分類: 综合

Things change fast in the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers celebrate a 129-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center, with LeBron James leading the way with 20 points in the first half.

Luka Doncic, who celebrated his 27th birthday on February 28, top-scored with 26 points, while Austin Reeves had 18 points to lead the team to a comfortable win in the absence of Stephen Curry. However, at least that much attention went to LeBron’s 11-year-old daughter, Zuri James, who took heartwarming photos with her dad before the game.

“It’s special, it’s special, it’s definitely softened me over the last 11 years. I had two boys in the beginning but having her is special. It’s a different kind of love between girls and boys. It’s tough love when it comes to my boys. I yell at them and do anything, you know they take it, they know how to take it, it’s different, I soften a little bit when I have my daughter,” James said in a clip on According to said. Bronemuse talks about the impact his daughter has had on him.

“It’s special. It’s definitely mellowed me out over the last 11 years”

– LeBron on being a father to a girl. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/MgnecIIr3J

– BronMuse (@BronMuse) 1 March 2026

Zhuri mirrored his father’s dribbling exercises in the session and successfully sank a backward over-the-head trick shot from the free-throw line after several attempts and some coaching from the 41-year-old. According to SeattleP, the conversation culminated with Zhuri alley-ooping James, 41, for a pre-game slam, followed by their signature handshake and an exchange of “I love yous” before tipoff.

When Zhuri was asked how he made the basket, he said, “I don’t know. I tried to make sure I was in front of the basket.”

Regardless, fans will be glad LeBron isn’t going soft on the court as he’ll arguably have better answers to questions about his shooting, considering he went 7-13 on the night, contributing nicely to the Lakers’ 53.3% overall efficiency. They shot an astonishing 46.1% from three-point territory, compared to the Warriors’ overall efficiency of 45.1% and 27.3% from beyond the arc.

For the Warriors, Gui Santos top-scored with 14 points, while Moses Moody and Gary Payton II added 12 points each, the latter coming off the bench. The Lakers ended their three-match losing streak and will now face the Sacramento Kings in their next match.

Luka Doncic may be the face of the Los Angeles Lakers, but that doesn’t exempt him from some classic locker room danger. After the Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors 129-101 on Saturday night, the birthday boy decided to express some complaints about his teammates’ gift-giving habits, or lack thereof.

During his on-court interview after his impressive 26-point performance, Doncic, who turns 27 on Friday, jokingly called out the team. “Nobody has given me a gift yet, it’s crazy,” the superstar guard said with a smile.

The joke didn’t stop here. While Austin Reeves tried to handle his own media duties in the locker room afterward, Doncic decided to interrupt by hitting two towels at the third-year guard. Reeves didn’t make a move and responded laughing, “I actually got a gift for you, you’re crazy!”

Luca throws 2 towels at Austin

“I actually brought a gift for you, you idiot”🤣 pic.twitter.com/d4zAAoiX1S

– Oh no, he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) 1 March 2026

The light-hearted conversation highlights the growing chemistry in Los Angeles that is ultimately translating into the win column. The Lakers didn’t just talk big games; He played one. Along with Doncic, Reeves provided a big spark off the bench. He finished the night with 18 points and three assists, and shot an efficient 7-11 from the floor.

DeAndre Ayton took over on defense and dominated the boards, scoring four points and 10 rebounds, helping the Lakers overcome a Warriors team led by Gui Santos’ 14 points.

Winning fixes everything, and for a Lakers team that has faced a lot of outside noise lately, seeing their two most popular players trade barbs and towels is a good sign. It remains to be seen if Reeves actually has a gift for Luka, but a 28-point road win over a rival is a very solid start.

The Denver Nuggets have lost two of their last three games and will now host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena in Denver. Minnesota comes into this game off of two consecutive wins, the latest win being away from home against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Both teams are 37-23 on the season, leading to a head-to-head tie for the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference. Denver enters the Draft as a slight home favorite on DraftKings to move on from Friday’s loss against Oklahoma City, which was a repeat of last year’s conference semifinals.

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Odds

• Minnesota Timberwolves: +2.5 (-110)
• Denver Nuggets: -2.5 (-110)
• Above: 237.5 (-110)
• Under: 237.5 (-110)

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Major Injuries

Denver Nuggets The Nuggets’ depth will once again be tested with several high-profile absentees. Anthony Gordon is set to be out along with Peyton Watson, who are both dealing with hamstring issues. Tamar Bates is a long-term absence while Spencer Jones is questionable and Cameron Johnson is probable.

The Timberwolves are relatively healthy and their injury situation is nearly clear. They have listed Julius Randle as questionable due to lower back spasms.

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Betting Trends

Denver has won the last three head-to-head meetings against Minnesota, including a 142-138 overtime thriller in their last matchup. The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in four consecutive games.

Conversely, Denver is a perfect 3-0 ATS in its last three games against Minnesota. Denver has seen the over hit in 38 of its 60 games this season (63.3%). The Nuggets have been excellent in coverage on the road (21-12), but have struggled a bit in ball arenas, posting a 13-14 ATS home record.

Keys to the Timberwolves vs. Nuggets matchup

The outcome of this game depends on Denver’s ability to work around Nikola Jokic’s traditional talent. The Nuggets have performed well as a unit and have averaged 120.5 points per game on overall shooting on 49% from the field.

Much will depend on the infighting between Rudy Gobert and Jokic, with Jamal Murray also coming into form recently, giving the Nuggets another significant scoring threat. However, the Timberwolves will hope Anthony Edwards can take over.

The All-Star has been poor throughout the campaign, averaging 29.6 points on the season. Minnesota will be determined to use the Nuggets’ thin rotation to dominate important stretches of the game.

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Predictions and Selections

While the Timberwolves are headed on the road, it’s hard to ignore Denver’s historic lead in this specific matchup. The Nuggets have won the last three times between these teams, and Jokic usually finds a way to neutralize Gobert’s rim protection by staying away from the paint, especially in the presence of Murray.

ATS Selection: Nuggets-2.5 Select O/U: under 237.5

Giannis Antetokounmpo has not played a game for the Milwaukee Bucks, who are reportedly more open to the idea of ​​trading the Greek Freak. Still, Giannis apparently has plenty to keep himself busy, most recently making a high-profile appearance at the WWE Elimination Chamber premium live event in Chicago.

According to a clip posted on SportsCenter by SportsCenter, Giannis walked through the crowd to his seat with his sons, six-year-old Liam and four-year-old Maverick. Antetokounmpo, along with his brothers and rapper Lil Yachty, were also seen dancing to CM Punk’s iconic Cult of Personality entrance theme with a smile on their faces.

The Antetokounmpo brothers and Lil Yachty are leading the way with “Cult of Personality” 🔥 #WWEChamber Live on the ESPN app with the ESPN Unlimited plan https://t.co/c7avSEMsP2 pic.twitter.com/fgrfvctdKZ

– Sports Center (@SportsCenter) 1 March 2026

Giannis, a well-known WWE fan, attended an AEW taping in August 2021, where he received a replica championship belt. However, the current event is even more important in the WWE universe as it will decide who will be involved in WrestleMania 42.

.@Giannis_An34 is in the house of #WWEChamber! 🏀 pic.twitter.com/963UT1IRI7

– WWE (@WWE) 1 March 2026

The chamber contains two initial competitors and four others locked in glass pods that are released at timed intervals. The men’s match pits Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Javon Evans, Logan Paul, L.A. Knight and Trick Williams against each other, with the winner receiving a shot at Drew McIntyre’s Undisputed WWE Championship.

Paul notably secured his spot after Jey Uso was eliminated due to a backstage attack. On the women’s side, Tiffany Stratton, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Raquel Rodriguez and Kianna James will fight to secure a title match against WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill.

The Chicago card also features a World Heavyweight Championship rematch between hometown heroes CM Punk and Finn Balor as well as a Women’s Intercontinental Championship bout with Becky Lynch defending against AJ Lee. And while Giannis is just one of thousands watching at the United Center, fans will be hoping he returns to the court in the near future.

The 31-year-old forward has been sidelined for 13 consecutive games since suffering a right calf strain against the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 23.

The Brooklyn Nets will be shorthanded against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday in an attempt to snap a seven-game losing streak. Igor Demin was ruled out of the match due to left plantar fascia injury management. Nick Claxton is questionable for the Cavaliers matchup due to a sprained right thumb.

Damien missed most of the offseason due to a torn plantar fascia. However, he played in his second consecutive game after the All-Star break on Friday. The rookie guard had not played in a consecutive game in more than two months before the All-Star break.

After a promising start to his rookie campaign, Demin has recently seen a decline in production due to being moved to shooting guard. The 19-year-old is averaging 8.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists on .360/.317/.789 shooting splits in 11 appearances in February.

Igor Demin, Nick Claxton land on Nets injury report ahead of Cavaliers matchup

Claxton has been on the injury report with a thumb soreness after playing 23 minutes during Friday’s 148-111 loss to the Boston Celtics. The veteran center continued to have one of the best offensive seasons of his career in February, averaging 14.2 points and 3.7 assists on 66.3 percent shooting. However, he has won nine consecutive games without a shutout, the longest streak of his seven-year career.

With Damin sidelined, rookie guard Ben Saraf could see extended minutes in Brooklyn’s rotation. The No. 26 pick rejoined the Nets during Friday’s loss after an extended stint in the G League.

If Claxton is unable to play, De’Ron Sharp will move into the Nets’ starting lineup at center. Sharp is averaging 8.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists on 59.4 percent shooting in 18.6 minutes per game this season.

Luka Doncic had a birthday he’ll never forget, and he ended it by sharing a laugh with the greatest shooter of all time. After the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors 129-101 on Saturday night, Doncic and Stephen Curry met with each other for a warm hug and some banter, even after a blowout.

The Slovenian superstar turned 27 on Friday, but the real party took place at the Chase Center. Doncic dominated right from the start and put up a massive line of 26 points, six rebounds and eight assists. He carved out the Warriors’ defense with surgical precision, shooting 9 of 17 from the field and connecting on four triples. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why the Lakers pushed all of their chips into the middle to get him.

Steph Curry and Luka Doncic share some laughs after Lakers’ win over Warriors 🔥

pic.twitter.com/4OCdHHq84s

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 1 March 2026

While the Lakers took care of business, Gui Santos did his best to keep Golden State in the hunt. The Brazilian finished 6 of 12 from the field with 14 points and two assists. The Warriors had no answer to the Lakers’ size and transition game, as Los Angeles outscored them in fast-break points.

This win is a big momentum boost for a Lakers team that has faced a lot of criticism recently. LeBron James anchored the interior with 22 points and nine assists, while Austin Reaves scored 18 points to provide the needed scoring balance.

For the Lakers, seeing their franchise cornerstone share a light-hearted moment with a legend like Curry signals a changing of the guard in the Western Conference. If Doncic continues to play at this MVP level, Los Angeles could be the “contender” everyone expected.

LeBron James continues to rewrite the record books, and his latest milestone puts him in rarest company in Los Angeles Lakers history. During Saturday night’s 129-101 win over the Golden State Warriors, “The King” officially joined Kobe Bryant as the only players to record 1,000 three-pointers in a Lakers uniform.

James needed only one triple to enter the contest, and he didn’t keep the fans at Chase Center waiting long. They started the game strong and reached 1,000 points after trailing by three in the first quarter. By the time the final buzzer sounded, James sat at 1,002 career triples for the franchise, trailing only Bryant’s famous mark of 1,827.

The 41-year-old superstar finished the night with an impressive 22 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. He hit 7 of 13 shots from the field, including 4 of 6 from downtown. While Luka Doncic handled most of the scoring with 26 points, James provided a steadying veteran presence that allowed Los Angeles to surge ahead in the second half.

The win was a collective effort for the Lakers, who improved to 35–24 on the season. DeAndre Ayton dominated the paint with four points and 10 rebounds, while the team’s perimeter defense limited the Warriors to just 27% shooting from deep.

Reaching this milestone further cements James’ legacy in the Purple and Gold. While he is already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, achieving this specific feat with the Lakers highlights his continued excellence and adaptation since arriving in 2018.

As the Lakers push to clinch a higher seed in the Western Conference, they will need this version of James, who can still dominate play from beyond the arc, to make a deep playoff run.

Things aren’t looking great for the Golden State Warriors, especially after a discouraging 129-101 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers at home. The team has been calling time on its star players Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis as they recover from their respective injuries/illnesses, and while they have picked up some impressive wins despite being without their best player, they are not going to advance anywhere in the postseason without Curry’s services.

At this point, the Warriors are a shell of the powerhouse they used to be. Nostalgia can cloud one’s perception of reality, however, as many Dubs fans know that their time as a competitive team under Curry is coming to an end.

But one should never forget how incredibly fun it was to watch the Curry-led Warriors in their heyday, even though it’s been almost a decade since they sealed a historic 73-win campaign.

Curry is at least doing his part to make sure his legacy lives on long after he hangs up the sneakers he recreated Hall of Fame commentator Mike Breen’s iconic “double bang” call of his game-winner from the hash line against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016.

Malika Andrews: “We have Mike Breen on the call. What’s your best Double Bang impression?”

Steph Curry: “Decide not to use it on your way through town. Bang! Bang!” 😅

(via @espn)pic.twitter.com/oIyi8i9haJ

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 1 March 2026

Stephen Curry, the Warriors are on their last legs

Curry and the Warriors, during their prime, were so unstoppable. Defenses at the time hadn’t yet figured out how to maximize the mathematical advantage of the three-point shot, but there Curry was exposing opposing defenses like it was nobody’s business.

The Dubs won four rings with Curry as the star of the show, and the addition of Kevin Durant shouldn’t diminish Curry and the Warriors’ winning legacy. However, all good things come to an end, and after Jimmy Butler’s injury, the Warriors may be watching the last few good years of Curry’s NBA career come to an end.

