St. John's keeps adding talent: Ex-Stanford guard Oziyah Sellers decided to play for Rick Pitino ...

<p>St. John's keeps adding talent: Ex-Stanford guard Oziyah Sellers decided to play for Rick Pitino and the Red Storm next season, <a href="https://www.on3.com/news/stanford-transfer-oziyah-sellers-commits-to-st-johns/">On3's Joe Tipton</a> reports.</p><p>The 6-foot-5 guard started all 35 of his games for the Cardinal, averaging 13.7 points and 1.3 assists while shooting 40.1% from three on 4.2 attempts per game.</p><p>The junior guard will provide Pitino's squad with some much-needed spacing. The Red Storm were last in 3-point percentage in the Big East during the 2024-25 campaign, shooting 27.8% from downtown. Despite its inefficiency from the outside, St. John's still managed to win the Big East regular-season and tourney titles.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sellers played two seasons with USC before joining Stanford last summer.</p><p>The Red Storm have already made a splash in the transfer portal, receiving commitments from former five-star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121787" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121787">Joson Sanon</a> from Arizona State as well as former Providence star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95674" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95674">Bryce Hopkins</a>.</p><p>St. John's finished last season with a 31-5 record but got bounced in Round 2 of the NCAA Tournament.</p>

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 13: Oziyah Sellers #4 of the Stanford Cardinal brings the ball up court /L during the quarterfinal round of the ACC men's basketball tournament at Spectrum Center on March 13, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Report: St. John's lands Stanford transfer Sellers

Duke sharpshooter Kon Knueppel is declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, he announced on social media ...

<p>Duke sharpshooter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162168" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162168">Kon Knueppel</a> is declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, he <a href="https://x.com/Kon2Knueppel/status/1912538509056901533">announced</a> on social media Wednesday.</p><p>The projected lottery selection averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 47.9% from the field and 40.6% from three in his lone season with the Blue Devils.</p><p>The 6-foot-7 Milwaukee native was <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/playerrankings/_/class/2024/order/true">ESPN</a>'s 19th-ranked player coming out of high school. The four-star recruit didn't disappoint during his time in North Carolina, making the All-ACC second team.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Knueppel won the ACC Tournament MVP after recording 18 points and eight rebounds in a championship victory versus Louisville.</p><p>Knueppel continued his momentum into the NCAA tourney, scoring over 20 points in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight.</p><p>Knueppel is the first player from Duke's talented freshman cohort to declare for the NBA draft. His teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162169" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162169">Cooper Flagg</a> is expected to be the No. 1 overall selection.</p>

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 5: Kon Knueppel #7 of the Duke Blue Devils puts up a shot against the Houston Cougars in the first half during the Final Four round of the men's NCAA basketball tournament at Alamodome on April 5, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.

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Duke's Knueppel entering NBA draft

Michigan big man Danny Wolf will declare for the 2025 NBA Draft and forgo his remaining college e...

<p>Michigan big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/104554" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/104554">Danny Wolf</a> will declare for the 2025 NBA Draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility, he told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44699616/michigan-danny-wolf-enter-nba-draft-forgo-ncaa-eligibility">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a> on Wednesday.</p><p>Wolf made the All-Big Ten second team after averaging 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in his lone season with the Wolverines. He propelled them to a Big Ten Tournament title and a trip to the Sweet 16 in which they were knocked out by Auburn.</p><p>"This season exceeded all expectations," Wolf said. "We had an awesome year from a team standpoint. I didn't know what I was getting myself into with a brand-new roster and coaching staff, but (head coach) Dusty May had an out-of-the-box plan for my development with a unique style of offense that allowed me to play my game."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>May took over Michigan last summer and paired the 7-foot Wolf with another 7-footer, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/88860" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/88860">Vladislav Goldin</a>, whom he brought with him from FAU.</p><p>The two-big offense worked remarkably well, with Wolf studying supersized NBA playmakers and shooters, such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53404" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53404">Lauri Markkanen</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96113" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96113">Alperen Sengun</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a>, to make the unusual partnership effective.</p><p>Wolf spent two seasons at Yale before transferring to Michigan. He was named to the 2023-24 All-Ivy first team and awarded that season's Ivy League Tournament MVP. Wolf was part of the Yale squad that upset Auburn in Round 1 of the 2024 NCAA tourney.</p><p>The NBA draft will be held June 25-26.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 20: Danny Wolf #1 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after a first half three-point shot against the UC San Diego Tritons in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Ball Arena on March 20, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Michigan's Wolf declares for 2025 draft

The NBA announced its schedule for the opening round of the 2025 postseason Wednesday.  The eight...

