KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Delaney Gibb had 19 points, eight assists and four steals to lead BYU to a 70-52 win over rival Utah in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament on Thursday.
The ninth-seeded Cougars (22-10) won their fifth straight game and beat the eighth-seeded Utes (19-12) for the third time this season to advance to play top seed and No. 10-ranked TCU in a Friday quarterfinal.
Gibb made four 3-pointers as did Brinley Cannon, who scored 12 points. Lara Rohkohl scored all 12 of her points in the second half, including nine in a pivotal third quarter, and had eight rebounds.
Lani White scored 20 points, the only Ute in double figures.
Down 11 early in the third quarter, BYU shot 53% and outscored Utah 24-7 in the period to lead 51-43 after scoring the final 15 points.
Gibb's 3-pointer gave BYU a 12-point edge early in the fourth quarter while the Utes went scoreless for over five minutes. She heaved up another 3 to beat the shot clock for a 16-point edge with 1:18 remaining.
Cannon made three 3-pointers and BYU was 6 of 12 from the arc in the first quarter when it took a 22-17 lead. But the in the second quarter, the Cougars missed all six from the arc and were 2 of 12 overall. Utah took advantage, scoring 13 straight points and outscoring the Cougars 19-5 when White scored 11 of her 16 first-half points for a 36-27 lead.
Neither team reached 40% shooting but BYU made 11 of 30 from the arc and turned 19 turnovers into 18 points.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Jaloni Cambridge had 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists, Chance Gray added 18 points, and No. 11 Ohio State eased past Indiana 83-59 on Thursday in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament.
Ohio State (25-6), a No. 5 seed, advances to play 19th-ranked Minnesota in the quarterfinals on Friday. The Buckeyes secured their fifth straight season with 25-plus wins.
Cambridge and Gray combined for 10 of Ohio State's points during a 12-0 run to take the first double-digit lead of the game at 24-14. The Buckeyes' lead did not drop below eight points the rest of the half and Gray's 3-pointer with 20 seconds left made it 36-24 at the break.
Ohio State added a 10-0 run early in the third quarter for a 17-point advantage. The Buckeyes led by as many as 30 points, 81-51, with three minutes remaining in the game.
Kennedy Cambridge had 14 points and Elsa Lemmilä grabbed 13 rebounds to go with six points, five assists and three blocks for Ohio State. Gray made four of Ohio State’s 10 3-pointers — a game after the Buckeyes sank a program-record 18 3s in an 87-68 win against then-No. 15 Michigan State on Sunday.
Maya Makalusky led Indiana (18-14) with 21 points and five 3-pointers. Shay Ciezki added 12 points and Nevaeh Caffey scored 10.
Up next
Ohio State: Looks to even the season series with Minnesota after a 74-61 loss on Feb. 18.
Indiana finished the regular season with a 6-12 record in Big Ten play.
___
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 22: Khaman Maluach #10 of the Phoenix Suns controls a rebound during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 22, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Blazers defeated the Suns 92-77. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who: Phoenix Suns (35-26) vs. Chicago Bulls (25-37)
When: 7:00 pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Arizona’s Family
Listen: KMVP 98.7
The Phoenix Suns return home tonight looking to keep the momentum rolling after their recent win over the Sacramento Kings.
The Bulls, meanwhile, are limping into the finish line this season. They just had an 11-game losing streak snapped recently, and have lost 12 of their last 13 games. Key injuries, along with shipping out several starters and overhauling the team’s outlook, have them looking towards the future. They did just play the Thunder competitively in their last game, only losing by eight points, but of course, SGA did not suit up in that one.
For the Suns, the story of the past few weeks has been resilience. Phoenix has managed to stay in the thick of the Western Conference playoff picture despite a wave of injuries that has forced head coach Jordan Ott to rely on depth, creativity, and a constantly shifting rotation.
Phoenix enters as 10.5-point favorites in this one as they aim for their third straight victory and 36th win of the season.
