Category: NBA

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Our NBA player prop projections are back for tonight's prime-time matchup, and the model has spotlighted a few plays that really pop.

We ran the numbers, lined our projections up against the market, and locked in on the spots with genuine value.

For these Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions, it’s not guesswork — it’s all driven by the data.

If you’re building your betting card, these are the NBA picks the model likes most for Tuesday, February 24.

Knicks vs Cavaliers computer picks for February 24

Knicks	Cavaliers
Towns u19.5 points  -112	Mitchell u27.5 points  -112
Hart o4.5 assists -155	Harden o2.5 3-pointers +135
Brunson o2.5 3-pointers -112	Allen o8.5 rebounds -112

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Knicks computer picks

Karl-Anthony Towns Under 19.5 points (-112)

Projection: 18.9 points

Compared to last year's 23.8 mark, Karl-Anthony Towns' points per game have dipped to 19.6.

The New York Knicks have played at the fifth-lowest up-tempo pace in the league over the last 15 games. 

Whereas the Cleveland Cavaliers have played at the 10th-lowest up-tempo pace in the NBA over the last five games, which ought to reduce possessions for the Knicks.

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Josh Hart Over 4.5 assists (-155)

Projection: 4.6 assists

Josh Hart has a strong path to clearing 4.5 assists because he’s not just a wing who spots up. He pushes the ball in transition, initiates sets in the halfcourt, and thrives as a connector who keeps the offense flowing. When the ball swings, he’s often the guy making the extra pass that leads directly to a bucket.

Another big factor working in his favor is New York’s dominance on the offensive glass. The Knicks are the NBA's fourth-ranked offensive rebounding team, which creates second-chance possessions and extended plays.

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Jalen Brunson Over 2.5 3-pointers (-112)

Projection: 2.7 3-pointers

This game against the Cavaliers sets up nicely for threes since opposing starting point guards have attempted the second-highest rate of triples in the NBA this season (41.4%) against them.

That kind of defensive tendency gives an elite guard like Jalen Brunson plenty of room to capitalize.

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Cavaliers computer picks

Donovan Mitchell Under 27.5 points (-112)

Projection: 26.5 points

Donovan Mitchell has hit the Under 27.5 points in six of his last 10 games, and the trend makes sense when you look at how he’s been used and the defensive matchups he’s faced.

Over this stretch, Mitchell has seen more balanced scoring roles, with teammates stepping up offensively and defenses collapsing on him in key spots, limiting his efficiency and high-volume scoring opportunities.

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James Harden Over 2.5 3-pointers (+135)

Projection: 2.6 3-pointers

James Harden has been scorching from deep lately, hitting the Over 2.5 made 3-pointers in six of his last 10 games.

Tonight, the conditions are ideal for Harden to keep that hot streak alive.

The Knicks have struggled to contain elite perimeter scorers this season, often leaving shooters open in catch-and-shoot situations and giving up extra possessions through their defensive schemes.

Combine that with Harden’s ability to create his own shot or pull defenders out of the paint, and he has multiple paths to knock down three or more from beyond the arc.

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Jarrett Allen Over 8.5 rebounds (-112)

Projection: 9.2 rebounds

Jarrett Allen has been a rebounding machine, hitting the Over 8.5 rebounds in nine of his last 10 games.

He’s consistently active on both ends of the floor, using his size, timing, and positioning to snatch boards over smaller or slower opponents. Allen’s ability to read the ball off the rim and box out effectively gives him multiple chances to control the glass, and his motor ensures he’s always around the action.

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How to watch Knicks vs Cavaliers tonight

Location	Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Date	Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Tip-off	7:00 p.m. ET
TV	Peacock

Not intended for use in MA.
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PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks had surgery Monday to repair a fractured left hand and will miss at least the next four-to-six weeks before being re-evaluated, the team said Tuesday.

The 30-year-old Brooks was hurt during Saturday's game against the Orlando Magic. He's averaging a career-high 20.9 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

The Suns have been one of the NBA's surprise teams this year with a 33-25 record, but have suffered a recent rash of injuries. The team's top three leading scorers — All-Star guard Devin Booker (strained hip), Brooks and Grayson Allen (knee/ankle) — were sidelined for a 92-77 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.

Also on Tuesday, the Suns said reserve guard Jordan Goodwin is out for a least one-to-two weeks with a left calf strain. Goodwin is averaging 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

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

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Craig Tiley will take over as the CEO of the U.S. Tennis Association this year, the group that runs the U.S. Open announced Tuesday.

