分類: 综合

When the Oklahoma City Thunder got off to a hot start and won 24 of their first 25 games, it seemed like it was a foregone conclusion that they would return to the NBA Finals.

But while the Thunder still have the best record in the league at 45-15, they have looked strong over the past few weeks, especially with injuries to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

Oklahoma City is eager to defend its championship, but that won’t be the case for NBA legend Dwyane Wade, as he predicted on “The Zach Lowe Show” that the San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons will face off in this year’s NBA Finals.

“I’ve watched the Spurs, I’ve watched some of their games. Even though I don’t think they should be ready, they should be a team over the next three years, but they do things sometimes. You look at their roster, you look at their players, with the right matchups, they’ll be tough to beat,” Wade said.

The Thunder have lost three times in four meetings with the Spurs this season, including the NBA Cup semifinals, in which San Antonio ended OKC’s 16-game winning streak.

As for the Pistons, Wade, who works as an analyst for NBC and Prime, said their depth will carry them to the final round.

“I watched Detroit the other night in New York without (Jalen) Duren and without (Isaiah) Stewart, and I didn’t see them lose once. I said, ‘This team is too deep.’ They know their style, they know their game, they know how to win. It’s hard when a team doesn’t have to figure it out,” the three-time champion explained.

The Thunder lost to the Pistons on Wednesday, although they were significantly weaker without Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Ajay Mitchell.

Oklahoma City will have another tough test on Friday against the Denver Nuggets.

The Miami Heat put forth a great effort in the second half, but ultimately failed to get the job done and lost 124-117 to the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Thursday.

The Heat came back from a 16-point deficit at halftime to take an 81–80 lead midway through the third quarter. The 76ers took control of the game before the Heat once again took the driver’s seat 117–116 with only 2:44 left in the final frame.

But that was the last time he scored, as Philadelphia escaped with a hard-fought victory.

As for Bam Adebayo, it was clear that he doomed himself with his poor performance in the first half.

“We didn’t play hard enough,” Adebayo said, as quoted by Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.

“We didn’t work hard enough, brother. I mean, I don’t know how to explain effort.”

It was not clear whether Adebayo, 28, was upset or frustrated, but it seemed as if he wanted to sound the alarm. He has always been vocal and accountable after a loss, knowing that he is the leader of the team.

The Heat, who lost 31–29, lost Norman Powell in the first half with a groin injury.

They allowed the 76ers to score 73 points in the first half, as Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Kelly Oubre Jr. were on the offensive end.

Overall, Philadelphia shot 48% from the field and scored 50 points in the paint.

Adebayo had 29 points on 10 of 20 shooting, 14 rebounds and three assists. Tyler Herro added 25 points, four rebounds and seven assists off the bench.

There is little debate that Victor Wembanyama has become one of the NBA’s top players in his third season. The 23-year-old’s stellar performances have earned the San Antonio Spurs the status of legitimate contenders. Is that enough to make him the league’s youngest-ever MVP?

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson thinks so.

“He is a great facilitator to help his team win [as anybody]” Johnson said before Thursday’s matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. “The individual stuff that is recognized as the best or most valuable is offense, defense, boards and everything that comes in between. He is at the forefront for [each of] They. And there are other guys in the league who do that, too. I haven’t delved into it, but I definitely think it’s in the conversation. It would be difficult for anyone to make a logical argument as to why he is not in that conversation.”

Wembanyama’s two-way contributions have led the Spurs to the NBA’s third-best record (42–16).

Victor Wembanyama enters MVP conversation as he leads Spurs ascension

The French phenom is averaging 24.0 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists on .503/.353/.812 shooting splits. Offensively, he is one of six players averaging more than 24 points on 50 percent or better shooting, along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant and Austin Reaves.

Meanwhile, Vembanyama continues to wield historic influence defensively. He leads the NBA with 3.9 steals (steals + blocks) per game, and 0.8 ahead of the next highest player (Scotty Barnes: 3.0). According to CleaningTheGlass, the Spurs allow 10.6 fewer points per 100 possessions on the court versus off, which is the NBA’s second-largest defensive rating swing, behind only Rudy Gobert (-12.7).

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Wembanyama currently has the fifth-best MVP odds at +3300, behind Gilgeous-Alexander (-190), Jokic (+300), Cade Cunningham (+1400) and Luka Doncic (+2000). The Spurs star can only miss three more games to maintain his eligibility.

The best clichés are sports-based for a reason, especially about defense. Strange comparisons and similes go on and on. With the NFL Combine coming up soon, James Borrego referenced some Hall of Fame greats when he talked about how Herb Jones and Draymond Green control a game. Zion Williamson received a mention for how the New Orleans Pelicans hope to reach the frontline game moving forward before defeating the Golden State Warriors.

Breaking down what makes elite defensive players so rare and difficult to replicate. Finding a match for the Rooster is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“In my 23 years in the NBA there have been very few guys who have impacted the defensive end in general like Draymond Green. His ability to communicate and light a fire is second to none. (Green) quarterbacks the entire defense. He’s as close to Lawrence Taylor as we’ve seen in the NBA,” Borrego began. “I mean, that guy from that outside linebacker position, Mike Singletary, I think I’d put those two guys, that’s what Drummond has done for his defense.”

Green’s value extends far beyond the stat sheet, which the Warriors routinely acknowledge when times get tough.

Word has spread around, even without Drummond shouting about it.

“Steve Kerr has said this many times. Without (Green), there’s no championship,” Borrego said. “He brings a different edge with his ability to communicate and talk, his physical ability and the way he covers his teammates.”

Borrego sees a similar football spirit in his locker room. Jones, the 2022-23 All-Defensive first-team selection, known around the NBA as the Not-On-Herb Nightmare, has a similar innate mastery.

Borrego admitted, “(The Pelicans) have a guy like that. I think Herb Jones has this ability, this innate ability.” “I don’t even know if you can teach it. I don’t know where Draymond got it, and I don’t know where Herb got it. It’s probably a combination of growing up and how they grew up playing different sports.”

It helps to have a Monsters of the Midway attitude on the field or court. Most are born with it. Any coach who claims to have a competitive recipe that ends up like Draymond or Herb is either already rich and protecting a nearly priceless secret or is defrauding AAU parents.

“Maybe he had a coach along the way. Maybe it’s a little bit of a cerebral thing, where he can see a fire before it starts and go put it out. (Green’s) ability to cover for Steph and Klay, everything that happens in the works, it’s hard to find guys like that.”

When it comes to being above class, Drummond has truly earned the one-name star status reserved for the elite.

Borrego knows from being around NBA Hall of Famers for a while.

Borrego confessed, “I’ve been around some great guards like Bruce Bowen and Kawhi Leonard. Individually, one-on-one, they’re amazing. Drummond is different for me in the sense that he’s more ball-minded.” “He’s quarterbacking the ball and changing stuff on the fly. He’s listening like in football, you’re making audibles on the fly in the heat of battle. Most guys can’t do that. Herb Jones is probably the closest thing I’ve seen where he can go up to a defense and make it his own.”

For Jones, Football Comp changes him from a disruptive outside linebacker to a classic middle linebacker. Any coach with an eye knows what to do with the type who chases by anticipating everything.

“Turn him loose. (Jones) is a really special, really special player. From a defensive standpoint I would say Herb is a type of cerebral defender, middle linebacker, Brian Urlacher, those type of guys who can make plays intuitively. They have a sense of what’s going to happen, and they handle it.”

The analogies weren’t limited to second lines, though, which is why New Orleans is famous. Dancing in front of the Dome Patrol or a parade, doesn’t matter. When discussing rim protection, Borrego turned to the trenches, and used DeAndre Jordan as a prime example of a nose tackle controlling the line of scrimmage.

“I think DeAndre Jordan has been interesting,” Borrego continued. “I’m not sure where you’d put him there, but his ability to protect the rim, be he a nose tackle or be the guy right in the middle of the floor, like the line of scrimmage. (Jordan) is going to own the line of scrimmage. To me, that’s how guarding the paint is done in a football context. Really owning the line of scrimmage. You’re going to win the running game. Those small margins, like the running game, are really important there. Are.

As for Zion Williamson, like everyone else, Borrego believes the forward’s rare blend of strength and athleticism will easily translate to the football field.

“And then (Williamson). I would probably find (a football comp) for Zion as well. That’s not what I have in mind, but his ability to make instinctive, athletic, power plays at any given time. Zion is on the football field, too. I mean, he can do that, you know, really as a defensive end.”

The Pelicans don’t need any more injuries, so don’t expect Zion to compete with the Saints this summer. Soccer is all fun and games during free time until someone gets hurt.

The Houston Rockets defeated the Orlando Magic in a hard-fought game, 113-108, at the Kia Center on Thursday. However, the victory may have been costly, as Jabari Smith Jr. left the game in the final minutes with an ankle injury.

Smith finished with 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 29 minutes.

In a video posted on X, the 22-year-old forward remained on the floor for a few seconds before getting up and limping on the bench.

It didn’t look good as Jabari Smith Jr. fell to the ground and they immediately grabbed his right ankle. #rockets #sarge @TheRocketsWire pic.twitter.com/lc5oOCtLRO

– Big Sarge Media LLC (@BigSargeSportz) 27 February 2026

Although it was a good sign that Smith was able to walk on his own, it was still likely that he suffered a serious injury.

The Rockets cannot afford to lose him long-term, as he has been a vital part of the machine. Smith, who is on a contract year, has proven to be a reliable two-way player with his length, agility and athleticism. Despite his flexible physique, Smith is not afraid to get physical. He has also improved his outside shooting.

His frontcourt trio with Kevin Durant and Alpern Sengun is one of the most lethal in the NBA, with Smith serving as the ideal complement to his All-Star teammates.

With the win, the Rockets improved to 37–21. Durant led the way with 40 points and eight rebounds in the game. Sengun added 16 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Reed Shepard also performed with 20 points, including five three-pointers, three rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks off the bench.

The Rockets won their third consecutive game and will look to follow it up on Saturday against the Miami Heat.

With the Utah Jazz already on the NBA radar, fans are eagerly awaiting the latest injury update from star forward Lauri Markkanen. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, an MRI revealed that the 2023 All-Star and Most Improved Player of the Year has a “symptomatic hip injury with associated swelling and bone bruises.” He also twisted his ankle during practice, but results showed there was no damage on that front. He will be reevaluated in two weeks.

The NBA fined the Jazz in early February for “conduct detrimental to the league” after the team benched both Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. for the entire fourth quarter in a 115–111 win against the Miami Heat. Many believe that Utah will essentially trade off its top player, and the league is also unaware of the franchise’s intentions. However, it’s highly unlikely that Commissioner Adam Silver will do anything following the MRI results.

The NBA chose not to send an independent doctor to examine Markkanen, but is keeping a close eye on the situation. It will be interesting to see how Silver and company react to Thursday’s news. The Jazz are 18-40 and currently hold the sixth-worst record in the league. If they fall out of the top-eight in the lottery, their 2026 first-round draft pick will go to the Oklahoma City Thunder, so the team has all the incentive in the world to keep losing.

However, the NBA is taking a tough stance against tanking and it may not be easy for Utah to solidify its draft position. The Jazz are hardly the only team to engage in such practices this season, but they have drawn unwanted attention from league offices.

At the moment, there does not appear to be any uncertainty regarding Lauri Markkanen’s status. He will miss the next several games and then the management will examine his situation.

With Cooper Flagg making rapid progress, it wasn’t too surprising that the Dallas Mavericks decided to part ways with Anthony Davis, as the team felt it could build around the rookie forward instead.

Davis played only 29 games in his brief and injury-filled tenure with the Mavericks. He was traded to the Washington Wizards in a three-team deal that also included the Charlotte Hornets. In return, Dallas received Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, AJ Johnson and several draft picks.

Upon joining the Mavericks, Middleton was reunited with coach Jason Kidd. Kidd managed Middleton when he called the shots for the Milwaukee Bucks from 2014 to 2018, developing a strong bond.

When Kidd was asked about coaching Middleton again, he had a very funny answer, as shown in a video posted by Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban.

“Awesome,” Kidd joked.

However, he turned serious and discussed the importance of 34-year-old Middleton to the team.

“Playing through him, he’s a vet. I’ve been with him at the beginning of his journey. He’s a champion, he’s professional, comes to work, does his job and understands that he can help us not just with his play, but with his voice,” said Kidd, who went 139-152 with the Bucks.

“I’ve been talking to him a lot about how he can help Coop. He feels like he can’t help Coop. Coop has already passed him. He has a good sense of humor (about it). But given his knowledge and understanding of the game, it’s been great to work with Khris.”

Jason Kidd on working with Khris Middleton again:

“Awful. Playing through him, he’s a vet. I’ve been with him at the beginning of his journey… He’s a champion, he’s a professional… I’ve been talking to him a lot about how he can help Coop. He feels like he can’t help Coop, Coop has already passed… pic.twitter.com/iizozXoYmj

– Noah Weber (@noahweber00) 27 February 2026

Middleton is still adjusting to his role, though, as he poured in 25 points in their win over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, helping the Mavericks end a 10-game losing streak.

His familiarity with Kidd should serve him well throughout the season.

The Milwaukee Bucks (26-31) are counting on Bobby Portis Jr. to bring energy every night, especially while the franchise’s key player Giannis Antetokounmpo is recovering from a calf injury. However, sometimes it is hard to turn off such intensity. The veteran forward remained locked-in during a historic and mysterious game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Earlier he was surprised with a young fan for 14 rounds finally won the battle With a rock, via MisterBabbleX account.

Luckily, the Bucks didn’t leave without Portis amid their endless head-to-head showdowns at Fiserv Forum. They gave a young girl a story to share with all of her friends and classmates, and they even took out the W. Additionally, the 2021 NBA champion helped his team earn a 118-116 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, continuing Milwaukee’s impressive February (8-3 this month). Overall, Portis had an incredible night.

Bobby Portis plays a young fan in the longest game of Rock Paper Scissors ever seen

Video via: https://t.co/g2brwaAZmL pic.twitter.com/srXzVwOGZr

– MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) 26 February 2026

When the 31-year-old breaks out the “crazy eyes” and takes the court, some might label him uneducated. Punching then-Chicago Bulls teammate Nikola Mirotic in the face in 2017 probably won’t help. However, the man clearly has a softer side. He was already a fan favorite, but after his hard-earned Rock, Paper, Scissors victory, Portis may have achieved legendary status in Cream City.

He aims to bring that same tenacity to Friday night’s contest against the inconsistent New York Knicks (37-22). Bobby Portis Jr. has been a key offensive spark plug for the team this season, averaging 13.2 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting an impressive 45.1 percent from 3-point range. He’ll try to keep his hot streak going in Milwaukee. Perhaps another fan will challenge him before the game.

The Charlotte Hornets have made great strides towards becoming a playoff team, and a big reason for that is Hornets rookie Kon Nueppel. Under the leadership of their Rookie of the Year candidate, the Hornets have climbed up the Eastern Conference standings.

Knuppel was one of the league’s best rookies this season, and came into Thursday night’s game with a chance to make NBA history. Knueppel entered the game against the Indiana Pacers with 201 three-pointers in his rookie season, just five three-pointers away from tying Sacramento Kings rookie Keegan Murray for most three-pointers in a rookie season.

