Clippers vs Warriors best bet: Clippers moneyline (-125)
The Los Angeles Clippers are right on the Golden State Warriors’ heels in the West, sitting in ninth with a 28-31 record. The Clips pulled out a thrilling 103-102 victory over their Pacific Division rivals on January 5.
Ty Lue’s squad got back on track on Sunday with a huge victory over the Pelicans, and the Clippers have won three of their last five road games, beating a few good teams during that span, like the Timberwolves, Rockets, and Nuggets.
Golden State is still without Steph Curry, and it's 4-6 in its last 10, losing three of its previous four contests at home.
Clippers vs Warriors same-game parlay
Kawhi Leonard has turned back the clock, averaging 27.9 points per game. He’s stayed healthy, and it’s paid off.
The veteran has cashed the Over in points in two of his last three appearances, posting 30+ in both of those games.
Brook Lopez is one of the better shooting bigs in the NBA, averaging 1.5 makes on 4.2 attempts for a 35.2% clip. Lopez just drained 4 of 7 threes on Sunday against New Orleans, and he was also 2-for-7 last week against the Timberwolves.
Clippers vs Warriors SGP
Clippers moneyline
Kawhi Leonard Over 27.5 points
Brook Lopez Over 1.5 made threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Jones Keeps Up
Derrick Jones Jr. has cashed the Over in points in five of his last six appearances.
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Rockets vs Wizards best bet: Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points (-120)
Kevin Durant has been a beast since the All-Star break, cashing the Over in points in four of six games.
The Houston Rockets superstar just torched the Magic for 40 last week, and then he went off for another 32 points on Saturday night against the Heat. Durant is averaging 28 PPG on the road this season, which is just above his season average of 26.2 points.
A homecoming for Durant will always provide some extra motivation, and he did score 23 against the Washington Wizards earlier in the campaign.
Rockets vs Wizards same-game parlay
Alperen Sengun is averaging 6.3 assists per game, and he’s cashed the Over in dimes in four of his last six games since the break. Sengun already dished out six assists against the Wizards earlier in the campaign, and Washington allows the second-most dimes in the Association.
Tari Eason isn’t a household name, but he’s proven to be a key piece for the Rockets lately, hitting the Over in four of his last five outings.
The 24-year-old had 11 rebounds on Saturday, and another eight last Thursday against the Magic.
Rockets vs Wizards SGP
Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points
Alperen Sengun Over 5.5 assists
Tari Eason Over 7.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Everybody Beats the Wiz
Houston has won six in a row against Washington, and they’ve covered the 15.5-point spread in back-to-back meetings.
Over/Under: Over 224.5 (-110) | Under 224.5 (-110)
Rockets vs Wizards betting trend to know
The Houston Rockets have hit the Game Total Under in 25 of their last 35 games (+14.00 Units / 36% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Wizards.
How to watch Rockets vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Date
Monday, March 2, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
SCHN, MNMT
Rockets vs Wizards latest injuries
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But for all the debate that surrounds who should be in and out of the 68-team field, dozens of other teams across the country that are safely in will be spending the final two weeks of the 2025-26 regular season jockeying for position on the bracket.
At this pivotal time of year, some teams are hitting their stride and looking poised for a deep tournament run. Others, meanwhile, are watching their once-bright hopes fade with loss after loss.
What teams are surging in March Madness projections? And which ones are starting to stumble?
Here’s a look at the latest list of rising and falling teams for the 2026 NCAA Tournament:
Projected seeds are based on the bracketology update from USA TODAY Sports on Feb. 27
Rising
Florida
Current projected seed: No. 2
The reigning national champions once again look like one of the favorites to cut down the nets with “One Shining Moment” playing in the background. The Gators got off to an inauspicious 5-4 start, but have gone 18-2 since. Their once-struggling backcourt of Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland is starting to round into form while its frontcourt remains arguably the best in the sport.
Florida looks like the clear favorite in the SEC and if its run keeps going, it just might be able to join Duke, Michigan and Arizona as No. 1 seeds.
UConn
Current projected seed: No. 1
If the Gators aren’t able to gobble up that final No. 1 seed, it will likely be because of another recent national champion. The Huskies haven’t been on quite the same run that Florida has — they’re 5-2 in their past seven games after starting the season 22-1 — but one of their recent wins was as impressive a victory as anyone has had this season: a 72-40 beatdown of St. John’s on Feb. 25.
The win helped solidify UConn’s standing as the fourth No. 1 seed, a status aided in part by a Dec. 9 victory at Madison Square Garden against the Florida team that’s chasing it.
Alabama
Current projected seed: No. 4
One month ago, the Crimson Tide were 14-7, coming off a 23-point loss at Florida and were mired in former G League player Charles Bediako’s contentious eligibility fight. Quite a bit has changed since then. Coach Nate Oats’ team has reeled off eight consecutive victories, including against ranked Tennessee and Arkansas teams, and is up to No. 15 in the NCAA’s NET rankings.
Saint Mary’s
Current projected seed: No. 8
The Gaels are coming off their most emphatic, and certainly sweetest, win of the season, a 70-59 victory on Feb. 28 against then-No. 9 Gonzaga in the final regular-season meeting between the rivals as West Coast Conference members. Saint Mary’s won its final eight-season games and is 18-2 since Dec. 15.
With another win against the Bulldogs in a potential WCC championship matchup, the Gaels could maybe manage avoiding a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in a possible second-round NCAA tournament game.
Virginia
Current projected seed: No. 4
Yes, the Cavaliers are coming off a 26-point humbling at the hands of Duke, but there have been few teams better than them nationally since the calendar flipped to 2026. Since a triple-overtime loss at Virginia Tech on New Year’s Eve, Virginia is 14-2, with wins against NC State (twice), at Louisville and against Miami.
Ryan Odom has engineered one of the more impressive one-year turnarounds in recent memory in the sport. It’s the least he could do after upsetting the No. 1 seed Hoos back in 2018 when he was the coach at UMBC.
What was set up to be a magical season for the Cougars with potential No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick AJ Dybantsa has started to unravel in recent weeks. Since starting the season 16-1, BYU is just 4-8 in its past 12 games. While some of that is the unavoidable rigor of a Big 12 schedule, it has also suffered losses against the likes of Oklahoma State and West Virginia, neither of which is projected to make the NCAA tournament. Since Jan. 17, the Cougars are only the No. 60 team nationally, according to Bart Torvik.
