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NBA weighing three anti-tanking proposals

Fri Mar 27 2:22pm ET
Field Level Media

The NBA delivered three anti-tanking proposals to its board of governors on Wednesday in New York, ESPN reported.

All three plans reportedly feature a common twist: bringing teams that make the playoffs into the draft lottery.

The first proposal puts 18 teams in the lottery -- the bottom 10 teams that miss the play-in tournament and the eight teams that qualify for it. The bottom 10 would have an equal 8% chance of moving up in the lottery, with the other 20% of the odds slit among the eight play-in teams in descending order from Nos. 11 through 18. All 18 spots would be part of the lottery.

The second proposal has 22 teams in the lottery -- the same 18 as above plus the four playoff teams that lose in the opening round. The teams would be ranked according to their combined record over the prior two seasons.


This plan includes a minimum win total in each season in order to mitigate a team trying to lose as many games as possible. If the minimum were 20 wins, a team that went 14-68 would be counted as 20-62 for the lottery. If a team wins 20 games the first season and 40 the next, it would count as 30 wins for the lottery. The top four spots would be drawn as part of the lottery.

ESPN sources described the third proposal as a "five-by-five" method and involves the same 18 teams from the first proposal. Teams with the five worst records would all have the same odds for the lottery, with the odds descending from there. There would be a lottery drawing for each of the draft's first five picks, followed by another drawing for the remaining 13 teams.

If any of the teams with the five worst records don't get one of the top five spots, the lowest spot they could land in the second lottery would be 10th.

Commissioner Adam Silver told the owners Wednesday that something needs to change in the wake of widespread criticism this season about teams chasing top spots in a deep 2026 draft pool.

"I do think ultimately this is a decision that needs to be made at the ownership level," Silver said. "It has business implications, has basketball implications, has integrity, integrity, implications for the league.

Modifications to each of the proposals are expected before it comes to a formal vote in May, according to ESPN.

Player Notes
Chet Holmgren Fri Mar 27 3:30pm

Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls. He wasn't listed on the initial injury report, but will now take a seat due to a bruised left hip. His absence from the rotation should mean larger roles for Alex Caruso, Aaron Wiggins, and Cason Wallace. Among the trio, Wallace is the most consistent contributor right now and should have solid streaming value on Friday. Jaylin Williams could also see an expanded role, but his inconsistent playing time makes him a shaky fantasy option.

Anfernee Simons Fri Mar 27 3:20pm

Chicago Bulls guard Anfernee Simons (wrist) has been downgraded to out ahead of Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Unsurprisingly, Simons will remain sidelined while he continues to recover from a fractured left wrist. He hasn't taken the court since February 21, and honestly might not play again this season. His absence should mean more playing time for Tre Jones and Collin Sexton. Both guards have been playing well and are deserving of a look as streaming options while Simons is sidelined.

Jaylen Brown Fri Mar 27 3:10pm

Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Brown was questionable coming into this game due to a right calf injury. The superstar forward won't be able to shake the questionable tag and has been downgraded to out. The absence of Brown should mean that Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard take on larger roles offensively. Baylor Scheierman is likely to see an expanded role in the rotation and should offer decent streaming appeal with Brown ruled out. The next chance for Brown to play will come on Sunday, so fantasy managers should check back for an update ahead of that game.

Neemias Queta Fri Mar 27 3:10pm

Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (thumb) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Queta was listed as questionable coming into this game due to a right thumb sprain. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about the injury impacting his ability on the court. Over the last six games, Queta is averaging 11.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across 27.9 minutes per game. The 26-year-old has been quietly putting together a strong season for the Celtics. He's usually more of a deep league option, but could take on a larger role offensively with Jaylen Brown (calf) ruled out on Friday.

Derrick White Fri Mar 27 3:00pm

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (knee) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. White will shed the questionable tag and suit up despite dealing with a right knee injury. The expectation is that White will be asked to take on a larger role offensively with Jaylen Brown (calf) ruled out. This season, White is averaging 17.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists across 34.2 minutes per game. He should see a slight uptick in value with Brown sidelined, but is a must-start regardless of Brown's status. Fantasy managers should make sure White is active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.

Trey Murphy III Fri Mar 27 2:50pm

New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Murphy will officially miss both legs of this back-to-back set due to a right ankle injury. His next chance to play will come on Sunday, so fantasy managers should check back ahead of that game. The absence of Murphy should mean more minutes for Jeremiah Fears and Jordan Hawkins. Between the two, Fears is the better streaming choice while Murphy is sidelined. He finished with 13 points, six assists, and two rebounds across 27 minutes on Thursday. Fantasy managers should consider Fears a viable streaming option for as long as Murphy is out.

Dejounte Murray Fri Mar 27 2:50pm

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (Achilles) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors. After playing 29 minutes on Thursday, Murray will sit out the second leg of the back-to-back set. Murray made his season debut in late February after missing the beginning of the season while recovering from an Achilles injury. The Pelicans are going to continue being cautious with Murray down the stretch of the season. Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Hawkins, and possibly Jordan Poole should all see more playing time on Friday. Among the trio, Fears is the best streaming option ahead of Friday's slate.

Bilal Coulibaly Thu Mar 26 10:30pm

Washington Wizards guard/forward Bilal Coulibaly (heel) is questionable for Friday's game against the Warriors after continuing to deal with a lingering heel issue. If he sits, Jamir Watkins and Leaky Black could see expanded roles. Black is coming off an 11-point performance with seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three blocks in 40 minutes, making him an intriguing deep-league streamer for defensive stats. Watkins added eight points, six rebounds, and three steals off the bench and could also see enough run to warrant consideration in deeper formats if Coulibaly is unavailable.

