The shorthanded Golden State Warriors travel to Paycom Center to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.
Oklahoma City’s elite defensive unit will stifle the Dubs, and my Warriors vs. Thunder predictions expect Chet Holmgren to lead the charge as the home team earns a comfortable win.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this primetime Western Conference showdown on Saturday, March 7.
Warriors vs Thunder prediction
Warriors vs Thunder best bet: Chet Holmgren Over 27.5 points + rebounds (-112)
Chet Holmgren has been on a tear, and with Isaiah Hartenstein sidelined, I expect him to continue his strong play against a depleted Warriors frontcourt at home.
Holmgren has averaged 27.9 points + rebounds in 24 games without Hartenstein, hitting the Over on this line 13 times.
Over his last six games, Holmgren has averaged 16.3 points and 12.2 rebounds, averaging 16 points and 18 boards in his last two home games. He’s reached the Over in four of his last five home games and delivered 28+ points + rebounds in all three matchups with the Golden State Warriors.
Warriors vs Thunder same-game parlay
The Oklahoma City Thunder are just 15-16 ATS at home, but Golden State are 13-17 ATS on the road. Golden State is missing a number of key players, while Oklahoma City still has the reigning MVP and a deep cast of talented defenders.
The Warriors have scored 103 points or fewer in 15 games this season, and five of those have come across their last 12 games. Oklahoma City held Golden State to under 103 points in two of three head-to-head matchups this season, and the NBA's top defensive rating should be able to do it again at home.
Cason Wallace is averaging 2.3 steals + blocks this season, including 2.6 at home. Across his last six at home, Wallace has averaged 3.4 steals + blocks and hit the Over on this line five times.
Warriors vs Thunder SGP
Chet Holmgren Over 27.5 points + rebounds
Oklahoma City Thunder -14.5
Golden State Warriors Under 103.5 points
Cason Wallace Over 2.5 steals + blocks
Warriors vs Thunder odds
Spread: Golden State +14.5 (-110) | Oklahoma City -14.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Golden State +550 | Oklahoma City -800
Over/Under: Over 220.5 (-110) | Under 220.5 (-110)
Warriors vs Thunder betting trend to know
The Oklahoma City Thunder have hit the Team Total Under in 11 of their last 14 games at home (+7.60 Units / 48% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Thunder.
How to watch Warriors vs Thunder
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Warriors vs Thunder latest injuries
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Welcome to Inside the Suns, your weekly deep-down analysis of the current Phoenix Suns team. Each week the Fantable — a round table of Bright Siders — give their takes on the Suns’ latest issues and news.
Fantable Questions of the Week
Q1: Some fans are adamant in their belief that the Suns will not be able to significantly improve the team in the near future without trading away some of their better players to obtain more draft picks and/or younger players with higher potential for growth. Do you agree or disagree with this?
GuarGuar: We are very limited with our assets, so if we are gonna improve this team, it’s either through internal development or trading our current players. I’d like to see if this group can make the playoffs and do some damage first before leaning either way on what to do, but the only real moves we can make are player trades this offseason.
Diamondhacks: It’s difficult to ‘significantly improve’ and more difficult to pull it off two years in a row, irrespective of rebuilds or resets conjured from the confines of adamant fans’ basements. Many theoretical strands inform that difficulty, under an umbrella perhaps too broadly labeled “regression”.
Yes, the Suns are the ninth oldest roster (basketball reference) but also feature physically promising novices and, as this above .500 season illustrates, there are unexpected paths toward ‘significant improvement’. It’s just that once you get there, fueled largely by moxie, there are typically more paths toward everything else, regardless of anyone’s best laid plans.
Ashton: I assume that is a question on Jalen Green’s trade return value. I have already put myself on the record within previous Fantable discussions. I would support Green’s development around a solid starting five.
But, as a nod to some commentators, I would not take him off the trade table until I am actually able to see Green’s value with a starting lineup and what role he is actually expected to play. Facilitator? Driver?
Or he recently just tried to put the Suns team on his shoulders and failed miserably at it. Let’s just see what he does with starter-caliber players.
Beyond that? What? Mark Williams is in a bit of a slump, but still respect that he shows up to basically every single game. I did not expect that. And no poster would trade Brooks and his technical fouls.
Suns just need to secure MW and CG contracts.
OldAz: Dunn was a late first, Fleming was an early 2nd. I have often said that the NBA draft is a total crap shoot and a team’s commitment to developing young players has always been more important. For years, the Suns have been terrible at this, while teams like the Miami Heat have often had multiple undrafted free agents contributing to winning.
With the success of players like Colin Gillespie and Jamaree Bouyea, along with the developmental focus applied to Oso, Dunn, Fleming, and Maluach give me a lot of hope that the Suns now get this. If so, then getting more or better draft picks is less important than hitting on those picks they do have and maximizing the minimum signing made to fill out the team.
Trading established players just for picks is just not a path I am a fan of. Maybe I will be more in favor of this path once they prove to be successful (on a sustained basis) in developing that drafted talent.
Rod: As John Voita pointed out a few days ago, Brian Gregory has already done a really good job rebuilding/retooling the Suns since his arrival and I don’t expect him to suddenly lose his knack or finding hidden/overlooked treasures. While there is no guarantee that he will continue to be as successful in the future, that in itself is no reason to suddenly shift coarse and head off in a different direction.
Their success this year has largely been due to how well they’ve functioned as a team rather than relying upon any one or two players to carry the majority of the load. They’re maybe one or two pieces away from becoming an even better team and I think it makes more sense to ride this strategy out for at least another year, especially since one of those missing pieces (PF) may already be on the team (Fleming).
Q2: Dillon Brooks is expected to be out until at least March 28 and possibly even two weeks more than that. If it’s left up to him to make the decision, what’s your best guess at when he’ll return?
GuarGuar: I think he will return right before the regular season ends. I’m expecting an early April start back from him as it’s his off hand, not his shooting hand. He’s a competitor, and when he heals enough that playing isn’t a risk of reinjury, he will immediately be back. He’s too competitive.
