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

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Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, best bets: for March 14

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview 

The Cleveland Cavaliers (55-10) and Memphis Grizzlies (42-24) are all set to square off from FedExForum in Memphis.

It’s a big matchup in the NBA. The Grizzlies are second in the Western Conference and have won four straight games.

The Cavaliers are first in the Western Conference and are on a 15 game winning streak.

The Cavaliers are currently 25-6 on the road with a point differential of 11, while the Grizzlies have a 5-5 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 Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies live today

  • Date: Friday, March 14, 2025
  • Time: 8:00PM EST
  • Site: FedExForum
  • City: Memphis, TN
  • 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 Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies
The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Odds: Cavaliers (-142), Grizzlies (+120)
  • Spread:  Cavaliers -2.5
  • Over/Under: 245 points

That gives the Cavaliers an implied team point total of 123.23, and the Grizzlies 121.93.
 
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 Friday's Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies 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 is taking the Grizzlies on the moneyline…

Thomas: “The Cavs are on the road without their best player. If there were to be a time when the 15-game winning streak were to end, tonight is the best chance.”

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 Cavaliers & Grizzlies game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Cleveland Cavaliers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Memphis Grizzlies at +2.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the under on the Game Total of 245.

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 Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies on Friday

  • The Grizzlies are showing a 108% return on investment at home on the Money Line
  • The Over is 38-28 in Grizzlies' games this season
  • The Cavaliers have covered in 4 of their last 5 road games
  • The Cavaliers have covered in 42 of their 65 games this season

 
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: 

- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Suns' owner Ishbia says Devin Booker trade will 'Never happen,' Booker says he doesn't want one

This summer, Kevin Durant will be the big domino to fall — all signs point to Durant and the Suns parting ways in a trade. Don't take my or any other reporter's word for it, listen to what Suns owner Mat Ishbia — whose "all-in" aggressive style led to the trades to acquire Durant and Bradley Beal — told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon:

According to Ishbia, a "pivot and reload" around Booker could be the direction the franchise chooses this summer.

Plenty of front office people around the league think the Suns should go one more step: Trade Devin Booker. The Rockets are interested and control many of the future picks that Phoenix traded away (the Suns don't fully control their own first-round pick until 2032). This situation could be similar to Brooklyn, where the team trades to regain control of its own picks, allowing for a true bottom-up rebuild.

That is not happening. Ishbia made that crystal clear.

"Never happen," Ishbia said, interrupting the question. "It's silly. So here's what I'll tell you: I have Devin Booker in the prime. In order to win an NBA championship, you got to have a superstar. You got to have a great player."

What's more, Booker doesn't want it. Booker has long idolized Kobe Bryant, one of the few players in recent decades to spend his entire career with one team, and Booker wants to follow in those footsteps.

"I take pride in the community in Phoenix, the people that have supported me since I was 18 when things were ugly. And the people that are with us, we just fell short of accomplishing what we want. So I want to do it, and I want to do it here. That's the responsibility of being a franchise player, and I wear that with honor. So it might not look the most pretty right now, but we got to get it done and I'm going to do it."

There should be no doubt Booker means every word of this. However, the list of superstar players who have said they never wanted to leave a city and then asked for a trade a few years later is longer than we have room for on the Internet. The real question is how Booker feels in a couple of years (as his next contract starts to come up) if the team isn't contending and he sees no path forward.

Ishbia doesn't plan to find out because he wants a quick pivot to move this team back into contention. Fast. How the Suns do that while also reaching the goal of getting under the second tax apron next season will be a Herculean task for GM James Jones.

It's going to be a wild summer in Phoenix. Just don't expect a "trade Booker" wild summer. He's staying.

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Fantasy Basketball Week 20 Waiver Wire: It's Stephon Castle time in San Antonio

For managers competing in Yahoo! public leagues or under Yahoo! default settings, Week 20 marks the beginning of the fantasy playoffs. Others may be in leagues where the postseason is already in full swing, but the need to find low-rostered contributors is the same. With more players either being ruled out for the rest of the season or held out for "injury management" reasons, there are opportunities for players who weren't on the fantasy radar to begin the season to shine and provide tangible value. And there may be a "league-winner" sitting on some waiver wires as you read this column. Let's look at some of the top pickups for Week 20 in Yahoo! leagues.

Priority Adds

1. Stephon Castle

2. Naji Marshall

3. Tari Eason

4. Quentin Grimes

5. Miles McBride

6. Kyshawn George

7. Caris LeVert

8. Tre Jones

9. Adem Bona

10. Justin Champagnie

SG/SF Quentin Grimes (55%), Philadelphia 76ers

While no decision has been made regarding Paul George's availability for the rest of the season, the fact that he's meeting with doctors regarding his groin and knee injuries may be a sign that he could be shut down. And with Philadelphia trending toward missing the postseason, there's no need for him to be out there. Grimes has been an offensive focal point, and that should remain the case for the foreseeable future. The only question is what happens if he plays so well that the 76ers risk not improving their odds of holding onto their first-round pick. It is top-6 protected; Oklahoma City receives the pick otherwise.