In the 2022–23 regular season, Murray recorded 206 three-pointers in 80 games as a rookie for the Kings. This season, Kon Knueppel made a total of 201 three-pointers in only 58 regular season games with the Hornets.

With his fifth three-pointer of the game, all of which came in the first half, Knueppel tied Keegan Murray’s rookie record for three-pointers in a season.

Con Knueppel made his sixth three-pointer of the night with 1:05 remaining in the third quarter, giving him 207 three-pointers on the season.

Charlotte led Indiana 107–82 after three quarters of play. Knuppel had 20 points and three rebounds in three quarters of play. Brandon Miller led all scorers with 33 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Most 3-pointers made by a rookie in a single season in NBA history:

🔹207 — Kon Knueppel (59 GP)
🔸206 – Keegan Murray (80 GP)

Congratulations to the Hornets newbie 👏pic.twitter.com/7DaOXTapaP

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 27 February 2026

Hornets guard Kon Knueppel has passed Keegan Murray for most 3-pointers in a rookie season.

1. Kon Knuppel – 207 (59 games)
2. Keegan Murray – 206 (80 games)
3. Donovan Mitchell 187 (79 games) pic.twitter.com/lg7AeKs66A

-Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) 27 February 2026

In his first season in the NBA, Kon Knueppel is averaging 19.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, while shooting 48.9 percent from the field, 43.6 percent from three and 89.3 percent from the free throw line. This is the most efficient season by any player scoring more than 15 points per night in NBA history.

The Hornets were 12 games under .500 at 11–23 on January 2, 2026. Since that loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte has gone 17-8, one of the better records in the league. Now sitting at 28-31 after winning seven of their last 10 games, the Hornets have a very good chance to be one of the four play-in teams and an outside chance to climb into the top six in the Eastern Conference.

The Hornets are currently just one game ahead of the 10th-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the West and just 4.5 games behind the sixth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers.

The math says Zion Williamson’s injured New Orleans Pelicans have almost no chance of reaching the NBA Play-In Tournament. Dejounte Murray says otherwise. After spending 13 months recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, Murray made his season debut on Tuesday and immediately took to social media with some bold announcements.

There will be no holidays in New Orleans. A handful of people in the organization, including Murray and broadcaster Antonio Daniels, suggest the Pelicans will make a push for the final NBA Play-in Tournament spot.

Murray posted on “Can we treat every game like a championship game and win, win, win? Yes. Can we get the last spot in them in the play-ins??? Duhhhh.”

The All-Star point guard’s postseason aspirations are, generously speaking, optimistic. The excitement after the start of the season is understandable; The reality is serious. New Orleans won two of their first three games after the NBA All-Star break and will soon have a fully healthy roster. According to Borrego, Murray’s return actually added some ‘balance’ to the process.

However, the basement-dwelling Pelicans have less than two dozen games left to overcome their 11-game deficit. The schedule is manageable, but the bigger picture of what the LA Clippers are trying to pursue is undeniable.

Murray’s henchmen are about to embark on a six-game road trip, although five of the next seven games are against lottery-bound squads looking to lose to improve their odds. Unfortunately, the Clippers have the third-easiest schedule to end the regular season. Still, the core of this team could build some momentum and chemistry that should be valuable next season, when the team hopes to compete for a top-six seed.

Pelicans moving towards stability

James Borrego’s improved starting five features two All-Star-caliber veterans instead of two rookies. At least one current starter will be replaced when Trey Murphy III and Yves Missy become available, which should be soon.

“It’s very complicated right now,” Borrego confessed. “It’s going to be more complicated over the next game or two. It’s a good problem; we’ve been waiting for it. We’ve got healthy bodies back, we’re playing good basketball, and guys are confident right now. It’s complicated, a puzzle I have to figure out night after night. I can’t make 15 guys happy, but I know 15 guys are ready to go. And I have confidence in all 15. At any given moment, it’s their night, your moment, “Maybe your quarter.”

The main points are becoming clear. Murray will run point for the next six weeks. Given the continued communication with Joe Dumars and the urgency to return to action, fans can expect the former All-Star to be in Metairie for training camp next September. Zion Williamson’s value ahead of the NBA trade deadline was a wake-up call to the sagging face of the franchise. However, the front office has found a way to get Williamson on the court and smiling, so hopefully the experiment will be extended.

Fans can expect Williamson and Murray to take turns handling the ball and setting the table to create chances for everyone else. Herb Jones is beloved by fans, admired by teammates and feared by enemies around the world. Not on Herb for not starting the game on the bench. Trey Murphy III is arguably the best player in the Big Easy, and possibly the best shooter on the planet. His length and versatility fit him well on the wing opposite Jones.

Depending on the matchup, Yves Missy, Derrick Queen and Saddiq Bey will likely alternate as the fifth starter. Bey is a tactical play as a sixth man option to boost scoring off the bench. For example, it gives Jeremiah Fear a new outlet. However, the Pelicans have played from behind too often this season. Building momentum and allowing young players to thrive against other units is the only way to keep the play-in tournament dreams alive until March Madness begins.

The guard should be the first to keep fear off the bench. Murray is on a minutes restriction right now, and the recent first-round investment means the rookie will get significant development time on the court next season. Jordan Poole is clearly out of Borrego’s metaphorical doghouse, but his potential with the team this postseason is limited. Expect Poole to punch out an average of about 20 minutes per night, depending on whether his shot is falling and passing is on point.

The queen and bay together should log about 50 minutes per night. The potential of that pair should be given time to develop. If the pool is playing a lot, Micah Peavy and Bruce McGowens are ready for a bigger role in getting the data. The Pelicans are getting serious about setting a new standard in every way. When Missy and Queen get tired or face obstacles, Karlo Matkovic substitutes the pace front court. Matkovic is still earning Borrego’s trust in small increments.

It may not be enough to clinch the final NBA Play-in Tournament spot, but this gameplan gives the Pelicans a real chance to try for an NBA playoff spot next season. Joe Dumars has arguably walked away from some sensible offseason controversy if Poole and Jordan Hawkins are among those taking a pay cut.

Murray, Williamson, Murphy III and Queen have All-Star potential. Fear is a firecracker. Not on Herb could still win Defensive Player of the Year. Bey may have been the best buy-low deal bet of the last 12 months. The outline is there. He just needs one season without injuries to light the championship fire. The next six weeks are the lowest of low-pressure situations to show fans why they should still be excited about the viability of this foundation.

The Utah Jazz host the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night at the Delta Center. They come into this game off a three-game losing streak and are facing a team that has won their last two games against the Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors.

Utah once again has several injury concerns. Markkanen is dealing with a right ankle sprain and a right hip injury after suffering an injury during practice, joining Keyonte George as questionable on the official injury list.

Players like Walker Kessler, Jaren Jackson Jr., Vince Williams Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic are out. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are in better shape in terms of injuries. Trey Murphy III and Yves Missy join Hunter Dickinson and Trey Alexander, who are both out on G League assignment.

*Watch NBA Games Live with fuboTV (Free Trial)*

Lauri Markkanen remains a game-time decision despite playing with 29 points against the Rockets. The Jazz (18-40) are floundering and trying to snap a three-game losing streak, while the Pelicans (17-42) are starting to find their rhythm, having won two in a row and five of their last 10 games.

When healthy, Markkanen has been nothing short of spectacular. The Finnish star is averaging 26.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game on the season. The offensive burden has fallen on George in George’s absence as both players have struggled with injuries. He is averaging 23.8 points and 6.5 assists per night.

The Jazz lost all three meetings to New Orleans last season, and may need their best player to avoid a similar fate in this first matchup of the current campaign.

jazz injury report

Keyonte George: Questionable (right ankle; sprain)

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

Walker Kessler: Out (left shoulder; recovering from injury)

Lauri Markkanen: Questionable (right ankle; sprain/right hip injury)

Jusuf Nurkic: Out (nose; recovering from injury)

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

pelicans injury report

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

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

Yves Missy: out (left calf; strain)

Trey Murphy III: out (right shoulder; contusion)

The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Miami Heat on Thursday. During the contest, star guard Tyrese Maxey made franchise history by surpassing one of Allen Iverson’s team records.

After scoring a three-pointer at the end of the first quarter, Maxey surpassed Iverson’s three-pointer record for the 76ers. Iverson initially set the record with 885 three-pointers during his time in Philadelphia.

“Tyreese Maxey passes Allen Iverson for most 3-point field goals in 76ers history.”

Tyrese Maxey has passed Allen Iverson for most 3-point field goals in 76ers history.

🥇Maxi – 886 3-pointers made
🥈Iverson – 885 3-pointers madepic.twitter.com/9dYoH98Q74

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 27 February 2026

Maxi will have the opportunity to continue adding to his franchise record. Especially considering that the six-year veteran signed a five-year, $204 million contract through the summer of 2024. That deal locks him in Philadelphia through the 2028-29 campaign.

The 25-year-old guard has emerged as a superstar in Philadelphia since joining the club in 2020. He ultimately had a breakout year in the 2023–24 campaign, earning the Most Improved Player of the Year award for his efforts.

Tyrese Maxey continues to play at a high level, as he entered Thursday’s game averaging 29.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game, while shooting 46.7% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the three-point line. His performances this season earned him the second All-Star award of his career.

Maxi broke Iverson’s record which was set in the 2009–10 season. It took almost 16 years to break that franchise record. Tyrese Maxey was able to surpass Allen Iverson’s three-point record in just six seasons, while it took the 76ers legend just over 10 seasons to reach 885 three-pointers. However, the game has changed significantly since then, as players shoot more threes than ever before.

The Memphis Grizzlies agreed to a contract buyout of veteran wing Kyle Anderson, leaving them with an open roster spot after the transaction is completed. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, before clearing the buyout, the Grizzlies opted to bring in a veteran of their own by agreeing to the signing of Taj Gibson for their open roster spot.

Taj Gibson’s pending signing will leave the Grizzlies with 15 standard roster spots and three two-way contract spots. To reach the league-required 14 roster spots before adding Gibson, the Grizzlies signed former Portland Trail Blazers wing Ryan Rupert to a 10-day contract.

Gibson will debut for the Grizzlies as one of the oldest players in the NBA at the age of 40. This will be his 17th season in the league after spending last year with the Charlotte Hornets.

Drafted 26th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, Gibson appeared in 37 games for the Hornets last year, including 11 starts, playing a little over 11 minutes per game. He averaged 2.9 points and 3.2 rebounds with a split of 49.5 percent shooting from the field, 50 percent shooting from the 3-point line, and 60 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

Gibson began his career with the Chicago Bulls, where he played for seven and a half seasons before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the 2017 trade deadline. He has also played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, and Detroit Pistons.

Gibson will bring an experienced presence to a young Grizzlies team. At this stage of his career, his leadership and presence off the court is more valuable than what he brings on the court.

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is having a good year by his standards, but he would be the first to put his team’s success above individual accolades. As the Bucks hope to improve from their 11th-place finish in the Eastern standings, Antetokounmpo has been working hard in the gym to improve himself for the sake of the team. Recent photos from a training session also revealed his upcoming Nike Giannis Freak 8 sneakers.

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

First signing with Nike in 2017, two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has had a widely successful signature sneaker run. His Nike Freak line already consists of seven sneakers, as well as the subset Nike Giannis Immortality sneakers. After usually waiting until the offseason to debut their latest creation, fans got a glimpse of the silhouette ahead of their retail debut.

Nike Giannis Freak 8

Giannis Antetokounmpo Debuts the Upcoming Nike Freak 8 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/f6AnsiKMWe

– Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) 21 February 2026

Did Giannis Antetokounmpo Debut the Nike Giannis Freak 8s? 👀 @Giannis_An34 pic.twitter.com/izV1m35KkP

– Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) 21 February 2026

According to photos shared by Antetokounmpo on social media, the sneaker appears to be his latest signature Freak 8. Appearing in a Hyper Pink and Metallic Gold colorway, we see a completely updated silhouette from the previous Freak 7. While similarities can be seen in the wavy midsole and chunky support system, all Nike Giannis sneakers have their own unique aspects and designs.

Previously, the backwards Nike Swoosh served as a hallmark for Nike Giannis sneakers, so it’s interesting to see a clean, metallic gold Nike Swoosh with minimal branding and a center back. The shoes feature a contrasting tongue as we wait for further looks to see what is included in the design of the tongue and rear heel.

For now, we’ll patiently wait for official retailer images, but fans can rest easy knowing that the Nike Giannis Freak 8 is looking like an early hit. What are your thoughts on this new silhouette?

The Orlando Magic earned an amazing 110-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Almost immediately after the victory, Desmond Benn was seen throwing the game ball into the stands. As Orlando prepares for Thursday’s game against the Houston Rockets, the league announced it was fining Bane for his actions.

According to NBA Communications, reports indicate the NBA is fining the 27-year-old wing $25,000 for throwing the ball into the stands. This is the general amount that players are fined for that violation.

“Orlando Magic guard Desmond Benn has been fined $25,000 for forcefully throwing the game ball into the stands, it was announced today by Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations James Jones. The incident occurred at the conclusion of the Magic’s 110-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on February 24 at Crypto.com Arena.”

Bane will likely pay the fine and move on, this is usually how most fines work. The six-year veteran was one of the key contributors in Tuesday’s win over the Lakers, as he finished the game with 22 points, one rebound, six assists and one steal while shooting 47.3% from the field and 25.0% from beyond the three-point line.

Desmond Benn is only being fined and will be available for Thursday’s clash against the Rockets. He is expected to once again play a key role for the Magic as Orlando seeks its third consecutive win. The club is ranked seventh in the Eastern Conference, so continuing the winning streak would be huge. Especially if the Magic can somehow clinch the sixth seed and avoid the play-in tournament.

Participating in his first NBA All-Star Weekend, Jaylon Tyson was at the free-throw line during the Rising Stars game when his Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Donovan Mitchell literally announced his presence, and yelled at him as he walked to the front row of Crypto.com Arena. While trying to concentrate on making the shot, the 23-year-old lost focus after laughing and dropped it.

“I was trying to win MVP. I’m not going to lie. I was trying to get it,” Tyson recalled during practice last week. “And he’s yelling something in there. But I made it.”

Unfortunately, Tyson’s Tracy McGrady-led Team T-Mac did not have a chance to reach the title match; That doesn’t mean Tyson couldn’t bring out his true self. He led his team with 10 points and five rebounds in 11 minutes.

Tyson said, “The game, I wasn’t that happy because it was only five minutes, and then we had to go off the court.” “So I wanted to keep playing the whole game.”

Tyson dished out two assists, one of which was a highlight reel hook-up with Miami Heat big man Kel’El Ware on an alley-oop while turning the corner. Having missed the opportunity as a rookie, he took this as a chance to show what he was capable of with all eyes on the league’s biggest weekend.

“He plays hard,” Mitchell said. “He plays hard. He’s picking up the whole court. He’s doing all the things. I wish he’d get some help out there. He’s rebounding. He’s passing. He’s doing everything.”

“It’s been nice sharing the court with those guys. In my mind, I know I’m better than a lot, if not all, of those guys,” Tyson said. “I just want to go out there and prove it every day, and then, hopefully, be an All-Star one day.”

