CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 15: Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers waits during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Rocket Arena on March 15, 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Max Strus finally returned to the court for the Cleveland Cavaliers this past Sunday after missing the entire season to this point with a Jones fracture. While it didn’t come in a win, his return looked about as positive an outcome as the team, the player, and the fans could have hoped for.
Average Player Grade: A+
Stats last week: One game, 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist
“You learn a lot about yourself when something is taken away from you. I think I understand how important this is and how much it does mean to me that I want to be back. I want to make an impact. I want to help this team win. I do love basketball. I do love doing it with a good group of guys. I’m just happy to be back.”
The performance sent the arena into a frenzy. Strus was lights out shooting beyond the perimeter, going 6-7 in 20 minutes. Strus compiled this performance while also showing the skill set that made Cavaliers fans fall in love with him in the first place. Strus showed his on-ball abilities, being able to get around the rim, and showed how much easier his life can be in this James Harden iteration of the Cavaliers.
Strus’s return also allows the Cavaliers to unlock a more free-flowing version of their offense — one that mirrors the style that originally drew the team to him during his Miami Heat days. In past seasons, Strus often felt like an essential component of the Cavaliers’ ability to get rolling offensively, but that level of responsibility sometimes worked against what makes him most effective. The Cavs should be able to put him in the proper context now.
Shooters like Strus operate at their best when they are able to operate within their own systems. The Cavs desperately have needed these types of role players. Outside of Sam Merrill, this has been an archetype the team has sorely lacked.
A lot of times, the Cavalier of the week is based on a stretch of games to earn the hardware. When it comes to this week, I think acknowledging the road Max Strus took to have the debut he did is worth the award itself.
It’s St. Patrick’s Day, but we don’t need luck to hit some winners in the NBA player prop markets.
I’ve reached the end of the rainbow and found my three favorite NBA picks for the day, which include Brandon Miller finding us some green on the glass, and the Kings needing the luck of the Irish if they don’t want to get blocked by Victor Wembanyama.
Fading the Miami Heat on the glass is still one of my favorite ways to bet NBA player props right now.
The Heat play at the highest pace and take the most field goal attempts in the NBA. That inherently means a lot of rebounds up for grabs, and not surprisingly, they surrender the third-most opponent rebounds per game.
One of the players creating a buzz around the Hornets is Brandon Miller, and it’s not just with his scoring. Miller is averaging 7.1 rebounds over his last nine games and has hauled down 6+ boards six times over that stretch.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FDSN-South, FDSN-Charlotte
Prop #2: Cam Johnson Over 10.5 points
+100 at bet365
Denver Nuggets wing Cam Johnson is finally starting to find his shooting rhythm again, so this might be one of the last times we see a point total like this for him for a bit.
Johnson has put up totals of 17, 15, and 18 points over his last three games, where he’s shooting 60% from the field, including 47.1% from 3-point range.
Tonight, Johnson and the Nuggets play host to the banged-up Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers are missing basically all of their impact players and rank 22nd in defensive rating over their last 10 games.
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Peacock
Prop #3: Victor Wembanyama Over 3.5 blocks
+115 at bet365
Another one of my favorite player props going in the NBA right now is Victor Wembanyama's blocks.
Sportsbooks just can’t quite fully grasp his ability to protect the rim recently. Wemby has been putting up monstrous block numbers ever since the All-Star break.
The San Antonio Spurs star center is averaging 4.2 blocks per game in his 13 games since coming out of the break, topping 3.5 11 times during that period.
Next, he takes on the Sacramento Kings, who rank 20th in opponent blocks allowed per game since the start of February. The Wemby block party continues tonight.
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Our NBA player prop projections are back for tonight’s primetime matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks, and the model has already identified several standout opportunities.
After breaking down the data and comparing our projections with the current market lines, we’ve pinpointed the spots offering the strongest betting value.
If you’re building your betting card, these are the model’s top NBA picks for Tuesday, March 17.
Cavaliers vs Bucks computer picks for March 17
Cavaliers
Bucks
Mitchell o25.5 points -115
Antetokounmpo u28.5 points -112
Harden o2.5 3-pointers -140
Porter Jr. u6.5 assists -110
Mobley u9.5 rebounds -140
Kuzma u4.5 rebounds -125
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Cavaliers computer picks
Donovan Mitchell Over 25.5 points (-115)
Projection: 27.5 points
Opposing starting shooting guards are averaging 6.2 made field goals per game against the Milwaukee Bucks this season — the fifth-highest mark in the league — making this a favorable spot for Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell has gone Over his 25.5-point line in four of his last 10 games, and this matchup could give him a strong chance to clear it again.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Mitchell Now at bet365!/span
James Harden Over 2.5 3-pointers (-140)
Projection: 2.6 3-pointers
The matchup with the Bucks sets up well for perimeter production, as opposing starting point guards have averaged 7.3 three-point attempts per game over the last 10 contests — the fifth-most in the NBA.