SG/SF/PF Naji Marshall (54%), Dallas Mavericks

While his rostered percentage has surpassed 50 percent, Marshall may still be undervalued in standard leagues. Over the past week, he has averaged 25.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 three-pointers per game, shooting 50 percent from the field and 86.4 percent from the foul line. With the Mavericks still without multiple key players, Marshall has shouldered more of the offensive workload, and fantasy managers have benefitted. While Dallas' Week 20 schedule is terrible, as they only play two games, withholding a transaction to add Marshall before Wednesday's game against the Pacers would be wise.

SF/PF Tari Eason (48%), Houston Rockets

The Rockets have a good schedule for Week 20, playing four games without a back-to-back. That should ensure Eason's availability for all four, which would be excellent news for fantasy managers. Over the past two weeks, he has accounted for 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.7 blocks and 1.8 three-pointers per game. And with Amen Thompson (ankle) out, Eason has remained in the Rockets' starting lineup, raising his fantasy ceiling.

PG/SG Stephon Castle (48%), San Antonio Spurs

It was reported that De'Aaron Fox will undergo season-ending finger surgery on Tuesday, so the Spurs will have a spot to fill in their starting lineup. Castle, who started alongside Chris Paul from early January until Fox was acquired from the Kings, should resume those responsiblities. And over the past two weeks, Castle has averaged 20.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.7 three-pointers per game. While the category league value hasn't been great during this stretch, the rookie guard has been a better option for points leagues. And Fox's injury could allow Castle to strengthen his Rookie of the Year case.

SG/SF Caris LeVert (34%), Atlanta Hawks

LeVert continues to provide reliable fantasy value off the bench, as he has been a fourth-round player in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. He has averaged 19.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.7 blocks and 2.7 three-pointers per game, shooting 55.3 percent from the field and 80 percent from the foul line. With Zaccharie Risacher and Mouhamed Gueye being starters, reserves like LeVert and Georges Niang have added importance for the Hawks as they close in on a play-in spot.

SG/SF Kyshawn George (28%), Washington Wizards

The Wizards have ruled out Bilal Coulibaly, who suffered a hamstring injury during the team's loss to the Raptors on March 10. While that doesn't change George's place in the rotation, as he was already starting, he becomes a more important player on both ends of the floor. The shooting (38.9 percent over the past two weeks) remains an issue, but the defensive production (5.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks per game) makes it a little easier for category leagues to absorb that blow. What also helps is the Wizards playing four games during Week 20.

PG/SG Miles McBride (27%), New York Knicks

The Knicks have a four-game Week 20, and with Jalen Brunson still recovering from his sprained ankle, McBride has added value. Deuce has averaged 13.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.3 steals, 0.7 blocks and 3.0 three-pointers in three starts. The percentages (36.1 from the field and 57.1 from the foul line) haven't been good, but McBride has recorded solid assists, steals and three-point numbers as Brunson's replacement in the lineup. Also, three of New York's four Week 20 games (San Antonio, Charlotte and Washington) are against teams unlikely to reach the postseason.

PG Tre Jones (18%), Chicago Bulls

With Lonzo Ball sidelined by a sprained wrist and Josh Giddey dealing with a sprained ankle, Jones has started Chicago's last five games. During this stretch, he has averaged 14.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.6 blocks and 0.8 three-pointers, shooting 50 percent from the field and 76.9 from the foul line. The Bulls have won four straight and appear headed for the play-in tournament, holding a five-game lead on Toronto for the final spot.

SG/SF Ziaire Williams (17%), Brooklyn Nets

The Nets have lost nine of their last 10 games, appearing to be headed for the draft lottery after being more competitive than anticipated earlier this season. Williams has been a fixture in the starting lineup since late January, with Brooklyn's March 6 loss to the Warriors being the lone exception. While the fantasy value hasn't been great recently, with Ziaire only being a top 150 player in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks, he would benefit if the Nets were to shut down more established perimeter players like Cam Thomas, Cameron Johnson and D'Angelo Russell. The Nets only play three games during Week 20, but playing starters' minutes makes Williams worth a look in deep leagues.

C Adem Bona (12%), Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid is done for the season, while Guerschon Yabusele and Andre Drummond have dealt with injuries recently. And with the team likely wanting to do all it can to improve its draft lottery odds, there's no reason for Bona not to play more minutes as the regular season approaches its conclusion. Over the past week, the rookie has averaged 13.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.7 blocks per game, shooting 68 percent from the field and 83.3 percent from the foul line. And with the 76ers playing four games during weeks 20 and 21, Bona is a player worth adding for those needing rebounds and defensive stats.

SG/SF Justin Champagnie (5%), Washington Wizards

As mentioned in the George section, the Wizards will be without Bilal Coulibaly for the rest of the season. Champagnie has started Washington's last two games, most recently accounting for 17 points, nine rebounds, one assist, three steals and three three-pointers in 33 minutes in a March 13 win over the Pistons. He should not be at risk of a late-season shutdown, especially with Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart being more likely candidates.

