BROOKLYN, NY - JANUARY 23: The sneakers worn by Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
To see the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense digress the way it did during Sunday’s loss to the Celtics — despite their prolific individual offensive talent — shouldn’t have been a surprise.
The Celtics poked at one of the Lakers’ tactical weaknesses that’s been evident for the last few months.
And Lakers coach JJ Redick took ownership of his team underperforming in those situations.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick took ownership of his team underperforming. MediaNews Group via Getty Images
The Celtics had multiple big men play in deep drop coverage against the Lakers’ pick and rolls, which stifled their offense just two days after it had one of its better performances of the season in Friday’s home win over the Clippers.
“When teams play the deep drop, we have our counters and we just got to [execute],” Redick said. “Sometimes when the ball’s just changing ends quick, it’s easy to just get into drag after drag after drag. So, I took ownership of that. We have our counters for deep drop. We got to do a better job of that.”
The Lakers did poorly against the Celtics.
Too often, their offense would bog.
Coach Redick believes the drop in potential assists is one of the many reasons why the Lakers hasn’t sustained a level of excellence that’s expected with Dončić, James and Reaves at the helm. MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Get stuck in a pattern of running set plays. Or not using the power of the pass to shift the defense, instead trying to rely on the individual offensive strengths of Luka Dončić, LeBron James or Austin Reaves to create advantages against a Celtics team that wasn’t allowing many.
The Lakers became predictable. And their struggles were, too.
The issues they faced were similar to the ones they had in their Dec. 1 home loss to the Suns, when they struggled offensively against a Phoenix team that had Mark Williams in a deep drop.
The Lakers take on the Celtics Feb. 22 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. NBAE via Getty Images
“Our lowest potential assist games are all against the deep drop,” Redick said. “So I got to do a better job.
The drop in potential assists is the result of a lack of ball movement — an issue that also isn’t new for the Lakers.
It’s one of the many reasons why their offense hasn’t sustained a level of excellence that’s expected with Dončić, James and Reaves at the helm.
“It mostly depends on the team we play against,” Rui Hachimura responded when asked how the Lakers can have a consistently great offense. “There are some teams that play really good team defense. Against that, we have to be sharing the ball, trusting each other. We got to have ball movement. [Having] ball movement is going to be the key.”
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This Lakers team shouldn’t be expected to play like the “Beautiful Game” Spurs, which featured high-spaced ball movement and player movement.
Nor should they be expected to not allow their best players to freelance the offense from time to time.
But what should be expected is to consistently have better execution when defenses are in a drop.
As a prolific pull-up shooting team with high-caliber ball-handlers, they have the personnel to flip a tactical weakness into a strength. And they’ve shown they have the counters in their playbook, especially earlier in the season.
Now it’s about being consistent — which would be a new surprise within itself.
It’s very clearly checks over stripes for Kevin Durant.
The NBA superstar — a longtime Nike athlete — railed against Adidas during a conversation with an influencer at an All-Star week party in Los Angeles earlier this month, and his rant against the shoe giant was captured on video.
The Rockets forward’s teardown of the massive apparel company began when his pal, content creator Kpreme, told him he was going to leave the event the two were at to head to an Adidas bash.
Durant questioned why he would go to that, asking, “Do you wear Adidas?”
Rockets forward Kevin Durant has a lifetime deal with Nike. NBAE via Getty Images
When Kpreme responded no, Durant said, “Exactly.”
“Who the f—k wears Adidas?” the future Hall of Famer said. “Nah. Real s—t. If you’re not hooping, who wears Adidas?”
Durant went on to ask further, “So why you going to a f—king Adidas party?”
Kevin Durant told Kpreme at an NBA All-Star week party, “F—k Adidas.” Instagram/@kpreme
The shade didn’t stop there. Several minutes later, after Kpreme asked Durant if he could get him some of his shoes, Durant continued to go in on Adidas.
“F—k no,” Durant said. “You’re going to an Adidas party. F—k Adidas.”
Durant first signed a contract with Nike when he was a rookie with the Supersonics in 2007. In 2023 — following over a decade of signature shoe releases — he agreed to a lifetime deal with the Swoosh that’s apparently come with a side of vitriol for its biggest competitors.
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 04: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball against Oso Ighodaro #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at the TD Garden on April 04, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who: Phoenix Suns (33-25) vs. Boston Celtics (37-19)
When: 7:00 pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports, Suns+
Listen: KMVP 98.7
Tonight presents a demanding challenge for the Phoenix Suns yet again after an ugly loss to Portland on Sunday night. They’ll need to have a short memory after scoring just 77 points on Sunday night.