<p>The NBA announced its schedule for the opening round of the 2025 postseason Wednesday.</p><p>The eighth seed in both the East and West is still up for grabs. The winner of the Sacramento Kings versus the Dallas Mavericks will play the Memphis Grizzlies in a single-elimination game for the final spot in the West; the winner of the Miami Heat versus the Chicago Bulls will face the Atlanta Hawks for the No. 8 slot in the East.</p><p>Here are the schedules for all eight series:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Eastern Conference</h3><p><strong>Cleveland Cavaliers (1) vs. East's No. 8 Seed</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 20</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>No. 8 Seed</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 23</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>No. 8 Seed</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 26</td>
<td> 1 p.m.</td>
<td>No. 8 Seed</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 28</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>No. 8 Seed</td>
<td> Cavaliers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 30</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>No. 8 Seed</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 2</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>No. 8 Seed</td>
<td> Cavaliers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 4</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td> No. 8 Seed</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Boston Celtics (2) vs. Orlando Magic (7)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 20</td>
<td>3:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
<td>Magic</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 23</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
<td>Magic</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 25</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Magic</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 27</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Magic</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 29</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
<td>Magic</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 1</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Magic</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 3</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
<td>Magic</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>New York Knicks (3) vs. Detroit Pistons (6)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 19</td>
<td>6 p.m.</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 21</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 24</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 27</td>
<td>1 p.m.</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 29</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 1</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 3</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Indiana Pacers (4) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (5)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 19</td>
<td>1 p.m.</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 22</td>
<td>7 p.m.</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 25</td>
<td>8 p.m.</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 27</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 29</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 2</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
<td> Pacers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 4</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Western Conference</h3><p><strong>Oklahoma City Thunder (1) vs. West's No. 8 Seed</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 20</td>
<td>1 p.m.</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>No. 8 Seed</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 22</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>No. 8 Seed</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 24</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>No. 8 Seed</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 26</td>
<td>3:30 p.m.</td>
<td>No. 8 Seed</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 28</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>No. 8 Seed</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 1</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>No. 8 Seed</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 3</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>No. 8 Seed</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Houston Rockets (2) vs. Golden State Warriors (7)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 20</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 23</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 26</td>
<td>8:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 28</td>
<td>10 p.m.</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 30</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 2</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 4</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Rockets</td>
<td>Warriors</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Los Angeles Lakers (3) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (6)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 19</td>
<td>8:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>Timberwolves</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 22</td>
<td>10 p.m.</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>Timberwolves</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 25</td>
<td>9:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Timberwolves</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 27</td>
<td>3:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Timberwolves</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 30</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>Timberwolves</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 2</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Timberwolves</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 4</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>Timberwolves</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Denver Nuggets (4) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (5)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>April 19</td>
<td>3:30 p.m.</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>Clippers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>April 21</td>
<td>10 p.m.</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>Clippers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>April 24</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Clippers</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>April 26</td>
<td>6 p.m.</td>
<td>Clippers</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5*</td>
<td>April 29</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>Clippers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6*</td>
<td>May 1</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Clippers</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7*</td>
<td>May 3</td>
<td>TBD</td>
<td>Nuggets</td>
<td>Clippers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* If necessary</em></p>

Orlando, FL - AUGUST 29: A generic basketball photo of the Official @NBA Spalding basketball in front the NBA Playoffs logo during Round One Game Five of the NBA Playoffs between the Orlando Magic and the Milwaukee Bucks on August 29, 2020 at The AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE

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NBA releases 1st-round playoff schedule

The Golden State Warriors captured the No. 7 seed in the postseason Tuesday, thanks to their 121-...

<p>The Golden State Warriors captured the No. 7 seed in the postseason Tuesday, thanks to their 121-116 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.</p><p>The victory secured a first-round matchup with the Houston Rockets. After months of high-intensity basketball, the Warriors have a moment of reprieve.</p><p>"Just a sense of relief that we have something to look forward to now," Warriors star Steph Curry told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44693889/butler-curry-lead-warriors-grizzlies-playoffs">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Curry tallied 37 points, eight rebounds, and four assists as the Warriors won their first play-in game in franchise history. </p><p>"It's just a reminder that it's not guaranteed," Curry said of making the postseason. "I don't care how talented you are. You look around the league, you could argue more talented teams that we have that are on the outside looking in."</p><p>Head coach Steve Kerr said, "We desperately needed to win this game and get four days (off). Our guys have basically been playing knockout games for about three weeks. One high-level game after another.</p><p>"So to get this one, it took 83 games. But we were right where we want to be, which is back in the playoffs, and we got a chance."</p><p>Among a crowded Western Conference, Golden State was forced to go on a late-season push just to qualify for the seven-versus-eight play-in game. The Warriors' 20-7 record after the All-Star break was the third-best mark in the Association.</p><p>Jimmy Butler, meanwhile, never doubted that Golden State would find itself in the postseason.</p><p>"Whenever I talk to Steph, (Draymond Green), Steve, and Mike (Dunleavy Jr.) before I even got here, I was telling them I can help," Butler said. "Now, I don't know in what manner that I can help, but we're going to make the playoffs.</p><p>"I feel like I can give any team - for sure this one - a chance to win. And they believe it, I believe it, and that's all that you can ask for."</p><p>The former Miami Heat star poured in a game-high 38 points in the win - his highest output since joining Golden State at the trade deadline and his second consecutive contest with at least 30 points.</p><p>The Warriors won the season series against the Rockets 3-2. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday at 9:30 p.m. ET.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 1: Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Stephen Curry #30 after the game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 15, 2025 at Chase Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Curry, Warriors have 'sense of relief' after securing playoff berth

Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison is doubling down on his stance that his decision t...