The Brooklyn Nets sent rookie forward Drake Powell to the G League in the first round on Friday amid a prolonged shooting decline. Powell, the No. 19 pick in the 2025 draft, was a bright spot for Brooklyn for a long time early this season.

The North Carolina product has continued to make a defensive impact at the NBA level using his seven-foot wingspan and elite athleticism. He has also been shown to encourage increasingly aggressive aggressive flashes. Powell averaged 6.4 points on 46.0 percent shooting from the field and 32.4 percent from three in 16.9 minutes per game in his first 30 appearances.

However, lately he has been struggling to find his rhythm offensively.

Nets send Drake Powell to G League, call up Ben Saraf amid extended slump

Powell is averaging 5.2 points on 35.4 percent shooting from the field and 20.9 percent from three in 19.1 minutes per game over his last 17 appearances. The Nets have used the G League to get extended reps from their NBA-record five rookie first-round picks throughout this season.

After struggling during the preseason and his first regular season NBA performance, the Nets sent Nolan Traoré to Long Island for a long time. After impressive performances in the G League, the French floor general re-joined Brooklyn and has since become the team’s full-time starting point guard.

With Powell in Long Island, rookie Ben Saraf could see extended minutes in the Nets’ rotation. Brooklyn called up Saraf on Friday after spending an extended period in the G League. Although he has struggled during his NBA appearances, the Israeli point guard has averaged 15.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists on .423/.373/.759 shooting splits in 15 outings with Long Island.

Khris Middleton is staying put. Despite a flurry of rumors and the impending buyout deadline, the veteran forward intends to finish the season with the Dallas Mavericks.

The 34-year-old had a chance to move to a contender before Sunday’s deadline to be eligible for the playoffs with a new team. The Denver Nuggets were reportedly leading the field of interested suitors, but Middleton has decided to stick it out in North Texas. Sources indicate he has settled in quickly since arriving in the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade earlier this season.

It’s been a rough ride for Dallas lately. The Mavericks are currently 21-38, far from the playoff picture in the loaded Western Conference. The team is coming off a disappointing 124-105 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies last Friday, where the offense struggled to find any consistent rhythm.

Middleton has been a steadfast force amid the chaos. In the team’s recent 130-121 loss to the Sacramento Kings, the former Milwaukee Bucks All-Star put up 17 points and five rebounds in 33 minutes. He also showed glimpses of his championship pedigree during February. 22nd win over the Indiana Pacers, scoring 25 points on efficient 11-of-15 shooting.

Retaining Middleton is an important move for a Mavericks front office looking to retain some veteran leadership around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. While the postseason is likely out of reach this year, Middleton’s presence provides a professional blueprint for a young roster that is still searching for its identity.

The Mavericks return to action on Sunday to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center. This will be a huge test for a Dallas team that wants to overcome a two-game slump and prove they can compete with the elite of the West.

Charlotte Hornets veteran Miles Bridges talked about the addition of Coby White as he is feeling a gap off the bench since his team’s trade deadline move with the Chicago Bulls. The Hornets’ White made his debut against his former team, finishing with 10 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal in Charlotte’s 131–99 blowout win.

Bridges discusses how White arrived brings something new he told the Hornets, according to Rod Boone of The Observer.

“Just a dynamic veteran guard off the bench. He’s doing a great job. He can score 20-30. [points] Every night if he wanted to, but just having him as the sixth man, it’s great for us,” Bridges said. “He’s playing in his hometown. Therefore, it should feel extra good for him and be comfortable. We’re trying to make him comfortable with our team and we’re happy to have him.”

Miles Bridges says he feels a difference in how Hornets fans have stepped up their support for the team this season.

“It’s a different environment,” Bridges said. “We’ll go to away games, to their team [crowd] Be loud, encourage them, and we didn’t have that at home either. Some people came forward. Now, it seems like everyone is showing off, showing us love. But salute to those fans who were with us earlier, and salute to those fans now.”

Asked Miles Bridges about the surrounding environment #Hornets Basketball in the city. “It’s a different environment,” he said.

He also praised Coby White on how he is fitting in: pic.twitter.com/yvSHsafVJJ

– Rod Boon (@rodboon) 28 February 2026

The Hornets will host the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.

Coby White reacts to Bulls reunion after Hornets trade

Facing his former team for the first time since his trade, Hornets’ Coby White reacted to his recent Bulls reunion. Before the trade to the Hornets, White’s only team in his entire NBA career has been the Bulls.

You can imagine how White felt. return to the windy city According to CHSN, he said, for the first time as a member of the visiting team.

“You don’t really know what an impact you have on people. And what an impact people have on me. I get applause and whatever, but there are so many people out here tonight, wearing my jersey, calling my name,” White said. “For me, it’s just trying to be in the moment. And just trying to stay grounded. It’s so rewarding to find out how many people we impact through this beautiful game.”

“It’s so humbling to know how many people you impact through this beautiful game we play.”

The support Coby White felt upon returning to Chicago tonight pic.twitter.com/WqZPPQyYXi

– Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) 25 February 2026

The Hornets are now on a four-game winning streak.

Will Richard received unfortunate news during the Golden State Warriors’ clash with the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.

Richard is coming off the rookie campaign of his NBA career, having enjoyed an incredible collegiate career at Florida that included winning a national championship. He has made valuable strides in the rotation and has earned the trust of Steve Kerr as a reliable two-way player.

However, misfortune struck Richard during Golden State’s contest against Los Angeles. He injured his ankle in the first half and had to go to the locker room for evaluation.

Golden State confirmed Richards will miss the remainder of the game with an ankle injury. His night ends after five minutes of action, finishing with four points, one rebound and one block.

The Los Angeles Lakers are under the microscope again, but Charles Barkley has officially seen enough. The Hall of Famer and ESPN analyst delivered a scathing criticism of Lakeshow during a recent broadcast that has become a topic of discussion on social media.

Barkley’s main complaint? He is tired of the “contender” label constantly being placed on a team that, in his eyes, is not good enough. “I’m bored of guys who talk about how they’re contenders,” Barkley said. “The Lakers are not a good team. They’re not athletic, they’re not good defensively. I think we’re contractually obligated to talk about them every day.”

“I’m tired of people saying they’re contenders… The Lakers are not a good team. I think it’s funny how the media has written off Luka [Doncic]…I think we’re contractually obligated to talk about them every day.”

– Charles Barkley 🗣️pic.twitter.com/Bi0q2tu1sh

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 1 March 2026

“Chuckster” also turned his attention to superstar Luka Doncic. While the media honeymoon phase with the Slovenian guard appears to be cooling off, Barkley took it a step further, joking that the Lakers are essentially “tanking” right now. He even suggested that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver should issue a fine due to his recent decline.

The numbers aren’t exactly silencing the critics. The Lakers have now lost three straight games, following a close 113-110 loss to a Phoenix Suns team playing without Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks. Despite the team’s struggles, Luka Doncic did his best to carry the load against Phoenix, putting up a big stat line of 41 points on 12-of-21 shooting, along with eight rebounds and eight assists.

Currently sitting at 34-24 and the 6th seed in the Western Conference, the Lakers find themselves closer to the play-in tournament than the top spot. There are still 24 matches left, the pressure is increasing. If the Lakers want to prove Barkley wrong and stop the “tanking” narrative, they are going to have to find some defensive identity, and fast.

The Los Angeles Clippers are finally getting a look at their shiny new toy. After weeks of waiting and disappointing performances on the sidelines, All-Star guard Darius Garland is ready to make his season debut.

Sources indicate Garland plans to dress on Monday night when the Clippers host the Golden State Warriors at the Intuit Dome. It marks a major turn around for a franchise that has struggled since acquiring the former Cleveland Cavaliers star in the blockbuster James Harden trade.

Garland has not played since January 14 due to a serious toe injury. The layoff was long, but the timing of his return couldn’t have been better. The Clippers have spent the last month focusing heavily on their depth, and adding a dynamic playmaker of Garland’s caliber completely changes the scope of this roster.

During his last healthy outing in Cleveland, the 24-year-old averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists to go along with the walking bucket, while shooting 47.2 percent from the field. His ability to navigate the pick-and-roll and knock down shots from deep provides a much-needed secondary scoring option alongside the existing core.

The matchup against the Warriors serves as a high-level litmus test. While the coaching staff will likely monitor his minutes as he regains his playing legs, Garland’s presence alone will loosen things up for the rest of the offense.

For a Clippers team trying to solidify its identity in the crowded Western Conference, Monday night isn’t just another regular season game. This is the beginning of the Darius Garland era in Los Angeles. If he can recapture the All-Star form that has made him one of the most coveted guards on the market, the rest of the league is officially on notice.

Lately, the Los Angeles Lakers haven’t had much to celebrate. They are on a three-game losing streak, which began with a loss to traditional rivals the Boston Celtics. So when Luka Doncic’s 27th birthday came, the entire Lakers team was seen celebrating it wholeheartedly.

LeBron James led the group in singing “Happy Birthday” for the Slovenian international player, who wears number 77 for both the Lakers and his national team. Doncic’s teammates then presented the highlight of the celebration before their game against the Golden State Warriors, a birthday cake shaped like a jersey but broken down the middle; According to a post on X by ClutchPoints, one half represents their national team, and the other the franchise.

Lakers wish happy birthday to Luka Doncic, who turns 27 today

(via @lakers)pic.twitter.com/CfHfr8ekrn

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 1 March 2026

“Slow-Lakers,” Doncic read from the cake, which quickly became a chant the entire room started chanting. The Lakers undoubtedly got reason to celebrate despite the loss, with Luka Magic turning 27 on February 28.

Regardless, the Lakers are still in sixth place in the West with a 34–24 record, but have lost significant positions to teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets, who have a 37–23 record. Doncic and co. I have a simple way to eliminate slippage.

They have a relatively healthy roster with one each of Austin Reeves, LeBron and Doncic to call upon. In comparison, the Warriors are seriously handicapped, with Jimmy Butler and LJ Cryer out, the Curry brothers out, Kristaps Porzingis questionable and Draymond Green probable.

The Lakers need to steady the ship quickly to avoid sinking further, with teams like the Phoenix Suns (34-26) in close pursuit. The Suns handed them their third of three consecutive losses, two of which were against teams the Lakers had expected to beat.

In addition to the Celtics, the Lakers also lost to the Orlando Magic 110–109, which again came despite the presence of their big three players. A win would not only mean an end to the streak, but would also put an end to the noise over fitting their three biggest stars into the same starting lineup.

The start of the 2025-26 season was anything but steady for Atlanta Hawks guard Rayjay Dennis. After starting the year with the Indiana Pacers, he was waived in late November when the team signed Ethan Thompson. Soon after, he was picked up by the LA Clippers. He spent about a month with the Clippers before being waived. Shortly after his release, he signed a two-way contract with the Hawks.

Raze Dennis has been playing for the Hawks on his two-way contract for almost two months, his longest period of stability this season. Although the season got off to a quiet start, Dennis had an unwavering belief in himself that kept him focused on achieving his NBA dream.

“I’m living a dream, so it’s always a blessing,” Dennis tells ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview. “I’ve been able to be on two-way contracts, so I’m very blessed and just trying to take it day by day and get better. Honestly, I’m just grateful. Grateful for the opportunity at Indiana, grateful for the quick stint with the Clippers and grateful that Atlanta is believing in me.”

Dennis’ debut in the NBA came before last season when he signed with the Clippers. He used strong performances in the summer league to earn an invitation to training camp, but was released just days after camp began. He joined the Washington Wizards on a two-way contract, but was waived before the start of the regular season.

His first official stint on an NBA regular season roster did not come to fruition until January 2025 when the Pacers signed him to a two-way contract. Dennis was putting up numbers for the Clippers’ San Diego affiliate in the G League, and the Pacers added him for backcourt depth.

Dennis played a total of 11 matches for the Pacers last season. Although his time with the team was ultimately cut short, he was able to pick up important habits in terms of finding success in the NBA amid the Pacers’ run to the NBA Finals.

“I think it’s the little things,” Dennis said. “It’s the little things, I think it’s confidence and I think the camaraderie of our team was really good. Obviously we had the talent, the horses to do it, but I think those three things were extremely important to success.”

Raze Dennis is developing games with Hawks

Since signing a two-way contract with the Hawks, Dennis has appeared in only one game with the team. It was a blowout loss to the Boston Celtics in which he logged a little over four minutes and finished with four assists. He may have gone scoreless, but the playmaking aspect of his game is what will ultimately get him NBA minutes.

Amid the Pacers’ injury problems at the start of the season, Dennis was appointed to immediate duty. He responded with games of six, five, five and five assists in his first four games of the year, respectively. In each of these games he played more than 25 minutes. Fine-tuning those playmaking reps starts to slow the game down.

Dennis said, “I think the biggest thing for me is that the game is getting a little slower every day. Day by day it’s getting slower, it’s getting a little easier to read.” “It’s about reads, making the right reads, being fast, making shots and staying out of foul trouble.”

In addition to learning how to be a ball-handling guard in the NBA, Dennis will have to get used to the constant shuffling that is part of the nature of a two-way contract. He is limited in terms of the number of NBA games he can play in. Since signing with the Hawks, he has spent a good portion of the season with their affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.

Dennis has appeared in 21 games with College Park so far, averaging a little over 37 minutes per game. He is averaging 24.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 10.4 assists and 2.5 steals, while shooting 45.4 percent from the field, 38.4 percent from the 3-point line and 76 percent from the free-throw line.

Whether it’s with the Hawks or College Park, the key to staying prepared and focused is to understand that this is an opportunity to take advantage of regardless of the situation.

