Author: NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

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Barks and Bajas: The keys to the Celtics' championship mentality

Barks and Bajas: The keys to the Celtics' championship mentality originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Hang around the Boston Celtics long enough and you’ll invariably hear some barking.

Maybe it’ll occur when Kristaps Porzingis huddles up the team pregame and asks, “Where my doggies at?” Maybe it’ll happen when Luke Kornet skies for a tip-in, and Derrick White gets all the dogs on Boston’s roster riled up by barking in the middle of the lane. 

The Celtics’ affinity for pups is longstanding. During last year’s title run, Jaylen Brown routinely asked teammates, “Where my road dogs at?” and it became a locker room query for a Boston team that thrived away from home. 

These Celtics are still road dogs. They are an NBA-best 28-7 away from home this season. What’s more, that .800 winning percentage is tied for the best mark in team history, matching the 1972-73 squad that finished 32-8 away from home.

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If Brown popularized Boston’s dog attendance call, he’s perfectly fine with the way teammates are co-opting it this year. 

“I didn’t invent, ‘Where my dogs at?’ It’s just something that we need to bring out, bring that mentality out of us,” said Brown. “Because I feel like we’re at our best when — we have the skill, but when we’re playing with that edge, that physicality, and that mindset that you’re not going to mess with us today, I think it’s better for our group.”

After Kornet started barking loudly — triggered by White doing the same — after a putback against the Blazers on Sunday night, teammates were asked about all the barking. 

“Luke’s a dog, so he just barks when he does dog things,” said Sam Hauser.

Porzingis was mic’d up for a game earlier this season when he asked his teammates where the dogs were. After some ruffs, the team broke the huddle with a chant of, “1-2-3 … Baja!” 

This reporter, intrigued by the unique huddle break, wondered if it was a playful nod to the Baha Men, who sang the inescapable hit, “Who Let the Dogs Out” in the early 2000s. It turns out it’s more likely, “Baja,” a potential offshoot on the popular “BBQ Chicken” phrase that Shaquille O’Neal popularized while dominating opposing big men around the basket. 

“We have to also keep it just for us because, it is like our internal thing,”  Porzingis initially protested. “I think it’s more like us being aggressive … But it’s a Luke thing, so maybe Luke can explain.”

Added Brown: “Luke heard it from me. I think he’ll tell you that. But I don’t know where I got it from, to be honest. Like just, ‘Straight to the Baja,’ you know? Not playing around, we get straight to the Baja. That it. I have no idea what it means.

“Finish your breakfast and you go straight to the Baja.”

Seeking further clarification, we asked Kornet for the lineage of the Baja, and he suggested it goes back to his college days and a Vanderbilt teammate who particularly enjoyed the phrase. 

“So I believe the Baja originated, I think I took it from Wade Baldwin IV, my college teammate,” said Kornet. “He used to say, ‘Baja.’ To be honest, I don’t really remember sort of what the origin of that was, but I kind of liked it. It’s kind of a great thing to yell out. For a couple of years now, I’ve been yelling it, occasionally, in games.”

Added Hauser: “You’ll catch it on film, like a couple of clips, if you have the volume on and the guy gets to the rack and you hear Luke just yell, “Baja!” Sometimes from the other end of the court.”

Kornet loves the way “Baja!” has taken on a life of its own from its humble beginnings.

“You can really let it out. And so that’s been a thing for a couple of years now,” said Kornet. “JB has kind of taken it out and — going back to the fatherhood thing — it’s kind of just taken on a life of its own.”

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76ers vs. Pelicans Predictions: Odds, predictions, recent stats, trends, best bets for March 24

Philadelphia 76ers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview 

The Philadelphia 76ers (23-48) and New Orleans Pelicans (19-53) are all set to square off from Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

Tonight's contest features two teams trending in the wrong direction.

Both teams are 2-8 in their last 10 games. The 76ers are 13th in the Eastern Conference, and the Pelicans are 14th in the Western Conference.

The 76ers are in the second half of a back-to-back. They are 2-11 with no rest this season.

The 76ers are currently 11-26 on the road with a point differential of -6, while the Pelicans have a 4-6 record in their last ten games at home. 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch 76ers vs. Pelicans live today

  • Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
  • Time: 8:00PM EST
  • Site: Smoothie King Center
  • City: New Orleans, LA

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for 76ers vs. Pelicans
The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Odds: 76ers (+188), Pelicans (-229)
  • Spread:  Pelicans -6
  • Over/Under: 231 points

That gives the 76ers an implied team point total of 114.46, and the Pelicans 117.59.
 
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday's 76ers vs. Pelicans game
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards Over 130.5 points…

Thomas: “I can’t find a reason to back the Pelicans -6. It’s a grossly lousy team that doesn’t defend, maybe without Zion Williamson and Yves Missi. The 76ers aren’t without their injury woes. Joel Embiid is still out, and there’s a laundry list of questionable players for the 76ers.

The over has gone 8-1-1 in the 76ers last 10 games. The Pelicans are 5-5 to the over in their last 10 but have seen three straight overs.”