Tiley is leaving his post as the head of Tennis Australia and the tournament director of its Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open.

The USTA said in a news release that Tiley will start the new job in the coming months.

He replaces Lew Sherr, who left the USTA last year to join the New York Mets as their president of business operations. Sher had been the USTA's CEO since 2022.

Tiley, who is from South Africa, was the head coach of men's tennis team at the University of Illinois from 1994 to 2005, including an NCAA championship and 32-0 record in 2003.

He was the Australian Open's tournament director since 2006 and oversaw its expansion to a 15-day event, breaking attendance and revenue records. Tiley became the CEO of Tennis Australia in 2013.

“Craig brings a rare combination of global credibility at the highest level of the sport and a proven commitment to growing the game at the grassroots. That balance is exactly what this moment requires," said Brian Vahaly, the USTA Board chair and the USTA's interim co-CEO.

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

The gold-medal-winning U.S. men's Olympic hockey team landed at Joint Base Andrews and visited President Donald Trump at the White House before attending his State of the Union address on Tuesday night.

Forward Matthew Tkachuk posted pictures on social media of members of the team celebrating on what appears to be a U.S. government plane and a group shot of them deplaning.

The U.S. beat Canada 2-1 in overtime on Sunday at the Milan Cortina Olympics. It was the Americans' first gold medal in men’s hockey since the “Miracle on Ice” group won in Lake Placid, New York, in 1980.

The team received a State of the Union invitation from Trump following the game. A video that circulated on social media appeared to show Trump inviting the team on a phone call in the locker room, as he joked that he'd also have to invite the women's team, which also won gold over Canada.

The women declined, citing scheduling issues.

The men took a chartered plane to Miami on Monday night before traveling to the nation's capital in the morning.

Videos and photos of the team’s White House visit were shared on social media by Trump administration aides. Team members posed for a photograph in front of the South Portico after they arrived. They also walked along the West Wing colonnade where Trump has posted portraits of every U.S. president just steps away from the Oval Office, where they were welcomed by Trump.

As they approached the Oval Office, some of the players popped into the press office's open door to flash their medals. Staffers applauded and shouted, “We love you!”

“I recognize every one of you. I know every one of you,” Trump said as the players entered the Oval Office, which he has redecorated with numerous flourishes of gold that matched the players’ medals.

“Big guys,” he said, standing near his desk and shaking hands with the players, who wore dark tops with “USA,” the American flag and the Olympic rings on the front and light colored pants.

___

AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

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The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered one of their worst performances of the season on Sunday, but with multiple rotation players available tonight, those worries should be rectified against the Portland Trail Blazers.

My Timberwolves vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks expect redemption on Tuesday, February 24.

Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers prediction

Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers best bet: Timberwolves -6.5 (-110)

The Minnesota Timberwolves were embarrassed on Sunday, losing by 27 to a shorthanded 76ers team that shot 21-of-37 (57%) from deep. 

Two days of intense film study typically spark a renewed defensive effort from the Timberwolves, which will be to the Portland Trail Blazers’ detriment tonight.

Strong defense fuels offense, creating transition and secondary transition opportunities. Minnesota’s roster has steadily embraced this mindset, with the bench leading the charge.

Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay

Naz Reid’s absence was felt on Sunday due to a nagging shoulder keeping him out.

While Reid is available tonight, his shooting rhythm could still be affected by that lingering issue.

A less effective Reid, combined with Minnesota’s defensive emphasis, should open up more offensive opportunities for Ayo Dosunmu.

Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers SGP

• Timberwolves -6.5
• Naz Reid Under 2.5 threes
• Ayo Dosunmu Over 11.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Big Ru Goes Brrrr

Rudy Gobert’s absence was distinct on Sunday, as Minnesota’s defense became unmoored.

Gobert's defensive excellence should be complemented tonight by a bevy of offensive rebounds that lead to his 12th double-double in his last 21 games.

Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers SGP

• Timberwolves -6.5
• Naz Reid Under 2.5 threes
• Ayo Dosunmu Over 11.5 points
• Rudy Gobert to record a double-double

Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers odds

• Spread: Timberwolves -6.5 (-110) | Trail Blazers +6.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Timberwolves -250 | Trail Blazers +205
• Over/Under: Over 236 (-110) | Under 236 (-110)

Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know

Portland is just 2-4 against the spread at home this month, including 0-2 as an underdog. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Trail Blazers.

