STRASBOURG, France (AP) — Strasbourg advanced to the semifinals of the French Cup with a 2-1 win over Reims on Tuesday.
In an eventful finish at Stade de la Meinau, Strasbourg converted two penalties in the space of four minutes and then conceded in stoppage time as Reims fought back.
Joaquin Panichelli's spot kick broke the deadlock in the 83rd and when David Datro Fofana was brought down in the box moments later, Strasbourg was awarded a second penalty.
Panichelli had already gone off, so Julio Enciso converted from the spot to double the home team's lead.
Abdoul Ouattara was close to making it 3-0 when he hit the bar in added time, but it was Reims that got the next goal — from Patrick Zabi in the 94th.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 04: Sam Merrill #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers rebounds a shot during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Rocket Arena on January 04, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to avenge their loss on Friday to the Detroit Pistons. Fortunately for them, they’ll have the services of James Harden this time around.
I’ll be in the comments throughout the game sharing my thoughts. Feel free to join in on the conversation and let your voice be heard in the comments below.
By now, we’re all begrudgingly used to Topps’ takeover of the NBA license. The flagship series wasn’t priced terribly, and Chrome made its triumphant return—at $50/blaster. What a country.
But for all the skepticism behind our new sports card overlords, there’s one major benefit fans can’t ignore: the Topps buyback program.
Whether you’re new to the hobby or a hardwood veteran, here’s the deal: Topps offers cold hard cash (in the form of store credit) for 2025-26 Topps Chrome cards of the player who wins the MVP. The payout rates are locked in:
Base Cards: $20
Refractors: $40
Numbered >/100: $100
Numbered </100: $200
Not bad, right? The only question left is: Who is actually winning the Michael Jordan Trophy?
The Usual Suspects
The international big three—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, and Victor Wembanyama—are the obvious heavy hitters.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC): The reigning MVP has the Thunder sitting pretty at first in the West with a 47-15 record. He’s averaging a cool 31.8 points per game and remains the safe money favorite at -275.
Nikola Jokić (DEN): The three-time MVP is currently averaging a triple-double (28.8 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 10.5 APG), but the Nuggets have slid to fifth in the West.
Victor Wembanyama (SAS): The alien has landed. At just 22, he leads the league with nearly 4 blocks per game and has dragged the Spurs to the second seed in the West.
Think one of these three will win the Michael Jordan MVP Trophy this spring? Here’s the profit you stand to make if you head to eBay to buy up singles today:
Enough about the favorites. We’re here to talk about the guard who could become the first American-born player to win the award since James Harden in 2018: Cade Cunningham.
Context is king. Two seasons ago, the Pistons won just 14 games. Before Cade was drafted in 2021, Detroit hadn’t cracked 40 wins since the Obama administration. Today? The Motor City sits atop the Eastern Conference at 45-14, easily qualifying for Phil Jackson’s famous “40-20 rule” (winning 40 games before losing 20), a hallmark of true title contenders.
Introduced recently, players must appear in at least 65 games (playing 20+ minutes) to be eligible for MVP.
Nikola Jokić is currently just 2 missed games away from disqualification.
Victor Wembanyama is only 4 missed games away.
Shai Gilgeous Alexander is only 7 missed games away.
Cade Cunningham, meanwhile, has been an ironman, missing just six games all season.
That doesn’t make Cade’s MVP chances a safe bet by any means, but it’s certainly a kicker fans—and collectors—should be aware of when making Topps Chrome buyback decisions. If Shai, Jokić or Wemby tweak an ankle down the stretch, the MVP race is blown wide open.
For those that love an underdog, the chance to scoop up Cade’s Chrome cards for less than if/when he keeps the MotorCade humming to his first-ever MVP win is certainly appealing. For example, right now Cade’s Topps Chrome cards are sitting at the following prices:
The regular season isn’t over yet, and it’s going to be a race to the finish in what is shaping up to be the most unpredictable playoff stretch in years. While the NBA’s stars duke it out on the court, it’s time for you to begin collecting the league’s next MVP.
Want more tips and tricks on how to scoop up NBA cards? Head over to Mantel to learn how to start buying rookies, strategically round up key cards, and create a collection your friends—and the Internet—will be jealous of.