The Suns welcome a Boston team that has looked every bit like a contender, carrying a 37-19 record and a three-game win streak into the Mortgage Matchup Center. The Celtics sit near the top of the Eastern Conference for a reason, bringing depth, structure, and defensive discipline every night despite being down Jayson Tatum.
Phoenix enters at 33-25, clinging onto the seventh spot in the West, but the circumstances make this one steeper than usual. Injuries have thinned the rotation, forcing younger players and reserves into expanded roles against one of the league’s most complete rosters. Will we see more of the rookies? We might have to.
The Suns have managed to stay competitive through stretches like this before. Doing it against Boston will require poise, execution, and collective effort across the board, which has been their mantra all season long.
This is a game they are “supposed” to lose. We’ll see if Jordan Ott and company can deliver another surprise this season.
Probable Starters
Suns
Mark Williams
Ryan Dunn
Royce O’Neale
Jalen Green
Collin Gillespie
Celtics
Neemius Queta
Sam Hauser
Derrick White
Baylor Scheierman
Payton Pritchard
Injury Report
Suns injury report vs. Celtics:
QUESTIONABLE: Grayson Allen (right knee/right ankle injury management).
OUT: Devin Booker (right hip strain), Dillon Brooks (left hand fracture), Jordan Goodwin (left calf strain), Haywood Highsmith (right knee injury management), Cole Anthony…
Boston has one of the best defensive units in the NBA this season. They disrupt passing lanes, force turnovers, and make you uncomfortable, similar to Phoenix’s style. The Celtics traveled to the Bay Area and Los Angeles on consecutive games and defeated them with ease. Phoenix needs to bring a different energy to the game tonight to have a chance and eliminate the West Coast momentum they’ll carry in.
This Suns team ranks among the league’s best in offensive rebounding (13.1 per game), with Mark Williams particularly active crashing the glass. That extra possession could be crucial against a Boston squad that loves to clear defensive rebounds and push in transition. If Phoenix can secure extra chances and keep the ball alive, they stay in these tight moments.
PORTLAND, OR – FEBRUARY 3: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns grabs the rebound during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 3, 2026 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Without Booker, Brooks, and possibly Allen, Phoenix needs shots from unlikely places. Collin Gillespie has been a quiet but steady source of scoring lately, and role players like Royce O’Neale, Ryan Dunn, and others must help keep Boston honest on the perimeter. The Suns have shown the ability to knock down threes at a strong rate this season, but consistency from role players will be huge tonight. Could tonight be the Amir Coffey game?
Boston is not just guards and wings. They pound the glass and play physical basketball. Phoenix’s interior defense needs to rotate smartly, communicate, and limit second-chance points. Williams and the Suns’ frontline must make it hard for Boston in the paint if this game is going to feel competitive down the stretch. Even without Jaylen Brown, the Celtics are built for that “next man up” style of play with players who fit their system flawlessly.
Slowing Payton Pritchard down will be a key for Phoenix, and this is a game they are going to miss Jordan Goodwin in desperately.
Key to a Suns Win
Score points. Please? Someone? Anyone? The Suns are going to need “the others” to step up in a big way tonight.
Compete every possession. Boston is disciplined and rarely lets up. Phoenix needs to mirror that effort level from tipoff through the final buzzer.
Clean decision-making. Turnovers against a team like Boston are costly. The Suns must protect the ball and maximize every possession.
Exploit mismatches. With Boston potentially short on wings, ball movement and pin-down actions can create easy looks if Phoenix executes.
Finish at the rim. Boston’s length is a deterrent, but attacking closeouts and finishing strong is what allows a young Phoenix squad to stay within striking distance.
Prediction Time
If Phoenix can stay connected on both ends of the floor, who knows? This could be one of those nights where the Suns shock a contender and remind the league they belong in every conversation. I’m not counting on that, but would love to be wrong. I think Boston overwhelms them from start to finish.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 30: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors look on during the game on October 30, 2024 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors begin their road back-to-back with Tuesday night’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM PT in New Orleans and can be watched on NBC Sports Bay Area.
The Warriors snapped a two-game losing streak on Sunday with a win over the Denver Nuggets, 128-117. Playing without Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis — and with Draymond Green ruled out as a late scratch — Golden State had just nine available players against a strong Denver team led by three-time league MVP Nikola Jokic.
But despite being shorthanded, the Dubs competed hard for all 48 minutes, leaning on physical defense and a collective effort on offense to grind out the win. It was a classic “Strength in Numbers” performance, but perhaps the biggest contribution came from Brandin Podziemski. The third-year guard delivered a huge fourth quarter where he shot 6-of-6 from the field and scored 15 of his 18 points to help seal the victory.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said Brandin Podziemski was “phenomenal” and noted Golden State game planned to wear Denver — playing its third game in four days — out down the stretch.
