PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint Germain returned to the top of the French league on Saturday thanks to a favor from Champions League playoff opponent Monaco.
Désiré Doue, Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos scored for PSG to defeat last-place Metz 3-0 and capitalize on Monaco’s earlier 3-2 win over previous leader Lens.
PSG moved two points clear of Lens with 11 rounds to play.
Lens had moved top the previous weekend with a 5-0 rout of promoted Paris FC while PSG lost 3-1 at Rennes.
But Lens’ hopes of a prolonged stay at the summit were dealt a bitter blow Saturday after it squandered a comfortable two-goal lead and conceded three goals to Metz after the hour-mark.
Lens stunned
Odsonne Édouard scored early with a volley for Lens and Florian Thauvin converted the rebound after Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn could only parry a deflected shot early in the second half.
That was as good as it got for the home team.
United States forward Folarin Balogun scored against the run of play in the 62nd, Denis Zakaria equalized in the 70th and Ansu Fati pounced on another defensive blunder to make it 3-2 two minutes after that.
It was quite the reversal for Monaco, which led PSG 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League playoff on Tuesday after two goals from Balogun, only to lose 3-2.
Lens’ evening was summed up when Saud Abdulhamid was booked for diving instead of getting a penalty that he felt he deserved.
PSG responds
Metz must have feared a rout when Doue scored after just two minutes of play after Warren Zaïre-Emery played a long ball in behind the high line of Metz defenders.
Ramos played the ball across goal for Barcola to head the second before the break.
The home team played it safe after it, when it failed to register a shot on target until Ramos got the third in the 77th.
PSG could arguably have scored more but seemed more intent on conserving energy for Wednesday’s rendezvous with Monaco for the second leg of their Champions League playoff in Paris. The winner will go on to face Barcelona or Chelsea in the round of 16.
Also Saturday, Argentine teenager Julián Vignolo scored late as a substitute for mid-table Toulouse to draw 1-1 with promoted Paris FC.
Sacramento picked up De'Andre Hunter at the trade deadline in a three-team deal that gave it a little more size on the wing as it sent out Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder to Cleveland.
Two games into his Kings career, Hunter suffered an eye injury that kept him out of the final three games before the All-Star break and the first one after it. It is serious enough that he underwent eye surgery on Friday and will miss the remainder of the season, the team announced (a story first reported by Chris Haynes and Marc Stein).
Hunter joins Domantas Sabonis (knee) and Zach LaVine (hand) as key Kings players now out for the season due to surgery. The Kings are 12-45 on the season and have lost 15 games in a row.
Hunter averaged 13.7 points and 4.1 rebounds a game between Cleveland and Sacramento this season, shooting just 30.5% from 3-point range. Hunter is under contract next season for $24.9 million, after which he becomes a free agent.
The Memphis Grizzlies welcome the Miami Heat to town, who are playing on the tail end of a back-to-back after a loss in a big win in Atlanta on Friday night.
Tyler Herro was solid in his return, and I’m targeting him to find a roll offensively in my Grizzlies vs. Heat predictions.
Read more in my NBA picks for Saturday, February 21.
Grizzlies vs Heat prediction
Grizzlies vs Heat best bet: Tyler Herro Over 17.5 points (-110)
It’s been an injury-riddled campaign for Tyler Herro, who has only made 12 appearances. However, he’s still playing well when available.
The guard returned from a month-long absence on Friday evening and showed out off the bench, leading the Miami Heat with 24 points. Dating back to January 10, before he suffered an injury, Herro has cashed the Over in five straight appearances.
Herro has averaged 20.2 PPG on the road across six outings, and he averaged 21.5 points last season against the Memphis Grizzlies across two meetings.
Grizzlies vs Heat same-game parlay
Bam Adebayo is averaging just 2.8 assists this season, but he’s cashed the Over in dimes in four straight appearances. The big man had five assists on Friday against Atlanta, and he’s hit the Over in three of his previous four games on the road.
Davion Mitchell is arguably the Heat’s top playmaker. In 47 games, he’s averaging 7.0 assists, and the Baylor product just dished out seven dimes against the Hawks.
He’s facilitating the ball at a very high level on the road, averaging 7.4 assists compared to 6.6 at home.
Grizzlies vs Heat SGP
Tyler Herro Over 17.5 points
Bam Adebayo Over 2.5 assists
Davion Mitchell Over 6.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Larsson cashing in
Pelle Larsson has cashed the Over in points in three of his previous four games.
Grizzlies vs Heat SGP
Tyler Herro Over 17.5 points
Bam Adebayo Over 2.5 assists
Davion Mitchell Over 6.5 assists
Pelle Larsson Over 10.5 points
Grizzlies vs Heat odds
Spread: Memphis +10.5 (-110) | Miami -10.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Memphis +375 | Miami -500
Over/Under: Over 235 (-110) | Under 235 (-110)
Grizzlies vs Heat betting trend to know
The Miami Heat have covered the 1H Spread in 34 of their last 50 games (+16.65 Units / 29% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. Heat.
How to watch Grizzlies vs Heat
Location
Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Date
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN SE-MEM, FDSN SU
Grizzlies vs Heat 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.
The All-Star break did nothing to slow down the relentless Detroit Pistons, who’ll look to extend their lead at the top of the East tonight against the rebuilding Chicago Bulls.
