A jersey the Dallas Mavericks phenom wore in his NBA debut earlier this season sold privately this month for $1 million, auction house Sotheby’s announced Thursday.
Cooper Flagg made his debut on Oct. 22 when the Mavericks played the Spurs at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Getty Images
The price tag makes it not only the most expensive Flagg memorabilia to date, but also the costliest jersey ever sold through NBA Auctions, besting the $762,000 figure Victor Wembanyama’s rookie-debut threads netted in 2023, Sotheby’s added.
Flagg donned the white-and-blue uni on Oct. 22, when the Mavericks faced the Spurs at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Flagg’s #32 debut jersey sold privately for $1 million earlier this month, Sotheby’s announced. Sotheby's
The former Duke star, who was just 18 years old at the time, played 32 minutes and scored 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting. He added 10 rebounds and one steal. The Mavericks got blown out, 125–92.
Flagg went on to have a stellar first half of the season, averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per contest in 49 games before the NBA’s All-Star break.
“The $1 million result for Cooper Flagg’s rookie debut jersey is a powerful testament to the significance collectors place on true ‘first moments’ in sport,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectables.
The Cooper Flagg debut jersey is now the Mavericks phenom’s most expensive piece of memorabilia. Sotheby's
“This jersey captures the very beginning of a special career, one carrying huge expectations and excitement.”
Several other rookie debut jerseys, including ones worn by 76ers guard V.J. Edgecombe, Hornets guard Kon Knueppel and Spurs guard Dylan Harper, will go up for sale in an “NBA Rookie Debut Auction” next month, Sotheby’s said.
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 20: Dominick Barlow #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during a game against the Phoenix Suns at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Heading into the season, the Philadelphia 76ers had a gargantuan-sized hole at the power forward position.
With limited avenues available in offseason free agency based on the team’s salary cap situation, Daryl Morey sought to spackle over the hole by signing Trendon Watford to a minimum contract and bringing in a couple of two-way contract signings, Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker. Watford has been productive at times after being slow out of the gate due to injury, while Walker has exceeded expectations in his own right, recently signing a standard NBA contract.
However, Barlow, who also has since been awarded a standard deal with the Sixers, proved to be the true diamond in the rough.
The 6-foot-9 forward has made 36 starts across 43 appearances for Philadelphia this season. His averages of 8.5 points and 5.0 rebounds don’t jump off the page, but as a “doing the little things All-Star,” Dominick was integral to the Sixers exceeding expectations heading into the All-Star break.
Barlow fits as the perfect glue guy alongside the team’s high-usage stars. While he does have some off-the-dribble game, he does most of his damage without the ball in his hands, whether setting screens, spotting up in the corner, or lurking in the dunker spot. Barlow’s 10 offensive rebounds against the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this month were a perfect encapsulation of how he causes damage when the opposing defense takes their eyes off him to focus on his higher-profile teammates.
Defensively, Barlow is a Swiss-army knife, with great length and the ability to fluidly switch on the perimeter. While he’s not a prodigious shot blocker, Nick Nurse has still occasionally turned to small-ball lineups with Barlow at the five. There’s a lot of value in someone able to competently defend across multiple positions, particularly within Nurse’s defensive scheme.
If you had to rank reasons for the Sixers’ success thus far, it’s probably Tyrese Maxey jumping from All-Star to All-NBA, Joel Embiid and (pre-suspension) Paul George having better than expected health, VJ Edgecombe being an absolute stud the minute he stepped on an NBA court, and then Barlow. Barlow went from a two-way player to someone who they needed to sign to a standard NBA contract so badly that they just had to trade away a second-year former lottery pick in Jared McCain (that’s not true at all, but it’s crazy from the Barlow perspective that the team used that spin for it).
Is Barlow a perfect player? No, you’d like to have him shoot better than 28.6 percent from three, for starters. But after having genuine stars, having legitimate starters on minimum-salary contracts is probably the most beneficial contribution to a roster build. He may not get mentioned much by media outside the Delaware Valley when discussing the Sixers as a fun story this season, but Barlow should be right alongside the better names when singing this team’s praises.
NEW YORK - JUNE 22: NBA Draft Prospect, Jeremy Sochan poses for a portrait during media availability and circuit as part of the 2022 NBA Draft on July 22, 2022 at the Westin Times Square in New York City. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Knicks basketball is back as New York takes on Detroit for a third and final time this season.
The Pistons won the first two meetings easily, but they have their two brutes—Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart—suspended for Thursday.
On the losses to the Pistons ahead of Thursday’s matchup:
“Yeah it should. They didn’t just win the game. They beat us pretty bad. So for us, I don’t want to say this game is more important than the next game. Every game is extremely important, but there comes a certain point when you’re in competition. If wins and losses are as lopsided as those two losses, that should shake you up a little bit. At the end of the day, we win tomorrow or win the next two games or however many games we play them, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee come playoff time or vice-versa. I’m a firm believer that I’ve been around this thing too long enough to see some teams go 0-4 and still win the series and some teams go 3-4 and still win the series. So that part doesn’t matter, it’s just about how the first two games turned out for us.”
On the need for evaluating Sochan before the playoffs:
“[Sochan] knows the league. The league knows him. He knows the officials and vice-versa, so they’re gonna get an opportunity, but at the end of the day, I’m gonna play who I think is best for us and right now, Jeremy, he hadn’t played for us, so I’ve gotta see — rather quickly — what we have in him before getting to the playoffs.”
On new lineup combinations and Sochan’s fit:
“When we put our rotation together, I try to think of how the group on the floor fits for a lot of different reasons, not just because this guy is a high-level shooter and this guy is not a high level shooter, but can this center play with this power forward? Can this guard play with this guard in terms of being able to bring the ball and handle against pressure? So there are a lot of different–does this group have enough guys that can go defensive rebound? So I try to look at a lot of different combinations when it comes to putting them together or the pros and cons of the individuals when it comes to putting the individuals together, and it’ll be no different with Jeremy or Jose at the end of the day.”
On Sochan’s size and versatility:
“When you look at Jeremy, you like his size right off the bat, especially for a four. OG is of that size but nobody else really is of that size. And you look at the versatility, over the years, he’s been able to guard one through five, and so to have that versatility on that end of the floor is huge, especially if OG’s out. We’re a lot smaller if OG or Josh or they both are out. And then [Jeremy’s] energy, his physicality, all those things that don’t necessarily show up in a stat sheet in my opinion are welcomed by any team.”
On missing OG Anunoby’s presence:
“At that size and skill set, you always miss that when he’s out. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who’s in uniform. You’ve gotta go try and play the right way to win but it’s good to see him back on the floor for sure.”