Diamondhacks: This question has several parts, none of which capitalize on my catalog of imagined insights. I’m not an orthopedist, nor do I understand what makes Dillon tick. Perhaps someone more sold on Brooks might speak to his “return policy”?
Ashton: Oh, this is an easy question.
Brooks will enter the regular season two games before the Play-In or playoff designation for the NBA teams.
He can grab two more technicals and have it all wiped out on post season. He will use them. Unless he breaks his hand again.
OldAz: Since this question was asked before Friday’s news, but published after, I would say it will be about 2 days later than Dillon Brooks “decides”. In answer to the question, if it is solely left up to him, he will be back as soon as possible and even declare himself ready a few games early just so he can serve whatever suspension the league hands down. I believe it will probably be close to the March 28th date to give him 9 games or so to get back into game shape and ready for any playoff run. Players always want to play, regardless of the health questions. This is especially true when it comes to playoff time.
Rod: My impression of Brooks leads me to believe that he’ll be back sooner rather than later, and he’ll probably be pushing the medical staff to clear him even before March 28. There was a scene in Black Hawk Down in which the soldiers were preparing to head back into Mogadishu and one guy with a broken arm ripped off his cast before returning to the fight with his buddies. I just get that kind of vibe from Brooks and feel as though it’s going to be hard to keep off the court any longer than is absolutely necessary.
Q3: Who do you consider to be the most undervalued Suns player by the fans?
GuarGuar: This is a tough question. I’m not quite sure who we underrate in this fanbase exactly, but I’ll go with Royce O’Neale. Yes, his defense is really bad at times, and he can be a liability when the shot isn’t falling. But it’s super valuable to have a stretch forward with deep catch and shoot range, and isn’t lacking confidence. Not to mention he’s shooting a great percentage, too. He’s experienced and brings some stability to this team night in and night out, and fits really well offensively next to Booker.
Diamondhacks: Despite an alarming performance drop-off, I’d say fans’ most undervalued Sun over the entire season is still Mark Williams, whose most verifiable sin to date is miserably failing to be Hakeem Olajuwon. Instead, all this lethargic disappointment’s managed to cobble together is to lead the entire team in Win Shares, Offensive Rating, Defensive Rating, and get to the line more per FG attempt than anyone not named Booker. Oh, and he’s our best offensive rebounder and best defensive rebounder, by sheer volume and rate (TRB%), and gets more steals per minute than Brooks, Booker, or Fleming.
But to hear some, Mark needs to make way more angry faces, bark like a dog, and take three times as many bad shots – like their intrepid hero, Dillon Brooks – to be considered anywhere quite so central to our success.
Ashton: Probably the one person I have not commented on a lot is Rasheer TyLee Fleming. The fans like him, but he was in a seven-team trade involving the Wolves. That is seven teams that took a pass, except the Suns.
A second round pick out of A-10s conference, and raise your hand if you watched Saint Joseph’s, he also gained conference accolades…
You know let me just wiki it.
“He was named First Team All-Atlantic 10 after averaging 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.”
And this is why NBA hoop heads (Word tried to auto-correct me to hop-heads. Not wrong based on game chat conversations) should pay attention to the college game and the draft picks. Even if the Suns do not have a pick in the first round, it is worth monitoring on future player trades.
OldAz: Currently, it is Mark Williams, but then again, the starting center always seems to be undervalued by this fanbase. We also tend to fall in love with the backup, and build them up in our minds to be the second coming of Kareem or Bill Russell. Everyone wants to see counting stats from the center, but that is not how modern basketball works. Because of this Fans clamor for 5 players who can put up the most individual stats, when in reality the most important thing is how the team performs.
As long as the Suns are going to play so small, they need a center like Williams to anchor the middle and allow Oso to be a main hub with the bench unit. Neither of their counting stats are going to get them in the All-NBA conversation, but their contributions to winning are vital. That’s all that matters to me.
Rod: I’m going with Royce O’Neale on this one. He’s been asked to play out of position all season long and, while it hasn’t been a roaring success, it hasn’t been a dismal failure either. Royce has had his good moments and his bad, but he’s soldiered on without a complaint. I think he’s been a good teammate and mentor to some of the younger guys too. Just the fact that Jordan Ott trusts him in the role he plays also says a lot to me. Say whatever you want about him but he’s led the Suns in total minutes played this season (1808) which isn’t bad for the team’s “old guy”.
As always, many thanks to our Fantable members for all their extra effort this week!
Quotes of the Week
“The biggest thing for me when I’m out there is just to remind myself to have fun. It’s basketball at the end of the day. That kind of relieves any thoughts I’m thinking about, if I’m worried about making any mistakes.” – Rasheer Fleming
“He (Rasheer Fleming) works hard every day and I think you’re going to see more and more each time that he steps on the floor.” – Jalen Green
I feel like it’s coming back slowly but surely. That’s all part of it. People been talking about missing shots and that’s all just part of it. Just got to keep shooting.” – Jalen Green
“We’ve focused on winning in the margins this year. Doing all the little things over the course of a whole season led to getting some good wins. Happy with where we’re at, but I think we’ve shown that we kind of belong. So we need to win some more games.” – Grayson Allen
“Nothing better than playing basketball, man. It’s tough watching.” – Devin Booker
“He’s (Khaman Maluach) been thrown into the fire at a young age. He can do nothing but grow from here.” – Devin Booker
Suns Trivia/History
On March 8, 2020, Ricky Rubio had his second triple-double of the season (25 pts, 13 rebs & 13 asts) in possibly his best game as a Sun as Phoenix beat the Milwaukee Bucks 140-131. The Suns had four players who scored 20+ points in the game (Rubio 25, Booker 36, Mikal Bridges 21 & Aron Baynes 24) plus two more in double figures (Dario Saric 11 & Jevon Carter 12).