Detroit brings a 19-7 road record to the United Center, and my Pistons vs. Bulls predictions signal one-way traffic for Cade Cunningham & Co. as Chicago aims for better draft lottery positioning.
The Detroit Pistons’ intensity has been grinding opponents down all year, and there’s every reason to expect a similar script tonight against a Chicago Bulls team that’s 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games.
In contrast, Detroit has covered the spread in six of its past seven victories. After the visitors’ double-digit wins over the New York Knicks (twice) and Toronto Raptors this month, I’ll happily lay the points here.
Chicago turned its roster upside down at the trade deadline, and the hosts are on a seven-game losing skid. Tonight’s mismatch doesn’t feel like a chance to turn things around.
Pistons vs Bulls same-game parlay
With MVP-eligibility question marks surrounding SGA and Nikola Jokic, Cade Cunningham is still in the mix. I’m riding with a do n’t-forget-about-me SGP here after Cade downed the Knicks on Thursday with a 42-8-13 masterpiece.
Cunningham has scored 28+ points in five of his last six outings, and he’s hauled in 5+ rebounds in five straight games. As the cherry on top, he’s knocked down a combined 11 3-pointers in his past two contests.
Pistons vs Bulls SGP
Cade Cunningham Over 25.5 points
Cade Cunningham Over 1.5 threes
Cade Cunningham Over 4.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Three's a Crowd!
The 3-ball hasn’t been a big part of Detroit’s success this year, but tonight is a rare opportunity to let it fly against a Chicago team that’s allowing the highest opponent 3-point percentage in the league at 38%.
This sharpshooting SGP leans into a Pistons offense that shot 43% from downtown earlier this week at MSG, as well as steady sniping from Tre Jones, who’s had a 3-pointer in four of his last five outings.
Pistons vs Bulls SGP
Cade Cunningham Over 1.5 threes
Tobias Harris Over 1.5 threes
Duncan Robinson Over 2.5 threes
Tre Jones Over 0.5 threes
Pistons vs Bulls odds
Spread: Pistons -10.5 (-115) | Bulls +10.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Pistons -550 | Bulls +415
Over/Under: Over 230.5 (-110) | Under 230.5 (-110)
Pistons vs Bulls betting trend to know
The Pistons are 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings with the Bulls. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Bulls.
How to watch Pistons vs Bulls
Location
United Center, Chicago, IL
Date
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN DT, CHSN
Pistons vs Bulls 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.
The Washington Wizards are signing Tristan Vukcevic to a three-year, $9 million standard NBA contract, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Washington Wizards are signing two-way center Tristan Vukcevic to a new three-year, $9 million deal, sources tell ESPN. Team option in third season. The Wizards and the 7-footer's agent, Jason Ranne of Wasserman, reached the new contract Saturday. pic.twitter.com/hMnsnEctCB
The 7-foot forward was on an expiring two-way contract that had just 15 NBA games remaining before reaching the 50-game limit.
Vukcevic has averaged 7.9 points and 2.7 rebounds on 47.8% FG in 35 appearances with the Wizards this season.
After Washington dealt Marvin Bagley III to the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline, Vukcevic stepped into a backup role behind Alex Sarr and has started the last two games in Sarr’s absence.
When Sarr and Anthony Davis are healthy and form Washington’s starting frontcourt, Vukcevic projects as the team’s backup center entering the 2026-27 campaign.
The Wizards are signing F Leaky Black to fill their open two-way spot. Black, 26, has spent the last two seasons with the Capital City Go-Go. He’s averaged 10.9 points and 6.3 rebounds in 14 appearances this season.
Sometime in the next 24 hours, the NBA will hand down a one-game suspension to Minnesota center Rudy Gobert after he picked up his seventh flagrant foul of the season, this one for hitting Dallas' Marvin Bagley III in the head and neck area on Friday night.
Rudy Gobert hits Marvin Bagley III in the neck area and receives flagrant foul penalty 1 upon review (with replays)
Gobert will miss the next game, and every flagrant from now one will result in suspension pic.twitter.com/VdfpyOKtas
The NBA imposes a one-game suspension for any player who reaches six flagrant fouls in a season, plus an additional game for every flagrant after that. This will be Gobert's second one-game suspension for a flagrant foul this season, his first came after his sixth flagrant, a reckless closeout on fellow Frenchman Victor Wembanyama.
The suspension will cost Gobert $201,149 in salary (the Timberwolves get half of that as a luxury tax credit).
"I get hit in the head almost every game and I never get flagrants, but when sometimes inadvertently I hit somebody in the head, they never miss," Gobert said in the Timberwolves locker room. "They're always very hard on me on that even especially when it's not intentional. So, we're going to appeal it and hopefully they look at it and they see that it was just an accident. We will see. Just because I'm 7-foot doesn't mean that it doesn't hurt when I get hit in the head. I'm close to a superhuman, but I am not."
Gobert is averaging 11.2 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots per game and will likely finish in the top three in Defensive Player of the Year voting at the end of the season. Minnesota's defense is 8.8 points per 100 possessions worse when he is not on the court this season.
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 8: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic on December 8, 2024 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Who: Orlando Magic (29-25) vs. Phoenix Suns (32-24)
When: 3:00pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center— Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports
Listen: KMVP 98.7
The Phoenix Suns look to dust the rust off heading back home after a disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs the other day. Both teams coming into this contest have injuries to consider: in the previous contest, Devin Booker exited the game and did not return due to hip soreness.
