Category: Basketball

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The Minnesota Timberwolves hit the road to take on the Boston Celtics tonight at TD Garden.

Our NBA player prop projections have found plenty of value on both sides, and we break it all down below.

For more NBA picks, check out our complete Timberwolves vs. Celtics predictions.

Timberwolves vs Celtics computer picks for March 22

Timberwolves	Celtics
Dosunmu u4.5 assists  +102	Hauser o6.5 points -115
DiVincenzo u13.5 points -110	Brown o1.5 threes +105
Reid o12.5 points  -105	Queta o9.5 points -115

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Timberwolves computer picks

Ayo Dosunmu Under 4.5 assists (+102)

Projection: 3.8 assists

With no Anthony Edwards, Ayo Dosunmu will need to take on more of a scoring role for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The guard has eclipsed his points line in four straight, and he'll likely opt to shoot the rock over looking to set up his teammates vs. the powerhouse Boston Celtics.

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Donte DiVincenzo Under 13.5 points (-120)

Projection: 11.7 points

Donte DiVincenzo can catch fire on any given night, but he's found himself in a scoring drought. He's eclipsed this point total in just two of his last five, and only four times in 11 March outings.

With no Ant, the C's can hone in on DiVincenzo more and put pressure on his shots from outside.

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Naz Reid Over 12.5 points (-105)

Projection: 14.1 points

Naz Reid has missed back-to-back games with an ankle injury, but all signs are pointing to him suiting up tonight. Reid is a stud off the bench, and he's never shied away from getting shots up.

With no Edwards, the volume will be there for Reid to eclipse this modest total.

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---

Celtics computer picks

Sam Hauser Over 6.5 points (-115)

Projection: 8.5 points

Sam Hauser can shoot threes with the best of them, and he can pass this total on deep balls alone. With the spread at -10.5, chances are Hauser will get more run tonight. His 38% shooting from deep will help hit this Over.

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Jaylen Brown Over 1.5 threes (+105)

Projection: 2.0 threes

Jaylen Brown has hit two long balls in two of his last three outings, and he's taken at least four in four straight. If his volume remains, he should have no issues drilling two treys.

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Neemias Queta Over 9.5 points (-115)

Projection: 10.9 points

Neemias Queta has developed into a rock-solid big for the C's, shooting 64% from the field. He just recorded 12 points against Memphis, and he'll be leaned on down low against Minny.

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How to watch Timberwolves vs Celtics tonight

Location	TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date	Sunday, March 22, 2026
Tip-off	8:00 p.m. ET
TV	NBC

Not intended for use in MA.
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Nebraska basketball is headed to the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history.

The No. 4 seed Cornhuskers defeated No. 5 Vanderbilt 74-72 when Tyler Tanner's potential game-winning half-court heave at the buzzer rattled in — then out — of the rim. It was Nebraska's second win ever in the Men's NCAA Tournament, both coming in the last three days, moving it to 2-8 all-time in NCAA Tournament games.

REQUIRED READING: Nebraska advances to first Sweet 16 in program history, survives Tyler Tanner heave

Of course, the honor of calling the game went to a 41-year veteran announcer for the Cornhuskers, Kent Pavelka. Following the game, Nebraska players made sure to find Pavelka and celebrate the historic moment with him.

#Huskers made sure to find @KentPavelkapic.twitter.com/YoaLiH5fkE

— Michael Bruntz (@michaelbruntz) March 22, 2026

Watch: Kent Pavelka calls Nebraska's win over Vanderbilt

Here is Pavelka's call of the final 41.5 seconds of Nebraska's second-round victory over Vanderbilt.

Heroes come and go.

But legends like @KentPavelka live forever.
pic.twitter.com/FJxbPLVbLv

— Nebraska Men's Basketball (@HuskerMBB) March 22, 2026

The win advances the Cornhuskers to the Sweet 16, where they will play the winner of No. 1 Florida and No. 9 Iowa in Houston.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nebraska players celebrate March Madness win with Kent Pavelka

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A five-game skid has snuffed out the Phoenix Suns’ hopes of climbing into the Top 6 in the West, and tonight they’ll face a Toronto Raptors team fighting to avoid that same play-in jeopardy.

Toronto enters as the No. 5 seed in the East, but there’s really no breathing room, and my Raptors vs. Suns predictions and NBA picks expect Scottie Barnes & Co. to rise to the challenge, especially with Phoenix on the second night of a back-to-back set.

Raptors vs Suns prediction

Raptors vs Suns best bet: Scottie Barnes Over 6.5 rebounds (-125)

Even if Victor Wembanyama has a hold on the Defensive Player of the Year award for the foreseeable future, Scottie Barnes belongs in the conversation this season, and I’m counting on another strong effort at that end of the floor tonight.

There’s nice value for this Over, with Barnes averaging 7.9 rpg this year and grabbing 7+ boards in three straight games.

