North Carolina's star freshman and a projected top-five pick in next June's draft, Caleb Wilson, is done for the season after fracturing his right thumb (which requires surgery to repair) while throwing down a dunk in practice on Thursday, North Carolina announced Friday.
Wilson had missed the last six Tar Heel games with a fractured left hand but was working his way back into the rotation when the injury occurred, coach Hubert Davis had told reporters.
Wilson is expected to be cleared to return to basketball activity during the pre-draft process, reports Shams Charania of ESPN. This injury should not impact his draft status.
Wilson, a 6'10" forward, was in the midst of a standout season in Carolia blue, averaging 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.
Caleb Wilson was incredible today vs Kansas
24 points 7 rebounds 4 assists 4 steals 9-12 FG
High level motor with NBA athleticism, length, shotmaking, just an incredible performance today pic.twitter.com/IwBQ7B2tOc
Most pundits, as well as front office people NBC Sports has spoken with, have Wilson fourth on draft boards, and maybe the one guy who could crack the "big three" at the top of the board (AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer). His athleticism and power have impressed scouts, and head-to-head he has outplayed Boozer and Peterson when their teams met this season. While there are questions about his game — can he develop a 3-point shot, can he clean up some things defensively — Wilson is considered an elite prospect who almost certainly will be drafted in the top five next June.
SAN ANTONIO, TX -MARCH 5: Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs goes for a block on Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons in the second half at Frost Bank Center on March 5, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
“Thereby was wrought the Hydra, many-necked, flickering its dread tongues. Of its fearful heads some severed lay on earth, but many more were budding from its necks…”
– Quintus Smyrnaeus, The Fall of Troy (4th Century A.D.)
It’s not often that a basketball game makes me think of (or reference) a mythical creature.
I had to double-check, because after 8 years of writing here, my articles have run the gamut as far as subject matter is concerned, but I have somehow managed in all that time to avoid referencing a single primordial cryptid, folkloric being, or otherwise fantastical beasties.
It’s honestly a bit of a shock. Perhaps even an accomplishment at this point, having regaled (and annoyed) so many with the outlines of various historical battles, obscure pop culture references, philosophical and grammatical meanderings, geopolitical analysis, astronomical phenomena, the minutiae of antiquated technologies (and one very odd article about bugs bouncing off of windshields) to find that I’ve yet to have used up my quota for mythological entities.
Not as much of a shock, though, to have spent an evening watching what the Spurs have mutated into over the course of a season, in the face of stiff competition.
The Detroit Pistons are a very good team. To leave it at that feels like a gross understatement. While I didn’t write the preview for that game, I feel duty-bound to point out that not only are the Pistons leading the Eastern Conference, but they have both a higher Net Rating and Defensive Rating than the Spurs do.
Against this version of the Spurs, it just did not matter. At all.
The Spurs were inconsistent on defense in the 2nd and 3rd quarters? Didn’t matter.
Stephon Castle lived inside of Cade Cunningham’s jersey like a toothpick fish inside a urethra. Wemby seemed to block players by just looking in their direction. Devin Vassell floated from defensive rotation to defensive rotation and engulfed his match-ups like the smoke from a dockworker’s Marlboro Red.
The Pistons tried to shut down San Antonio’s outside shooting, keying on Champanige, and Vassell, and even the slumping (25% from three over the last ten games) Keldon Johnson? Didn’t matter.
De’Aaron Fox and Wemby took the opportunity to detonate from inside (and just about everywhere else), and Champagnie and Vassell broke loose in the 4th quarter anyway while Castle flung passes from corner-to-corner with the focus of a professional darts player who just chugged a pint of Ritalin.
It wasn’t even that the Pistons were playing badly. They just couldn’t keep up with the heads of the Grecian monster before them. They even tried to muck things up a bit in 3rd quarter, testing whether the Spurs would cave to their particular brand of physicality. It did not matter.
For every head that the Pistons lopped off, another two grew back. If you were a Pistons fan, it was demoralizing. If you were a Spurs fan, it was mesmerizing.
At the 3/4 mark of the season, these young Spurs are starting to intuitively adapt to in-game adversity. Maybe it’s because they spent so much of the first half of the season having to operate at less than full strength. Maybe each starter (and some of the bench players) having to carry the load at one point or another has transformed them into a largely unsolvable conundrum, each head as deadly and regenerative as the next.
Maybe San Antonio’s front office, not unlike the Greek Goddess Hera, has finally created the perfect foil for the would-be demigods just north of the Red River.
Maybe. I’m still not sure. The postseason is a whole other organism. But there can be no question that the Spurs have reached a whole new level of play over the last five weeks, and barring a few bumps here and there, there are just not many teams that can take on the swarming behemoth of heads, and arms, and legs.
Chances are, there’s at least one Herculean opponent out there to test this silver and black monstrosity.
I am beginning to wonder, though. The Warriors and Suns were able to trouble the Spurs earlier in the season, but that was a different version of this team, and they haven’t had as much trouble with them since.
The Pistons actually took down the Thunder themselves just a week ago, but the Spurs are starting to look like a rough match-up for them due to the defensive abilities of San Antonio’s guard rotation. The Thunder are 1-4 against the Spurs, and several of those games featured the Thunder at full strength (and the Spurs, not so much).
The Rockets are still quietly lurking, but they haven’t looked the same since they lost Steven Adams for the season. The Nuggets seem unable to reach a place of full strength/health, and while the Knicks have been a bad match-up for the Spurs, they’re still the Knicks until further notice.