How to watch Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers

Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers latest injuries

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As the NBA faces ongoing concerns about tanking, Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle fired back at the league over its recent $100,000 Player Participation Policy fine, calling the discipline “ridiculous” and “shocking.”

During a radio interview with 93.5 The Fan Tuesday, Feb. 24, Carlisle publicly addressed the fine for the first time and centered his rebuke around the availability of guard Aaron Nesmith during a Feb. 3 game against the Jazz, a 131-122 Utah victory.

“I didn’t agree with it,” Carlisle said during the interview. “There was a league lawyer that was doing the interview that kind of unilaterally decided that Aaron Nesmith, who had been injured the night before and couldn’t hold the ball, should’ve played in the game, which seems ridiculous.”

The league announced the discipline Feb. 12, just days before the NBA All-Star Game. Headed into the game, the Pacers were 13-37 and continuing to languish in last place in the Eastern Conference.

For its part, the NBA responded to Carlisle’s allegations, disputing his account.

“Coach Carlisle’s description of the process that went into the decision to fine the Indiana Pacers is inaccurate,” an NBA spokesperson said in a statement sent to USA TODAY Sports. “An independent physician led the medical review. In addition, the Pacers’ General Manager and the team’s Senior Vice President, Sports Medicine and Performance were interviewed as part of the process.

“The Pacers confirmed that it had provided all of the information requested by the league and the team reported that an interview with Coach Carlisle or a team physician wasn’t necessary.”

After pushing the eventual-champion Oklahoma City Thunder to Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the Pacers have struggled to compete this year because of injuries, most notably the ruptured Achilles tendon star point guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered early in that Game 7.

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Thanks to injuries to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be underdogs in back-to-back games for the first time this season when they visit the Toronto Raptors.

Toronto stunned OKC back in January, winning outright as 11-point road dogs, but can it get the job done when it’s favored?

My Thunder vs. Raptors predictions break down and bring you my best NBA picks for this matchup set to tip off at 7:30 pm ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, on Tuesday, February 24.

Thunder vs Raptors prediction

Thunder vs Raptors best bet: Scottie Barnes Double-Double (+135)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has missed the last seven games for the Oklahoma City Thunder, but because the roster is so deep, they still rank ninth in net rating over that span.

However, the Toronto Raptors pose a problem with their defensive versatility. 

Plus, Scottie Barnes returns after the reported birth of his child, and he’ll have a chance to dominate the glass with OKC ranking 24th in rebounding rate, and Chet Holmgren is also banged up.

Barnes gives us Fred VanVleet-type performance, and with a rebounding total of 8.5, let’s back him to record his 25th double-double of the season at +135.

Thunder vs Raptors same-game parlay

The other area where the Thunder struggle a bit is on the perimeter. They rank 25th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage and allow the third-most threes per game.

Immanuel Quickley is playing great ball, averaging 20.2 points per game and shooting a crazy good 48.3% from deep over his last 13 games. His point total for this one is 16.5, a number he’s eclipsed in 13 of his last 18 games.

The Raptors match up well with OKC when they’re healthy. Their defense, particularly on the perimeter, will give them a chance to win this game.

Thunder vs Raptors SGP

• Scottie Barnes double-double
• Immanuel Quickley Over 16.5 points
• Raptors moneyline

Our "from downtown" SGP: Fred VanVleet vibes

Fred VanVleet famously played incredibly after the birth of his child during the Raptors' title run in 2019. Let's back Scottie to do something similar here.

Thunder vs Raptors SGP

• Scottie Barnes Over 17.5 points
• Scottie Barnes Over 8.5 rebounds
• Scottie Barnes Over 4.5 assists
• Scottie Barnes Over 1.5 steals

Thunder vs Raptors odds

• Spread: Thunder +1.5 | Raptors -1.5
• Moneyline: Thunder +105 | Raptors -125
• Over/Under: Over 216.5 | Under 216.5

Thunder vs Raptors betting trend to know

The Raptors have hit the Game Total Under in 32 of their last 50 games for +12.20 Units and a 22% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Raptors.

How to watch Thunder vs Raptors

Thunder vs Raptors latest injuries

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It’s tough to find two bigger NBA surprises this season than the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns, and they collide tonight in the desert.

But some of the air has come out of the Phoenix balloon lately after injuries to Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, so my Celtics vs. Suns predictions expect Boston to add to its impressive road record here, led by a scorching Payton Pritchard.