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Mavericks vs. Rockets Predictions: Odds, , recent stats, trends, best bets for March 14

Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets Preview 

The Dallas Mavericks (33-34) and Houston Rockets (41-25) are all set to square off from Toyota Center in Houston.

Life without Luca Doncic has not been great for the Mavericks. They are 2-8 in their last 10 and are rapidly falling out of playoff contention.

Consider this season done for the Mavs. They lost Doncic in a trade, Anthony Davis has been out for a while, and now Kyrie Irving is out for the rest of the season.

The Mavericks are currently 14-19 on the road with a point differential of 0, while the Rockets have a 8-2 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 Mavericks vs. Rockets live today

  • Date: Friday, March 14, 2025
  • Time: 8:00PM EST
  • Site: Toyota Center
  • City: Houston, TX

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. Rockets

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Odds: Mavericks (+438), Rockets (-595)
  • Spread:  Rockets -11.5
  • Over/Under: 224 points

That gives the Mavericks an implied team point total of 110.93, and the Rockets 116.92.
 
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 Friday's Mavericks vs. Rockets 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 betting on the Rockets -12.5…

Thomas: “The Rockets are a great defensive team and playing at home. The Mavericks are 1-6 against the spread in their last seven games.”

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 & Rockets game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Dallas Mavericks on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Dallas Mavericks at +11.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 224.

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 Mavericks vs. Rockets on Friday

  • The Rockets are on a 4-game win streak
  • The Mavericks' last 3 versus the Rockets have stayed under the Total
  • The Rockets have covered the Spread in 4 of their last 5 games as a favorite

Betting the Mavericks on the Money Line in all their road games this season is showing a 110% 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!
 
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: 
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Analyzing Knicks' potential first-round matchups for 2025 NBA playoffs

With the NBA playoffs just one month away, the Knicks find themselves firmly in the third seed in the Eastern Conference, 4.5 games behind the Celtics for second and 5.0 games ahead of the Bucks in fourth.

There’s plenty of uncertainty as to how they close out the season without Jalen Brunson, but barring an unforeseen disaster, they’re highly likely to end up matched up with the Bucks, Pacers, or Pistons in the first round. 

Let’s dive into each of these potential opponents and see how they stack up against New York...

Bucks

The Bucks have failed to recapture their bonafide contender status since winning the 2021 NBA Finals, despite their blockbuster trade for Damian Lillard -- but their deadline deals for Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr. and former Knick Jericho Sims have given them a top-five defense since early February and a 10-6 record over that span.

They also boast the still-dominant Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s only lost his MVP sheen due to his team’s performance.

New York hasn’t played the new-look Bucks yet, but they have a meeting slated for late March after dusting them in a pair of blowouts earlier this season. The weaknesses displayed in those losses haven’t fully been addressed and New York is primed to take advantage in a potential first-round series. 

Karl-Anthony Towns averaged 31 points in those wins, a stylistic nightmare for Milwaukee’s opposing center Brook Lopez. Lopez is a good defender, but he lacks the mobility to cover the space created by Towns and his ferocious driving game.

Expect them to hide Lopez on Josh Hart out of the gate and force Towns to find his spots against their wings -- a popular look that’s worked well for better teams. New York will have to get creative getting Hart involved in on-ball actions and be willing to sit him for a shooter in response. 

Despite their high-level defense, the Bucks also don’t have a great individual answer for Jalen Brunson, who had a surgical 44 points on 26 shots during their last matchup. Milwaukee's guards are lacking defensively, so they will likely be hidden on New York’s wings OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, who will need to step up and take advantage offensively.

Brunson will see his fair share of Kuzma, Taurean Prince and Porter, consistent with how foes have guarded him using big wings during the regular season and last year’s playoffs. Fans shouldn’t doubt Brunson’s ability to figure them out one-on-one, but New York would be smart to emphasize his playmaking and other preferable assignments on the floor.

Even with the roster changes, New York measures up nicely with the Bucks. Their offense is average and not much improved since the trades -- it's a stilted and star-dependent system that the Knicks have the personnel to deal with.

They won’t kill New York on the offensive glass, but love to push the ball and can be dangerous if the Knicks let their role players get going. This feels akin to the 76ers series last year -- a star-heavy, tough but beatable matchup that doesn’t pose huge stylistic threats.

Pacers

New York is very familiar with Indiana, having been bounced by them in a seven game series in the second round last year.

But circumstances have changed dramatically since then -- half the Knicks were out due to injury/hurting during that series and the other half were largely traded/lost in the offseason. With that being said, the Pacers are still very much in line with last year’s version.

They boast a top-10 offense behind their engine, Tyrese Haliburton, and a much more comfortable Pascal Siakam, who is having an All-Star season. Benedict Mathurin missed the Knicks series but is healthy and having a career year, averaging 25.3 points in his three games against New York.