That really just leaves the Cavaliers (who dusted San Antonio twice during a wave of injuries), the Timberwolves, and the no-longer-Tatum-less Boston Celtics. Only one of those teams will be contending in the West.
Dimly, in the distance, a path begins to take shape. It’s going to take some luck (as it always does), but I’m starting to see an aisle carving its way through the postseason clutter.
One thing that’s often forgotten about the tale of the Hydra, is that it reigned uncontested until the arrival of Hercules. There simply wasn’t anyone else capable of contending with the creature. The toxicity of its breath was enough to take out most of the opposition.
Imagine the mighty Herc had gone down with an untimely injury. That might have changed everything.
Takeaways
I’d like to revisit Stephon Castle for a minute, because, good lord, that man has been putting in work on the defensive end! Castle’s been fantastic on that end all year, but he seems to take it up a notch against the best teams and ball-handlers. Fun fact: Cade Cunningham has gone 15-52 shooting against the Spurs this season. Even more fun fact: The Spurs are now 7-1 against the top other 3 teams in the NBA (by record). Those things are not unrelated. While Wemby is responsible for the black hole that the post is for most teams facing the Spurs, Castle has consistently shown the ability to flat-out erase perimeter superstars at a level I haven’t seen since the-nephew-who-must-not-be-named. It’s absolutely nuts that I don’t feel like the comparison is a bridge too far, but I can’t deny what my eyes are seeing. The number of picks that teams set against Castle whenever he’s on the court is noticeable, and still they’re having to pry the dude off with a crowbar. Cunningham looked frustrated and demoralized by the middle of the fourth. And exhausted. I’ve been referring to getting locked down by Castle as being ‘put in the dungeon’ for a few weeks now, but I’m thinking about upgrading it to ‘the pit of despair’, and I honestly think there are more than a few NBA guards who would agree. If Castle doesn’t make 1st team All-Defense, I say we burn the whole thing down!
I’m starting to get a little worried about Keldon Johnson. Sure, his scoring wasn’t as needed on a night when Wemby and Fox both went off at the same time, but he got a little banged up over the last month, and his shooting has fallen off of a cliff. He’s shooting 45% from the field over the last 10 games, and his True Shooting and Effective Field Goal percentages have both dropped by 50+ points after spending most of the season flirting with Kevin Durant levels of efficiency. Hopefully it’s just the result of him pacing himself after inuring his left shoulder, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye. Thankfully this hydra has many heads, but they’ll still need someone to bring the scoring (and energy) off the bench, and Keldon’s been vital in that way all year.
Luke Kornet only got 8 minutes last night on account of Wemby going thermonuclear, and not a peep was (or will be) heard about it, because that dude is clearly all about the team. Even when he’s not playing, he’s clearly engaged on the sidelines, encouraging his teammates and applauding like he’s an end of the bench big man. I don’t know if this team’s going to really get a shot at the title this season, but if they do, a big part of it will have been the mentality that Kornet and others contribute to. My head still isn’t sure, but my heart says that the vibes are immaculate, and that’s not nothing.
It should be noted that the Spurs took down the Pistons minus one head of the hydra in Harrison Barnes. I know there are those who have mixed feelings about the dude (and the immensely relatable middle-aged hilarity of injuring oneself in one’s sleep probably doesn’t help), but if there’s one thing the talking heads have been right about when it comes to the Spurs, it’s that they’re on the smaller side, and it’s noticeable without Barnes. I have a feeling he’s going to be incredibly critical when it comes to postseason match-ups, so I hope that hydra head regenerates quickly. Especially since the Spurs face the Celtics (and possibly Jayson Tatum) on Tuesday, and Tatum is a perfect player to exploit that weakness at Power Forward. Still, how good are the Spurs that they didn’t even need him against the #1 team in the East?!
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 05: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets shoots against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter at Toyota Center on March 05, 2026 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors were massive underdogs entering Thursday night’s matchup against the Houston Rockets.
Already shorthanded without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Kristaps Porzingis, the Warriors were dealt additional blows with Moses Moody, Will Richard, and Gary Payton II also unavailable. As a result, Golden State had to lean on its entire available roster for a nine-man rotation, including three two-way players: Nate Williams, LJ Cryer, and Malevy Leons.
The challenge was even greater considering the opponent. The Rockets entered the night holding the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 38–22 record while ranking among the NBA’s top five in both offensive and defensive rating.
On paper, everything pointed toward a difficult night for the Warriors.
But Golden State has a long history of thriving in Houston, and that familiarity seemed to fuel the group once again. The Warriors jumped out to a strong start, building a 30–20 lead after the first quarter. Houston responded and eventually erased the deficit, but each time the Rockets made a push, the Warriors had an answer.
That resilience ultimately pushed the game into overtime, where Golden State held its ground to secure a gritty 115–113 victory.
Afterward, head coach Steve Kerr explained the significance of Thursday’s hard-fought win.
Steve Kerr on another win in Houston
“This is a good building for us…A lot of good memories in that locker room.”
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said tonight’s victory is “right up there” with Golden State’s most significant wins this season. “Vintage” showing for Draymond Green in what “might be” Brandin Podziemski’s best game this year.
Draymond Green helped set the tone for that kind of effort. The four-time champion brought defensive intensity throughout the night, battling Houston’s Kevin Durant while anchoring the Warriors on that end of the floor. Despite the injuries and adversity, Green emphasized that the team continues to hold itself to a championship standard — a mindset that has helped carry Golden State through this injury-riddled stretch.
