CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 23: Max Strus #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Ayo Dosunmu #12 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on December 23, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been waiting for the entire season for Max Strus to make his debut. If all goes as planned, they won’t have to wait much longer.
“He’s ramping up,” said Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson. “I believe he’s got one more visit with the doctor to kind of confirm that we’re doing alright.”
Strus has been on the sidelines since last May when the Cavs were eliminated in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. He suffered a Jones fracture just weeks before the current season began and has only recently begun on-court work with the rest of the team. Strus participated in 90% of practice earlier this week.
“As far as the on-court stuff, he’s just doing more and more every day,” said Atkinson. “So we’re getting closer.”
The Cavs have managed to fare well without Strus. They’ve received huge contributions from players like Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson, who have managed to step up and fill his role in the starting lineup at various points throughout the season. Cleveland’s depth, which only got stronger at the deadline, has been a plus for them this year.
Still, Strus brings a skillset that you can’t get enough of. A motion shooter who can handle the rock and defend at high intensity is valuable any day of the week. Strus, if healthy, gives the Cavaliers even more firepower.
We can’t predict what Strus will look like upon returning. How quickly can he dust off his shoulders and get initiated with this roster that has changed so much since he last played? Does Strus develop immediate chemistry with James Harden? And how long will it take for his conditioning to ramp up to mid-season form with fewer than 20 games to play before the postseason?
There’s nothing easy about returning from an injury like this. But, something tells me Strus is the type of grit-and-grind player who is doing everything in his power to get back on the floor and prepare in the playoffs.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 11: AJ Green #20 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks to shoot a three-pointer as Desmond Bane #3 of the Orlando Magic guards during the first quarter at Kia Center on February 11, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Two titans walk into a ring: the Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magic. Having split the season series thus far, who will win the season series??
Where We’re At
To All Who Are Concerned about the Bucks’ recent woes:
Look, Van is absolutely right: it will be hard for the Bucks to “catch” anyone below them in the standings, many of whom are actively trying to lose (unlike the Bucks, of course). But nothing easy’s worth doing, and the further they fall in the standings, the slightly better their chances of a better pick come June. And the alternative—getting pantsed in the 9/10 game by an alt-right rookie—is gonna help their chances to keep the big man? Psh.
But hey, there’s something to be said for not being the Magic. Pegged by this “pundit” to finish third in the conference, they’re mired in sixth after an up-and-down stretch, behind the Raptors (!) and the Sixers (:P). Look, they’re higher than the Bucks, but they had expectations after splashing four firsts on a spot-up shooter, and now Milwaukee just might have to take their coach off their hands and call it even.
Injury Report
We will update the injury report when it is released.
Player To Watch
Since the Magic can’t shoot to save their lives, here’s hoping for a big game inside from the Bucks’ pricey acquisition, “I Would Walk 500” Myles Turner.
How To Watch
FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 7:00 p.m. CDT.
The future of the NBA is in good hands — and today’s slate of games is Exhibit A, with Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg, and Kon Knueppel all on the docket.
The wily veterans are well represented, too, from LeBron James and Kevin Durant to James Harden and Klay Thompson, and my favorite NBA player props and NBA picks tap into both pools of talent.
With this Dallas Mavericks injury list, Klay Thompson remains a key cog off the bench, and he’s put together back-to-back elite shooting games, going a combined 12-for-23 from beyond the arc.
I’m taking the Over on 2.5 triples for Klay today in Toronto. He’s nailed this prop in five of his past seven outings, and there would be even more shots up for grabs if Flagg (questionable) is ruled out.
Even at age 36, Thompson can make teams pay from the perimeter, and he’s knocking down his 3-pointers at a 39% clip this season. He hit some clutch shots at Scotiabank Arena in his days with the Warriors, and he’s never shy about letting fly from downtown.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: KFAA, Sportsnet
Prop #2: Victor Wembanyama Over 24.5 points
-110 at bet365
Victor Wembanyama is off to a hot start in March, and he’s dropped 25+ points in three of his last four games, including a 38-point masterpiece against the Pistons. Look for more Wemby magic tonight against the Rockets.
He gave Houston fits with 28 points in a late January matchup, and he’s drilled four 3-pointers in back-to-back contests to keep the San Antonio Spurs in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the West.
Wemby is shooting 51% from the field at home, and his ability to get easy buckets in the paint should help relieve the burden on San Antonio’s guards against the Houston Rockets’ perimeter pressure.
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBC/Peacock
Prop #3: Kon Knueppel Over 18.5 points
-110 at bet365
Kon Knueppel is surging towards the Rookie of the Year trophy, and he’s coming off a 27-point outing against the Heat on Friday. He’s knocked down 21 threes across his last five contests, and I’m buying into more sharpshooting tonight in Phoenix.
It’s been a great stretch for Knueppel, who’s scored 20+ points in six of his last eight games, and he’s found ways to be even more productive on the road, with a 21.4 ppg average away from Spectrum Center.