“We were rested and they were not. But we’ll take it.”
Golden State is expected to remain undermanned for Tuesday’s game in New Orleans. Curry remains out with a knee injury, while Porzingis did not travel with the team. Al Horford is also expected to be held out for load management on the second night of a back-to-back.
Warriors are 1.5-point favorites tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Curry (runner’s knee) out with Kristaps Porzingis (illness) Al Horford (left toe management) and Seth Curry (sciatica) for Golden State. Draymond Green probable.
Fortunately, tonight’s matchup against the Pelicans should be in the Warriors’ favor. New Orleans sits near the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a record of 16–42 and has struggled on both ends of the floor, ranking sixth-worst in offensive rating (112.5) and fourth-worst in defensive rating (118.1). Not to mention, their most recent starting lineup featured four players who are shooting below 30 percent from the three-point line this season.
If you’re building your betting card, these are the NBA picks the model likes most for Tuesday, February 24.
Knicks vs Cavaliers computer picks for February 24
Knicks
Cavaliers
Towns u19.5 points -112
Mitchell u27.5 points -112
Hart o4.5 assists -155
Harden o2.5 3-pointers +135
Brunson o2.5 3-pointers -112
Allen o8.5 rebounds -112
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Knicks computer picks
Karl-Anthony Towns Under 19.5 points (-112)
Projection: 18.9 points
Compared to last year's 23.8 mark, Karl-Anthony Towns' points per game have dipped to 19.6.
The New York Knicks have played at the fifth-lowest up-tempo pace in the league over the last 15 games.
Whereas the Cleveland Cavaliers have played at the 10th-lowest up-tempo pace in the NBA over the last five games, which ought to reduce possessions for the Knicks.
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Josh Hart Over 4.5 assists (-155)
Projection: 4.6 assists
Josh Hart has a strong path to clearing 4.5 assists because he’s not just a wing who spots up. He pushes the ball in transition, initiates sets in the halfcourt, and thrives as a connector who keeps the offense flowing. When the ball swings, he’s often the guy making the extra pass that leads directly to a bucket.
Another big factor working in his favor is New York’s dominance on the offensive glass. The Knicks are the NBA's fourth-ranked offensive rebounding team, which creates second-chance possessions and extended plays.
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Jalen Brunson Over 2.5 3-pointers (-112)
Projection: 2.7 3-pointers
This game against the Cavaliers sets up nicely for threes since opposing starting point guards have attempted the second-highest rate of triples in the NBA this season (41.4%) against them.
That kind of defensive tendency gives an elite guard like Jalen Brunson plenty of room to capitalize.
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Cavaliers computer picks
Donovan Mitchell Under 27.5 points (-112)
Projection: 26.5 points
Donovan Mitchell has hit the Under 27.5 points in six of his last 10 games, and the trend makes sense when you look at how he’s been used and the defensive matchups he’s faced.
Over this stretch, Mitchell has seen more balanced scoring roles, with teammates stepping up offensively and defenses collapsing on him in key spots, limiting his efficiency and high-volume scoring opportunities.
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James Harden Over 2.5 3-pointers (+135)
Projection: 2.6 3-pointers
James Harden has been scorching from deep lately, hitting the Over 2.5 made 3-pointers in six of his last 10 games.
Tonight, the conditions are ideal for Harden to keep that hot streak alive.
The Knicks have struggled to contain elite perimeter scorers this season, often leaving shooters open in catch-and-shoot situations and giving up extra possessions through their defensive schemes.
Combine that with Harden’s ability to create his own shot or pull defenders out of the paint, and he has multiple paths to knock down three or more from beyond the arc.
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Jarrett Allen Over 8.5 rebounds (-112)
Projection: 9.2 rebounds
Jarrett Allen has been a rebounding machine, hitting the Over 8.5 rebounds in nine of his last 10 games.
He’s consistently active on both ends of the floor, using his size, timing, and positioning to snatch boards over smaller or slower opponents. Allen’s ability to read the ball off the rim and box out effectively gives him multiple chances to control the glass, and his motor ensures he’s always around the action.
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How to watch Knicks vs Cavaliers tonight
Location
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Date
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
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Los Angeles, CA - February 22: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers react against the Boston Celtics in the second half of a NBA basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 22, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
While everyone constantly argues about officiating and calls in basketball, the goaltending rule feels pretty clear. A defender can not touch the ball on its descent or interfere with the rim.
So, in the third quarter of the Lakers-Celtics matchup, when Neemias Queta stuck his entire hand through the basket on a Deandre Ayton shot attempt and there was no goaltend called, it seemed like an error by the officials.