On Sochan’s expected role:
“I’m not sure how many minutes I’m going to play him, but I plan on trying to use him. And hopefully we get to a point where he’s versatile enough to play one through five for us.”
On Mo Diawara’s future with Sochan in tow:
“Mo’s had a good season so far. As a young guy… and, as you guys know, I’ll play young guys. I have played young guys in front of vets before. But I’m going to give Jeremy an opportunity.”
On Landry Shamet as a true professional:
“When you think of a (true professional), you think on time. When you tell him something, he always looks you in the eye, always trying to correct things. Always playing hard. Never making excuses. Sacrificing for his teammates. Always thinking team first. He can play two minutes, come out and be OK. Or he can play 30 minutes in a row, come out and be OK. The maintenance aspect isn’t there. He’s always connected to the group, trying to help others be connected and his competitive spirit is off the charts. He believes in his teammates and the process. He wants to be held accountable. All those things bode well for having someone like (Shamet) on your team.”
.@JLEdwardsIII "Do you have relationships with the players here?
Jeremy Sochan "I know Jordan Clarkson…he's from San Antonio…The rest is just during games, talking sh*t…OG's from England too, Josh supports a sh*t club Chelsea––
On struggling with his diminishing role in San Antonio:
“Yeah, it’s tough. In my whole career, I’ve never been sitting on the bench and getting DNPs [did not play, coach’s decision]. You go through a process of questioning why or what’s happening. It can get stressful. But at the end of the day, I came from England, where basketball’s not big. I know my worth. I know what I can bring to the team, and I’m blessed that the organization here has seen that.”
On a fresh start in New York:
“I’m super excited to get a fresh slate and show what I can do.”
On what he brings to the Knicks:
“[I bring] energy, the kind of mold that coach has been doing and what the Knicks have been doing and what he wants from me, I feel I can really excel in. I bring versatility, defense, energy, a little bit of that nasty, so I can’t wait.”
On the lack of opportunity in San Antonio:
“Just no real opportunity, in my opinion. And it is what it is. It’s a very deep team. And maybe I didn’t see eye to eye with Coach, and Coach didn’t see anything I could do for the team. And it is what it is. And I’m just blessed to be in an opportunity where I can grow and blossom.”
On choosing New York as a free agent:
“We’ve talked a lot and it’s just seizing whatever opportunity I can get. And I think one of the reasons I picked New York is it’s a really deep roster, a lot of really talented players. I think it’s a pretty cool opportunity to watch and grow from that too. I think I’m still young, too. So just being around players who have established themselves and have done a lot of stuff in this league is a crazy opportunity for me. … I do believe in myself and I do believe I can do well on the court, too. But I do look at it in the bigger picture. And what’s happening here, I think I can be a part of it.”
On the NYC culture:
“Very excited. The culture here, at the Knicks and New York in general, is crazy and very global. And I feel like I’m global, too. So I’m just super excited to be here and just grow with this city and the club.”
On his versatility and level of effort:
“I’m versatile. I can do a little bit of everything, so whatever coach wants me to do, you know, whatever gets me on the court, I’m gonna do it and I’m gonna do it 100 percent.”
On always being himself on court amid comparisons to Draymond Green:
“At the end of the day, I wanna be Jeremy. I wanna be myself. … I bring versatility, defense, energy, a little bit of tenacity, so I can’t wait.”
On fitting Mike Brown’s plans:
“I think I embody what Mike Brown is asking from his players. I’m a quick learner, so I think I’ve been doing pretty well… The way I view everything is team-first. I’m always gonna be there for my teammates on and off the court. I’m bringing energy, positive vibes and I think that’s the most important thing – consistency. Whether that’s on the court, off the court, I’m gonna be myself every time.”
Last fall, I met Jalen Brunson at his go-to spot to talk about his rise, taking less in his last contract, the Thibs firing, staying out of front office matters, and whether the Knicks can win it all.
On Knicks lacking intangibles compared to last season:
“We’re very gifted. We’re very talented. But we need the little things that help us be better, the intangibles. We got to that point last year where we had it. We don’t have it right now.”
On his contract sacrifice and future expectations:
“If I’m thinking about playing well to make sure I get paid, that could mess with me. I play best when I have a free mind, and that did that for me. A lot of people say I sacrificed for the team. One hundred percent, I sacrificed for the team. But most importantly, I made sure my family and I are taken care of. … Obviously, we’d love for them to do right by me. I think anyone would. I feel like I sacrificed.”
On regular season vs. playoffs:
“I don’t look at regular-season games as a barometer because, come playoffs, it’s a different basketball game. Especially when you talk about a seven-game series. I’ve been with different teams that went to the Finals or played deep in the playoffs that lost the season series to teams and still won in the playoffs.”
On the meaning of true professionalism:
“It should be. It’s not as common (as you would think). It’s more than showing up every day. If you’re doing the bare minimum, you’re not a true professional.”
On Shamet’s value around the league:
“He’s also a big asset. He does a lot for the teams he’s on, and other teams see that. It’s who he has been. I’ve seen that from afar playing against him, and it’s even better when you’re playing with him.”
If you look at media day and postgame interviews each All-Star gave, KAT's are the longest both times
Here PR tries to literally pull him away to his next event but he won't go
Answers a question about youth sports in the Dominican Republic
“I’m not for sure exactly how or what led up to it, but I had it removed. It’s getting better each day. It’s not even 2 weeks yet. But it’s healing and each day, it’s getting better and better. I have no toenail. I don’t know when it’ll grow back.”
Josh Hart
On Shamet as an example in today’s NBA:
“People come in and they have to learn to be professionals. Depending on where you get drafted to, it can take two, three or four years, especially if you don’t have a good vet. With how things are shaking out now, there’s a lot less vets on teams to hold guys accountable. It’s (rarer) now, and (Shamet) is a great example of that.”
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 14: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks at a press conference during 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at Intuit Dome on February 14, 2026 in Inglewood, 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 GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Currently, the Washington Wizards are one of the worst teams in the NBA standings. It is no secret that they are trying to get a high pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Meanwhile, the NBA itself is looking to deter teams from tanking for long periods of time. One possible idea of it is by creating a tournament among lottery teams where the winner of the tournament gets the top pick in the draft.
DEVELOPING: The NBA is discussing creating a tournament among lottery teams to determine draft order in order to stop tanking.
TrillBroDude, SB Nation’s NBA “Feed” administrator, originally wrote a post last week which had some good feedback. In particular, Gaboshyn had a solid comment which I will quote an excerpt below.
