DETROIT (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder will be missing four starters for their matchup of conference leaders against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
Oklahoma City won't have its four leading scorers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen), Jalen Williams (hamstring), Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) and Chet Holmgren (back), along with sixth-leading scorer Isaiah Hartenstein (calf). The only player from the top six that will play in Detroit is Isaiah Joe, who averages 11.0 points, and the only regular starter will be Lu Dort.
The game was billed as a possible NBA Finals preview, with the Western Conference-leading Thunder at 45-14 and the Pistons leading the East at 42-14.
BROOKLYN, NY - FEBRUARY 24: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets and Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Dallas Mavericks go up for the rebound during the game 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Egor Demin is still in the top ten of the NBA’s Rookie Rankings, at No. 9, one spot below where he was drafted. Still the second fastest player to 100 3-pointers in NBA history, behind only Kon Knueppel. And yes, he’s still averaging double figures. Still a winner in the All-Star Break’s Rising Stars Challenge.
But…
He is also in a slump. In his last three games, he is shooting 7-of-28 (25.0%) overall and 4-of-19 (21.0%). And after shooting 47.2% in the month of January from deep, he’s down to 31.0% so far in February. On Tuesday night, he didn’t score till the fourth quarter in what was an embarrassing loss to the Mavs. Moreover, the 6’9.5”, 210-pound rookie has had issues with NBA physicality and he knows it as he told Brian Lewis before the Mavs game.
“Yeah, that’s definitely one of the next steps,” Dëmin told The Post. “And that comes from the physicality in general. I think that the physicality part is the next step that as soon as I get there, it’s going to put me on a different level in my opinion. Right then obviously being able to contain shooting and just improve it.
“And from the physicality it’s going to be better defense, better athleticism, better paint touches, again just because I’m going to be stronger and bigger. Mentality is definitely a part of it too. Just trying to implement this into my game before it implements itself, I guess; really trying [to be physical] a lot. I think all of it. And it’s all about the work, pretty much; and the time.”
A refreshing self-assessment for the 19-year-old but as the Nets first lottery pick in 15 years, a lot is being asked of him.
“Obviously touching the paint, making the right play, cutting,” coach Jordi Fernández said of what he’d like to see from the teenager. “He’s going to keep shooting: I like all his shots. He made a big one in the fourth because he’s confident. Even if he misses five, he’ll shoot the sixth and make it. Other things are cutting, touching the paint, finding sprays, getting to the rim, getting to the [foul] line. One step at a time; but I want to see more of that.”
That level of patience is a big part of development and a luxury a team going nowhere has. He’s the only one of the first first round picks to avoid playing in the G League with the Long Island Nets — the other four have played 42 games, led by Ben Saraf’s 19, He’s been handed the reins, starting 43 of the 50 games he played for Brooklyn — at total of 1,255 minutes.
That load may also be a factor as it often is for rookies. At BYU last season, he played a total of 908 minutes, 25% fewer than his NBA total with 25 more games to go. Is it the Rookie Wall that’s giving him issues? He notes he’s put on 11 pounds since Summer League (then rehabbed for two months after he came down with a case of plantar fascia.) The Moscow native says he is getting help from team trainers to help him through the transition from college to pro. He admits there’s a mental aspect as well as physical.
“This is something I’m really trying to focus on a lot, just trying to get better at this, from the standpoint of toughness: mental, more than physical, because the physical part. I can’t really do more than I’m able, than my ability,” Dëmin explained to Lewis. “So this is something I’m working on in the lifting room; trying to get stronger, looking at my nutrition.
“[The trainers] make my body stronger. But right now, it’s really about my mental, physicality, where I can resist every single player on the court. And I’m looking for that state of mind where, ‘No, I’m not going to step away from you,’ which obviously it happens sometimes. Sometimes it’s not as good. And that’s a process.”
