Head coach Doc Rivers is optimistic his Milwaukee Bucks can get their two superstars back for Gam...

<p>Head coach Doc Rivers is optimistic his Milwaukee Bucks can get their two superstars back for Game 6 of their first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.</p><p>Speaking after the Bucks blew out the Pacers 115-92 without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a>, Rivers told reporters, including <a href="https://twitter.com/JamalCollier/status/1785528642237354396">ESPN's Jamal Collier</a>, that the pair are "very, very, very close" to playing again.</p><p>Antetokounmpo has missed the entire series after straining his calf late in the regular season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Meanwhile, Lillard averaged 32.3 points across Milwaukee's first three playoff contests before injuring his Achilles late in Game 3. The Bucks dropped Game 4 without him but closed the gap to 3-2 on Tuesday.</p><p>In doing so, Milwaukee became the first team to ever win a playoff game without its two leading scorers, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/malika_andrews/status/1785521253937459289">ESPN's Malika Andrews</a>.</p><p>Third-leading scorer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4789" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/4789">Khris Middleton</a> has stepped up in a big way for the shorthanded Bucks, averaging 32 points over his last three contests.</p><p>Antetokounmpo and Lillard have yet to play a postseason game together, as the latter joined the squad last offseason after an 11-year stint with the Portland Trail Blazers.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 30: Damian Lillard #0 and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks watch action during the first half of game five of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum on April 30, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Bucks' Rivers: Giannis, Dame 'very close' to returning

The Denver Nuggets survived a back-and-forth final few minutes to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 1...

<p>The Denver Nuggets survived a back-and-forth final few minutes to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 108-106 in Monday's Game 5 tilt and win their first-round playoff series.</p><p>Denver will play the Minnesota Timberwolves in the West semifinals.</p><p>Neither team took a double-digit lead in the contest, and both displayed elite shotmaking in the fourth quarter. But it was clutch playoff performer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44995" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a> who came through for Denver with a game-winning jumper in the final seconds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It was the second time Murray sunk the Lakers with a go-ahead bucket. He's the first player in the play-by-play era to do so multiple times in the same series, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/zachkram/status/1785165281133768800">The Ringer's Zach Kram</a>.</p><p>"I'm speechless. It's a dream come true," Murray <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1785165544557097179">said</a> after the dramatic ending, "All these fans on your side, and to get it done in this fashion, I don't know what to say."</p><p>Murray paced the Nuggets with 32 points, with superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> contributing a monster 25-point, 20-rebound double-double with nine assists.</p><p>Head coach Michael Malone praised Murray's performance and <a href="http://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1785172433546133578">said</a> he had "the utmost confidence" the guard would make the winning shot.</p><p>"That's why I didn't call a timeout," Malone told reporters postgame. "Let the best two-man game in the business play their game and get to their spots. And for Jamal to add to his playoff lore by having two game-winners in a series is just incredible."</p><p>"The kid's a warrior, man. I can't say enough good things about Jamal Murray. The bigger the moment, the kid just continues to shine," Malone added.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Lakers were led by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>' remarkable near-triple double with 30 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists. However, Los Angeles couldn't get the job done from beyond the arc, going just 10-of-35 (29%) from deep, compared to Denver's 16-of-38 (42%) clip.</p><p>"First of all, you tip your hat to them," LeBron <a href="https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1785180425364688903">said</a> after the game. "Defending champions, super great team, super well coached, and you tip your hats to them. They made the plays down the stretch to win this series and you give credit where credit is due."</p><p>The Lakers were up by three at halftime before surrendering a lead in the third quarter. L.A. had an advantage at the midway point in all five games in the series.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 29: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates with his teammates after making a basket in the final seconds to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers during game five of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 29, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Nuggets eliminate Lakers in Game 5 thriller

Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves led wire to wire to defeat the Phoenix Suns 126-10...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> and the Minnesota Timberwolves led wire to wire to defeat the Phoenix Suns 126-109 on their home floor and secure a 3-0 series lead Friday night.</p><p>No team has ever come back from an 0-3 hole in NBA playoff history, with previous sides going a combined 0-151.</p><p>Edwards led all scorers with 36 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, including 18 points in a dominant final frame. The 22-year-old now shares the franchise playoff record for 30-point performances with Kevin Garnett at seven.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Timberwolves were too much on the interior, winning the rebounding battle 50-28, second-chance points 19-8, and points in the paint 56-36.</p><p>"We got killed on the boards. This is a bigger, stronger team," Suns coach Frank Vogel told <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-playoffs-timberwolves-suns-score-83cea5e5643912941e16cb79013ff0f6">David Brandt of The Associated Press</a>. "We've got to compete and win the 50-50 balls. I thought our guys gave the effort, but it wasn’t enough."</p><p>Big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30615" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/30615">Rudy Gobert</a> had 19 points and 14 rebounds, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60881" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/60881">Nickeil Alexander-Walker</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69736" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/69736">Naz Reid</a> both contributed double-digit points off the bench.</p><p>Defensive Player of the Year favorite Gobert was particularly effective at limiting Phoenix's forays in the paint.</p><p>"That's what I do best," Gobert said. "I try to be a presence, give confidence to my teammates, making sure I'm there for them. I'm trying to get some blocks, but they don't really try me. So at the end of the day, that's better than any block."</p><p>The Suns got strong production from their Big Three with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37815" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/37815">Devin Booker</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11887" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/11887">Bradley Beal</a> combining to score 76 points on 26-of-52 shooting. However, no other Suns player made more than three shots.</p><p>For a third straight game, Minnesota parlayed a big third quarter into a sizeable margin of victory. After clinging to a six-point lead at the half, the T-Wolves drained 7 of 11 efforts from distance to take a 22-point advantage into the final frame.</p><p>"This is a team you need to dictate terms with," Minnesota coach Chris Finch said. "You don't want to get behind big on them because of the way they can shoot the ball. That's been part of our messaging, part of our emphasis, we have to get off to good starts."</p><p>Phoenix will begin its attempt to make a historic comeback Sunday night at home.</p>

