BOTTOM LINE: Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic host Alperen Sengun and the Houston Rockets in non-conference play.
The Magic are 18-10 on their home court. Orlando ranks sixth in the NBA with 51.8 points in the paint led by Franz Wagner averaging 10.9.
The Rockets are 16-14 on the road. Houston averages 14.5 turnovers per game and is 15-5 when winning the turnover battle.
The 115.1 points per game the Magic average are 6.0 more points than the Rockets allow (109.1). The Rockets average 114.7 points per game, 0.1 more than the 114.6 the Magic allow to opponents.
The teams play for the second time this season. The Rockets won the last matchup 117-113 in overtime on Nov. 17, with Kevin Durant scoring 35 points in the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Banchero is averaging 21.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and five assists for the Magic. Desmond Bane is averaging 24.2 points over the last 10 games.
Sengun is averaging 20.5 points, 9.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists for the Rockets. Durant is averaging 21.7 points and 3.9 assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Magic: 6-4, averaging 112.1 points, 41.0 rebounds, 26.4 assists, 10.4 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.5 points per game.
Rockets: 6-4, averaging 109.0 points, 44.4 rebounds, 23.6 assists, 9.2 steals and 6.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.4 points.
INJURIES: Magic: Franz Wagner: out (ankle), Jalen Suggs: day to day (back), Colin Castleton: out (thumb).
Rockets: Jae'Sean Tate: out (knee), Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Dorian Finney-Smith: out (injury management), Amen Thompson: day to day (quad), 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.
Denver Nuggets (37-22, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (45-15, first in the Western Conference)
Oklahoma City; Friday, 9:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Denver Nuggets visit Cason Wallace and the Oklahoma City Thunder in Western Conference play Friday.
The Thunder are 8-3 against the rest of their division. Oklahoma City is the top team in the Western Conference in team defense, allowing 108.0 points while holding opponents to 43.7% shooting.
The Nuggets are 5-2 against the rest of the division. Denver ranks ninth in the league with 28.2 assists per game led by Nikola Jokic averaging 10.4.
The Thunder are shooting 48.4% from the field this season, 1.8 percentage points higher than the 46.6% the Nuggets allow to opponents. The Nuggets score 12.5 more points per game (120.5) than the Thunder allow their opponents to score (108.0).
The teams play for the second time this season. The Thunder won the last meeting 121-111 on Feb. 2, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 34 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Wallace is averaging 8.9 points and 2.1 steals for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 16 points and 1.7 steals over the past 10 games.
Jokic is averaging 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 10.4 assists for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 6-4, averaging 114.6 points, 44.6 rebounds, 26.5 assists, 9.3 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.9 points per game.
Nuggets: 4-6, averaging 122.5 points, 46.9 rebounds, 29.2 assists, 7.9 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.4 points.
INJURIES: Thunder: Alex Caruso: day to day (ankle), Ajay Mitchell: out (abdomen), Chet Holmgren: day to day (back), Branden Carlson: day to day (back), Jalen Williams: out (hamstring), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: out (abdomen), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee), Isaiah Joe: day to day (lower body), Isaiah Hartenstein: day to day (illness management).
Nuggets: Jamal Murray: day to day (illness), Jalen Pickett: day to day (knee), Tamar Bates: out (foot), Aaron Gordon: out (hamstring), Peyton Watson: out (hamstring).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio seeks to keep its 10-game win streak intact when the Spurs take on Brooklyn.
The Nets have gone 8-20 in home games. Brooklyn is 10-28 in games decided by 10 or more points.
The Spurs are 21-10 in road games. San Antonio is third in the Western Conference with 16.4 fast break points per game led by Stephon Castle averaging 2.9.
The Nets average 106.9 points per game, 4.9 fewer points than the 111.8 the Spurs allow. The Spurs are shooting 47.8% from the field, 1.5% lower than the 49.3% the Nets' opponents have shot this season.
The two teams match up for the second time this season. The Spurs defeated the Nets 118-107 in their last meeting on Oct. 26. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 31 points, and Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 15 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Porter is averaging 24.6 points, seven rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Nets. Nolan Traore is averaging 12.5 points and 5.7 assists over the past 10 games.
De'Aaron Fox is averaging 19.1 points and 6.2 assists for the Spurs. Wembanyama is averaging 23.6 points and 11.6 rebounds while shooting 50.3% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Nets: 2-8, averaging 103.2 points, 40.4 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 8.2 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 44.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.1 points per game.