Devin Booker is out due to right hip soreness, per Suns
For the Magic, they have seen an abundance of injuries this year, similarly to Phoenix, and this time, Franz Wagner is out.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner will be sidelined indefinitely after recent tests showed that he requires additional time and rehabilitation for soreness in his left high ankle sprain, sources tell ESPN. The Magic will evaluate Wagner's progress in three weeks. pic.twitter.com/ATPfPQQm1O
This leaves both teams fighting for a must-win, one for the Suns to start this nice home stretch, and for the Magic, a win would aid their efforts to climb out of the play-in race out east. With them both meeting for the first time and being physical defensive teams, expect a fun afternoon game that you certainly do not want to miss. Dillon Brooks is also back from serving his one-game suspension, benefiting this team on the defensive end.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
Grayson Allen — QUESTIONABLE (Right Ankle Sprain)
Devin Booker — OUT (Right Hip Strain)
Haywood Highsmith — OUT ( Right Knee Injury)
Cole Anthony — OUT (Not With Team)
Magic
Jalen Suggs — QUESTIONABLE (Back Spasms)
Franz Wagner — OUT (Left High Ankle Sprain)
Alex Morales — OUT (G-League Assignment)
Colin Castleton — OUT (G-League Assignment)
What to Watch For
I mentioned this earlier, but the physicality and defense will be worth keeping an eye on. Both teams are very physical on that end and love to get under their opponents’ skin, playing with toughness and aggression on every play. With recent games in Phoenix leading to lengthy reviews of physical play, altercations, and ridiculous foul calls, I expect this to happen again this afternoon.
If the Suns get blessed with a subpar officiating crew (a hard ask in Adam Silver’s NBA), then we could see a classic. With Brooks also coming back, he will have some juice he wants to expend early on both ends. Therefore, I do expect him to be that relentless pest on defense and to take a big load offensively with no Booker.
Oh, I also cannot forget that the Magic just signed former Phoenix Sun Jevon Carter after the Bulls bought him out. This will be cool for him to return to the Valley (in an actual role) and for all his old fans to show out for him too!
Key to a Suns Win
The Suns are making their threes and taking command in that regard. The Magic are in the bottom third of the league for shooting threes as a team. Even with the addition of Desmond Bane, it was not enough to help them completely change their biggest weakness from last year, which still lingers.
Yes, the Suns have struggled from beyond the arc as of late, but I do think that the shooting will eventually even out, hopefully, with a necessary avalanche of threes in this game. With some three-point scorers out, big games from Gillespie and Brooks will be needed, but also Jalen Green, who looked comfortable in his latest contest.
Prediction Time
The Suns shake off the rust from Texas and come home to represent the home crowd the right way, with a hard-fought win.
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - FEBRUARY 5: Grant Nelson #22 of the Long Island Nets shoots a free throw during the game against the Windy City Bulls on February 5, 2026 at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. 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 Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It was a mixed day Friday, as it often is, in the development game as the Long Island Nets lost at the buzzer to the Squadron in Birmingham, 104-102. With 0.6 seconds remaining Trey Alexander’s game-winner sent the Nets back to Long Island.
Neither of the two Brooklyn players assigned to the G League affiliate played that much of a role, particularly after they had looked so good Thursday. The three two-ways played solid ball as they often do and Grant Nelson, on a G League contract, registered his first double-double of the season adding to the intrigue around his future.
Beyond his 14 points and 12 rebounds in 25 minutes, there was another milestone. This was also his 14th straight start, matching the number of games he missed to a knee injury since resolved. The 25 minutes was most he’s played on a minutes restriction since his return. In those 14, 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.
How long will the restrictions last? Nelson said recently that he doesn’t know, but there has been progress from 16 to 18 minutes early on to 22 to 25 now. Also unresolved is who, if anyone, will fill the 15th and final roster spot in Brooklyn. That will likely have after-effects on Long Island.
His 14 points were tied for second on the team. While he only connected on three of his seven shots from the field, he was perfect from the foul stripe, going five-for-five. He missed on his only try from 3-point land. This is something that he’s been trying to integrate more into his game. He’s shot 2-of-13 from three this season.
Perhaps Nelson’s best trait was his ability to rebound the ball. Nelson hauled in 12, which led the team and was tied for the game-best. It also marked a career-high. Nelson brought in seven boards offensively. On top of his rebounds, Nelson also had three assists and one block. Nelson’s one Achilles heel in this one was his turnovers, in which he had four.
As for the Brooklyn rookie, Ben Saraf, he was one of the stars in Thursday’s Long Island win. His performance looked to be one he could build on and get back on the right path. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Saraf finished the game with just seven points. To make matters worse, he shot an abysmal 25%, connecting on just three of his 12 tries, only making one of his five tries from deep.
As for Josh Minott, he too shone Thursday in Long Island’s win, making a statement debut with Long Island. Sadly, in this one, Minott also proved to be a non-factor. Minott also connected on just three of his 12 shot attempts, including going two-for-seven from deep. He finished this one with nine points.
Minott also had four rebounds and two assists. One aspect of the game where Minott continued to do very well is shot blocking. The 6’8” finished Friday’s game with three blocks. His three blocks not only led the team, but were the most in the game.
