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Buzelis leads Chicago against Los Angeles after 41-point showing

Chicago Bulls (27-38, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (40-25, fourth in the Western Conference)

Los Angeles; Thursday, 10:30 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Chicago visits the Los Angeles Lakers after Matas Buzelis scored 41 points in the Bulls' 130-124 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors.

The Lakers have gone 21-12 at home. Los Angeles ranks eighth in the Western Conference with 14.5 fast break points per game led by LeBron James averaging 5.7.

The Bulls are 11-20 in road games. Chicago is 16-21 against opponents with a winning record.

The Lakers make 49.8% of their shots from the field this season, which is 2.6 percentage points higher than the Bulls have allowed to their opponents (47.2%). The Bulls average 14.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.6 more made shots on average than the 13.0 per game the Lakers give up.

The teams play for the second time this season. The Lakers won the last matchup 129-118 on Jan. 27, with Luka Doncic scoring 46 points in the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Doncic is averaging 32.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.5 steals for the Lakers. Austin Reaves is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Buzelis is averaging 15.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the Bulls. Collin Sexton is averaging 14.1 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 6-4, averaging 114.6 points, 41.3 rebounds, 26.0 assists, 8.3 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 48.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.0 points per game.

Bulls: 3-7, averaging 109.4 points, 47.6 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 7.4 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.9 points.

INJURIES: Lakers: Jaxson Hayes: out (back), Maxi Kleber: out (back), LeBron James: out (elbow).

Bulls: Anfernee Simons: day to day (wrist), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Jaden Ivey: out (knee), Zach Collins: out for season (toe), Patrick Williams: day to day (ankle), Collin Sexton: day to day (leg).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Milwaukee visits Miami after Adebayo's 83-point game

Milwaukee Bucks (27-37, 11th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (37-29, sixth in the Eastern Conference)

Miami; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Miami hosts the Milwaukee Bucks after Bam Adebayo scored 83 points in the Miami Heat's 150-129 win against the Washington Wizards.

The Heat have gone 21-18 against Eastern Conference opponents. Miami is 6-3 in one-possession games.

The Bucks are 19-24 in Eastern Conference play. Milwaukee is 15-24 in games decided by 10 points or more.

The Heat score 120.6 points per game, 4.6 more points than the 116.0 the Bucks give up. The Bucks are shooting 47.9% from the field, 2.3% higher than the 45.6% the Heat's opponents have shot this season.

The teams play for the third time this season. In the last matchup on Feb. 25 the Bucks won 128-117 led by 32 points from Kevin Porter Jr., while Norman Powell scored 26 points for the Heat.

TOP PERFORMERS: Adebayo is shooting 44.8% and averaging 20.0 points for the Heat. Tyler Herro is averaging 2.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Myles Turner is shooting 44.1% and averaging 12.3 points for the Bucks. Bobby Portis is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Heat: 8-2, averaging 126.2 points, 49.0 rebounds, 29.6 assists, 9.3 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.1 points per game.

Bucks: 3-7, averaging 104.7 points, 41.2 rebounds, 24.7 assists, 7.3 steals and 2.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.9 points.

INJURIES: Heat: Nikola Jovic: day to day (back), Kel'el Ware: day to day (shoulder), Andrew Wiggins: day to day (toe), Norman Powell: out (groin), Tyler Herro: day to day (quadriceps).

Bucks: Bobby Portis: day to day (back), Kevin Porter Jr.: day to day (knee), Jericho Sims: day to day (knee).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Philadelphia visits Detroit on 3-game road slide

Philadelphia 76ers (35-30, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (46-18, first in the Eastern Conference)

Detroit; Thursday, 7 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Philadelphia hits the road against Detroit looking to break its three-game road losing streak.

The Pistons are 31-10 in Eastern Conference games. Detroit is fifth in the Eastern Conference in rebounding averaging 45.9 rebounds. Jalen Duren paces the Pistons with 10.6 boards.

The 76ers are 21-22 in conference matchups. Philadelphia has a 6-8 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

The Pistons average 10.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.4 fewer makes per game than the 76ers allow (13.3). The 76ers score 6.3 more points per game (115.9) than the Pistons give up to opponents (109.6).

The teams meet for the third time this season. The Pistons won 114-105 in the last matchup on Nov. 15.

TOP PERFORMERS: Cade Cunningham is averaging 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 9.9 assists for the Pistons. Duren is averaging 22.7 points over the last 10 games.