Spurs: 10-0, averaging 124.7 points, 49.0 rebounds, 31.2 assists, 8.1 steals and 7.3 blocks per game while shooting 50.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.4 points.
INJURIES: Nets: None listed.
Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Mason Plumlee: day to day (reconditioning).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Dallas plays Sacramento looking to end its five-game home skid.
The Mavericks are 11-26 in Western Conference games. Dallas is 5-6 in one-possession games.
The Kings are 9-31 against Western Conference opponents. Sacramento is 10-32 against opponents with a winning record.
The Mavericks score 114.4 points per game, 6.7 fewer points than the 121.1 the Kings allow. The Kings average 10.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.2 fewer made shots on average than the 12.4 per game the Mavericks give up.
The teams square off for the third time this season. The Mavericks won the last matchup 100-98 on Jan. 7, with Cooper Flagg scoring 20 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Flagg is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists for the Mavericks. Naji Marshall is averaging 15.8 points and 3.1 assists over the last 10 games.
Maxime Raynaud is scoring 10.1 points per game and averaging 7.0 rebounds for the Kings. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 16.5 points and 2.3 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Mavericks: 2-8, averaging 115.9 points, 43.3 rebounds, 24.0 assists, 7.3 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.7 points per game.
Kings: 1-9, averaging 109.7 points, 43.0 rebounds, 25.2 assists, 9.1 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.4 points.
INJURIES: Mavericks: Daniel Gafford: day to day (ankle), Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Kyrie Irving: out for season (knee), Cooper Flagg: out (foot), P.J. Washington: out (ankle), Khris Middleton: day to day (shoulder).
Kings: 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: day to day (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Cleveland Cavaliers (37-23, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (43-14, first in the Eastern Conference)
Detroit; Friday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons host Jarrett Allen and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Eastern Conference action.
The Pistons are 28-7 in Eastern Conference games. Detroit is 8-4 in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Cavaliers have gone 23-14 against Eastern Conference opponents. Cleveland ranks eighth in the Eastern Conference shooting 35.8% from 3-point range.
The Pistons are shooting 47.9% from the field this season, 1.8 percentage points higher than the 46.1% the Cavaliers allow to opponents. The Cavaliers average 14.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.7 more made shots on average than the 12.8 per game the Pistons give up.
The teams meet for the third time this season. The Pistons won 114-110 in the last matchup on Jan. 4.
TOP PERFORMERS: Cunningham is averaging 25.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 3.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Allen is averaging 15.1 points and 8.6 rebounds for the Cavaliers. Sam Merrill is averaging 12.3 points over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pistons: 8-2, averaging 119.1 points, 46.6 rebounds, 27.1 assists, 10.6 steals and 6.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.4 points per game.
Cavaliers: 8-2, averaging 121.1 points, 43.8 rebounds, 28.6 assists, 10.0 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.8 points.
INJURIES: Pistons: None listed.
Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell: day to day (groin), Max Strus: out (foot), Evan Mobley: day to day (injury maintenance), James Harden: day to day (thumb).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Max Scherzer is not ready to step off the mound just yet.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner is set to return to the Toronto Blue Jays for his 19th season in MLB, according to multiple reports.
Scherzer and the Blue Jays have agreed to a deal that carries a $3 million base salary for 2026 with up to $10 million in incentives, Sportsnet baseball columnist Shi Davidi reports.
Scherzer returns to a team that reached the World Series, going all the way to Game 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Scherzer was given the ball to start that Game 7 at home on Nov. 1 and went 4.1 innings, striking out 3. He exited with a 3-1 lead, but Toronto eventually lost 5-4 in extra innings.
The 41-year-old pitcher had a 5-5 record and finished with a 5.19 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 17 games in 2025. In three playoff appearances he posted a 3.77 ERA.
He helped fill a need in Toronto after right-hander Bowden Francis underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery. Scherzer will enter the 2026 season with a career record of 221-117 and a 3.22 ERA. He has 3,489 strikeouts, which places him 11th all-time.
Nov 1, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during game seven of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The headline says it all, but the Jays have signed Max Scherzer to a one-year contract. He’ll make $3 million with ‘up to’ $10 million in incentives.