EJ Liddell flirted with a double-double, connecting on five of his 12 tries, for 14 points, and brought in eight rebounds. Liddell also had one assist, one steal, and two blocks.
As for Tyson Etienne,he tallied 10 points in this one, connecting on just three of his seven tries. He went two-for-four from deep and also went two-for-three from the foul stripe. From the onset of this game, Etienne’s shots just weren’t looking as sharp as normal, which caused him to take substantially less than normal. Etienne also had four rebounds and three assists.
The Long Island bench looked better than the starters for almost the whole game. The third and final two-way player on hand for Long Island in this one, Chaney Johnson, scored 10 points off the bench. Johnson also hauled in 10 rebounds, giving him him a double-double. Malachi Smith led the team in scoring, tallying 17 points in his 30 minutes, as Hunter Cattoor came alive in the fourth quarter, finishing with 12 points.
Next Up
The Long Island Nets (14-10) return to the court on Monday, February 23rd, for a showdown with their former friend, Kendall Brown, and the Maine Celtics. This marks Long Island’s first of four straight home games as they make their return to the Nassau Coliseum. The game tips off at 7:00 p.m. EST and can be watched on the NBA G League website, as well as on the Gotham Sports app.
Polar opposites take the court Saturday as the 12-win Sacramento Kings travel to Texas to face the No. 2 seed San Antonio Spurs.
The end of the season can’t come fast enough for the visitors, and my Kings vs. Spurs predictions expect a blowout of epic proportions in favor of San Antonio.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this one-sided matchup on Saturday, February 21.
Kings vs Spurs prediction
Kings vs Spurs best bet: Spurs -18.5 (-110)
The 18.5-point spread is one of the highest I’ve seen for any game all season, but the lopsided lean is warranted.
The Sacramento Kings have struggled to play competitively with a healthy roster, but the losses of Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and De’Andre Hunter will make it even tougher for the Kings to compete.
The San Antonio Spurshave won seven straight and covered in six of them, while Sacramento has lost three straight by an average margin of 30.3 points while scoring no more than 94 points. The Spurs are 15-10-1 ATS at home, and the Kings are 9-19 on the road.
Kings vs Spurs same-game parlay
San Antonio’s defense is one of the best in the Association, and Sacramento’s offense is bereft of quality scoring options due to recent trades and season-ending injuries. Sacramento ranks 29th in scoring offense (109.9), while San Antonio ranks fifth in scoring defense (111.8).
Maxime Raynaud can hold his own, but the rookie will have very little support while trying to nab rebounds from Victor Wembanyama. Domantas Sabonis and Dylan Cardwell are out, and Wemby should have his way with the shorthanded Kings’ frontcourt.
Kings vs Spurs SGP
Spurs -18.5
Under 228.5
Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Harper Heats Up
Dylan Harper has scored 12+ in six of his last eight while averaging 14.6 points.
San Antonio should cruise to victory in this one, allowing Harper to see some extra run off the bench and easily clear this scoring line.
Kings vs Spurs SGP
Spurs -18.5
Under 228.5
Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds
Dylan Harper Over 11.5 points
Kings vs Spurs odds
Spread: Kings +18.5 (-110) | Spurs -18.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Kings +1000 | Spurs -2000
Over/Under: Over 228.5 (-115) | Under 228.5 (-105)
Kings vs Spurs betting trend to know
The Sacramento Kings have hit the team total Under in 32 of their last 50 games (+11.50 Units / 20% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Kings vs. Spurs.
How to watch Kings vs Spurs
Location
Moody Center, Austin, TX
Date
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSCA, KENS
Kings 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.
Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers head to The Big Easy tonight to take on the struggling New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center.
My 76ers vs. Pelicans predictions are eyeing Maxey to get hot from deep against a poor NOLA perimeter defense.
Read more in my NBA picks for Saturday, February 21.
76ers vs Pelicans prediction
76ers vs Pelicans best bet: Tyrese Maxey Over 3.5 threes (+110)
Tyrese Maxey is knocking down 3.4 three-pointers per game on 8.9 attempts, and he returned from the All-Star break by hitting 4 of 11 from beyond the arc. Although that marked his first Over in five games, there are signs he’s poised to heat up again.
Maxey has also been far more efficient on the road, shooting 40.2 percent from deep while averaging 3.5 makes per contest, making this matchup a favorable spot for another strong perimeter performance.
76ers vs Pelicans same-game parlay
Quentin Grimes is shooting 34.4% from three-point range this season, averaging 1.8 makes on 5.3 attempts per contest.
He’s cashed the Over in three of his last five games, going 2-for-4 on Thursday against Atlanta. Each of those appearances where he hit the Over was on the road.
While the Sixers lost their first game after the ASG break, they did beat the Pelicans by 10 points on January 31. New Orleans is also a horrendous 6-21 at home this season, while Philly has actually played well on the road, compiling a 15-10 record.
76ers vs Pelicans SGP
Tyrese Maxey Over 3.5 threes
Quentin Grimes Over 1.5 threes
76ers moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Drummond in rhythm
Andre Drummond has cashed the Over in points in three of his last four appearances, finishing in double digits in each game.