Quentin Grimes is scoring 13.0 points per game and averaging 3.6 rebounds for the 76ers. Cameron Payne is averaging 1.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pistons: 5-5, averaging 114.9 points, 47.3 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 10.0 steals and 7.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.3 points per game.

76ers: 5-5, averaging 115.6 points, 41.7 rebounds, 24.4 assists, 10.3 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.1 points.

INJURIES: Pistons: Ausar Thompson: day to day (ankle), Caris LeVert: day to day (wrist).

76ers: Tyrese Maxey: out (finger), Johni Broome: out (knee), Joel Embiid: out (oblique).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Indiana faces Phoenix on home losing streak

Phoenix Suns (38-27, seventh in the Western Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (15-50, 15th in the Eastern Conference)

Indianapolis; Thursday, 7 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Indiana hosts Phoenix looking to stop its six-game home slide.

The Pacers have gone 10-22 at home. Indiana is 4-30 in games decided by at least 10 points.

The Suns are 16-14 in road games. Phoenix has a 7-7 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

The Pacers score 111.4 points per game, 0.4 more points than the 111.0 the Suns give up. The Suns average 14.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.3 more made shots on average than the 11.6 per game the Pacers give up.

The teams play for the second time this season. The Suns won the last meeting 133-98 on Nov. 14. Devin Booker scored 33 points to help lead the Suns to the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jarace Walker is averaging 11.1 points for the Pacers. Micah Potter is averaging 13.6 points and 5.6 rebounds over the last 10 games.

Booker is averaging 24.9 points and 6.1 assists for the Suns. Jalen Green is averaging 18.3 points and 1.6 steals over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pacers: 0-10, averaging 112.6 points, 40.2 rebounds, 29.0 assists, 7.5 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 45.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 127.3 points per game.

Suns: 6-4, averaging 105.3 points, 44.8 rebounds, 23.7 assists, 8.6 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 41.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.7 points.

INJURIES: Pacers: T.J. McConnell: out (hamstring), Pascal Siakam: out (knee), Johnny Furphy: out for season (knee), Andrew Nembhard: out (back), Ivica Zubac: out (ankle), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).

Suns: Dillon Brooks: out (hand), Mark Williams: out (foot).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Los Angeles plays Minnesota, aims for 4th straight home win

Minnesota Timberwolves (40-24, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (32-32, eighth in the Western Conference)

Inglewood, California; Wednesday, 10:30 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Clippers -1.5; over/under is 225.5

BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles hosts Minnesota looking to extend its three-game home winning streak.

The Clippers are 20-19 against conference opponents. Los Angeles is 16-24 against opponents over .500.

The Timberwolves are 24-17 in conference games. Minnesota is ninth in the league with 33.4 defensive rebounds per game led by Rudy Gobert averaging 7.6.

The Clippers are shooting 48.1% from the field this season, 1.8 percentage points higher than the 46.3% the Timberwolves allow to opponents. The Timberwolves are shooting 48.3% from the field, 1.8% higher than the 46.5% the Clippers' opponents have shot this season.

The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Timberwolves won the last matchup 94-88 on Feb. 27, with Anthony Edwards scoring 31 points in the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Kawhi Leonard is averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and two steals for the Clippers. Bennedict Mathurin is averaging 20.5 points and 6.7 rebounds over the past 10 games.

Julius Randle is scoring 21.4 points per game and averaging 7.0 rebounds for the Timberwolves. Edwards is averaging 4.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Clippers: 6-4, averaging 117.6 points, 42.8 rebounds, 22.8 assists, 9.5 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 49.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.3 points per game.

Timberwolves: 8-2, averaging 116.0 points, 43.0 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 9.9 steals and 6.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.4 points.

INJURIES: Clippers: Yanic Konan Niederhauser: out for season (foot), Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), John Collins: out (arm).

Timberwolves: None listed.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Jokic and the Nuggets host conference foe Houston

Houston Rockets (40-24, third in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (39-26, sixth in the Western Conference)

Denver; Wednesday, 10 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Nuggets -5.5; over/under is 228.5

BOTTOM LINE: Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets take on Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.

The Nuggets have gone 23-14 against Western Conference opponents. Denver averages 120.3 points while outscoring opponents by 3.7 points per game.

The Rockets have gone 22-18 against Western Conference opponents. Houston is 15-7 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents and averages 14.7 turnovers per game.

