NBA: the Bucks bring down the Celtics, but lose Antetokounmpo, Doncic soars, 20th success for Wembanyama and the Spurs

“We’re just going to hope that everything goes for the best.” Visibly worried, Bucks coach Doc Rivers did not really enjoy his team's victory against the Celtics 104-91: already absent last month due to an Achilles tendon injury, Giannis Antetokounmpo the interior star of the Bucks had to leave the floor in the middle of the third quarter, injured in the left calf. Verdict: elongation of the soleus muscle. The player must undergo an MRI to determine the severity of his injury, just a few days before the start of the playoffs.

In the close duel that the two teams are engaged in for 9th place in the West, synonymous with home advantage for the first play-off match before the playoffs, the Warriors won an important 134-120 victory against the Lakers, thanks to notably at a three-point festival (26/41, or 63.4% success rate!). With 44 victories and 35 defeats, Steph Curry and his teammates are now on the heels of LeBron James and his team (45-35).

The fight for first place in the West is still undecided: Tuesday, the Timberwolves (first with a record of 55-24, like Denver) did not give up, winning 130-121 against the weak Wizards, with 51 points from Anthony Edwards, the highest total of his career, and 19 points and 16 rebounds from Rudy Gobert. Third-place Oklahoma City (54-25) also won, beating Sacramento 112-105. Bad operation on the other hand for the Suns of Kevin Durant: beaten 105-92 by the Clippers, they lost their 6th place, synonymous with direct qualification for the playoffs, to the benefit of the Pelicans, winners 110-100 of Portland.

In a Dallas team in great shape, which won its ninth game in the last 10 130-104 against the Hornets, Slovenian Luka Doncic shone again, with 39 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Long injured, reigning MVP Joel Embiid continued to carry his Sixers as he has since his return, finishing with 37 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists in his team's 120-102 victory against the Pistons. Seventh in the East, Philadelphia (45-35) can still hope to snatch direct qualification for the playoffs from the Pacers, sixth (46-34).

As the end of the season approaches, Victor Wembanyama's Spurs, making progress in recent weeks, achieved a symbolic twentieth victory (for 59 defeats), winning 102-87 on the Memphis floor. The French interior, who should undoubtedly be named rookie of the year in a few weeks, still finishes with a very complete statistics line (18 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 7 blocks).