76ers vs Pelicans SGP
Tyrese Maxey Over 3.5 threes
Quentin Grimes Over 1.5 threes
76ers moneyline
Andre Drummond Over 8.5 points
76ers vs Pelicans odds
Spread: Philadelphia -3.5 (-115) | New Orleans +3.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Philadelphia -165 | New Orleans +140
Over/Under: Over 232 (-110) | Under 232 (-110)
76ers vs Pelicans betting trend to know
The Philadelphia 76ers have covered the Spread in 17 of their last 25 away games (+9.30 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Pelicans.
How to watch 76ers vs Pelicans
Location
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Date
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSP, GCSEN
76ers vs Pelicans 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.
LONDON (AP) — The rumors of Ireland's demise have been exaggerated.
Ireland revived its Six Nations title hopes and killed off England's after a shocking 42-21 blowout win at Twickenham on Saturday.
The script was expected to go the other way. England had not lost at home since autumn 2024, and a fiery retort after losing to Scotland at Murrayfield last weekend was expected to celebrate captain Maro Itoje's 100th England cap.
But England was flat and sloppy while Ireland looked and played like the No. 1-ranked team from 2023; energetic, efficient and fearless. Having slipped to No. 5, the Irish beat a team ranked higher than themselves for the first time since July 2024.
And it was historic: Ireland's highest score and biggest margin against England at Twickenham with a bonus point from scoring five tries to three.
Ireland shot to 22-0, led 22-7 at halftime, scored straight after the break and piled on. Jack Crowley booted seven from 10 for a personal 17 points in his second Six Nations start in two tournaments.
The clash of British and Irish Lions — 13 on Ireland's side and nine on England's — was a reminder of why Ireland dominated the successful squad in Australia last year.
Two consecutive losses have knocked out England from contending for the title. England finishes at Italy and, on the final weekend, defending champion France. Ireland goes home to welcome Wales and Scotland and hoping unbeaten France has an off-day somewhere.
An opening night hammering from France followed by an unconvincing win over Italy plunged Ireland into despair that a generational team was on the wane. But coach Andy Farrell's decision to give starts to Jamison Gibson-Park, Tadhg Beirne, Tadhg Furlong, Josh van der Flier and Crowley came up trumps.
Ireland was relieved early by England errors, highlighted by George Ford twice missing touch-finders into the left corner.
Injured winger James Lowe was replaced by Tommy O'Brien, whose first touch was to support a long break by fellow wing Robert Baloucoune. Gibson-Park quick-tapped, caught England sleeping and dashed over for the opening try that Crowley converted from the touchline.
England was suddenly full of holes. Ireland center Stuart McCloskey slipped off opposite Ollie Lawrence and Baloucoune was scoring. In a double blow for England, fullback Freddie Steward was yellow-carded for illegally trying to slow Gibson-Park.
Referee Andrea Piardi hurt his left leg and had to be replaced by Pierre Brousset, then Baloucoune was scoring off an O’Brien break for 22-0 after 30 minutes.
England coach Steve Borthwick pulled off Luke Cowan-Dickie and Steward for a spark from Jamie George and Marcus Smith and they finally pierced Ireland's magnificent scrambling defense a minute into injury time through Fraser Dingwall.
But the boost was short-lived.
Ireland used a yellow card to Henry Pollock in his first England start to get hooker Dan Sheehan over and Farrell was all smiles.
Pollock returned from the sin-bin to help Lawrence score a try and Ireland fullback Jamie Osborne was yellow-carded.
Itoje usually goes 80 minutes but in his milestone match he was replaced in the 55th.
Crowley added two penalties and a conversion to a try by Osborne straight out of the sin-bin. Ireland's hunger was relentless: McCloskey chased down Marcus Smith from behind to save a try in the 73rd. That earned a fist-pump by Farrell in the coaches' box.
Sam Underhill claimed England's third converted try but moments later Ireland was doing a lap of honor at Twickenham, celebrating a sixth win at England's home in the Six Nations era. No other Six Nations team since 2000 has more than two wins.
TURIN, Italy (AP) — Juventus’ damaging week continued in Serie A on Saturday with a 2-0 loss at home to Como that dents the Italian power’s hopes of Champions League qualification.
The defeat comes days after the Bianconeri’s 5-2 loss at Galatasaray in the first leg of the playoffs in this season’s Champions League. Juventus welcomes the Turkish team for the second leg on Wednesday.
Mërgim Vojvoda scored early for Como with a shot that Michele Di Gregorio should have saved after getting his arm to ball. The chance came about after Juventus’ Weston McKennie lost the ball in midfield.
There were whistles from frustrated Juve fans at the break, and it didn’t get any better for their team after the restart.
Lucas da Cunha broke through to set up Maxence Caqueret for Como’s second in the 61st.
It's Juventus' third straight defeat across all competitions and its fifth game in a row without a win.
Luciano Spalletti's team remained fifth, a point behind Roma before the capital club hosts Cremonese on Sunday. Como stayed sixth, a point behind Juve. Only the top four qualify for Europe’s premier competition.
League leader Inter Milan could open a 10-point gap with a win at Lecce later, before Lazio was to visit Cagliari for the late game.
Tyrese Maxey has been the main man for the Philadelphia 76ers this season, putting up career numbers. The guard is averaging a career-high 28.9 points, and he’s also shooting an impressive 37.9% from downtown.
