DENVER , CO - FEBRUARY 25: Nikola Vucevic (4) of the Boston Celtics passes as Cameron Johnson (23), Julian Strawther (3) and Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets defend during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty Images
The party rolls on. The Brooklyn Nets hosted the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night at Barclays Center. The Nets put up a fight, but the Spurs were too much to handle and gave the Nets their sixth consecutive loss.
The opponent tonight has a solid hold on the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Against all odds, the Boston Celtics have exceeded all sorts of expectations this season and will have homecourt advantage in the first round, at the very least. They didn’t help the cause after losing on the road to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.
Where to follow the game
YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Gotham Sports on streaming. Tip after 7:30 p.m. ET.
Injuries
Night two of a back-to-back you’d expect some players would sit but nope. For the fourth time in nine games, everyone is healthy. Drake Powell is on assignment with Long Island as are the three two-ways. Expect Ben Saraf (called up from Long Island) and Grant Nelson (on a two-way) to be available, but both are coming off a G League back-to-back.
Amazingly, Jayson Tatum is expected back soon. You should remember, dear reader, that Tatum tore his Achilles about nine months in the playoffs against the Knicks. He’s not playing tonight, but don’t be surprised if he’s back within the next month or so. Holy heck.
The game
Boston won games one and three while Brooklyn took game two. This is the last meeting between the two teams this year.
Can I admit something? I’m all in on the Jaylen Brown MVP candidacy! Yes yes I see the efficiency numbers aren’t the greatest especially considering how high his usage rate. And yeah, Nikola Jokic still walks this Earth. But ya know what? I don’t care! Brown’s got the Celtics contending and is the focal point of their attack. From Gio Rivera at Celtics Blog:
“Brown is proving himself as both an elite scorer and an elite playmaker. He’s opened the floor for teammates, veterans and newcomers alike, to excel in their roles while everyone embraces the next-man-up approach Mazzulla and the coaching staff have crafted. Without Tatum and offseason departures Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet, the Celtics have competed at a remarkable level, keeping them in the hunt for the No. 1 seed.“
Sounds like someone who should get a vote or two!
Boston is back home after a four game road trip that ended in Denver and the Nets are on the second leg of a back-to-back. Don’t be surprised if this one starts off slowly.
Three point variance is the name of this game. Both teams are top ten in attempts per game, but the Nets are 28th in percentage while the Celtics are 13th. A quick 12-2 run by Boston would get the crowd on tilt and have Brooklyn reeling in a hurry. Ball possession will be essential tonight as the Nets can’t afford to let possessions go to waste against a team this good.
Player to watch: Nikola Vucevic
An old face in a new place. Vucevic came over from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Anfernee Simons at the trade deadline. So far, his presence has been a welcome addition to the club.
“It’s been huge,” Neemias Queta recently said. “I’m trying to pick his brain every day, trying to figure out how I can get better with my game as well. Credit to him — I think he’s been a great addition in terms of spacing the floor, being able to be a threat down low. He’s going to rebound for sure, too. He’s going to be key for us late in the season, and we’re still trying to figure out a couple of things with him — how to get him in his best spots, and he’s trying to get loose too.”
Vucci Mane is back to doing his usual stuff on offense. He’s been in a bit of a rut in the past two games as he’s shot 5-18 from the field and 0-7 from three point range, but his ability to hit elbow jumpers, find open cutters, etc. will prove handy this spring. Having a post player like Vucevic should make life easy for everyone on the team.
For the first time in a while, the Nets won the rebound battle last night. They’re going to need a total team effort again as the C’s are fourth in the NBA in rebound rate. Assuming Nic Claxton plays, he’ll be responsible for battling with old foe Vucevic on the inside while also controlling the boards. He, Day’ron Sharpe, and Noah Clowney will look to help the Nets on the interior and prevent Boston from getting second and third opportunities on offense.
From the Vault
The Elimination Chamber is tomorrow night, and we are officially on the Road to WrestleMania!
Feb 26, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets forwards Michael Porter Jr. (17) and Noah Clowney (21) and guard Egor Demin (8) and center Nic Claxton (33) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Coming off a comeback win against the Toronto Raptors, the Spurs traveled to the Barclays Center to take on the Brooklyn Nets. From the start of the game, the Spurs started hot and did not slow down. They outscored the Nets 36-22 in the first quarter, and led by as much as 22 in the first half. The Nets would cut the deficit to single digits, but the Spurs’ defense, ball movement, and hot shooting overwhelmed this young Brooklyn team. After taking a 15-point lead into halftime, the Spurs kept their foot on the gas pedal in the third and took a 20-point lead into the fourth. The Spurs led by as much as 26, and ultimately defeated the Brooklyn Nets 126-110.