On March 9, 2003, three-time All-Star “Thunder Dan” Majerle was placed in the Phoenix Suns’ Ring of Honor. Majerle played 8 seasons for the Suns, 7 at the beginning of his NBA career, and the 8th was his last in the league following stints in Cleveland (1 season) and Miami (5 seasons). He averaged 13.5 pts, 4.7 rebs, 3.1 asts, and 1.4 steals per game for the Suns and hit 36.4% from three for the Suns and is 11th on the Suns’ All-Time leaders in points scored (8,034), 5th in steals (811), and 3rd in three-pointers made (800).
On March 11, 2008, Shaq cleared the Suns’ bench while going after a loose ball.
On March 12, 2020, the NBA suspended the season due to the coronavirus pandemic. The season would not resume until July in the Orlando “bubble” where the Suns would go 8-0 and just barely miss making the playoffs/play-in tournament.
On March 14, 2007, the 49-14 Suns met the 52-10 Dallas Mavericks in a match-up where both teams were fighting for the top seed in the Western conference and Steve Nash was going for his third consecutive MVP award against Dirk Nowitzki. Though the Suns won the game in double overtime, the Mavericks would finish with the West’s top seed at 67-15, and Nowitzki would narrowly win the MVP award over of Nash.
This Week’s Game Schedule
Sunday, March 8 – Suns vs Charlotte Hornets (8:00 pm) Peacock Tuesday, March 10 – Suns @ Milwaukee Bucks (6:00 pm) Thursday, March 12 – Suns @ Indiana Pacers (5:00 pm) Friday, March 13 – Suns @ Toronto Raptors (5:30 pm)
This Week’s Valley Suns Game Schedule
Saturday, March 7 – Valley Suns @ Rip City Remix (4:00 pm) Monday, March 9 – Valley Suns @ Wisconsin Herd (5:30 pm) Prime Video Thursday, March 12 – Valley Suns @ Windy City Bulls (6:00 pm)
Important Future Dates
March 28 – NBA G League Regular Season ends March 31 – 2026 NBA G League Playoffs begin April 12 – Regular season ends (All 30 teams play) April 13 – Rosters set for NBA Playoffs 2026 (3 p.m. ET) April 14-17 – SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament April 18 – NBA Playoffs begin
Both the Orlando Magic and the Minnesota Timberwolves are playing their fourth game this week, so there may be some fatigue at the early 3:00 p.m. ET tip.
But my Magic vs. Timberwolves predictions and these NBA picks see value in Minnesota’s depth on Saturday, March 7.
Magic vs Timberwolves prediction
Magic vs Timberwolves best bet: Ayo Dosunmu Over 11.5 points (+100)
The Minnesota Timberwolves stumbled their way into bench depth, now turning to Naz Reid, Ayo Dosunmu, and Kyle Anderson as their first three reserves, with Mike Conley and Joan Beringer adding variable pieces.
But Anderson is listed as questionable against the Orlando Magic, and the Timberwolves’ rotation may be knocked off kilter again.
If Anderson’s minutes are at all reduced, that should lean to more for Dosunmu, who has already cleared this prop in his last two games, three of his last four, and six of his 10 games with Minnesota.
Magic vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
Dosunmu has hit multiple threes in just one of his last eight games, yet he has cleared this points prop in five of those eight games.
His best impact for Minnesota is in driving to the hoop, particularly in transition. Those drives helped this exact same-game parlay cash twice in the last eight games.
Magic vs Timberwolves SGP
Ayo Dosunmu Over 11.5 points
Ayo Dosunmu Under 1.5 threes
Timberwolves -6.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Timberwolves Set The Terms
The Timberwolves have cashed the Under in each of their last four games, their defense aided by identifying offensive wrinkles and thus slowing opponents’ transition opportunities.
Magic vs Timberwolves SGP
Ayo Dosunmu Over 11.5 points
Ayo Dosunmu Under 1.5 threes
Timberwolves -6.5
Under 224.5
Magic vs Timberwolves odds
Spread: Magic +6.5 | Timberwolves -6.5
Moneyline: Magic +220 | Timberwolves -270
Over/Under: Over 224.5 | Under 224.5
Magic vs Timberwolves betting trend to know
Minnesota’s last four games have all gone Under their totals and by an average of 17 points per game. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Magic vs Timberwolves
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Tip-off
3:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Magic vs Timberwolves latest injuries
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The LA Clippers started the season 6-21 and looked dead in the water, but since then have played inspired basketball to get back into the play-in and with a legitimate chance to be a top-eight seed.
Then there are moments the Clippers remind you of the 6-21 team. The final 15 seconds against the Spurs on Friday were one of those moments.
Los Angeles trailed San Antonio 113-112 with 16 seconds left, and Tyronn Lue drew up a potential game-winning play. The goal was to get the ball to Kawhi Leonard, but he was at one point triple-teamed, so inbounder Nicolas Batum passes the ball to a release valve in Brook Lopez, who quickly passed it back to a shot creator in Batum, except Batum never fully stepped onto the court.
Lue slamming the scorer's table in frustration spoke for every Clippers fan.
Still, the Clippers had a chance to tie. The Clippers were down 114-112 with 6.1 seconds left and Stephon Castle was at the free throw line for the Spurs. If he makes it, the Clippers can send an intense game to overtime with a 3-pointer; if Castle misses it, the Clippers just need to secure the rebound and then have a chance to tie or win. Except Castle got his own miss for the putback.
Stephon Castle misses the clutch free throw, gets the rebound and scores- Spurs win!
Let's not take anything away from the Spurs' ability to pull out a tough win on the second night of a back-to-back, it was so emotional that Victor Wembanyama was in tears after the game.
Still, the Clippers helped the Spurs out here, and it was ugly.
It’s a mismatch in Motor City tonight, and the Detroit Pistons likely won’t need to get out of first gear against a Brooklyn Nets team that’s lost 10 in a row.
Despite back-to-back losses, Detroit is a huge favorite here, and my Nets vs. Pistons predictions point to Michael Porter Jr. as the only reason that Brooklyn may hang around at Little Caesars Arena.
Check out my free NBA picks for this March 7 matchup.