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 26: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 26, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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T-Wolves shut down Suns to take 3-0 series lead

Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid received treatment for a mild case of Bell's palsy that ...

<p>Philadelphia 76ers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a> received treatment for a mild case of Bell's palsy that started soon before the team's play-in win over the Miami Heat last week, he told reporters including <a href="https://x.com/MikeVorkunov/status/1783697771905552417">The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov</a>.</p><p>Embiid's been playing through the issue and wanted to keep the situation private to prevent distractions, according to <a href="https://x.com/wojespn/status/1783694709472563547">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>.</p><p>Bell's palsy is "an unexplained episode of facial muscle weakness or paralysis," according to <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bells-palsy">Johns Hopkins Medicine</a>. Recovery usually begins between two weeks and six months.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's unfortunate, that's the way I look at it." said Embiid. "But that's not an excuse, I've got to keep pushing."</p><p>The ailment didn't seem to affect Embiid in Thursday's Game 3, as the reigning Most Valuable Player scored a playoff career-high 50 points in a 125-114 victory over the New York Knicks. The Sixers trail 2-1 in the first-round series.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2024 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2024 NBAE

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Embiid treated for mild case of Bell's palsy

French prospect Zaccharie Risacher has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, he told ESPN's Jonathan G...

<p>French prospect Zaccharie Risacher has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, he told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39995286/projected-no-1-pick-zaccharie-risacher-enter-nba-draft">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a>.</p><p>Risacher is a potential top-five selection and is projected at No. 4 in theScore's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2877669" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2877669">mock draft</a>.</p><p>"It's always been my dream to get to the best league in the world," Risacher told Givony. "I've been putting the work in for this since I was a kid."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 6-foot-10 wing is a 3-and-D player with excellent length and a 39% clip from beyond the arc while playing in France's top league. He's averaging 10.4 points in 23 minutes per game this season.</p><p>"There are a lot of things I can bring an NBA team," Risacher said. "First of all - my No. 1 strength is my shooting. Then my defensive ability after that. And lastly, my ability to do what's asked of me, using my versatility - I can rebound, handle the ball if needed, finish above the rim, pass the ball. Whatever you ask me to do, I will do it and do it well."</p><p>Risacher will hope to hear his name called early on draft night, which is split between two days from June 26-27.</p>

NANTERRE, FRANCE - MARCH 23: Zaccharie Risacher (10) (Bourg en Bresse) looks on during the French National Basketball League (LNB) game between Nanterre 92 and Bourg en Bresse at Palais des sports Maurice Thorez on March 23, 2024 in Nanterre, France.

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Projected top-5 pick Risacher declares for NBA draft

The Los Angeles Clippers listed star Kawhi Leonard as questionable for Sunday's playoff opener ag...

<p>The Los Angeles Clippers listed star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4200" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi Leonard</a> as questionable for Sunday's playoff opener against the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN's <a href="https://twitter.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1781836572180279443">Ohm Youngmisuk</a>.</p><p>Leonard practiced without contact ahead of Game 1, head coach Ty Lue told <a href="https://x.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1781755304411328972">Youngmisuk</a> on Saturday.</p><p>He missed the team's last eight games due to a knee injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Clippers have yet to confirm whether Leonard will be available against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> and Co. in the first round.</p><p>Leonard averaged 34.5 points in two playoff games against the Phoenix Suns last season before going down with injury.</p><p>The two-time Finals MVP also missed the last eight games of the Clippers' 2021 postseason push with a torn ACL that cost him the entire 2021-22 campaign.</p><p>Leonard put up his most efficient season as a pro this year, averaging 23.7 points on 52.5% shooting from the field, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 and Head Coach Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers look on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 14, 2023 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 2023 NBAE

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Kawhi questionable for playoff opener vs. Mavs 

New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. feels extremely confident about his team's chances a...