Nets fans along with the team staff have been happy with the pairing of Demin with his fellow rookie, Frenchman Nolan Traore, who had a similar transition earlier in the season. As Steve Aschbruner of NBA.com wrote this week in compiling the rookie rankings.
A 1-for-10 night against OKC, including 1-for-8 from the arc, dragged down Dëmin’s shooting percentage. But the emergence of teammate Nolan Traoré has Nets fans envisioning the two 19-year-olds as Brooklyn’s global backcourt of the future.
At this point, Brooklyn believes in both and hopes that the two — the sixth and 11th youngest players in the league — can get back on track before the season ends. You don’t want to lose development time. Despite Demin’s shooting issues, the organization remains confident that Demin in particular will, that they did well picking the Russian in the 2025 Draft.
One former point guard who knows all about development is Jason Kidd, the Nets great and now Mavs coach. Kidd’s nickname as a young player was “Ason Kidd” because he had no “J” or jumper. He finished his career second in NBA history with 1,988 3-pointers, a number of course that’s been since surpassed. Lewis asked him which was tougher: a 3-point shot or finding your place on the floor.
“Getting where you want [on the floor] is what you want. The great players all get where they want: step-back 3, side-step 3, to the rim, Euro step. Shooting you can work on, sometimes it just takes time. If you can stay the course and have patience, it will come. If you can’t get where you want to go, there’s no way you can get the shot off,” Kidd said. “I’d take that package, and that young man has it.”
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 08: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers goes to the basket against Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter at Target Center on February 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Clippers defeated the Timberwolves 115-96. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers Date: February 26th, 2026 Time: 9:00 PM CST Location: Aspiration Dome Television Coverage: Prime Video, FanDuel Sports Network – North Radio Coverage: Wolves App, iHeart Radio
There are two versions of the 2025-26 Minnesota Timberwolves, and at this point I’m convinced they share custody of the same locker room.
Version A is the Sunday matinee squad that sleepwalks through games, forgets how to rotate defensively, and treats urgency like it’s an optional add-on package. That team got run out of its own building by Philadelphia.
Version B? That’s the feisty, ball-popping, defensive-snarl version we saw in Portland. The one that looks like it actually enjoys playing basketball. The one that remembers it has Rudy Gobert, a Defensive Player of the Year anchor, and the blossoming “face of the league” in Anthony Edwards.
Tuesday night in Portland, Version B showed up.
From the opening tip, Minnesota looked nothing like the half-asleep group that surrendered 135 points to the Sixers. The ball was humming. The defense had teeth. Gobert, fresh off his one-game suspension, returned to the paint like a bouncer who’d just been told someone trashed his club while he was away. He cleaned the glass, altered shots, and reestablished physicality.
The Wolves never blew the doors off Portland, but they controlled the tone. Even when the Blazers clawed back and the fourth quarter tightened into one of those familiar “are we really doing this again?” moments, Minnesota responded. They hit timely shots. They made defensive stops. They showed composure.
This is where we give deserved credit to Portland. That’s a young, scrappy team that doesn’t fold. But this game ultimately showcased the difference between a team learning how to win and one that’s been to back-to-back Western Conference Finals. When it mattered, the Wolves executed.
And now comes the next test: the Los Angeles Clippers.
No More Sleepwalking
If you remember the last meeting with the Clippers, it was another one of those sleepy Sunday disasters. Minnesota looked disinterested. Kawhi Leonard looked like someone injected the 2019 playoffs into his veins, dropping 41 points en route to a complete evisceration of the Wolves.
This time, it’s a Thursday night road game in Los Angeles. No Super Bowl matinee. No brunch vibes. Prime time.
As was the case in the previous meeting, the post-trade deadline Clippers are in transition. James Harden is in Cleveland. Ivica Zubac is in Indiana. Darius Garland, newly acquired, isn’t ready to go yet. On paper, Minnesota has the clear talent advantage. But if this season has taught us anything, it’s that “on paper” means absolutely nothing to this Wolves team if they decide to nap through the first half.