As far as I can tell, the NBA is discussing these three actions:
Limiting Draft Pick Protections: The league is looking to limit protections on traded first-round picks to only top-four or top-14 (and higher), eliminating the “middle” protections that encourage teams to lose just enough to land in a specific, protected spot.
Prohibiting Back-to-Back Top-Four Picks: A proposal to stop teams from drafting in the top four in consecutive years, which would reduce the incentive for multi-year “tank-athons”.
Locking Lottery Positions Early: The NBA is considering locking in lottery positions based on the standings as of March 1. This would prevent teams from dropping in the standings—and increasing their lottery odds—by sitting players in the final month of the season.
It’s clear that the NBA wants to curb tanking to the extent possible. And here’s my take on a tournament, draft protections, etc.
On a tournament: The worst team in the NBA will be among the least talented as well. I don’t see a tournament being fair to those teams who will likely have a lower pick and get punished for being bad AND not have the talented enough to win either.
Draft pick protections on trades: This is a fair move to make.
Prohibiting back-to-back Top 4 picks: I think Top 4 may be a bit too restrictive. But I can see teams being prohibited from a Top 2 pick for consecutive years.
Locking lottery positions early: Locking the positions by a certain date sounds good in theory, but then teams that are looking to tank will tank even harder in the first several months of the season. Not sure the records of such teams will improve very much after Mar. 1 or whatever arbitrary date they settle on.
I liked the responses from the Feed post and provided some more thoughts. Anyway, do you have more opinions on this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Thankfully, the NBA returns to action following the All-Star break with a big 10 games on the schedule for hungry basketball bettors to dig into, and I’m double-dipping on some big swings in tonight’s action.
I’m backing a pair of big men who have played limited minutes lately but who should be primed for big performances coming out of the break.
Those and more NBA picks for Thursday, February 26 below.
The Atlanta Hawks have a great rebounder in All-Star Jalen Johnson. However, the Hawks are not a particularly strong rebounding team. They aren’t even a mediocre one.
The Hawks own the fourth-worst rebounding rate and surrender the fifth-highest opponent rebounds per game. That means I’m fading them with a Philadelphia 76ers rebounding prop.
My favorite on the board is Kelly Oubre Jr. The Sixers’ wing pulled down 5.7 rebounds per game over his last seven games heading into the break. His number is at 5.5, a number he’s topped four times in that seven-game stretch.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast-Atlanta, NBCSP
The Raps' big man played 20 minutes in his return from injury, going for nine points and six rebounds against the Detroit Pistons.
Now, he’s even more rested and gets a great matchup against the Chicago Bulls. Chicago plays really small these days, thanks to injuries and trading away Nikola Vucevic.
The Bulls surrender the fourth-most points in the paint per game this season and are 28th in rebounding rate over the last five games.
This sets up well for a classic Jak attack.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SportsNet, CHSN
Prop #3: Nikola Vucevic Double-Double
+195 at bet365
Speaking of Vucevic, while he isn’t starting for the Boston Celtics, he’s still having the same impact if he were, and is as efficient as he’s ever been.
Vucevic is averaging 13.7 points and 9.7 rebounds playing 26 minutes per game as a member of the Celtics. He’s also recorded two double-doubles in three games with his new team, and I’m betting he gets another tonight.
He faces the Golden State Warriors, whose best interior presence is still Draymond Green. The Dubs now rank 23rd in rebounding rate. Vuc should clean the glass while hitting double digits in the scoring column.
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 4: Dalano Banton #45 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during the Quarterfinals of the In-Season Tournament on December 4, 2023 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
TheCeltics are signing Dalano Banton and John Tonje to Ten-Day contracts, upping their total number of rostered players to 14.
And, if both of those names sound familiar, it’s because they are.
John Tonje was recently added to the Celtics’ roster on a two-way contract with Boston after being acquired ahead of the trade deadline (in the cost-cutting move that sent Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz).
Dalanto Banton, meanwhile, returns to Boston after spending most of the past two years with the Portland Trail Blazers. Banton was initially on the Celtics team that won the NBA title in 2024, but he was traded to Portland ahead of the trade deadline and finished out the year with the Trail Blazers.
Let’s take a look at each player, what they could bring to Boston – and why the Celtics made these moves.
First – why did the Celtics sign two players to Ten-Day contracts?
As most readers probably know, the Celtics got below the luxury tax line ahead of the trade deadline, after trading Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Nikola Vucevic, and salary-dumping Chris Boucher (to the Utah Jazz), Xavier Tillman (to the Charlotte Hornets), and Josh Minott (to the Brooklyn Nets).
But, they also only had 12 players on the roster, and teams can only carry fewer than 14 players for up to 14 days at a time – and fewer than 28 total days.
So, on February 19th, the Celtics had no choice but to add two players. In March, they can go back to 12 players in order to stay below the tax line, but eventually they’ll have to carry a full, 14-player roster again.
Utilizing ten-day contracts allows the Celtics remain below the tax – something that multiple people around the team have stressed is not a mandate from ownership.
What Dalano Banton brings to the Celtics
Banton has played for six different NBA teams since being drafted 46th overall in 2021. He’s a 6’8 guard who can score in a variety of ways, but has never been particularly efficient (for his career, Banton has shot 40.3% from the field and 30.4% from three-point range).
But his shooting has trended upwards of late, and he’s had several pretty successful stints in recent years.
Banton spent the first two years of his career with the Toronto Raptors, who drafted him, before joining the Celtics. That season, he appeared in 24 games for the Celtics, averaging 7 minutes a night as a member of the Stay Ready crew.
He was traded to Portland at the midseason trade deadline, where he almost immediately began playing the best basketball of his professional career, averaging 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in Portland for the remainder of that season.
Dalano Banton’s hot play continued for Portland last night.
Banton finished with 28 points (10-20 FG), 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and the Blazers Instagram comment pages are filled with comments saying “give him the keys”pic.twitter.com/EFclJQm2ej
Amid that hot stretch in 2024, Derrick White praised Banton’s play.
“He’s always been talented,” White said. “A guy who can score the ball in many different ways. He’s getting a chance to show that for everybody else. It’s good to see him going out there, being aggressive, and showing the world what he can do. The NBA is kind of tough, where you’re at, your role, and your opportunity. He was always working hard – and he was ready for it.”
Banton returned to the Trail Blazers last season and was once again in the rotation, but with a more reduced role, averaging 8.3 points and 2.4 assists in 16.7 minutes per game.
This year, he is having a standout season in the G League, averaging 23.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds for the Texas Legends, the Dallas Mavericks’ G League affiliate. He signed one ten-day contract with the Los Angeles Clippers on February 8th, and appeared in two games (totalling 10 minutes) ahead of the All-Star break.