A season-ending injury to Richie Saunders on Feb. 14 certainly didn’t help matters, but even before that, BYU was already sliding, with a 2-5 mark in its seven most recent games.
Purdue
Current projected seed: No. 2
A Boilermakers team that was 17-1 and No. 4 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll just six weeks ago has been decidedly more mortal the past month and change, going 5-6 in its past 11 games. More recently, it has lost three of its past four games, including an 82-74 loss on Sunday at an Ohio State team desperately fighting for its NCAA tournament life.
Purdue still has one of the best players in the sport in guard Braden Smith, but nearing the end of the regular season, the preseason No. 1 team has fallen comfortably short of expectations.
Houston
Current projected seed: No. 2
“Falling” is a relative term when you’re dealing with a program that’s been as dominant as Houston has the past five years, but the Cougars are 1-3 in their past four games after a 23-2 start. That skid included the program’s first three-game losing streak since all the way back in 2017.
Coach Kelvin Sampson’s team ultimately may not be that hurt by the recent slip-ups. Whether it’s as a No. 1 or a No. 2 seed, the Cougars may end up getting to play Sweet 16 and potentially Elite Eight games in Houston.
Texas A&M
Current projected seed: No. 9
Bucky Ball, the intensely fast-paced system implemented by first-year Aggies head coach Bucky McMillan has encountered its share of speed bumps lately. Texas A&M has dropped six of its past eight games after starting the season 17-4, with three of those losses coming by at least 13 points. Thankfully for the Aggies, there’s a chance for a high-profile rebound, with a home game Tuesday against Kentucky.
Louisville
Current projected seed: No. 6
The Cardinals have quietly been one of the more disappointing teams in the sport this season, going just 13-9 since a 7-0 start that vaulted them as high as No. 6 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. Some of that could be attributed to an extended injury absence from five-star freshman guard Mikel Brown, who Louisville went 4-4 without, but even with Brown and every other rotation piece, it has lost three of its past four games.
Coach Pat Kelsey’s team is increasingly looking like a squad that will be fortunate to advance past the first week of the tournament, rather than the Final Four or national championship contender it was viewed as in the preseason.
NC State
Current projected seed: No. 7
Will Wade likely has the Wolfpack headed back to the NCAA tournament in his first season at the helm, but they’re currently limping on their way there. NC State has lost four of its past five after an 18-6 start. The losses are bad enough, but the way they’ve come is even more concerning. It was drubbed by 41 at Louisville and 29 at Virginia, and most recently, it lost on the road to a 13-16 Notre Dame team that had lost 12 of its previous 14 games.
Before former Duke forward Cooper Flagg won the Wooden Award in 2025, an upperclassman had earned the honor in six consecutive seasons. Fellow Duke forward Zion Williamson was the last true freshman national player of the year before Flagg, which was in 2018-19.
The 2025-26 freshman class in college basketball has been dominant again this season and appears well on its way to producing another young Wooden Award winner. The 2026 NBA Draft class appears to be stacked as a result.
Many teams are relying on young players heading into conference championship week, where NCAA Tournament seeding is on the line.
Here's a look at the top-10 ranked players in men's college basketball heading into conference tournaments:
Ranking top 10 players in men's college basketball
1. F AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Dybantsa is already a pro-level scorer, as he leads the country averaging 25.1 points per game on wild efficiency, shooting 53.2% from the field.
The 6-9 forward has taken his game to another level since Richie Saunders suffered a season-ending injury for BYU. Dybantsa has scored 29 or more points in his last three outings since Saunders went down, including a 35-point performance in BYU's loss to Arizona and a near-triple double in a win over Iowa State.
Dybantsa is making a strong case to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and has faced tougher competition this season than Cameron Boozer in the Big 12, giving him the nod for now.
2. F Cameron Boozer, Duke
It was a close call between Duke forward Cameron Boozer and Dybantsa, but it doesn't diminish Boozer's chances of being the national player of the year this season.
Boozer is putting up similarly efficient numbers this season, averaging 22.7 points with 10.7 rebounds and four assists per game on 58.3% shooting. The 6-foot-9 forward is also shooting 40.8% from 3-point range and averaging 1.7 steals per contest, making him maybe the most well-rounded player nationally right now.
3. G Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
John Calipari continues to churn out high-level true freshman guards, and Darius Acuff Jr. is the latest. The 6-foot-3 guard is averaging 22.2 points with 3.1 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game this season on 49.9% shooting and is leading an offense that ranks fourth nationally in KenPom's adjusted offensive efficiency.
Acuff Jr. had one of the best performances in recent memory – albeit in a loss – against Alabama, dropping 49 points with five rebounds and five assists on 16-of-27 shooting in the double-overtime game. He has scored 20 or more points in nine consecutive games and in 12 of the Razorbacks' 15 SEC games.
4. G Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, among the favorites to go No. 1 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft along with Dybantsa, comes in at No. 4 only because of his availability at times this season.
While Peterson played 30 or more minutes in back-to-back games for only the third time this season in Kansas' latest games against Cincinnati and Houston, he has missed 11 total games and a ton of minutes for the Jayhawks as he has dealt with a myriad of injuries and cramps. His talent is clear when he's on the court, though.
The 6-6 guard is averaging 19.5 points per game this season despite playing limited minutes in numerous games. He scored 26 points in only 23 minutes against Baylor and dropped 32 on TCU in an overtime win despite playing 32 minutes.
5. F Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
UAB transfer Yaxel Lendeborg can do a bit of everything for Michigan, perhaps the national championship favorite.
The 6-foot-9 forward is averaging 14.2 points with 7.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game this season on 49.6% shooting, and also chips in 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per contest. He can also handle the ball and limits fouls and turnovers, averaging fewer than two each per game.
Lendeborg was one of the top available transfers in the offseason, and he has played like it for the Wolverines.
6. G Braden Smith, Purdue
Four-year Purdue starting guard Braden Smith might not be in contention for national player of the year anymore like he was entering the season, but he's still among the best and most-experience players in college basketball.
Smith needs 72 assists to break Bobby Hurley's all-time assists record of 1,076, which was set from 1990-93. He became the fifth player to ever reach 1,000 career assists in Purdue's loss to Michigan State on Feb. 26.
Smith is averaging 14.8 points with 3.8 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game this season and is also shooting 40.5% from 3-point range on 4.3 attempts. He'll be very important to Purdue's chances at an NCAA Tournament run.