The Kentucky product is averaging 3.4 makes on 8.9 attempts per night, and Maxey just went 4-for-11 from deep in his first game back from the All-Star break. While that’s the first time he’s cashed the Over in triples in five appearances, there’s reason to believe Maxey will get hot from deep.
The Sixers take on the lowly New Orleans Pelicans tonight, who are allowing point guards to average 3.55 threes per game. Maxey is also shooting 40.2% from downtown on the road, averaging 3.5 makes.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCSP,GCSEN
Prop #2: Cade Cunningham Over 25.5 points
-105 at bet365
Cade Cunningham is the main driving force behind the Detroit Pistons’ miraculous season, and he didn’t miss a beat in his return from the All-Star festivities. Cade proceeded to drop 42 against the New York Knicks on Thursday in a huge win at Madison Square Garden.
The guard is averaging 25.7 PPG in 2025-26, and he’s cashed the Over in five of his last six outings. During that span, Cunningham has scored 30+ points three times. The 24-year-old is averaging 27.6 points on the road, and Detroit is in Chicago this evening.
He’ll cook in The Windy City.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network-Detroit, CHSN
Prop #3: Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points
-105 at bet365
Kevin Durant is a walking bucket, and he’s lived up to expectations in his first season with the Houston Rockets. KD is averaging 26 PPG, which ranks 11th in the league. He erupted for 35 points on Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets.
The veteran has hit the Over in points in just three of his last six, but Durant is averaging 27.3 points per game on the road this season, and the Rockets head to MSG tonight to face the New York Knicks.
There’s always an added pressure playing at The Garden, and I have no doubts Durant will rise to the occasion and make this one competitive.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. 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.
Feb 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson (9) is fouled by Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks returned to State Farm Arena to begin a significant stretch of home games but fell to a disappointing 128-97 defeat to the Miami Heat on Friday night. Onyeka Okongwu led the scoring with 22 points, with CJ McCollum and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 20 points. For the Heat, Tyler Herro played his first game since mid-January, scoring 24 points. Bam Adebayo added 17 points as seven Miami players hit double-figure scoring efforts.
The Hawks were in a rest-disadvantaged situation heading into this contest. Having been on the road and captured an impressive win in Philadelphia on Thursday night, they would have returned late to Atlanta that night, while the Heat were already waiting for the Hawks. This was Miami’s first game after the break, and they opened the game like a team who were playing with a rest advantage, running out to an 11-3 start before quickly establishing a double-digit lead in the first quarter.
The Hawks missed a number of shots that could have easily swung the other way (such as three-point attempts from Zaccharie Risacher and Okongwu), but what was a common theme throughout the night was Atlanta’s poor defense in the paint, where Miami scored 72 points.
A few instances from the first quarter: Adebayo is easily able to beat Okongwu on the drive and beats him to the rim:
As if often the case this season, if Okongwu is forced to rotate or step up, it leaves a gaping hole at the rim where teams can exploit the Hawks’ lack of size at the rim. Risacher is easily beaten on the perimeter, forcing Okongwu to step up, which allows Norman Powell to toss a lob to Kel’el Ware, who is easily able to finish with Okongwu out of the picture:
Really, really poor from Risacher here to put the Hawks in a vulnerable position. I have no idea what resistance he thinks this is, but Powell just gets by him as if he wasn’t there (which he may as well have not been on this possession).
A poor defensive sequence from the normally positive Alexander-Walker, who falls behind too easily on the give-and-go exchange from Herro and Kasparas Jakučionis. Herro easily getting by as Alexander-Walker gets caught trying to reach in, and Herro recognizes the opportunity to get ahead of Alexander-Walker, who tries a desperate slap-down to try and salvage the possession as Herro hits the runner:
The Hawks fell behind by 15 points in the early stages of the second quarter before the Hawks were ignited by an 11-point McCollum quarter that saw the Hawks actually tie this game. McCollum hit three three-pointers, as the Hawks hit seven threes in the second quarter alone to reign in the Heat. However, a disappointing end to the quarter saw the Hawks fall behind by six points heading into the locker room as Adebayo gets the better of Okongwu again at the rim for the basket:
The third quarter played out similarly to the first quarter: the Hawks missing shots while offering little resistance to prevent Miami from scoring. This play just over two minutes into the second half sums it up, as Davion Mitchell strolls by Jalen Johnson for the score at the rim, leading to a timeout:
This was only the Heat’s second basket of the quarter, but after a poor, off-balance shot by Okongwu in the lane followed by…I don’t even know how to kindly describe Jalen Johnson’s defense/effort on that possession. The Hawks are on the second night of a back-to-back, but you cannot use that excuse for that type of defense coming out after halftime in a game/against a team the Hawks actually need to win more than others.
This is a team the Hawks are competing with for a play-in spot, and that kind of defense from Johnson — the team’s leading player — is absolutely unacceptable, especially from a player who is more than capable of being an excellent defender. However, since his growth in offensive responsibilities/capabilities, his on-ball defense has taken an absolute nosedive, and that play really sums up the drop-off.
The Heat re-established their double-digit lead, and while a quick run brought that back down to six points, the Heat didn’t take long to push their lead back out to double digits. The Hawks continued to struggle offensively, shooting 9-of-27 from the field, including 1-of-7 from Johnson in the third quarter alone.