He won’t be starting the season with the Jays. I’d imagine the plan will be to get him going in May with the idea he could join the major league team in June or July (unless there is an injury or two in the rotation).
I’m not all that excited. I didn’t think he was all that terrific last year. He had a 5.19 ERA n 17 starts. In 85 innings batters hit .262/.313/.497 against him.
He made one start in the ALCS, throwing 5.2 innings, allowing 3 hits, 2 earned, with a home run, 4 walks and 5 strikeouts. In the World Series he made two starts, 8.2 innings, allowing 9 hits, 4 earned, 2 homers, 2 walks and 6 strikeouts.
Max is 41 now, he’ll be 42 on July 27.
I think he’s a great teammate, but I don’t know that I’d want to give him starts.
There is also a note that Jays minor league pitcher, Chay Yeager is going to have UCL surgery and is out for the season. He split last year between Vancouver and New Hampshire, with a 3.23 ERA in 42 games, 1 starts and 55.2 innings. He allowed 36 hits, 20 walks and 64 strikeouts.
Randal Grichuk signed a minor league deal with the Yankess. He hit .228/.273/.401 in 113 games last year split between the Diamondbacks and the Royals.
Oregon (11-17, 4-13 Big Ten) has won back-to-back games and three of four following a 10-game skid.
Kwame Evans Jr. had 16 points and a season-high tying four blocks and Wei Lin added 13 points for the Ducks.
Sean Stewart threw down two dunks in an 11-2 run that gave Oregon an 11-point lead with 6:24 left. Nick Boyd made jumper in the lane and John Blackwell followed with a 3 before Simpkins and Braeden Carrington traded 3-pointers to make 65-59 with 4:48 to go but the Badgers got no closer.
Blackwell led Wisconsin (19-9, 11-6) with 22 points and Boyd finished with 11 points and seven assists.
Wisconsin set the program's single-game record with 45 3-point attempts. The previous mark of 40 was set twice: against Providence on Nov. 27, and against Temple in 2001.
Lin scored nine points in a 13-2 run that gave Oregon its first lead of the game at 25-23 with 5:39 left in the first half.
Winter and Boyd each hit a 3-pointer before Rapp converted a three-point play in a 9-3 spurt that gave Wisconsin a 19-10 lead almost seven minutes into the game.
The Ducks shot 71% (17 of 24) in the second half and made 28 of 54 (52%) overall.
The Badgers committed 12 turnovers, nine in the second half, which Oregon converted into 24 points.
A loss over a Golden Knights team missing five key rotation pieces, including Mitch Marner, Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, etc, that in itself wasn't enough for the Los Angeles Kings to defeat the Golden Knights at home.
It looked like the Kings (23-20-14) had this game in the bag, leading 2-1 heading into the third period with a great ending in the second period. Instead, Los Angeles choked in devastating fashion, surrendering five goals in the third period, and lost 6-4 to the Vegas Golden Knights (28-16-14).
It was an electric 40 minutes with Artemi Panarin doing his thing in his debut and Quinton Byfield shining, then it collapsed, another reason why people shouldn't buy the Kings, who can never hold on to their leads this season.
Vegas opened the scoring at 9:01 when Pavel Dorofeyev buried the rebound off a 2-on-1 rush. A missed shot kicked off the end boards, and Dorofeyev stayed with the play, beating Anton Forbserg on the transition to make it 1-0.
Even with Vegas missing five key rotation players, the Golden Knights are still dangerous in transition.
LAK Goal - Just like they drew it up!
Panarin's pass through the slot kicks off Byfield's skate and in. Goal was deserved, actually a really good PP until the goal. 1 game, 1 point for 72! 1-1.
But the Kings' response was quick; a few minutes later, at the 5:29 mark, Quinton Byfield tied the game 1-1, finishing off a sharp sequence set up by Artemi Panarin and Brandt Clarke. Panarin's touch and presence on ice immediately stood out, drawing coverage and creating space. The puck movement was crisp and beautiful to watch as Quinton Byfield snapped home his 12th goal of the season.
Second Period: Kings Capitalize
The middle frame was tighter and more physically charged.
Vegas pushed early in the second, winning the puck battles, but the Kings' talent took over the shorthanded Golden Knights.
The turning point came at 5:16 of the second period, when Vegas turned over the puck at the offensive blue line. Panarin immediately transitioned up ice, feeding Anze Kopitar, who slid a perfect pass to Adrian Kempe, finishing the play cleanly to give the Kings the 2-1 lead.