7. F Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
The fifth true freshman on this list, Caleb Wilson will also hear his name called early in the 2026 NBA Draft after a strong first college season. The 6-10 forward is averaging 19.8 points with 9.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game this season on 57.8% shooting.
Wilson had scored 20 or more points in five of his past six games before fracturing his wrist against Miami on Feb. 10, although he expects to return for North Carolina's final regular season game against Duke on March 7.
If Wilson looks like himself upon returning, he'd give North Carolina a massive boost.
8. G Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
Christian Anderson scored 22 points in Texas Tech's Sweet 16 win over Arkansas last season as a true freshman, offering a glimpse into his future. He has made a huge jump this season, averaging 19.6 points with 3.9 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game his season on 49% shooting and a 43.9% mark from 3-point range.
Unfortunately for Texas Tech, star forward JT Toppin suffered a season-ending torn ACL in the Red Raiders' loss to Arizona State on Feb. 17. Anderson has picked up the slack since, though, scoring 21 points with 10 assists in a win over Kansas State before pouring in 21 points with 11 rebounds and seven assists in a win over Cincinnati.
Losing Toppin lowers Texas Tech's ceiling in March Madness, unless Anderson has yet another level to his game.
9. Labaron Philon, Alabama
Like Anderson, Philon was a solid player at Alabama last season as a true freshman, but has taken his game up a notch in 2026.
The 6-3 sophomore became Alabama's go-to scorer this season after Mark Sears left, averaging 21.6 points with 3.3 rebounds and five assists per game. The projected lottery pick also improved his 3-point percentage from 31.5% a year ago to 38.7% this season.
Alabama and coach Nate Oats run a high-tempo offense that keeps defenses on their heels. Philon is a hot streak away from leading the Crimson Tide on another run in March Madness.
10. F Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
Joshua Jefferson started his career at St. Mary's before transferring to Iowa State, where he has turned into one of the more underrated players in college basketball. The 6-9 senior does a bit of everything for national championship contender Iowa State, averaging 16.6 points with 7.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.
The Cyclones' offense runs through Jefferson, one of the best passing big men this season. He can also shoot, with a 36.1% mark from 3-point range on three attempts per game.
Jefferson sneaks into the top-10 rankings over a slew of other worthy players, thanks to his wide-ranging impact on one of the nation's best teams this season.
Just missed list: Bennett Stirtz (Iowa), Kingston Flemings (Houston), Keaton Wagler (Illinois), Jeremy Fears Jr. (Michigan State), Keyshawn Hall (Auburn), Tyler Tanner (Vanderbilt)
The anticipation and build-up for March Madness continues to grow with just under two weeks until Selection Sunday arrives. In the meantime, however, a few bracket pieces need to be settled.
In addition to who might make it into the 68-team field off the bubble, one of the more frequent topics of discussion heading into the final week of the regular season (yes, some mid-major tournaments get underway this week) is who will join Duke, Arizona and Michigan on the 1-seed line.
One game that could decide that takes place in Tucson, Arizona at the McKale Memorial Center between No. 2 Arizona and No. 5 Iowa State at 9 p.m. ET.
The Cyclones, led by a big three of Milan Momcilovic, Joshua Jefferson and Tamin Lipsey, are one of several teams who remain in the mix for the 1-seed line, despite their recent losses to BYU and Texas Tech setting their chances back a bit for their first 1-seed in program history.
But with time starting to run out, Iowa State isn't the only team looking for that final 1-seed spot.
Here's a look at USA TODAY Sports' predictions for which teams can challenge for the final spot on the 1-seed line for the NCAA Tournament:
March Madness bracket projections: Who could be final No. 1 seed?
UConn
NET ranking: No. 9
Quad 1 record: 8-2
UConn kept its chances of keeping its spot on the 1-seed line intact — if not bolstered — with its colossal win over St. John's last Wednesday, where the Huskies defense looked to be back on track after leaking some oil in recent weeks.
The Huskies have an impressive 8-2 Quad 1 record despite not having many opportunities to get those wins in the Big East, which has been down this year compared to past seasons. They hold wins over projected NCAA Tournament teams in BYU, Illinois, Florida, Texas and Kansas in the non-conference schedule, with the latter coming on the road at Allen Fieldhouse, which is known to be one of college basketball’s toughest environments.
UConn is looking for its third national title under Dan Hurley in the last four NCAA Tournaments, and man, they really could pull it off with this roster of Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed Jr., Silas Demary, Braylon Mullens and Solo Ball.
Florida
NET ranking: No. 4
Quad 1 record: 11-5
A No. 1 seed looked out of reach for the Gators after not picking up a ranked win in non-conference play, and then again when they lost by nine points to unranked Auburn, which now finds itself on the bubble and a First Four candidate. However, that loss to the Tigers seemed to be a catalyst for Todd Golden's squad, as they've won 10 consecutive games, with three coming against ranked opponents in Alabama, Kentucky and Arkansas.
To find itself on the 1-line, Florida will likely still have to win the entire SEC tournament, even with a strong No. 4 NET ranking and the third most Quad 1 wins in the country at nine.
Purdue
NET ranking: No. 8
Quad 1 record: 8-5
Purdue entered the week seen as one of the closest competitors to UConn for the final 1-seed, according to Bart Torvik's TourneyCast. The statistical website had the Boilermakers with a 13.4% chance of getting the 1-seed and a 100% chance of the 2-seed entering Sunday.
However, after a 0-2 week against Michigan State and Ohio State, the latter of which was on the bubble, the Boilermakers' chances and case for the 1-seed now hang in limbo. Their eight Quad 1 wins are tied for the fifth most in the country.
Purdue, led by Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn, has an opportunity to salvage its underwhelming week against Wisconsin at home to end the regular season next Sunday. Should the Boilermakers beat the Badgers and make a run in the Big Ten tournament, they could find themselves back in there with giving UConn a run for its money at the 1-seed.
Illinois
NET ranking: No. 5
Quad 1 record: 8-5
Illinois hasn't been seeded on the 1-seed line since the 2021 NCAA Tournament. That streak will likely extend this year, though its NET ranking may suggest that it should be right there on the 1-seed line.
The main reason for this is straightforward: the Illini have not helped their case in recent weeks. Since starting 20-3, Illinois has gone 2-4 in its last six games, which features three overtime losses to Michigan State, Wisconsin and UCLA, the latter of the three whom are sitting on the bubble. Though it was by no means a "bad loss" in terms of its impact on its NCAA Tournament resume, Illinois' case was most recently set back by a home loss to Michigan on Friday.