<p>Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison is doubling down on his stance that his decision to trade <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> to the Los Angeles Lakers at the deadline was the right move for the organization's future.</p><p>"There's no regrets on the trade," Harrison said during a closed-door media roundtable Tuesday in which the blockbuster Doncic deal dominated the discussion, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44685264/mavs-gm-nico-harrison-no-regrets-luka-doncic-trade">ESPN's Tim MacMahon</a>.</p><p>"Part of my job is to do the best thing for the Mavericks, not only today but also in the future, and some of the decisions I'm going to make are going to be unpopular. That's my job, and I have to stand by it."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Harrison also reiterated the importance of defense on a championship team, a point he made when initially justifying his decision to trade Doncic for a package headlined by perennial All-Defensive big man <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6583/anthony-davis">Anthony Davis</a> in early February.</p><p>When asked about Mavs fans calling for his dismissal, Harrison highlighted his track record of acquiring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60087" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60087">Daniel Gafford</a>, and<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60416" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60416"> P.J. Washington</a> - all of whom played key roles in the club's run to the Finals last season.</p><p>"Well, the beauty of Dallas is it is a passionate fan base," Harrison said. "For us to reach our goals, we need that fan base. And to be honest with you, every trade I've made since I've been here has not been regarded as a good trade, and so sometimes it takes time."</p><p>The 52-year-old insisted that fans' "vitriol would've subsided" if Davis' long-term abductor injury in his Mavs debut and Irving's season-ending ACL tear in early March hadn't hit the team.</p><p>New Mavericks CEO Rick Welts, who also attended Tuesday's roundtable, cited next season's 75%-80% ticket renewal as proof that fans still support Harrison.</p><p>"That doesn't mean that there's a segment of our fan base that doesn't feel alienated right now, and I think that we hear 'em," Welts said. "And it's on us to win back that trust."</p><p>Harrison said he believes the organization's championship window is in the next "three-to-four years," adding that he intends to remain with the Mavericks through the final three years of his contract.</p><p>Dallas will face the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament's West matchup between the Nos. 9 and 10 teams. The winner will take on either the Memphis Grizzlies or the Golden State Warriors for the No. 8 seed in the conference's playoff bracket; the loser gets eliminated.</p>

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 24: Nico Harrison of the Dallas Mavericks arrives to the arena before the game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 24, 2024 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Mavs' Harrison has 'no regrets' about Luka trade

Former Kansas guard AJ Storr will play for Chris Beard at Ole Miss next season, a source told CBS...

<p>Former Kansas guard AJ Storr will play for Chris Beard at Ole Miss next season, a source told <a href="https://x.com/JonRothstein/status/1912205310804058558">CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein</a> on Tuesday.</p><p>Storr began his career with St. John's, where he received Big East All-Freshman honors after he started in 17 of his 33 games and averaged 8.8 points per contest. The Rockford, Illinois, native moved to Wisconsin for his sophomore campaign.</p><p>The 6-foot-7 Storr had his best season with the Badgers, averaging 16.8 points and 3.9 rebounds on 43.4/32.0/81.2 shooting splits. He was named to the 2024 All-Big Ten second team.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Storr tested for the 2024 NBA Draft but opted to return to school so he could capitalize on NIL. He reportedly sought a $1-million payout but ended up taking $750,000 from Kansas. Storr disappointed in his lone season with the Jayhawks, averaging a career-low 6.1 points on 38.4% shooting from the field and 29.1% from deep.</p><p>Storr becomes Ole Miss's second transfer commit, joining former LSU forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110874" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110874">Corey Chest</a>.</p><p>The Rebels also have two top-100 recruits from the 2025 class, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/playerrankings">ESPN</a>'s rankings.</p><p>Beard just wrapped up his second season in Oxford. The Rebels finished sixth in the SEC and had an overall record of 24-12. The school participated in its first NCAA Tournament since 2019, losing to Michigan State in the Sweet 16.</p>

KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 12: Kansas Jayhawks guard AJ Storr (2) sets up to shoot a three in the second half of a Big 12 tournament game between the UCF Knights and Kansas Jayhawks on March 12, 2025 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO.

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Report: Ex-Kansas guard Storr transferring to Ole Miss

Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard will miss the start of the first round of the playoffs as he ...

<p>Milwaukee Bucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> will miss the start of the first round of the playoffs as he continues to deal with a blood clot in his leg, a source told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1912179759410528570">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>However, Lillard has significantly progressed in his treatment, and the Bucks are optimistic he'll be cleared at some point in the postseason, Charania <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1912180040596668502">reports</a>.</p><p>"Damian's most recent weekly scan shows that his injury has significantly improved, which will enable him to move ahead safely with increased basketball activity," general manager Jon Horst said in a statement Tuesday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Lillard remains ineligible for contact drills but will be allowed to participate in a more intense shooting regimen, head coach Doc Rivers told <a href="https://x.com/eric_nehm/status/1912233646733377719">The Athletic's Eric Nehm</a>.</p><p>Lillard's averaging 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in 58 games this campaign.</p><p>The Bucks have largely thrived in Lillard's absence, posting a 10-4 record since he was sidelined on March 18 and finishing the campaign on an eight-game winning streak. The team snagged the fifth seed and will take on the No. 4 Indiana Pacers in a rematch of last season's first round. Milwaukee went 3-1 in its four regular-season games versus Indy.</p><p>Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WI - JANUARY 23: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on January 23, 2025 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE .

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Report: Lillard to miss start of playoffs

South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles is entering the 2025 NBA Draft, he announced Tuesday ...

<p>South Carolina forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110943" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110943">Collin Murray-Boyles</a> is entering the 2025 NBA Draft, he announced Tuesday on Instagram.</p><p>Aside from being an elite defender, the projected first-rounder stuffed the stat sheet in his sophomore season, leading the Gamecocks in points (16.8), rebounds (8.3), steals (1.5), and blocks (1.3). He was second on the team in assists with 2.4 per game.</p><p>Murray-Boyles was named to this season's All-SEC second team and made the SEC All-Freshman team in 2023-24.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"South Carolina had a vision for me to lead the team. They gave me the freedom to express myself," Murray-Boyles told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44682752/south-carolina-collin-murray-boyles-enter-nba-draft">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a>.</p><p>Murray-Boyles added, "When people that know basketball watch me play, it's the smaller things that stand out. I'm not one to get oohs and aahs, but I know what it takes to win games and impact a team positively. I hang my hat on how hard I play and my unselfishness. I love to play defense."</p><p>At 6-foot-7, Murray-Boyles is aware he needs to improve his outside shot after making just nine 3-pointers during his two-year collegiate career.</p><p>"That's the biggest step, improving my mechanics and getting more comfortable with my 3-point shot," Murray-Boyles said. "I've seen a drastic difference so far. My shot looks better and it's going in a good direction so far."</p><p>This could potentially be the third consecutive year that a player with a Gamecocks connection is drafted. Sacramento Kings rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121681" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121681">Devin Carter</a> spent his freshman season playing for South Carolina, appearing in 30 games before transferring to Providence. Memphis Grizzlies forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110272" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110272">GG Jackson</a> was a second-round selection in the 2023 draft.</p><p>The NBA lottery will be held on May 12. The two-day draft is scheduled for June 26 and 27.</p>

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 1: Collin Murray-Boyles (30) of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles the ball during the second half of an NCAA men's basketball game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Colonial Life Arena on February 1, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. The Aggies won 76-72.

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South Carolina's Murray-Boyles declares for NBA draft

The New Orleans Pelicans hired Hall of Famer Joe Dumars as their new executive vice president of ...

<p>The New Orleans Pelicans hired Hall of Famer Joe Dumars as their new executive vice president of basketball operations, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>"Joe's achievements as a renowned Hall of Fame player, NBA champion, and front office executive are indisputable," Pelicans governor Gayle Benson said in a statement.</p><p>The Pelicans parted ways with their head of basketball operations, David Griffin, on Monday following his six seasons in charge of the team.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Dumars spent 14 seasons as president of the Detroit Pistons and was the architect of their 2004 championship squad. The Louisiana native is credited with drafting Tayshaun Prince and trading for Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace, and Richard "Rip" Hamilton, as well as signing Chauncey Billups. Seven of Detroit's 14 50-win seasons happened under Dumars' leadership.</p><p>The 61-year-old was also a chief strategy officer for the Sacramento Kings from 2019-22 and briefly stepped in as the team's interim general manager after Vlade Divac was fired in 2020.</p><p>Dumars has been the NBA's executive vice president of basketball operations since leaving Sacramento.</p><p>The Pelicans' disappointing 21-61 campaign landed them 14th in the West. They have a 12.5% chance at the No. 1 overall pick, according to <a href="https://www.tankathon.com/pick_odds">Tankathon.com</a>.</p>

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 29: Joe Dumars participates in a panel discussion during the annual Milken Institute Global Conference at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 29, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California.

