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New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets will face each other on Friday night. However, Josh Hart is struggling with injury concerns. Is Hart playing tonight vs the Nuggets?

Hart has played an impressive role with the Knicks. He averaged 11.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per outing in 51 games played. The Knicks are ready to make another run in the postseason, but they will need Hart to reach his full potential in the playoffs.

As far as Friday’s matchup is concerned, Hart’s status is currently in question. Here’s everything we know about his injury status for tonight’s game.

Josh Hart’s injury status vs. Nuggets

Hart is currently listed as questionable to play against the Nuggets.

Friday’s game should be competitive. The Knicks head into play with a 40-23 record, good for third place in the Eastern Conference standings. The 39-24 Nuggets are in fifth place in the Western Conference.

Keeping Hart on the floor will go a long way in helping the Knicks defeat the Nuggets on the road. However, when it comes to the question of whether Josh Hart is playing tonight, the answer is probably.

knicks injury report

The Knicks have three players listed on the injury report for Friday night’s game.

• Josh Hart (lower back; lower back injury): doubtful
• Miles McBride (pelvis; core muscle surgery): out
• Dillon Jones (G League Two-Way): Out

The Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday with a final score of 120-113. Friday’s game represents the second consecutive game, so Denver’s injury report has not yet been announced.

Hours after the Phoenix Suns’ embarrassing loss to the Chicago Bulls, injured player Dillon Brooks was arrested for DUI on Friday, March 6, 2026.

TMZ Sports reported that Brooks was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona around 2:00 p.m. After a while, around 3:20 pm, he was released.

According to a TMZ Sports report, Brooks was “respectful and cooperative” before his release. They also shared his mugshot after his arrest.

Dillon Brooks’ DUI arrest comes after Suns’ blowout loss to Bulls

Brooks’ arrest came after the Suns’ dramatic latest loss to the Bulls. It was a back-and-forth affair, but the Suns ultimately lost the game.

With the loss, the Suns dropped to 35–27. Meanwhile, the Bulls are still below .500 with a record of 26-37, making the loss even worse for Phoenix.

Unfortunately, Brooks had no impact in the game. He sat out due to his long-term injury. His left hand is broken, due to which he will have to remain out of the field for several weeks.

Before his injury, he was averaging 20.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He has played 50 matches so far in the season.

Brooks is a former second round pick in the 2017 NBA draft from Oregon. He was selected by the Houston Rockets but was immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

He spent the first seven years of his NBA career with the Grizzlies before joining the Houston Rockets in 2023. After two seasons with the Rockets, he was traded to the Suns as part of the Kevin Durant trade.

The Suns’ leading scorer in their latest loss was Devin Booker, who scored 27 points. He also had six rebounds and two assists. Grayson Allen scored 21 points off the bench.

The Houston Rockets lost a crucial home game against the shorthanded Golden State Warriors. According to multiple posts by Red Nation and Roush on

The Rockets lost 115–113 despite being favored by 9.5 points. The loss dropped them to 38–23. Although they still finished fourth in the Western Conference, the loss was another game they let slip, a pattern Rockets fans have recognized from the beginning. Other Rockets influencers and fans felt the same way, especially when discussing some of the scenarios the team has faced.

I honestly don’t think the rest of the Ime Udoka era (no matter how long we have to endure this nightmare) will ever top Jabari Smith Jr. in dispatches. Out for a jump ball. Literally the lowest percentage in athleticism league.

– RedNinetyFour (@RedNinetyFour) 6 March 2026

The general consensus on this defeat is that Udoka made some decisions that could have changed the outcome. Namely, Rush, another Poe[उलररॉकेट्स’केप्रभावशालीव्यक्तिनेतीनचीजेंसूचीबद्धकींजोजीतकोपुख्ताकरसकतीथीं।रीडशेपर्डउनकेप्रतिस्पर्धियोंमेंसेएकथेक्योंकिउन्होंनेइससीज़नमेंरॉकेट्सकेलिएअच्छाखेलाहैलेकिनबेंचपरबनेहुएहैं।लेकिनइसखेलनेउनकेकुछअन्यप्रतिवादोंकोभीचित्रितकियाविशेषरूपसेअल्पेरेनसेनगुनऔरजबरीस्मिथजूनियरकेसंघर्षदोनोंशुरुआतीखिलाड़ीजिन्होंनेवॉरियर्सकीहारमेंबहुतकमयोगदानदिया।[ularRockets’influencerlistedthreethingsthatcouldhavecementedavictoryReedShepperdwasamonghiscounterpointsashehasplayedwellfortheRocketsthisseasonbutremainsonthebenchButthisgamealsoillustratedsomeofhisothercounterpointsnotablythestrugglesofAlperenSengunandJabariSmithJrbothstarterswhodidlittleinthelosstotheWarriors

एक और शर्मनाक हार:

1. यदि इमे उडोका रीड शेपर्ड शुरू करता है तो रॉकेट्स यह गेम जीत जाते हैं

2. जबरी स्मिथ 42 मिनट में 5 टर्नओवर के साथ 0-8 पर था। अकथनीय रूप से भयानक प्रदर्शन

3. सेनगुन को खेल बंद करने के लिए वापस नहीं आना चाहिए था। भयानक रक्षा, अकुशल, 5 टर्नओवर

– रूश (@RoshWilliams) 6 मार्च 2026

उडोका 25 अप्रैल, 2023 से टीम के मुख्य कोच हैं। जहां टीम में सुधार हुआ है, वहीं प्रशंसकों का धैर्य खोने लगा है। पिछले सीज़न में रॉकेट्स दूसरी वरीयता प्राप्त होने के बाद, अनुभवी वॉरियर्स से हारकर प्लेऑफ़ में लड़खड़ा गए। यदि वे प्लेऑफ़ में प्रदर्शन नहीं कर पाते हैं तो चौथी वरीयता प्राप्त उनकी वर्तमान स्थिति प्रशंसकों की चिंताओं को कम करने में कुछ नहीं करेगी।

फिलहाल, उडोका मुख्य कोच बने रहेंगे और रॉकेट्स का नेतृत्व करना जारी रखेंगे। रॉकेट्स ने व्यापार की समय सीमा पर कोई कदम नहीं उठाया, इसलिए उडोका को उनसे अधिकतम लाभ उठाने के लिए इस समूह के साथ काम करना होगा, अन्यथा उनकी नौकरी के लिए कॉल तेज़ हो सकती हैं।

Before the Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green blamed the Rockets for his team suffering another home loss, head coach Steve Kerr put the win in perspective during his postgame media availability. For a winning team without Stephen Curry against the Rockets, the Warriors pulled out a thrilling 115-113 victory in overtime.

kerr discussed the importance According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors win on the Rockets’ home field.

“It’s a good building for us. We’ve won some playoff series here,” Kerr said. “There’s a lot of good memories in that locker room. It’s interesting, we’ve won playoff games here the last few years, series, we won Game 7 here. You win a game like tonight, and it feels the same way. You’re just trying to win. Winning is just an amazing feeling.

“Even though it’s just a regular season game, seeing a group of young guys compete and win, it feels like a playoff win – it really does.”

Steve Kerr on another win in Houston

“It’s a good building for us…there’s a lot of good memories in that locker room.”

“Feels like a playoff win.” pic.twitter.com/YK0JYNPJhC

– Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) 6 March 2026

Brandin Podziemski’s 26 points, including four threes, paced six Warriors players who scored in double figures, including De’Anthony Melton (23 points), Al Horford (17 points), Gui Santos (14 points), and Green (10 points). Warriors’ score became 32-30.

Steve Kerr on Draymond Green’s performance in Warriors win

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says veteran Draymond Green was firing on all cylinders in Thursday’s overtime win against the Rockets, reminding the veteran coach when the forward was at his peak.

Kerr noted while those days are behind Green at this stage of his career glimpses of the past He noted, as ESPN’s Anthony Slater noted, the performance of Drummond, who was surrounded by Warriors youth in Brandin Podziemski.

” Vintage Drummond. Defense, leadership, force, passing.” “I thought that was Brandin’s (Podziemski) best game of the year,” Kerr said.

Steve Kerr after Houston’s win: ” Vintage Drummond. Defense, leadership, force, passing.”

“I thought that was Brandin (Podziemski’s) best game of the year.” pic.twitter.com/21oYsHOMy3

– Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) 6 March 2026

Kerr and the Warriors’ road trip continues on Saturday against the Thunder.

The Indiana Pacers face the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night and Pascal Siakam is once again at the center of the injury report. The Pacers have listed Siakam as probable due to a left wrist sprain, putting the focus on Indiana’s leading scorer as the team tries to snap a seven-game losing streak.

The Pacers enter the matchup at 15-47, No. 15 in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Lakers have a 37-25 record and are sixth in the Western Conference as they aim to bounce back from their loss to the Denver Nuggets. As both teams look for speed for different reasons, the importance of Siakam’s availability has increased.

Siakam remained Indiana’s offensive focal point throughout the season. Through 53 games, he is averaging 24.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 48.5 percent from the field. He’s also converting 37.2 percent from three-point range and 68.9 percent from the free-throw line. Additionally, the forward contributed 1.1 steals and 0.4 blocks per game, continuing to make an impact on both ends of the floor.

When Siakam is on the court, the Pacers operate with much more structure. His ability to generate aggression in isolation and drive momentum in transition provides Indiana a much-needed scoring anchor during tough times.

Pascal Siakam Injury Status vs. Lakers

Pacers’ injury report includes several other prominent names. Johnny Furfee is out with a torn right ACL, while Tyrese Haliburton is out with a torn right Achilles tendon. Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith are both listed as probable with minor injuries.

Additional players are also included in the Pacers’ injury report. Talon Peters and Jalen Slauson are questionable on two-way assignment, while Ethan Thompson is questionable on a G League two-way deal.

As for the Lakers, the team has not yet submitted their official injury report.

Still, Siakam’s status remains the most important factor for Indiana heading into the matchup. The Pacers will look to stop their losing streak, while the Lakers will look to regain momentum in the Western Conference playoff race.

So when the question comes up is Pascal Siakam playing against the Lakers tonight, the answer leans towards yes. His final status will depend on pre-game assessment as Indiana looks to end the losing streak

After a 115-113 win in overtime against the Houston Rockets, it was no surprise that Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green had a lot to say after the game. Coach Steve Kerr praised the Warriors’ key players in Thursday’s win against the Rockets before Green took the stage for postgame media availability.

According to Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle, Green reflected on the importance of defeating the Rockets and winning on the road in an area with which he is very familiar.

“It’s always satisfying to win here. We’ve had great success in this building,” Green said. “In this situation, one million people are out [including star guard and Rockets tormentor Stephen Curry]…Three two-way guys playing actual minutes. And to come here and get a win, they are playing with all they have. This is one that sounds a little better than most.”

Green, who spent most of the night defending Rockets All-Star and former teammate, Kevin Durant, tallied 10 points on 4-for-6 shooting, eight assists, five rebounds and one steal. Playing without the Warriors’ All-Star Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski led six Warriors players in double figures with 26 points.

Green said, “When I let Kevin get to his place tonight, I can contest all I want; you can’t do anything.” “I just try to… get them up a little bit earlier so they don’t get caught up in the situation… If you just let them ride the rhythm and don’t make them earn the right to get into that rhythm, they’ll give you 50.”

Durant finished with 23 points on 8-for-16 shooting, six rebounds, three assists, four steals and one block. The Warriors have defeated the Rockets five times in 10 postseason appearances, including last year’s best-of-7 series, 4-3, in the opening round of the playoffs.

“Any time you can get an opportunity to go against guys like that, I’m always excited for it, because it’s special,” Green said. “How many more times do we have to do this?”

Following the Rockets’ 104–100 win against the Warriors in November, the Warriors tied their regular season series 1–1.

Steve Kerr praises Warriors’ leaders in win against Rockets

The Warriors have had some success without Stephen Curry, winning half of their last six games, including a 133-112 win against the Grizzlies and Thursday’s overtime win against the Rockets. After the game, coach Steve Kerr told Draymond Green turned the clock back In many aspects of the game, and according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, he gave credit to Brandin Podziemski.

” Vintage Drummond. Defense, leadership, force, passing.” “I thought that was Brandin’s (Podziemski) best game of the year,” Kerr said.

Steve Kerr after Houston’s win: ” Vintage Drummond. Defense, leadership, force, passing.”

“I thought that was Brandin (Podziemski’s) best game of the year.” pic.twitter.com/21oYsHOMy3

– Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) 6 March 2026

The Warriors will face the Thunder on Saturday at the Paycom Center.

The Los Angeles Lakers left Thursday night’s loss to the Denver Nuggets with a lot of disappointment. LeBron James expressed anger after a tough play involving Nikola Jokic that led to a possible injury. The moment came late in Los Angeles’ 120-113 loss in Denver. Under the arena lights, James absorbed contact from Jokic while completing a layup. There was no whistle. Moments later, the Lakers star walked away, rubbing his left elbow.

This sequence soon became the biggest talking point of the night.

With 4:05 remaining in the fourth quarter, James hit the floor with his elbow. The collision occurred when Jokic challenged the play at the rim. Officials allowed the game to continue. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers forward felt the effects immediately.

“It’s pretty sore right now,” James said after the game. “It felt like it was one of those weird situations, but much more intense.”

James returned after some time. Still, the uneasiness persisted. He fouled out again and missed the final 22.3 seconds. After the game, he iced the elbow while longtime trainer Mike Mancias placed a compression sleeve on his left arm for the team’s flight back to Los Angeles.

Lakers star LeBron James angry with Jokic’s no-call

When reporters asked for an explanation from officials, James did not hold back. The Lakers veteran seemed more irritated by the decision involving Nikola Jokic than the injury.

