Saric tops rookie race

Here is the USA TODAY Sports NBA Rookie of the Year award watch list ( stats through Week 22, from March 27 through Sunday). Also receiving votes: Knicks’ Willy Hernangomez, 76ers’ Joel Embiid, Suns’ Marquese Chriss.

3. BUDDY HIELD, KINGS

Season statistics: 10.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 42.4% shooting

In 20 games since joining the Kings, Hield has made the most of his increase in minutes ( 7.8 more per game), averaging 14.4 points ( on 49.3% shooting), 2.3 three- pointers made ( 42.5% shooting) and 4.1 rebounds. In 57 games with the Pelicans, he averaged 8.6 points ( on 39.3% shooting), 1.6 three- pointers made ( 36.9% shooting) and 2.9 rebounds.

2. MALCOLM BROGDON, BUCKS Season statistics: 10.3 points, 4.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 45.7% shooting Brogdon ( back) played in only two of Milwaukee’s games during Week 22, but he made them count. In Wednesday’s 103- 100 win against the Celtics, the 24- year- old guard hit a handful of clutch baskets down the stretch, including a fadeaway jumper with 3.9 seconds left — despite airtight defense from Avery Bradley — to seal the game. He finished with 16 points ( on 7- for- 12 shooting), nine assists and four rebounds in 29 minutes. With Brogdon as a primary contributor, the Bucks ( 11- 4) had the third- best record in the NBA over the last 15 games.

1. DARIO SARIC, 76ERS

Season statistics: 12.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 41.1% shooting

Saric’s highlight of the week came March 28, when he recorded 23 points ( on 8- for- 15 shooting) and seven rebounds in a win against the Nets. Saric is averaging 18.5 points ( on 43.5% shooting), 7.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists since the All- Star break.

TROY TAORMINA, USA TODAY SPORTS Bucks rookie guard Malcolm Brogdon, who is averaging 10.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists this season, sat out two recent games with a back injury.