That trend creates a favorable spot for James Harden to capitalize from beyond the arc.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet harden Now at bet365!/span
Evan Mobley Under 9.5 rebounds (-140)
Projection: 8.7 rebounds
The Cleveland Cavaliers have played at the fifth-slowest pace in the NBA over their last 15 games, and that tempo could slow even further in this matchup.
Facing the Bucks — who rank as the sixth-slowest offense over their last 25 games — should lead to fewer overall possessions, potentially limiting rebounding opportunities for Evan Mobley.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet mobley Now at bet365!/span
Bucks computer picks
Giannis Antetokounmpo Under 28.5 points (-112)
Projection: 26.3 points
At home this season, the Cavaliers have held opposing starting power forwards to just 13.5 points per game — the second-lowest mark in the league — signaling a tough matchup for offensive production.
That’s not an ideal setup for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has gone Under his 28.5-point line in eight of his last 10 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Antetokounmpo Now at bet365!/span
Kevin Porter Jr. Under 6.5 assists (-110)
Projection: 6.2 assists
Due to Cavaliers pace of the game, the slowdown could affect Kevin Porter Jr., who has gone Under his 6.5-assist line in four of his last 10 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet porter Now at bet365!/span
Kyle Kuzma Under 4.5 rebounds (-125)
Projection: 3.7 rebounds
Kyle Kuzma has struggled to reach his rebound line recently, hitting the Under in all 10 of his last 10 games at 4.5 rebounds.
Cleveland’s frontcourt is physical and active on the glass, limiting second-chance opportunities for opposing wings and forwards. Kuzma, who isn’t a primary rebounder, will likely see his chances curtailed by their size and positioning.
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How to watch Cavaliers vs Bucks tonight
Location
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC/Peacock
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EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Leon Draisaitl is expected to miss the rest of the NHL regular season because of a lower-body injury, the Edmonton Oilers said Tuesday, leaving the back-to-back defending Western Conference champions left to try to hold on to a playoff spot without one of the best hockey players in the world.
He will miss at least the remaining 14 games through April 16.
It was not immediately clear exactly what the injury was or whether Draisaitl will miss any time once the playoffs begin the weekend of April 18-19.
Draisaitl left his team's game Sunday against Nashville after getting bumped hard by the Predators’ Ozzy Wiesblatt during the first period. He did not return.
The Oilers after winning that game sat in third place in the Pacific Division, one point back of Vegas and two behind Anaheim, though the Golden Knights and Ducks each have an extra game left to play.
Draisaitl has been a big part of getting Edmonton to this point. The 30-year-old ranks fourth in the league in scoring with 97 points in 65 games, second on the team behind only Connor McDavid, atop the NHL with 114 points
Draisaitl won the Hart Trophy as MVP in 2020 and was the runner-up last season. Last month, he played at the Olympics and was Germany's leading scorer with seven points in five games.
Draisaitl is the second prominent player to be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. Toronto's Auston Matthews won't play again because of a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee.
After playing just four teams with losing records over the last 17 games, the Detroit Pistons have four such teams in the next six, starting with a pair of games against the Washington Wizards this week.
The Wizards upset the Pistons on Feb. 6, so Detroit will not be looking past this pair of games.
My Pistons at Wizards predictions and NBA picks call for Detroit to roll to a lopsided cover on Tuesday, March 17.
Washington has lost 12 straight games, going 4-8 ATS. The Wizards have also lost their last 12 games as double-digit dogs, which they’ll be against Detroit.
Star Wizards guard Trae Young went down in the last game and is questionable, although he hasn’t traditionally bounced back quickly.
Detroit has gone 3-6 ATS in the last nine, against a tough schedule that included San Antonio twice and OKC once. The Pistons got Ausar Thompson back last game, and that should be enough to push them over the top.
Pistons vs Wizards same-game parlay
Detroit is No. 16 in pace, but Washington (No. 7) will speed things up. The Pistons have gone Over in the last two games with a points total this high and are riding a streak of four straight Overs. The Wizards have gone Over in four of five and seven of nine.
Jalen Duren has been red hot lately, scoring 20 or more in four of the last five, averaging 22.8 over that span. He’s also hit 45 of 55 shots (.818) in that stretch.
Pistons vs Wizards SGP
Pistons -19.5
Over 232.5
Jalen Duren Over 20.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Surfing the Injury Report
In 13 games against the seven teams with the NBA’s worst records, Cade Cunningham has been in double-digits in assists nine times. He’s also been in double figures four of his last five overall, averaging 12.4 over that span. Getting positive odds on his assists prop is a gift.
Duncan Robinson isn’t a prototypical rebounder, but he’s averaging 2.7 per game and hasn’t been below two in his last five games, averaging 3.4 over that span. Like Cunningham’s assists prop, we’re taking advantage of odds that seem too generous given his recent and overall history.