The Phoenix Suns’ gritty defense has to be factored in, but we’ve seen the Charlotte Hornets backcourt take down quality opponents on their charge up the standings.
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ALTENBERG, Germany (AP) — Julia Taubitz spent four months chasing another World Cup title. The German sliding superstar won it by about the slimmest possible margin.
The Olympic champion is the women's World Cup luge singles champion once again, clinching her fifth consecutive title and sixth overall on Sunday with a second-place finish in the season finale at Altenberg.
Merle Fraebel of Germany won the race, and Taubitz needed a second-place finish to clinch the World Cup title. She got it, holding off third-place finisher Kendija Aparjode of Latvia by just 0.006 seconds; that's about 25 times faster than a typical blink of an eye.
But it was enough.
“Today was a perfect day,” Taubitz said. “It was the most exciting overall World Cup victory of my career.”
Taubitz finished the season with 634 points, four more than Fraebel. Germany's Lisa Schulte finished the season third, and Summer Britcher of the U.S. ended the season fourth in the overall standings.
It was Britcher's best season finish since she placed third overall in 2018-19.
Men's singles
Germany's Felix Loch won the season finale, his 56th World Cup victory and tying him with Italy's Armin Zoeggeler for the most in men's singles history.
Loch, an eight-time World Cup overall champion, held off Italy's Dominik Fischnaller for the record-tying win. Austria's David Gleirscher was third.
Team relay
Austria won the final team relay of the season, with Italy second and Latvia third. The U.S. did not have a team in the relay, since Britcher was the only American slider taking place in the World Cups after the Olympics.
Teams need a men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles and women's doubles team to be part of a relay entry.
Final medal counts
Sunday's World Cup luge finale represented the end of the major international sliding season.
Germany took 149 major international sliding medals — bobsled, skeleton and luge races at the World Cup and Olympic level — this season, which nearly matched the total from the rest of the world combined.
Austria won 57 sliding medals this winter, and the U.S. won 26.
Georgia Tech has decided to fire Damon Stoudamire as its coach following a three-year stint, the school announced Sunday, March 8.
The Yellow Jackets made the move one day after their 79-76 loss to Clemson in the last game of the regular season. With a 2-16 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference play, Georgia Tech finished 18th out of 18th in the league and did not qualify for the ACC tournament.
With Saturday's loss, the Yellow Jackets ended the season on a 12-game losing streak. The last win for Georgia Tech was a 78-74 road win over North Carolina State on Jan. 17. The Yellow Jackets won just two out of 17 games since the calendar flipped to 2026. They ended 2025 at 9-5.
Stoudamire, who played in the NBA for 13 years, went 42-55 in three seasons with Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets failed to make the NCAA Tournament under Stoudamire, who replaced Josh Pastner following a seven-year stint.
Georgia Tech owes Stoudamire $2.6 million during the next two years for the remainder of his contract, unless he takes another job.
Georgia Tech has not made an NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2020-21 season and has just four appearances since finishing as the runner-up in the 2004 tournament to Connecticut.
Prior to taking the job with the Yellow Jackets, Stoudamire was an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics. He also coached Pacific from 2016 to 2021, posting a 71-77 record in five seasons with the program.
Stoudamire played college basketball at Arizona from 1991-95 before becoming a first-round pick in the 1995 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. He was rookie of the year for the Raptors in 1995 and also played for the Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs.
Despite some bumpy spells, the New York Knicks have all the ingredients to be the last team standing in the East, and today’s matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers is a chance to show their playoff pedigree.
My Knicks vs Lakers predictions expect New York’s superior depth to be the X-factor here against a L.A. side struggling with consistency.
Check out my NBA picks for this marquee March 8 showdown.
Knicks vs Lakers prediction
Knicks vs Lakers best bet: Knicks -3 (-110)
The New York Knicks are 16-5 straight up since January 19, and I’m buying into a hot streak that includes victories over the Spurs and Nuggets.
N.Y. has won six of its past seven road games with a balanced attack the Los Angeles Lakers can only dream about. The Lakers are 2-7 against the spread as home underdogs, and LeBron James is questionable.
No King James means OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges can share the Luka Doncic assignment.
The hosts have lost six of their past seven matchups against teams above. 500, and tonight will be more of the same.
Knicks vs Lakers same-game parlay
With the Lakers short on frontcourt help, the Knicks’ rebounding edge should be decisive here. Karl-Anthony Towns has had 12+ boards in five straight contests, and he grabbed 13 rebounds against L.A. earlier this season.
I like the Under today, too, with New York holding its last five opponents Under 105 points. It’s also been a winning ticket in seven of the Lakers’ past 10 games — and five of the last six meetings between these two.
Knicks vs Lakers SGP
Knicks moneyline
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 11.5 rebounds
Under 228
Our "from downtown" SGP: All-Stars assemble
A national TV game in L.A. is a perfect stage for All-Stars to shine, and this SGP banks on Jalen Brunson continuing his elite playmaking — 40 assists in his last three games — and KAT owning the boards.