Now, Banton returns to Boston, where he still has fans almost two years later. The former Nebraska star will reunite with Joe Mazzulla and the rest of the Celtics coaching staff – as well as several old teammates from the Celtics’ championship team: Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta, and Jordan Walsh.
With Anfernee Simons no longer on the roster, Banton could serve as an emergency ball-handler for the Celtics in the wake of injury. He’s also someone the Celtics know and trust won’t be a negative in the locker room, something that Brad Stevens has routinely stressed is critical.
Newly-acquired two-way player John Tonje also gets a Ten-Day
John Tonje, who was drafted 53rd overall in June, has been a standout for the Salt Lake City Stars this season, averaging 18 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
That came on the heels of a big-time NCAA Tournament run with the Wisconsin Badgers, in which he averaged 19.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Before Wisconsin, he spent four seasons at Colorado State and one year in Missouri.
And before that? Tonje was teammates with Baylor Scheierman, playing for the since-shuttered Omaha Sports Academy.
In two games since arriving in Maine, Tonje is averaging 25 points and 5.5 rebounds, shooting 42.5% from the field.
What Banton and Tonje’s futures hold in Boston remains to be seen, but both guards have the opportunity to play on the second-best team in the Eastern Conference.
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Georgia linebackers Chris Cole and Darren Ikinnagbon were arrested on misdemeanor charges of speeding and reckless driving by Athens-Clarke County Police on Wednesday night.
According to jail records, Cole was booked at 9:59 p.m. and released on $26 bail at 10:39 p.m. Ikinnagbon, also charged with following too closely, was booked at 10:27 p.m. and released on $39 bail at 11:08 p.m.
Georgia told The Associated Press on Thursday the school is aware of the charges and gathering information.
“As this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not be providing further comment at this time," the school's statement reads.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart addressed his frustration last season in trying to put an end to driving offenses by players. Georgia had three players leave the program following arrests on driving offenses last season.
The issue took on heightened importance when a crash killed a player and a recruiting staffer in January 2023, shortly after the team celebrated its second straight national championship. Offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in the crash.
Wide receiver Nitro Tuggle and offensive lineman Marques Easley were suspended from the team on March 20, 2025, atter Tuggle’s arrest for speeding and reckless driving. They eventually left the program.
Also, offensive lineman Nyier Daniels was dismissed from the team on Nov. 24, 2025, following his arrest on multiple charges resulting from a high-speed police chase in the city of Commerce, near Athens.
Cole ranked fourth on the team with 59 tackles and second with seven tackles for losses, including 4.5 sacks, as a sophomore last season. Ikinnagbon appeared in five games and had two tackles as a freshman.
The San Antonio Spurs (38-16) host the Phoenix Suns (32-23) tonight at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, marking the third matchup of the season between these Western Conference rivals. The Spurs take the court riding high with a six-game winning streak. Victor Wembanyama and co. currently sit second in the Western Conference. Conversely, Phoenix, sitting in seventh, is looking to bounce back following losses in three of their last four heading into the All-Star break.
San Antonio enters this matchup as a heavy favorite despite Phoenix having won the first two matchups against the Spurs this season. San Antonio was playing better heading into the Break, and they have excelled on their home court this season (19-6). The Spurs boast a balanced attack, with Wembanyama (24.4PPG) and De'Aaron Fox (19.4PPG). Defensively, the Spurs have been elite of late allowing only 110.1 points over their last 10 games.
For the Suns, the challenge is maintaining their offensive rhythm without Dillon Brooks (suspension for too many technical fouls). Devin Booker, however, continues to be stellar, averaging 25.2 points and 6.3 assists. Phoenix will need a massive performance from their leader to overcome San Antonio's suffocating defense. Other than Brooks, the Suns will dress a full lineup tonight. They are healthy following the break, with Grayson Allen and Isaiah Livers returning, which provides necessary depth to handle a Spurs team that has, statistically, been the superior squad leading up to this game.
Lets take a closer look at the matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: Suns at Spurs
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: 8:30PM EST
Site: Moody Center
City: Austin, TX
Network/Streaming: Arizona’s Family 3TV, KENS 5, NBA League Pass
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Game Odds: Suns at Spurs
The latest odds as of Thursday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Phoenix Suns (+235), San Antonio Spurs (-290)
Spread: Spurs -7.5
Total: 229.5 points
This game opened Spurs -6.5 with the Total set at 225.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups: Suns at Spurs
Phoenix Suns
PG Collin Gillespie
SG Devin Booker
SF Grayson Allen
PF Royce O’Neale
C Mark Williams
San Antonio Spurs
PG De’Aaron Fox
SG Devin Vassell
SF Stephon Castle
PF Julian Champagnie
C Victor Wembanyama
Injury Report: Suns at Spurs
Phoenix Suns
Dillon Brooks (suspended) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Cole Anthony (recently traded for) is listed as OUT for tonight’s game
San Antonio Spurs
Mason Plumlee (conditioning) is listed as OUT for tonight’s game
Lindy Waters (knee) is listed as OUT for tonight’s game
Important stats, trends and insights: Suns at Spurs
The Spurs are 19-6 at home this season
The Suns are 14-13 on the road this season
The Spurs are 29-23-2 ATS this season / 13-10-2 at home
The Suns are 34-19-2 ATS this season / 17-9-1 on the road
The OVER has cashed in 24 of the Suns’ 55 games this season (24-31)
The OVER has cashed in 23 of the Spurs’ 55 games this season (23-32)
The Spurs are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games
Through 6 games in February, Collin Gillespie is averaging4.8 assists per game BUT has reached 4 assists in just 3 of those 6 games
Stephon Castle has averaged 5.4 rebounds over 5 games in February but has reached 5 rebounds in just 2 of the 5 games
Rotoworld Best Bet
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Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s Suns and Spurs’ game:
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Total: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Game Total UNDER 229.5
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Dix paid the No. 5-ranked Huskies back by scoring 13 of his 21 points in the second half to lead the Bluejays to a 91-84 upset victory in Storrs, Connecticut. The massive performance from Dix came two weeks after his mother died from colon cancer.
"I really respect this university for doing that and thinking of my mom," Dix said, via ESPN. "I know she would greatly appreciate it. I know she saw that."
Creighton had lost to UConn by 27 points (85-58) on Jan. 31, the game before Dix's mother died. The Bluejays were heavy underdogs on the road on Feb. 18, but were able to find a way to hand the Huskies their first conference home loss of the season.