Julian Champagnie returned to his hometown of Brooklyn and scorched the Nets with 26 points (10-14 FG, 6-9 3PT), three steals, two blocks, two assists, and two rebounds. 19 of his 26 came in the first half, as he drained threes from the corners, wings, and even slashed his way to the cup. This performance is reminiscent of his career-high 36 points and 11 threes against the New York Knicks on New Year’s Eve; it just seemed like Julian could hardly miss. Guess who he plays next?
Rise up! Julian cuts to the basket and rises for a two-handed jam!
Stephon Castle dropped 18 points (10-12 FT), five assists, two rebounds, and two steals. Steph drew fouls and got himself to the line no matter who was in front of him. In the past, Steph usually has not gotten the benefit of the doubt when it comes to drawing contact, but the Nets could not guard him without fouling. Also, when they did not foul him, he drove right past and posterized multiple defenders!
On the board! Steph and Victor Wembanyama run the give-and-go as Steph cuts to the basket for the easy slam and the first points of the game!
De’Aaron Fox dropped 14 points (6-8 FG, 2-3 3PT), six assists, two steals, and a rebound. D-Fox played unselfishly and efficiently. He dished out six dimes and only missed two of his eight shots. For someone who is playing on a max contract, Fox has taken over the offense, usually if it is in the flow of the game. Playing with young star guards, efficient shooters, and lob threats (especially Wemby), it makes his job a bit easier.
CRAFTY! D-Fox spins off of Traore in transition and finishes off the backboard with a scoop layup!
Devin Vassell dropped 14 points (4-7 3PT), seven rebounds, five assists, and a steal. In his last three games, Dev is averaging 21 points per game, shooting 62% from the field and about 67% from three. In other words, Dev is on a hot streak. A consistent Dev for a team with many mouths to feed only raises this team’s ceiling.
DEV POSTER! Dev beats Demin on the backdoor cut and posterizes Drake Powell with one hand!
Keldon Johnson dropped 13 points (6-7 FG), four rebounds, and a steal. After having a couple of rough games and a shoulder injury, KJ bounced back in just 18 minutes. The instant spark plug took a bit to charge up, but he was fully charged on offense, missing only one of his seven shots. Look for him to continue to rehab his shoulder and get back to his 6MOTY form.
GET BIG! KJ posts up and spins off of Powell for a tough and-one finish over Day’Ron Sharpe!
Victor Wembanyama dropped 12 points (6-6 FT), eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks. Offensively, Vic has looked sluggish these last two games, struggling from the field and forcing up tough shots. However, on the defensive side, he had himself a pair of blocks and got into the passing lanes for steals. Hopefully, this two-day rest will come in handy for the rematch against the Knicks.
Just throw it up there! Wemby cuts to the paint for an easy runway to catch the pass from Dev for the alley-oop jam!
Dylan Harper dropped 12 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and a steal. Dyl had himself a Fox-like game. He took shots when he needed to and dished out dimes. Despite a few turnovers, Dyl was able to make the most of his extended playing time (29 minutes). He even got to show off his athleticism by recovering the loose ball and slamming it home with one hand!
All in all, this was a fantastic bow to seal the month of February undefeated. From where this team was a year ago, this season has been beyond most fans’ wildest dreams. Also important to point out: this is the first team in NBA history to go undefeated in a month while scoring at least 110 points a game (min. 10 games). Some tough tests approach this young team in March, starting with the NBA Cup Champs at MSG.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs take on the New York Knicks this Sunday at 12:00 P.M. (CST) on ABC.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 11: Keon Ellis #14 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles down the court during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The team announced on Friday morning that X-rays have revealed that Ellis has a non-displaced solar plate avulsion in his left index PIP joint. The injury happened during Wednesday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the Jarrett Allen Fro shirt HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE.
Despite the injury, Ellis could play in Friday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. Both he and Harden are listed as questionable.
Even though this isn’t an injury that is expected to keep Ellis out of the lineup for a long period of time — if at all — it isn’t exactly coming at the most opportune time.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson has the difficult job of trying to figure out lineup combinations that work before the playoffs. He’s running out of time to do so, considering there are just 22 games left, and they could be without several key players for a portion of those games, including Donovan Mitchell who will miss Friday’s contest with a groin strain.
Ellis has fit in nicely with the Cavs in the nine games he played. He scored 14 points on 4-8 shooting from deep in the loss to the Bucks. The defensive specialist has averaged 6.4 points, 1.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1 block per game since coming to Cleveland.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 22: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 22, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Depending on your investment in the NBA Draft Lottery — which, you’re here on this page, so — we’ve entered a very tense time in the Dallas Mavericks’ season. Every season there is hand-wringing about the state of tanking in the league. So much so that we’re getting mixed rumors of NBA officials attending player MRIs just to verify that the player is, in fact, injured.