Plus, I like Luka to nail his rebounds Over for a fourth straight contest.
Knicks vs Lakers SGP
Jalen Brunson Over 7.5 assists
Jalen Brunson Over 2.5 threes
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 11.5 rebounds
Luka Doncic Over 7.5 rebounds
Knicks vs Lakers odds
Spread: Knicks -3 | Lakers +3
Moneyline: Knicks -155 | Lakers +130
Over/Under: Over 228 | Under 228
Knicks vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Knicks are 14-9 ATS this season against Western Conference opponents. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Lakers.
How to watch Knicks vs Lakers
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Tip-off
3:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Knicks vs Lakers latest injuries
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JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Dan Bradbury of England hit the perfect chip at just the right time, saving par on the final hole Sunday for a 5-under 65 and a one-shot victory in the Joburg Open.
His clutch par on the 18th hole at Houghton Golf Club denied Casey Jarvis of South Africa a chance to join Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros as the only players in European tour history to win three consecutive tournaments.
Brandon Robinson Thompson was tied for the lead, playing one group ahead of Bradbury, when he three-putted the 18th green from about 45 feet for a bogey that gave him a 66.
Bradbury won the Joburg Open in the fall of 2022 for his first European tour victory. The Englishman, who finished his college career at Florida State, also won the French Open in 2024.
“I thought I'd lost it on the front nine. I had so many chances and didn't take them,” said Bradbury, who started the final round two shots behind Hennie Du Plessis. “It feels really good to put it together. I somehow managed to get it done at the end.”
Jarvis was coming off wins at the Kenya Open and the South African Open — the latter earned him spots in the Masters and British Open. He was one shot behind when he hit a superb approach on the par-4 18th that just cleared a ridge and rolled down to 7 feet.
But he pulled his birdie putt and knew it immediately, walking to the hole. He shot 66.
That left it to Bradbury, whose approach bounded over the green into the rough. He chipped it over a slight hill and it rolled with perfect pace toward the cup, stopping a few inches short for his par and the victory.
Du Plessis was in control after a 31 on the front nine, only to lose his way on the back nine with a pair of bogeys and a double bogey on the par-3 15th that took him out of contention. He closed with a 70 and finished fourth.
The tournament was co-sanctioned with the Sunshine Tour.
The Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings rank in the Top 5 in pace, so this game should have plenty of possessions and scoring chances.
The Kings’ defense ranks in the Bottom 5 in defensive efficiency over the past five games. Chicago’s defense has been better, ranking 10th in that same stretch, but playing this fast with a seasonally Bottom 10 defense won’t work out well.
The pace and bad defense are why four of their last five contests have ended Over the total.
Bulls vs Kings same-game parlay
Chicago has covered the spread in three straight contests and should cover tonight against a bad Kings defense.
The Kings have allowed the second-most made threes per game across the last five games than any other team, and Josh Giddey has knocked down two or more triples in three straight.
Sacramento is only 1-4 against the spread in its last five, while the Bulls are better built defensively to get enough stops down the stretch to cover as short favorites.
Bulls vs Kings SGP
Over 234.5
Josh Giddey Over 1.5 threes
Bulls -2.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: In too deep
Let’s have some fun from downtown tonight.
Matas Buzelis has cleared this number in three of his last four games, Guerschon Yabusele has hit two or more in six of his last seven, and Russell Westbrook has made at least two threes in three of his past five games.
Bulls vs Kings SGP
Matas Buzelis Over 2.5 threes
Josh Giddey Over 1.5 threes
Guerschon Yabusele Over 1.5 threes
Russell Westbrook Over 1.5 threes
Bulls vs Kings odds
Spread: Bulls -3 (-115) | Kings +3 (-105)
Moneyline: Bulls -155 | Kings +130
Over/Under: Over 235.5 | Under 235.5
Bulls vs Kings betting trend to know
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last five meetings with Sacramento. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Kings.
How to watch Bulls vs Kings
Location
Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Date
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
CHSN, NBCS California
Bulls vs Kings latest injuries
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The Charlotte Hornets’ six-game win streak was snapped on Friday, but the visiting team will look to keep another win streak intact when it takes on the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center.
The Hornets have won 10 straight road games, and my Hornets vs. Suns predictions and NBA picks expect Charlotte to cover the spread as a small favorite.
Hornets vs Suns prediction
Hornets vs Suns best bet: Hornets -4.5 (-110)
The Charlotte Hornets are a league-best 40-24 ATS this season. They’re 7-3 as the road favorite and a league-best 22-11 on the road, and they can get back on track against the shorthanded Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix is 3-6-1 ATS across its last 10 games overall and 2-5-1 across its last eight at home. Conversely, Charlotte has covered six straight and nine of its last 10 on the road.
The Hornets are playing at full strength, while the absences of Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams will have a significantly negative impact on the Suns.