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 23: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates during the game against the Detroit Pistons on February 23, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Victor Wembanyama has been named Western Conference Player of the Month and Defensive Player of the Month for February, the league announced. It’s Wembanyama’s first time getting Player of the Month honors in his career. It’s the second time in a row he’s gotten the Defensive Player of the Month, and he’s the only player to repeat this season.
The Spurs had a perfect February, winning all 11 games they played, and Wembanyama’s performance played a major part in their success. The big man averaged 22.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.4 steals, and a league-leading 3.5 blocks during the stretch. San Antonio, which had the best net rating for the month, was almost 27 points better with him on the floor than off. He had some ups and downs on offense despite posting good numbers during the month, but his defense remained game-changing.
It’s Wembanyama’s first time winning Western Conference Player of the Month in his career. The selection shows he’s in the MVP conversation, as he’s now received the same distinction as past 2025/26 winners Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic. He’s the first Spur to get the honor since Tony Parker in January of 2013.
It’s the second time in a row Wembanyama has been named Western Conference Player of the Month after getting the distinction in January. He’s the only player to get the nod twice this year in either conference, which cements his status as the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, provided he can play the minimum 65 games to be eligible. He can only miss three games the rest of the way before he is disqualified from awards.
Cade Cunningham was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month in February, as he led his Pistons to a 9-2 record and the second-best net rating in the league.
Former Spur Derrick White won Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month in February, with his Celtics posting the best defensive rating in the league for the month.
Victor Wembanyama is averaging 23.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, a steal, and a league-leading 2.9 blocks per game this season.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 01: Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) sits back court during the Sacramento Kings vs Los Angeles Lakers game on March 01, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Last season, the third, fourth and fifth seeds in the Western Conference all had the same record, and the difference between second and seventh was just four games.
This year, things appear just as tight in the West, and the Lakers are once again part of the logjam.
Currently, LA is the six seed and two games behind the No. 3 seed Rockets. But they are also just two games away from falling into the play-in.
With 22 games left this season, things can go either way. For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we are asking, where do you think the Lakers finish in the West?
If they win these head-to-head games, they’ll earn the tiebreakers over Houston and Denver. They have already won the season series over Minnesota. Considering how close things are, that could be the difference in having homecourt advantage or even potentially being in the play-in.
Besides the matchups against the Rockets, Nuggets and Wolves, LA still has two games against the Thunder and faces some tough upcoming contests against Eastern Conference opponents, including the Pistons, Cavs, Magic and Knicks.
So, which team are the Lakers? Are they the ones that are finally healthy, figuring out their lineups and ready to go on a run? Or are they a team that’s not great on offense, bad at defense and will still lose to the NBA’s best when push comes to shove?
Share your opinion by voting and letting us know down below!
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 1, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
For the first time in his career, Derrick White has been awarded Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month. The NBA announced that White was selected as the East’s best defensive player for February, while San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembenyama was selected in the West.
White’s case for the selection was rock solid; the Celtics had the NBA’s best defensive rating in February at 105.5, and White led all NBA guards in 75 total contested shots. He also averaged 1.7 blocks per game, good for the third-most among any Eastern Conference player.
And the Celtics’ defense was elite; Boston limited its opponents to a league-low 36.7 field goals per game on a league-low 42.4 percent shooting from the field in February while also ranking second in the NBA in rebounds per game (50.0), second in opponent fast-break points per game (10.9), and third in opponent second-chance points per game (12.5).
White’s defense has increasingly been recognized in recent years; he was named to the All-Defense Second Team each of the past two seasons, and appears to be well on his way to another selection as the Celtics’ defense continues to dramatically improve.
On the season, the Celtics now have the fourth-best defense in the league (111.6 defensive rating), trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs. (That’s particularly remarkable when you realize that the Celtics had the 19th-best defense back in November).
And, White has largely anchored that defense, averaging 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals per game, both career-highs.
Everyone has taken notice of Derrick White’s defensive impact
Coaches around the NBA have long been gushing about White’s defensive abilities. Last year, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, who was also a member of the USA Olympic basketball staff, described White’s shot-blocking as one-of-a-kind.