"That locker room is still healing, and they needed a shot in the arm," Creighton coach Greg McDermott said after the game. "We have been through a lot as a group; we've shed a lot of tears, and they needed something like this. It's a great win for us. I'm not sure I've ever been prouder of a group."
Dix, a transfer from Iowa, has averaged 12.3 points per game for Creighton this season. He did not score and went 0-for-6 from the field in the previous game against the Huskies. Along with the 21 points — which came on 6-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-4 from 3 — Dix also added eight rebounds on Feb. 18.
"I couldn't do it alone," Dix said. "My family, my teammates, my coaches, they all stick by my side. I try not to be alone; I try to be around people who want to see you do well.
"Basketball brings a lot of joy to a lot of people, so that kind of takes your mind of a lot of stuff. They have meant a lot, something like this can either separate you or get you closer to your teammates. They have all been by my side. The last couple of weeks haven't been easy, but they stuck by my side."
But the Celtics also did some end-of-the-roster shuffling Thursday that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Boston officially signed two players to 10-day contracts: free agent Dalano Banton and recently-acquired two-way player John Tonje. With those moves, the Celtics now have 14 players on their active roster and two players on two-way deals (Ron Harper Jr. and Max Shulga), with one open NBA roster spot and one open two-way spot.
Why are Brad Stevens and Co. handing out 10-day contracts instead of pursuing bigger names on the buyout market? The likely explanation boils down to one word: money.
Let’s break it down:
Why Celtics made these moves now
By rule, NBA teams can’t have fewer than 14 players on their roster for more than two weeks at a time. The Celtics were at 12 players exactly two weeks ago — the day of the NBA trade deadline — after a flurry of moves that sent out Anfernee Simons, Josh Minott, Xavier Tillman and Chris Boucher and helped them dip under the luxury tax. (More on that shortly.)
So, the C’s had to add two players to their roster Thursday no matter what, which explains the timing of these moves.
Financial implications of Celtics’ moves
Boston was barely under the luxury tax coming out the All-Star break — roughly $1 million below the $187.9 million threshold. So, if the team’s goal is to remain under that threshold for the rest of the season, even signing a player on the buyout market for the veteran minimum wouldn’t be feasible.
Enter the 10-day contract. Per NBA salary cap analyst Yossi Gozlan, Banton’s deal will cost the Celtics less than $132,000, while Tonje’s deal is for just $73,000, since he was converted from a two-way deal.
In theory, the C’s could continue this pattern — let the 10-day contracts of Banton and Tonje expire, spend a full two weeks with fewer than 14 players, sign two more players to 10-day contracts, go another two weeks with fewer than 14 players, etc. — for the rest of the season to spend as little as possible and stay under the tax.
The Celtics also can promote one of their two-way players (likely Harper) to an NBA deal, which would be prorated for the rest of the season.
The upshot? These moves could be the first step in Boston playing musical chairs with the back end of its roster to stay under the luxury tax.
What are the benefits of staying under the luxury tax?
So, why are the Celtics seemingly jumping through so many hoops to duck under the tax?
As Stevens insisted after the deadline, there’s no mandate from ownership to be below the luxury tax; the C’s were simply taking advantage of an opportunity they “didn’t think would be there” after trading Simons to Chicago in return for Nikola Vucevic.
The benefits of getting below the tax line involve resetting the NBA’s repeater tax, which forces teams to pay multiples on the dollar (starting at $2.50 for every $1) for player contracts. The Celtics have been in the repeater tax for the last several seasons, resulting in massive payrolls that will become even more prohibitive the longer they stay in the luxury tax.
Teams can “reset” those repeater taxes by finishing under the luxury tax in at least two of the next four seasons. So, if Boston stays under the luxury tax this season and next season, it can return to paying normal salary rates as soon as the 2027 offseason.
This may not sound particularly exciting. But that financial flexibility could allow the Celtics to spend big in 2027 free agency to build the latest version of a contender around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown — all while remaining a legitimate contender in the interim.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 11: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 11: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a few days off, NBA basketball is back. The Brooklyn Nets were off for NBA festivities last weekend and return to action hoping to speed through the rest of the regular season. When we last saw them, they blew an 18 point lead and lost to the Indiana Pacers on February 12.
The opponent tonight is trying to break into the top tier. The Cleveland Cavaliers are trying to get back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018. They’re within striking distance of the No. 2 seed and helped the cause after beating up the Washington Wizards on February 11. They’re on a five game winning streak.
Where to follow the game
YES Network on TV. Gotham Sports on streaming. WFAN on radio. Tip after 7 PM.
🤕 Injuries
Nic Claxton sprained his ankle at practice on February 18. He’s out tonight. Josh Minott, newly acquired from the Celtics at the deadline, is with Long Island as is Ben Saraf and the three two-ways. They’re playing at noon today in Birmingham vs. the Pelicans’ G Leaguers, the Squadron. Game can be seen on the G League website.
Without Claxton, the Nets will turn to Day’ron Sharpe in the starting five. Sharpe has shown himself to be a more than capable big in the NBA and will start for as long as Clax is out. He’ll be matched up on the inside with our old friend Jarrett Allen. Like many of the Cavs, Allen is going to need to exceed expectations in the postseason if they want to get to their first Conference Finals without LeBron James on the team since 1992. Allen and Evan Mobley are tasked with owning the boards and finishing at the rim.
Nolan Traore will get a workout tonight. He’ll be matched up with the amazing Donovan Mitchell and will do what he can to slow him down. Mitchell is one of the leaders in drives to the rim per game and is still one of the game’s best finishers at the rim. Put it all together and it equals a career best 29 points per game on the season. For Traore, games like this will serve as a great measure of his growth and push him to be even better going forward.
This is the first leg of a back-to-back for the Nets. When they’re done, they immediately head out for a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. The schedule makers certainly aren’t making it easy on the Nets, that’s for sure.
And with this being the first leg of the b2b, Michael Porter Jr will play tonight. MPJ has been out since February 7 with right knee tendinitis. The rest should do him plenty of good and the Nets will turn to him to make things happen against this Cavs defense. In all likelihood he’ll sit in Oklahoma City so there shouldn’t be too many restrictions on him tonight. MPJ scored 31 points in the first meeting between these teams way back in October, and Jordi Fernandez will look to
👀 Player to watch: James Harden
Hey, we know him! James Harden was doing well with the LA Clippers as they surged back up the standings. However, they weren’t going to give him a contract extension, so he left and is here. Somebody got to asking James about loyalty, and here’s what he had to say:
"The whole quote unquote loyalty thing, I think it's overrated."#Cavs James Harden on why it's become the norm for guys to play on multiple teams throughout their career: pic.twitter.com/fykczB5DZQ
On the court, Harden hopes to be the last piece to a championship puzzle for Kenny Atkinson and friends. A big midseason move like this causes everyone to make some changes so the team is comfortable with the new reality. How have the Cavs been doing on that front? Pretty well, so far. From Brendon Ulen of Fear the Sword:
“We have already seen him play faster with the Cavs. But will he move more off-ball? Will he keep the defense in rotation, or will he let it reset and probe it himself when the ball returns to him? If he allows defensive resets, will this mute the impact of the motion-related leaps Jaylon Tyson and Merrill have made? These are all open questions.