This Suns team will continue to let it fly from deep. Devin Booker’s return will help with spacing, so it’s no surprise to see that immediate benefit for Grayson Allen, Collin Gillespie, and even Jalen Green the other night in the win vs. Sacramento.
Khaman, Man!
It’s time to unleash Man Man. With Mark Williams out tonight, this will serve as a perfect opportunity for the Suns’ rookie big man to play in meaningful minutes. It’s fitting that it will come against his former teammate Nick Richards, who is now on the Bulls.
Oso Ighodaro on Suns rookie Khaman Maluach playing tonight vs. Bulls with Mark Williams (foot) being OUT: "He'll be ready. I told him when he got drafted, that somehow, someway, there's always an opportunity during the year. His came 60 games in, but he's been working every… https://t.co/CAqXdvSo64pic.twitter.com/R9nm9TFmsX
Small ball will be the theme from the Chicago side, as the Bulls don’t have a traditional center playing heavy minutes outside of Nick Richards and a bit of Leonard Miller. This feels like the perfect Oso game.
The Suns will wait on the injury report, but if Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis are both available, that’s where most of Phoenix’s defense focus should be. Containing those two will be the key to avoiding an upset.
Key to a Suns Win
SHOW UP!
Do not take anything for granted. The NBA can humble you quickly. Despite being the heavy favorites and the Bulls limping into this one, Phoenix needs to take care of business and not take Chicago lightly. The Suns have done a great job of playing hard, no matter the opponent, so this shouldn’t be an issue.
Offensive Flow
The Suns need quality reps with Devin Booker and Jalen Green playing side-by-side. In the last contest vs. the Kings, they combined for 37 points on 35 shots. That has to improve. Efficiency and playing off one another come with reps and building chemistry, something they haven’t had a ton of time to do. I’d like to see 45+ points combined in a much more efficient manner while cutting the turnovers down.
Collin Gillespie and Grayson Allen looked sharp last game, scoring 35 points on 25 shots. When this entire group of guards can all click in the same game, it’s going to be a scary sight. Heck, even if three of them shoot well, it’s going to be difficult to beat this team.
Bench Production
For the Bulls, Collin Sexton and Nick Richards have become significant pieces for them of late, along with Rob Dillingham. We’ll see how the injury report potentially shuffles things, but the Suns have Grayson Allen leading the second unit. The question is, who else will step up? Being down Mark Williams, Dillon Brooks, and Jordan Goodwin tests the Suns’ depth. The rookies will look to put their stamp on this one, as we’re likely to see double-figure minutes from both Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluach in this one.
"I know how well I'm playing off how I'm playing defense."
Suns rookie Rasheer Fleming coming off matching career highs in points (8) and rebounds (6) in Tuesday's win at Sacramento.
On Devin Booker and Jalen Green praising him after the game: "They instill confidence in me… pic.twitter.com/HFXwLL7ukQ
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 2: The sneakers worn by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on MARCH 2, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
It will be just the second game between the two Western Conference teams, but the game will carry significant weight. A win for the Lakers would move them ahead of the Nuggets for the fifth seed in the conference standings.
The Lakers enter the game in sixth place with a 37-24 overall record. Doncic had 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in L.A.'s 110-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, March 3. LeBron James added 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for the Lakers.
The Nuggets have a 38-24 record on the season after finishing 5-5 in their past five games. Jokic had 22 points and 12 rebounds in Denver's 128-125 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday, March 2. Jamal Murray had a huge impact, scoring 46 points and dishing out eight assists.
DULUTH, Ga. (AP) — Hannah Hidalgo had 28 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals, Cassandre Prosper added 12 points and No. 5 seed Notre Dame beat 12th-seeded Miami 69-54 on Thursday in the second round of the ACC Tournament.
Notre Dame (21-9), which received 26 votes in the latest AP poll, moves on to play No. 4 seed NC State in the quarterfinals on Friday. The Fighting Irish have won six consecutive games and eight of the last nine, including downing then-No. 10 Louisville at home on Sunday.