On the NBC broadcast, the announcers said live that it was missed and, upon reviewing the replay, doubled down on that take.
Head coach JJ Redick was so irate by this call that he earned a technical foul because of it. After the loss, he expressed shock that a defender had been able to touch the net like that and said he would follow up through the appropriate channels to get clarification.
“Queta stuck his entire hand through the rim,” Redick on Sunday. “Not just grab the net. He stuck it through the cylinder. That’s typically a goaltend. Not tonight, obviously. They recognized that he did that and said that’s not a goaltend. I’ll get some clarification on the rule on that because, honestly, that’s a great way to defend floaters.”
Well, Redick did just that, and at Lakers practice on Monday, he said that Monty McCutchen, the NBA’s SVP of ref development, told him that the call was right.
JJ Redick spoke with Monty McCutchen, the NBA’s SVP of ref development, Monday to discuss the Lakers-Celtics game. He remains perplexed why Neemias Queta was not called for goaltending for sticking his hand through the rim. “If I was Wemby I would literally [do it] every time” pic.twitter.com/L5HmhhUBWp
A player can actually put their hand through the rim, and that’s not interference?
According to the NBA’s official rulebook, it wasn’t interference since it didn’t disrupt the ball. The closest the official statements come to discussing this scenario is Section H of Rule No. 111.
h. Vibrate the rim, net or backboard so as to cause the ball to make an unnatural bounce, or bend or move the rim to an off-center position when the ball is touching the ring or passing through.
I guess since Neemias didn’t cause the ball to make an “unnatural bounce,” it’s not a goaltend, but I’m not so sure he can be absolved so easily. How can we be sure that his putting his hand through the rim and the nets being moved so much didn’t move the rim at all?
After all, the ball was on the rim and bounced off while the net was moving due to Neemias’ interference. It was a dicey play to say the least and a very confusing call for the NBA to make this way.
Given how the NBA tends to review things like tanking and cap circumvention, perhaps it should be expected that their answers will only raise more questions for the rest of us.
While this call felt egregious, there were plenty of other decisions by the refs that were perplexing on Monday.
Austin Reaves still doesn’t understand why he got a technical foul called on him during the game and there was a lot of physicality allowed in the contest, but consistency on what was a foul remained a mystery.
PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks had surgery Monday to repair a fractured left hand and will miss at least the next four-to-six weeks before being re-evaluated, the team said Tuesday.
The 30-year-old Brooks was hurt during Saturday's game against the Orlando Magic. He's averaging a career-high 20.9 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
The Suns have been one of the NBA's surprise teams this year with a 33-25 record, but have suffered a recent rash of injuries. The team's top three leading scorers — All-Star guard Devin Booker (strained hip), Brooks and Grayson Allen (knee/ankle) — were sidelined for a 92-77 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
Also on Tuesday, the Suns said reserve guard Jordan Goodwin is out for a least one-to-two weeks with a left calf strain. Goodwin is averaging 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Tiley is leaving his post as the head of Tennis Australia and the tournament director of its Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open.
The USTA said in a news release that Tiley will start the new job in the coming months.
He replaces Lew Sherr, who left the USTA last year to join the New York Mets as their president of business operations. Sher had been the USTA's CEO since 2022.
Tiley, who is from South Africa, was the head coach of men's tennis team at the University of Illinois from 1994 to 2005, including an NCAA championship and 32-0 record in 2003.
He was the Australian Open's tournament director since 2006 and oversaw its expansion to a 15-day event, breaking attendance and revenue records. Tiley became the CEO of Tennis Australia in 2013.
“Craig brings a rare combination of global credibility at the highest level of the sport and a proven commitment to growing the game at the grassroots. That balance is exactly what this moment requires," said Brian Vahaly, the USTA Board chair and the USTA's interim co-CEO.
The gold-medal-winning U.S. men's Olympic hockey team landed at Joint Base Andrews and visited President Donald Trump at the White House before attending his State of the Union address on Tuesday night.
Forward Matthew Tkachuk posted pictures on social media of members of the team celebrating on what appears to be a U.S. government plane and a group shot of them deplaning.
The U.S. beat Canada 2-1 in overtime on Sunday at the Milan Cortina Olympics. It was the Americans' first gold medal in men’s hockey since the “Miracle on Ice” group won in Lake Placid, New York, in 1980.
The team received a State of the Union invitation from Trump following the game. A video that circulated on social media appeared to show Trump inviting the team on a phone call in the locker room, as he joked that he'd also have to invite the women's team, which also won gold over Canada.
The men took a chartered plane to Miami on Monday night before traveling to the nation's capital in the morning.