LAK Goal - Tic-Tac-GOAL!
WOW. Panarin to Kopitar to Kempe in transition, what a goal. Incredible composure from the captain to find Kempe for the goal. 2-1 Kings!
It was a textbook transition play that saw some showtime on ice, led by Panarin and the trio of Kempe and Kopitar. Panarin picked up his second assist and point of the night, continuing to show the instant chemistry he brings to the Kings.
As mentioned, the period got very physical, with Corey Perry dropping the gloves with Jeremy Lauzon after his hit on Byfield. Both teams were very into it tonight, fighting in a big divisional rivalry game.
After 40 minutes, aside from the fight that resulted in a penalty to Perry, the Kings looked to be firmly in control of this game heading into the third period, leading 2-1.
Third Period: A Five Goal Avalance
Everything slipped in the final frame. Within four minutes, the Golden Knights scored three goals to extend their lead to 4-2, with three different Golden Knights scoring despite missing five players.
Vegas is the best team in the third period this season with the best goal differential, so it was always going to be a tough task to close out this team for the Kings, but even without its key players, Los Angeles couldn't do so, and the Golden Knights showed why they're the No. 1 seed in the Pacific Division.
The momentum quickly shifted as the Kings were unable to create easy shots, while the Golden Knights were the much faster, more physical team, despite being severely shorthanded on the road.
The Kings did score two more goals in the third period, with Byfield scoring his second goal of the game, his first time this season scoring two goals in a game, and Brandt Clarke keeping Los Angeles alive, cutting the deficit to 5-4, with just under a minute remaining.
But, off a turnover, the Golden Knights hit the dagger on the empty netter, to win the game 6-4 in Crypto.com Arena.
Vegas adds an empty-net goal to secure the 6-4 win over the Kings. Could argue that was the worst loss of the season.
Despite the loss, Panarin was great in his debut, finishing with two points and two assists, showing why he will quickly become a game-changer for the Kings, but it still wasn't enough to win tonight.
Vegas now leads the season series 3-1, winning the last three meetings.
For the Kings, it's a tough one to swallow, especially against a banged-up team, but all they have to do now is move on and quickly forget about this loss. Los Angeles is back at it again tomorrow night against a tough Edmonton Oilers team, who will likely have most of their guys ready as tip-off starts at 10:30 pm EST.
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VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Cole Perfetti scored off a rebound at 1:37 of overtime to give the Winnipeg Jets a 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night.
Kyle Connor, returning to the Jets after helping the United States win the Olympics on Sunday, and Gabriel Vilardi also scored, Mark Scheifele had two assists.
Eric Comrie stopped 21 shots. Connor Hellebucyk, who backstopped the United States to the Olympic gold medal, is scheduled to join the team in Anaheim on Friday.
Drew O’Connor and Evander Kane scored for Vancouver, and Nikita Tolopilo made 25 saves.
Vancouver took a 2-1 lead just 38 seconds into the second period when Elias Pettersson won a draw in the Jets' end and Kane blasted a one-timer past Comrie.
Vilardi tied the it with less than two minutes left in second. Parked in the crease, he banged home a pass from Scheifele.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 25: Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors and Will Richard #3 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on February 25, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors put on quite a show on Wednesday night. Despite playing without Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler III, De’Anthony Melton, and Kristaps Porziņģis, and despite being on the road on the back end of a back-to-back, they crushed the (admittedly tanking) Memphis Grizzlies 133-112. It was a dominant performance, and the most balanced attack of the entire season.
There were just nine players available, and all nine played huge roles. So let’s grade those nine. As always, grades are based on my expectations for each player, with a “B” grade representing the average performance for that player.
Note:True-shooting percentage (TS) is a scoring efficiency metric that accounts for threes and free throws. Entering Wednesday’s games, league-average TS was 57.9%.
Moody didn’t particularly stand out in this game, but he played quite well. His defense was solid, and he kept the ball moving. I’d still love to see him be more aggressive attacking the glass and getting out in transition, but I’m not here to argue with strong defense and elite efficiency.
Like I just said above: I’m not here to argue with strong defense and elite efficiency! And Santos took that even a step further, scoring 17 points while only missing one shot — from the field or the charity stripe — all night long. His defense was so active, as he was disrupting passes on the perimeter, cutters in the lane, and shots in the paint. It really feels like we can see everything clicking into place for Gui … he’s turning into a high-quality role player.