Hornets vs Suns same-game parlay
Moussa Diabate has averaged 11.1 points and 11.1 rebounds per game across his last seven road games. He's recorded 16 double-doubles on the season, including six across his last 15 appearances. Over the last three games, the Suns have allowed the sixth-most points in the paint and the eighth-most offensive rebounds.
Brandon Miller has averaged 7.6 rebounds across his last five outings, grabbing 6+ three times and at least five in every game. Without Mark Williams and Dillon Brooks, Miller is set up with a favorable matchup to cash the Over on this modest rebound line.
Hornets vs Suns SGP
Hornets -4.5
Moussa Diabate to record a double-double
Brandon Miller Over 5.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Booker the Board Man
Devin Booker is grabbing four rebounds per game, and he's reached that mark in 24 of 47 games, including 12 of 23 at home. He's recorded 4+ rebounds in three straight games, and without Mark Williams and Dillon Brooks, more rebounding boards will be available.
Hornets vs Suns SGP
Hornets -4.5
Moussa Diabate to record a double-double
Brandon Miller Over 5.5 rebounds
Devin Booker Over 3.5 rebounds
Hornets vs Suns odds
Spread: Hornets -4.5 | Suns +4.5
Moneyline: Hornets -185 | Suns +155
Over/Under: Over 219 | Under 219
Hornets vs Suns betting trend to know
The Hornets have covered the spread in 32 of their last 45 games for +18.8 units and a 38% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Suns.
How to watch Hornets vs Suns
Location
Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
Date
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports Network
Hornets vs Suns latest injuries
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CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 30: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 30, 2025 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston Celtics (42-21) at Cleveland Cavaliers (39-24) Sunday, March 8, 2026 1:00 PM ET Regular Season Game #64 Road Game #33 TV: ABC Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, WFAM/WMMS Rocket Arena
The Celtics visit the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 3rd, and final, meeting between these two teams. The Celtics won the first game 125-105 at Boston on October 29. The Celtics also won the second meeting 117-115 in Cleveland on November 30. These 2 teams split the series 2-2 last season with each team winning one at home and one on the road. The Celtics are 143-89 overall, all time against the Cavaliers and they are 56-61 in games played in Cleveland.
The Cavaliers are quite different from the team the Celtics faced in November. At the trade deadline, they traded De’Andre Hunter to the Kings for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder. They also sent Lonzo Ball to to the Utah Jazz, along with 2 second round picks for them to take on his contract. Their big trade, though, was to trade Darius Garland to the Clippers for James Harden.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 3.5 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are 1.5 games ahead of 3rd place New York , 3 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 6.5 games ahead of 5th place Toronto, 7.5 games ahead of 6th place Orlando and 7th place Miami and 8 games ahead of 8th place Philadelphia. The Celtics are 27-14 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 21-11 on the road and 8-2 in their last 10 games. They are coming off a win in their last game.
The Cavaliers are 4th in the East, 6.5 games behind 1st place Detroit, 3 games behind 2nd place Boston, 1.5 games behind 3rd place New York. They are 3.5 games ahead of 5th place Toronto, and 4.5 games ahead of 6th place Orlando and 7th place Miami and 5 games ahead of 8th place Philadelphia. They are 25-15 against Eastern Conference teams and 21-11 at home. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games and have won their last 2 games.
After this game at Cleveland, the Celtics continue on a tough 3 game road trip through San Antonio, and Oklahoma City. Then they host Washington, Phoenix and Golden State. Next, it is one game at Memphis before a 3 game home stand against Minnesota, Oklahoma City and Atlanta. Then it’s back on the road for a 4 game trip through Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami and Milwaukee.
The Cavaliers are playing in the 2nd game of a 3 game home stand. They beat the 1st place Pistons in the first game on Tuesday. They will host Philadelphia in the 3rd game of the home stand. They will then play Orlando and Dallas on the road before returning home to play Dallas once again. Then they will play Milwaukee, Chicago and New Orleans on the road.
For the Celtics, after 298 days, Jayson Tatum was available to play against Dallas on Friday. He is expected to play in this game also. Jordan Walsh missed Friday’s game due to an illness but is not on the injury list at this time. Nikola Vucevic fractured his finger in Friday’s game and had successful surgery to repair it. He is expected to miss approximately a month.
