OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

The G League season is over, but Zavier Simpson is not done playing. The former Michigan men’s basketball captain signed a 10-day contract with the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. Simpson, a point guard, appeared in 47 games with the franchise’s G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, this past season. In October, he signed a contract with the Thunder only to get waived and sent to the G League team. Oklahoma City, at 23-55, has the second-worst record in the Western Conference.

Detroit ended the month of March on a high note, and went 6-11 over the month. Watch the Detroit Pistons on DirecTV StreamSaddiq Bey was a huge catalyst in the Pistons’ comeback win over the Sixers. The Thunder come into April Fool’s Day with a 22-54 record after going 3-12 last month. Check out more stories about the Detroit Pistons here on MLiveWhat: NBA BasketballWho: Detroit Pistons (21-56) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (22-54)When: Friday, April 1Time: 8:00 p.m. ETWhere: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Okla.)Channel: Bally Sports DetroitStream: DirecTV StreamCheck out the NBA standings and results on NBA.com

The Detroit Pistons are coming off a 102-94 upset win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday as they prepare to visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons oddsThe Pistons are four-point favorites for this matchup, meaning they must defeat the Thunder by at least five points in order for the bet to win. If the Pistons win by four points, the bet is deemed a push and the wager is refunded. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons prediction: Thunder +4 (-110)The Pistons are quietly playing some solid basketball. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons prediction: Under 220 points (-110)Neither one of these teams is great on the offensive end of the court.

Bojan Bogdanovic said making a Utah Jazz franchise-record 11 3-pointers wasn't all that complicated. Bogdanovic scored 35 points to help the Jazz defeat the Thunder 116-103 on Sunday night. Bogdanovic's previous career high for made 3s was eight — a total he had reached by the end of the third quarter.

Devin Booker had 25 points, 12 assists and a career-high six steals to help the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 124-104 on Thursday night.

Here’s a look at some picks for games on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022.

Michigan basketball was forced to cancel two games due to COVID this week, but several former Wolverines earned new opportunities due to virus protocols.

Oklahoma City rookie Josh Giddey became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double on Sunday night.

Devin Booker scored 30 points, Cam Johnson added 21 while making all five of his 3-point attempts and the Phoenix Suns won their fifth straight game, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-101.

Even some of the healthiest and most highly vaccinated communities in the country are being ravaged by the new variant.

Devonte Graham’s 61-foot heave at the buzzer lifted the New Orleans Pelicans to a 113-110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

After another debilitating loss on Monday, the Detroit Pistons’ losing streak continues in this quick homestand. Now they are going to try and end this skid when they welcome a vastly-improved Washington Wizards squad on Wednesday night. Now, Detroit gets to take on the Washington Wizards, who have been one of the surprising teams at the start of this season. Check out more stories about the Detroit Pistons here on MLiveWhat: NBA BasketballWho: Washington Wizards (14-11) vs. Detroit Pistons (4-19)When: Wednesday, December 8Time: 7:00 p.m. ETWhere: Little Caesars Arena (Detroit, Mich.)Channel: Bally Sports DetroitStream: DirecTV StreamCheck out the NBA standings and results on NBA.com

DETROIT -- It looked like the Detroit Pistons had started to figure it out. They did all the things that they were supposed to do and had a 13-point lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder by the end of the first half. It, unfortunately, did not last as the Pistons (4-19) collapsed in the third quarter and allowed the Thunder to outscored them 64-40 in the second half. They ended up falling to the Thunder 114-103 and picked up their ninth-straight loss of the season.

After making 10 of its 19 shot attempts from distance the first half, Detroit shot 7-of-26 (26.9 percent) from the field the second half. They ended up with 17 turnovers, which led to 21 Thunder points. The Pistons by comparison went to the line just six times and they shot no free throws in the second half. Before things took a turn for the worse in the second half, the Pistons had solid control of the game. Like his teammates, he slowed in the second half and ended the night with 15 points.

The Detroit Pistons threw away an 18-point lead vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, despite a career-high scoring night for rookie Cade Cunningham.