“Derrick is uncanny. He did it all summer long [in the Olympics],” Spoelstra said, hailing White as the best shot-blocking guard in the NBA. “He just has a knack for the timely blocks.”
Last month, Jaylen Brown praised White for his defensive performance this season, noting he believed White should have been named an All-Star (he’s also averaging 17.1 points and 5.8 assists per game).
“I think Derrick White has been playing at an All-Star level l, because he plays both sides of the ball,” Brown said. “And that’s no disrespect to some of those other guys that are maybe in All-Star contention — but it’s a clear difference.”
Neemias Queta — also one of the Celtics’ most important defenders — praised White’s versatility.
“I feel like it’s his savviness, just the ability to go out there and just figure out how to make plays no matter what positioning or whoever he’s guarding,” said Queta. “I feel like he’s always got a good chance of getting a stop no matter who he’s guarding, or even off the ball too… he’s a Swiss army knife, and [he] can do a little bit of everything on both sides of the floor.”
Brown also brought up another award he felt White should be eligible for: Defensive Player of the Year.
“I think Derrick is a First Team All-Defense type of ballot, or maybe even Defensive Player of the Year,” he said.
As the Celtics’ team defensive numbers continue to improve, White’s potential candidacy for Defensive Player of the Year has grown stronger, though it’s very unusual for a guard to win the award.
According to Cleaning The Glass, the Celtics’ defense is nearly 12 points better with White on the floor; only four-time DPOY Rudy Gobert is more impactful than White in that regard.
Via Cleaning The Glass, only Rudy Gobert has a bigger defensive impact that Derrick White.
For now, though, he’ll have to settle for a Defensive Player of the Month award — the Celtics’ first such selection since the award was created last year.
Every NBA player has a role. That’s not to say that every NBA player has the right role.
I worked at a law firm for five years. For the first year, I worked in the file room. I did well there because it would definitely be possible to train a primate to do the job.
Eventually, I was promoted to a desk job. I struggled mightily. It was far more complex. My manager hated me.
In time, it became clear that my biggest strength was talking to the clients. I became, in a sense, the face of the company. I was responsible for client intake – I was the first person you met. Perhaps the least competent, but people seem to trust me. I was also responsible for calling clients to give them bad news.
The point? I found my role. I went from a simple role to a role I couldn’t handle, into an ideal role.
Amen Thompson needs the same transformation with the Houston Rockets.
Rockets overburden young wing
In 2024-25, Thompson had a 17.5% Usage Rate. This year, he’s up to 20.2%.
He has a 22.0% frequency as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, up from 15.8%. If you follow this team, you know what’s going on. Thompson was a wing last year, and this year, he’s the starting point guard.
That’s not all. It’s more difficult to quantify a defensive role change, but Thompson’s responsibilities have been qualitatively different in 2025-26. He is frequently tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best offensive player. Last season, that was typically Dillon Brooks’ job.
It’s all resulted in a puzzling season for Thompson. His basic counting stats are up across the board, but his Box Plus/Minus (BPM) has slipped from 4.1 to 1.8. For reference, that’s the difference between ranking between (coincidentally) Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant this year, compared to his real place tied with Santi Almada and Nic Claxton.
Now, it has potentially resulted in an injury.
Rockets may be without Thompson for a spell
Granted, the severity of his injury as of this writing is unknown.
More broadly, this could be a false correlation. Players get injured regardless of their workload. Yet, it’s hard to shake the feeling that Thompson is biting off more than he can chew.
His 36.9 minutes per game rank second in the league behind Tyrese Maxey. Thompson is being asked to do more than he’s ever done and play more in the process.
Last year, he earned his first (of many) All-Defense selections. He joined Dyson Daniels, Luguentz Dort, Draymond Green, and Evan Mobley. Where do Thompson’s All-Defense peers land in usage this year?
2024-25 All-Defensive Usage Rates in 2025-26
Evan Mobley (22.1%)
Amen Thompson (20.2%)
Draymond Green (16.9%)
Dyson Daniels (16.0%)
Luguentz Dort (14.1%(
So, Thompson is behind Mobley. Yet, in all likelihood, he isn’t really behind Mobley.