Indiana’s defense is at about league average -- a bump from last year but still their Achilles heel.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York took two of three games against Indiana this season, including one on the road and a home-opener rout. 

This one is more of a clash of approaches. The Pacers are top 10 in pace behind a young, athletic, high-scoring team. A potential series will come down to how well the Knicks can limit them to the half-court and keep them off the boards.

There shouldn’t be much new they can throw at Jalen Brunson when he has the ball in his hands, and he’s proven their individual defenders can’t hold him without help. One thing the Pacers did well was limit his high-efficiency looks -- threes and free throws -- but their attention should be a bit more divided with Towns in the picture.

Towns averaged 30.3 points in the three games against the Pacers this season, and should be expected to dominate his matchup with Myles Turner, who hurt the Knicks last season.

This series is definitely the most favorable to those who prefer narratives, with these two holding a long-time rivalry and the Knicks seeking revenge, and may arguably be the most favorable for a quick Knicks advance as well. 

Pistons

The new kids on the block have made their mark, breaking out with a 37-30 record and top-10 defense. They’ve especially given the Knicks problems, up 2-1 in the season series with a final meeting scheduled in April.

It’s no surprise why -- Detroit is another young and athletic team as opposed to the older, slower Knicks, and they have strong depth off the bench. They’re a top-10 offensive rebounding team and are top-five on the other end, so New York needs to devote a lot of energy to the possession battle.

They also relentlessly attack Brunson defensively with their 6’6” former No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham, who just made his first All-Star team. In their two wins over New York, Cunningham put up a 29-point triple-double and a 36-point outburst, though the Knicks left plenty of adjustments off the table.

Cutting off the head of the snake is crucial to the Knicks in this series. The Pistons are somewhat limited in creation beyond Cunningham, with the onus falling on Jaden Ivey and a hodgepodge of reliable but more complementary veterans. 

Those vets will help guide the young Pistons through their first playoff experience -- a huge factor in a potential series.

The postseason is an entirely different game, and the shift from the regular season can give new teams whiplash before they get a chance to adjust -- see the Cavaliers in 2023 or the Knicks in 2021. 

One might think this isn’t relevant to a Knicks strategy against the Pistons in a series, but they lost these regular season games due to a lack of focus and execution. They committed an uncharacteristically large amount of turnovers that let the Detroit offense get running and punching above its weight. 

If New York can limit those turnovers and show poise defensively and on the boards at a level the Pistons shouldn’t be accustomed to, this should be a confident series for them. However, they can’t underestimate them or it will be an embarrassing first-round out.

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Parsons confidently states Steph's 3-point record can't be broken

Parsons confidently states Steph's 3-point record can't be broken originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Former NBA player Chandler Parsons believes that Steph Curry’s 3-point record is unbreakable

For Parsons, there’s no way anyone will match Curry’s eventual final total, which currently sits at 4,000 career 3-pointers.

“I think all records are meant to be broken, not this one,” Parsons said on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back” on Friday. “It can’t be done. I don’t think someone [else] is going to shoot so efficiently. The dude shoots 42 percent from the [three-point line] for his career. And he takes a boatload of them and he’s so consistent. We will never see it again.

“A lot of guys can shoot the ball, a lot of guys can create space, nobody does it in as big of moments as him. No one does it as clutch as him. Think about this summer, with what he did in that gold medal game. It’s just ridiculous what he does. It’s an honor to watch this due play basketball, like it’s crazy. Every single night he steps on the floor, he does something that mesmerizes you and he continues to do it.”

In theory, NBA records are meant to be broken, but a select few are so far beyond the capabilities of any normal player that they’re unlikely to be surpassed. Wilt Chamberlain’s 23,924 career rebounds, or his 100-point game, also belong in this category.

While the entire league has shifted towards long-range shots, Curry is such an outlier that it’s incomprehensible. Los Angeles Clippers superstar James Harden is next on the all-time 3-pointers list at 3,127, but it’s unlikely he — or anyone for that matter — can catch the 37-year-old.

For one, the 35-year-old Harden is at the tail end of his career, and there’s not enough time to chip away at the gap. Second, Curry still is playing at an elite level and shows no signs of stopping, so it’s conceivable that he could end his career with around 5,000 3-pointers.

It’s one thing to take a lot of long-range shots, but another to make them consistently. Curry does both things so much better than anyone else that it’s hard to imagine a player who could match him.

When No. 30 decides to hang it up and retire, expect his record to be on another plane of existence, far out of the reach of any future NBA players.

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Report: Sixers signing Oshae Brissett to 10-day deal via hardship exception

Report: Sixers signing Oshae Brissett to 10-day deal via hardship exception originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

To put it mildly, the Sixers are light on healthy players.

They’re reportedly bringing one into the fold. Oshae Brissett is signing a 10-day contract via hardship exception, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey reported.

Brissett is a 6-foot-7 forward who knows Sixers head coach Nick Nurse from his Raptors stint and time with the Canadian men’s national team. The Syracuse product won a championship last season with the Celtics. 

