Category: Basketball

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The Dallas Mavericks visit the Brooklyn Nets this evening, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

Dallas has been dominant against Brooklyn this season, and I’m targeting them to keep it up in my Mavericks vs. Nets predictions. 

Read more in my NBA picks for Tuesday, February 24. 

Mavericks vs Nets prediction

Mavericks vs Nets best bet: Mavericks moneyline (-130)

The Dallas Mavericks may be having a disappointing campaign, but they just ended a nine-game losing streak on Sunday with a road victory. They finish up their six-game road swing tonight against the Brooklyn Nets, who they’ve beaten a lot over the last few seasons. 

Dallas has won both meetings with the Nets in 2025-26, and while the Mavericks are 6-19 on the road, Brooklyn is just 8-19 at home and has lost four straight. 

The Mavericks demonstrably outrank the Nets in offensive and defensive efficiency, as Brooklyn is among the worst in the NBA in both metrics.

Mavericks vs Nets same-game parlay

P.J. Washington has been one of the Mavs’ top guys alongside Cooper Flagg. He’s averaging 14.3 points per game, and he’s cashed the Over in two of his last three. Flagg is sidelined with a foot injury, which means a bigger workload for Washington. 

Max Christie's landing in Dallas has allowed him to thrive in a bigger role. He’s averaging a career-best 13.3 points, and the former Michigan State Spartan has hit the Over in four of his previous five outings. 

The youngster scored 16 points in the win over Indiana on Sunday, and he’s cashed the Over in points in three consecutive road appearances.

Mavericks vs Nets SGP

• Mavericks moneyline
• PJ Washington Over 15.5 points
• Max Christie Over 14.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Hands of Klay

Klay Thompson has cashed the Over in boards in two of his last three.

Mavericks vs Nets SGP

• Mavericks moneyline
• PJ Washington Over 15.5 points
• Max Christie Over 14.5 points
• Klay Thompson Over 2.5 rebounds

Mavericks vs Nets odds

• Spread: Mavericks -2 (-110) | Nets +2 (-110)
• Moneyline: Mavericks -130 | Nets +110
• Over/Under: Over 225.5 (-110) | Under 225.5 (-110)

Mavericks vs Nets betting trend to know

The Dallas Mavericks have hit the Team Total Over in 23 of their last 35 games (+9.05 Units / 22% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Nets.

How to watch Mavericks vs Nets

Mavericks vs Nets latest injuries

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Selection Sunday is fewer than three full weeks away, with a glorious 68-team bracket inching closer with each passing day.

Nearly half of that NCAA Tournament field will be composed of teams from outside of men’s college basketball’s five major conferences: the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Big East and SEC.

As the 2025-26 regular season winds down, several of those squads look capable of making some noise, whether it’s springing an upset over a national title hopeful or advancing deep into the tournament.

REQUIRED READING: Who is rising, falling in latest March Madness bracket prediction?

Who might some of those potential bracket-busters and second-week (and even Final Four) contenders be?

Here’s the latest power rankings of teams from outside of college basketball’s five major conferences:

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It’s an absolutely jam-packed day of hoops action with 11 games on the schedule, which means a seemingly endless supply of NBA player props.

I’ve sorted through the odds and found my three favorites for the day, including Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane casting a spell on the Los Angeles Lakers defense.

That and more NBA picks for Tuesday, February 24.

Best NBA player props today

Player	Pick
Kon Knueppel	Over 17.5 Points	-120
Myles Turner	Over 5.5 Rebounds	+100
Desmond Bane	Over 20.5 Points	-112

Prop #1: Kon Knueppel Over 17.5 Points

-120 at bet365

Rookie Kon Knueppel sure is creating a buzz around the Charlotte Hornets.

The former Duke standout is averaging 19.2 points per game while shooting an impressive 43.5% from three. He’s also on fire, going for 23 PPG while shooting 50% from downtown over his last seven.

Tonight, he gets a great matchup against a rebuilding Chicago Bulls team that is winless in February and ranks next to last in defensive rating. 

Yet, we’re still getting a modest 17.5 point total for Knueppel, a number he’s topped in six of his last seven.

• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast-Charlotte, WSOC

Prop #2: Myles Turner Over 5.5 Rebounds

+100 at bet365

As long as the Miami Heat are playing basketball games, I will be fading them on the boards.