Over/Under: Over 232.5 (-110) | Under 232.5 (-110)
Pistons vs Wizards betting trend to know
The Washington Wizards have hit the Game Total Over in 15 of their last 21 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Wizards.
How to watch Pistons vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-Detroit, MNMT
Pistons vs Wizards latest injuries
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Central Division rivals clash for the fourth and final time this season as the Milwaukee Bucks host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Fiserv Forum tonight.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Donovan Mitchell tend to rise to the occasion in divisional matchups, and my Cavaliers vs. Bucks predictions set up for both stars to deliver big-time performances.
Here are my free NBA picks for this divisional throwdown on Tuesday, March 17.
Cavaliers vs Bucks prediction
Cavaliers vs Bucks best bet: Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 28.5 points (-115)
At 27.6 points per game, Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging his fewest points since the 2017-18 campaign. He’s been limited to 36 games due to injuries, but has scored 29+ in 19 of them.
Giannis has historically played well against his division foe, averaging 32.6 points over his last seven matchups with the Cleveland Cavaliers and scoring 30+ points six times.
Cleveland has allowed the 12th-most points in the paint across its last 10 games, and 67.7% of Giannis’ points come from that range.
With no Jarrett Allen tonight, that will allow for the Greek Freak to attack Evan Mobley more and cause havoc in the paint.
Cavaliers vs Bucks same-game parlay
The Cavs have struggled to cover the spread with consistency this season. Cleveland is 7-15 against the spread as the road favorite and 4-14 when favored by 10 points.
The Milwaukee Bucks are 2-1 ATS vs. Cleveland, and I’ll take them to cover as big home underdogs, thanks to the play of Giannis.
The Cavs are 20-13 to the Over on the road and 15-7 as the road favorite. The Bucks have hit the Over in 19 of 34 home games and 12 of 20 games as the home underdog. The teams also hit the Over when they last met on February 25.
Cavaliers vs Bucks SGP
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 28.5 points
Bucks +10.5
Over 229
Our "from downtown" SGP: Superstar saga
Giannis has pulled down 10+ boards in six of his last seven matchups against Cleveland, and with no Allen for the visitor tonight, the Greek Freak can crash the boards with ease.
Milwaukee’s defense has allowed the fourth-most points (120.1) and most 3-pointers per game across its last 10 games. In that span, the Bucks have surrendered the third-most rebounds (46.9) and most assists (30.7).
That's music to the ears of Donovan Mitchell, who has nailed at least four threes in two of three. He's also eclipsed this R+A line in three straight.
Cavaliers vs Bucks SGP
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 28.5 points
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 9.5 rebounds
Donovan Mitchell Over 25.5 points
Donovan Mitchell Over 9.5 rebounds+assists
Cavaliers vs Bucks odds
Spread: Cavaliers -10.5 | Bucks +10.5
Moneyline: Cavaliers -500 | Bucks +375
Over/Under: Over 229 | Under 229
Cavaliers vs Bucks betting trend to know
The Cavaliers have hit the team total Over in 13 of their last 17 away games (+8.35 Units / 42% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Bucks.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Bucks
Location
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC/Peacock
Cavaliers vs Bucks latest injuries
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Tonight's Coast 2 Coast Tuesday features another thrilling lineup of NBA excitement. The action starts at 8:00 PM ET when the Cleveland Cavaliers face the Milwaukee Bucks. Then, at 10:00 PM ET, it's the Philadelphia 76ers vs Denver Nuggets. Live coverage tonight begins at 7:00 PM with NBA Showtime on NBC and Peacock. See below for additional information on how to watch tonight's games. Follow all of the NBA action on NBCSN and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview:
Entering tonight's matchup, the Cavaliers currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference. Although they've lost three of their last five games, including a 130-120 loss to the Mavericks on Sunday, Cleveland boasts a 70.8 % win percentage since January 21.
Donovan Mitchell leads the team in scoring (28.2 ppg), assists (5.9 apg), and steals (1.6 spg) this season. The seven-time All-Star is currently fifth in the league in scoring offense (118.1 ppg).
The Bucks are currently 11th in the East and in jeopardy of missing the postseason for the first time since the 2015-2016 season. The health of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo will be a key factor in how the Bucks close out the season. Antetokounmpo, who leads Milwaukee in scoring (27.6 ppg) and rebounding (9.8 rpg), is listed as a game-time decision tonight with an ankle injury, following an early exit after an awkward landing in Sunday’s win against Indiana.
Tonight's contest is the fourth and final meeting between the Cavaliers and Bucks this season. Cleveland won two of the first three games.
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. Sunday Night Basketball coverage will also be available on NBC and Peacock. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
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This rollercoaster Minnesota Timberwolves season has hit another dip, and they’ll be without Anthony Edwards for tonight’s bounceback mission against the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix continues to apply pressure in the race for the Top 6 in the West, but my Suns vs. Timberwolves predictions and college basketball picks signal a strong outing for Minnesota, with Julius Randle embracing a bigger offensive role.