“The G League is where you get two-way reps as you move up,” Dennis said. “There are some guys who have been playing a lot as a two-way this year. Normally, you don’t play a ton, you don’t really know your routine and rhythm. G is where you get all your reps. You get to work on whatever you’re working on. I’m thankful for G.”

The Hawks have about 20 games remaining in the regular season. If they reach the postseason, Dennis would not be able to play because his two-way contract would make him ineligible for the playoffs.

Dennis has yet to appear in meaningful minutes for the Hawks save for the only game against the Celtics in January, but he is confident that if his number is called, he will be able to make an impact.

“I think I can be a true point guard,” Dennis said. “I think I can spark an energy, I think just somebody that can contribute to wins and do everything. Just be a point guard. I think I can be a high level point guard and I’m excited to show that one day.

Spurs rookie Dylan Harper is not enjoying the best statistical season by an NBA rookie. not by a long shot. But, thanks in part to Stephen Cassel and De’Aaron Fox – as well as Victor Wembanyama – he is enjoying one of the most successful seasons by any standout rookie. By a long shot.

Harper shared, “With three dynamic guards, we’re hard to figure out. I think when Fox and Steph start playing, we’ve got the two best guards in the NBA.” “And I think when I come off the bench, I think it’s another weapon that we have. So, I think it opens up the door for everybody, including Vick. And I think when Vick has that much pressure and two guys go at him, it opens up the world for us.”

Harper is seventh on the team in scoring with 11 points per game. Playing 22 minutes per night, the second overall pick of last summer’s draft is seeing the floor significantly less than Cassel and Fox. The reigning Rookie of the Year is averaging 16.6 points in 29.7 minutes, while Fox, a two-time NBA All-Star, is scoring 19 points per night in a team-leading 31.6 minutes of action.

Harper praised his other teammates, saying, “I think we can all score from everywhere. That’s the beauty of this team. We can all dribble the ball.”

Harper added, “We have a group of ball handlers and a group of scorers. So, every night is going to be a big night.” “As a collective group, just coming forward and helping as much as we can, it’s great for us.”

Victor Wembanyama praises Stephen Cassel

Although all are dynamic offensively, Harper, Castle and Fox each have an aspect of their game that they do better than the other two. Fox is the best scorer of the three. Harper may be the best at getting to the rim. And Castle is easily the best defender of the group.

“He has understood his role very well,” Wembanyama said. “The level he’s playing at is really unseen for a second-year player and how it fits into our game plan.”

Nicknamed “Area 51” as an allusion to their jersey numbers and Wembanyama’s ‘alien’ nickname, Wembanyama and Cassel are one of the most lethal defensive combinations in the NBA.

“I know we make it difficult, we make it uncomfortable for people to play against us,” Wembanyama said. “That’s the goal because a guy has to dribble around one of the best on-ball defenders and then make a shot against some of the best rim protectors; it’s very tough.”

Dylan Harper overwhelmed by Spurs success

While Cooper Flagg and Kohn Knueppel lead the Rookie of the Year discussion, Harper will likely be playing even if he doesn’t play this spring.

“It feels great,” Harper said of the Spurs’ success. “I think this is the most wins I’ve had in a long time. So, to have this win streak and keep it going and not take teams for granted, I think, is huge for us.”

Thanks to former Rutgers stars, Fox and Cassel, the Spurs are currently seeded second in the West. Their position at the top is much closer to the Oklahoma City Thunder than the teams behind them.

After Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo expressed disappointment with his place in the Eastern Conference standings this season, he has something to celebrate, which was mentioned jokingly with Prime Video’s Udonis Haslem. Haslem, the Heat veteran who holds the franchise record for most rebounds in a career (5,791), will soon be tied for second in franchise history for most rebounds.

When Adebayo joined the squad for his postgame interview following Saturday’s 115–105 win against the Houston Rockets, host Steve Nash joked that Haslem was disappointed to see Adebayo take his heat. franchise recordAccording to NBA on Prime.

Nash said, “UD is so salty here that you’re going to pass him on the all-time rebound list with the Heat,” to which Adebayo asked Crews how close he was to surpassing Haslem.

Adebayo is 245 rebounds away from reaching Haslem’s franchise record.

“Sorry, OG,” Adebayo said. “I love you to death. I’ll give you the game ball if you want. But you know the record is mine, buddy.”

“You know the record is mine, buddy.”

Bam Adebayo says he will give @ThisIsUD Game ball the day he breaks UD’s franchise rebounding record ??? pic.twitter.com/XsbSG4Gr60

– NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) 28 February 2026

Udonis Haslem expressed zero interest in collecting Adebayo’s game ball when he eventually surpasses Haslem’s all-time Heat record, which he anticipates will happen before the end of the regular season. Adebayo finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds in Saturday’s win against the Rockets.

Dwyane Wade questions Bam Adebayo’s Heat claim

Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade questioned Bam Adebayo’s opinion on the Heat, who are considered a talented team beyond the play-in round of the postseason. Wade also addressed Adebayo’s speech during Prime Video’s pregame broadcast Discussing his team’s recent defeat.

“The same thing I asked Bam… Are you there? That was my voice note to Bam.”

Wade continued by emphasizing that results ultimately determine where a team stands in the hierarchy.

“Because men lie, women lie, numbers don’t lie. But I will say this, what Bam told me was – I think his disbelief and probably the team’s disbelief is due to them being first in overall pace, top five in scoring, top in defense so all the numbers are there. They have three guys now. [Norman Powell]balm, [Tyler] Heroes who have been All-Stars, so you also have guys who have talent. So, I believe there is some mistrust coming from that.

DeWade sent a voice note to Bam Adebayo regarding his comments on the Heat being better than a play-in team:

“Do you?… Because men lie, women lie, numbers don’t lie.”

(via @NBAonPrimeh/t @heatculture13)pic.twitter.com/cnd3NOtctw

– Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) 28 February 2026

Adebayo and the Heat responded with a 10-point win against the Rockets on Saturday.

The Miami Heat always win, and that proved to be the story once again at the Kasia Center against the Houston Rockets, where they emerged 115-105 winners despite a strong performance from Kevin Durant, who finished with 32 points and eight assists on 12-20 overall shooting. The Heat came back with a strong finish in the second quarter, 19–24, and scored 30–22 in the final to eventually win easily.

After the game, Durant was seen handing his signed jersey to none other than Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, who was among the thousands in attendance at the matchup. According to a post on X by ClutchPoints, the two were seen talking and dancing after the game, with Durant taking his time to sign the jersey he was wearing. Higgins returned the favor with his own signed Bengals jersey, with his number 5 on the back.

Kevin Durant and Bengals WR Tee Higgins swap jerseys after Rockets-Heat game 🔥

(via @NBAonPrime)
pic.twitter.com/DucYB6rvy4

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 28 February 2026

Regardless, the win snapped a two-game losing streak for Miami, moving them to 32–29 for the season and 8th in the Eastern Conference. Bam Adebayo was the highlight of the game, finishing with a team-high 24 points and 11 rebounds. Adebayo shot an efficient 9-of-17 from the field, spread the floor by hitting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, and finished with a team-best +16 plus/minus rating.

Rookie big man Kel’El Ware had a double-double with 13 points and a game-high 15 rebounds off the bench. Pelle Larsson scored 20 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, while Tyler Herro added 18 points on 8 of 12 shooting.

Jaime Jacquez Jr. scored 14 points as the Heat shot 50% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc, while the Rockets shot a poor 43.2% from the field and 25% from three-point territory.
Despite the loss, Kevin Durant was arguably the best player on the court.

Along with 32 points and eight assists, KD also had six rebounds, while he shot a perfect 12-of-20 from the floor and 6-of-6 from the foul line. The Rockets suffered from their poor shooting all night and never threatened to take control in the final quarter.

They will now take on the Washington Wizards in hopes of getting back to winning ways. The Heat will next host the Brooklyn Nets.

MIAMI – As Miami Heat star Tyler Herro had a big role in their 115-105 win over the Houston Rockets, he will bring a jolt of energy to the game, in addition to making shots and being a playmaker. The exchange of words between Heat guard Herro and Rockets star Kevin Durant got heated when they both talked after the game about what happened.

In Miami’s win, Herro would be reinserted into the starting lineup after playing the final four off the bench as he was coming off a 15-game absence due to a rib injury. With Norman Powell out and being labeled “week-to-week” with a groin sprain, Herro will fill the void, and bring instant energy as both he and Durant barked at each other in the first quarter.

It got to the point where, after a timeout, Durant and Herro would exchange more words, to the point where Durant had to be stopped, with both receiving technical fouls. The intensity would continue throughout the game, with the two talking to each other, but it would be contagious as the outing was physical.

They had to be stopped as more words were exchanged between Tyler Herro and Kevin Durant. Tech for both. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/mWEFk3xDAQ

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 28 February 2026

By the end of the game, Herro and Durant hugged each other in a show of respect, as the guard told ClutchPoints after the game that it was just “competition at the end of the day.” Herro will say Durant defended himself.

“He was saying, ‘I couldn’t defend,’ then I said something to him. But, we’re competing. And at the end of the day, you want to play with the best players in the world and compete like that. That’s what I live for, I love competing,” Herro said after recording 18 points on eight of 12 shooting from the field and two of four from deep.

ClutchPoints will ask what Herro said in response to Durant’s comment:

“Ask Kevin,” Herro said.

Tyler Herro talks about the matchup with Kevin Durant that got heated. It is said that he wanted to give the team an edge, there was only competition.

I confirmed that KD said he could not protect, Herro said he responded. Will asked about what he said in response, “Ask Kevin.” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/fAbORr5GRq

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 1 March 2026

Tyler Herro and Kevin Durant hug after a controversial play. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/8oQZrUrfFk

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 28 February 2026

Bam Adebayo gives his opinion on Tyler Herro-Kevin Durant exchange

With the Heat growing increasingly frustrated after two consecutive disappointing results, with even captain Bam Adebayo questioning the team’s effort level, Saturday was a huge step in the right direction. As for Herro, he would even say that he wanted to bring an “edge” to Miami.

“No crazy, I know the Cavs a little bit, just competing. I feel like as a team, we didn’t have the edge we had in Milwaukee or Philly, so I was trying to bring a little edge to it,” Herro said.

“I mean, we won, the team responded,” Herro continued. “So we were down 14-4 at that point, just being able to get some fire going. I feel like we’re at our best when we have guys that are on edge.”

Durant echoed Herro’s similar sentiments, saying “those words are just words” and the respect between him and the Heat star goes both ways via a video of Brady Hawk, as evidenced by the embrace at the end of the game.

I asked Kevin Durant about the back-and-forth with Tyler Herro tonight:

“I think we both just needed a nudge to get the game going.”

“You saw it. We started laughing and joking right after that. I have respect for Tyler, he has respect for me.”

“Those words are just words.” pic.twitter.com/1ueDWzD4Ke

– Brady Hawk (@BradyHawk305) 28 February 2026

For Adebayo, “It’s just competition.”

“That’s what you want,” Adebayo said after recording 24 points and 11 rebounds. “I mean, that’s what happens when we play pickup. You don’t see it all. You know, it brings out the best in everybody. When you have those type of matchups, you have that type of competitor on the court, that makes for a great game of basketball, and you want to see it that way. You want guys to go at each other and then obviously, the best guy wins, or the best team wins.”

Bam Adebayo said the conversation between Tyler Herro and Kevin Durant is “getting competitive.”

Full response: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/lw2LtEJ40c

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 1 March 2026

At any rate, this was a big win for Miami as the team is 32-29, leaving them in eighth place in the East as their next two games come against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday and Thursday.

Some view Dwyane Wade as one of the best basketball players in the modern NBA, and his portfolio supports that claim. His portfolio also supports that he is a very successful entrepreneur, but that’s a story for another day.

The Miami Heat legend is also a rotating hybrid game and studio analyst for Amazon Prime Video’s NBA coverage, and if this latest clip is anything to go by, Wade doesn’t need all the hustle. That’s because he still has it, as evidenced by a clip from the NBA on Prime set, according to a post on X by ClutchPoints.

He still got it!

Dwyane Wade hits a no-look jumper 🔥

(via @NBAonPrime)

pic.twitter.com/skonV7g5Qc

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 28 February 2026

In it, Wade can be seen hitting and sinking a no-look jumper with almost overconfidence before casually strolling over and patting several team members. Wade is part of a star-studded NBA on Prime roster that also includes Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, Udonis Haslem, Steve Nash and Candace Parker.

“Light work for D.Wade,” the clip said.

Spending the majority of his career with the Miami Heat, Wade won three NBA championships (2006, 2012, 2013) and was named 2006 NBA Finals MVP. Statistically, his dominance is undeniable: he earned 13 All-Star selections, eight All-NBA Team nods and three All-Defensive Team honors.

During his peak in the 2008–09 season, Wade won the NBA scoring title by leading the league in both total points (2,386) and points per game (30.2). To date, he remains the Miami Heat’s all-time franchise leader in points, games played, assists, steals, shots and shots taken, while he also holds the NBA’s all-time record for blocked shots by a guard.

And well, Wade is finding similar success off the court. They have aggressively bought into sports ownership, acquiring minority stakes in the NBA’s Utah Jazz (2021), the WNBA’s Chicago Sky (2023), and the MLS/NWSL’s Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals.

Through his 59th & Prairie Entertainment banner, he has become a heavyweight producer, garnering two Sports Emmy Awards (for The Redeem Team and The Dads) and an Oscar nomination for the short documentary The Barber of Little Rock.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren topped his career night by helping lead his team to a 127-121 victory in overtime against All-Star Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. After Lou Dort’s ouster For a key 2 against Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t double check for overtime. Holmgren finished with 15 points on 5 of 8 shooting, a career-high 21 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and a steal against the Nuggets.

