Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee ne...

Philadelphia 76ers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a> is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee next week, a team official told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1907538545641754918">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> on Wednesday.Embiid will be re-evaluated in six weeks and is expected to make a full recovery, Charania <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44508487/76ers-embiid-knee-scoped-next-week-says-team-official">reports</a>.Embiid reportedly consulted with specialists to develop the best treatment plan.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>This will be the second procedure on his left knee in the last 14 months after he underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in February 2024.The former MVP only appeared in 19 games this season and was shut down at the end of February due to lingering knee issues. He averaged 23.8 points on a career-low 44.4% field-goal percentageEmbiid was able to participate in the 2024 playoffs as well as the Olympics in Paris, where he won gold with Team USA. Knee swelling forced Embiid to miss the entirety of the Sixers' preseason.The Sixers are 13th in the East with a 23-53 record and are eliminated from playoff contention.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 01: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles a ball while wearing street clothes on the bench during the second half of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Wells Fargo Center on March 1, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Embiid to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery

Dallas Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford recorded 17 points in 19 minutes against the Brooklyn Net...

Dallas Mavericks big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60087" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60087">Daniel Gafford</a> recorded 17 points in 19 minutes against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday after missing 21 games due to a knee sprain.Gafford led the Mavs in scoring in the 113-109 loss to the Nets while contributing seven rebounds.The Mavs had planned to restrict Gafford to 15-20 minutes of action in his return, according to <a href="https://x.com/GrantAfseth/status/1906842049904857363">Athlon Sports' Grant Afseth</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 26-year-old entered Monday averaging a career-high 12.3 points with 6.9 rebounds in 51 games this season.Dallas paired Gafford with star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> for just the second time this season on Monday, as the duo has struggled to stay healthy since Davis joined the team in February. Davis recorded 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.The Mavs are still thin up front despite some key players returning, with starting center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110268" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110268">Dereck Lively II</a> sidelined because of a broken ankle.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96096" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96096">Keon Johnson</a> led the Nets in scoring with 24 points. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37752" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37752">D'Angelo Russell</a> added 18 points and 11 assists. The loss drops Dallas to 37-39. The Mavericks rank ninth in the Western Conference and hold one of four play-in tournament spots.

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 31: Anthony Davis (R) #3 and Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrate together after a score during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. 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.

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Mavs' Gafford returns in loss to Nets after 21-game absence

Former UNC point guard Elliot Cadeau is transferring to Michigan, he announced Monday on Instagra...

Former UNC point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110557" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110557">Elliot Cadeau</a> is transferring to Michigan, he announced Monday on Instagram."The (Michigan) coaching staff really believe in me and know what I can do," Cadeau said, according to <a href="https://www.zagsblog.com/2025/03/31/michigan-lands-north-carolina-transfer-elliot-cadeau/">Adam Zagoria of Zagsblog</a>. "I want to play in an offense that best suits me and my abilities, with the correct players around me so we can all win."The former five-star recruit averaged 8.3 points and 5.1 assists in 74 games across two seasons in Chapel Hill.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Michigan head coach Dusty May will be hoping Cadeau can be a steadying presence at the guard position after the team ranked 337th in the nation with 14 turnovers per game this past campaign.Freshman point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/163493" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/163493">Justin Pippen</a>, son of Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, is set to depart the Wolverines after entering the transfer portal.The 6-foot-1 Cadeau shared a backcourt with UNC star<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87454" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87454"> RJ Davis</a> in 2024-25, with the diminutive pair starting all 37 games for the Tar Heels.North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis has expressed his desire to have more size across all positions."We've got to get bigger," Davis said recently on his weekly radio show, according to <a href="https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina/article/hubert-davis-live-weve-got-to-get-bigger-through-transfer-portal-unc-basketball-247750731/">Evan Rogers of 247 Sports</a>."From A to Z, we just do. And we talked about the physicality of Ole Miss (in the NCAA Tournament), and their positional size was bigger than us. And pretty much that's the way we were the whole season."Davis made the comments shortly after Cadeau entered the transfer portal.Michigan went 27-10 in its first season under May and captured the 2025 Big Ten Tournament title.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 21: Elliot Cadeau #3 of the North Carolina Tar Heels dribbles the ball against the Ole Miss Rebels during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Fiserv Forum on March 21, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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North Carolina transfer Cadeau picks Michigan

New York Liberty sharpshooter Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is expected to miss five-to-six months afte...

