Duke is now the No. 1 team. The Blue Devils received 27 of 31 first-place votes this week after upending previous No. 1 Michigan in one of those marquee clashes. The Blue Devils received 27 of 31 first-place votes. The lofty perch is not new for the Duke program, though this is the first No. 1 ranking of the current season for the Blue Devils.
Arizona claimed the remaining four No. 1 votes and is back up to second overall after a defeat of Houston. Michigan slips to No. 3, and Houston also slides two spots to No. 4. Iowa State moves up a spot to No. 5 as the Cyclones swap positions with Connecticut.
Florida continues to climb the rankings after a rough non-conference start. The Gators move up four more places to check in at No. 7 this week, seemingly rounding into form in time to defend their NCAA title. Purdue, Gonzaga and Nebraska round out the top 10.
A pair of SEC contenders, No. 18 Alabama and No. 22 Tennessee, rejoin the poll this week. Clemson and Wisconsin drop out.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 22: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles in the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on February 22, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There’s never a bad time to snap a four-game losing streak, but the Sixers 27-point win over the Minnesota Timberwolves felt like one of their most needed of the season.
Not only were they reeling, but with Joel Embiid suddenly missing five straight games with various sore body parts, Paul George suspended, and no additions made at the trade deadline all emphasized the fact that there was no help on the way either.
On top of all that, the All-Star break coming in the midst of this losing streak made it linger longer than a typical four-game skid would, with the Sixers going over two calendar weeks in between wins.
They looked rather helpless going into that game against Minnesota as well. Not only was it the second night of a back-to-back, but they were coming off what head coach Nick Nurse called the worst loss of the season, a second half collapse to the lowly New Orleans Pelicans.
With their backs against the wall they turned in one of their best offensive performances of the season, with their reeling backcourt leading the way. Both Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe had been showing signs of wear and tear due to their heavy workloads. They looked recharged in Minnesota, with Maxey dropping an efficient 39 points while Edgecombe put up 24 thanks to a new career-high six made three-pointers.
In the walk-off interview for NBC Sports Philadelphia, Maxey pointed out a return of positive energy. As watching the previous four games wasn’t enough, there were plenty of signs off the court that the vibes were off, from Embiid’s trade deadline plea being thoroughly rejected to Maxey voicing confusion of his role. It felt like the lowest point of the season spirit-wise as well, and its departure was noticed in the win over the Wolves.
“We got back to playing with a little bit of spirit, you seen guys smiling a bit,” he told Kate and Alaa before praising the individual performance of Quentin Grimes.
If anything this win may have showed just how tall of an order it is for the Sixers to keep themselves afloat with Embiid out of the lineup just as much as the losing streak did. They need both Maxey and Edgecombe to be unconscious to give themselves a chance.
What’s made this stretch even tougher is that they’ve had to go through that a really demoralizing trade deadline as well. Despite the best player on the team begging for a serious deadline, all they did was dump a fan favorite player and add one guard who was playing Europe on the buyout market.
The reality that there were no reinforcements on the way was intensified during the losing streak. They weren’t just losing games, but they looked hopeless in doing so. Their only way through is to power through but in Minnesota, they were able to channel that in a positive direction.
“We didn’t have a choice, we don’t got an option man,” Maxey told the broadcast when asked how the team flushed the New Orleans loss so quickly.
Embiid’s return is the only tangible on-court change this team has left up its sleeve. The losing streak has shown the flaws in this roster and the deadline to try to improve them has come and gone. They have one intangible up their sleeves though and that is a positive spirit.
They’ll certainly need to sustain for more than one game and of course nothing is as good for the spirit as winning ball games. The only other change the Sixers can make though finding good vibes again and blowing out the Timberwolves was a step in the right direction.
England to split squad in July and leave a team to face Fiji
England have been handed a gruelling 25,000-mile travel itinerary for their inaugural Nations Championship fixtures in July and are expected to split their squad and field a weakened team against Fiji as a result.
