MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards will miss the next several games with inflammation in his right knee, with the team in the thick of the race for playoff position in the Western Conference.
The Timberwolves announced before their game on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns that Edwards would be re-evaluated in one to two weeks, after the sixth-year guard underwent an MRI exam. That means Edwards will miss at least four games, with the Timberwolves playing four times in a six-day span. A two-week absence would cost him seven games.
Edwards will finish the season with a career low in games played, having already missed four games with a right hamstring strain and a total of six games over three different stretches with a lingering right foot injury.
Edwards, who played in 79 games in each of the three previous seasons, is averaging a career-best 29.5 points per game. Minnesota entered Tuesday in a tie for fifth place in the West with the Denver Nuggets, two games ahead of the Suns for the cut to avoid the play-in tournament.
"It's something he's been dealing with. It just had been getting worse. He gutted it out last game and I think you could see he was favoring it late… It's something we're going to take time with."
Stewart has been one of the better defensive big men in the league this season and a key part of the Pistons' second-ranked defense, plus he is averaging 10 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. He is absolutely in the mix for an All-Defensive team, but with this injury he may well not meet the 65-game threshold to qualify for a postseason award (he has played in 55 games, the Pistons have 15 games remaining). Some of the time he missed this season was due to a seven-game suspension for leaving the bench during an on-court altercation between the Pistons and Hornets.
Expect this to mean more run for Paul Reed, who has averaged 13.9 points and 7.8 rebounds as a starter this season (eight games).
Arsenal v Bayer Leverkusen. Arsenal make two changes to their starting line-up in Leverkusen. Ben White comes in at right-back for the injured Jurriën Timber, while Leandro Trossard replaces the benched Gabriel Martinelli. Kasper Hjulmand names the same starting XI.
The comeback’s definitely on now! Geny Catamo sprays a lovely ball down the right wing for Luis Suárez, who delivers an inch-perfect low cross into the middle. Pedro Gonçalves, steaming down the inside-left channel, doesn’t need to break stride before blasting home from 12 yards. Lovely sweeping move!
On the telly, they’re talking about this game. It’s up there with Juventus 2-3 Man United as the best European performances British teams have delivered in my lifetime.
Email! “Pep’s kinda washed and we should just say it,” says Christopher Flaherty. “Hemming and hawking about staying, no clear vision for the future ... further decline is more likely than another revolution.”
Tonight's Coast 2 Coast Tuesday features another exciting slate of NBA action. First, at 8:00 PM ET, it's the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. the Milwaukee Bucks. Then, at 10:00 PM ET, the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Denver Nuggets. Live coverage tonight begins at 7:00 PM with NBA Showtime on NBC and Peacock. See below for additional information on how to watch tonight's games. Follow all of the NBA action on NBCSN and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Denver Nuggets Game Preview:
Before the All-Star Break, the 76ers were sixth in the Eastern Conference, in the final guaranteed playoff spot. But injuries and inconsistent play over the last month have dropped Philadelphia to ninth place, where they currently sit in Play-In tournament position.
Joel Embiid is out with an oblique injury, Paul George is still serving a 25-game suspension, and Tyrese Maxey has missed the last five games with a tendon injury in his right pinky.
With three of its top scorers sidelined, Philadelphia will look to VJ Edgecombe to lead the way. Edgecombe leads all rookies in total steals (89) and is third among rookies in scoring (15.4 ppg).
The Nuggets are currently fifth in the Western Conference, having won four of their last seven games. As the playoff race heats up, Denver will need more consistency to build momentum in a tightly packed West.
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. Sunday Night Basketball coverage will also be available on NBC and Peacock. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
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CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 15: Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Rocket Arena on March 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Cavaliers 130-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cavs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
It’s hard to believe the 2025-26 NBA regular season is already approaching an end. As of writing, the Cleveland Cavaliers only have 14 games remaining, with a match against the Milwaukee Bucks tonight. Where does the time go?
Keeping that theme in mind, our first question for this week’s survey focuses on the end of the season. With only a handful of weeks left in the schedule, do you believe Max Strus can work his way back into the starting lineup before the playoffs start?
There are layers to this question. First, you need to believe that Strus belongs in the starting lineup, to begin with. I think this part of the equation is more straightforward, as Strus has had success in the starting five since joining the Cavaliers three seasons ago. If he’s healthy, that role is likely his. Though you can argue for someone like Jaylon Tyson, if you wish.