New York Liberty sharpshooter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/21760" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/21760">Betnijah Laney-Hamilton</a> is expected to miss five-to-six months after undergoing a procedure to repair an acute meniscus injury in her left knee, the team <a href="https://x.com/nyliberty/status/1906800742821949651">announced</a> Monday.Laney-Hamilton joined the Liberty in 2021 and helped the franchise win the 2024 WNBA title. She started every postseason game during the championship run, including all five contests in the finals, and exploded for 20 points in Game 2 against the Minnesota Lynx. She's also a two-time All-Defensive team nominee and was sent to the 2021 All-Star Game. She started 25 of her 28 games last season and shot over 40% from three for the second time in her career.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Laney-Hamilton will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 campaign.The WNBA regular season is scheduled to begin May 16 and will run until Sept. 11.

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 20: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton #44 of the New York Liberty looks on during the game against the Minnesota Lynx during Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on October 20, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Liberty's Laney-Hamilton expected to miss 5-6 months after knee surgery

Providence transfer Bryce Hopkins committed to head coach Rick Pitino and St. John's, sources tol...

Providence transfer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95674" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95674">Bryce Hopkins</a> committed to head coach Rick Pitino and St. John's, sources told <a href="https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/1906809739574452319">ESPN's Jeff Borzello</a> on Monday.Hopkins chose St. John's over Georgetown and his former head coach, Ed Cooley, according to <a href="https://x.com/BillKoch25/status/1906812676577358088">Bill Koch of the Providence Journal</a>.Hopkins only appeared in 17 games over the last two seasons, including just three in 2024-25, due to a torn ACL.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"My knee is 100% now," Hopkins told the <a href="https://x.com/NYPost_Brazille/status/1906811565875065217">New York Post's Zach Braziller</a>. "I feel like sitting out the rest of the year really helped me out a lot, because it gave me time to fully heal myself to the point where I feel like myself again."The former four-star recruit will be tasked with replacing Big East Player of the Year <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103426" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103426">RJ Luis</a>, who entered his name in both the 2025 NBA Draft and the transfer portal.Hopkins started his collegiate career at Kentucky before joining the Friars in 2022-23. He exploded in his first season with Providence, averaging 15.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while also being nominated to the All-Big East first team.Hopkins is the second major transfer to join St. John's this week after former five-star wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121787" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121787">Joson Sanon</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3250887" href="https://thescore.com/news/3250887">announced</a> he would be leaving Arizona State to play for Pitino.The Red Storm were the Big East regular-season and tourney champs in Pitino's second year at the helm. They received a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament but were bounced by Arkansas in the second round.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 10: Bryce Hopkins #23 of the Providence Friars brings the ball up court during the game against the DePaul Blue Demons at Wintrust Arena on December 10, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Report: Providence transfer Hopkins commits to St. John's

Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant left Sunday's contest against the Houston Rockets midway through t...