The Cavs could attempt to exclusively play their motion-heavy style and fit James in. The man can do it if he chooses. They could also embrace Harden-ball and effectively run two systems, switching between them based on personnel and situation, especially when Harden is on the floor without Mitchell. One system or two? The correct answer to this question is unknown. Having a clear approach is critical though. The Cavs have the rest of the regular season to figure out what they believe is best.“
This is a make-or-break season for a lot of the Cavaliers, and Harden’s play will determine a lot about what Cleveland’s future will look like.
Egor Dёmin is back from Los Angeles and an appearance in the Rising Stars game. Being in the game was a great opportunity for Dёmin to rub shoulders with some of the game’s brightest young stars and show that he belongs. With the Nets looking to the future, Egor has show that he will be a big part of it. The Cavs allow teams to shoot 37.2% from three point range, third worst in the NBA (the Nets are second worst so prepare to see a bushel of three point attempts tonight!). Finding easy looks for Dёmin will help determine this one and if he can heat up early, it will keep the Nets in it against one of the better teams in the league.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to continue the five-game winning streak they took into the All-Star break as they host the Brooklyn Nets tonight.
Donovan Mitchell was red hot going into the festivities, and I’m looking for him to continue that run in my Nets vs. Cavaliers predictions.
Read on to see all my thoughts on tonight’s game and get my free NBA picks for Thursday, February 19.
Nets vs Cavaliers prediction
Nets vs Cavaliers best bet: Donovan Mitchell Over 26.5 points (-120)
Donovan Mitchell has been the Cleveland Cavaliers' leading scorer for all year, and was especially productive right before the break. He has averaged 30.8 points per game over his last four contests, scoring 29+ points in each.
Tonight, Mitchell gets to play at home against a Brooklyn Nets defense that ranks 26th in defensive efficiency (115.4) and allows opponents to shoot 49.3% from the field.
With James Harden distributing, Mitchell will find it easier than ever to score.
Nets vs Cavaliers same-game parlay
A strong performance from Mitchell will help Cleveland score a big win against the Nets. The Cavs covered as a 17.5-point favorite in their last game, and I like them to do the same against Brooklyn. I’ll also take the Over, which has hit in each of Brooklyn’s last five games.
Nets vs Cavaliers SGP
Donovan Mitchell Over 26.5 points
Cavaliers -16.5
Over 229.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Beard with me
Harden has made a strong impression in his first three games with the Cavs, and I’m backing him to fill up the stat sheet again tonight.
I’ll also take Evan Mobley (8.8 rebounds per game) to hit the Over on his rebounding total, while Jarrett Allen is a good bet to record a double-double, something he’s done in four of his last five games.
Nets vs Cavaliers SGP
James Harden Over 20.5 points
James Harden Over 8.5 assists
Evan Mobley Over 7.5 rebounds
Jarrett Allen double-double
Nets vs Cavaliers odds
Spread: Nets +16.5 (-115) | Cavaliers 16.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Nets +700 | Cavaliers -1100
Over/Under: Over 229.5 (-110) | Under 229.5 (-110)
Nets vs Cavaliers betting trend to know
Donovan Mitchell has scored 29+ points in each of his last four games. Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Cavaliers.
How to watch Nets vs Cavaliers
Location
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Date
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
YES, FDSN OH
Nets vs Cavaliers latest injuries
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Feb 12, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Ousmane Dieng (21) gestures after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
In a three-team trade with the Suns and the Bulls at the NBA trade deadline, the Milwaukee Bucks acquired forward Ousmane Dieng, jettisoning Amir Coffey and Cole Anthony. It was the third time in 24 hours before the deadline that Dieng had been traded. He was sent to Charlotte for Mason Plumlee, before being shipped off to Chicago, along with other assets, for Coby White. After that deal was completed, the Bulls were added as a third team to the Suns and Bucks trade, in which Nick Richards was traded from Phoenix to Chicago, and the Bucks snagged Dieng. The French export’s time in Milwaukee could be limited, though, as he will enter the offseason as a restricted free agent, with a qualifying offer worth $8.7m.
While the Bucks were linked to a couple of notable names, including Ja Morant and Cam Thomas (eventually signing Thomas), this was the type of move that lined up with what Jamal Collier of ESPN said in an article on the morning of deadline day:
“Milwaukee has still scoured the market for a potential upgrade to its roster, sources told ESPN, hoping to benefit from a team looking to offload salary in the future.”
We’ve already seen Dieng in action in three games for the Bucks, so what can we take away from those performances about who he is as a player?
Player History
Coming out of the National Basketball League (in Australia and New Zealand), he was selected one spot ahead of Jalen Williams in the 2022 draft. The Thunder acquired Dieng’s draft rights from the Knicks at no. 11 overall for three protected first-round picks. In 23 games (11 starts) for the New Zealand Breakers, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 20.3 minutes per contest. There, he flashed high-level potential, with NBADraft.net’s Stefanos Makris saying the following:
“Dieng is the definition of a high ceiling/low floor prospect … The sky is the limit, but if taken too high, he can just as easily fall through the floorboards. The French wing surely passes the eye test, being a smooth point forward with nice size and length.”
Dieng fell through the floorboards in his four seasons with OKC. He never eclipsed more than 39 games in a season and never averaged more than 14.6 MPG. On top of that, he’s only played 20+ minutes 21 times in 136 career games. Part of that has been because Chet Holmgren, Williams, and the other Jaylin Williams have developed faster, eating into any role he could’ve had. In games where he’s gotten more minutes, Dieng showed flashes of the tools he possesses. One of his best games came against the Bucks last season (albeit without Giannis and Dame), as he scored 21 points on 9/13 shooting, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out five assists.
Offense
The first thing that stands out about Dieng is his silky-smooth jump shot. There aren’t any weird hitches in his shooting form, and it might be the most refined part of his game. Last Wednesday’s game against the Magic was a great display of that.
His shooting numbers didn’t look great in his first two seasons, with an effective field goal percentage of 50% (the league-wide average in those years was 54.6%) and a 28% three-point percentage. Yet, the last two seasons have shown steady growth, with his EFG% up to 52.1% and 3P% up to 34.2%.
