Category: NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves are jockeying for position in the NBA's Western Conference playoff race, and they'll have to do at least some of the heavy lifting down the stretch without their star player.

Anthony Edwards is likely to miss several games after the team's latest injury update revealed he's dealing with right knee soreness. It's a bit of a swerve with less than a month left in the regular season.

The four-time All Star played in Minnesota's most recent game against the Oklahoma City Thunder but went 6 of 17 from the field. Edwards, 24, was also just two days removed from a 42-point outburst in a win over the Golden State Warriors.

The Timberwolves enter Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns in sixth place in the packed Western Conference standings after losses in four of their past five games. They're just two games behind the third-place Los Angeles Lakers and two games ahead of the seventh-place Suns.

Here's the latest on Edwards' injury, including a potential timeline for his return to the Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of the start to the 2026 NBA playoffs:

NBA STORYLINES: What to watch as regular season hits stretch run

With the Western Conference a tight-knit race yet again this season, this series will look at the standings and games to watch across the league as the Lakers look to secure home court and move up the standings.

These are the good times. All the teams below the Lakers have lost games recently, and when you mix that with LA currently on a six-game winning streak, that’s how you end up with the purple and gold at the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference.

Here’s a look at the current playoff standings in the middle of the conference:
3. Lakers — 43-25, 10 GB
4. Rockets — 41-26, 11.5 GB
5. Nuggets — 41-27, 12 GB
6. Wolves — 41-27, 12 GB
7. Suns — 39-29, 14 GB

Despite the Lakers’ current top form, a bad week would be all it would take for them to drop back down again. So, they are far from out of the woods just yet.

Let’s take a look at the big games to watch around the league for the next couple of days and who Lakers fans should be rooting for.

Tuesday

Sixers at Nuggets — Can Quentin Grimes generate enough offense to give Denver some problems?

Probably not, but that’s the path toward a Sixers upset against the Nuggets. With Philadelphia fighting to rise in the Eastern Conference rankings, the good news is they also have plenty to play for, and this won’t be a tanking situation for them.

Perhaps the competitive fire and some Andre Drummond rebounds will be enough for the Sixers to come away with a victory.

Suns at Wolves — Who Lakers fans should root for in this one is tough since they need both teams to drop as many games as possible.

The Wolves are closer to the Lakers in the standings, but LA owns the tiebreaker over Minnesota. While the Suns are further back, they won the season series over the Lakers, so perhaps it’s best that they lose and stay in the play-in spot.

On the bright side, someone has to drop this game, and LA will benefit.

Wednesday

Nuggets at Grizzlies — Memphis is tanking so hard even Utah is blushing. Yes, it’s the second night of a back-to-back for Denver, but it’s hard to imagine that’s going to be enough of a reason for the Grizzlies to win a game.

Jazz at Wolves — With Minnesota recently struggling, facing the Jazz is just what they need to look good and earn a win. Lakers fans might just want to skip both of these Wednesday games.

Thursday

Suns at Spurs — San Antonio is the hottest team in the NBA right now, having won 18 of their last 20 games. Given that they’ll be at home on Thursday against the Suns, Phoenix isn’t likely to come out of this one with a win.

Catching the Spurs is virtually impossible for the Lakers. So, watching them beat the Suns will be a welcome sight for Lakers fans.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards will miss the next several games with inflammation in his right knee, with the team in the thick of the race for playoff position in the Western Conference.

The Timberwolves announced before their game on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns that Edwards would be re-evaluated in one to two weeks, after the sixth-year guard underwent an MRI exam. That means Edwards will miss at least four games, with the Timberwolves playing four times in a six-day span. A two-week absence would cost him seven games.

Edwards will finish the season with a career low in games played, having already missed four games with a right hamstring strain and a total of six games over three different stretches with a lingering right foot injury.

Edwards, who played in 79 games in each of the three previous seasons, is averaging a career-best 29.5 points per game. Minnesota entered Tuesday in a tie for fifth place in the West with the Denver Nuggets, two games ahead of the Suns for the cut to avoid the play-in tournament.

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

The DP World Tour starts its Asian Swing at this week's Hainan Classic, but the most familiar face in the field for Chinese fans might be someone who played in the NBA.