So let’s get into it.
# 1: Actually Show Up This Time
It sounds absurd that this has to be said about a team with a legit aspiration (see what I did there?) to grab the 3-seed in the Western Conference, but here we are.
Effort is the swing factor with Minnesota. When they’re engaged, they can suffocate OKC. When they’re not, they can lose to anyone. After the Sixers embarrassment, the Wolves showed pride in Portland. The hope is that it wasn’t a one-night emotional spike. After all, Kawhi Leonard is not someone you casually “figure out” after falling behind 15.
This has to be a wire-to-wire effort game.
# 2: Don’t Get Caught in the Claw
To say Kawhi Leonard has been on a heater lately would be an understatement. He torched Minnesota in the previous meeting at Target Center. When Kawhi is healthy, he’s one of the most devastating two-way forces in the league. He doesn’t talk much. He doesn’t emote much. He just calmly dissects you.
Jaden McDaniels, fresh off a monster game in Portland, will likely draw the primary assignment. That’s a good start, but leaving McDaniels alone on an island is not the solution. Kawhi will find his spots. This has to be collective defense for the Wolves. Force the ball out of his hands and make the Clippers’ role players beat you. If Leonard gets 30 on tough, contested shots, you tip your cap, but the Wolves can’t afford to make it an easy night for him.
#3: Let Rudy Be Rudy
In his two games since the All-Star break, Gobert has been on a tear, vacuuming rebounds, turning misses into putbacks, and reminding everyone why he anchors this defense. Against Portland, his presence was unmistakable. It’s amazing how different Minnesota looks when he’s active and emotionally engaged.
With Zubac gone, the Clippers don’t have a true counter for Gobert inside. This is a game where Minnesota should win the paint decisively. Pound the glass. Feed the lob. If Gobert dictates the interior, it changes everything defensively and creates easier offense on the other end.
# 4: Keep the Ball Moving
Portland was a good reminder of what this offense looks like when it shares. The ball movement unlocked Jaden McDaniels. It freed up Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid for clean threes.
The danger, as always, is hero ball. We saw flashes of it in the fourth quarter in Portland when Anthony Edwards briefly tried to don the cape again. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it stalls the entire offense. Against the Clippers, Ant and Randle need to be dual-threat scorers and facilitators to turn this team into a five-headed monster.
The Stakes
This is Game 2 of a critical three-game road trip. The goal from the jump was 3–0. Portland was Act One. The Clippers are Act Two. Denver looms as the finale.
If Minnesota handles business in L.A., they set up a massive showdown with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets with real standings implications. Minnesota is a half game behind Denver, and the Wolves haven’t beaten them yet this season. Win against the Clippers, and Sunday’s game in Mile High brings the potential of leapfrogging the Nuggets in the standings.
But the Wolves can’t look ahead. The Clippers, even reshuffled, are not going to roll over. Kawhi alone makes this dangerous, and Minnesota’s own inconsistency can’t be ignored.
We’re at Game 60 now. The final turn. The stretch run is here. February has been chaotic with flashes of brilliance, head-scratching losses, defensive lapses, and emotional swings. The Wolves have an opportunity to close the month on a positive note and start March with momentum.
The ladder is right there. Each game is another rung. Defeating the Blazers was a good step. The Clippers are the next grip.
Eyes forward. Eyes focused. The finish line is starting to come into view. The Wolves need to run with purpose and stay in their lane. Hopefully they don’t stray in L.A.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 17: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Rocket Arena on November 17, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jan 11, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images | Justine Willard-Imagn Images
Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings
February 11, 2026
Location: Toyota Center – Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network,
Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790
Online: Rockets App, SCHN+
Time: 7:00pm CST
Probable Starting Lineups
Rockets: Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Mat Ishbia #15 of Team Anderson looks on during the game against Team Antetokounmpo during the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Kia Forum in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
All-Star Weekend has drifted in recent years; it’s no secret. That magical energy just isn’t there anymore.
