Kansas standout Darryn Peterson announced Friday that he will declare for the 2026 NBA Draft afte...

<p>Kansas standout <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172193" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172193">Darryn Peterson</a> announced Friday that he will declare for the 2026 NBA Draft after leading the Jayhawks in scoring as a freshman.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXhLhQMD0zy/?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/DXhLhQMD0zy/?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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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXhLhQMD0zy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by darryn (dp) peterson (@darrynp1)</a></p>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>The Jayhawks star is projected to be a top-three pick and could go first overall in June.</p><p>More to come.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Check back for updates.</p>

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - MARCH 07: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks watches during a timeout in the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Allen Fieldhouse on March 07, 2026 in Lawrence, Kansas.

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Kansas star Peterson declares for NBA draft

David Adelman doesn't expect Nikola Jokic's offensive struggles to continue after the Denver Nugg...

<p>David Adelman doesn't expect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a>'s offensive struggles to continue after the Denver Nuggets star made just seven of his 26 shots and finished a game-worst minus-21 in Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.</p><p>"He had a tough night," the Nuggets coach said after Thursday's loss, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48578341/nikola-jokic-nuggets-night-forget-game-3-blowout-loss">ESPN's Anthony Slater</a>. "It happens to players. This guy's played a million playoff games. There's nights that are poor. He'll bounce back. Everyone needs a day to understand we didn't play well offensively."</p><p>Jokic missed his first six shots through the first three-and-a-half minutes of the first quarter while mostly being defended by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30615" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30615">Rudy Gobert</a>. Jokic finally hit his first field goal more than seven minutes into the contest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"When you open the game like that, the easy ones don't go," Jokic said. "Really good defensive (first) quarter by them, really bad offensive quarter by us."</p><p>Denver scored 11 points in the first quarter as Jokic went 1-of-8 from the field. It was the second straight quarter in which the Wolves kept him quiet. After going 7-of-13 through three quarters in Monday's Game 2, Jokic was 1-of-7 in the final quarter as Minnesota pulled away.</p><p>Jokic is averaging 25.3 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in the series but is shooting 40% from the floor and 20.8% from three, both of which would be the lowest percentages he's ever recorded in a single postseason.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS , MN - APRIL 23: Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to being fouled by Rudy Gobert (27) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves' 113-96 win at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Minnesota took a 2-1 best-of-seven series lead.

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Oklahoma City Thunder wing Jalen Williams has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain and ...

<p>Oklahoma City Thunder wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102799" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102799">Jalen Williams</a> has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated weekly, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>Williams suffered the injury Wednesday midway through the third quarter of Oklahoma City's 120-107 Game 2 win over the Phoenix Suns. Though he initially remained in the contest for a few more possessions, Williams exited after fouling <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37815" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37815">Devin Booker</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jalen Williams left Game 2 vs. the Suns with an apparent hamstring injury. <a href="https://t.co/P47wjF0c9T">pic.twitter.com/P47wjF0c9T</a></p>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/2047160417089118340?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Williams posted 41 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds while shooting 16-of-26 (61.5%) through two postseason games. During the regular season, the 24-year-old tied Chet Holmgren (17.1 points) as the Thunder's second-leading scorer behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Williams is likely to miss Game 3 Saturday in Phoenix, where a Thunder victory would give them a convincing 3-0 lead in the first-round series. The Suns also host Game 4 on Monday, with Game 5, if necessary, returning to Oklahoma City on Wednesday.</p><p>The winner will advance to face either the Los Angeles Lakers or Houston Rockets in the second round. The Lakers took a 2-0 series lead Tuesday.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 22: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama left Tuesday's Game 2 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers...

<p>San Antonio Spurs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> left Tuesday's Game 2 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers after hitting his face on the court in the second quarter.</p><p>Wembanyama was later diagnosed with a concussion, and will undergo further testing Wednesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2046784177215824173">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The 22-year-old attempted to spin around Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday but lost his balance, causing him to fall hard on his face as his head bounced off the court.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">best look at Wemby's head collision <a href="https://t.co/75863ArhQz">pic.twitter.com/75863ArhQz</a></p>— WembyMuse (@Wemby_Muse) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wemby_Muse/status/2046753207351668784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Wembanyama will have to go through a minimum 48-hour period of inactivity and then be symptom-free before he can be cleared to play again. </p><p>Game 3 of the series is set for Friday in Portland. </p><p>Wembanyama had five points, four rebounds, an assist, and a block in 12 minutes before exiting. The 22-year-old led Mitch Johnson's side with 35 points in its Game 1 win, going 13-of-21 from the field - including 5-of-6 from three - and setting a new franchise record for points in a playoff debut.</p><p>On Monday, the former first overall pick was named the Defensive Player of the Year, giving him a second piece of individual hardware in his young career following his 2023-24 Rookie of the Year campaign. Wembanyama is also a finalist for this year's MVP award alongside last year's winner, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a>, and three-time recipient <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a>.</p>

SAN ANTONIO, TX -APRIL 21: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs holds his head after falling to the court against the Portland Trailblazers in the first half of Game Two of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on April 21, 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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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the Clutch Player of the Year for t...