If you’re catching up, Friday’s were reserved for scanning the media landscape in our NBA Power Rankings Watch. Now, the Mavericks are more focused on moving down than up, so last week we shifted our sights to the lottery. Ten or more teams are currently in a fight for their life, jockeying for position to have greater odds in the lottery pull for one of the deepest draft classes in recent years. Draft order will be determined May 10. And until the end of the Mavericks’ season on April 12, we’ll be keeping a close eye on this board for the final 24 games. Cooper Flagg’s future running mate is on the way.
Lottery standings
Last week we identified that Mavericks fans should watch closely on results from the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies, the two teams clustered with Dallas in the tank standings. We’re now keeping casual watch on the New Orleans Pelicans (three game win streak) and the Chicago Bulls (11 [ELEVEN] game losing streak) as well. Don’t be surprised if the last six weeks of the season groups these teams closer together.
For now, no real shuffling to the standings themselves. The Mavericks went 2-2 last week, with the team facing several other lottery bound opponents there will be plenty of roster mischief in the days ahead. The Jazz went 0-3, creating some space between themselves and Dallas. The Grizzlies went 1-3, at one point tying the Mavericks by record. For all these teams, it might be worth taking into account remaining schedule strength: Mavericks (3rd toughest remaining schedule), Grizzlies (7th), Jazz (12th), Bulls (14th), Pelicans (19th).
Weekly schedule
Until New Orleans falls further back or Chicago “jumps” forward, we’re focus in on the three teams from last week. You’ll notice some very key head-to-head matchups, mixed with some games against teams in the top four of the lottery standings. A pretty key week:
Dallas Mavericks: vs. Memphis Grizzlies, vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, @ Charlotte Hornets, @ Orlando Magic
Utah Jazz: vs. New Orleans Pelicans, vs. Denver Nuggets, @ Philadelphia 76ers, @ Washington Wizards
Each week we’ll take one spin around the block at tankathon.com and see where the chips fall. As last week brought one large swing of chaos, this week’s chaos was of a different sort. Three teams, including the Mavericks, jumped into the top four of the draft.
You can’t ask for much more from the lottery in this moment.
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 29: Clint Capela #30 of the Houston Rockets and Vit Krejci #27 of the Atlanta Hawks hug before the game on January 29, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
For a while, it worked. In November, Ayton was the best version of himself, averaging 16.6 points and nine rebounds per game. Recently, though, his scoring has dropped, his defensive aggression has evaporated and he’s been benched during clutch games.
What’s wild about Ayton’s quote, besides the fact that he’s dissing one of his peers, is that Capela is exactly the kind of big man the Lakers desire. He’s an important part of the Rockets’ rotation and does all the little things that impact winning.
Ayton’s words caused quite a buzz on social media, so much so that Capela went on Instagram and encouraged Ayton to lock in with his floor generals.
It feels like Ayton has been told by everyone who has ever cheered for him to lock in, but it hasn’t ever consistently come to fruition. If things keep trending negatively in LA, you can add this stop as another in his career where the sizzle was far more enjoyable than the steak.
To make this entire situation even worse for Ayton, Capela outplayed him on Thursday night. Capela was hustling hard, helping the Rockets beat the Magic 113-108.
Ayton, on the other hand, was rather pedestrian during his performance in LA’s loss to Phoenix.
The box score comparison between the two bigs matched the eye test. Capela ended the night with four points, six rebounds and two blocks in his 17 minutes off the bench. Ayton had two points and four rebounds in his 23 minutes as a starter.
Capela took the petty route with his response to Ayton, and considering who he was reacting to, most won’t have a problem with it.
Also, Capela’s right. Ayton does have to lock in, and playing more like Capela would be better for everyone involved.
As has been true for a lot of his career, Ayton just doesn’t seem to get it.
The Knicks have been without one of the key pieces on their bench for just under a month now, and it appears they won’t be getting him back in the mix anytime soon.
Speaking for the first time since undergoing core muscle surgery, Miles McBridetold reporters Friday in Milwaukee that he remains without a timeline for a return.
McBride hopes he'll be able to get back before the end of the regular season, but is unsure.
League sources told SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley earlier this month that a potential timetable for a return post-surgery would be six-to-eight weeks.
The guard underwent the procedure on Feb. 6, penciling him in for an earliest return in the first week of April.
The NBA playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 18.
McBride said that it is a slow process back, but he has begun shooting without jumping.
In his absence, head coach Mike Brown has been leaning on trade deadline acquisition Jose Alvarado, who was picked up from the Pelicans just before the news of the 25-year-old's injury broke.