Horford is already the elder statesman of the team, but that’s especially true when Curry, Green, and Butler are out. It’s incredible how much he just calms the team down on offense and on defense, and how much more in control the Dubs are when he’s on the court. He didn’t have the most efficient scoring night, but his defense and rebounding were superb.
Want a shining example of a player capable of impacting a game in many ways? Richard didn’t attempt a single shot on Tuesday; and on Wednesday, he led the team in scoring.
It was a masterclass in playing the right way. It felt like every bucket Richard scored came from either a perfectly-time cut, or beating nine other players down the court for a transition bucket. In fact, let’s just go through all his made shots, in order:
A corner three off a pass from Brandin Podziemski, where he slid into the passing lane
A corner three off a pass from Santos, where he slid into the passing lane
A layup where he dove from the top of the arc down the paint, catching a pass from Podziemski
An and-one layup where he cut from the corner, catching a pass from Malevy Leons
A step-back jumper
An uncontested transition dunk after he knocked the ball away on defense and then sprinted down the court
A transition layup after he stole the ball and beat everyone down the court
An uncontested transition layup after he — starting in the corner of the court on defense — beat everyone down the court
An uncontested transition dunk after the Warriors forced a turnover and he beat everyone down the court
If you feel off-balance, don’t worry. That’s just the earth shifting under the gravitational pull of Steve Kerr smiling the largest smile in human history. Just an impeccable game by Richard.
Grade: A+ Post-game bonus: Led the team in points.
Podziemski was on triple-double watch for much of the night, and while he didn’t match his absurd 15-rebound total from the last two games, he now has 38 boards over his last three contests. That’s impressive for any player, but downright absurd for one as short as Podz is. He did an awesome job running the offense, both as a scorer and as a facilitator. He’s really stepping up to the plate lately, and taking his game to a new level after an up-and-down few months.
Plus, it was his birthday! Happy birthday to the youngest Warrior!
Grade: A Post-game bonus: Tied for the team lead in rebounds.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t really see that game coming from GPII, but he was tremendous. He was a menace on the perimeter, making life miserable for an Grizzlies player who dared handle the ball. And he had a great game on offense as well … like Richard, he did an excellent job cutting and beating everyone down the court.
Obviously we could live without the turnovers, but otherwise a nearly flawless game.
Grade: A Post-game bonus: Tied for the worst plus/minus on the team.
Spencer was absolutely masterful running the offense in this game. He was aggressive, but composed, and set up his teammates time and time again. The Warriors had 37 assists on 49 made buckets, and Spencer was the biggest reason why. But while he collected his fair share of dimes, the biggest thing was simply the way he kept the ball moving. Sometimes he put his teammates in position to score, but oftentimes he just put them in position to make the right pass, or to drive, or to get out in transition.
He struggled with fouls and didn’t score efficiently, but he just ran the offense so well.
Grade: A Post-game bonus: Led the team in assists, best plus/minus on the team.
Post has really started playing like a seven-footer recently. He’s stepped it up in a huge way on the glass, and defending the rim. He’s playing like someone who knows he needs to show the team that he can be a bonafide center if he wants to get minutes if and when Porziņģis gets back on the court. Just a very tough game from him … in the good sense of the word.
Grade: A- Post-game bonus: Tied for the team lead in rebounds.
Leons was part of the saddest moment on the court. In the waning minutes, Bob Fitzgerald had understandably grown invested in the idea that all nine Warriors could reach double figures. Leons was stuck on nine points, but drew a foul. Unfortunately, he missed both free throws, and kept the Warriors from having a slightly historic game.
That didn’t keep it from being the best game in the young player’s career. This was only his 12th career game, spread over two seasons, but it was emphatically his best. He entered the game with eight career points, then scored nine in this game alone. He entered the game with two assists and one block in his career; he matched those totals. He entered the game with one steal; he had two in this game alone. It was fun seeing him get some serious minutes for the first time, and he certainly made the most of them.
Grade: A+ Post-game bonus: Tied for the team lead in rebounds, tied for the worst plus/minus on the team.
Wednesday’s inactives: Jimmy Butler III, LJ Cryer, Seth Curry, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, De’Anthony Melton, Kristaps Porziņģis, Nate Williams
BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — Justin Pippen scored 19 of his 24 points in the second half to help California beat SMU 73-69 on Wednesday night.