If the Illini were able to pick up a Quad 1 or Quad 2 win or two (or a few) in this recent stretch, their case would be looking a lot better heading into the Big Ten tournament. But alas, Bart Torvik's TourneyCast has Illinois with a 10.8% chance of getting a 1-seed (as of Thursday, Feb. 26).
Iowa State
NET ranking: No. 8
Quad 1 record: 6-4
Iowa State looked to have the metrics — led by its top-8 NET ranking — to snag up the final 1-seed when it was put ahead of UConn by the NCAA selection committee in their first in-season top 16 NCAA Tournament seeds on Saturday, Feb. 21.
The 1-seed now looks to be out of the picture for the Cyclones following their recent losses to BYU and Texas Tech. The games against the Cougars and Red Raiders would have been beneficial wins for the Cyclones, as they both were considered Quad 1 opportunities. Iowa State has just six Quad 1 wins going into the final week of the regular season, which is the fewest among teams ranked in the top 10 of the NET rankings.
Bart Torvik's TourneyCast has Iowa State with a 3.1% chance of getting a 1-seed (as of Sunday, March 1). Therefore, it's safe to say that Iowa State's chances of salvaging its chances at the 1-seed really rely on how Monday's game vs. Arizona goes.
Houston
NET ranking: No. 10
Quad 1 record: 7-5
Houston is holding onto contention for the final 1-seed by the skin of their teeth. The Cougars' recent three-game losing skid put quite the damper on their chances of getting a spot on the 1-seed line, and they don't have many opportunities before the Big 12 tournament to salvage it.
Bart Torvik's TourneyCast has Houston with a 7.5% chance of getting a 1-seed (as of Sunday, March 1).
In a Monday night matchup of two teams with preseason title aspirations that now are battling for a play-in spot, the Golden State Warriors will play host to the Los Angeles Clippers on Peacock.
The Warriors (31-29) are eighth in the Western Conference standings and have made the playoffs in 10 of the past 13 seasons (including four championships). Injuries have derailed Golden State, which lost Jimmy Butler for the season to a torn ACL in mid-January.
The Clippers (28-31) are 10th in the conference and have made the playoffs in 12 of the past 14 seasons. Los Angeles has cooled off since a 17-5 run from Dec. 20 through Feb. 2, and its recent struggles have come since the trades of James Harden and Ivica Zubac.
This is the third of four meetings between the teams. They split the first two with each winning at home — the Warriors won 98-79 on Oct. 28, and the Clippers triumphed 103-102 on Jan. 5.
See below for additional information on how to watch the Clippers-Warriors matchup and a breakdown of the game. Also, check out the schedule for the NBA on NBC and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the 2025-2026 season.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors preview:
In return for Harden and Zubac, the Clippers received young stars and draft capital. Darius Garland, acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers for Harden, has yet to make his Clippers debut while recovering from a right toe sprain.
Bennedict Mathurin, who arrived from Indiana as the headliner of the Zubac deal, has been averaging more than 27 points per game off the bench since the All-Star break, and he tied a career high with 38 points in his first home game for Los Angeles (a record for a Clippers player in a home debut).
Kawhi Leonard, who leads the team in scoring at nearly 28 points per game, recently assessed how the team's championship outlook changed after the trades. "I mean, I think it’s over now," he said Feb. 20. "It’s the second half, a fourth of the season left. But every day is a day to grow, a day to learn and get better. So you just got to keep looking over time and see in two weeks if we’re getting better and see what happens from there.”
In addition to the loss of Butler, the Warriors also have been navigating life without superstar Steph Curry, who has missed the past nine games with a right knee injury. Golden State is 8-12 this year without Curry, who leads the team in scoring (27.2 points per game) and 3-pointers per game (4.5).
"It’s frustrating not being out there, especially with an injury that doesn’t necessarily have a specific timeline you can trust," Curry said Feb. 21. "So I’m staying patient, and hopefully back sooner rather than later. We all know the goal is to be healthy come play-in or playoff time, whatever it is. We kind of know where we’re slotted in the standings right now. A lot has happened this year, so we just want to get in a playoff series and have a chance.”
Without their veterans, the Warriors have leaned on young guards Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, as well as forward Gui Santos, to buoy their postseason hopes.
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Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
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Neemias Queta celebrates after a dunk against the Philadelphia 76ers. | Winslow Townson/Getty Images
Late in the fourth quarter Sunday, with the Celtics one knockout blow away from finishing the 76ers, it was fitting that Neemias Queta provided the final punch.
A man among boys on this particular night, Queta wrestled the ball away from VJ Edgecombe, finished through contact and screamed to fire up the TD Garden crowd even more.
Queta is the first Celtic ever to amass at least 27 points, 18 rebounds, 10 offensive rebounds and 3 blocks in a game.
Add in his .714 FG PCT, 2 assists and 1 steal, he's one of 2 in NBA history to hit all those marks (David Robinson, 2/27/92
Queta has been terrific all season, and is one of the NBA’s most-improved players, but he had never pieced together a game quite like this one. He finished with a career-high 27 points (10-of-14 shooting), 17 rebounds and 3 blocks (plus-20), becoming the first Celtic since Robert Parish in 1989 to have at least 25 points and 10 offensive rebounds in a game.
It was a balanced effort, but Queta set the tone as the Celtics pulled away for a 114-98 win. Jaylen Brown added 27 points, 8 assists and 8 rebounds, Derrick White scored 21 and Baylor Scheierman had his thumbprint all over the game from start to finish.
Here are 10 takeaways:
1) QUETATTACK
Queta made his presence felt early, posting 16 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 assists and 1 steal in the first half. That was already his most points in a half ever, and he wasn’t done yet.
In addition to his usual power, he showcased some impressive finesse and delivered crafty finishes at the rim.
He had a particularly fun sequence late in the fourth, before the and-1, where he blocked Tyrese Maxey’s shot and altered VJ Edgecombe’s back-to-back. Queta was everywhere all night and was the engine in this one, even earning M-V-P chants and a standing ovation at various points.
A standing ovation and a pat on the back from Joe Mazzulla for Neemias Queta as he checks out.
Queta’s play inspired his teammates, as the Celtics racked up 30 second-chance points and out-rebounded the 76ers, 59-37, in a truly dominant effort.