That's because 7-footer Yi Jianlian is teeing it up in the event as an amateur. Sort of. In addition to the 72-hole tournament, there's also a 36-hole team event pairing one amateur and one pro.

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If you're a basketball sicko, you surely remember the former first-round pick (No. 6 overall!) of the Milwaukee Bucks back in 2007. Over five seasons in Milwaukee, New Jersey, Washingtong and Dallas, Yi averaged 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds. He then went back to the Chinese Basketball Association and dominated, winning six CBA titles and three Finals MVPs.

Apparently, the 38-year-old is an avid golfer now. He played in the 2024 Volvo China Open Pro-Am with Haotong Li and attended the Players Championship as a fan that year. And as the DP World Tour announced on Tuesday, he's competing in the team event at Mission Hills.

We don't know much about Yi's golf game, but that swing looks pretty smooth. Certainly a lot better than fellow Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming:

Anyway, good luck to Yi this week. If any pickup basketball games break out after, we know who we're backing.

RELATED: These photos of Yao Ming and Gary Player on a golf course are mesmerizing

Just weeks before Dillon Brooks was arrested for DUI earlier this month, cops in Arizona expressed serious concern about the NBA player’s driving.

An incident report, obtained by The California Post on Tuesday, shows a Scottsdale Police Department officer stopped Brooks on Jan. 12 after the Suns guard’s driving made them nervous about the possibility he could cause a “catastrophic collision” in a congested, pedestrian-heavy part of the city.

Brooks was going 85 MPH in a 45 MPH zone in a 2019 Rolls-Royce Wraith, according to the report, which caused the cop to become “increasingly concerned about the extreme risk of a catastrophic collision or the vehicle striking a pedestrian.”

“Several businesses in the area were open and operating,” the cop wrote in the report. “A collision at such speeds could have resulted in multiple fatalities or serious physical injuries.”

Brooks was pulled over just after midnight, and body cam footage from the stop shows he actually asked the officer, “You pull me over because I’m speeding?”

The cop responded yes, and after getting Brooks’ information, the basketball player was cited for reckless driving and released.

Court records show Brooks, 30, is now facing two misdemeanors over the issue -— one count of reckless driving and one count of exceeding speed limit by 20/45 MPH — and is due to appear before a judge in early April.

Brooks was later arrested by the Scottsdale Police Department on March 6 — some seven weeks after his January run-in with cops — after authorities alleged he was driving under the influence.

Body cam footage from that stop showed an officer accused Brooks of having a car that “smelled like a dispensary” before he was taken to jail.

Whether or not Brooks faces criminal charges over that matter “is up to the City prosecutor’s office,” the Scottsdale Police Department said.

Brooks has played in 50 games for the Suns this season, though he’s been out since late February after suffering a broken hand.

A message to Brooks’ rep seeking comment on Tuesday was not immediately returned.

TMZ Sports also reported on the incident.

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Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cavs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

It’s hard to believe the 2025-26 NBA regular season is already approaching an end. As of writing, the Cleveland Cavaliers only have 14 games remaining, with a match against the Milwaukee Bucks tonight. Where does the time go?

Keeping that theme in mind, our first question for this week’s survey focuses on the end of the season. With only a handful of weeks left in the schedule, do you believe Max Strus can work his way back into the starting lineup before the playoffs start?

There are layers to this question. First, you need to believe that Strus belongs in the starting lineup, to begin with. I think this part of the equation is more straightforward, as Strus has had success in the starting five since joining the Cavaliers three seasons ago. If he’s healthy, that role is likely his. Though you can argue for someone like Jaylon Tyson, if you wish.

Second, and more importantly, can Strus get back into postseason shape this quickly? He just made his season debut on Sunday. That’s a short window to ramp up and get ready for the intensity of a playoff run. Strus scoring 24 points in his debut probably makes you feel more confident. However, he did look gassed at various points in that game. Something to keep in mind.

As for our other question, we want to know who you believe will finish the season with a higher three-point percentage? Jaylon Tyson (45.7%) or Sam Merrill (44.5%).

Of course, we understand that Merrill attempts more difficult shots than Tyson. But the fact that this is even close is a testament to the season Tyson is having. So, who are you rolling with down the stretch?

Max Strus finally returned to the court for the Cleveland Cavaliers this past Sunday after missing the entire season to this point with a Jones fracture. While it didn’t come in a win, his return looked about as positive an outcome as the team, the player, and the fans could have hoped for.