<p>New Orleans Pelicans forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11516" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/11516">Larry Nance Jr.</a> feels extremely confident about his team's chances against the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder but needed to throw in a caveat after this week's NBA news.</p><p>"You don't get the No. 1 seed by accident. ... They got (four) guys up for major awards," Nance said after his team's 105-98 play-in victory over the Sacramento Kings, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/CAlmanza1007/status/1781544871616016492">OKC Thunder Wire's Clemente Almanza</a>.</p><p>"We got a ton of respect for them, but, respectfully, I'm betting on the Pels."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He quickly clarified he's not placing any literal bets: "No Jontay Porter."</p><p>Nance's wisecrack comes days after the NBA banned Porter, a Toronto Raptors two-way forward, for violating the league's betting rules. He was found to have both wagered on NBA games himself and limited his participation in contests for the gain of his confidants.</p><p>The Pelicans played the Thunder three times in the regular season, going 1-2, with their one win coming in the campaign's opening days. Despite finishing the regular season as the No. 7 seed, New Orleans only finished eight games behind Oklahoma City.</p><p>Nance will likely need to play a big role if the Pelicans are going to pull off the upset, as fellow frontcourt member <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69536" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/69536">Zion Williamson</a> is sidelined with a hamstring injury.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 1: Larry Nance Jr. #22 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives into the lane while being defended by Olivier Sarr #30 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on November 1, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Nance betting on Pels to beat Thunder, but is 'no Jontay Porter'

Duke transfer and former top recruit Mark Mitchell is committing to Missouri, he told ON3's Joe T...

<p>Duke transfer and former top recruit Mark Mitchell is committing to Missouri, he told <a href="https://www.on3.com/college/missouri-tigers/news/duke-transfer-forward-mark-mitchell-former-5-star-commits-to-missouri/">ON3's Joe Tipton</a> Friday.</p><p>Mitchell appeared in the 2022 McDonald's All-American Game and was the No. 28 prospect in ESPN's recruiting database.</p><p>The 6-foot-8 forward had a solid impact in his two seasons at Duke, averaging 10.3 points and 5.2 rebounds while making 50.5% of his shots in 68 games, 67 of which were starts.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Mitchell struggled in the Blue Devils' surprising Elite Eight loss to NC State, scoring just six points.</p><p>The Kansas City native will join a Missouri squad that fell short of expectations last season, going 8-24 a year after an NCAA Tournament berth under head coach Dennis Gates.</p>

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 31: Mark Mitchell #25 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during the first half against the NC State Wolfpack in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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Duke transfer Mark Mitchell heads to Missouri

UConn freshman Stephon Castle will bypass his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2024 NB...

<p>UConn freshman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110444" href="https://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/110444">Stephon Castle</a> will bypass his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2024 NBA Draft, his agents told <a href="https://x.com/wojespn/status/1781321734328860869">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>.</p><p>Castle is widely expected to be a lottery pick in June's event.</p><p>The 6-foot-6 wing took home the Big East's Rookie of the Year award and earned a spot on the NCAA Tournament's All-Region team during the Huskies' championship run.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Castle got off to a bumpy start to his Huskies tenure, averaging 9.4 points and hitting 21% of his threes through his first 13 games. He slowly worked his way into form and became one of the team's most indispensable players.</p><p>The five-star recruit finished his campaign with averages of 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per contest and was often used as UConn's main perimeter defender throughout its dominant March Madness.</p><p>However, his shooting remained an issue, finishing the season at just 26.7% from beyond the arc.</p>

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - APRIL 06: Stephon Castle #5 of the Connecticut Huskies high fives teammates prior to the first half in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at State Farm Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona.

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UConn's Castle declares for NBA draft

Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. is looking to keep his team's core intact...

<p>Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. is looking to keep his team's core intact after a disappointing end to the 2023-24 season.</p><p>Dunleavy addressed reporters following Golden State's 118-94 play-in loss to the Sacramento Kings, in which <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5334" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/5334">Klay Thompson</a>, who is about to become a free agent, scored zero points and went 0 of 10 from the field.</p><p>"Certainly we want Klay back. I expressed that to him yesterday. … Everybody wants Klay back." Dunleavy told reporters, including <a href="https://twitter.com/ThompsonScribe/status/1781035808822300769">The Athletic's Marcus Thompson II</a>, on Thursday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Thompson's decline last season was more noticeable than that of his fellow Splash Brother, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a>. His 17.9 points per game were the fewest since his second season, and his 38.7% clip from deep was the second-lowest mark of his career.</p><p>The 34-year-old has been with the Warriors since he was drafted in 2011, but he can choose to head elsewhere this summer.</p><p>Dunleavy also vouched for veteran forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond Green</a>'s return next season, <a href="https://twitter.com/ThompsonScribe/status/1781036675705278869">saying</a> he "cannot imagine a scenario where he's not back."</p><p>Green is under contract for three more seasons at nearly $78 million combined, but he's had his fair share of issues in recent years with staying on the floor due to his antics. Most recently, his ejection four minutes into a critical contest against the Orlando Magic triggered an <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSWarriors/status/1773134383324746122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1773134383324746122%7Ctwgr%5E866632660d2c939012517aa0a52908fddfa25382%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportingnews.com%2Fca%2Fnba%2Fnews%2Fstephen-curry-crying-draymond-green-ejection-warriors%2Ffd6806efe3e8e372e841fab2">emotional response</a> from Curry.</p><p>The Warriors' dynasty has accumulated four championships since 2015, but the play-in loss this season marked the team's earliest elimination from title contention with all three of Curry, Thompson, and Green healthy.</p>

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 15: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors walk off the court during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on January 15, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.