“We’re a championship organization and there’s a standard. You have to play hard.”
Draymond Green on why the Warriors, undermanned as they are, refuse to roll over against stronger opponents. pic.twitter.com/WiH7hq1Bau
IN THE LEAD-UP to the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 5, the Warriors checked in on Jaren Jackson Jr., Giannis Antetokounmpo and were among the teams to make a call about Kawhi Leonard when it appeared the LA Clippers might be open for business, league sources said.
None of those deals materialized, so the Warriors pivoted to their backup option in return for the disgruntled Kuminga, who was on an expiring contract.
So as speculation swirls about NBA expansion and bringing the Sonics back to Seattle, Payton II’s answer about bringing a team back to his second home was immediate.
“Request a trade to Seattle,” Payton II recently told The Athletic. “Probably.”
He (probably) isn’t kidding. The love for Seattle and the Sonics is still in his heart.
“Respectfully. I love it here so much. But if we do (have a Seattle team) when I’m still here, I definitely want to go back and play there,” he added.
Steph Curry texted Draymond Green after the win in Houston: "A bunch of exclamation marks. Y'all did that."
Here is Draymond on his recent conversations with Curry, who he said texted him today: "Keep going. I know it's tough, but promise you, I'm coming back." pic.twitter.com/FcofL23mjv
James hit a turnaround 12-foot jumper over Zeke Nnaji with 12 seconds left in the first quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 120-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night to surpass Abdul-Jabbar’s mark.
“My name being mentioned with some of the greatest to ever play this game has always been humbling and pretty cool,” James said. “It’s a pretty cool thing. I grew up watching and reading, idolizing a lot of the greats. And if I ever was able to be a part of the NBA, I wanted to be in position where I could be named with some of the greats by doing something right.”
The record-breaking bucket gave James 15,838 career field goals in his unprecedented 23rd NBA season. Abdul-Jabbar had 15,837 baskets when the skyhook-wielding big man ended his 20-year career in 1989 as the NBA’s career scoring leader. Karl Malone is a distant third with 13,528 field goals.
Golden State needs a big man, or possibly two. Trayce Jackson-Davis is gone, and Al Horford’s status is up in the air: he has a player option for next year, but it’s unclear if he’ll exercise it, return to free agency, or retire. Regardless, Porziņģis is an intriguing fit for the Warriors over the summer, and potential contract offers are surely something that Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the front office are already mulling over.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum on March 02, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After each game, Brew Hoop evaluates each Buck’s individual performance with a letter grade. At this season’s 25% mark, we decided to check the Bucks’ grades as a progress report. We also had a midseason report, but now that we have hit the 75% point of this slow torture that is the season, it’s time to see how the grades turned out since the last check. Below are the players’ first-quarter averages, midseason averages, third-quarter average, their most common grades, and their highs and lows. You will probably notice a trend.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Q1 average: A-
Midseason average: B+
Current average: B+ (Q3 is an incomplete since he missed the majority of the quarter due to injury)
Most common grade: A (nine games)
Best grade: A+ on October 26 (Cavaliers) and November 17 (Cavaliers)
Lowest grade: D on January 15 (Spurs)
Myles Turner
Q1 average: B-
Midseason average: C+
Current average: C+
Most common grade: B- (nine games)
Best grade: A on November 7 (Bulls) and December 29 (Hornets)
Lowest grade: F on January 15 (Spurs)
Ryan Rollins
Q1 average: B+
Midseason average: B
Current average: B-
Most common grade: B (eleven games)
Best grade: A+ on October 28 (Knicks), October 30 (Warriors), and December 27 (Bulls)
Lowest grade: F on March 2 (Celtics)
Kevin Porter Jr
Q1 average: Incomplete
Midseason average: B-
Current average: B-
Most common grade: A (seven games)
Best grade: A+ on December 6 (Pistons)
Lowest grade: F on January 15 (Spurs)
AJ Green
Q1 average: B-
Midseason average: C+
Current average: C+
Most common grade: B+ and B (nine games)
Best grade: A on October 26 (Cavaliers), November 29 (Nets), December 3 (Pistons), January 19 (Hawks), and February 12 (Thunder)
Lowest grade: F on December 21 (Timberwolves), January 4 (Kings) and 15, (Spurs), March 2, (Celtics) and March 4 (Hawks)
Gary Trent Jr.