Videos and photos of the team’s White House visit were shared on social media by Trump administration aides. Team members posed for a photograph in front of the South Portico after they arrived. They also walked along the West Wing colonnade where Trump has posted portraits of every U.S. president just steps away from the Oval Office, where they were welcomed by Trump.
As they approached the Oval Office, some of the players popped into the press office's open door to flash their medals. Staffers applauded and shouted, “We love you!”
“I recognize every one of you. I know every one of you,” Trump said as the players entered the Oval Office, which he has redecorated with numerous flourishes of gold that matched the players’ medals.
“Big guys,” he said, standing near his desk and shaking hands with the players, who wore dark tops with “USA,” the American flag and the Olympic rings on the front and light colored pants.
The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered one of their worst performances of the season on Sunday, but with multiple rotation players available tonight, those worries should be rectified against the Portland Trail Blazers.
My Timberwolves vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks expect redemption on Tuesday, February 24.
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers prediction
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers best bet: Timberwolves -6.5 (-110)
The Minnesota Timberwolves were embarrassed on Sunday, losing by 27 to a shorthanded 76ers team that shot 21-of-37 (57%) from deep.
Two days of intense film study typically spark a renewed defensive effort from the Timberwolves, which will be to the Portland Trail Blazers’ detriment tonight.
Strong defense fuels offense, creating transition and secondary transition opportunities. Minnesota’s roster has steadily embraced this mindset, with the bench leading the charge.
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay
Naz Reid’s absence was felt on Sunday due to a nagging shoulder keeping him out.
While Reid is available tonight, his shooting rhythm could still be affected by that lingering issue.
A less effective Reid, combined with Minnesota’s defensive emphasis, should open up more offensive opportunities for Ayo Dosunmu.
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers SGP
Timberwolves -6.5
Naz Reid Under 2.5 threes
Ayo Dosunmu Over 11.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Big Ru Goes Brrrr
Rudy Gobert’s absence was distinct on Sunday, as Minnesota’s defense became unmoored.
Gobert's defensive excellence should be complemented tonight by a bevy of offensive rebounds that lead to his 12th double-double in his last 21 games.
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know
Portland is just 2-4 against the spread at home this month, including 0-2 as an underdog. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Trail Blazers.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers
Location
Moda Arena, Portland, OR
Date
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers latest injuries
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Boston, MA - December 15: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla and Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff watch the action in the first quarter. The Celtics played the Pistons at TD Garden on December 15, 2025. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
The Boston Celtics have been one of the great surprise stories of the season. Much of the credit for that success goes to head coach Joe Mazzulla. Tonight they play another surprise team in the Phoenix Suns, led by Jordan Ott.
This has led to some animated discussions online about who deserves to be Coach of the Year. The other frequently named candidate is JB Bickerstaff who has led the Detroit Pistons to the best record in the East. Some would also point to Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson.
We here are (without shame) very biased towards our team. So for the sake of discussion, I’ll ask that you carefully and reasonably-objectively consider the cases for the other coaches.
JB Bickerstaff (Pistons): This is by no means consensus, but in the preseason John Schuhmann had the Pistons power ranked 11th overall and 4th in the East. They have been the runaway leaders in the East all season long and show no signs of slowing down. They have a real identity and have really “bought in” to their coach. Cunningham has elevated into the MVP discussion and Jalen Duran got his first All Star nod.
Jordan Ott (Suns): Back to the Schuhmann rankings, you have to scroll WAY down to find the Suns at 25th overall. It made sense too, after trading away Kevin Durant and ejecting Bradley Beal. Yet somehow, some way, the Suns are 7th in the West with a .569 winning percentage. How he’s winning with this Land of Misfit Toys roster (Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, Jalen Green) is beyond me.
Joe Mazzulla (Celtics): I think you are familiar with his game.
UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 9: Nolan Traore #88 of the Long Island Nets drives to the basket during the game against the College Park Skyhawks on December 9, 2025 at The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Marcus Stevens/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Within the Nets’ organization, player development is a priority. When you’re rebuilding, it has to be. That’s a given. But it’s not just about the obvious development track.
Whether a rookie or veteran enters the building, growth is prioritized — especially from within. While the focus is rightly on the Flatbush Five, the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn’s G League affiliate, is working on that and a lot more, from two-ways to fallen angels to local projects … always looking for that diamond in the rough. The G League may not produce All-Stars, but rosters are rebuilt in a lot of ways.
“We try to build all the players, of course. Priority guides the assignments in two ways, which is noted, but at the same time, we want to develop everyone,” Long Island’s head coach Mfon Udofia, told ND. “We’re not always going to have the two-way guys or assignment guys, so we want to develop all 10 players. We want to pour into these guys.”