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 today’s 76ers & Pelicans game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the New Orleans Pelicans on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Philadelphia 76ers at +6.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 231.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of 76ers vs. Pelicans on Monday

  • The Pelicans have lost 4 of their last 5 home games
  • 12 of the 76ers' last 15 games (80%) have gone over the Total
  • The 76ers have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 away games against teams with worse records
  • The 76ers have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 away games against teams with worse records

 
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
 
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 

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Fantasy Basketball Week 21 Key Injuries

Whether it is "championship week" or the semifinal round of your league's playoffs, Week 21 is critical in fantasy basketball. Teams with no hope of reaching the postseason have already begun tinkering with their lineups, and those fighting for seeding are also dealing with injuries to key players. This week's injury report focuses on some key availability issues heading into Week 21, starting with the most productive player in fantasy basketball.

C Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

The three-time Most Valuable Player has missed Denver's last four games with an ankle injury and will not be available for Monday's matchup with Chicago. That's the first game of a five-game homestand, with three contests during Week 21. The hope is that Jokic can return at some point during the homestand, but he can play in a maximum of two games this week. While the Nuggets went small in the first three games Jokic missed, with Aaron Gordon (65 percent rostered, Yahoo!) moving into the center position, DeAndre Jordan (one percent) filled the void during Sunday's win over the Rockets.

The veteran pivot logged 38 minutes, finishing with 11 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and one steal. Jordan can have value depending on the matchup, as evidenced by his performance in Houston. Peyton Watson (four percent) would be another possibility for deep-league managers despite not qualifying for the center position in Yahoo! leagues.

PG/SG Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Not only did the pelvic contusion Curry suffered during a March 20 win over the Raptors cause him to miss Golden State's game in Atlanta two nights later, he didn't even travel with the team. That did not bode well for his availability on the Warriors' six-game road trip. Still, it was reported on Sunday that Curry was traveling to Miami to rejoin the team ahead of Tuesday's game in Miami. This doesn't mean he will be available, but it should be considered positive. Quinten Post (five percent) returned to the starting lineup against the Hawks and played 28 minutes, finishing with 11 points, four rebounds, one assist, one block and three three-pointers. However, Moses Moody (17 percent) may be the best option among low-rostered Warriors to consider adding with Curry out of the lineup. Over the past two weeks, he has provided sixth-round value in nine-cat formats and has been a fixture in the starting lineup since February 12.

PF/C Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks

After being sent to the G League last week to get additional practice reps, Davis is doubtful for Monday's game against the Nets. That's the first of four games Dallas will play during Week 21, which begins with a back-to-back against the Nets and Knicks. To say the team needs Davis back in the lineup would be an understatement; before Kai Jones' return from injury, the Mavericks started Kessler Edwards at the center position on most nights. Jones (16 percent) is worth streaming as long as Davis is out, and Naji Marshall (56 percent) has seen his fantasy value increase since the All-Star break due to the team's many injuries. Edwards has been sent to the G League and is approaching the 50-game limit that two-way players are under.

PG Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks

A calf injury has sidelined Lillard for Milwaukee's last two games, and he will miss a third on Monday when the Bucks visit Phoenix. While Ryan Rollins (zero percent) has been the replacement in the starting lineup, he has not provided much value in that role. Gary Trent Jr. (10 percent) has been a fifth-round player in nine-cat formats over the past week, averaging 14.7 points, 3.3 three-pointers and 1.7 steals per game. While Kevin Porter Jr. (six percent) has his moments, Trent is the player to target while Lillard remains out of the lineup.

C Domantas Sabonis and PG/SG/SF Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings

Sabonis and Monk are questionable for Monday's game against the Celtics, which will be the reigning champs' second in as many nights. Sabonis missed the last three games with a sprained right ankle, and a Monday return would put him ahead of schedule, given the initial announcement by the Kings on March 19 that he would be evaluated in 10 days. Jonas Valanciunas (81 percent) is already rostered in most leagues, and Trey Lyles (eight percent) has been close to a top 100 player over the past week. Both players take a hit with Sabonis in the lineup, but the former will be worth holding onto in some standard leagues.

Monk missed Saturday's loss to the Bucks due to illness, opening up a place in the starting lineup for Keon Ellis (23 percent). He logged 37 minutes and finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and three three-pointers. With Devin Carter (zero percent) also questionable for Monday's game, Ellis would be the only potential target if Monk is out for the first of four games the Kings will play during Week 21.

PG/SG James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers

Harden took a Luguentz Dort knee to the hip during Sunday's loss to the Thunder, but that wasn't his issue after the game. Harden said he rolled his foot on the play and struggled to move around the locker room. While the Clippers won't play again until Wednesday against the Knicks, this is something to be mindful of when crafting fantasy lineups.

Harden having to miss time would open up a spot in the starting lineup, with The Beard having last missed a game on January 22. However, the Clippers roster looks far different, as the player who replaced him (Kevin Porter Jr.) is no longer with the team. Kris Dunn (nine percent) is already starting and would likely have the ball in his hands more if Harden cannot play to begin Week 21. As for who steps into the lineup, Derrick Jones Jr. (seven percent), Amir Coffey (two percent) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (62 percent) are all possibilities. Bogdanovic offers the highest offensive upside, but he won't be an option in most standard leagues.