After his first All-Star appearance, Chet Holmgren captures a title Career high 21 rebounds It’s a testament to the work he’s put in behind the scenes, as he heads into just his fourth season with the Thunder.

Holmgren said, “I try to put a lot into my body, making sure I get stronger each time. Continue to be as healthy as I can. Take care of yourself.” “I definitely think it’s benefited me, and I’ve gotten better in a lot of different areas, but I think I still have a long way to go with my body, with my game. I don’t want to let one night get too excited for me. I still have work to do.”

Chet Holmgren on his career-high 21 rebounds: “I try to put a lot into my body, making sure I get stronger every time out. Just continuing to stay as healthy as I can. Take care of yourself.”

I definitely think it has paid off for me and I have improved in many different areas… pic.twitter.com/hsvOB6tE12

-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 28 February 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 36 points, nine assists, two blocks and two steals in his first appearance in nine games for the Thunder. Oklahoma City improved to 46–15.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s blunt comment on missing OT in Thunder’s win

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t hold back his emotions about missing overtime during Friday’s showdown against fellow MVP candidate Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. After leading the Thunder to erase a 16-point deficit in the second half, Gilgeous-Alexander was forced to miss the rest of the game. He reached his scheduled minutes for his first game back after suffering an abdominal strain.

Still, that didn’t make the process any easier, as Gilgeous-Alexander cheered the Thunder against the Nuggets from the bench during the final period of the game.

“I hate it. I can’t wait for the minutes restriction to go away,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “But if I rehash this injury, it won’t make any difference. So, that’s the way I look at it.”

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will face the Mavericks on Sunday.

Cooper Flagg has missed six consecutive games with a left medial sprain. Although the walking boot was recently removed, it appears there is still no timetable for the Dallas Mavericks star’s return.

According to Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoop Journal, reports indicate the 19-year-old rookie will miss Sunday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. It marked Flagg’s seventh consecutive game missed since suffering an injury in the Mavericks’ 120–111 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 10.

“Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg (left medial sprain) has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.”

The news that the former No. 1 overall pick was rejected on Saturday may not be so surprising. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said Friday that he doesn’t expect Cooper Flagg to be available for the March 3 game against Kon Nueppel and the Charlotte Hornets. If so, Flagg could be out for at least two more games.

Despite injury issues in recent weeks, Flagg has looked every bit like a franchise cornerstone during his rookie season. He is still in consideration for the Rookie of the Year award, as he has played at a high level while healthy. In 49 games played, Flagg has averaged 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals per contest, while shooting 48.2% from the floor and 30.2% from beyond the three-point line.

With Cooper Flagg out once again, RJ Nembhard Jr. and Brandon Williams should see some action at the point guard position. With PJ Washington and Marvin Bagley III also out for the game against the Thunder, the Mavericks will likely rely on Max Christie, Klay Thompson and Daniel Gafford.

After some dynamic performances following the All-Star break, Joel Embiid is expected to miss several games due to a right oblique strain.

Taking to social media to highlight Embiid’s latest injury in a stop-and-start season, The Athletic’s Tony Jones revealed that “The Process” will miss the next three games due to a right oblique strain he suffered in the team’s Thursday night win over the Miami Heat.

“Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with a right oblique strain and will miss the next three games.”,” Jones wrote on social media.

Initially starting the season on the shelf as he recovered from offseason surgery, and moving forward, when Embiid actually took the court for the 76ers, he largely recaptured his MVP form. “The Process” is averaging 26.6 points in just 31.2 minutes of action per game, recording 3.9 assists to go with 7.5 rebounds each night, and allowing Tyrese Maxey to take over the offense at times, clearing the floor as a 31.8 percent 3-point shooter while power forwards like Dominic Barlow and Jabari Walker do the dirty work in the painted zone.

Can the 76ers keep things on hold against the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz until Embiid potentially returns on March 7 against the Atlanta Hawks? Considering that the team has a 12-14 record with Embiid off the court, that may be tough, but considering that this injury occurred during a game rather than being his knee or any other lower-body malfunction, it’s safe to assume that “The Process” won’t need too much of a ramp-up to return to his old form over the next month.

When Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets flew to South Beach for an afternoon showdown against the Miami Heat, fans knew they were in for a show.

Sure, the Heat are in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference, sitting as the eighth seed with a 31-29 record, but Erik Spoelstra teams are always a fierce player, especially at home, where they have a 17-11 record so far in 2025-26. With the Rockets working hard to keep their third seed in the highly contested Western Conference, getting a win in Miami seemed important as the season came to a close.

And not surprisingly, when the rubber hit the hardwood, that consciousness veered into the realm of technical fouls, after a war of words on the court resulted in both Tyler Herro and Durant getting separated.

They had to be stopped as more words were exchanged between Tyler Herro and Kevin Durant. Tech for both. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/mWEFk3xDAQ

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 28 February 2026

While players never want to commit technical fouls, especially during timeouts, his interaction with Herro was nothing more than a minor hindrance in the way of KD getting his work done for KD. The future Hall of Famer led all scorers with 14 points in just 19 minutes, while putting up the best plus-minus of any player in the game at +17. The Durant Rockets outscored the Heat 24–19 in the second quarter and entered the half with a one-point lead at 52–51.

Will the Rockets win in Miami? Only time will tell, but with 24 minutes left to play at the time of publication, things are likely to get even more heated in South Beach before the final buzzer.

MIAMI – With Miami Heat star Norman Powell considered “week-to-week” with a groin strain, the team is looking for ways to fill the void the All-Star has left now that there is no doubt a big question as to how productive he can be. With the Heat growing frustrated after taking a step back after their last two disappointing losses, head coach Erik Spoelstra has expressed confidence the team can keep the ship afloat, especially with star Tyler Herro.

While Powell is dealing with a Grade 1 groin strain that could cause the 32-year-old to miss a few games as Miami has four games this upcoming week, Herro is the clear choice to step into the role as the main offensive option alongside Bam Adebayo. Still, Powell has been key to the Heat’s offense, leading the team with 22.5 points per game, but one can’t forget that Herro was an All-Star last season, averaging 23.9 points per game.

Although Miami is losing Powell for an unknown amount of time, Herro’s workload is likely to increase, with Spoelstra even telling ClutchPoints that he was “planning on playing him a few more minutes anyway.”

“Well, we know what we miss with Norm,” Spoelstra said before Saturday’s game against the Houston Rockets. “He’s proven this year that he’s a versatile, explosive scorer in our system, but we also have other guys that can step up. Tyler, certainly, is a guy that’s already starting to get into a better rhythm and were planning on playing him a few more minutes anyway.”

“So, we need this,” Spoelstra continued. “You can see him in the second part [of last Thursday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers] He’s just being himself, and I think he’s going to get even better.”

Asked Erik Spoelstra about Norman Powell’s absence and Tyler Herro’s increased workload.

“We have other guys that can step up, certainly Tyler is a guy that’s already starting to get into a better rhythm, was planning on feeding him a few more minutes anyway…” #heatanarian pic.twitter.com/eTj690ezyW

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 28 February 2026

More on Heat’s Erik Spoelstra, Tyler Herro on Norman Powell’s treatment

While the Heat are tired of participating in the play-in tournament and trying to climb the standings with 22 games remaining before Saturday, Herro will be key in keeping the offense going. However, from what fans have seen there may be a role change, as Herro has been coming off the bench for the last four games after missing 15 games due to a rib injury.

There was already a question whether Herro would be reinserted into the starting lineup, but now with Powell out, does Miami have an option? Only time will tell, but it can’t be denied that Herro wants to stay healthy for the remainder of the season and help the Heat after he has missed 45 games this season due to a myriad of injuries.

In addition, the trio of Herro, Powell and Adebayo have only played 11 games this season, giving the team a small sample size on the ceiling. At any rate, Powell will work to get back, though it remains to be seen how much time will be lost.

“We took everything we had available to us today,” Spoelstra said. “I feel for Norm, because he wants to be out for all the games, especially in these moments, you know, right now. But we’ll treat him, and we’ll see where he’s at after the week.”

On Norman Powell being labeled “week to week” by Erik Spoelstra and where that leaves the team.

“We have everything available to us today. I feel for Norm because he wants to be there for all the games… but we’ll treat him and we’ll see where he is after the week…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/3sn4FpTUoS

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 28 February 2026

Before Saturday’s game against the Rockets, Miami is 31-29, leaving them in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, but the good news is that, including the aforementioned contest, the Heat are at home for the next seven of eight contests.

MIAMI – As the Miami Heat try to shake off their disappointment of avoiding another year of play-in tournament purgatory, head coach Erik Spoelstra will work on building consistency over the final 2o or so games of the season. While Spoelstra looks to lead the Heat, he will also have an even bigger task of leading Team USA in future international play, particularly at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where a big star recently advocated for playing.

Although there was some speculation about Durant not attending alongside stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, the Houston Rockets star shrugged off that conversation to ESPN, adding that his eagerness to play has increased.

“Yeah, I want to play,” Durant said. “I would love to, but I have to be on top of my game, I want to perform on the field and make Grant and whoever is making the decisions want to put me on the team. I don’t want to — not just for seniority. I still want to prove I can help the team win. Today, yes, I feel like I’m going to put my name in that hat.”

If there’s anyone who loved hearing Duran’s comments, it was Spoelstra, as he said before Miami’s game with Houston on Saturday afternoon that the star embodies “the culture of USA Basketball.”

“I mean, it’s incredible for him to say that and that’s the culture of USA Basketball,” Spoelstra said. “You just want the best American players to raise their hand and say, I want to do this. And you can feel his passion to represent the country and America on the jersey. He’s been unbelievable in those competitions. But as far as him, what he’s doing right now, his game is timeless, it really is.”

Erik Spoelstra reacts to Kevin Durant saying he wants to play for Team USA in LA as he approaches 40 years old:

“I mean, it’s incredible for him to say that…”

Full response: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/ES4HSVbXIn

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 28 February 2026

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra on his experience with Kevin Durant on Team USA

Durant’s impact on Team USA Basketball is immense, as he is the men’s all-time leading scorer in Olympic competition and a four-time gold medalist. Currently 37, the star will be approaching 40 by the time of the 2028 Olympics, but there’s no doubt that Durant is still an elite player, as evidenced by his current stint in Houston.

Currently with the Rockets, Durant is averaging 26.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from deep. Spoelstra will highlight how timeless Durant’s game is and what he saw from the star when he was an assistant coach on the 2024 gold medal team.

“You look at what he does at this age, and you can book him for 26-plus, shooting 50 percent on jump shots,” Spoelstra said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re there or not. He’s a complete tactician in terms of his work ethic and practice. It’s a great lesson for all the young players coming into the league. Making shots is one thing, and really working on player development is another.”

“And I think it’s an accomplishment that we all had, you know, watching him work during the summer, six weeks after practice, before practice, the days in between, he’s going out there with intent,” Spoelstra continued. “You know, even at this age, trying to get better and improve, what a beautiful mentality to have, so he’s definitely added a lot to his team.”

At any rate, it remains to be seen what Spoelstra’s roster will be like for Team USA in 2028, with Durant having a good chance of being on the team.

SAN FRANCISCO – It’s been a career year for Gui Santos, and the Golden State Warriors have rewarded him in that way.

According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, Santos and the Warriors agreed to a contract extension, the team announced Saturday morning — a three-year, $15 million deal with a player option for 2028-29. Santos was set to become a restricted free agent this summer, but the Warriors signed him to a deal that will benefit both parties.

With Golden State troubled by injuries and absences this season, Santos emerged as a key rotational component in Steve Kerr’s system. A 2022 second-round draft pick out of Brazil, the third-year forward has transitioned from the Warriors’ G-League affiliate in Santa Cruz to now being a guy Kerr and the Dubs rely on in tightly contested games.

Since Kerr joined Santos as a starter about a month ago Averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 28.8 minutes in 12 games.

In that span, Santos has come up with two game-winning buckets – a fastbreak layup to take the lead against the Phoenix Suns and a chaotic layup in traffic at home against the Memphis Grizzlies.

“He’s taken another step forward this year, Gui,” Kerr told reporters after a win in Memphis earlier this week. “Last year, he was a very important role player for us. Number one on the team in plus-minus and then [Jimmy Butler] Business, he really strengthened that role. But now, he has become more active as a creator [and] A post-up boy. The step-by-step moves you saw were incredible.

“He has the ability to play point guard when the other team is putting pressure on us. He’s a really versatile player and someone we really value.”

Santos’ journey to the NBA

For Santos, the journey to this point in his career has required patience. After the team’s practice Thursday afternoon, Santos reflected on what he needs to do to become a guy capable of staying in the NBA.

“I think the key word for this is patience,” Santos said.

“Patience, because when I got here, I was a point guard playing in Brazil. I was playing as a point guard, with the ball in my hands, and I spent the whole year in the G-League just learning how to fit into the system here, because my goal was always to play in the NBA, play for the Warriors. And I asked [Kerr]What am I supposed to do? And he was like, okay, I’ll show you the way, like, you have to work hard on defense. You have to crash the boards all the time, and you just have to find Steph.

It’s safe to say that Santos did all of those things, which is why Kerr felt comfortable increasing his minutes this season after not seeing much action the past two seasons.

But ultimately, what stands out about Santos is his relentless positivity and upbeat personality. You’ll rarely find Santos without a big smile on his face, whether he’s on the podium, at practice, or talking with teammates. That’s why even now, he’s grateful for the opportunity and support given to him by the Warriors.

“The coaches here, the staff and the organization, they’ve always been good to me,” Santos said. “They always help me with anything I need, and because of what’s happened right now they’re giving me a chance to show a little more.”