Notre Dame led by 18 points entering the fourth quarter before Miami scored the opening 10 to get within 58-50. Gisela Sanchez made Notre Dame's first field goal of the fourth with 4:21 left for an 11-point lead and the Hurricanes missed their next four field goals.
Notre Dame's lead did not drop below 10 points over the final four minutes of the game.
Hidalgo, who was named ACC player of the year and ACC defensive player of the year on Tuesday, went 12 of 22 from the field to help Notre Dame shoot 46%. Iyana Moore added 11 points and Malaya Cowles grabbed 12 rebounds.
Gal Raviv scored 15 points and Ahnay Adams added 13 for Miami (17-14). Ra Shaya Kyle, averaging a team-high 16.8 points per game, had 11 points, 15 rebounds and nine turnovers.
Up next
Miami, which defeating 13th-seeded Stanford 83-76 in overtime on Wednesday to begin the tournament, hopes to receive a postseason invite.
Notre Dame looks for its second victory against NC State this season after a 79-67 contest on Feb. 15.
BROOKLYN, NY - FEBRUARY 24: Kyrie Irving #11 and Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on February 24, 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
The Dallas Mavericks have been without Cooper Flagg for eight-straight games, making for some lousy viewing experiences of late. There is a good chance Flagg returns for tonight’s tip-off against the Orlando Magic, but that’s not the only reason you should be interested in seeing how this one plays out.
On Wednesday, we took a look at the remaining schedule and which games are of most interest the rest of the way, but the game against the Magic didn’t garner much attention. When viewed alongside another game on the NBA schedule, tonight’s outcome could mean much more to the Mavericks than meets the eye. The New Orleans Pelicans are set to face the Sacramento Kings, with the outcome of both games having meaningful impact on Draft positioning this offseason.
Dallas vs. Orlando
Dallas (21-40) currently sits in 12th place in the Western Conference. The Mavs are riding a four-game losing streak and have lost eight of their last ten games. Orlando (32-28) is the Eastern Conference 7th seed, in a veritable tie with the Miami Heat (33-29). Trending better than Dallas, the Magic have won six of ten and enter the night having won their last game.
The Mavericks are an abysmal 7-20 on the road so far this season and will be without a number of rotation players even if Flagg does return. Meanwhile, the Magic have every incentive to hit the gas and hold their ever so slight edge over the Heat who will play the Brooklyn Nets tonight for a likely win.
New Orleans vs. Sacramento
New Orleans (19-44) is currently the 13th seed in the West, right behind Dallas. They have been playing better of late, getting wins in six of their last ten games. The Kings (14-49) hold the dubious distinction of having the worst record in the league and like Dallas, have only won two of their last ten games.
The Pelicans are just slightly worse on the road than even Dallas, going 8-23 away from home to this point. Still, it seems they will have a hard time falling to the Kings who have fully embraced the tank and again, hold the league’s worst record.
Best case scenario
The best-case scenario is a matter of perspective. Assuming you see the value in Dallas picking up better draft positioning, a Mavericks loss and Pelicans win would draw them a bit closer to the sixth best place in the “Tank Standings.”
In a normal scenario, the loss column is what matters as teams jockey for better position and a higher seed. For Dallas, the inverse is true with the win column taking on added importance as they seek better draft positioning. If Dallas takes the L and New Orleans gets a W, the Mavs will only be separated by a single game from the Pelicans. I’m personally not one to outright root for the Mavericks to lose games, but with only 21 games remaining in a difficult season, tonight could play a huge part in how things shake out in the upcoming Draft Lottery.
Jordan Brodess will have his latest Draft Lottery watch to round out the week, so be sure to check that out with the latest updates after tonight’s games are in the books.
I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 26: Reed Sheppard #15 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket on Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter during the 2025-26 Emirates Cup at Chase Center on November 26, 2025 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors begin a three-game road trip Thursday night with a matchup against the Houston Rockets. The game is set for 4:30 PM PT in Houston and can be watched on Prime Video and NBC Sports Bay Area.