For the Cavaliers, Jarrett Allen injured his right knee during the Cavaliers’ win over the Pistons on Tuesday and has been ruled out for this game. Tyrese Proctor is out due to a right quadriceps strain. Max Strus has been cleared for on-court workouts after off season foot surgery but has been ruled out for this game. Jaylon Tyson is questionable due to a neck strain. After missing the past four games with a groin injury, Donovan Mitchell is probable for this game. Dean Wade is also probable with an ankle injury.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs James Harden
Derrick White | NBAE via Getty ImagesJames Harden | NBAE via Getty Images
SG: Jaylen Brown vs Donovan Mitchell
Jaylen Brown | NBAE via Getty ImagesDonovan Mitchell | NBAE via Getty Images
SF: Sam Hauser vs Jaylon Tyson
Sam Hauser | NBAE via Getty ImagesJaylon Tyson | NBAE via Getty Images
PF: Jayson Tatum vs Evan Mobley
Jayson Tatum | NBAE via Getty ImagesEvan Mobley | NBAE via Getty Images
C: Neemias Queta vs Thomas Bryant
Neemias Queta | Boston Globe via Getty ImagesThomas Bryant | NBAE via Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Jordan Walsh
2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr Max Shulga John Tonje Injuries/Out Nikola Vucevic (finger) out
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Cavaliers Reserves Keon Ellis Larry Nance, Jr Craig Porter Jr Dennis Schroder Nae’Qwan Tomlin Dean Wade Sam Merrill
Injuries/Out Donovan Mitchell (groin) probable Dean Wade (ankle) probable Jaylon Tyson (neck) questionable Max Strus (foot) out Tyrese Poctor (quad) out Jarrett Allen (knee) out Head Coach Kenny Atkinson
Key Matchups Jaylen Brown vs Donovan Mitchell Mitchell is averaging 28.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.6 assists per game. He is shooting 48.3% from the field and 36.9% from beyond the arc. In the first two games against the Celtics, he averaged 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 7 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 42.9% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to stay with him both in the paint and on the perimeter because he is a threat to score from everywhere.
Derrick White vs James Harden This is the first time the Celtics are facing the Cavs since they acquired Harden. He is averaging 24.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He is shooting 42.5% from the field and 36.1% from beyond the arc. In 2 games with the Clippers against the Celtics, Harden averaged 27.5 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1 steal per game while shooting 43.2% from the field and 35.3% from beyond the arc. Honorable Mention Jayson Tatum vs Evan Mobley Mobley is averaging 17.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. He is shooting 51.7% from the field and 31.5% from beyond the arc. In the 2 games against the Celtics this season, he averaged 23 points, 12.5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block per game while shooting 50% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to keep him out of the paint as he is a very good rebounder and also a rim protector.
Keys to the Game Defense – As always, defense is a key to winning this, and every, game. The Celtics are 6th with a defensive rating of 111.7. The Cavaliers are 13th with a defensive rating of 113.1. The Celtics must make defense a priority and play tough lock down team defense for all 48 minutes. They can’t play tough defense for just 2 or 3 quarters and expect the other team to give up. The Celtics need to especially defend the perimeter as the Cavs shoot 40.3 threes per game and make 14.5 of them. They also average 51.0 points in the paint per game so the Celtics also must defend the paint.
Rebound – The Celtics are averaging 46.4 rebounds per game (4th) to 44.4 rebounds per game for the Cavaliers (12th). The Celtics will need to crash the boards to keep the Cavs from getting extra possessions and second chance points. Much of rebounding is effort and the Celtics have got to work harder on the boards than the Cavs. But they also have to give a consistent effort on the boards for the whole game.
3 Point Shots – When the Celtics make their 3’s they are tough to beat but when the 3’s aren’t falling, the game gets really ugly. The Celtics are 2nd in the league, taking 42.5 threes per game. The Cavs are 6th with 40.3 threes a game. Although the Celtics are 3rd in 3 pointers attempted, they are 9th, shooting 36.3% from beyond the arc. The Cavs are 14th, shooting 36.0% from beyond the arc. The key is simple. The Celtics must make their threes and they have to defend the perimeter well to keep the Cavs from making theirs.
Move the Ball Carefully – The Celtics need to move the ball and find the open man. They play their best when they share the ball. They are 27-2 when they have more than 25 assists in a game and they are 14-0 when they have 29 or more assists. However, the Celtics need to take care of the basketball and limit turnovers. They have to make careful passes and also be aware while dribbling and not drive into a crowd or allow a defender to steal the ball since the Cavs average 19.6 points off turnovers per game.
X-Factors Matinee Game On the Road – The Celtics are playing on the road and will need to stay focused in spite of the distractions of travel and playing in front of a hostile crowd. Cavs fans really do not like the Celtics and will likely be loud and antagonistic. They need to come into this game focused and ready to play harder than the Cavs. They are also playing in an early afternoon game and sometimes players struggle in the early games, especially after travel.
Officiating – The officiating is always an x-factor. Sometimes a crew will call the game tight and blow a whistle on every play. Other times they will let them play and let the game get physical. The Celtics need to adjust to the way the game is called and not let missed calls or bad calls affect their focus. If the calls are bad, they just need to play harder to make up for them and not lose focus on playing the game.
Southwest Division rivals face off in tonight's “Battle of Texas” as the San Antonio Spurs host the Houston Rockets.
Elite defense will be on display from both teams, and my Rockets vs Spurs predictions call for the Under to hit at Frost Bank Center.
Here are my free NBA picks for this divisional tilt on Sunday, March 8.