Second, and more importantly, can Strus get back into postseason shape this quickly? He just made his season debut on Sunday. That’s a short window to ramp up and get ready for the intensity of a playoff run. Strus scoring 24 points in his debut probably makes you feel more confident. However, he did look gassed at various points in that game. Something to keep in mind.
As for our other question, we want to know who you believe will finish the season with a higher three-point percentage? Jaylon Tyson (45.7%) or Sam Merrill (44.5%).
Of course, we understand that Merrill attempts more difficult shots than Tyson. But the fact that this is even close is a testament to the season Tyson is having. So, who are you rolling with down the stretch?
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 15: Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers waits during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Rocket Arena on March 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Max Strus finally returned to the court for the Cleveland Cavaliers this past Sunday after missing the entire season to this point with a Jones fracture. While it didn’t come in a win, his return looked about as positive an outcome as the team, the player, and the fans could have hoped for.
Average Player Grade: A+
Stats last week: One game, 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist
“You learn a lot about yourself when something is taken away from you. I think I understand how important this is and how much it does mean to me that I want to be back. I want to make an impact. I want to help this team win. I do love basketball. I do love doing it with a good group of guys. I’m just happy to be back.”
The performance sent the arena into a frenzy. Strus was lights out shooting beyond the perimeter, going 6-7 in 20 minutes. Strus compiled this performance while also showing the skill set that made Cavaliers fans fall in love with him in the first place. Strus showed his on-ball abilities, being able to get around the rim, and showed how much easier his life can be in this James Harden iteration of the Cavaliers.
Strus’s return also allows the Cavaliers to unlock a more free-flowing version of their offense — one that mirrors the style that originally drew the team to him during his Miami Heat days. In past seasons, Strus often felt like an essential component of the Cavaliers’ ability to get rolling offensively, but that level of responsibility sometimes worked against what makes him most effective. The Cavs should be able to put him in the proper context now.
Shooters like Strus operate at their best when they are able to operate within their own systems. The Cavs desperately have needed these types of role players. Outside of Sam Merrill, this has been an archetype the team has sorely lacked.
A lot of times, the Cavalier of the week is based on a stretch of games to earn the hardware. When it comes to this week, I think acknowledging the road Max Strus took to have the debut he did is worth the award itself.
It’s St. Patrick’s Day, but we don’t need luck to hit some winners in the NBA player prop markets.
I’ve reached the end of the rainbow and found my three favorite NBA picks for the day, which include Brandon Miller finding us some green on the glass, and the Kings needing the luck of the Irish if they don’t want to get blocked by Victor Wembanyama.
Fading the Miami Heat on the glass is still one of my favorite ways to bet NBA player props right now.
The Heat play at the highest pace and take the most field goal attempts in the NBA. That inherently means a lot of rebounds up for grabs, and not surprisingly, they surrender the third-most opponent rebounds per game.
One of the players creating a buzz around the Hornets is Brandon Miller, and it’s not just with his scoring. Miller is averaging 7.1 rebounds over his last nine games and has hauled down 6+ boards six times over that stretch.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FDSN-South, FDSN-Charlotte
Prop #2: Cam Johnson Over 10.5 points
+100 at bet365
Denver Nuggets wing Cam Johnson is finally starting to find his shooting rhythm again, so this might be one of the last times we see a point total like this for him for a bit.
Johnson has put up totals of 17, 15, and 18 points over his last three games, where he’s shooting 60% from the field, including 47.1% from 3-point range.
Tonight, Johnson and the Nuggets play host to the banged-up Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers are missing basically all of their impact players and rank 22nd in defensive rating over their last 10 games.
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Peacock
Prop #3: Victor Wembanyama Over 3.5 blocks
+115 at bet365
Another one of my favorite player props going in the NBA right now is Victor Wembanyama's blocks.
Sportsbooks just can’t quite fully grasp his ability to protect the rim recently. Wemby has been putting up monstrous block numbers ever since the All-Star break.
The San Antonio Spurs star center is averaging 4.2 blocks per game in his 13 games since coming out of the break, topping 3.5 11 times during that period.
Next, he takes on the Sacramento Kings, who rank 20th in opponent blocks allowed per game since the start of February. The Wemby block party continues tonight.
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Our NBA player prop projections are back for tonight’s primetime matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks, and the model has already identified several standout opportunities.
After breaking down the data and comparing our projections with the current market lines, we’ve pinpointed the spots offering the strongest betting value.
If you’re building your betting card, these are the model’s top NBA picks for Tuesday, March 17.
