Joe Vardon

Gambling. Racism. Gambling again. And now, alleged salary cap circumvention by the Clippers. When the NBA has problems of this magnitude, it calls the same law firm. W @MikeVorkunov @TheAthleticNBA nytimes.com/athletic/70416… via @NYTimes

In the past 24 hours, the Saudi Public Investment Fund has sold its star-studded Al-Hilal soccer team and left LIV Golf's funding in question, while another Saudi group pulled out of Tom Brady's flag football league. A clear shift in global strategy. nytimes.com/athletic/72016…

From @TheAthletic: U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin plans to introduce the “For the Fans” Act that is designed to decrease consumer TV costs and make local games easier to access, while ending blackouts for fans with out-of-market subscriptions. nyti.ms/484gQ9Z

The future of LIV Golf is in question as leadership tries to find a path forward amid the prospect of the Saudi PIF pulling funding. Per multiple sources, high-level executives are in meetings about next steps while also beginning their own job searches. @TheAthletic nytimes.com/athletic/71970…

Really good look at the upstart Charlotte Hornets from my man @MikeVorkunov nytimes.com/athletic/71938… via @NYTimes

Anthony Davis still wants to hear what the Washington Wizards' front office is planning to do to improve the team for the 2026-27 season. Story at @TheAthleticNBA: nytimes.com/athletic/71946…

The NBA’s tumultuous, loser-centric season is over. Perhaps the conversation will turn back to winning, now at the postseason is here, @TheAthleticNBA nytimes.com/athletic/71913… via @NYTimes

The Athletic’s 2026 Anonymous NBA Player Poll asked 161 players to name the team, other than their own franchise, that will win the title in June. The Oklahoma City Thunder are considered the team to beat, and for good reason.

Hug your parents, if you can. This @BFQuinn piece is…wow: Rory McIlroy’s first Masters win belonged to the world. This one belonged to the McIlroys nytimes.com/athletic/71920… via @NYTimes

Rory McIlroy makes history, again. #TheMasters

Doc Rivers is departing as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, but there remains some discussion about what comes next for him. At @TheAthletic with @sam_amick, now updated with quotes from Rivers' postgame in Philadelphia: nytimes.com/athletic/69697…

The NBA's Eastern Conference postseason is set. Here is how it happened, @TheAthleticNBA nytimes.com/athletic/71913…

Playoff seeding, Play-In Tournament status and draft lottery odds are all at stake. @joevardon on what to watch for ⤵️ nytimes.com/athletic/71884…

For the, well, I don’t know how many years in a row, I’m with you on the final day of the NBA regular season. Here is a look at what’s at stake for every team today, @TheAthleticNBA nytimes.com/athletic/71884… via @NYTimes

James Harden, with his famous, protruding beard and those dark, piercing eyes, was determined to use his star power to get his way, to bring with him a slice of comfort to a new city. What did he ask of the Cavs, and did they agree? nytimes.com/athletic/71758… via @NYTimes

James Harden made one request of the Cavs upon joining Cleveland. It gave the organization great pause before granting him what he wanted. Can you guess what it was? @TheAthleticNBA nytimes.com/athletic/71758… via @NYTimes

Donovan Mitchell says that he’s OK after an ankle issue near the end of the game. Said it prior to the start of his postgame availability.

Story has now been updated with quotes from Doc Rivers.

BREAKING: Luka Dončić will miss the rest of the NBA regular season with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, the Lakers announced Friday. His status for the playoffs, which begin in 15 days, remains uncertain.

In his 64th game of the season, Luka Dončić leaves with a hamstring injury. Here's the early story (free) nytimes.com/athletic/71684…