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

<p>The NBA playoff picture is complete following a frenetic final day of the regular season in which all 30 teams were in action.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIZ1lmosyV1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIZ1lmosyV1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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<script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>The Eastern Conference standings were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3264706" href="https://thescore.com/news/3264706">finalized</a> following Friday's contests, but matters out West were decidedly more chaotic and required Sunday's final day of the regular season to determine the seeding.</p><p>The play-in tournament begins Tuesday and features the teams seeded seventh to 10th in each conference.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><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>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Game 1</td>
<td>April 15</td>
<td>Golden State Warriors</td>
<td>Memphis Grizzlies</td>
<td>10:00 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 2</td>
<td>April 16</td>
<td>Sacramento Kings</td>
<td>Dallas Mavericks</td>
<td>10:00 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 3</td>
<td>April 18</td>
<td>Loser of Game 1</td>
<td>Winner of Game 2</td>
<td> TBD</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>A loss in Game 82 saw the Warriors drop into the No. 8 slot, setting up a matchup against a Grizzlies squad that is just 4-5 since firing head coach Taylor Jenkins at the end of March. Golden State won the season series 3-1.</p><p>The Kings will be making their second straight appearance in the play-in tournament. Big man Jonas Valanciunas has been involved in every play-in tourney since its inception in 2020. The Mavs squeaked into the tournament but are 0-3 against Sacramento this season.</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>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Game 1</td>
<td>April 15</td>
<td>Orlando Magic</td>
<td>Atlanta Hawks</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 2</td>
<td>April 16</td>
<td>Chicago Bulls</td>
<td>Miami Heat</td>
<td>7:30 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game 3</td>
<td>April 18</td>
<td>Loser of Game 1</td>
<td>Winner of Game 2</td>
<td> TBD</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Magic nabbed the No. 7 seed after finishing the season on a 9-3<strong> </strong>run and will host a Hawks team that has now qualified for the play-in tournament in four straight seasons. The Magic won the season series 2-1.</p><p>The Bulls, who finished ninth in the conference for the third successive year, will welcome the Heat to the Windy City. Chicago won the season series 3-0.</p><h3>Western Conference</h3><ul>
<li>No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 TBD</li>
<li>No. 2 Houston Rockets vs. No. 7 TBD</li>
<li>No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves</li>
<li>No. 4 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers</li>
</ul><p>The Thunder were the league's best team in 2024-25, reaching the 67-win mark for the first time in franchise history. OKC, along with the Rockets, will await the completion of the play-in tournament to find out its first-round opponent.</p><p>The Nuggets went 7-8 in their final 15 games but were still able to secure home-court advantage against the Clippers thanks to a victory on the final day. Health will be a focal point for both teams. Oft-injured Kawhi Leonard played in 13 of his team's last 15 games, while Jamal Murray is dealing with a nagging hamstring issue. </p><p>The Lakers' small-ball lineup will be tested against the gargantuan Timberwolves. Will Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid be able to survive the Luka Doncic pick-and-roll that undid the Timberwolves in last season's Western Conference final?</p><h3>Eastern Conference</h3><ul>
<li>No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 8 TBD</li>
<li>No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 TBD</li>
<li>No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 6 Detroit Pistons</li>
<li>No. 4 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks</li>
</ul><p>The Cavaliers and Celtics will host the two survivors of the play-in tournament, but the real excitement might come from the two other first-round clashes.</p><p>The Knicks will hope to prove their playoff credentials against the upstart Pistons. New York went 1-3 against Detroit this season and finished 15-23 against teams with records of .500 or better. </p><p>Meanwhile, the Pacers will take their first step in attempting to replicate their run to the conference finals from a year ago against the Bucks, who were given a boost with Damian Lillard's return to basketball activity. Indiana lost the season series against Milwaukee 3-1.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) sits down to guard Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the NBA game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers on February 27, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA.

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NBA playoff matchups set: Lakers host T-Wolves, Pacers-Bucks rematch

There's still a lot to play for Sunday, when the 2024-25 NBA regular season wraps up with all 30 ...

<p>There's still a lot to play for Sunday, when the 2024-25 NBA regular season wraps up with all 30 teams in action.</p><p>While playoff seeding and the play-in tournament is set in stone in the Eastern Conference, things are more complicated in the Western Conference.</p><p>The six teams that qualified for the postseason in the West are finalized, along with the four teams that will compete in the play-in tournament, which gets underway April 15. However, the seedings are still unclear.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>All 15 teams in the West will tip off Game 82 at 3:30 p.m. ET.</p><h3>Here's what we know ahead of Sunday's slate</h3><p><strong>Oklahoma City Thunder:</strong> OKC is locked into the No. 1 seed and will have home-court advantage through the entire Western Conference playoffs. It will play the No. 8 seed in the first round.</p><p><strong>Houston Rockets: </strong>Ime Udoka's squad secured the second seed and will begin the playoffs by taking on the No. 7 seed.</p><p><strong>Los Angeles Lakers:</strong> L.A. will finish third in the conference and have home-court advantage in a first-round series against the team that lands the No. 6 seed.</p><h3>Here's what we don't know</h3><p><strong>Denver Nuggets: </strong>The Nuggets can finish anywhere from four through seven. Denver will be locked into the fourth seed with a win against the Rockets. If it loses, it will still be assured of a top-six finish if the Golden State Warriors or Minnesota Timberwolves lose. A Nuggets loss, combined with a Utah Jazz win over the Timberwolves, will give the Nuggets the fifth seed. A Nuggets loss, combined with a Timberwolves victory and an L.A. Clippers win over the Warriors, will secure the No. 6 spot for Denver.</p><p><strong>Los Angeles Clippers:</strong> The Clippers can finish fourth, fifth, or seventh; there is no scenario where they secure the No. 6 seed. Avoiding the play-in requires a win by L.A. or a loss by either Denver or Minnesota. A Nuggets loss would almost guarantee the fourth seed for Los Angeles. The only way the Clippers still fall to No. 5 is if they lose to the Warriors and the T-Wolves beat the Jazz.</p><p><strong>Minnesota Timberwolves:</strong> The T-Wolves' playoff seeding is the most volatile of the bunch. They can finish anywhere from fourth to eighth. But there's one way of keeping things simple - Minnesota will clinch a top-six seed with a win, while a loss will guarantee a spot in the seven-versus-eight play-in game.</p><p><strong>Golden State Warriors:</strong> The Warriors have two possible outcomes - the sixth seed or the seventh seed. A Warriors win or a Timberwolves loss will place Golden State in Round 1, while a Warriors loss and a Timberwolves victory will result in the seventh seed and the play-in tournament.</p><p><strong>Memphis Grizzlies:</strong> Thankfully, Memphis' road is relatively simple. It'll either finish seventh or eighth and is therefore set to be slotted into the higher end of the play-in bracket.</p><p><strong>Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks:</strong> Things get more straightforward at the bottom of the bracket, as the Kings will face the Mavericks in the No. 9 versus No. 10 matchup regardless of what transpires on the final day of the regular season. A Sacramento win or a Dallas loss will give the Kings home-court advantage.</p><p>Here's a look at all of the possible permutations.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Complete Western Conference Playoff and Play-In scenarios for tomorrow's games -- see how the outcome of each game affects seeding ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/sC1JzF1Ikk">pic.twitter.com/sC1JzF1Ikk</a></p>— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/1911092272227066314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The play-in game between No. 7 and No. 8 will take place Tuesday, while the contest between No. 9 and No. 10 is scheduled for Wednesday. The loser of Tuesday's contest will take on the winner of Wednesday's game for the eighth and final playoff spot.</p><p>Round 1 of the postseason begins April 19.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 21: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets fights for a loose ball against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in the fourthquarter during Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 21, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement.