Unlike many talents who stay the weekend in Los Angeles, Tyson flew home after Friday to recuperate and prepare himself for the second half of the season. Mitchell was impressed with his professionalism in handling his first All-Star Weekend. He also made sure the talented young forward’s presence was felt when it came to 3-point contests.

Mitchell wore Tyson’s number 20 with his name on the back, as he had done with Sam Merrill’s uniform a few years earlier.

“It was great,” Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson said. “They have a great relationship. Donovan has embraced Jaylon from day one. The first thing he looked at him, he said, ‘This kid has this crazy work ethic.’ It reminds me a lot of Donovan. So I think he’s a big part of Jaylon’s development. It really helps when your best player contributes to the development of a young player. I thought it was a good move to do so.”

Although Tyson joked that his jersey was “a little big” for Mitchell, he felt his teammate’s love, and that’s nothing new.

Tyson said, “He’s one of those guys that I’ll have a relationship with throughout my career and beyond.” “I’m so grateful to have her. Honestly, I feel like I give her a lot of credit for that year. I go back to that text message; I don’t think people understand how much that text message meant to me and how much confidence it gave me. So I give her a lot of credit for all my success.”

Tyson is referring to when Mitchell approached him in the offseason about “his need” and his confidence in stepping into a bigger role. Mitchell admitted he hasn’t had the kind of year he’s had this year, with the second-year swingman averaging 13.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 27.4 minutes per game with the league’s third-best three-point shooting percentage (45.6%) and top-20 effective field goal percentage (60.0%).

It helps to have a shoulder to lean on when things go in different directions, and it was the subject of a heart-to-heart conversation as the two flew to LA together before the festivities began in mid-February.

“I was like, ‘Hey, this can’t be a 40-point night for you. This can’t be a 30-point night. This can’t be a start, this can’t be this,'” Mitchell said. “I told him, ‘Man, you’ve already shown that you’re capable.’ You’ve already shown a lot.” [than] More people have done this in their careers, and you have done it in a little more than half a year.

“So for him to adjust to his role and be OK with it is definitely impressive for a second-year guy. We’ll be on him, and he’s got to continue to earn everything he’s been doing. Nothing is a given, but he’s doing a good job. We’ve got to keep that going.”

Jaylon Tyson, the Cavs’ direction and the reality of the NBA

Since Cleveland shifted its roster with the acquisitions of James Harden, Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, the young players have seen a change in their responsibilities and a decrease in playing time. The veterans brought him in because of his experience and the need to adjust to a new group. As a result, players who were praised for their readiness throughout the season have been taken down a peg.

For example, Craig Porter Jr. and Naquan Tomlin have been left out of the current rotation. Tyson is still in the everyday lineup, but not in the same order.

“Defend, rebound, limit mistakes, make shots. That’s what it’s about,” Atkinson said. “In situations like this your package gets reduced, and he understands that, and he’s been great. I think he had a pretty good stretch; that’s how he got in the rotation, right? But now, living forward and looking at the playoffs, we’re seeing a similar role.”

“Once everyone comes back, once we’re fully healthy, it’s going to be a huge sacrifice,” Tyson said. “Whatever that looks like, obviously, the roles will change. But just buying into that role and doing something bigger than any one of us.”

Before Cleveland hosted the New York Knicks on Tuesday, Atkinson was surprisingly tough on Tyson, who played back-to-back games with less than 17 minutes left. This was his lowest total of playing time since late October.

When asked how he can get back to his normal amount of burn, Atkinson explained that Tyson and the guys playing the role have to earn it because of the short window for Cleveland to put the pieces in place before the postseason.

“It’ll come out on its own. It’s definitely a change for him,” Atkinson said. “I understand that, as a young player, it’s not easy. You go from scoring 39 points a couple weeks ago to, ‘My minutes are down a little bit.’ And I think he probably had some games where he wasn’t playing at that elite level. We’ve obviously added three new guys, three new rotation guys. So, it’s been cut a little differently.”

Tyson answers the call

Later that night, Atkinson praised Tyson for excelling in everything that was asked of him, especially guarding Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.

“That was kind of the blueprint right there,” Atkinson said. “Offensively, played in the short role, hit catch-and-shoot threes, limited his mistakes, and then played very good defense. We put him out there on the KAT, and he’s big and strong enough to defend him and put pressure on him and bother him.

“Behind Dean, can he be a perimeter stopper? He’s shown he can do that. He’s played really well all year. As young players, [they] Will probably make a few more mistakes than a vet like Dean, but if he wants big playoff minutes, this will have to be it. Can you become our job keeper? It’s a really positive trend: defensive numbers are good, size, obviously, a good rebounder. But there is development. It’s really, ‘Make fewer mistakes and be more solid.’ [with] Game plan stuff.”

Tyson finished with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists, recording one steal and one block each, turning it over only once. Mitchell was encouraged by Tyson’s performance during the game.

“You saw him tonight as a 5-man, his formation and playing the pick and roll,” Mitchell said. “Pass to him, he’s got a layup, he’s got a floater, he’s making decisions. That’s what we’re going to need from him. That’s his bread and butter.”

While empathizing with how he may be feeling, Atkinson believes Tyson is handling the transition well.

“I don’t think it’s easy for anyone, but he’s an extremely mature person,” Atkinson said. “He gets it. He’s got great veteran support, not just coaches, but vets who explain to him what it looks like, and we have these discussions as a team. And it’s not just Jaylon, right? It’s other role players. It’s Keon. It’s Dennis. It’s just part of the situation when you have a lot of good players on your roster.”

Who knows how Harden’s broken right thumb will affect his role? For example, he probably won’t suit up for 35 minutes per night as he did in Thursday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, as Mitchell and Evan Mobley also missed that game. It appears that Max Strus is on track to make a comeback at some point.

With Mitchell suffering a groin problem, Ellis suffering a fractured left index finger, Schroder suffering a sprained left ankle and Dean Wade suffering a right ankle injury, Tyson will need to return to his pre-trade duties. It’s a constant push and pull.

But whatever is required of him, Tyson will keep his head down and do whatever is asked of him to help the Cavs win.

“I feel like it’s just part of the NBA,” Tyson said. “Unless you’re a superstar, your role is going to change, and I think the best role players adapt to that. It’s something I’ve had to learn to do. I don’t mind that, OK, because obviously, I just want to win. James is here, he wants to win.

“I want to be a member to help him win and get that ring; the city of Cleveland, Donovan, everybody. I want to be a member to help them.”

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered their second consecutive loss on Tuesday with a home loss to the Orlando Magic. Luka Doncic had a chance to win it late, but he picked up his dribble and passed the ball to teammate LeBron James, who saw his desperation miss the rim.

Doncic later took responsibility for the mistake, which damaged his reputation as one of the NBA’s most lethal scorers. In fact, Doncic hasn’t appeared in the clutch with any consistency over the last two seasons, including during his time with the Dallas Mavericks.

“Over the past two seasons, 207 NBA players have made a shot to tie or take the lead in the final minute of a game,” according to the former stathead via Tom Haberstroh on Twitter. “Luka Doncic is not one of those 207 players. Tuesday night’s bizarre grenade on LeBron is no exception.”

Doncic has made a number of big plays at the buzzer throughout his career, including his shot to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the 2024 Western Conference Finals, but the trend has diminished significantly over the past two years, which is difficult to explain.

The Slovenian star can hit his shot against any defender in the league, and has a wide range of moves he can use to get to his position. For the most part the Lakers have specialized in close games this season, which largely helps explain their solid record despite a mediocre Nets rating, so Doncic’s clutch shortcomings aren’t affecting the team much, other than the loss against the Magic.

However, Los Angeles will definitely want to get Doncic a last-second shot once the playoffs begin.

The Lakers next play against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday evening.

The NBA All-Star Game will be hosted by the Phoenix Suns in 2027, and owner Matt Ishbia is working hard to get players more interested in the competition. He wants the stars to compete in the three-point and slam dunk contests like they used to. Therefore, he may promise additional prize money to the winners as a way to entice players to compete, but he may not be able to do so.

Ishbia was on the most recent episode of “The Pat McAfee Show” and committed to awarding a $1 million prize to the winners of the three-point and slam dunk contests. Then, an additional $1 million to donate to each event. While this sounds good in theory, there will be some hurdles to making it happen.

“Let’s get the best people in,” Ishbia said. “Let’s make it amazing.”

However, officials from the NBA league office and players union also told ESPN that such an award would not be in line with the existing bonus structure for players.

Sources said Ishbia did not consult the league office before making the offer. But he’s motivated to find a way to bring more stars to the events overall, and if he can get it approved, it might work.

The last time a current All-Star won the Dunk Contest was in 2011 when Blake Griffin set the basketball world on fire and jumped over a car to win the contest.

This year, the NBA All-Star Weekend event was viewed by many as a mixed bag. Miami Heat’s Keshad Johnson won the dunk contest in Los Angeles this year. Then, nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard won his third 3-point contest in the last four years despite missing a game this year due to an Achilles injury.

Jackson Hayes did a warm-up dunk in the actual contest, and it was widely condemned on social media and in the NBA world. Then, Jace Richardson almost got seriously injured while attempting a dunk. The actual competition between Keshad Johnson and Carter Bryant became interesting, but it was too late. If Ishbia can do that, it would be a huge win for the NBA and its viewers.

Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, Deandre Ayton was heard saying the team has put him in a Clint Capela-like role. Capela, who is currently playing for the Houston Rockets, has made his career as a big man who does the dirty work on the glass and on the defensive end.

Capela was never a major scoring threat in the NBA, and he was never one to take many shots during a game. His career average is 8.1 field goal attempts per game, and in his 12-year career so far, he has only had two seasons where he made double-digit shot attempts.

But then again, Capela was a late first-round draft pick. He was not expected to become any kind of star player. He always knew what his role was in the NBA and he played that role well. Ayton, on the other hand, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. There has only been one season in his eight-year career where he has attempted fewer than 10 shots per game, and that is this season with the Lakers.

When the Lakers initially signed Ayton as a free agent last offseason, it wasn’t without some doubts. His previous stints with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers were marred by alleged behavioral issues. But Ayton insisted he knew what was at stake in terms of his career when he joined the Lakers.

And now, more than halfway through the season, some of those issues are starting to resurface. But if DeAndre Ayton wants to continue to shape his image and the overall perception of him in a good way, he needs to embrace Clint Capela’s role for the Lakers.

Deandre Ayton becoming Clint Capela would help the Lakers

The way Ayton referred to his role in Capela’s transformation made it seem like he was a player of his caliber. But beyond all that, Capela actually played a major role as the starting center during a period when the Rockets were viewed as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.

His Rockets career averages are 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocked shots while shooting 61.4 percent from the field. During the playoffs, he averaged 8.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots making 60.2 percent of his shots from the field. Again, Capela knew his role and played it to perfection.

According to Daniel Starkund of Lakers Nation, coming into this season, Ayton himself knew he would have to sacrifice some of his offense while playing alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves. The same three players will have the ball in their hands most of the time and will take the lion’s share of shot attempts. This is not a bad thing and this is how the Lakers should operate.

Ayton has already shown that he can be a good defensive anchor for the Lakers team. He has shown he can be employed on both ends of the court and on the glass. Before the Lakers’ matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on January 13, head coach JJ Redick mentioned how Ayton couldn’t fool anyone by giving up effort on the defensive end on a consistent basis.

“When he’s been engaged, he’s been good. There are some technical things we’ve worked on with him throughout the season, both in his individual workouts and in our defensive circles,” Redick said. “It’s just more consistency. He’s shown he can do that… DeAndre has shown it himself. He can be a really good defender.”

For a Lakers team that has faced problems defensively, Ayton could be the one that can make a big difference. It’s just that he has become more active on the defensive end when he is getting more consistent shot attempts.

However, there is a trade-off to this. Ayton is attempting a career-low 9.0 shots, but he is shooting a career-high 66.7 percent from the field. Playing alongside creators like Doncic, James and Reeves, the quality of his looks is going to be better.

Capela’s embrace of a role of playing strong defense and driving hard on the glass is important not only to raising the team’s ceiling, but also to furthering his NBA career. Should Ayton exercise his team option, he potentially has one more year remaining on his signed contract with the Lakers.

Whether he stays with the Lakers or chooses to go elsewhere, if he can show that he is capable of playing a Capela-like role, he will find a place in the league. The NBA is often a rude awakening for those who are accustomed to having the ball in their hands and being the primary offensive option. That was Ayton’s role during his lone season in Arizona. That was his role in high school.

But in the NBA, players don’t become No. 1 options at the end of their careers. It’s either there or it’s not. And Ayton has the potential to be a good complimentary player on a winning team. He just needs to understand this before it’s too late.

Earlier Thursday, the NBA announced it was fining Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves $25,000 for thrusting the ball into the stands during halftime of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The incident occurred during Tuesday’s 124-121 road win over Portland, when the ANT scored a game-high 34 points.

Almost immediately after the fine was announced, Adidas posted a hilarious response on Twitter in the form of a video promoting the 24-year-old’s latest sneaker, the Anthony Edwards 2.

Good thing we saved it for times like these…believe it. https://t.co/d0kL7pPdg3 pic.twitter.com/M1KDW8J2Ie

– Adidas Basketball (@adidasHoops) 26 February 2026

The clip begins with ANT’s accountant handing the player a bag full of money.

“Okay ANT, I’m setting aside 430 grand just in case you have any accidents, disagreements or slips of the tongue this season. Let’s take it easy this year,” he said.

But Edwards had a completely different idea.

“Do you really think I’m going to slow down now that I’ve got to 2s? Man look at them. You see that? That’s the difference between a floater and a poster set. They have things that will keep me steady, and they’re stronger too,” ANT explains, before being told he was talking to his accountant.

“I don’t think I’m going to slow down any time soon, so you might as well double down,” Edwards said in response, according to a post by Adidas on

And well, the fine proves exactly that. The incident occurred at the end of the second quarter; After getting the rebound on a Portland miss, Edwards faked a full-court shot and then launched the ball well after the buzzer.

The ball hit a spectator standing near the basket and now a penalty has been awarded. ANT’s 34 points were the result of a 17-35 shooting split, including five three-pointers.

Despite this, there is no doubt that Edwards will be focused on preparing for the Los Angeles Clippers, who the Timberwolves will play next. The fine is undoubtedly unfortunate, but it gave them the ideal opportunity to promote their new sneakers.

The Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls will play on Thursday night. Deni Avdija is struggling with an injury, so will he play tonight?

Avdija, 25, made his first All-Star team this season. He has played well, but injuries have been a concern at times for the Blazers guard. Overall, Avdija appeared in 48 of the Blazers’ 59 contests prior to Thursday’s matchup.

Everything we know about Deni Avdija’s injury status for tonight’s game vs. the Bulls.

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Devi Avdija’s injury status vs. Bulls

According to the NBA injury report, Avdija has been ruled out of Thursday’s game due to management of a lower back injury.

Portland’s overall record is 28–31. The Blazers are competing for a play-in spot, as they are currently ninth in the Western Conference standings. As far as the Bulls are concerned, Chicago is 24-35 and 12th in the Eastern Conference.

As far as the question of whether Deni Avdija is playing against the Bulls tonight, the answer is no.

blazers injury report

The Trail Blazers have six players listed on Thursday’s injury report.