The Heat aren’t the worst rebounding team, but Miami leads the NBA in pace and, as a result, takes the most shots per game. 

Lots of shots mean lots of rebounds, and it’s the Milwaukee Bucks' turn to crash the boards. My favorite candidate to cash their rebounding Over is Myles Turner.

The Bucks' big man averages 5.7 rebounds per game, and he’s hauled down six or more in four of his last five. 

• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network South, FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin

Prop #3: Desmond Bane Over 20.5 Points

-112 at bet365

The Orlando Magic are playing better basketball, thanks in part to Desmond Bane shooting the lights out.

The Magic guard has scored 31 or more points in three of his last four games, and is averaging 25 while shooting a crazy good 54% from three over his last 10.

I’m betting he stays hot against the Los Angeles Lakers.

It’s hard to have faith in the Lakers, given their 24th-ranked defensive rating and ranking 27th in opponent effective field goal percentage.

Keeping Bane Under 20.5 points will be tough, as he’s topped it in nine of his last 11.

• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Florida, SPECSN

These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.

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The Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers meet for the first time this season in tonight’s nightcap at Crypto.com Arena.

Desmond Bane has been on a heater, and my Magic vs. Lakers predictions expect him to stay hot against a vulnerable perimeter defense.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference showdown on Tuesday, February 24.

Magic vs Lakers prediction

Magic vs Lakers best bet: Desmond Bane Over 20.5 points (-112)

Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane’s scoring prowess will be front and center tonight against a Los Angeles Lakers defense that has allowed the 10th-highest 3-point percentage (36.5%) and 13th-most points (116.1). 

Franz Wagner is out again, and Bane has averaged 21.8 points across 28 games with him sidelined.

Bane is enjoying his best scoring streak of the season, with 30+ points in three of his last four. He’s averaged 23.9 points across his last 14 appearances, knocking down 3.2 triples at a 51.7% clip and scoring 21+ 10 times.

Magic vs Lakers same-game parlay

The Magic are 2-0-1 ATS across their last three road games. After a heartbreaking double-OT loss to the Suns on Friday, Orlando delivered a two-point victory over the Clippers. The Lakers should get the win tonight, but they're just 3-4 ATS across their last seven at home, so I'll take the Magic and the points.

The Lakers posted a dud on offense against the visiting Celtics on Sunday, but I expect a bounce-back performance from L.A.'s Big 3. Orlando is capable of putting up points with Paolo Banchero and Bane. Los Angeles is 18-9 to the Over at home.

Magic vs Lakers SGP

• Desmond Bane Over 20.5 points
• Magic +5
• Over 230

Our "from downtown" SGP: Ayton eats

Deandre Ayton has scored 10+ points in 34 of 48 games this season, including all eight games with Jaxson Hayes sidelined. With Hayes expected to sit, Ayton should have no problem clearing this line with even money.

Magic vs Lakers SGP

• Desmond Bane Over 20.5 points
• Magic +5
• Over 230
• Deandre Ayton Over 9.5 points

Magic vs Lakers odds

• Spread: Magic +5 (-105) | Lakers -5 (-115)
• Moneyline: Magic +170 | Lakers -205
• Over/Under: Over 230 (-110) | Under 230 (-110)

Magic vs Lakers betting trend to know

The Los Angeles Lakers have hit the 2Q Game Total Over in 25 of their last 35 games at home (+13.60 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Lakers.

How to watch Magic vs Lakers

Magic vs Lakers latest injuries

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ATLANTA (AP) — Left-hander Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves agreed to a contract on Tuesday adding $27 million for the 2027 season.

A 36-year-old who won the 2024 NL Cy Young Award in his first season with Atlanta, Sale agreed to a deal that includes a $30 million team option for 2028.

Atlanta acquired Sale from Boston in December 2023 and he agreed to a reworked $38 million, two-year contract that included an $18 million club option for 2026. The Braves exercised the option in November.

Sale is 25-8 with a 2.46 ERA in 49 starts and one relief appearance with the Braves. He made the All-Star team twice, raising his total to nine.