As revealed exclusively by the Guardian, England’s match against Fiji – the week after facing South Africa in Johannesburg and the week before playing away in Argentina – will be staged at Everton’s new Dickinson Hill Stadium. Given the logistical problems that playing three matches in three continents in a fortnight entail, it is believed England will split their squad and leave a largely second-string side at home to face the Pacific Islanders.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 22: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns stands on the court during a timeout in the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 22, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Like teams across the NBA, the Phoenix Suns entered Week 18 ready to navigate life after the All-Star break. A team in need of rest got it, and the hope was that they would come out of the pause with some momentum and start pushing toward the finish line. Instead, they sprinted straight into chaos, stepped on a few Legos, banged a shin on the coffee table, and somehow stubbed the same toe twice.
Injuries have hovered over this season from the start, but Week 18 felt like the moment the dam finally broke.
Devin Booker exited the Spurs game with a hip strain. Jordan Goodwin and Dillon Brooks both went down against Orlando. Goodwin is dealing with a calf strain, an injury that always requires caution, and Brooks fractured his left hand, leaving his return timeline uncertain. Grayson Allen missed the Spurs game, played against the Magic, then sat again versus Portland as his ankle continues to linger in the background.
The Suns are not dealing with anything unique around the league. Wear and tear has become part of the daily conversation as more players across the NBA show up on the injury report with that familiar red cross next to their name. It is another issue the league office continues to wrestle with, and one they will never fully solve without accepting that fewer games might mean fewer tickets sold. That debate can wait.
The reality is simpler and heavier. Phoenix is hurting, and a season that once felt special now feels fragile. Without Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, and Jordan Goodwin, the foundation starts to wobble. A team built on hustle and defense is missing two of its best tone setters. A team that thrives on ball movement and finding the open shooter struggles to move the ball without Booker and Allen.
The Suns limp out of Week 18 hoping survival is enough until health returns, because health is the one thing money cannot buy.
Week 18 Record: 1-2
@ San Antonio Spurs, L, 121-94
Possession Differential: +3.8
Turnover Differential: 0
Offensive Rebounding Differential: +8
Against a Spurs team finding its stride, Phoenix was overmatched and undermanned. There were flashes. Jalen Green’s bounce, Mark Williams battled Wembanyama, but none of it really mattered. The Spurs handled the Suns with ease.
vs. Orlando Magic, W, 113-110 2OT
Possession Differential: +1.2
Turnover Differential: -8
Offensive Rebounding Differential: +12
Phoenix survived an absolute rock fight against Orlando. It was the kind of game that makes your eyes hurt and your soul tired, before Jalen Green detonated one moment of pure audacity to end the misery. Nothing flowed. Everything was earned.
Phoenix shot 29% from deep, coughed through 117 attempts, blew a late lead, lost bodies, and still dragged itself out of double overtime with a win. It wasn’t pretty, sustainable, or clean. It was survival. And this week, that counts.
vs. Portland Trail Blazers, L, 92-77
Possession Differential: -1.2
Turnover Differential: -2
Offensive Rebounding Differential: 0
Phoenix couldn’t find any rhythm, and their poor shooting continues to be of concern. What else is concerning? When the door of opportunity opened, no one stepped through it.
Inside the Possession Game
Weekly Possession Differential: +3.8
Weekly Turnover Differential: -10
Offensive Rebounding Differential: +20
Year-to-Date Over/Under .500: +8
Graphic time.
The Phoenix Suns won the possession battle this week. They took better care of the ball. They competed on the glass. And still, they walked away with two losses. Injuries sit at the center of everything right now, and every stat has to be read through that lens. That part is understood.
What lingers is the depth question. It is being tested, and it is not holding up. Players are operating outside their normal roles, so expectations need to be reasonable, but the drop-off has been real. Since February 1, the Suns are averaging 104 points per game, second-worst in the league. They are shooting 33.5% from three, which is sixth-worst. They average 9.1 steals, which puts them in the middle of the pack. And they are 3-6.
The traits that made this team enjoyable early in the season are slipping. That tells you the system is designed for high-level basketball IQ players, not built to elevate depth on its own. Strong organizations preach next man up because the structure remains functional even when talent thins. Phoenix has kept running the system, but the results have cratered. It is expected. It is part of the season-long evaluation. So far, the Suns are failing that test.
Week 19 Preview
Breathe. That is what the Suns have an opportunity to do over the next week. Only two games on the schedule, both against opponents who know how to make things uncomfortable.