Q1 average: C+
Midseason average: C
Current average: C (Q3 incomplete)
Most common grade: C+ (six games)
Best grade: A- on February 3 (Bulls)
Lowest grade: F on October 26 (Cavaliers), December 21 (Timberwolves), January 2 (Hornets), January 15 (Spurs), and February 1 (Celtics)
Bobby Portis
Q1 average: C+
Midseason average: C+
Current average: C+
Most common grade: B (11 games)
Best grade: A on November 24 (Blazers)
Lowest grade: F on February 11 (Magic)
Kyle Kuzma
Q1 average: B
Midseason average: C+
Current average: C+
Most common grade: B+ (four games)
Best grade: A+ on November 14 (Hornets)
Lowest grade: F on November 15 (Lakers) and January 13 (Timberwolves)
Jericho Sims
Q1 average: C+
Midseason average: C+
Current average: C+
Most common grade: C and C+ (two games each)
Best grade: A+ on December 3 (Pistons) and February 11 (Magic)
Lowest grade: D- on February 27 (Knicks)
Gary Harris
Q1 average: B-
Midseason average: C+
Current average: C
Most common grade: C (six games)
Best grade: A- on November 14 (Hornets) and January 7 (Warriors)
Lowest grade: F on March 2 (Celtics)
Pete Nance
Q1 and midseason averages: Incomplete
Current average: B-
Most common grade: A- (three games)
Best grade: A on January 19 (Hawks) and January 30 (Mavs)
Lowest grade: C- on March 4 (Hawks)
Ousmane Dieng
Current average: C+
Most common grade: C- (two games)
Best grade: A+ on February 12 (Thunder)
Lowest grade: D on February 27 (Knicks)
Cam Thomas
Current average: C
Most common grade: C- (three games)
Best grade: A+ on February 11 (Magic)
Lowest grade: F on March 2 (Celtics)
Doc Rivers
Q1 average: B-
Midseason average
Current average: C
Most common grade: D (six games)
Best grade: A on October 30 (Warriors), November 7 (Bulls), February 20 (Pelicans)
Lowest grade: F on December 14 (Nets), January 13 (Timberwolves), January 15 (Spurs), and March 1 (Bulls)
The following received incompletes due to injury and/or lack of playing time: Andre Jackson Jr., Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Alex Antetokounmpo, and Taurean Prince. Meanwhile, Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey traded classrooms, but new students Ousmane Dieng and Cam Thomas take their place. Pete Nance also makes an appearance after cracking through the rotation during Q3
No player was able to raise their grade, but only Ryan Rollins and Gary Harris saw their overall grades dip. If we didn’t include the last week of games, his average grade would have ended up with a B, but those hot/cold streaks come and go. Gary Trent Jr. finally got his first grade with an A next to it, but then had two uninspiring performances, and with the arrival of Thomas and Dieng, he lost his spot in the rotation, collecting plenty of DNPs and garbage time. The new additions all had moments of brilliance, earning As, but also had some duds.
Some of the worst games of the season, like losses against Brooklyn, Minnesota, and San Antonio, really hurt the averages with plenty of D or F grades. Doc Rivers somehow didn’t see his average drop, but he can be thankful for the Bucks’ hot streak in the month of February to thank for that. In the last week, Doc hasn’t gotten a grade higher than D+, and at this point, I cannot handle the unserious incompetence. Forget the IEP, I will just be counting down the days he is no longer in my class. Truly having to pull the No Child Left Behind card on Doc in 2026 is a statement of failure.
The five-time All-NBA wing is available to play for Boston on Friday night against Dallas, just 10 months after tearing his Achilles tendon in a playoff game against New York.
This is not a surprise. Tatum had been moved from “out” to “questionable” on Thursday, the first step in a player coming off a long absence returning to the lineup. Plus, the actions of the Celtics and Tatum himself pointed to this — Tatum has an ongoing docuseries on his return — "The Quiet Work," available on Peacock — which is the kind of thing a player only does if he expects to return.
Tatum will be on a minutes restriction, and while that number will increase with time, he is likely on one for the rest of the regular season (or close to it). Returning now gives Tatum and the Celtics about six weeks before the start of the playoffs to get him into game shape and find a rhythm with his teammates.
Tatum returning makes Boston better — this is a 28-year-old NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist who finished in the top six in MVP voting each of the past four seasons, and last season averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and six assists per game. Every team could use more size and shooting, and Tatum is a 6'8" wing who has shot 37% from 3-point range for his career.
There will be some rough spots working Tatum back into the rotation. Boston has gone 41-21 this season without him, thanks in large part to Jaylen Brown playing at an MVP level and averaging 28.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and five assists per game. Brown has been the leader of this team and Tatum, coming back off an injury, will have to sacrifice a little to fit into this team's system. That said, Brown and Tatum have proven they can play together and win together, and coach Joe Mazzulla has set the culture that everyone — including the stars — buys into.
Boston is about to get a lot better, starting tonight.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Yanic Konan Niederhauser tore a ligament in his right foot, putting an early end to his rookie season with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The 7-foot Swiss center was injured Wednesday night in a 130-107 win against the Indiana Pacers. Niederhauser was diagnosed with a Lisfranc injury in his right foot and will require surgery, the team said. The injury involves damage to the ligaments or bones in the mid-foot.
Niederhauser averaged 4.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 41 games. After being selected 30th in last year's NBA draft, he began the season in the G League, but after the Clippers traded Ivica Zubac last month, he was earning more minutes.
In his last five games, Niederhauser was shooting 52% from the floor and averaging 8.2 points and 6.2 rebounds while playing 18 minutes a game.
Boston Celtics’ superstar Jayson Tatum may make an audacious return to the court tonight against the Dallas Mavericks.
Only 10 months removed from an Achilles tear, the mere concept of Tatum playing tonight is certainly impressive.
Any Jayson Tatum odds and NBA picks have to keep in mind that this is all ambitious, and he should be on a strict minutes limit for Friday, March 6.
Jayson Tatum prop pick
Jayson Tatum best bet: Over 1.5 threes (-130 at bet365)
Damian Lillard proved a truth about recovering from an Achilles back at All-Star Weekend: Players can shoot throughout Achilles rehab.
For a significant stretch, that is all they are allowed to do: shoot from a standstill. Some players, like Timberwolves’ second-year guard Jaylen Clark, have later credited that rehab for improving their 3-point shot.