He is 145-88 with a 3.01 ERA is 15 major league seasons with the Chicago White Sox (2010-16), Boston (2017-23) and Atlanta, striking out 2,579 in 2,084 innings. His 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings are the most among pitchers with 1,500 or more innings.

Sale has thrived with the Braves after making nine trips to the disabled and injured lists with the Red Sox, mostly with shoulder and elbow ailments. He had Tommy John surgery on March 30, 2020, and returned to a big league mound on Aug. 14, 2021.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Since our last update, two more former Orange have made appearances in the NBA. Buddy Boeheim was signed to a two-way deal by the Oklahoma City Thunder in early February and Kadary Richmond joined the Wizards on a 10-day contract.

Buddy has appeared in 3 games with OKC making 2 of his 6 shots (all from 3) for the defending NBA Champions. Minutes will certainly be limited, but sticking with a franchise that is going to need to keep looking for value to fill out their roster isn’t a bad spot. Especially when you get to be on a team that will be a threat to win a title for the upcoming future.

Richmond has also played 3 games, but on a Wizards team in full-tank mode, he’s gotten a lot more playing time. Kadary is averaging 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists. In his last game against Indiana, he picked up 6 steals in 31 minutes.

The duo joins Jerami Grant as former Orange to see minutes in NBA games this year. Grant is currently averaging 18.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for Portland. The TrailBlazers are looking like they will make the Play-In games so there’s a good chance Grant sees post-season action this spring.

We’ll keep tabs on these players as the NBA season starts to wind down.

MUNICH (AP) — Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown says a long-time dream will come true after his team was confirmed to play in the NFL game in Munch this year.

St. Brown's mother was born in Germany and his career has been closely followed by the NFL's large German fan base.

“It has been a dream of mine to play a game in my mother’s home country of Germany since coming to the league,” St. Brown said in a league statement on Tuesday.

“I cannot wait to play in front of the incredible fans that I’ve gotten to know through my visits and football camps in the country. Their support for me and the country’s instant connection to the Lions brand is inspiring, and I’m looking forward to our team getting to showcase Detroit football on an international scale.”

Detroit's opponent will be confirmed later. The Munich game is part of a record schedule of nine international games in 2026 including new host cities in France, Australia and Brazil.

The NFL is heading back to Munich for its third game at a stadium better known as the home of German soccer champion Bayern Munich. The city hosted the NFL's first game in Germany in 2022 and another in 2024. Frankfurt and Berlin have also hosted games.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Pakistan won the toss against England and elected to bat first in the Twenty20 World Cup Super Eights game on Tuesday.

“It looks like a good pitch. We want to put up an above-par score and defend that,” Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said.

England started the second round with a resounding 51-run win over co-host Sri Lanka at the same venue last Sunday while Pakistan’s opening game against New Zealand was washed out in Colombo.

England has a lot of knowledge about the conditions in Pallekele, where it has won all four T20s over the last few weeks, including a 3-0 series win against Sri Lanka before the tournament.

Pakistan batters have been struggling in the tournament and, except for opener Sahibzada Farhan, the World Cup leading run-scorer with 220, no one else has scored more than 100 runs.

Pakistan left out allrounder Faheem Ashraf and brought back fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi while mystery spinner Usman Tariq was preferred over leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.

England captain Harry Brook hoped the “fresh pitch” would play better for chasing.

England named the same XI for the fifth match in a row in the tournament, staying faithful to struggling opener Jos Buttler.

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Lineups:

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.

England: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (captain), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

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The Washington Wizards head to State Farm Arena tonight to face the Atlanta Hawks, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. 

Jalen Johnson is doing it all, and I’m eyeing him facilitate at a high level in my Wizards vs. Hawks predictions. 

Read more in my NBA picks for Tuesday, February 24. 

Wizards vs Hawks prediction

Wizards vs Hawks best bet: Jalen Johnson Over 7.5 assists (-145)

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson was deservedly an All-Star earlier this month as he continues to thrive in a career year. He's developed into a tremendous playmaker, ranking fifth in the Association in assists, averaging 8.1 per game.

While he’s only hit the Over once in three games since the break, Johnson is up against the horrendous Washington Wizards tonight, who are allowing the second-most assists per game in the NBA. 

He’s also averaged 9.5 dimes against Washington this season across two meetings. He’ll pick them apart. 