“It’s what it is—,” James said, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “‘Marginal.’ It’s the same s—. …They keep saying that it is ‘marginal’. I’m so tired of that word. It doesn’t make any sense.”

Meanwhile, Lakers coach JJ Redick said James iced his elbow after the game because the discomfort prevented him from finishing. His status for the next match remains uncertain.

That night still holds history. James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most career field goals in NBA history. Yet the accomplishment faded into the background as the Nuggets rode 28-point performances from Jokic and Jamal Murray.

A question now looms over Los Angeles. Will the Lakers get their superstar back soon, or will LeBron James’ injury saga intensify before the next tipoff?

It was a tough night for the Los Angeles Lakers as they lost to the Denver Nuggets 120-113 with DeAndre Ayton out with a knee injury. Before the injury, Ayton had received criticism from fans for his effort on the court. Marcus Smart discusses the criticism and talks about Ayton’s play.

“I know he’s been getting a lot of feedback lately for his effort and his play. He understands it. I know it might not seem like it, but he does and he wants to do well and he wants to help this team” – Marcus Smart on DeAndre Ayton pic.twitter.com/Sw8UGm30rz

-Dave McMenamin (@mcten) 6 March 2026

Smart was referring to both the injury and earlier criticism. The Lakers struggled to keep up with the Nuggets, and Ayton was unable to stay on the court, playing only four minutes. The good news right now is that Ayton’s injury isn’t serious, but that hasn’t diminished the comments about his overall effort.

Ayton faced some controversy recently due to comments he made about not wanting to be Clint Capela. He made these comments specifically referring to his role with the Lakers. Even Capela clapped back for Ayton’s comment, which set off a league-wide frenzy of players and fans at the Lakers Center.

Ayton is currently averaging 12.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game while shooting 66.7% from the floor. These numbers are lower than his previous statistics with other teams, as he has surpassed LeBron James, Austin Reeves, and Luka Doncic. Many in the league are encouraging Ayton to accept this role and help the Lakers in any way he can.

Only time will tell if Ayton can accept this role and adapt to his situation with the Lakers. With the Lakers currently sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference, they will need everyone to do their part to have a chance to climb out of the scary Western Conference.

The Washington Wizards watched Julian Reese have a breakout game on Thursday night, and afterward, the rookie opened up about the influence of his sister Angel Reese. While many fans arrived at Capital One Arena expecting the spotlight on Trae Young’s debut, the night quietly turned into a showcase for the young Wizards big man.

In his third NBA game, Julian Reese produced a surprising stat line. He scored 18 points on 5-of-7 shooting. He grabbed 20 rebounds. Ten came to the rescue. Ten became aggressive. He recorded two assists and one steal in 38 minutes. The Wizards ultimately lost to the Jazz 122-112, but the performance still attracted attention on the field.

Reese’s energy never waned. He chased every loose ball. He fought inside the paint. Under the bright lights of the arena, the Wizards played with rookie urgency and confidence. For a young player still finding his feet in the league, the moment felt significant.

After the game, Julian revealed that his sister Angel Reese played a major role in keeping him focused in the early stages of his career.

Wizards rookie Julian Reese reflects on sister Angel’s constant pressure

Speaking to reporters after the game, Reese talked about how closely Angel Reese monitors his progress. Even during the busy days of her career, she remains connected to every performance.

Julianne on her sister Angel:

“She hits me up before and after every game, just tells me what I need to do. Watches the games, tries to text me at halftime… Sometimes I let her get over me a little bit, just trying to tell her to let me do what I want. It’s great to have a sister… https://t.co/l4oro1zGed pic.twitter.com/KsxAfJbfAy

– Oh no, he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) 6 March 2026

The Wizards youngster said, “She hits me up before and after every game and tells me what I need to do. Watches the games, tries to text me at halftime… Sometimes I let her go over me a little bit, just trying to tell her to let me do what I do.”

“It’s great to have a sister who is always there for me and tries to see the best for her brother, especially when he’s busy with what he’s doing. Love him to death.”

The quote revealed the bond behind the breakout. One brother or sister is pushing the other forward. A newbie proving he belongs.

And if Thursday night was any indication, the Wizards may have discovered something special. The question now seems simple: Was this just a breakout game, or the beginning of Julian Reese’s rise?

The Los Angeles Lakers received a somewhat encouraging update on center Deandre Ayton after he sat out Thursday’s 120-113 loss against the Denver Nuggets due to a knee problem.

Ayton’s night lasted only five minutes, during which the 7-footer collected two rebounds and missed his only field-goal attempt before heading to the locker room. The Lakers did not immediately rule him out, but ultimately he did not return.

After the game, head coach JJ Redick confirmed that Ayton’s early departure was due to left knee soreness, although the exact severity of the problem is unclear. Without his starting center, Redick adjusted the rotation by giving extended minutes to Jackson Hayes and deploying several small-ball lineups.

Hayes took advantage of his opportunity and produced 19 points, five rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes, while shooting 8 of 10 from the field. Los Angeles outscored Denver by seven points while Hayes was on the floor.

Ayton has been a regular presence in the lineup this season and has started more games than any other Laker. Over 54 games, he has averaged 12.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.9 blocks while shooting 66.7% from the field. However, injuries have occasionally hampered his campaigns. Of the eight games he has missed, five were related to knee problems, while four games early in the season were related to right knee soreness. He also sat out two games before the All-Star break due to the same issue.

Recent performance has also declined. In the seven games following the All-Star break, the 27-year-old averaged 9.9 points on 61.6% shooting and 7.6 rebounds, which is below his season production.

Los Angeles lost despite LeBron James’ historic milestone. The 23-year-old veteran passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most field goals made in NBA regular season history, recording the 15,838th basket of his career. James finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals, shooting 7-for-11 (63.6%) from the field before leaving the closing moments with elbow trouble. Luka Doncic contributed 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets were paced by Nikola Jokic, who recorded his 23rd triple-double of the season with 28 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists, while Jamal Murray also scored 28 points.

The Lakers, now 37-25, will turn their attention to Friday night’s home game against the Indiana Pacers, when Ayton’s status will become more clear.

The Washington Wizards finally saw Trae Young on the field against the Utah Jazz, as his debut offered the first real glimpse of the trade that brought the star guard to Washington earlier this season. Young arrived with high expectations for the Wizards’ rebuild. Fans waited months to see him in action again. That wait ended with a 122–112 loss to the Jazz. Still, the atmosphere inside the ground felt different.

Young stepped onto the court as the new face of the Wizards’ future. His presence changed the atmosphere immediately. The attack proceeded with greater speed. Whenever the ball touched his hand, there was noise in the crowd.

The moment was crucial for a rebuilding team searching for identity. The Trae Young trade has already changed the direction of the franchise. Now the Wizards are finally seeing what their move could look like on the court.

Trae Young shares first impressions after Wizards debut

After the game, Young reflected on that moment and the reception he received from the crowd. The point guard immediately connected the energy of the arena to the bigger vision he hopes to create with the Wizards.

Trey after his first game with the Wizards:

“I definitely felt the energy from all the fans… That’s what I want here like I want the fans to feel included, to feel involved and be a part of our winning in the future… It’s a special group and I really believe in it… pic.twitter.com/TOi7jlI0q8

– Oh no, he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) 6 March 2026

“I definitely felt the energy from all the fans… That’s what I want here like I want the fans to feel included, to feel involved and be a part of our winning in the future… This is a special group and I really believe in the potential we’ve got with all the youth and the future we’ve got here.”

Young also talked about the adjustment period that comes with joining a new team in mid-season. Chemistry, timing and trust will take time. Yet he already sees the pieces being formed.

tray:

“I’m learning these guys and they’re learning me, too. I think there will be times where they’ll have some bullshit moments like I’m open and they get the ball when they’re not expecting it.” pic.twitter.com/KML59nR5A6

– Oh no, he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) 6 March 2026

“I’m learning these guys and they’re learning me. I think there will be times where they’ll have some lame moments like I’m wide open and they get the ball when they’re not expecting it.”

The Wizards still lost the game. The scoreboard did not support him. But in the arena lights something else began: belief. And if Trae Young’s vision comes together, this start could be remembered as the start of something big in Washington.

The Sacramento Kings lost another tough game on Thursday night, falling to the New Orleans Pelicans 133-123. The defeat once again highlighted the frustrations of the struggling team. Kings guard Russell Westbrook didn’t hide that disappointment after the game and gave a blunt response during his media session. This moment became another chapter in a rapidly growing story as the Kings’ season continues to unfold.

Russell Westbrook decided to reach out to the media after the game tonight. pic.twitter.com/UOgmGhV5OH

– James Ham (@James_HamNBA) 6 March 2026

In this latest Kings matchup against the Pelicans, Sacramento fell to 14-50 on the year, the worst record in the league. The defeat also extended a sad situation which includes eight defeats in the last ten matches. Earlier this fall, the Kings suffered a brutal 16-game losing streak that began on January 18 and ultimately ended with a win over the Memphis Grizzlies on February 23.

On floor, Westbrook was still struggling. However, after the final buzzer, the focus shifted from the box score to the tension between the locker room and the media.

Russell Westbrook hits back at media criticism of Kings

The exchange occurred during Westbrook’s postgame availability, as captured by Kings insider James Ham. When asked about the final stretch of the season, Westbrook answered calmly at first.

“You know, go out and compete. It’s a game. You go in and play professionally. That’s all you can do,” Westbrook said.

The king’s guards then turned the conversation towards the journalists in the room.

“What do you all think, though? Because y’all got a lot of answers, and y’all always talk,” Westbrook said.

Westbrook then pressed the issue.

“You make a lot of statements and blanket statements that you have no context for,” Westbrook said.

Westbrook later explained why he felt compelled to speak out for the Kings.

“My job is to speak for the guys in the locker room,” he said. “Don’t make out-of-context comments about people as individuals… If you don’t know, don’t say anything you don’t know.”

It was a raw moment. Honest. emotional. The kind of stress that shows up when you lose piles up.

The Kings still have 18 games left this season. But with growing frustrations and a mounting deficit, a question looms over Sacramento. How loud will the noise get before this season ends?

The Los Angeles Lakers lost 120-113 to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, but the biggest conversation afterward focused on Luka Doncic and a tricky technical foul during the Western Conference matchup. The Lakers star recorded his 15th technical foul of the season in the loss to the Nuggets, causing confusion among fans and players inside the arena. After the game, referee Ed Malloy clarified the situation in the official pool report shared by Benjamin Royer of the Orange County Register.

“Doncic was issued a technical foul for using profanity toward a referee. We are not trained to stop offensive turnovers when a technical foul is called on defense.”

The clarification helped explain why the whistle did not come immediately. Officials allowed play to continue before assessing a penalty at the next dead-ball moment. Still, the delay left many wondering what actually caused the call to occur.

The moment also overshadowed another strong performance from Doncic under the arena lights. The Lakers guard finished with 27 points on 11 of 24 shooting, while adding 11 rebounds, seven assists and four steals. His influence was visible on the entire game. Yet technical fouls soon became the main story after the Lakers lost another tough matchup against the Nuggets.

Lakers star reacts after controversial technical

Doncic addressed that moment directly after the game. The Lakers guard insisted he tried to remain quiet during the conversation.

Luka Doncic said he heard three other players “yelling” at him for his 15th technical foul of the season.

“I was trying not to talk at all. The first thing I said was no warnings or anything.” https://t.co/KBmkywJXV0 pic.twitter.com/EqR4RCV0rA

– Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) 6 March 2026

“I was trying not to talk at all. The first thing I said was no warnings or nothing,” Doncic said.

Technology has real consequences. It was his 15th of the season. Under NBA rules, a player automatically receives a one-game suspension after reaching 16 technical fouls.

Reporters asked the Lakers starter whether he planned to avoid the second one.

“We’ll see. Can’t predict the future,” he said.

Then he gave a blunt answer about what should happen next.

“Don’t take another technique.”

The Lakers are moving forward now knowing that another blowout could sideline their star. Under the bright lights of the field and the pressure of the playoffs, every word and whistle carries more weight. After Luka Doncic’s technical foul, will the Lakers star survive his 16th whistle, or will the next whistle bring a suspension?

The Los Angeles Lakers have been steadying the ship in recent games and are currently riding a three-game winning streak that started against the Golden State Warriors at the beginning of the month. However, in the same game, Luka Doncic and JJ Redick got into an argument on the sideline, which ended when Jared Vanderbilt smartly stepped in while Doncic stood up and appeared intent on continuing the argument after Redick left.

That particular incident, despite being played down by the head coach, drew criticism from Miami Heat veteran and three-time champion Udonis Haslem, who believes Doncic needs to develop.

“The next step in Luka Doncic’s development, stop whining. Stop complaining to the refs. You’re not going to beg your way to a title, you’re not going to cry your way to a championship.”

Udonis Haslem’s message for Lakers star

(via @NBAonPrime)pic.twitter.com/nFSe4XkhzA

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 6 March 2026

“I don’t have a problem with temper tantrums in the middle of the game, but JJ is standing there waiting until Luka says what he needs to say. It feels worse when JJ is walking away and you jump up like you have to say something. Whatever you have to say, the communication has to be man-to-man. When you talk to your teammates or talk with your head down, not at the person you have to talk to.” “It needs to be done,” he said, according to a clip on X by ClutchPoints.

Redick himself played down the incident, claiming that the argument was ‘very normal’ and that he had a great relationship with Doncic, who has continued his impressive run of games since then. However, Haslem also believes that the Slovenian needs to focus his energy on his own game rather than complaining too much to the referee.