The Hawks tried to go to McCollum in hopes of another spark, and while he did score seven points in the third, it was not enough for the Hawks as the Heat eased their way into the fourth with a double-digit lead. The same recipe repeated in the fourth quarter as the Hawks offered little resistance in the paint.
Another example shown in this play, as Risacher gets drawn to the middle and loses sight of Jaime Jaquez Jr., who makes the cut behind Risacher and finishes at the rim:
In the end, the Heat shot 68% around the rim, making a total of 34 made baskets around the rim, which is a lot of baskets to concede at the rim:
The Heat eased away from the Hawks, and the game became a rout, a 128-97 loss at home as the chants of ‘Let’s go Heat’ sounded at State Farm Arena. A disappointing return to State Farm Arena after the All-Star break.
In contrast, the Hawks shot 45% around the rim (well below the 60% league average number), and Hawks head coach Quin Snyder was left to reflect on the Hawks’ percentage at the rim, including keeping the Hawks’ awareness on drives and creating better shots and the process of players continuing to learn with the Hawks’ preferred tendencies offensively.
“We talk a lot about having your eyes out,” said Snyder postgame. “Whatever those shots are, not all shots at the rim are created equal, and there’s times when we’re in a crowd, or we’re trying to finish over somebody, we need to make better decisions in that area. We need each other on offense, and the possessions where that happens, you can feel them. We can generate better shots. When we’re not doing that, that’s not our strength, and it’s going to show with our shot quality. That’s something that we just need to internalize, there’s no shame in that. But we have to generate offense together, whether that means running or movement, passing, and that’s gonna be key for us. We’re at a point now where there’s some guys that are learning that, guys are learning new roles. The end game is the same: that’s what it needs to look like. When you see that, there’s some really good possessions where we get good looks and good things happen and then when we’re not that connected, the result isn’t good enough to win a game.”
Jalen Johnson, similarly, highlighted that when the Hawks are at their best when they execute their gameplan, and admitted the Hawks did not do this last night.
“I think when we’re consistent with the game plan and we come out executing the gameplan, that’s when we’re at our best,” said Johnson. “I don’t think we did a good job of executing the gameplan tonight.”
Snyder alluded to the Hawks’ lack of defensive consistency when the ball wasn’t falling for them on the offensive end, when Snyder wasn’t unhappy with how the Hawks were playing.
“In the first quarter we started out, and even though we weren’t scoring, we had a hard time seeing the ball go in,” said Snyder. “I didn’t think we were playing poorly, offensively. We hung in there with our defense, and there’s a point when the toughness that’s required to kind of keep your focus and continue to sustain defensively when you’re not getting… It’s different, missing shots is different than not getting quality possessions. When you don’t get quality possessions, it becomes much harder to defend, and we teetered with that for a while, and then it slipped. Suddenly, it went from six, eight, ten, and bubbled up to high double digits.”
If by ‘hung in with our defense’ he means give up 70+ points in the paint, allow 34 baskets around the rim, many of them with ease, then, sure, you could say the Hawks hung in there. I’d argue that were it not for the second quarter, and that run where Alexander-Walker and McCollum were hitting shots and brought the Hawks to tie the game, this game would’ve been close to a 40-point blowout. On the balance of the first, third, and fourth quarters, this margin of victory I think reflects the game as a whole. The second quarter was, ultimately, the outlier.
“I think the first quarter, we were kind of getting our sea legs back,” said McCollum. “We didn’t get out and run, didn’t get stops, a little sluggish. Second quarter, we got out and ran, Corey got a dunk, got a transition three, got some rim pressure, got some kick out threes from eyes-out. I think that was the difference. We got a little bit of defensive momentum, obviously 29 points in the first, 28 in the second, so got a couple more stops and tried to prevent second chance opportunities. We tried to ride the wave of momentum but couldn’t sustain it.”
McCollum, generally, held a more realistic assessment of the Hawks’ shortcoming last night.
“Defensively, I think we could have been better with our communication, could have been better in pick-and-rolls,” said McCollum. “I think they went to zone to start that fourth quarter, I think that changed the game and they took advantage of some turnovers, some missed shots … and I don’t think we did enough to win. Herro got off, he got too much freedom, too much space in his pick-and-rolls, too much space in his pull-ups. We’ve got to do a better job of getting the ball in. I think a lot of guys hurt us tonight, and I think we didn’t deserve to win this game.”
In a question alluding to the back-to-back situation the Hawks found themselves in, McCollum maintained that despite a lack of rest, the Heat were able to impose themselves easily in this game to take a deserved victory.
“I would like to go to sleep before 3 A.M. last night, but they beat us, it is what it is,” said McCollum. “They came out, they played better than us. They got off to a good start; it was up 8-0. They executed better than us, they got points in transition, they got threes, they got rim pressure, they did whatever they wanted tonight. So back-to-back or not, they did enough to win, we didn’t do enough to win.”
Individually, there were some solid offensive games from Okongwu (22 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field, and 4-of-5 from three), Alexander-Walker (20 points on 8-of-18 shooting), and McCollum (20 points on 8-of-16 from the field). However, struggles from Dyson Daniels (four points on 2-of-7 shooting), and Zaccharie Risacher had a particularly rough game on both sides of the ball (and shot 1-of-8 from the field) which was far from ideal. However, Jalen Johnson shot a woeful 6-of-22 from the field, attempting often to get inside and draw contact and fouls/free throws, but didn’t receive a lot of the calls he wanted.