Gui Santos reflected on his journey up to this point, now a key figure for the Dubs:

“The key word for it is patience. Because when I came here, I was a point guard playing in Brazil… and I spent the whole year in the G-League just learning how to fit into the system here.” pic.twitter.com/Q2tyVmjhEQ

– Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) 27 February 2026

The Los Angeles Lakers will be looking to travel to Chase Center to play the in-form Golden State Warriors, having lost three of their last four games. The Warriors come into this game in better form, having won two of their last three games, including the latest, which was a 133-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Lakers have been given a big boost given the confirmation of Stephen Curry out in addition to Jimmy Butler. Their own injury report is almost clear, and they will once again look to Luka Doncic to provide offensive boost. The overall injury scenario has also transformed into odds, with DraftKings giving favorable odds to the visitors.

Lakers vs Warriors Odds

Lakers: -4.5

Warrior: +4.5

Above: 229.5

Under: 229.5

Lakers vs. Warriors Major Injuries

Stephen Curry has been officially ruled out with a knee injury. The Warriors will also be without Jimmy Butler III, Seth Curry and LJ Cryer. Forward Draymond Green is listed as probable, while big man Kristaps Porzingis is questionable to suit up.

The Lakers enter the contest relatively healthy, with Rui Hachimura questionable and two absent, including Bronny James, due to G League assignment.

Lakers vs Warriors Betting Trends

The Lakers are 21-13 against the spread (ATS) as a favorite this season, including a sharp mark of 10-6 ATS as a road favorite. Los Angeles has been extremely profitable in tight lines, going 7-2 ATS when favored by between two and five points. They are also 4-2 ATS in their last six meetings with Golden State.

Golden State has struggled to cover recently, posting a 3-7 ATS record in their last 10 games. They are 5-8 ATS this season entering as underdogs by 4.5 points or more.

Overs have been a major trend in this rivalry, with eight of the last 10 head-to-head contests between the Lakers and Warriors being overmatched. The over has been hit in 57.6% of Golden State’s games this season, including five of their last six contests.

Keys to Lakers vs. Warriors matchup

The Lakers (34-24) arrived at Chase Center desperate to stop a three-game losing streak, which included a 22-point loss against the Celtics and a close 113-110 loss at Phoenix. They have all three of their Big-3 fit and firing, although that has been the case in recent defeats. Still, the Lakers know they face a lineup without their best players and they have enough firepower to pull out a dominant win.

Golden State will need Draymond Green to orchestrate the offense while solidifying the defense, while they will continue to rely on Brandin Podziemski (12.3 ppg) and Moses Moody (12.0 ppg) for scoring.

Lakers vs Warriors Predictions and Selections

The Lakers have a stellar 18-12 record on the road and are looking much better on the injury report. Without Curry, the Warriors are always vulnerable and may struggle to hold up against the stack attack.

Additionally, LA continues to show weakness inside the paint and has actually gotten worse with their best players on the court. Still, this should prove straightforward for Luka Doncic and company.

Spread Pick: Lakers -4.5

Over/Under Pick: more than 229.5

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addressed Lou Dort’s ejection in Friday’s 127-121 overtime win against the Denver Nuggets. Gilgeous-Alexander could see the Thunder in overtime after leading Oklahoma City with 36 points and nine assists. Head coach Mark Daigneault shut SGA out for the night after logging 34 minutes in his first game back from an abdominal injury.

Gilgeous-Alexander responded to Dort after discussing the plan the Thunder had made for their first game back from injury. ejection in the fourth trimester.

“They’re obviously a high-level team. We’re a high-level team. We’ve seen each other a lot over the last few years. Might be a little more into the game because we know the opponent. But yeah, it was fun. It was good out there. That’s how basketball is at the end of the season — it’s so physical. So, it’s nice to get one of those in the regular season.

“As far as scrimmages go, that’s usually how it happens. Something happens, one team roars, the other team roars. Lu was ejected. Lu is not that kind of guy – Lu is trying to go out there and win. I didn’t see what happened.”

SGA on Lou Dort’s ejection for scuffling with Nikola Jokic: “Lou’s not that type of guy – Lu is trying to go out there and win.

I didn’t see what happened” pic.twitter.com/dJReEmNCHn

-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 28 February 2026

As Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic began to return to the floor, Lu Dort checked the kneeling All-Star center, resulting in him falling and landing on Lu’s face. Just then, Thunder center Jaylin Williams intervened and a scuffle broke out between Williams and Jokic. Upon review, Dort was hit by Flagrant-2.

Lou Dort made an absolutely dirty play on Nikola Jokic.

There’s no place for that in the NBA.pic.twitter.com/Ft4z5QQwtu

– Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) 28 February 2026

Both centers earned double technical fouls.

Why Mark Daigneault sat out SGA during overtime in Thunder win

Head coach Mark Daigneault discusses Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after Friday’s hard-fought overtime win. Although Gilgeous-Alexander did not play in overtime for the Thunder, Daigneault had a perfectly good explanation as to why.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. He’s coming back to play. One of the conditions to get him on the court tonight is to hold him to a certain point in terms of minutes,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] Before the game. Just so we can all be clear, in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, this is what we would do.

Daigneault concluded, “We obviously did that. I understand it’s a little unconventional, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from injury.”

The Thunder will face the Mavericks on Sunday.

The Atlanta Hawks have officially begun selling their Magic City-inspired merchandise following a viral announcement that garnered national attention earlier this week.

After unveiling a surprise collaboration with the Magic City on Thursday, the Hawks listed their “Forever 404 Magic City Peachtree Hoodie” for sale on the team’s official website. The hoodie is priced at $125 and is currently available for pre-order, with two days left in the pre-sale window. The organization has also placed a limit of two hoodies per order.

The partnership was announced with the introduction of “Magic City Night”, a themed promotion tied to Atlanta’s March 16 home game against the Orlando Magic. The revelation spread quickly online on social media and caused a significant increase in demand for tickets, with reports indicating that average list prices increased immediately after the news broke.

Former Hawks guard Lou Williams publicly expressed his support for the collaboration during an appearance on FanDuel’s Run It Back on Friday. Williams, widely known by his nickname “Lemon Pepper Lou”, praised the franchise for embracing Atlanta culture and expressed approval of the partnership. His comments came after Thursday’s official announcement and heightened trading interest as the weekend pre-sale approaches.

The Atlanta Hawks are now selling the “Magic City Monday” hoodie for $125.

Wild times. pic.twitter.com/6vs5mr8nJ2

– Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) 28 February 2026

Hawks-Magic City collaboration brings a surge of merchandise

The collaboration has placed the Hawks at the center of a broader cultural conversation, encompassing basketball and one of Atlanta’s most recognizable nightlife institutions. The co-branded hoodie features the Hawks’ logo along with the Magic City name across the chest, aligning with the team’s “Forever 404” branding tied to the city’s area code.

On the court, Atlanta (30-31) is ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hawks picked up their third consecutive win on Thursday with a 126-96 win over the Washington Wizards and will host the Portland Trail Blazers (29-31) on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.

With merchandise now available for purchase and demand for tickets growing, the Hawks collaboration is building momentum beyond social media. The pre-sale launch Saturday marks the latest step in a rollout that grew from Thursday’s announcement to Friday’s player support and weekend merchandise push, as Atlanta prepares for its upcoming home expansion.

The Memphis Grizzlies have a track record of finding diamonds in the second round. One of his latest discoveries is increasingly making the case that his value far exceeds current wages. With an All-Rookie year on his resume and another productive season underway, Jaylen Wells should consider pushing for a contract extension worth approximately $15 million annually this summer.

Selected with the 39th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Wells has outperformed his draft slot in ways that typically command top dollar on the open market. The Grizzlies aren’t going to let Wells hit free agency any time soon. According to Tuomas Isalo, EVP Zach Kleiman knows the value of the early caliber two-way wing and why Wells is the best fit for Beale Street.

“Jaylen is extremely solid. (Wells) fits into a variety of lineups because he doesn’t need the ball to have a positive impact on the game,” Isalo explained. “He’s hitting open shots and he’s also improved his mid-range scoring, which is higher efficiency for him. Defensively, he gets into different matchups. He’s always been an on-ball specialist for us. Now, for the second year, his off-ball defense, his awareness, his disruptions have really gotten better.”

That last sentence is statistical logic in simple language. Wells is producing 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.8 three-pointers and 0.9 steals in 26.7 minutes per game in his sophomore season. Those are cool numbers. There were even louder noises when Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. were out. Wells averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 boards and 2.0 assists while shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc in December. That three-point accuracy is up to 45.3% in February.

Wells has had three 20-point games in a five-game span and posted four steal games twice. After the NBA All-Star break he went 10-13 from the field for 25 points against the Miami Heat. It’s not just the scoring, but the efficiency that separates this race from the usual production. Committing almost one turnover per game despite the huge increase in usage rate (20.8) is acceptable in this part of the process. Thankfully for the Grizzlies, the 10-year rolling comparison of the CBA cap and second-round picks provides a great framework for a team-friendly deal.

Jaylen Wells, Grizzlies on the clock

Herb Jones, the 35th pick in 2021 by New Orleans, signed a four-year, $54 million extension ($13.5 million AAV) after two seasons of averaging 10 points and strong defense. Andrew Nembhard, selected 31st overall in 2022 by Indiana, signed a three-year, $59 million ($19.7 million AAV) deal after a sophomore year of 9.5 points and 4.5 assists. Ayo Dosunmu, the 38th pick in 2021 by Chicago, earned a three-year, $21 million ($7 million AAV) contract after similar 3-and-D production.

Isaiah Joe (49th, 2020) signed a three-year, $30 million ($10 million AAV) deal with Oklahoma City; Aaron Wiggins (55th, 2021) agreed to a five-year, $47 million ($9.4 million AAV) extension. Wales should seek a number near the top end of that scale. If his February surge (51.6% FG, 44.9% 3PT) continues into the offseason, the $15 million target may prove conservative.

For the Grizzlies, Wells’ extension now aligns with building cost-controlled talent amid salary cap constraints. This is a contract that will have immediate first-round value. For Wells, pushing for a $15 million AAV could take advantage of his speed before injuries or roster changes alter his leverage. Unrestricted free agency is still a long way off, and the NBA would be a big gamble for such a small return under the CBA’s projected average player salary structure.

However, there is no telling where the organization will be a year from now, nor can anyone assure that the 22-year-old (birthday in August) has any significant role in it. Therefore, first lock the middle money. Negotiate player options by Labor Day. Either way, this must be done before training camp opens. There must be some protection in place to cover the prime years before Wales are at risk of another sudden injury.

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to take on the Golden State Warriors on Saturday in what should be a competitive matchup between the two Western Conference teams. It’s also Luka Doncic’s birthday, and he’s preparing to continue his birthday streak.

During Doncic’s eight-year career, Saturday’s game will mark the sixth time he has played on his birthday. The now 27-year-old guard has recorded 30 or more points in the last three games played on his birthday. He scored 39 points in 2023, 30 points in 2024 and 31 points in 2025.

birthday luca 🤝 luca magic

Dončić on this day in the last 3 years:
▪️ 39 PTS (2023)
▪️ 30 PTS (2024)
▪️ 31 PTS (2025)

What does he have in store for his 27th night in the Bay today? 👀

Red/GSW | 8:30pm ET on ABC pic.twitter.com/igXpLif6hs

– NBA (@NBA) 28 February 2026

Luka Doncic should have a great chance to score at least 30 points against the Warriors. Especially considering he’s averaging a league-high 32.7 points per game. This is the third time in his career so far that he is averaging more than 30 points per game. The six-time All-Star is averaging 7.8 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.4 steals per contest, while shooting 47.0% from the floor and 35.7% from beyond the three-point line.

They will also have a chance to break the Lakers’ three-game losing streak. It’s been a tough stretch for Los Angeles lately, as the last two losses have been by three points or less. The Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns both beat LA thanks to some clutch shots and leads in the final seconds of those games.

The Lakers and Warriors are set to tip off at 8:30 PM EST. It will be in Golden State, making it the second consecutive road game for Luka Doncic and the Lakers.

Kevin Durant is coming off a historic 40-point performance that led the Houston Rockets to a 113-108 win over the Orlando Magic on Thursday. He is regularly viewed as one of the best net scorers in league history. On Saturday, Kendrick Perkins took those claims a little further by comparing Durant to 35-time Grammy Award winner Beyoncé.

During the latest segment of ESPN’s “First Take,” Perkins claimed the 37-year-old forward is the greatest scorer in league history. The former center turned NBA analyst says there are no flaws in Durant’s game, which is why the Rockets star is similar to Beyoncé.

“[Kevin Durant is] “The greatest scorer to ever play the game of basketball,” Perkins said. When you talk about someone who has zero flaws, it’s Beyoncé on the aggressive end. He is innocent… There are no holes in his game.”

“[Kevin Durant is] The greatest scorer to ever play the game of basketball… When you talk about a guy who has zero flaws, he’s Beyoncé on the offensive end… There’s no flaws in his game.’

– Kendrick Perkins 🤔

(via @FirstTech)pic.twitter.com/wqeycSMGly

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 28 February 2026

Although he is in his 18th NBA season, Kevin Durant is still lighting up the scoreboard. He’s a legitimate threat from anywhere on the floor, and it’s hard to disagree with Kendrick Perkins’ sentiment. Especially after watching Durant record 40 points on 50.0% shooting and 10 of 10 from the free-throw line against the Magic.

In 55 games played so far this season, the 16-time All-Star is averaging 26.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He also has a 50.8% field goal percentage, while shooting 40.2% from beyond the three-point line.

Durant will have another opportunity to showcase his skills on Saturday when the Rockets take on the Miami Heat on the road. The game is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM EST.

The Utah Jazz host the New Orleans Pelicans at the Delta Center on Saturday night for the second consecutive game. The Pelicans won 129-118 last time out, with Sadiq Bey having a stellar performance of 42 points, seven assists and five rebounds.