“Once you come to Long Island, it’s a fresh start,” the head coach continued. “We don’t care what you did in the past — it’s about what’s next. We take on that challenge. We want to revive guys’ careers and help them get better. We talk about it all the time: everybody has a next level. Our job as coaches is figuring out how to help you reach that next level.”
Just ask Killian Hayes. He may not be wearing a black-and-white of the Brooklyn Nets or the red, white, and blue of Long Island but he’s doing well. Just this weekend, he got a 10-day from the Sacramento Kings after playing well this season for the Cavs affiliate. His journey through Nassau County and the borough of Brooklyn shows just how things can work out on the Island, how the underappreciated process works.
The former No. 7 overall pick endured three rocky seasons, to put it mildly, to open his NBA career. He ranked dead last in effective field goal percentage in each of his first three seasons, never getting above 42.6%, well below the league average of 54.8%. He was called the worst player in the NBA and was unceremoniously waived at the 2024 trade deadline!
By the summer of 2025, Hayes was still without a team and without a clear path forward. After failing to land an NBA opportunity, the situation took another tough turn in June when he was released from France’s national team. Then on the advice of former Nets assistant Adam Harrington, Brooklyn took a chance on him and he wound up in Long Island.
Udofia and associate head coach Shawn Swords, who lead Long Island’s development efforts, played a pivotal role in helping Hayes rebuild his confidence — particularly in embracing a leadership role, as Hayes told ND.
“My biggest thing I learned was using my voice — just being a leader to those guys… I wanted to keep improving and keep working on my skills,” said Hayes, still only 24.
Late last season, the Nets even awarded him with a 10-day deal in which he started five games and shot 38.1% from deep, a far cry from his Detroit days when he never broke 28% in a single season. Brooklyn looked like his next landing spot but once the Nets took another, even younger French point guard, Nolan Traore, in the draft, they moved on, but the foundation Hayes built in their system remains the blueprint as he continues to chase his way back to the NBA.
And he’s not the only Long Island alumnus to succeed this season at the NBA level. There’s also Drew Timme. A three-time All-American at Gonzaga, he went undrafted. By the the time he arrived in Long Island last year from the Stockton Kings, the result of a G League trade, his NBA prospects looked meager. He was averaging 11.9 points and shooting 12.5% from deep. Things changed at Nassau Coliseum.
After making the All-G League team and averaging 23.9 points and 10.3 with Long Island, he like Hayes was also called up at the end of the season and averaged 12 and 7 for Brooklyn. He even got an invitation to training camp but ultimately got cut by the big club. Like Hayes, his Nets career ended with the 2025 Draft and Brooklyn’s extreme youth movement. He’s five years younger than Danny Wolf, just as Traore is five years younger than Traore. On the rebuilding Nets, youth must be served.
So, Long Island traded Timme’s G League rights to the South Bay Lakers. He eventually secured a two-way deal with L.A., and last month, he started and scored 21 points in a Lakers win.
This year, things continue along that same path. Unlike 2o24-25 when Hayes and Timme got their chance and the Nets had no draft picks to develop, this season is quite different from a development perspective. Early in the season, four of the five first rounders — everyone but lottery pick Egor Demin — had spent time on Long Island each with a plan fashioned by the combined development staffs to improve certain skills.
But they still have kept to their plan of developing everyone. Two of the best examples may be Nate Williams, a 6’6” wing who just turned 27, and Grant Nelson, an athletic 7-footer who was undrafted by choice, then signed with the Nets, conscious of their development successes.
Before being traded to Long Island by the Lakers organization at the head of the 2025 season, Williams appeared in 47 NBA games, mostly with the Houston Rockets. The U. of Buffalo product used the opportunity to reestablish his value..
In 22 games, he averaged 17.9 points in 34.8 minutes per contest, exploding for 23.2 in last five. The strong G League showing ultimately earned Williams another chance at the NBA opportunity, securing a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors — yet another example of how Long Island has helped players revive their careers and return to NBA rosters.
Nelson on the other hand is a bit of a non-traditional G League success. Hyper-athletic — he set the all-time NBA Combine record for lane agility at 7-foot — he reportedly passed on being taken in the second round last June so he could sign an Exhibit 10 contract with Brooklyn, his agent citing the Nets coaching staff. He played both in the Summer League and preseason for the Nets, but didn’t impress that much. One reason: a balky knee that had bothered him since his freshman year at North Dakota State back in 2020.
So the Nets pulled him from the active roster and put him on a seven-week rehab course to see if he could finally get his long-time knee soreness resolved. So far so good. Although he’s still on minutes restriction, Nelson’s numbers are looking good.