Cavaliers vs Bucks computer picks for March 17
Cavaliers
Bucks
Mitchell o25.5 points -115
Antetokounmpo u28.5 points -112
Harden o2.5 3-pointers -140
Porter Jr. u6.5 assists -110
Mobley u9.5 rebounds -140
Kuzma u4.5 rebounds -125
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Cavaliers computer picks
Donovan Mitchell Over 25.5 points (-115)
Projection: 27.5 points
Opposing starting shooting guards are averaging 6.2 made field goals per game against the Milwaukee Bucks this season — the fifth-highest mark in the league — making this a favorable spot for Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell has gone Over his 25.5-point line in four of his last 10 games, and this matchup could give him a strong chance to clear it again.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Mitchell Now at bet365!/span
James Harden Over 2.5 3-pointers (-140)
Projection: 2.6 3-pointers
The matchup with the Bucks sets up well for perimeter production, as opposing starting point guards have averaged 7.3 three-point attempts per game over the last 10 contests — the fifth-most in the NBA.
That trend creates a favorable spot for James Harden to capitalize from beyond the arc.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet harden Now at bet365!/span
Evan Mobley Under 9.5 rebounds (-140)
Projection: 8.7 rebounds
The Cleveland Cavaliers have played at the fifth-slowest pace in the NBA over their last 15 games, and that tempo could slow even further in this matchup.
Facing the Bucks — who rank as the sixth-slowest offense over their last 25 games — should lead to fewer overall possessions, potentially limiting rebounding opportunities for Evan Mobley.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet mobley Now at bet365!/span
Bucks computer picks
Giannis Antetokounmpo Under 28.5 points (-112)
Projection: 26.3 points
At home this season, the Cavaliers have held opposing starting power forwards to just 13.5 points per game — the second-lowest mark in the league — signaling a tough matchup for offensive production.
That’s not an ideal setup for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has gone Under his 28.5-point line in eight of his last 10 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Antetokounmpo Now at bet365!/span
Kevin Porter Jr. Under 6.5 assists (-110)
Projection: 6.2 assists
Due to Cavaliers pace of the game, the slowdown could affect Kevin Porter Jr., who has gone Under his 6.5-assist line in four of his last 10 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet porter Now at bet365!/span
Kyle Kuzma Under 4.5 rebounds (-125)
Projection: 3.7 rebounds
Kyle Kuzma has struggled to reach his rebound line recently, hitting the Under in all 10 of his last 10 games at 4.5 rebounds.
Cleveland’s frontcourt is physical and active on the glass, limiting second-chance opportunities for opposing wings and forwards. Kuzma, who isn’t a primary rebounder, will likely see his chances curtailed by their size and positioning.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet KUZMA Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Cavaliers vs Bucks tonight
Location
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC/Peacock
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Leon Draisaitl is expected to miss the rest of the NHL regular season because of a lower-body injury, the Edmonton Oilers said Tuesday, leaving the back-to-back defending Western Conference champions left to try to hold on to a playoff spot without one of the best hockey players in the world.
He will miss at least the remaining 14 games through April 16.
It was not immediately clear exactly what the injury was or whether Draisaitl will miss any time once the playoffs begin the weekend of April 18-19.
Draisaitl left his team's game Sunday against Nashville after getting bumped hard by the Predators’ Ozzy Wiesblatt during the first period. He did not return.
The Oilers after winning that game sat in third place in the Pacific Division, one point back of Vegas and two behind Anaheim, though the Golden Knights and Ducks each have an extra game left to play.
Draisaitl has been a big part of getting Edmonton to this point. The 30-year-old ranks fourth in the league in scoring with 97 points in 65 games, second on the team behind only Connor McDavid, atop the NHL with 114 points
Draisaitl won the Hart Trophy as MVP in 2020 and was the runner-up last season. Last month, he played at the Olympics and was Germany's leading scorer with seven points in five games.
Draisaitl is the second prominent player to be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. Toronto's Auston Matthews won't play again because of a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee.
After playing just four teams with losing records over the last 17 games, the Detroit Pistons have four such teams in the next six, starting with a pair of games against the Washington Wizards this week.
The Wizards upset the Pistons on Feb. 6, so Detroit will not be looking past this pair of games.
My Pistons at Wizards predictions and NBA picks call for Detroit to roll to a lopsided cover on Tuesday, March 17.