The Pelicans have found momentum recently and are currently on a three-game winning streak. Regardless, the Jazz have once again added Keyonte George to the official injury list, as he is listed as questionable due to a right ankle sprain.

George last played for Utah in a loss against the Orlando Magic and is on the injured list along with several players including Lauri Markkanen, who is out with a strained right hip.
Stroke. Walker Kessler, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jusuf Nurkic and Vince Williams Jr. are also out with various injuries.

For the Pelicans, Yves Missy is listed as questionable, while Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson are officially out.

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Keyontae George injury status vs. Pelicans

George will once again be a game-time decision but his questionable status suggests he could also play a role. Given their recent form and their 18-41 record, they need to get their guard back fit as soon as possible.

This should be another fast-paced matchup like Thursday night when the Pelicans dispatched the Jazz in Salt Lake City. While both teams are currently tied for the bottom of the Western Conference, New Orleans (18-42) will be hoping to pick up another win.

The Pelicans have won four of their last six contests and if George is unable to play, Utah will once again have to rely on the poor second unit that has kept them afloat. The Jazz bench scored 61 points Thursday, including Ace Bailey’s 23 points and Bryce Sensabaugh’s 20 points.

However, Utah’s biggest obstacle remains their weak defense. The Jazz are currently surrendering 125.9 points per game and will need to be better than in recent weeks to have a chance.

jazz injury report

Keyonte George: Questionable (sprained right ankle)

Jaren Jackson Jr.: Out (recovering from left knee injury)

Walker Kessler: Out (recovering from left shoulder injury)

Lauri Markkanen: Out (right hip injury)

Jusuf Nurkic: Out (recovering from nose injury)

Vince Williams Jr.: Out (left knee injury management)

pelicans injury report

Yves Missi: doubtful (left calf strain)

Trey Alexander: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Hunter Dickinson: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Trey Murphy III: Out (right shoulder injury)

Dejounte Murray: Out (return to competition reconditioning)

Josh Minot played extended minutes for the first time with the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. While the Nets were thoroughly embarrassed during their 148-111 blowout loss to the Boston Celtics, Minot surprised everyone with his play against his former team.

The trade deadline acquisition was one of Brooklyn’s only bright spots, posting nine points and two rebounds on 4-of-7 shooting in 16 minutes off the bench.

“It’s just me trying to play basketball to the best of my ability,” Minot said after the game. “Being here I know a little bit about the enemy’s tactics, but overall I’m just trying to play as hard as I can for my team, my coaches and trying to play the Brooklyn way.”

Minot showcased his athletic talent and two-way versatility against his former teammates. The 6-foot-8 forward was comfortable making plays off the dribble, breaking down Boston’s defense on two possessions, leading to easy Brooklyn buckets. He also threw down a poster dunk over Celtics rookie Hugo Gonzalez early in the game.

Josh Minot looks very comfortable creating bounces. pic.twitter.com/WiPrHfWV3B

– Eric Slater (@erikslater_) 28 February 2026

Josh Minot looks very comfortable creating bounces. pic.twitter.com/WiPrHfWV3B

– Eric Slater (@erikslater_) 28 February 2026

Minot has impressed for the Celtics early this season.

Josh Minot impresses during first extended minutes with Nets after trade from Celtics

The 23-year-old averaged 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.8 steals in 18.5 minutes per game in his first 27 appearances with Boston. He shot 50.8 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three on 7.1 attempts per 100 possessions during that span.

However, he fell out of Boston’s rotation as the team got healthy. The Celtics salary-dumped Minot to the Nets in exchange for $110,000 at the deadline to get out of the luxury tax.

Minot played three games with Brooklyn’s G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, before being called up Thursday. Jordi Fernandez hinted that the fourth-year forward could be in line for an extended NBA audition.

Fernandez said, “He played in Long Island, did a great job. We needed him to be in game shape and I think he took advantage of those minutes and now he’s ready to play here. So, very happy with him and trying to help him develop and see what we got.” “[Josh is a] Great personality. You can tell he’s been a teammate in the group for a long time, the way he’s blended in right away. He knew what we were about. I sat down with them in my office, and sometimes you feel like it’s going to be a quick conversation, and all of a sudden, we’re talking for about 20-30 minutes, and it was cool getting to know these guys. The reality of the NBA, sometimes trades happen, and it can be weird, but it’s part of it. And he’s done a great job of trying to be a part of it [here] right away.”

With the Nets tanking, Minot should continue to see heavy minutes as the season progresses. He has a $2.6 million team option for 2026–27.

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford recently returned from injury in the team’s 124-105 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies. Gafford battled persistent ankle injuries throughout the season and missed several games. In his return to the lineup for the Mavericks, he played 20 minutes, scoring 14 points and grabbing five rebounds.

The performance showcased Gafford’s talent in the frontcourt, leading to speculation of his availability during the trade deadline. Whether Gafford stays with the Mavericks — recently receiving a three-year, $54 million extension this offseason — remains to be seen. He spoke about the mental damage he suffered due to his injuries.

“It’s like a little bit of wear and tear on the brain when it comes to figuring out ways to play around it. It hurts, of course, but, like I said, we got the job done on a night-to-night basis. And, just trying to play through it… It’s going to help me in the long run, I would say, because now it’s like the first time I’ve dealt with an injury that’s kind of lasted all season long.”

“So I’m learning a lot of things where, you know, taking more care of my body, trying to continue to find ways to be ready for the next game coming up,” Gafford said.

Despite Cooper Flagg’s stellar rookie campaign, the Mavericks are 21-38. They are the 12th seed in the Western Conference, two spots out of a play-in berth. Recently, the Mavericks made significant moves, trading D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, which could be signaled as a reset for the organization around their new star.

The 27-year-old Gafford points toward that future. He currently has averages of 8.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game on a 63.2% field goal percentage. He could remain with Dallas as a consistent option at the center position, or his tradeable contract could be moved to add more depth to the team around Flagg. But Gafford’s availability certainly increases the Mavericks’ winning effectiveness.

The Mavericks return to action on Sunday when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game ends at 8:00 PM

The San Antonio Spurs remained undefeated in February. For Victor Vembanyama this is not a fact.

“Feels like an accomplishment. I think, looking back, we can say it’s been a satisfying month.

“It feels good.”

In defeating the 11 opponents they faced from February 1 to February 26, this period featured a game that could be considered close by most standards. And that win was by nine points.

“I think we only had one win that was single digits,” Wembley said, pointing to the team’s first contest of the month, a 112-103 win versus the Orlando Magic.

“So does that mean it was perfect? ​​Of course not. But looking back, you know it was never going to be perfect, so that’s pretty satisfying,” the Generations star continued.

Spurs correct mistakes during February streak

For a month starting in late December, Spurs found themselves playing against teams that were struggling themselves. After a third win in 10 days versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on Christmas Day, San Antonio lost at home two nights later to a Utah Jazz team that went 11–19. By the time they lost to the New Orleans Pelicans on January 6, the Spurs had lost four of six, with three of those setbacks coming to a team with a losing record and the other being to a Cleveland Cavaliers team that was a game above .500 when they went in. San Antonio.

“We showed that this was one of our weaknesses. I think especially about the loss against Utah that we had in 2025. After a good series of big matches, we had a few more average losses,” Wembanyama reflected.

During this 11-game winning streak, the team with the second-best record in the West not only handled three teams with losing records, but also took care of business in several contests against shorthanded contenders.

“That was already my mental state at that time. I think it’s something as a team that has potential, as a team that grows and has some success at the beginning of the season. For me, these are things we have to go through. And even though we know we have to take all the games the same way, those are the lessons that are best learned from failing, losing games,” Wembley admitted.

“It’s nothing that has bothered us. I think we’ve made progress in that regard, even if we’re not there yet,” said Spurs’ leading scorer.

Spurs’ Victor Vembanayama talks championship controversy

Asked whether Spurs’ performance in February proved Spurs are legitimate title contenders, Wembanyama offered no assurances.

“I can’t answer that because it’s the first time I’ve been in this position, but talking about the floor; I think it was something we had to raise at the beginning of the season to show that our ceiling is extremely high. Our record against the strongest teams in the league is fantastic.”

In addition to the above three wins against the defending NBA champions, the Spurs have defeated every Western Conference team except one that will qualify for an expanded postseason, including play-ins, when the season ends in late February. And the one team they haven’t been on top of – the Los Angeles Clippers – they haven’t played yet.

The Spurs will face the Clippers in early March as they look to build on the league’s best current streak.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Dallas Mavericks struck gold this season when they selected undrafted point guard Ryan Nembhard on a two-way contract and officially signed him to a standard deal after the team waived veteran Tyus Jones.

The signing of Ryan Nembhard brings the Mavericks’ current roster to 15 standard contracts. It was originally thought that Tyus Jones would finish the season with the Mavericks, but according to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, he reportedly approached the team asking for a release so he can join a playoff contender.

Weaving Jones may not be the last roster mover the Mavericks make this weekend. According to Siegel, the Mavericks are also awaiting Khris Middleton’s decision, with the waiver deadline for players being on Sunday to be eligible to play in the playoffs. Middleton was acquired at the trade deadline, and there will be plenty of playoff teams interested in his services if he hits the buyout market.

In Nembhard, the Mavericks have a young guard who could be a part of the team’s future. He was limited under his two-way contract in the number of NBA games for which he could be active, and his days of eligibility were almost over.

He has appeared in 38 games this season, including 17 starts, averaging just over 18 minutes per game. He averaged 6.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists with splits of 42.9 percent shooting from the field, 37.9 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 76.9 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

The Mavericks are currently 21-38 and in 12th place in the Western Conference standings. With each passing day, the chances of a run in the play-ins are becoming less likely.

On Friday, Cooper Flagg was ejected from the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Memphis Grizzlies. He is out due to a sprain in his leg.

According to Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban, although he is not in uniform, Flagg is active in a different way.

Head coach Jason Kidd explained how much Flagg has stepped up from the sideline, too.

“His voice. You can see him out there cheering … he’s all about his teammates, he’s trying to help this team win, even if he’s not in the uniform. He’s very consistent about that.”

Jason Kidd explained how Cooper Flagg has contributed to team morale despite being out:

“His voice. You can see him out there cheering … he’s all about his teammates, he’s trying to help this team win, even if he’s not in the uniform. He’s very consistent about that.” pic.twitter.com/KAiiDd4ppu

– Noah Weber (@noahweber00) 28 February 2026

The Mavericks lost to the Grizzlies 124-105 on Friday. They will then play against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. They are at 21-38.

Flagg is averaging 20.4 points and 6.5 rebounds over the course of 49 games. Meanwhile, he is out of the last six matches.

Currently, Flagg is in the midst of a tough battle with Charlotte Hornets’ Kon Knueppel for NBA Rookie of the Year.

During the season, Flagg has earned several accolades during his rookie year. He has won multiple Rookie of the Month honors. Additionally, Flagg scored a career-high 49 points on January 29 against the Hornets. In the process, he became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40+ points in a game at the age of 18.

Additionally, Flagg became the youngest player to achieve consecutive 30-point double-doubles in early February.

Additionally, he also participated in the NBA Rising Stars Game during the NBA All-Star Weekend.

The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Chase Center on Saturday night for a primetime Pacific Division showdown against the Golden State Warriors. LeBron James and Co. have lost each of their last three meetings and will face a team that has won two of their last three games.

According to the official injury report, both Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis are on the injury report ahead of this matchup. Green is currently listed as probable as he is dealing with a left lower back injury, while Porzingis is questionable due to a general illness.

While those two players can still play, Stephen Curry will not play as he has been confirmed out with a right patellofemoral injury. Curry joins players like his brother Seth, Jimmy Butler and LJ Cryer who have opted out.

For the Lakers, Rui Hachimura is questionable while Bronny James and Edou Thirou are out due to G League assignments.

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Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis’ injury status vs. Lakers

Given that Draymond Green is probable on the injury report, the assumption is that he will be involved in a marquee matchup. The veteran forward is currently averaging 8.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists per contest while shooting 41% from the field.

Porzingis is questionable and his chances of playing are slim given his questionable status. The division-leading Lakers (34-24) arrive in San Francisco desperate to snap a three-game losing streak after a narrow 113-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.

Despite their recent struggles, Los Angeles will once again look to their Big-3 for inspiration. Luka Doncic leads the NBA with 32.7 points per game (adding 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists), Austin Reaves is enjoying a career year averaging 24.6 points, and the ageless LeBron James is contributing 21.5 points, 7.0 assists and 5.7 rebounds per night.

Los Angeles and Golden State have split their first two head-to-head meetings this season, with both previous games taking place in Los Angeles. The Lakers are 18-12 on the road this year, while the Warriors are 19-11 at home.

Lakers injury report

Rui Hachimura: doubtful (illness)

Bronny James: Out (G League – On Assignment)

Edou Thirou: Out (G League – On Assignment)

warriors injury report

Draymond Green: Probable (left lower back injury management)

Kristaps Porzingis: doubtful (illness)

Stephen Curry: Out (right patellofemoral pain syndrome)

Seth Curry: Out (left sciatic nerve irritation)

Jimmy Butler III: Out (right ACL surgery)

LJ Cryer: Out (G League – Two-Way)

OKLAHOMA CITY – With Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing in his first game since January, coach Mark Daigneault and his coaching staff came up with a plan to monitor the reigning MVP’s minutes. In a 127–121 win against the Denver Nuggets, the Thunder won in overtime without Gilgeous-Alexander. Still, the fact remains that Shai could only sit and watch from the bench after helping Oklahoma City erase a 16-point deficit.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander got closer to Daigneault’s 34-minute mark and the Thunder were set for the night. After scoring 36 points, nine assists, two blocks and two steals in his first game in 24 days, there was nothing else Gilgeous-Alexander could impact Friday’s overtime thriller.