In his 14 starts since returning from rehab, he’s played 288 minutes or 20.6 per game. On a per-36 basis, he’s averaged 24.2 points and 11.6 rebounds while shooting better than 60% from the floor. His only issues, a need to bulk up and refine his 3-point shooting. He’s 23. More importantly, his knee soreness has been resolved and he credits the Nets performance staffs.
“I think it really shows how good the performance staff is here,” Nelson told ND. “And what they’ve done to get me back on the court and be ready for when I get back on the court.
“I’ve been dealing with knee soreness for I don’t know how many years, really, since I started college,” Nelson explained to ND. “It was kind of just affecting how I was playing, and I just had to get it over with and get all the rehab done. Get it back to where it was, feeling 100%. The performance staff did a great job, and everyone really cares about me, which really meant a lot.”
Bottom line for Nelson: “Yeah, they [Long Island] really emphasize a relationship with their players, and that helps a lot,” he said.
What’s the value of all this if Long Island players like Hayes, Timme and Williams move on? Even if one player hits, becomes a rotation player, it’s a bonus. The value is also reputational as agent B.J. Bass of RBA Showcase told NetsDaily. Bass reps Williams as well as Tyson Etienne, one of the Nets two-ways, and Long Island point guard Terry Roberts.
“It’s great. It’s first class. It’s all about the people. and the people who run the Nets front office are all good guys,” Bass told ND, noting how the organization, unlike others, compete every night.
“One thing they do here on Long Island, they’re very competitive. They play together and they play to win. A lot of the other G League situations, you can see guys are out there for themselves. It’s not really a winning environment and its not really conducive to what you’re trying to do at the next level.”
As a league decision maker told ND recently when talking about one of the players the Nets recently acquired: “He has a chance with the Nets development staff.”
This year, at least, the focus is strongly on the Flatbush Five + One: the organization has five rookies and three players on two-way contracts. They continue to prioritize development, shuffling all but Egor Demin, their first lottery pick in 15 years, back and forth between the HSS Training Center in Industry City and the Yes, We Can Center in Westbury, where Long Island practices.
So far, Brooklyn has assigned Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf, and Danny Wolf to a grand total of 42 games. Saraf, who’s still with Long Island, is the current leader with 19 games. Traore has played 14 games and, so far, appears to be the most successful graduate.
“My shot, getting rhythm and confidence so I could come back here and do the same thing. Getting a lot of reps changes everything,” Traore told ND regarding his mindset when playing in the G-League.
His success and positive outlook on Long Island caught the attention of head coach Jordi Fernández.
“He took full advantage of the opportunities he had with Long Island,” said Jordi Fernández. “And when he came back here, he did so with a different spirit and a lot more confidence.”
There’s another value in mixing the draft picks with players who are trying to get back to the “L,” Udofia told NetsDaily.
“Guys who have been here before can show those rookies the ropes. We can put them in the game at the same time, and they can play together as well,” said Udofia now in his fourth year of balancing it all. They also get a promise, he said, that fresh start and a real chance to grow.
It’s fair to say that the best development in Long Island, at least from an organization viewpoint, has been the young players, the rookies or second year players. Nic Claxton, Day’Ron Sharpe, Noah Clowney, Jalen Wilson, even Cam Thomas on a short stint his rookie year, all got better. None were drafted before No. 20. On the current roster, there’s no diamond in the rough although Josh Minott, who the Nets traded for at the deadline and assigned to Long Island, could fill that description . Tyrese Martin did qualify but he’s moved on. Same with Keon Johnson. And of course, there are players who didn’t work out, first rounder Dariq Whitehead being the most prominent.
The big test of the strategy is the current one with the rookies. They may not want to make the 20-mile jaunt from Barclays Center, bright lights, big city to the aging Nassau Coliseum and sea of empty parking lots, but when you have so many young players, it is what it is.
At the Nets traditional press conference following the NBA Draft back in July, Marks spoke about the plan.
“I think the proof’s in the pudding,” he argued. “When we’ve looked back and seen some of our guys over the last few years who have developed and spent a lot of time in Long Island and then all of the sudden come up to Brooklyn and next thing you know they’re starting for us or playing meaningful minutes in Brooklyn, you can see there’s a development path and a development track there.”
During a radio interview with 93.5 The Fan Tuesday, Feb. 24, Carlisle publicly addressed the fine for the first time and centered his rebuke around the availability of guard Aaron Nesmith during a Feb. 3 game against the Jazz, a 131-122 Utah victory.
“I didn’t agree with it,” Carlisle said during the interview. “There was a league lawyer that was doing the interview that kind of unilaterally decided that Aaron Nesmith, who had been injured the night before and couldn’t hold the ball, should’ve played in the game, which seems ridiculous.”