Phoenix Suns star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> left Sunday's contest against the Houston Rockets midway through the third quarter following an apparent ankle injury.Durant appeared to roll his left ankle when he <a href="https://x.com/ClutchPoints/status/1906537183999336531">stepped</a> on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102778" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102778">Jabari Smith Jr.</a>'s foot while driving to the rim.The former MVP needed teammates to help him to the bench and could barely put any weight on the injured leg, according to <a href="https://x.com/KellyIko/status/1906535807802134606">The Athletic's Kelly Iko</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Suns forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121728" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121728">Oso Ighodaro</a> subbed into the game to take Durant's free throws, meaning the veteran forward was no longer eligible to return to the contest.Durant will undergo an MRI on his ankle Monday, Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer said, according to <a href="https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/1906556477193531778">NBA insider Marc Stein</a>.Phoenix trailed Houston 92-57 at the time of Durant's injury and went on to lose 148-109.Durant had 11 points and seven rebounds before exiting. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37815" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37815">Devin Booker</a> scored a team-high 28 points.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96116" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96116">Jalen Green</a> led Houston with a game-high 33 points on 17 shots.Rockets wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39256" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39256">Dillon Brooks</a> was ejected from the game following a brief <a href="https://x.com/big_business_/status/1906526779830898936">scuffle</a> with Durant in the second quarter. Brooks received his second technical foul for the altercation, which sent him to the locker room.The Suns are 35-40 and sit 11th in the West following Sunday's defeat.Houston is now two games ahead of the Denver Nuggets for the second spot in the West with a 49-26 record.

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets on March 30, 2025 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Durant exits blowout loss to Rockets with ankle injury

Auburn star Johni Broome avoided serious injury after hurting his right elbow in the second half ...

Auburn star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87250" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87250">Johni Broome</a> avoided serious injury after hurting his right elbow in the second half of the Tigers' Elite Eight victory over Michigan State.Broome briefly left the game with Auburn clinging to a 10-point lead midway through the second half following an awkward fall."The (doctor) said nothing's wrong, you're good. Nothing serious," Broome said postgame, per <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=206452">ASAP Sports</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Broome had been dominating the contest, recording 22 points and 12 rebounds before exiting.Auburn maintained its lead without the SEC Player of the Year. However, Broome knocked down a dagger 3-pointer a few minutes after returning.The Tigers beat Michigan State 70-64 to book their ticket to the Final Four for the second time in program history.Broome finished the contest with a game-high 25 points and 14 rebounds.Head coach Bruce Pearl replayed when he found out his star pupil could return to the matchup, saying postgame: "When Johni came out of the locker room, I hadn't talked to the doctor, but I just asked him, 'Are you good to go?' He said, 'I am.' I said, 'Well, get your ass in there.'"Pearl added: "Whether it's a slight hyperextension or whatever it was, obviously, the doctors were able to examine it and determine that there was no damage. I bet you it will be pretty sore tomorrow, though."Auburn, the No. 1 overall seed, will take on SEC foe Florida in the national semifinal Saturday. The Tigers lost to the Gators 90-81 when the teams squared off in early February.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 30: Johni Broome #4 of the Auburn Tigers holds his elbow after falling during the Elite Eight round of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at State Farm Arena on March 30, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Auburn's Broome says elbow injury 'nothing serious'

Referees booted out five players and two coaches from Sunday's contest between the Detroit Piston...

Referees booted out five players and two coaches from Sunday's contest between the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves following a <a href="https://x.com/SportsCenter/status/1906502014088913337">shoving match</a> during the second quarter.The fracas ensued after Pistons rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121707" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121707">Ron Holland</a> hit T-Wolves big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69736" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69736">Naz Reid</a> with a hard foul, sparking a verbal exchange between the pair. Minnesota's Donte DiVincenzo stepped in to separate them, but Holland shoved DiVincenzo aside, prompting the former Villanova star to grab Holland.The altercation escalated as multiple players got involved, with DiVincenzo and Holland, along with the Pistons' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93867" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93867">Isaiah Stewart</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110236" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110236">Marcus Sasser,</a> tumbling into the second row of the stands.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>After officials cleared the melee, members of both coaching staffs got into a verbal altercation.Referees ejected Reid, DiVincenzo, Holland, Sasser, and Stewart. Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and T-Wolves assistant Pablo Prigioni were also kicked out.Bickerstaff implied that he was tossed for responding to comments from Prigioni, according to <a href="https://x.com/Keith_Langlois/status/1906528029699932433">Keith Langlois of Pistons.com</a>."We're going to defend each other, and I'm not going to let people say belligerent things about my guys. It's that simple. He says what he said and he knows what he said," Bickerstaff <a href="https://x.com/Keith_Langlois/status/1906528389663477960">said</a>.The league suspended Stewart for one game and fined him $50,000 earlier in the season for receiving his sixth flagrant.The Timberwolves outscored the Pistons by 25 in the second half to secure a 123-104 victory.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 30: Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 30, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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7 ejected from Pistons-Wolves game following scuffle in stands