Average Player Grade: A+

Stats last week: One game, 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist

Standout Performance: Same as above

After a signature performance from Strus, he delved into what went into a return like this.

“You learn a lot about yourself when something is taken away from you. I think I understand how important this is and how much it does mean to me that I want to be back. I want to make an impact. I want to help this team win. I do love basketball. I do love doing it with a good group of guys. I’m just happy to be back.”

The performance sent the arena into a frenzy. Strus was lights out shooting beyond the perimeter, going 6-7 in 20 minutes. Strus compiled this performance while also showing the skill set that made Cavaliers fans fall in love with him in the first place. Strus showed his on-ball abilities, being able to get around the rim, and showed how much easier his life can be in this James Harden iteration of the Cavaliers.

Strus’s return also allows the Cavaliers to unlock a more free-flowing version of their offense — one that mirrors the style that originally drew the team to him during his Miami Heat days. In past seasons, Strus often felt like an essential component of the Cavaliers’ ability to get rolling offensively, but that level of responsibility sometimes worked against what makes him most effective. The Cavs should be able to put him in the proper context now.

Shooters like Strus operate at their best when they are able to operate within their own systems. The Cavs desperately have needed these types of role players. Outside of Sam Merrill, this has been an archetype the team has sorely lacked.

A lot of times, the Cavalier of the week is based on a stretch of games to earn the hardware. When it comes to this week, I think acknowledging the road Max Strus took to have the debut he did is worth the award itself.

Max Strus, your award is in the mail.

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Our NBA player prop projections are back for tonight’s primetime matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks, and the model has already identified several standout opportunities.

After breaking down the data and comparing our projections with the current market lines, we’ve pinpointed the spots offering the strongest betting value.

These Cavaliers vs. Bucks predictions aren’t based on gut instinct — they’re driven by the numbers.

If you’re building your betting card, these are the model’s top NBA picks for Tuesday, March 17.

Cavaliers vs Bucks computer picks for March 17

Cavaliers	Bucks
Mitchell o25.5 points -115	Antetokounmpo u28.5 points -112
Harden o2.5 3-pointers  -140	Porter Jr. u6.5 assists  -110
Mobley u9.5 rebounds -140	Kuzma u4.5 rebounds  -125

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Cavaliers computer picks

Donovan Mitchell Over 25.5 points (-115)

Projection: 27.5 points

Opposing starting shooting guards are averaging 6.2 made field goals per game against the Milwaukee Bucks this season — the fifth-highest mark in the league — making this a favorable spot for Donovan Mitchell.

Mitchell has gone Over his 25.5-point line in four of his last 10 games, and this matchup could give him a strong chance to clear it again.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Mitchell Now at bet365!/span

James Harden Over 2.5 3-pointers (-140)

Projection: 2.6 3-pointers

The matchup with the Bucks sets up well for perimeter production, as opposing starting point guards have averaged 7.3 three-point attempts per game over the last 10 contests — the fifth-most in the NBA.

That trend creates a favorable spot for James Harden to capitalize from beyond the arc.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet harden Now at bet365!/span

Evan Mobley Under 9.5 rebounds (-140)

Projection: 8.7 rebounds

The Cleveland Cavaliers have played at the fifth-slowest pace in the NBA over their last 15 games, and that tempo could slow even further in this matchup.

Facing the Bucks — who rank as the sixth-slowest offense over their last 25 games — should lead to fewer overall possessions, potentially limiting rebounding opportunities for Evan Mobley.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet mobley Now at bet365!/span

---

Bucks computer picks

Giannis Antetokounmpo Under 28.5 points (-112)

Projection: 26.3 points

At home this season, the Cavaliers have held opposing starting power forwards to just 13.5 points per game — the second-lowest mark in the league — signaling a tough matchup for offensive production.

That’s not an ideal setup for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has gone Under his 28.5-point line in eight of his last 10 games.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Antetokounmpo Now at bet365!/span

Kevin Porter Jr. Under 6.5 assists (-110)

Projection: 6.2 assists

Due to Cavaliers pace of the game, the slowdown could affect Kevin Porter Jr., who has gone Under his 6.5-assist line in four of his last 10 games.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet porter Now at bet365!/span

Kyle Kuzma Under 4.5 rebounds (-125)

Projection: 3.7 rebounds

Kyle Kuzma has struggled to reach his rebound line recently, hitting the Under in all 10 of his last 10 games at 4.5 rebounds.

