DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks have waived point guard Tyus Jones, one of the players involved in the three-team trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards.
The move announced Saturday gives Jones a chance to pursue a deal with a contender needing backcourt help. The 29-year-old made the playoffs three consecutive seasons with Memphis from 2021-23.
The Mavericks now have the flexibility to convert rookie point guard Ryan Nembhard to a standard contract. Nembhard is closing in on the maximum number of NBA games allowed for players on two-way deals.
Jones made two starts among eight appearances for the Mavericks, averaging 3.9 points and 3.8 assists in 16.6 minutes per game. He was traded by Orlando to Charlotte a day before going to Dallas in a three-team deal involving nine players before the trade deadline.
The best season for Jones was 2023-24 with Washington, when he averaged 12.0 points and 7.3 assists. He received votes for Sixth Man of the Year the previous two seasons with the Grizzlies.
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal scored the first hat trick of his career in a 4-1 win over Villarreal that moved his team four points clear atop La Liga on Saturday.
At 18 years, 230 days, Yamal is the youngest player to score his first hat trick in La Liga, according to Opta.
His haul included a brilliant solo effort for his second goal, which saw him beat a player as he cut in from the right wing and curl a shot high into the far corner.
“He’s exceptional and he’s here to make people happy," Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said. "We need his goals to give him confidence. He’s very young and he still has to improve, but everyone knows the quality he has.
"Opponents put two or three players on him and that makes it difficult. Today I’m very happy for him. When he enjoys his football, it’s perfect for him and for us.”
Substitute Robert Lewandowski added Barcelona's fourth in stoppage time at Camp Nou.
Second-placed Real Madrid hosts Getafe on Monday with a chance to trim Barcelona's lead back to one point.
Also on Saturday, Inaki Williams equalized for Athletic Bilbao in a 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano.
Later, fourth-placed Atletico Madrid visited Real Oviedo and could move level on points with third-placed Villarreal with a win.
___
This story has been corrected in second paragraph to show Yamal is aged 18 not 17.
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Lakers computer picks
Marcus Smart Over 7.5 points (-105)
Projection: 9.0
This is a five-star play per our Covers prop projections, and Marcus Smart has hit this Over in seven of his last 10 overall.
"The matchup vs. the Golden State Warriors is a positive one for threes; opposing starting SFs have put up the highest three rate in the league this year (47.0%). Over the last 5 games, the opposition's starting SFs have attempted 3.8 foul shots per game (8th-most in the NBA) against the Warriors, making it fairly effortless to get to the charity stripe."
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Smart Now at bet365!/span
Deandre Ayton Over 0.5 assists (+115)
Projection: 1.0
Deandre Ayton has 11 assists over his last 10 games, hitting this modest Over six times in that span.
The Warriors have surrendered the second-most assists per game to opposing centers.
Our computer pegs this prop as a +22.4% EV play.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Ayton Now at bet365!/span
Austin Reeves Over 3.5 assists (+100)
Projection: 4.5
With our computer calling for a full additional assist for Austin Reeves compared to his posted line, there's a +20.17% EV associated with this play.
Golden State is not a tough matchup for opposing shooting guards when it comes to assists, surrendering 5.17 per game to the position.
The even-money price just makes this bet all the more appealing.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Reeves Now at bet365!/span
Warriors computer picks
Moses Moody Under 2.5 threes (+135)
Projection: 2.5
Moses Moody is projected to be a victim of a potentially crawling pace in tonight's game.
"The 8th-least up-tempo pace home offense in the league over the last 5 games has been the Golden State Warriors.. The Warriors are expected to suffer a drop-off in possessions in this game from sharing the court with the 6th-most lethargic tempo visiting team in the NBA this year (the Los Angeles Lakers)."
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Moody Now at bet365!/span
Draymond Green Over 7.5 points (-130)
Projection: 9.6
This line is trending toward 8.5, but is still listed at 7.5 at bet365. Nevertheless, our computer is calling for a robust 9.6 points from Draymond Green.
"Offensive rebounds save possession and produce extra opportunities for scoring and assists, and the Warriors grade out 8th-best in in the league with 13.0 offensive rebounds per game over the last 5 games."
Green has hit this Over in five of his last eight overall.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Green Now at bet365!/span
Gui Santos Under 14.5 points (-105)
Projection: 12.7
Gui Santos' point prop keeps growing with increasing production, but our projections believe it's time to fade the young power forward.
"The matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers may be a tough one for getting to the foul line; the opposing team's starting PFs have attempted a mere 2.2 free throws per game over the last 15 games (least in the NBA)."
This projection checks in over a full point lower than the posted line, good for a +14.08% EV.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Santos Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Lakers vs Warriors tonight
Location
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Date
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
PARIS (AP) — Back in Ligue 1, Arnaud Nordin scored his first goal for Rennes in a 1-0 win over Toulouse on Saturday.
Nordin struggled for playing time in the Bundesliga with Mainz and joined Rennes on loan in January until the end of the season.
The winger's goal in the 27th minute helped Rennes to a third consecutive win. The Brittany club moved level on points with fourth-placed Marseille, which hosts Lyon on Sunday.
On a five-match winless run, Toulouse remained in 10th place.
Nordin jumped higher than defender Charlie Cresswell and broke the deadlock with a header. Nordin previously played for Saint-Etienne and Montpellier. He has more than 200 French league games under his belt.
Rennes hired coach Franck Haise this month following Habib Beye’s exit and was tasked with guiding the team to fourth spot and a place in the Champions League qualifying rounds.
Paris Saint-Germain was at Le Havre later Saturday, looking to extend its lead over second-placed Lens to four points. Monaco hosted Angers.
The Los Angeles Lakers don’t look like a team convinced that a deep playoff run is imminent, but a primetime matchup against the Golden State Warriors gives their stars the perfect stage.
Golden State is still without Steph Curry and lacks answers for the Luka Doncic assignment, so my Lakers vs. Warriors predictions point to a big night from the visitors.
Check out my free NBA picks and betting angles for Saturday, February 28.
Lakers vs Warriors prediction
Lakers vs Warriors best bet: Lakers -4.5 (-105)
The Los Angeles Lakers are 4-2 ATS in their past six meetings with the Golden State Warriors, and JJ Redick’s squad comes in with a solid 18-12 SU road record.
Austin Reaves’ return gives the Lakers three elite ball-handlers, and I’m counting on that creating enough quality looks to cover this small spread against a shorthanded Warriors team.
Golden State is still hanging around the play-in race, but they're 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games, and the offense struggles without Steph Curry's movement.
Lakers vs Warriors same-game parlay
We’ve seen plenty of Doncic hero ball this season, but I’m focusing on the other aspects of his game here.
The superstar point guard is coming off consecutive games with 8+ rebounds and has totaled 37 assists over his last four outings. If the Lakers want to prevail, Luka needs to contribute more than just points.
Lakers vs Warriors SGP
Lakers moneyline
Luka Doncic Over 8.5 assists
Luka Doncic Over 7.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Press the Klutch
Klutch teammates LeBron James and Draymond Green go head-to-head tonight, and this SGP taps into that matchup. James posted a 20-10-7 stat line against the Warriors earlier this month.
Green hauled in seven rebounds and added six assists in his last outing, and his playmaking will be a key ingredient in a Steph-less offense.
Lakers vs Warriors SGP
LeBron James Over 19.5 points
LeBron James Over 1.5 threes
Draymond Green Over 4.5 assists
Draymond Green Over 5.5 rebounds
Lakers vs Warriors odds
Spread: Lakers -4.5 (-105) | Warriors +4.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Lakers -170 | Warriors +145
Over/Under: Over 230 (-110) | Under 230 (-110)
Lakers vs Warriors betting trend to know
The Lakers are 23-15 SU against Western Conference opponents this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Warriors.
How to watch Lakers vs Warriors
Location
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Date
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Lakers vs Warriors latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Tyus Jones signing with Orlando seemed like one of the smarter pickups of the offseason, a team that needed stability at the point signs up a veteran guard who knows how to run a team and doesn't turn the ball over. It didn't work on the court as smoothly as expected, and Jones was traded to Charlotte, then a day later was re-routed to Dallas as part of the three-team Anthony Davis trade.
Jones did not find a home in Dallas either, and the team has waived him, a move that had been expected for days.
The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have waived guard Tyus Jones.
Jones (6-0, 196) appeared in eight games (two starts) with the Mavericks and averaged 3.9 points and 3.8 assists in 16.6 minutes per game.
Dallas needed to open a roster spot to convert Ryan Nembhard's two-way contract to a standard contract, reports Marc Stein. Nembhard has more than earned that contract.
Jones is a free agent who will be eligible for playoff rosters. Expect some team to snap him up.
The New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz are set to square off for the second time in three days.
Saddiq Bey erupted for a season-high 42 points in the last meeting, and my Pelicans vs. Jazz predictions are counting on the NOLA guard to shoulder the scoring load once again.
Read more in my NBA picks for Saturday, February 28.
Pelicans vs Jazz prediction
Pelicans vs Jazz best bet: Saddiq Bey Over 20.5 points (-110)
Saddiq Bey missed the 2024-25 season following ACL surgery, but the New Orleans Pelicans guard has found his rhythm over the past couple of months.
Bey is averaging a career-high 17.2 points per game, and he’s bumped that up to 21.0 ppg since the calendar flipped to 2026 — highlighted by a season-best 42-point outing against the Utah Jazz on Thursday.
He’s scored 20+ points in 11 of his last 15 games and will be leaned on to carry New Orleans’ offense with Trey Murphy III sidelined.
The Jazz also rank 30th in points allowed per game, so Bey should have plenty of opportunities to fill it up again.
Pelicans vs Jazz same-game parlay
The Pelicans have won three straight, while the Jazz are mired in a four-game losing streak and will be without Lauri Markkanen.
Both teams rank in the bottom five in team defense, so scoring should come easily tonight. The Over has also cashed in each of the last five meetings between these squads.
Pelicans vs Jazz SGP
Saddiq Bey Over 20.5 points
Pelicans moneyline
Over 243.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Making It Rain
The Pelicans and Jazz rank 29th and 30th in three-pointers allowed per game, respectively, so we should see plenty of treys tonight.
Bey has connected on at least three triples in nine of his last 14 outings, and teammate Jordan Poole is knocking down an average of 2.5 from deep per game this season.
For Utah, Brice Sensabaugh has hit more than 2.5 shots from beyond the arc in four of his past five contests, while Keyonte George is also averaging 2.5 made threes per game.
Pelicans vs Jazz SGP
Saddiq Bey Over 2.5 threes
Jordan Poole Over 1.5 threes
Brice Sensabaugh Over 2.5 threes
Keyonte George Over 2.5 threes
Pelicans vs Jazz odds
Spread: Pelicans -6.5 (-110) | Jazz +6.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Pelicans -250 | Jazz +210
Over/Under: Over 245.5 (-110) | Under 245.5 (-110)
Pelicans vs Jazz betting trend to know
New Orleans is 6-0 in the last six meetings against Utah. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Jazz.
How to watch Pelicans vs Jazz
Location
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Date
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
Pelicans+, KJZZ 14
Pelicans vs Jazz latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
After having to leave the game against Philadelphia after 10 minutes, Miami Heat All-Star wing Norman Powell has been diagnosed with a groin strain and is considered week to week, the team announced.
INJURY UPDATE: MRI results for Norman Powell returned as a Grade 1 right groin strain. He will be week to week.
Nikola Jovic (lower back injury management) has been ruled out of tomorrow's game vs the Rockets.
Powell was a first-time All-Star this year, averaging a career-high 22.5 points per game and shooting 39% from 3-point range. Powell has been playing through a number of nagging injuries, according to reports, which will give him a chance to heal.
Powell will be an unrestricted free agent after the season.
Not that there is ever a good time for an injury, but this is less than ideal for the Heat, who sit eighth in the East at 31-29 and are fighting to hold on to their No. 8 seed and an easier path through the play-in to the playoffs.
Los Angeles, CA - February 22: Guard Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics shoots between Austin Reaves #15 and center Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers as guard Luka Doncic #77 looks on 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
It’s always good to beat LA. Always.
And it’s always good to beat LeBron James.
And it’s great that LeBron joined the Lakers in order to make victories all the sweeter.
For me, I sometimes wonder what LeBron thinks of Boston in his heart of hearts. He’s far too savvy to say anything out loud about the team, but consider that the Celtics were in his way starting in 2008; in fact, they were so much in his way that he left Cleveland and joined Miami to get past them.
And he was able to get past the Celtics, first as a member of the Heat, and then, again, as a Cavalier. He had a roughly 7-year run where he pretty much owned Boston, knocking the C’s out of three conference finals appearances and four playoff appearances overall.
But, inexorably, time has caught up with LeBron, and now, as he’s facing the end of his career and the Celtics are back again.
To be sure, LeBron did add a championship with the Lakers, and he had the satisfaction of seeing the Lakers tie the Celtics for most titles won, but that tie was short lived. The Celtics secured another title in 2024, and appear poised to contend for more titles in the future. The Lakers, Luka Doncic notwithstanding, do not.
Yes, the Celtics are once again the better team, as evidenced by two thorough spankings of the purple and gold this season, and a record of 10-6 against the Lakers since LeBron joined the team.
A different kind of respect for Luka
During the game, Joe Mazzulla paid Luka a very high honor.
Now with pretty much any other team, putting a rookie and a second year guy on the other team’s leading scorer is a sign of disrespect, insanity, or a fervent hope to secure a high draft pick (don’t use the “T” word — the league is on high alert for such things these days).
But Boston isn’t other teams, and Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez play defense as though their life depended on it. Mind you, their playing time pretty much does.
The two wings held Luka to 25 points, 7 less than his season average, and the difference was basically one less made basket and about four fewer free throw attempts.
Yes, these two kids, and I don’t mind calling Scheierman a kid, since he’s young enough to be one of mine, effectively locked down Luka without sending him to the line. That’s a level of skill that one simply does not associate with newcomers to the league.
Overall, the team also limited Luka to just three assists, well down from his season average of 8.6. His season average is 54.1 passes per game, and on Sunday he made just 37.
One of the easiest insights to give someone new to the game regarding its likely outcome is to see which team has to work harder for its points. Now, it’s not a perfect indicator, but it’s a good eye test for neophytes.
The Lakers, and Dončić especially, had to work much harder for their points on Sunday, and that’s down to the exceptional defense played by Boston.
At least Riley’s statue is wearing nice clothes
But what was especially enjoyable about the victory on Sunday, though, was that it was Pat Riley Day.
Now, normally, I would say that a Celtics win, especially one delivered in clear and convincing fashion, would be sufficient to ruin Riley’s day, but in this case, I think Riley’s day was actually ruined when he saw his statue.
I find Riley’s statue ugly not because I’m a Celtics fan, but because I was an art major.
Los Angeles, CA – February 22: Former Lakers coach Pat Riley with his wife Chris Rodstrom look on as his statue is unveiled in Star Plaza in front of Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Riley won 4 championships as Lakers head coach. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Of course, some really nifty work was done to give character to the clothes, and perhaps that’s an appropriate tribute to Riley—his clothes look good.
But that statue—that statue is what happens when you try to make a sculpture based on a photograph.
There’s a lack of coherent anatomy in the sculpture. Try to hold your hand in the position that Riley is holding it—it feels awkward and kind of painful. His raised arm looks a bit like a piece of licorice, with no clearly defined elbow, and the legs suggest a contrapposto pose that just isn’t carried through into the torso. He’s stepping forward and leaning backwards in a manner does not reflect the way that any sober person walks.
And then there’s the face. Now the thing about Pat Riley is that he does have a rather heavy brow, but he must have winced mightily when he saw his features given an almost Cro Magnon appearance.
There’s a far more well-done sculpture of an NBA coach near Faneuil Hall.
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 03: Bronze statue tribute to Boston Celtics coach and president Red Auerbach in Boston's Faneuil Hall Market on March 3, 2013 in Boston. (Photo by Paul Marotta/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The statue, of course, is Red Auerbach’s, capturing him, cigar in hand, poised to get up off the bench he’s sitting on and do some characteristic bit of Auerbach showmanship or gamesmanship.
Now this statue is no Moses by Michelangelo, but it’s better executed than Pat Riley’s, and it’s well, it’s just more fun. Anyone can sit on the bench with an appropriately larger-than-life Red, and in fact, there are parts of Red’s sculpture that have been buffed to a nice shine from passersby stopping to interact with it.
A small version of the statue, stripped of its championship ring, is presented annually to the league’s Coach of the Year.
INDEPENDENCE, OH – APRIL 20: The Red Auerbach Trophy that head coach Mike Brown of the Cleveland Cavaliers received as the NBA's 2008-09 Coach of the Year Award is seen at the Cleveland Clinic Courts April 20, 2009 in Independence, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Anyone but Joe
On Wednesday, CelticsBlog’s Jeff Clark started a poll regarding this season’s Coach of the Year award.
I think it should go to anyone but Joe Mazzulla.
Why?
First of all, I think that Gregg Popovich might have been the only other coach in recent memory who could match Mazzulla in disregard for that particular award, so hey, it might as well go to someone who appreciates it.
Secondly, I think the award should be routinely given to coaches of teams that are not the Boston Celtics, because that little sculpture of Red Auerbach about to celebrate a victory over some other team is a nice tiny little reminder of where the Celtics fit in the NBA’s grand scheme of things.
Which isn’t to say that Mazzulla isn’t richly deserving of the award.
Coming into the season, 40 wins seemed an unlikely outcome for all but the most optimistic fans, and the C’s could achieve that with 22 games left on the calendar.
40 before 20—almost
The big watch, this week, was whether Boston could get to 40 wins before 20 losses. That mark is considered a leading indicator of whether a team has legit potential to contest for a championship.
As it turns out, the C’s fell just short, losing to Denver at the end of a longish road trip that took them on a tour of California and the western states.
Looking at the schedule, most of us had our doubts about Wednesday’s game against Denver. It was Boston’s third road game in four nights, and it was a back to back.
I think the team held Jaylen out of the Phoenix game at least in part to have him better rested for Denver, but it wasn’t enough. The team, which hustles more than most at both ends of the court, ran out of gas, or legs, or something in the third quarter, and Denver, coming off a two day break, cruised to victory.
Here’s where I say that as much as I like these Celtics, they’re not championship caliber without Jayson Tatum. I don’t know how much Tatum the Celtics need to be true championship contenders, but I’m pretty sure that it’s more than zero.
If Tatum comes back in early March and the C’s can make it to the second or third round of the playoffs, I think there’s a good chance that Tatum will have recovered to the point where something magical could happen, but that’s my best case scenario.
Even so, this team has been as much fun to root for as any Celtics team in my memory.
And in case you’re wondering
Boston’s overall record against the Lakers is 212-166.
The Toronto Raptors are on course for their first playoff spot since 2022, and they can get back in the win column tonight against the tanking Washington Wizards.
Toronto brings an impressive 18-10 road record to Capital One Arena, and my Raptors vs. Wizards predictions expect the visitors’ offense to break loose in a big way after facing two swarming defenses earlier this week.
Find out more in my free NBA picks ahead for Saturday, February 28.
Raptors vs Wizards prediction
Raptors vs Wizards best bet: Raptors team total Over 119.5 (-115)
After back-to-back outings against the elite Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs defenses, the Toronto Raptors will see no such nightmares tonight in D.C.
The Washington Wizards have been consistently woeful on that end of the floor, giving up 118+ points in seven of their past eight contests – and 126+ points in five of those outings.
Sure, Toronto has its offensive shortcomings, but Darko Rajakovic’s squad dropped 140 points on Washington in November.
The Wizards serve up the third-most turnovers per game, while the Raptors force 15 a night. Those easy buckets should keep this team total Over in play.
Raptors vs Wizards same-game parlay
Brandon Ingram missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer on Wednesday, but he couldn’t wish for a better bounce-back fixture.
He’s gone past this O/U number in both meetings with the Wizards this season, and he’s jacked up 17+ shots in seven of his past 10 games. Immanuel Quickley is in a nice rhythm, too. He’s splashed 3+ 3-pointers in eight of his last nine outings, and he’s made his triples at a 45% clip in February.
Over/Under: Over 226.5 (-110) | Under 226.5 (-110)
Raptors vs Wizards betting trend to know
The Wizards are 24-34 ATS this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Wizards.
How to watch Raptors vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Date
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
TSN, Monumental SN
Raptors vs Wizards latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Miami Heat will be looking for a win after a rough road trip as they host the Houston Rockets on Saturday afternoon.
Miami loves to run the floor, and I’m banking on that to be enough to hit the Over in my Rockets vs. Heat predictions.
Let’s do a full breakdown of this afternoon’s matchup in my free NBA picks for Saturday, February 28.
Rockets vs Heat prediction
Rockets vs Heat best bet: Over 225.5 (-110)
Both teams have hit the Over in their last three games. While the Houston Rockets don’t always play that way, it’s business as usual for the Miami Heat, who have averaged a total of 236.2 ppg on the season.
Miami plays at the fastest pace in the NBA, averaging 106.7 possessions per game, two more than its closest competitor. All those possessions will suit the Rockets, as Houston is ninth in the NBA in offensive efficiency, even though they normally slow down the pace.
The combination of scoring punch and a fast tempo make the Over tonight’s play.
Rockets vs Heat same-game parlay
The Rockets are the better team and have won four of their last five, which makes me confident they can pull out a win in Miami tonight.
Kevin Durant will be key to that effort, as he’s coming off a 40-point effort against the Magic and has scored 30+ in three of his last five games.
Rockets vs Heat SGP
Over 225.5
Rockets moneyline
Kevin Durant Over 26.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: We have liftoff
The Rockets have covered the spread in four straight games.
Let’s also back Alperen Sengun to pick up a double-double after his triple-double performance against the Kings on Wednesday, and take Tari Eason to get Over 6.5 rebounds, something he’s accomplished in three of his last four contests.
Rockets vs Heat SGP
Rockets -2.5
Kevin Durant Over 26.5 points
Alperen Sengun double-double
Tari Eason Over 6.5 rebounds
Rockets vs Heat odds
Spread: Rockets -2.5 | Heat +2.5
Moneyline: Rockets -135 | Heat +115
Over/Under: Over 225.5 | Under 225.5
Rockets vs Heat betting trend to know
The Over is 3-0 in the last three games for both Houston and Miami. Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Heat.
How to watch Rockets vs Heat
Location
Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Date
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Tip-off
3:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Rockets vs Heat latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 27: Ryan Rollins #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum on February 27, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In case everything collapses in May, the Knicks showed Giannis what New York’s about on Friday.
The Greek Freak watched from the sidelines as his current and future teams faced each other in Milwaukee.
Here’s what was said before and after the affair.
.@SbondyNBA: "Next stretch…San Antonio then Toronto, OKC, Denver, Lakers…"
Mike Brown: "That's too many games for me to think about…I just take it one game at a time. I know we got San Antonio 1pm Sunday. Just trying to figure out how we're gonna prepare to play them" pic.twitter.com/TJ6WamNPmI
“Like, I said, those guys are like the ninth and 10th guy [in the rotation], 10th and ninth guy, however, you want to call it and I’ll make the call as we go along. But everybody has to make sure that they keep themselves ready.”
On keeping the backup forward spot fluid:
“It could be Jeremy tonight. It could be Mo tomorrow night. Mo has played well. He’s gotten better. Jeremy just hasn’t had an opportunity to. And the biggest thing is, obviously between the two guys is Jeremy is in his fourth season, and he’s a little bigger. He’s a little stronger and he knows the league a little bit better.”
On the Knicks’ offense clicking against Milwaukee:
“This is how we played offensively throughout most of the year. So for us to be able to space the ball correctly, make quick decisions with the basketball while touching the paint, playing off two feet, was huge. We got a lot of mileage just from playing the game the right way. So I applaud our guys for playing the way they did on both sides of the ball tonight.”
On the team’s improved physicality and pace:
“Our physicality offensively was there because we set screens the right way and then we played fast. So it takes all of us to do it and when you do it and have one of those guys [like Brunson], he’s going to be able to break loose. That was good to see tonight.”
“Probably just ball movement and then shoot with confidence. we made shots today. That’s how it goes: Sometimes you miss some shots. Next thing you know, you make them. That’s how it goes, but just taking the right shots [and] moving the ball.”
On responding to Milwaukee’s second-half push:
“Just knowing they’re a great team coming out. Trying to get stops and just play fast and play in transition.”
On the significance of the win before heading home for a Sunday matinee:
“Any game you win is big time. Winning in the NBA is very hard so we never take it for granted but the momentum going back home to protect home court. It’s cool but we play again on Sunday, so I’m just ready for the next game.”
On staying ready despite the Jeremy Sochan-led rotation changes:
“Everybody [has been telling me to stay ready]. Everybody, for real: the players, the staff. … First year, I’m a rookie, so everything is not going to be great. So I just have to stay ready and wait until my name gets called.”
"It's important to battle thru adversity; when you're in a playoff setting you may lose one, you gotta get next…Show we can bounce back quick…but consistency…keep building off this…be the best team we can be come late April"
On tuning out trade speculation and outside noise:
“I’m not going to have to change how I live and how I approach work, how I approach life because of one instance. That’s just a bump in the road. I continue to be myself regardless of what people say, what the noise is. I’m going to work on my game. I’m going to continue to be who I am as a person. I’m going to approach life the way I approach it. It’s gotten me this far. It’s gotten me a beautiful fiancée, a great family that’s all healthy and happy. I mean, it’s done well. It doesn’t always need to just be about basketball. It’s gotten me well in life. It’s kept me centered. It’s kept me focused. It’s kept me engaged and motivated to continue to attack every day with the same competition and competitive spirit.”
Jalen Brunson
On focusing on the process over the results:
“Let’s not be results-based. Let’s be process-based. And the process wasn’t there (against Cleveland).”
“It’s going to be a process coming back. I’m feeling the love from the whole organization. They want me back but they want me back right. So that’s the main thing.”
On whether he’ll return during the regular season:
“That’s always the goal, for sure. But right now there’s no exact timeline.”
On the early stages of his rehab:
“It’s really a slow process. So I’m starting to do some form shooting (shooting without jumping). And I’m starting to do a few strengthening exercises for the area I was injured.”
On traveling with the team during the healing process:
“I just wanted to be with the guys. A lot of the time you can be in an isolation mindset being alone. So I feel like being around the guys, and them uplifting me, and me being able to see things from the sideline and do what I do for them. Help them out in any way I can.”
On a potential pairing with Jose Alvarado:
“I’ve always prided myself on being a spark, being an energy guy. Just to have another guy to go out there and battle with is going to be amazing.”
Jose Alvarado
On teaming up with McBride in the backcourt:
“I’ll be in a better rhythm when he comes back so hopefully when we get together, we make some noise.”
When the Brooklyn Nets re-signed Cam Thomas last summer (after he spent four years with the club), there were two expectations: 1) He would have a permanent green light on a team that would need scoring; 2) The rebuilding Nets would try to build up his trade value and move him at the deadline. None of that worked out as planned — much like Thomas' entire career in Brooklyn — and after a trade deadline, when no deal was found, Brooklyn waived Thomas.
He signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, and when back in New York this week to face the Knicks, he said he didn't want to talk much about Brooklyn, but speaking to Stefan Bondy of The New York Post, he did take a little dig at his former team.
"That's just who they are. They don't believe in nobody...
"I never asked. I don't even care anymore. I'm on a different team. I don't want to talk about them much. But that's what it was. They didn't believe. Always thought — I don't know. They always thought something was better, I guess. I don't know. Always chasing something."
The Nets are chasing a rebuild and with that came a lot of roster turnover during Thomas' time in Brooklyn. The Nets know they need star players to anchor that, and to find role players who fit around them, and Thomas ultimately was not part of that plan.
Since arriving in Milwaukee, he has averaged 14 points a game and is shooting just 27.7% from beyond the arc as he tries to find his footing (he did score 34 against Orlando and 27 against New Orleans not long after getting to Milwaukee, but in recent games his minutes and scoring are down).
This summer, Thomas will be an unrestricted free agent.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 22: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the second half of their game against the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena on February 22, 2026 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. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
No two names, across sports, produce more tangible juice than Lakers and Celtics. A sold-out crowd, with an unusually large number of Boston fans, packed the building in anticipation of the annual matchup in downtown Los Angeles last Sunday.
LA wins the opening tip, and the ball finds its way into Luka Dončić’s hands. Right away, big man Deandre Ayton sets his customary high ball screen, while the Celtics counter with a deep drop. It’s a defensive coverage that has plagued the team all season, and something the team will need to find answers for.