Wizards vs Hawks same-game parlay

CJ McCollum is averaging 18.8 points across 19 games with the Hawks. He has cashed the Over in two of his last three, and there’s always motivation when you play against your former team.

Johnson isn’t the only Hawk having a big year, as Nickeil Alexander-Walker is averaging a career-high 19.9 points, and he’s also shooting the triple at a 37.2% clip. 

Alexander-Walker is averaging 3.0 makes on 8.2 attempts per night, and he’s hit the Over in treys in back-to-back contests.

Wizards vs Hawks SGP

• Jalen Johnson Over 7.5 assists
• CJ McCollum Over 18.5 points
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 2.5 made threes

Our "from downtown" SGP: Breaking the spell

Onyeka Okongwu has cashed the Over in rebounds in two of his last three appearances.

Wizards vs Hawks SGP

• Jalen Johnson Over 7.5 assists
• CJ McCollum Over 18.5 points
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 2.5 made threes
• Onyeka Okongwu Over 7.5 rebounds

Wizards vs Hawks odds

• Spread: Wizards +13.5 (-115) | Hawks -13.5 (-105)
• Moneyline: Wizards +575 | Hawks -850
• Over/Under: Over 236.5 (-110) | Under 236.5 (-110)

Wizards vs Hawks betting trend to know

The Atlanta Hawks have hit the 3Q Game Total Over in 21 of their last 30 games at home (+10.70 Units / 31% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Wizards vs. Hawks.

How to watch Wizards vs Hawks

Wizards vs Hawks latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off a desperately needed win over a shorthanded Minnesota Timberwolves team. Now they head to Indiana for the final stop on this three-game road trip, where they’ll face the Pacers with a chance to finish 2–1.

For the Sixers, the win couldn’t have come at a better time. Losses had started to pile up, and with the Orlando Magic and other play-in teams closing in on the sixth and final playoff spot, the pressure was building. Still, there were plenty of positives to take from that performance.

Tyrese Maxey was instrumental in the blowout victory, delivering his best outing in weeks. He scored 39 points on an efficient 16-of-28 shooting, added eight assists and came up with two steals. Maxey went toe-to-toe with Anthony Edwards and consistently answered when Minnesota threatened to make a run.

The Timberwolves boast far more perimeter defensive talent than the Pacers, which makes Maxey’s performance even more encouraging. With Joel Embiid and Paul George sidelined, Maxey has drawn heavy defensive attention, so it was especially promising to see him put together such an efficient game in a comfortable win. He’ll look to carry that momentum into a matchup against a Pacers team that doesn’t offer the same level of defensive resistance on the perimeter.

Beyond Maxey, there was more backcourt success for the Sixers. Rookie VJ Edgecombe was phenomenal, matching up against one of his favorite active players in Edwards. He shot a blistering 6-for-7 from three and once again showed off his midrange game, which helped open everything up for him offensively.

Quentin Grimes also delivered his best performance in quite some time, finishing with an efficient 19 points and, perhaps even more importantly, seven assists. With Embiid’s status still up in the air, it will be another crucial outing for the Sixers’ trio of guards.

The Pacers’ season has had its share of highs, but far more lows, and that’s understandable given the circumstances. Franchise cornerstone Tyrese Haliburton is still working his way back from an Achilles injury, in addition to dealing with shingles. As it stands, Indiana sits 15th in the Eastern Conference and appears focused on the draft lottery. They’re just one game “ahead” of Brooklyn for the second-best odds, clearly hoping to land a true difference-maker in what has largely become a gap year.

That said, this isn’t a team devoid of talent. Pascal Siakam remains a steady presence, though he’s coming off a brief absence for personal reasons. Andrew Nembhard has taken advantage of expanded opportunities, averaging an impressive 17.2 points and 7.5 assists in nearly 32 minutes per game. Indiana has also added pieces like Ivica Zubac to bolster the rotation, though he won’t suit up tonight.

We’ve seen what this group is capable of, especially coming off a Finals run, and they’ll be a team to watch once Haliburton returns next season. For now, though, the Sixers can’t afford to overlook them. Philadelphia has won the first two meetings by a combined 19 points, but both games were tighter than the final scores indicated. Even with the absences, Indiana has enough firepower and strong coaching to protect its home floor if the Sixers aren’t locked in.