“Next step in Luka Doncic’s development, stop whining. Stop complaining to the refs. You wouldn’t be begging for a title for yourself, you wouldn’t be crying for yourself for a championship. You’re great as a player, when you’re focusing so much energy and efforts on complaining to the refs, you’re taking away from your game,” Haslem said.

He compared the situation to a young Jayson Tatum, claiming that the Celtics’ talisman had a similar habit of complaining to referees too much. That habit led Haslem to tell his teammates that ‘they were on his mind,’ claiming that when it came to players of Tatum or Doncic’s caliber, even a 3-4 minute period where they focused on outside factors was “all the leverage” the opposition sometimes needed.

So, while Haslem is well aware of Doncic’s offensive juggernaut, he believes it may be better for the Lakers superstar to focus more on his game.

MIAMI – The Miami Heat are trying to make a playoff run with 20 games left in the season, entering Thursday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, the team is once again dealing with injury problems. It may sound strange to fans, but it’s true that the Heat are aiming to avoid the play-in tournament this season, as head coach Erik Spoelstra talked about his approach to injuries.

As mentioned, Miami has battled a myriad of injuries over the past several seasons, leading to endlessly different starting lineups and rotations, which can lead to endless frustration and an inability to properly evaluate the quality of a team.

Given the current situation, the team’s leading scorer, Norman Powell, suffered a groin sprain and has been labeled “week-to-week”, having already missed the last two games without a schedule. Nikola Jovic continues to miss time with a back injury and Simone Fontecchio was forced off the field late on Thursday with a groin injury, adding to the problems.

Especially with Tyler Herro getting back into rhythm after missing a total of 45 games this season, Spoelstra will talk about the approach of “going for it” but also being “responsible” with health.

“We’re going for it. So I know this time of year, everybody is dealing with something,” Spoelstra said. “We want to be responsible, that was the case with Norm and Simo [Fontecchio]And hopefully, if you get things going early and you really attack it with rehab, it might be short term, but then there will be other cases that we just have to go for it and play big minutes for our main guys, I’m starting to do that anyway.

The Heat have been dealing with injuries and balancing them at this point in the season: Erik Spoelstra #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/lVIfpUboI8

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 5 March 2026

Erik Spoelstra on the pressure the Heat are facing in the tight East

As Herro finds the Heat star taking on an even bigger role without Powell, injuries have gotten in the way of the two being on the same court together and working on their chemistry. The two have only played 12 games together this season, making it a small sample size for their production together, but with the mystery of when Powell’s groin injury will heal, Miami will have to make do.

Entering Thursday’s game against the Nets, the Heat were one game behind the sixth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers, the spot they needed to finish at least to avoid the play-in tournament. However, with only two and a half games separating the sixth and 11th seeds in the East, anything can happen, with Miami on fire due to the pressure.

“I love the pressure for this group,” Spoelstra said. “I think we really need that pressure to get into second gear. And there’s going to be a lot of pressure in these games. There’s going to be a lot of clutch games, close games, a lot of emotions in these games, you know.”

Spoelstra added, “I know we have a lot of competitors in our locker room, and I’m counting on us to bring out a better version of ourselves.” “We have everything we need. We’ve got a high-powered offense, we’ve got a very good defense, defensively as good as anybody in the league. But we need to put it together, especially in moments of truth.”

Erik Spoelstra talks about the frustrations and pressure the Heat faces from being a consistent play-calling team. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/2q5YEXqgAo

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 4 March 2026

At any rate, after Thursday’s outing against Brooklyn, the eighth-seeded Heat have to play a crucial game against the ninth-seeded Charlotte Hornets, separated by a game and a half.

Jamal Murray is tired of the narrative. For years, the Denver Nuggets point guard has been labeled as the “Laker Killer”, a player who only finds his highest gear when the purple and gold are on the other side of the court. After Denver’s 120-113 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, Murray decided he’d heard enough of over-the-top praise.

When reporter Ryan Blackburn asked if he played with more intensity against Los Angeles, Murray offered a three-word reality check that doubled as a cold-blooded mic drop: “I had 45 last game.”

The math certainly checks out. Just three nights earlier, Murray torched the Utah Jazz for 45 points in a tough 128–125 win. His point was simple: He’s not hunting the Lakers; He’s just hunting buckets, no matter who is standing in front of him. Whether it’s a divisive opponent or a dungeon dweller, the flamethrower keeps burning.

Against the Lakers at Ball Arena, Jamal Murray remained hot, especially during an impressive opening period. He dropped 20 of his 28 points in the first half, helping the Nuggets take a 16–3 lead, which they never relinquished.

While the Lakers kept things interesting for long periods of time, Denver’s star duo proved too difficult to handle. Nikola Jokic complemented Murray with a huge triple-double whenever Los Angeles threatened a comeback, steadying the ship by posting 28 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists.

Despite losing the effort, the night was historic for the visitors. LeBron James officially broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for career field goals with his 15,838th bucket in the first quarter. James finished with 16 points before being sidelined briefly with an elbow injury, while Luka Doncic led the Lakers’ scoring effort with 27 points.

Despite the star power on the other side, the story remains Denver’s steady dominance. The Nuggets moved to 39-24, providing some much-needed relief in a crowded Western Conference playoff race. For Jamal Murray, it was just another day at the office, and if you think he’s only doing this because it’s the Lakers, he has 45 reasons from Monday night to prove you wrong.

LeBron James has spent more than two decades rewriting the NBA record books, but his latest milestone holds a special kind of significance. On Thursday night at Ball Arena, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar officially became the league’s all-time leader in field goals, surpassing the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Entering the game needing only two buckets to claim the throne, James wasted no time. With 8:12 remaining in the first quarter, he added his signature 14-foot turnaround jumper to tie the record. Moments later, he passed Abdul-Jabbar’s mark of 15,837 with his 15,838th career field goal. Despite the hostile Denver crowd, the game stopped briefly as the accomplishment flashed in the Jumbotron, marking another chapter in the “Kings'” career.

“At the end of the day, just being added, and having my name mentioned with some of the greatest guys to ever play this game, it’s always humbling and pretty cool,” James told Spectrum SportsNet after the game. “I grew up watching, reading, analyzing a lot of great works.”

LeBron James makes the most field goals in NBA history 🗣️

“At the end of the day, just being added, and having my name mentioned with some of the greatest guys to ever play this game, it’s always been humbling and pretty cool. It’s a great thing. I grew up watching,… https://t.co/7XAXtJ1OV8 pic.twitter.com/1ZU3Qk3vur

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 6 March 2026

While the history was perfect, the game itself was a war. The Los Angeles Lakers struggled early against a surging Denver Nuggets team, falling 16–3. James finished the night with 16 points on 7 of 15 shooting, adding five rebounds and eight assists before exiting prematurely due to an elbow injury. Luka Doncic led the Lakers scoring with 27 points, but it was not enough to overcome the balanced Nuggets attack.

Nikola Jokic dominated with a triple-double, posting 28 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists, while Jamal Murray added 28 points to secure a 120–113 victory for Denver. The loss drops the Lakers to 31-31, leaving them in a tight race for a postseason berth.

Even in defeat, the night belonged to James. At 41, he continues to bridge the gap between the legends he once studied and the history he is currently making.

Ja Morant suffered a UCL injury in his left elbow during the Memphis Grizzlies’ 124–122 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on January 21. He’s been out of the lineup since then, and his latest injury update doesn’t bode well.

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, reports indicate that the 26-year-old point guard is still experiencing discomfort in his elbow. Morant underwent imaging on his left elbow on Wednesday, and will be reevaluated in two weeks.

“The Grizzlies say Ja Morant is experiencing discomfort from a UCL sprain in his left elbow, and he had follow-up imaging yesterday, which revealed incomplete healing. Morant will be re-evaluated in two more weeks.”

Morant is expected to miss at least the next seven games for the Grizzlies. That’s about one-third of the games remaining on the schedule. Memphis will have more information around March 19, which could determine Morant’s status for the remainder of the regular season.

Ja Morant, a two-time All-Star, has only played 20 games this season. It’s been tough for the former first-round pick, as Morant is averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds (career-low), 8.1 assists (career-high), and 1.0 steals per game. He is shooting 41.0% from the floor (career-low) and 23.5% from beyond the three-point line (career-low).

At one time, Morant was seen as potentially becoming the new face of the NBA. However, since getting into trouble for brandishing guns on social media (suspended a total of 33 games in the 2022-23 season) and being involved in an alleged fight with a then-17-year-old boy at the 2022 event, it can be said to the least that Ja Morant’s image in the league has diminished.

PHOENIX- There have been a few instances this season where the Phoenix Suns have been outplayed. Another example came Thursday against the Chicago Bulls.

Although 105–103 indicated a close game, don’t let the score fool you. Even for a guy like Devin Booker, he knew his team didn’t bring the right energy.

Typically, they dive for 50/50 balls, pick up full court, and establish the pace of the game. Thursday’s game was a deviation from his norm, yet Booker sees a silver lining with the struggles in the energy department.

Booker said in the locker room postgame, “That’s been our MO all year. We look at what happens when we do that, and tonight is an example of what happens when we don’t do that. Hopefully, it’s a lesson learned from here.”

Devin Booker on the Suns’ lack of energy tonight.

“That’s been our MO all year. We see what happens when we do that, and tonight was an example of what happens when we don’t do that. Hopefully it’ll be a lesson learned from here.” pic.twitter.com/oBmstJqQl0

– Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) 6 March 2026

The shorthanded Bulls did not get any wins in February, but they picked up some impressive wins in early March. They proceeded with the same momentum till Thursday and took full advantage.

His play speed and paint presence were difference makers. Guys like Collin Sexton and Guerschon Yabusele put tremendous pressure on the basket and worked hard for second chances.

Who else agreed with Devin Booker’s assessment of the Sun’s energy?

Head coach Jordan Ott has been someone who has never been afraid to hold his team accountable. After all, Ott had a challenge of accountability for the Suns before last Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Did he do the same after the loss to the Bulls? Not necessarily, but he mentioned a game strategy he used to stir up some energy. He mentions that he attacked because he needed energy, and it’s something he shouldn’t have asked for.

Somehow, Ott knows that the root of all these conversations about lack of effort is the same.

“We do it honestly,” Ott explained. “We took the first out, again, we had zero (forced) turnovers. The reason I know we had zero (forced) turnovers is because I said it to the group. Then at halftime we just talked about wasting possessions.

“We can’t waste possessions, we’re not that type of team, and we have to somehow increase our activity and energy. So we’re looking. We’re looking for different lineups, different guys.”

Luckily for the Suns, their next game will be on Friday as the second leg of a back-to-back. That will give them minimal time to reflect on Thursday’s surprising loss and hopefully use it as a learning lesson, as Booker said.

With how weak the Golden State Warriors are right now, every win has felt like a miracle recently. But this latest one may take the cake.

With seven players sidelined, including Stephen Curry and three of the 10 active players who received playing time on two-way contracts, the Warriors displayed some courageous and inspired basketball to defeat the Houston Rockets 115-113 in overtime on the road.

Brandin Podziemski led the Dubs to the upset with 26 points and nine rebounds. He scored 11 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, including a 26-foot bomb with 2:32 left in OT, giving the Warriors a lead they would ultimately hold.

“I thought it was Brandin’s best game of the year,” coach Steve Kerr said after the win. “Had just the right mix of on- and off-ball attacks. You saw him make that flare and dive opportunity to start overtime that gave us the lead. He recognizes those plays probably better than anyone else on the field.”

With Podziemski’s heroics, Draymond Green turned back the clock to lead Golden State to an unexpected win. In a very Green-esque stat line, the veteran star produced 10 points, five rebounds and eight assists while protecting Rockets star Kevin Durant as the primary defender.

“ Vintage Drummond,” Kerr said. “Defense, leadership, force, passing.”

Green, who has struggled recently, showed why he remains a valuable cornerback for Golden State. In sports when the lights are at their brightest, and the stars are on the other side, the Warriors need to dim the lights – Green is the kind of guy who rises to the occasion.

“I don’t enjoy guarding Kevin,” a good-natured Green said after the game. “I enjoy competing against great players, and Kevin is one of the greatest players of all time. Top five NBA basketball players in the history of the game… I’m always excited for that.”

How the understaffed Dubs made it on the road

Surrounding those two dominant performances, De’Anthony Melton collected 23 points, three steals and two blocks, Al Horford added 17 points, and Gui Santos collected 14 points and six rebounds and had a game-high +20. Melton and Horford made a big 3-3 in the fourth quarter to send the Warriors to overtime.

But the Warriors also got this win because of their two-way guys, guys who aren’t the 13th, 14th, or even 15th man on the bench. Golden State got valuable minutes from rookies LJ Cryer, Malefi Lyon and Nate Williams, three players under two-way contracts who were headed to the G-League Santa Cruz team earlier this week. With key rotational pieces Moses Moody and Will Richard out with minor injuries, Kerr relied on all three of them.

Cryer, who is no stranger to big moments in his time with the NCAA powerhouse Houston Cougars, collected 12 points off the bench, including a huge 3-pointer in overtime. Lyons somehow finds himself guarding Reed Shepard of all POA players and looks solid while doing so. And Williams, whom the Warriors acquired just two weeks ago, gave him 18 solid minutes when he needed them.

“A great group, these young guys have come in,” Kerr said. “Nate Williams has played really well for us. Malefi, you see the energy he brings. It was really fun to watch LJ tonight…come out tonight, hit four threes, big shots, big minutes. We started him in overtime because we were trying to keep Melton’s minutes down. He made some big plays for us, he’s a winner.”

hold the fort until curry returns

At this point, every win for the Warriors keeps them afloat until Curry comes back and saves them from sinking.