Rockets vs Spurs prediction
Rockets vs Spurs best bet: Under 222.5 (-115)
Don’t expect a high-scoring affair tonight, as the Under has hit in two straight and eight of the last 10 head-to-head matchups between the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs.
Houston is 27-35 to the Under — including a 13-30 mark on the road — while San Antonio is 26-38 (12-17 at home).
The Rockets have allowed the third-fewest points per game at 109.3, and the Spurs have allowed the seventh-fewest at 111.4.
Rockets vs Spurs same-game parlay
Alperen Sengun has found success against Victor Wembanyama, averaging 20.2 points and 5.4 assists across nine head-to-head matchups.
Sengun has recorded 19+ points in 30 of 55 games overall and two of three against the Spurs this season.
He's recorded at least six dimes in 33 of 55 games overall, cruising past this line in all three games against San Antonio.
Rockets vs Spurs SGP
Under 222.5
Alperen Sengun Over 18.5 points
Alperen Sengun Over 5.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Battle of the bigs
Victor Wembanyama has averaged 12 rebounds in nine career matchups against Sengun, and he's pulled down 12+ in two of four of those at home.
Rockets vs Spurs SGP
Under 222.5
Alperen Sengun Over 18.5 points
Alperen Sengun Over 5.5 assists
Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds
Rockets vs Spurs odds
Spread: Rockets +5 | Spurs -5
Moneyline: Rockets +170 | Spurs -205
Over/Under: Over 222.5 (-105) | Under 222.5 (-115)
Rockets vs Spurs betting trend to know
The San Antonio Spurs have hit the game total Under in 28 of their last 40 games (+14.80 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Spurs.
How to watch Rockets vs Spurs
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Rockets vs Spurs latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 6: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after the game against the LA Clippers on March 6, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Most people have heard of the five stages of grief. As described by author David Kessler:
“The five stages — denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance — are a part of the framework that makes up our learning to live with the one we lost. They are tools to help us frame and identify what we may be feeling.But they are not stops on some linear timeline in grief. Not everyone goes through all of them or in a prescribed order.”
But I am not writing about grief today. No, I am writing about hope — the five stages of hope. The Spurs have had two recent games in which fans realistically had no hope that our favorite team could pull out a win.
One of those games was the second of a back-to-back on a cold February night in Toronto. (The words “February night in Toronto” are always preceded either by “snowy”, ‘freezing” or “cold”.) The night before, the Spurs had beaten the “best record in the league” Pistons in an extremely physical game against the number one defense in the NBA. In Toronto barely 24 hours later, the Spurs trailed 90-75 with less than a minute left in the third quarter. While fans had little to no hope, the players had other thoughts. After making a three to close the gap to 12 entering the fourth, the Spurs outscored the home team by 32-17 in the final quarter to win by 110-107. In some ways, that win was more impressive than the win the night before.
Last Friday against the Clippers was perhaps even more unlikely. Once again, it came 24 hours after an emotional homecoming win against those same Pistons in which Victor Wembanya played a season-high 39 minutes, which meant he was on a severe minutes restriction against the Clippers. Even worse, the Spurs fell behind by even more than in the Raptor game, trailing 75-50 in the third quarted. Check out the ESPN odds of the Clippers winning after Kawhi Leonard’s three put the Clippers up by 25 points:
+3 Points 9:23 – 3rd
Kawhi Leonard makes 26-foot three point jumper (Kris Dunn assists)
75-50
Win %: LAC, 98.8
Once again, the Spurs kept hope alive, outscoring the Clippers by 9 in the third quarter (thank you, Julian Champagnie!) and by 15 in the fourth. Yes, hope is a powerful thing.
But hope does not spring from nothing, nor does it occur suddenly or magically in a gym in Toronto or San Antonio. Like grief, hope comes in stages. Like grief, hope can arise in people, or teams, after different stages and in different orders.
For this Spurs team, I believe the first stage of developing hope arose from the strength of the organization. Perhaps we can describe this stage as having a solid foundation or core — the Spurs, with their remarkable history of success, certainly provide that. This also meant instilling the right habits. Even when the team was not winning, the coaches insured the players played the right way and learned the structure and effort that makes winning possible.
The second stage in the Spurs journey was planning. Even when painful to do so, the Spurs organization planned their future. This meant trading away popular and talented players such as Dejounte Murray and Derrick White. While the organization and fans loved what those players contributed, they knew that they could not bring the team to the level we wanted. Even bringing in Chris Paul on a one-year deal last year was part of the planning, and learning, process.
The next stage for the Spurs was good fortune — being in the right place at the right time. For the Spurs, this happened when they won the lottery the same year that Victor entered the draft. We can call this stage “opportunity”. Others could call this “karma”. Certainly the entire NBA was happy that he landed with the Spurs, with their history of success and their solid organization. Pairing him, with his immense desire to succeed, with an organization known for its success, has been a perfect marriage. And while the Spurs were fortunate to be the team to select him, the organization’s intelligence led to the drafting of Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper — plus the under-rated selection in the last draft of Carter Bryant with the 14th pick,
The fourth stage was, and remains, patience. The Spurs have not attempted to skip any steps on their way back to relevance. The only significant trade they have made to bring in talent was the trade for De”Aaron Fox, a player who really wanted to come play in San Antonio. And acquiring Fox did not require squandering significant future capital — the only one of their picks surrendered was next year’s first round pick. That pick will surely be in the high 20’s, and thus reasonably expendable.