The main storyline heading into tonight centers on Embiid. He’s officially listed as questionable with right shin soreness and knee management, which is the most encouraging designation he’s received since this latest setback. It’s at least a sign that things may be trending in the right direction. Elsewhere for the Sixers, George remains out due to suspension, and rookie Johni Broome is sidelined after tearing his meniscus.

Indiana has a lengthy injury report as well. Zubac, Obi Toppin, Aaron Nesmith, Tyrese Haliburton and Johnny Furphy have already been ruled out. T.J. McConnell (hamstring soreness), Nembhard (back injury management), and Kam Jones (back soreness) are all listed as questionable. Siakam is doubtful with a wrist sprain, while Micah Potter is probable.

The Sixers could use all the breathing room they can get. They’ve already burned through much of the cushion they built up earlier in the season, and there isn’t much margin for error left. A win here would secure a 2-1 finish on the road trip, which, given the circumstances, would be a solid outcome.

The bigger question is whether they can build on their last performance. Was it the start of something, or just a night where everything finally broke their way? This matchup should give us a better sense of whether the Sixers are truly getting back on track.

Game Details

When: Sunday, February 24, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, ID
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers

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The Cleveland Cavaliers return home to Rocket Arena to host the New York Knicks in a battle between two Eastern Conference powerhouses.

The Cavs acquired James Harden for games like this, and my Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions expect a strong offensive showing. 

Read on for my NBA picks for Tuesday, February 24.

Knicks vs Cavaliers prediction

Knicks vs Cavaliers best bet: James Harden Over 18.5 points (-115)

James Harden is averaging 18.7 points per game with the Cleveland Cavaliers, shooting an efficient 50% from inside the arc and 47% from downtown, and he has a terrific matchup tonight. 

The New York Knicks don’t consistently trap high, and if they choose to guard him straight up, they’ll see a healthy diet of mid-range jumpers, pull-up threes, and layups.

Games like tonight are why the Cavs traded for Harden. They’ve lost two straight to the Knicks, but Harden is a wily and creative scorer, and I’m betting on a vintage scoring night from the veteran guard. 

Knicks vs Cavaliers same-game parlay

Karl-Anthony Towns leads the NBA in double-doubles and only needs a typical 22-10-3 line to clear his PRA combo prop.

Landry Shamet is averaging 13.7 points in 27 minutes since February 1, making 10 points a very reachable number.

Knicks vs Cavaliers SGP

• James Harden Over 18.5 points
• Karl-Anthony Towns Over 33.5 points + rebounds + assists
• Landry Shamet Over 9.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Cleveland rocks the house

Cleveland is deeper, healthier, and playing its best basketball at home. They are 8-2 straight up over their last 10 games and have more offensive firepower with Harden in the lineup.

Knicks vs Cavaliers SGP

• James Harden Over 18.5 points
• Karl-Anthony Towns Over 33.5 points + rebounds + assists
• Landry Shamet Over 9.5 points
• Cavaliers moneyline

Knicks vs Cavaliers odds

• Spread: Knicks +4 (-105) | Cavaliers -4 (-115)
• Moneyline: Knicks +150 | Cavaliers -180
• Over/Under: Over 231.5 (-110) | Under 231.5 (-110)

Knicks vs Cavaliers betting trend to know

The Cleveland Cavaliers have hit the Moneyline in 14 of their last 17 games (+10.35 Units / 20% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Cavaliers.

How to watch Knicks vs Cavaliers

Knicks vs Cavaliers latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

The Mavericks were 1-3 over the past two weeks and remain firmly in 12th place in the West. They lost to Phoenix (120-111), the Lakers (124-104), and Minnesota (122-111), and beat Indiana (134-130). Naji Marshall led the team in scoring with 20.5 points per game. Cooper Flagg has missed the last three games with a foot contusion, while Kyrie Irving (knee) was ruled out for the year. Khris Middleton made his Mavericks debut against Phoenix.

Grade: B-

The Mavericks three losses in the last two weeks were by a combined 40 points. In those games, they were dead even with their opponents in the second through the fourth quarter. This leaves a 40-point discrepancy in those first quarters, which our very own Kirk Henderson described as a “masterclass in tanking”:

And it is. Throwing the first quarters of games, intentionally or not, actually makes it so that Dallas can have their cake and eat it too. We get three competitive quarters of basketball and a loss that moves them closer to the top five in the draft. A true win-win!