The Toronto Raptors have the rest advantage, and that should show up on the glass, particularly with the Phoenix Suns' injuries on the wing. The Suns also take the fifth-most 3-pointers in the NBA, so there will be long rebounds to corral.

Raptors vs Suns same-game parlay

When the Raptors are at their best, Barnes is the spark, and RJ Barrett has also found a good rhythm lately, racking up 20+ points in eight of his last 10 contests and shooting 58% from the field in March.

I’m jumping on Raptors moneyline too, with the visitors posting a 20-14 SU road record this season.

Raptors vs Suns SGP

• Scottie Barnes Over 6.5 rebounds
• RJ Barrett Over 19.5 points
• Raptors moneyline

Our "from downtown" SGP: Kentucky kings

With Kentucky in action today, what better time for an SGP built around two former Wildcats? Devin Booker dropped 31 points on the Raptors earlier this month and averages 5.9 apg this year, while Immanuel Quickley has racked up 22 dimes across his last three games.

Raptors vs Suns SGP

• Devin Booker Over 26.5 points
• Devin Booker Over 4.5 assists
• Immanuel Quickley Over 5.5 assists
• Raptors moneyline

Raptors vs Suns odds

• Spread: Raptors -2.5 | Suns +2.5
• Moneyline: Raptors -150 | Suns +125
• Over/Under: Over 220 | Under 220

Raptors vs Suns betting trend to know

The Raptors are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 matchups against the Suns. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Suns.

How to watch Raptors vs Suns

Raptors vs Suns latest injuries

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ROME (AP) — Como took control of Serie A’s final Champions League spot by thrashing relegation-threatened Pisa 5-0 on Sunday for its fifth straight victory in Serie A.

The victory boosted Cesc Fabregas’ club three points clear of fifth-place Juventus, which was held to a 1-1 draw by Sassuolo on Saturday.

Assane Diao, Anastasios Douvikas, Martin Baturina, Nico Paz and Maximo Perrone scored for the hosts.

Douvikas' 11th goal of the season made him the first Como player with that many scores in the top flight since Giuseppe Baldini scored 13 and Renato Cattaneo 11 in 1951-52.

Como’s win came three days after one of Como’s owners, Indonesian tobacco billionaire Michael Bambang Hartono, died at 86.

Hartono and his brother, Roberto Budi Hartono, took over Como in 2019 when the team was playing in Italy’s fourth division.

Como returned to Serie A in 2024 for the first time in more than two decades.

Later, Serie A leader Inter Milan was visiting Fiorentina and Roma was hosting Lecce.

Taylor's brace

Lazio’s January signing Kenneth Taylor scored two second-half goals in a 2-0 win at Bologna that enabled the Roman club to leapfrog the hosts into eighth place.

A Netherlands international, the 23-year-old Taylor was purchased by Maurizio Sarri’s club from Ajax for 17 million euros ($20 million).

Lazio goalkeeper Edoardo Motta — playing in just his third Serie A match — saved a penalty from Riccardo Orsolini in the 51st with the score 0-0.

It was Lazio’s third straight win.

Also, seventh-place Atalanta bounced back from a Champions League loss to Bayern Munich with a 1-0 victory over Hellas Verona as Davide Zappacosta scored before the break.

Midfielder Marten de Roon was celebrated before kickoff as he made a club-record 436th appearance for Atalanta across all competitions.

___

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

The Atlanta Hawks took on the Golden State Warriors in an out-of-conference contest on Saturday.

The Hawks have been rolling high as they were on an 11-game win streak but recently fell to the Houston Rockets. Atlanta went into this game as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference with things looking promising for their playoff push.

On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors have been down a bit with injuries to players like Jimmy Butler, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. Also, on the injury front, Golden State guard Stephen Curry did not play against the Hawks on Saturday due to his recovery from a knee injury. The Warriors were 33-37 before the game.

This was the second matchup between the two teams this season as the Hawks defeated the Warriors back in January of this year, 124-111.

The Hawks had a bit of trouble in the first half with multiple turnovers, some being consecutive. That allowed the Warriors to keep the game close in the first half as they were down 63-61. In the first half, Hawks guard Dyson Daniels led the team in points with 19 while guard CJ McCollum had four assists.

In the second half, the Hawks began to run away with the lead as the score was 100 to 81 near the end of the third quarter. Atlanta ultimately got the victory over the Golden State Warriors 126-110, led by Dyson Daniels scoring 28 points. Forward Mouhamed Gueye also had an impactful game, scoring 16 points to go along with 10 rebounds.

What’s Next For the Atlanta Hawks?

The Atlanta Hawks will have their next game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday at home. Memphis is currently 24-46 after a loss to the Charlotte Hornets. The Hawks have been hot at home as they’ve won multiple games in a row at State Farm Arena, and they’ll be in pursuit of another on Monday.