The 120.3 points per game the Nuggets average are 10.6 more points than the Rockets allow (109.7). The Rockets are shooting 47.6% from the field, 0.5% higher than the 47.1% the Nuggets' opponents have shot this season.

The teams play for the fourth time this season. In the last matchup on Dec. 20 the Rockets won 115-101 led by 31 points from Durant, while Jokic scored 25 points for the Nuggets.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jokic is averaging 28.9 points, 12.5 rebounds and 10.3 assists for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is averaging 23.8 points over the last 10 games.

Amen Thompson is scoring 17.7 points per game and averaging 7.6 rebounds for the Rockets. Durant is averaging 26.6 points and 6.1 rebounds over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Nuggets: 4-6, averaging 119.7 points, 46.4 rebounds, 28.2 assists, 6.5 steals and 2.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.3 points per game.

Rockets: 6-4, averaging 115.2 points, 47.0 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 7.7 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 50.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.9 points.

INJURIES: Nuggets: Jamal Murray: day to day (ankle), Cameron Johnson: day to day (back), Peyton Watson: out (hamstring).

Rockets: Jae'Sean Tate: out (knee), Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Atlanta faces Brooklyn, looks for 7th straight home win

Brooklyn Nets (17-48, 13th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (34-31, ninth in the Eastern Conference)

Atlanta; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Atlanta will try to keep its six-game home win streak alive when the Hawks play Brooklyn.

The Hawks are 19-21 against Eastern Conference opponents. Atlanta is first in the Eastern Conference with 30.5 assists per game led by Jalen Johnson averaging 7.9.

The Nets are 12-29 in conference play. Brooklyn is at the bottom of the Eastern Conference scoring averaging 107.0 points per game while shooting 44.6%.

The Hawks score 117.8 points per game, 1.9 more points than the 115.9 the Nets give up. The Hawks average 107.0 points per game, 10.2 fewer points than the 117.2 the Hawks allow to opponents.

The teams play for the third time this season. The Hawks won the last meeting 115-104 on Feb. 22, with Johnson scoring 26 points in the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Johnson is averaging 23 points, 10.4 rebounds and 7.9 assists for the Hawks. CJ McCollum is averaging 17.6 points and 4.7 assists over the last 10 games.

Nic Claxton is averaging 12.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and four assists for the Nets. Michael Porter Jr. is averaging 19.8 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 42.8% over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Hawks: 8-2, averaging 119.6 points, 48.5 rebounds, 29.9 assists, 9.7 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.5 points per game.

Nets: 2-8, averaging 108.2 points, 37.5 rebounds, 27.2 assists, 7.7 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.6 points.

INJURIES: Hawks: Jonathan Kuminga: day to day (knee).

Nets: Ziaire Williams: day to day (illness), Egor Demin: out for season (foot), Day'Ron Sharpe: day to day (thumb).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Westbrook and Sacramento take on Charlotte in non-conference play

Charlotte Hornets (33-33, 10th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (16-50, 15th in the Western Conference)

Sacramento, California; Wednesday, 10 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Hornets -12.5; over/under is 226.5

BOTTOM LINE: The Charlotte Hornets visit the Sacramento Kings in non-conference action.

The Kings have gone 11-22 at home. Sacramento has a 3-4 record in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Hornets are 19-16 on the road. Charlotte is second in the Eastern Conference with 46.3 rebounds per game led by Moussa Diabate averaging 8.7.

The Kings average 10.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.9 fewer makes per game than the Hornets give up (12.9). The Hornets' 45.9% shooting percentage from the field this season is 3.5 percentage points lower than the Kings have allowed to their opponents (49.4%).

TOP PERFORMERS: Russell Westbrook is shooting 43.1% and averaging 15.5 points for the Kings. Malik Monk is averaging 1.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Kon Knueppel is averaging 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the Hornets. Brandon Miller is averaging 21.3 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Kings: 4-6, averaging 113.6 points, 45.8 rebounds, 27.5 assists, 8.7 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.7 points per game.

Hornets: 7-3, averaging 117.2 points, 47.8 rebounds, 27.0 assists, 8.7 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.0 points.

INJURIES: Kings: Malik Monk: day to day (ankle), Domantas Sabonis: out for season (back), Dylan Cardwell: out (ankle), De'Andre Hunter: out for season (eye), Zach LaVine: out for season (finger), Keegan Murray: out (ankle).

