NBA stars face suspensions, legal issues, and viewership hits as Doncic, Bridges, and Rozier make headlines; league explores expansion and fights tanking.
The NBA has rescinded technical fouls given to Luka Doncic and Goga Bitadze after a verbal altercation during a game between the Mavericks and Magic. This decision allows Doncic to avoid a suspension, as he remains below the 16-foul threshold. The incident involved a heated exchange in the third quarter, which was reviewed and overturned by league officials.
The NBA Board of Governors has approved the exploration of adding teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, with potential start in 2028-29. The move aims to tap into these markets' support, with bids expected to reach $7-10 billion per team. The decision follows years of speculation and regional demand.
The NBA is planning significant changes to its draft lottery system to address ongoing tanking issues. League officials, including commissioner Adam Silver, are working on reforms following recent blatant tanking behaviors, with a vote expected in May. The league also discusses expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle.
Las Vegas continues to expand as a major sports hub, with talks and votes expanding the NBA’s footprint and confirming future Super Bowl rotations back to the city amid ongoing expansion discussions.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was ruled out of Thursday's game due to a knee injury and illness, making him ineligible for postseason awards. With six games remaining, he has played 59 of the required 65 games, impacting his All-NBA prospects and team standings.
The case against former NBA players has intensified as Jones has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, with prosecutors signaling further pleas and a superseding indictment in the multi-defendant gambling operation tied to sports betting and rigged poker games.
San Antonio’s double-overtime win over Oklahoma City has become the Western Conference final’s most-watched Game 1, drawing 9.2 million on NBC/Peacock with a peak of 12 million. The increases come amid broader access on network television and revised Nielsen methodologies.