The Hawks are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 39-32, and have just 11 games before the NBA playoffs. Atlanta has a great chance to make a run in the postseason, especially with the roster they have.

Where will the Hawks go from here?

For more sports content, follow me on Instagram and X(Twitter) @BJT_ERA

Happy Sunday, folks. To put a cherry atop your weekend, the Knicks (46*-25) host the Wizards (16-53) tonight at Madison Square Garden. Washington just wants to end their miserable season, yet given how New York plays down to competition, a sixth consecutive win is not guaranteed. I mean, it’s like 95% guaranteed, but I’m supposed to entice you to watch this laugher and not binge on Chuck Norris movies instead.

Over their last 10 games, the Knicks have gone 7-3, while the Wizards have lost 15 straight. Their last meeting came on February 3, 2026, when New York broke their wands, tore their robes, and ripped up their spellbooks, winning 132-101. Bridges led the Knicks with 23 points, while Will Riley delivered 17 off the bench for the home team.

The Wizards have had a dismal campaign. They score 112.5 points per game (25th in the league), plus have the 26th-rated offensive rating and the league’s worst defense. They allow 123.8 points per game, which is just barely not the worst of all.

Key Wizards players include Alex Sarr, who averages 16.5 points and 7.4 boards per game. Elder statesman C.J. McCollum provides 18.8 points per game while shooting 39% from three. Trae Young, acquired midseason, continues to be damaged goods. Spoiler: he won’t play today.

Washington lost by 21 to the Thunder last night. In the first half, their Justin Champagnie scuffled with Jaylin Williams and were among four players tossed due to the ensuing melee. Tonight’s likely starting five? Probably Bub Carrington and/or Sharife Cooper, maybe Champagnie or Bilal Coulibaly, and Alex Sarr.

The visitors have five players on their injury report—Tyus Johnson, Trevor Young, Lamar Black (GTD), plus Anthony Davis and Kenny George (out)—while the home team will be without Landry (knee) and Miles McBride. Josh Hart (knee) is a game-time decision.

Prediction

ESPN likes the Knicks at 94%. Holy moley! That might be the highest number of the season. The Wiz might fare better if they fielded a fleet of marching mop buckets. Or summoned the ghost of Wes Unseld. The Knicks have dominated this rivalry in recent years, winning the last 11 meetings. Everything indicates an easy win, but you know these guys. When we predict a blowout against a dog and they nearly lose; we say it will be close, and they win by a dozen. Is any other NBA team this wildly unpredictable? Whatever. Knicks by 25. You’re safe to catch an episode or two of Walker, Texas Ranger.

Game Details

Who: New York Knicks (46*-25) vs Washington Wizards (16-53)
Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Place: Madison Square Garden, NYC
TV: MSG
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky

* Should be one more, but NBA Cup wins linger only as long as grandpa’s farts.

Games like this are interesting in that the two teams playing are pursuing fundamentally different goals. Furthermore, because these goals are so diametrically opposed, the game’s outcome either means that both teams win or both lose. Coming into last night’s game, Indiana was riding a 15-game losing streak to the best lottery odds available in the upcoming draft, but more losing needs to be done to secure that position. At the same time, San Antonio entered the game with long-shot odds of catching the Thunder for first seed in the West. As such, a Pacers win would have been a disappointment for both sides, even if it would have given Indiana’s players and fans a welcome respite. Fortunately, the Spurs won handily, and both teams got exactly what they needed to continue pursuing their goals this season.

Because the game was characterized by a 13-point first quarter blowout followed by a steady march to victory, the box score differentials achieved in this contest weren’t especially gaudy. Even so, there are a number of striking highlights to consider:

• One key aspect of the Spurs’ victory in this game was a substantial advantage in shot volume from the field overall (+12 FGA), which largely stemmed from their exceptional edge in total rebounds (+23), including a +9 edge on the offensive glass.
• On top of volume, San Antonio had a meaningful if unspectacular edge in FG% (+2.87 percentage points). Collectively, these advantages allowed the Spurs to achieve a FGM margin of +9.
• Alas, it wasn’t all jam for San Antonio, with the biggest fly in the ointment being Indiana’s excellent performance from distance. Although the Pacers only had one more three-point attempt (35 vs. 34), the Spurs’ notable disadvantage in 3P% (-7.48 percentage points, despite logging a 3P% of 38.24%) allowed Indiana to produce a 3PM margin of +3.
• This edge from three wasn’t nearly enough to secure the win for the Pacers, but it was sufficient to produce this rare statistical feat: last night’s contest marked just the 28th time in 16,728 regular season games since the start of 2012-2013 that a team lost by at least 15 points while shooting at least 45.71% from three on 35+ attempts.
• Scoring from the free throw line ended up being a wash in this game, with both teams scoring 15 points in this area. San Antonio had two fewer attempts, so their edge in FT% (+9.29 percentage points) was well above average, but the low volume on both sides makes this differential a bit misleading (large percentage-point margins can emerge from small differences when overall volume is low). In any case, because both teams combined to take just 36 shots from the charity stripe, and the Spurs outscored Indiana by 15 from the field, free throws were highly unlikely to be a decisive factor in this game.