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Chaos in the West: Playoff implications for the final day of the regular season

The Eastern conference's play-in tournament and playoff seedings have been finalized following Fr...

<p>The Eastern conference's play-in tournament and playoff seedings have been finalized following Friday's games.</p><p>The Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Detroit Pistons all secured top-six slots and have therefore qualified for Round 1 of the playoffs.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Cavaliers</td>
<td>64-17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Celtics</td>
<td>60-21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>50-31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Pacers</td>
<td>49-32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Bucks</td>
<td>47-34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Pistons</td>
<td>44-37</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Knicks are set to have home-court advantage against the Pistons, who are heading the the postseason for the first time since 2019. Meanwhile, last season's Eastern Conference finalists, the Pacers, will begin their playoff run at home against the Bucks.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Cavaliers and Celtics will face the two winners of the play-in tournament.</p><p>The Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat are the four teams in the play-in tourney, which begins April 15.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Magic</td>
<td>41-40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Hawks</td>
<td>39-42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Bulls</td>
<td>38-43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Heat</td>
<td>37-44</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The seventh-seeded Magic and eighth-seeded Hawks will square off in Round 1 of the play-in tournament Tuesday, with the winner securing the seventh seed and a first-round matchup with the Celtics.</p><p>The ninth-seeded Bulls and tenth-seeded Heat will play a win-and-in game on Wednesday night. The winner will take on the loser of the Magic-Hawks game for the eighth and final playoff slot. The team that wins the eighth spot will take on the 64-win Cavaliers in Round 1.</p><p>All 30 teams will play their final regular-season game on Sunday.</p><p>The first round of the playoffs will begin April 19.</p>

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 10: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons plays defense during the game against the New York Knicks on April 10, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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East play-in tourney, Round 1 seeding finalized

Luka Doncic put on a show in his emotional return to Dallas on Wednesday.  The Slovenian recorded...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> put on a show in his emotional return to Dallas on Wednesday.</p><p>The Slovenian recorded a season-high-tying 45 points to go along with six assists, eight rebounds, and four steals as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-97 and clinched a top-six seed in the West.</p><p>The Mavericks <a href="https://www.x.com/NBATV/status/1910116466579431753">honored</a> Doncic with a tribute video as the starting lineups were announced.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"So many emotions. I can't even explain it. Brought tears to my eyes. ... Just a lot of great, great memories," Doncic said, per <a href="https://x.com/RyanWardLA/status/1910153013450203522">Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation</a>.</p><p>Doncic came out of the gate firing and poured in 31 points in the first half. He joined Kobe Bryant (six times) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> (once) as the only Lakers to score 30-plus points and hit five-plus 3-pointers in a single half.</p><p>"I don't know how I did it because when I was watching that video I was like, 'There's no way I'm playing in this game.' But all my teammates had my back. They were really supporting me, so I really appreciate that," Doncic said, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/RyanWardLA/status/1910153362235969844">Ward</a>.</p><p>Doncic was serenaded with "Luka" chants as he checked out of the game with 1:34 left in the contest, per <a href="https://x.com/GrantAfseth/status/1910150476466626565">Athlon Sports' Grant Afseth</a>.</p><p>Lakers head coach JJ Redick joked postgame that he was "disappointed" Doncic didn't score 50, per <a href="https://x.com/mcten/status/1910154561366425814">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>.</p><p>This was Doncic's third 45-point game of the campaign and his second since being shipped to Los Angeles.</p><p>James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second all-time in regular-season games played with 1,561. The 40-year-old scored 27 points on 11-of-20 shooting.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/94259" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/94259">Naji Marshall</a> led Dallas with 23 points. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> recorded a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double against his former club.</p><p>The Mavs fell to 38-42 with the loss but clinched a play-in spot due to the Phoenix Suns' defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p>

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 9: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers talk after the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks on April 9, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Luka drops 45 in return to Dallas as Lakers clinch playoff spot

Former Monmouth sharpshooter Abdi Bashir Jr. has committed to play for Kansas State next season, ...