Hornets: Liam McNeeley: day to day (ankle), Coby White: day to day (calf), Tidjane Salaun: day to day (knee).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Theo Lindstein's NHL Debut A Success For Blues Despite OT Loss To Islanders

ST. LOUIS – Theo Lindstein understandably felt nerves on Tuesday.

The St. Louis Blues defenseman, who made his NHL debut in a 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders, did his best to keep his game face on. But undoubtedly, the first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft (No. 29, one of three in the lineup for the Blues on Tuesday) soaked in the atmosphere at this level and performed as well as can be expected.

“Fun. For sure, a dream-come-true,” Lindstein said postgame. “A little disappointed that we couldn’t get the two points here, but overall, I think we played a great game. We were hard to play against, a little bit disappointed we couldn’t get the two points.

“I was a little bit nervous there in the beginning, but when the game started, I just came in pretty fast and felt good out there. It was a fun game to play.”

Lindstein had an assist and was a plus-1 in the game, playing 13:39 playing alongside Colton Parayko, and he didn’t look overwhelmed.

“Excellent. Really impressed with Lindstein,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said. “You could tell how well he skates. He uses his feet really well to carry pucks or move pucks, and then he used his feet really well to defend well too. Very encouraging first game.”

The 21-year-old was coming on at a greater clip at Springfield of the American Hockey League. However, he got quite the dose of just how things are done at this level, which made his skill set skating with the puck and foot movement all the more imperative.

“Everyone up here is much better and go faster out there,” Lindstein said. “You have to think a little bit faster and quicker. It was fun.

“After a couple shifts. You’re coming into it pretty quick. It was fun. Disappointed we couldn’t get two points.”

Lindstein had no turnovers and/or giveaways in the game, and that’s impressive since the Islanders, who overcame a 3-0 deficit to win, pumped 49 shots at the Blues and Joel Hofer.

“I wanted to play my game, use my skating and my hockey sense out there and play as quick as possible, get my feet moving and I think I did that tonight,” Lindstein said. “It was fun.”

Hofer, who made 45 saves, thought Lindstein fit right in.

“I thought he was great,” Hofer said. “I was super-excited to get him here and obviously excited for him to play his first game and get a point too is super-special.

“I try to talk to him and all the other guys, try to make it as comfortable as I can. Just do what I can to help him out there.”

Lindstein was on the ice with fellow 2023 first-round picks Dalibor Dvorsky (No. 10) and Otto Stenberg (No. 25), and the third wheel (Lindstein) was able to accomplish something the other two didn’t – earn a point in his NHL debut, and he most certainly heard the appreciation of the 18,096 at Enterprise Center.

“It was pretty cool,” Lindstein said.

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Ryan Ufko scores his first NHL goal as the Predators beat the Kraken 4-2

SEATTLE (AP) — Ryan Ufko scored his first NHL goal with 5:35 to play in the second period to put the Nashville Predators ahead to stay in a 4-2 win over the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night.

The rookie skated in from the right of the goal, dodged between two defenders and tucked the puck past Seattle goalie Joey Daccord to give the Predators a 3-2 lead and two critical points in their chase for a wild-card playoff spot. Right now the team is on the outside of the playoff picture.

Tyson Jost and Reid Schaefer also scored second-period goals to erase Seattle's 2-0 first-period lead and Steve Stamkos added an empty-netter for his 31st goal of the season.

Jonathan Marchessault had a pair of assists for Nashville, which had lost four of its previous five, and Juuse Saros made 43 saves.

Kaapo Kakko scored just 2:14 into the game and Matty Beniers scored at 9:46 of the first period to give the Kraken a 2-0 lead. Beniers scored from a tough angle, firing from the bottom of the right circle and over the shoulder of Saros just inside the far post.

Daccord finished with 23 saves.

Seattle's Shane Wright scored a goal in the second but it was waved off because of goalie interference when Ryker Evans slid into Saros and took out his feet.

The Kraken were without left wing Jaden Schwartz, who was hit in the face by a skate during Seattle’s 7-4 loss to Ottawa on Saturday.

Kraken, clinging to a wild-card slot, have now lost five of their last seven games.

Up next

Predators: Visit Vancouver on Thursday night.

Kraken: Host Colorado on Thursday night.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL

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Shay Maloney scores in overtime as Fleet edge Goldeneyes 2-1

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Shay Maloney scored 41 seconds into overtime and the Boston Fleet edged the Vancouver Goldeneyes 2-1 on Tuesday night.

Much of the game was a goalie duel, with neither side scoring until the third period.