Golden State enters tonight’s matchup on a two-game losing streak following Monday’s 114-101 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Warriors started off strong, jumping out to a 31-19 lead in the first quarter and building a cushion that reached as many as 17 points. But the Clippers slowly worked their way back before taking full control after halftime, outscoring the Warriors 72-45 over the final two quarters.
Kawhi Leonard led all scorers with 23 points for Los Angeles. Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with 22 points, while two-way wing Nate Williams provided a surprising spark off the bench with 18 points on 5-of-8 shooting.
Kerr credited the second-half defense of the Clippers — who slowed the pace after a brisker first half — and highlighted the play of Nate Williams.
“It’s fun watching him. Young player. Live body. Can make a shot. … Nate is a very impressive player.”
One of the main storylines heading into Thursday’s matchup is the availability of Kristaps Porzingis. The Warriors’ newly acquired big man has appeared in just one game for Golden State while missing the past five with an illness. Porzingis has already been ruled out for tonight’s game, but he did travel with the team unlike the previous road trip, offering hope that he could return at some point during this stretch.
Kristaps Porzingis remains out for a sixth straight game tomorrow night in Houston. Did make the trip with the Warriors. Moses Moody is out with a right wrist sprain suffered last game. Will Richard still out with an ankle sprain.
Without Porzingis, Stephen Curry, and now Moses Moody — who is also out after injuring his shoulder against the Clippers — generating offense will be a challenge for Golden State. That task becomes even tougher considering their opponent is a Rockets team that ranks fifth in the NBA with a defensive rating of 111.7 and features athletic young wings like Amen Thompson.
That puts additional pressure on Podziemski to carry the scoring load. The third-year guard is averaging 12.4 points per game this season and is the only Warrior to appear in all 61 games. He has scored 16 points or more in four of the team’s last five games and will likely need another strong performance for the Warriors to have a chance in this one.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nastja Claessens had 14 points, eight rebounds and a key block in the closing seconds and Kansas State ended the game on a 21-0 run to beat No. 21 Texas Tech on Thursday in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament.
Kansas State (17-16), the No. 12 seed, advances to the quarterfinals against No. 4 seed Oklahoma State on Friday. The Wildcats opened the tournament by breaking an 18-year Big 12 women’s tournament record and tied the school record by sinking 17 3-pointers in a 91-66 victory over Cincinnati.
Kansas State trailed 51-37 with 7:43 left in the fourth quarter after Texas Tech's 10-0 run spanning the third-quarter break. But the Lady Raiders would not score against, missing 13 straight shots and not attempting a free throw in the fourth.
Tess Heal put Kansas State ahead 54-51 with 52.7 seconds left on a driving layup. Texas Tech grabbed an offensive rebound after a missed 3-pointer, but Claessens blocked the putback attempt and secured the ball before calling a timeout with 36.1 left.
Taryn Sides sealed it by making two free throws and Heal added two free throws with 19.2 seconds left.
Sides finished with 13 points, Aniya Foy added 12 and Heal had 10 for Kansas State, which did not have a double-digit scorer until the fourth quarter. The Wildcats were just 5 of 25 from 3-point range and shot 34% overall.
Snudda Collins was the lone double-digit scorer for the fifth-seeded Texas Tech (25-7) with 14 points. The Lady Raiders were 16 of 56 from the field (29%).
Earlier this year, Texas Tech's undefeated season came to an end at 19-0 on Jan. 17 after a 65-59 loss to Kansas State.
Up next
Kansas State beat Oklahoma State 70-61 in the only regular-season meeting on Feb. 10.
Texas Tech is hoping to make its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2013.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Elle Ladine scored a season-high 25 points, Avery Howell added 18 points and nine rebounds and Washington defeated USC 76-64 in the second round of Big Ten Tournament on Thursday.
The eighth-seeded Huskies (22-9) will take on top seed and second-ranked UCLA in a Friday quarterfinal.