Since most of the teams below them have languished the rest of the season, it is highly unlikely that the Dubs will make it out of the play-in tournament. However, a win like this keeps them firmly in the eighth seed, as the Clippers and Blazers look to challenge them for the relative safety provided by the play-in slot.

But perhaps most importantly, wins like this provide a boost to morale and something Green understands he will need moving forward.

“It felt great,” Green said of the understaffed Warriors’ upset win. “Under the circumstances, [ten] Friends, friends, dropping like flies, it’s a good morale booster. You need these throughout the season. And obviously, we’re trying to keep it together until we get Steph back. This is a big victory for us. This is what you can build on. But it feels great.”

Other notables

• Kristaps Porzingis, who is with the team on this road trip, got a pregame workout. This is an encouraging sign for the centre, who had missed the last six matches due to illness. He remains out indefinitely, but considering that his ability to practice has declined, this is a step in the right direction.
• Speculation ran rampant about whether the Warriors would sign Curry after the 10-day reevaluation was announced. But Green is confident Curry will be back this season. Green told reporters that Curry didn’t want to call it quits and Curry messaged him, “Keep going, I know it’s hard, but I promise you, I’m coming back.”

The LA Clippers have been trending in the right direction over the past few months and were finding their rhythm after acquiring Darius Garland, Benedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson at the trade deadline. But the franchise was dealt a blow on Thursday when they received news of his latest injury.

With 8:32 minutes remaining in the second quarter of the Clippers’ home win against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, center Yannick Konan Niederhauser went up for a blocked shot and landed very strangely On his right leg. The Clippers’ promising young backup center immediately began screaming in pain and clutching his right ankle.

Conan Niederhauser had to be helped off the floor by head athletic trainer Jason Powell after he was unable to put any weight on his injured right leg. The team immediately ruled Konan Niederhauser out for the remainder of the game with an undisclosed right foot injury.

Yannick Konan Niederhauser comes off awkwardly from the chased block, as his foot got caught during it (with replays). He was taken to the locker room, but did not return.

Poor man 🙁 pic.twitter.com/vnzzEPKlJZ

– MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) 5 March 2026

After the game, the team announced that Penn State’s 22-year-old big man would not travel on the team’s upcoming two-game road trip, but would instead remain in Los Angeles for further evaluation of his injured right foot.

on thursday night Clippers announced Yannick Konan Niederhauser was diagnosed with a Lisfranc injury in his right foot. He will undergo surgery and be out for the rest of the 2025-26 season

Yannick Konan Niederhauser was diagnosed with a Lisfranc injury in his right foot.

The Clippers center will require surgery and be out for the remainder of the season.

-Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) 6 March 2026

In 41 appearances this season, Yannick Konan Niederhauser averaged 4.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in 10.3 minutes per game off the bench. Over his last 12 games, Konan Niederhauser was averaging 6.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in 15.7 minutes per game.

Brook Lopez has been the Clippers’ starting center since the trade of Ivica Zubac at the NBA trade deadline, and will likely play a bigger role with more playing time. Since December 20, 2025, López has started 19 of his 34 games played, averaging 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 blocks per game.

The Los Angeles Lakers were giving the Denver Nuggets everything they could handle on Thursday night, even if their starting center Deandre Ayton had to leave after just four minutes with a knee injury. This made the Nikola Jokic matchup more difficult.

The Lakers almost had to deal with being shorthanded even more, because at one point in the fourth quarter, it looked like LeBron James was going to chase Ayton into the locker room with an early exit of his own.

With about four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, James made a hard layup in Jokic’s grill. However, the Lakers star didn’t go down easily; Actually, while doing this he fell on the ground and got injured in his left elbow.

California Post price via Khobi:

LeBron James was holding his left elbow after the fall. He is currently on the bench being tended to by his longtime coach. pic.twitter.com/Oy676TN19U

– Khobi Price (@khobi_price) 6 March 2026

James slammed his elbow into the camera, and was slow to get back to his feet. The Lakers then committed a foul to stop the game and then called a timeout to remove James from the field.

But with 2:05 remaining in the period, James returned to play, checking in for Rui Hachimura, with the Lakers trailing the Nuggets by just one, 112–111. In the end, the Lakers didn’t have enough to overcome the Nuggets. The good news is that James escaped serious harm.

Lakers can’t hit shots in tough times vs. Nuggets

The Lakers gambled that they would play short and make enough shots to counter the Nuggets led by Jokic. And it worked to some extent, as LA came back and made it a close game vs. the Nuggets. However, with the Lakers trailing by only three (114-111), they could not hit open shots – Marcus Smart hit two triples on back-to-back possessions.

It was Jokic who scored the dagger in the end, as he made a routine floater to give Denver a five-point lead that proved to be enough for a 120–113 victory.

The last thing the Los Angeles Lakers needed for Thursday night’s contest against the Denver Nuggets was for their thin frontcourt to become even weaker. But that’s exactly what happened, because according to Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime, Deandre Ayton was forced out of the game early with a knee injury and will not return to action.

It’s unclear exactly when Ayton suffered the injury, but at least the Lakers considered it serious enough to keep him from continuing with the injury that night. The true extent of the severity of Ayton’s injury should be revealed after the game when the Bahamian big man undergoes more testing.

Ayton played only four minutes before exiting; He recorded only two rebounds in that short amount of time he played against the Nuggets.

Without Ayton, the Lakers will have to rely even more on Jackson Hayes, and head coach JJ Redick may deploy a smaller unit to try to get Jokic on offense.

Of course, this also comes with its fair share of disadvantages; Jokic is the toughest cover in the association on the interior, and the Lakers will have to scramble to try to slow him down and send multiple defenders towards him – potentially opening up the floor for other Nuggets to do damage.

Lakers take small steps as Nuggets aim to stretch after DeAndre Ayton injury

No matter who covers him, Jokic is going to fill up the stat sheet. But the Lakers are at least getting him work on the defensive end. With Ayton out, Redick is really short, Marcus Smart is defending Jokic and trying to get in front of him in the post.

Smart, on the other hand, is getting a lot of open looks from beyond the arc. The Lakers are getting what they need on offense, and if that continues it’s up to them to shoot themselves to victory.

This season saw a great battle between two of the best teams in the NBA, with the San Antonio Spurs emerging as 121-106 winners against the Detroit Pistons after a stellar performance from Victor Wambayama. Wemby finished the game with 39 points, 16 rebounds and three assists, setting an impressive record along the way.

En route to the win, Wembley recorded an NBA-leading fourth game with at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks this season, reaching the historic mark in just three quarters, according to a post on ESPN. The result means San Antonio has now completed a season sweep of the conference-leading Pistons, who are now 45–16 for the season.

Victor Vembanyama is in a league of his own 🙌

Wembley recorded his NBA-leading 4th game this season with at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks tonight, and did it in just 3 quarters. pic.twitter.com/sfQRYu7PYo

– ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) 6 March 2026

Vembanyama scored 39 points on 12 of 24 shooting, including 4 of 10 from three-point range, and was nearly flawless from the free-throw line, converting 10 of 11 attempts. This was accompanied by a dominant defensive job inside the paint as Detroit finished with only 36 interior points.

Additionally, despite playing 39 minutes, Vembanyama committed zero turnovers and finished with a +20 plus-minus. The win continued a phenomenal run for San Antonio, who have now won 13 of their last 14 games and move to 45–17 on the season.

The Spurs started quickly, taking an early 10–2 lead and eventually pushing it to 17 at the end of the first quarter. Overall, San Antonio shot 50% from the field and 13 of 37 from three-point range (35%).

De’Aaron Fox added 29 points by shooting 12 of 22 from the field and 4 of 10 from three-point range, while rookie Stephon Cassel recorded 11 points and 12 assists. Cade Cunningham top-scored for Detroit with 26 points and eight assists.

However, he went 10-26 from the field and struggled to make shots all night. Of course, Detroit also struggled due to the early exit of Aussie Thompson, who was withdrawn after just two minutes in the first quarter due to a right ankle sprain. Despite the loss, Detroit remains in first place in the Eastern Conference at 45–16, although the loss capped a 1–2 road trip.

Despite this, the game clearly belonged to Wembanyama, who dominated from the start and proved impossible for the Pistons to stop.

Brian Windhorst pointed to a strategic approach the Golden State Warriors could use during Stephen Curry’s injury recovery.

Curry has been sidelined since his last game appearance on January 30 and has missed the entire month of February. He has missed 11 consecutive games and is nursing a knee injury, forcing Golden State to be cautious with his recovery.

NBA insider Brian Windhorst provided insight on the team’s situation with its superstar guard on The Hoop Collective show. He explained how the Warriors are looking at their position in the playoff picture and deciding whether it’s best to bring Curry back or shut him down for the remainder of the season.

“You know right away there were people who were thinking, like, they’re considering shutting him down for the season. I don’t think they’re doing that. I think they’re evaluating where they are in the standings and evaluating where Steph is and trying to play their strategy here. But it’s obviously a significant development that Steph is going to be out for a few more weeks,” Windhorst said at the 29:49 mark.

Stephen Curry, what’s next for the Warriors

The Warriors remain strong in the playoff picture despite the absence of Stephen Curry, defeating the Houston Rockets 115–113 in overtime.

Six players scored in double figures for Golden State in the win. Brandin Podziemski led the way with a stat line of 26 points and nine rebounds on 10 of 18 shooting from the field, including 4 of 8 from beyond the arc. De’Anthony Melton finished second with 23 points and six rebounds, Al Horford had 17 points and six rebounds, Gui Santos added 14 points and six assists, while LJ Cryer provided 12 points and three rebounds. Meanwhile, Draymond Green contributed 10 points, eight assists and five rebounds.

Golden State improved to a 32–30 record on the season and finished eighth in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers, while trailing the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers.

The Warriors will remain on the road and await their next matchup. They will face the Oklahoma City Thunder as tip-off takes place on March 7 at 8:30 PM ET.

Someone stole the spotlight from Trae Young’s debut for the Washington Wizards on Thursday night at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.

And it’s none other than Julian Reese, brother of Chicago Sky star forward Angel Reese.

In his third game in the NBA, Julian Reese accomplished a historic feat, as he finished with 18 points on 5/7 shooting from the field and a total of 20 rebounds – 10 defensive and 10 offensive. He also added two assists and a steal in 38 minutes of work, however, in a 122–112 loss to the visiting Jazz.

As of Thursday, it had been more than a decade since either of the Wizards was able to grab at least 10 defensive rebounds and 10 offensive rebounds in a game.

“He is the first Wizards player to have 10 offensive and 10 defensive rebounds in a game since Antawn Jamison on January 30, 2010,” Ax, formerly of ESPN Insights, shared via a social media post on Twitter.

On January 30, 2010, Jamison totaled 21 points and 23 rebounds in a 106–96 home win over the New York Knicks. He had 12 defensive boards and another 11 from the offensive side of the court.

Julian’s rebounding effort against the Houston Jazz was perfect for Reese. His sister is also known for her brilliant talent. In her first two seasons in the WNBA, Angel averaged 12.9 rebounds in 64 games.

A product of the Maryland Terrapins basketball program, Julian was signed by the Wizards to a two-way contract in February. Unless he’s called up to the G League, Julien will try to keep his momentum going against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

LeBron James is the new king of all-time list.

Already the all-time leader in points in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward broke another record previously held by L.A. legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar when he made a comeback victory late in the first quarter of Thursday night’s showdown in the Mile High City against the Denver Nuggets.

“LeBron passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for making the most FGs in NBA history with a fadeaway jumper from the baseline (15,838). LeBron has held the scoring title for several years, having more FTs than Kareem, and certainly by a larger margin than 3s (Kareem made a career 3),” as noted by Spectrum Sportsnet’s Mike Trudell.

Stop for a moment to watch this moment where LeBron James finally surpasses the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar again.

With his passing, LeBron James has passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most FGM cases in NBA history.pic.twitter.com/4Hj8z0vkaya https://t.co/7XAXtJ1OV8

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 6 March 2026

It wasn’t an easy shot for the 41-year-old James, as Nuggets forward Zeke Nnaji was on top of him during that game, but the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player was not going to be denied that historic basket.

James, playing in his 23rd season in the NBA, entered the Nuggets game needing only two more buckets to tie Abdul-Jabbar and three more to break the record. He previously held the No. 2 spot, surpassing Utah Jazz legend Karl Malone, who had 13,525 field goals.

Every James basket should be cherished by true basketball fans, because he will not play forever, no matter how he wins his battle against Father Time.

DeMar DeRozan may be in the final stages of his career and he’s playing hard for a bad Sacramento Kings team, but that shouldn’t take away from the fact that he’s been playing at a high level for a very long time.

He has been one of the most consistent scorers in NBA history, and on Thursday night, in a battle against the New Orleans Pelicans between the two worst teams in the West, DeRozan passed Stephen Curry for 19th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, according to Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee.

DeRozan entered the night with 26,439 points, and in the opening round of the Kings’ clash against the Pelicans, he scored his ninth and 10th points of the night. He needed just eight to tie Curry, but he wasted no time in passing his fellow 2009 draftee on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

This may be on hold for a while, as Curry is currently dealing with a knee injury and there is no specific timeline yet for when he will return.

Meanwhile, DeRozan is as healthy as ever, and even though the Kings are prioritizing the development of their youth for a high draft pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, he will still have plenty of opportunities to put up points in the final month of the 2025-26 season.

Will DeMar DeRozan have to fight for his future after his tenure with the Kings ends?

