Basketball News Update, NBA Schedule and Key Matchups
NBA Schedule
Indochina Time
New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Hornets on Friday 6:00 AM
Brooklyn Nets vs. Indiana Pacers on Friday 6:00 AM
Chicago Bulls vs. Sacramento Kings on Friday 9:00 AM
Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors on Friday 9:00 AM
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers on Friday 9:30 AM
Game Previews:
1. New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Hornets
Tip-off: 7:00 PM ET at Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Preview: The Knicks (43-25) are looking to rebound after a tough loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Despite missing key players, the Spurs dominated the Knicks, highlighting New York’s need to tighten their defense and improve shooting efficiency.
SAN ANTONIO — How bad was the Knicks’ offense in the first half?
New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Hornets
For the opening 22 minutes of Wednesday night’s ugliness, no starter other than Karl-Anthony Towns hit a field goal.
Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Miles McBride and OG Anunoby missed their opening 20 attempts combined, including an air-balled midrange jumper from Bridges, as the Spurs took a 28-point lead in the second quarter.
It was enough of a cushion for San Antonio in its 120-105 victory Wednesday night, with the Knicks feeling the crunch of a crazy travel schedule in March.
“We knew this one was going to be tough. Young, hungry team. Plays fast. Obviously we’ve had a tough schedule the last couple weeks,” Hart said. “Going on the road for a week-and-a half. And then go home for one game and go right into a back-to-back on the road. … We knew it was going to be tough.”
“He’s in the NBA for a reason. He’s a good player,” Hart said. “And we weren’t focused in enough or locked in enough to realize what was going on. The IQ wasn’t there. “When a guy has a game going like that, we have to find him. And be physical with him. And kind of get him out of rhythm. And we didn’t do that. We didn’t take anything away from him.”
Stephon Castle, a frontrunner for Rookie of Year, added 22 points for the Spurs (29-39). Towns, the only Knicks offensive weapon, finished with 32 points, including 19 in the first half. Hart followed his triple-double from two nights prior with a dud — just two points in 35 minutes on 1 of 4 shooting.
“You already know the biggest thing about the NBA is the travel. That’s the toughest thing,” Hart said. “And when it’s the dog days of the season and you already know your body is going to be tired, you got to keep going and you got to find it mentally. A little bit draining mentally, but we know we got to regroup. We got another tough one tomorrow.”
The Hornets, meanwhile, are dealing with injury concerns, notably with Moussa Diabate listed as questionable. This matchup will test the Knicks’ resilience and the Hornets’ depth.
2. Brooklyn Nets vs. Indiana Pacers
Tip-off: 7:00 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Preview: The Nets are managing several injuries, with players like Reece Beekman and Tyson Etienne out due to G League assignments, and Cameron Johnson resting. The Pacers have yet to submit their injury report, but they aim to capitalize on the Nets’ depleted roster to secure a home win.
3. Chicago Bulls vs. Sacramento Kings
Tip-off: 10:00 PM ET at Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Preview: Both teams are pushing for better playoff positioning. The Bulls will rely on their dynamic backcourt, while the Kings look to leverage their home-court advantage. Injury reports for both teams are pending, making player availability a key factor in this matchup.
4. Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors
Tip-off: 10:00 PM ET at Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Preview: The Warriors are set to welcome back Stephen Curry after he missed a game due to rest. Curry’s return is timely as the team has won 15 of their last 18 games, currently holding the sixth spot in the Western Conference.
The Raptors will need to bring their A-game to challenge the Warriors on their home turf.
5. Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Tip-off: 10:30 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Preview: The Bucks are dealing with injuries to key players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, both listed as probable.
The Lakers continue to miss LeBron James due to a left groin strain. This game will test both teams’ depth as they navigate these significant absences.
Injury Updates
- Denver Nuggets: Both Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray have been ruled out for the game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Jokić is dealing with a right elbow contusion and left ankle impingement, while Murray has a right ankle sprain. March 20 – Denver Nuggets stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are sitting out Wednesday’s road game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to injuries. Jokic is dealing with a left ankle impingement and a right elbow contusion. Murray has a sprained right ankle. Both players also sat out Monday’s 114-105 road victory over the Golden State Warriors. “You listen to your body,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “I have to, as a head coach, trust our players as well as trust the training staff.”
- Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry is expected to play against the Toronto Raptors after missing a game for rest. Gary Payton II is questionable due to left knee soreness.
- Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and Damian Lillard (groin) are both listed as probable for the game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Johnson is resting and will not play against the Indiana Pacers. De’Anthony Melton is out with a left knee ACL tear, and Cam Thomas is sidelined due to a left hamstring strain.
Recent Highlights
- New York Knicks: The Knicks suffered a 120-105 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Their offense struggled, particularly in the first half, with only Karl-Anthony Towns managing a field goal in the initial 22 minutes. The team aims to bounce back in their upcoming game against the Charlotte Hornets. “He’s in the NBA for a reason. He’s a good player,” Hart said. “And we weren’t focused in enough or locked in enough to realize what was going on. The IQ wasn’t there. “When a guy has a game going like that, we have to find him. And be physical with him. And kind of get him out of rhythm. And we didn’t do that. We didn’t take anything away from him.” Stephon Castle, a frontrunner for Rookie of Year, added 22 points for the Spurs (29-39). Towns, the only Knicks offensive weapon, finished with 32 points, including 19 in the first half. Hart followed his triple-double from two nights prior with a dud — just two points in 35 minutes on 1 of 4 shooting.
- Golden State Warriors: With Stephen Curry returning to the lineup, the Warriors look to continue their strong performance as they face the Toronto Raptors. Curry’s leadership and scoring ability are pivotal as the team pushes for a higher playoff seed.
NCAA Tournament Update
The NCAA men’s and women’s postseason basketball tournaments are in full swing. Teams across the country are competing for a spot in the coveted Final Four. Fans can catch the latest matchups and results on major sports networks and streaming platforms.
Sneaker Releases
- Nike LeBron 21 “South Beach”: Nike is set to release the LeBron 21 in the iconic “South Beach” colorway next week. The sneaker features teal, pink, and black accents, paying homage to LeBron James’ tenure with the Miami Heat. Retailing at $200, it will be available at select retailers and Nike’s official website.
- Adidas Harden Vol. 8 “Fear the Beard”: James Harden’s latest signature shoe, the Harden Vol. 8, is expected to launch in April. The sneaker boasts improved cushioning and a sleek design, catering to both performance and style.
- Puma MB.03 “Rick and Morty” Edition: LaMelo Ball and Puma are collaborating on the MB.03 inspired by the popular TV show “
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