Thompson gets 73.4 touches per game to Mobley’s 66.5. Mobley does sometimes create for Cleveland, but he’s more of a play finisher, which factors into Basketball Reference’s measure of Usage. Simply put, Thompson is the only All-Defensive selection from 2024-25 operating as a primary ball-handler in 2025-26.
Given that the second All-Defensive squad was comprised of Toumani Camara, Rudy Gobert, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jalen Williams, and Ivica Zubac, Thompson likely is the most or second-most (Williams) used offensive player between each squad. If Ime Udoka wants Thompson to continue making All-Defensive First Team appearances, he may need to lighten Thompson’s offensive load.
There seems to be a false dichotomy when we talk about “on” vs. “off” ball NBA players. To suggest that Houston should move Thompson to an “off-ball role” is an oversimplification. It would be more accurate to say that the Rockets should simply reduce his time on-ball:
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 9: Ryan Rollins #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Kevin Porter Jr. #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks talk during the game against the Orlando Magic on February 9, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A sneaky part of the Bucks’ now-dead hot streak that Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins seemingly clicked better together than earlier in the season. During Giannis’ last injury layoff in December, Doc Rivers talked about how he preferred to split the two up: “I like [Rollins] and Scoot together when Giannis plays. But when Giannis doesn’t play, I don’t like him and Scoot together. We need that separation.” During Milwaukee’s eight-wins-in-10-game stretch, they were +4.8 in net with that duo on the floor. Prior to then, they were +3.3. Here’s what Doc said about them on Sunday:
“In the games we play well, that means they play well together, that the ball was moving, they were getting downhill, making plays. In the games we struggle, that means the ball was usually stuck in those two guys’ hands. You don’t have that problem as much with Giannis, obviously.“
Doc also thought that Rollins’ improvement as a facilitator and a playmaker over the last month was a big reason for the combo’s newfound success. Well, sure enough, Rollins was the one benched last night as the Bucks moved away from the three-guard starting lineup. To be fair, Rollins has had a rough go of it over the last few games, particularly with regard to turnovers, averaging 4.0 per game since February 1st.
In this week’s Tuesday Tracker, we want your opinion on the starting backcourt and small forward spot now that Giannis is back. Let’s also see how much your projected playoff seeding for Milwaukee has changed over the past couple weeks.
As always, this poll will be open until midnight Central on Friday, and we’ll post the results later that day. Thanks for voting!
Feb 23, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) dribbles in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The NBA has named Spurs guard Dylan Harper the Western Conference Rookie of Month for the month of February. The Spurs went undefeated with an 11-0 record for the month, with Harper appearing in 10 of those games (he missed their win against the Thunder) while averaging 12.5 points , 4.9 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 25.1 MPG while shooting 55.4% from the field.
He is joined by the Charlotte Hornets’ Kon Knueppel in the East, who has won the honor each month so far. This is the first time Harper has won the award. It has usually been Cooper Flagg in the West, who still received votes, but he only appeared in four games for the Mavericks in February due to an ongoing foot injury. Others who received votes in the West include the Jazz’s Ace Bailey, Grizzlies’ Javon Small and the Kings’ Maxime Raynaud.
As the second overall pick from the 2025 NBA Draft, Harper has fit right in as the Spurs’ backup point guard despite concerns about his fit with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. He’s a feisty defender and quick and smooth operator with the ball, often finding driving lanes and converting some amazing finishes around the rim.
Your Western Conference @Kia Rookie of the Month for February…
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 2: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets dunks the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 2, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With Houston playing good ball out of the All-Star break this a reminder that yes, you are still allowed to be mad at the Jared McCain trade.
The Rockets seem to have gotten their act together since this blog started tracking their progress and the 2026 first-round pick they owe to the Sixers. They went 3-1 over their last week of action, dropping only a matinee game in Miami to the Heat.
That’s kept their pick at 25th overall, just where it was a week ago. Houston’s schedule remains fairly easy, at least in the short term. They’ll host a banged up Golden State Warriors team this week as well as the Portland Trail Blazers before heading to San Antonio to take on the Spurs.
Anyone rooting for losses can at least take solace in the fact that those two home games are a back-to-back, and that Spurs matchup projects to be quite a battle.