While he was never featured in OKC’s offense, he did get that chance with the Thunder’s G League team. In 26 games during the 2023–24 season, Dieng averaged 17.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 6.0 APG, with shooting splits of .482/.301/.702. He helped lead the OKC Blue to their first G League title by winning Finals MVP in a three-game series, averaging 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.7 blocks, and just 1.7 turnovers per game. He shot the ball incredibly well, hitting 44.2% of his shots from the field, 53.3% from three-point range (5.0 3PA), and 100% from the charity stripe, albeit on three total attempts. In that finals series against the Maine Celtics, there were noticeable playmaking skills in the half-court, in pick-and-roll scenarios, and even in transition. That’s translated in his short stint with the Bucks so far, as he made several good reads against his former team, including a lob to Jericho Sims in the P&R.
Dieng has on-ball creation skills, with a tight handle on the perimeter. He’s been able to pull up from three, drain step-back threes, and even get to the rim with regularity. He does look a little awkward at times, especially when he tries to Euro step, but that might be a product of his patience to get the right look at the rim.
Another standout skill is Dieng’s ability to run the pick-and-roll. With his height, he’s able to read the defense and find open players. Even when he drives into the lane, and the defense collapses, he finds shooters open on the perimeter. He does an excellent job of using ball and head fakes to manipulate defenses and open passing lanes. He has great control of the ball, with very few passes I watched that were errant. Dieng knows when it’s his time to take the shot in these situations and attack the roll man in drop coverage. His favorite scoring moves are the floater and the Euro step, but he also has a mid-range jumper he likes to pull out from time to time.
Overall, there’s a lot to like about Dieng’s offensive potential. The one drawback right now is his frame, weighing 185 pounds at 6’9”, and that has caused problems on drives to the rim against bigger defenders. He is quick enough and long enough to get by some players in the G League and the NBL, but I can foresee issues against bigger NBA bodies. Imagine if he tried to drive on a player like OG Anunoby or even his own teammate, Kyle Kuzma—bigger guys who are just as athletic as him. While he hasn’t run into that problem with the Bucks so far, it’s happened quite a few times over the course of his career.
That is something that Dieng can change, as he is still growing into his body. Again, he is only 22 years old. How many of us had fully grown into our adult bodies by then? That’s not to say he’s going to grow to the same level as a player like Brandon Ingram, but some tools should excite Bucks fans.
Defense
Dieng’s best defensive tool by far is his IQ. There were multiple plays in his days overseas and in the G League where he would come over from his help position to block shots and deflect the ball, creating fast-break chances. The way he blocks shots is like how Giannis operates on defense: he defends the rim off the help side rather than a traditional rim protector like Rudy Gobert. This isn’t to say Dieng is as good a defender as Giannis; it’s more to show that they work in similar ways in the half-court.
His length and athleticism make him a versatile defender who guards 1–3 on the perimeter. His 7’1” wingspan is ideal for disrupting ball handlers, generating steals, and deflections. In three games with the Bucks, players are shooting 41.9% when guarded by Dieng (13/31), and in last Wednesday’s game against Orlando, Franz Wagner went 0/4 from the field when Dieng was the closest defender.
His smaller build also causes issues at the defensive end. It leaves him unable to guard power forwards and centers in the post. The bigger issue comes on the perimeter, where he gets overpowered by bigger players looking to drive into the paint. This made it much harder for him to navigate screens at times, as he got stuck on the screen or even made the wrong read on the ball handler. He seems to have gotten marginally better in this area with NBA coaching, but there isn’t enough of a sample size to say that for sure.
It also leaves him liable to give up rebounds on both ends of the court. Looking over his film, most of his rebounds in the limited time he has spent on the floor at the NBA level are uncontested. The only example I found of him having to box out someone was in a preseason game against the Nuggets this season. It’s not the end of the world, but it shows that his lack of strength could be a problem if he ever must box out bigs. He should only be boxing out players of his size or smaller.
Dieng has a chance to be a solid defender and could address the Bucks’ defensive deficiencies, especially off the bench. Having a help-side defender with his instincts next to Bobby Portis would cover up his issues on that end.
How does he fit down the stretch?
Overall, Dieng will have a much better opportunity for consistent minutes with this Bucks team. As of now, he could get playing time to spell Kuzma as a small forward/power forward. His size and defensive versatility make him a good fit for the Bucks’ defense, both in man-to-man and zone coverage.
Offensively, he can run P&R effectively, so I see a two-man game of him and Sims continuing to work quite well. He doesn’t need the ball to contribute, as he has a dependable jumper in catch-and-shoot situations. With his improving three-point shot, he would be an ideal floor spacer alongside Giannis, either off the bench or potentially in the starting lineup. Kuzma has come off the bench at times, and I would rather use the rest of this season to see how Dieng fits.
Beyond that, it’s hard to tell how short a leash Doc will have on Dieng, given his propensity to favor veterans over young players. With the limited time Dieng could be with Milwaukee, given his contract situation, it would be imperative for the coaching staff to give him significant minutes, around 18–25 MPG. I know the Bucks didn’t give up much to get him, but this team has been starving for young talent for quite some time. They need to see what they have in him so they can decide whether he should stay in Milwaukee for at least one more season.
Nikola Vucevic has terrific touch around the basket. | NBAE via Getty Images
It was a first half to remember for the Celtics, as they exceeded expectations en route to a 35-19 record and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
While it was certainly a strong start, what happens the rest of the way will ultimately dictate how this season is remembered.
With that in mind, here are 10 storylines to follow moving forward.
1) Will Jayson Tatum return?
Yes, it’s obvious, but it still counts. Will he or won’t he? My hunch is that Jayson Tatum will, in fact, play for the Celtics this season. It could be in a few days, a few weeks or a few months, but I don’t think he’s doing all this just for the heck of it.
Prediction: Yes, sometime in March or April.
2) Will Jaylen Brown make the All-NBA first team?
Jaylen Brown made the All-NBA second team in 2022-23 but has never made the first team. This is easily his best chance. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic are essentially locks as long as they stay healthy. After that, it feels like Brown, Luka Doncic, Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson, among others, will be battling it out for two spots.
Prediction: No. He makes the second team (finishing sixth or seventh overall), but not the first.
I’m proud of this group and staff/ office looking forward to 2nd half go Cs ☘️ pic.twitter.com/I0cqxQTPYg
3) Can Derrick White find consistency with his shot?