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Warriors' Dunleavy wants Klay, Draymond back next season

Former Wisconsin guard and top transfer target AJ Storr will play for Kansas next season, sources...

<p>Former Wisconsin guard and top transfer target AJ Storr will play for Kansas next season, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1781012331247583742">The Athletic's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Storr blossomed with the Badgers after spending his freshman season with St. John's. He averaged 16.8 points per game as a sophomore, earning a spot on the All-Big Ten second team.</p><p>The athletic scorer will provide outside shooting and wing size for a Kansas team that fell flat in the Round of 32 last season due to a lack of depth and perimeter firepower.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kansas is slated to return three of its four minutes leaders from last season and has already picked up Florida's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103036" href="https://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/103036">Riley Kugel</a> and South Dakota State's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96515" href="https://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/96515">Zeke Mayo</a> in the portal. The Jayhawks also own the nation's No. 8 recruiting class.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 17: AJ Storr #2 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates his three-point basket against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half at Target Center during the Championship game of the Big Ten Tournament on March 17, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Report: Wisconsin's Storr joining Kansas

Former LSU guard Hailey Van Lith is transferring to TCU, sources told The Athletic's Nicole Auerb...

<p>Former LSU guard Hailey Van Lith is transferring to TCU, sources told <a href="https://theathletic.com/5426566/2024/04/18/hailey-van-lith-transfer-tcu/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=twhq&amp;source=twitterhq">The Athletic's Nicole Auerbach and Mark Puleo</a> on Thursday.</p><p>Van Lith spent one season with the Tigers after playing her first three campaigns at Louisville. She has one year of eligibility remaining.</p><p>The Washington native was an elite scorer with the Cardinals, making two All-ACC teams and earning two NCAA Tournament All-Region nods.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Van Lith's transfer to the defending champion Tigers marked one of the biggest portal moves in women's college basketball, but she failed to live up to lofty expectations. Her 11.6 points per game were her lowest since her freshman campaign, and she shot a career-low 37.8% from the field.</p><p>LSU coach Kim Mulkey tasked Van Lith with guarding WNBA No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark in the Tigers' Elite Eight loss. The 5-foot-7 guard allowed Clark to score 41 points.</p><p>TCU is coming off a bizarre season. The Horned Frogs started 14-0 before losing nine of 10 games, including two forfeits while dealing with many injuries.</p>

ALBANY, NEW YORK - APRIL 01: Hailey Van Lith #11 of the LSU Tigers reacts during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at MVP Arena on April 01, 2024 in Albany, New York.

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Report: LSU's Van Lith transferring to TCU

Toronto Raptors two-way forward Jontay Porter has been banned from the NBA for violating the leag...

<p>Toronto Raptors two-way forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62189" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/62189">Jontay Porter</a> has been banned from the NBA for violating the league's gaming rules, in part by placing bets on NBA games through an associate's betting account, the league announced.</p><p>Porter had been listed as out for personal reasons while the league investigated suspicious gambling activity flagged by licensed sports betting operators. </p><p>The league's investigation determined Porter bet $54,094 on NBA games through his associate, winning $76,059 for a net profit of $21,965.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Though Porter didn't play in any of the games he bet on, he did make three multi-team parlays that included the Raptors losing a contest. All three parlays lost.</p><p>The probe uncovered multiple other violations of NBA rules, including disclosing his health status to an individual he knew of as a bettor. That individual placed an $80,000 parlay on Porter to underperform in a March 20 game, with a payout of $1.1 million. The bet was frozen by the sportsbook that flagged suspicious activity.</p><p>Porter was found to have limited his own game participation in order to influence the outcome of bets, including when he left that March 20 game after three minutes due to illness.</p><p>"There is nothing more important than protecting the integrity of NBA competition for our fans, our teams, and everyone associated with our sport, which is why Jontay Porter's blatant violations of our gaming rules are being met with the most severe punishment," said league commissioner Adam Silver.</p><p>Porter averaged 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in 13.8 minutes across 26 games with the Raptors this season. He'd been out of the NBA since playing 11 games with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2020-21.</p><p>"The Raptors are fully supportive of the league's decision to ban Jontay Porter from the NBA and are grateful for the swift resolution to this investigation. We will continue to cooperate with all ongoing inquiries," announced the franchise.</p>

PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 09: Jontay Porter #34 of the Toronto Raptors warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on March 09, 2024 in Portland, Oregon.

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NBA bans Jontay Porter for violating betting rules

The Phoenix Suns are extending sharpshooter Grayson Allen on a four-year, $70-million deal with a...