• Robert Williams III (right foot soreness): Questionable
• Hansen Yang (middle back pain): Questionable
• Deni Avdija (lower back injury management): Out
• Damian Lillard (left Achilles tendon injury management): Out
• Shaddon Sharp (left calf fibula stress reaction): out
• Caleb Love (G League Two-Way): Out

oxen injury report

The Bulls have six players listed on the injury report.

• Patrick Williams (right quadricep strain): Questionable
• Jalen Smith (right calf strain): Questionable
• Zach Collins (right toe surgery): out
• Noah Esengue (left shoulder surgery): out
• Jaden Ivey (left patellofemoral pain syndrome): out
• Effernie Simmons (left ulnar styloid fracture): out

The New York Knicks have been playing well for quite some time and Karl-Anthony Towns deserves some of the credit. Aside from the team’s recent loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Towns has figured out how to impact games. Despite shooting the ball less, he is creating significant efforts on the glass and impacting the game where he can. But the Knicks will need more from Towns than the 14 points he made on four shots in a 109-94 loss to the Cavaliers. And clearly, they will need to average more than 20 points per game this season if they hope to win the championship.

On the court, it looks like Towns has lost his sense of scoring. Towns has spoken a lot about Mike Brown’s lack of understanding of his role in the offense this season. And his four-shot attempt performance in the team’s loss to Cleveland shows he still hasn’t figured it out.

Towns is so efficient as a scorer that he only gets four shot attempts, while averaging 24.4 points per game last season. And the team probably needs even more from him if it hopes to win a championship. Instead, they are decreasing.

To take the next step, the Knicks need Karl-Anthony Towns to showcase

To put it bluntly, the Knicks need Towns to do what he is known for, scoring the basketball. He’s a great rebounder. If he somehow develops into an elite passer and defender, that would be great too. But New York needs Towns’ scoring.

The Knicks rank ninth in points per game this season (117.1). They were seventh last season (115.8). So, while they score slightly more, they have not been able to maintain the widespread increase in scoring per game across the league, as they have dropped two places. Still, that kind of relative decline isn’t the end of the world. In fact, the Knicks offense is still quite impressive when it’s working.

The same can be said about towns. He has had his share of success. But he is scoring the second lowest points (20.0) of his career, which is exactly the wrong direction for him. The Knicks hoped that Towns, Brunson and Brown would complement each other. Instead, Towns has become more inconsistent than ever.

It’s important to remember that Towns received less criticism last season. He scored 24.4 points per game with 22 30-point outings—and the Knicks still failed to reach the Finals.

Mike Brown needs to do more for Karl-Anthony Towns

Unfortunately, Brown’s system appears to limit Towns’ ability to reach his potential. Cities are rarely the focal point in this season. He is averaging about 6.1 dunk or layup attempts per game this season. Comparatively, he averaged 7.85 dunks or layup attempts per game. He’s also running one less isolation play per game.

Overall, Towns is averaging three fewer shot attempts per game (16.9 in 2024-25 to 13.9 in 2025-26). And the shot attempts he’s not getting seem to be the ones he’d prefer to take. Towns’ lack of understanding of his role means he doesn’t know when and where his efforts might go. And this is a problem.

Additionally, while Towns may not have a large scoring burden on him, there is significant—and some might say too much—pressure on Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and others. And while Brunson’s impact has been consistently strong, Anunoby isn’t quite the caliber scorer that Towns is. And asking him to be the second option on a Championship team is probably too much. The same can be said about Mikal Bridges.

Karl-Anthony Towns’ salary dictates he should work more

Another problem with Towns scoring less points is his salary. Towns is objectively a top-tier offensive talent. And that’s how he’s being paid.

Towns is making $53 million this season, with $57 million guaranteed next year and a player option for $61 million in 2027-28 (which he will likely decline). With the Knicks’ 2025-26 salary set at $211 million, Towns represents a little more than 25% of it. This is too much for a player who is not being showcased or utilized properly.

Paying town like a franchise player restricts the team’s ability to maximize the chances around him. But Towns is clearly talented enough to command a star-level salary.

So, the Knicks’ answer is obvious; If New York wants to see how far they can go, they’ll have to get Towns more involved. Give him a chance to succeed (or fail). But by limiting him, it limits the team’s potential and puts a ceiling on what they can achieve this season and beyond.

The Washington Wizards have been in full tank mode lately, with several players, including trade acquisitions Trae Young and Anthony Davis, sidelined with reported injuries. The Wizards are pushing all of their chips into the center of the table to try to secure the top draft pick, and as a result, some lesser-known players are getting a chance to showcase their skills for the remainder of the season.

One of those players is rookie Jamir Watkins, and on Thursday, it was revealed that the Wizards will be committed to the young guard long-term.

“The Washington Wizards are signing two-way guard Jameer Watkins to a new two-year contract. Watkins has averaged 13.2 points and one steal over his last six games,” CAA Sports agents Drew Morrison and Sam Rose told ESPN.

Watkins was drafted by the Wizards in the second round in 2025 after finishing his college career at Florida State. While Watkins is big by rookie standards at 24, he has still displayed an interesting skill set during his play with the Wizards so far, as well as the ability to defend on the perimeter, which will be an area of ​​significant need for the team heading into next year.

Washington is hoping to re-enter the playoff mix next season, as they will look to add a blue-chip prospect from the 2026 draft to pair with Young, Davis, center Alex Sarr (who is currently out of the lineup) and some of their other interesting young players.

In a weak Eastern Conference, that core could be enough to turn the Wizards into a formidable team for the first time in nearly a decade.

In any case, the Wizards will next take the field on Thursday against Young’s former team, the Atlanta Hawks.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are doing a solid job of sticking with their injury absences, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. Unfortunately, despite a valiant effort on Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons, it came to a halt.

Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs earned their tenth consecutive win with a comeback victory over the Toronto Raptors, despite a relatively quiet game from superstar Victor Wembanyama.

With that win, the Spurs moved to within just two games of Oklahoma City for the number two seed in the Western Conference, a feat that seemed impossible when the Thunder got off to a blazing 24–1 start to the regular season.

X, formerly of ClutchPoints, said on Twitter, “The Thunder have just suffered their 15th loss, which is already more than last season. It’s a sharp turnaround for a team that started the year 24-1.”

Of course, injuries are a big part of the reason the Thunder have slipped up a bit, but even before Gilgeous-Alexander went down with an abdominal strain, Oklahoma City was already showing some signs of slipping, with the team losing four of the five regular season matchups it played against San Antonio this season.

Meanwhile, the Spurs are 5.5 games ahead of the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets for second place, meaning it’s highly likely that San Antonio and Oklahoma City will be the top two seeds in the West when all is said and done.

Many are already anticipating a Western Conference Finals showdown between the two teams, rekindling the rivalry between the teams from the days when Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook wore Thunder jerseys, while Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard suited up for the Spurs in the mid-2010s.

Thankfully for the Thunder, they won’t see the Spurs again this season until a potential playoff matchup, if that happens.

The deficit is mounting while Ja Morant watches from the sidelines. Sure, the team’s 2026 NBA Draft Lottery odds are improving, but it would be easy for FedEx Forum’s most loyal fans to mentally check out for the rest of the season. They shouldn’t do it, for the same reasons Tuomas Isalo can’t. The Memphis Grizzlies have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently, but there is still a lot at stake heading into the last few weeks of the season.

Although the expectations of the NBA playoffs have almost faded, this round is certainly the most important evaluation period of the Zack Kleiman era. The front office needs answers before committing significant financial capital to its young core, and the court is currently loaded with players auditioning for their NBA future.

GG Jackson is getting paid

GG Jackson has been one of the most compelling players in the league, let alone the roster. After all he is still one of the youngest players in the NBA. Now operating without Jaren Jackson Jr., the former South Carolina standout is averaging 17.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals/blocks while shooting 47.8% from beyond the arc. The 21-year-old has been one of the few bright spots of February, essentially starring in a new version of the Desmond Bain-Jarren Jackson Jr. role.

Heavy usage, varied shot creation and increased defensive responsibility are expected for the remainder of the season. Jackson will not replace Ja Morant; No one can do that in Memphis, but the Grizzlies really need to determine what that will be. The front office is facing an important financial decision regarding Jackson’s second contract.

Their current performance suggests a valuation north of $10 million annually, which moves them out of the mid-tier exception zone and into a long-term commitment. These final games are an audition for a big payday.

pin a point

Putting the Ja Morant trade drama aside, Tuomas Isalo also needs clarity at the backup point guard spot. Neither Cam Spencer nor Scottie Pippen Jr. made this an easy decision; Jevon Smalls and Walter Clayton Jr. still need developmental reps. Ty Jerome seems more suited to an off-ball role. The Grizzlies are effectively sitting at six point guard options and absolutely zero certainty.

Pippen Jr. brings toughness, fight and an obvious appreciation for the city. He’s exactly the kind of player a rebuilding team wants in the locker room. The problem is one of uniformity. He just hasn’t demonstrated it enough yet. Economics also make the decision feel urgent. Only $350,000 of Pippen Jr.’s $2.4 million contract for next season is guaranteed. That leverage clearly puts Memphis out there, but it also means these final weeks are effectively an effort.

Spencer has shown that he can be one of the best shooters on the planet, although he continues to struggle defensively and handle actual point guard duties for extended stretches. If he can’t run the show, maintain elite shooting efficiency, and become a little more solid as an offensive guard, Spencer’s minutes will dry up once the roster is healthy. Putting in some work won’t be enough to demand a second contract next summer, especially if Darius Acuff or Kingston Flemings is drafted by Memphis.

Ty Jerome is struggling with emotions

Ty Jerome didn’t sign up for a full-scale rebuild. The wily 28-year-old veteran took a deal expecting a competitive team around him, and instead, he’s headed to a season that has lost most of its expected key pieces. Jerome suffered most of the season due to an off-season injury, but nobody got the better of him. No buyer’s remorse yet, but the Grizzlies and the rest of the NBA need something before the summer arrives.

Hopefully Isalo will provide a lot of opportunities. Maximizing the value of Jerome’s expiring $9.2 million deal before the NBA Draft would help everyone going into blank-slate situations. A strong finish alleviates those lingering injury concerns and potentially turns a lousy contract into a long-term asset over time.

tough times for taylor hendricks

The Grizzlies have had their big men hit for too long, and the problems continue. Even incomplete minutes could help the front office determine whether Hendricks fits in with the oft-injured Zach Eddy. Unfortunately, according to Isalo, the Grizzlies did not find the right circumstances to make the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade piece a profitable situation.

“I mean, with every player, whether it’s a steady situation, most of the time for a player like Taylor, it’s going to come down to the puck. It’s getting ahead of your own man, then making good decisions, and developing the skill set of finishing at the rim or finding those open shooters. He was in a tough situation (against the Golden State Warriors). Kyle Anderson started late for the game, and Taylor was a starter after being with the team for a very short time. “Got into the new situation. I thought he did a great job there without even practicing it. Obviously, that’s the big situation (with Jack Eddy).”

expandable evaluation

The Grizzlies are considering a series of roster decisions that will define the franchise’s financial outlook. Hendricks, Jackson and Jaylen Wells are all extension-eligible, meaning their future roles need to align with the salary cap investment. This creates a natural hierarchy with Ty Jerome and Cedric Coward slotting into the wing/off-ball rotation.

Kleiman’s front office can’t afford to enter into extension talks by guessing. Memphis needs data. Players need representatives. They need to know who will fit in with who when the core finally returns.

Losses may dominate the box score, but the evaluation season is not meaningless. For the Grizzlies, the next few weeks will decide everything from the backup point guard job to future contracts. The future of the franchise is essentially being decided on stage every night. For fans who care about what happens next, there’s a lot to see.

The Houston Rockets have been up and down recently, picking up two wins over opponents this week following their collapse against the New York Knicks over the weekend. During Wednesday’s win over the Sacramento Kings, Rockets guard Reed Shepard scored 28 points and hit seven three-pointers in the win.

After the game, according to Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle, Shepard was 100% honest about how he thinks the three-ball could be even more of a weapon for Houston moving forward.

“I think there’s always room for more 3s, but I like to shoot 3s, so that’s who I am,” Shepard said. “The more we play with pace and continue to get into the paint, teams have to make decisions whether to fan out or try to stay in gaps, and if they do that, it leaves us open to shoot more 3s.”

Shepard said that “…it’s going to change every night because teams’ defenses are different, but if we can keep the pace and get into the paint, there’s definitely going to be more open 3s.”

The Rockets have several sharpshooters on the roster, led by Shepard, who is making more than 39 percent of his shots from beyond the arc this season.

While the free agent signing of Dorian Finney-Smith is starting to look like a failure, Terry Eason is continuing to spray the long ball effectively, and Kevin Durant certainly remains a perennial threat from long range.

Houston’s offense has slowed down a bit after a strong start to the season, but they still have enough firepower to be a dangerous opponent for anyone come playoff time.

The Rockets next take the field on Wednesday evening against the hot Orlando Magic on the road for a tough back-to-back battle. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET.

As Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen suffered an injury in Wednesday’s practice, there was some talk about the NBA possibly taking a deeper look at the situation with the team at the forefront of tanking speculation. While there were rumors that the NBA sent doctors to confirm Markkanen’s injury to the Jazz, the latest reporting has cleared up all the details.

Tony Jones of The Athletic originally reported that the league was “sending out independent doctors for verification.” He would say on Twitter, formerly of Twitter, that it would not happen, but that the NBA would monitor the results, although that is “standard practice.”

“I’m told Lauri Markkanen is getting his MRI, so the Jazz should have results. The NBA is evaluating the results as standard practice. They did not send medical personnel to Utah. I got that part wrong. I’m sorry,” Jones wrote Thursday afternoon.

Utah is one of several teams accused of tanking, with the franchise even fined $500,000 for what the NBA said was “the management of their roster for recent games.” This included hitting key Jazz players such as Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic in the fourth quarter when the games were close.

Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen awaits MRI results

Shortly afterward, it would be revealed that Jackson and Nurkic would miss the season due to knee and nose injuries, respectively. According to Kevin Reynolds of The Salt Lake Tribune, Markkanen will receive an MRI on his right ankle and right hip to determine the severity of his injury.

“Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen may miss some time after suffering a concussion during practice on Wednesday,” Reynolds wrote Wednesday. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, “Markkanen will be evaluated for a right ankle and right hip injury. The 7-foot player will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.”

Markkanen is averaging a team-high and career-best 26.7 points, along with 6.9 rebounds per game, while shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from three-point range. It remains to be seen what the MRI results say about Markkanen.

This past weekend, the Los Angeles Lakers honored the great Pat Riley with a statue outside the Crypto.com Arena. But during the festivities, one of the biggest sound bites to come from the program was Riley’s suggestion that NBA coaches should wear suits and ties to games. Well, count Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka as one person who isn’t a fan of the idea.

Before the Rockets’ game against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, Ime Udoka said NBA coaches vote on whether or not they should wear suits and the overwhelming majority say no. During Udoka’s days as an assistant coach in the NBA, he used to wear suits.

“No, thank you,” said Udoka. “I enjoyed it at the time, but the Covid year obviously changed that. For comfortable packing, less thinking, I think about all of the above. They vote on coaches every year and I think 87 per cent of people say no. About five say yes and the others don’t care.”