Hannah Stines scored 12 points, Brynn McGaughy added 10 and Yulia Grabovskaia collected 10 rebounds for Washington. Leading scorer Sayvia Sellers (19.2) dealt with four fouls and had just four points on free throws in 28 minutes. Other Huskies filled the scoring gap with Washington shooting 50% and dominating the boards 44-27 in outscoring the Trojans 40-14 in the paint.
Londynn Jones scored 19 points, Kennedy Smith added 14 and Laura Williams had 13 rebounds to go with nine points for the Trojans (17-13).
Big Ten freshman of the year Jazzy Davidson, who leads the Trojans in scoring, rebounding and assists, scored eight points on 2-of-13 shooting over 29 minutes. Davidson, who appeared to hurt her shoulder early on, sat out the final seven minutes.
The Huskies led by double figures throughout the second half and by as many as 23. They shot 67% in the third quarter with Ladine scoring eight points to lead 56-36. USC got as close as 10 with two minutes left in the game.
After a first quarter when the teams combined for just 14 points, Ladine scored 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting in the second including the last six points for a 32-20 halftime edge.
USC won a home meeting with Washington 59-50 in the regular season.
Up next
Washington lost at UCLA 82-67 on Feb. 19.
USC waits to see where it will land in the NCAA Tournament field.
It’s easy to forget now, both with Jayson Tatum’s impending return sending a jolt of energy through New England, and the way the Boston Celtics have so greatly outkicked outsider expectations throughout his nine-month absence. But it didn’t feel like things could get much worse for Celtics fans back on May 12.
Tatum was in the midst of one of his finest postseason performances before the Achilles rupture that shrouded his future in uncertainty. The Celtics were headed for a 3-1 series deficit against the Knicks, and the reality quickly sunk in that their hopes of repeating as NBA champions had been effectively dashed.
Worse yet, a very uncertain summer awaited knowing the second apron was about to tear apart the beloved core of the 2024 title team.
So it almost feels like a miracle that, 297 days later, Tatum is about to be back on the floor for a new-look Celtics team with legitimate title potential. Even as Tatum navigated the final stages of his rehab and put himself in position to rejoin the team, the reality didn’t hit us until the Celtics shipped out the injury report heard ‘round the world on Thursday that upgraded Tatum to questionable for Friday’s game against the Mavericks.
How utterly improbable that these Celtics have already vaulted from the depths of May despair to a ceiling-less future in such a short period of time.
We don’t suspect Brad Stevens or Joe Mazzulla ever sat around feeling sorry for themselves back in May. Stevens dove headfirst into a roster overhaul that culminated with the Celtics shedding $350+ million in roster costs that delivered Boston below the luxury tax at February’s trade deadline.
Still, the Celtics thrived. Mazzulla famously phoned Derrick White on his birthday during the offseason and declared, “Everybody thinks we’re going to suck. I love it,” then hung up. Mazzulla has pushed every right button and accelerated the development of the team’s youngest players while entrenching the Celtics as the No. 2 seed in the East.
All the questions that surrounded this team — even beyond Tatum’s health status — have been answered this season.
Jaylen Brown became the 1A focal point and thrust himself into MVP conversation, carrying the Celtics at times with his two-way prowess. Neemias Queta deserves consideration as the NBA’s Most Improved Player while elevating from fourth-string center to starting big man with one of the league’s best net ratings this season.
Boston’s entire gaggle of young wings has thrived in various spots with Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, and rookie Hugo Gonzalez all proving capable of being rotation presences on Boston’s next title-contending team.
Which, as Tatum returns to the floor, might just be this squad.
The Celtics are now the favorites to win an Eastern Conference that already felt wide open without him. Detroit, Cleveland, and New York all present unique challenges, but Boston is the least flawed and most playoff-experienced group of the bunch, especially if Tatum gets back closer to the All-NBA presence he was before his injury.
Even if it’s not this year, the Celtics are set up incredibly well for the future. Nearly the entire core will return next season, and staying below the tax for one more year might allow the team to splurge big in the summer of 2027, all while still being a contender before that point.