Khris Middleton has a decision to make, and a Sunday deadline to make it.
Dallas has given the veteran forward the choice of whether or not he wants a buyout to join a playoff team, reports Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Middleton has until Sunday to make his decision, which is the cut-off day to be waived and still be eligible for playoff rosters.
The Denver Nuggets are interested in Middleton, according to Stein and other reports, although other playoff teams may have contacted him as well. For the record, Cleveland, Golden State, and New York cannot sign anyone on the buyout market because they are over the tax apron.
Middleton started the season in Washington but was traded to Dallas as part of the Anthony Davis deal. In six games with the Mavericks Middleton has looked pretty good, averaging 14.5 points and 4.8 rebounds a game, shooting 38.1% from 3-point range. That said, nobody should confuse the 34-year-old with the younger version of himself, who was a three-time All-Star, a gold medal winner at the Tokyo Olympics, and the player who was a key part of Milwaukee's 2021 title run.
Middleton is set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer, unless he is waived and then signs a multi-year contract with a new team.
The Cleveland Cavaliers (37-23) travel to Little Caesars Arena tonight for a battle against the league-leading Detroit Pistons (43-14).
The Pistons lead the season series against the Cavs having won two of the first three games. Each team sits Top 4 in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons sit atop the East by 5.5 games over the Celtics while the Cavs are making noise, sitting in fourth, 7.5 games behind Detroit.
The storyline for tonight’s matchup is heavily influenced by a significant injury report for the Cavaliers, who are facing a severely shorthanded backcourt. Star guard Donovan Mitchell has been ruled out with a groin strain, while recent acquisitions James Harden (thumb) and Keon Ellis (finger) are listed with injuries alongside Dennis Schröder and Dean Wade. Cleveland will rely heavily on their strong frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen to dominate the paint and control the glass, while requiring secondary scoring from a depleted bench to compete with Detroit.
Detroit, which has won six of its last seven games and eight of their last ten, takes the court far healthier than the Cavs with only Isaiah Stewart (suspension) sidelined. The Pistons' balanced, high-intensity team relies on stellar defense and top-tier playmaking from Cade Cunningham, who has evolved into one of the East's premier players and the dominating interior presence of Jalen Duren.
Lets take a closer look at the matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: Cavaliers at Pistons
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 7PM EST
Site: Little Caesars Arena
City: Detroit, MI
Network/Streaming: ESPN
Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Game Odds: Cavaliers at Pistons
The latest odds as of Friday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Cleveland Cavaliers (+200), Detroit Pistons (-245)
Spread: Pistons -6.5
Total: 227.5 points
This game opened Pistons -7.5 with the Total set at 224.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups: Cavaliers at Pistons
Cleveland Cavaliers
PG James Harden
SG Sam Merrill
SF Dean Wade
PF Evan Mobley
C Jarrett Allen
Detroit Pistons
PG Cade Cunningham
SG Ausar Thompson
SF Tobias Harris
PF Duncan Robinson
C Jalen Duren
Injury Report: Cavaliers at Pistons
Cleveland Cavaliers
James Harden (thumb) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Dennis Schroeder (ankle) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Dean Wade (ankle) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Keon Ellis (finger) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Donovan Mitchell (groin) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Max Strus (foot)has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Detroit Pistons
Isaiah Stewart (suspended) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Important stats, trends and insights: Cavaliers at Pistons
The Pistons are 22-7 at home this season
The Cavaliers are 17-12 on the road this season
The Pistons are 31-25-1 ATS this season / 14-15 at home
The Cavaliers are 25-35 ATS this season / 13-16 on the road
The OVER has cashed in 29 of the Cavaliers’ 60 games this season (29-31)
The OVER has cashed in 25 of the Pistons’ 57 games this season (25-32)
Each of these teams have won 8 of their last 10 games
Detroit has won 2 of the last 3 against Cleveland and has covered the spread in 3 of the last 4 against the Cavs
Jalen Duren has recorded double-doubles in each of his last 3 games (26.7ppg, 14reb/gm)
James Harden is averaging 8 assists per game since being traded to the Cavs
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s Cavaliers and Pistons’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Pistons -5.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 226.5
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
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Apparently, the only thing that can stop Karl-Anthony Towns is his own team.
After blazing out of the All-Star break with efforts of 21, 25, and 28 points, KAT was iced out in the New York Knicks’ loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.
Towns shot the ball only five times — making all five attempts — and finished with just 14 points over 28 minutes. What makes that stat even more baffling is that the rest of New York’s roster shot a collective 37% in defeat.