Brissett has yet to appear in the NBA this year. Over 11 regular-season games for the Long Island Nets in the G League, he averaged 12.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals. 

The 26-year-old is an athletic, versatile, high-effort defender. Brissett has generally not been an efficient scorer in the NBA. He’s shot 41.6 percent from the field, 33.7 percent beyond the arc and 69.8 percent at the foul line. 

Between his stops in Toronto and Boston, Brissett played 153 games for the Pacers between the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons.

Going into their Friday night matchup with Indiana, the 22-43 Sixers listed seven players as out with injuries and five players as questionable. Two-way contract player Jalen Hood-Schifino is with the team and available to debut.

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Sixers sign Oshae Brissett to 10-day deal via hardship exception

Sixers sign Oshae Brissett to 10-day deal via hardship exception originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

To put it mildly, the Sixers are light on healthy players.

They’re bringing one into the fold. Oshae Brissett signed a 10-day contract, the team announced Friday. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey first reported.the news and noted the move was made via the hardship exception.

Brissett is a 6-foot-7 forward who knows Sixers head coach Nick Nurse from his Raptors stint and time with the Canadian men’s national team. The Syracuse product won a championship last season with the Celtics. 

Brissett has yet to appear in the NBA this year. Over 11 regular-season games for the Long Island Nets in the G League, he averaged 12.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals. 

The 26-year-old is an athletic, versatile, high-effort defender. Brissett has generally not been an efficient scorer in the NBA. He’s shot 41.6 percent from the field, 33.7 percent beyond the arc and 69.8 percent at the foul line. 

Between his stops in Toronto and Boston, Brissett played 153 games for the Pacers from the 2020-21 to 2022-23 seasons.

Going into their Friday night matchup with Indiana, the 22-43 Sixers listed seven players as out with injuries and five players as questionable. Two-way contract player Jalen Hood-Schifino is with the team and available to debut.

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Clippers vs. Hawks Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends, and best bets for March 14

It’s Friday, March 14, and the Los Angeles Clippers (36-30) and Atlanta Hawks (32-34) are all set to square off from State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

The Clippers are currently 14-20 on the road with a point differential of 2, while the Hawks have a 6-4 record in their last ten games at home. Los Angeles won the only meeting of the season, 131-105, in L.A. This is the final meeting of the season.

Both teams are on a roll right now. Atlanta has won four straight games and five of the past six contests, while Los Angeles has won four of the past five 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 Clippers vs. Hawks live today

  • Date: Friday, March 14, 2025
  • Time: 7:30PM EST
  • Site: State Farm Arena
  • City: Atlanta, GA
  • 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 Clippers vs. Hawks

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Odds: Clippers (-154), Hawks (+129)
  • Spread:  Clippers -3
  • Over/Under: 232 points

That gives the Clippers an implied team point total of 116.91, and the Hawks 115.34.

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 Friday’s Clippers vs. Hawks game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) likes the Hawks +3 and ML versus the Clippers:

"Both of these teams are hot right now with 4-1 records over the past five games, and the addition of Kawhi Leonard back into the Clippers lineup has certainly given Los Angeles a much-needed boost. The Clippers destroyed the Hawks in the first meeting of the season, but this is in Atlanta, and with both teams playing well and fighting for playoff seeding. We can expect a duel between Trae Young and James Harden, while Dyson Daniels is one of the better players in the league to defend Leonard. I like the Hawks +3."

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 Clippers & Hawks game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Los Angeles Clippers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Atlanta Hawks at +3.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 232.

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 Clippers vs. Hawks on Friday

  • The Clippers have won 7 of their last 10 away games against teams with losing records
  • The Over is 7-3 in the Hawks' and the Clippers' last 5 games combined
  • The Clippers have covered the Spread on their last 3 road trips to the Hawks
  • The Clippers have won 14 of their 22 matchups against Eastern Conference teams this season

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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Pacers vs. 76ers Predictions: Odds, expert picks, recent stats, trends and best bets for March 14

It’s Friday, March 14, and the Indiana Pacers (36-28) and Philadelphia 76ers (22-43) are all set to square off from Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

The Pacers are currently 15-18 on the road with a point differential of 1, while the 76ers have a 3-7 record in their last ten games at home. Indiana has won the past two meetings by 14 and 13 points after Philly won the first meeting of the season in OT.

The 76ers are 2-14 over the last 16 games, while the Pacers are coming off a game-winning four-point play by Tyrese Haliburton to beat the Bucks (115-114). That Pacers' win snapped a three-game losing streak.

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 Pacers vs. 76ers live today

  • Date: Friday, March 14, 2025
  • Time: 7:00PM EST
  • Site: Wells Fargo Center
  • City: Philadelphia, PA
  • 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 Pacers vs. 76ers

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Odds: Pacers (-546), 76ers (+402)
  • Spread:  Pacers -11
  • Over/Under: 232 points

That gives the Pacers an implied team point total of 120.65, and the 76ers 114.9.