First up is Tuesday, when Phoenix welcomes the Boston Celtics to town. Boston was penciled in by some as a team that might tread water this season, regroup, then reattack later. But that script never materialized. They sit second in the Eastern Conference, driven largely by Jalen Brown, and that matchup will demand real focus.
Two nights later, the Lakers come to Phoenix for the fourth of five meetings this season. That one matters. The standings say so. This is a chance to take a real bite out of them.
After that? Some rest. The Suns don’t play again until the following Tuesday.
Indiana Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton was already missing the 2025-26 NBA season as he continues his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, but he will be away from the team for a separate issue.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Sunday, Feb. 22, that Haliburton has come down with shingles and will spend two to three weeks away from the team to recover.
“It's a very painful thing,” Carlisle told reporters. “... He will make a full recovery, but this happened over the last few days. He was meeting us in D.C. and had some odd symptoms and he came back (to Indianapolis). That's what's happening with him. We certainly wish him a speedy recovery. It's a unique case and a unique situation, but I talked to him a few times and he's always in a good mood, so he'll get through it.”
Tyrese Haliburton injury update
According to the Mayo Clinic, shingles is a common viral infection caused by the same virus that results in chicken pox, varicella-zoster. Shingles produces a painful rash and is most likely to occur in persons older than 60, though anyone who has contracted chicken pox can contract it.
Haliburton, 25, suffered his Achilles rupture early in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in June. The Pacers have confirmed that Haliburton will spend the entire 2025-26 season recovering from the injury. The Pacers are 15-43 and have the worst record in the Eastern Conference.
Haliburton, a two-time All-Star, averaged 17.5 points, 8.8 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game last season. He starred in the playoffs and became known for his late-game heroics, hitting several game-tying or game-winning shots in the final seconds of massive games.
Haliburton has shared his progress from his Achilles rupture, including posting videos on social media of him working out and even participating in pick-up games.
The new week of NBA action starts with just a trio of games, but we open with a great one, as Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons host Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
I’ve found my favorite NBA player prop for that exciting matchup, it’s in a place you may not expect. That and NBA picks for the other two games, on Monday, February 23, below.
The Detroit Pistons host the San Antonio Spurs in a matchup between two of the NBA’s best teams, and while this game is full of star power, I’m backing a role player to have a big impact.
Duncan Robinson has been a great secondary scorer for Detroit, averaging 12.3 points per game, and the Pistons' sharpshooter is on fire. Robinson is putting up 15.3 points per game while shooting 47.3% from 3-point range over his last seven.
And while the Spurs are a strong defensive team, they could be better on the perimeter, ranking 16th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Peacock
Prop #2: Ty Jerome Over 17.5 Points
-120 at bet365
Reliable bucket getters are few and far between for the Memphis Grizzlies.
That is, until Ty Jerome returned. The journeyman shooting guard is averaging 19.3 points while shooting 39.5% from beyond the arc.
Sportsbooks have caught on, but it’s not enough for this matchup against the Sacramento Kings.
The Kings are bad, and it’s only gotten worse. They rank dead last in defensive rating and are next-to-last in opponent points allowed per game in February.
Jerome has topped this number in five of seven games, including going for 28 against the Kings just back on February 4.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCSCA, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast-Memphis
Prop #3: Reed Sheppard Over 3.5 Assists
+102 at bet365
While we start the night with a great matchup, the nightcap is the opposite, as the Houston Rockets are massive home favorites against the Utah Jazz.
The Rockets obviously have edges all over the court, but my best bet is Reed Sheppard to go Over 3.5 assists.
The sophomore guard is averaging 4.0 assists per game over his last five, topping this number three times during that stretch.
The Jazz rank dead last in defensive rating and opponent assists per possession, and in a mismatch like this, Sheppard should get a longer run.
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BUFFALO, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 05: Avery Hayes #85 of the Pittsburgh Penguins, playing in his first NHL game, celebrates his second goal of the game against the Buffalo Sabres during a game on February 05, 2026 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
The Penguins skated a few days last week and have a few more days to get ready for the schedule to kick back up again starting Thursday for a home game against New Jersey.
There’s a new face back, Avery Hayes has returned to the NHL roster from the AHL after the break. Hayes scored six goals and added an assist in his five games back in the AHL during the break, including two hat trick games.