Nets vs Pistons prediction
Nets vs Pistons best bet: Michael Porter Jr. Over 21.5 points (-112)
As the Brooklyn Nets jockey for lottery balls, Michael Porter Jr. is seizing the chance to showcase his offensive arsenal. He’s averaging a career-best 24.2 PPG, and he’ll have the green light again as the Nets’ best source of buckets.
MPJ has gone past this O/U points number in five of his last eight outings, and he nailed seven triples on the way to 27 points in Miami on Thursday.
The Detroit Pistons are without Ausar Thompson, so there should be just enough cracks in the hosts’ defense — and more than enough volume — for Porter Jr. to nail this Over.
Nets vs Pistons same-game parlay
The Under is a combined 69-54 for these teams this season, and this has been a winning ticket in the Pistons’ last three contests. With the Nets averaging just 106.9 PPG, last in the NBA, and Cade Cunningham on the injury report for Detroit, brace yourself for a rock fight.
That should pump up the rebounding numbers, and Jalen Duren is averaging 12.7 RPG in his past seven outings. Brooklyn’s Nolan Traore has cashed this Over in four of his last five games.
Nets vs Pistons SGP
Under 215.5
Jalen Duren Over 10.5 rebounds
Nolan Traore Over 1.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: "Beef Stew" brings it
The Nets have some young players in their rotation, and they’re about to be introduced to the Isaiah Stewart experience. "Beef Stew" continues to be a key cog off the bench for Detroit, and he’s coming off an 18-point effort in San Antonio on Thursday.
Stewart could see extended minutes here if the scoreline gets out of hand and the Pistons take a cautious approach with Cade and Duren.
Nets vs Pistons SGP
Isaiah Stewart Over 9.5 points
Isaiah Stewart Over 5.5 rebounds
Isaiah Stewart Over 1.5 blocks
Pistons -14.5
Nets vs Pistons odds
Spread: Nets +14.5 | Pistons -14.5
Moneyline: Nets +730 | Pistons -1150
Over/Under: Over 215.5 | Under 215.5
Nets vs Pistons betting trend to know
The Nets are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Pistons.
How to watch Nets vs Pistons
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Tip-off
6:00 p.m. ET
TV
YES, FDSN DT
Nets vs Pistons 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.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers drastically shook up their roster at the trade deadline by swapping out former two-time All-Star Darius Garland for James Harden. That move wasn’t exactly popular among long-term fans at the time of the deal. After a month and a string of impressive play, opinions have shifted.
Earlier this week, we asked how Cavs fans would grade the Harden experience so far. And based on that survey, most fans couldn’t be happier. Almost three-quarters of Cavs’ fans surveyed said they would grade the experience an “A” so far, with nearly the rest grading it a “B.”
It’s easy to see why that’s been the result. He’s fit in nearly perfectly with his new teammates, and the Cavs are 8-1 in games he’s played. You can’t ask for much more at this point.
The addition of Harden, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis, in addition to getting healthier, has the Cavs vaulting up the standings. Currently, Cleveland is fourth in the conference, a game behind the New York Knicks for third. But, they aren’t far off the Boston Celtics for second.
According to Cavs fans, they believe the group is going to jump at least one of the teams in front of them.
The Cavaliers could also benefit from the schedule lightening up. They have the second-easiest remaining schedule in the league, with their hardest game coming up against the Celtics on Sunday. A significantly lighter schedule down the stretch could help the Cavs leapfrog one of the teams ahead of them.
FanDuel currently lists the Cavs as having the fifth-best odds to win the NBA Finals at +950. They have the second-best odds to win the Eastern Conference, narrowly behind the Celtics.
EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — Scotland blew open the Six Nations title race after an astonishing 50-40 win against France at Murrayfield on Saturday.
An estimated 15,000 French supporters came to see their team retain the title with a game to spare but France was beaten up at the gainline and cut to pieces out wide by a fearless Scotland side whose every gamble appeared to pay off.
Instead of France marching to a Grand Slam, Scotland was in position to win the title for the first time since 1999, when it was the Five Nations.
France and Scotland were tied at the top of the table on points, two ahead of Ireland, which has also come back into contention.
France still has the advantage in the final round next Saturday. Scotland plays Ireland in Dublin and France follows knowing what it has to do against England in Paris in the last match of the championship.
“Considering how this tournament started for us ( lost to Italy 18-15 ), we believe now, the tournament is not over for us,” Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu told the BBC. “I could not be prouder to be captain of this team. We've got ourselves an opportunity next week.”
An extraordinary day for Scotland started with a sunny afternoon in Edinburgh. Scotland dazzled in its highest ever score against a flattered France with seven of the game's 13 tries.
It should have been even better. Scotland led 47-14 but allowed France to score four tries in the last 14 minutes to secure a try bonus point and boost its points difference in the table, both important in the context of the title race.
“That game was crazy,” Scotland two-try-scorer Darcy Graham told the BBC. “You know what (France) are like, such a big unit, such a quality team, and we knew what they'd bring today and we did well to stop it. It's a special win for us.”
France had been untested and unflappable but came to Murrayfield duly worried. Gregor Townsend's Scotland had won five of 13 games against France. Both teams like to roll the dice and France was behind inside five minutes.
The French buried Ireland, Wales and Italy early with dominant starts but, for the first time in the championship, they trailed when a break by Huw Jones was finished by Graham, his 36th try making him Scotland's sole record try-scorer.
“It was all about making sure we fired the first shot,” Scotland player of the match Kyle Steyn said. “I was more worried about how much we were celebrating. We needed to get our feet on the ground and keep going.”
France was sloppy until captain Antoine Dupont stripped counterpart Tuipulotu in the Scottish 22 and the ball flashed wide for left winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey to touch down in a record-extending ninth consecutive Six Nations match.
Moments later, Bielle-Biarrey set up fellow winger Theo Attissogbe to score. With Thomas Ramos typically lethal off the tee, France was 14-7 ahead and seemingly back on track.
But four of Scotland’s tries came after waiving off kickable penalties, and the first was finished by winger Steyn from a classic scissors move. Then prop Pierre Schoeman crashed over to regain the lead in the 32nd at 19-14 and France trailed at halftime in the Six Nations for the first time since the Murrayfield game two years ago.