<p>Oklahoma City Thunder guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> was named the Clutch Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season Tuesday, making him the first non-American winner in the award's brief history.</p><p>Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP and a finalist for this year's Michael Jordan Trophy as well, received the most votes among fellow finalists <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44995" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> of the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, respectively.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the fourth different Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year winner in the award’s four seasons.<br><br>A global media panel of 100 voters made the selection.<br><br>Complete voting results ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/1vu3ixK1pJ">pic.twitter.com/1vu3ixK1pJ</a></p>— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/2046718128051150880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Despite Oklahoma City occasionally resting Gilgeous-Alexander in fourth quarters after building massive leads, the Thunder star's 175 total points in clutch time - the last five minutes of a contest separated by no more than five points - are the most by any player this season. Gilgeous-Alexander only took part in 27 such games - 11 fewer than Murray, whose 166 total points ranked second - but the Thunder were 20-7 in those situations.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The nominees for Clutch Player of the Year are selected using recommendations from NBA head coaches, but the winner is voted on by a 100-member media panel.</p><p>New York Knicks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> won the Jerry West Trophy last season as the best player in the clutch over Edwards and Denver Nuggets center<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604"> Nikola Jokic</a>. The first Clutch Player of the Year was awarded in 2023 to then-Sacramento Kings guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a>, followed by Golden State Warriors star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> in 2024.</p><p>Gilgeous-Alexander is up against Jokic in another tightly contested MVP race, marking the third straight season the pair will finish among voters' top three. San Antonio Spurs phenom <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> is also in the running to claim what would be his first Michael Jordan Trophy.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 9: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates his game-winning shot with his team at the end of regulation against the Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center on March 9, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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<p>A familiar face could succeed Doc Rivers behind the Milwaukee Bucks' bench.</p><p>Milwaukee has serious interest in hiring former Memphis Grizzlies bench boss Taylor Jenkins as its next head coach, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7212778/2026/04/20/taylor-jenkins-bucks-coach-doc-rivers/?source=emp_shared_article&amp;unlocked_article_code=1.cVA.pJcy.hpA3YF2FB62Z">The Athletic's Sam Amick and Eric Nehm</a>.</p><p>Jenkins reportedly met with Bucks owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam and general manager Jon Horst in Memphis last week to discuss the vacancy, and the two sides are expected to meet again.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Prior to taking over in Memphis, Jenkins was a longtime assistant under Mike Budenholzer with the Atlanta Hawks and followed him to Milwaukee for the 2018-19 campaign. The Bucks won 60 games and topped the Eastern Conference that season, but they were eliminated by the eventual champions, the Toronto Raptors, in the conference finals. Weeks later, the Grizzlies hired Jenkins.</p><p>The 41-year-old went 250-214 in Memphis before being abruptly fired in March 2025 toward the end of his sixth season. At the time, the Grizzlies had lost five of seven games and dropped from fourth to sixth in the West but remained well on pace to reach the postseason. Under the guidance of then-interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo, they fell into the play-in tournament after going 4-5 to end the regular season and were eventually swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p><p>The Bucks are in need of a new head coach after Rivers stepped down last Monday following three turbulent seasons at the helm. The organization is also gearing up for what could be an uncomfortable offseason with franchise star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>. The two-time MVP will be eligible to sign a four-year, $275-million extension if he's still with the Bucks come October. However, the relationship between both parties appeared to fray this season when the 31-year-old alleged that he was being held out by the team despite wanting to play. The comments sparked an investigation by the league office, which remains ongoing.</p>

PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: Head coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies encourages his team during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on March 19, 2025 in Portland, Oregon.

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<p>UConn guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110441" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110441">Solo Ball</a> will miss the 2026-27 season after undergoing surgery on his wrist, the Huskies announced Monday.</p><p>Ball will redshirt what would have been his senior year and return for the 2027-28 campaign.</p><p>The two-time All-Big East selection started 39 games for Dan Hurley's squad last season in a backcourt tandem alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110707" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110707">Silas Demary Jr.</a>, who announced last Tuesday that he'll return to Storrs for his senior year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ball averaged 12.8 points, three rebounds, 1.5 assists in 2025-26. Though his 3-point efficiency dropped after leading the Big East as a sophomore, he's one of two Huskies who hit at least two threes per game. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172181" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172181">Braylon Mullins</a>, who confirmed Saturday that he'll also be back next season, led the team with 2.2 threes per contest.</p><p>As a freshman, Ball made 10 starts in 39 games, averaging 3.3 points and 11.5 minutes as the program toppled Purdue to win the NCAA Tournament. He shot 41.4% from deep as a full-time starter in Year 2, though No. 1 seed Florida halted UConn's title defense in the second round.</p><p>While Hurley won't have Ball available next season, the 53-year-old will have a few new wings to work with. Four-star recruits Colben Landrew and Junior County are part of the Huskies' 2026 cycle, while 6-foot-8 forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172509" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172509">Nikolas Khamenia</a> is arriving as a transfer from Duke.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 17: Solo Ball #1 of the Connecticut Huskies looks on during the game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Capital One Arena on January 17, 2026 in Washington, DC.