Forward Avery Hayes has been recalled from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL). pic.twitter.com/GvuSOSjBg9
There were some reports that the Pens were planning to bring Hayes back to the NHL even before Sidney Crosby’s injury and now the big elephant in the room will shift to the captain’s status.
Crosby won’t rejoin the team for a while longer, Team Canada was reportedly going to be flying back to Miami today (instead of the planned trip back to the NYC area, a trip scrapped due to the snowstorm impacting that part of the country).
It could be a while longer before any news comes out on that front, and as we all know NHL injury updates are typically vague and this situation seems right for a ’wait and see’ how the situation develops over the week. The Pens gave Erik Karlsson an extra day off yesterday when Rickard Rakell returned to practice. Karlsson skated again today for the first time with the team since his Olympic excursion.
Here’s how the team lined up today in their practice.
#LetsGoPens lines and D-pairs without Sidney Crosby, who has yet to rejoin the team.
A. Hayes-Rakell-Rust Chinakhov-Novak-Malkin Mantha-Kindel-Brazeau Dewar-Lizotte-Acciari (K. Hayes)
This isn’t the first time this season that the Pens have experimented with Rakell at center, he worked in the middle in the preseason before Bryan Rust’s injury shifted the team need over to the wing. Interestingly, Hayes had been skating as a placeholder on that first line, this move could be starting to chart a course forward if the Pens are going to have some games without Crosby available.
Otherwise the lines have remained with familiar players in what has become normal spots down the lineup.
One other area to watch is that of Letang, as of last week he hadn’t had final clearance to come back and play from his foot fracture but acknowledged that he’s trending towards returning to the lineup on Thursday when the team picks back up. Nothing so far has gone against that outlook, which would be an encouraging sign for the blueline.
Hayes had an outstanding NHL debut on Feb. 5, scoring two goals and helping the Penguins beat the Buffalo Sabres 5-2. His first goal came on his first shot in the first period of that game before scoring again later in that period.
It was the Penguins' final game before the Olympic break, which ends this week.
After that game, Hayes was sent back to WBS and scored a hat trick in his very next game. He later recorded another hat trick against the Springfield Thunderbirds on Feb. 18.
The Penguins will return to game action this Thursday against the New Jersey Devils.
The end of February means the start of a college sports favorite: the 2026 NCAA March Madness basketball tournament.
With March Madness comes the infamous bracket that people fill out to try and guess which teams will make the run through the tournament to the championship. Filling out brackets has become synonymous with March Madness, and this year, ESPN is poking fun at the intensity the tournament can spark in people.
A new ESPN ad released Feb. 23 marries the idea of March Madness bracket obsession, or what they call "Bracketbrain," with the pharmaceutical ads people often see on television that have long warnings of potential side effects. The satirical ad claims there's only one alleviation for people suffering from Bracketbrain: ESPN's Tournament Challenge, a way to fill out and manage your bracket through March Madness's run.
Watch the new ad below.
Watch ESPN's latest March Madness commercial
In the ad, the "patients" seem to see the outline of brackets in their day-to-day lives, including in their food, the route they take while hiking, and the way they filled out a Scantron sheet while taking a test. These are all clear symptoms of Bracketbrain to ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi, who appears in the ad as the head of ESPN's Department of Bracketology.
“When the calendar hits March, filling out brackets is all anyone can think about,” Seth Ader, ESPN's vice president of brand marketing said in a news release. “With the Bracketbrain campaign, we’re shining a light on this great time of year, diagnosing the behavior, and reminding fans that ESPN Tournament Challenge is the place to celebrate their obsession.”
The ad launched ahead of the 2026 NCAA men's and women's tournaments, which are both set to start in mid-March.
Games will start in the men's tournament on March 17, while the women's tournament will begin a day later on March 18.
Selection Sunday, the day when it is revealed which teams are chosen for the NCAA tournament and their seeding placements in the tournament brackets, will take place on Sunday, March 15 for both the men's and women's tournaments.
Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or on X @katecperez_.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 07: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 07, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The 76ers defeated the Suns 109-103. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Entering Sunday’s game in Minnesota, Philadelphia had lost nine of its last 10 games without Joel Embiid in the lineup. His absence was clearly felt by rookie VJ Edgecombe who said, “We miss Joel. It’s that simple. He’s a walking 30 points,” after a bad loss at home against Atlanta on Thursday night coming out of the All-Star break.