Scrumhalf Ben White started the second half with Scotland's bonus-point fourth try from an unguarded ruck and Townsend punched the air.
White then jolted Dupont's pass into the hands of Steyn, who ran 55 meters untouched for his second try.
Murrayfield was ecstatic and France was disintegrating and on a second yellow card warning. The first warning put playmaker Matthieu Jalibert in the sin-bin before halftime and the second caught Lenni Nouchi collapsing a maul.
By then Graham scored his second try of the match and 37th for Scotland from an offload by Blair Kinghorn. Then Tom Jordan flew over between the posts and Russell's sixth conversion made it 47-14.
Desperation and embarrassment drove France to finish strong. Tries by Dupont, Ramos (twice) and Oscar Jegou gave the visitors an undeserved gloss to the scoreline. Jegou faced a potential post-match citing for a hand in the eye of Scotland's Ewan Ashman.
On a night when Jayson Tatum's return had spirits sky high in Boston, there was one dark cloud:
Just-acquired center Nikola Vucevic broke the ring finger on his right hand and underwent surgery for it on Saturday, and likely will miss about a month, the team announced.
Nikola Vucevic today underwent successful ORIF surgery to stabilize a fracture in his right ring finger.
He will be reevaluated in 3-4 weeks and further updates will be provided as appropriate.
ORIF stands for “open reduction and internal fixation,” and it's the kind of surgery for displaced or other serious fractures where the surgeon opens up the body part and inserts metal fasteners into the bone to hold the pieces together (it is not just fingers, it can be any body part).
Vucevic suffered the injury in the first quarter of Boston's win over Dallas and did not return to the game. Boston acquired Vucevic at the trade deadline to add front-court depth and optionality heading into the playoffs, and since coming over from the Chicago Bulls, Vucevic has averaged 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Expect to see more Luka Garza with Vucevic out for the next month.
Vucevic is on an expiring $21.5 million contract with Boston and will be a free agent after this season unless he signs an extension with the team before July 1.
Western Conference foes collide on Saturday as the Memphis Grizzlies host the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum.
Jaylen Wells has been a steady presence on offense for a team plagued by injuries, and my Clippers vs. Grizzlies predictions expect him to clear his scoring line in a favorable matchup.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this inner-conference matchup on Saturday, March 7.
Clippers vs Grizzlies prediction
Clippers vs Grizzlies best bet: Jaylen Wells Over 13.5 points (-112)
Jaylen Wells is scoring a career-best 12.7 points per game on the season, though his scoring average is up over the last month. Across his last 14 games, Wells has averaged 15.9 points, and he’s dropped 20.3 across his last three.
In that span, Wells scored 14+ eight times overall and in three of six at home. In three matchups with the Los Angeles Clippers, Wells posted scoring totals of 16, 17 and 13. The Memphis Grizzlies are sharing the love on offense, but Wells has been the most consistent scoring option over the last five weeks.
Clippers vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
The Grizzlies are giving most of their players 25-26 minutes per game, and a number of young options have emerged as scoring threats. With the Los Angeles Clippers playing the second leg of a back-to-back set on the road, their defense could be less effective against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Gregory Jackson II has scored 18.2 points per game across his last nine appearances, going for 14+ six times. He’s reached 14+ points in four straight home games and in five of his last six at FedExForum.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper is enjoying a revival in Memphis. He’s averaged 14.2 points across his last 11 contests, going for 10+ in eight of them. O-Max has started seven straight games, and he should see enough playing time to reach double digits tonight.
Clippers vs Grizzlies SGP
Jaylen Wells Over 13.5 points
Gregory Jackson II Over 12.5 points
Olivier-Maxence Prosper Over 9.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Points Prop Aplenty
Kawhi Leonard is averaging a career-best 27.9 points per game this season, and he’s found success against Memphis. In three tilts with the Grizzlies, Leonard finished with 21, 24 and 39 points.
After a challenging matchup with the San Antonio Spurs’ elite defense on Friday, Leonard gets a favorable matchup with a Grizzlies’ unit ranked 11th in defensive rating this season.
Clippers vs Grizzlies SGP
Jaylen Wells Over 13.5 points
Gregory Jackson II Over 12.5 points
Olivier-Maxence Prosper Over 9.5 points
Kawhi Leonard Over 26.5 points
Clippers vs Grizzlies odds
Spread: Los Angeles -6 (-110) | Memphis +6 (-110)
Moneyline: Los Angeles -270 | Memphis +220
Over/Under: Over 227 (-110) | Under 227 (-110)
Clippers vs Grizzlies betting trend to know
The Memphis Grizzlies have hit the Team Total Over in 13 of their last 15 games (+10.70 Units / 62% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Clippers vs Grizzlies
Location
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Date
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN SC, FDSN, SE-MEM
Clippers vs Grizzlies latest injuries
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MUNICH (AP) — Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer suffered another injury setback that will rule him out of Tuesday’s Champions League game against Atalanta.
Neuer will be 40 later this month and his contract with Bayern is up at the end of the season. The club reportedly wants to offer him a one-year extension.
HONG KONG (AP) — Thomas Detry was among eight players from LIV Golf who were stranded in the United Arab Emirates at the start of the week during Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran. Now he's tied for the lead with Jon Rahm, the player responsible for getting them out.
“If it wasn't for him, I don't think I'd be there,” Detry said Saturday after a 66 in LIV Golf Hong Kong left him in a three-way tie for the lead with Rahm (65) and Harold Varner III (63). “It's in a way a little bit funny that way.”
Golf.com reported Rahm and his Legion XIII team arranged a charter flight through the Spaniard's partnership with a private aviation company. That required a 280-mile drive from Dubai to Muscat, Oman, to catch the eight-hour flight, getting into Hong Kong at midday Wednesday.
The other players were Lee Westwood, Sam Horsfield, Adrian Meronk, Tom McKibbin, Caleb Surratt and Anirban Lahiri. Golf.com said Laurie Canter arranged his own transportation with his family.