Last week the tracker briefly touched on some of the draft prospects that have been mocked in that range, and this week’s will serve as somewhat as a channel guide to watch some of these guys with the college regular season winding down.
Amari Allen from Alabama remains Tankathon’s mock pick for the Sixers here. The Crimson Tide’s last two regular season games are March 3 against Georgia at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPNNEWS and Auburn at 8:30 on March 7 on ESPN.
Joshua Jefferson and Iowa State have only one remaining regular season game, that will also be March 7 at 2 p.m. ET against Arizona State.
It doesn’t feel likely that Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg would fall to them in this range, but their center Aday Mara has been mocked closer to where the Sixers might be picking. The Wolverines last two games are on March 5 at 8 p.m. ET against Iowa and on March 7 at 4:30 p.m. ET. You can catch that one on CBS.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers is guarded by Nate Williams #19 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Chase Center on March 02, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It hasn’t been an easy stretch for the Golden State Warriors. With injuries piling up to their biggest names, wins have been hard to come by. But if there’s been one clear positive, it’s been watching the rest of the roster embrace the opportunity in front of them.
With Jimmy Butler out for the season and both Steph Curry and Kristaps Porzingis sidelined in recent games, Golden State has had no choice but to lean on its depth. Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, and even rookie Will Richard have gone from rotation pieces to key contributors during this stretch.
On Monday night, in the Warriors’ 114-101 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, another name stepped into that spotlight. Two-way wing Nate Williams delivered a strong all-around performance, finishing with 18 points on 5-of-8 shooting, along with two rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 22 minutes on the floor.
Williams didn’t just produce offensively — he also embraced one of the toughest defensive assignments in the league, spending key possessions guarding Clippers small forward Kawhi Leonard. After the game, Williams made it clear he wasn’t intimidated by the matchup.
“[Kawhi Leonard] is a great player, but he bleeds just like I bleed,” Williams said. “I don’t fear no challenge.”
That mindset translated. He held his ground against a former two-time Finals MVP, and for a 27-year-old undrafted wing still trying to carve out a consistent role in the NBA, those are the kinds of minutes that matter.
Head coach Steve Kerr praised Williams’ energy and competitiveness afterward, reinforcing that that’s what it will take for the Warriors to survive this difficult stretch of games.
Kerr credited the second-half defense of the Clippers — who slowed the pace after a brisker first half — and highlighted the play of Nate Williams.
“It’s fun watching him. Young player. Live body. Can make a shot. … Nate is a very impressive player.”
It capped what had been a hectic last four days for Williams, who, according to Kerr, also recently became a father.
He played 36 minutes Friday in Santa Cruz and scored 26 points for the Warriors’ G League team against San Diego.
Then he made the commute up the coast and the most of his 15 minutes against the Lakers on Saturday, scoring seven points and dishing out two assists.
Williams turned around just 18 hours later and put in 10 points in 10 minutes on Sunday afternoon, facing the G League Clippers again at Chase Center as part of the SeaDubs’ yearly showcase in San Francisco.
Finally, he played 18 more minutes in Monday’s loss as one of the few bright spots for Golden State.
“He’s still one of the great defenders in the league,” Kerr said of Green. “And he set the tone in that first half, and we were able to sustain the lead for much of the third. But they went on a run late in the third quarter, and cut it to two going into the fourth. They had a lot of momentum.
“But we had to get him out. He can’t play the whole game. And he played 31 minutes, which is a lot for him at this stage. But that was the key stretch.”
Green, who turns 36 on Wednesday, averages 26.6 minutes per game and has topped 31 in only 11 of the 50 games in which he has played this season. No doubt he was stretched.
Uncertain whether Kristaps Porzingis will join road trip. He was in the facility today. Out again with general illness.
Steve Kerr: “It’s a little mysterious. We’re working with him hoping he can get some clarity and breakthrough and get to a point he’s consistently healthy.” pic.twitter.com/7SBFwj904Z
Antetokounmpo racked up 19 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists in the defeat.
“I’m just happy that I’m on the court,” he said after Monday’s game. “It doesn’t matter if I play 18 minutes, 20 minutes, 22, whatever, I’m just happy that I’m out there. Obviously did not play well tonight, but at the end of the day, I’m just happy that I’m out there being able to help my teammates in any way that I can and just do what I love, which is play basketball.”