Haley Winn was first to strike, getting the Fleet on the board early in the final frame with her second goal of the year.

Hannah Miller responded for the Goldeneyes with 3:26 remaining, blasting a one-timer past Boston goalie Aerin Frankel from just inside the blue line.

Frankel stopped 25 of the 26 shots she faced, and the Fleet won its sixth straight game.

Kristen Campbell made 25 saves in the Vancouver net.

The win moved the Fleet back into sole possession of first place in the league standings, two points ahead of the Montreal Victoire.

Vancouver was without goalie Emerance Maschmeyer, who is listed as day to day with an upper-body injury. Kimberly Newell served as Campbell’s backup.

Up next

Fleet: Visit Seattle on Wednesday.

Goldeneyes: Host Ottawa on Saturday.

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AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey

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Ryan Ufko's 1st Career NHL Goal Elevates Nashville Predators Past Kraken | Recap

Ryan Ufko netted his first career NHL goal, a highlight reel score and game-winning conversion that elevated the Nashville Predators past the Seattle Kraken, 4-2, on Tuesday at Climate Pledge Arena. 

In the second period, Ufko got the puck off the face-off in the Kraken zone. He'd deke out a Kraken defender, cutting into the slot and getting goalie Joey Daccord sliding before putting it in on the forehand. 

Since joining the Predators for the first time this season on March 5 against the Boston Bruins, Ufko has two points in three games (1G, 1A). This season in Milwaukee, he's recorded 44 points (11G, 33A) in 50 games and earned AHL All-Star honors. 

Juuse Saros was massive in net, making 43 saves on 45 shots for his second 40+ save performance of the season. It's the most saves he's made in a single game this season. 

The Predators fell behind early, as Kaapo Kakko and Matty Beniers scored in the first 10 minutes to make it 2-0 Seattle. Kakko's goal came just 2:14 minutes into the game.

Nashville was dominated in the first period, getting outshot 19-7 and going down by two goals.  

Its response was swift in the second period. Tyson Jost scored on a feed from Fedo Svechkov to get the Predators on the board. It was Jost's first goal since Dec. 27 and Sevchkov's second point in three games. 

Reid Schaefer tied the game later in the second, tapping in a feed from Matthew Wood. That was Schaefer's first goal since Dec. 31 and Wood's 10th assist of the season. 

Steven Stamkos added an empty net goal with five seconds left in the game to seal a victory. 

Jonathan Marchessault recorded two assists in the win for just his third multi-point game of the season.

The win is massive for the Predators' hopes of making the playoffs, now just a point behind the Kraken for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference with 66 points. 

According to MoneyPuck.com, with the win, the Predators now have a 25.5% chance of making the playoffs. Los Angeles (67 points) picked up just one point in a 2-1 overtime loss to Boston, while San Jose (66 points) lost in regulation to Buffalo, 6-3. 

The Predators continue their five-game road trip into Vancouver on Thursday against the Canucks at 9 p.m. CST. 

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Carter erupts for career-best 24 points to lead Kings to 114-109 comeback win over Pacers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Devin Carter scored 22 of his career-best 24 points in the fourth quarter to power the Sacramento Kings to a 114-109 comeback win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night.

Carter scored 13 straight points down the stretch for Sacramento, who trailed by as many as 20 points and were down by 10 heading into the final frame.

The Kings shot 46% from the field and 35% from deep, while the Pacers shot 41% and 30% respectively. Carter was 9 of 13 from the field and 3 for 4 from beyond the arc.

Maxime Raynaud's and-1 jumper with 16 seconds remaining finished off the win.

Raynaud had an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double, the 15th of the season for the 7-foot-1 rookie. Russell Westbrook added 16 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, and DeMar DeRozan and Nique Clifford each scored 12 points.

Indiana led 59-42 at the half, but Sacramento took their first lead since the first quarter on Carter's 3-pointer with 4:16 remaining in regulation.

Aaron Nesmith led all scorers with 29 points, 24 of them in the first half. Obi Toppin scored 17 points and grabbed five rebounds, and Kam Jones had 14 points and nine assists.

Indiana extended its NBA-long losing streak to 10 games, and the game matched teams with the NBA’s two worst records.

Pascal Siakam (right knee sprain) and Andrew Nembhard (back and neck soreness) did not play. They are the Pacers' first and third-leading scorers, respectively.

The Kings had dropped their last three meetings against Indiana, including a 116-105 defeat on Dec. 8 in Indianapolis.