Udoka got his start in coaching in 2012 as an assistant under Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs. He was a part of the Spurs staff until 2019 when he joined the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2019–20 season. He spent another season in 2020–21 as an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets before getting his first head coaching job with the Boston Celtics ahead of the 2021–22 season.

Udoka led the Celtics to the NBA Finals in his first year as head coach, ultimately losing to the Golden State Warriors in six games. He was let go from the Celtics in 2023 after serving a season-long suspension for violating team policies. He became the head coach of the Rockets ahead of the 2023–24 season.

Kevin Durant’s recent comments regarding the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and the differences between USA Basketball and European basketball have sparked a huge debate. Durant previously claimed that the criticism against the AAU was a veiled attack on the notion that “black Americans” control the game, and that there was no real reason for the criticism other than arising from racist tendencies.

However, Stephen A. Speaking to Smith, Jay Williams launched a passionate tirade against Durant’s comments, claiming that they represent a racist, victim mentality, according to a post on Ax by ClutchPoints.

“The first argument was about AAU basketball, which is a completely different argument than the Black American thing. I think anytime you bring up race like that, it hijacks the conversation and takes it away from the starting point. It felt a little bit like a racist, victim mentality and it concerned me a little bit because I think criticizing a development system is not a criticism of a race. And we’re talking about development systems for Americans,” he said before mentioning several legends. Who have also talked about the differences between the European approach compared to the United States approach.

“It felt a little bit like a racist, victim mentality… because I think criticizing a development system is not criticizing a race. And we’re talking about development systems for Americans.”

Jay Williams on Kevin Durant’s USA Basketball take.pic.twitter.com/BayDVNIraK

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 26 February 2026

For example, Kobe Bryant previously claimed that in the United States, players are initially taught athleticism, with European schools prioritizing basketball IQ and skill. Bryant did not conclude that the European method was correct and was merely speaking on the differences between the two schools.

Williams said, “The thing that really bothered me about the comment is that we’ve heard American players talk about it for a long time. Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, 2015 Kobe Bryant literally said that European players are taught to play the right way.”

The logic is simple. Williams believes that the criticism, or differences, between the two schools do indeed exist, and that the former players’ argument has never been about proving that the European method works better. Instead, when Durant suggested that the criticism was simply a result of racist tendencies, he was removing the real logic behind the argument.

Williams explained, “He never said European players were better… I felt like when KD said things like that, it seemed a little careless… Black history should never be reduced to a month, it should be American history.”

While KD, undoubtedly a serial winner, may have actually jumped the gun by bringing racism-related discourse into the argument, Williams is merely pointing out that the difference between the two schools of basketball is there for all to see.

Not long ago, the Detroit Pistons were looked down upon by the rest of the NBA. Cade Cunningham led his team to only 54 combined games in his first three seasons in the league, and the organization was not even close to being a threat in the East.

Even other teams were mocking the Pistons, with Kyle Kuzma famously saying that no one “wants to be that team” after the Pistons lost their 28th consecutive game during the 2023–24 season, which remains the longest losing streak in NBA history. That was the lowest level for this organization, but times have changed a lot.

Now in his fifth season, Cunningham has led the Pistons to new heights, and the team is currently on pace to not only surpass the 54-win mark in the young star’s first three years in the NBA, but also win at least 60 games for only the third time in franchise history.

The Pistons made the Eastern Conference Finals both times they won at least 60 games in a season, the most recent being 20 years ago in 2006. Although Detroit fell just short of reaching the NBA Finals that season, they did win a championship during the 1988–89 season, a season in which they went 63–19 overall.

This season, the Pistons are following in the footsteps of their past, as they currently hold a strong hold on the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings and have earned the right to call themselves the team to beat en route to the NBA Finals when the playoffs begin.

Although there is still a lot of basketball left to be played and many factors can change not only the standings, but every team’s chances of capturing a championship, one thing has remained consistent throughout the season with this Pistons team only growing and getting stronger.

When it comes to playing the best of the best, the Pistons have established themselves as the best in the NBA.

Pistons are dominating specific teams

There is always more than meets the eye when it comes to a team’s record. Often, fans will only look at wins and losses to determine how good certain organizations are over the course of the year, and while this can obviously hold some significance, what each win or each loss means and to whom it paints a clear picture of which teams are championship contenders and which are not.

Well, the Pistons are clearly title contenders this season, and it’s not just because they have won more than 75 percent of their games this season and remain on top of the East standings. It’s not even because of their recent wins over the New York Knicks or San Antonio Spurs.

When you really dive into the numbers and break down each of the Pistons’ wins this season, it becomes clear that they have battled against the best teams in the NBA and found success against each of them.

The Pistons have gone 19–7 against teams with winning records this season, the best record against teams over .500 in the NBA. For context, the Oklahoma City Thunder are 19-11 overall, and the Spurs are 21-11 against teams above .500 this year.

In fact, Detroit has wins over seven of the other top 10 NBA teams so far this year. The only teams in the top 10 that the Pistons have not yet defeated are the Spurs and the Minnesota Timberwolves, who Detroit has yet to face.

In terms of the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama and his crew recently pulled off a hard-fought 114-103 win in Detroit, proving they are just as good as the Pistons and potentially seeing them on the road in June with everything on the line. Before we even think about it, these two teams will meet again in a highly anticipated clash on March 5 in San Antonio.

As far as the Pistons’ record is concerned, winning 73 percent of their games against teams with winning records speaks volumes. After all, it’s not like they’re beating the worst teams in the league.

This young team has been challenged and tested, yet they have overcome almost every obstacle thrown at them during the 2025-26 season. The Pistons are a resilient group that understands what it takes to overcome adversity, and most importantly, they embrace each trial and tribulation that comes their way.

Aside from only losing back-to-back games twice this entire year, the Pistons always look forward to marquee matchups like the one on their schedule right now. After games against the Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder, the Pistons now look forward to two games against Cleveland, a tough road game against Orlando and then the final regular season matchup in San Antonio.

Although their first game against the Spurs did not go as Cunningham and the Pistons expected, this team is willing to accept and overcome adversity.

“We’ve had a week full of smoke,” Cunningham said, via the Detroit Free Press, after Monday’s loss to the Spurs. “It’s great. We get to see where we are, see where the league is, learn a lot in these three games, five games, even the last few games we’ve played have all been good challenges for us. There’s been a lot to learn from all these games. I think we’ll come out of all of this better and more prepared for the playoffs and everything.”

“It’s good, it’s healthy for us.”

Being a championship-contending team doesn’t necessarily mean you have one of the best records in your conference or league at large. A team is defined by the quality of its wins, and the Pistons have clearly proven that they have what it takes to beat the best of the best.

Fool them once, but not twice

Aside from consistent success against the top teams in the league with all of their wins and some of their losses, the Pistons have something unique this season.

Only one team in the league has beaten the Pistons twice this season, and it’s a team they won’t see again until the 2026-27 season, as they face them twice a year. The LA Clippers defeated Detroit both home and away this year, holding the Pistons to under 100 points in both contests.

It is worth noting that the Pistons were without Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart and almost all of their veteran contributors in the second meeting between these teams on January 10, a game Detroit lost 98–92.

No other team in the league can say that they haven’t lost at least two games to multiple opponents this year, which is another reason why the Pistons are so unique. What all this means is that JB Bickerstaff has a young, hungry team that has grown together over the last few years, and they are finally putting the pieces of the puzzle together on their way to success.

Regardless of what happens on their schedule, the Pistons play every game like it is Game 1 of a playoff series, which is why this chip on their shoulders will only lead to success in the future.

“Our guys respect everybody and want everybody to do their best,” Bickerstaff said recently. “No matter who the opponent is, our people always look forward to those challenges.”

Cade Cunningham’s MVP-like season

A team’s record matters. Their success against some of the other great teams in the league matters. But at the end of the day, every Championship organization always has a player they can refer to Man.

For piston, that Boy Cade Cunningham is here, and he has taken a huge step forward in his career to become one of the best guards in basketball. Honestly, just saying that doesn’t give Cunningham enough credit, as he has become one of the best players in the entire NBA, which is why he currently sits atop the MVP rankings alongside Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and others.

At this rate, it’s not hard to believe that Cunningham can surpass these other stars and win the 2025-26 NBA MVP award.

Believe it or not, the Pistons technically own the best record in the league with a 75.4 winning percentage, and Cunningham’s MVP resume will only grow if that comes true and Detroit remains on top of the standings.

As far as his production goes, Cunningham’s numbers and his impact on wins speak for themselves.

Cunningham recorded four consecutive double-doubles during his 42-point, 13-assist night as the Pistons defeated the New York Knicks 126-111 at Madison Square Garden. After this special performance, Bickerstaff made it clear that his star deserves the most respect in the MVP race.

Bickerstaff said, “I don’t think you pick an MVP based on just one game or one statement. He’s been that way for the entire season.” “He dominated at both ends of the field and influenced the win in a big way.

“Credit to him, credit to his work, credit to his conditioning, his will to win, his ability to be a great teammate and lead. He’s been like that all season long.”

The Pistons have beaten the best, and the scary thing for every other team in the league is that Detroit is better now than they were in the first game of the season.

By the time the playoffs begin, the Pistons will be ready for the challenges ahead of them, and if any team in the East has the best chance to win 12 playoff games to reach the NBA Finals, it is the Pistons.

Former Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors star Jonte Porter is attempting to return to professional basketball in 2024 after being handed a lifetime ban by the NBA. Porter is accused of “disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, limiting their participation in one or more sports for betting purposes, and betting on NBA games.” Porter last played for the Raptors 905 in the NBA G League.

Jonte Porter is signing with the Seattle Superhawks of the United States Basketball League and will play for them next month.

He was given a lifetime ban by the NBA for gambling in 2024, where he pleaded guilty to related federal charges. He is currently awaiting sentencing. pic.twitter.com/sAfNKUrXtd

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 26 February 2026

However, according to a post on X by ClutchPoints, Porter is currently signing for the Seattle Super Hawks of the newly rebooted United States Basketball League while awaiting sentencing. The 26-year-old player, whose request to play professionally in Greece was previously denied by a federal judge, is expected to make the team’s debut in the March 7 season opener against the Lilac City Legends at Seattle Pacific University.

The revived USBL, an eight-team West Coast league that pays homage to the original 1984-2008 circuit that launched the careers of players like Muggsy Boggs, appears to be the new landing spot for Porter. In April 2024, the league banned him permanently after an investigation revealed shocking compromises with the integrity of the game.

While playing on a two-way contract for the Toronto Raptors, Porter intentionally limited his playing time in two different competitions in order to manipulate the results of illegal prop bets. Court documents further detail that he messaged co-conspirators between games to coordinate the scheme and personally placed illegal bets on 13 NBA matchups, netting $22,000 in winnings.

Prior to his ban, Porter, the younger brother of Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr., recorded a total of 37 NBA appearances between the Memphis Grizzlies and Raptors, posting modest career averages of 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. In July 2024, Porter pleaded guilty in Brooklyn federal court to a felony charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

While the charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, he will most likely receive a sentence of three to four years.

It’s a tough life for the Chicago Bulls. They are on a losing streak of 10 consecutive matches, their longest in seven years. At the same time, accusations of tanking are being made against the Bulls in order to achieve a higher ranking in the NBA Draft Lottery.

However, according to Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic, Matas Buzelis vehemently denied those claims. Instead, Bouzelis took advantage of his intense desire to win.

“I don’t really like that term. And people might think (we’re tanking), but I’m going out and trying to win every night. All these guys are too.”

Undoubtedly, the losing streak is taking a toll on Bouzelis. On Tuesday, Chicago lost its 10th straight to the Charlotte Hornets, 131-99. A game in which Bouzelis scored a season high of 32 points.

Asked about his ongoing development after the Chicago Bulls’ latest loss, Bouzelis said, “I’m sorry, I just… I want to win games, and that’s everything.”

Additionally, the Bulls are still in the adjustment phase with the new roster after several trades. Trades that sent Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Nikola Vucevic and Kevin Huerter.

But to hear Bouzelis tell it, that’s no reason not to play to win.

“When you trade half the team, and you bring in new guys, it’s tough,” Buzzellis said. “However, that’s no excuse. We have to come and figure it out. And I’m going to say it again: I know we’re capable of doing that.”

The Bulls will close out the month against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. They are currently at 24-35.

After suffering a brutal 103-84 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, the Boston Celtics were disqualified from meeting the 40-20 rule, which argues that to win the NBA championship, a team must win 40 games before falling out of 20 during the regular season. The fact that this theory comes from 13-time NBA champion Phil Jackson should be proof enough of its validity. If that’s not the case, consider that 40 of the last 44 NBA champions have crossed the 40-20 threshold.

Since the Celtics failed to follow Jackson’s nearly infallible rule, are they doomed? History probably says so, but there are some important contexts that should make the green team get a pass this season.

It took 58 games for the Celtics to reach 20 losses, and star forward Jayson Tatum suited up for zero of those contests. The six-time All-Star and 2024 NBA champion is still recovering from an injury he suffered in May, yet there is reason to believe he could return to play before the regular season ends.

Shams on Jayson Tatum’s recovery:

“It’s about him combining multiple exercises and efforts to build strength in his calves.”

“(Tatum) is in the driver’s seat. He’ll make the decisions. The team hasn’t put any pressure on him.” https://t.co/f3zdRJiQ0b

– Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) 26 February 2026

Without one of their franchise cornerstones, the Celtics still Almost managed to satisfy Jackson’s 40-20 rule. This is an accomplishment in itself, as the C’s were considered dead by many pundits and preseason projections.

Rather than blitzing through a gap year, the Celtics have fully recovered from their offseason losses – including centers Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet as well as guard Jrue Holiday – and have continued to develop homegrown talent.

Nearly every young Celtic, from rookie Hugo Gonzalez to third-year wing Jordan Walsh, has improved, and so have most of the veterans. While reigning Sixth Man of the Year Peyton Pritchard and starting guard Derrick White aren’t having career years (although, they’re still producing at a high level), Celtics star Jaylen Brown is playing some of the best basketball of his life.

In his 10th year in the NBA, Brown is setting new career highs in points, rebounds and assists per game. His increased usage in Tatum’s absence has undoubtedly boosted his numbers, but, statistics aside, the 2026 Eastern Conference All-Star starter is playing winning basketball.

So, even without Tatum, the rest of the Celtics have stepped up and posted an impressive 38-20 record in nearly 60 games on the season. If they beat the Nuggets, they could reach the 40-20 rule with an easier matchup against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.

And while that hypothetical may no longer matter, what the Celtics could look like with Tatum does matter. The rehabbing star has been “full steam ahead” in 5-on-5 team scrimmages, according to NBA insider Shams Charania, meaning a return in March is not out of the question. His presence on an already overachieving Celtics squad will undoubtedly help them contend in a tough, but winnable East.

If Tatum had been healthy, it would have been pretty safe to say the Celtics would have been eligible for the 40-20 rule this season along with the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons. Additionally, it is not unheard of for a championship team to win without its best player.

What the Milwaukee Bucks did without Giannis Antetokounmpo

During the shortened 2020-21 campaign, the Milwaukee Bucks failed to meet the 40-20 rule. Like the Celtics, they were shy in a few games, yet that didn’t stop them from winning the 2021 NBA Finals by defeating the Phoenix Suns in six games.