Suns vs Timberwolves prediction
Suns vs Timberwolves best bet: Timberwolves -3.5 (-110)
If ever there was a night for the Minnesota Timberwolves' depth to shine through, this is it. They'll have to do it without Edwards, but there’s a lot to like about their 22-12 record at Target Center this season.
The hosts are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings between these teams, and a defense anchored by Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels should make life tough for Devin Booker.
This is a tricky spot for the Phoenix Suns, who lost in Boston last night, and the visitors are 4-10 SU this year when they have a rest disadvantage.
Suns vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
Julius Randle gets the keys to the Minnesota offense tonight, and he’s still capable of game-winning outings as a No. 1 option. I view his 32-7-6 stat line in Monday’s loss in OKC as a preview of what to expect tonight, and his playmaking will be critical for a Timberwolves squad that’s relied heavily on Ant to create open looks.
Suns vs Timberwolves SGP
Timberwolves -3.5
Julius Randle Over 22.5 points
Julius Randle Over 4.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Paint patrol
Both teams have peppered the Under this season, so this SGP leans into a defensive battle. Gobert is the headliner, ranking fourth in the NBA in rebounds per game, but don’t sleep on Ighodaro, who grabbed eight boards against the Celtics last night.
Suns vs Timberwolves SGP
Rudy Gobert Over 11.5 rebounds
Rudy Gobert Over 1.5 blocks
Oso Ighodaro Over 5.5 rebounds
Under 222
Suns vs Timberwolves odds
Spread: Suns +3.5 | Timberwolves -3.5
Moneyline: Suns +135 | Timberwolves -160
Over/Under: Over 222 | Under 222
Suns vs Timberwolves betting trend to know
The Under is 7-2 in Minnesota's last nine games. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Suns vs Timberwolves
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-North, KTVK
Suns vs Timberwolves latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 16: Jalen Johnson #1 reacts with Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at State Farm Arena on March 16, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In case you have been stuck under a rock for the better part of three weeks, the Atlanta Hawks have rattled off a recent streak of winning not seen since the days of Paul Millsap and Al Horford.
With their 10th straight win over the Orlando Magic on Magic City Night Monday night, Atlanta has laid claim to the longest win streak since the end of January 2015 — 4,065 days ago from today as I write this on Tuesday.
Clearly, many things are now working for this team that just a few weeks ago sat at 27-31.
Here are my top 10 reasons why the Hawks are streaking.
Jalen Johnson, closer
Jalen Johnson made his first All-Star Game this season, and deservedly so for his absolutely bonkers numbers so far.
Those numbers bear revisiting: per-game averages of 23.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 8.1 assists on 59% true shooting. Only four players in NBA history have ever hit those points, rebounds, and assists per game benchmarks in a season: Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Russell Westbrook, and Nikola Jokic.
But his biggest contribution of late has been in finishing off opponents within sniffing distance in fourth quarters. Johnson is sixth in the league in points in the fourth quarter on 60.3% true shooting. His real superstar turn may be in taking over when the brightest lights are on him.
Dyson Daniels’ hustle and grit
Dyson Daniels doesn’t need a three-point shot to absolutely wreck opposing teams’ gameplans. So far this season, he’s fourth in deflections per game with 4.2, third in total deflections with 269, and second in loose balls recovered with 62 (all stats per the NBA’s tracking numbers).
Plays like this one last night where he goes all out for the ball are almost a nightly basis:
But these haven’t been the product of simply standing in the corner. Rather, he works hard for these looks by moving off the ball to find openings. Watch him sprint from the strong side corner for this look — an effort level that Desmond Bane simply doesn’t match:
How he does this for 33 minutes a game in 65 games to this point while handling the ball more than ever, giving tons of effort on the defensive end, and generally excelling in a much larger role than he’s ever had, I’ll never know.
The new starting unit gelled immediately
Inserting CJ McCollum into the starting lineup for Zaccharie Risacher raised some eyebrows initially, but the Hawks immediately rattled off on their winning streak ever since. It’s beyond fair to say that move has worked.
With the talk about Charlotte's starters, I haven't seen as much on Atlanta's starters. They are currently the best lineup in the league, outscoring opponents by ~30 pts/100 poss. Last night, it was +22 on 43 poss. – Every starter is better on both sides when with the starters. pic.twitter.com/rEGBCpWfS7
The Hawks are in the middle of a historical season in terms of sharing the ball. Currently, they are second in assist percentage (the percentage of made field goals that are assisted) with 70.2%, second in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.13), and tops in assist ratio (the percentage of possessions that ended with an assist) at 20.5%.
The teams’ offensive ethos has been ‘random basketball’ where dribble-handoffs and off-ball screens create tons of confusion for defenses, and the many willing passers on this team have cashed in tons opportunities to create easy looks for each other.