<p>The Phoenix Suns are extending sharpshooter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37618" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/37618">Grayson Allen</a> on a four-year, $70-million deal with a player option, his agents told <a href="https://x.com/wojespn/status/1779871569206247891">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>.</p><p>Allen had a career-best regular season, averaging 13.5 points per game while leading the league in 3-point percentage at 46.1%. He's now hit at least 39% of his threes in five straight seasons.</p><p>The Duke product joined Phoenix in the offseason as part of the blockbuster <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> trade. He's provided elite spacing next to the Big Three of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37815" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/37815">Devin Booker</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11887" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/11887">Bradley Beal</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Allen will play a major role in the playoffs for the sixth-seeded Suns, beginning in the first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves.</p><p>The 28-year-old is arguably Phoenix's biggest X-factor - the team is 7-2 when he makes at least six 3-pointers in a game.</p>

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 25: Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 25, 2024 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Suns hand Allen 4-year, $70M extension

Five-star guard and McDonald's All-American Boogie Fland became the fourth Kentucky signee to dep...

<p>Five-star guard and McDonald's All-American Boogie Fland became the fourth Kentucky signee to depart the program, according to <a href="https://www.on3.com/college/kentucky-wildcats/news/no-1-pg-boogie-fland-requests-nli-release-from-kentucky/">ON3's Hunter Shelton</a>.</p><p>The decision comes days after John Calipari left the Wildcats to take the head coaching job at Arkansas. Calipari was swiftly replaced by BYU bench boss and former Kentucky big man Mark Pope.</p><p>Fland joins fellow five-star Jayden Quaintance and four-stars Karter Knox and Somto Cyril as former Kentucky players on the open market.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kentucky still has commitments from incoming freshmen Travis Perry and Billy Richmond.</p><p>Along with the two high school prospects, the Wildcats have just five scholarship players currently on their roster, with at least three widely expected to enter the NBA draft.</p>

HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 29: McDonalds High School All American guard Boogie Fland (00) poses for a photo during the McDonalds High School All American Portrait Day at the JW Marriott Houston by the Galleria on March 29, 2024, in Houston, Texas.

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All-American Fland becomes 4th player to decommit from Kentucky

The Brooklyn Nets have narrowed their head coaching search to former Milwaukee Bucks bench boss M...

<p>The Brooklyn Nets have narrowed their head coaching search to former Milwaukee Bucks bench boss Mike Budenholzer, Sacramento Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez, and Phoenix Suns associate Kevin Young, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1779213353082331548">The Athletic's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Brooklyn fired Jacque Vaughn in February, and interim head coach Kevin Ollie currently leads the team.</p><p>Budenholzer has 10 seasons of experience coaching NBA teams, five each with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks. He's led his squad to the playoffs in nine of his campaigns.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Fernandez has worked as an assistant in the league since 2016 and is currently the head coach of the Canadian national team. Young has also roamed NBA sidelines since the 2016-17 season.</p><p>The Nets are going through a miserable season, sitting at 32-49 with one game remaining on their schedule.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 26: Head Coach Mike Budenholzer of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Miami Heat during Round 1 Game 5 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2023 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE .

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Report: Budenholzer among finalists for Nets' coaching gig

UConn big man Donovan Clingan will forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2024 NBA...

<p>UConn big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103023" href="https://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/103023">Donovan Clingan</a> will forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2024 NBA draft, he told <a href="https://x.com/wojespn/status/1778868930960052475">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a> on Friday.</p><p>Clingan's decision comes just days after he helped lead the Huskies to their second straight NCAA Tournament championship, further pushing his draft stock into the lottery.</p><p>The 7-foot-2 center was one of college hoops' best defenders in his sophomore season - his first as a starter.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Clingan finished fifth nationally in blocks with 86 and ranked No. 1 in EvanMiya.com's defensive Bayesian performance rating metric. His rim protection pushed UConn to fourth in adjusted defensive efficiency on the season.</p><p>The Connecticut native turned his game up a notch in March Madness, averaging 15.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks across six games.</p><p>Though not a threat from outside the arc (2-for-9 in his career) and with room for improvement on his 55.8% free-throw percentage, Clingan's speed and agility at his size make him the ideal defensive big man for drop coverage schemes.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 16: Donovan Clingan #32 of the Connecticut Huskies reacts in the final seconds in the second half against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the Big East Basketball Tournament Final at Madison Square Garden on March 16, 2024 in New York City. The Huskies won 73-57.

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UConn's star center Clingan entering NBA draft

With another season - and another UConn title - in the books, it's never too early to look at wha...