If there is any piece of playing basketball that Jayson Tatum has done an abundance of in the last 10 months, it is shooting stationary 3-pointers and improving every piece of his catch-and-shoot mechanics. As he gets back into game shape, his shooting should be the one piece his Boston Celtics' teammates can trust out of the gates.
While Tatum may shoot well from beyond the arc tonight, he should be cautious getting up and down the court, and the Dallas Mavericks should smother him with the ball, not overly concerned about his first step.
Mostly, though, taking Unders on Tatum props like points and assists tonight ties to the reality that we have no idea how many minutes he will play.
Boston needs to be exceptionally cautious with this bold return. Achilles injuries are ripe for re-injury, and they also expose a player’s calf to possible concern. The last thing the Celtics want is to increase the odds of another long-term injury for their franchise cornerstone.
Expect Tatum to take a handful of 3-pointers tonight and probably do little else.
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The Phoenix Suns will look to bounce back from a surprising home loss last night as they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday evening.
Both teams are playing the second half of a back-to-back, and that’s just one of the reasons why I like the Under in my Pelicans vs. Suns predictions.
Keep reading to see my full analysis of tonight’s game and get my free NBA picks for Friday, March 6.
Pelicans vs Suns prediction
Pelicans vs Suns best bet: Under 226.5 (-110)
The Phoenix Suns boast some of the lowest game scores in the NBA, averaging a game total of 223.1 ppg. Phoenix has hit the Under in its last five games, with totals of 223 points or less in each of its last seven contests.
Phoenix averages 99.4 possessions per game, making it one of the five slowest teams in the NBA.
The New Orleans Pelicans are an average team in pace metrics and rank 22nd in offensive efficiency (110.9), so they’re not going to force Phoenix to speed up. On the second night of a back-to-back for both teams, the Under is the play.
Pelicans vs Suns same-game parlay
The Pelicans are playing some of their best basketball of the year, and a big part of that is having their biggest stars playing at full health.
For my same-game parlay, I’m taking New Orleans to cover behind Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III, both of whom have scored 20+ points in each of their last two games.
Pelicans vs Suns SGP
Pelicans +5.5
Zion Williamson Over 19.5 points
Trey Murphy III Over 19.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: TREYS!
I like taking the Pelicans to win outright, as they’re 5-2 in their last seven games and 3-2 on their current road trip.
I’ll combine that with a mix of New Orleans-based prop bets: Murphy has hit these rebounding and three-pointer Over targets in each of his last two games, while Williamson has at least 28 PRA in 11 of his last 12 games.
Pelicans vs Suns SGP
Pelicans moneyline
Trey Murphy III Over 2.5 made threes
Trey Murphy III Over 4.5 rebounds
Zion Williamson Over 27.5 points + rebounds + assists
Pelicans vs Suns odds
Spread: Pelicans +7 (-110) | Suns -7 (-110)
Moneyline: Pelicans +192 | Suns -230
Over/Under: Over 227 (-110) | Under 227 (-110)
Pelicans vs Suns betting trend to know
The Under is 5-0 in Phoenix’s last five games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Suns.
How to watch Pelicans vs Suns
Location
Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
Date
Friday, March 6, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
GCSEN, KTVK
Pelicans vs Suns latest injuries
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The Denver Nuggets cannot afford to take a night off if they want to secure a top-four seed in the Western Conference, but the NBA may be taking that a bit too literally, forcing Denver into the second leg of a back-to-back this evening.
Expect the New York Knicks to be the beneficiaries of the Denver schedule.
My Knicks vs. Nuggets predictions and NBA picks also recognize how familiar Karl-Anthony Towns is with playing in the Mile High City.
Tip-off comes at 9:00 p.m. ET from Ball Arena on Friday, March 6.
Knicks vs Nuggets prediction
Knicks vs Nuggets best bet: Knicks -1.5 (-110)
The New York Knicks should be favored in this game regardless of scheduling quirks.
They are playing cohesively and look more and more like the best team in the Eastern Conference, even if listed fourth in odds to win the conference at +400.
But add in that the Denver Nuggets are on the second night of a back-to-back, and this spread should suddenly favor the Knicks by more than a bucket.
Denver has not yet found health, still without both Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson, creating defensive liabilities that should be exacerbated in this spot.
Knicks vs Nuggets same-game parlay
Is Karl-Anthony Towns playing badly these days? He has hit multiple 3-pointers in just two of his last 11 games, part of why the Knicks have become an Under staple. They have fallen short of the total in six of their last seven games.
Is Karl-Anthony Towns playing well these days? He has cleared this rebounding prop in four straight and snagged double-digit rebounds in 15 of his last 17 games, part of why the Knicks have gone 13-4 outright in those games.
Knicks vs Nuggets SGP
Knicks -1.5
Under 229.5
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 11.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Old Familiar Foes
Nearly two seasons after Towns was traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves, many have forgotten how often Towns and Nikola Jokic have played each other in their careers.
There is a distinct familiarity between them. Towns knows he needs his strength against Jokic, an underrated facet of his game when he chooses to rely upon it.
As Towns racks up rebounds, it is only logical to doubt the Nuggets’ superstar will do so, as well.
As the Knicks have fallen short of the total in six of their last seven games, they have done so by an average of 16.8 points even when including the sole Over. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Nuggets.
How to watch Knicks vs Nuggets
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Friday, March 6, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
MSG, ALT2
Knicks vs Nuggets latest injuries
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Our computer has crunched the numbers to come up with the best data-driven NBA picks for this premier matchup on Friday, March 6.