Bench depth
The in-season additions of Gabe Vincent, Corey Kispert, Jonathan Kuminga, and Jock Landale have given the bench many options to mix and match as needed. Gone are the days of the dreaded Keaton Wallace-Luke Kennard-Vit Krejci lineups. Now the Hawks can stagger one of the starting guards with bigger and more physical presences at hand.
Offensive rebounding
The Hawks had difficulties extending possessions early in the season, and it was clear the tradeoff of bodies back in transition defense wasn’t quite worth it. Prior to the All-Star break, the Hawks were 27th in the NBA in offensive rebound rate (the percent of available offensive rebounds secured) at 27.3%
Now, with the likes of Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher crashing the glass relentlessly, post-All-Star break the team has been fourth in the entire league over that stretch with an offensive rebounding rate of 34.4%.
Defensive rebounding
The story is similar on the defensive side of the ball. The week layoff and homestand has helped the Hawks put up more of a physical fight for box outs and positioning on the glass as of late.
The team went from 21st in defensive rebounding rate (68.9%) prior to the break all the way to first in the NBA (76.4%) since. Now that’s what I call a turnaround.
Coaching adjustments
I wrote about Quin Snyder putting Dyson Daniels on Giannis Antetokounmpo when it was clear the matchup was problematic. Two games ago, Snyder inserted Mouhamed Gueye in Jock Landale’s place in the second half bench unit against the Brooklyn Nets.
And last game, he used double big lineups with Jalen Johnson at the 3 (although to not a great effect).
The coaching staff has had to constantly tinker during a season of wild roster turnover, and they’ve now found solution after solution during this latest stretch.
The vibes are immaculate
After every big play, you see locker room vet Buddy Hield and others engaged and cheering. The home crowds in State Farm Arena are providing ample energy.
After the game yesterday, Jalen Johnson said it himself, “I think the best way to describe it is we’re resilient. We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs. Team has looked different at times. But at the end of the day, we remain together. With us remaining together, that allows us to stack these types of wins, go on a winning streak like this, get a big win like tonight against Orlando. Just the little things that’s we’ve been doing off the court, in practice, have a created a sum. This is the result.”
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 16: Kevin Durant #7, Reed Sheppard #15, Jabari Smith Jr. #10, Dorian Finney-Smith #2, and Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets celebrate during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 16, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The fact that the Sixers trying to keep their own pick this year has become a real conversation is astounding.
To say it’s been a rough couple of weeks for Philadelphia is an understatement. Thanks in large part to having four different starters go down for an extended period of time with injury, they’ve plummeted down the Eastern Conference standings into the Play-In tournament.
The skid, combined with the uncertainty of when those guys may be back, has made the topic of the Sixers trying to retain their top-4 protected first round something seriously considered.
The good news is unlike last season, the Sixers won’t be completely screwed if they happen to fall into the lottery and the slim odds don’t break their way. They of course own the Houston Rockets’ first-round pick from a trade you might have heard about.
Build Your Winning Bracket!
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Houston had another tough week in which they posted another 1-2 record. They squeaked out a win over the New Orleans Pelicans but dropped their games against the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers.
Unfortunately for the Sixers, that hasn’t resulted in any movement for the pick — it’s still 24th overall, where it was a week ago. The early 20s remains a very tight bunch though. The Rockets are just a half game behind three teams that are tied for the 21st spot.
Another reason to think about the draft is March Madness is about to start. This very blog may have something in the works about prospects to keep an eye on in the tournament. For now, Iowa State, Alabama, Arizona and Michigan may all be teams worth keeping an eye on from a Sixers perspective. All four of those teams are high seeds as well, with the potential to make a deep tournament run.
The Charlotte Hornets have clearly turned the corner from also-ran to up and comer. Getting past the Miami Heat might be another step in that development.
The Heat visit Charlotte Tuesday night, looking for their fifth straight win over the Hornets, and their eighth win in nine games overall.
Despite that dominance, injuries to the visitors have my Heat vs. Hornets predictions and free NBA picks backing the home team on March 17.
Heat vs Hornets prediction
Heat vs Hornets best bet: Hornets -3.5 (-110)
Miami is punching at the door of the East’s top six, starting the day just a half game back of both the Raptors and Magic.
The Miami Heat are scoring 124.1 points per game on their current 7-1 streak, which ranks second in the NBA.
But Bam Adebayo (calf) is questionable Tuesday, while Andrew Wiggins (toe) has already been ruled out.
That might be enough for the Charlotte Hornets to end their skid vs. Miami. They have just three losses in their last 11, and are holding teams to 105.1 points per game, which is third in the NBA over that time.
Heat vs Hornets same-game parlay
Kon Knueppel has topped his 18.5 scoring line in four of his last six starts, and he’s gone for at least 27 in each of his last two starts against the Heat.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has led the team in assists in four straight games, and he’s had five or more assists in four straight, and in two of his last three against Charlotte.
Heat vs Hornets SGP
Hornets -3.5
Kon Knueppel Over 18.5 points
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Over 4.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Ride with Knueppel until the wheels fall off
Let’s ride the rookie to fill out this SGP.
