Latest Basketball News
Spurs Defeat Raptors in Tight Contest on February 26
San Antonio Spurs beat Toronto Raptors in a close game highlighted by intense last minutes, with Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper key contributors. Spurs led late at 108-104 with 1:20 left, holding off Raptors' comeback attempts by Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett. Game featured ties at 96 and strong plays from De'Aaron Fox.
Bucks Hold Off Short-Handed Cavaliers 118-116
Milwaukee Bucks won against Cleveland Cavaliers without James Harden, who broke his right thumb, and missing Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Kevin Porter Jr. scored 20, Ryan Rollins 18; Dennis Schroder had 26 for Cavs in a buzzer-beater controversy. Bucks extend win streak to five of six, Cavs drop to fourth in East.
NBA Commissioner Silver Issues Ultimatum on Tanking
Adam Silver warned team executives to end tanking practices by next season during a call, amid reports of owners feeling threatened. This follows lottery pushes replacing playoff races for several teams. Spurs' success with Wembanyama, Castle, and Harper cited as tanking rewards.
Kawhi Leonard's Contract Faces Potential Voiding Over Aspiration Scandal
Investigations into Kawhi Leonard's alleged no-show job at Aspiration could lead to contract invalidation or lost draft picks for Clippers. League may act in-season; Leonard scored 31 in All-Star but scandal overshadows. Tom Haberstroh notes free agency risk if voided.
James Harden Out with Thumb Fracture for Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers' James Harden suffered a non-displaced right thumb fracture, making him questionable against Bucks and impacting their lineup. Cavs lost narrowly despite strong efforts from Jarrett Allen (27 pts, 11 reb) and Dennis Schroder (26 pts). Recovery timeline pending.
Spurs Sign Mason Plumlee to 10-Day Contract
San Antonio Spurs added veteran center Mason Plumlee on a 10-day deal, expiring soon, bolstering frontcourt depth. This aids their contention push with Wembanyama, Harper, and Castle. Plumlee brings experience post-G League stint.
Celtics Sign Dalano Banton to 10-Day Deal
Boston Celtics signed former Blazer Dalano Banton from G League's Texas Legends on a 10-day contract. Adds wing depth amid roster tweaks post-trade deadline. Banton brings athleticism to contenders.
Wizards Convert Tristan Vukcevic to Standard Contract
Washington Wizards upgraded big man Tristan Vukcevic from two-way to a three-year standard deal for his floor-spacing upside. Seen as new Davis Bertans with more potential. Aids rebuilding efforts.
NBA Title Odds Favor Thunder, Nuggets, Spurs; Cunningham MVP Charge
Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and San Antonio Spurs lead championship odds post-All-Star break. Detroit's Cade Cunningham surges in MVP race. Reflects shifting contender landscape.
Magic Face Scrutiny After Disappointing Season
Orlando Magic struggle post-max extension for Paolo Banchero and trade for Desmond Bane, falling short of contention expectations. Second-half performance under spotlight amid league realignments. Clippers and Cavs cited as contrasts.
LeBron James Nears Free Agency at Season's End
Lakers' LeBron James, turning 41, enters free agency summer with rumors of Cavs or Warriors return. All-Star showed Wembanyama or Edwards as potential league faces. Lakers' future uncertain.
Suns Owner Offers $1M for All-Star Contest Winners
Phoenix Suns' Mat Ishbia pledges $1 million prizes for slam dunk and 3-point contest winners at next All-Star Weekend in Phoenix. Aims to boost star participation. Ties into league event enhancements.