Before the Bucks’ first championship in 50 years, star center Giannis Antetokounmpo injured his knee in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals and was forced to exit the early loss. Fortunately, he did not suffer any major injuries, however, and he sat out Games 5 and 6 of the ECF against the Atlanta Hawks with the series tied 2–2.

However, that doesn’t mean the Bucks bowed out. They won both games by double digits without their star player, which is somewhat reminiscent of how the Celtics have been able to operate without Tatum.

Bucks win Game 5 over Hawks without Giannis

Lopez: 33 PTS (playoff career-high) | 7 REB

Portis: 22 PTS (playoff career-high) | 8 REB

MIL leads 3-2. pic.twitter.com/aOfI7GiGXq

– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) 2 July 2021

Of course, Antetokounmpo wasn’t injured as severely or for as long as Tatum, but this example proves that a team that falls short of the 40-20 threshold can still win everything even without their guy at full strength.

Seeding and eye test

The 2020–21 Bucks met another potential championship qualifier, despite losing 24 times before earning 40 wins. Those were the numbers. 3 seed, and NBA history shows that almost every champion has been a three-seed or higher.

The only exception is the 1968–1969 Celtics, who were ranked no. 4 seed, and the 1994–1995 Houston Rockets, who were number one. 6 seeds. Both of those teams were fresh off last season’s championship, and if there’s any team with a championship pedigree in the East, it’s the Celtics.

They may not be defending a title like the aforementioned teams, but they did capture a championship in 2024 under Tatum, Brown and head coach Joe Mazzulla. Those pieces are not left and although the Celtics violated the 40-20 law, they comply with the seeding stipulation.

NBA Standings Update‼️

▪️DET reclaims NBA’s best record
▪️ SAS achieved 10th consecutive victory

Download the NBA app for more: https://t.co/pBKIAWNToa pic.twitter.com/xb3B7EAMKB

– NBA (@NBA) 26 February 2026

Boston currently sits in second place in the East with a 2.5 game lead over the third-place New York Knicks. The Celtics aren’t cemented in that spot, but they’ve been taking up residence there recently. Also, more importantly, they have played their best basketball recently, winning nine of their last 10 games before losing to the Nuggets for the second night in a row.

Despite unofficial championship terms, the 2025-26 Celtics simply pass the eye test. They are fourth in net rating and have survived some early struggles to become a top-five team in the NBA this season. They crash the boards hard, defend well, and can’t be taken lightly, especially when the Browns are doing it.

Add Tatum to the mix and the Celtics are legitimate contenders. Not exactly a favorite for the title, but a contender — no matter what Jackson says.

The Memphis Grizzlies are navigating a franchise reset, but a 21-year-old forward is making the transition to the post-Ja Morant era less challenging than expected. GG Jackson has quietly emerged as one of the most intriguing young pieces in the NBA, and Tuomas Isalo isn’t shy about what makes the former second-round pick (45th overall) so dangerous.

It’s been hard to ignore the former South Carolina standout’s averages of 17.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals/blocks while shooting 47.8% from three-point range since January 31. Jackson was posting almost the same numbers as a rookie in less pressure situations. However, his usage rate (23.3) and three-point volume (4.2 attempts per game) have skyrocketed since the NBA trade deadline, suggesting he may finally be established as an NBA veteran.

“I mean, (Jackson) has made huge strides throughout the season. We already talked about it with GG during his summer league that his superpower is paying off,” Isalo explained. “He’s doing a great job of touching the paint. His efficiency is at a career high right now. How he’s getting things done in those situations is a testament to his hard work.”

That sneaky-good ability to attack the rim with length, touch and growing confidence could prove vital as the Grizzlies transition into a post-Morant, post-Jarren Jackson Jr. era. While the franchise waits for its star guard to return from an elbow injury or chart a new path forward, Jackson’s development offers the glimpse of a permanent scoring punch who may be capable of becoming an offensive center.

Isalo wants a traditional table-setting point guard. Slashers with size to absorb contact at the rim and shooting range should finish games, according to the Finnish tactician. Still, the Grizzlies will need someone to put pressure on defense to finish out this season. EVP Zach Kleiman is getting a lot of data suggesting the former first-round pick is ready for a bigger role and possibly a multi-year contract extension this summer.

“(Jackson) is playing very simple offensively,” Isalo insisted. “He’s playing well off the puck and finding open guys. He’s still got to toggle between aggression and the right amount of patience. Defensively, he’s improved as an attack guard. There’s still some things he needs to do better on the defensive end, being on a string, having defensive awareness, rebounding better for his position, but I think the steps he’s taking are very encouraging, and becoming a real weapon offensively.”

Being a 21-year-old NBA veteran with three seasons of experience is an odd situation to be in in the NCAA’s void/portal era. Jackson had a stellar rookie season last year, capturing a title along with sealing the NBA Play-In Tournament, before taking a back seat to the Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane core. Still, he waited and took advantage of every opportunity. That patience and investment could pay off handsomely for everyone next season.

Isalo’s priority is to see how many superheroes GG Jackson can become. After all he is still years away from his projected peak. A tall, athletic, paint-crashing wing who can stretch the floor and guard multiple positions fits perfectly into the franchise anchor position of the modern NBA. With the addition of Zach Eddy, Santi Aldama, Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells and a gem point guard from the 2026 NBA Draft, Memphis will be ready to compete once again.

The Atlanta Hawks got an injection of energy earlier this week when Jonathan Kuminga made his debut for the team and scored 27 points in a blowout win over the Washington Wizards. This was an interesting development for a Hawks team that is looking for anything to get excited about during a disappointing season.

Perhaps in an effort to increase the intrigue, on Thursday, the Hawks, in partnership with the famous local strip club, Magic City, announced a “Magic City Monday” night for the upcoming home game against the Orlando Magic.

As part of the promotion, the Hawks marketed a sweatshirt with the Magic City name on the front.

Magic on Monday? 👀 @Magic City pic.twitter.com/xwWrGyVE20

– Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) 26 February 2026

Needless to say, fans were losing it in the comments section on X, which was formerly Twitter.

“Our pockets are empty and I love it,” one fan wrote with a laughing emoji.

“An NBA team collaborating with a strip club. I’ve seen it all,” added another.

“James Harden has requested another trade,” another joked, noting the Cleveland Cavaliers guard’s well-documented affinity for nightly entertainment.

The Hawks have never been shy about securing partnerships with companies whose fans don’t necessarily associate with NBA teams, including hosting a Tinder “Swipe Right” night several years ago, allowing fans to matchmake in real time at games, along with other promotions.

At some point, Atlanta will have to hope that the product on the court will be enough to generate interest in the team. Currently, Atlanta sits two games under the .500 mark, on pace to finish in the play-in tournament for an astonishing fifth straight season.

However, the addition of Kuminga could give the Hawks another potential building block moving forward, and the emergence of Jalen Johnson this season is worth watching.

In any case, the Hawks will take the field next Thursday at 7:30 pm ET for a home game against the Washington Wizards.

The Miami Heat will take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night, with the team looking to bounce back from a poor performance on Tuesday, which saw them lose 128-117 to the Milwaukee Bucks without Giannis Antetokounmpo. As the Heat look to avoid the play-in tournament for this season, head coach Erik Spoelstra will talk about the pressures associated with the team.

Thursday’s game has some postseason implications, as Miami is the eighth seed with a 31-28 record, with Philadelphia (32-26) holding the coveted sixth seed, which is the last spot a team can get to avoid the play-in tournament. Although there are still 23 games left, the Heat must turn a corner and get a win, which made Tuesday’s loss to the underdog Bucks all the more painful, especially as Miami had its three-game winning streak snapped.

When Spoelstra was asked about the pressure on the team, he shared his latest feelings with tennis legend Billie Jean King.

According to the Miami Herald, when asked about the pressure on Miami due to avoiding the play-in tournament, Spoelstra said, “Okay. I hope so.” “That pressure is a privilege, and I want our locker room to feel that pressure. We need to take our game to a higher level.”

Norman Powell explains where the Heat “messed up”

While the Heat’s goal for the remainder of the season is to build some stability to peak at the right time, it needs to start on Thursday, as a win over the 76ers will give them the tiebreaker, something that could be important for seeding purposes. However, the team needs to be better than it was Tuesday, especially defensively, to allow Milwaukee to have offensive success without Antetokounmpo.

Miami also struggled offensively, allowing a 30-point quarter in the first half and a 39-point period in the final frame, making no field goals in the final six and a half minutes of the game. Norman Powell will still call the defense the Heat’s fault.

“Honestly, we didn’t get enough stops,” Powell said after scoring 26 points. “They kept going back to the same play. And a lot of times we messed up. Sometimes we were able to get it right, sometimes we weren’t. And I think they were able to be successful in that, and they had confidence. And they started making plays consistently, and we just didn’t get the stops we needed.”

Spoelstra will mention how the defense needs to travel in these important road games, as the team looks to live up to that notion for Thursday’s tilt against the 76ers.

DeAndre Ayton had one of his best games as part of the Los Angeles Lakers when they faced the Orlando Magic, scoring 21 points and 13 rebounds. Although they still lost, Ayton showed what he can do when he is involved in the offense, making him more active on the other side of the ball.

After the game, Ayton was asked if he felt his effort was being recognized by his teammates.

“The ball gets energy,” Ayton said, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “When I’m out there and sealing and they believe in me and they see me sprinting to the sideline and crashing, they reward me.”

After doing media, Ayton went to the showers and yelled, “They’re trying to make me Clint Capela.”

This seems to be a reference to how Capela has been used for most of his career, which is as a rim-running, lob threat who can grab rebounds at a high level. Ayton is basically saying that there’s more to his game than that, and he’d probably like to utilize his strengths more.

Unfortunately for Ayton, his role on the Lakers is very similar to Capela’s, according to a team source.

“When he’s at his best, and we’ve seen it, we’ve seen glimpses of it, he’s playing with power,” the team source said. “And playing with great strength on both ends of the floor when it comes to screening. Then rolling and putting pressure on the rim; [when the] The bullet goes up, breaking the glass; running backs in transition; Loading for basketball; Calling your communication; To be in perfect condition; Competitive shots; Boxed out. These things are really thankless for big guys when you’re a skilled big guy. But that’s his role in this team.”

With all the other talent on the Lakers like Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, it will be hard for Ayton to become who he truly believes he is.

The Denver Nuggets were at their best in a 103–84 win over the Boston Celtics, improving their record to 37–22 for the season. Nikola Jokic delivered 30 points, 12 rebounds and six assists as the Celtics suffered an overall poor shooting night, converting only 34.9% of their total field goal attempts.

Regardless, Tim Hardaway Jr. was involved in a ridiculous moment during the post-game press conference. Hardaway Jr.’s press conference was attended by only one reporter, Rachel Strand of ClutchPoints, with the announcer initially canvassing the room for questions.

Tim Hardaway Jr.’s press conference was 20 seconds long, and I wasn’t about to stop him 🙂 (The ones asking good questions were in the locker room, by the way) #milehighbasketball pic.twitter.com/gP4PxnOI8r

– Rachel Strand (@MileHighRachel) 26 February 2026

“Is anyone back there?” he said, before Hardaway Jr. tried to end the conference.

“Well, you all had a great evening. All good? All good? All right,” she said, getting up, when the announcer once again nudged Strand to ask his question.

“No, it’s okay. I think everyone was in the locker room,” Strand commented on a post on X.

“Tim Hardaway Jr.’s press conference was 20 seconds long, and I couldn’t stop him 🔥 (well the ones asking good questions were in the locker room) #MileHighBasketball,” she wrote later, clearly seeing the funny side of things.

The Nuggets held the Celtics to a season-low 84 points, outrebounded Boston 54–48 (including 14 offensive boards) and dominated the paint by a 42–28 margin. Boston was limited to just 36 points in the second half, generating 11 of 17 rebounds.

Hardaway Jr. played a key role himself, coming off the bench and dropping 14 points on 5-9 shooting, the second-highest total for Denver in the game. Jokic’s 30 points came despite an overall average shooting night as he went 11-28 from the field, while Julian Strother and Cameron Johnson added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

On the other hand, with Jayson Tatum sidelined, Jaylen Brown scored 23 points on 21 attempts, while Derrick White added 20 points and six rebounds. Neemias Queta was the third and final Boston player to finish in double figures with 10 points.

To say that the Chicago Bulls have been struggling lately would be an understatement, as the team is currently on a massive 10-game losing streak. Throughout all this, the Bulls have had to deal with a number of injuries, and the team once again has an injury report ahead of Thursday evening’s contest against the Portland Trail Blazers.

For this game, Jaden Ivey will be out due to left patellofemoral pain syndrome, while Anfernee Simmons will also be sidelined due to a left ulnar styloid fracture. Meanwhile, backup big man Jalen Smith is listed as questionable with a right calf strain, while Patrick Williams is also questionable with a right quadriceps strain.

Zach Collins will be out of the lineup after recent surgery.

The Bulls have had some injury improvements in recent weeks, with Josh Giddy returning from a hamstring injury and working his way into his normal minutes per night, but it still has done nothing to stop the Bulls’ bleeding in the last ten games, which has sent them well below the play-in line in the Eastern Conference.

At this point, some Bulls fans are already turning their attention toward the upcoming NBA Draft lottery, with many projecting the 2026 class to be one of the most talented in years. Chicago could certainly benefit from adding a blue-chip prospect to move forward along with Giddy and Matas Bouzelis.

Meanwhile, the Bulls amassed backcourt players at the trade deadline, which has resulted in unexpectedly disastrous results, though that chaos has been sidelined for the time being due to injuries to Simmons and Ivey.

In any case, the Bulls and Trail Blazers are scheduled to tip off from the United Center in Chicago on Thursday at 8:00 pm ET.

San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Ingram has spent much of this season honing his skills behind the scenes. The quiet development of the 2024 second-round pick has been a source of satisfaction within the Spurs organization.

Ingram was named G League Player of the Week after averaging 22.2 points, 13.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists in his last five appearances with the Austin Spurs. He recorded four double-doubles and one triple-double, while Austin posted a 4–1 record.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said of Ingram’s development, “The Player of the Week is definitely trending in the right direction.” “I think it’s always somewhat gratifying for him, somewhat beneficial as an organization and a staff, and somewhat fun when you have a young player in your program for a year and they’re grinding, especially when you’re in the G League and it can be a little out of sight, out of mind to the outside world. You’re selling them on slowly getting better and keeping up with the process.

“It can be hard for young guys when, sometimes, they don’t get the attention or direct feedback that they’re looking for or that they’re used to, especially because a lot of them end up being really good college players. So it’s great for him to continue to be that way and see the improvement and development that he’s had and to be recognized in a very deserving way.”

Ingram, the No. 48 pick in the 2024 draft out of North Carolina, has spent most of this season in the G League, appearing in just five NBA games.

Harrison Ingram showing improvement in G League after signing two-way contract

The 6-foot-5 forward’s two-way development with Austin has been encouraging for San Antonio. Ingram is averaging 16.1 points, 12.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists on 48.2 percent shooting in 21 G League appearances.