What are Team Graded Box Scores?

Very briefly, these box scores grade winner-loser differentials for basic box score statistics, with the grade being based on the winning team’s differential relative to other NBA winners during a defined reference period. Think of it like a report card for understanding how a given winner performed relative to other winners. The reference period used runs from the start of the 2012-2013 season to the latest date of play, including only games in the same season category (i.e., regular season and playoff games are not compared to each other).

Data Source: The underlying data used to create these box scores was collected from Basketball Reference. In all cases, the data are collected the morning after the game is played. Although rare, postgame statistical revisions after data collection do occur and may affect the results after the fact.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Connecticut and UCLA are two of the biggest brands in college basketball, but have a sparse history against each other, meeting only once in the Elite Eight of the 1995 Men's NCAA Tournament.

That all changes at 8:45 p.m. ET on Sunday inside Xfinity Mobile Area, where a berth to the Sweet 16 will be on the line.

REQUIRED READING: How UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. terrorized Furman to avoid March Madness upset

It also features two of the more passionate, emotional, and fierce coaches in men’s college basketball with UConn's Dan Hurley and the Bruins’ Mick Cronin.

"It’s ridiculous. Everybody needs to get a life," Cronin said Saturday, March 21 when asked if he cares about how people perceive Hurley and himself. "You want to win big? Do you think Coach Hurley’s not supposed to be intense, but you want to win? We’re not coaching Little League." 

UCLA associate head coach Darren Savino knows about Hurley and Cronin’s passion better than most. Savino grew up "literally on the same block" as Hurley in Jersey City, New Jersey and played for Hurley’s father, Bobby Hurley Sr., at St. Anthony High School alongside Hurley’s older brother, Bobby Hurley Jr. He has been on Cronin’s staff at UCLA for seven years and has been coaching with Cronin for 18 seasons. 

"Two of the most competitive coaches that you’ll come across," Savino told USA TODAY Sports. "Both guys don’t like to lose."

While there are other college coaches who are as fiery and competitive as Hurley and Cronin, Savino said what sets these two apart is how consistently they maintain their competitive edge.

"It’s not just on game day or once in a while. They’re elite at bringing the competitive edge every single day and that’s why their teams play that way," Savino added. 

"Coach Hurley's intensity is through the roof every single day."@dhurley15 and @UConnMBB describe how their intense mentality is preached on the practice floor pic.twitter.com/97jIRPGEdi

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 14, 2025

REQUIRED READING: Top March Madness scorers: Who is leading scorer in 2026 NCAA Tournament?

Hurley and Cronin met three times in their careers, first in November 2016, as coaches at Rhode Island and Cincinnati, respectively. When Hurley moved to take over UConn in 2018-19, Cronin took a 2-1 lead in the all-time series, sweeping the regular-season series when both programs were in American Athletic Conference play.

Hurley recalled the culture of Cronin’s teams and “how hard they play” from those matchups.

"They (UCLA) play a lot differently than those teams played in Cincinnati, but the culture, the standards, how hard they play, the quality of shots they take, the discipline they play with. That never changes with a Mick Cronin team," Hurley said. 

They also share similar sources behind their coaching intensity: They are sons of high school coaches.

Hurley is the son of Bobby Hurley Sr., the legendary and Hall of Fame Jersey City basketball coach, while Cronin is the son of Harold Cronin, a Cincinnati high school coach. 

"I think it's a huge advantage growing up the way we grew up in the gym, which you don't realize until you go into coaching," Cronin said. "Everybody else has got to learn things that you learn through osmosis. ... Everybody doesn't have those dads."

REQUIRED READING: UCLA basketball's Skyy Clark all smiles after procedure repairs damaged tooth

Hurley and Cronin's styles have helped them to tremendous success, as Huskies and Bruins' coaches are two of the best in their profession. They have combined for 873 wins — including 33 in the NCAA Tournament — 24 NCAA Tournament appearances, three Final Four appearances and two national championships (both Hurley’s).

Sunday's coaching matchup nearly didn’t happen, either, with both programs facing legitimate upset threats in their first-round games against 15-seed Furman and 10-seed Central Florida, respectively. 

The Huskies saw their 11-point cut to four after with 5:49 to go, but a 12-4 run to end the game, fueled by Tarris Reed Jr., helped UConn pick up its 30th win of the season. Reed became the first player since Houston’ Elvin Hayes in 1968 to finish with at least 30 points and 25 rebounds in a March Madness game.

The Bruins, who saw guard Skyy Clark lose a tooth during the game, had to withstand a late push from the Knights, who cut the Bruins' lead to just three points with 10 seconds left in regulation.