<p>With another season - and another UConn title - in the books, it's never too early to look at what lies ahead for next year.</p><p>The transfer portal and coaching changes make things somewhat cloudy, rendering teams like Kentucky, Arkansas, and Michigan impossible to rank. But there's still value in assessing what's in front of us, especially since we correctly predicted the Huskies remaining on top at this time last year.</p><h3>1. Houston</h3><p>The Cougars will return at least eight of their 10 rotation players from this season's No. 1 seeded squad. One of the two not returning is Big 12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year Jamal Shead, which is massive because Houston struggled in its Sweet 16 loss to Duke when he went down with an injury. That said, this veteran group - led by head coach Kelvin Sampson - is in the midst of a dominant run, buoyed by outstanding defense and rebounding. Assuming the team will add another guard to make up for Shead's departure, the Houston rocketship should continue to soar.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>2. Duke</h3><p>Jon Scheyer and Co. already had the country's top recruiting class for next season, and then the No. 1 international prospect, 7-foot-1 center Khaman Maluach, joined the fold. Generational prospect Cooper Flagg had one of the best high school careers in the modern era, and he could very well continue his winning ways in Durham. But most of the Blue Devils' top prospects play in the frontcourt, and the team will likely need at least one of Jeremy Roach and Caleb Foster to return at guard. Otherwise, they'll have to hit the portal for backcourt help.</p><h3>3. Gonzaga</h3><p>It's pretty stunning that Gonzaga made a Sweet 16 run, considering the preseason injury to projected starter Steele Venters led to a seven-man rotation for a large portion of the season. That only lifts the Bulldogs' expectations for this season, as Venters is returning and All-WCC performer Michael Ajayi bounced over from Pepperdine. Senior leader Anton Watson will be tough to replace, but Ben Gregg's improvement in the latter half of the year sets him up for a major role increase.</p><h3>4. UConn</h3><p>It would be easy to discount the reigning national champions next season with four of their five starters jumping ship, but UConn's dominant tournament run this year came after it lost three starters from its title in 2023. As long as Danny Hurley and his coaching staff reside in Storrs, the Huskies must be given the benefit of the doubt. UConn's lengthy March has the team slightly behind the 8-ball in the transfer portal, and the Huskies will need lots of help with a roster currently filled with holes. But if Alex Karaban can blossom into a full-fledged superstar, it may not matter who they pick up.</p><h3>5. Purdue</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624348/cropped_GettyImages-2102844678.jpg?ts=1712868598" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624348/w220xh124_GettyImages-2102844678.jpg?ts=1712868598 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624348/w320xh180_GettyImages-2102844678.jpg?ts=1712868598 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624348/w640xh360_GettyImages-2102844678.jpg?ts=1712868598 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624348/w768xh432_GettyImages-2102844678.jpg?ts=1712868598 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624348/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2102844678.jpg?ts=1712868598 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ben Solomon / NCAA Photos / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Many people felt that this year's Purdue squad was all Zach Edey - and the Player of the Year scoring 62% of the team's points in its title game loss didn't shine a great light on the supporting cast. But Braden Smith was one of the five best point guards in the nation, and Fletcher Loyer turned himself into a 44% 3-point shooter. Beyond their rising junior backcourt, Trey Kaufman-Renn, Myles Colvin, and especially <a href="http://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1777526756519354470">the high-flying Camden Heide</a> all have breakout potential. Combine that with a top-15 recruiting class, and Purdue should be just fine without Edey.</p><h3>6. Kansas</h3><p>Things start to get a lot dicier outside the top five. Kansas has already found success in the portal, should return the steady duo of Dajuan Harris and KJ Adams, and will always be a top-tier team under Bill Self. But Hunter Dickinson's status for next season remains a question, and the team has yet to make a real dent in fixing its severe shooting issues from this disappointing campaign. If Dickinson returns and the Jayhawks add snipers, this ranking could prove low.</p><h3>7. Alabama</h3><p>Assuming point guard Mark Sears bounces to the NBA after a strong March, next year's Alabama team will be a lot more forward-heavy. Derrion Reid and Aiden Sherrell, two versatile five-star forward prospects coming to Tuscaloosa, are highlights. Jarin Stevenson and Sam Walters showed promise as freshmen, and the Crimson Tide may even get Sweet 16 hero Grant Nelson back for a fifth year. They'll have some solid guards but no true point option. A transfer lead guard could push this team to another Final Four.</p><h3>8. Iowa State</h3><p>Expectations were tempered for Iowa State this season after the program lost four of last year's starters. But after earning a No. 2 seed and a Sweet 16 berth, it's clear that T.J. Otzelberger's elite pressure defense is here to stay. The backcourt of Tamin Lipsey, Keshon Gilbert, and Curtis Jones is the clear strength here, and the growth of freshman Milan Momcilovic and a transfer-laden big man rotation is the ceiling-raiser.</p><h3>9. Marquette</h3><p>Marquette got a pleasant surprise when Kam Jones announced he'd return for his graduate season next year. With leading passer Tyler Kolek and leading rebounder Oso Ighodaro headed to the NBA, the Golden Eagles are now Jones' team. A defensive-minded supporting cast and a tantalizing stretch big man in Ben Gold could keep the momentum going for Shaka Smart and Co., especially if they can reel in an impact transfer at the point.</p><h3>10. Arizona</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624349/cropped_GettyImages-2113298581.jpg?ts=1712868652" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624349/w220xh124_GettyImages-2113298581.jpg?ts=1712868652 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624349/w320xh180_GettyImages-2113298581.jpg?ts=1712868652 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624349/w640xh360_GettyImages-2113298581.jpg?ts=1712868652 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624349/w768xh432_GettyImages-2113298581.jpg?ts=1712868652 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624349/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2113298581.jpg?ts=1712868652 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ben Solomon / NCAA Photos / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Wildcats are slated to lose some key pieces from this season, but that's not always a bad thing. Reserve guards Jaden Bradley and KJ Lewis often looked like two of the best players on Arizona's roster and will be given a chance to succeed as lead options. After splitting time with Oumar Ballo, the 7-foot-2 Motiejus Krivas will be the full-time center and projects as a much better offensive player. Plus, the program is bringing in the No. 2 recruiting class in the country, led by Carter Bryant.</p><h3>11. North Carolina</h3><p>One of the biggest decisions remaining ahead of next year is whether RJ Davis returns for a fifth season after being named the nation's best shooting guard. If so, his elite scoring alongside rising sophomore point guard Elliot Cadeau and the incoming McDonald's All-American wing duo of Ian Jackson and Drake Powell make the Tar Heels a top-25 team. North Carolina would have to do some serious portal work if he decides to leave, but the program was quite successful in that regard last year.