“That was incredible of Jon to put (us) on that plane,” Detry said.
Detry said he had originally been booked on an Emirates flight from Dubai — and it left Wednesday morning as scheduled and arrived in Hong Kong that night, but “that was very unknown on Tuesday.”
“I was raised with certain values, that if you have the ability and capability of helping somebody ... especially in a scenario like that where my main focus essentially was getting them out of there, not necessarily playing a tournament,” Rahm said.
“With the ever-changing environment, it looked kind of dark for a second,” he said. “But yeah, here they are. Never thought they would be able to come. It’s amazing that so many of them are safe and that’s the most important thing.”
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 19: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on February 19, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
What a perfect time to start a road trip for the Philadelphia 76ers!
The Sixers kick off a quick but tough two-game roadie with a visit to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday evening. There are a number of reasons this matchup that might not sound terribly scary on paper could pose a problem for the Sixers.
The biggest issue is that they will continue to be without Joel Embiid for at least another week after the team told reporters at practice on Friday he is progressing through individualized strength and conditioning work as he continues to recover from the oblique strain and will be re-evaluated in a week.
To make matters worse, rookie VJ Edgecombe is currently listed as doubtful for the Saturday contest as he continues to heal from a back contusion suffered from a hard fall in a game on Tuesday. Edgecombe missed the following game hosting the Utah Jazz on Wednesday and then missed practice on Friday. Paul George also remains unavailable as he continues his suspension.
The Hawks are much healthier right now, with only Jonathan Kuminga listed as questionable with knee inflammation on their injury report at the time of writing.
Atlanta might not seem like this hugely formidable opponent on paper with a 32-31 record so far this season, but don’t forget they are 3-0 against Philadelphia this season so far — and it’s worth noting that Philadelphia was much less shorthanded for some of those losses.
(The Sixers’ opponent on Monday, the Cleveland Cavaliers, also are 3-0 against them this campaign. Again, a short but possibly deadly road trip.)
The Hawks are also enjoying the opposite momentum of the Sixers right now in that they’ve been stringing together more success in the later half of the season. Atlanta is on a five-game win streak, have won six of their last seven and are 12-6 in their last 18.
It’s interesting to look at the Hawks’ roster as an “outsider” also, because you might not see many names that you really recognize from years past, but Atlanta has a number of players performing at the best (in some cases, by far) that they ever have in their multi-season careers. Jalen Johnson is continuing his All-Star season averaging career-highs of 22.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 8.0 assists per night. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is putting up a career-best 19.8 points per night and shooting 37.5% from long range on a 8.1 attempt per night clip. Six-foot-ten center Onyeka Okongwu is scoring 16.2 points per night and hitting 38.6% of threes on a 5.5 attempt average, all career-highs.
That’s not mentioning the more than a handful of players down the depth of the roster that can put up double-digit points — some with the capability for much bigger scoring bursts — any given night, such as Dyson Daniels, Jock Landale, Zaccharie Risacher, Corey Kispert, Kuminga (if he’s available) and others.
All of this is to say do not let the Hawks’ record or even their roster fool you. Atlanta currently leads the entire NBA in assists per game with 30.5. They are eighth in the league in offensive rating at 117.6 and seventh in three-point efficiency at 36.8%. This is a team that traded Trae Young at the deadline and has only been getting better since. It’s a squad getting the absolute best of each of their players individually, and it’s resulting in more and more success as a unit.
So, a team playing their best, battling to climb up the East coming in on a five-game win streak against a Sixers’ squad that has 2024-25 season vibes at times right now… what could go wrong?
This is also, unfortunately, not the time for a major skid for the Sixers. As of Saturday morning, Philadelphia sit in sixth in the Eastern Conference at 34-28. The problem is that the gap between the Sixers and the next few teams, down to the Charlotte Hornets in 10th place, is just three games at the most. There is a lot of room to fall and it won’t take much for the Sixers to start tumbling fast. Philadelphia did win their last game, just barely beating the tanking Jazz on Wednesday night, but it didn’t inspire a lot of confidence in how the next few games might go.
But, as they say, the show must go on.
The Sixers and Hawks tip off at 6 p.m. ET.
Game Details
When: Saturday, March 7, 6:00 p.m. ET Where: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic Follow:@LibertyBallers
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 27: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the game against the Utah Jazz on January 27, 2025 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Jamie Sabau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks play the Utah Jazz in what should be a relatively simple game for the Bucks. They’ll search for their first win in five games as the gap between the tenth seed and the Bucks continues to widen. With a tanking team like the Jazz offering weak resistance to the Bucks, this game will be a reset for a tense team searching for continuity.
Where We’re At
Four games deep into a contentious losing streak filled with coaching outbursts and moments of frustration, the Bucks are flailing for consistency. Their slide away from the play-in spot has featured moments of incompetence in gameplanning, poor shooting, and defensive struggle. Wednesday’s 131-113 loss to Atlanta showed that. Key players like Cam Thomas (13 points, 3/9 FG), Ryan Rollins (13 points, 4/11 FG), and Bobby Portis (13 points, 4/8 FG) have all lost their rhythm despite Giannis’ return. As they return to Fiserv Forum, the Bucks have more questions to answer about their future than solutions.
They face a Utah Jazz team in the middle of a brutal tank. Resting at 19-44, the Jazz have been fined $500,000 for anti-tanking rules, and their tactical strategies of pulling star players out of close games border on point shaving. They recently notched their first win since February 11 on Thursday night off an Ace Bailey 32-point performance. Led by raw scorer Keyonte George, the Jazz are slogging through a meaningless season as they fight for lottery placement with the Pelicans, Nets, and Kings.
Injury Report
Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) will sit out on Saturday with an injury in the same place he tore his meniscus. Porter’s absence is a big blow to a Bucks team that needed stability and cohesion following an erratic stretch of games. Taurean Prince (neck) will also miss; he hasn’t played since early November.