<p>Former Monmouth sharpshooter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/111732" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/111732">Abdi Bashir Jr.</a> has committed to play for Kansas State next season, he announced on his Instagram Monday.</p><p>The 6-foot-7 guard exploded in his second campaign with the Hawks. Bashir led the CAA in scoring at 20.1 points per contest and hit the second-most threes in the nation (127). He was nominated to the All-CAA first team despite Monmouth finishing sixth in the Colonial.</p><p>Bashir was particularly impressive against high-major competition, scoring 38 against Rutgers, 28 versus Seton Hall, and 20 against Michigan State.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Abdi's twin brother, Abdul Bashir, was one of the top-ranked junior college players and recently committed to play for Bruce Pearl at Auburn.</p><p>Kansas State is coming off its worst season under head coach Jerome Tang, having gone 16-17 overall and 9-11 in conference play. Bashir is the Wildcats' first transfer commit of the offseason.</p>

AUBURN, ALABAMA - DECEMBER 30: Abdi Bashir Jr. #1 of the Monmouth Hawks dribbles the ball during the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Neville Arena on December 30, 2024 in Auburn, Alabama.

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Ex-Monmouth star Bashir commits to Kansas State

Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is "hopeful" that starting point guard Jamal Murray will...

<p>Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is "hopeful" that starting point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44995" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a> will be able to return for the beginning of the playoffs, he said Sunday, according to the<a href="https://x.com/HPbasketball/status/1909012982983700486"> Action Network's Matt Moore</a>.</p><p>Murray, 28, has been sidelined since March 27 due to hamstring inflammation.</p><p>The Nuggets are 1-4 since his injury, and their offensive rating dropped from 118.8 to 114.1 heading into Sunday's contest against the Indiana Pacers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This has been a weird one. (Murray was) day-to-day, day-to-day, then all of a sudden, it's not day-to-day," Malone lamented, per <a href="https://x.com/MattBrooksNBA/status/1909007982962090273">Nuggets writer Matt Brooks</a>.</p><p>Malone stressed the organization isn't just being precautionary.</p><p>"Jamal's hurt. It's not careful. He's hurt. So there's a big difference. Careful is if a guy can play and you want to be smart. We're not in a situation to do that," he said, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/BennettDurando/status/1909014558586347680">Bennett Durando of the Denver Post</a>.</p><p>Murray has only appeared in 65 games this season due to lingering knee and hamstring issues, as well as a concussion sustained at the beginning of the campaign.</p><p>The Kentucky product is averaging 21.6 points and six assists this season on 47.6/39.6/88.7 shooting splits. He scored a career-high 55 points in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers in mid-February.</p><p>The Nuggets have a one-game lead over the Golden State Warriors for fourth in the West.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 24: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball in the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Ball Arena on March 24, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Malone 'hopeful' Murray will be available for start of postseason

Former Arkansas big man Zvonimir Ivisic will team up with his twin brother, Tomislav Ivisic, at I...

<p>Former Arkansas big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110508" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110508">Zvonimir Ivisic</a> will team up with his twin brother, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121808" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121808">Tomislav Ivisic</a>, at Illinois next season, his agent told <a href="https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1908638535600480670">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a> Saturday.</p><p>Zvonimir began his career at Kentucky under John Calipari in 2023-24 before following the head coach to Arkansas last offseason. The Croatian big man announced he would enter the portal following Arkansas' Sweet 16 loss to Texas Tech.</p><p>He averaged 8.5 points and 4.3 rebounds and shot 37.6% from downtown in his sophomore campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Illinois associate head coach Orlando Antigua was at Kentucky during Zvonimir's recruitment to the Wildcats. Antigua joined the Fighting Illini staff in 2024 and was reportedly key in bringing Tomislav to the United States.</p><p>Zvonimir and Tomislav haven't played together at the collegiate level, but the two 7-footers will form one of the country's most dynamic frontcourts.</p><p>Zvonimir will replace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121812" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121812">Morez Johnson Jr.</a> at Illinois after the standout freshman committed to play for Michigan next season, according to <a href="https://247sports.com/college/basketball/recruiting/article/illinois-transfer-morez-johnson-commits-to-michigan-248072869/">247Sports' Dushawn London</a>.</p><p>The Fighting Illini ended last campaign with a 22-13 record and finished seventh in the Big Ten. They reached a high of 13th in the AP Poll.</p><p>Zvonimir is Illinois' first transfer commitment of the offseason.</p>

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - FEBRUARY 22: Zvonimir Ivisic #44 of the Arkansas Razorbacks shoots a free throw during a game against the Missouri Tigers at Bud Walton Arena on February 22, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Tigers 92-85.