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

Celtics vs Suns prediction

Celtics vs Suns best bet: Payton Pritchard Over 19.5 points (-105)

As long as the Boston Celtics keep letting it fly from downtown, I’m riding the hot hand and taking the Over on this points prop for Payton Pritchard, who’s fresh off a 30-point clinic on Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Pritchard has blown past this O/U number in six of his last seven games, and he’s averaging 23.6 PPG in that span.

He’s knocking down his 3-pointers at a 45% clip in February, and the Phoenix Suns are vulnerable on the perimeter without Brooks and Booker. Plus, Pritchard would step into an even bigger role if Jaylen Brown (questionable) sits out.

Celtics vs Suns same-game parlay

Pritchard’s current heater has powered the Celtics to an 8-2 mark in their past 10 contests, and the 3-ball is the key ingredient. He’s had back-to-back games with six triples, and he’s attempting almost eight 3-pointers a game this month.

I’m grabbing the Boston moneyline too. The visitors are sitting at 19-10 SU on the road, and they’ve won four in a row away from TD Garden. The injury-hit Suns just don’t have enough offense to keep up.

Celtics vs Suns SGP

• Pritchard Over 19.5 points
• Pritchard Over 3.5 threes
• Celtics moneyline

Our "from downtown" SGP: Derrick's White hot

Derrick White’s shooting numbers are down this year, but this SGP buys into all the other ways that he fuels the Celtics. White is coming off consecutive outings with five rebounds; he’s strung together three straight contests with 8+ assists, and he’s established himself as one of the league’s elite defensive guards.

Celtics vs Suns SGP

• Derrick White Over 6.5 assists
• Derrick White Over 4.5 rebounds
• Derrick White Over 0.5 steals
• Derrick White Over 2.5 threes

Celtics vs Suns odds

• Spread: Celtics -7 (-110) | Suns +7 (-110)
• Moneyline: Celtics -250 | Suns +205
• Over/Under: Over 206.5 (-110) | Under 206.5 (-110)

Celtics vs Suns betting trend to know

The Suns are 3-6-1 ATS in their last 10 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Suns.

How to watch Celtics vs Suns

Celtics vs Suns latest injuries

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Coby White is set to make his Charlotte Hornets debut on Tuesday night against his former Bulls team.

The Hornets announced that White, who was acquired in a trade with Chicago on Feb. 4, has been upgraded to available and will play against the Bulls at the United Center. White has been sidelined for the Hornets since the trade while recovering from a left calf strain.

It's expected that White will come off the bench and serve as Charlotte's backup point guard behind LaMelo Ball, who is coming off a 37-point game in a win over the Washington Wizards on Monday night in which he made a career-high 10 3-pointers.

White, who spent 6 1/2 seasons with the Bulls, was averaging 18.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds this season before the trade while playing in 29 games for Chicago. He shot 34.6% from behind the 3-point line for the Bulls.

While last played in an NBA game for the Bulls on Feb. 3.

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

PHOENIX — Jaylen Brown will miss Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns. The Celtics star is dealing with a right knee contusion and will sit on the first night of the Celtics’ back-to-back (Boston will face the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night in Denver).

Outside of Brown, the only other Celtic to be sidelined is Jayson Tatum, who has yet to make his season debut as he continues recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

The Phoenix Suns will also be without several key players

The Suns will be without their two leading scorers — Devin Booker (right hip strain) and Dillon Brooks (left hand strain). They’ll also be without Jordan Goodwin (left calf strain) and Haywood Highsmith (right knee injury management).

The Suns will be led by Allen (17.3 points, 3.9 assists), Gillespie (13.4 points, 4.7 assists), and Green (13.3 points, 2.4 assists), all of whom are key contributors.

How the Celtics and Suns stack up entering the match-up

The Celtics have won 8 of their last 9 games and currently have the Eastern Conference’s second-best record at 37-19. They have the NBA’s fourth-best record, fourth-best net rating, and third-best offense.

The Suns, meanwhile, have dropped 6 of their last 10 games as they deal with a myriad of injuries. At 33-25, they currently have the 7th-best record in the Western Conference.

The Suns have had the NBA’s 9th-best defensive rating at 112.5 (the Celtics have the 8th-best defensive rating at 112.2). Another notable aspect is the Suns’ ability to crash the offensive glass; they have the 6th-best offensive rebound percentage at 33.2%.

Celtics-Suns tips off at 9pm ET.