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson has been cleared for basketball activities and is hoping to be...

New York Knicks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> has been cleared for basketball activities and is hoping to be in the lineup before the playoffs begin, he told <a href="https://x.com/IanBegley/status/1906448964338991428">SNYtv's Ian Begley</a> on Sunday.Brunson has been out of the lineup since spraining his ankle in the Knicks' overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on March 6. New York initially announced that the injury would sideline him for about two weeks.The two-time All-Star is averaging 26.3 points and 7.4 assists in 61 games for the Knicks this campaign. Brunson needs to appear in four more contests to qualify for postseason awards.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>New York has gone 7-5 in the 12 games without its starting point guard.The final day of the regular season is April 13, with Round 1 of the playoffs scheduled to begin April 19.The Knicks sit third in the East with a 47-27 record.

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 6: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 6, 2025 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 2025 NBAE

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Knicks' Brunson hopes to return before postseason

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic had a 39-point triple-double in his return from a five-game absence d...

Three-time MVP <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> had a 39-point triple-double in his return from a five-game absence due to a left ankle impingement, helping the Denver Nuggets pull away late in the fourth quarter to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 127-117 on Wednesday.Jokic was averaging a triple-double in his 62 games entering Wednesday's contest. He's second in the NBA in assists (10.3), third in scoring (29.1), and third in rebounds (12.8). The 7-footer posted the NBA's first-ever 30-20-20 stat line in an overtime win against the Phoenix Suns on March 7.The Serbian last suited up for the Nuggets in a loss to the Washington Wizards on March 15. Denver went 2-3 in Jokic's absence.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nuggets wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30810" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30810">Aaron Gordon</a> also returned from an ankle sprain that kept him out one game. He recorded seven points in 18 minutes of action. Michael Porter added 23 points on 6-of-8 from three.Both teams were on fire from deep, each going 16-for-37 from downtown. The Bucks were without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>, who was unavailable due to a foot sprain, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> after the guard was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/300" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/300">Brook Lopez</a> led the way for Milwaukee, tallying 26 points and seven rebounds.The Nuggets improved to 46-28 and are 1.5 games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies for third in the Western Conference. They'll host the Utah Jazz on Friday.Milwaukee fell to 40-32 after the loss and is scheduled to play the New York Knicks on Friday.

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 15: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Ball Arena on March 15, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Jokic records triple-double in return from 5-game absence

Former Iowa big man Owen Freeman will take his talents to Creighton next season, he told On3's Jo...

Former Iowa big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110719" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110719">Owen Freeman</a> will take his talents to Creighton next season, he told <a href="https://www.on3.com/news/iowa-star-transfer-owen-freeman-commits-to-creighton/">On3's Joe Tipton</a> on Wednesday.The 6-foot-10 Freeman was one of the nation's top players in the transfer portal. He's now set to replace Bluejays star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/85101" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/85101">Ryan Kalkbrenner</a>, who is out of eligibility after five seasons with the program and is expected to enter his name into the 2025 NBA Draft.Freeman entered the portal shortly after the Hawkeyes parted ways with longtime head coach Fran McCaffrey. Iowa <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3248797" href="https://thescore.com/news/3248797">replaced</a> McCaffrey with Drake's Ben McCollum after he shepherded the Bulldogs to Missouri Valley regular-season and conference-tournament titles in his first season as a Division I head coach.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Illinois native averaged 16.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in his second year with Iowa. He was shut down at the end of January after sustaining a broken hand.Freeman has two seasons of eligibility remaining.The Bluejays have made five consecutive NCAA Tournaments under head coach Greg McDermott. Creighton dismantled Louisville in this year's Round of 64 before losing to No. 1 overall seed Auburn in the second round.