The Jazz will miss several players due to injury. Isaiah Collier (personal reasons), Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee), Walker Kessler (shoulder), Lauri Markkanen (hip), Jusuf Nurkic (nose), and Vince Williams Jr. (knee) are all designated as out on the Jazz’s injury report at the time of writing.
Player To Watch
Ryan Rollins will need to be the guard to step up in Porter’s extended absence. Rollins stepped up as a playmaker in Wednesday’s loss to Atlanta, dishing out 12 assists. However, during the Bucks’ four-game losing streak, Rollins has shot .381/.261/.667, averaging 10.5 points and 3.3 turnovers per game. His shift from high-volume shooter to a playmaker and versatile guard hasn’t been without its struggles. He will need to prove his ability to step up as the Bucks’ floor general and shore up his inconsistent shooting going into Saturday’s game against the Jazz, the second-worst team at guarding the three.
How To Watch
Watch at 7:00 p.m. CST on Fanduel Sports Network Wisconsin.
DENVER, CO - MARCH 6: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks and Tyus Jones #5 of the Denver Nuggets shake hands after the game on March 6, 2026 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It looked like New York was in for a tough and long one in Denver on Friday…
…until it was not, as the Knicks put on a show and trounced the Nuggets a few miles away from South Park.
Here’s a bunch of quotes from all of our folks.
Mike Brown: "This team's deep. It's really good. These guys are connected. They're all sacrificing…They believe. They believe in each other. Our bench is up all game. We've gotten delay of games bc our guys are cheering…We needed to take our lumps…all our guys stayed with it" pic.twitter.com/qiH36Y92ba
“We feel like we can still be better. I’ve said this all along, that’s what the season is about. You’re not going to have it all in one week or two months. You got to go through your lumps. Because when you go through your lumps, if you truly have a chance at the end of the day, you’re going to grow from your lumps. That’s what this group is doing — because we’re going to take a couple lumps still. But you hope you don’t [go through more highs and lows]. But this team, it’s deep, it’s really good. These guys are connected. They’re all sacrificing. The competitive spirit is there. They believe in each other. Our bench is up all game. We got delays of games because our bench was up for each other. And we’re holding each other accountable. I’m being held accountable, which is great.”
On OG Anunoby returning to his pre-injury form:
“Before his toe injury, he was playing like this. I felt he was playing high-level basketball. I mean, it’s just powerful. His decisions are quick, you know, he’s touching the paint, and if you don’t get to him, he’s knocking the shot down. And then defensively, he’s just on another level, man. If he keeps that up, that’s Defensive Player of the Year-type stuff for sure. He’s guarding point guards. I don’t know how many times Jokic won MVP, but he’s guarding him, and then he’s guarding everybody in between. And it’s just been phenomenal and fun to watch him because he can do a lot.”
On Anunoby’s all-around impact vs. Denver:
“OG had a whale of a game for us offensively. He was our [Defensive Player of the Game]. He was good.”
On the defensive play trending upward:
“Our guys are trying to be physical without fouling and they’re doing a pretty good job with it. We’re still gonna get better in that area, but it’s been a process. We made a switch defensively several months ago and that was a process, but the guys, they’re pretty comfortable with what we’re doing right now, and they know exactly what they should be doing out there. Again, it didn’t happen with one practice. It didn’t happen because a switch got turned on. It just gradually happened, and I’ve said it before: That’s what the regular season is about. You tinker with this, you tinker with that, you try to get a little bit better here and there and hopefully at the end of the season you’re fairly comfortable and you can start trending upwards.”
On growth happening over time:
“[It happened with] time. Just continuing to watch film, having practice, having shootaround, talking about it, walking through it, drilling it. It wasn’t one thing or one practice or a light being switched on. It’s what should happen over the course of a season. You should get better as you go along as everybody has embraced the process. And with our group, everybody in that locker room has embraced the process, and that’s what makes this team pretty special is they’re in it to try to win it and they know it’s not gonna happen like that. They know at the beginning of the year, they’ll probably [fluctuate between playing good and bad], and they know once the All-Star Break happens, hopefully you get to a point where there’s some comfort with everybody and everything that we’re doing. And we’re able to continue to find [that comfort].”
On Pacome Dadiet’s development and confidence:
“He’s been playing well in the G-League and shooting the mess out of it. And he’s got great size. He’s young. And we want him to keep growing and developing. Anytime young guys like that see the ball go in and do those things on the floor in an NBA game, it helps with the belief. It helps not only in them believing and their confidence level going up, but also their teammates, too.”
.@McNuttMonica: "Smile bro you had an outstanding game!"
“New coach. New systems, and just trying to continue to learn how we can maximize our talents in that system. I think these last 20 games has been us really having a good feel and making good calls out there as teammates. Sometimes, we see something out there and we call it out and make the adjustments needed. It’s been great to see our team on the court making adjustments on the fly ourselves, and it’s been working out really well for us on the defensive end. And we’ve been challenging ourselves to be a better defensive team because we know that’s what it’s gonna take to win a playoff series, which it did last year. It wasn’t the offense that won us the game. It was Mikal Bridges’ steal in Boston Game 1 and 2. It was big rebounds in Detroit. Those kinds of things won us the game. The offense gave us a chance to win. The defense won us the game, so we understand the importance, and we’ll continue to be better every day and continue to be more consistent.”
On whether facing Denver still feels different:
“Hell, yeah.”
On competing against Nikola Jokic:
“He’s really damn good. That’s pretty much it, pretty much all there is to it. You just go out there and compete at a high level against one of the best.”
On the league impact of Jayson Tatum’s return:
“You get a superstar back like that back, obviously it’s great for the league from a VP standpoint (Towns is vice president of the players union) and from a league standpoint. It’s great for the business of basketball.”
On focusing on what they can control:
“I mean, it doesn’t matter to me because at the end of the day, if we’re not executing and playing at a high level and being disciplined, it doesn’t matter who’s on the court. We’ll lose. We’ve got to be our best version. You can’t be worrying about anyone else. We need to worry what’s in-house first.”
On the team still being a work in progress:
“We’re still a work in progress, anyone can tell you that, we all will tell you that, but we’re getting closer to that time when we need to be the best version of ourselves, and I see us getting better. And that’s the most important thing right now.”