SG/SF Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Edwards, who has not missed a game since February 28, is questionable for Monday's game against the Pacers with a right thumb laceration. This situation is straightforward: Mike Conley (37 percent) would be the only worthwhile option in standard leagues if Edwards misses time, while Donte DiVincenzo (68 percent) is the player most likely to move into the starting lineup. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (eight percent) would play additional minutes, but his fantasy upside isn't great, especially if he remained in a reserve role.

PG/SG Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

Cunningham was a late scratch for Sunday's win over the Pelicans due to bilateral calf soreness. Dennis Schroder (38 percent) was the replacement in the starting lineup and is a sensible streaming option. He finished with 16 points, one rebound, five assists, two steals, and one three-pointer in 35 minutes. Cunningham's absence also freed up additional opportunities for other Pistons, with Ron Holland II (one percent) and Marcus Sasser (zero percent) stepping up. Holland played 36 minutes, finishing with 26 points, five rebounds, six assists, one steal and one three-pointer. As for Sasser, he tallied 20 points, one rebound, two assists and three three-pointers in 26 minutes. Neither player is a safe fantasy option, but Holland would be the better choice if Cunningham is unavailable for Tuesday's game against the Spurs. Detroit plays three games during Week 21.

PF/C Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

Due to a strained left hip, Holmgren was held out of Sunday's win over the Clippers. Alex Caruso (48 percent) started and finished the victory with 14 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and two three-pointers in 31 minutes. Despite the availability issues, he still has value in standard leagues. Aaron Wiggins (19 percent) and Cason Wallace (22 percent) are worthwhile options for managers competing in deeper leagues. Last but not least, Jaylin Williams (nine percent) has provided top 20 value over the past week. While the production was boosted by a stellar effort in a March 19 win over the 76ers in which most of the starting lineup was out, Williams should not be overlooked on nights when Holmgren and Jalen Williams are unavailable. That was the case on Sunday, and he finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one block and three three-pointers in just 15 minutes.

PG/SG/SF Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns

Beal has missed the Suns' last three games with a hamstring injury. On Sunday, it was announced that he will be out for at least another week, meaning the veteran guard will miss Phoenix's four Week 21 matchups. Ryan Dunn (five percent) has been a starter since March 14, and the rookie has provided top-75 value over the past week. Royce O'Neale (13 percent) has averaged 8.3 rebounds per game off the bench during this stretch and could be a safer option than Dunn in this spot. While Collin Gillespie (zero percent) has replaced Beal in the starting lineup, his production has not been good enough to merit being streamed in fantasy leagues.

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Butler unmoved by emotions, drama before facing Heat in Miami return

Butler unmoved by emotions, drama before facing Heat in Miami return originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

MIAMI – There was no turning back. Warriors star Jimmy Butler stated Monday after practice at Barry University, one day before his first game back in Miami against his former team, the Heat, that even if he and team president Pat Riley sat down immediately after last season and he was offered a contract extension, he still would have wanted to eventually move on. 

Butler, who turned 35 years old in September, knew which direction he wanted to go in his career. He also had an indication of where the Heat were headed after their first-round NBA playoff exit without him.

The Heat suspended Butler three times during the 2024-25 NBA season before trading him to the Warriors on Feb. 6, and some bills still are being sent his way. 

When, and if, Butler sees Riley on Tuesday at the Kaseya Center, anger won’t be his first emotion. No animosity. No frustration. 

Nothing, according to Butler. 

“I don’t got no thoughts,” Butler said. “I won’t say nothing. I got nothing to say to nobody. No hard feelings. I’m in a better place now for me. Continued success to those guys over there.” 

None of this is new to Butler. Tuesday won’t be the first time he plays a former team. It’ll be the fourth. This just feels heightened because of the success Butler had in Miami, leading the Heat to three Eastern Conference finals and two NBA Finals, as well as how his departure once again was surrounded by drama. 

He has maintained his first game back at his old arena will be nothing more than another game on the schedule, continuing to show his love for Heat fans. 

Staying stuck in the past is a decision Butler refuses to let himself sink into and be a part of. Let the outside speculate. The 14-year NBA veteran knows the legacy he made in Miami and that it can never be taken away. 

“This is basketball,” Butler said. “It’s very simple. I don’t have all the emotions everyone thinks I’m going to have. It is what it is. I realize that I had some great years here. I built some incredible bonds with some individuals within the organization, in this city – hell, in the state of Florida. But I’m going there to hoop. I’m going there to play basketball.

“Ain’t nothing nobody say, ain’t nothing nobody do is finna get me out of character. Ain’t nobody got me out of character when I was going through what I was going through this entire season with the suspensions. It’s just another day for me.” 

There might be boos from Heat fans. There might be derogatory signs. None of it will bother Butler, or so he says. 

“I wonder if they look at the Heat the same way,” Butler said. “Ain’t like I was the one that was doing everything. It’s gotta be 50/50. Maybe 51/49 – 49 towards them and 51 towards me. There’s no way that I was the cause of all of this.”

Butler spent the first six years of his career with the Chicago Bulls, going from being the last pick in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft to becoming a star. The end wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t pretty. He then spent one full season playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but a chaotic ending saw him sent to the Philadelphia 76ers less than a month into the next season. 