It’s particularly relevant that Edgecombe was the one to make those comments. Edgecombe is a rookie who wasn’t in Philadelphia for Embiid’s MVP season and some of his other high-end seasons that were statistically better than the one he’s having right now, which has still been very good. This is not to contest that Embiid is the same player now that he was before the knee injury two years ago that plagued him for all of last season. But it is to say that he’s playing at a much higher level than many anticipated in 2025-26.
Perhaps that’s the primary source of disappointment this season for Philly. There are still two months left in the regular season, but it’s becoming clear that the Sixers are probably a tier below the East’s top group of contenders. On a good night, they’re right there with the upper echelon of the conference. But there just aren’t enough good nights it feels like and a lot of the good nights that do exist are courtesy of a big game from Embiid.
Embiid has given the franchise more than any other player has since Allen Iverson wore the uniform. Time and time again, the organization has failed to empower him, and this month’s trade deadline was just the latest example. Embiid returning from his knee injury and being this good, say 75-85% of the player he used to be, should be considered an overwhelming success. It wasn’t long ago that medical retirement was being discussed as a potential option for Embiid in his early 30s. If there was ever a season in which the Sixers could find a way to be good enough in the games Embiid isn’t on the floor and give the big man at least one more crack at a deep playoff run, it would be this one.
Embiid’s injury history is obviously long, and unfortunately, the bigger problem is that he’s suffered several fluke injuries that have impacted his postseason availability. Yes, there have been bigger injuries that have called into question the viability of building a contender around Embiid. Early in his career particularly it was fair to question his commitment to rehabbing those injuries. But how many times have we seen Embiid wearing a mask in the playoffs? How many times does it feel like he has taken a fall or been fallen on by another player that resulted in a minor injury that would flare up and force him to miss a playoff game here or there or perform at less than 100%?
Hopefully this season is a sign of good things to come for Embiid and he can play at this level for at least a few more seasons. Maybe there’s a longer runway for him to win a championship with the Sixers than we all thought. But at this time one year ago, it felt like there was no runway at all. That’s what makes it so disappointing that losing in the second round again feels like the ceiling for this year’s team. Whatever happens in the next couple months, be sure to appreciate the fact that Joel Embiid is having the season he’s having.
Spring is in the air... as long as you're in Florida or Arizona, anyway.
With Spring Training still ramping up, we're looking at a trio of plus-money moneyline predictions from today's schedule, including the Philadelphia Phillies in the day's closer.
Read on for my Spring Training MLB picks on Monday, February 23.
Spring Training predictions for February 23
Picks
Mariners moneyline
+102
Athletics moneyline
+140
Phillies moneyline
+120
Pick #1: Mariners moneyline
+102 at DraftKings
Logan Gilbert is among baseball's top arms, and the Seattle Mariners right-hander makes his spring debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers today.
That's a tough sell, but it's why we're getting a good number on Seattle. With Landon Knack on the bump for L.A., I'll go with the better starter.
Plus, the Mariners boasted a better bullpen in 2025, and I'll take that edge if Gilbert can leave with the lead intact.
Pick #2: A's moneyline
+140 at DraftKings
I generally prefer the A's lineup to the San Francisco Giants. So, getting plus money against right-hander JT Brubaker is a boon.
Obviously, it depends on the respective lineups, but if we get Lawrence Butler, Nick Kurtz, Tyler Soderstrom, Brent Rooker, and Shea Langeliers — even if only for an inning or two — that could be enough.
The 28-year-old made his MLB debut in 2025 as a reliever, which explains why the Nats are favored. But Irvin was one of baseball's least effective starters last summer, boasting a 5.70 ERA across 33 starts.
While both teams will go to the pen relatively early, I won't be surprised if Philly's bats jump on the right-hander out of the gate.
The Jazz (18-39) travel to Houston to take on the Rockets (34-21) for the third matchup between the two this season. The Rockets and Jazz have split the season series after playing a back-to-back November 30 and December 1 in Utah.
In February, Houston is 4-4 and 1-1 since the All-Star break. The Rockets are 26th in offensive efficiency this month and 11th defensively, with the 23rd-best true shooting percentage. The Rockets have only scored more than 106 points one time over the last seven games, but put up 125 and 129 points in the two previous meetings with the Jazz.
