Basketball News · LatestMonday, Mar 9, 2026

College basketball expert Thomas Casale examines the ACC conference tournament and makes his predictions for how the bracket will play out

Our staff chime in on the hottest Bracketology debates entering conference tournament week

No. 2 UCLA picked up three first-place votes from top-ranked UConn in this week's Associated Press women's basketball Top 25 poll, while Texas jumped South Carolina to move into the No. 3 spot.

Toronto Raptors’ struggles against elite competition remain troubling as the team continues pushing for postseason positioning, writes John Chidley-Hill of The Canadian Press. Toronto has managed just one home victory in 13 games against opponents holding superior records, and the pattern has been worse against the league’s strongest clubs, with 14 losses in their past […] The post Brandon Ingram says Raptors need better late execution appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Former Lakers coach Byron Scott says he believes LeBron James will finish his career outside Los Angeles. Speaking on the Byron Scott Fast Break podcast with Olden Polynice, Scott emphasized LeBron’s departure from Lakers traditions. “I think this is his final year with the Lakers. I think he’ll go back to Cleveland and play one […] The post Byron Scott predicts LeBron James won’t retire with Lakers, cites ‘not a true Laker’ mentality appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the contest as the league's dominant force, holding a 50-15 record and maintaining the top position in the Western Conference. Having secured the franchise's first NBA title in 2025, the Thunder have successfully transitioned from an emerging young core to a disciplined dynasty-in-the-making, currently riding a five-game winning streak and leading the league in both scoring and scoring defense. This statistical anomaly-matching the 1948-49 Minneapolis Lakers as...

Ja Morant expressed a desire to remain with the Memphis Grizzlies despite swirling trade speculation, while acknowledging uncertainty about his roster status. "I hope so," Morant said when asked if he expects to return next season. The 26-year-old point guard addressed reporters on Friday in his first public appearance since suffering a left elbow UCL sprain on Jan. 21. Memphis announced on March 6 that Morant will be reevaluated in two weeks. When asked whether he could be content remaining ...

The Hornets are sending a second-round pick to the Heat to resolve a dispute over Terry Rozier being under investigation during a 2024 trade, sources told ESPN.

Kenny Atkinson elaborates on his surprising claim about Derrick White.

Cavaliers Sunday’s loss to the Celtics offered the Cavaliers a reminder of where they still need to go. Boston largely controlled the afternoon in Cleveland, leaving the Cavs with a clear benchmark as they continue adjusting after acquiring James Harden. Harden did not sugarcoat it afterward. “That’s the standard right there,” he said. “Me being […] The post NBA Notes: Cavs, James Harden, Pistons, Cade Cunningham, Bulls appeared first on Hoops Wire .

The Bulls lost to the NBA’s worst team Sunday night in Sacramento, but it’s still not clear that they’re committed to a tanking strategy, writes Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune (subscription required). The team has gone 2-11 since shaking up its roster at the trade deadline and has plummeted to 12th place in the […]

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic says he plans to continue his NBA career as long as he can contribute at a high level. “I’ll play as long as I can… as long as I see that I’m creating an advantage and that I can play at a high level,” Jokic said on the X&O’s Chat, […] The post Nikola Jokic vows to play in NBA ‘as long as I can’ appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

The Milwaukee Bucks fell back into the loss column on Sunday night with a blowout home loss against the Orlando Magic, with Giannis Antetokounmpo out of the lineup as he manages his calf injury. Antetokounmpo recently returned to the court after an extended injury absence, all while rumors continued to swirl about his future in […] The post Bucks’ Bobby Portis unsure about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return – ‘It’s up in the air’ appeared first on ClutchPoints .

Former Los Angeles Lakers forward A.C. Green believes today’s NBA players are increasingly embracing fatherhood and family life, a shift he says reflects a positive evolution in how athletes use their public platforms. Green, a three-time NBA champion and one of the league’s most durable players, said he welcomes the growing visibility of players presenting […] The post A.C. Green praises NBA stars for embracing fatherhood appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

RJ Barrett made his comeback in late January after being sidelined for an extended period due to injury. Yet, the Toronto forward is only now beginning to resemble his usual form, according to Michael Grange. Following a standout performance in Sunday’s victory over Dallas, where Barrett poured in a season-best 31 points while shooting an […] The post RJ Barrett regaining form after injury appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Markelle Fultz, recently picked up off waivers by Raptors 905, contributed four points and five assists in his debut with the developmental squad on Sunday. According to sources cited by Michael Grange of SportsNet, the appearance served as a tryout of sorts for a vacant roster spot with the Toronto Raptors, which the organization intends […] The post Markelle Fultz debuts with Raptors 905 audition appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Can the Celtics leapfrog the Pistons in the Eastern Conference standings, and should they want to? Chris Forsberg takes stock after another C's win.

The Memphis Grizzlies enter Monday night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets with a lengthy injury report that significantly reshapes their rotation heading into the matchup at Barclays Center. Memphis lists 10 players as out or doubtful, including Ja Morant, who remains sidelined with a left elbow UCL sprain. Morant has appeared in 20 games this […] The post Grizzlies vs Nets injury report: who plays on Monday appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

With March Madness around the corner, USA TODAY Sports asked AI to create a 2026 NBA mock draft. It's torn on the No. 1 pick just like human experts.

The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to build around Luka Doncic this summer, and a star may unexpectedly hit the market, giving them the perfect Luka co-star.

On Sunday, the Chicago Bulls had a rough go at it against the Sacramento Kings. Collin Sexton left the game with a lower leg contusion after having a great game with 28 points. In the end, the Bulls lost to the lowly Kings 126-110. However, there was one bright spot. Josh Giddey finished with a […] The post Bulls’ embarrassing loss to Kings has Josh Giddey-Scottie Pippen silver lining appeared first on ClutchPoints .

Entering this contest with a 39-25 record, the Cleveland Cavaliers currently occupy the fourth seed in the conference, maintaining a position as a legitimate contender under the guidance of head coach Kenny Atkinson and general manager Koby Altman. The Cavaliers have established themselves as an offensive powerhouse during the 2025-26 campaign, ranking third in the NBA in both points per game (118.8) and field goals made (43.1 per game). Their success is predicated on a balanced attack led by...

When it comes to the greatest coaches in the history of the NBA, names like Phil Jackson, Red Auerbach, and Gregg...

The Utah Jazz host the Golden State Warriors tonight, with the visitors coming in injury-riddled, as the Jazz keep tanking for a better draft spot.

Nikola Jokic has a lot of love for his former teammate Ratko Varda, but won't be paying him back.

Gui Santos followed the blueprint for consistent playing time and is the ideal development example for the Golden State Warriors.

It has taken a while for Barrett to feel comfortable since his injuries, but the signs are there.

Nikola Jokic questions why some former players criticize today’s stars in ongoing era debates.

Nebraska and men's basketball coach Fred Hoiberg have agreed to a three-year contract extension after he guided the Cornhuskers to a school-record 15 wins in Big Ten Conference play.

The Philadelphia 76ers (34-29) slid down to eighth place in the Eastern Conference after losing three of their last four games, and they are now forced to battle the Cleveland Cavaliers (39-25) on the road without Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Both the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets can reasonably catch Philly before season’s end, […] The post 76ers’ VJ Edgecombe on injury report vs Cavs with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey already out appeared first on ClutchPoints .