The 76ers fell one wild Kawhi Leonard shot short of reaching the conference finals that season, but how Butler left again wasn’t without controversy. His Heat exit this season has been retold time and time again. 

“I’m always painted as the bad guy,” Butler said. “Everywhere I’ve been I’ve always been the problem. We’ll take it. I don’t got nothing to say. I’m not mad at being a bad guy. It’s all the way that everything gets portrayed. Some people talk to the media, some people don’t. I’ve never been one to tell my side of the story to almost anybody. 

“Let everybody think that this is what happened, and we’ll ride with it. Then in like a year’s time it’s going to be somebody else’s fault besides myself.” 

Warriors coach Steve Kerr bore witness to perhaps the worst version of a homecoming when Kevin Durant was a member of Golden State and went back to Oklahoma City to play the Thunder for the first time. 

“Yeah, that was maybe the most emotional return game I’ve ever been a part of,” Kerr said. “It kind of got ugly, really. It was important for our guys to go to bat for Kevin and they all did. It was nice to get that behind us when it happened. 

“There’s just going to be games like this in the NBA season because of the emotion involved in sports. You handle them when they come and you just support your teammate and then you move forward.”

Kerr has no doubt the Warriors will play highly motivated for Butler. He also doesn’t sense any distraction getting in Butler’s way.

“It’ll be a charged atmosphere,” Kerr said. “I’m sure it’ll be emotional on many levels. I know Jimmy’s just going to lock in and play, and he’s very capable of that. But there’s no getting around the fact of what he meant to this team, this organization, this city. That will come out tomorrow. 

“It’s part of sports. It’s kind of what makes sports, too, is the emotional connection that everyone has with players and teams. So you get these nights that can be tricky. I know Jimmy will handle it well. I know our guys will handle it well.” 

Since the Butler trade, the Warriors and Heat have gone in opposite directions. Golden State is 16-4 since Butler made his team debut, and one of those losses was with him in street clothes. Miami, meanwhile, is 5-16 since the trade, beating the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday to snap a 10-game losing streak. 

There has been debate surrounding a possible Butler tribute video being played during Tuesday’s game. The expectation is any pettiness will be put to the side, and the Heat will honor one of the franchise’s all-time greats. 

Butler will watch if the jumbotron displays his many past highlights in a Heat jersey. And he’ll remain unmoved if the Heat opt out of doing so. 

“If they don’t, it makes no difference,” Butler says. “It really don’t.”

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Why Butler, Warriors shared mutual initial trade hesitation

Why Butler, Warriors shared mutual initial trade hesitation originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The fit might not have been quite as obvious at first, but after six weeks, it appears Jimmy Butler and the Warriors are a near-perfect match.

Before the veteran forward was dealt to Golden State in a blockbuster trade on Feb. 5, both Butler and the Warriors reportedly had some level of trepidation about a potential marriage in the weeks leading up to the deal, which initially made it seem like a trade would not materialize before the NBA’s Feb. 6 deadline.

In an exclusive interview with The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Butler, whose preferred trade deadline destination reportedly was the Phoenix Suns, explained his perceived hesitation about a trade to Golden State before the deal went through.

“I wasn’t skeptical of coming here,” Butler told Slater. “I just didn’t talk to anybody … I knew I was going to get this contract no matter what. The people keep talking about it being about the money. How can it be about the money when any team that traded for me, what were they going to do? I just want to win. Where can I go to win?”

Some key Warriors, including Steph Curry and Steve Kerr, reportedly had some initial reservations about Butler’s potential fit in the locker room before the trade, with Draymond Green even issuing Butler a warning about his behavior before forcing his way out of Miami.

“With any deal, you question it,” Curry told Slater, admitting to his initial reluctance about the trade. “Even when [Kevin Durant] came, it was like, you don’t know what it’s going to look like. We came into it positive, but you still had to see it. That uncomfortability is good because it challenges everyone to talk through it, come with the right preparation.”

“I can only speak for this environment because I only know this environment and I helped create this environment,” Curry said. “If [quirky habits] bother you, if that’s something that is distracting, then you’re worried about the wrong stuff. Professionals show up and play. And that’s all we ask of everybody who is in here. We’ve had our challenges throughout the years. We’ve seen certain, you know, episodes or what not. But if you show up to play, I have zero problems.”

It’s safe to say the trade has worked out very well for both Butler and the Warriors, who are 16-4 overall since the star forward’s arrival on Feb. 6 and have rocketed up the Western Conference standings.

Not only have the Warriors been winning, but Butler now has a superstar counterpart in Curry that he thinks very highly of.

“He real real,” Butler said of Curry. “Good dude. Talks. He’s always trying to help everybody be great. Laughs. Wants to have a good time. Loves the game. Loves to compete. Loves to win. But he is the guy. He is the man. He is everything everybody says of him. More than anything, he’s just nice. I’m not talking about on the court. He’s just genuinely a good human being. To everybody. It’s very, very, very refreshing. Because he doesn’t have to be that way.”

The Warriors look to continue their winning ways against the Miami Heat on Tuesday at Kaseya Center, Butler’s first game against his former team since his and Golden State’s season-altering trade.