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Ex-Arkansas big man Zvonimir Ivisic transferring to Illinois

Texas A&M announced the hiring of Bucky McMillan to become the next head coach of the Aggies on S...

<p>Texas A&amp;M announced the hiring of Bucky McMillan to become the next head coach of the Aggies on Saturday.</p><p>McMillan has been the head coach of Samford for the past five seasons, boasting a 99-52 record in 151 games. He guided the Bulldogs to back-to-back regular-season Southern titles in 2023 and 2024. McMillan also won last year's Southern Tournament title, bringing Samford to the NCAA tourney for the first time since 2000.</p><p>Texas A&amp;M is finalizing a five-year deal with McMillan, sources told <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1908308369036689550">ESPN's Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello</a> on Friday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I couldn't be more excited to wake up to the reality of being the head basketball coach at Texas A&amp;M," McMillan said in a press release. "As a guy that grew up around the SEC, I am motivated by the vision of Texas A&amp;M's leadership to compete at the highest levels of college basketball. As I've done my entire career, I won't rest until we get the Aggies playing at a championship level year in and year out."</p><p>The 41-year-old won five state high school titles in Alabama before taking the Samford job.</p><p>The Aggies' head coaching gig opened up after Buzz Williams left for the vacant role at Maryland this week. Reports indicated that Texas A&amp;M was courting Ole Miss' Chris Beard before he inked a six-year extension to stay in Oxford, Mississippi.</p><p>Forward Pharrel Payne has already announced his plans to leave Texas A&amp;M and join Williams at Maryland. Six other Aggies remain uncommitted in the transfer portal.</p><p>Texas A&amp;M is coming off a 23-11 season but was bounced in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The school ranked as high as No. 7 in the AP Poll - its best ranking in the Williams era.</p>

SPARTANBURG, SC - FEBRUARY 15: Samford Bulldogs head coach Bucky McMillan during a college basketball game between the Samford Bulldogs and the Wofford Terriers on February 15, 2025 at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium in Spartanburg, S.C.

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Texas A&M hires Samford's McMillan as head coach

Maryland star Derik Queen will forgo his remaining eligibility and declare for the 2025 NBA Draft...

<p>Maryland star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121822" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121822">Derik Queen</a> will forgo his remaining eligibility and declare for the 2025 NBA Draft, he told ESPN's Scott Van Pelt on Friday.</p><p>Queen was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year during his lone season with Maryland. The projected top-10 pick would be the first Terrapins player to be drafted in the first round since the Phoenix Suns selected <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93892" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93892">Jalen Smith</a> 10th overall in 2020.</p><p>A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Queen was a five-star recruit out of Montverde Academy. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Queen led the Terrapins in scoring, averaging 16.5 points per game to go with nine rebounds. He set the program's freshman scoring record with 594 total points.</p><p>The 6-foot-10 big man propelled Maryland to its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2015-16, which included a buzzer-beating game-winning jumper in the Round of 32 against Colorado State.</p><p>The Terrapins have faced a tough time since the season ended, with head coach Kevin Willard leaving for the vacant Villanova job. Maryland hired former Texas A&amp;M coach Buzz Williams to fill the role.</p><p>The NBA draft takes place June 25.</p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 23: Derik Queen #25 of the Maryland Terrapins controls the ball during the the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Colorado State Rams at Climate Pledge Arena on March 23, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. The Maryland Terrapins won 72-71.

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Maryland's Queen declares for NBA draft

Dwight Howard was nominated to the Naismith Hall of Fame class of 2025 in his first year of eligi...

<p>Dwight Howard was nominated to the Naismith Hall of Fame class of 2025 in his first year of eligibility, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1908329450367865336">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> on Friday.</p><p>Howard won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and was selected to eight All-Star Games throughout his 18-year NBA career. Only Dikembe Mutombo, Ben Wallace, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30615" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30615">Rudy Gobert</a> have more DPOYs than Howard.</p><p>Howard is 10th all time in rebounds (14,627), 13th all time in blocks (2,228), and 57th all time in scoring (19,485).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>His one NBA title came with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, and he won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 2008.</p><p>Howard was the No. 1 pick in the 2004 NBA Draft and is the only player from that draft class to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.</p><p>Howard played the first eight years of his career with the Orlando Magic and took them to the NBA Finals in 2009. He made eight All-NBA squads - five first teams, one second team, and one third team - during his time in Orlando and is the Magic's all-time leader in minutes played (22,471), rebounds (8,072), blocks (1,344), free throws (3,366), and points (11,435).</p><p>Howard played for the Lakers on three separate occasions and spent three seasons with the Houston Rockets. He also had stints with the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers.</p><p>Carmelo Anthony will reportedly join Howard in the 2025 Hall of Fame class after also being selected in his first year of eligibility.</p>

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 6: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic looks on during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at the Time Warner Cable Arena on March 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE

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Report: Dwight Howard nominated to Hall of Fame

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