The fifth stage of hope is belief — an outgrowth of the prior four steps. Because of the solid foundation, the careful planning, the good fortune to take advantage of opportunity, and the patience to stick with it the plan, the Spurs, their players and their fans now can sincerely believe that this will all come together. And because the players and coaching staff believed that they could be better than everyone else predicted, they are now significantly ahead of everyone else’s schedule, but not their own. Which is why we all have high hopes, not only for the bright future but also for the blindingly breathtaking present.
AHMEDABAD, India (AP) — Mitchell Santner won the toss as New Zealand opted to bowl against defending champions India in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday.
It is a second consecutive T20 World Cup final for India after it beat South Africa in 2024 at Barbados to claim a second title. India won the inaugural tournament in 2007 and could become the first team to lift this trophy for a third time.
India is the only team to reach four finals. West Indies (2012 and 2016) and England (2010, 2022) are the other teams to have won the T20 World Cup twice.
New Zealand is aiming for its first T20 World Cup triumph. It finished as runner-up in the 2021 final, losing to Australia in Dubai.
India topped Group A in the first round and then finished second in Group 1 in the Super 8s. Its only loss came against South Africa in the Super 8s at the same venue. The co-hosts beat England in the second semifinal in Mumbai.
New Zealand finished second in Group D in the first round and finished second in Group 2 in the Super 8s. It beat South Africa in the first semifinal at Kolkata.
The Black Caps have made one change with medium pacer Jacob Duffy coming in for Cole McConchie.
India is unchanged from the Mumbai semifinal.
The Narendra Modi Stadium is the largest cricket ground in the world, with a crowd in excess of 100,000 expected at today’s final. The pitch should aid batters through both innings, with evening dew possibly aiding the chasing side.
New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (captain), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy
DENVER, CO - MARCH 6: New York Knicks bench celebrates during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 6, 2026 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Say, whatever happened to those Knicks that were a disgrace to basketball during a 2-9 stretch, which saw them play some of the worst defense the NBA has ever seen?
Wait, what do you mean that team has now been the best defense in basketball for six weeks?
It’s been a weird year. The Knicks are on pace for 52.5 wins, just marginally better than similarly topsy-turvy seasons in 2023-24 and 2024-25. Through 64 games, they’re 41-23… identical to last season. They’re once again winless against No. 1 seeds. If you looked at it from the periphery, you’d think this is the exact same season with a different tone.
But if we exclude that 11-game stretch of basketball, which, let’s be completely real, isn’t representative of this team, they’re playing at a 61-win pace. The stretch did happen, and it represents over 15% of the season, but even the most pessimistic Knicks fan cannot seriously think that a team that’s currently sixth in defensive rating is in any way similar to what they did during that stretch.
The Knicks started 23-9 (24-9, the NBA Cup counts to me, dammit!). They’re 16-5 in their last 21 games. That’s 39-14. That’s ridiculously elite basketball.
What’s the best Knicks team you’ve ever watched? Are you old enough to remember Clyde Frazier and Willis Reed winning championships in the early 1970s? Did you watch Patrick Ewing’s glory throughout the late 80’s and 90’s? Was Carmelo Anthony your introduction to Knicks playoff basketball? Do you hold really, really fond memories of the January 2024 Knicks?
I’m not arguing that the 2026 Knicks are better than any or all of them, as they can still embarrass me depending on how the last 18 games and playoffs go. That said, I’ll provide some stats that put them in some company that you’re going to want to see to believe.
Defense
Mike Brown: Defensive guru?
Probably not, but the way the Knicks have played defense with guys like Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson playing big roles is certainly notable. Towns, specifically, has tremendously improved defensively in several aspects and has had individual games of brilliance
The Knicks were at their best defensively with Karl-Anthony Towns guarding Victor Wembanyama.
The Spurs shot 26% from three on Sunday, including 2-14 (14%) on plays where KAT guarded Wemby 🔒
As previously stated, the Knicks are tied with the Celtics for the sixth-best defensive rating in the NBA. They never truly had a bad defense under Tom Thibodeau, but the only year it was this good was in 2020-21, where the team sold out to muck up games with lineups that included Elfrid Payton, Reggie Bullock, and Nerlens Noel. This team has more offensive firepower in Brunson and Towns’ pinkie toes than that team had, especially considering Julius Randle’s playoff woes.
