan State University head basketball coach Tom Izzo talk prior to game five of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs between the LA Clippers and the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on April 25, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Izzo 'talked seriously' with Ishbia about Suns' head coaching job

If the Toronto Maple Leafs are cleaning house, it won't be done overnight.  While the team notifi...

<p>If the Toronto Maple Leafs are cleaning house, it won't be done overnight.</p><p>While the team notified Craig Berube of general manager Brad Treliving's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3454465" href="https://thescore.com/news/3454465">firing</a> Monday, the Leafs head coach wasn't given any indication about his status with the club beyond this season, sources told <a href="https://x.com/DarrenDreger/status/2038786803302359496">Darren Dreger of TSN</a>.</p><p>Berube, whom Treliving hired in May 2024 to replace Sheldon Keefe, will have two years remaining on his contract following this season. However, the Leafs are on course for their worst campaign since posting 29 wins in 2015-16 - the last time they failed to reach the postseason.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The disappointing season marks a drastic turnaround from Berube's first year behind the bench when Toronto finished with 108 points - second most in the Eastern Conference - and made the second round of the playoffs for just the second time since the 2003-04 campaign.</p><p>Berube joined the Leafs after winning 206 of 382 regular-season games over six seasons with the St. Louis Blues. He led the organization to its only Stanley Cup in his first season with St. Louis in 2018-19.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 25: Head coach Craig Berube of the Toronto Maple Leafs speaks to media prior to the game against the New York Rangers at Scotiabank Arena on March 25, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Report: Berube's Leafs future unclear after Treliving firing

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Jonathan Soveta

News Editor

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