DeRozan is already 36 years old, and by the time the 2026-27 season starts, he will be 37 years old. He still has a year left on his Kings contract, meaning he could still be stuck in Sacramento next season.

The future Hall of Famer’s career is winding down, and he hasn’t had a chance to compete for a title since his days with the Toronto Raptors. He has to accept that, to have a chance at the Larry O’Brien Trophy, he will have to play the sixth man role (at best) on a winning team. Would he be willing to do so?

The Orlando Magic found themselves in a very tight matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night and in the end Orlando came out victorious. There may have been some magical moments, none of which were more particularly notable than Jalen Suggs’ ridiculously improbable made basket off a PJ Washington deflection. But Wendell Carter Jr. did his best to outdo his teammate by leading Orlando to victory with a memorable poster jam.

The Magic took a brave defensive stance with less than 10 seconds left, they went out in transition in half, and refused to call a timeout to set up the Mavericks defensively. Suggs stepped up the pace against Klay Thompson and got into two-man action with Carter. The Mavs then sacked Suggs and relieved Carter of the role man position. Every Mavs defender came up late, including Cooper Flagg, who tried to deny Carter’s slam – only to end up being put into a poster.

Magic finished taking Carter’s dunk led to a 115–114 victory over the Mavericks, as Dallas could not respond with a game-winner of their own.

Via Magic Film Room on X (formerly Twitter):

Wendell Carter Jr. takes the lead with a clutch dunk, Jalen Suggs throws a great pass pic.twitter.com/aQEnWm34tR

– The Magic Way (@MagicFilmRoom) 6 March 2026

Magic choke down 76ers for sixth place in East

The Magic have struggled with injuries this season, with Suggs not getting enough of his game and Franz Wagner still out indefinitely with an ankle problem. Still, Orlando remains within striking distance of the sixth and final outright playoff spot in the East, as this latest win over the Mavs brings them to 33-28 on the season, or half a game behind the Philadelphia 76ers.

The competition for the sixth place is going to become even more intense. The Charlotte Hornets are destroying every team in their path, the Atlanta Hawks are hitting their stride, and the Miami Heat can always be counted on to compete until the end.

There are not many certain things in life. As the old saying goes, the only inevitables during one’s existence are death and taxes. But someone may have to add the Golden State Warriors, owner of the Houston Rockets, to the list of certainties in this lifetime.

Even with the Warriors battling injuries, Stephen Curry dealing with knee issues, Kristaps Porzingis battling his never-ending battle with illness, and Jimmy Butler being out for the season, they are still finding ways to overcome the Rockets.

On Thursday night, the Warriors assembled a ragtag crew and pulled out an impressive 115-113 victory in overtime, thanks in large part to Kevin Durant’s shortcomings at the free-throw line.

Durant made 33 consecutive free throws on the night. And as bad luck would have it As is the case for the Rockets every time they face the Warriors, they missed twice in a row at the most inopportune time.

With the Rockets trailing by three, 113–110, D’Anthony Melton inexplicably fouled Durant on a three-point attempt. Melton would then thank his lucky stars that Durant missed his third free throw, putting the Warriors ahead by one, 113–112.

And then on the ensuing possession, with Houston trailing by three due to Melton’s putback layup, Durant, who was supposed to make the first free throw and miss the second to give Houston a chance to tie the game, proceeded to do the exact opposite.

What KD did in times of crisis is a bit suspicious

Thanks for the missed free throws and dub though 😭pic.twitter.com/UA8Es98DMh

– WarriorsCulture (@GSWCulture) 6 March 2026

The Rockets lost 115-113, another disappointing effort against a team that looks weak on paper in comparison.

Fans criticize ‘choker’ Kevin Durant for missed FT in Rockets loss

Durant was always going to try his best against his former team the Warriors and former rival Draymond Green. These late free-throw mistakes hurt even more, especially when fans called him “choker” on social media.

X user @JohanMM_ wrote, “Kevin Durant is the greatest choker alive. He missed two free throws in the clutch during overtime.”

@BronsClone said, “Durant was such a choker-worthy snake.”

@WillWentGlobal added, “F**k the Rockets… F**k Kevin Durant. Professional choke artist.”

The Utah Jazz have had a tough season so far, currently sitting in 14th place in the Western Conference with an 18-44 record, with some major injuries derailing their campaign. However, it has undoubtedly allowed some of the Jazz’s younger players to play without pressure, something that seems to be paying off when it comes to the No. 5 pick of the 2025 draft, Ace Bailey.

Bailey had the best performance of his career against the Washington Wizards, and produced a spectacular dunk in the third quarter, leading him to 26 points on the night. The feat was immediately acknowledged by the official NBA X account, which posted a clip of the dunk. In it, Bailey can be seen receiving the ball at the edge of the three-point zone before delivering a dominant dunk after driving to the rim.

New career high for Ace Bailey! motiv

He’s up to 26 pts after this slam…and that’s only 3q’s 👀 pic.twitter.com/3rThHNVTRI

– NBA (@NBA) 6 March 2026

“A new career-high for Ace Bailey! 🔥 After this slam he’s up to 26 pts… and that’s only 3Qs 👀,” it read acknowledging the milestone performance.

The Jazz ultimately won 122–112, with Bailey scoring 32 points and two rebounds for the night. The Jazz came into this game after seven consecutive losses and needed their young star to perform against a Wizards team that had Trae Young in the starting lineup for the first time since moving to Atlanta.

They remained comfortable throughout, starting the game with a 37-23 quarter lead and never letting up. Utah extended its lead to 18 points by the end of the first half and then maintained a comfortable lead until the end of the third half, outscoring the Wizards 35–26.

The Jazz’s overall shooting efficiency was 51.1% compared to the Wizards’ 46.8%, and Isaiah Collier also contributed 27 points. Kyle Filipowski was the third player to score at least 20, finishing with 20 points, 11 assists and three rebounds.

For the Wizards, Julian Reese top-scored with just 18 points, while Young finished with 12 points and six assists. They were two of seven players who scored in double figures on the night for the Wizards, who have now lost seven straight games.

The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets face off for only the second of three matches in this 2025-26 regular season. Golden State entered this contest without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porzingis, Moses Moody, Seth Curry, Will Richard or Gary Payton II.

However, the Warriors maintained an 11-point lead throughout the first half. Houston mounted a comeback in the third quarter, starting with a strange play by Draymond Green and Jabari Smith Jr.

With 9:49 left in the third quarter, Smith Jr. was whistled for an offensive foul for a moving screen, which knocked Green to the floor. As he got to his feet to return to the offensive end of the field, the Warriors forward made a surprising decision pull right leg Ahead of the Rockets.

Jabari Smith Jr.’s right ankle that Draymond Green grabbed was actually the same ankle that caused Smith Jr. to miss just two games before Thursday night’s game. Smith Jr. was questionable coming into the contest due to a sprained right ankle, but was cleared to play after warm-ups.

After missing two games with an ankle injury, Drummond makes a dirty play and tries to throw a Rockets player by the ankle#dubnation pic.twitter.com/JlLzG18Aqf

– Bay Area Super Fans (@Baysuperfans) 6 March 2026

Thursday night’s match is important for both the teams. A win for the Rockets would give them a season series victory while moving them one step closer to clinching the third seed in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Warriors are fighting to hold on to the eighth seed, but only have a one-game lead over the LA Clippers for that spot.

Jabari Smith Jr. is averaging 15.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 34.8 minutes per night. In 50 appearances for the Warriors this season, Draymond Green is averaging 8.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 26.7 minutes per night.

Trae Young finally made his long-awaited debut for the Washington Wizards during Thursday night’s clash with the Utah Jazz.

Young is in the eighth season of his NBA career, his first with the Wizards. He began the 2025–26 campaign with the Atlanta Hawks before they traded him to the Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.

Injuries have limited Young’s availability this season, appearing in only 10 games while he was with the Hawks. When healthy, he stands out as one of the league’s best guards, shining with his playmaking and shooting skills.

Washington remained patient during Young’s recovery, as he eventually played his first game against Utah. It didn’t take long for him to score his first bucket, driving to the rim to loft a shot off the glass and put it past the hoop.

Trae Young scores his first point as a member of the Wizards ♂️🪄

pic.twitter.com/v5eywUHRUv

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 6 March 2026

Trae Young, how the Wizards played against the Jazz

Trae Young shined in his Wizards debut, but it was not enough as they lost to the Jazz 122–112.

Seven players, including Young, scored in double figures for Washington in the loss. His debut ended after 19 minutes of action, finishing with a stat line of 12 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals. He shot 4 of 9 from the field, including 1 of 5 from beyond the arc, and 3 of 6 from the free-throw line. Julian Reese led the way with 18 points and 20 rebounds, Bilal Coulibaly came next with 17 points and three steals, Leaky Black had 16 points and three rebounds, Trey Johnson put up 15 points and eight rebounds, while Will Riley added 13 points and three assists. Meanwhile, Anthony Gill contributed with 10 points and three rebounds.

Washington fell to a 16–46 record on the season and finished 13th in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers while trailing the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks.

After suffering seven consecutive losses, the Wizards will be looking to bounce back in their next match. They are on the road when they face the New Orleans Pelicans on March 8th at 7pm ET.

Cam Thomas hasn’t said anything about his ugly breakup with the Brooklyn Nets. Waived by the Nets after failing to find a deal for him at the deadline, the newly signed Milwaukee Bucks guard said his problems with Brooklyn were “absolutely” due to the team not trusting him.

Thomas took his criticisms a step further and questioned the Nets’ trust in other players.

“That’s just the way they are. They don’t trust anyone,” he told the New York Post.

Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez responded to Thomas’ comments on Thursday.

“We wish Cam all the best. We loved him when he was here. We hope he does great where he is,” Fernandez told ClutchPoints. “I don’t know whether he has the right to speak about others or not. We are happy with our people here. I believe everyone can help us with what we have planned.”

Jordi Fernandez’s response to Cam Thomas saying the Nets “don’t trust anyone”:

“We wish Cam all the best. We loved him when he was here. We hope he does great where he is. I don’t know if he has the right to speak about others. We’re happy with the guys we have… pic.twitter.com/ES95emmrdE

– Eric Slater (@erikslater_) 5 March 2026

Thomas made several historic scoring debuts in his Nets tenure. However, the 2021 first-round pick never reached the heights many thought he would with Brooklyn.

Jordi Fernandez after Cam Thomas cursed the Nets, the Nets took the high road

After spending his first two seasons on the bench behind Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, the Nets offered Thomas a featured role in recent years. The 6-foot-3 guard displayed his scoring ability, averaging 21.4 points on .434/.353/.860 shooting splits in 115 appearances with Brooklyn over the past three seasons.

However, Thomas’ questionable shot selection, limited playing time, brutal defense and frequent injuries raised questions about his value.

According to CleaningTheGlass, Thomas has ranked in the bottom 10 among all guards (minimum 500 minutes) in assist-to-usage ratio and defensive rating swing (difference in points allowed per 100 possessions with a player on vs. off) in each of the last three seasons.

Despite these shortcomings and their non-existent free-agent market, the Nets offered Thomas a two-year, $30 million contract with a team option this summer. They also offered him a one-year, $9.5 million deal, which required him to waive his no-trade clause. He declined both to sign his one-year, $6 million qualifying offer and retain his no-trade clause.

Thomas’ Bucks tenure has got off to an inauspicious start. The 24-year-old is averaging 12.7 points and 1.7 assists on .420/.263/.878 shooting splits in 11 appearances. His +16.9 defensive rating swing during that span ranked last among all NBA players.

Thomas will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Meanwhile, the Nets will be looking to take a step back toward the playoffs next season, without control of their 2027 first-round selection. Brooklyn will add a top draft selection to a roster that included an NBA-record five rookie first-round picks this season.

Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies was once seen by many as the next face of the NBA. However, after a series of controversies and injuries and a few disappointing seasons overall for Memphis, the 26-year-old has been the subject of minimal trade interest despite his abundance of talent.

Now, his teammate Taj Gibson has come out in defense of Morant and compared the 26-year-old to none other than Derrick Rose.

“Yeah, I love everything about him. People don’t understand, when you play against him and you’re actually on the court you see how he commands his team, how they embrace each other, how they love to work hard. Being a point guard, you have to be a leader. Being a point guard, you have to play hard. And your teammates are inspired by that,” Gibson told All the Smoke. Said during his appearance on the podcast.

“The main thing I see between him and Derrick is athleticism, but also a desire to try to be great. Some players talk about being great, and do what they’ve got to do, but that young man is special,” he concluded.

Although Morant and prime Derrick Rose may have a lot in common when it comes to skill and athleticism, Rose was known as the model professional throughout his career. Rose overcame a series of injuries to continue his NBA career, and showed an elite mindset while transitioning into a rotational contributor.

Additionally, Rose has also had a much cleaner career than Morant, who has already been embroiled in several controversies. In March 2023, Morant appeared on Instagram Live at a Denver-area nightclub and briefly displayed a handgun on camera.

Just a few weeks later, on May 14, 2023, another video surfaced showing Morant again holding a firearm during an Instagram Live broadcast inside a vehicle. Commissioner Adam Silver ultimately imposed a 25-game suspension to begin the 2023–24 season.

This, along with other controversies and injuries, has undoubtedly played a role in the decline in the value of Morant’s stock, with the Grizzlies understood to be open to trade offers for the two-time All-Star.

The Detroit Pistons entered Thursday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs looking to make another statement. But things aren’t going according to plan, and not on the scoreboard, either.

Pistons guard Aussie Thompson left the game in the first quarter due to an ankle injury. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, his return is questionable.

Aussie Thompson has headed back to the Pistons locker room due to an apparent ankle injury.