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UConn's Ball to miss 2026-27 season after undergoing wrist surgery

Former Iowa State star center Audi Crooks is joining Oklahoma State for her senior season, she an...

<p>Former Iowa State star center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/112035" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/112035">Audi Crooks</a> is joining Oklahoma State for her senior season, she announced Sunday on social media.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXVsMuMjTWY/?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/DXVsMuMjTWY/?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>Crooks, a two-time AP All-American, led the Big 12 in scoring in each of the last two seasons. She averaged 25.8 points and 7.7 rebounds in 31 games for the Cyclones in 2025-26, helping the program go 22-10 (10-8 in conference play), reach the Big 12 Tournament final, and return to the NCAA Tournament as an eight-seed.</p><p>She was also the conference leader in field-goal percentage for both her sophomore and junior seasons, shooting 60.5% and 64.9%, respectively, from the floor.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 6-foot-3 Iowa native set a career-high in November when she scored 47 points in a win over Indiana, just two weeks after scoring a previous-best of 43 against Valparaiso.</p><p> </p>

STORRS, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 21: Audi Crooks #55 of the Iowa State Cyclones reacts during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament against the Syracuse Orange at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on March 21, 2026 in Storrs, Connecticut.

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Audi Crooks transferring to Oklahoma State from Iowa State

No Luka Doncic. No Austin Reaves. No problem.  Luke Kennard scored a game-high 27 points on 9-of-...

<p>No <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>. No <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a>. No problem.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44933" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44933">Luke Kennard</a> scored a game-high 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 107-98 on Saturday in L.A. to open their first-round series.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> added 19 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds in the win, while Rockets star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> did not play due to a knee contusion.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kennard's 27 points are a postseason career high for the 29-year-old guard, whom the Lakers acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in February in exchange for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/38557" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/38557">Gabe Vincent</a> and a second-round pick.</p><p>Lakers center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60079" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60079">Deandre Ayton</a> added a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.</p><p>"We were really poised as a team," Lakers coach JJ Redick said postgame, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/DanWoikeSports/status/2045706290195042440">The Athletic's Dan Woike</a>.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96113" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96113">Alperen Sengun</a> led Houston with 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists but shot 6-of-19 (31.5%), including a pair of misses from range.</p><p>With Durant unavailable, the Rockets' offense sputtered; Ime Udoka's squad shot just 38% as a team, and despite hitting one more three than the 10 made by the Lakers, they were just 33% from distance. The Lakers hit 53% of their 3-point attempts, led by Kennard's perfect 5-of-5 display. Los Angeles shot 61% from the floor overall.</p><p>"That was my matchup," Rockets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110271" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110271">Amen Thompson</a> said about Kennard, according to <a href="https://x.com/WillGuillory/status/2045710396867367289">Will Guillory of The Athletic</a>. "He went off. I've got to be better than that."</p><p>Game 2 is Tuesday night in L.A. Durant's status is still to be determined, but Udoka said before Saturday's loss that he hoped his absence was "a one-game thing."</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 18: Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 18, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Kennard lifts shorthanded Lakers over Rockets in Game 1

Houston Rockets All-Star Kevin Durant was not in the lineup for Game 1 against the Los Angeles La...

<p>Houston Rockets All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> was not in the lineup for Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday due to a right knee contusion.</p><p>"Hopefully it's a one-game thing," head coach Ime Udoka said ahead of the contest, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/mcten/status/2045639522969641210">Dave McMenamin of ESPN</a>.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121682" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121682">Reed Sheppard</a> will step into the starting lineup in Durant's place, joining <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110271" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110271">Amen Thompson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96113" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96113">Alperen Sengun</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102778" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102778">Jabari Smith</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52700" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52700">Josh Okogie</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Durant missed just four regular-season games for the Rockets, including a day off for rest in their finale against the Memphis Grizzlies. The 37-year-old put up 26 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per contest this season while shooting 41.3% from distance.</p><p>The Lakers will be without their top two scorers in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves due to respective hamstring and oblique strains.</p>

HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on March 21, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Durant ruled out for Game 1 vs. Lakers

UConn guard Braylon Mullins will return to school for his sophomore season, he confirmed Saturday...