Jason Kidd still has the team playing hard every night. There will be wins in the next month and a half against superior opponents that come simply from them overlooking this team. It is hard to get up for games without Cooper Flagg, but a lot of the guys playing will be here next season. And knowing they will not lie down inspires hope that next season will not be another rebuild year, but one where the Mavericks try to get back to the playoffs. Dallas has Brooklyn, Sacramento, Memphis, and Oklahoma City on the slate this upcoming week. I would not be surprised if the Mavericks won two of those games.

Straight A’s: Naji Marshall

Marshall has earned A’s all year. He once again averaged over 20 points for a four-game stretch and shot over 50 percent from the field (57.1). He is efficient in a 2007 type of way, and while the Mavericks have no identity, he provides a steady hand and enjoyable basketball to watch. He is shooting a mind-boggling 68.9 percent at the rim this season, and makes floaters in the paint with an ease that I have never seen. He has quickly become one of my favorite Mavericks in recent memory. 

Currently Failing: Tyus Jones

As of right now, the Mavericks starting point guard spot next year is still wide open. I am sure Dallas targeted Jones at the trade deadline to vet him and see if there was anything there going forward. Unfortunately for Jones, he has not had a great audition thus far, shooting just 18.2 percent from three in 18 minutes a game. At 6’0”, he has a lot of the same issues that Ryan Nembhard has, except it seems like defenses pick on him even more than Nembhard. Jones has always been a steady hand on offense, averaging less than one (0.8) turnover per game in his career. But if he is not shooting the ball well, it’s hard to see how he fits next to Cooper Flagg going forward.

Extra Credit: Khris Middleton

The Mavericks are going to be doing a lot of losing until the end of the season. Whether that is through the injury report or the rotations, Dallas’ goal is to jockey for a better draft pick. Something that often gets overlooked in a so-called “tank” is the balance between losing and accidentally establishing a losing culture. It truly is a tightrope, and one that a lot of organizations cannot walk without falling. Khris Middleton, like Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, has won a championship. He has played winning basketball nearly his entire career and is another guy who can level the ship if the water seeps through the cracks. Dallas had lost 10 in a row entering Sunday’s contest in Indiana. And, like someone messaged one of my group chats, “I don’t think it’s good for anyone to lose 11 straight games”. Middleton’s 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists made sure they didn’t. His presence will benefit the Mavericks down the stretch more than it will hurt, even if he wins them a few more games than the organization would like. Ultimately, the draft will work out the way it was meant to, and establishing a winning culture now, before they start winning games, will be key to the quick turnaround they hope to have around Cooper Flagg.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a big challenge in front of them tonight. They’ll be hosting the New York Knicks in what could be a potential NBA Playoffs preview between two Eastern Conference contenders.

This is the second challenge Cleveland has faced this week. On Sunday, they lost to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

New York isn’t on the same tier as OKC. Nor do they play the same style. The Thunder win games on the defensive end, generating turnovers and slowing opponents down. New York leans the other way, posting the league’s third-best offense and 12th-best defense.

Cleveland is somewhere in between. This Cavalier squad hasn’t really formed an identity throughout the season. At times, they lean on their defensive frontcourt. Other times, they feel like they are at their best when the offense is leading the charge. It’s unclear which side of the ball they are truly at their best.

Either way, the Cavs have a chance to make a statement tonight with a win over a quality opponent. Let’s see how they approach this matchup.

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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (36-22) vs. New York Knicks (37-21)

Where: Rocket Arena – Cleveland, OH

When: Tue., Feb. 24 at 78PM

TV: Peacock

Point spread: Cavs -4

Cavs injury report: Max Strus – OUT (foot), Nae’Qwan Tomlin – OUT (calf soreness), Emanuel Miller – OUT (G League), Riley Minix – OUT (G League)

Knicks injury report: Miles McBride – OUT (pelvic)

Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

Knicks expected starting lineup: Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns

Previous matchup: Player Grades: Cavs vs Knicks: Donovan Mitchell’s 34 points aren’t enough

Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.