Hope he is okpic.twitter.com/SBZ7FZ3McT

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 6 March 2026

Ausar had a strong start defensively for Detroit, blocking Victor Wembanyama’s shot on the opening possession. But after some time the situation became worse.

On the move to the tin, Thompson twisted my right ankle. He would head to Detroit’s locker room shortly thereafter. Thompson had played only two minutes in the Clash of the Titans, before leaving the game.

The Pistons began Thursday night’s game 45–15, on top of the Eastern Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Spurs are just 1.5 games behind Detroit in the hunt for the NBA’s best record, and second in the West.

Thompson has had a major impact on the Pistons’ success this season, especially on the defensive end of the floor. He entered the game averaging 1.9 steals per game, which ranked fourth in the NBA. However, his offensive game is still a work in progress. The former fifth overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft is averaging just 10.4 points per game while shooting just 57% from the charity stripe.

Detroit remained competitive immediately after Thompson’s injury. But as the first quarter wore on, the Spurs and Vembanyama imposed their will.

Wembley scored a game-high 12 points in the opening frame, as the Spurs took a 15-point lead.

There has been no update yet on Thompson’s condition.

Cooper Flagg made his winning return to the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday after suffering a recent foot injury. Not only did he come back, but he also came back with a vengeance.

According to Dallas Mavericks PR, Flagg scored his 1,000th career point against the Orlando Magic, putting him among players like LeBron James. It came on his first basket of the game.

Not only this, Flagg became the second youngest player to reach 1,000 points at the age of 19 years, 74 days. The last person to do so was LeBron James at 19 years, 41 days.

Cooper Flagg scored 1,000 career points with his first basket of the game tonight in Orlando.

At 19 years, 74 days old, the Montverde Academy (FL) alumnus became the second-youngest player in NBA history to reach the 1,000-point plateau, behind only LeBron James (19 years, 41 days). pic.twitter.com/aUSYLeZAQ5

— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) 6 March 2026

Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker round out the top five. Flagg has played in 49 games this season. Furthermore, he is averaging 20.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Before Thursday, Flagg had missed eight games.

Meanwhile, Flagg remains the top rookie scorer in the NBA. Additionally, he has left his mark on the NBA landscape by achieving feats unseen from rookies. In December, Flagg became the youngest player to score 40 points in a game, scoring 42 points against the Utah Jazz.

Additionally, Flagg cemented his place among players like Michael Jordan and LeBron and became the third player to collect 750 points, 150 assists, 50 steals, and 30 blocks in his first 40 games.

In February, Flagg was selected to play in the NBA Rising Stars Game during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. However, he had to pull out due to injury.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks are 21-40 on an eight-game losing streak and have lost eight of their last ten games.

On paper, Deandre Ayton has enjoyed a great start to life with the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 12.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in 53 starts. Dig deeper, however, and the cracks begin to appear, mostly due to flaws on defense and Ayton’s refusal to become a role player on a roster loaded with offensive talent.

This was very evident in Ayton’s “They’re trying to make me Clint Capela” comment, which has drawn some harsh criticism from Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem.

“I played with the Big 3, the other 12 of us didn’t have the role we wanted… and you’re no different than Deandre Ayton. Play your role and get your ring or not.”

– Udonis Haslem 👀

(via @NBAonPrime)pic.twitter.com/VG4O5jH1X5

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 6 March 2026

“For Deandre Ayton, we’re talking about buying in. That’s a losing mentality. If that’s what’s required of you to put your team in a position to win a championship, then you’ve got to buy in and do your part,” he said, according to a post on X by ClutchPoints, suggesting that Ayton needs to be more open to his team’s needs.

The Lakers need the No. 1 pick of the 2018 draft to become a rim-running, screen-setting center and play a less offensive role with primary scorers like LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

“I played with the Big 3, the other 12 of us didn’t have the role we wanted. Only three guys had the role they wanted. Everybody else had to fill a gap and play their role to get wins. And you’re no different than Deandre Ayton. Play your role and get your ring or not,” Haslem concluded, referencing his time playing with Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James.

With Doncic orchestrating the offense and LeBron continuing to serve as one of the league’s most productive creators even early in his career, Los Angeles doesn’t need additional post-up scoring from its center. Instead, the offense requires vertical spacing, offensive rebounding, rim protection, and efficient finishing near the basket.

However, Ayton has a plus-minus of -65 since the All-Star break, primarily due to an erratic style of play with regular defensive lapses. His two-point performance against the Phoenix Suns also earned applause from Capela, who urged Ayton to be locked up because his team had two of the game’s best floor generals.

Needless to say, as Haslem has claimed, Ayton may need to embrace his new role with the Lakers, especially given the overall production their Big-3 is currently producing.

New York – Before the trade deadline, the New York Knicks acquired point guard Jose Alvarado after half a season of searching for another ball handler. The point guard has fit into head coach Mike Brown’s system relatively seamlessly. In his first month, he helped the group endure the temporary loss of back-up guard Miles McBride. This came in the form of contributions like closing out their 18-point comeback win over the Houston Rockets.

Before Wednesday night’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, reporters asked Brown about his impression of Alvarado so far. The coach was highly complimentary of the Brooklynite, telling reporters that he had already established himself as “irreplaceable” on this Knicks roster.

“He’s been good. The agility is irreplaceable. It gives us a different look,” Brown said, citing the team’s desire to play fast as part of why Alvarado has been so effective. “He’s different in a way that makes him look different. I don’t know what that approach would be, but Jose was available.

“And I give to Leon [Rose] Credit, he found it. It’s helped us on both ends of the floor. …The energy he has on top of the agility he brings to the table every time we step on the floor is irreplaceable. At least with the people we had, or with the people we have. just different.”

Alvarado gets taste of potential playoff role against Thunder

Alvarado has played 18.9 minutes per game in 11 games with New York, averaging 7.5 points, 3.8 assists and 1.4 steals a night. Despite only shooting 29.4% on 3-pointers as a Knick, the energy Brown mentioned is his calling card. The guard has performed well and his overall field goal percentage is right in line with his average throughout his career.

Regardless, Alvarado may have got an idea of ​​what his playoff role might look like on Wednesday against Oklahoma City. The guard made only one of his four shots, including two misses from downtown. He only played 12 minutes in total. He briefly scored on Jalen Brunson 1:24 into the fourth quarter against Lou Dort before returning to the bench.

Once McBride returns from injury, Alvarado may need to impact the game in shorter periods of action on the court. He’ll likely earn more opportunities to finish big shots, especially if the matchup requires it schematically. But if the Knicks want to continue to re-establish depth as a priority under Brown, they’ll have to rely on themselves.

However, the team has yet to have all of Brunson, McBride and Alvarado healthy together. Once that happens, the playoffs will be an imminent concern. Brown would need to rely on his players, and whatever data he was able to get on them when testing came. That could mean smaller – but still important – roles for players like Alvarado.

Head coach Brian Keefe is excited about Trae Young’s debut with the Washington Wizards in Thursday’s game against the Utah Jazz.

Keefe discussed who stands out According to Ben Strober of Locked On Wizards, he raved about Young’s play before the guard’s Wizards debut.

Keefe said, “I’ve played against him for many years. This guy makes other guys better. We see his own scoring ability, his ability to draw free throws, his ability to get into the paint.” “I think his best skill has always been his passing.”

Keefe was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder during the first two seasons of Young’s NBA career. Keefe also coached against Young for an additional two seasons during his time with the Brooklyn Nets before joining the Wizards’ coaching staff in 2023.

“This guy makes other people better…his best skill has always been his demise.”

Wizards head coach Brian Keefe meets with Trae Young ahead of his debut tonight

(via @strobersports)pic.twitter.com/xWOYYRd6dC

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 5 March 2026

Young will make his Wizards home debut in Thursday’s matchup.

Trae Young is set to make his Wizards debut

After nearly upsetting the Rockets in a 123–118 loss, the Wizards’ third-year guard Bilal Koulibaly led the way with 23 points on 9-16 shooting, including five threes. Wizards fans are excited to see Young paired with Koulibaly before his debut against the Jazz on Thursday.

According to Joshua Valdez of ClutchPoints, Koulibaly recently talked about the reason for his offensive streak for the Wizards.

“Just getting more reps, getting out there more,” Coulibaly said. “Finding my rhythm, and yeah, just my thing.”

Bilal Coulibaly scored a season-high 23 points tonight and went 5 of 7 from deep. His shot has improved significantly recently, and he attributes it to getting more reps and finding his rhythm. The oft-injured guard has been in the lineup consistently since late January, having… pic.twitter.com/EbxySnQcwl

-Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) 3 March 2026

Koulibaly scored a season-high 23 points in the Wizards’ 123–118 win against the Rockets. He is averaging 10.4 points on 41.3% shooting, 4.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists this season.

LeBron James is probably not the athletic phenomenon he once was, having graduated from ‘raw force’ to a more ‘measured destruction’ type of player, as skilled a playmaker as he has always been as a scorer. This, as James himself likes to say, is also a result of him being a high-IQ, thinking player who is always ready to pass the ball to his teammates when they have a better shot.

And while he may not be the out-of-control freak he once was, especially early in his career, actor Timothée Chalamet sees similarities between himself and the L.A. superstar. Speaking to James on Mind the Game, Chalamet compared his acting career to the two players’ sports careers.

“I feel like in my career I felt like Brandon Roy, you know, it was unheard of and sometimes I felt like LeBron was picked on, and I feel in that duality. It oscillates. I felt like I had that raw talent. I think the first roles I played that were good like ‘Call Me By Her Name’ or ‘Beautiful Boy’ were all raw talent. There was no real process to it. But it was just kind of a mess. And I think it took a few years and the onslaught of fame and attention and intensity,” he said.

Chalamet effectively claimed that although he also felt like a talented actor, especially looking at his earlier work, it was only later that he developed a ‘real process’. Chalamet said that early in his career, he felt like an untapped talent like Brandon Roy.

“I can look at LeBron and his career. The first few years in Cleveland and I had no process or way to deal with it. ‘I feel like ‘A Complete Unknown’ and ‘Marty Supreme.’ It’s the first time I really had a process and a method, I don’t want to say an artistic process. I don’t want to ignore my other work, but this is the first time I’ve really worked on a large scale,” he said.

Of course, while his early work in films like Beautiful Boy was also influential and earned him praise, it was only later that Chalamet really took off working. He also compared the situation to James’s early days in Cleveland, where he was a scoring phenomenon and an athletic monster, rather than the playmaker-scorer hybrid he eventually developed into.

Although the comparison may not be the most straightforward, one can definitely see where Chalamet is coming from, and how much respect he has for James.

As experts and fans continue to ponder whether the San Antonio Spurs are actually true NBA Championship contenders, one team after another is indicating that they are. The performance of the young core on the franchise’s annual rodeo road trip highlights another sign – at least by their standards – that they are taking the next step.

The annual excursion that takes the Spurs away from their home for a month began during the 2002–2003 season when the organization moved to a new arena. The Spurs went 8-1 that year as the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo took over their building. This is a road trip mark that no Silver and Black team has ever been able to surpass. In ’03, the Silver and Black used it down the stretch to reach the franchise’s second championship.

Two years later, the Spurs claimed a third title after going 5–2, representing the third Rodeo Road Trip in franchise history. In June 2007, the Spurs again held the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Four months earlier, he had posted 4-4 marks within February. Seven years after that, they went 6-3 in a 28-day span en route to the 2014 championship.

Between and immediately following their fifth title, the franchise never held a losing record on the Rodeo Road Trip:

2004: 6-1
2006: 6-2
2008: 6-3
2009: 5-3

2010: 4-4
2011: 6-3
2012: 8-1
2013: 7-2
2015: 4-5
2016: 7-1
2017: 6-2

It’s probably not a coincidence that ’17 also marks the last time the Spurs advanced to the conference finals. Beginning with the Rodeo Road Trip in 2003 and thereafter, the organization reached the league semi-finals nine times.

Rodeo road trip success declines for Spurs

From the 2017-’18 season through the campaign ending in the spring of 2023, the Spurs never once achieved a winning record — other than a three-game trip in 2021 that was significantly shortened due to COVID restrictions. Otherwise, the organization struggled every February:

2018: 2-4

2019: 1-7

2020: 2-6

2022: 4-4

2023: 1-8

The Spurs qualified for the playoffs in ’18 before losing to the Golden State Warriors in the first round. The following season they again made the postseason, taking on the second-seeded Denver Nuggets before losing in Game 7.

The franchise has not made the playoffs, breaking the NBA record of 22 consecutive appearances.

Victor Wembanyama’s first experience with the franchise’s two-decade tradition also represented one of its worst performances as the Silver and Black went 1–8 for the second consecutive rodeo road trip.

Then they went 3-7 last year.

This time, February included an impressive 11–0 record, marking the third time in franchise history that the team has gone undefeated in a calendar month (minimum ten games) and the club’s longest winning streak since 2015–16. Seven of those 11 wins came on the road, including wins against the Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers.

Officially, the Spurs went 6-1 on the Rodeo Road Trip this year. In reality, they won eight of nine away from the Frost Bank Center when their two annual ‘home’ games in Austin were included in the expansion.

That 8–1 mark matched the 2002–03 team’s record. Now we wait to see if these Spurs match that Championship team in any other way.

As the Charlotte Hornets continue to rise in the Eastern Conference standings amid their six-game winning streak, Kon Knuppel has emerged as the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. With five weeks left in the regular season, Knueppel solidified his case for making NBA history by setting the record for most threes made in a rookie campaign, as he continues to lead the league in threes made (216).

As discussed by ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel per Clutch Scoops, Knueppel could make a significant difference in his race with Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, as his speed has overtaken Flagg for the top spot.