In the infancy of Tatum’s return, expectations should be tempered. There will be rust. And even with his familiarity with much of this core, Tatum must develop chemistry with a new-look roster. Those who fret about the reintegration process are not without merit, based on the somewhat unprecedented nature of adding a previously top-five player to a title-chasing team in March.
But they do seem to ignore the fact that Brown and Tatum have always figured out how to bring the best out of each other. And they have stacked up plenty of playoff success because of it. Why would this foray be any different if Tatum can get back to his old ways?
Still, nine months ago, pundits were suggesting a “gap year.” Everyone was wondering if Tatum might not return to the TD Garden floor until October 2026. The idea that Boston would be where they are at this very moment seemed pure fantasy.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 19: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards looks on from the bench during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Capital One Arena on February 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Washington Wizards forward Anthony Davis has been cleared for limited individual on-court activities and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, the team announced Thursday.
Davis has been sidelined since early January due to ligament damage in his left hand. The 32-year-old elected against surgery while with the Dallas Mavericks before he was traded to the Wizards at February’s trade deadline.
While one of the All-Stars the Wizards acquired at the deadline, Trae Young, will make his team debut tonight, it appears Davis is much farther away from making his. When Davis is re-evaluated in two weeks, Washington will have just 13 games remaining in its final rebuilding season.
It’s possible Davis takes the additional time to fully recover before making his Wizards debut next season.
LeBron James may not be putting up 30 points a night anymore, but the veteran forward continues to do the little things.
The Los Angeles Lakers bring a three-game winning streak up the mountain to face the Denver Nuggets tonight, needing James to continue to pack the box score.
Facing a depleted Denver frontcourt, LeBron is set for a big night on the boards in my Lakers vs. Nuggets predictions and NBA picks for Thursday, March 5.
Lakers vs Nuggets prediction
Lakers vs Nuggets best bet: LeBron James Over 5.5 rebounds (+122)
LeBron James has upped his efforts in the rebounding department in recent outings, bringing down six or more boards in four of his last five games.
This tracks with LeBron’s work before the All-Star break, when he averaged 6.5 rebounds over a 21-game stretch — including nine boards in the Los Angeles Lakers' win over the Denver Nuggets in January.
James has seen 9.2 rebounding chances over those past five contests, and projections range from 5.9 to 7.4 rebounds tonight.
Lakers vs Nuggets same-game parlay
The Lakers have momentum and the No. 5 seed in the West in their sights. The team may be 0-11 ATS in their last 11 games as underdogs, but this is also the first time in a long time the roster has been healthy. Game models call for a Denver win but L.A. sticking within the spread.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets run one of the slower tempos in the NBA, and the Lakers have tightened the screws on defense in recent outings. Game projections call for a sub-240 finish on the scoreboard in Denver.
LeBron has grabbed six or more boards in four of his past five games, with models projecting 7+ rebounds tonight. He’s also collected nine rebounds in three of his last four matchups against the Nuggets.
Lakers vs Nuggets SGP
Lakers +5
Under 241.5
LeBron James Over 5.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: King Me
Denver isn’t playing its best basketball at the moment, and the Lakers are getting hot (and healthy) at the right time.
Not only does LeBron bang the boards, but his scoring projections sit as high as 22 points.
Lakers vs Nuggets SGP
Lakers moneyline
LeBron James Over 20.5 points
LeBron James Over 5.5 rebounds
Lakers vs Nuggets odds
Spread: Lakers +5 (-110) | Nuggets -5 (-110)
Moneyline: Lakers +160 | Nuggets -190
Over/Under: Over 241.5 (-110) | Under 241.5 (-110)
Lakers vs Nuggets betting trend to know
The Lakers don’t struggle in the thin air of Denver — at least when it comes to covering the spread. Los Angeles is 8-4-1 ATS at the Pepsi Center since 2021-22 (3-10 SU). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Nuggets.