The Knicks can right that wrong by feeding Towns early and often when they take on the Milwaukee Bucks, who are without star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
My Knicks vs. Bucks predictions and NBA picks are taking Towns to topple his scoring total on Friday, February 27.
Knicks vs Bucks prediction
Knicks vs Bucks best bet: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 18.5 points (-112)
The media is throwing gas on the fire after Karl-Anthony Towns’ lack of involvement on Tuesday. Before being limited to five FGAs, KAT averaged more than 15 shots in the first three outings back from the break.
The New York Knicks' big man has actually been hot all of February, upping his average points to 19.6 and shooting 55.4% from the field.
He won’t have Giannis Antetokounmpo in pursuit against the Milwaukee Bucks after struggling in the first two matchups with Milwaukee (4 for 20 with Giannis). His projections sit between 19.2 and 20.2 points tonight, giving good value to Over 18.5.
Knicks vs Bucks same-game parlay
The Knicks need a win to get right after a dud in Cleveland and opening the post-break slate with a 2-2 record. No Antetokounmpo on either end of the floor helps that cause a lot.
Towns is projected for 20+ points and has the hot hand this month, including a 40.5% clip from beyond the arc.
With Giannis sidelined, Bobby Portis gets extra touches inside and will battle on the boards for second-chance looks. Game models are as high as 13 points.
Knicks vs Bucks SGP
Knicks moneyline
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 18.5 points
Bobby Portis Over 9.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Going to Town!
After getting the cold shoulder from his team earlier this week, the Knicks jumped on KAT’s back.
His scoring, rebounding, and block projections all sit above these prop totals, powering New York to a road win and cover.
Knicks vs Bucks SGP
Knicks -8.5
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 18.5 points
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 10.5 rebounds
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 0.5 blocks
Knicks vs Bucks odds
Spread: Knicks -8.5 (-110) | Bucks +8.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Knicks -330 | Bucks +265
Over/Under: Over 219.5 (-110) | Under 219.5 (-110)
Knicks vs Bucks betting trend to know
Karl-Anthony Towns has scored 19+ points in seven of his last 10 games, topping his O/U scoring prop in six of those outings. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Bucks.
How to watch Knicks vs Bucks
Location
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Date
Friday, February 27, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
MSG Sportsnet, FDSN Wisconsin
Knicks vs Bucks latest injuries
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Max Scherzer's 8-year-old daughter wanted her father back with the Blue Jays so much she wrote a letter to the team in December expressing her hope for his return to Toronto.
“Dear Blue Jays,” the note began, "I am so sorry that you didn’t win the World Series. I hope that you win next time. I hope my dad is back on the team. My whole family loves spending time in Toronto with our dad. We loved the aquarium, the (CN) Tower and of course the stadium. I am looking forward to come back next season. Love, Max Scherzer daughter”
An eight-time All-Star, Scherzer is a 41-year-old right-hander with a 221-117 record and a 3.22 ERA for Arizona (2008-09), Detroit (2010-14), Washington (2015-21), the Los Angeles Dodgers (2021), New York Mets (2022-23), Texas (2023-24) and Toronto (2025). He ranks 11th on the career list with 3,489 strikeouts — 20 behind Hall of Famer Walter Johnson.
Los Angeles, CA - February 22: Guard Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celticsis fouled by guard Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 22, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
We’re back! Welcome to the Celtics’ Top-5 Highest IQ Plays of the Week!
Sure, we love the high-flying dunks and the deep, off-the-dribble step-back threes, but this is a place for the under-the-radar plays that might not get the credit they deserve. The plays that get the basketball sickos and nerds out of their chairs. The plays that even YOU could make in your weekly rec league game.
Each week, the plays will be ranked from five to one—one being the smartest—and will only be taken from games that occurred within the past week. For this week, games from February 19th to February 26th are considered. The Celtics went 3-1 this week, with wins over the Warriors, Lakers and Suns, but a loss to the Nuggets.
This play seems simple, but I love Queta’s patience and greed when it comes to finding the best available pass. After bigs get offensive rebounds, so many of them have a tendency to kick it out to the first open shooter before thoroughly surveying their options. Here, though, Neemy forgoes pitches to both White and Pritchard before eventually finding Brown for the even-more-open three. It’s about going from an okay shot, to a good shot, to a great shot. The game is slowing down for him before our eyes.
I’m not sure whether Hauser is improvising here or this is a planned cut, but it’s a heady play nonetheless. When Pritchard’s ghost screen results in a brief moment of space, it’s Sam’s defender who’s responsible for a stunt at PP. But when Hauser 45 cuts (a cut from the wing), he forces even Porzingis to spend an extra split second worrying about his rim presence, which makes the Latvian’s closeout to Vucevic worse than it should be. Imagine what this play looks like if Hauser stays—or don’t, and I’ll spell it out for you. Sam probably gets swung the ball, but Porzingis is close enough to guard both him and Vucevic with their poor spacing, forcing him into either a contested shot or a poor extra pass with bad spacing. Beautiful cutting instincts from Hauser here.