“He’s really accepted his role and embraced it,” Johnson said. “It can be hard to do that in terms of your role as a defender, a physical role player, playing off the ball to a certain extent. But always trying to extend or create more possessions with offensive rebounds, hitting open shots, getting out and running in transition, and obviously we want him to be a dominant defender and be able to rebound. I think that’s something he’s really embraced and you’ve seen it. And sometimes when you do that If you do it, you get a monster production with it, you can tell he has put his energy in the right places.”

The Spurs signed Ingram to a one-year, two-way contract before this season.

The Charlotte Hornets will visit the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night. The Pacers are hoping for the return of one of their key contributors from their playoff run: Obi Toppin, who is listed as questionable. Indiana All-Star Pascal Siakam is also on the injury report, though he is designated questionable after missing his last game. Here’s everything we know about the game status of Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin ahead of their game against the Hornets.

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Pascal Siakam’s injury status vs. Hornets

Toppin looks to return on Thursday against the Hornets. The forward, who played a key role in the Pacers’ Finals run last season, missed all but two games of the season due to a stress fracture in his foot. Barring a sudden setback, Toppin should be suiting up for the Pacers against the Hornets tonight.

Meanwhile, Siakam is unlikely to play against the Hornets. Named an All-Star this season, the Pacers star suffered a wrist injury that kept him from playing against the Philadelphia 76ers two days earlier. Given his “doubtful” tag, it is unlikely that Siakam will suit up for the Pacers.

Siakam has been performing tremendously this season. Despite the Pacers finishing last this season, the forward earned an All-Star nod: a testament to his excellence. Siakam is averaging 23.9 points per game on 48.3% shooting from the field (37.3% from three-point range), and adding 6.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The forward has been one of the few bright spots for Indiana this season.

As for Toppin, the forward has not played since the Pacers’ second game of the season after suffering a stress fracture. Toppin became a fan favorite in Indiana after playing a key role off the bench in the 2025 postseason. His contributions as a bench sparkplug helped the Pacers finish just one game short of winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

pacers injury report

Furphy, Johnny – out (torn Achilles)
Haliburton, Tyrese – out (torn Achilles)
Jackson, Quenton – Suspect
Nembhard, Andrew – questionable (lower back)
Nesmith, Aaron – out (ankle)
Peter, Talon – Suspect
Siakam, Pascal – questionable (wrist)
Thompson, Ethan – Suspect
Toppin, OB – Questionable (foot)
Zubac, Ivica – out (ankle)

hornet injury report

evbuomwan, tosan – out
Hall, P.J. – Outside
McNeely, Liam – out (ankle)
Reeves, Antonio – out
Salon, Tidgen – outside

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves on a two-game slump after a close loss to the Orlando Magic last time out and will visit the Phoenix Suns next Thursday. Los Angeles has done well in terms of availability in recent weeks and all three of LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are expected to be fit.

However, Rui Hachimura is on the official injury report along with Jackson Hayes, with Hachimura listed as questionable and Hayes as probable. Hachimura is dealing with an illness, while Hayes is dealing with a right ankle sprain.

Along with these two, Bronny James and Edou Thiero have also been included, whose exit has been confirmed.

Rui Hachimura injury status vs Suns

Given that Rui Hachimura is questionable on the injury report, his availability will likely be a game-time decision. He came off the bench to score 10 points and two steals against the Magic and could prove useful off the bench once again.

Meanwhile, the Suns are still missing Dillon Brooks, Devin Booker, Cole Anthony and Haywood Highsmith. The Lakers (34-23) have dropped to sixth place in the tightly packed Western Conference after suffering consecutive losses, including a loss to the Boston Celtics.

Meanwhile, the Suns (33-26) have dropped to seventh in the standings after losing seven of their last ten games. Hachimura is averaging 11.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game and will add another threat against a team that has been largely depleted.

Phoenix currently leads the season series 2–1, making this fourth and final meeting important for potential postseason tiebreaker scenarios.

Lakers injury report

Rui Hachimura: doubtful (illness)

Jackson Hayes: Probable (right ankle; sprain)

Bronny James: Out (G League – On Assignment)

Edou Thirou: Out (G League – On Assignment)

sans injury report

Cole Anthony: Out (not with team)

Devin Booker: Out (right hip; strain)

Dillon Brooks: Out (left arm; fracture)

Jordan Goodwin: Out (left calf; strain)

Haywood Highsmith: Out (right knee; injury management)

The reshuffled Los Angeles Clippers (27-30) host the surging Minnesota Timberwolves (36-23) on Thursday night for a primetime Western Conference clash at the Intuit Dome. The Clippers are on a two-game slump after losses to the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic and have several names on the injury list.

According to the official report, Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable due to left ankle soreness. The same is true for John Collins, who is dealing with a neck issue, while Darius Garland and Bradley Beal are both out.

Kawhi Leonard’s injury status vs. Timberwolves

Despite scoring a big 37 points playing through an injury last time out against Orlando, Kawhi Leonard is a game-time decision. However, the Clippers are sitting precariously in the 10th and final play-in spot in the West, so the stakes are incredibly high.

Edwards has been a complete disappointment since winning All-Star Game MVP, averaging 34 points in his last three contests, including a 34-point masterclass in a 124-121 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. The Clippers desperately need their own talisman to perform well.

Led by Edwards (29.6 ppg), the Timberwolves boast the third-ranked scoring attack in the NBA with 119.6 points per game. On February 8, a healthy Leonard methodically destroyed the Timberwolves for 41 points in a 115–96 blowout.

Regardless, Minnesota has a clean bill of health for this game, with their only absence being due to a G League assignment. Therefore, a lot depends on whether the poet is suitable or not. The Timberwolves will look to get revenge any way they can, but Leonard’s presence could play a major role in deciding the contest.

shear injury report

• Kawhi Leonard: Doubtful (pain in left ankle)
• John Collins: Suspicious (head injury, neck pain)
• bradley beal: Outside (left hip; fracture)
• Darius Garland: Outside (left big toe; injury management)

timberwolves injury report

• Jules Bernard: Out (G League – Two-Way)
• Enrique Freeman: Out (G League – Two-Way)
• Rocco Zikarski: Out (G League – Two-Way)

The Philadelphia 76ers (32-26) host the Miami Heat (31-28) on Thursday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena. They come into this game coming off wins against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Indiana Pacers, and will look to build on their recent momentum.

According to the official injury report, Joel Embiid, who starred in the game against Indiana, is listed as probable as he manages the recovery of his right knee and right calf soreness. The Sixers will already be without Paul George due to the league suspension, making Embiid’s presence vital despite the Miami Heat themselves dealing with a tall bill of injuries.

The Heat lost against the Milwaukee Bucks in their latest encounter but have managed three wins in their last four games.

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joel embiid injury status vs heat

Embiid can be expected to suit up for an important game for Philadelphia. Embiid recently returned to the floor after missing five consecutive games, posting 27 points, six rebounds and five assists on 11-17 shooting.

The Sixers currently hold the No. 6 seed in the East (the last guaranteed playoff spot), just 1.5 games ahead of the No. 8 seed Heat. Miami won the first meeting in November, meaning a Heat win tonight would clinch the crucial head-to-head tiebreaker for the season series.

In addition to Paul George, who is suspended, the 76ers are confirmed to miss Johnny Brown and Kelly Oubre Jr. for this game, while Marjan Beauchamp is listed as questionable. In comparison, the Heat’s concerns are bigger.

76ers injury report

Joel Embiid: Probable (right knee; injury management/right calf soreness)

Paul George: out (league suspension)

Johnny Broom: Out (right knee; meniscus tear)

Marjan Beauchamp: Doubtful (G League – Two-Way)

Kelly Oubre Jr.: Available (left knee; recovering from injury – brace)

heat injury report

Davion Mitchell: doubtful (head; illness)

Terry Rozier: Out (not with team)

Nikola Jovic: Out (lower back; injury management)

Tyler Herro: Available (right costochondral; rib injury)

Keshad Johnson: Available (left knee, soreness)

Pelle Larsson: available (left third mallet; finger)

Norman Powell: Available (lower back stiffness)

Drew Smith: Available (left calf; soreness)

Andrew Wiggins: Available (left toe, inflammation)

Russell Westbrook is known as one of the most attractive point guards the league has ever seen, and he’s still putting on a show late in his career. Every night, his speed is on full display, and his ability to get to the rim and make plays is unmatched. The fans know it, the league knows it, and he knows it.

That’s why he was surprised when Sacramento Kings administrators recently asked him if he wished he were more athletic.

Westbrook responded with confidence, which is no surprise.

Westbrook said, “This is the most athletic I’ve ever been. Don’t even question it. You better check the numbers.”

Russell Westbrook believes he is the most athletic player “of all time”:

“Don’t even question it. Better check the numbers.”

Agree with Russ? 🤔

(via @SacramientoKings)pic.twitter.com/jPlxu2YkPq

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 25 February 2026

Westbrook noted that he has the most dunks in a career by a point guard, which already shows his athleticism and what he can do in open space. Not only that, but Westbrook is considered one of the best rebounding guards in the league and he has the stats to prove it.

There was a time in Westbrook’s career when he was easily recording a triple-double every night, and it led him to the MVP award. If anyone ever wants to argue that he isn’t the most athletic player of all time, they may be in some trouble, because there is certainly an argument to be made.

Although Westbrook is no longer the same player he was at his peak, he is still impacting the game in the same way he used to. Unfortunately, this hasn’t led to much success for the Kings, as they are currently 13-46 and in last place in the Western Conference.

They recently shut down Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine for the rest of the season due to injuries, and at this point, they would be looking to get the top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

Paolo Banchero had a 36-point performance Tuesday night to lead the Orlando Magic to a 110-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, capping a four-game Western Conference road trip and cementing his name among the franchise’s greats.

Banchero finished with a game-high 36 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in 38 minutes. He shot 12 of 22 from the field, 2 of 6 from 3-point range and 10 of 11 from the free-throw line, as the Magic improved to 31–26.

According to the team’s PR account on X, formerly known as Twitter, Banchero recorded the 14th game of his career with at least 35 points. This total ranks third in Orlando Magic history behind Tracy McGrady (75) and Shaquille O’Neal (54), and ahead of Anfernee Hardaway (13) and Dwight Howard (13).

This performance marked the third time in Banchero’s career that he posted at least 35 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a game. This total ties him with O’Neal for the second-most such games in franchise history. McGrady holds the record with 16.

Jamahl Mosley praises Paolo Banchero’s aggressiveness, downhill attack against Lakers

Head coach Jamahl Mosley credited Banchero’s pressure and tenacity as the driving force behind the victory.

“Yeah, I think his aggression level, quick decisions, getting downhill, finding matchups he likes, attacking the basket, putting pressure on defense. I mean, more than anything, when you look at it, he got to the free throw line 11 times. That’s aggression. That’s determination. That’s focus, getting downhill. And then he’s knocking them down.”

Jamahl Mosley on Paolo Banchero’s 36 in win over Lakers:

“His aggressiveness – going down 11 times and getting to the line. That’s the focus. That’s the determination.

“He creates mismatches. Drive and kick to Desmond for a three – big-time play. pic.twitter.com/wgAXpc0Bxw

– Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 25 February 2026

Mosley emphasized Banchero’s ability to create mismatches and make timely decisions, including a late drive-and-kick that led to a key 3-pointer from Desmond Bain.

“So just staying aggressive. As soon as he steps on the floor, he creates mismatches. He has eyes on him. These guys are full of him. So his quick decision-making ability, getting downhill, that last play where he attacks the downhill and passes it to Desmond for a knock down three, those are big-time plays. And that’s what we’re going to continue to need from him.”

Magic gains momentum after statement win in Los Angeles

Banchero took the same approach when asked about his performance.

“Yeah, just being aggressive, you know, being aggressive downhill, making plays for others. I think that always opens up the game for me. If I’m able to keep the defense honest with my passing. Yeah, being aggressive when the ball is in my hands, you know, making the defense respect me and always hunting my shots and looking for the pass as well.”

The 23-year-old has averaged 21.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists over his last 10 games, while shooting 42.4% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range in 36.4 minutes per contest. On the season, he averaged 21.5 points, a career-high 8.4 rebounds and five assists in 46 games while shooting 45% from the field.

Paolo Banchero on his offensive mindset against the Lakers

“Just being aggressive down the slope and making plays for others. It opens up the game for me. When I have the ball in my hands, it’s about hunting my shots and keeping the defense honest with my passing.” pic.twitter.com/VD3wfzJKyg

– Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 25 February 2026

This victory also has historical significance. As noted by Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel on X, Orlando’s wins over the Clippers (111–109) and Lakers (110–109) marked the franchise’s first season since 2012–13 in which it defeated both Los Angeles teams.

The Magic return home to open a four-game homestand against the Houston Rockets (35-21) on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET on Prime Video, looking to extend their two-game winning streak behind continued growth in the distinguished company of Banchero.

Wendell Carter Jr. made a decisive play Tuesday night, scoring the game-winning basket to give the Orlando Magic a 110-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. After the win, Carter pointed to one word – “aggressive” – as the key to Orlando reaching another level offensively.

Carter finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds and two assists in 36 minutes. He made 9 of 13 shots from the field and added two free throws, controlling the paint throughout the contest before getting a late putback that sealed the victory.

After the game, Carter credited his teammates for encouraging him to maintain a tenacious mindset.

“Honestly, I give my teammates a lot of credit. You know, the guys we started with, Des, P, AB, Jay Suggs, we got there, Tristan, they all encourage me. They tell me when I’m aggressive, it takes our team to a new level on the offensive end.”

He detailed how this approach affects the group beyond the box score.

“Because I do a lot of things that don’t show up in this box score night in and night out. But they say offensively when I’m aggressive it opens up another chapter for this team. So I definitely give them a lot of credit. But at the same time, processing the game, slowing it down a little bit mentally, but still playing at a fast, fast pace.”

Wendell Carter Jr. on his big offensive night, including the game-winner over the Lakers:

“I give my teammates a lot of credit. They tell me when I’m aggressive, it takes us to another level.” pic.twitter.com/UCmb2drIVB

– Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 25 February 2026

The Magic relied on that interior presence against Los Angeles, especially in the fourth quarter. Orlando improved to 31–26 with the win and finished their four-game Western Conference road trip with consecutive wins over both Los Angeles teams.

Wendell Carter Jr.’s aggression leads Magic past Lakers

Carter’s production this season reflects a steady role within Orlando’s rotation. In his sixth year with the franchise, the 26-year-old center has averaged 11.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in 54 appearances. He is shooting 48.7% from the field, 32.2% from 3-point range and a career-high 80.1% from the free-throw line, while logging 29.6 minutes per contest.

While Carter’s game-winning effort highlighted his night, the overarching theme of aggression has come up repeatedly in Orlando’s recent surge. Teammates have emphasized that when Carter strikes decisively, whether it’s finishing at the rim, stepping into mid-range looks, or crashing the glass, it creates additional spacing and rhythm for the offense.

The Magic also got another standout performance from Paolo Banchero, who recorded 36 points, 10 rebounds and six assists against the Lakers. Orlando’s ability to generate balanced contributions on both the perimeter and interior has provided momentum entering the final stretch of the regular season.

With the road trip complete, Orlando returns home to begin a four-game homestand starting Thursday against the Houston Rockets (35-21) at 7:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video. As the Magic attempt to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference, Carter’s emphasis on controlled aggression may remain a central factor in maintaining their upward trajectory.