So, get the popcorn ready: It’s not every year in March Madness, especially this early on, that you get a coaching matchup like this.

Follow all of Sunday's NCAA Tournament second round games with USA TODAY Sports' live updates.

Otega Oweh gave us the moment of the NCAA Tournament so far with his banked-in 3-pointer to force overtime against Santa Clara in the first round.

It saved Kentucky's season and Mark Pope from a likely avalanche of mean tweets.

What do the Wildcats do for an encore?

March Madness conference records: Big Ten leads at 11-2; How are SEC, Big 12 doing?

More: Kentucky's versatile defensive weapon has Iowa State's attention

No. 2 seed Iowa State absolutely demolished No. 15 seed Tennessee State in the first round, but it wasn't all good news for the Cyclones. All-American forward Joshua Jefferson went down with an ankle early injury and is listed as questionable to face the Wildcats.

Sunday's winner will advance to the Sweet 16 to meet the Virginia/Tennessee winner in Chicago next week.

Here's what you need to know about Sunday's second round game in St. Louis.

HIT REFRESH FOR UPDATES.

Kentucky vs Iowa State live score

What time is Kentucky vs Iowa State?

• Time: 2:45 p.m. ET, Sunday.

What channel is Kentucky vs Iowa State? How to watch, streaming info

• The game is airing on CBS, streaming via Paramount+.

Joshua Jefferson injury update: Will Iowa State star play today vs Kentucky?

Jefferson, a second-team All-American, suffered an ankle injury 2 1/2 minutes into the Friday's game and did not return. He is listed as questionable, though Cyclones coach T.J. Otzelberger didn't seem too optimistic.

"Right now, we're continuing to evaluate," Otzelberger said. "It appears unlikely, but you never want to rule anything out, so we'll just continue to do what we can in his best interest and we'll be prepared to go either way."

Asked what it would take for him to play Sunday, Jefferson said: "I need to feel like myself. …. What you guys have seen all season from me, being able to be versatile on the floor and make the moves I've been making all year."

Iowa State vs Kentucky prediction, odds

Odds provided by BetMGM, as of 9:30 a.m., Sunday.

∎ Eugene Rapay, Des Moines Register: Iowa State 79, Kentucky 73

Potentially being without Jefferson is tough, but if Heise and Killyan Toure can keep scoring as they did in the first round, that'll go a long way for the Cyclones. Iowa State has to stay true to its identity, with physicality and disruptive defense. Kentucky's size and athleticism may present problems, but the Cyclones have depth they can rely on. The margin for error shrinks without Jefferson, but the Cyclones will aim to survive and advance, and hope that he'll be in good shape for next week. 

∎Ryan Black, Courier-Journal: Iowa State 71, Kentucky 68 

With a healthy Joshua Jefferson, the Cyclones likely would be close to a double-digit favorite. But if he's hobbled, that hurts Iowa State. And if he's not able to play at all, that's even tougher. Yet it's not as if the Wildcats don't have injury issues of their own. Starting point guard Jaland Lowe has been out since January. And forward Jayden Quaintance would need a miracle to be cleared Sunday.

Kentucky used up more energy — physically (going to OT) and emotionally (barely keeping its season alive) — than Iowa State.

It'll be a bare-knuckled fight Sunday. But Iowa State will eke out a narrow victory to bring down the curtains on Kentucky's second season under Mark Pope.

• John Leuzzi: Iowa State
• Jordan Mendoza: Iowa State
• Ehsan Kassim: Kentucky
• Blake Schuster: Iowa State
• Moneyline: Iowa State (-220); Kentucky (+180)
• Spread: Iowa State (-5.5)
• Over/under total: 146.5

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kentucky vs Iowa State live score updates, highlights March Madness Round 2

BOSTON — The Celtics will be without Nikola Vucevic for the 8th consecutive game when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. Vucevic is expected to be re-evaluated in the next 1-2 weeks as he continues to recover.

Jaylen Brown is probable to play as he deals with a left quad contusion. The rest of the Celtics, including Jayson Tatum, are available for Sunday’s match-up.

The Wolves, meanwhile, will be without Anthony Edwards, who is out with right knee soreness. Perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate Naz Reid is questionable to play with a right ankle sprain.

How the Celtics, Timberwolves stack up

The Celtics have won four straight games and 7 of their past 10 games. They currently hold a 47-23 record, good for second-best in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics have the third-best net rating in the NBA at +8, the second-best offensive rating at 119.7, and the fourth-best defensive rating at 111.7.

The Timberwolves have been among the West’s playoff teams, and currently have the conference’s sixth-best record at 43-28. They have the league’s 10th-best net rating at +3.5, the 11th-best offensive rating at 116.2, and the 9th-best defensive rating at 112.7.