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Lakers vs. Magic Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for March 24

It’s Monday, March 24, and the Los Angeles Lakers (43-27) and Orlando Magic (33-38) are all set to square off from Kia Center in Orlando.

The Lakers are currently 15-18 on the road with a point differential of 1, while the Magic have a 2-8 record in their last ten games at home. Orlando is 1-0 against the Lakers this season with a 119-118 victory back in Los Angeles on November 21.

Los Angeles has lost two straight games after winning three before that. Orlando is 4-3 over the last seven games and alternated wins and losses. The Magic have not had a winning streak following the All-Star break.

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, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Lakers vs. Magic live today

  • Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
  • Time: 7:00PM EST
  • Site: Kia Center
  • City: Orlando, FL
  • Network/Streaming: NBA TV

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Lakers vs. Magic

The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Odds: Lakers (-174), Magic (+145)
  • Spread:  Lakers -4
  • Over/Under: 215 points

That gives the Lakers an implied team point total of 108.77, and the Magic 106.68.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday’s Lakers vs. Magic game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Magic to cover against the Lakers:

"Orlando hasn't had back-to-back wins since the All-Star break, but this isn't the worst spot. Orlando won in the only meeting of the season and the Lakers are coming off back-to-back blowout losses to Milwaukee (118-89) and Chicago (146-115). The 29-point loss to the Bulls was LeBron James' first game back since March 8 (17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 turnovers). Los Angeles is starting a four-game road trip in Orlando and I don't think this will be a smooth game for the Lake Show considering the Magic's defensive mindset. I would take the Magic with the points."

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

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 today’s Lakers & Magic game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Los Angeles Lakers at .
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of .

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions pagefrom NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Lakers vs. Magic on Monday

  • The Lakers have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Eastern Conference Southeast Division teams
  • The Under is 37-31 in the Magic's home games and the Lakers' road games combined this season
  • The Lakers have covered in 6 of their 9 matchups against Eastern Conference Southeast Division teams this season
  • Betting the Lakers on the Money Line in all games this season would have shown a 112% return on investment

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)

- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)

- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)

- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Timberwolves vs. Pacers predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and Best bets for March 24

It’s Monday, March 24, and the Minnesota Timberwolves (41-31) and Indiana Pacers (41-29) are all set to square off from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The Timberwolves are currently 20-15 on the road with a point differential of 5, while the Pacers have a 9-1 record in their last ten games at home. Indiana won the only meeting with Minnesota on March 17, 132-130 in OT. This is the final meeting of the season.

Indiana is 8-3 over the last 11 games and enters on a four-game winning streak, while Minnesota is coming off a 41-point win over New Orleans to break a two-game losing streak. The Timberwolves are 9-2 in the past 11 games.

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, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Timberwolves vs. Pacers live today

  • Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
  • Time: 7:00PM EST
  • Site: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
  • City: Indianapolis, IN
  • Network/Streaming:

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Timberwolves vs. Pacers

The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Odds: Timberwolves (+110), Pacers (-130)
  • Spread:  Pacers -2.5
  • Over/Under: 230.5 points

That gives the Timberwolves an implied team point total of 114.13, and the Pacers 116.91.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday’s Timberwolves vs. Pacers game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans Tyrese Haliburton to double-double and the Pacers to win:

"Over the last 10 games, Tyrese Haliburton has double-doubled in all 10 games, and the Pacers have gone 7-3 during that stretch. To start March (six games), Haliburton averages 18.8 points, 12.3 assists, and 5.0 rebounds over 33.0 minutes per game. He's recorded at least 12 assists in five of the previous six and grabbed at least five rebounds in four of those. He's on a heater right now, so I lean Haliburton to double-double at +105 odds and lean the Pacers to win at -130 odds."

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

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 today’s Timberwolves & Pacers game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Indiana Pacers at .
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of .

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Timberwolves vs. Pacers on Monday

  • The Pacers are showing a 106% return on investment at home on the Money Line
  • 8 of the Pacers' last 10 home games stayed under the Total
  • The Timberwolves have gone 19-16 on the road against the spread this season
  • The Pacers have won 7 straight home games

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)

- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)

- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)

- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Raptors vs. Wizards Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for March 24

It’s Monday, March 24, and the Toronto Raptors (24-46) and Washington Wizards (15-55) are all set to square off from Capital One Arena in Washington.

The Raptors are currently 8-26 on the road with a point differential of -5, while the Wizards have a 2-8 record in their last ten games at home. Toronto is 2-1 against Washington this season and won the previous meeting on March 10.

The Raptors have lost four straight games to follow up three consecutive losses, including last night's 123-89 blowout loss to the Spurs. The Wizards are on a four-game losing streak as well that followed up back-to-back wins.