The first quarter wasn’t as kind to the Celtics on the glass, but after that, it was a phenomenal performance. Boston continues to compensate for its lack of traditional height with all-out hustle plays, a high collective IQ and great coaching.
Baylor Scheierman, playing with a fractured thumb on his shooting hand, looked like his usual self Sunday night.
Defensively, he helped hold Tyrese Maxey to 4-of-18 shooting in the first half. Maxey missed some shots he usually makes, and later returned to form, but Scheierman consistently made life difficult alongside his Celtics teammates.
Offensively, he had a crafty play where he faked a lob in transition and cruised to the hoop for two. He also buried a corner 3 at the buzzer to send the Celtics into halftime with a 62-50 edge, giving fans a thumbs-up to let them know he was just fine.
Jaylen Brown continued to provide the perfect blend of aggressive scoring and timely facilitating. Brown’s reads have been on point all year, and he’s mastered the art of thriving as the No. 1 option while also not forcing shots.
He posted at least 23 points and seven assists for the fourth time in the last five games. Time will tell if he makes the All-NBA first team, but he’s certainly playing like one of the top-5 players in the league right now.
5) QUARTER POUNDER
After falling behind 28-26 through 1, the Celtics responded convincingly with a 36-22 second quarter. This Celtics team, like many before it, has a unique ability to seize momentum and capitalize when opportunities emerge.
They moved the ball well, got Sam Hauser going from 3 and continued to lean on Queta. Of course, the 76ers weren’t done yet. They stayed within striking distance, and nearly surged ahead, then Boston pulled away once more to seal it.
6) WHITE IS RIGHT
White provided my personal favorite play of the night. You really can’t teach this. What a player. They’re lucky to have him.
Plays like this are what make Derrick White so special. Look at where he starts and where he ends up. He’s behind the 3-point like when Hauser releases it, sprints to the ball, out-hustles two 76ers, tightropes the baseline and finds a wide-open Scheierman. Winner @celticsblogpic.twitter.com/8TbIgPO8QN
It was a rare quiet night for Payton Pritchard, who was held scoreless for the first time all season. It didn’t ultimately matter too much, but it was interesting to watch him blend in rather than stand out.
Credit to Pritchard for maintaining his poise and finishing plus-seven with five assists. I highly doubt this is going to be the start of a trend. It feels like a weird outlier that won’t mean anything long term.
8) YOU MIGHT GET A KICK OUT OF THIS
One of the more entertaining plays of the night came in the fourth quarter, when Edgecombe dove for a loose ball and accidentally kicked a fan in the face.
She even had a battle scar to prove it. Hope she’s OK. Either way, it’s a good story – and yes, he apologized.
1. One HELL of an effort play from VJ Edgecombe to save this possession for the Sixers.
2. Awesome to see Edgecombe so concerned / apologetic toward the fan that took a bit of a kick to the face in the process. pic.twitter.com/s8FghuuOLx
Apparently, Andre Drummond can shoot 3’s now. After making just 18 total in his first 13 seasons, Drummond is 22 for 59 (37.3 percent) this season after hitting two of his four attempts against the Celtics.
It wasn’t even grotesque, either. He’s not exactly Kyle Korver, but he’s actually capable of knocking them down. Respect.
10) EVEN SPLIT
After all that, the Celtics and 76ers ended up tying the season series, 2-2. It feels like these teams are going to play again, whether it’s in the first round, second round or Eastern Conference Finals.
I think the 76ers will give them a series, but I think the Celtics will win. Boston in 6.
The projected 68-team bracket took a bit of a hit over the weekend with several seed-altering upsets for fighting for the final No. 1 seed, such as No. 8 Purdue going 0-2 on the week with losses to No. 13 Michigan State and Ohio State and Iowa State losing to Texas Tech.
Several bubble teams saw their margin of error on making the field dwindle, looking at you, Auburn and Indiana.
There remain opportunities for teams to salvage or improve their respective NCAA Tournament resumes, as there remains a week left in the regular season for most conferences before teams ship out to their respective tournaments.The first conference tournament starts Monday, March 2 with the Horizon League, while the Big Ten will be the last one to finish just before the bracket reveal Sunday, March 15 at 6 p.m. ET.
But which teams have done some work on their March Madness picture that is going a bit unnoticed?
Here's a look at USA TODAY Sports predictions on which college basketball teams are underrated heading into the final week of the regular season and their respective conference tournaments:
For this March Madness prediction exercise, we've added the following filters and parameters: Team must be currently projected as a five seed or higher in ESPN Joe Lunardi's and USA TODAY Sports' latest projections, and their NET and KenPom rankings don't align with their respective projected seeding.
Michigan State
KenPom: No. 10
NET rankings: No. 11
Projected seeding: No. 4 seed on ESPN | No. 4 seed on USA TODAY Sports
It's March, never count out Michigan State and Tom Izzo. The Spartans gave the country an early reminder of that Thursday in West Lafayette when they walked out of Mackey Arena — where they had not won in their past seven trips — with an upset win over No. 8 Purdue.
Michigan State followed that up with a win at Indiana, where it got 21 points each from Jeremy Fears Jr. and Jaxon Kohler, two veteran pieces that can lead the Spartans on a national championship run, in addition to their defense that ranks sixth on KenPom.
The Spartans hold a 14-5 Quad 1 and Quad 2 combined record, and have won 12 of their past 15 games. With a date set with Michigan on Sunday, Michigan State could be in the mix for a 2-seed line before heading to Chicago for the Big Ten tournament.
Kansas
KenPom: No. 16
NET rankings: No. 16
Projected seeding: No. 3 seed on ESPN | No. 3 seed on USA TODAY Sports
Before we get started on this blurb, yes, Kansas is a blue-blood, so how are the Jayhawks "underrated"? They are on here for the same reason Michigan State is: They're coming into form all while jammed in the middle of a packed Big 12, which has been the best conference in college basketball this season.
Since Jan. 13 with its win over then-No. 2 Iowa State, Kansas has all but three of its past 12 games, with four of those wins being against top-ranked wins over then-No. 13 BYU, then-No. 13 Texas Tech, then-No. 1 Arizona and then-No. 5 Houston.
Their seven Quad 1 wins are tied for the second-most in the Big 12 with Texas Tech, only behind Arizona's nation-leading 13 Quad 1 wins.