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 Friday’s Pacers vs. 76ers game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) likes the Over between the Pacers and 76ers:

"The 76ers are in a position where you cannot back them on a game-to-game basis, just fade them, but Indiana coming off a game-winner against a rival, then taking on Philly next isn't an ideal spot. I would take a look at the Over between these two. Philadelphia has enough backups ready to earn another contract and Indiana will be more than happy to run up and down the court with its top-five tempo. It's Over or pass for me.

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 Pacers & 76ers game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Indiana Pacers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Philadelphia 76ers at +11.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 232.

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 Pacers vs. 76ers on Friday

  • The Pacers have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Eastern Conference Atlantic Division teams
  • The Under has cashed in the Pacers' last 3 games
  • The Pacers have failed to cover the Spread in their last 5 road games
  • The Pacers have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Eastern Conference Atlantic Division teams

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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Celtics vs. Heat Predictions: Odds, expert picks, bets, recent stats, trends and best bets for March 14

It’s Friday, March 14, and the Boston Celtics (47-19) and Miami Heat (29-36) are all set to square off from Kaseya Center in Miami.

The Celtics are currently 24-7 on the road with a point differential of 8, while the Heat have a 3-7 record in their last ten games at home. Boston is 2-0 against Miami this season with wins of 18 and 19 points.

Boston is coming off a loss at home to the Thunder (118-112) that followed a five-game winning streak. Miami lost the past five games and six of the previous seven.

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 Celtics vs. Heat live today

  • Date: Friday, March 14, 2025
  • Time: 7:00PM EST
  • Site: Kaseya Center
  • City: Miami, FL
  • 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 Celtics vs. Heat

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Odds: Celtics (-298), Heat (+239)
  • Spread:  Celtics -7.5
  • Over/Under: 214 points

That gives the Celtics an implied team point total of 109.81, and the Heat 105.89.

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 Friday’s Celtics vs. Heat game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Celtics to cover the -8 and likes the first-half team total over against the Heat:

"Boston rolled Miami twice this season with victories of 18 and 19 points and it's hard not to imagine that happening again as Miami rolls in on a five-game losing streak. The Celtics are coming off a loss too, which only makes me like them more as Boston is one of the better bounce-back teams in the NBA, especially in the first-half. I could only back the Celtics here and would consider taking the Over on Celtics first-half team total if it's listed at 60.5 points or lower."

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 Celtics & Heat game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Boston Celtics on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Miami Heat at +7.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the over on the Game Total of 214.

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 Celtics vs. Heat on Friday

  • The Celtics have won 13 of their last 16 games at the Heat
  • Each of the Celtics' last 4 road games with the Heat have stayed under the Total
  • The Celtics have failed to cover in 23 of their 43 matchups against Eastern Conference teams this season
  • The Celtics have won 13 of their last 16 games at the Heat

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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Draymond achieves wild Warriors scoring feat for first time since 2016

Draymond achieves wild Warriors scoring feat for first time since 2016 originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green achieved an incredible scoring feat with his 23 points in the Warriors’ 130-104 win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night at Chase Center.

For the first time since Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, Green led Golden State in scoring, a streak of 627 starts.

The streak was the second longest in league history since the NBA-ABA merger, with Mark Eaton holding the record at 890 starts without leading his team in scoring.

Green was hot right from the beginning, nailing consecutive threes to start the game. He finished with a season-high 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting and was 4 of 7 from beyond the arc.

While Steph Curry’s 4,000th career 3-pointer was the main headline, Green headed a complete team effort that saw seven different Warriors score double digits.

On a night when Curry was held to 11 points, the performance from the 35-year-old forward was a welcome sight.

For long stretches of the 2024-2025 NBA season, opposing teams have menaced Curry, forcing the rest of Golden State to pick up the scoring slack. Fortunately for the Warriors, Green was happy to help his longtime running mate, giving him an early birthday present.

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How Celtics can clinch playoff spot vs. Heat

How Celtics can clinch playoff spot vs. Heat originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The NBA playoffs are still a full month away, but the Boston Celtics are on the verge of punching their official postseason ticket.

The defending champions can lock in a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference Friday night. They would need to beat the Heat in Miami and get some help from the Los Angeles Clippers in Atlanta.

Celtics secure top-six seed in East if:

The Celtics (47-19) sit 15 games ahead of the Hawks (32-34), who are currently at the top of the play-in bracket as the No. 7 seed in the East.

Both teams only have 16 games remaining in the regular season, but the Hawks could pass the Celtics in the standings since they own the tiebreaker over Boston with a 2-1 advantage in the season series.

Now, clinching a playoff spot is a mere formality for the Celtics at this point. Not only are they a virtual lock for the postseason, but they are becoming increasingly locked into their seeding.

The Celtics have a 99.8% chance of landing the No. 2 seed in the East, according to Basketball Reference’s Playoff Probabilities Report. They trail the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers (55-10) by 8.5 games and are 5.5 games ahead of the No. 3 New York Knicks.