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The Charlotte Hornets will look to continue their climb into the playoff picture as they visit the floundering Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night.

Chicago is reeling from a nine-game losing streak, and I’m taking Charlotte to cover tonight in my Hornets vs. Bulls predictions.

Let’s take a closer look at this matchup as I share my free NBA picks for Tuesday, February 24.

Hornets vs Bulls prediction

Hornets vs Bulls best bet: Hornets -8.5 (-110)

The Chicago Bulls have now lost nine straight games, and there’s no sign that their fortunes will improve anytime soon.

Josh Giddey and Tre Jones are on minutes restrictions, Anfernee Simons is out with a wrist injury, and Jalen Smith might be out after suffering a calf issue on Sunday.

Chicago is 1-8 against the spread in its last nine games. At the same time, the young, streaking Charlotte Hornets are 8-1 ATS in their last nine and show no signs of slowing down as they fight for a spot in the play-in tournament.

I’m taking Charlotte to cover tonight.

Hornets vs Bulls same-game parlay

LaMelo Ball is coming off a huge performance on Sunday, and I’m targeting him again in my SGP tonight.

Ball went for 52 PRA and hit an incredible 10 three-pointers against the Washington Wizards in his last game, and he won’t have to come anywhere near those numbers to make a massive impact and hit our parlay in this contest.

Hornets vs Bulls SGP

• Hornets -8.5
• LaMelo Ball Over 32.5 points + rebounds + assists
• LaMelo Ball Over 3.5 made threes

Our "from downtown" SGP: Hornets on the rise

Ball isn’t the only player making big contributions for this improving Hornets team.

Moussa Diabate has four double-doubles in his last nine games, and we can get generous odds on him to hit that target again in a favorable matchup.

Meanwhile, rookie Kon Knueppel has proven to be a sniper at the NBA level, hitting at least four shots from deep in five of his last six games.

Hornets vs Bulls SGP

• Hornets -8.5
• Moussa Diabate double-double
• Kon Knueppel Over 3.5 threes

Hornets vs Bulls odds

• Spread: Charlotte -8.5 (-110) | Chicago +8.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Charlotte -330 | Chicago +265
• Over/Under: Over 232.5 (-110) | Under 232.5 (-110)

Hornets vs Bulls betting trend to know

The Bulls are 1-8 ATS in their current nine-game losing streak. Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Bulls.

How to watch Hornets vs Bulls

Hornets vs Bulls latest injuries

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This Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans game may seem low on the radar tonight, but a spread within a bucket should stress Golden State as it tries to stay in postseason position.

My Warriors vs. Pelicans predictions and NBA picks back Golden State, as the motivational gap is too significant on Tuesday, February 24.

Warriors vs Pelicans prediction

Warriors vs Pelicans best bet: Warriors moneyline (-125)

Are the current Golden State Warriors better than the New Orleans Pelicans?

That is very much debatable, but the Pelicans are actively trying to tank, while the Warriors are desperate to stay in the top half of the Play-In Tournament. Those differing incentives provide enough value in this short moneyline favorite.

Golden State is not at a scheduling disadvantage, and how much credence should be given to Smoothie King Center amid this tank?

Warriors vs Pelicans same-game parlay

Even when Golden State needs his best, Draymond Green continues to fall short of these modest props.

Green turns 36 in a week, and he very much looks like it. Most notably, Green has failed to grab six rebounds in seven of his last 10 games.

Warriors vs Pelicans SGP

• Warriors moneyline
• Draymond Green Under 5.5 rebounds
• Draymond Green Under 9.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Queen on the Card

Green’s struggles should play right into Derik Queen’s hands. He’s fallen just one or two rebounds short of a double-double in five of his last nine games.

Warriors vs Pelicans SGP

• Warriors moneyline
• Draymond Green Under 5.5 rebounds
• Draymond Green Under 9.5 points
• Derik Queen to record a double-double

Warriors vs Pelicans odds

• Spread: Warriors -1.5 (-110) | Pelicans +1.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Warriors -125 | Pelicans +105
• Over/Under: Over 227.5 (-110) | Under 227.5 (-110)

Warriors vs Pelicans betting trend to know

The last four Golden State games have gone Over their totals, clearing them by an average of 15.75 points per game. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Pelicans.

How to watch Warriors vs Pelicans

Warriors vs Pelicans latest injuries

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PHOENIX — Baylor Scheierman has been living out one childhood dream after another.