Washington has lost 12 straight games, going 4-8 ATS. The Wizards have also lost their last 12 games as double-digit dogs, which they’ll be against Detroit.
Star Wizards guard Trae Young went down in the last game and is questionable, although he hasn’t traditionally bounced back quickly.
Detroit has gone 3-6 ATS in the last nine, against a tough schedule that included San Antonio twice and OKC once. The Pistons got Ausar Thompson back last game, and that should be enough to push them over the top.
Pistons vs Wizards same-game parlay
Detroit is No. 16 in pace, but Washington (No. 7) will speed things up. The Pistons have gone Over in the last two games with a points total this high and are riding a streak of four straight Overs. The Wizards have gone Over in four of five and seven of nine.
Jalen Duren has been red hot lately, scoring 20 or more in four of the last five, averaging 22.8 over that span. He’s also hit 45 of 55 shots (.818) in that stretch.
Pistons vs Wizards SGP
Pistons -19.5
Over 232.5
Jalen Duren Over 20.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Surfing the Injury Report
In 13 games against the seven teams with the NBA’s worst records, Cade Cunningham has been in double-digits in assists nine times. He’s also been in double figures four of his last five overall, averaging 12.4 over that span. Getting positive odds on his assists prop is a gift.
Duncan Robinson isn’t a prototypical rebounder, but he’s averaging 2.7 per game and hasn’t been below two in his last five games, averaging 3.4 over that span. Like Cunningham’s assists prop, we’re taking advantage of odds that seem too generous given his recent and overall history.
Over/Under: Over 232.5 (-110) | Under 232.5 (-110)
Pistons vs Wizards betting trend to know
The Washington Wizards have hit the Game Total Over in 15 of their last 21 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Wizards.
How to watch Pistons vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-Detroit, MNMT
Pistons vs Wizards latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Central Division rivals meet for the fourth and final time this season when the Milwaukee Bucks host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Fiserv Forum tonight.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Donovan Mitchell get up for divisional games, and my Cavaliers vs Bucks predictions expect the pair to go toe-to-toe with monster performances.
Here are my free NBA picks for this divisional throwdown on Tuesday, March 17.
Cavaliers vs Bucks prediction
Cavaliers vs Bucks best bet: Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 28.5 points (-115)
At 27.6 points per game, Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging his fewest points since the 2017-18 campaign. He’s been limited to 36 games due to injuries, but has scored 29+ in 19 of them.
Giannis has historically played well against his division foe, averaging 32.6 points over his last seven matchups with the Cleveland Cavaliers and scoring 30+ points six times.
Cleveland has allowed the 12th-most points in the paint across its last 10 games, and 67.7% of Giannis’ points come from that range.
With no Jarrett Allen tonight, that will allow for the Greek Freak to attack Evan Mobley more and cause havoc in the paint.
Cavaliers vs Bucks same-game parlay
The Cavs have struggled to cover the spread with consistency this season. Cleveland is 7-15 against the spread as the road favorite and 4-14 when favored by 10 points.
The Milwaukee Bucks are 2-1 ATS vs. Cleveland, and I’ll take them to cover as big home underdogs, thanks to the play of Giannis.
The Cavs are 20-13 to the Over on the road and 15-7 as the road favorite. The Bucks have hit the Over in 19 of 34 home games and 12 of 20 games as the home underdog. The teams also hit the Over when they last met on February 25.
Cavaliers vs Bucks SGP
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 28.5 points
Bucks +10.5
Over 229
Our "from downtown" SGP: Superstar saga
Giannis has pulled down 10+ boards in six of his last seven matchups against Cleveland, and with no Allen for the visitor tonight, the Greek Freak can crash the boards with ease.
Milwaukee’s defense has allowed the fourth-most points (120.1) and most 3-pointers per game across its last 10 games. In that span, the Bucks have surrendered the third-most rebounds (46.9) and most assists (30.7).
That's music to the ears of Donovan Mitchell, who has nailed at least four threes in two of three. He's also eclipsed this R+A line in three straight.