Ishbia appeared on Wednesday’s The Pat McAfee Show and said he would pay $1 million in prize money to the winners of the Slam Dunk and Three-Point Contests (via ESPN’s Brian Windhorst).
While revealing he would give another $1 million to charity in each event, he stated, “Let’s get the best guys in. Let’s make it awesome.”
Suns owner Mat Ishbia wants more star players participating in All-Star Weekend events when Phoenix hosts next year — and is hoping to entice them by offering a $1 million prize to the winners of the slam dunk and 3-point contests. https://t.co/JPs2dMwtJ3
The idea is simple: if pride and legacy are not enough to draw the league’s top stars consistently, maybe meaningful financial incentive will. After seeing how much the recent Saturday night events have fallen, I’m all for it. It is a straightforward solution from an owner who has not been shy about spending since purchasing the franchise.
Phoenix, of course, will be hosting the 2027 All-Star Game almost exactly one year from now.
NBA All-Star 2027 is in Phoenix, Arizona! The 76th annual NBA All-Star game will be played on Sunday, Feb. 21, at Mortgage Matchup Center, home of the Phoenix Suns. pic.twitter.com/ZJb7eRcXX0
The dunk contest, in particular, has struggled to consistently attract marquee names in recent seasons. There have been flashes, sure. There have been viral moments thanks to Mac McClung. What it has lacked is sustained star power.
The 3-Point Contest has generally held up better, but even that event can benefit when elite names treat it as a priority rather than an afterthought. We already had Dame reach out to Steph and Klay to get them to join Book in what could be one of the most entertaining 3-point contests in recent memory.
Ishbia’s approach signals something larger than just a check. It speaks to competitiveness, which he also went on a rant about with the league’s tanking situation. The NBA is in the entertainment industry, and what better way to put on a show than by getting the biggest names involved in the contests we all used to love so much?
This move also fits Ishbia’s broader philosophy since taking over in Phoenix. He has shown a willingness to invest aggressively, whether in player salaries, infrastructure, or organizational resources. Offering prize money is not a publicity stunt. It aligns with his pattern of putting financial weight behind competitive outcomes.
From a Suns perspective, it also places Phoenix at the center of league dialogue in a constructive way. He is offering an incentive and letting players decide.
The NBA thrives when its showcase events feel competitive rather than ceremonial. All-Star Weekend has a history. It has the platform. What it needs is urgency. And some dolla dolla bills, ya’ll.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 2: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons are looking to rebound after a disappointing loss against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. Facing Oklahoma City tonight might seem like being out of the frying pan and into the fire, but it actually does represent a bit of a reprieve and potential get right game for the Pistons. Because the Pistons aren’t playing the Thunder, the Pistons are playing the Thunders’ backups. Very good backups, mind you, but backups nonetheless.
Sitting out for the Thunder tonight are: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, and Ajay Mitchell. The Pistons will only be missing Isaiah Stewart, who remains out with his suspension.
It won’t be a cake walk — Cason Wallace is a great all-around player, Isaiah Joe is a heck of a shooter, and Lu Dort can defend anywhere. But the Thunder will be undersized, and Jalen Duren might be looking to feast after a hard-fought matchup against Victor Wembanyama. Cade Cunningham, too, is coming off a terrible game against the Spurs. I’d look for him to be active, particularly as a passer. There should be open driving lines and kick-out opportunities. I hope it’s a fun one at LCA.
Game Vitals
When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan Watch: ESPN, Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit Odds: Pistons -10.5
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper will miss the next two games after the death of his father, Robert.
Assistant Rob Zettler was the acting head coach for the Lightning's home game against Toronto on Wednesday night and will again do so at Carolina on Thursday night.
Cooper, who coached the Lightning to Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021, was the head coach for Canada in the Milan Cortina Olympics. The Canadians left with the silver medals after losing 2-1 to the United States in overtime in the gold medal game.