Kyle Filipowski Thu Mar 26 9:30pm

Utah Jazz forward/center Kyle Filipowski (illness) is probable for Friday's game against the Nuggets after missing the team's previous contest. The second-year big man is expected to step back into the starting lineup and handle his normal workload if cleared to play. Filipowski finished with six points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in 30 minutes in his last outing, giving him modest fantasy value for rebounds and some secondary playmaking at center. His return would likely mean fewer minutes for Oscar Tshiebwe and should help Utah get a bit more stability in the frontcourt rotation.

Isaiah Collier Thu Mar 26 9:10pm

Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (hamstring) will not play Friday against Denver, marking his fifth straight absence due to the injury. With no clear return timetable, his availability for the remainder of the season remains uncertain. Bez Mbeng should continue to log heavy minutes in the starting lineup after finishing with 11 points, six assists, and three steals in 44 minutes last game, giving him some deep-league appeal for assists and defensive stats. Kennedy Chandler chipped in 14 points and eight assists off the bench and looks like the more attractive streaming option for managers needing guard production.

Luka Doncic Thu Mar 26 9:00pm

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is questionable for Friday's game against Brooklyn after logging heavy minutes recently, including a 43-point effort with four three-pointers, six rebounds, and seven assists in 38 minutes last game. If he sits, Austin Reaves and LeBron James would be in line for increased usage after combining for 48 points and 17 assists in their last outing. Reaves could see more on-ball duties, while James may handle more playmaking. Luke Kennard could also see extra minutes as a fringe streaming option if the Lakers are shorthanded.

Deandre Ayton Thu Mar 26 9:00pm

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (back) is off the injury report for Friday's game against the Nets after missing the team's previous contest with back soreness. He is expected to reclaim his starting role, which pushes Jaxson Hayes back to the bench and limits his streaming appeal. Ayton has averaged 10.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks across his last five games, offering modest value for rebounds and field goal percentage. He remains a viable frontcourt option in standard leagues, especially for managers needing help in rebounds.

Ty Jerome Thu Mar 26 8:50pm

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome (ankle) will miss Friday's game against Houston, marking his second straight absence due to a left ankle sprain. Javon Small should remain in the starting lineup after finishing with eight points, one three-pointer, three rebounds, five assists, and one steal in 30 minutes last game, making him a viable deep-league streaming option for assists. Walter Clayton Jr. also remains in the mix after recording 10 points and six assists in 22 minutes, while Cam Spencer could continue to see steady minutes after handing out seven assists in 30 minutes.

Anfernee Simons Thu Mar 26 8:40pm

Chicago Bulls guard Anfernee Simons (wrist) is doubtful for Friday's game against Oklahoma City and appears likely to miss another contest as he continues recovering from a fractured left wrist that has sidelined him since February. Tre Jones should continue to see steady minutes as a starter after producing 15 points, four rebounds, and seven assists in 28 minutes last game. Collin Sexton also provides scoring off the bench after putting up 16 points and four assists in 19 minutes, keeping both guards on the deep-league radar while Simons remains out.

Jarrett Allen Thu Mar 26 8:30pm

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Miami after missing the last 10 games with right knee tendonitis. This is his first questionable tag since early March, signaling a possible return, though he could face minutes restrictions if active. His return would likely cut into Thomas Bryant's role after he posted four points and five rebounds in 16 minutes last game. Evan Mobley could shift back to power forward if Allen plays, while Max Strus may continue to see increased opportunities on the wing with Dean Wade (ankle) still sidelined.

Aaron Nesmith Thu Mar 26 8:20pm

Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (back) is probable for Friday's game against the Clippers after being listed with lower back soreness following recent appearances on the injury report for other minor issues. Nesmith is expected to maintain his starting role and offers steady value for points and three-pointers, averaging 13.4 points, 2.6 triples, and 2.2 rebounds across his last five games. He remains a viable option in standard formats for managers needing perimeter scoring. Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam should continue to handle most of the offense.

Neemias Queta Thu Mar 26 8:10pm

Boston Celtics forward/center Neemias Queta (thumb) is questionable for Friday's game against Atlanta due to a right thumb sprain that could force him to miss time. If he sits, Luka Garza could move into a larger role after finishing with seven points, one three-pointer, and two rebounds in 12 minutes off the bench Wednesday. Garza could be a fringe streaming option for managers needing frontcourt depth. His potential absence could also push Boston toward smaller lineups, with Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser possibly seeing more rebounding opportunities.

Derrick White Thu Mar 26 8:00pm

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Atlanta after logging 33 minutes in Wednesday's win while managing a knee bruise. If White is unavailable, Payton Pritchard would likely take on a larger role after finishing with 14 points, four three-pointers, two rebounds, one assist, and one block in 33 minutes off the bench. Pritchard is already rostered in most leagues but would see a usage bump, while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown (calf), if cleared to play, could also take on more playmaking duties.

Tobias Harris Thu Mar 26 7:00pm

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Thursday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Harris will shed the questionable tag and suit up for the second game of this back-to-back set. He finished with 22 points, three rebounds, and three assists across 35 minutes of action during Wednesday's game. The veteran forward has been asked to pick up the slack offensively with Cade Cunningham (lung) sidelined right now. Over the last six games, Harris is averaging 14.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Fantasy managers need to get him in their lineups ahead of tip-off.

Killian Hayes Thu Mar 26 7:00pm

Sacramento Kings guard Killian Hayes (toe) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Orlando Magic. Hayes is back after missing Tuesday's game due to left toe inflammation. He should continue to see a larger role in the rotation with Russell Westbrook (foot) still sidelined. Over the last seven games, Hayes is averaging 7.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 21.7 minutes per game. His return to the rotation should mean a reduced role for Devin Carter. Hayes should offer some deep league value with Westbrook still on the sideline right now.


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