The Celtics played a lot of drop coverage this week—which, more than any other pick-and-roll coverage, necessitates active and intense guard defense. It forces the player defending the ball-handler to usually trail the offensive player while still somehow affecting his pull-up jump shot. On this play, White effectively trails Cam Johnson and somehow gets a rear view block—something he’s better at than probably any other NBA player— even though he gets caught on the screen. Special recovery from White.
As accurately presented by Bill Simmons on a recent podcast, Boston’s pathway to dominance this season has followed a clear formula: Brown+White+Pritchard+guys who work hard. But how do you find guys who will consistently play with above-average intensity and effort? You make nobody feel fully safe and comfortable in their role, and you randomly start Ron Harper Jr. over players who have regularly been in the rotation. Mazzulla’s willingness to shake things up and keep guys on their toes has been refreshing and fun, and I think it has forced players like Scheierman, Walsh, Gonzalez, and Hauser to do the little things if they want to stay on the floor, which has, in turn, made them better players. Baylor is all of a sudden an elite defender and rebounder?
I like a couple of things that Gonzalez does on this highlight play. First, I appreciate the fact that he immediately extra-passes the ball to Harper Jr. without spending even a split second considering a shot or drive—this gives Ron more time to operate and make a decision. Then, Hugo backpedals along the arc, giving Harper Jr. more space and forcing more difficult closeouts for both Podziemski and Porzingis, which then allows Gonzalez to attack space and show us some of what he has been working on with the developmental coaches.
Gillispie, 66, has been Tarleton State's coach since 2020, and has led the school to a 78-74 record in five seasons. The former Texas A&M, Kentucky and Texas Tech coach has been sidelined since Jan. 15 due to health issues.
Gillispie has dealt with myriad health-related problems in recent years. He was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2017 before receiving a transplant, and also missed the 2023-24 season at Tarleton State after undergoing a blood pressure-related procedure. He also cited health issues after resigning from Texas Tech in 2012, his lone season at the school.
Associate head coach Glynn Cyprien has been Tarleton State's acting head coach during Gillispie's absence. The Texans are 14-15 this season.
Gillispie led UTEP to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2003-04 before being hired by Texas A&M, which he led to the Sweet 16 in 2006-07. He spent two seasons at Kentucky from 2007-09 but failed to advance past the first round of the NCAA Tournament before being fired.
Memphis was looking for some veteran leadership in the locker room after Kyle Anderson agreed to a buyout (he is set to sign in Minnesota after he clears waivers, according to reports, but coach Chris Finch said Thursday night he could not comment on that). The second year of Gibson's contract is non-guaranteed.
Gibson played 37 games last season in Charlotte and 20 the season before that, split between the Knicks and Pistons, but was without a contract for this season. He is a highly respected locker room presence.
Gibson joins a Memphis team entering a rebuild after trading away Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. for draft picks, and while they listened to offers for Ja Morant, a trade expected to happen in the offseason.
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 26: Rasheer Fleming #20 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 26, 2026 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
There are wins that feel like oxygen, and then there are wins that feel like you can finally unclench your jaw. Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers was the latter for the Phoenix Suns, a game that washed over the fan base and let everyone breathe a little deeper as they look ahead to Sacramento on Tuesday. When you do not play again for a few days, a performance like that lingers in the best way. It rides shotgun with you through the weekend. It hums in the background while you mow the lawn or rewatch possessions on League Pass.
Injuries have reshaped the rotation, and when that happens, space opens up. Minutes are not handed out, they are claimed. Opportunity sits there waiting for someone with the nerve to grab it. On Thursday night, that someone was Rasheer Fleming, the rookie out of Saint Joe’s. He stepped into his window and looked comfortable doing it. He did not float through the game. He impacted it. And on a night when Phoenix needed contributions from everywhere, he answered the call.
When you see Rasheer Fleming step onto an NBA floor, your eyes do not have to work very hard to understand the intrigue. He looks the part immediately. 6’9”. A 7’5” wingspan that seems to blot out light. 240 pounds on a frame that carries it with ease. When he extends those condor arms into a passing lane or rises to contest at the rim, it is not a mild inconvenience for the offense. It is a problem that has to be solved in real time.
This season has not been about rushing him. It has been about building him. He arrived raw, the kind of prospect who makes you lean forward in your seat during Summer League and whisper to yourself that if it ever clicks, watch out. You could see the outlines of something meaningful in Vegas, yet on the offensive end, he would drift, processing a half-second late, thinking through reads instead of reacting to them.