Projected seeding: No. 4 seed on ESPN | No. 4 seed on USA TODAY Sports
The job Ryan Odom has done in Charlottesville hasn't been talked about enough nationally. Most of what has happened in the ACC has been overshadowed by how good Duke has been in the conference (just look at how Virginia's Saturday game played out at Cameron Indoor).
At 25-4 overall on the season, Virginia holds a top-15 NET ranking (they dropped just one spot following its loss at Duke) and a top-20 ranking on KenPom. Virginia is the second-highest-rated ACC team in the NET, on KenPom and on BartTorvik.
Led by Thijs De Ridder (16.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game), Odom has Virginia back in the NCAA Tournament after missing it last season. The 25 wins for the Cavaliers, who have two Quad 2 opportunities to round out the regular season, are the most for a head coach in his first season in program history. It's also a 10-win improvement from last season for Virginia under Ron Sanchez, who took over for Tony Bennett following his abrupt retirement.
Projected seeding: No. 4 seed on ESPN | No. 4 seed on USA TODAY Sports
It's hard to remember the last time Alabama wasn't in the headlines daily, and that was largely due to the Charles Bediako-NCAA eligibility case.
Alabama remains in the headlines, but for good measure now, as 23 points and the game-winning shot from Labaron Philon Jr. helped the Crimson Tide steal one on the road against Tennessee that will undoubtedly impact their March Madness seeding projection positively.
The Crimson Tide has won eight straight going into the final week of SEC play, where it will have a Quad 1 road opportunity at Georgia on Tuesday. They have a top-3-ranked offense on KenPom — that features Philon, Aden Holloway and Latrell Wrightsell — and NCAA Tournament metrics that are in a solid spot going into the SEC tournament, where, depending on their matchups, they could work their way to the 3-seed line. Defense will be the question for the Tide come March.
Projected seeding: No. 3 seed on ESPN | No. 3 seed on USA TODAY Sports
There was no better story in college basketball at the start of the season than Nebraska, as the Cornhuskers started undefeated at 20-0 before sustaining their first loss on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at Michigan. That loss to the Wolverines was the first of three losses in a four-game stretch for the Cornhuskers, though all three losses came to top-15 ranked teams with Illinois and Purdue as the others.
Since then, the Cornhuskers have bounced back a bit — though they fell to projected seven-seed Iowa on the road — with four wins in their last five games. They have a top-five-ranked defense on KenPom, rank in the top-15 on both KenPom and in the NET rankings and have an offense that is top-7 in Big Ten play in scoring with Pryce Sandfort leading the charge.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics sits on the bench during the preseason game against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on October 15, 2025 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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Episode 2 of Jayson Tatum’s documentary ‘The Quiet Work’ was run before the 76ers vs. Celtics game on NBC’s Sunday Night Basketball. Tatum then posted the video on his YouTube channel and it explores his and his doctor’s perspective on getting surgery immediately the next day after his injury.
At the end of Episode 1, Jayson Tatum had just torn his Achilles and was on his way to the hospital. Episode 2 opens up with Tatum and trainer Nick Sang going back and forth describing the scene with Celtics team doctor Antony Schena on the night of the injury. Schena used a tape cutter to take off the bandages, raised Tatum’s leg, and nodded at the group to signal that the Achilles was ruptured. Tatum responded to the story saying it was “heartbreaking.”
Doctor Martin O’Malley of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City then sits down for an interview and talks about the science behind how an Achilles tear rupture is the worst injury in basketball. He says “it feels like an explosion goes off in the back of your [leg] and the tendon just separates.” Tatum cuts in following this and says, “I just couldn’t help but think in my head, ‘am I ever going to play again’ and to be honest at that point, I ain’t have no hope.”
Dr. O’Malley comes back in and explains the risk of the injury. “The biggest risk is not getting back to that same level, losing a step, losing a jump.” He was watching the game at home and when Tatum went down he said, “oh no, that’s not good.”
O’Malley is an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in foot and ankle surgery who has operated on a few professional athletes and other NBA players like Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, and Vince Carter. So, he knew once Tatum got injured, he called his team right away.
Tatum then describes the next morning and how he felt discouraged when he was was offered a wheelchair when he first walked into the hospital. He said, “Yesterday, I was Superman, I was invincible, and now I need help with everything.”
Dr. O’Malley then shows the X-ray of Tatum’s foot and where the Achilles tore and where they sewed it back together. He also said getting the surgery within 24 hours leads to better outcomes and offered Tatum the ability to get the surgery that day. Tatum was crushed, saying, “it felt like my soul left my body.”
Tatum’s mother, Brandy Cole, said his face turned white and explained that Jayson didn’t expect to get the surgery and was apprehensive about getting it that day. Cole asked everyone to leave the room and Tatum just broke down. Cole said, “I can’t imagine feeling like the thing you love the most, the thing you worked for your whole life, just taken away from you.” She eventually convinced Tatum to get the surgery sooner rather than later.
Tatum described the process of the surgery and they showed video of his reaction when he first woke up. When describing what he felt when he woke up, he said, “I remember looking down at my foot and [it] felt heavy… I tried playing with my toes and I couldn’t move them.” The next shot was the hallway of the hospital and the episode faded to black.
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics is introduced before 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
BOSTON — “MVP! MVP! MVP!”
The chants echoed across TD Garden as the Celtics inched toward a win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Normally, that chant is reserved for Jayson Tatum, the Celtics’ perennial MVP candidate.
This year, Jaylen Brown has received his fair share of MVP cheers en route to a career season that’s already seen him secure his first-ever All-Star start.
But, on Sunday night, the “MVP!” chorus was directed toward a more unlikely character: Neemias Queta.
Queta, after all, appeared to be floating. The 26-year-old posted one of the best games of his NBA career, scoring a career-high 27 points (on 10-14 FG) to go alongside 17 rebounds and 3 blocks.
The Celtics, in turn, tallied a 114-98 win over the 76ers, improving to an astounding 40-20 record, the Eastern Conference’s second-best mark.
Amazingly, ten of Queta’s rebounds were on the offensive glass.
And, he did it all in just 27 minutes of action.
How did he do it?
“Just trying to have fun out there,” he said after the win.
Queta smiled when asked about the Garden’s boisterous MVP chants, which erupted multiple times in the game’s second half.
“I got distracted, missed a couple of free throws,” he said. “Got to work on that.”