Knicks vs Nuggets computer picks for March 6
Knicks
Nuggets
Bridges o14.5 points -115
Gordon o10.5 points -110
Towns o17.5 points -120
Johnson o10.5 points +100
Robinson o4.5 points -125
Jokic u9.5 assists -105
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Knicks computer picks
Mikal Bridges Over 14.5 points (-115)
Projection: 16.2 points
Mikal Bridges has been up-and-down in the points department of late, clearing this prop in five of his last 10 overall. However, our projections see a +17.25% EV edge on his Over tonight, making this a four-star play.
Our system expects the New York Knicks shooting guard to take advantage of a positive positional matchup with the Denver Nuggets.
"Over the last 5 games when they are on the road, the opposing team's starting SGs have averaged 20.4 points per game (2nd-highest in the league) against the Denver Nuggets, branding this as a good matchup for offensive efficiency."
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Karl-Anthony Towns Over 17.5 points (-120)
Projection: 19.5 points
Karl-Anthony Towns has been streaky when it comes to scoring lately, clearing this Over five straight times before going on his current 1-4 O/U run. But our system suggests Towns will blow by this line by two full points tonight.
Offensive rebounding will tell the story of this play.
"Offensive rebounds continue possession and produce more chances for scoring and assists, and the New York Knicks grade out 5th-best in in the league with 13.0 offensive rebounds per game this year."
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Mitchell Robinson Over 4.5 points (-125)
Projection: 5.6 points
Mitchell Robinson sat out of Thursday's matchup with the Thunder in order to be ready for this date with Denver.
Robinson primarily plays as Karl-Anthony Towns' backup and has thrived in the role of late, clearing this line in 13 of his last 19 overall. That includes a 10-point effort vs. the Nuggets on February 4.
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Nuggets computer picks
Aaron Gordon Over 10.5 points (-110)
Projection: 12.5 points
Aaron Gordon has cashed this Over in nine of his last 10 overall, and he's projected to make it 10 of 11 tonight. In fact, our player prop projections believe he'll vault over this line by two full points, good for a +21.47% EV.
Look for Gordon to get some of those points at the foul line tonight.
"Over the last 5 games, the opposing team's starting PFs have attempted 5.2 free throws per game (5th-highest in the NBA) vs. the New York Knicks, succeeding in their efforts to draw fouls."
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Cameron Johnson Over 10.5 points (+100)
Projection: 11.6 points
Cameron Johnson is a game-time decision after not suiting up on Thursday. If he plays, he's a good bet to clear his point prop based on the positional matchup.
"The matchup against New York is a favorable one for three-point shots; when the Knicks are away from home, the opposing team's starting SFs have put up the highest three rate in the NBA this year (48.0%)."
Johnson's Over 1.5 3-pointer prop holds a +7.02% EV, but his overall point prop is at +16.66% EV.
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Nikola Jokic Under 9.5 assists (-105)
Projection: 8.9 assists
Nikola Jokic is slowing down in the triple-double department as the season hits the homestretch. Part of his downfall has been in the assists department, as he's gone below this line in five of his last eight games.
Our computer is calling for another slow night for Jokic, literally.
"The third-least up-tempo pace home offense in the NBA over the last 15 games has been the Denver Nuggets. The Knicks have played at the fifth-least up-tempo [pace] in the NBA over the last 25 games, which should lead to decreased opportunities for the Denver Nuggets."
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How to watch Knicks vs Nuggets tonight
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Friday, March 6, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
MSG, ALT2
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.
In head-to-head leagues, it all comes down to the weekend. You can have a comfortable lead in multiple categories or by a bunch of points, but if you don’t make the most of the weekend, you can walk out with a loss.
14 teams play only once this weekend, including the Hawks, Nets, Bulls, Cavaliers, Nuggets, Warriors, Grizzlies, Thunder, 76ers, Kings, Raptors, Jazz and Wizards. Avoid those teams if you’re looking to maximize your games played.
That’s often what it comes down to in standard points and category leagues, but that’s not always the case. Leagues with some sort of games cap or best ball formats like Yahoo!’s High Score leagues aren’t just looking for volume, though having two chances at a big night is a good strategy in best ball leagues.
Holiday missed a big chunk of games from November to January, and they eased him back into things after that, but he has been on fire in February and March. Over the past month, he has averaged 20.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.0 triples per game while shooting 52 percent from the floor and 90.9 percent from the free throw line. That led to one of his best performances of the season on Wednesday, where he finished with a season-high 35 points, dished out 11 assists and matched his career high with eight three-pointers. Somehow, he’s available in 43 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Now, it’s a two-game weekend for him, starting in Houston on Friday. The Rockets are a tough matchup, but Portland will have a rest advantage since Houston played on Thursday. However, the favorable matchup is against the Pacers on Sunday. Indiana is first in pace over their last 10 games and 27th in defensive rating during the same stretch. More opportunities to score on an ineffective defense is a strong recipe for success.
Guards:
Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks
With Kevin Porter Jr. sidelined on Wednesday due to swelling in his knee, Rollins returned to the starting unit and had 13 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists and three steals. Milwaukee has a back-to-back this weekend, with one of those games coming against the tanking Jazz, who play fast and have struggled on defense. The second matchup against the Magic isn’t as favorable, but Rollins could still have a strong outing. However, the game against the Jazz is enough to make him a must-start.