Cavaliers vs Bucks SGP
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 28.5 points
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 9.5 rebounds
Donovan Mitchell Over 25.5 points
Donovan Mitchell Over 9.5 rebounds+assists
Cavaliers vs Bucks odds
Spread: Cavaliers -10.5 | Bucks +10.5
Moneyline: Cavaliers -500 | Bucks +375
Over/Under: Over 229 | Under 229
Cavaliers vs Bucks betting trend to know
The Cavaliers have hit the team total Over in 13 of their last 17 away games (+8.35 Units / 42% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Bucks.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Bucks
Location
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC/Peacock
Cavaliers vs Bucks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Tonight's Coast 2 Coast Tuesday features another thrilling lineup of NBA excitement. The action starts at 8:00 PM ET when the Cleveland Cavaliers face the Milwaukee Bucks. Then, at 10:00 PM ET, it's the Philadelphia 76ers vs Denver Nuggets. Live coverage tonight begins at 7:00 PM with NBA Showtime on NBC and Peacock. See below for additional information on how to watch tonight's games. Follow all of the NBA action on NBCSN and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview:
Entering tonight's matchup, the Cavaliers currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference. Although they've lost three of their last five games, including a 130-120 loss to the Mavericks on Sunday, Cleveland boasts a 70.8 % win percentage since January 21.
Donovan Mitchell leads the team in scoring (28.2 ppg), assists (5.9 apg), and steals (1.6 spg) this season. The seven-time All-Star is currently fifth in the league in scoring offense (118.1 ppg).
The Bucks are currently 11th in the East and in jeopardy of missing the postseason for the first time since the 2015-2016 season. The health of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo will be a key factor in how the Bucks close out the season. Antetokounmpo, who leads Milwaukee in scoring (27.6 ppg) and rebounding (9.8 rpg), is listed as a game-time decision tonight with an ankle injury, following an early exit after an awkward landing in Sunday’s win against Indiana.
Tonight's contest is the fourth and final meeting between the Cavaliers and Bucks this season. Cleveland won two of the first three games.
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. Sunday Night Basketball coverage will also be available on NBC and Peacock. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
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This rollercoaster Minnesota Timberwolves season has hit another dip, and they’ll be without Anthony Edwards for tonight’s bounceback mission against the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix continues to apply pressure in the race for the Top 6 in the West, but my Suns vs. Timberwolves predictions and college basketball picks signal a strong outing for Minnesota, with Julius Randle embracing a bigger offensive role.
Suns vs Timberwolves prediction
Suns vs Timberwolves best bet: Timberwolves -3.5 (-110)
If ever there was a night for the Minnesota Timberwolves' depth to shine through, this is it. They'll have to do it without Edwards, but there’s a lot to like about their 22-12 record at Target Center this season.
The hosts are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings between these teams, and a defense anchored by Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels should make life tough for Devin Booker.
This is a tricky spot for the Phoenix Suns, who lost in Boston last night, and the visitors are 4-10 SU this year when they have a rest disadvantage.
Suns vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
Julius Randle gets the keys to the Minnesota offense tonight, and he’s still capable of game-winning outings as a No. 1 option. I view his 32-7-6 stat line in Monday’s loss in OKC as a preview of what to expect tonight, and his playmaking will be critical for a Timberwolves squad that’s relied heavily on Ant to create open looks.
Suns vs Timberwolves SGP
Timberwolves -3.5
Julius Randle Over 22.5 points
Julius Randle Over 4.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Paint patrol
Both teams have peppered the Under this season, so this SGP leans into a defensive battle. Gobert is the headliner, ranking fourth in the NBA in rebounds per game, but don’t sleep on Ighodaro, who grabbed eight boards against the Celtics last night.
Suns vs Timberwolves SGP
Rudy Gobert Over 11.5 rebounds
Rudy Gobert Over 1.5 blocks
Oso Ighodaro Over 5.5 rebounds
Under 222
Suns vs Timberwolves odds
Spread: Suns +3.5 | Timberwolves -3.5
Moneyline: Suns +135 | Timberwolves -160
Over/Under: Over 222 | Under 222
Suns vs Timberwolves betting trend to know
The Under is 7-2 in Minnesota's last nine games. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Suns vs Timberwolves
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-North, KTVK
Suns vs Timberwolves latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 16: Jalen Johnson #1 reacts with Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at State Farm Arena on March 16, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In case you have been stuck under a rock for the better part of three weeks, the Atlanta Hawks have rattled off a recent streak of winning not seen since the days of Paul Millsap and Al Horford.
With their 10th straight win over the Orlando Magic on Magic City Night Monday night, Atlanta has laid claim to the longest win streak since the end of January 2015 — 4,065 days ago from today as I write this on Tuesday.
Clearly, many things are now working for this team that just a few weeks ago sat at 27-31.
Here are my top 10 reasons why the Hawks are streaking.
Jalen Johnson, closer
Jalen Johnson made his first All-Star Game this season, and deservedly so for his absolutely bonkers numbers so far.