MADISON, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 03: Owen Freeman #32 of the Iowa Hawkeyes walks down court in the first half of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kohl Center on January 03, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Creighton nabs Iowa transfer Freeman

Xavier is hiring New Mexico bench boss Richard Pitino as its next head coach, the school announce...

Xavier is hiring New Mexico bench boss Richard Pitino as its next head coach, the school announced Tuesday.He is expected to sign a six-year deal, according to the <a href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1904715123458998667">Field of 68's Jeff Goodman</a>."Xavier is one of the great brands in all of college basketball," Pitino said. "It has always been a dream of mine to coach in the Big East. The Cintas Center is going to be rocking. I can't wait to get to work."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pitino will replace Sean Miller, who left the Musketeers earlier this week to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3248869" href="https://thescore.com/news/3248869">take over at Texas</a>.Xavier went to two NCAA Tournaments during Miller's three-year stint. The Musketeers finished fourth in the Big East this season with a 13-7 conference record and a 22-12 record overall.Pitino led the Lobos to the 2024-25 Mountain West regular-season title and back-to-back NCAA Tournaments following a 10-year tourney drought for the program. New Mexico upset Marquette in its first-round game Friday but fell to Michigan State in the Round of 32.Pitino went 88-49 in his four seasons at New Mexico.The 42-year-old previously coached at Minnesota and Florida International. He led the Golden Gophers to two March Madness appearances.Richard is now set to play twice a year against his father, legendary coach Rick Pitino, who's in charge of Xavier's Big East rival St. John's. The pair became the first father-son duo to win their respective conferences' Coach of the Year awards in the same season.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 23: Head coach Richard Pitino of the New Mexico Lobos reacts against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Xavier hires Richard Pitino as head coach

Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, th...

Milwaukee Bucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, the team <a href="https://x.com/eric_nehm/status/1904690357314462034">announced</a> Tuesday.The 34-year-old was placed on blood-thinning medication and will receive regular testing."It's unfortunate that something outside of my control would come up," Lillard told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1904691361213014361">NBA insider Chris Haynes</a>. "Along with the Bucks' medical staff, our priorities are to protect my health and safety.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"As much as I love basketball, I need to be there for my kids and my family. I'm grateful the Bucks acted quickly on this. They've been supportive and proactive throughout this process. I look forward to moving past this and continuing my career."Lillard was sidelined for Milwaukee's last three contests with a right calf strain. The Bucks went 2-1 in those games."Damian's health is our No. 1 priority," Bucks general manager Jon Horst said. "We will support him as he moves through this weekly process of strict criteria to ensure that it is safe for him to return to play."Doctors believe the blood clots are "very unlikely to occur again," according to the Bucks' statement.There's a great deal of optimism that Lillard will be able to return this season, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6229321/2025/03/25/bucks-damian-lillard-blood-clot/">The Athletic's Eric Nehm and Sam Amick</a>.Lillard has averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 58 games this season.San Antonio Spurs phenom <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> was also diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis - although in his shoulder - just after the All-Star break. The Frenchman was ruled out for the rest of the campaign.Toronto Raptors wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44931" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44931">Brandon Ingram</a> was diagnosed with blood clots in 2018-19 while a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Detroit Pistons guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110235" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110235">Ausar Thompson</a> had his 2023-24 campaign cut short with a similar issue. Both players have resumed their careers.The Bucks are fifth in the East with a 40-31 record and are just a half-game up on the surging Detroit Pistons. They'll face the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 18: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts untucking his jersey after the Golden State Warriors defeated the Bucks 104-93 at Chase Center on March 18, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Lillard out indefinitely with blood clot in leg

League owners will review a plan to institute a new NBA-owned European basketball league later th...