The NBA is struggling with a big problem right now in the form of tanking. The league inadvertently has rules in place that effectively encourage teams to throw games in hopes of getting a better draft selection.

At a time when the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers have been heavily fined by the league for violating player participation policies, Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ishbia is not saying anything about the practice.

“It’s an embarrassment, that’s totally, my point of view, tanking is a loser mentality. I’ve never been around anyone. You show me somebody who wants to lose, who thinks about losing, I’ll show you a loser, he’s a loser, that’s not my stuff,” Ishbia revealed on The Pat McAfee Show, according to a post by ClutchPoints on X.

“It’s a shame. It’s terrible. My view is that tanking is a loser mentality. … I think it’s bad for the NBA.”

Suns governor Matt Ishbia on the league’s tanking issue.

(via @PatMcAfeeShow)pic.twitter.com/dqK2YShWFf

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 25 February 2026

“So I don’t like to lose, I don’t ever want to talk about losing. We try to win and the draft works, if you don’t have a good team, you get a good pick. But if you intentionally trade for players and then don’t play them, try to lose games. I think it’s bad for the NBA, I think Adam Silver knows it, organizations know it, it’s got to change. It will change.

After the 2026 All-Star break, the race to the bottom has become so transparent that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was forced to impose massive financial fines against organizations openly throwing games.

“It’s fixable, and credit to Adam Silver. He knows it’s a problem, he’ll fix it. I believe he’ll fix it, but you can’t have teams like that…the incentives are misaligned right now,” Ishbia declared.

The Utah Jazz were fined a whopping $500,000 for benching healthy stars Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the fourth quarter of highly competitive games against Orlando and Miami. Shortly afterward, the Indiana Pacers were fined $100,000 for resting Pascal Siakam and two other starters in violation of the league’s player participation policy.

Ishbia’s statements indicate that at least some owners in the NBA value competition above all else, even if it proves detrimental due to NBA rules.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s road matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies due to management of a lower back injury, the team has announced in its latest injury report.

The Warriors (30-28) are set to conclude their two-game road trip against Memphis (21-35) with tipoff at 4:30 pm PT. Golden State enters the contest looking to bounce back after a 113-109 loss to the 17-win New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.

Green played 32 minutes in the loss, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks. He made 5 of 11 shots from the field and connected on one 3-pointer while serving as the primary facilitator in the half court.

The 35-year-old has appeared in 48 games this season, averaging 8.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 26.6 minutes per contest. He is shooting 41% from the field and 32% from beyond the arc. Green’s availability continues to be a key factor for a Warriors team that is nearing .500 as it strives for a playoff position in the Western Conference.

Draymond Green’s status headlines Warriors’ injury report vs. Grizzlies

Golden State also ruled out De’Anthony Melton for Wednesday’s game with a left knee injury. Melton scored a season-high 28 points in Tuesday’s loss, leading all scorers. He recorded four rebounds, three assists and one steal while shooting 8 for 20 from the field, 3 for 9 from 3-point range and 9 for 11 from the free-throw line in 28 minutes.

The 27-year-old guard is averaging 12.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game in 31 games, including seven starts. He is shooting 42.4% from the field and 29.1% from 3-point distance.

The Warriors’ full injury report includes:

• Jimmy Butler III – Outside (right ACL; surgery)
• LJ Cryer – Outside (G League – Two-Way)
• Seth Curry – Outside (left sciatic nerve irritation)
• Stephen Curry – Outside (right patellofemoral pain syndrome)
• Draymond Green – Suspicious (Management of left lower back injury)
• D’Anthony Melton – Outside (left knee injury management)
• Kristaps Porzingis – Outside (Disease)
• Nate Williams – Outside (G League – Two-Way)

Following Wednesday’s contest, Golden State will return to San Francisco to host the Los Angeles Lakers (34-23) in a nationally televised game on ABC on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

The acquisition of Lamar Odom in December 2011 was initially heralded as a masterstroke by the Dallas Mavericks’ front office. After winning back-to-back championships and then earning the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award with the Los Angeles Lakers, Odom’s limited production in Dallas led to bitterness with owner Mark Cuban, who once claimed he did not get his money’s worth from the player.

And whereas the now 46-year-old once wanted to wash locker rooms with the Mavericks owner, Odom now appears more willing to move on.

“Man, this white man has got it in his heart to get his point across. He needs to kick me in the shin. You know, Mark Cuban’s time has passed. I forgive you. But if it wasn’t your cousin sitting right here next to you, I would have put him in the locker and washed the locker with him. Yo, I was going to wash the locker room with him,” he said on the Cousins Podcast. According to HoopsHype.

Odom came to Dallas after a stellar season, during which he averaged 14.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists. He was shipped to Dallas for essentially nothing more than an $8.9 million trade exception and a future first-round selection.

However, the transaction quickly turned into a basketball and public relations disaster. Dealing with personal issues including the previous loss of his infant son and drug use, Odom’s on-court production reached career lows of 6.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game, while shooting a massive 35.2% from the floor. Cuban reportedly constantly harassed Odom from his courtside seats, openly criticizing his conditioning and labeling him a “waste of money.”

Odom’s career apparently never took off again. He was sent to the Los Angeles Clippers the following season as part of a four-team deal. Odom averaged four points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game in the 2012–13 campaign before stints in Spain and China.

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson didn’t provide any official medical update on Max Strus ahead of the team’s win over the New York Knicks, but what he had to say falls in line with the impression that the veteran swingman is getting healthier by the day.

“I watched him work on the court today,” Atkinson said Monday night. “It’s been a really positive trend. A lot of activity, contact with coaches, changes in direction. So that’s all I’ll tell you. What it means — when you start playing, all that — I can’t give you that. I haven’t even asked.

“I was so pleased and surprised, like, man, he’s starting to pick it up now.”

This is the first instance in which Atkinson mentions that Strus graduated from non-contact court work and conditioning to working against contact. Although this is only against the coaching staff, it is an important development that portends a comeback.

Strus has yet to play a game this season after suffering a Jones fracture of his left foot in late August, a few weeks before training camp. The Cavs’ last official statement on the injury came on January 6, indicating it required more time to heal. Strus had a follow-up evaluation four weeks later, but other than Atkinson emphasizing his progress, the team has not released any other updates since then.

“The hardest part for him is just being patient,” Cavs president Koby Altman said in his post-trade-deadline Zoom call with the media in early February. “That injury was a terrible offseason injury. It took a long time to heal, but he’s making progress. He’s getting back on the field, and we’re excited to have him for this stretch run, but we’re definitely taking our time to make sure that when he comes back, he’s 100 percent.

“I know there’s no one more excited than him to come back. No one’s pushing harder than him to come back. But at the same time, we want to make sure he’s 100 percent when he comes back. And unfortunately I still don’t have a timetable for you.”

Atkinson recently shared that Cleveland does not have a target number of games for the Struts to play in order to advance to the postseason. He hopes to suit up in the regular season.

“Getting Max back any time before the playoffs would be a huge bonus,” Atkinson said. “I mean, he missed a lot of time last year with an ankle. He’s not a 22-year-old, right? A guy with that experience and the way he works in the weight room. Of course, he wants a little runway where he can find his rhythm. But, as long as we get him to make a run in the playoffs, I think it’s a win for us. He has a lot of experience. Obviously, he played very well in the playoffs last year.”

It will be interesting to see how the Cavs’ rotation looks when Strus returns to the floor. Atkinson has plenty of options to go with the rebuilt core of James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Guys like Dean Wade, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson and Keon Ellis have proven their ability to step up when needed. Unfortunately, someone will have to fall down a peg due to the depth of the team.

“Obviously, thrilled that we’re getting healthy. We’re almost there,” Atkinson said last week. “Max, like that last part, but almost perfect. So I think it’s figuring out the rotation and the lineup. That’s the biggest thing. And also, when you have everybody healthy, obviously, the minutes are distributed differently. Guys who are playing a lot may not be playing as much.

“There’s a lot of moving pieces with this, which we all know is part of it. And everybody has to make sacrifices and do their part. But listen, it’s a good problem to have with the talent we have. So, excited to see James with the new guys we’re integrating.”

It’s fair to say that Derrick Rose became the biggest name in Chicago Bulls history since the days of Michael Jordan. Until an ACL injury and subsequent injuries derailed his career, Rose was viewed and played as a true generational star, becoming the first player since MJ to win the MVP award as a Bulls player.

However, that doesn’t come close to clarifying exactly what D-Rose means to Chicago, which the Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crowe-Armstrong might have a fair idea about. The 37-year-old recently spoke about his meeting with Rose, claiming the Bulls legend was everything he wanted.

“That was one of the best days of my life”

Pete Crowe-Armstrong talks about the time he met Chicago legend Derrick Rose 🌹🏀 pic.twitter.com/yuTlDj0rSn

– MLB (@MLB) 25 February 2026

“That was one of the best days of my life. Yeah, D-Rose was big in my house growing up. I’m learning what he really means to the city. He gave me a ton of his time one day, and he reminded me that, like, I have to be there. He really took the time to get to know me and listen to my story,” he said, per a post by MLB on X, before explaining that Rose had the answer to everything he was unsure about.

“It almost felt like he had the answer to everything, either I was unsure about it or, but he made it seem like, he was Chicago, and really is Chicago. But that guy is everything and more that I wanted him to be. He was the best thing ever,” Crowe-Armstrong said.

Rose was drafted first overall by the Bulls in 2008, immediately breathing life into a struggling franchise by earning Rookie of the Year honors and leading the team to a 41–41 record. However, his best season came during 2010–11.

On his way to becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history, Rose led the Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals, establishing Chicago as a legitimate championship threat for the first time since the Michael Jordan era. Of course, the fairytale was derailed when he suffered an ACL injury during the opening game of the 2012 playoffs, the first of several injuries that ultimately limited his potential.

Yet, as the Cubs star claimed, Rose is and was a Chicagoan, and remains a major source of inspiration for young stars throughout the game.

The Sacramento Kings have not been the best team this season. In fact, if you look at the record they are one of the worst teams in the league, as they are currently 13-46 and in last place in the Western Conference standings. Things are probably about to get even worse for them, as they have closed out their top two playerDomantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine for the remainder of the season due to injuries.

When you’re one of the worst teams in the league, people make fun of you. That’s what happened to the Kings recently, but in the most bizarre fashion, it happened while a reporter was talking to Coby White about the idea of ​​adding him to the team.

The reporter asked, “Is there any appreciation of ‘Hey, they could have sent me to Sacramento’.”

“Yo, come on bro,” White said, laughing.

Reporter: “Is there any appreciation for ‘Hey, they could have sent me to Sacramento'”.

Coby White: “Yo, come on bro.”

The king is catching stray animals 😭

(via @british_buzz)pic.twitter.com/vN5WNFBmzN

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 25 February 2026

At this point, it doesn’t seem like either player would want to be traded to the Kings, especially with the uncertainty surrounding their future. Things have been rough since last season, when Mike Brown was fired, and De’Aaron Fox was traded, and the expectation was that things would improve this season with the arrival of new pieces.

Unfortunately, things have taken a turn for the worse, and the only big positive from this year is that they’ll have a chance to be the top pick in the upcoming draft.

As far as the current roster, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they traded away some of their key players in the offseason, like Sabonis, in order to acquire assets in return. This would signal a true rebuild for the Kings, and given the way things have been going the past few years, it might be the best decision for them.

If they don’t do this, there is every possibility that they will become the laughingstock of the league.

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced Wednesday that they have signed guard Jules Bernard to a two-way contract. As per team policy, financial terms were not disclosed. Bernard will remain with Minnesota’s NBA G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, where he has been one of the league’s most productive guards this season.

In 37 G League appearances (33 starts), Bernard is averaging 22.5 points while playing 34.5 minutes per game. He’s shooting 42.5% to 42.9% from the field, 34.9% to 35.3% from three-point range, and 80.1% to 80.6% from the free-throw line. His all-around production included 6.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The 26-year-old has scored 30 points six times, including a season-high 38 points against the Long Island Nets on January 18. On February 7, he recorded 30 points with eight three-pointers, along with season highs of 13 rebounds and 13 assists in a 123–120 win over the Maine Celtics.

Bernard previously signed a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards through the 2023–24 season, in which he appeared in 19 games for a total of 149 minutes. He averaged 3.9 points on 45.3% shooting, including 37.9% from three, and 1.4 rebounds in 7.9 minutes per game. He made his NBA debut on December 8, 2023 in a 124–97 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

Undrafted out of the UCLA Bruins in 2022, the Los Angeles native played four collegiate seasons, appearing in 130 games (65 starts) and posting career averages of 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 23.4 minutes per game, while shooting 43.0% from the field and 35.4% from three. As a senior in 2021–22, he averaged 12.8 points and 4.7 rebounds and earned Pac-12 All-Tournament Team honors.

The Timberwolves had a two-way slot open after waiving Johnny Juzang. Bernard is eligible to remain active for up to 14 NBA games for the remainder of the regular season and will need promotion to the standard 15-man roster to qualify for postseason play.

NBA insider Mark J. Spears said Wednesday that he would choose LeBron James over Luka Doncic as the Los Angeles Lakers’ closer in late-game situations, citing James’ versatility and track record in tough times.

Speaking on NBA Today, Spears pointed to the final sequence of the Lakers’ 110-109 loss to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night, when Los Angeles had 6.7 seconds left and a chance to win. James inbounded the ball to Doncic, who then gave James an open look for a contested fadeway 3-pointer over Jonathan Isaac on the left wing.

“There aren’t a lot of players in the NBA who close out games better than LeBron James and in a one-to-two minute span, Luka made three shots, Austin made three shots. LeBron James is standing on the sideline and Desmond Benn is guarding him, he’s taller than Desmond Benn, fifty pounds heavier, and he’s there when they’re doing that one-on-one. And I think as great as Luka is, I want the ball. In LeBron James’ hands because he can take the ball to the basket, pass out to Luka, pass out to Austin, I don’t think he should have taken the ball out at the end of the game… and he’s too close and he didn’t get a chance to pass.

“I think as great as Luca [Doncic] I want the ball to be in LeBron James’ hands because he can take the ball to the basket, pass out to Luka, pass out to Austin [Reaves]…He’s too close and didn’t get a chance to close.

– Mark J. spearspic.twitter.com/WTkSYy3lio

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 25 February 2026

LeBron James, Luka Doncic’s stat lines fuel Lakers close debate

James finished with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 32 minutes. He shot 8 for 13 from the field and 3 for 4 from the free-throw line, while also knocking down two 3-pointers.

Doncic recorded 22 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds in 38 minutes but struggled with efficiency. He shot 8 of 24 from the field, 2 of 10 from 3-point range, and 4 of 9 from the free-throw line.

The late-game decision has fueled discussion about the roles played on key possessions for the Lakers, who fell to 34-23 with the loss and lost their second consecutive game. A four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP, James has long been considered one of the league’s most reliable finishers, especially in playoff settings. Doncic, meanwhile, has built a reputation as a high-usage playmaker capable of creating shots under pressure.

The Lakers are now trying to regroup as they begin a two-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns (33-26) on Thursday night starting at 6:00 pm PT. With competition tight in the Western Conference standings, clarity in late-game execution could prove crucial as Los Angeles enters the final stretch of the regular season.