Pippen scored six points during a 10-2 surge to give Cal a 64-58 lead with 3:43 to play. But Corey Washington scored nine consecutive points, which included two 3-pointers, and SMU regained the lead at 67-64 with 1:58 remaining.
John Camden answered with two free throws before Pippen hit a jumper and then shot 4 of 4 from the free-throw line to give the Golden Bears a 72-69 advantage with 12 seconds left. Jermaine O’Neal Jr. missed a 3-point shot for SMU on the next possession and Lee Dort added another free throw for Cal to seal it.
Pippen missed 8 of 10 3-point attempts but finished 8-of-19 shooting overall and made 6 of 7 from the free-throw line. Chris Bell made four 3s and finished with 20 points for Cal (20-8, 8-7 Atlantic Coast Conference). Camden added 14 points and Dort scored seven points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Boopie Miller and Washington scored 15 points apiece to lead SMU (19-9, 8-7). Jaron Pierre Jr. added 14 points and Samet Yigitoglu chipped in with 11.
Bell scored 15 points on three 3s and shot 6 of 8 from the floor to help Cal take a 38-33 lead into the break. Miller scored eight first-half points to pace SMU.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws during the first inning of a MLB baseball game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 in...
Max Scherzer is coming back for a 19th season.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner has agreed to a deal to return to the Blue Jays, The Post’s Jon Heyman confirmed.
Scherzer, 41, told The Athletic in January that he was “healthy and ready to sign at any moment if certain teams call” but was willing to wait until Opening Day to make his decision.
Max Scherzer throws during the first inning of the Blue Jays’ loss to the Yankees on Sept. 7, 2025 at the Stadium. Noah K. Murray-NY Post
The right-hander now heads back to Toronto, where he pitched last season.
Scherzer went 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts during the regular season, but pitched well over three starts in the postseason.
The eight-time All-Star made two more appearances in the World Series, starting Game 7. He went the first 4 1/3 frames, striking out three and holding a vaunted Dodgers lineup to just one run.
Scherzer made clear after the final game of the Fall Classic, which the Blue Jays lost in heartbreaking fashion, that he was not done pitching.
Blue Jays starter Max Scherzer walks to the dugout after being relieved during a World Series game against the Dodgers at Rogers Centre. Sports Illustrated via Getty Ima
“The only thing I can say is it’s going to take some time to give a full answer to that but there is no way that was my last pitch,” Scherzer told reporters. “That loss is so tough because you’re so close to everybody. This team had that closeness, had that camaraderie. We had that passion not only for the game but for each other.”
Toronto, in its efforts to get back to the World Series, has been active this offseason. It has added pitchers Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers to bolster the rotation and bullpen.
Amed Rosario crushed his first home run this spring training, going deep on the first pitch he saw from Nationals lefty Andrew Alvarez in the bottom of the first inning.
DC comical
It might be a long season in the nation’s capital. The Nationals recorded more errors (three) than hits (one) in their 7-0 loss to the Yankees.
Their only base runner of the night was immediately erased in a double play.
Caught my eye
George Lombard Jr. turned in a dazzling night on both sides of the ball.
George Lombard Jr. hits a two-run double in the fifth inning of the Yankees’ 7-0 spring training win over the Nationals on Feb. 25, 2026. Getty Images
The top prospect made what Aaron Boone called a “special” play at third base, charging a chopper down the line, barehanding it, and firing to first for the out.
He later added a two-run double that came off the bat at 108.8 mph.
Thursday’s schedule
Pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez will make his second start of the spring when the Yankees host the Braves at 1:05 p.m.
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 25: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets and Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics go up for the rebound during the game on February 25, 2026 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Boston Celtics traveled to Denver to face the Nuggets Wednesday night. Boston had been surging up the power rankings with a blistering month of February and faced off against the fourth placed Nuggets. Boston played a decent enough first half, but they could not hang with Denver in the second and eventually losing by 19 points, 103-84. Jaylen Brown had 23 points and 11 boards. Derrick White chipped in 20 points and 3 blocks for the road team.
Jaylen Brown returned to the starting lineup alongside Baylor Scheierman, White, Neemias Queta, and Sam Hauser after a night off in Phoenix last night against the Suns. Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Julian Strawther, Cam Johnson, and Christian Braun started for the home team. The Nuggets came into the game looking for a home win after losing to the Warriors on Sunday afternoon.