The Celtics and Timberwolves have faced off once this season, with the Wolves coming away with a 119-115 win on November 29th. Jaylen Brown tallied one of his best games of the season in the loss, finishing with 41 points, 7 assists, and 5 steals.

Celtics-Timberwolves will tip off at 8pm ET on Sunday at TD Garden.

Almost got it. The Brooklyn Nets gave the New York Knicks all they could handle, but ultimately fell short by one point, 93-92. The losing streak is up to six.

The opponent tonight is praying for some lottery luck. The Sacramento Kings have had a rough season but hope things turn around in the NBA Draft this April. They’ve been off since Thursday after losing to the Philadelphia 76ers 139-118.

Where to follow the game

YES Network on TV. Gotham Sports on streaming. WFAN on radio. Tip after 6 PM.

🤕 Injuries

The following are out:

• Michael Porter Jr
• Egor Demin
• Noah Clowney
• Day’ron Sharpe
• Nic Claxton

The following are out:

• Russell Westbrook
• Domantas Sabonis
• Keegan Murray
• Zach Lavine
• DeAndre Hunter
• Drew Eubanks

This the last game on Malachi Smith’s initial 10-day contract. Nets can simply let the contract expire, extend him another 10 days, essentially till season’s end ,

🏀 The game

This is the first meeting between the teams this season.

First night of a back-to-back for the Nets. They fly north to face the Portland Trailblazers tomorrow night.

I know what y’all want. I know what y’all need.

So we’ve got two teams that are racing to finish this season and get to the real season. Before we get there, we’re going to be subjected to some more ugly basketball to watch. For both of these trying to accomplish the big goal (a high draft pick) while also completing the small one (development of young players), it makes for a frustrating dynamic. Pooch wrote about it recently:

“The irony, of course, is that under the current system, math doesn’t even guarantee a miracle. Even if the Nets manage to secure one of the three worst records in the league, they are only rewarded with a 14% chance at the No. 1 pick. The league has created a system where teams are forced to torch their culture and disrespect their fans for a reward that is statistically unlikely to actually happen.“

Over at The Kings Herald, Akis Yerocostas is feeling the same way:

I knew the schedule was going to ease up for the Kings here but at this point in the season these wins are more annoying than anything else. It sucks that the league is structured in such a way that I can’t be happy when my team is winning, but I am finding very little joy in these recent victories, because in my mind, they’re just costing themselves opportunities for a higher draft pick. Yes, nothing is a guarantee, and yes no matter what the Kings will likely have an excellent shot at landing a top 4 pick. But winning makes those chances go down and the number one rule of being a Kings fan is basically to embrace the worst case possibility happening, which as of now would mean the Kings fall to the 8th pick.

It would be much better for the Kings to suck extremely hard for a short while than just be kinda bad for a long time like we just experienced during that recent playoff drought. I don’t blame the players for trying their hardest, and some guys are really balling out right now (shout out Precious Achiuwa). But I just can’t find myself enjoying these wins (although I do crack a small smile at the young guys putting on sun glasses and styling themselves as the Beam Boys). Hopefully the ping pong balls bless us and we can turn this around sooner rather than later so we don’t have to go through this for too long.

We’ll be spinning our wheels until the Draft Lottery.

But until then, we hold on to the small, yet meaningful moments. Over to you, Josh Minott:

Yeah, keep him around next year.

Nolan Traore will look to cut down on the turnovers. He’s coughed it up ten times in the past two games, and for a Nets team that is shorthanded and missing out on scorers, they have to take better care of the ball. If they don’t, it makes winning even more difficult.

👀 Player to watch: Maxime Raynaud

Maxime Raynuad has been a revelation. Since entering the starting lineup on February 6, the French rookie is averaging close to 17 points and nine rebounds on 59.7 percent shooting from the field. March is all for finding who your future prospects will be, and maybe Sacramento has something here with Raynaud.

Danny Wolf will get another start and another opportunity to make the most of his minutes. He’ll have all the opportunity in the world tonight and with Brooklyn even more shorthanded in the frontcourt, Jordi Fernandez will count on him a little bit more.

📺 From the Vault

Salute to the legendary Howie Rose

More reading: The Kings Herald,  SB Nation NBA, New York Post, New York Daily News, Clutch Points, Nets Wire, Steve’s Newsletter

• Brooklyn Nets Game Notes – Brooklyn Nets
• Sacramento Kings Game Notes – Sacramento Kings
• Brooklyn takes on Sacramento on 6-game slide – AP

MIDRAND, South Africa (AP) — Bryson DeChambeau won for the second straight week by saving par on the final hole for a 6-under 65 and blistering a 3-wood from a wet lie in the rough on the par-5 18th in a playoff to set up birdie and defeat Jon Rahm at LIV Golf South Africa on Sunday.

DeChambeau's final start before the Masters brought out some of his best work in winning his fifth overall LIV title. He won last week in Singapore.