The Hawks are listed as the most likely first-round opponent for the Celtics, as they have a 38.9% chance of becoming the No. 7 seed for the playoffs, according to Basketball Reference’s Playoff Probabilities Report.

Next up: The Orlando Magic (31-36) have a 29.1% chance of becoming the East’s No. 7 seed, while the Heat (29-36) have a 22.5% chance of earning the No. 7 seed and creating a potential first-round rematch with the Celtics.

The Detroit Pistons (37-30, 4.4% chance at No. 7 seed), Chicago Bulls (28-38, 3.2%) and Indiana Pacers (36-28, 1.2%) also have slims chances of becoming Boston’s first-round foe.

Even if the Celtics do not clinch a playoff berth Friday night, they could get another crack at it on Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets during the second end of a road back-to-back.

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Can Steph open 5K 3-pointer Club? Don't bet against Warriors star

Can Steph open 5K 3-pointer Club? Don't bet against Warriors star originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – Steph Curry defies high definition. He’s 4K – a step above, creating new records as he goes. 

On his fourth 3-point attempt in the Warriors’ 130-104 win against the Sacramento Kings, Curry gave Golden State a nine-point lead Thursday night at Chase Center a few minutes into the third quarter, giving him 4,000 3-pointers for his career.

Club 4K only has one member: Curry. 

So did Club 3K when Curry first established it. 

Steph opened its doors as a late Christmas gift to himself on Dec. 28, 2021. All he needed was three years and a little more than two months to upgrade to a doper spot down the block. How far can Curry keep pushing the 3-point barriers? 

“Eight thousand?” Steve Kerr semi-jokingly responded. “Who knows? Who knows? It just seems like it was not too long ago that he broke the record. And what was that? Less than 3,000. (Kerr is told 2,974)

“He just keeps going. The way that he keeps himself in shape, in condition, in rhythm – he’s going to make another thousand, for sure. That’s what I would guess, but who knows.”

Curry’s two threes while being face guarded and top locked for all 94 feet puts him at 253 in 57 games this season. He’s making 4.4 threes per game, and he hasn’t missed a game since Jan. 28. Bilateral knee tendinitis had a treatment plan called Trading For Jimmy Butler. 

Assuming he plays every game the rest of the season, though Kerr would love to give him a rest or two if the playoff picture ever becomes clearer, Curry’s 3-point rate would have him finish his 16th regular season with around 324 threes. That puts him at 4,071 for his career. 

Shooters know shooters. They share a secret language, and Curry holds the passcode to where everybody wants to be but know it’s a place out of their reach. 

“Very special,” Buddy Hield said to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke in response to Curry reaching 4,000 career threes. “Growing up, you never think that mark will be in reach. But every year, every game, Steph always amazes people. It just shows his true dedication to the game of basketball and he’s been tremendously blessed.

“I just hope he gets to 5,000. I think he can do it.”

Say it again, Buddy. Five thousand? 

“I think so,” Hield said, doubling down. “I was doing the math the other day. … If he makes, what, 330 threes the next three years, I think he’s good for it. Nothing’s impossible for him.”

Those last four words beat math. Curry beat the system. He altered the game. Hield, as someone who joined Club 2K this season, should be heard. 

Curry’s current pace has him a few threes shy of Hield’s calculation. That’s questioning a couple of games of Curry going berserk behind the 3-point line. As history shows, that option always has to be considered. 

Giving him 330 threes this season now moves his career mark to 4,077. Curry’s current contract has two more years on it after this season ends, running through the 2026-27 season. Hield has Curry making 660 total threes in the final two years of his contract, now adding up to 4,737. Or, 263 short of 5,000.

But Curry said the day before he reached 4,000, two days before he turns 37 years old, he’s already eyeing to play past the 2026-27 season. 

“I know how my contract’s lined up, and I would like to outplay that for sure,” Curry said on 95.7 The Game’s “Steiny & Guru” after Warriors practice Wednesday. “But how long that goes? I have no idea.”

What about just one more season? Can Curry, in what would be his 19th season, make 263 threes? In a final campaign where he would turn 40 with one month left in the regular season? 

If Curry were to play 62 games and miss 20 in his age-39 season, one year longer than his current contract goes, he’d have to average 4.3 threes made per game to get to 5,000.

Doubt him at your own risk. Look where that has got him: Standing on a mountain nobody once dared to climb. 

“This is a really cool milestone,” Curry said, walking back to the Warriors locker room. “Let’s see how far we can push this thing.”

Don’t look now, but the competitor inside Curry is already drawing blueprints to Club 5K.

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Admiring Steph's attitude, gratitude, greatness on his 37th birthday

Admiring Steph's attitude, gratitude, greatness on his 37th birthday originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The NBA was the unloved brother of American sports 45 years ago when Magic Johnson and Larry Bird showed up with cleanser, polish and charm. Elite talents and extreme competitors bound by the kind of racial dynamic that enthralls this nation, they rescued the league.

Michael Jordan came along a few years later and his flair for the spectacular, along with the global technology boom, turned the NBA into the league heard around the world.