</p><h3>12. Baylor</h3><p>Baylor's backcourt will once again be its strength next year, with Jayden Nunn and Langston Love pairing up with five-star freshmen VJ Edgecombe and Rob Wright. The wings and bigs are a lot more up in the air, but after a couple of down seasons on the defensive end, expect Scott Drew to shore up that side of the ball in the transfer portal. Scoring certainly won't be an issue for this squad.</p><h3>13. Texas A&amp;M</h3><p>Wade Taylor IV will remain Texas A&amp;M's best player, assuming he returns for his senior season. But Manny Obaseki's superstar rise - exhibited down the stretch this year - gives the Aggies an additional crutch to lean on through the uncertainty of roster construction in 2024. Add in Andersson Garcia, Solomon Washington, Jace Carter, and Henry Coleman, and Texas A&amp;M has one of the oldest, most proven returning cores in the country.</p><h3>14. UCLA</h3><p>Mick Cronin and Co. are well on their way to bouncing back from an awful 2023-24 campaign. Sebastian Mack and Dylan Andrews showed flashes in the backcourt this season but should be way more consistent as sophomores. Plus, the Bruins already added two impact players, Kobe Johnson and Skyy Clark, from the transfer portal. If Cronin can get at least one of Aday Mara and Berke Buyuktuncel (the international big-man duo) to stay, watch out.</p><h3>15. BYU</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624350/cropped_GettyImages-2046572492.jpg?ts=1712868743" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624350/w220xh124_GettyImages-2046572492.jpg?ts=1712868743 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624350/w320xh180_GettyImages-2046572492.jpg?ts=1712868743 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624350/w640xh360_GettyImages-2046572492.jpg?ts=1712868743 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624350/w768xh432_GettyImages-2046572492.jpg?ts=1712868743 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624350/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2046572492.jpg?ts=1712868743 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Gardner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>BYU is set to bring back nearly its entire roster from an extremely successful season while adding the top recruit in program history, guard Collin Chandler. The Cougars would be well-served to add a more versatile piece to their roster, as the one-sided 3-point attack did them in during a surprising Round of 64 loss to Duquesne. But even if not, the firepower from beyond the arc will keep BYU in the mix.</p><h3>16. Michigan State</h3><p>This year's Michigan State squad was a cautionary tale in "running it back," returning four starters and falling well short of expectations. Whether guards AJ Hoggard and Jaden Akins return for another season or not, the next iteration of this team will be very different. The quartet of rising sophomores' growth will be huge, as well as another strong recruiting class led by Jase Richardson, son of Spartans legend Jason Richardson.</p><h3>17. Auburn</h3><p>All-SEC big man Johni Broome is one of the biggest swing pieces remaining ahead of next season. If he's back and Auburn can rebuild the point guard position in the portal, 17 will be way too low for the Tigers. On the flip side, if he leaves and the lead guard remains dicey, Auburn could fall out of the NCAA Tournament entirely.</p><h3>18. New Mexico</h3><p>The Lobos, who barely made the Big Dance, will lose two of their best players, but their departures pave the way for a youth movement in Albuquerque. Rising junior Donovan Dent has star written all over him, as does Mountain West Freshman of the Year JT Toppin. With Nelly Junior Joseph and Tru Washington providing complimentary scoring, this team should be better than last year's.</p><h3>19. Saint Mary's</h3><p>Saint Mary's will have the veteran core of Aidan Mahaney, Augustas Marciulionis, and Mitchell Saxen back next year, but desperately need size and shooting elsewhere. A transfer or two would help, but the Gaels could also depend on their best recruiting class ever, led by four-star forward Zion Sensley. With a stifling defensive scheme in place, the offense only needs to be above average.</p><h3>20. Cincinnati</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624351/cropped_GettyImages-2021282347.jpg?ts=1712868790" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624351/w220xh124_GettyImages-2021282347.jpg?ts=1712868790 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624351/w320xh180_GettyImages-2021282347.jpg?ts=1712868790 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624351/w640xh360_GettyImages-2021282347.jpg?ts=1712868790 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624351/w768xh432_GettyImages-2021282347.jpg?ts=1712868790 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624351/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2021282347.jpg?ts=1712868790 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>After finishing the year strong, the point guard duo of Day Day Thomas and Jizzle James, alongside scoring wing Dan Skillings Jr. and top-tier shot blocker Aziz Bandaogo, is a fantastic start for Cincinnati's roster next season. With some shooters and a jump from the younger players on the team, the Bearcats are in business in their second Big 12 season.</p><h3>21. Miami</h3><p>A 15-17 campaign was a complete disappointment for Miami after back-to-back NCAA Tournament runs to the Elite Eight and Final Four. After being undersized and struggling defensively, the Hurricanes made much-needed adjustments by adding 6-foot-8 Brandon Johnson and 6-foot-10 Lynn Kidd to the frontcourt via the transfer portal. If McDonald's All-American dunk contest champion Jalil Bethea hits, Miami is due for a major bounce-back effort.</p><h3>22. Xavier</h3><p>Xavier was dealt a big blow before the season even began, with both starting big men Jerome Hunter and Zach Freemantle out for the entire year. The pair is ready to return and will be joined by steady senior point guard Dayvion McKnight and do-it-all wing Desmond Claude. With big second-season leaps from Trey Green and Dailyn Swain, the Musketeers could knock at the top of the Big East.</p><h3>23. Ohio State</h3><p>A solid spurt as Ohio State's interim head coach landed Jake Diebler the permanent gig, though there are still some question marks around him. But a starting backcourt of Bruce Thornton and South Carolina retread transfer Meechie Johnson, along with burgeoning big man Felix Okpara, is a great place to begin his tenure.</p><h3>24. Boise State</h3><p>Retaining four of five starters and adding a sharpshooter in the transfer portal is one heck of a way to start the offseason after a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Boise State needs to shore up its bench but will be on the short list of Mountain West contenders next season.</p><h3>25. Notre Dame</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624352/cropped_GettyImages-1888254544.jpg?ts=1712868825" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624352/w220xh124_GettyImages-1888254544.jpg?ts=1712868825 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624352/w320xh180_GettyImages-1888254544.jpg?ts=1712868825 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624352/w640xh360_GettyImages-1888254544.jpg?ts=1712868825 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624352/w768xh432_GettyImages-1888254544.jpg?ts=1712868825 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624352/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1888254544.jpg?ts=1712868825 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Probably the hottest take on this list, 13-20 Notre Dame is set for a major retool next season under an excellent head coach in Micah Shrewsberry. Assuming point guard Markus Burton doesn't bolt to the NBA, his explosive skill set as a sophomore alongside sharpshooting backcourt mate (and the coach's son) Braeden Shrewsberry is a great nucleus. Add in solid returning rotation players, a highly touted recruiting class, and the expectation of a transfer or two, and the Fighting Irish may look unrecognizable next year.</p>