Well hello there, Nate Williams! After making his Warriors debut on Saturday, Williams played a critical role on Monday, and was one of the team’s best players, despite it being just the 49th game of his career. He was Golden State’s best shooter, and most aggressive offensive option. I certainly did not see that coming, but it was awesome.
Grade: A+
Follow@unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are using a softer stretch of schedule to build momentum in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles has won two in a row and hosts the New Orleans Pelicans for an extended stay in La-La Land on Tuesday.
James’ offensive outputs have been tempered since the All-Star break, with Los Angeles running into some stronger defensive foes before two blowout wins.
New Orleans is way down the NBA’s defensive metrics, so my Pelicans vs. Lakers predictions and NBA picks call for a return to form for “King James”, most notably when it comes to his playmaking.
Pelicans vs Lakers prediction
Pelicans vs Lakers best bet: LeBron James Over 5.5 assists (-150)
This prop bounces between 5.5 and 6.5 assists from LeBron James. And while the lower end of that number carries a hefty -150 ask, projections for the Los Angeles Lakers’ veteran are too good to ignore.
James has dished out six or more dimes just twice in the six post-break outings, with his potential assists slipping from 12.0 pre-break to 8.7 in this current span. That said, the New Orleans Pelicans' defense is dreadful and allows an average of 28 assists.
LeBron’s forecasts range from 6.2 to 7.5 assists, and he handed out eight the last time he faced NOLA.
Pelicans vs Lakers same-game parlay
The Lakers are actually healthy for once and have a chance to build momentum with a third straight victory. The Pelicans are playing their fourth straight road game and third game in four days.
James’ potential assists took a hit against some tougher defenses post-break (Boston, Orlando, Phoenix), but NOLA is among the worst defensive clubs, and LeBron is pegged for more than seven dimes tonight.
Rui Hachimura is at his best when the L.A. stars are on the floor and drawing extra attention from the defense. He’s forecast for as many as 12 points tonight.
Pelicans vs Lakers SGP
Lakers moneyline
James Over 5.5 assists
Hachimura Over 8.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: The James gang
LeBron went for eight rebounds and eight assists in his last run-in with the Pelicans, and game projections call for “King James” to top those props while powering L.A. to a win and cover in a low-scoring finish (237 points).
Pelicans vs Lakers SGP
Lakers -8.5
Under 242.5
James Over 5.5 assists
James Over 5.5 rebounds
Pelicans vs Lakers odds
Spread: Pelicans +8.5 | Lakers -8.5
Moneyline: Pelicans +280 | Lakers -360
Over/Under: Over 242.5 | Under 242.5
Pelicans vs Lakers betting trend to know
The L.A. Lakers are 10-1 SU and 8-3 ATS versus the New Orleans Pelicans over the last three seasons. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Lakers.
How to watch Pelicans vs Lakers
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Tip-off
10:30 p.m. ET
TV
GCSEN, Spectrum SportsNet
Pelicans vs Lakers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 26: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 26, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A brief stop at home before getting back on the road. The Brooklyn Nets came home for an afternoon matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon. The Nets put up a heck of a fight, but ultimately fell short. The losing streak is at eight.
The opponent tonight is in the all too comfortable position of the play-in tournament. The Miami Heat are firmly in the middle of the pack and hope that they do enough to get back to the postseason and go on a miracle run. They helped their cause with an impressive home win against the Houston Rockets on Saturday afternoon.
Where to follow the game
YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Gotham Sports on streaming. Tip after 7:30 PM.
🤕 Injuries
Egor Demin is out. The three two-ways are still with Long Island and both Ben Saraf and Grant Nelson remain with the big club.
Norm Powell is out. Andrew Wiggins is probable. Terry Rozier… yeah he’s got a whole bigger problem to worry about.
These teams do it again on Thursday to wrap up the season. Bam does a touch of everything well on the court and that versatility allows him to fill a variety of roles for Erik Spoelstra’s club. With Nic Claxton back in action, the Nets frontcourt will get some reinforcements to contest the former All Star and Gold Medalist.
This sentiment from Bam after a Heat loss to the Utah Jazz certainly applies to the next two games:
“We’ve got to find a way to win even against teams trying to lose.”