“I hate it. Can’t wait for the minutes restriction to be over. But if I get this injury again, it won’t make a difference. So, that’s how I look at it.”

SGA on not playing in OT vs. Nuggets: “I hate it. Can’t wait for the minutes restriction to be over.

But if I repeat this injury it won’t make any difference. So, that’s how I see it.” pic.twitter.com/8RXYnlRfrM

-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 28 February 2026

Thunder starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, returning from a calf injury, was on the same minutes restriction as Gilgeous-Alexander. Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren, who finished with a career-high 21 rebounds, led the defending champions with Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams closing out the victory for Hartenstein. Alex Caruso also played in overtime.

Mark Daigneault on Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

In a game that featured a scuffle with Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic and resulted in the ejection of Thunder veteran Lou Dort, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault explained his decision to bench reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. He’s coming back to play. One of the conditions to get him on the court tonight is to hold him to a certain point in terms of minutes,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] Before the game. Just so we can all be clear, in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, this is what we would do.

“We obviously did that. I understand it’s a little unconventional, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from injury.”

The Thunder will travel to face the Mavericks on Sunday.

The league-leading Detroit Pistons narrowly escaped with a 122-119 overtime win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night at Little Caesars Arena. The three-hour, 22-minute marathon featured weak leads, significant disqualifications and an awkward 18-minute delay in the third quarter when a power surge caused the arena’s scoreboard horn to sound continuously.

However, the most hilarious moment came when Kenny Atkinson was caught swearing on the touchline after a call was not favorable to his team.

“He pushed out of himself on that end, come on baby!” According to a clip on X by Bleacher Report, he was heard yelling at the referee.

The Cavs were in control with a nine-point lead with less than four minutes left on the clock. However, he allowed the Pistons to get back into the game despite Cade Cunningham fouling out about two minutes early.

The Cavs committed a costly turnover and allowed the Pistons to take the lead with 4.7 seconds on the clock with a defensive error. Guard Jaylon Tyson intentionally attempted to foul Pistons reserve Dennis Jenkins near halfcourt to block a game-tying three-point attempt.

Instead, he committed a three-shot foul, resulting in the free throw being converted and forcing overtime. The Pistons quickly took a six-point lead in OT, but the Cavaliers once again got back to within one point behind a Tyson 3-pointer and a Dennis Schroder layup.

After a successful Coach’s challenge by Detroit, Tobias Harris hit a clutch turnaround jumper with 21 seconds remaining, giving the Pistons a three-point cushion. Cleveland had one final opportunity to force double-overtime, but Mobley’s buzzer-beating 3-point attempt clinched the victory.

For the Pistons, Jalen Duren led his team by producing 33 points and 16 rebounds with Cunningham adding 25 points and 10 rebounds with seven assists.

Jarrett Allen top-scored for Cleveland, continuing his great form with 25 points and nine rebounds, missing the double-double for only the second time in the last 10 games. Evan Mobley scored 23 points while Sam Merrill also added 20 points.

Regardless, the Cavs were close to a win despite the absence of both Donovan Mitchell and James Harden and will next play the Brooklyn Nets.

Friday night’s NBA slate featured a showdown between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The two teams have developed a rivalry in recent years, and with each matchup, the games are becoming more intense.

Tension rose Friday when Nuggets center Nikola Jokic ran onto the court. The Thunder’s Lu Dort supported Jokic, causing him to fall to the floor. Jokic stood up and punched Dort in anger. Jaylin Williams attempted to interfere, and he and Jokic shoved and grabbed each other’s jerseys before officials and team personnel separated them.

The normally mild-mannered Jokic took some time to address the tense situation after the game.

“Unnecessary move, and a necessary reaction,” Jokic said. “There’s no such thing – I think things like that shouldn’t happen on a basketball floor. So it was just an unnecessary step and a necessary reaction by me.”

Tension rises in battle between Nuggets, Thunder

After a video review, officials upgraded the foul on Dort to a flagrant 2, triggering an automatic ejection with 8:03 remaining in the fourth quarter. Crew chief James Williams said the contact was unnecessary, excessive and had a high potential for injury. Jokic and Williams each received technical fouls for their roles in the ensuing scandal.

Lu Dort was ejected after fouling Nikola Jokic on this play.

Nikola Jokic and Jaylin Williams both received technical fouls. pic.twitter.com/ZFyNHpigsM

– ESPN (@espn) 28 February 2026

Despite the fourth quarter struggles, Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 17 rebounds and 14 assists. Jamal Murray led Denver in scoring with 39 points in 47 minutes.

The Nuggets ultimately fell behind, falling 121–127 in overtime.

The Nuggets and Thunder will face each other twice before the end of the regular season. The way things went on Friday, the last two matches between these teams are shaping up to be completely cinematic.

After numerous rumors throughout 2025, the Nike Retro Air Jordan release calendar for 2026 is filled with several classics making their long-awaited returns. Early Air Jordan numbered models continue to see a resurgence as another Jordan 3 makes its way into the rotation. This time, the “True Blue” colorway returns for the first time since 2016.

Check out our sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

The Air Jordan 3 was released in 1988 as Michael Jordan’s first sneaker to feature his Jumpman logo. It was the first sneaker from renowned Nike designer Tinker Hatfield, who later took over the Air Jordan numbered series. In an extensive catalog, the Air Jordan 3 always stands out as the original that launched the creative vision.

Between classics like the “Black Cement” and “White Cement” pairs, the “True Blue” colorway has been a foundational pair for the Jordan 3 legacy. For the first time since 2016, fans will have the chance to get their hands on an updated version of the popular colorway.

Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” (2026)

Air Jordan 3 OG “True Blue” Returns Fall 2026 ❤️💙 https://t.co/2YshheSCb8 pic.twitter.com/qaV9BDKiLx

– JustFreshKicks (@JustFreshKicks) 24 February 2026

The “True Blue” Air Jordan 3 OG Returns on July 18th! 🌊

MJ Face Box. Perfect-family size. #nikeair pic.twitter.com/v2e09x5feW

– zSneakerHeadz (@zSneakerHeadz) 27 February 2026

Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” Returns July 18th, 2026 🔵🔴⚪

Details: https://t.co/w2TAdI6pZ9 pic.twitter.com/Xrq0YZ3MtZ

– House of Heat° (@houseofheat) 26 February 2026

The Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” will follow in line with the OG version from 1988, featuring a similar silhouette shape and classic Nike Air branding on the rear heel. The colorway comes in a distinctive White/Cement Grey-True Blue scheme, complete with the iconic elephant print along the mudguard, back heel panel and eyelets. Hits of red are seen throughout for perfect contrast and balance against the white leather base.

Nike will be taking it a step further in bringing back the classic Air Jordan “Face” boxes that were in circulation from 2001-2005 and will provide an additional nostalgic detail for this release.

The Air Jordan 3 OG “True Blue” is expected to release on July 18th, 2026 at a standard retail tag of $220. Heading over to the Nike SNKRS app, we can expect full family sizes with adjusted pricing as stock should be sufficient for the sneaker’s first retro release in 10 years.

New York Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson made franchise history by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 127-98 on Friday. The 29-year-old surpassed 7,000 points in the first quarter of his 265th game with New York, becoming the fastest player to reach the milestone in team history.

Brunson finished with a game-high 27 points in 31 minutes, shooting 11 of 17 from the field (64.7%), 4 of 6 from three-point range and 1-of-2 at the line. He also contributed seven rebounds and three assists. He exploded for 22 points in the opening quarter, including 9 of 10 shots and all three of his three-point attempts. The 22-point burst was the second-most points in a first quarter in franchise history, one short of his own record set against Milwaukee on January 12, 2025. It was the 10th 20-point quarter of his career, recorded as a Knicks, and the highest-scoring quarter by a New York player in any span this season.

In 55 games this season, Brunson has averaged 26.7 points, 6.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 0.7 steals per game, while shooting 47.1% from the floor and 37.6% from three-point range. He finished February averaging 23.8 points, 6.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 2.4 made threes and 0.8 steals in 35.6 minutes per game. Since signing with the Knicks as a free agent in 2022 after four seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson has earned three consecutive All-Star selections, two All-NBA Second Team honors, and led the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years last season.

New York shot 21 of 42 (50%) from three-point range and 60% overall in the first half, while leading 77–57 at halftime. The Knicks committed 16 turnovers resulting in 19 points and all five starters scored in double figures for the 15th time this season. OG Anunoby scored 24 points on 8-of-10 shooting, Karl-Anthony Towns added 17 points and 13 rebounds, and Landry Shamet hit five threes for 15 points.

The Bucks, who had won eight of their last 10 games and were playing their fifth game in eight days, played without Giannis Antetokounmpo (right calf strain), who missed his 14th consecutive game.

New York picked up an important win over a sub-.500 Milwaukee team. Next, the Knicks will host the Western Conference’s No. 2-seeded San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Following Friday’s 127-121 win in overtime, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gave his honest opinion on Lou Dort’s fourth quarter ejection for a scuffle with Denver Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic. The two were forced to separate, which led to a physical altercation between Thunder centers Jaylin Williams and Jokic. Both centers received double technical fouls, while Dort’s night ended in the fourth quarter.

Daigneault addressed Dort after the victory fourth trimester ejection Coming off of their seven-game series in the Western Conference Semifinals, he reminded reporters how familiar his Thunder team is to the Nuggets.

“That was a weird game. These are two teams that played each other in a seven-game series. We’re in the same division. We’ve played each other 100 times,” Daigneault said. “They know our playbook. We know their playbook. It is what it is. It’s going to be an imperfect game, and things escalate like that sometimes. I know Lu [Dort]. I know [Nikola] Jokic.

“I know J-Will. I don’t think anybody is trying to hurt anybody; they’re just great competitors. It just ended up being over. I think it was nothing more than that.”

Jaylin Williams and Nikola Jokic just went here to OKC.

Both could have been ejected after Williams came to the defense of Lou Dort. The fight is still under review pic.twitter.com/1zxS2glQJT

-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 28 February 2026

One could argue that Nikola Jokic took his frustration out on Lou Dort’s lead-2 layup on Williams, who defended his teammate, as most centers in the NBA do. This likely played into the referee’s decision to keep Jokic in the game, causing him and Jaylin to be slapped with a double technical foul.

Daigneault’s only hope is that if the situation were reversed, Jokic would be heading to the locker room because of a major-2.

“I will say this: If J-Will is running upfield and slips, we expect a flagrant -2 from this point forward. That’s all,” Daigneault said. “If that’s the precedent, if it becomes a malicious game, and Major-2 is the line in the sand on that, then we would expect that if it’s J-Will. We would expect that if it’s anyone. And if that’s the case, we’re good.”

Mark Daigneault’s honest opinion on Lu Dort’s ejection after scuffling with Nikola Jokic: “I will say this: If J-Will is running the floor and slips up, we expect a flagrant -2 from this point forward.

That is all.” pic.twitter.com/HFTcdINFdN

-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 28 February 2026

Williams finished with 12 points, five rebounds, three assists and a block off the bench before closing out the Thunder’s victory in overtime.

Mark Daigneault missing overtime on Thunder’s SGA

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault sat Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in overtime of Friday’s win against the Nuggets. Due to an abdominal injury that caused him to miss the Thunder’s last nine games, Gilgeous-Alexander was on a one-minute ban that went on unannounced before the defending champions’ showdown against the Nuggets.

Daigneault explained what was a factor in the Thunder decision Gilgeous-Alexander was benched after the fourth quarter.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. He’s coming back to play. One of the conditions to get him on the court tonight is to hold him to a certain point in terms of minutes,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] Before the game. Just so we can all be clear, in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, this is what we would do.

“We obviously did that. I understand it’s a little unconventional, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from injury.”

Mark Daigneault on SGA sitting out in OT: “He’s coming off a 24-day injury. Getting back to playing. One of the conditions to get him on the court tonight is to keep him at a certain point in terms of minutes.

“We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein]” pic.twitter.com/WjoOQwiwO9

-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 28 February 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander’s 36 points, nine assists, three rebounds, two blocks and two steals led to a 16-point comeback by the Thunder in the second half before the defending champions won in overtime without their reigning MVP.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault watched All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominate for four quarters before sitting out the extra period of Friday’s 127-121 overtime win against the Denver Nuggets. In the Western Conference Semifinal rematch, the physical relationship between the two teams began with a flourish, as Gilgeous-Alexander earned a technical foul against Nikola Jokic in the first quarter.

However, Daigneault and Gilgeous-Alexander, returning after missing the previous nine games due to an abdominal injury, scored a set Unannounced minutes restriction He continued doing his work. Gilgeous-Alexander played just under 34 minutes (33:46) in regulation, which Daigneault pointed to as the end of SGA’s night regardless of game status.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. He’s coming back to play. One of the conditions to get him on the court tonight is to hold him to a certain point in terms of minutes,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] Before the game. Just so we can all be clear, in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, this is what we would do.

“We obviously did that. I understand it’s a little unconventional, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from injury.”

While starting center Isaiah Hartenstein was under the same restriction due to a calf strain, Jaylin Williams finished the game, as Jared McCann started the extra period in place of the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“Incredible effort by the people who were there. The rest of the team had no idea we had that conversation,” Daigneault said. “We took over the MVP and our starter at the beginning of overtime, and they attacked that game. They deserve a lot of credit for that.”

Mark Daigneault on SGA sitting out in OT: “He’s coming off a 24-day injury. Getting back to playing. One of the conditions to get him on the court tonight is to keep him at a certain point in terms of minutes.