Collin Sexton, Chicago Bulls
Chicago is incredibly shorthanded right now, which resulted in Sexton moving into the starting unit on Thursday night. He ended up scoring a season-high 30 points, which came after two 20-point games off the bench. They only play one game this weekend, though it’s against the Kings, who rank dead last in defensive rating over their last 10 games. Expect Sexton to stay hot and pour in the points.
Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons
Prior to exiting early on Thursday night, Thompson had averaged 13.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.8 blocks over a four-game stretch. Now, he gets to take on Brooklyn, who ranks 29th in defensive rating over their last 10 games, and Miami, who ranks second in pace over their last 10 games, in the same weekend. It’s worth noting that Daniss Jenkins started the second half after Thompson’s premature departure. If Thompson is sidelined, Jenkins should be worth streaming in if he starts despite struggling on Thursday.
Forwards:
Saddiq Bey, New Orleans Pelicans
Bey has been fantastic this season, and this weekend should be a strong opportunity for him to be productive across the board. They take on the Suns on Friday and the Wizards on Sunday. Both teams have struggled on the glass recently, with Washington being worse than Phoenix, though the Suns are set to be without Mark Williams for a few weeks. Plus, the Wizards play at a fast pace and have struggled on defense. Start all your Pelicans with confidence.
Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers
Grant has been red-hot recently, scoring at least 20 points in five of his last six games. As mentioned previously, Houston on Friday is a tougher matchup, but the Pacers game on Sunday is where Grant feels like a lock to shine. He is coming off his fourth 30-point game of the season and matched his season high for rebounds in Wednesday’s win over the Grizzlies.
Ace Bailey, Utah Jazz
The Jazz only play one game this weekend, though it comes against the Bucks, who rank in the bottom five in defensive rating over their last 10 games. Bailey had arguably the best offensive performance of his career on Thursday, setting new career highs with 32 points and seven three-pointers in the win. Bailey should be a priority on offense for the rest of the season, so there should be more performances like that coming up.
Centers:
Oso Ighodaro, Phoenix Suns
Ighodaro stepped into the starting unit on Thursday and should remain there for a while with Mark Williams (foot) expected to miss at least 2-3 weeks. As a starter against the Bulls, he contributed 10 points (5-of-5 FGs), nine rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in 36 minutes. Friday’s matchup with the Pelicans is more favorable than Sunday’s against the Hornets, but New Orleans has been much better as of late. Neither will be easy, but this isn’t about the matchups. It’s about the opportunity.
Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta only plays once this weekend, but it comes against the 76ers, who have struggled on the glass recently, ranking 27th in rebounding percentage over their last 10 games and have allowed the second-most second chance points per game during the same stretch. Okongwu isn’t a great rebounder, but he has averaged 10 boards over his last five games and has provided first-round value over the past two weeks.
Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
Three Blazers may seem excessive, but the story remains the same. Friday’s game against the Rockets isn’t a favorable matchup, but it is another opportunity. It’s Sunday’s game against the Pacers that is a recipe for success. Indiana ranks 28th in rebounding percentage and have allowed the most points in the paint per game over their last 10 outings.
Suns forward Dillon Brooks was arrested early Friday morning for suspicion of driving under the influence in Scottsdale, Ariz., a suburb of Phoenix.
Scottsdale police initiated a traffic stop around 1 a.m. and, upon investigation, arrested Brooks on suspicion of driving under the influence, something first reported by TMZ and since confirmed by NBC Sports. Brooks was taken to jail, booked, and then released around 3:30 a.m.
"We are aware of the situation involving Dillon Brooks and are gathering more information. We have no further comment at this time," the Suns said in a statement.
Brooks is currently sidelined following surgery to his fractured left hand. He is expected to be out until near the end of the regular season.
Brooks is in the midst of the best year of his career, averaging 20.9 points per game and leading a cultural shift in the locker room after a couple of seasons in which the Kevin Durant/Bradley Beal/Devin Booker Suns had been a disappointment. Brooks came to Phoenix as part of the trade that sent Durant to Houston, and in the desert he has thrived on the court and as a leader in the locker room for a Suns team headed to the postseason and seriously outperforming preseason expectations.
The Los Angeles Clippers may have known what they were doing all along.
Are they better now after trading James Harden and Ivica Zubac? The thought must be at least considered, even tonight against the San Antonio Spurs.
My Clippers vs. Spurs predictions and NBA picks do not expect Los Angeles to spring an outright upset, but it should not be entirely ruled out on Friday, March 6.
Clippers vs Spurs prediction
Clippers vs Spurs best bet: Clippers +7 (-110)
“Buy on bad news, sell on good” has long been one of the most trusted axioms in sports gambling, but it rarely has a runway as long as it does right now with the Los Angeles Clippers.
When they traded James Harden and Ivica Zubac, it seemed the Clippers were packing it in.
Instead, they have gone 8-1 against the spread since Bennedict Mathurin entered the lineup. The market overestimated the roster’s drop off, and LA has been paying off its backers ever since.
With the San Antonio Spurs on the second night of a back-to-back, bet on more Clippers’ profit.
Clippers vs Spurs same-game parlay
The second night of a back-to-back should slow down the Spurs enough to add value to this Under, particularly as they have cashed three straight Unders already.
The only player who may not want that slower pace is Bennedict Mathurin. He has not scored in bunches in all of his games with the Clippers — falling short of 15 points in three of them — but he has grabbed at least six rebounds in six of those nine games, part of how he has posted a positive plus/minus in eight of his nine games with Los Angeles.