Cleveland’s frontcourt is physical and active on the glass, limiting second-chance opportunities for opposing wings and forwards. Kuzma, who isn’t a primary rebounder, will likely see his chances curtailed by their size and positioning.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet KUZMA Now at bet365!/span

How to watch Cavaliers vs Bucks tonight

Location	Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Date	Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off	8:00 p.m. ET
TV	NBC/Peacock

Not intended for use in MA.
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It’s St. Patrick’s Day, but we don’t need luck to hit some winners in the NBA player prop markets.

I’ve reached the end of the rainbow and found my three favorite NBA picks for the day, which include Brandon Miller finding us some green on the glass, and the Kings needing the luck of the Irish if they don’t want to get blocked by Victor Wembanyama.

Best NBA player props today

Player	Pick
Brandon Miller	Over 5.5 rebounds	+100
Cam Johnson	Over 10.5 points	+100
Victor Wembanyama	Over 3.5 blocks	+115

Prop #1: Brandon Miller Over 5.5 rebounds

+100 at bet365

Fading the Miami Heat on the glass is still one of my favorite ways to bet NBA player props right now.

The Heat play at the highest pace and take the most field goal attempts in the NBA. That inherently means a lot of rebounds up for grabs, and not surprisingly, they surrender the third-most opponent rebounds per game.

Tonight, the Heat take on the upstart Charlotte Hornets.

One of the players creating a buzz around the Hornets is Brandon Miller, and it’s not just with his scoring. Miller is averaging 7.1 rebounds over his last nine games and has hauled down 6+ boards six times over that stretch.

• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: FDSN-South, FDSN-Charlotte

Prop #2: Cam Johnson Over 10.5 points

+100 at bet365

Denver Nuggets wing Cam Johnson is finally starting to find his shooting rhythm again, so this might be one of the last times we see a point total like this for him for a bit.

Johnson has put up totals of 17, 15, and 18 points over his last three games, where he’s shooting 60% from the field, including 47.1% from 3-point range.

Tonight, Johnson and the Nuggets play host to the banged-up Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers are missing basically all of their impact players and rank 22nd in defensive rating over their last 10 games.

• Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: Peacock

Prop #3: Victor Wembanyama Over 3.5 blocks

+115 at bet365

Another one of my favorite player props going in the NBA right now is Victor Wembanyama's blocks.

Sportsbooks just can’t quite fully grasp his ability to protect the rim recently. Wemby has been putting up monstrous block numbers ever since the All-Star break.

The San Antonio Spurs star center is averaging 4.2 blocks per game in his 13 games since coming out of the break, topping 3.5 11 times during that period. 

Next, he takes on the Sacramento Kings, who rank 20th in opponent blocks allowed per game since the start of February. The Wemby block party continues tonight.

• Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: FDSN-Southwest, NBCS-California

These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Leon Draisaitl is expected to miss the rest of the NHL regular season because of a lower-body injury, the Edmonton Oilers said Tuesday, leaving the back-to-back defending Western Conference champions left to try to hold on to a playoff spot without one of the best hockey players in the world.

He will miss at least the remaining 14 games through April 16.

It was not immediately clear exactly what the injury was or whether Draisaitl will miss any time once the playoffs begin the weekend of April 18-19.

Draisaitl left his team's game Sunday against Nashville after getting bumped hard by the Predators’ Ozzy Wiesblatt during the first period. He did not return.

The Oilers after winning that game sat in third place in the Pacific Division, one point back of Vegas and two behind Anaheim, though the Golden Knights and Ducks each have an extra game left to play.

Draisaitl has been a big part of getting Edmonton to this point. The 30-year-old ranks fourth in the league in scoring with 97 points in 65 games, second on the team behind only Connor McDavid, atop the NHL with 114 points

Draisaitl won the Hart Trophy as MVP in 2020 and was the runner-up last season. Last month, he played at the Olympics and was Germany's leading scorer with seven points in five games.

Draisaitl is the second prominent player to be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. Toronto's Auston Matthews won't play again because of a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl