Category: NBA

AHMEDABAD, India (AP) — India wins cricket's Twenty20 World Cup with 96-run victory over New Zealand.

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The "Battle of Texas" opens a new chapter on Sunday, March 8, when the Houston Rockets head to Frost Bank Center to take on the San Antonio Spurs.

With so many star players in this matchup, our NBA player prop projections help find the best of the best.

For more NBA picks, read our complete Rockets vs. Spurs predictions!

Rockets vs Spurs computer picks for March 8

Rockets	Spurs
Eason o10.5 points +100	Vassell o13.5 points +100
Eason o6.5 rebounds  +110	Fox o16.5 points -115
Durant u25.5 points -110	Wembanyama o1.5 points -145

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Rockets computer picks

Tari Eason Over 10.5 points (+100)

Projection: 12.5 points

Tari Eason has failed to cover this number in six straight, but before that, he scored 11+ in three of four outings. A 41% shooter on the season, Eason is due for positive regression after going 3-for-21 from deep over his last five.

Our prop projections call for the forward to go two whole points over his number tonight, and with this prop at plus money, it offers great value.

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

Tari Eason Over 6.5 rebounds (+110)

Projection: 7.1 points

Eason has fallen just short of this line in his last three outings, but he gobbled up 19 rebounds in the two games prior. Both these teams also play stout defense, which will offer up plenty of rebounding opportunities for the 24-year-old.

The +110 price tag makes this play even better.

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

Kevin Durant Under 25.5 points (-110)

Projection: 24.1 points

Kevin Durant has failed to reach 26 points in back-to-back outings and five of his last seven. KD can still score with the best of them, but he's no longer dominating night in and night out.

The Spurs have the size and length to keep Durant in check, and even a good game from the future Hall of Famer can still cash this Under. 

In four matchups against San Antonio this season, KD has finished Under this number each time.

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

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Spurs computer picks

Devin Vassell Over 13.5 points (+100)

Projection: 14.8 points

Devin Vassell has turned into a reliable scorer for the Spurs, averaging nearly 15 points per game. Vassell had a rough shooting night in his last outing, but his 3-point volume makes this number enticing.

The young guard has put up five or more threes in seven straight, and he's a near 39% 3-point shooter. Depending on how hot he gets, Vassell could cash this prop on threes alone.

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

De'Aaron Fox Over 16.5 points (-115)

Projection: 17.9 points

De'Aaron Fox has been stupendous in San Antonio, and he's cleared this point total in back-to-back outings. He sits second on the team in scoring with 18.8 PPG, and the last time these teams met, he scored 18. That's right around where tonight's projections sit.

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

Victor Wembanyama Over 1.5 made threes (-105)

Projection: 2.0 made threes

Victor Wembanyama has splashed four threes in consecutive outings, taking 19 attempts in that span.

Wemby is starting to turn up the volume from outside, and if he shoots that many again tonight, hitting two shouldn't be an issue.

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

How to watch Rockets vs Spurs tonight

Location	Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date	Sunday, March 8, 2026
Tip-off	8:00 p.m. ET
TV	Peacock

Not intended for use in MA.
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We’ll see how the Cleveland Cavaliers stack up against one of the best teams in the league this season, the Boston Celtics.

I’ll be in the comments throughout the game sharing my thoughts. Feel free to join in on the conversation and let your voice be heard in the comments below.

Go Cavs!

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been waiting for the entire season for Max Strus to make his debut. If all goes as planned, they won’t have to wait much longer.

“He’s ramping up,” said Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson. “I believe he’s got one more visit with the doctor to kind of confirm that we’re doing alright.”

Strus has been on the sidelines since last May when the Cavs were eliminated in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. He suffered a Jones fracture just weeks before the current season began and has only recently begun on-court work with the rest of the team. Strus participated in 90% of practice earlier this week.

“As far as the on-court stuff, he’s just doing more and more every day,” said Atkinson. “So we’re getting closer.”

The Cavs have managed to fare well without Strus. They’ve received huge contributions from players like Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson, who have managed to step up and fill his role in the starting lineup at various points throughout the season. Cleveland’s depth, which only got stronger at the deadline, has been a plus for them this year.

Still, Strus brings a skillset that you can’t get enough of. A motion shooter who can handle the rock and defend at high intensity is valuable any day of the week. Strus, if healthy, gives the Cavaliers even more firepower.

We can’t predict what Strus will look like upon returning. How quickly can he dust off his shoulders and get initiated with this roster that has changed so much since he last played? Does Strus develop immediate chemistry with James Harden? And how long will it take for his conditioning to ramp up to mid-season form with fewer than 20 games to play before the postseason?

There’s nothing easy about returning from an injury like this. But, something tells me Strus is the type of grit-and-grind player who is doing everything in his power to get back on the floor and prepare in the playoffs.

Two titans walk into a ring: the Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magic. Having split the season series thus far, who will win the season series??

Where We’re At

To All Who Are Concerned about the Bucks’ recent woes:

Look, Van is absolutely right: it will be hard for the Bucks to “catch” anyone below them in the standings, many of whom are actively trying to lose (unlike the Bucks, of course). But nothing easy’s worth doing, and the further they fall in the standings, the slightly better their chances of a better pick come June. And the alternative—getting pantsed in the 9/10 game by an alt-right rookie—is gonna help their chances to keep the big man? Psh.

But hey, there’s something to be said for not being the Magic. Pegged by this “pundit” to finish third in the conference, they’re mired in sixth after an up-and-down stretch, behind the Raptors (!) and the Sixers (:P). Look, they’re higher than the Bucks, but they had expectations after splashing four firsts on a spot-up shooter, and now Milwaukee just might have to take their coach off their hands and call it even.

Injury Report

We will update the injury report when it is released.

Player To Watch

Since the Magic can’t shoot to save their lives, here’s hoping for a big game inside from the Bucks’ pricey acquisition, “I Would Walk 500” Myles Turner.

How To Watch

FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 7:00 p.m. CDT.

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The future of the NBA is in good hands — and today’s slate of games is Exhibit A, with Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg, and Kon Knueppel all on the docket.

The wily veterans are well represented, too, from LeBron James and Kevin Durant to James Harden and Klay Thompson, and my favorite NBA player props and NBA picks tap into both pools of talent.

Best NBA player props today

Player	Pick
Klay Thompson	Over 2.5 threes	+102
Victor Wembanyama	Over 24.5 points	-110
Kon Knueppel	Over 18.5 points	-110

Prop #1: Klay Thompson Over 2.5 threes

+102 at bet365

With this Dallas Mavericks injury list, Klay Thompson remains a key cog off the bench, and he’s put together back-to-back elite shooting games, going a combined 12-for-23 from beyond the arc. 

I’m taking the Over on 2.5 triples for Klay today in Toronto. He’s nailed this prop in five of his past seven outings, and there would be even more shots up for grabs if Flagg (questionable) is ruled out.

Even at age 36, Thompson can make teams pay from the perimeter, and he’s knocking down his 3-pointers at a 39% clip this season. He hit some clutch shots at Scotiabank Arena in his days with the Warriors, and he’s never shy about letting fly from downtown.

• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: KFAA, Sportsnet

Prop #2: Victor Wembanyama Over 24.5 points

-110 at bet365

Victor Wembanyama is off to a hot start in March, and he’s dropped 25+ points in three of his last four games, including a 38-point masterpiece against the Pistons. Look for more Wemby magic tonight against the Rockets.

He gave Houston fits with 28 points in a late January matchup, and he’s drilled four 3-pointers in back-to-back contests to keep the San Antonio Spurs in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the West.

Wemby is shooting 51% from the field at home, and his ability to get easy buckets in the paint should help relieve the burden on San Antonio’s guards against the Houston Rockets’ perimeter pressure.

• Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: NBC/Peacock

Prop #3: Kon Knueppel Over 18.5 points

-110 at bet365

Kon Knueppel is surging towards the Rookie of the Year trophy, and he’s coming off a 27-point outing against the Heat on Friday. He’s knocked down 21 threes across his last five contests, and I’m buying into more sharpshooting tonight in Phoenix.

It’s been a great stretch for Knueppel, who’s scored 20+ points in six of his last eight games, and he’s found ways to be even more productive on the road, with a 21.4 ppg average away from Spectrum Center.

The Phoenix Suns’ gritty defense has to be factored in, but we’ve seen the Charlotte Hornets backcourt take down quality opponents on their charge up the standings.

• Time: 11:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: Peacock/NBCSN

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

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ALTENBERG, Germany (AP) — Julia Taubitz spent four months chasing another World Cup title. The German sliding superstar won it by about the slimmest possible margin.

The Olympic champion is the women's World Cup luge singles champion once again, clinching her fifth consecutive title and sixth overall on Sunday with a second-place finish in the season finale at Altenberg.

Merle Fraebel of Germany won the race, and Taubitz needed a second-place finish to clinch the World Cup title. She got it, holding off third-place finisher Kendija Aparjode of Latvia by just 0.006 seconds; that's about 25 times faster than a typical blink of an eye.

But it was enough.

“Today was a perfect day,” Taubitz said. “It was the most exciting overall World Cup victory of my career.”

Taubitz finished the season with 634 points, four more than Fraebel. Germany's Lisa Schulte finished the season third, and Summer Britcher of the U.S. ended the season fourth in the overall standings.

It was Britcher's best season finish since she placed third overall in 2018-19.

Men's singles

Germany's Felix Loch won the season finale, his 56th World Cup victory and tying him with Italy's Armin Zoeggeler for the most in men's singles history.

Loch, an eight-time World Cup overall champion, held off Italy's Dominik Fischnaller for the record-tying win. Austria's David Gleirscher was third.

Team relay

Austria won the final team relay of the season, with Italy second and Latvia third. The U.S. did not have a team in the relay, since Britcher was the only American slider taking place in the World Cups after the Olympics.

Teams need a men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles and women's doubles team to be part of a relay entry.

Final medal counts

Sunday's World Cup luge finale represented the end of the major international sliding season.

Germany took 149 major international sliding medals — bobsled, skeleton and luge races at the World Cup and Olympic level — this season, which nearly matched the total from the rest of the world combined.

Austria won 57 sliding medals this winter, and the U.S. won 26.

___

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

Georgia Tech has decided to fire Damon Stoudamire as its coach following a three-year stint, the school announced Sunday, March 8.

The Yellow Jackets made the move one day after their 79-76 loss to Clemson in the last game of the regular season. With a 2-16 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference play, Georgia Tech finished 18th out of 18th in the league and did not qualify for the ACC tournament.

Live updates on who is out: College basketball coach firings, changes

March Madness favorites: Ranking top 20 teams based on odds

With Saturday's loss, the Yellow Jackets ended the season on a 12-game losing streak. The last win for Georgia Tech was a 78-74 road win over North Carolina State on Jan. 17. The Yellow Jackets won just two out of 17 games since the calendar flipped to 2026. They ended 2025 at 9-5.

Stoudamire, who played in the NBA for 13 years, went 42-55 in three seasons with Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets failed to make the NCAA Tournament under Stoudamire, who replaced Josh Pastner following a seven-year stint.

Georgia Tech owes Stoudamire $2.6 million during the next two years for the remainder of his contract, unless he takes another job.

Georgia Tech has not made an NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2020-21 season and has just four appearances since finishing as the runner-up in the 2004 tournament to Connecticut.

Prior to taking the job with the Yellow Jackets, Stoudamire was an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics. He also coached Pacific from 2016 to 2021, posting a 71-77 record in five seasons with the program.

Stoudamire played college basketball at Arizona from 1991-95 before becoming a first-round pick in the 1995 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. He was rookie of the year for the Raptors in 1995 and also played for the Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs.

Damon Stoudamire coaching record

• Pacific (2016-17): 11-22, 4-14 WCC
• Pacific (2017-18): 14-18, 9-9 WCC
• Pacific (2018-19): 14-18, 4-12 WCC
• Pacific (2019-20): 23-10, 11-5 WCC
• Pacific (2020-21): 9-9, 6-7 WCC
• Georgia Tech (2023-24): 14-18, 7-13 ACC
• Georgia Tech (2024-25): 17-17, 10-10 ACC
• Georgia Tech (2025-26): 11-20, 2-16 ACC

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ga Tech fires Damon Stoudamire as men's basketball coach

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Despite some bumpy spells, the New York Knicks have all the ingredients to be the last team standing in the East, and today’s matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers is a chance to show their playoff pedigree.

My Knicks vs Lakers predictions expect New York’s superior depth to be the X-factor here against a L.A. side struggling with consistency.

Check out my NBA picks for this marquee March 8 showdown.

Knicks vs Lakers prediction

Knicks vs Lakers best bet: Knicks -3 (-110)

The New York Knicks are 16-5 straight up since January 19, and I’m buying into a hot streak that includes victories over the Spurs and Nuggets. 

N.Y. has won six of its past seven road games with a balanced attack the Los Angeles Lakers can only dream about. The Lakers are 2-7 against the spread as home underdogs, and LeBron James is questionable.

No King James means OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges can share the Luka Doncic assignment.

The hosts have lost six of their past seven matchups against teams above. 500, and tonight will be more of the same.

Knicks vs Lakers same-game parlay

With the Lakers short on frontcourt help, the Knicks’ rebounding edge should be decisive here. Karl-Anthony Towns has had 12+ boards in five straight contests, and he grabbed 13 rebounds against L.A. earlier this season. 

I like the Under today, too, with New York holding its last five opponents Under 105 points. It’s also been a winning ticket in seven of the Lakers’ past 10 games — and five of the last six meetings between these two.

Knicks vs Lakers SGP

• Knicks moneyline
• Karl-Anthony Towns Over 11.5 rebounds
• Under 228

Our "from downtown" SGP: All-Stars assemble

A national TV game in L.A. is a perfect stage for All-Stars to shine, and this SGP banks on Jalen Brunson continuing his elite playmaking — 40 assists in his last three games — and KAT owning the boards.

Plus, I like Luka to nail his rebounds Over for a fourth straight contest.

Knicks vs Lakers SGP

• Jalen Brunson Over 7.5 assists
• Jalen Brunson Over 2.5 threes
• Karl-Anthony Towns Over 11.5 rebounds
• Luka Doncic Over 7.5 rebounds

Knicks vs Lakers odds

• Spread: Knicks -3 | Lakers +3
• Moneyline: Knicks -155 | Lakers +130
• Over/Under: Over 228 | Under 228

Knicks vs Lakers betting trend to know

The Knicks are 14-9 ATS this season against Western Conference opponents. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Lakers.

How to watch Knicks vs Lakers

Knicks vs Lakers latest injuries

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JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Dan Bradbury of England hit the perfect chip at just the right time, saving par on the final hole Sunday for a 5-under 65 and a one-shot victory in the Joburg Open.

His clutch par on the 18th hole at Houghton Golf Club denied Casey Jarvis of South Africa a chance to join Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros as the only players in European tour history to win three consecutive tournaments.

Brandon Robinson Thompson was tied for the lead, playing one group ahead of Bradbury, when he three-putted the 18th green from about 45 feet for a bogey that gave him a 66.

Bradbury won the Joburg Open in the fall of 2022 for his first European tour victory. The Englishman, who finished his college career at Florida State, also won the French Open in 2024.

“I thought I'd lost it on the front nine. I had so many chances and didn't take them,” said Bradbury, who started the final round two shots behind Hennie Du Plessis. “It feels really good to put it together. I somehow managed to get it done at the end.”

Jarvis was coming off wins at the Kenya Open and the South African Open — the latter earned him spots in the Masters and British Open. He was one shot behind when he hit a superb approach on the par-4 18th that just cleared a ridge and rolled down to 7 feet.

But he pulled his birdie putt and knew it immediately, walking to the hole. He shot 66.

That left it to Bradbury, whose approach bounded over the green into the rough. He chipped it over a slight hill and it rolled with perfect pace toward the cup, stopping a few inches short for his par and the victory.

Du Plessis was in control after a 31 on the front nine, only to lose his way on the back nine with a pair of bogeys and a double bogey on the par-3 15th that took him out of contention. He closed with a 70 and finished fourth.

The tournament was co-sanctioned with the Sunshine Tour.

___

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

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The Chicago Bulls remain on the road tonight when they visit Golden 1 Center to face the Sacramento Kings.

Tonight’s pace should be frenetic, and my Bulls vs. Kings predictions expect a high-scoring affair in the state capital. 
 
Read on for my NBA picks for Sunday, March 8. 

Bulls vs Kings prediction

Bulls vs Kings best bet: Over 234.5 (-110)

The Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings rank in the Top 5 in pace, so this game should have plenty of possessions and scoring chances. 

The Kings’ defense ranks in the Bottom 5 in defensive efficiency over the past five games. Chicago’s defense has been better, ranking 10th in that same stretch, but playing this fast with a seasonally Bottom 10 defense won’t work out well.

The pace and bad defense are why four of their last five contests have ended Over the total.

Bulls vs Kings same-game parlay

Chicago has covered the spread in three straight contests and should cover tonight against a bad Kings defense.

The Kings have allowed the second-most made threes per game across the last five games than any other team, and Josh Giddey has knocked down two or more triples in three straight.

Sacramento is only 1-4 against the spread in its last five, while the Bulls are better built defensively to get enough stops down the stretch to cover as short favorites.

Bulls vs Kings SGP

• Over 234.5
• Josh Giddey Over 1.5 threes
• Bulls -2.5

Our "from downtown" SGP: In too deep

Let’s have some fun from downtown tonight.

Matas Buzelis has cleared this number in three of his last four games, Guerschon Yabusele has hit two or more in six of his last seven, and Russell Westbrook has made at least two threes in three of his past five games.

Bulls vs Kings SGP

• Matas Buzelis Over 2.5 threes
• Josh Giddey Over 1.5 threes
• Guerschon Yabusele Over 1.5 threes
• Russell Westbrook Over 1.5 threes

Bulls vs Kings odds

• Spread: Bulls -3 (-115) | Kings +3 (-105)
• Moneyline: Bulls -155 | Kings +130
• Over/Under: Over 235.5 | Under 235.5

Bulls vs Kings betting trend to know

Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last five meetings with Sacramento. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Kings.

How to watch Bulls vs Kings

Bulls vs Kings latest injuries

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The Charlotte Hornets’ six-game win streak was snapped on Friday, but the visiting team will look to keep another win streak intact when it takes on the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center.

The Hornets have won 10 straight road games, and my Hornets vs. Suns predictions and NBA picks expect Charlotte to cover the spread as a small favorite.

Hornets vs Suns prediction

Hornets vs Suns best bet: Hornets -4.5 (-110)

The Charlotte Hornets are a league-best 40-24 ATS this season. They’re 7-3 as the road favorite and a league-best 22-11 on the road, and they can get back on track against the shorthanded Phoenix Suns.

Phoenix is 3-6-1 ATS across its last 10 games overall and 2-5-1 across its last eight at home. Conversely, Charlotte has covered six straight and nine of its last 10 on the road.

The Hornets are playing at full strength, while the absences of Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams will have a significantly negative impact on the Suns.

Hornets vs Suns same-game parlay

Moussa Diabate has averaged 11.1 points and 11.1 rebounds per game across his last seven road games. He's recorded 16 double-doubles on the season, including six across his last 15 appearances. Over the last three games, the Suns have allowed the sixth-most points in the paint and the eighth-most offensive rebounds.

Brandon Miller has averaged 7.6 rebounds across his last five outings, grabbing 6+ three times and at least five in every game. Without Mark Williams and Dillon Brooks, Miller is set up with a favorable matchup to cash the Over on this modest rebound line.

Hornets vs Suns SGP

• Hornets -4.5
• Moussa Diabate to record a double-double
• Brandon Miller Over 5.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Booker the Board Man

Devin Booker is grabbing four rebounds per game, and he's reached that mark in 24 of 47 games, including 12 of 23 at home. He's recorded 4+ rebounds in three straight games, and without Mark Williams and Dillon Brooks, more rebounding boards will be available.

Hornets vs Suns SGP

• Hornets -4.5
• Moussa Diabate to record a double-double
• Brandon Miller Over 5.5 rebounds
• Devin Booker Over 3.5 rebounds

Hornets vs Suns odds

• Spread: Hornets -4.5 | Suns +4.5
• Moneyline: Hornets -185 | Suns +155
• Over/Under: Over 219 | Under 219

Hornets vs Suns betting trend to know

The Hornets have covered the spread in 32 of their last 45 games for +18.8 units and a 38% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Suns.

How to watch Hornets vs Suns

Hornets vs Suns latest injuries

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Boston Celtics (42-21) at Cleveland Cavaliers (39-24)
Sunday, March 8, 2026
1:00 PM ET
Regular Season Game #64  Road Game #33
TV: ABC
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub,  WFAM/WMMS
Rocket Arena

The Celtics visit the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 3rd, and final, meeting between these two teams. The Celtics won the first game 125-105 at Boston on October 29. The Celtics also won the second meeting 117-115 in Cleveland on November 30. These 2 teams split the series 2-2 last season with each team winning one at home and one on the road. The Celtics are 143-89 overall, all time against the Cavaliers and they are 56-61 in games played in Cleveland.

The Cavaliers are quite different from the team the Celtics faced in November. At the trade deadline, they traded De’Andre Hunter to the Kings for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder. They also sent Lonzo Ball to to the Utah Jazz, along with 2 second round picks for them to take on his contract. Their big trade, though, was to trade Darius Garland to the Clippers for James Harden.

The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 3.5 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are 1.5 games ahead of 3rd place New York , 3 games ahead of 4th place Cleveland, 6.5 games ahead of 5th place Toronto, 7.5 games ahead of 6th place Orlando and 7th place Miami and 8 games ahead of 8th place Philadelphia. The Celtics are 27-14 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 21-11 on the road and 8-2 in their last 10 games. They are coming off a win in their last game.

The Cavaliers are 4th in the East, 6.5 games behind 1st place Detroit, 3 games behind 2nd place Boston, 1.5 games behind 3rd place New York. They are 3.5 games ahead of 5th place Toronto, and 4.5 games ahead of 6th place Orlando and 7th place Miami and 5 games ahead of 8th place Philadelphia. They are 25-15 against Eastern Conference teams and 21-11 at home. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games and have won their last 2 games.

After this game at Cleveland, the Celtics continue on a tough 3 game road trip through San Antonio, and Oklahoma City. Then they host Washington, Phoenix and Golden State. Next, it is one game at Memphis before a 3 game home stand against Minnesota, Oklahoma City and Atlanta. Then it’s back on the road for a 4 game trip through Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami and Milwaukee.

The Cavaliers are playing in the 2nd game of a 3 game home stand. They beat the 1st place Pistons in the first game on Tuesday. They will host Philadelphia in the 3rd game of the home stand. They will then play Orlando and Dallas on the road before returning home to play Dallas once again. Then they will play Milwaukee, Chicago and New Orleans on the road.

For the Celtics, after 298 days, Jayson Tatum was available to play against Dallas on Friday. He is expected to play in this game also. Jordan Walsh missed Friday’s game due to an illness but is not on the injury list at this time. Nikola Vucevic fractured his finger in Friday’s game and had successful surgery to repair it. He is expected to miss approximately a month.

For the Cavaliers, Jarrett Allen injured his right knee during the Cavaliers’ win over the Pistons on Tuesday and has been ruled out for this game. Tyrese Proctor is out due to a right quadriceps strain.
Max Strus has been cleared for on-court workouts after off season foot surgery but has been ruled out for this game. Jaylon Tyson is questionable due to a neck strain. After missing the past four games with a groin injury, Donovan Mitchell is probable for this game. Dean Wade is also probable with an ankle injury.

Probable Starting Matchups
PG: Derrick White vs James Harden

SG: Jaylen Brown vs Donovan Mitchell

SF: Sam Hauser vs Jaylon Tyson

PF: Jayson Tatum vs Evan Mobley

C: Neemias Queta vs Thomas Bryant

Celtics Reserves
Payton Pritchard
Hugo Gonzalez
Luka Garza
Amare Williams
Jordan Walsh

2-Way Players
Ron Harper, Jr
Max Shulga
John Tonje

Injuries/Out
Nikola Vucevic  (finger) out 

Head Coach
Joe Mazzulla

Cavaliers Reserves
Keon Ellis
Larry Nance, Jr
Craig Porter Jr
Dennis Schroder
Nae’Qwan Tomlin
Dean Wade
Sam Merrill

2-Way Players
Tristan Enaruna
Riley Minix
Olivier Sarr

Injuries/Out
Donovan Mitchell (groin) probable
Dean Wade (ankle)  probable
Jaylon Tyson (neck) questionable
Max Strus (foot) out
Tyrese Poctor (quad) out
Jarrett Allen (knee) out

Head Coach
Kenny Atkinson

Key Matchups
Jaylen Brown vs Donovan Mitchell
Mitchell is averaging 28.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.6 assists per game. He is shooting 48.3% from the field and 36.9% from beyond the arc. In the first two games against the Celtics, he averaged 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 7 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 42.9% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to stay with him both in the paint and on the perimeter because he is a threat to score from everywhere.

Derrick White vs James Harden
This is the first time the Celtics are facing the Cavs since they acquired Harden.  He is averaging 24.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.  He is shooting 42.5% from the field and 36.1% from beyond the arc.  In 2 games with the Clippers against the Celtics, Harden averaged 27.5 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1 steal per game while shooting 43.2% from the field and 35.3% from beyond the arc.

Honorable Mention
Jayson Tatum vs Evan Mobley
Mobley is averaging 17.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 blocks per game.  He is shooting 51.7% from the field and 31.5% from beyond the arc.  In the 2 games against the Celtics this season, he averaged 23 points, 12.5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block per game while shooting 50% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc.  The Celtics need to keep him out of the paint as he is a very good rebounder and also a rim protector. 

Keys to the Game
Defense – As always, defense is a key to winning this, and every, game.  The Celtics are  6th with a defensive rating of 111.7.  The Cavaliers are 13th with a defensive rating of 113.1.  The Celtics must make defense a priority and play tough lock down team defense for all 48 minutes.  They can’t play tough defense for just 2 or 3 quarters and expect the other team to give up.  The Celtics need to especially defend the perimeter as the Cavs shoot 40.3 threes per game and make 14.5 of them.  They also average 51.0 points in the paint per game so the Celtics also must defend the paint. 

Rebound – The Celtics are averaging 46.4 rebounds per game (4th) to 44.4 rebounds per game for the Cavaliers (12th). The Celtics will need to crash the boards to keep the Cavs from getting extra possessions and second chance points. Much of rebounding is effort and the Celtics have got to work harder on the boards than the Cavs. But they also have to give a consistent effort on the boards for the whole game. 

3 Point Shots – When the Celtics make their 3’s they are tough to beat but when the 3’s aren’t falling, the game gets really ugly. The Celtics are 2nd in the league, taking 42.5 threes per game. The Cavs are 6th with 40.3 threes a game. Although the Celtics are 3rd in 3 pointers attempted, they are 9th, shooting 36.3% from beyond the arc. The Cavs are 14th, shooting 36.0% from beyond the arc. The key is simple. The Celtics must make their threes and they have to defend the perimeter well to keep the Cavs from making theirs.

Move the Ball Carefully – The Celtics need to move the ball and find the open man. They play their best when they share the ball.  They are 27-2 when they have more than 25 assists in a game and they are 14-0 when they have 29 or more assists.  However, the Celtics need to take care of the basketball and limit turnovers.  They have to make careful passes and also be aware while dribbling and not drive into a crowd or allow a defender to steal the ball since the Cavs average 19.6 points off turnovers per game. 

X-Factors
Matinee Game On the Road – The Celtics are playing on the road and will need to stay focused in spite of the distractions of travel and playing in front of a hostile crowd.  Cavs fans really do not like the Celtics  and will likely be loud and antagonistic. They need to come into this game focused and ready to play harder than the Cavs.   They are also playing in an early afternoon game and sometimes players struggle in the early games, especially after travel. 

Officiating –  The officiating is always an x-factor.  Sometimes a crew will call the game tight and blow a whistle on every play.  Other times they will let them play and let the game get physical.  The Celtics need to adjust to the way the game is called and not let missed calls or bad calls affect their focus.  If the calls are bad, they just need to play harder to make up for them and not lose focus on playing the game. 

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Southwest Division rivals face off in tonight's “Battle of Texas” as the San Antonio Spurs host the Houston Rockets.

Elite defense will be on display from both teams, and my Rockets vs Spurs predictions call for the Under to hit at Frost Bank Center.

Here are my free NBA picks for this divisional tilt on Sunday, March 8.

Rockets vs Spurs prediction

Rockets vs Spurs best bet: Under 222.5 (-115)

Don’t expect a high-scoring affair tonight, as the Under has hit in two straight and eight of the last 10 head-to-head matchups between the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs. 

Houston is 27-35 to the Under — including a 13-30 mark on the road — while San Antonio is 26-38 (12-17 at home). 

The Rockets have allowed the third-fewest points per game at 109.3, and the Spurs have allowed the seventh-fewest at 111.4.

Rockets vs Spurs same-game parlay

Alperen Sengun has found success against Victor Wembanyama, averaging 20.2 points and 5.4 assists across nine head-to-head matchups. 

Sengun has recorded 19+ points in 30 of 55 games overall and two of three against the Spurs this season. 

He's recorded at least six dimes in 33 of 55 games overall, cruising past this line in all three games against San Antonio.

Rockets vs Spurs SGP

• Under 222.5
• Alperen Sengun Over 18.5 points
• Alperen Sengun Over 5.5 assists

Our "from downtown" SGP: Battle of the bigs

Victor Wembanyama has averaged 12 rebounds in nine career matchups against Sengun, and he's pulled down 12+ in two of four of those at home.

Rockets vs Spurs SGP

• Under 222.5
• Alperen Sengun Over 18.5 points
• Alperen Sengun Over 5.5 assists
• Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds

Rockets vs Spurs odds

• Spread: Rockets +5 | Spurs -5
• Moneyline: Rockets +170 | Spurs -205
• Over/Under: Over 222.5 (-105) | Under 222.5 (-115)

Rockets vs Spurs betting trend to know

The San Antonio Spurs have hit the game total Under in 28 of their last 40 games (+14.80 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Spurs.

How to watch Rockets vs Spurs

Rockets vs Spurs latest injuries

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Most people have heard of the five stages of grief.  As described by author David Kessler: 

“The five stages — denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance — are a part of the framework that makes up our learning to live with the one we lost. They are tools to help us frame and identify what we may be feeling.But they are not stops on some linear timeline in grief. Not everyone goes through all of them or in a prescribed order.”

But I am not writing about grief today.  No, I am writing about hope — the five stages of hope.  The Spurs have had two recent games in which fans realistically had no hope that our favorite team could pull out a win.  

One of those games was the second of a back-to-back on a cold February night in Toronto.  (The words “February night in Toronto” are always preceded either by “snowy”, ‘freezing” or “cold”.)  The night before, the Spurs had beaten the “best record in the league” Pistons in an extremely physical game against the number one defense in the NBA.  In Toronto barely 24 hours later, the Spurs trailed 90-75 with less than a minute left in the third quarter. While fans had little to no hope, the players had other thoughts.  After making a three to close the gap to 12 entering the fourth, the Spurs outscored the home team by 32-17 in the final quarter to win by 110-107.  In some ways, that win was more impressive than the win the night before.

Last Friday against the Clippers was perhaps even more unlikely.  Once again, it came 24 hours after an emotional homecoming win against those same Pistons in which Victor Wembanya played a season-high 39 minutes, which meant he was on a severe minutes restriction against the Clippers. Even worse, the Spurs fell behind by even more than in the Raptor game, trailing 75-50 in the third quarted.  Check out the ESPN odds of the Clippers winning after Kawhi Leonard’s three put the Clippers up by 25 points:

+3 Points 9:23 – 3rd

Kawhi Leonard makes 26-foot three point jumper (Kris Dunn assists)

75-50

Win %: LAC, 98.8 

Once again, the Spurs kept hope alive, outscoring the Clippers by 9 in the third quarter (thank you, Julian Champagnie!) and by 15 in the fourth.  Yes, hope is a powerful thing.

But hope does not spring from nothing, nor does it occur suddenly or magically in a gym in Toronto or San Antonio.  Like grief, hope comes in stages. Like grief, hope can arise in people, or teams, after different stages and in different orders.  

For this Spurs team, I believe the first stage of developing hope arose from the strength of the organization. Perhaps we can describe this stage as having a solid foundation or core — the Spurs, with their remarkable history of success, certainly provide that.  This also meant instilling the right habits.  Even when the team was not winning, the coaches insured the players played the right way and learned the structure and effort that makes winning possible. 

The second stage in the Spurs journey was planning.  Even when painful to do so, the Spurs organization planned their future.  This meant trading away popular and talented players such as Dejounte Murray and Derrick White. While the organization and fans loved what those players contributed, they knew that they could not bring the team to the level we wanted.  Even bringing in Chris Paul on a one-year deal last year was part of the planning, and learning, process.  

The next stage for the Spurs was good fortune — being in the right place at the right time.  For the Spurs, this happened when they won the lottery the same year that Victor entered the draft.  We can call this stage “opportunity”.  Others could call this “karma”. Certainly the entire NBA was happy that he landed with the Spurs, with their history of success and their solid organization.  Pairing him, with his immense desire to succeed, with an organization known for its success, has been a perfect marriage. And while the Spurs were fortunate to be the team to select him, the organization’s intelligence led to the drafting of Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper — plus the under-rated selection in the last draft of Carter Bryant with the 14th pick,

The fourth stage was, and remains, patience.  The Spurs have not attempted to skip any steps on their way back to relevance.  The only significant trade they have made to bring in talent was the trade for De”Aaron Fox, a player who really wanted to come play in San Antonio.  And acquiring Fox did not require squandering significant future capital — the only one of their picks surrendered was next year’s first round pick. That pick will surely be in the high 20’s, and thus reasonably expendable.

The fifth stage of hope is belief — an outgrowth of the prior four steps.  Because of the solid foundation, the careful planning, the good fortune to take advantage of opportunity, and the patience to stick with it the plan, the Spurs, their players and their fans now can sincerely believe that this will all come together.  And because the players and coaching staff believed that they could be better than everyone else predicted, they are now significantly ahead of everyone else’s schedule, but not their own.  Which is why we all have high hopes, not only for the bright future but also for the blindingly breathtaking present.