League owners will review a plan to institute a new NBA-owned European basketball league later this week."At this week's NBA board of governors meeting, the league will report on its exploration of a new men's basketball league in Europe, in partnership with FIBA," a league spokesperson told <a href="https://www.sportico.com/leagues/basketball/2025/nba-european-league-plans-vote-1234844674/">Sportico's Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams</a>.There is no formal vote scheduled on the topic.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The planned league would reportedly consist of eight to 10 franchises and have a "semi-open" format, allowing qualification slots for up to four teams from the EuroLeague, such as Real Madrid, Olympiacos, or Partizan Belgrade, the following season.Franchises in cities such as London and Paris could sell for as much as $500 million, according to Soshnick and Novy-Williams, who added that NBA officials would rather sell stakes to people outside the league: sovereign wealth funds, private capital, or existing European basketball clubs.The NBA would reportedly own 50% of the permanent franchises and sell the other 50% to outside investors. The league had a similar system with its WNBA ownership until 2022.FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis said in December that he was in "serious conversation" with NBA commissioner Adam Silver over a potential NBA-owned European league.The EuroLeague also operates in a semi-open format, consisting of 13 permanent members and five yearly qualifiers. The 13 permanent license-holders <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6042164/2025/01/07/euroleague-img-deal-nba-basketball/">recently</a> inked a contract extension with the EuroLeague through the 2035-36 season.NBA rosters have ballooned with international talent in recent years. There were 125 international players on opening-day rosters, including a record 61 European-born players. Two of the past three MVP winners (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a>) are European-born.The NBA has been steadily expanding its reach in Europe. Two regular-season contests between the Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs were played in January in Paris.The NBA and FIBA partnered to launch the Basketball Africa League in 2021.

PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 23: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addresses the media prior to the game of the San Antonio Spurs against the Indiana Pacers as part of the NBA Paris Games 2025 on January 23, 2025 in Paris, France. 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 2025 NBAE

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NBA owners to review plan for potential European league

The NBA is planning to increase its salary cap by 10% for the 2025-26 campaign, sources told ESPN...

The NBA is planning to increase its salary cap by 10% for the 2025-26 campaign, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44404893/sources-nba-salary-cap-increase-10-2025-26">ESPN's Bobby Marks</a>.The cap will see an increase of $14 million, rising from $140.6 million to $154.6 million. The 10% boost is the maximum allowed under the CBA.The luxury-tax line is projected to be $187.9 million with the first and second aprons coming in at $195.9 million and $207.8 million, respectively.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Teams below the luxury-tax threshold this season will receive $11.5 million from the tax-paying organizations.The Brooklyn Nets will likely have the most cap space of the 11 squads projected to have room this summer, with roughly $90 million available. The Detroit Pistons and New Orleans Pelicans are the only other teams projected to have more than $20 million in space. The Boston Celtics have the least amount of flexibility and will be roughly $70 million above the cap, per <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/cap/_/year/2025/sort/cap_maximum_space">Spotrac</a>.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/351" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/351">James Harden</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a> are the three most notable potential free agents this summer; the trio have player options built into their contracts for next season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37752" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37752">D'Angelo Russell</a> is the most distinguished unrestricted free agent.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 09: A detailed view of a Wilson brand official game ball with the NBA logo on the basketball court during the game between the Detroit Pistons and Golden State Warriors at Little Caesars Arena on January 09, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Report: NBA salary cap will rise 10% in 2025-26

Will Wade signed a six-year contract to be NC State's next head coach, the school announced Sunda...