The large gallery began singing the national anthem as DeChambeau was just off the 18th green, needing to get up-and-down to force a playoff with Rahm (63), and to give his Crushers the team title over the South African-based Southern Guard.

He did that to finish at 26-under 258 and join Rahm in the playoff.

Returning to the par-5 18th, DeChambeau pulled his drive into the mud and muck left of the fairway on the rain-soaked course. He was given free relief and eventually allowed to place the golf ball. Keeping his feet stable, he ripped 3-wood onto the green to 12 feet.

Rahm from the fairway went into a bunker, blasted out to just beyond 12 feet and misread his birdie putt. That gave DeChambeau two putts for the win, and he left the eagle putt inches short.

DeChambeau is the third player with at least five LIV wins, joining Joaquin Niemann (seven) and Brooks Koepka (five), who is now back on the PGA Tour.

___

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

Jose Alvarado has made himself a fixture in the Knicks rotation in a short amount of time. Thanks to quality defense and good decision-making, Alvarado has already helped New York’s title hopes after he was acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans ahead of the trade deadline.

In 19 games with the Knicks, Alvarado has already proven to be an impact player down the stretch of the season. The cost to acquire the Brooklyn-born guard was minimal. The Knicks only had to send two second-round picks and Dalen Terry to the New Orleans Pelicans to acquire Alvarado.

Listed at just 6-foot, Alvarado has been an essential part of the Knicks’ defense, providing energy and effort. In 319 minutes with the soon-to-be 28-year-old guard on the floor, the Knicks are giving up just 102.8 points per 100 possessions, per NBA Stats, a number that would rank first in the Association.

Alvarado has been effective for the Knicks as a point-of-attack defender and has also excelled as a help defender. But where he makes a significant impact is his ability to be a defensive playmaker. Alvarado is averaging 2.4 steals per 36 minutes.

The stat fits perfectly with Alvarado’s “Grand Theft Alvarado” moniker. His ability to force turnovers has an effect on the offensive end, as it creates transition opportunities and easier looks for a Knicks team that can, at times, be methodical and stuck in the half court.

Most nights, Alvarado is facing a height disadvantage, but he’s been able to hold up mainly because of his smarts on the defensive end. It has allowed Knicks coach Mike Brown to trot out units with Alvarado and Jalen Brunson on the floor together. In 104 minutes together, the Brunson and Alvarado pairing has outscored opponents by 13.5 points per 100 possessions.

It’s a small sample size and not every opponent will make sense for the combination. But it gives the Knicks additional lineup options.

Scoring drought

Alvarado has gotten off to a slow offensive start with the Knicks, averaging 5.9 points in 16.8 minutes. The diminutive guard has struggled from deep, shooting a ghastly 29.2 percent from three on 65 attempts. Outside of a few electric nights, like a 26-point, eight-three-pointer night against the Philadelphia 76ers in February, Alvarado has been quiet.

Before scoring 16 points and hitting four three-pointers in a 136-110 win against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night, Alvarado went nine consecutive games without nailing a three.

Alvarado has never been a great shooter, but he’s been able to knock down shots at a passable efficiency. He shot 34.8 percent from downtown in his first four seasons. The point guard should probably rebound from his slow shooting start before the end of the season.

Alvarado is thriving as a caretaker of the ball. He has a 4.3 assist-to-turnover ratio. The guard has also formed some chemistry with Karl-Anthony Towns. The Knicks All-Star center is who Alvarado has passed the ball the most to so far. In 200 minutes on the floor together, Towns is averaging 39.9 points per 100 possessions, according to PBP Stats. When Alvarado is on the bench, that number falls to 30.8 points per 100 possessions.

With the potential return of Miles McBride either during the end of the regular season or during the playoffs, Alvarado isn’t guaranteed substantial postseason minutes. Both he and McBride could potentially play together in specific spots depending on the matchup.

With his defensive impact, ability to set his teammates up and constant energy, Alvarado could swing a playoff game or two for the Knicks. The guard is just what the Knicks needed for this playoff run.

The Toronto Raptors continue their travels to Arizona, where they will go toe-to-toe tonight with the Phoenix Suns. These teams meet twice a year, with the first contest going in Toronto’s favour. 

So far on this road-trip, the Raptors are 1-1. They beat Chicago effortlessly and followed that up with a close but frustrating loss to Denver. Now, they face the Phoenix Suns who are sitting 7th in the West, four games outside of guaranteed playoff contention. Toronto maintains only a one-game advantage on the Hawks who have won nine of their last ten games. 

Phoenix is currently on a five-game losing streak, with the first in that slide being handed to them by Toronto last Friday. The next three were all top-10 teams, making them understandable, but then last night they dropped one to the Bucks who are 29-41 this season. It’s safe to say that the Suns will be looking to end this slump.