“We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein]” pic.twitter.com/WjoOQwiwO9

-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 28 February 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander had 36 points, nine assists, three rebounds, two blocks and two steals as the Thunder rebounded by 16 points in the second half. Chet Holmgren finished with a career-high 21 rebounds, 15 points and three blocks. Jared McCann led the bench with 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting, including a pair of threes.

Lu Dort’s flagrant -2 leads to scuffle between Nikola Jokic vs. Thunder

Thunder veteran Lou Dort earned a crucial 2-0 with 8:03 remaining in the fourth quarter by outplaying Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic, which led to a physical altercation between the MVP candidate and Thunder center Jaylin Williams.

After review, officials deemed Lu Dort’s foul against Nikola Jokic “unnecessary and excessive”, upgrading his simple foul to a serious foul penalty two and ejecting him from the game. Williams and Jokic received double technical fouls, ending Dort’s night.

Jokic finished with an impressive triple-double (23 points, 17 rebounds, 14 assists) as the Nuggets lost to the Thunder by six points in overtime.

There is no way around it. This is the worst possible time for the Chicago Bulls. On Thursday, they finished February without a win, losing to the Portland Trail Blazers 121–112.

The Bulls’ losing streak stands at 11, and they are five games shy of the franchise record of 16 set in 2001.

On Friday, former Bulls player turned analyst Stacey King made a bold request to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on his Gimme the Hot Sauce podcast. He is asking the Bulls to acquire the No. 1 draft pick before the lottery.

“It’s time to make Chicago basketball relevant again,” he said.

Stacey urges Adam Silver to bless the Chicago Bulls with the #1 pick in the draft😉⬆️

“It’s time to make Chicago basketball relevant again”

🎙️:https://t.co/LPxfvRzPIG pic.twitter.com/0Oxik6VAi6

– Gimme the Hot Sauce Podcast (@gimmehotsauce21) 27 February 2026

Chicago is now 24-36 after the loss to the Trail Blazers. On Sunday, they’ll kick off March by taking on the Milwaukee Bucks at home. Then, next Tuesday they will play at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Recently, there has been speculation that Chicago is focusing on sports in order to be in a position to secure higher draft picks. However, Matas Buzelis completely rejected those claims and said that the Bulls are playing to win.

Recently, the NBA has been taking steps to combat tanking. Chicago is adjusting to a new roster dynamic after making seven trades that sent out Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Nikola Vucevic and Kevin Huerter.

King is best known for playing for Chicago during the teams first three-peat from 1991 to 1993. Overall, he played in Chicago from 1989 to 1994.

Since 2007, he has become a popular analyst for the franchise. He is currently working for Chicago Sports Network. Additionally, King is the co-host of the popular Gimme the Hot Sauce podcast.

Detroit Pistons fans are excited about their team’s potential playoff success after Friday night’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Detroit is enjoying a strong campaign as one of the best teams in the entire league. They picked up an overtime win over Cleveland, which continues to hold its place in the East standings with back-to-back games.

Fans came in large numbers to react to the game and were positive towards a win, expecting a better performance. Here are some of their reactions.

One fan said, “Great win! Both teams advanced. The Cavs were missing Donovan Mitchell and a few others while our Pistons are still missing Isaiah Stewart.”

“I didn’t enjoy going to OT against a shorthanded Cavs team. But… at the same time we enjoyed the win even though we were shorthanded. Boys fight when it counts. And those who play hard get the wins. #DetroitBasketball,” another commented.

One commented, “Celebrate the wins, but hang on. Every dub is proof that opportunity came with preparation. Stack ’em up, stay humble and keep building the scoreboard, it only tells part of the story. The work continues.”

“What a comeback victory,” one replied.

One fan said, “The win came and JB benched LeVert for Sasser, I prayed for times like this.”

How did the Pistons play against the Cavaliers?

Pistons fans can expect more from their team after defeating the Cavaliers. Nonetheless, the playoff bar remains high for them.

Five players scored in double figures for Detroit in the win. Jalen Duren dominated with a performance of 33 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. He shot 11 of 19 from the field and 11 of 15 from the free-throw line. Cade Cunningham finished second with 25 points and 10 rebounds, Ausner Thompson had 18 points and eight rebounds, Ronald Holland II put up 12 points and three rebounds, while Tobias Harris provided 11 points and six steals.

Detroit improved to a 44–14 record on the season and topped the Eastern Conference standings. They are 5.5 games up on the Boston Celtics and seven games up on the New York Knicks.

The Pistons look forward to their next matchup while on the road. They will face the Orlando Magic as tip-off takes place on March 1 at 6 PM ET.

The NBA world saw one of the greatest players in history hang up his sneakers last weekend when Chris Paul officially announced his retirement from professional basketball. From his stellar debut with the New Orleans Hornets to his final full season with the San Antonio Spurs, the guard who quickly became known as “CP3” finished his NBA career as arguably the greatest point guard of all time.

Chris Paul spent six full seasons with the LA Clippers franchise, from when he was traded to Los Angeles in 2011 until he was traded to the Houston Rockets in the 2017 offseason.

Of the 249 teammates Chris Paul shared the floor with during his 20-year NBA career, no one played more games with Paul than former Clippers All-Star center DeAndre Jordan. The two played 406 regular season games together in addition to 53 playoff games. The two had a .658 winning percentage, going 302–157 together in those 459 games.

Paul announcing his retirement in the middle of All-Star weekend was somewhat of a surprise, given that the guard was looking for a team to play for and was ending his NBA career. But no team formed and Paul decided to call it quits.

Just weeks after his former teammate announced his official retirement, DeAndre Jordan shared a touching message on Instagram on Friday.

“Can’t believe I’m making a retirement post for your old man! I still remember when we found out we were getting CP3 and the “Lob City” run was born. It still feels like yesterday. Some of the greatest years of my life.

Let me be the first to congratulate you on your amazing basketball career! You have won countless accolades and done a lot for the game. However, the greatest achievement that I have seen in you is your love and dedication towards your family.

Thank you for always encouraging me, even when I wasn’t trying to hear it. ??? You were teammates then and have become brothers forever and I’m grateful.

Enjoy this next chapter of life and the journey. Here’s to more pars and birdies! to encourage

– 6″

DeAndre Jordan was the full-time starter for the Clippers when Chris Paul arrived, but under head coach Doc Rivers, became a 34-minute-per-night player for the Clippers starting in the 2013–14 season. From the 2023–14 season where he played with CP3, Jordan averaged 11.8 points, 14 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game while being named to his first NBA All-Star team in the 2016–17 season. Jordan was also a two-time rebounding champion, a three-time All-NBA selection and a two-time All-Defensive Team selection.

Chris Paul finished his NBA career playing 1,370 career games in the regular season, averaging 16.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 2.0 steals per game, while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 37 percent from three. Paul finished his illustrious, 20-year NBA career as a 12-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA member, nine-time All-Defensive Team member, six-time steals champion, and five-time assists champion.

The Dallas Mavericks and veteran point guard Tyus Jones have decided to part ways by mutual consent and will be waived, league sources tell ClutchPoints.

Jones, 29, was acquired by the Mavericks at the trade deadline in a short deal with the Charlotte Hornets, who were looking to trade the 11-year-old guard for cap reasons. Last offseason, the Mavs showed strong interest in acquiring Jones via free agency, but other teams such as the Orlando Magic, with whom Jones began this season, could offer him more than Dallas.

Although it seemed likely he would finish the 2025–26 season with the Mavericks before entering unrestricted free agency in the summer, sources said Jones first contacted the Mavs to express his interest in a potential buyout to join the playoff-contending organization.

The Mavericks, who are looking for a way to replace two-way guard Ryan Nembhard, now have an obvious reason to do so.

Jones’ decision to enter the NBA buyout market was first reported by Marc Stein.

After waiving Jones and potentially trading Nembhard to a two-way contract in a matter of days, the Mavericks are also awaiting a concrete answer from veteran wing Khris Middleton on what he wants to do regarding a potential buyout.

Middleton was traded to the Mavs in a nine-player deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards. Initially, Middleton was viewed by many around the league as a potential buyout candidate, but he reported to the team and Dallas showed no interest in immediately waiving him.

Over the past week, Middleton has been wondering about his future, and the possibility of leaving the Mavericks to join the playoff threat remains. He has until Sunday to decide whether he will approach the team for a buyout or not, as they will not forgive him unless he wants a change of scenario.

The Mavericks are 21-38 this season, the seventh-worst record in the NBA.

A lot of things didn’t go right for the Milwaukee Bucks when they welcomed the New York Knicks to town for an Eastern Conference showdown on Friday night.

Entering the half with a 20-point deficit, the Bucks were able to play the Knicks even in the third quarter, but ultimately lost without much of a fight in the final frame of the game, scoring only 15 points in a 127–98 loss.

Discussing how the game got away from their Bucks on their home court, Doc Rivers laid it out clearly for those in attendance and beyond: Milwaukee just got beat By New York.

“Yeah, yeah, I mean some guys on their team gave us shots, and we’re OK with that,” Rivers said. “You know, and we should have still gone out and defended it, but I thought they got everything they wanted and forgot the 3s. Like when they wanted to drive, they drove the ball, when they wanted to shoot, they shot the ball. And I didn’t think we met their physicality and their intensity. And you know, that’s a good lesson for them. He knew he knew how the game was going to be played, And we couldn’t capitalize on that moment.”

Now, heading into the game, few expected the Bucks to pull out a win, as they still don’t have Giannis Antetokounmpo and have a 26-32 record with a few more weeks left in the season. Still, after some strong performances following the arrivals of Cam Thomas and Ousmane Dieng, it’s clear that Rivers is ready to break down game film and move on.

“I don’t think we could meet their physicality and intensity…we couldn’t meet that moment,” Doc Rivers says after tough loss at home to the Knicks #nba #after the game #be afraid of dear pic.twitter.com/bDf3gS4EPK

– ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) 28 February 2026

Few buildings in the world have become as iconic as the original Fabulous Forum, now known as the Kia Forum or simply “The Forum”, playing host to countless legends during its years of operation. Attracting stars from all over Los Angeles and hosting the Los Angeles Lakers, fans were always looking forward to a show whenever they attended the Forum. Nike will release a new Kobe 3 sneaker paying homage to the magical moments and unmistakable atmosphere of the venue.

Check out our sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

The Forum opened in 1967 in Inglewood, California as an architectural marvel of its time and immediately became one of the most recognized indoor venues in the world. The arena featured the Los Angeles Lakers throughout the “Showtime Lakers” era, with the Los Angeles Kings and Wayne Gretzky also gracing the ice.

The Lakers notably moved to Staples Center in 1999, but not before Kobe Bryant was able to play his first three seasons (1996, 1997, 1998) on the same floor as legends like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during their iconic careers. Paying homage to that early “Mamba magic,” the pair are inspired by the lights that illuminated the Forum during its heyday.

Nike Kobe 3 Low “Mamba Magic”

Early Look: The Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro “Forum” is inspired by the pink lights that surround the field 🐍

📸: @dchatlani pic.twitter.com/kMfEp9w5oM

– Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) 25 February 2026

Detailed Look: Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro “Forum” 🐍🏀

📸: (IG) sam_tabak pic.twitter.com/faRvle4jvH

– Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) 25 February 2026

First Look: Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro “Mamba Magic” 🪄🐍

Release details: https://t.co/RNLVWJZscw pic.twitter.com/97DeR9nmJ6

– Sneaker Bar Detroit (@SBDetroit) 25 February 2026

Based on an updated Nike Kobe 3 Low silhouette, the colorway has been identified as Doll/Pink Foam/White To simulate light pink lighting around the forum. We see a lavender purple hue on the rubber webbed upper, which appears slightly translucent to match the lighter shade of the outsole. A black line along the midsole leads into the rear heel plate, matching the black sockliner.

While the look is still limited, we see chrome Nike branding throughout and the Mamba tongue logo. The laces and tongue are dressed in White mesh to provide further contrast, completing the overall palette for this interesting colorway.

We’re still awaiting an official release date, but the Nike Kobe 3 Low “Mamba Magic” is expected to drop sometime during the Spring of 2026. Expect an online release via Nike SNKRS as well as more stock at select Nike locations.

Charles Barkley has never been one to bite his tongue, and he’s not about to start now, especially when it comes to the NBA’s new $76 billion media rights deal. During a recent appearance on ESPN sorry for the interruptionThe Hall of Famer criticized it and called out the league for creating a fragmented viewing experience that left fans scratching their heads.

Barkley, who recently joined the ESPN team along with the rest of the inside the nba Crews echoed the sentiment that has been emerging on social media throughout the season.

“It’s very difficult for fans to find games now,” Barkley told Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser. “I think we’ve done a disservice to the fans and to the game. We have to find a way to tell fans that… but people also don’t know when the games are on NBC, when they’re on Peacock, they don’t know when the games are on Amazon.”

“I think we’ve disrespected the fans and the game.”

Charles Barkley says the NBA’s new media deal makes it harder for fans to watch pic.twitter.com/xMy95U941j

– Awful Announcement (@awfulaannouncement) 27 February 2026

The 2025–26 season introduced a rotating schedule that split national broadcasts between The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, and Amazon Prime Video. While the league received massive payouts, the question “Where do I see it?” The question has become a nightly ritual for frustrated fans.

Take, for example, the clash at the Intuit Dome Thursday night. The Minnesota Timberwolves handled the shorthanded Los Angeles Clippers in a 94-88 defensive grind. Anthony Edwards, who is averaging 29.6 points per game this season, led the way and the Timberwolves improved to 36–23. Meanwhile, the Clippers, playing without Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland, slipped to 27-30.

For fans trying to watch that famous Western Conference matchup, finding the right app or channel often takes longer than the first quarter. Barkley’s point is simple: If the league makes it harder to tune in, they risk losing the casual viewer entirely.

As the NBA moves into this digital-first era, the league must find a better way to guide its viewers.