DETROIT, UNITED STATES - 2024/03/29: Ryan Nembhard (L) of Gonzaga Bulldogs in action against Braden Smith (R) of Purdue Boilermakers in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena. Final score; Purdue 80:68 Gonzaga.

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Early top 25 rankings for the 2024-25 CBB season

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson will be re-evaluated in three weeks after suffering a right a...

<p>Atlanta Hawks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96072" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/96072">Jalen Johnson</a> will be re-evaluated in three weeks after suffering a right ankle sprain in his team's 117-111 loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday, the club announced.</p><p>With the 36-44 Hawks locked into either the No. 9 or No. 10 seed and a berth in the play-in tournament, Atlanta would need to make the playoff field for Johnson to play again this season.</p><p>The 2021 No. 20 pick has posted a career-best campaign in his third season with the Hawks. Johnson's averaging 16 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in 56 contests after putting up just 5.6 points a night last year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Atlanta also announced that big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93875" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/93875">Onyeka Okongwu</a> underwent a non-surgical procedure on his big toe and would be re-evaluated in about four weeks. He's missed the last 11 games.</p>

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 25: Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks prepares to shoot a free throw during the first half of a basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on October 25, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Hawks' Johnson out at least 3 weeks with ankle sprain

Five-star forward Jayden Quaintance requested a release from his commitment to Kentucky and will ...

<p>Five-star forward Jayden Quaintance requested a release from his commitment to Kentucky and will reopen his recruitment, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/jeffborzello/status/1778139715016827117">ESPN's Jeff Borzello</a>.</p><p>Quaintance is <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/playerrankings">ESPN</a>'s No. 14 prospect in the 2024 class. He was one of two five-stars in Kentucky's No. 2 rated recruiting haul.</p><p>The decision to depart from the Wildcats' program comes hours after former head coach John Calipari officially accepted a deal to become Arkansas' new bench boss.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's unknown whether some of Kentucky's other freshman commits - Boogie Fland, Travis Perry, and Billy Richmond - will also be leaving. Forward Karter Knox and big man Somto Cyril have both re-opened their recruitment since Calipari's departure.</p><p>Quaintance originally chose the Wildcats over fellow SEC school Missouri.</p>

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02: McDonalds All American East forward Jayden Quaintance (21) drives to the basket during the 2024 McDonald's All American Boys Game on April 2, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

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Report: Kentucky's top recruit Quaintance reopening recruitment

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