Those numbers bear revisiting: per-game averages of 23.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 8.1 assists on 59% true shooting. Only four players in NBA history have ever hit those points, rebounds, and assists per game benchmarks in a season: Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Russell Westbrook, and Nikola Jokic.
But his biggest contribution of late has been in finishing off opponents within sniffing distance in fourth quarters. Johnson is sixth in the league in points in the fourth quarter on 60.3% true shooting. His real superstar turn may be in taking over when the brightest lights are on him.
Dyson Daniels’ hustle and grit
Dyson Daniels doesn’t need a three-point shot to absolutely wreck opposing teams’ gameplans. So far this season, he’s fourth in deflections per game with 4.2, third in total deflections with 269, and second in loose balls recovered with 62 (all stats per the NBA’s tracking numbers).
Plays like this one last night where he goes all out for the ball are almost a nightly basis:
But these haven’t been the product of simply standing in the corner. Rather, he works hard for these looks by moving off the ball to find openings. Watch him sprint from the strong side corner for this look — an effort level that Desmond Bane simply doesn’t match:
How he does this for 33 minutes a game in 65 games to this point while handling the ball more than ever, giving tons of effort on the defensive end, and generally excelling in a much larger role than he’s ever had, I’ll never know.
The new starting unit gelled immediately
Inserting CJ McCollum into the starting lineup for Zaccharie Risacher raised some eyebrows initially, but the Hawks immediately rattled off on their winning streak ever since. It’s beyond fair to say that move has worked.
With the talk about Charlotte's starters, I haven't seen as much on Atlanta's starters. They are currently the best lineup in the league, outscoring opponents by ~30 pts/100 poss. Last night, it was +22 on 43 poss. – Every starter is better on both sides when with the starters. pic.twitter.com/rEGBCpWfS7
The Hawks are in the middle of a historical season in terms of sharing the ball. Currently, they are second in assist percentage (the percentage of made field goals that are assisted) with 70.2%, second in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.13), and tops in assist ratio (the percentage of possessions that ended with an assist) at 20.5%.
The teams’ offensive ethos has been ‘random basketball’ where dribble-handoffs and off-ball screens create tons of confusion for defenses, and the many willing passers on this team have cashed in tons opportunities to create easy looks for each other.
Bench depth
The in-season additions of Gabe Vincent, Corey Kispert, Jonathan Kuminga, and Jock Landale have given the bench many options to mix and match as needed. Gone are the days of the dreaded Keaton Wallace-Luke Kennard-Vit Krejci lineups. Now the Hawks can stagger one of the starting guards with bigger and more physical presences at hand.
Offensive rebounding
The Hawks had difficulties extending possessions early in the season, and it was clear the tradeoff of bodies back in transition defense wasn’t quite worth it. Prior to the All-Star break, the Hawks were 27th in the NBA in offensive rebound rate (the percent of available offensive rebounds secured) at 27.3%
Now, with the likes of Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher crashing the glass relentlessly, post-All-Star break the team has been fourth in the entire league over that stretch with an offensive rebounding rate of 34.4%.
Defensive rebounding
The story is similar on the defensive side of the ball. The week layoff and homestand has helped the Hawks put up more of a physical fight for box outs and positioning on the glass as of late.
The team went from 21st in defensive rebounding rate (68.9%) prior to the break all the way to first in the NBA (76.4%) since. Now that’s what I call a turnaround.
Coaching adjustments
I wrote about Quin Snyder putting Dyson Daniels on Giannis Antetokounmpo when it was clear the matchup was problematic. Two games ago, Snyder inserted Mouhamed Gueye in Jock Landale’s place in the second half bench unit against the Brooklyn Nets.
And last game, he used double big lineups with Jalen Johnson at the 3 (although to not a great effect).
The coaching staff has had to constantly tinker during a season of wild roster turnover, and they’ve now found solution after solution during this latest stretch.
The vibes are immaculate
After every big play, you see locker room vet Buddy Hield and others engaged and cheering. The home crowds in State Farm Arena are providing ample energy.
After the game yesterday, Jalen Johnson said it himself, “I think the best way to describe it is we’re resilient. We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs. Team has looked different at times. But at the end of the day, we remain together. With us remaining together, that allows us to stack these types of wins, go on a winning streak like this, get a big win like tonight against Orlando. Just the little things that’s we’ve been doing off the court, in practice, have a created a sum. This is the result.”