They’re just 0.3 back of the Heat for the fourth-best defense. They’ve been better as the game goes on, sporting the league’s best defensive rating by a considerable margin in fourth quarters. When the team needs it most, they’re putting the clamps on. The dream of having defensive wings like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges is being realized, potentially to a degree never thought conceivable.
The Knicks have held 13 opponents under 100 points, fourth in the NBA. They’ve held 23 to under 105, third in the NBA. Among the teams they’ve held under these numbers:
Few things are more satisfying than a blowout. Usually, you can rely on games against undermanned teams like the Wizards, Jazz, and Nets to pick up an easy win, and the Knicks have done that. But what’s separated this team from others? They’re blowing out good teams, too.
It ended in a 10-point win, but the Knicks took the Celtics behind the barn in October, leading by as much as 24.
In early November, they boatraced Minnesota with a hobbled Anthony Edwards. They’ve blown the Raptors out repeatedly, and even the competitive games eventually see a massive run make the final result look uncompetitive. For a while, that was about it. That was until a month ago.
In the last 30 days, the Knicks have blown out the Celtics (by 22), the Sixers (by 49), the Spurs (by 25), and the Nuggets (by 39). You can add whatever context you want, these are still very impressive victories to come by this margin.
The Knicks have won 14 games by at least 20, 11 games by 25, seven games by 30, four games by 35+, two games by 40, and one by 50 this season. The only team that matches or exceeds them in any of these categories is OKC.
Here are the last Knicks teams to accomplish these numbers (remember: we still have 18 games left):
14 by 20+: 2024-25 (15) 11 by 25+: 1969-70 (11) 7 by 30+: 1969-70 (7) 4 by 35+: 1993-94 (4) 2 by 40+: 1993-94 (2) 1 by 50+: Never
In the last five categories, the Knicks have already tied the franchise record. In all of the seasons that meet the same criteria as the current Knicks, they made the NBA Finals (1970, 1973, 1994).
Consider the following, all of these things have happened in Knicks’ blowouts in the last month:
Worst loss by the Sixers since 2015, worst loss in 480 all-time meetings with the Knicks
Worst loss by the Spurs this season, only loss for the Spurs since late January (14-1)
Tied for the worst home loss by the Nuggets ever (2/2/1998 vs CHI), worst loss of Nikola Jokic’s career, worst Nuggets loss since January 2015
In about 1,000 words, I have, in a way, compared this team to the 1998 Bulls, 1970 Knicks, the 1994 Knicks, and a few others. Surely, all of these comparisons will be received well!
The Dallas Mavericks will seek a fifth straight win against the Toronto Raptors when they visit Scotiabank Arena tonight.
Toronto is a healthy 9.5-point home favorite, but my Mavericks vs. Raptors predictions and NBA picks have the home team struggling to put away Dallas by double digits.
Mavericks vs Raptors prediction
Mavericks vs Raptors best bet: Mavericks +9.5 (-110)
Of the current 12 teams sitting in the Top 6 spots in each conference, the Toronto Raptors are the only ones that don't have a winning record at home (16-16).
The Dallas Mavericks should be the get-right opponent, as they’ve lost six straight and have just two wins in their last 18, but Dallas is 3-1 against the spread against Toronto in the last four meetings.
Injuries could play a factor too, as Cooper Flagg (foot) is questionable, as is Brandon Ingram (illness). Either way, the Raptors are just 4-7 ATS in their last 11 at Scotiabank Arena, while Dallas is 4-2 ATS in their last six road games.
Mavericks vs Raptors same-game parlay
RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 25 points in their loss to Minnesota, and he’s grooving right now, hitting 20+ points in four of his last five games.
Khris Middleton has connected on just one moneyball in his last five games, and since leaving Milwaukee, he’s yet to hit from downtown in four games against Toronto.
Mavericks vs Raptors SGP
Mavericks +9.5
RJ Barrett Over 19.5 points
Khris Middleton Under 0.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: All aboard the Klay-Train
Klay Thompson is in one of his best shooting grooves of the season. Coming off a 5-for-11 night from downtown against Boston, he’s now hit at least three triples in five of his last seven games.
And Jakob Poeltl has been Toronto’s leading rebounder in three straight games, but only once has he hit nine rebounds, and he’s yet to reach that mark in four games against Dallas as a Raptor.
Mavericks vs Raptors SGP
Mavericks +9.5
RJ Barrett Over 19.5 points
Khris Middleton Under 0.5 threes
Klay Thompson Over 2.5 threes
Jakob Poeltl Under 8.5 rebounds
Mavericks vs Raptors odds
Spread: Mavericks +9.5 | Raptors -9.5
Moneyline: Mavericks +325 | Raptors -425
Over/Under: Over 229 | Under 229
Mavericks vs Raptors betting trend to know
The Mavericks have lost 14 straight games as underdogs. Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Raptors.
How to watch Mavericks vs Raptors
Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Tip-off
6:00 p.m. ET
TV
MavsTV, Sportsnet
Mavericks vs Raptors latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Klay Thompson
Victor Wembanyama
Kon Knueppel
