NBA NewsSaturday, Mar 21, 2026

Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff highlighted the team’s defensive performance following Friday’s 115-101 win over the Golden State Warriors. “No, it was awesome,” he said in response to his team having 16 steals and 13 turnovers. Bickerstaff emphasized the role of defense in generating transition opportunities. “I thought that was a point of emphasis […] The post J.B. Bickerstaff praises Pistons’ defense and team spirit after clinching playoff berth appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo praised the development of rookie Javon Small following Friday’s 117-112 home loss vs. the Boston Celtics (13 points/5 rebounds/2 assists/5-8 FG/2-4 3-PT/1-1 FT/+16 +/-). *averaging 15.7 PPG/1.3 ORB/3.0 DRB/4.3 APG/1.7 TOV/1.0 SPG/2.2 PF/53.3% FG/52.9% 2-PT/53.8% 3-PT/88.9% FT/65.0% eFG/25.8 MPG/+1.8 +/- over his last six games* (via Memphis Grizzlies): “He’s […] The post Tuomas Iisalo: Javon Small’s a very different player than he was in October app...

Coby White has seen a reduced role in terms of minutes since joining Charlotte compared to his time in Chicago, but he’s becoming increasingly effective in a sixth-man position. Over his last three games, he’s averaging 23.0 points in 23.0 minutes while shooting an efficient .512/.417/.938. Head coach Charles Lee praised White’s approach and development, […] The post Charles Lee credits Coby White growth in sixth role appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Jose Alvarado continues to make an impact for the Knicks with his energy, whether he’s on the floor or coming off the bench, as Jared Schwartz of The New York Post writes. His presence is something star point guard Jalen Brunson says the team relies on. “Absolutely, it helps the team no matter what,” Brunson […] The post Jalen Brunson on Jose Alvarado’s impact on Knicks appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

When asked about the possibility of Michael Porter Jr. returning this season after his right hamstring strain, the Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez avoided giving a definitive answer, as Brian Lewis of The New York Post relays. With Porter expected to be sidelined for at least two-to-three weeks, Fernandez emphasized that any return would […] The post Jordi Fernandez unsure Michael Porter Jr. will return this season appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Chicago Bulls big man Jalen Smith voiced frustration with the team’s performance after Wednesday’s loss to the Toronto Raptors, questioning their effort and intensity, according to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. “We had no fight,” Smith said. “This is the third time we’ve played them and we’ve gotten punked. At the end of the […] The post Jalen Smith says Bulls lacked fight in loss appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Ayo Dosunmu recently said that mid-range shots were “really prohibited” during his time with the Bulls, but head coach Billy Donovan disagreed with that characterization, according to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. Donovan noted that players like DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic regularly operated in the mid-range while Dosunmu was on the […] The post Bulls coach responds to Ayo Dosunmu mid-range shot comments appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

With the Cavaliers in town on Thursday, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan looked back on last summer’s trade that sent Lonzo Ball to Cleveland and brought Isaac Okoro to Chicago, according to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. Donovan expressed appreciation for Okoro’s contributions and unselfish approach, while also sharing sympathy for Ball’s situation after […] The post Billy Donovan reflects on Lonzo Ball appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Los Angeles Lakers big man Maxi Kleber missed another game against the Miami Heat, sitting out for a sixth straight contest due to a back strain, but he appears to be getting closer to returning. The team announced Thursday that Kleber has been assigned to the South Bay Lakers to practice with their G League […] The post Maxi Kleber close to return from injury appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

The Memphis Grizzlies visit the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, March 21, at Spectrum Center, with both teams entering the matchup dealing with multiple injuries. Charlotte enters the game at 36–34, holding the No. 10 spot in the Eastern Conference, while Memphis sits 12th in the Western Conference at 24–45. The biggest absence on the Memphis […] The post Grizzlies vs Hornets injury report for March 21 appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

The Philadelphia 76ers will face the Utah Jazz on Saturday, March 21 at the Delta Center with a depleted lineup. Joel Embiid (right oblique strain), Tyrese Maxey (right finger tendon strain), Kelly Oubre Jr. (left elbow sprain), Johni Broome (right knee surgery), and Paul George (league suspension) are all out. Utah also suffers significant absences, […] The post 76ers vs Jazz injury report: who is available on Saturday appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Phoenix on Saturday, March 21, without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is out with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise. Alex Antetokounmpo is also unavailable while playing in the G League, and Gary Harris (left groin) and Kevin Porter Jr. (right knee) are listed as questionable. Phoenix will be missing Dillon […] The post Bucks vs Suns injury report for March 21 appeared first on TalkBasket.net .