Will Wade signed a six-year contract to be NC State's next head coach, the school announced Sunday."I am beyond excited and honored to be chosen to lead the Wolfpack basketball program," said Wade in a statement. "NC State's rich tradition, passionate fan base, and location in one of the best cities in the country make this a destination job, and I can't wait to get started."Wade, 42, won back-to-back Southland regular-season and tournament titles in his two years in charge of McNeese State. He helped engineer a first-round upset of No. 5 Clemson on Thursday - his first-ever NCAA tourney win - before falling to Purdue in the Round of 32.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Wade addressed the rumors at Saturday's postgame press conference. "I'll worry about that tomorrow," Wade said, according to <a href="https://www.nj.com/sports/2025/03/will-wade-addresses-future-after-mcneeses-season-ending-loss-look-im-an-honest-guy.html">NJ.com's Adam Zagoria</a>.He added: "Look, I'm an honest guy but today I want to put a bow on everything with McNeese, if I can. That'll be up to whatever else happens. Now I want to worry about McNeese."This is about our players and McNeese now. We're not flying back until tomorrow morning. We'll enjoy this here and when we get back, we'll figure out next steps."Wade was visibly emotional while discussing his short stint with the Cowboys, according to <a href="https://x.com/NicoleAuerbach/status/1903520975846511005">CBS Sports' Nicole Auerbach</a>.The former LSU head coach led the Cowboys to 57 wins in two seasons, the most in a two-year span in the program's history, and was awarded South Conference Coach of the Year twice.Student manager Amir "Aura" Khan told <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/aura-in-the-transfer-portal-viral-mcneese-manager-amir-khan-likely-to-follow-will-wade-to-nc-state/">CBS Sports' Matt Norlander</a> that he would "be open" to following Wade to NC State and that he desires to be a grad assistant in the future.Wade will be replacing Kevin Keatts, who was fired in early March after missing the ACC Tournament. Keatts was in charge of the Wolfpack for eight years.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND - MARCH 22: Head coach Will Wade of the McNeese State Cowboys looks on against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Amica Mutual Pavillion on March 22, 2025 in Providence, Rhode Island.

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Will Wade inks 6-year deal with NC State

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has been diagnosed with a high-grade PCL sprain in his r...

Memphis Grizzlies forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45655" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45655">Brandon Clarke</a> has been diagnosed with a high-grade PCL sprain in his right knee and is expected to miss the rest of the season, the team <a href="https://x.com/GrizzliesPR/status/1903552584885170355">announced</a> Saturday.The Canadian forward picked up the injury Wednesday after falling to the floor in the first quarter of Memphis' 115-99 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.Clarke missed the Grizzlies' subsequent 128-108 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>This was Clarke's first full season since sustaining a torn Achilles in 2023 that kept him out for a calendar year. He appeared in 64 games for Memphis this season and was averaging 8.3 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 62.1% from the field.The Grizzlies are fifth in the West with a 43-23 record after losing four of their past five matches. They'll take on the Utah Jazz on Tuesday.

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 17: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 17, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Grizzlies' Clarke will miss rest of season with knee sprain

Chicago Bulls point guard Tre Jones will be unavailable for at least two weeks after spraining hi...

Chicago Bulls point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93906" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93906">Tre Jones</a> will be unavailable for at least two weeks after spraining his left foot, the team announced Saturday, according to the <a href="https://x.com/KCJHoop/status/1903526191015067746">Chicago Sports Network's K.C. Johnson</a>.Jones started the last nine games for Chicago. The Bulls are 6-3 and have the league's 10th-best net rating (3.3) since inserting him into the starting unit.The 25-year-old has averaged 11.5 points and 4.9 assists in 18 games since the Bulls acquired him from the San Antonio Spurs as part of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30738" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30738">Zach LaVine</a> deal.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Chicago sits ninth in the East with a 30-40 record and takes on the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.The Bulls have a 4.5% chance of getting the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, according to <a href="https://www.tankathon.com/">Tankathon</a>.