Time has a way of sanding down those rough edges. Reps in the G League matter. Film sessions matter. The unglamorous minutes matter. And with each stretch of action, he has started to look more comfortable, more decisive, more in tune with where he is supposed to be and when he is supposed to be there.
There is also the draft context that lingers in the background. A second round pick, yes, although taken 31st overall, which is as close to the first round as you can live without technically being invited to the party. That slot carries its own subtle message. It says the league saw something. It says the gap between him and the traditional first-rounder was thin. Three spots behind Ryan Dunn the year before, which is less a separation and more a technicality.
Now the physical gifts that made you believe are starting to align with the on-court feel. And when that happens, when body and brain begin to sync up, that is when a developmental project starts to look like a rotation player in the making.
What we witnessed on Thursday felt like another mile marker in Rasheer Fleming’s growth chart. It was another reminder that this stretch of opportunity for the young guys is something you cannot properly measure with a box score or a spreadsheet. Development does not move in straight lines. It moves in minutes, in trust, in moments that stack on top of each other until a coach starts to lean your direction without hesitation.
Fleming had logged 266 minutes entering the matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. That is not nothing, although it is not a featured role either. Lately, the runway has been longer. He has approached 20 minutes in five of the last six games he has appeared in, including Thursday night, and those minutes have not been accidental. They have been intentional.
Jordan Ott has started to weave him into the fabric of the game earlier, slipping him into the rotation in the first quarter, letting him feel the tempo while the contest is still finding its shape. It gives Phoenix a different look, more length, more switchability, and more chaos on the defensive end. It asks the opponent a new question.
Thursday followed a familiar script at first. Fleming checked in with 4:22 left in the opening quarter. That timing tracks. He entered with 3:15 left in the first against the Boston Celtics. He stepped in with 4:59 left in the first against the Portland Trail Blazers. The pattern is there.
What shifted against the Lakers was the leash. In prior games, his first stint had a defined endpoint. Against Boston, he exited with 6:22 left in the second quarter. Against Portland, his run ended at the start of the second. On Thursday, after the mandatory mid-quarter timeout, Ott let him stay out there. He kept Rasheer on the floor.
Fleming up to 10 minutes and is staying in after the timeout. This will be his longest shift in the rotation so far. Well deserved.
That detail matters. Coaches show belief in increments. An extra rotation. A few more possessions. Trust revealed not in words, but in substitution patterns. And on a night when Phoenix needed energy and length and a little bit of fearlessness, the rookie was given more room to breathe, which is how growth becomes real.
Ott saw the disruption. He saw Rasheer Fleming make life uncomfortable for Luka Doncic and LeBron James, and when that timeout hit, he did not reach for the substitution pattern he had been following in previous games. He let it ride. Why? Because Fleming earned it.
That is the ecosystem this roster is trying to build. Minutes are not gifted. They are claimed. You want to stay on the floor? Prove you belong there. On Thursday, Fleming proved it. His defense was active, physical, and aware. He used every inch of that wingspan to crowd air space, to shade driving lanes, to bother pull-ups. Disruption is his entry point into this league. If he hangs his hat there, the rest can grow around it.
The body has always been ready. The question was always whether the athletic gifts would align with the mental processing. That alignment is starting to show. He anticipates screens instead of reacting late. He navigates contact with balance. He keeps his hands high to deter passes, to alter sight lines, to make scorers think twice. These are not accidental habits. They are learned behaviors, signs that the game is slowing down for him.
Offensively, the confidence is creeping in as well. The three-point stroke looks clean, repeatable, unhurried. He went 2-of-3 from deep on Thursday night, stepping into those looks without hesitation. The season number sits at 27.6%, which tells part of the story. The recent stretch tells another. He is 7-of-17 over his last five games, good for 41.2%, and those attempts have come within the flow of the offense.
For a young player, that blend of defensive impact and growing offensive comfort is how you carve out a role. Fleming is beginning to understand that, and more importantly, he is beginning to show it.
There is one layer you would still like to see him peel back.
When the ball finds Rasheer Fleming above the break, the first instinct is often to keep it moving, to swing it to the next option, to stay within the structure of the offense. There is value in that. It shows discipline. It shows he understands the scheme. Yet there are moments when you want him to pause for half a beat, read the defender in front of him, and consider that the advantage might be his.
Attack.
Not every possession. Not recklessly. Not in a way that hijacks flow. Although when an athlete with his physical abilities catches the ball in space, there is room to explore. We saw a glimpse of it when he rolled off of a screen towards the cylinder in the third. It worked. The defender gave ground. The lane opened. The finish followed.
