📰🏟️ 3-2-1

Good afternoon. Today’s edition brings you the top news from around the sports world. Let’s get right to it.

—Kyle

1) NBA unveils “3-2-1” anti-tanking proposal

The league has reportedly disclosed to its 30 GMs a new anti-tanking reform dubbed the “3-2-1 lottery.” Under this system:

• The lottery would expand to 16 teams (from 14), with the “3-2-1” aspect coming from how many lottery balls per team. 
• The worst three teams—the “relegation zone”—receive just 2 lottery balls (5.4% odds of #1 pick), while teams ranked 4-10 receive 3 balls (8.1% odds).
• Play-in teams would also be involved: the two losers of the #7 vs. #8 games receive 1 ball (2.7% odds), while the four #9 vs. #10 teams each receive 2 balls.

Breaking down the new rules

2) March Madness to expand to 76 teams

The NCAA has initiated the final steps to expand the men's and women's basketball tournaments to 76 teams, up from the current 68, per multiple reports.

• 8 more at-large teams would be added to the field, with the First Four opening round expected to grow from 4 games to 12, with another host site in addition to Dayton.
• The traditional 64-team bracket would still begin on a Thursday, and look much the same.
• A formal NCAA announcement is expected next month after the relevant committees ratify the change.

The Madness is expanding

3) NHL Playoffs are heating up

While the league’s top-2 teams—the Avalanche and Hurricanes—closed out 4-0 sweeps, the remaining Round 1 NHL playoff series are as deadlocked as possible.

• In last night’s action, the Wild took a 3-2 lead over the Stars, while the Bruins (down 2-3 vs. Sabres) and Oilers (2-3 vs. Ducks) both staved off elimination.
• The other three series play tonight: the Canadiens-Lightning and Mammoth-Golden Knights are both tied at 2-2, while the Flyers hold a 3-2 lead over the Penguins.

Why tonight’s games are crucial

4) Ravens sign QB Pavia, Steelers waiting on QB Rodgers

The Baltimore Ravens signed Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia to a 3-yr deal yesterday, after Pavia became the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted in 12 years.

• Meanwhile, division rival Pittsburgh placed an unrestricted free agent tender on QB Aaron Rodgers, giving the Steelers more control over the 42-y.o. free agent’s future.
• If Rodgers returns to Pittsburgh in 2026, he and new head coach Mike McCarthy would become the first such duo to win a Super Bowl, then start together on a different team.

The fight for king in the AFC North

5) NBA Playoffs: Spurs advance, 76ers stay alive

The Spurs beat the Trail Blazers last night to clinch the series (4-1), sending San Antonio to the second round for the first time since 2017.

• The Philadelphia 76ers kept their playoff hopes alive with a comeback win over the Celtics, with Boston still holding a 3-2 series lead.
• The Knicks blew out the Hawks behind G Jalen Brunson’s 39 pts, helping NY take a 3-2 series lead over Atlanta.
• In tonight’s action: the Magic look to eliminate the Pistons (3-1), the Lakers try to knock out the Rockets (3-1), and a key Game 5 between the Cavs and Raptors (2-2).

The latest NBA playoff bracket

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