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, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Raptors vs. Wizards live today

  • Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
  • Time: 7:00PM EST
  • Site: Capital One Arena
  • City: Washington, DC
  • Network/Streaming:

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Raptors vs. Wizards

The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Odds: Raptors (+106), Wizards (-124)
  • Spread:  Wizards -1.5
  • Over/Under: 228.5 points

That gives the Raptors an implied team point total of 113.84, and the Wizards 115.28.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday’s Raptors vs. Wizards game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Under between the Raptors and Wizards:

"It's hard to pick a winner between these two teams right now with the Wizards in contention for the worst record and the Raptors falling hard. Toronto has dropped the last four games and with this being the second night of back-to-back with no rest and off a blowout loss to the Spurs (123-89), I have to think Washington is favored for a reason, but not a good enough one for me. I'd rather take a stab at the Under than back the Wizards or Raptors."

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

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 today’s Raptors & Wizards game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Toronto Raptors at .
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of .

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions pagefrom NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Raptors vs. Wizards on Monday

  • The Wizards have lost 4 of their last 5 games against teams with losing records
  • The Raptors' last 3 road trips to the Wizards have stayed under the Total
  • The Wizards have failed to cover in their last 3 games at home
  • Eastern Conference Atlantic Division teams have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Eastern Conference Southeast Division sides

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)

- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)

- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)

- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Mavericks vs. Nets Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for March 24

It’s Monday, March 24, and the Dallas Mavericks (34-37) and Brooklyn Nets (23-48) are all set to square off from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The Mavericks are currently 14-21 on the road with a point differential of 0, while the Nets have a 5-5 record in their last ten games at home. This is the first meeting of the season between the two teams.

The Nets are 0-3 in the past three games and 1-6 over the previous seven, while the Mavericks are 1-4 in the last five and 2-9 over the past 11.

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, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Mavericks vs. Nets live today

  • Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
  • Time: 7:30PM EST
  • Site: Barclays Center
  • City: Brooklyn, NY
  • Network/Streaming:

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Mavericks vs. Nets

The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Odds: Mavericks (-115), Nets (-104)
  • Spread:  Mavericks -1
  • Over/Under: 218 points

That gives the Mavericks an implied team point total of 109.27, and the Nets 108.75.

Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday’s Mavericks vs. Nets game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Nets ML against the Mavericks:

"Brooklyn is a 1-point favorite and this is the first meeting of the season. While Brooklyn has lost six of the past seven, Dallas hasn't been any better at 1-4 in the previous five contests. Both teams are hard to bet on and seem to have given up most nights, but I'd lean with the small home favorite in Brooklyn."

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

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 today’s Mavericks & Nets game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Dallas Mavericks at .
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of .

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions pagefrom NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Mavericks vs. Nets on Monday

  • The Nets have lost 14 of their last 17 games
  • The Over is 8-2 in the Mavericks' last 10 games
  • The Nets have covered the Spread in their last 4 games at home
  • The Mavericks are on a 4-game win streak at the Nets

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)

- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)

- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)

- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Watch Heat fans chase after Butler following Warriors practice

Watch Heat fans chase after Butler following Warriors practice originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Wherever Jimmy Butler goes in public, a crowd eventually might follow.

Similar to new Warriors teammate Steph Curry, Butler is one of the more recognizable players in today’s NBA, and after Golden State’s practice on Monday at Barry University in Miami ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Heat, Butler was reminded of his stardom when a crowd of fans chased after him as he walked from the gym to a nearby car.

The fans then surrounded the car and took selfies, presumably with Butler through the window, before clearing out as the Warriors star’s car drove away.

While the majority of fans in the video were not wearing any team gear, it’s fair to assume a large portion of them are Heat fans.

Butler spent five-plus seasons in Miami, leading the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances (2020, 2023) in four years, and clearly still has many fans in the area despite his rocky departure.

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Jimmy Butler calls return to Miami Tuesday 'Another game… I don't even think about it'

Things got messy in Miami — Jimmy Butler never hesitates to burn a bridge on his way out of town. From the moment Heat decision-maker Pat Riley said after last season that he was not going to give Jimmy Butler the max extension he wanted, we all knew what was coming. Butler eventually demanded a trade, was suspended multiple times by the team, and it was all a massive distraction from which the Heat have never recovered (Miami had lost nine straight before Sunday's win against tanking Charlotte).

Tuesday night, Jimmy Butler returns to Miami in a Golden State Warriors uniform — and the welcome may not be very warm. It's a big, emotional game... unless you ask Butler.

"Another game for me," Butler said Saturday night after a win in Golden State, via the Associated Press. "Another game that we're expected to win, for sure, though."

Butler wasn't done, including talking about his Miami years, via Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.

"We was all right. We didn't win like we were supposed to. We made some cool runs. We had some fun...

"I was traded from there, yadda yadda yadda. Yeah, it didn't end the way people wanted it to, yadda yadda yadda. But that's so far behind me now, I don't even think about it."

It's easy not to think about it, given that the Warriors have gone 16-3 with Butler in the lineup and look like a threat in the West.

However, picking up that 17th win may be challenging with Stephen Curry expected to miss the game with a lower back contusion (Curry has flown to Miami and joined the team for the six-game road trip they are starting but is not expected to play at the start of the trip). No Curry means the ball will be in Jimmy Butler's hands more, giving Heat fans more chances to express their feelings. All of which makes this must-watch TV.

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Butler downplays ‘Heat Culture' narrative ahead of Miami return

Butler downplays ‘Heat Culture' narrative ahead of Miami return originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Culture isn’t the be-all, end-all for an NBA team’s success on the court. As Jimmy Butler can attest to.