Siegel said, “Kon Knueppel, the Rookie of the Year, has a lot of legs, and he’s probably the favorite. Also, having had the most efficient season as a rookie, I think, he’s at 20 points per game now.” “Absurd, I think he’s shooting 50,40,90 in his rookie season.

“This is absolutely ridiculous for a guy who went to Charlotte, and a place that we all thought was like a basketball haven for young people and rookies. So shout out to Con Knueppel, who I think will win his Rookie of the Year.”

Knueppel is averaging 19.2 points on 48.8% shooting, including 43.6% from deep, 5.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game this season.

The Hornets extended their winning streak against the Boston Celtics with an emphatic 118-89 win. Knueppel’s 20 points on 7-for-14 shooting, including four threes, led four Hornets players to reach double figures.

Kon Nueppel strengthens case for Roy amid Hornets’ losing streak

In the first week of March, Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has already broken the record for most threes made by an NBA rookie. Knueppel surpassed Kings rookie Keegan Murray (206) in the 2022–23 regular season.

Knueppel’s case was also strengthened by the fact that the Hornets were playing at a high level while he was leading the ship, while his former Duke teammate, Cooper Flagg, is dealing with a left foot sprain that he has not played since Feb. 10.

The 2026 NBA Draft class is expected to be one of the deepest in recent history, with most outlets unanimous in predicting Darin Peterson (Kansas), AJ DiBantsa (BYU) and Carlos Boozer (Duke) as top-3 picks. However, the Arkansas Razorbacks’ Darius Acuff Jr., who recently had a 28-point performance against the Texas Longhorns, is also part of a draft class widely viewed as a lottery pick.

Speaking after his match-winning performance, Texas head coach Sean Miller effectively claimed that Acuff Jr. was the best point-guard he had ever seen in college basketball.

Shawn Miller on Darius Acuff:

“In my 34 years, I’ve never seen a better point guard… He’s a generational player. This No. 1 pick thing, I don’t know why people aren’t talking about him more. I can’t imagine anyone better than him” 👀

(🎥: @pigtrailnation) pic.twitter.com/PdMhWXVyks

– The Field Of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) 5 March 2026

“Normally a guy like Acuff gets a lot of credit or a lot of respect as a young player in college basketball. It can happen sometimes when a guy is overhyped, he certainly has as bright a future beyond college as he does. But in my time, and I’ll go 34 years now, I’ve never seen a better point guard. When people talk about who’s going to be the number one pick in the NBA draft, or the best player in the conference Who. I mean just for perspective, and I think ours is great, he’s averaging 25 points per game,” Miller said, according to a post by The Field of 68.

Miller claimed that he could not imagine a better player, and he did not understand why Acuff Jr. was not talked about more.

“Guys like him, they don’t come around very often in college basketball. He’s a generational player. He’s really, really, really good. It’s the number one choice thing, I don’t know why people aren’t talking about him more. I can’t imagine anyone better than him.”

Acuff’s statistical production this season already places him in elite historical territory. The Arkansas star is averaging 22.2 points and 6.4 assists per game, which ranks ninth nationally in scoring, while maintaining 49.3% shooting from the field and nearly 40-43% shooting from three-point range. He also posts a nearly 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, while averaging only two turnovers per game.

The performance against Texas also added a notable scoring streak. Acuff has scored 17 or more points in 24 consecutive games since a win over the Duke Blue Devils in November.
Despite this, Acuff is only viewed as a top-10 lottery pick, not even close to being viewed as the best player of the draft. In addition to the unanimous top-3 prediction, Caleb Wilson is also viewed as a close No. 4 pick.

After playing his second game at Madison Square Garden, Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren discussed the importance of playing in the Mecca following his 28 points in a 103–100 win against the New York Knicks. What Holmgren called playing at Madison Square Garden – “a hooper’s dream” – is true for many young NBA players.

Holmgren scored 22 of his 28 points in the first half and finished with six threes. The Thunder All-Star quickly found his offense before his team was able to hold off the Knicks.

“Just trying to find open space. From there, most of my teammates were looking at me and then hitting shots,” Holmgren said. “We’ve had a lot of close games. I felt like we did a pretty good job of getting into the right thing. We made enough plays on both ends to close it out. Obviously, they made some plays, too. They haven’t fully converted yet, and if they do, it’s a different-looking game. But that’s how basketball goes.

“Obviously, we want to get better. We want to keep getting better. Find out from this game how we can get better. It’s a tough league, and you always take wins. You never take it for granted. A win is a win.”

Perhaps it was the bright lights of MSG that helped Holmgren find his offensive rhythm in the Thunder’s three-point win against the Knicks.

Holmgren said, “It doesn’t matter if you have 100 points; it only counts as one win on the record. But it’s always nice to have a good game in the Mecca.” “I’ve only played here once, and I would say that’s definitely my best game at the Garden. So, it’s amazing. And on top of that, we were able to win the game, which is even better.”

Holmgren’s scoring was 11 of 19 from the floor, including 6 of 11 from deep, eight rebounds and two assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 26 points, eight assists and one steal.

Chet Holmgren’s win over Thunder on display vs. Knicks

After the Thunder lost Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, All-Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren led the defending champions to a close win on the road. Caruso suffered a left hip injury, and Hartenstein was also ruled out for the night with a left calf injury. Heading to Madison Square Garden, Holmgren says he can feel the positive spirit from his teammates, as the Thunder end their three-game road trip on a high note.

“Playing in the Garden is any hooper’s dream,” Holmgren said. “The juices were flowing, and we were ready to play.”

The Thunder, riding a four-game winning streak, will host the Warriors on Saturday.

Over the years, some big names have won the NBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year award. With the exception of Dyson Daniels, who won the award due to an incredible jump in production from 2023 to 2024, the likes of Ja Morant, Lauri Markkanen and Tyrese Maxey all won the award after landing the first All-Star callups of their respective careers.

In that sense, players who were logically taking the next step in their development won the award, rather than players who, almost unsurprisingly, would have improved significantly compared to the previous season. That’s what ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel said during a recent segment with Tomer Ezerli.

“It’s really hard for me to look at this award and look at it with a straight face because I think it’s ridiculous. I think this award is just a joke and I think we need to split it into the most improved first team and the most improved second team. And whether it results in there being some type of incentive in their contract, maybe some type of stipulation where maybe they can sign over the mid-level exception to qualify for it,” he said in a post on X Buy According to said. Clutchpoint.

The logic is simple. Instead of the MIP Award being given to a first-time All-Star almost every year, a First Team and Second Team would at least ensure that other stars who have substantially improved get recognition for the award.

Siegel mentioned stars like Ryan Rollins, Colin Gillespie and Anthony Black, who all deserve recognition due to the degree of their improvement. For example, Rollins averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game for the Milwaukee Bucks, increasing his numbers by 6.2 points and 1.9 rebounds and assists per game each.

Gillespie averaged 5.9 points and 2.4 assists and rebounds per game last season, but he is averaging 13.6 points, 4.8 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game for the Phoenix Suns this campaign.
Ultimately, Black produced 15.7 points and 3.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, going up from 9.4 points and 3.1 assists per game. All three of those players may be substantially improved compared to Jalen Duren, who is the bookies’ favorite to win the award this year.

However, they’re unlikely to actually win it from Duren, who effectively sealed it with the first All-Star appearance of his career.

The Boston Celtics got a big boost on Thursday when it was revealed that Jayson Tatum will not only return from injury this season, but there is also a possibility that he will play in the team’s game against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. However, one of the more surprising aspects of Jayson Tatum’s injury return is the suggestion that it will create a power struggle between him and Celtics co-star Jaylen Brown.

During a recent episode of ClutchScoops, ClutchPoints’ own NBA insider Brett Siegel explained why there will be no such power dynamic between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown upon the former’s return to the Celtics lineup.

“I think there’s a common misconception about, ‘Oh, this is Jaylen Brown’s team now, and Jayson Tatum has to work his way back,'” Siegel explained. “I don’t think it’s a problem because Jayson Tatum is arguably the best plug-and-play star in this league given his skill-set. He’s not a guy that demands the ball a lot of times. Honestly, he was a very good facilitator last year. I think that was one of the most underrated aspects of his game.”

Siegel highlighted how Tatum has already deferred to Brown several times, particularly during the team’s 2024 championship run when Brown took home Finals MVP honors.

Brown is enjoying an MVP-caliber season in Tatum’s absence, and given that he is taking on a larger role, his increased usage was expected. With Tatum returning, some additional pressure has been taken off the Browns.

Both the players have proved that they can live with each other. Doubts over whether the pair could win together should have been put to rest after the 2024 title.

It’s hard to maintain the “element of surprise” after enduring a tough 82-game season. At a certain point, opponents know what to expect and how to counter different parts of the team’s plan. While the rest of the NBA should be aware of the many ways the New York Knicks’ offense can thrive, there may be one asset that can confuse teams going forward.

All-Star Jalen Brunson scored just 16 points while shooting 5 of 18 from the field and 2 of 5 from distance in a 103-100 loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Despite these modest numbers, the Villanova product was able to impact the game with his passing. He collected 15 assists on the night, and showed another way he can lead the attack.

Brunson’s status as a leading scorer will be as important as ever, but his ability to facilitate and set up teammates can turn lackluster nights into serviceable nights, and potentially make elite evenings part of a story that ends with a parade.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown told reporters after the game, “Good basketball game. I thought our guys, they could have turned it around at any time.” “We were down by double digits. I liked our competitive spirit.”

Jalen Brunson’s identity focuses on scoring

Must be stated clearly. The Knicks are at their best when Brunson is one of the team’s leading scorers. In 58 games this season, Brunson is averaging 26.5 points while shooting nearly 47 percent from the field and nearly 38 percent from distance.

Brunson can usually score with ease from all three levels, but he struggled to do so against the Thunder. They scored only two points in the first half and only three points in the last quarter. One of the guard’s key misses occurred late in the fourth quarter when he missed a three-pointer that would have tied the contest.

“I feel like I missed a lot of shots that I would normally take,” Brunson told Jared Schwartz of the New York Post.

If the 29-year-old had put more points on the board when making key passes, it’s possible the Knicks would have defeated Oklahoma City and re-established their identity as an NBA Finals contender.

Jalen Brunson’s demise could help Knicks win ugly games

Any team worth its salt would love to be firing on all cylinders every night, but playoff basketball often demands that teams find different ways to win when things don’t go according to plan.

If Brunson were to experience a poor shooting night during the tournament, his passing could be a skill that could allow the Knicks to steal a game they might otherwise lose. Teammates like OG Anunoby, Landry Shamet, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns can score in a variety of ways. Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted the Knicks’ overall firepower after running away from Madison Square Garden with a win.

“Good team. Obviously, a good attack, then they also have really good defenders, so they’re well balanced,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the contest. “They’re obviously on top of the East for a reason. They’re a good team, a playoff team. Really good roster.”

Even if Brunson stumbles, others could pick up the slack and take advantage of the New Jersey native’s demise. While this isn’t the ideal path to victory for New York, it does provide another reason to be optimistic about a team whose results have been shaky for much of the campaign.

The Dallas Mavericks visit the Orlando Magic on Thursday, looking to snap a four-game losing streak, and rookie star Cooper Flagg is listed as questionable on the injury report. Flagg has not played since the All-Star break due to a foot injury. Here’s everything we know about Cooper Flagg’s injury and his playing status heading into the Mavericks’ game against the Magic.

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Cooper Flagg’s injury status vs. Magic

On the Mavericks’ official injury report via the NBA, Cooper Flagg is still questionable to play Thursday. Flagg has missed nine consecutive games due to the aforementioned foot injury. However, according to longtime NBA insider Marc Stein, there is growing expectation that Flagg will return to the lineup against the Magic.

Stein originally reported that Dallas’ rookie sensation was going to be a game-time decision, but then updated his reporting to say that sources had confirmed that Flagg was going to return to the court.

Flagg, the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award, averaged 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals on 48.2 percent shooting from the field, 30.2 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 80.4 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

So when the question comes about whether or not Cooper Flagg is playing against the Magic tonight, the answer is probably yes.

mavericks injury report

-Marvin Bagley III out (neck sprain)
-Moussa Cisse doubtful (G League two-way)
-Cooper Flagg questionable (left foot sprain)
-Kyrie Irving out (left knee surgery)
-Derek Lively II out (right foot surgery)
-Nazi Marshal Potential (injured right finger)
-John Poulakidas questionable (G League two-way)
-Tyler Smith questionable (G League two-way)
-Klay Thompson Potential (right adductor fusion)
-Brandon Williams questionable (left quad contusion)

magical injury report

-Anthony Black doubtful (right quad contusion)
-Wendell Carter Jr. questionable (sore left ankle).
-Jonathan Isaac doubtful (left knee soreness)
-Franz Wagner out (injury management of left ankle sprain)

The Charlotte Hornets continued their remarkable midseason turnaround on Wednesday night with a dominant 118-89 victory over the Boston Celtics to extend their winning streak to six games. The result extended Charlotte’s consecutive winning streak to at least 15 points and prompted ESPN analysts to warn Eastern Conference contenders about the surging team.

The Hornets’ latest win solidified their status as one of the league’s hottest teams, which drew attention during Thursday’s broadcast of Get Up.

Alan Hahn described Charlotte as a dangerous opponent lurking in the playoff race.

“A dragon slayer hiding in plain sight. They’re in the play-ins right now. They’re the 9th seed. They’re finally at .500 for the first time, I think, since Grandmama and Muggy Boggs. We haven’t seen them play like this for a long time, but they’re that team with this offense and defense, by the way, in the top 3 these 20 games.”

