NBA News: Sunday, April 9, 2023

The 2022-23 NBA season is set to conclude on Sunday, and there are still some things that have to be decided. It’s been an interesting season around the NBA, and there have been some big things happening over the last few days as well. 

Things will really start to ramp up once the postseason action begins, but that doesn’t mean that the last few days have been boring. Here are some of the biggest NBA news stories heading into the final day of the regular season.

NBA Investigating Mavericks

The NBA has launched an investigation into the actions of the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night in a game against the Chicago Bulls. Dallas suffered a loss to the Bulls in that game, and the Mavericks basically threw the game away by not playing several starters. 

Luka Doncic did suit up for the game, but he was taken out after playing the first quarter and was shut down for the rest of the season. Dallas had been in a position to reach the play-in tournament, but the loss to the Bulls eliminated them from contention. 

Head coach Jason Kidd had initially stated that the Mavericks were going to do everything possible to finish out the year strong, but that wasn’t what took place. After the game, Kidd told the media that it was the decision of his bosses to rest key players and basically guarantee a loss. 

That loss was important for the Mavericks as it gave them a better chance in the NBA Draft Lottery over the Bulls. If Dallas is able to stay inside of the Top 10, then they are going to get to keep their draft pick that is owed to the Knicks.

The NBA has issued fines to teams in the past when it has been clear that they were tanking, and this investigation could end up taking some time. 

Grizzlies Entering Postseason Without Adams

The Memphis Grizzlies are expected to be without center Steven Adams for the entire postseason as he continues to be out due to a right knee injury. Adams hasn’t played since January 22, when he injured that leg during the final seconds of a game against the Phoenix Suns. 

The center was given a stem cell injection on March 8 in hopes of making a return, but his knee hasn’t responded. Adams was initially only supposed to be out of the lineup for three to five weeks, but that is no longer the case. 

The Grizzlies will continue to work with Adams on his rehab in hopes that he will be able to make a return to the lineup at some point. 

Lakers Looking For Playoff Depth

The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping for a deep playoff run, and they are taking steps to ensure that they have some depth. According to NBA sources, the Lakers have signed Tristan Thompson and Shaquille Harrison on the final day of the regular season. 

Thompson has played with LeBron James in the past, and he was a member of the Chicago Bulls a season ago. Harrison played in the G League this season, and he will give the Lakers some defense at the guard position.

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All Media on this page by Associated Press.