Up next

Pacers: Host Phoenix on Thursday night.

Kings: Host Charlotte on Wednesday night. ___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

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Hornets rally for 103-101 victory over the Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Brandon Miller had 21 points and eight rebounds, LaMelo Ball had 12 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter and the Charlotte Hornets overcame a 19-point deficit to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 103-101 on Tuesday night.

Kon Knueppel added 15 points and five rebounds for the Hornets, who got back to .500 at 33-33. Ryan Kalkbrenner added 13 points and six rebounds off the bench.

The Hornets trailed 43-24 in the second quarter but edged ahead late by holding the Trail Blazers to 19 points in the fourth quarter.

Jerami Grant scored 24 points on 7-of-10 shooting for Portland. Deni Avdija had 22 points and Scoot Henderson scored 14 off the bench. Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan each had 11 points.

Portland controlled the first half and led Charlotte by nine going into halftime before a cold-shooting stretch and a series of late-game miscues.

Up next

Hornets: Visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.

Trail Blazers: Host the Utah Jazz on Friday.

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Wembanyama’s shooting spree lifts Spurs past Celtics

SAN ANTONIO, TX -MARCH 10: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots for a three-point shot against Boston Celtics in the first half at Frost Bank Center on March 10, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For three quarters Tuesday night, the San Antonio Spurs and the Boston Celtics looked like two teams unwilling to blink. Every Spurs run was answered. Every Boston basket seemed to come with a response. The crowd inside Frost Bank Center stayed on edge, sensing the game could tilt either way.

Then Victor Wembanyama tilted it.

The Spurs’ young superstar caught fire from beyond the arc and, when the game tightened in the fourth quarter, San Antonio delivered the final surge to secure a 125-116 win over the Celtics. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why Wembanyama is quickly becoming one of the most electrifying players in the NBA.

The night began with both teams trading baskets in a fast-paced opening quarter. Boston leaned on former Spur Derrick White, who quickly found his rhythm and kept the Celtics within striking distance. Meanwhile, San Antonio’s offense flowed through Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, who pushed the tempo and created opportunities for his teammates.

Neither side gained much separation. By halftime, the scoreboard reflected the back-and-forth nature of the game as the team’s went to the locker room even at 58 apiece. Boston’s perimeter shooting kept the pressure on, while the Spurs countered with crisp ball movement and timely shooting from Devin Vassell and the supporting cast.

The tension only grew in the third quarter.

White began to heat up for Boston, knocking down difficult shots and attacking the lane. But every time the Celtics appeared ready to take control, Wembanyama answered. The 7-foot-4 phenom drilled three-pointers with ease, stretching Boston’s defense farther and farther away from the rim.

Still, the game remained tight entering the final period. That’s when the Spurs made their move.

With the Celtics clinging within a possession early in the fourth quarter, San Antonio strung together the run that changed everything. Vassell knocked down a key three. Fox sliced into the lane for a layup. Wembanyama followed with another deep shot that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Suddenly, a close game had become a Spurs advantage that Boston couldn’t erase. The Celtics fought back behind White’s scoring, but San Antonio’s offense never cooled. Fox continued orchestrating the attack, Wembanyama kept stretching the defense, and the Spurs calmly knocked down free throws down the stretch.

By the final minutes, the outcome was no longer in doubt.

When the buzzer sounded, the Spurs walked away with a huge victory, another impressive win during what has become one of the team’s hottest stretches of the season.

And once again, it was Wembanyama at the center of it all, putting on a performance that felt as spectacular as it was decisive.

Game Notes

  • It is still so amazing to see Jason Tatum back on the court playing good basketball after that devastating Achilles tear last season in the NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks. So happy to see him back. Tatum had his best scoring night since returning with 24 points on Tuesday night.
  • Despite Jaylen Brown’s ejection, the Spurs got a huge win against a championship contender. Boston joins Detroit, Oklahoma City, and Denver among the league’s top teams that have been beat by San Antonio this season.
  • Julian Champagnie is human after all, he had a poor shooting night and did not score, but his teammates came through in the clutch.
  • The Spurs big three of De’Aaron Fox, Victor Wembanyama, and Stephon Castle combined for 82 of Spurs’ 125 points. Wemby led the way with 39 points and tied his career-high of eight three-pointers. Fox added 25 points, and Castle chipped in 18. If this is the version of the Spurs big three we’re going to get come playoff time, the entire NBA may be in trouble.