Hahn said Charlotte’s balanced performance on both ends of the floor makes them a tough matchup for the top teams in the conference.

“So, not only are they playing great offense, but they’re also playing great defense. They’re that team, if you’re a contender, if you’re a high seed, #1, #2 or #3, and you have to face them in the first round, you don’t want to do that because they’re unknowns and they can play free as well.”

🗣️ @alanhahn: “A dragon slayer hiding in plain sight. They’re in the play-ins right now. They’re the 9th seed. I think, after Grandmama and Muggy Boggs, they’re finally at .500 for the first time. We haven’t seen them play like that in a long time, but they’re that team… pic.twitter.com/Gze5F5ANwA

– r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) 5 March 2026

Jay Williams compares surging Hornets to young Celtics amid hot stretch

Former NBA guard Jay Williams echoed that sentiment, comparing the Hornets’ playing style to a younger version of the Celtics.

“They’re like a young version of the Boston Celtics. Their games really mirror each other, and their offense is the best in the league since Jan. 1. I wouldn’t call them a title contender, but if you’re the Knicks, if you’re Detroit, if you’re Cleveland, you’ve got to compete with Charlotte and that offense in the first round…that’s the danger zone.”

Charlotte’s win over Boston improved the team to 31–30 on the season, marking the first time that the franchise has climbed above .500 since October 26, when it improved to 2–1 after a 139–113 win over the Washington Wizards.

Over the last 15 games, Charlotte has ranked among the league’s most efficient teams. The Hornets rank ninth in scoring at 115.7 points per game during that span, while leading the NBA in perimeter shooting at 40.1%. The team has made an average of 18.6 three-pointers and held opponents to just 104.8 points per game, the second-best defensive mark in the league during that span. Charlotte’s 10.9 net rating over the same period ranks second in the NBA.

Despite the surge, the Hornets currently sit in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. However, the standings are tightly packed, and Charlotte is only 4.5 games behind the fifth-seeded Toronto Raptors (35-26).

Charlotte will attempt to extend its winning streak on Friday night when it hosts the Miami Heat (33-29) at 7:00 pm before beginning a four-game Western Conference road trip against the Phoenix Suns (35-26) on Sunday at 10:00 pm.

The Washington Wizards made two blockbuster trades at this offseason’s deadline, acquiring two stars in Trae Young and Anthony Davis. But while Trae Young is set to make his Wizards debut this week, a debut for Anthony Davis is a little less clear as he continues to work on his injury recovery.

On Thursday, the Wizards released a new update on Anthony Davis, saying that the big man’s hand injury was re-evaluated this week, and he is now able to make progress on limited individual on-court basketball activities. The team also said that Davis will be re-evaluated in two weeks and that’s when the next update will come.

Davis was acquired by the Wizards in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks a day before the deadline. Davis suffered injuries during his tenure with the Mavericks, and was already sidelined at the time of the deal.

An All-Star caliber and Defensive Player of the Year candidate when healthy, Davis has been limited to just 20 games this season, a little over 31 minutes per game. He averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.7 blocked shots while splitting 50.6 percent shooting from the field, 27 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 72.8 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

The Wizards’ addition of Young and Davis signals a shift from rebuilding the franchise to now being able to compete in the Eastern Conference. The team has fielded a solid young group of players, some of whom were on display during the Rising Stars competition at All-Star Weekend. Davis and Young give the team capable, proven stars to help lead the group.

The finally fully healthy New Orleans Pelicans are keeping things interesting to end an otherwise disappointing season. Stephen A. Aside from the scuffles with Smith and the officials, Zion Williamson’s diligent efforts have been worth defending recently. With Dejounte Murray back in the rotation, James Borrego’s last big push for a full-time job will keep Crescent City fans curious for a few more weeks. Reshaping the roster without moving on from Herb Jones could easily lead to trouble through the NBA Draft.

While the Pelicans have settled at point guard with Jeremiah Fears and Dejounte Murray, and hope to find experienced center depth to mentor Derrick Queen, Yves Messi and Carlo Matkovic, the wing remains a looming question mark. Trey Murphy III and Williamson remain franchise centerpieces, but the Alabama alumnus is no longer a young prospect, and the 27-year-old’s contract is also beginning to expire.

Having picks in the 30s, courtesy of the underperforming Milwaukee Bucks (26-35), is a ray of hope for a season that started with such promise. This is a very deep draft that will yield a gem or three. Finding another second-round wing to follow in Knott’s Herb’s footsteps should be a priority.

All-in on Amari Allen

Amari Allen might be the most obvious name to track for anyone familiar with Bay South hoops history. The Herb Jones similarities are almost too precise to ignore. Beyond the shared Alabama roots and jersey number #5, Allen’s game is built on the same foundation of toughness and defense. Nate Oakes continues to praise the rookie in a way that the Pelicans will definitely take notice.

“He’s playing really well, where people are recognizing he’s a 6-foot-7, 6-foot-8 guard who defends, rebounds, makes good decisions, doesn’t turn the ball over, plays on both sides of the ball,” Oats said. “There’s a lot to be said for that, and the NBA is looking for big guards who are multi-dimensional, who are tough.”

However, Allen’s developmental timeline is a little different. Jones entered the league as an older prospect with extensive college experience after four seasons at Alabama. Allen is a new player who is still learning the game but is making great progress. His length, athleticism and defensive instincts give him the type of switchable tool that NBA teams want on the wing.

Certainly still developing offensively, but the strong 20-year-old leads the Crimson Tide in rebounding (7.8 per game) and is third in scoring (11.7). The ability to guard multiple positions and impact the game in transition makes Allen an interesting long-term project if he ultimately declares.

Pelicans appreciate Neoklis Avdalas

Neoklis Avdalas is a rare 6-foot-9 ballhandler who offers unusual defensive versatility. The 20-year-old international can immediately initiate offense, help from the perimeter and defend in the frontcourt. Avdalas can hit open catch-and-shoot shots and is quick to run the floor in transition. His frame and instincts allow him to function as a weak-side small-ball center in some lineups. It doesn’t get more Herb Jones-esque than this.

That combination of length, defensive mobility and connective playmaking makes him one of the more interesting “toolbox” wings in the class. He may move more like Luka than Lowry, but has an All-Star ceiling enough for scouts to look hard. Think of a tall Tyler Herro type, but it’s hard to really score on him. For a Pelicans team that has relied heavily on Jones to erase matchups at various positions, Avadalas could translate well into a similar role.

juke harris listens to nba draft music

Harris has been one of the most surprising names in the 2026 class. Coming off a modest freshman season in which he averaged 6.1 points in 19 minutes per game, Harris has emerged as the true leader of Wake Forest’s offense, averaging 19.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game on 45.4 percent shooting from the field. He scored a career-high 38 points against Boston College in late February.

The Pelicans have taken notice. Standing at 6 foot 7 inches tall with good length, Harris uses angles and body control to finish through contact, moves well off the ball, and has expanded his ball-handling to create separation and in transition. The high basketball IQ is reflected in his spacing and defensive anticipation, where he disrupts passing lanes and defends multiple positions. James Borrego could use a rotation of all of these over the last few months.

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum may be close to making his return to the lineup, and former Celtics center Kendrick Perkins believes the rest of the league should take notice.

Tatum was upgraded to questionable ahead of Boston’s Friday matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, the first time he has earned that designation this season since suffering an Achilles injury last year. The development has sparked renewed discussion about Boston’s championship outlook as the forward moves into the final stages of his recovery.

Perkins addressed Tatum’s potential return during the latest episode of The Road Trippin’ Show, explaining that he believes Boston becomes significantly more dangerous once the All-Star forward re-enters the rotation.

“If you hear Tatum coming back you have to be scared. They’re playing with house money. They have the most championship experience in the Eastern Conference. If I’m Tatum, and these five-on-fives are going well, damn it, I’m coming back. Because look every player is different. I’m not blaming it on the players, but as we all know as athletes when you get injured, as a player you “Being aware of who you are, accountability and what you do and what you put into your body speeds up the healing process.”

Perkins also shared details he said came from Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell regarding Tatum’s approach to rehab.

“There are two things I know about Jason Tatum: He doesn’t smoke and he doesn’t drink. Sam Cassel told me during this whole process that they literally had to tell him no, you can’t come today. Give us Sunday off. We’ve been with you six days a week, twice a day. You can’t come today.”

Celtics call Jayson Tatum ‘most dangerous team’ as he nears return

Perkins concluded by emphasizing how motivated Tatum could be to see Boston continue to compete near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

“This team feels like they can go and they’ve got a chance. It’s unexpected when you have that window. Jayson Tatum is on the outside looking in, he’s eager to get back on the floor. They’re the most dangerous team in the league.”

Tatum finished the 2024–25 season averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, six assists and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.3% from 3-point range in 72 appearances. He averaged 36.4 minutes per contest before suffering an Achilles injury during Boston’s second-round playoff loss to the New York Knicks last May.

Despite Tatum’s absence this season, Boston remains among the top teams in the conference. Jaylen Brown has led this effort, and has had a career-best campaign, guiding the Celtics to a 41-21 record and the No. 2 seed in the East.

Brown averaged 28.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, five assists and one steal per game, while shooting 48% from the field and 34.8% from 3-point range in 55 games.

The Celtics will look to bounce back from Wednesday’s 118-89 loss to the Charlotte Hornets when they host Dallas on Friday at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN. Boston will then begin a three-game road trip against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET on ABC.

With Tatum’s potential return, Boston’s postseason outlook could soon take another significant step forward.

On Thursday, the NBA world was shocked when Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum was upgraded to questionable for the team’s upcoming game against the Dallas Mavericks. Tatum has not played yet this season as he recovers from an Achilles injury suffered in last year’s playoffs, and if he plays on Friday, it will be one of the quickest recoveries the league has ever seen.

Recently, NBA legend Carmelo Anthony adopted 7pm in Brooklyn Podcast to describe how he thinks Tatum should approach his return, now that Jaylen Brown has taken over as the team’s leader this year.

“Now it’s like JT, what are you going to sacrifice? But now I’ve held down the fort for you and the entire organization. JT has to be very mature about this situation. This is no ego, no pride. We got a chance to come back and win a championship. So I have to put my pride and ego aside for the next 3 months and let JB continue to steer the ship,” Anthony said.

One person who doesn’t agree with those comments is Tatum’s trainer, Drew Hanlen.

“The irony of Carmelo Anthony trying to tell Jayson Tatum how to win…” Hanlen, formerly of the Ax, wrote on Twitter.

In fact, Tatum already has a far more accomplished postseason resume than Anthony has accomplished in his career, though he was certainly drafted under very different circumstances.

Ironically, Anthony’s arrogance was seen as a negative trait throughout his career, as his tendency to dominate the ball in halfcourt settings was often at the expense of his teammates’ shots.

Still, there will clearly be an adjustment period for the Celtics as Tatum takes the court, and it will be interesting to see how Brown’s usage is affected by the return.

The Mavericks and Celtics are scheduled to tip off on Friday at 7:00 PM ET.

Progress is a word that Victor Wembanyama hasn’t been shy about applying since joining the San Antonio Spurs. Over the course of his first two-plus seasons with the franchise, the generational talent has used the term in aspirational contexts. Following the loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Wembey has now noted his team’s progress twice in the past week.

“It definitely shows progress. Shows we’re on a mission.”

Short and to the point…

“It definitely shows progress. It shows we’re on a mission”⬇️

-Victor Wembanyama What did it show about #spurs Note that he ended the rodeo trip while taking care of business in Philly

Coverage offered by Superior Tax Service https://t.co/1G1OdKyw22 pic.twitter.com/9PaKPnuiwv

– Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) 4 March 2026

Spurs suffered their most lopsided defeat of the season with their biggest landslide. In a 114–89 loss to the New York Knicks, San Antonio lost an early lead by the end of the first quarter and never recovered. Two days later in Philly, they held a seven-point advantage after the first quarter, taking a 131–91 lead.

Asked about controlling the entire game, Wembanyama replied, “Yeah, it was good.”

Victor Wembanyama details Spurs’ progress

The 40-point win in the City of Brotherly Love statistically proved to be a pedestrian game for Wembley. Averaging 23.4 points per game this season, he took only five shots and scored only 10. Devin Vassell and Dylan Harper led the team with 22 points, with eight Spurs scoring in double figures.

“Definitely. My role is to make sure they continue to get these benefits,” Wembanyama said. “It means keep rolling, keep hitting the screen until the opponent decides to do something, which they didn’t do. So, please let them enjoy.”

“The key in scoring was making quick passes,” the 2023 top overall NBA draft pick continued. “I think early in the game, we made it a little tough on ourselves by dribbling too much once or twice while penetrating. I think once we made the early passes, we got our shooters open. They (the 76ers) were falling a lot, so we were able to hit some shots.”

Although Philadelphia is sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, they were missing superstars Joel Embiid and Paul George.

Wembley declared, “No game is perfect and the spots on offense are never as good as we see in victory; never as bad as we see in defeat. But it was a great reaction.”

The Spurs finished their annual Rodeo road trip with a 6-1 mark, 8-1 if you include the two “home” games in Austin. It’s a stretch the French phenom alluded to recently as he demonstrated the consistency the team hasn’t shown at the beginning of the year. An 11-game winning streak that began with their first game in February and ended with their last contest of the month has carried the Silver and Black to such an extent that they have won 13 out of 15 games.

When asked how the team found the energy to pull off such an emphatic win at the end of a long journey, Wembanyama found his answer.

“I don’t know. I was feeling very good for the game. I was feeling very confident about us. I don’t know where it came from.”

However, it seems Wembley has an idea of ​​where Spurs could go.