How to watch Lakers vs Nuggets
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Lakers vs Nuggets latest injuries
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The Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons remain entrenched atop their respective conferences, but the teams jockeying for playoff seeding beneath them have turned into this into a race worth monitoring with so little time left before the postseason starts.
Over the past week, the Minnesota Timberwolves have surged past the Denver Nuggets into the top four of the Western Conference and could soon pass the Houston Rockets for the No. 3 seed. Including the Los Angeles Lakers, there are four teams out west duking it out for the chance to have home-court advantage in a first-round playoff series. The top four in the Eastern Conference is more entrenched, with the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers likely to join the Pistons barring a poor close to the regular season.
But how those teams shake out in terms of seeding could have a profound effect on later rounds in the playoffs and matchups. The seeding for the play-in tournament is also a dynamic situation, although there isn't currently much drama regarding the four play-in teams in the Eastern or Western Conferences due to the tanking dynamics at play.
Here's a breakdown of the current NBA playoff picture, including what teams would make the postseason if the regular season ended today:
The final day of the regular season is Sunday, April 12.
When is NBA play-in tournament?
The NBA play-in tournament will begin Tuesday, April 14 and conclude Friday, April 17.
How does NBA play-in tournament work?
The tournament is divided into two rounds for each conference:
Round 1
Game 1: No. 7 seed vs. No. 8 seed
Game 2: No. 9 seed vs. No. 10 seed
The No. 7 and No. 9 seeds play at home in the first round. The winner of Game 1 secures the No. 7 seed in their respective conference playoff bracket. The loser of Game 1 continues to the second round and hosts the winner of Game 2. The loser of Game 2 is eliminated from playoff contention.
Round 2
Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 winner
The winner of this game secures the No. 8 and final seed in the playoffs. The loser is eliminated from playoff contention.
The Heat will try to complete a two-game home-and-more sweep when they host the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night.
Miami easily covered on Tuesday and should have an even easier time at home tonight, which is why I’m taking it to cover in my Nets vs. Heat predictions.
Let’s take a closer look at how bettors can approach tonight’s matchup in my free NBA picks for Thursday, March 5.
Nets vs Heat prediction
Nets vs Heat best bet: Heat -13 (-115)
The Brooklyn Nets came into Tuesday’s matchup with the Miami Heat off one of their best recent performances, having covered in a 106-102 loss to the Cavaliers. But Brooklyn laid another egg at home against Miami, losing by 26.
There’s no reason to expect anything different in Miami tonight. The Heat have covered in five of their last seven games, including twice as a double-digit favorite.
Brooklyn rank as the league’s worst offensive team, averaging just 106.8 points per game, and those struggles are likely to continue tonight against a high-powered Miami offense putting up 119.9 points per game.
Nets vs Heat same-game parlay
Along with taking the Heat to win big again – a leg I’m taking in all my parlays tonight – I’ll also pick Bam Adebayo to get Over 20.5 points, a target he’s hit in each of his last three games.
Let’s round out the SGP with a bet on Andrew Wiggins to get Over 2.5 assists, a target he’s surpassed in four of his last five contests.
Nets vs Heat SGP
Heat -13
Bam Adebayo Over 20.5 points
Andrew Wiggins Over 2.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Buckets & Bam Bam
The Under has hit easily in each of the first two meetings between these teams this season, and I like it again for tonight’s matchup.
I’m also banking on Adebayo to fill up the box score: he’s hit this PRA total in each of his last three games, and is coming off a six-steal performance against the Nets on Tuesday.
Nets vs Heat SGP
Heat -13
Under 227
Bam Adebayo Over 33.5 points + assists + rebounds
Bam Adebayo Over 1.5 steals + blocks
Nets vs Heat odds
Spread: Brooklyn +13 (-105) | Miami -13 (-115)
Moneyline: Brooklyn +550 | Miami -800
Over/Under: Over 227 (-110) | Under 227 (-110)
Nets vs Heat betting trend to know
The Nets are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Heat.
How to watch Nets vs Heat
Location
Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
YES, FDSN Sun
Nets vs Heat latest injuries
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