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 20: Tre Jones #30 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 20, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Bulls' Jones out at least 2 weeks with foot sprain

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic didn't play Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks as he contin...

Los Angeles Lakers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> didn't play Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks as he continues to manage a sprained right ankle.Thursday's matchup marks the Lakers' sixth game in eight days.Doncic sat out the second night of a back-to-back last Friday to manage his injured ankle. Los Angeles lost 131-126 to the Denver Nuggets.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, the Slovenian played in the Lakers' last three games and scored over 30 points twice, including in Thursday's rematch against the Nuggets.Doncic's averaged 26.5 points, 8.0 assists, and 8.8 rebounds in 16 games since Los Angeles acquired him from the Dallas Mavericks ahead of the trade deadline.L.A. is still missing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>, who's expected to sit out his seventh consecutive game due to injury. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> also missed Thursday's contest due to a right ankle sprain, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60415" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60415">Jarred Vanderbilt</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11858" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11858">Dorian Finney-Smith</a> also sat.The Lakers own a 43-25 record and sit third in the West, just behind the 45-25 Houston Rockets.

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 19: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks to pass during the Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA game on March 19, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA.

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Luka out vs. Bucks as Lakers manage ankle sprain

Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck agreed to sell the organization to a group led by William Chis...

Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck agreed to sell the organization to a group led by William Chisholm at a record-setting initial valuation of $6.1 billion."Growing up on the North Shore and attending college in New England, I have been a die-hard Celtics fan my entire life,' Chisholm <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250320304302/en/Boston-Basketball-Partners-Announces-Sale-of-Boston-Celtics-to-Group-Organized-by-William-Chisholm-for-%246.1-Billion">said</a> in a statement Thursday."Bill is a terrific person and a true Celtics fan, born and raised in the Boston area," Grousbeck added. "His love for the team and the city of Boston, along with his chemistry with the rest of Celtics leadership, make him a natural choice to be the next governor and controlling owner of the team."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The purchasing group includes current minority owner Rob Hale, Bruce Beal Jr., and the global investment firm Sixth Street.The sale price is the largest for a North American sports franchise, surpassing the $6.05 billion that a group led by Josh Harris paid for the Washington Commanders, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6218327/2025/03/20/celtics-franchise-sale-william-chisholm-highest-value-billion/">Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic</a>. Mat Ishbia's $4-billion purchase of the Phoenix Suns in 2023 was the previous high for an NBA franchise.The final sale requires approval from the NBA's board of governors.Chisholm is the co-founder and managing partner of California-based private equity firm Symphony Technology Group. He also co-founded The Valent Group.Grousbeck will remain governor and CEO of the Celtics and continue to oversee team operations through the 2027-28 NBA season.Current minority owner Stephen Pagliuca also bid on the franchise but was rejected."I recruited new partners with deep resources and expertise in technology and international markets to maximize the Celtics' success to ensure we can always compete for championships, luxury taxes be damned," Pagliuca <a href="https://x.com/pagsceltics/status/1902734154384462283">said</a> in a statement.He added: "We have felt it was the best offer for the Celtics. It is a bid of true fans, deeply connected to Boston's community, and we've been saddened to find out that we have not been selected in the process."The Grousbeck family announced their plans to sell the team in July, shortly after the franchise won its record 18th NBA title.Boston is projected to pay $445 million in salary and luxury tax penalties next season, which would be the largest payroll in league history, according to <a href="https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1902723704322130221">ESPN's Bobby Marks</a>.The Grousbeck family purchased the Celtics for $360 million in 2002. With them at the helm, the organization won two titles and made the postseason in 19 of its 22 seasons.

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 2: The Boston Celtics logo is seen on the parquet floor before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on March 2, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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.

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Celtics to be sold for record $6.1B

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