That is the next frontier in his development. Trusting that his length can carry him past contests. Trusting that when he extends toward the cylinder, his length creates angles that most players cannot erase. He might surprise himself with how unblockable he can be once he commits to the drive.
It is a small adjustment, although an important one. Growth in this league often lives in those in-between decisions, the choice to swing the ball or seize the moment. For Fleming, learning when to turn a catch into pressure on the rim feels like the next step in a journey that is already trending upward.
“We always tell him he has no idea how good he can be,” Collin Gillespie said of Fleming after the game.
I am grateful he had the runway to play through mistakes, to settle in, to leave fingerprints on the game. I am also grateful the front office resisted the urge to chase a veteran power forward on the trade market or in the buyout aisle to soak up those reps. They stayed committed to the developmental arc, trusting that when the window opened, it would belong to someone like Rasheer Fleming. Thursday night, the window opened, and he stepped through it.
This is what patience looks like. You draft a player 31st overall, you invest in the reps, you live with the uneven stretches, and you allow the growth to compound. When opportunity arrives, it does not feel foreign. It feels earned.
As I have said before, growth is linear. It climbs, it dips, it steadies, it climbs again. The next matchup might not fit him as cleanly. He might run into a coverage he has not solved yet. He might have to process something new on the fly and learn in real time how to counter it. That is not a setback, that is the curriculum.
Development in the NBA is not about perfection. It is about exposure. See it once. Adjust. See it again. Respond quicker. Fleming is in that phase now, gathering experiences, stacking possessions, building a foundation that will support the next leap.
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 27: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons dunks the ball as Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers plays defense during the game on October 27, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Unfortunately, these potential Detroit Pistons statement games keep turning into who’s available games. The Pistons take on the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers tonight, but this won’t be the team Detroit might see in a seven-game series.
Cleveland’s best player, Donovan Mitchell, is out tonight with a groin designation. Cleveland’s new addition, James Harden, is questionable with a thumb injury. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley are critical Cavs pieces; they are two of the best rim protectors in basketball. While that’s true, those guards are the reason many see Cleveland as a legit threat.
Detroit will be without its backbone in Isaiah Stewart again tonight. With those pivotal pieces potentially missing tonight’s game, this probably isn’t a true statement game, but there is one message the rugged Pistons can send to Allen and Mobley.
Game Vitals
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
When: Friday, February 27, 7:00 pm EST
Watch: ESPN or Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Detroit (-6)
Analysis
This could be another individual statement game from Jalen Duren. When the Oklahoma City Thunder ruled out Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein on Wednesday, Duren did exactly what he was supposed to do on the offensive end.
Duren made the Thunder look like those 8th graders in his early hoop mixtape. Dominating Allen and Mobley the same way would be very impressive. Duren has that in him; he went straight through Victor Wembanyama a few nights ago.
It would have been a fun matchup seeing Cade Cunningham guarding Mitchell or Harden. Blocks and steals aside, Cade is showing qualities of an elite defender.
We knew he was solid or good on that end, but he has a shot to be a premier two-way threat at his best. The size, willingness to slide his feet, and constant engagement on that side separate him from star guards like the Cavs have.
Former Piston Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis were other in-season Cavalier additions. Both are listed as day-to-day and questionable tonight. Those two add to the Cavs’ depth. Schroder can change the pace in a playoff matchup, and Cleveland is +16.6 with Ellis on the floor. He’s always been an impactful scrapper who’s had good shooting stretches.
The Cavs have other snipers who can get going. Sam Merrill has been one of the league’s top flame throwers this season. He’s shooting 46 percent on over seven 3-point attempts. Merril erupted from deep, going 9/10 against the Washington Wizards earlier this month.
The Pistons obviously aren’t the Wizards. It’s hard to find a team that rotates on the perimeter better than Detroit does. Before even needing to get into rotation, Merrill and the other Cavs role players will need to get by the sturdy Pistons perimeter defenders — no easy task.
Detroit’s role players match up nicely with those Cavs role players. Ron Holland, Javonte Green, and Paul Reed are not the preferred matchups for NBA players. You’re in for a long night of active hands and constant bumps if any of those three are assigned to you.
That nonstop pressure is a team-wide trend on both sides of the ball for Detroit. Cleveland could get beat up in the paint even though they’ll trot out a massive frontcourt.
Detroit averages the second-most points in the paint, and Cleveland has the fifth-best points in the paint team defense. Per PBP stats, opponents shoot 50 and 52 percent with Allen and Mobley at the rim, respectively.
Duren, Cade, the scrappy role players, and the perimeter drivers can show the Cavs why they’re different tonight. Maybe the star guards don’t suit up for Cleveland, but Detroit can still send a message to Cleveland’s double-big lineup.