Murray scored the game’s first points on a back cut to the basket. Queta came right back down the other end for a loud tomahawk dunk to get the C’s on the board. Scheierman laced his first three-point attempt on a step-back trey over Murray.
Both teams traded buckets early in the quarter, and it was 10-10 at the 7-minute mark of the first. Vucevic entered the game alongside Queta as a double-big lineup; Hauser was first to the bench for Boston. Jaylen Brown was aggressive early and looked to attack the paint on consecutive trips down the floor. Brown led the C’s with 9 early points as Boston opened up a 16-13 lead with five minutes remaining in the first.
A Christian Braun triple saw another tied score as Ron Harper Jr. got some early minutes alongside Hugo Gonzalez, Brown, Pritchard, and Vooch. Jokic misfired on a three-pointer but backed it up inside with a twirling hook shot over Vucevic.
Boston’s ball movement was superb to start the game as the C’s swung the ball around the key to JB, who rattled home his twelfth point of the quarter on his first three-point make. Boston took a 24-21 lead at the end of the first quarter. Boston was just 3 of 11 from three in the first, shooting just 27 percent from beyond the arc. Queta had a decent quarter with 6 points in the first quarter.
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 25: Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Denver Nuggets on February 25, 2026 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Derrick White drained two consecutive times down the court for Boston to start the second quarter. The hometown White, was actively involved in all the plays with dimes and scores as Jaylen Brown got a seat on the bench to start the 2nd quarter. White rattled off 8 quick points to start the second quarter as Boston took an early 8-point lead, 36-28.
Denver had several offensive rebounds to get extra possessions, but the Nuggets cut the lead back to just 2 points. Jaylen Brown returned to action at the seven minute mark after a TV timeout. White laced his third triple of the quarter in front of his parents as the C’s kept the pressure on Denver.
Denver hit the lead at the 5 minute mark of the second, 40-39, Jokic was fouled on a deep two pointer but couldn’t convert either of his two free throw attempts. Jaylen Brown scored his first points of the second quarter with a mid range fade away with 2 minutes to go in the half. The pace of play had slowed right down to a crawl midway through the second quarter as both teams struggled to convert at either end.
Vucevic missed a straight on deep three-pointer, Derrick White slipped into the lane and grabbed the offensive board and converted an easy stick back for his fifteenth point of the game. White drained his fourth three of the game just before the half time break, Boston up by one point, 48-47, thanks to Derrick White’s hot 2nd quarter performance.
Brown came out pumped up at the start of the second half, immediately going to the low block and bodied up Strawther as he went through the defenders chest. Brown ran the court the next play and attacked the rim drawing another foul, this time on Cam Johnson. Scheierman converted his second triple from the deep wing as Boston took a quick four-point lead in the third quarter.
Denver got into early foul trouble to start the second half, both teams continued to struggle shooting the ball, Boston was 40 percent compare to Denver, at just 35 percent. Jokic was settling for three-pointers all night and the big man was 2-10 from deep at the six minute mark of the third. Boston went scoreless for 2 minutes, as they watched Jokic hit 5 straight points to take give the home team a 64-61 lead.
Brown had a brilliant chase down block on Simpson, JB ran the court and fed Vucevic for the alley oop tip in. Brown kept the pressure on the Nuggets wings drilling a two-pointer on a step back jumper and then drawing a foul on Braun who hit Brown from behind. Tim Hardaway Jr gave the Nugs some energy from the bench in the third, hitting a pair of shots, Denver up 70-67.
Boston started to show fatigue during the third, on the second night of a back-to-back, Denver’s hustle wearing down the road team at altitude. The Nuggets ended the quarter up by 10 points, 77-67, their largest lead of the game, with 12 minutes of regulation to play.
Denver went on a 15-0 run which pretty much sealed it. Scheierman stepped out of court and later had a three-pointer overruled. Boston’s attempted clean sweep of the West Coast ended as they went down by a wide margin managing to shoot a paltry 33% from the field, and recorded 11 turnovers on the night. Danilo Banton and Luka Garza got some run in the final 5 minutes of play as Coach Mazzulla waved the white flag and got White and Brown out of the game for good.
Boston would drop just their second game of February and now return home to face the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night, 7:30 pm EST.