Knueppel has grabbed six boards in back-to-back games, and had an 8-rebound game against the Heat earlier this season.
His 2.5 assist line is gettable: Knueppel has hit the Over in all three games vs the Heat, and has had at least three dimes in five of his last seven games.
Heat vs Hornets SGP
Hornets -3.5
Kon Knueppel Over 18.5 points
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Over 4.5 assists
Kon Knueppel Over 5.5 rebounds
Kon Knueppel Over 2.5 assists
Heat vs Hornets odds
Spread: Miami +5.5 (-110) | Charlotte -5.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Miami +180 | Charlotte -220
Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)
Heat vs Hornets betting trend to know
Charlotte is 18-13-0 ATS at home this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Heat vs. Hornets.
How to watch Heat vs Hornets
Location
Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-Sun, FDSN-Charlotte
Heat vs Hornets latest injuries
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Now, after a season filled with inconsistency, the pressure’s on second-year Kentucky coach Mark Pope to achieve something in March Madness — or, at least last as long as Calipari does.
On this basketball-themed episode of “SEC Football Unfiltered,” a podcast from the USA TODAY Network, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams weigh in on the SEC teams facing the most pressure in this NCAA Tournament, plus teams that were “snubbed.”
Then, they offer first-round upset picks, and they highlight a sleeper team from the SEC that could reach the Elite Eight. Finally, they give their Final Four picks! In a surprise twist, neither host picks an SEC team to reach the Final Four.
Which SEC basketball team faces most March Madness pressure?
Adams: Kentucky. Ask me again next year, and my answer will be the same. Ask me again the year after that, well, you get the idea. It’s always Kentucky. You want to be Kentucky’s coach? You get the reins of a tradition-rich program with an elite fan base and excellent resources. You also get the maximum pressure. Calipari’s success at Arkansas does Pope no favors. This first-round draw does Kentucky little favor, either. No. 10 Santa Clara is good enough to slay a blue blood.
Toppmeyer: Of course it’s Kentucky. Big Blue Nation demands banners, not participation ribbons. Pope will have a new boss soon, with Mitch Barnhart retiring as athletic director and moving into a golden parachute role. Pope is good for now, but an early exit paired with new leadership spells Year 3 heat. Better to win a few games this March and show a hint of momentum.
Beyond the obvious of Kentucky, though, how about Missouri facing some first-round pressure after drawing a de facto home game as a 10-seed in St. Louis, against No. 7 Miami? The last time the Tigers appeared in St. Louis, they got embarrassed by Illinois. Missouri basketball took a bleak turn after joining the SEC. Instead of dominating a bunch of football-crazed Southerners, the Tigers went into a hoops tailspin. They’ve produced just one NCAA Tournament win in 14 years as an SEC member. Now, here’s a golden draw in front of a home crowd.
SEC sleeper team to make the Elite Eight?
Adams: Arkansas. Get hot, stay hot. Darius Acuff is the SEC’s best player. He’s exactly the type of dynamic freshman you’d expect from a Calipari lineup.
Toppmeyer: Vanderbilt. The Commodores beat Florida in the SEC Tournament, a flash of what they can achieve when their shooters are hitting. Vanderbilt is fueled by multiple 3-point marksmen, including star guard Tyler Tanner. If their jumpers are falling, they could go deep.
ASB GlassFloor, the Swiss manufacturer behind the controversial glass basketball court installed—and then ultimately removed—during last week’s Big 12 basketball tournament, has since defended itself by citing a study of the surface commissioned by the NBA ahead of the 2024 All-Star weekend.
ASB’s LumiFlex flooring contains LED panels sealed beneath tempered safety glass, which are covered in ceramic dots that are designed to improve friction to prevent slipping.
But its high-profile collegiate debut at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., proved rocky—or, critics say, too slick—after Texas Tech star guard Christian Anderson strained a muscle while slipping on the surface during a quarterfinal loss to Iowa State. Following Anderson’s injury and complaints from other players and coaches, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark announced that a traditional wooden court would replace the glass for the tournament’s final two rounds.
In an interview last week with CBS Sports, Benedikt von Dohnanyi, ASB’s CEO, touted the NBA’s study of his product, saying it scientifically concluded the glass court “plays the same as a wooden court,” including “from a grip perspective.”
However, the 50-page report by engineering consulting firm Rimkus—reviewed by Sportico—suggests a more nuanced conclusion.
While Rimkus concluded that its research and the available data did not suggest “increased risk of injury” for NBA’s intended use, it also acknowledged the significant limits of the analysis.
In the aftermath of the Big 12 tournament, an ASB spokesperson said company had launched “an active investigation” that included engaging an “independent scientific institution.”
“This process is our highest priority at this point to ensure we continue to meet the 100% satisfaction rate we have achieved at other high-profile venues,” a company spokesperson said in a statement.