Some MVP chants breaking out for Neemias Queta at the line — would imagine those are the first of his NBA career
The Celtics continue to push Neemias Queta toward greatness
After the win, Joe Mazzulla recalled how he informed Queta early last summer that he’d be the starting center on the Celtics this season. That came after the departures of Luke Kornet and Al Horford in free agency, and after Kristaps Porzingis was traded to the Atlanta Hawks.
Almost overnight, Queta went from being the Celtics’ fourth-string center to the frontcourt’s anchor.
“Part of telling him in the summer that he was going to be the starting center was giving him the time to properly wrap his mind around —- physically, mentally, emotionally prepare himself—— for what it means to be the starting center for the Celtics,” Mazzulla said. “And he’s taken on that ownership and responsibility well, and he’s got to keep it going.”
Shortly after that conversation, Queta represented Portugal at EuroBasket, going into the FIBA tournament with the knowledge that he was poised to be a critical part of the Celtics’ success. That tournament run came on the heels of offseason knee surgery, and Queta credits the national team experience for preparing him for this season.
“Playing for Portugal was huge for me this summer,” he said. “It allowed me to get a lot of rhythm, allowed me to get a lot of confidence, too. And just from that point on, it was just like a building stage. We worked a lot during the summer, pre- and post-surgery. It was a big summer for me in terms of fine-tuning a bunch of different stuff. We worked on all types of aspects — rebounding, pick-and-roll defense, we worked on match-up recognition. It was a big summer for me.”
As a result, Queta has had a career year, averaging 10.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 24.9 minutes per game, while shooting 64.5% from the field.
He’s tallied three double-doubles in his last five games, and last month, he logged back-to-back double-doubles for the first time in his career.
But many around the team, such as Jaylen Brown, feel like Queta has yet to reach his final form.
“I’m very pleased just to see his progression; he’s been working hard all season long,” Brown said. “I’ve been in his ear, talking to him. He’s done a good job this year. I feel like he has another level he can tap into, and I feel like he’s starting to tap into that.”
As such, it was fitting that right in the middle of Queta’s most dominant stretch of the game, Joe Mazzulla scolded him for swatting a shot out of bounds instead of saving it in-bounds.
Joe Mazzulla has been urging Neemias Queta to catch some of these great blocks he’s had recently
Mazzulla said postgame that there have been three recent instances in which Queta has unnecessarily blocked a shot out-of-bounds that he thinks Queta could have salvaged.
“I do think that’s an area of growth,” Mazzulla said. “Like, if you can catch it, catch it. Why give a team another possession? You just get the ball, and then we go in transition. So it’s definitely something he’s gotta better.”
To those not intimately familiar with Mazzulla and his coaching style, it might seem overly negative that, amid Queta’s career night, he was visibly distressed at a mistake that could be perceived as very minor.
But, from Queta’s perspective, it’s that exact mindset from Mazzulla and the coaching staff that has allowed him to develop into the player he is today.
“It’s easy when you have a night like this to settle down,” Queta said. “When Joe keeps coming at you like that, you’re only going to get better. Like he says, something that’s occurred a lot in the last couple of games. In the moment, I don’t think I can get it, but then when it settles down…”
Queta, upon further review, did think he could have salvaged that block. And, he’s committed to blocking a shot and subsequently keeping it in-bounds in the coming days, a play that could give the Celtics a transition opportunity, or at the very least, a chance at a defensive board.
“Hopefully, I get a couple of those next couple of games,” Queta said.
Neemias Queta said he agrees he could have caught the block, in hindsight.
He appreciates that Joe Mazzulla is pushing him: “It’s huge.”
Although Mazzulla remains laser-focused on the details, and pushing Queta to be the absolute best version he can be, he hasn’t lost sight of the big picture.
“You have to just have a level of gratitude and appreciate how hard he’s worked — but not just this year,” Mazzulla said. “He’s been here for three, four years, right? So the process of what he’s gone through to earn what he’s got is really what I care about.”
“We have to wake up and do it again tomorrow, so there’s that piece to it, but there’s the piece of — he’s taken on the ownership of the responsibility, and he cares about working hard and understanding how important what he does for us and for our team.”
Just moments after Queta finished addressing reporters in the locker room, he headed to Milwaukee along with the rest of his teammates; the Celtics (40-20) will face the Bucks (26-33) on Monday night.
Mazzulla loved what he saw from Queta on the first night of a back-to-back.
But, there’s a reason he’s not satisfied. It’s the same reason he’s not satisfied every night.
“In less than 24 hours,” said the Celtics head coach, “we have to do it again.”
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 1: Maxi Kleber #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 1, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — On the season, Maxi Kleber has only played in 34 of the Lakers’ 59 games and averages fewer than 11 minutes per contest in those appearances.
On Sunday night, he brought life to every second he played.
While LA had both of its top centers available, Jaxson Hayes found himself in early foul trouble, so Lakers head coach JJ Redick turned to Kleber. Immediately, he ramped up LA’s intensity.
Kleber was cleaning up the glass while serving as a rim protector, rejecting a Drew Eubanks attempt. He even added an offensive highlight to his reel, posterizing Precious Achiuwa.
“He had two poster dunks tonight,” Redick said postgame. “Things you get really excited about…Just the reaction from his teammates on that, it’s something that gives your group spirit.”
But it was a play that largely won’t show up in the box score that provided the most spirit for the group.
As Marcus Smart took a 3-point attempt, Malik Monk yelled out “Hell naw!” as the ball failed to touch the rim. On the ensuing Kings’ possession, Monk tried to go coast-to-coast but Kleber stood his ground and knocked the guard down, sending a clear message.
When Monk got up, he had words for Kleber, as did former Laker Russell Westbrook. Kleber wanted all the smoke before coaches, players and officials stepped in to make sure things didn’t further escalate.
The play doesn’t appear in the box score as anything more than a foul on Kleber, but it gave this game a bit more edge. The Lakers kept that intensity up even as Kleber went to the bench, and they entered the halftime break up 15.
At times, LA has a tendency to let go of the rope, particularly in games seen as easy wins. Kleber ensured that wouldn’t be the case, even on the second night of a back-to-back.
“He’s the guy that makes our team,” Rui Hachimura said. “He has good energy. He always brings good energy to the team. We always talk about how we need to be more like Maxi or we need to be like Maxi. We always talk about that. I know how he approaches this every day and brings positive energy. He always brings good energy to the team, whether he plays or not.