Derrick White has adjusted to increased responsibility seamlessly in just about every area. His shooting percentages, however, have decreased significantly – 44.2 percent from the field last year to 38.9 this year, along with 38.4 percent from 3 last year to 32.5 this year. I have a hunch White will figure it out. He may not be able to elevate those numbers to where they were last year, but I think he’ll start trending in the right direction.
Prediction: Yes. He ends up around 34 percent from 3 and 40 percent from the field.
4) Will Nikola Vucevic be a perfect fit?
The more I watch Nikola Vucevic play with the Celtics, the more I like the trade. Yes, they’ll miss Anfernee Simons, but Vucevic really fits in perfectly and gives them something an element didn’t have. He’s honestly one of the best low-post scorers and rebounders they’ve had in recent years (if not the best) and has already made strides defensively. I think this will end up working out great for both sides.
Prediction: Yes. He continues to get more and more comfortable and helps most in the playoffs.
Joe Mazzulla is in the mix for Coach of the Year, but he has some stiff competition with JB Bickerstaff, Jordan Ott, Mitch Johnson and more. I believe the Celtics will continue to rack up wins and continue to help his cause, but I don’t think anyone’s catching the Pistons in the East, so it’s hard to argue against Bickerstaff.
Prediction: No. He comes close, but finishes second behind Bickerstaff.
6) Which role players earn opportunities in the playoffs?
Mazzulla has mixed and matched with his bench most of the season, tinkering his lineups based on the opponent. Which of these guys who have contributed in spurts will stay in the rotation in the playoffs? It will likely continue to be matchup dependent, but I think he trusts Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez and Luka Garza most, with a sprinkle of Jordan Walsh and Amari Williams as needed.
Prediction: Scheierman, Gonzalez and Walsh see occasional minutes, depending on the opponent.
7) Will all the road games early be a problem?
Eight of the Celtics’ first 12 games are on the road, starting with a tough four-game trip against the Warriors, Lakers, Suns and Nuggets. This is a tricky stretch, and they need to make sure it doesn’t veer the wrong direction. Going 2-2 is fine, but 1-3 or 0-4 wouldn’t be ideal. It doesn’t get any easier in early March, with road games against the Cavaliers, Spurs and Thunder in a span of five days.
Prediction: They struggle somewhat, but not enough where they plummet in the standings. They go 2-2 on the first road trip and 1-2 on the second, but they take care of business against worse teams at home to start 7-5 overall.
8) Does Neemias Queta make an All-Defensive team?
Neemias Queta is the unsung hero of this whole Celtics season so far. People who watch the team regularly are aware of how valuable he is, but those who follow the NBA casually have no idea. He’s currently 10th in the NBA in defensive rating (105.6), 18th in blocks (1.3) and is the anchor of a unit that’s allowing the second-fewest points per game in the NBA (108.4) behind only the Thunder.
Prediction: Yes, he makes the second team – a well-deserved honor.
9) How many wins do the Celtics finish with and where do they end up in the standings?
This one is possibly the most fun to predict. In one sense, the Celtics are playing with house money. In other, they didn’t come this far just to come this far. I don’t think there will be a major drop-off, but I also don’t think they’ll catch the Pistons. I think the Knicks will pull ahead, but the Celtics will hold off the Cavaliers. Obviously Tatum’s status could swing it dramatically, so I’m making a safe pick in between where I think it would be if he comes back and if he doesn’t.
Prediction: 52-30, No. 3 seed.
10) Do fans start to believe this team can win it all?
The average Boston sports fan is enjoying this run, yet remains somewhat skeptical that the Celtics can legitimately contend for a championship. Are they right? Possibly, but I wouldn’t rule it out. The Thunder still factually have the best chance. The rest of the West is loaded, and the Pistons, Knicks and Cavaliers are all legit, but there’s no reason the Celtics can’t make the Finals and give the Thunder or anyone else a battle. Especially if that Tatum guy returns. It’s a tricky season, because fans are genuinely bought in but don’t want to be disappointed if it all crumbles. But that’s what being a fan is all about, right?
Prediction: Fans’ expectations stay about the same if Tatum stays sidelined. Fans’ expectations start to soar if he returns. We’ll see how it all shakes out, but it could be one heck of a story.
Peterson exited No. 12 Kansas' Big 12 win over the Cowboys shortly after hitting a 3-pointer with 18 minutes left in the second half. He didn't return to the game, finishing with 23 points, two rebounds, one block and one steal in 18 minutes of play.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Kansas coach Bill Self said the reason Peterson left was due to cramping. He also said he didn't "anticipate" the issue flaring up again, adding that it was a disappointing situation considering Peterson could have had an even bigger game than he did.
"Well we've had it more than a couple times," Self told reporters. "And I didn't anticipate that tonight at all. I thought that he was good to go. But obviously we only got 18 minutes out of him. And that's really disappointing, because he could have had a really big night.
"But one thing about it is it's happened often enough that our guys have learned to play without him, even though that's not the way want to play. But that's certainly not something that we're unaccustomed to right now."
Self also said that it's "concerning," and that Kansas would prefer him to be fully available for the 2026 NCAA Tournament:
"It's a concern. I thought we were past it, but obviously we're not. It's certainly a concern," Self said. "You get into the NCAA Tournament, you're playing a team just as good as you and you need to have all your best players available, so to speak. Yeah, all it takes is for one day like that to derail not only a game, but a season."
Self wasn't the only person to comment on Peterson's lack of playing time in the second half. TNT college basketball studio analysts Jalen Rose, Bruce Pearl and Jamal Mashburn spoke at length about the ongoing saga with Peterson, with Mashburn rhetorically asking, "why even be a part of it?"
"I think the interesting part of this with the NIL era and the transfer portal, this has become much more transactional than we've really thought about," Mashburn said. "From the standpoint that, we can't separate the conversation of them winning a championship and him going to the NBA.
"Because it's a transition year for him at the end of the day. If he can go straight from high school straight to the pros, he probably would have done it. That's how I see it. They really need him to win a championship, but if he's going to get into the NCAA Tournament, and you're gonna load manage that part of it, why even be a part of it?"
"If [Darryn Peterson's] gonna get into the NCAA Tournament, and you're gonna load manage... why even be a part of it."@jamalmashburn, @JalenRose & @coachbrucepearl weigh in on the Kansas star after he sat most of the 2H in tonight's win 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/Ni4lWClJGS
Added former Auburn and Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl:
"It's a business, and I think the kids in the locker room understand he's got the chance to be No. 1. They want him to be healthy. I think times have changed a little bit. Years ago, there might have been guys in the locker room that would have really taken him to task a little bit: 'Hey, we need you to win this championship.' But they all recognize it might just be bigger than that.
"So, disappointed, and this is not the last that we're going to hear of this story."
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