<p>UConn guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172181" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172181">Braylon Mullins</a> will return to school for his sophomore season, he confirmed Saturday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXSgY36iae7/?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/DXSgY36iae7/?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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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXSgY36iae7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by braylon mullins (@bmull24)</a></p>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>The 6-foot-6 Mullins was projected to be taken in the mid-to-late first round, with some projections penciling him in as a lottery pick had he declared for the NBA draft. The guard is instead committing to another season under Dan Hurley, joining <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110707" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110707">Silas Demary Jr.</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110442" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110442">Jayden Ross</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110441" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110441">Solo Ball</a> as key returnees.</p><p>Mullins, a five-star recruit in last year's class, averaged 12 points and 3.5 rebounds while starting in 29 of 33 games. Mullins entered NCAA Tournament lore when he drilled the game-winning basket against Duke during this year’s Elite Eight.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He won't be the only top-rated prospect on Hurley's squad next season, as UConn also secured a transfer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3525738" href="https://thescore.com/news/3525738">commitment</a> from former Duke big <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172509" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172509">Nikolas Khamenia</a> on Saturday.</p>

College Basketball: NCAA Finals: UConn Head Coach Dan Hurley yells to his team as Braylon Mullins (24) runs the court vs Michigan at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis, IN 4/6/2026 CREDIT: Erick W. Rasco

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Mullins returning to UConn for sophomore season

Paolo Banchero scored 25 points with six assists and five rebounds and the Orlando Magic bounced ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102767" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102767">Paolo Banchero</a> scored 25 points with six assists and five rebounds and the Orlando Magic bounced back from their play-in loss to the Philadelphia 76ers by thumping the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, 121-90.</p><p>The Magic will advance to the playoffs as the No. 8 seed, setting them up for a first-round series against the Eastern Conference leaders, the Detroit Pistons.</p><p>Charlotte, led by 23 points from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93879">LaMelo Ball</a>, trailed for most of the contest. Its first and only lead was 5-4 two minutes into the opening quarter; the Magic defense helped the team enter the break up 31 after holding the Hornets to 31.7% shooting in the first half.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96086" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96086">Franz Wagner</a> recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in 25 minutes in a balanced attack for the Magic. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60230" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60230">Wendell Carter Jr.</a> chipped in with 16 points and six rebounds as Orlando outrebounded Charlotte 49-34, exemplifying the Magic's physical dominance on the night.</p><p>Charlotte was third in the league in 3-point percentage (37.8%) this season, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171826" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171826">Kon Knueppel</a> and Ball becoming the first teammates to finish 1-2 in made 3-pointers since Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. The Hornets were just 12-of-45 (27%) from deep Friday in Orlando, with Knueppel and Ball combining to go 4-of-14 behind the arc.</p><p>Orlando's 31-point margin of victory is the largest ever recorded in the play-in tournament, overtaking back-to-back 27-point wins by the Indiana Pacers in 2021.</p><p>The Hornets, who beat the Magic in their last three regular-season contests, have not been in the playoffs since 2016.</p><p>This will be the third consecutive playoff appearance for Orlando. However, the franchise hasn't progressed past the first round since making the Eastern Conference finals in 2010.</p><p>The Magic split the season series with the Pistons 2-2. The first-round series gets underway Sunday evening in Detroit. The Pistons boast the third-best home record in the league this season (31-9) and enter the playoffs on an eight-game home winning streak.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 10: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic celebrates during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on April 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Magic decimate Hornets in play-in to set up Pistons series

Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston is signing a four-year contract extension worth $6.3 million,...

<p>Indiana Fever forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/110192" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/110192">Aliyah Boston</a> is signing a four-year contract extension worth $6.3 million, her agent, Zack Miller, told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/2045250339171946823">ESPN's Shams Charania, Alexa Philippou, and Kendra Andrews</a>.</p><p>The deal is the largest ever signed in the WNBA, overtaking the reported three-year, $5-million extension <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/41039" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/41039">A'ja Wilson</a> agreed to Wednesday with the Las Vegas Aces.</p><p>Boston, 24, will earn $1 million in 2026, and her salary will jump to the maximum 20% of the WNBA salary cap (currently $1.4 million) for the remainder of the deal.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Indiana selected the South Carolina product first overall in 2023. She went on to win Rookie of the Year by unanimous vote after averaging 14.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 40 games.</p><p>In 2025, her third season, Boston started all 44 games for the Fever, who reached the postseason despite co-star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/121626" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/121626">Caitlin Clark</a> missing the final two months due to a groin injury and a bone bruise in her left ankle.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 26: Aliyah Boston #7 of the Indiana Fever during the game against the Las Vegas Aces in Game Three of the semifinals of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 26, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Fever extend Boston with record 4-year, $6.3M deal

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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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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