Despite von Dohnanyi’s public comments last week, the ASB spokesperson declined to specifically address questions about Rimkus’ report, saying, “We generally do not comment on specific details in external studies not commissioned by us.”
The spokesperson added that the company has worked with “various independent test institutes globally,” and that its floors, including the one used in Kansas City, have undergone “strict, independent testing” as part of their certification for use by FIBA.
The Big 12 declined to comment, and a spokesperson for Rimkus did not immediately respond to an email inquiry.
The NBA retained Rimkus in 2024 to evaluate the safety of the court for limited use during All-Star Weekend events, including the skills challenge, 3-point contest and slam dunk contest. The firm assessed performance metrics such as force reduction, vertical deformation, ball rebound, surface friction, flatness and surface temperature—but only in the context of non-game use.
“It was beyond the scope of the assignment to address all possible sources of injury from the playing surface … so we are unable to opine on the overall safety of the court for full game use,” the study said. “Additional considerations, such as risk of skin abrasion, fall injury risk, and court-shoe traction may warrant additional tests if the floor is to be used on a frequent basis for training or competition.”
The study also noted the testing was not conducted on a full court. Instead, Rimkus examined four panels—each measuring roughly 6.5 feet by 5 feet—that were placed atop a ceramic-tiled floor in the atrium of the NBA’s headquarters in Secaucus, N.J. The tests were conducted in an environment with an air temperature of 72 degrees and relative humidity of 20%.
Due to the small sample size, the study’s researchers said they lacked the ability to assess the “uniformity of a larger set of panels.” A more thorough examination would have included linear and rotational traction testing on the floor using a standard basketball shoe.
Rimkus noted that the rubber of the test foot it used was “rapidly worn down by” the ceramic dots on the floor.
“This resulted in rubber residue being left on the court, which may reduce the surface frictions,” the report said. “It would also be expected to wear down the shoe outsole and potentially reduce shoe-surface traction.”
According to Rimkus, the NBA lacked its own formal standard for assessing court performance, so the firm based its testing methodologies on guidelines from FIBA, ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) and the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association. The LumiFlex floors’ results were compared against practice and game courts used by the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks.
To measure surface friction, Rimkus used two methods: the ASTM standard (ASTM E303-22) and the British Pendulum Tester, also known as the XL Variably Incident Tribometer.
In dry testing conditions, the ASB glass court registered lower surface friction—meaning the court was more slippery—than any of the NBA hardwood courts under the ASTM standard, though it was still within the range considered slip-resistant. The glass court produced higher friction readings when measured using the British Pendulum Tester. The report noted the contradictions of these findings are “not typically seen for standard flooring and was not apparent among the NBA courts tested.”
When the surfaces were wet, Rimkus found the ASB glass court’s slip resistance held up better than that of the NBA hardwood floors.
When it came to force reduction, the level of shock absorption provided by the floor, and vertical deformation, or how much the surface deflects underfoot, Rimkus found that that the ASB floor “appears to be slightly stiffer/less shock absorbent” than the average NBA courts, but “within or very close” to their range.
“This would not be expected to pose an issue for the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge since players are not spending an extended time on the court,” the report stated. “However, should the court be used for training or game play on a frequent basis, additional considerations may be warranted.”
About a month prior to the conference’s public announcement on Feb. 12, the league briefed basketball coaches about its interest in using the surface in Kansas City and encouraged teams to check out a full-court model the company had set up at a court testing facility in Orlando while they were in the area to play UCF.
While the NBA-commissioned study was not the only factor, one Big 12 school official told Sportico that was among the materials discussed.
Beyond the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, the court has been used for the 2023 FIBA Under-19 Women’s World Cup in Madrid, and it has also been employed by European clubs FC Bayern Basketball and Panathinaikos BC. The University of Kentucky used the floor for its “Big Blue Madness” event ahead of the 2024-25 basketball season, though no NCAA college game had been played on it until last week.
The Sacramento Kings are looking for a little luck on St. Patrick’s Day when they host the San Antonio Spurs.
Sacramento heads into this homestand with some heat, winning four of its past five games while covering in all of those outings.
My Spurs vs. Kings predictions and NBA picks look at the pile of points being offered by oddsmakers and back Sacramento as a big home dog tonight.
Spurs vs Kings prediction
Spurs vs Kings best bet: Sacramento +13.5 (-110)
The hell with tanking. The Sacramento Kings are on a roll, thanks in part to an extended home run and improvements on both ends of the floor. Defense is the most notable uptick, boasting the third-best rating in the NBA over the past five games.
While this push came against some fellow bottom feeders, Sacramento has surpassed the oddsmakers’ expectations and catches the San Antonio Spurs in a tough spot.
San Antonio is playing the second of a back-to-back and comes down in intensity after a slate packed with playoff-bound opponents.
Game models like the Spurs but by less than 12 points tonight.