Not that Jordi Fernandez is trying lose, but… you know.
With Demin out for the time being, Nolan Traore gets even more minutes to get comfortable. He’ll get the lion’s share of the minutes at point with Ben Saraf serving as the backup. Nolan has done well in his time as a starter while Ben is struggling off the bench.
The key to any great defense is to defend without fouling, and the Heat are one of the best in the league at it. Miami has the third lowest opponent’s free throw rate and is fourth in defensive efficiency. You can always survive with a good defense, so that gives the Heat a leg up as they try to escape the play-in vortex.
👀 Player to watch: Tyler Herro
The Heat must see something in Herro that I don’t. This is year seven for the Heat two guard and he’s… ok? Like he’s not actively bad or anything like that, but I doubt he can be the lead perimeter scorer on a team that has serious playoff aspirations. Either way, he’ll be out there tonight and looking to poke holes in the Nets defense. Brooklyn has the worst 3-point defense in the league while Herro has been a good three point shooter throughout his career. It’s a recipe for a big night if things break in Herro’s favor.
Terrance Mann figures to start once again as Demin is out with injury. Brooklyn will count on him for some playmaking, but mostly, his job will be to chase Herro around the court and limit any easy opportunities for him. A two game set is a great chance for Mann and the Nets to see what’s working against the Heat offense and adjust for the rematch on Thursday.
Get set for a key Atlantic Division showdown with our Knicks vs. Raptors computer picks!
Our data-driven system has crunched the numbers so you don't have to, delivering six NBA picks — three NBA player prop projections for each side — for Tuesday, March 3.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Knicks computer picks
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 17.5 points (-115)
Projection: 19.3
Our projections are calling for Karl-Anthony Towns to beat this line by nearly two full points for a +17.49% EV edge. Our computer believes rebounding ability will give Towns the help he needs.
"Offensive rebounds continue possession and produce more chances for scoring and assists, and the New York Knicks rank 4th-best in in the league with 13.1 offensive rebounds per game this year."
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Towns Now at bet365!/span
Josh Hart Under 5.5 assists (-155)
Projection: 4.5
Our system's second four-star play for the New York Knicks has Josh Hart finishing one full assist Under his current betting line. Tempo, or a lack thereof, will tell the story of this wager.
"The Knicks have played at the 6th-slowest pace-of-play in the NBA over the last 25 games. The Toronto Raptors have played at the 9th-most lethargic tempo in the league over the last 5 games in their home city, which ought to decrease possessions for the Knicks."
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Hart Now at bet365!/span
OG Anunoby Over 4.5 rebounds (-115)
Projection: 5.2
As alluded to in the Towns bet, the Knicks are a terrific rebounding team. OG Anunoby has been helpful in that area all year long, pulling down 5.3 boards per game.
The Toronto Raptors are 12th-worst in the NBA in defensive rebound percentage.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Anunoby Now at bet365!/span
Raptors computer picks
Brandon Ingram Over 1.5 threes (-105)
Projection: 1.9
This is a four-star play carrying a +13.66 EV edge. Here's why our computer is calling for Brandon Ingram to hit two or more triples tonight:
"The matchup against New York is a favorable one for three-pointers; when the New York Knicks are the visiting squad, opposing starting SFs have posted the highest three percentage in the NBA this year (48.0%)."
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Ingram Now at bet365!/span
Immanuel Quickley Over 5.5 assists (+115)
Projection: 5.8
Not only is Immanuel Quickley averaging 6.0 assists per game this season, but you're getting plus-money for him to match or better his season average tonight.
Our system calculates a 10.09% EV edge.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Quickley Now at bet365!/span
RJ Barrett Over 1.5 threes (-112)
Projection: 1.8
Our computer is targeting another Raptors 3-pointer prop, this time with former Knick RJ Barrett. New York's defense has been vulnerable to the deep shot, surrendering an 11th-worst 13.7 per game, with shooting guards making hay, in particular.
"This year, the other team's starting SGs have shot 44.7% on threes (best in the league) vs. the New York Knicks."
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Barrett Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Knicks vs Raptors tonight
Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
MSG, Sportsnet
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Knicks
Raptors