The league announced the discipline Feb. 12, just days before the NBA All-Star Game. Headed into the game, the Pacers were 13-37 and continuing to languish in last place in the Eastern Conference.
For its part, the NBA responded to Carlisle’s allegations, disputing his account.
“Coach Carlisle’s description of the process that went into the decision to fine the Indiana Pacers is inaccurate,” an NBA spokesperson said in a statement sent to USA TODAY Sports. “An independent physician led the medical review. In addition, the Pacers’ General Manager and the team’s Senior Vice President, Sports Medicine and Performance were interviewed as part of the process.
“The Pacers confirmed that it had provided all of the information requested by the league and the team reported that an interview with Coach Carlisle or a team physician wasn’t necessary.”
Indiana is currently 15-43, which is last place in the East and the NBA’s second-worst record.
“During the interview process — I was not on it, but I heard details — we asked them if they wanted to talk to the doctors, our doctors about it, because it was something that was documented by our doctors and trainers,” Carlisle continued. “They said no, they didn’t need to, they talked to their doctors, who did not examine Aaron Nesmith. And we asked them if they wanted to talk to the kid, and they said no, they didn’t need to.
“This was shocking to me. During the interview, they also asked if we considered medicating him to play in a game when we were 30 games under .500, so I was very surprised.”
During the radio interview, however, Carlisle didn’t discuss the statuses of All-Star forward Pascal Siakam — who was directly named in the disciplinary memo — and another, unnamed “star player” under the league’s Player Participation Policy.
In the letter, the NBA said Siakam and the two star players “could have played under the medical standard in the Policy, including by playing reduced minutes” and added that “the team could have held the players out of other games in a way that would have better promoted compliance with the Policy.”
Presumably, the other star player the league was referencing was either shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin (rest) or point guard Andrew Nembhard (injury/illness); both recorded DND (did-not-dress) designations for the game.
Siakam’s DND was given a rest designation.
Guard T.J. McConnell and center Micah Potter also did not dress, with injury/illness designations.
“Overt behavior like this that prioritizes draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition and we will respond accordingly to any further actions that compromise the integrity of our games,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Feb. 12 in a statement. “Additionally, we are working with our Competition Committee and Board of Governors to implement further measures to root out this type of conduct.”
In the same disciplinary announcement, the Jazz were also fined $500,000 for separate game management decisions related to tanking.
Thanks to injuries to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be underdogs in back-to-back games for the first time this season when they visit the Toronto Raptors.
Toronto stunned OKC back in January, winning outright as 11-point road dogs, but can it get the job done when it’s favored?
My Thunder vs. Raptors predictions break down and bring you my best NBA picks for this matchup set to tip off at 7:30 pm ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, on Tuesday, February 24.
Thunder vs Raptors prediction
Thunder vs Raptors best bet: Scottie Barnes Double-Double (+135)
However, the Toronto Raptors pose a problem with their defensive versatility.
Plus, Scottie Barnes returns after the reported birth of his child, and he’ll have a chance to dominate the glass with OKC ranking 24th in rebounding rate, and Chet Holmgren is also banged up.
Barnes gives us Fred VanVleet-type performance, and with a rebounding total of 8.5, let’s back him to record his 25th double-double of the season at +135.
Thunder vs Raptors same-game parlay
The other area where the Thunder struggle a bit is on the perimeter. They rank 25th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage and allow the third-most threes per game.
Immanuel Quickley is playing great ball, averaging 20.2 points per game and shooting a crazy good 48.3% from deep over his last 13 games. His point total for this one is 16.5, a number he’s eclipsed in 13 of his last 18 games.
The Raptors match up well with OKC when they’re healthy. Their defense, particularly on the perimeter, will give them a chance to win this game.
Thunder vs Raptors SGP
Scottie Barnes double-double
Immanuel Quickley Over 16.5 points
Raptors moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Fred VanVleet vibes
Fred VanVleet famously played incredibly after the birth of his child during the Raptors' title run in 2019. Let's back Scottie to do something similar here.
Thunder vs Raptors SGP
Scottie Barnes Over 17.5 points
Scottie Barnes Over 8.5 rebounds
Scottie Barnes Over 4.5 assists
Scottie Barnes Over 1.5 steals
Thunder vs Raptors odds
Spread: Thunder +1.5 | Raptors -1.5
Moneyline: Thunder +105 | Raptors -125
Over/Under: Over 216.5 | Under 216.5
Thunder vs Raptors betting trend to know
The Raptors have hit the Game Total Under in 32 of their last 50 games for +12.20 Units and a 22% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Raptors.
How to watch Thunder vs Raptors
Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Oklahoma, TSN
Thunder vs Raptors latest injuries
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