While Johnson registered a triple-double (16 points, 16 rebounds, 11 assists), he was very much aware of his poor game.
“I don’t really care for no triple-double, I played terrible tonight,” said Johnson. “I just got to be better, and I just got to be better for my teammates, but we have another chance on Sunday to regroup and hopefully string together some wins. We’re home for quite, quite a long stretch, so, the chances are right in front of us. We just got to go out there and get it.”
Johnson registered just two free throw attempts in this game, a stark contrast to the 16 attempts he took against the Sixers on Thursday night.
“Those are two physical teams,” said Johnson when asked about the free throw disparity. “So last night it was just, it’s kind of different with the whistle. Tonight I just try to keep that same mentality and trying to be aggressive. I didn’t draw as many fouls as I would like and get some easy ones going early … this is something you got to adjust to and more importantly, just continue to play through. They’re going to see what they see and they’re human too and they make mistakes. I just got to continue to play through all that.”
Johnson didn’t have a great offensive game, obviously, and while he took some tough shots in traffic, nights like this can happen. While the offense for the Hawks obviously not great (shooting 38% from the field), the defense was of greater concern as they conceded 128 points on 52% shooting. Not to beat a dead horse, it’s the defensive side of the ball you want to see more from Johnson, and where’s so much more capable than he has shown. Johnson’s offense will be fine, and while I think a triple-double isn’t reflective of a good game but instead says a lot to say how impactful he can be despite playing poorly offensively.
All in all, a tough loss for the Hawks. On paper, probably not an unexpected loss on the second night of a back-to-back, but when you watch it unfold, I think it becomes a lot more disappointing.
The defensive effort was really poor and was difficult to watch at times. Miami is good at driving the ball and getting out in transition — a nightmare if, for example, the opposition is shooting poorly, like the Hawks did last night — but against a team that the Hawks are actually looking to compete with and jostle for seeding, the urgency required was absent. It’s one thing to compete and come up short, but the lack of urgency was of greater concern.
The Heat now lead the season-series 2-1, with the last matchup coming on the last day of the regular season. The Hawks, however, may not get close enough for that matter after that loss, now 3.5 games adrift of the Heat for the 8-seed. Not impossible to turnaround, but certainly a challenge.
Good news for the Hawks (27-31), however, is that they’ve got plenty of home games that aren’t back-to-backs, and beginning with the Brooklyn Nets (15-40) at State Farm Arena on Sunday afternoon. A good opportunity for a bounce back at the very least for the hosts.
A burner. In a group chat full of “stan” accounts. Speaking poorly of his teammates.
What?
Well, it’s a testament to your poor judgment if you expect emotional maturity from NBA superstars. This man has been exalted for 20 years. Shame is likely less of a variable in his life than it is in yours or mine.
That said, it is imperative (potentially for legal reasons, and if not certainly for journalistic integrity) to note that we do not know if it was Durant.
It does feel like it was Durant, though, doesn’t it?
He had every opportunity to deny it. Deflection without denial is suspect at best. If you suspect your partner of cheating, and when confronted, they tell you, “I’m not here to talk about all that cheating nonsense”…
I have got bad news for you.
Still, speculation is speculative in nature. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn’t. Here’s the rub:
The Rockets may have to make a choice this summer anyway.
Rockets might reach an inflection point
Theoretically, there are three options:
Do nothing.
Win-now moves
Future-focused moves
If the Rockets win a playoff series, option 1 will likely appeal. The theory that re-inserting Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams into the equation will yield sufficient improvement will carry some weight.
What if they don’t?
I just spilled ample ink on how important Fred VanVleet is. So much as I stand by that, it would be a bit hard to accept that a first-round exit team would be vaulted into serious title contention by his low assist-to-turnover ratio. If the Rockets can’t win one playoff series, it’s hard decision time.
In essence, that means either Antetokounmpo season, or sending Durant to the Hornets team he (allegedly) so openly admires.
Most Rockets fans will prefer the latter route. It’s understandable. There is a prevalent parasocial attachment to the “young core.” It’s human.
The fact that I’m impervious to it may be a subject for therapy.
Here’s a harsh reality check: That young core is getting older. Life comes at you fast. Statistically speaking, NBA players tend to level off, improvement-wise, around year 5, or age 25. Here’s a whole academic study if you need something*
*I only read the abstract, but the information is there.
Alperen Sengun is 23, and over halfway to 24. Amen Thompson is the same age. By now, the Rockets’ front office should at least be considering the possibility that Sengun just won’t ever be as efficient around the rim as his best-case comparisons are. They have to be entertaining the idea that Thompson will never have a workable jump shot.
Ergo, they have to be considering the possibility that they didn’t draft “the guy”.
None of which is to say this choice is easy. This team is still talented. Houston could trade Durant for rotational guys and a first-round pick. They could forge ahead as a perennial first or second-round exit, hoping to strike gold in the draft. It’s legitimately not a bad plan.
Here’s the only strong conclusion I’m looking to draw here: If the Rockets don’t win a playoff series, Option 1 should not be attractive to them. It’s a waste of everyone’s time. If they can’t get that far in 2025-26, something substantive should change this summer.