Luka comes off the pick with a wide amount of space, staring at a big man sitting in the paint, and a pull-up jumper whispering to him like the green goblin mask. Boston’s guard defender does his job chasing, and Luka drives and steps back for the contested long two, taking the bait.
He would go on to shoot 1-11 from two-point range on shots outside the restricted area.
The Celtics controlled the entire game and went on to rout the home team, a worrisome trend against physical defenses.
“There were opportunities, I think, to put more pressure on the rim,” head coach J.J. Redick said postgame. “Particularly in the first half, we took 11 non-paint twos. We were 13-29 on non-paint twos. That’s not normally what we shoot.”
Many teams across the league play this defensive style, but a few lean into it as their ethos. Namely, Boston, Phoenix, Portland, and San Antonio, which centers paired with physical guards that cater to this style.
Heading into Thursday’s matchup against the Suns, the Lakers, with the 10th-best offense in the league, were posting an abysmal 107.5 offensive rating against those four teams. That mark would rank last in the league by a mile.
This coverage doesn’t just give up halfway-decent looks from midrange, but it invites them. The objective is to keep a pick-and-roll defense a two-on-two game. The guard chases and gives back pressure, while the big man sits back and accounts for any rolling big or attack to the rim.
Watch below as Austin Reaves comes up to run the high ball screen with Jaxson Hayes. The floor is flattened out to maximize space with Luka and LeBron James on opposite wings.
Navigating against the back pressure, Reaves gets into the middle of the floor, where no advantage was created to kick the ball out. After overpenetrating to the rim, he uses a pump fake to draw a foul to no avail before forcing a twirling shot that falls short.
Watch below as the Celtics apply the same defensive scheme to Luka.
He catches it against ball denial, comes off the screen and eyes the big man in retreat. Ayton rolls while every other Laker remains stationary. No pass reveals itself, leading Luka to force up a contested floater that finds the bottom.
“I think a lot of times when teams are on that deeper drop versus us, all our guys that play pick and roll, it kind of puts you a little bit in a bind of not having the obvious choice to pass,” Redick said. “So we just got to do a better job of finding guys and moving the ball.
Reaves, LeBron, and Luka can hit these shots on high volume, but it’s a trade the Celtics and other great defenses will continue to make: Bait LA’s ball handlers into high-volume twos while keeping the rest of the team uninvolved.
As with every defensive scheme, it is susceptible to open shots with some adjustments.
One is a pick-and-pop threat. With the big man dropped back, it creates space for the pop guy to be open. Watch below as LeBron runs the screen and roll with Rui Hachimura.
Nikola Vučević does his job dropping back, but there’s too much space to recover as Hachimura nails the three.
Another is relying on their offensive-leaning center. Ayton was signed this summer as an elite pick-and-pop threat from mid-range. That shot has precipitously dropped not just in percentage, but also in volume.
In the month of February, Ayton has shot his lowest amount of field goals and has taken one mid-range jumper in seven games. He recently made comments of his disdain of how he’s been deployed on offense, but the team will need high levels of production from their starting center to win these games against contenders.
Also, some of these pull-ups and jump shots will have to go down to make defenses honest. Luka and Reaves continue to lead the league in scoring as a duo, and their shooting is a pivotal feature of the Lakers’ offense.
It has not had the efficiency required to beat the great teams, and LeBron is shooting just 29% from 3-point range in the new year.
“When teams play the deep drop, we have our counters,” Redick said. “Sometimes when the ball is changing ends quickly, it’s easy to just get into drag after drag.. I took ownership of that.”
Teams have scouted the Lakers’ initial drag screens and preliminary actions. With not much time remaining, how these counters are implemented will decide if they go home early for the third straight year.
LEEDS, England (AP) — Erling Haaland was left out of Manchester City's squad for the Premier League match at Leeds on Saturday after sustaining a “little injury” in training, manager Pep Guardiola said.
“Two days ago, he had in the last moments of training some problems,” Guardiola said ahead of the game at Elland Road.
“A little injury," Guardiola added, without disclosing the exact nature of Haaland's problem. "It’s not a big issue but not ready for today.”
City's next match is at home to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. A week later — on March 11 — City travels to Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16.
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