The last time the Pistons lost eight-straight games came back in January of the 2017-18 season, when Steve Van Gundy was the boss in Detroit. Yet, after an 0-5 Western Conference road trip, that is exactly where the Pistons stand with a league-worst 4-18 record. The Pistons have a good shot to turn things around against the worst team in the West in the Thunder. Check out more stories about the Detroit Pistons here on MLiveWhat: NBA BasketballWho: Oklahoma City Thunder (6-16) vs. Detroit Pistons (4-18)When: Monday, December 6Time: 7:00 p.m. ETWhere: Little Caesars Arena (Detroit, Mich.)Channel: Bally Sports DetroitStream: DirecTV StreamCheck out the NBA standings and results on NBA.com

The Memphis Grizzlies broke the NBA record for margin of victory, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 152-79.

It has been one week since the NBA season began and 29 of the 30 teams have notched a win. Just one winless team remains and it’s the Detroit Pistons. So far this season, the Pistons have also been without their top overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft. The 27-year-old forward missed the Pistons last game with a left elbow infection and he’s listed as questionable for their next game. Both Cunningham and Grant could help alleviate some of the Pistons’ shooting troubles when they eventually return to action.

On Monday, BetOnline released the playoff odds for the upcoming season and the Pistons have one of the worst shots at making it to the postseason. Detroit is currently +2500 or 25/1 when it comes to its chance of reaching the playoffs, which are the third-worst odds according to the site. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Orlando Magic are the only teams that have worse odds than the Pistons. This season will be an interesting gauge of where the Pistons are in their restoration. The Brooklyn Nets and the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks have the best odds to make it to the playoffs.

The Detroit Pistons have signed Luka Garza and Chris Smith to two-way contracts.

LAS VEGAS -- The first game of the Detroit Pistons’ Summer League campaign wasn’t pretty, but there were enough flashes to show that this young team has something. DuBois, who was named the Pistons’ Summer League coach. Early in the game, Hayes took advantage of Cunningham’s ability to knock down shots. So after just one week of practice and one Summer League game, there isn’t a reason to raise the alarm just yet. Of course, this was Detroit’s first Summer League game and the team lacked the veteran presence of Jerami Grant, Cory Joseph and newly signed center Kelly Olynyk, which would help round out the team’s overall game.

We got our first look at the No. 1 pick, Cade Cunningham, other rookies, and second-year players in the Summer League opener on Sunday night, so let’s get into it.

LAS VEGAS -- The Detroit Pistons opened the first quarter of their Summer League campaign strongly. But the team’s offense went cold in the second quarter and the Oklahoma City Thunder capitalized to dash Detroit’s goal of going undefeated. The Thunder pulled away in the second frame of action and continued to put their foot on the gas to down the Pistons 76-72. It’s not quite the start that newly drafted Pistons guard Cunningham looked to begin his tenure with Detroit. Though the Pistons opened their Summer League with a loss, the team has shown some positive steps after just one week of practicing together.

The agreement will include in-arena signage and a rooftop sign for the Oklahoma City downtown arena.

The team has reportedly added former Philadelphia 76ers player development coach Andrew Jones III to its coaching staff. Jones will work with the Pistons as an assistant/player development coach after spending the last two seasons in Philadelphia. Prior to working with the Sixers, he spent five years with the Oklahoma City Thunder, primarily with its G League affiliate the Oklahoma City Blue. In his last three years in Oklahoma City, he worked as a senior performance analysis lead and player development coach. Last month the Pistons hired former Boston Celtics assistant Jerome Allen, former Indiana Pacers assistant Bill Bayno and former Sacramento Kings assistant Rex Kalamian.

This year the Detroit Pistons head into the NBA Draft Lottery with some of the best odds at the No. Last season, Pistons general manager Troy Weaver parlayed the team’s assets into an additional three draft picks. It will be Detroit’s second top-ten pick in two years after taking Killian Hayes seventh overall in last year’s draft. The Pistons are guaranteed their highest pick since at least 2003 when they selected Darko Milic No. Heading into the Draft, the Pistons’ biggest need is another consistent shooter on the wing.