Spurs vs Kings same-game parlay
The Kings’ defensive improvements and the Spurs’ road-weary legs will keep scoring low tonight. Forecasts come in around 234 points.
DeMar DeRozan isn’t packing it in. The veteran just dropped 41 points and has scored 107 points over his last three games. He’d love to stick it to his old team tonight.
Spurs vs Kings SGP
Kings +13.5
Under 236.5
DeMar DeRozan Over 19.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Royal flush
If Sacramento could ever catch San Antonio sleeping, this is the game. The Spurs are playing back-to-back outings and have laid eggs against some terrible teams this season.
Spurs vs Kings SGP
Sacramento moneyline
Under 236.5
DeMar DeRozan Over 19.5 points
Spurs vs Kings odds
Spread: Spurs -13.5 | Kings +13.5
Moneyline: Spurs -900 | Kings +600
Over/Under: Over 236.5 | Under 236.5
Spurs vs Kings betting trend to know
The Kings are 6-3 ATS as home underdogs of 10 or more points this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Kings.
How to watch Spurs vs Kings
Location
Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-Southwest, NBCS-California
Spurs vs Kings latest injuries
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 15: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks drives during the fourth quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2026 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. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you received a snapshot of a certain timestamp in almost every single Knicks game since the all-star break, you’d think the team was in the midst of another January collapse that would have them plummeting towards the play-in tournament and have Mike Brown receiving his pink slip:
Trailed 93-75 with 10:50 left in the 4th vs HOU (2/21) Trailed 95-94 with 2:40 left in 4th @ CHI (2/22) Trailed 19-7 with 4:00 left in the 1st vs SA (3/1) Trailed 27-17 with 3:10 left in the 1st @ TOR (3/3) Trailed 23-14 with 3:05 left in the 1st @ DEN (3/6) Trailed 49-31 with 9:35 left in the 2nd @ UTAH (3/11) Trailed 74-73 with 0.1 left in the 3rd @ IND (3/13) Trailed 46-25 with 9:10 left in the 2nd vs GSW (3/15)
Add in the lopsided losses in Los Angeles and the Detroit/Cleveland losses, it paints the picture of a team that’s just not good.
Well, except that the Knicks won all eight of the games listed above. That includes three 18+-point comebacks, surviving scares from multiple lottery teams, and overcoming terrible offensive and defensive starts against playoff teams. It’s proven that the team, does in fact, have the ability to overcome adversity, regardless of what some people say.
But it doesn’t make the way they go into lulls any less baffling. They sleepwalked for much of the first quarter against both San Antonio and Denver before blitzing them the rest of the game. They got utterly barraged from downtown by the Warriors and Jazz before taking control and throttling those teams over the remaining 2.5 quarters. They’ve played with their food several times, but have usually come out on top.
It’s frankly inexplicable. The Knicks still boast the league’s best defensive rating over the past eight weeks, but have started several games recently, unable to defend a high school offense. The talent eventually has overwhelmed both Utah and Golden State in the last week, but look at the way they started these games offensively:
The defense was so bad against the Warriors that Mike Brown refused to name a DPOG for the first time this season!
Even when they get off to unbelievably poor starts, both luck and effort-wise, the Knicks have had an ability to just flip a switch and immediately start mucking things up defensively, which we’ve seen in these games and several others. Remember the Houston game where they couldn’t stop a nosebleed and then had one of the most ferocious defensive quarters of the season?
It seems to be a trend that the team plays better defense as the game goes on. Over the last 26 games, the Knicks have a blistering +24.2 net rating and 96.6 defensive rating in fourth quarters, numbers that have the team firmly as the best fourth-quarter team in basketball.
Is it a problem with the starting lineup? Maybe, but consider this:
Starting lineup in 1Q since Feb. 22 (CHI): 100.0 OffRtg, 131.1 DefRtg, -31.1 NetRtg
Starting lineup in other Qs since 2/22 (CHI): 120.9 OffRtg, 108.7 DefRtg, +12.2 NetRtg
The lineup isn’t necessarily poor; it just cannot get off to a good start. The offense looks like it’s stuck in quicksand, and everyone is a step late defensively. We’ve seen incredible stretches from this lineup that starts on the defensive end and turns into offensive brilliance when the wings make their threes and Brunson is cooking in isolation.
Speaking of the offense, they’ve had some frigid stretches lately:
You see stretches like these, but then you see that they’re third in both 35-point quarters (62) and 40-point quarters (18) and see that they remain fourth in 3-point percentage and it’s one of the most confusing things you’ll ever see.
The Knicks are an enigma. One minute, they’re unstoppable, playing ferocious defense and knocking down threes to overwhelm the competition. The next minute, they can’t hit the side of a barn, and the defense looks more like Swiss cheese. It’s not a game-to-game inconsistency, it’s a quarter-to-quarter inconsistency.
Brandon Miller
Cam Johnson
Victor Wembanyama
Cavaliers
Bucks
Kurt Helin
Vaughn Dalzell