The superstar forward was traded from the Miami Heat to the Golden State Warriors in a blockbuster deal on Feb. 5, and in an exclusive interview with The Athletic’s Anthony Slater published Monday, he revealed why, after five-plus seasons in Miami, he does not view the organization’s infamous “Heat Culture” as important to the team’s success as many believe it is.

“There was some foundation to it in the sense of the work and all that stuff, which is great,” Butler told The Athletic. “I’m not saying it in a bad way, but I think it’s a little bit, like, overused talking about the ‘Heat Culture.’ It is a great organization. But I think a large part of that culture is you get guys that buy into a (winning mindset).

“You get some guys that buy in, you get some really good players and you get the opportunity to talk about ‘Heat Culture’ a little bit more. I’m not saying it to talk down or anything, but I think whenever you have really good players you can name it whatever you want to name it.”

The concept of “Heat Culture,” similar to “the Patriot way,” coined by the NFL’s New England Patriots, stresses a hard-working, relentless, professional and unselfish style of play.

Butler led the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances (2020, 2023) in four years during his Miami tenure and many believe that throughout those respective postseasons, Butler was the perfect embodiment of what “Heat Culture” meant to the Miami fan base.

However, while Butler believes the organization’s mantra is an effective guiding principle, talent ultimately wins out at the end of the day.

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Steph officially listed as questionable for Warriors-Heat game

Steph officially listed as questionable for Warriors-Heat game originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Warriors star Steph Curry is trending in the right direction after missing Saturday’s game due to a pelvic contusion.

Curry, who joined the Warriors in Miami on Sunday, practiced with the team at Barry University and will participate in a separate private workout later Monday.

Curry is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Heat.

After Monday’s practice, Warriors PR told reporters that Curry is “making good progress” and that his status will be determined by how he feels Tuesday morning.

NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson asked Kerr how Curry looked in practice.

“Good. Good,” Kerr said. “We didn’t scrimmage or anything but he was moving great. Surprised he knocked down a lot of shots too.”

Curry sustained the injury early in the second half of the Warriors’ win over the Toronto Raptors last Thursday night. He missed Golden State’s costly loss to the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.

The Warriors enter Monday half a game ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the Western Conference’s No. 6 seed.

Tuesday’s game against the Heat will be emotional, as forward Jimmy Butler plays his first game against his former team.

Kerr believes it is important for Curry to be there for Butler, or any of his teammates, for that matter.

“I think Steph feels an obligation always to be there for his teammates, regardless of the circumstances,” Kerr told reporters. “He’s an amazing teammate and he wants to get back as soon as possible, mainly so we can win games and climb the ladder in the playoff race. But no doubt he wants to be there for Jimmy too, and that’s one of the things I love about Steph. He’s always there for his guys.”

With 11 regular-season games remaining and so much on the line in each contest, Curry’s presence in Tuesday’s lineup would be a welcome sight for the Warriors.

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Kerr had two non-negotiables for Butler after Warriors' trade

Kerr had two non-negotiables for Butler after Warriors' trade originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Warriors coach Steve Kerr does not ask much from his players, so the few rules he does have, carry weight.

Superstar forward Jimmy Butler learned Kerr’s two most important rules soon after the blockbuster trade that brought him from the Miami Heat to Golden State on Feb. 5. In an exclusive interview with The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, revealed Kerr’s two non-negotiables for him: Show up on time and compete to win as part of the group.

Butler revealed to Slater that when the Warriors were preparing to fly back home to San Francisco after a win over the Brooklyn Nets on March 6, he pulled Kerr aside to inform him of his decision to fly separately to Miami to pick up his children before beginning the team’s recent seven-game homestand.

“I pulled Steve aside and said, ‘Steve, I’m finna fly home and grab my kids,’” Butler told The Athletic. “He said, ‘Oh, OK. Yeah. See you back in the Bay.’ Like nothing else. Nothing.”

The detour was not a request from Butler, but rather him informing the team of his plans, regardless of how they felt about it. Fortunately for Butler, Kerr, who notoriously embraces a family-first environment, had no issue with his stop in Miami and wants his players to feel comfortable marching to the beat of their own drums. As long as it doesn’t get in the way of the ultimate goal: Winning.

“We welcome personal quirkiness and individualism, and I think guys always feel a sense of freedom here,” Kerr said. “I told Jimmy that from Day 1. I said, ‘You be you.’”

The Warriors, like the four other NBA teams Butler has played for, have learned that there is no controlling the 35-year-old on and off the court.

And as long as Butler abides by the team’s two non-negotiables, that won’t be an issue.

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Fantasy Basketball Recap: NBA Week in Review, Player Shut-Downs & Records Broken

As the season winds down, we continue to see new milestones reached and clubs making the call to shut down injured players. In this article, we will look into a bit of both and also touch on intriguing performances from a busy week of NBA action. 

Notable Achievements 

DeMar DeRozan took a significant step in cementing himself in the NBA history books as he reached the impressive milestone of 25,000 career (regular season) points in a loss against the Bulls on Thursday. He is in the midst of his 12th consecutive season averaging at least 20 points per game, and he averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.0 steals over four outings last week. DeRozan should continue to shine as he must lead the way for the Kings as they pursue their postseason hopes. 