After a successful rebuilding season, Troy Weaver is done with losing. He's optimistic that the Pistons are ready to make a leap forward.

Bojan Bogdanovic scored 22 points to help the Utah Jazz beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 109-93.

Stephen Curry scored 49 points in 29 minutes and matched his season best with 11 3-pointers and the Golden State Warriors beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 136-97 on Saturday night.

Domantas Sabonis had a triple-double in the first half and the Indiana Pacers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 152-95 in the largest home loss in NBA history.

Zion Williamson scored 27 points, and the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 109-95 on Thursday night.

Russell Westbrook had another triple-double in his return to Oklahoma City, and the Washington Wizards beat the Thunder 129-109 for their seventh straight win.

The young Pistons squad beat a youthful Thunder team 110-104 with a trio of rookie starters. It’s the third time in franchise history that three rookies have started the same game since starters became official in 1970-71. The Thunder came within one point of overtaking the Pistons with just under four minutes in the game. But the Pistons allowed the Thunder to make just two of their 10 shot attempts in the final three minutes of the game. The 19-year-old scored 15 points and set a Pistons rookie record by pulling down 21 rebounds.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Pistons may have been shorthanded on Friday night, but it didn’t show. Led by what will make up its young core, the Pistons defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 110-104 at Little Caesars Arena. After building an 11-point lead three minutes into the fourth quarter, the Pistons fell into a lull. The night marked a successful comeback for the Pistons, who were down 15 points in the second quarter. Jackson and Bey combined for 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting in the second quarter, enabling the Pistons to tie the game 56-56 at halftime.

The Detroit Pistons will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night, but they’ll be missing several players. Detroit is on the first night of a back-to-back and has opted to rest four of their veteran players. The Oklahoma City Thunder will also have several top scorers out. It will be Thunder guard Svi Mykhailiuk’s first game since his trade to Oklahoma City last month. Who: Detroit Pistons (16-39) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (20-35)When: Friday, April 16Time: 7 p.m.

Stephen Curry scored 25 of his 42 points in the third quarter and the Golden State Warriors ran away from the Oklahoma City Thunder 147-109.

The Detroit Pistons rebounded from their worst losses of the season with a win on Monday night over the Oklahoma City Thunder. These guys enjoy physicality.”Detroit sets the tone early: The Pistons may not have been the first to score on Monday night, but they made sure to set the pace. Jackson turned up the intensity on defense, picking up two early fouls, but it was the spark the Pistons needed. Fourteen Pistons players stepped onto the court on Monday night and all of them found the basket to add points to the board. Mykhailiuk, who played 36 games this season with the Pistons ended the night with four steals, career-high in a regular-season game.

Jerami Grant scored 21 points against his former team, and the Detroit Pistons beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 132-108 on Monday night.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Jerami Grant scored 21 points against his former team, and the Detroit Pistons beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 132-108 on Monday night. Grant played three seasons for the Thunder, and then was traded after the 2018-19 season. Aleksej Pokusevski scored 19 points for the Thunder, and Svi Mykhailiuk had 17. Oklahoma City again played without starters Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (plantar fasciitis, right foot), Lu Dort (concussion protocol) and Darius Bazley (bruised left shoulder). Oklahoma City has lost six of seven overall.

The Detroit Pistons kick off an eight-day road trip with the first matchup being against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Catch the game on Bally Sports Network and stream it on NBA League Pass or AT&T TV. It also will see the return of Troy Weaver to Oklahoma City almost 10 months after he joined the Pistons. Who: Detroit Pistons (14-35) at Oklahoma City Thunder (20-29)When: Monday, April 5Time: 7 p.m. ETWhere: Chesapeake Energy Arena -- Oklahoma City, OK.TV: Bally Sports DetroitStream: NBA League Pass | AT&T TV

When Troy Weaver joined the Detroit Pistons last June as general manager, it all came down to opportunity. Over the last nine months, the team has gone through a myriad of changes as Weaver looks to restore the team. That Thunder roster has seen its own changes with just four players left who would have shared the court with Doumbouya during the teams’ games in February and March of 2020. “We really feel like Svi is a good fit for our team based on the way that our roster is constructed,” Presti said. “I feel good about it, but I do think that Troy got a really good one in Hami and he’s going to do a great job ensuring that he’s successful.

(AP Photo/Michael Wyke)HOUSTON – Mired in a long losing streak, the Houston Rockets twice put the ball in John Wall's hands in the waning moments. The Rockets lost their team-record 20th straight game, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder 114-112 Sunday when Wall missed two shots in the final 10 seconds. This one hurts.”Dort scored 23 points and Isaiah Roby had 18 for the Thunder, who led by as many as 13 points. They shot a sizzling 14 of 21 on 3s in the second quarter, however, and Oklahoma City led 66-62 at halftime. The Rockets hit a franchise-record 28 3s in a win against the Thunder on Feb. 1, just three days before their last win.

FILE - Miami Heat forward Meyers Leonard, center, greets his teammates before an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, file)MIAMI – The Miami Heat have turned Meyers Leonard's contract into an opportunity to see if Trevor Ariza can help them for the rest of this season. AdThe Heat also said they wish Leonard and his wife Elle “the best of luck in the future.”“He's going to do everything that he possibly can to grow and get better from everything this week," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. Ariza has not played an NBA game since March 10, 2020, but the Heat clearly felt he was worth the low-risk gamble. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver fined Leonard $50,000 and barred him from being around the Heat for one week.

Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk #19 of the Detroit Pistons drives against Jeff Teague #00 of the Atlanta Hawks. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons have agreed to trade Svi Mykhailiuk and a 2027 second-round draft pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Hamidou Diallo, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The 22-year-old Diallo is averaging a career-best 11.9 points this season. It's another step in a drastic roster overhaul for Detroit under new general manager Troy Weaver, who was previously an executive for the Thunder. Only one player who appeared in a game for the Pistons last season is still on the roster — 20-year-old Sekou Doumbouya.

On Friday night, they agreed to trade Svi Mykhailiuk, along with a 2027 second-round pick, to the Oklahoma City Thunder for shooting guard Hamidou Diallo, a league source confirmed. The Pistons acquired Mykhailiuk, who was the 47th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, in 2019 from the Los Angeles Lakers. Prior to Friday night’s deal, Mykhailiuk was Detroit’s longest-tenured player after the Pistons and Blake Griffin mutually agreed to part ways. Diallo, was the 45th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. So far this season Diallo, has averaged career highs in scoring (11.9), rebounding (5.2), assists (4.2) and minutes (23.8).

Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic walks off the court following the team's NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Dallas, Wednesday, March 3, 2021. It was the sixth game of the season of at least 30 points for Doncic, who turned 22 on Sunday. The second missed game of the season for Doncic was Dallas' last before the All-Star Game on Sunday in Atlanta. Carlisle said Doncic has been battling a back issue recently and has worn a heat massage belt in two recent practices. Ad“It's something he needs to take a game,” Carlisle said.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James shoots during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)Parties may be part of NBA All-Star weekend next month. They just won’t include NBA All-Stars. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association agreed on those rules, the league said in the memo laying out the health and safety protocols that will apply during the break. The league plans to announce starters for the All-Star Game on Thursday, and the reserves on Feb. 23.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker (5) takes the ball from Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley (7) during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)LOS ANGELES – LeBron James hit the tying 3-pointer late in regulation and then broke up the Thunder's final possession in overtime to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their sixth consecutive victory, 114-113 over Oklahoma City on Wednesday night. James had 25 points, seven assists and six rebounds for the defending NBA champions, who survived their third consecutive overtime game. OVERTIME FEATSThe Lakers became the seventh team in NBA history to win three consecutive overtime games. AdLos Angeles hadn't played three straight overtime games since 1991.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Malik Beasley (5) dunks in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Hamidou Diallo, left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Timberwolves guard Malik Beasley was sentenced Tuesday to 120 days in jail after pleading guilty to a felony charge of threats of violence for pointing a rifle at a family outside his home last fall. COVID-19 precautions could require the county to release him on electronic home monitoring for the duration of the sentence. Beasley approached their vehicle and pointed a rifle as he told them to leave. I humbly apologize for my actions.”As part of the conditions of the sentencing, Beasley was given three years of probation with no use of alcohol or drugs and completion of an anger management program.

Financial tech company Goalsetter has launched its Black History Month campaign alongside basketball star Chris Paul, who will help minorities learn how to save money. Featured athletes in the campaign will each select 100 youths and deposit $40 into savings accounts set up on the Goalsetter mobile banking app, the company told CNBC. Paul will jump-start the campaign by drafting kids from the Club 61 Leadership Alliance in his hometown, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. "Black History Month is a reminder of the hundreds of years that Black people have been a labor force and a consumer class in America," Paul said in a statement. Goalsetter is a mobile banking app that offers peer-to-peer banking transactions.

Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) goes to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Aleksej Pokusevski, left, in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)NEW YORK – James Harden will sit out the Brooklyn Nets' game Sunday at Washington, preventing his first matchup with Russell Westbrook since both left Houston. The NBA's leader in assists, Harden had 25 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds Friday when the Nets routed Oklahoma City 147-125. Harden and Westbrook played together last season, helping the Rockets reach the second round of the playoffs. Harden then pushed to be traded but Westbrook was dealt first to Washington for John Wall.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Theo Maledon (11) defends against Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)LOS ANGELES – Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points and the Los Angeles Clippers beat Oklahoma City 108-101 on Sunday for their seventh consecutive victory and second straight over the Thunder. Serge Ibaka added 17 points. At 13-4, the Clippers are tied with the Lakers for the best record in the NBA. Oklahoma City has lost three in a row and five of six.

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)INDIANAPOLIS – Caris LeVert said Tuesday he was awaiting additional test results on a small mass in his left kidney before establishing a treatment plan or a timeline for his Indiana Pacers debut. Indiana acquired LeVert as part of a four-team, blockbuster trade that sent All-Star James Harden from Houston to Brooklyn. The Rockets sent the 6-foot-6 guard to the Pacers in exchange for Victor Oladipo. Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard announced the results of the physical Saturday. LeVert spent his first 4 1/2 seasons with Brooklyn after the Pacers selected him in the first round of the 2016 NBA draft.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots between Chicago Bulls guard Garrett Temple (17) and forward Lauri Markkanen during overtime of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)OKLAHOMA CITY – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a career-high 33 points and 10 assists to help Oklahoma City beat the Chicago Bulls and former Thunder coach Billy Donovan 127-125 in overtime Friday night. Donovan knew all too well how good Oklahoma City can be under challenging circumstances. ... Oklahoma City scored 19 points off Chicago's nine turnovers in the third quarter. ... Oklahoma City shot 56% in the third quarter and outscored the Bulls 37-27.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, moves around Oklahoma City Thunder forward Isaiah Roby (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)OKLAHOMA CITY – LeBron James scored 26 points and the Los Angeles Lakers routed the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-99 on Wednesday night for their franchise-record seventh straight road victory to start the season. James scored 15 points in the half. James made 4 of 6 shots and scored 11 points in the third quarter to help the Lakers take a 93-71 lead. Thunder: Host Chicago and former Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan on Friday night.

Wednesday's season opener between the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder has been postponed after the Rockets revealed their team did not have enough eligible players due to COVID-19 restrictions. Three Rockets players either tested positive or received inconclusive test results, the NBA said in a statement. Rockets players John Wall and Demarcus Cousins were both sent home, ineligible to play in Wednesday's game, according to CBS Sports. While neither of the players tested positive for COVID-19, contact tracing put them in close contact with another positive player. To aid with the inevitable COVID-19 re-scheduling, the NBA has only scheduled 72 regular season games, instead of the usual 82.

Houston Rockets' James Harden reacts during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in Houston, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. The drama began when reports surfaced that Harden and Russell Westbrook both wanted out of Houston. While the rest of the Rockets were preparing for the season, Harden was photographed partying in Atlanta at a rapper's birthday party and at a nightclub in Las Vegas. That would have left eight eligible players, which is the league minimum to start a game. Harden, according to the protocols, may now be ordered into quarantine and could lose more than $500,000 for each game missed because of protocol violations.

The Lakers, who beat Miami to win the championship Oct. 11, start the new season against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. Also on Wednesday, Chicago beat Oklahoma City 124-103, and Portland played at Denver. BULLS 124, THUNDER 103At Oklahoma City, the Bulls took control in the second quarter and didn’t let up. LaVine scored 16 points on 6-for-7 shooting in the first quarter while Gilgeous-Alexander scored 11 for Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City couldn’t get into a flow, but part of that was because first-year coach Mark Daigneault gave minutes to 13 players.

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___Duke won’t play any more nonconference men’s basketball games in the regular season. The club says the decision came in collaboration with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell because current data suggests a recent surge in local positive tests. Preseason games across the NBA begin Friday and the regular season is scheduled to begin with two games on Dec. 22. ___South Carolina has called off its men’s basketball game at George Washington on Monday because of a positive COVID-19 test. ___Georgia has canceled its women’s basketball game against Radford because of a positive COVID-19 test within the Highlanders’ program.

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)NEW YORK – The 2020-21 NBA schedule will feature a play-in tournament and an NBA Finals that could run all the way until July 22 — keeping some players from competing in the Olympics. The NBA announced Tuesday how it will make up the 72-game schedule, which won't be entirely known until well after it's started. Teams will play the remaining 30 games against the opposite conference — one at home and one on the road. The league debuted the play-in tournament this year at Walt Disney World, though it only featured the Nos. The second half is March 11 to May 16, with the play-in tournament May 18-21.

A person with knowledge of the situation says All-Star guard Chris Paul is being traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Phoenix Suns, where he'll play alongside one of the league's most dynamic young scorers in fellow All-Star Devin Booker. The Phoenix Suns weren’t deterred. “We are excited to welcome Chris Paul and Abdel Nader to Phoenix,” Suns general manager James Jones said. That trade, along with the Paul trade, could give the Thunder as many as 17 first-round picks in the next seven drafts. The trade reunites him with Suns coach Monty Williams; Paul played for Williams in 2010-11 when Williams was in his first season coaching the New Orleans Hornets.

CHICAGO – The Chicago Bulls weren't on Billy Donovan's radar when he and the Oklahoma City Thunder parted ways after five successful seasons. So this kind of came out of left field for me.”The Bulls introduced Donovan as their coach on Thursday, two days after they announced they landed arguably the most attractive candidate on the market to help turn around a struggling team with new management. Donovan met in person with Karnisovas and Marc Eversley for 5 1/2 hours to get the process in gear. And when Donovan accepted the job, Karnisovas said, “I could not stop smiling.”Hiring Donovan was a rare big and bold move for the Bulls. Donovan said he was “taken aback” by Karnisovas' vision and is looking forward to “working hand in hand” with him.

CHICAGO – Billy Donovan wasn't on the market for long — hardly a shocker given he's won everywhere he's coached. Chicago struck it big Tuesday, hiring Donovan and landing one of the top candidates on the market to lead a rebuilding team with an overhauled front office. The 55-year-old Donovan spent the past five seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Before his time with the Thunder, Donovan coached for 19 seasons at the University of Florida, winning two NCAA titles. The Bulls are counting on Donovan to give them a lift after the team missed the postseason for the fourth time in five years.

Billy Donovan won't return as coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder after five seasons, the team announced Tuesday night. Donovan went 243-157 with Oklahoma City. Before that, he led the University of Florida to two national championships and four Final Four appearances in 19 seasons. The team and Donovan described his departure as a mutual decision. Thunder general manager Sam Presti said he couldnt give Donovan the assurances he wanted about the future.

Tucker, center, his held back by Oklahoma City Thunder's Steven Adams, right, as he confronts Dennis Schroder (17) after a foul during the second half of an NBA basketball first round playoff game Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Both Schroder and Tucker were ejected from the game. Tucker and Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder were ejected from Game 5 of their first-round playoff series Saturday night after a tussle following a hard pick that sent them both to the floor. When the two players stood back up, Tucker approached Schroder and head-butted him from behind. After checking the video, referee James Capers called a flagrant 2 foul on Schroder and ejected him.