The 25-year-old Celtics guards played 29 minutes in Sunday’s game between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, and reflected on the experience at shootaround on Tuesday morning in Phoenix.

“It was unreal,” Scheierman said. “It was a dream come true. Being from a small town in Nebraska, I had a lot of hometown friends and family who were taking pictures of the TV screen, sending it to me, ‘You’re on the court with Lebron James. LeBron James is guarding you.’”

Scheierman has started four straight games for the Celtics — and 10 in total this season — carving out the role of someone who can defend opposing teams’ best players, rebound the ball, and space the floor.

He’s shooting 38.1% from three on the season, and averaging 5.6 defensive rebounds per 36 minutes, third-best on the team among non-bigs (trailing Jaylen Brown and Hugo Gonzalez).

He’s also beginning to master the art of the no-dip three-point attempt, a shot form that saves him a little bit of time on the release and thus allows him to get up more attempts.

“It definitely helps me get two or three more shots that I probably wouldn’t get if I had to dip it down,” Scheierman said. “Even in the last game against the Lakers, LeBron is closing out. If I dip it, I’m definitely not getting it off. I think it definitely has helped me get more shots. And when I’m out there, obviously that’s what I want.”

In Sunday’s game, Scheierman was largely tasked with guarding Luka Doncic, and he helped hold the star to a 5-13 shooting performance, per NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forbserg.

The day before, Jaylen Brown pulled aside Scheierman and the Celtics’ other wing defenders — Hugo Gonzalez, Jordan Walsh, and Sam Hauser — to go over some of the tendencies of the Lakers’ stars.

“Obviously, Jaylen is one of the best two-way players in the game,” he said. “He’s guarded Luka before. So giving us advice definitely helped.”

Celtics-Lakers was a dream come true in more ways than one

After the game, Scheierman also completed a jersey swap with James Lafferty, an actor from the television show One Tree Hill.

“It’s my favorite show of all time,” Scheierman said, grinning. His agency had reached out to Lafferty’s ahead of the Celtics-Lakers game, and it turned out that Lafferty was a fan of Scheierman’s as well.

“That was crazy,” Scheierman said. “It’s kind of cool to be able to call him my friend and whatnot. It was an unreal feeling.”

In many ways, Scheierman is having the breakthrough NBA moment he’s long hoped for

He’s not putting up crazy numbers — he’s averaging 3.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per game — but anyone closely watching this team can attest to the fact that Scheierman has been a crucial part of its recent success.

And the Celtics have seen a lot of success as of late. They’re winners of 8 of their last 9 games, and currently have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference (and fifth-best in the entire NBA).

Scheierman is still pinching himself — not when the game is going on, of course — but afterwards, as he reflects on the fact that he’s sharing the floor with some of basketball’s all-time greats.

“It’s a surreal feeling, something that, in the moment, I don’t really like pay too much attention to,” he said. “But after the game, being able to sit there and reflect and think about it, it’s an unreal experience. And, it’s a dream come true.”

LISBON (AP) — The Portuguese soccer federation said Tuesday it was monitoring the situation in Mexico amid a surge in violence ahead of its friendly against the Mexican national team in March.

The federation said it was "closely monitoring the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico” following the killing of the country’s most powerful drug lord by the Mexican army on Sunday. The killing sparked a surge in violence and put the country on edge.

The World Cup warmup match is scheduled for March 28 at the renovated Azteca Stadium, which is scheduled to host the opening match of the World Cup between Mexico and South Africa on June 11.

Mexico is set to play Iceland in a friendly Wednesday in Queretaro, with the Icelandic soccer federation saying Tuesday that it expects the game to go ahead as planned.

The Portuguese federation said it was honored by the invitation to participate in the reopening of the renovated venue, but noted that “the recent evolution of events requires continuous evaluation of the conditions” that the national team and its delegation will find.

It said it will follow the recommendations of the Portuguese government and will be in close contact with the Mexican soccer federation.

“Any decision will be made as a result of ongoing monitoring, in close coordination with the government and in line with the Mexican Football Federation, an entity with which the Portuguese Football Federation maintains excellent institutional relations and regular contact,” the Portuguese federation said in a statement.

“The Portuguese Football Federation emphasizes that the safety of players, coaching staff and fans is an absolute priority, and this is the main criteria for all assessments and decisions regarding the holding of the match,” the federation said.

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday at her daily news briefing that there was “no risk” for fans coming to the World Cup.

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