Clippers vs Spurs SGP
Clippers +7
Under 223
Bennedict Mathurin Over 5.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Multi-Faceted Mathurin
In fact, doubting Mathurin to pour in the points makes too much sense not to act on. He has fallen short of this prop in five of his nine games with Los Angeles, including three of his last four.
Mathurin finds other ways to impact the game, so he should not force that issue against San Antonio’s long defense tonight.
Clippers vs Spurs SGP
Clippers +7
Under 223
Bennedict Mathurin Over 5.5 rebounds
Bennedict Mathurin Under 17.5 points
Clippers vs Spurs odds
Spread: Clippers +7 (-110) | Spurs -7 (-110)
Moneyline: Clippers +230 | Spurs -280
Over/Under: Over 223 (-110) | Under 223 (-110)
Clippers vs Spurs betting trend to know
Los Angeles has not just gone 8-1 ATS since Mathurin entered the lineup; the Clippers have exceeded bookmakers’ expectations by an average of six points in those nine games, even including the sole ATS loss. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Spurs.
How to watch Clippers vs Spurs
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Friday, March 6, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Clippers vs Spurs 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.
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum visited the western state of Jalisco on Friday to address growing security concerns ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup following a wave of violence in the region.
The violence was triggered by the killing of the most powerful drug lord in Mexico — Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or “El Mencho" — by Mexico's army last month. Clashes between cartel gunmen and the burning of cars erupted across Mexico, but the violence has been most intense in Jalisco and its capital, Guadalajara, one of Mexico's three host cities for the World Cup.
The wave of violence left more than 70 people dead, including 25 National Guard members, and sowed doubts in Mexico and beyond over the viability of the city hosting thousands of visitors.
Accompanied by her Security Cabinet and senior military commanders on Friday, Sheinbaum hosted her morning news briefing from military headquarters in the municipality where “El Mencho” was buried earlier this week under heavy guard and where the stadium that will host World Cup games is located.
“We are here ... to tell everyone in Jalisco, all the people of Jalisco, that we are together, that we are working for peace, security and the well-being of the inhabitants of this beautiful state," Sheinbaum said.
With fewer than 100 days until the World Cup, Sheinbaum and security officials detailed a security plan to be deployed during the summer sporting event involving more than 20 federal government agencies, including the Army and Navy, as well as local authorities.
He added that the Mexican plan will include specialized training for officials, planning and operational exercises, early warning systems, security deployments around stadiums, airports, roadways and lodging centers, and protection schemes for delegations and attendees.
Sheinbaum has sought to project confidence in the face of doubts, including holding a phone call shortly after the burst of violence in late February with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who expressed his “full confidence” that Mexico will be able to host part of the World Cup. Earlier in the week, she wrapped a FIFA scarf around her neck and posed next to the World Cup trophy.
On Friday, Gen. Román Villalvazo, who leads security coordination for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, said they had created three joint task forces in World Cup host cities Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup organized by Mexico, the United States and Canada represents an unprecedented event," he said.
“For Mexico, it entails two challenges: to present a reliable and secure country before the international community, and to have the capacity to confront any threats that undermine national security.”
The Sacramento Kings have played some of the worst defense in the NBA this season. But guard Russell Westbrook offered up some confrontational cover for his younger teammates by blasting reporters following the Kings' latest setback.
The organization is enduring another brutal NBA campaign, with their one-year revival as a playoff team in 2023 disintegrating into yet another rebuild and the worst record in the league less than three years later. But Westbrook insisted during a tense exchange at a March 5 news conference that local media members are contributing to the problems with "false comments" regarding him and other Kings' players.
"You guys have a lot of opinions about how we do what we're doing. What you got," Westbrook asked in the aftermath of Sacramento's 133-123 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. "You make a lot of statements and broad statements that you have no context, so where do you get your context from? Are you in practice? Are you at our film session? Are you anywhere around the building?"
Westbrook declined to elaborate when asked for specifics about what sparked his comments, but continued to answer questions with criticism of the team's media coverage.
When one reporter noted criticism of the team was fair considering its record and status in the bottom-three of the NBA in offensive and defensive rating this season, the 37-year-old guard said backlash against the Kings (14-50) has too often not been about basketball.
"You guys' job is to talk about the game, what's happening in the game, not stir up a bunch of – I don't want to cuss here because I don't want to get fined – but stir up a bunch of stuff that, it's not accurate and that's my problem," Westbrook said. "Being in the league awhile, I've been able to experience a lot of these times where people outside of our building, outside of the film session, outside of what we do daily, how much work we put in, that is not an easy job to do.
"Y'all come in, y'all make your comments, and nobody say nothing. But I don't have to sit back and say nothing," Westbrook continued. "... As a leader of this team, it's my job to speak up for the guys in the locker room. We talk about it. They see it. I hear it. Because of the comments you guys make, you got guys thinking about a bunch of random things that has nothing to do with the game. You guys are making false comments about our team and what we're doing here, and I don't appreciate that. So my ask is that you respect what we do and we'll respect what you do."
Westbrook, now finishing up his 18th NBA season, signed a one-year deal with the Kings in October. They are his seventh team in eight seasons after starting his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 2017 NBA MVP winner is averaging 15.3 points, 6.4 assists and 5.3 rebounds in nearly 29 minutes per game in Sacramento this season.
Knicks
Nuggets