Houston Rockets' P.J. That was a fortunate turn of events for the Houston Rockets. We need him.Schroder led the Thunder with 19 points 18 of them in the second quarter, when Oklahoma City had its only lead of the game. Steven Adams had 12 points and 14 rebounds, and Darius Bazley had 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Thunder. Houston scored 20 of the games first 27 points, but the Thunder erased the deficit in the second -- taking a brief lead of as many as five points -- before the Rockets took a 48-45 lead into the half.

The Rockets will take a 3-2 series lead into Game 6 against the Thunder in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on Monday night. Dennis Schroder led the Thunder with 19 points in Game 5 18 in the second quarter, when Oklahoma City had its only lead of the night. If the Rockets win Monday, they would play Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. INJURY WATCH: Rockets G Russell Westbrook (quad) returned for Game 5, with seven points and seven assists in just under 24 minutes. The Lakers would get nearly a full week to rest if the Rockets dont win Game 6.

Eric Gordon scored 23 points and Danuel House added 21 for the Rockets, who won the first two games of the series. The Thunder shot 47.8% and the Rockets 47.7% before the break. The Rockets led 93-80 before Schroder made a 3-pointer and Houston's Austin Rivers was called for a foul away from the shot. Schroder hot a deep 3-pointer at the buzzer, and the Oklahoma City climbed within 93-92 at the end of the third. Thunder: Shot 61% in the first quarter.

Houston All-Star Russell Westbrook, who played his previous 11 years with the Thunder, was out with a quad injury. Jeff Green scored 22 points and Eric Gordon added 21 for Houston, which isn't sure how long it will be without Westbrook. Chris Paul, who joined the Oklahoma City in the trade that sent Westbrook to Houston, finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Gordon scored 16 points and Harden had 15 in the first half to help the Rockets take a 68-52 lead. Oklahoma City cut its deficit to 10 at one point in the third quarter, but the Rockets pulled away and led 104-83 heading into the fourth.

Oklahoma City pulled even with Houston for the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoff picture with five games left. Los Angeles, which has already clinched the top seed in the West and the Pacific Division title, never held a lead for the first time all season. Los Angeles dropped two games behind Milwaukee for the NBA's best overall record, which won't provide a real home-court advantage in the NBA Finals this year. Dion Waiters scored 14 points for the Lakers, whose poor perimeter shooting in the bubble still hasn't been fixed. ... Los Angeles got a scare in the third quarter when Paul elbowed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the ribs, forcing Caldwell-Pope to leave the game.

Each team will donate $1 million annually, or $30 million collectively, over those 10 years. NBPA President Chris Paul had said earlier in the season restart at Walt Disney World that $300 million would be the start, and now those plans are complete. All NBA team governors recognize our unique position to effect change and we are committed to supporting and empowering young Black men and women in each of our team markets as well as communities across the U.S. and Canada, NBA Board of Governors Chairman and Toronto Raptors Governor Larry Tanenbaum said. These are the three main areas of our social responsibility work at Monumental Sports & Entertainment and where we personally invest in our community, Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis said. Efforts will be centered on helping people get a first job, finding careers after high school or college, then career advancement.

The league released its latest results Wednesday for coronavirus tests performed on players participating in the restarted season at Walt Disney World, and the numbers are still perfect. Of the 343 players tested since results were last announced July 29, none has been confirmed positive. That means no player has tested positive since entering the so-called bubble last month. There were two players who tested positive on arrival at Disney, with neither of those making it out of quarantine and potentially exposing anyone inside the bubble. I think not only has the league, but I think the players and everyone, theyve followed through.