Kleber won’t always play, and when he does, it won’t always look as good as it did against the Kings.
However, each team needs everyone rowing in the same direction. Kleber is one of those veterans who not only knows how to be a pro but also sets the standard for his teammates, whether they are playing big minutes or riding the bench.
With the Lakers responding to their three-game losing streak with back-to-back wins, LA is having a moment of positivity. Still, the Western Conference race is as tight as ever, and as a vet, Kleber knows better than most that the work is far from done.
“I think the best thing for us is to just block out the noise from outside because we know what we got to focus on, what we got to do, and keep our composure,” Kleber said. “But obviously, having two wins like that obviously helps for the team chemistry, for like everything for the flow.
“But we know that we got to continue building on this now.”
Kleber’s qualities are exactly what teams want every player to have. He always brings that same level of passion, hustle and will to win regardless of his role.
On Sunday, his influence was obvious, and whether Lakers fans see it nightly or not, his impact is palpable.
Memphis Grizzlies (23-36, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (38-23, fourth in the Western Conference)
Minneapolis; Tuesday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota heads into a matchup against Memphis as winners of three games in a row.
The Timberwolves are 23-17 in conference games. Minnesota is sixth in the Western Conference with 26.5 assists per game led by Julius Randle averaging 5.4.
The Grizzlies are 18-23 in conference matchups. Memphis is sixth in the Western Conference with 11.6 offensive rebounds per game led by Zach Edey averaging 3.9.
The Timberwolves' 14.1 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.1 fewer made shots on average than the 14.2 per game the Grizzlies allow. The Grizzlies average 13.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.1 more made shots on average than the 12.4 per game the Timberwolves give up.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Grizzlies won 137-128 in the last matchup on Feb. 3.
TOP PERFORMERS: Rudy Gobert is scoring 10.9 points per game and averaging 11.5 rebounds for the Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards is averaging 28.6 points and 5.2 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Cam Spencer is scoring 11.4 points per game and averaging 2.6 rebounds for the Grizzlies. GG Jackson is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Timberwolves: 7-3, averaging 117.5 points, 43.4 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 9.4 steals and 6.3 blocks per game while shooting 49.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.8 points per game.
Grizzlies: 3-7, averaging 117.7 points, 37.3 rebounds, 28.7 assists, 12.9 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 121.0 points.
INJURIES: Timberwolves: None listed.
Grizzlies: Taj Gibson: out (coach decision), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: out for season (finger), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Zach Edey: out (ankle), Ty Jerome: out (thigh), Cedric Coward: out (knee), Santi Aldama: out (injury management), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: The San Antonio Spurs take on the Philadelphia 76ers in non-conference action.
The 76ers have gone 16-15 at home. Philadelphia has a 14-20 record against opponents over .500.
The Spurs are 22-11 on the road. San Antonio ranks third in the Western Conference with 16.5 fast break points per game led by Stephon Castle averaging 3.0.
The 76ers score 116.4 points per game, 4.6 more points than the 111.8 the Spurs allow. The Spurs average 13.1 made 3-pointers per game this season, the same that the 76ers give up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tyrese Maxey is averaging 29.1 points, 6.8 assists and two steals for the 76ers. VJ Edgecombe is averaging 17.2 points and 6.7 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Victor Wembanyama is averaging 23.7 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks for the Spurs. Devin Vassell is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: 76ers: 4-6, averaging 114.1 points, 41.1 rebounds, 22.9 assists, 10.9 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.1 points per game.
Spurs: 9-1, averaging 123.4 points, 45.9 rebounds, 32.0 assists, 8.2 steals and 6.9 blocks per game while shooting 49.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.9 points.
INJURIES: 76ers: Johni Broome: out (knee), Joel Embiid: out (oblique).
Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Mason Plumlee: out (reconditioning).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Oklahoma City Thunder (47-15, first in the Western Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (25-36, 12th in the Eastern Conference)
Chicago; Tuesday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Matas Buzelis and the Chicago Bulls host the Oklahoma City Thunder in a non-conference matchup.
The Bulls have gone 16-17 in home games. Chicago is fifth in the Eastern Conference with 51.5 points per game in the paint led by Josh Giddey averaging 8.3.
The Thunder are 22-8 in road games. Oklahoma City averages 119.2 points and has outscored opponents by 11.3 points per game.
The Bulls' 14.7 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.5 more made shots on average than the 14.2 per game the Thunder allow. The Thunder average 13.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.4 fewer makes per game than the Bulls give up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Buzelis is averaging 15.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the Bulls. Collin Sexton is averaging 11.6 points over the last 10 games.
Cason Wallace is scoring 8.8 points per game and averaging 3.2 rebounds for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 15.9 points and 3.3 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Bulls: 1-9, averaging 108.8 points, 41.2 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 9.5 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.6 points per game.
Thunder: 7-3, averaging 113.9 points, 45.0 rebounds, 25.7 assists, 9.4 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.9 points.
INJURIES: Bulls: Anfernee Simons: out (wrist), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Jaden Ivey: out (knee), Patrick Williams: out (quadriceps), Zach Collins: out for season (toe), Jalen Smith: out (calf).
Thunder: Ajay Mitchell: out (abdomen), Branden Carlson: out (back), Jalen Williams: out (hamstring), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Toronto hosts New York looking to stop its three-game home slide.
The Raptors are 4-9 against Atlantic Division opponents. Toronto has a 7-4 record in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Knicks are 26-15 in Eastern Conference play. New York is sixth in the Eastern Conference with 27.1 assists per game led by Jalen Brunson averaging 6.1.
The Raptors score 114.0 points per game, 2.9 more points than the 111.1 the Knicks give up. The Knicks average 5.2 more points per game (117.2) than the Raptors allow (112.0).
The teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Knicks won the last matchup 119-92 on Jan. 29. Mikal Bridges scored 30 points to help lead the Knicks to the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Scottie Barnes is averaging 19.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.6 blocks for the Raptors. Immanuel Quickley is averaging 3.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Brunson is averaging 26.7 points and 6.1 assists for the Knicks. Landry Shamet is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Raptors: 6-4, averaging 115.3 points, 41.7 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 9.4 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.8 points per game.
Knicks: 6-4, averaging 112.2 points, 43.7 rebounds, 27.9 assists, 8.4 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.0 points.
INJURIES: Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles: day to day (thumb).
Knicks: Miles McBride: out (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