Devin Booker and Jalen Green have been Phoenix’s biggest offensive players. Booker is averaging almost 26-4-6 and Green has almost 18-4-3. The tandem each had 30 points the last time they took on Toronto, so it would be unsurprising if they are called on again to have big scoring nights, especially while they remained shorthanded. Dillon Brooks continues to recover from hand surgery, Mark Williams with a stress reaction in his foot, and Grayson Allen with a knee injury. 

The depleted lineup should play in the Raptors’ favour, as well as their rest advantage. Pace and transition play, both big aspects of Toronto’s game can be factors tonight. With only CMB wavering on availability, their full-strength roster and fresh bodies should be able to outpace the Suns. 

To improve on their last contest with the Suns, they should look to slow Booker and Green and force others to score.

Their ability to close will be more important than anything else. Against Denver, like many games this season, they could get buckets to stay within striking distance in the last couple minutes, but a few poor decisions or selfish plays cost them the game. No amount of frustration with the whistle or missed calls should suggest driving into three defenders in the paint and forcing a shot is a good idea, or that it would yield points. And yet, all too often plays like that become the undoing of Toronto in the final seconds of games. 

With only a dozen games left after this one, the Raptors need to decide how they’re going to handle close games before the postseason starts. What better time to start than now?

Probable Starters

Toronto: Jakob Poeltl, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley

Phoenix: Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Collin Gillespie, Oso Ighodaro, Royce O’Neale

Injury Report

Toronto: Chucky Hepburn (Out: G-League), A.J. Lawson (Out: G-League), Alijah Martin (Out: G-League), Collin Murray-Boyles (Questionable: Thumb sprain)

Phoenix: Grayson Allen (Out: Knee), Dillon Brooks (Out: Surgery recovery), Mark Williams (Out: Foot)

Where to Watch

Tune into Sportsnet at 9pm ET!

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The Boston Celtics will look to extend their four-game win streak when they host the shorthanded Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at TD Garden.

Anthony Edwards is out, and my Timberwolves vs. Celtics predictions expect Ayo Dosunmu to fill his shoes admirably and keep things close on the road.

Here are my free NBA picks for this prime-time matchup on Sunday, March 22.

Timberwolves vs Celtics prediction

Timberwolves vs Celtics best bet: Ayo Dosunmu Over 26.5 points+rebounds+assists (-112)

Ayo Dosunmu has stepped up in a big way since Anthony Edwards went down, but he was starting to find his groove with Ant-Man on the court.

Across his last five, Dosunmu has averaged 29.6 PRA, hitting the Over on this line three times and finishing with 26 once more.

Over his last three as a starter, Dosunmu ranks second in points, rebounds, and assists, first in shot attempts, third in usage, and third in minutes.

The Minnesota Timberwolves' offense has been humming, and I expect Dosunmu to stay involved as a scorer, rebounder, and facilitator.

Timberwolves vs Celtics same-game parlay

The Timberwolves have covered the spread in 8 of 13 games without Edwards this season, including two of the last three.

The Boston Celtics have been average ATS at TD Garden, going 17-17 at home and 14-15 as the home favorite.

Minnesota’s offensive rating has climbed from 116.2 to 119.2 across its last three games. In that span, the team ranks third in points at a whopping 122.3.

Boston ranks 10th across the last three games at 119. Both defenses are elite, but offense has been the name of the game for both squads recently.

Timberwolves vs Celtics SGP

• Ayo Dosunmu Over 26.5 points+rebounds+assists
• Timberwolves +10
• Over 220

Our "from downtown" SGP: Wolf pack

Julius Randle has averaged 25.8 points across 13 games without Anthony Edwards. Randle has scored 21+ in 10 of those 13, including two of his last three.  

Bones Hyland has scored 12+ in seven of his last eight games and four straight. He's averaged 19 points over the last three games with Edwards on the sideline.

In 12 games played without Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert has averaged a healthy 13.8 rebounds, going for 12+ in 10 straight with Ant-Man out of action. 

Ayo Dosunmu posted a 17/10/8 line in his last game out and went for 23/9/6 in the game prior. His odds to record a double-double are +1000, bringing this parlay to +4500.

For bettors looking for a little less risk, adding his o26.5 PRA line instead of the double-double brings this parlay to +1000.

Timberwolves vs Celtics SGP

• Julius Randle Over 20.5 points
• Bones Hyland Over 11.5 points
• Rudy Gobert Over 11.5 rebounds
• Ayo Dosunmu double-double

Timberwolves vs Celtics odds

• Spread: Timberwolves +10 | Celtics -10
• Moneyline: Timberwolves +325 | Celtics -425
• Over/Under: Over 220 | Under 220

Timberwolves vs Celtics betting trend to know

The Minnesota Timberwolves have hit the game total Over in 16 of their last 24 away games (+7.20 Units / 27% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Celtics.

How to watch Timberwolves vs Celtics

Timberwolves vs Celtics latest injuries

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