There are six games for the NBAs last day of scrimmages before the regular season begins July 30. Dillion Brooks and company will have to put up a fight against Tyler Herro and the Heat to capture a win. The Heat however are coming off a loss as well to the Utah Jazz. The talent is evident on both sides with the Thunder having veteran guard Chris Paul and rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 8:30 p.m. ESTBoth teams are coming off losses with the Mavericks dropping a game to the Indiana Pacers and the 76ers falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Teams that had a matchup with one of the eliminated teams on the schedule will instead move on to next in line. Rockets, Nuggets, Jazz, Jazz, Raptors, Pacers, Trail Blazers,* Heat or Magic*MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES : vs. Blazers, Jazz, Spurs, Thunder, Bucks, Pelicans, Pelicans, CelticsMIAMI HEAT : vs. In February 2019, Brewer signed back-to-back 10-day contracts with the Kings before re-signing through the rest of the season. Burke spent part of the 2019-2020 season with the Philadelphia 76ers and was waived in February. He averaged nine points and two assists in 25 games for the Mavs last season.

FILE - In this Feb. 15, 2020, file photo, Chris Paul, of the Oklahoma City Thunder, speaks during NBA All-Star basketball media day in Chicago. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association said Wednesday, June 24, 2020, that dealing with racial matters will be a shared goal during the resumed season. The issues of systemic racism and police brutality in our country need to end, union president Chris Paul said. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)NEW YORK The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association said Wednesday that dealing with racial matters will be a shared goal during the resumed season. The issues of systemic racism and police brutality in our country need to end, union president Chris Paul of the Oklahoma City Thunder said.

DETROIT The Detroit Pistons are finalizing a deal to hire Oklahoma City Thunder executive Troy Weaver as their new general manager, according to ESPNs Adrian Wojnarowski. Weaver has been with the Thunder since 2010 but spent the last two years as vice president of basketball operations. He was widely considered the top general manager candidate in the league heading into the offseason. He joined the team as an assistant general manager after spending several years as a scout and player development director for the Utah Jazz. Depending on the lottery, Weaver should have a top five pick in his first draft with Detroit.

Of that number, at least seven NBA players have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the NBA, including Brooklyn Nets All-Star Kevin Durant and three of his teammates. Doctors and patients are expressing concern that NBA players and celebrities are getting preferred access to tests for the COVID-19 coronavirus while the general public and people with symptoms have to wait. Many doctors are left wondering how the NBA is getting access to so many COVID-19 tests when they don't have access themselves. The Commissioner says when Rudy Gobert first tested positive, the Jazz did not ask to be tested. NBA Players Association Executive Director Michelle Roberts unapologetically says this isn't an NBA problem but a government problem.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 12: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs waits for the Oklahoma City Thunder to bring the ball down court during the second half of Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at theThe San Antonio Spurs on Monday announced that Will Hardy and Tim Duncan will be added to Gregg Popovichs bench as assistant coaches. Hardy first joined the Spurs as a basketball operations intern in 2010 after graduating from Williams College. Will Hardy is a talented, young basketball mind who has earned a great deal of respect from everyone in the organization thanks to his knowledge, spirit and personality, said Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich. Duncan, a 1997 Wake Forest graduate, played 19 seasons with the Spurs before retiring in the summer of 2016. It is only fitting that after I served loyally for 19 years as Tim Duncans assistant, that he returns the favor, said Popovich.

The Croatians were led by Roko Rogic who had 9 points, six rebounds and five assists. Utah Jazz 97, Portland Trail Blazers 93The Utah Jazz got an impressive win over the Portland Trail Blazers with Tony Bradley leading the way. Bradley had 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists while Afernee Simons of the Trail Blazers had 35 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Suns guard James Palmer Jr. led the way for them with 18 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Clippers were led by Terance Mann, who had 15 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.

Several teams took the floor in Las Vegas for day 8 of NBA Summer League on Tuesday. The Croatians were led by Roko Rogic who had 9 points, six rebounds and five assists. Bradley had 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists while Afernee Simons of the Trail Blazers had 35 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Suns guard James Palmer Jr. led the way for them with 18 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Wizards were led by Admiral Schofield, who had 16 points, five rebounds and one assist.

Oklahoma City Thunder fans express outrage after Kevin Durant signed a two-year, $54.3 million deal with the Golden State Warriors.