“It gives us a lot of confidence. It’s put us in a good trend. We’ve got to continue on that way. It’s what we work on, and it’s something we’ve been stressing, and it’s been showing when the lights are on, but obviously behind closed doors, we’re working at it. We’re talking through everything. We’ve just got to help that convert into wins.”
On wishing Jayson Tatum good health:
“You wish good health for everybody. Obviously, you want to beat everybody you play against. But you don’t wish any negative on anybody, no matter the rivalry. Or whoever you like or don’t like. It doesn’t matter. You want everyone healthy and going home in one piece.”
On competing regardless of who plays:
“Obviously, whoever is on the court, you play to win. And it doesn’t matter who is on the court. That’s the mindset. I’m just saying with a player of that magnitude, obviously you wish them a successful return and everything. Like I said, you just want them healthy.”
On welcoming Tatum back before facing Boston:
“Obviously, you want everyone back healthy, right? You want people to be healthy, be 100 percent. [Tatum’s] worked really hard. Obviously, people have seen the clips on social media with the work he’s put in and everything, coming out. It’s great to see. He’s great for his team, great for the league. Just wish him good health.”
On not getting too high in March:
“It’s a good stepping stone for us, but it’s nothing to get too high about. Obviously, the highs and lows of the season, you’ve got to continue to push forward. Short-term memory, even wins and losses.”
"We just continued to play our game. We got good shooters taking good shots so we knew they were gonna fall at some point. Try to continue to do what we do"
– Josh Hart on first half as Knicks shot 22% from three
“He likes Denver. He likes altitude. That’s what he can do. You know, defensively guard one through five, and then offensively get the response and knock down shots. Get in the paint and just be a force.”
On the Knicks’ defensive mindset fueling their offense:
“I think a lot of it is we’re playing more physical, being more aggressive defensively and dictating the offense and not letting the offense dictate what they want to do. It’s something that we’ve got to continue to do, something that we’re taking pride in. We know that when we do that, we’re getting stops, we’re able to play fast, play our brand of basketball. It’s a mindset that we all really dug in more defensively, and that’s the benefit of it.”
On his Yankees bobblehead night:
“I can’t wait for it. Obviously I love my Yanks. So being able to do that is super cool. I’m super excited when that opportunity came to us. And we really jumped on it.
“It’s my first bobblehead doll ever. So good vibes.”
On scoring a career-high in garbage time at Denver:
“It definitely feels good. Every time I go out there, I try to go out with confidence. Because I know I’m not going to get that much time. So I’ve been working with the G-League team to get some reps and it definitely feels good.”
Mar 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (5) drives with the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The Jazz came into the nation’s capital with their heart on their sleeve, and were only left with shattered dreams. They had lost the first of a 2-game regular season series against the Wizards with a heart-crushing loss, despite Trae Young making an appearance through two and a half quarters. All they can do now is hold their heads low and trudge through the city of Milwaukee, who are technically a basketball team as long as one of the Antetokounmpos are on the court — it doesn’t matter which one at this point of the season.
The foundation of the 2021 championship squad is still there, but a combination of age, regression and Doc Rivers has reeled them back all the way to the 10th spot on Tankathon. The franchise moved on from Damian Lillard’s remaining functioning leg and Brook Lopez to prioritise younger, more versatile players. Their last blowout loss against Atlanta was pretty much the final dagger at what hope fans had left in the season. They can now cruise through their tanking schedule, despite New Orleans owning the rights to swap picks.
Giannis has very clearly stated, “under no circumstances will I depart from the Milwaukee Bucks, unless I have the chance to leave, which I would obviously never do”. The Bucks have alleviated his concerns by holding a 26-35 record while dangling outside a play-in spot. He’s available tonight — only his third game back from a right calf strain — which could counterintuitively have the Jazz do the funniest thing ever and drop them off on their home floor.
This team serves as a cautionary tale for reigning NBA champions, warning them to beware of how to dismantle a dynasty. Don’t get me wrong, I own a small amount of land ownership on Ryan Rollins and AJ Green Islands. Ousmane Dieng and Pete Nance are starting to sway me. But this team is climbing a near-impossible hill in March. The Jazz are hoping to launch a Kickstarter for their campaign, starting tonight.
Utah’s now 5.5 games in front of the bottom spot after Thursday’s win, but a loss tonight (and maybe a cheeky Nets win over the Pistons) could make up some ground. The Jazz fire back by making Keyonte available to play despite breaking a 44-game losing streak stalemate across the bottom ten teams, but they lose Isaiah Collier due to ‘personal reasons’.
Utah’s bench has been the seventh-highest scoring unit in the league through the last 7 games. I unfortunately cannot explain the science behind Will Hardy’s sorcery and why Blake Hinson, Elijah Harkless, and 10-day contract Mo Bamba just kind of work.
In the game against Washington, four Jazzmen had at least two steals, led by John Konchar, who corralled five. Bamba did the heavy work, posting a total of 20 steals in his two games on the floor during the Jazz road trip. I was the lone spectator to Hinson launching a three from a range that normally isn’t permitted from a two-way contract guy. Yes, I know stats against the Wizards are pretty much up there in la-la land, but it’s becoming scarily credible how the Jazz can pretty much transform any role player into their most capable self.
But this game feels more like a watch before you judge. These teams are at polar ends of the spectrum regarding their current status and future, both of them fighting for completely different things. It can all start with a firm handshake and an agreement on what needs to happen to benefit both franchises.
Injury Report
Jazz:
OUT – Isaiah Collier (personal reasons), Lauri Markkanen (right hip impingement), Jusuf Nurkic (nose surgery), Jaren Jackson Jr. (left knee surgery), Vince Williams Jr. (torn left ACL), Walker Kessler (left shoulder surgery)
Bucks:
OUT– Kevin Porter Jr. (right knee swelling), Taurean Prince (neck surgery)
How to watch:
Who: Utah Jazz (19-44)) at Milwaukee Bucks (26-35)