With those Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famers in their 60s, Stephen Curry, who celebrates his 37th birthday Friday, has bundled their best attributes and taken the league to another level. 

It’s more than being the first player to reach 4,000 career 3-pointers, from all areas of the court, which has accorded Steph one-name status and the title of “greatest shooter ever.” That’s only the beginning, for there is no more dazzling showman in the NBA and no more committed ambassador for basketball – or, perhaps, American sports in general.

“Steph is something like we’ve never seen,” says Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, a Hall of Fame guard and NBA champion who has spent the past 27 years in various capacities within the NBA.

Billups is not wrong. Fans around the globe – all ages, faiths, genders and skin tones – are bewitched by a superstar that radiates Magic’s exuberance but sprinkles it far beyond the lenses of cameras. By someone who has Larry’s gift for scoring and sensation but has expanded it to the outer edge of creativity. By someone who has Michael’s broad appeal but with a smoother exterior and expressing a more generous heart.

If Curry were someday to run for political office – and he declines to rule it out – his resumé would offer a comprehensive thread of humanity, benevolence, kindness and common sense too often missing in 2025 America. He’s a glorified soul with a basketball, a year-round Santa bearing gifts to the unprivileged. A hooper faithful to peace, justice and compassion.

“He might be the greatest human being …,” former teammate Andre Iguodala said recently, “after that Guy.”

And yet, Curry continues to play basketball at an ultra-high level even while peeping toward retirement. He’s invested in the tech sector and is a patron saint of the golf program at Howard University. He owns a piece of the Under Armour sports attire company and, along with his wife Ayesha, donates meals, books and playgrounds to Oakland Public Schools. He conceived his own international amateur golf program, Underrated Golf, sort of a DEI program for young people in the BIPOC community.

“For him to combine his love of golf with his understanding how important golf can be in a business sense for minorities who have been historically excluded from golf – and, thus, excluded from business opportunities,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “What an incredible project.”

During his first couple seasons coaching the Warriors, Kerr often wondered if Curry was burning himself out with so many off-court objectives that required his time and energy. The coach eventually realized that Curry is energized by the challenge that comes with managing his life.

“There’s so much more that’s going on off the court that can try to drag you down a little bit or distract you,” Curry told NBC Sports Bay Area in November. “Trying to battle that is great. The league has changed so much, and trying to reimagine what it would look like for Golden State Warriors in the [2024-25] season to win a championship is totally different than even ’22. It’s totally different than ’17 or ’18 or ’15.”

Curry thrives on doing what others believe he cannot. Been that way since childhood, when recruiters shunned him and wrote him off as too scrawny and fragile. Was that way after the 2009 NBA Draft, when he watched point guards Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn selected ahead of him. Was that way early in his Golden State career when he was battling Acie Law for minutes.

Even now, 16 years later, Curry still carries that chip, on and off the court, like a security blanket.

The game still comes first. Well, after family. The Currys have four children, two boys and two girls, and dad racks up the FaceTiming minutes when the Warriors are on the road. Not at the cost of his fitness. Yes, the man who has his own bourbon brand, Gentleman’s Cut, still pours himself into a regimen devised by longtime personal trainer Brandon Payne.

That’s before and after games. After mesmerizing audiences at home and across the NBA with his pregame workout routine, he signs autographs before heading to the locker room – and often signs more after the game. Crowds holding signs and Sharpies – or merely hoping for a glimpse of Curry – are not unlike the adoring galleries that followed Tiger Woods in the prime of his golf career.

“I was thinking to myself that the NBA is lucky because this man’s going into every arena putting on the show,” longtime teammate Draymond Green said. “It sounds like it’s a home game every time he does it. We’re all lucky to watch him operate the way he operates, playing the game the way he plays the game.”

Golden State rookie Quinten Post grew up in the Netherlands. The 24-year-old center grew familiar with Curry’s name and game while the Warriors were on their dynastic run almost a decade ago. Now as Curry’s teammate, he’s awestruck at his following.

“I had an expectancy,” Post said this week. “But after what he did in these Olympics and what I’ve seen traveling with him, it’s insane how we turn almost every away arena into a home game. And then, seeing him move from the bus to the hotel, there’s always people there.

“What I’m learning is that not every team deals with that. What I’m also learning is that those people are not there for me. They’re there for Steph. And that’s awesome.”

All superstars are subjected to the whims of a public that can be divided in its opinion. Curry has detractors because that’s part of the story with any accomplished life. Not everybody loves, or even likes, Steph. 

But the search for someone who “hates” him would be prolonged and conclude with one of two things. Questioning that person’s motives or nothing at all.

“One of my favorite qualities about Steph is that he understands his power and then he uses it productively,” Kerr said. “But it’s always done in the spirit of giving. There’s never a thought of ‘How can I make myself look better?’ It’s authentically kind and generous.

“He knows he can make an impact, and he does it out of the goodness of his heart. He’s an amazing human being.”

The world would benefit immensely if it had Curry for 37 more years. And another 37 after that.

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