Utah is in the midst of tanking and dropped its first game out of the All-Star break. Utah is 4-14 in the last 18 games and 3-5 this month as they enter this contest on a two-game losing streak. Utah is 23rd in offensive efficiency this month and 10th on defense with the sixth-best rebounding percentage. Utah wraps up the month with Houston, then two meetings versus New Orleans.
Let's take a closer look at the matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: Jazz at Rockets
Date: Monday, February 23, 2026
Time: 9 PM EST
Site: Toyota Center
City: Houston, TX
Network/Streaming: Peacock
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Game Odds: Jazz at Rockets
The latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Houston Rockets (-850), Utah Jazz (+575)
Spread: Rockets -13.5
Total: 228.5 points
This game opened Rockets -13.5 with the Total set at 228.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups: Jazz at Rockets
Utah Jazz
PG Keynote George (questionable)
SG Cody Williams
SF Ace Bailey
PF Lauri Markkanen (probable)
C Kyle Flipowski
Houston Rockets
PG Amen Thompson
SG Tari Eason
SF Kevin Durant
PF Jabari Smith
C Alperen Sengun
Injury Report: Jazz at Rockets
Houston Rockets
Jae'Sean Tate (knee)is OUT for tonight’s game
Steven Adams (ankle) is OUT for the remainder of the season
Fred VanVleet (ACL) is OUT for the remainder of the season
Utah Jazz
Keyonte George (ankle) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Lauri Markkanen (illness) is listed as probable for tonight’s game
Jusuf Nurkic (nose) is listed as OUT for tonight's game
Jaren Jackson (knee) is OUT for the remainder of the season
Important stats, trends and insights: Jazz at Rockets
Houston is 24-31 ATS, ranking 6th-worst
Houston is 8-17 ATS as the home team, ranking last
Houston is 8-16 ATS as a home favorite, ranking second-worst
Houston is 32-22-1 to the Under, ranking 5th-best
Houston is 17-7-1 to the Under as the home team, ranking first in the NBA
Houston is 16-7-1 to the Under as a home favorite, ranking second-best
Utah is 31-26 ATS, ranking 10th-best
Utah is 33-24-1 to the Over, ranking third-best
Utah is 13-15 to the Over as the road team
Utah is 11-14 to the Over as a road underdog
Utah is 15-13 ATS as the road team
Utah is 13-12 ATS as a road underdog
Rotoworld Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s Jazz and Rockets’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Rockets' Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Rockets -13.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 228.5
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Michael Tucker spent 2025 with the Cubs, then signed a four-year contract including the highest average annual value in major league history with the Dodgers to replace Michael Conforto in the outfield. Now, the loop is completed, as Conforto signed a minor league contract with the Cubs, per multiple reports.
Rated as below replacement level by Baseball Reference (-0.7 WAR) and FanGraphs (-0.6 WAR) but slightly above by Baseball Prospectus (0.9 WARP), the lefty-batting Conforto still played nearly every day on the strong side of a platoon, starting 106 of the Dodgers’ 115 games against right-handed pitchers. Until suddenly once the postseason started, Conforto didn’t play at all, and was left off the Dodgers’ roster in all four of their postseason series.
Conforto, who turns 33 in March, is a career .245/.343/.442 hitter with a 115 wRC+ in his 10 major league seasons. He hit .255/.356/.468 with a 124 wRC+ for the Mets before missing the 2022 season after right shoulder surgery. In the three years since, with the Giants and Dodgers, Conforto had hit .225/.316/.390 with a 98 wRC+.
A constant feature of this season has been the background grumble of dissatisfaction. You don’t have to spend long on social media to see moans about the quality of play, the sense that everything has somehow gone backwards since the tactical focus began to shift away from the pure possession and positional football of the peak Pep Guardiola years to something more direct and focused on set plays.
And yet, as we enter the run-in, there appears to be a proper Premier League title race. There is an extremely competitive battle to finish in the top five and qualify for next season’s Champions League and, although Wolves and Burnley are probably doomed, there are four teams scrapping to avoid that last relegation slot with another three glancing a little nervously over their shoulders.
Duncan Robinson
Ty Jerome
Reed Sheppard 
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