Jimmy Butler is making his presence felt with his new squad as he became the fastest player in Warriors history to rack up 100 rebounds and 100 assists, reaching the milestone on Tuesday, in just his 17th appearance with the team. He has reached the 20-point mark in eight of his 19 outings since joining the club, including in three out of four games played last week, averaging 22.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 1.3 steals over that span. He should continue to thrive as he looks increasingly more comfortable with each game played in the new setting. 

After becoming the seventh player in NBA history to score at least 20 points in 60 consecutive games, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pushed the streak up to 64 games and is averaging 33.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks over that span. His impressive achievement makes a great case for him to earn his first MVP award, and he can be expected to continue to lead the charge for his energetic squad as they look to keep their momentum going into the postseason. The Thunder also clinched first place in the Western Conference and are sitting on a 59-12 record.

Sandro Mamukelashvili made history on Wednesday, as he set the record for most points scored by a player in under 20 minutes of action. He shot a blistering 13-for-14 from the field and 7-for-7 from beyond the arc on his way to 34 points in 19 minutes. The big man saw on-and-off minutes through the majority of the season but has earned more consistent time since Victor Wembanyama was injured. Mamukelashvili is averaging 13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 14.8 minutes per game over the last five games. He should continue to see a similar amount of opportunity through the final stretch of the campaign, especially after his massive performance. 

Bronny James turned some heads as he accumulated 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting, three rebounds, five assists and a block in 30 minutes of action during a blowout loss to the Bucks on Thursday. As a result of his efforts, he earned a place in Lakers history, becoming the youngest Lakers rookie since Magic Johnson to achieve 17 points and five assists while shooting 70 percent from the field. James continues to see sparse action, usually late in blowout situations, and will have to continue to make the most of the limited opportunity. 

Stand-Out Performers 

Jaylin Williams opened the week by recording his second triple-double of the season, as he finished with 19 points, 17 rebounds, 11 assists and two steals in a 33-point win over the 76ers on Monday. He kept up his solid play through the rest of the week and averaged 15.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists over the three games played. His big game on Monday was partially a result of him picking up a bigger role in the absence of Jalen Williams. However, he is averaging 16.9 minutes per game on the season, which is plenty of time for him to continue to make his presence felt and provide important support off the bench. 

Stephon Castle has started in the last six games and is averaging 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.7 blocks over that span, including topping the 20-point mark in two of the Spurs' four games played last week. Castle has been a key part of the Spurs' rotation all season and is likely to continue to handle a significant role down the stretch as the club is no longer in the playoff mix and focusing on development is their only meaningful goal that remains.

Josh Giddey was two steals away from a quadruple-double in his last outing, as he tallied 15 points, 10 rebounds, 17 assists and eight steals in 33 minutes of action in a 31-point win over the Lakers on Saturday. He played in just two of the Bulls' four games last week but shined in both outings, as he had 22 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block in a loss to the Suns on Wednesday. Giddey is averaging 14.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.2 steals on the season and has hit the 20-point mark on 12 occasions. He also has 24 double-doubles and four triple-doubles. He is in a great position to continue to grow with the team's young core and is on track to help lead the way as they are set for a run at the postseason. 

Donovan Mitchell is noted here for the opposite reason as the above-mentioned players, as he is coming off his worst stretch of the season, averaging 16.8 points on 30.3 percent shooting over four games last week. His struggles coincided with the Cavs' first four-game losing streak of the season, which spanned from March 16 to March 21, before they managed to get back on track with a win over the Jazz on Sunday. Despite the rough patch, the Cavs maintain a 5.0-game hold on first place in the East and should be able to cruise the rest of the way without losing their grip on the top spot. Mitchell has been a major factor in their success, averaging 23.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals on the campaign, maintaining his streak of averaging at least 20 points per game in every season of his career. Mitchell is likely to get his groove back and should continue to be the leading force in his club's push through the postseason.

Shut Down

It was announced early last week that Paul George would be shut down for the season after receiving injections to deal with injuries to his left adductor muscle and knee. The news puts an end to arguably the most disappointing season of his career, as his debut campaign with the 76ers could not have gone much worse. In his defense, the team's struggles mostly hinged on the unavailability of Joel Embiid. However, George was not able to carry the torch in the big man's absence, as he averaged less than 20 points per game for the first time in 10 seasons. At 34 years old, George still has time to get his game back on track, as long as he can recover to full health. Additionally, with a healthy Embiid and Tyrese Maxey by his side, he could help lead the 76ers to a quick turnaround next year.  

Trey Murphy was working on a stellar season, averaging career highs of 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, but it came to an abrupt end last week, as he suffered a torn labrum and partial rotator cuff tear early in a meeting with the Pistons on Monday. Murphy reached the 30-point mark seven times, including two games with at least 40, as he established himself as a legitimate scoring threat from the wing this season. As long as he comes back healthy, he will be a key figure for the Pelicans' next campaign and should continue to build on his impressive progress in what will be his fifth NBA season.