“Thoughts and prayers, as always, to Coop and his family," Zettler said Wednesday before facing the Maple Leafs. “That was the No. 1 thing, that he takes care of business back home. He left this morning to go back to Vancouver. What I am in confident in is our guys. They've been excellent in so many ways this year, including in times like this where's Coop's missing or something happens to one of the guys."
The NHL restarted its season Wednesday after taking a break for the Olympic Games in Milan. Tampa Bay entered the day with a six-point lead in the Atlantic Division and the Lightning's 78 points were tied with the Hurricanes for best in the Eastern Conference.
They went 19-1-1 over the final 21 games before the break.
Boston Celtics (38-19) at Denver Nuggets (36-22) Wednesday, February 25, 2026 10:00 PM ET Regular Season Game #58 Road Game #31 TV: ESPN, NBCSB, Altitude Sports Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub,92.5 Altitude Sports Radio, Sirius XM Ball Arena
The Celtics complete their 4 game Western road trip with a stop in Denver to take on the Nuggets. This is the second of 2 games between these two teams. The Nuggets won the first game 114-110 in Boston on January 7. The Celtics won the series 2-0 last season. The Celtics are 62-41 overall all time against the Denver Nuggets. They are 21-30 in games played in Denver.
The Nuggets addressed some weaknesses in the off season while keeping their core intact. They traded Michael Porter, Jr for Cam Johnson. They traded Dario Saric for Jonas Valanciunas to address their back up center need. They signed Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway, Jr as free agents and allowed Russell Westbrook to walk as a free agent. They didn’t have any picks in the 2025 draft. At the trade deadline, they traded Hunter Tyson to Brooklyn for a 2nd round pick to avoid the luxury tax.
The Celtics are 2nd in the East, 4.5 games behind 1st place Detroit. They are 2 game ahead of 3rd place New York and 4th place Cleveland, 4.5 games ahead of 5th place Toronto, 6.5 games ahead of 6th place Philadelphia and 7.5 games ahead of 7th place Orlando. The Celtics are 14-6 against Western Conference opponents. They are 20-10 on the road and 9-1 in their last 10 games. They have won their last 4 games.
The Nuggets are 4th in the West, 8 games behind first place OKC, 5.5 games behind 2nd place San Antonio, and tied with 3rd place Houston. They are 1 game ahead of the 5th place Lakers , and 6th place Minnesota and they are 3 games ahead of 7th place Phoenix. They are 15-11 against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 15-11 at home and 4-6 in their last 10 games. They are coming off a loss in their last game.
The Celtics are playing in the final game of a 4 game Western road trip. They are 3-0 so far on the trip. They will return home for games against Brooklyn and Philadelphia before a game at Milwaukee. Then they are back home for games against Charlotte and Dallas before a tough 3 game road trip through Cleveland, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City. Then they host Washington, Phoenix and Golden State.
The Nuggets have just completed a 3 game road trip where they beat Portland and lost to the Warriors and Clippers. After this game they will play one game on the road at OKC and then one game at home against Minnesota and one game at home against Utah. Then they host the Lakers and Knicks befoe playing at OKC once again. Next is one game at home against Houston before games on the road against the Spurs and Lakers.
Jayson Tatum remains out for the Celtics as he rehabs from the Achilles injury. Jaylen Brown missed Tuesday’s game against the Suns but is available for this game. For the Nuggets, Tamar Bates (foot), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Jalen Pickett (knee), and Peyton Watson (hamstring) are listed as out. Jamal Murray (hamstring) and Julian Strawther (toe) are both listed as probable. I’m guessing they are going to start the same 5 as they did the last 2 games.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Jamal Murray
Derrick White | NBAE via Getty ImagesJamal Murray | Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Hugo Gonzalez Luka Garza Amare Williams Nikola Vucevic Jordan Walsh Delano Banton (10-day) John Tonje (10-day) 2-Way Players Ron Harper, Jr Max Shulga Injuries/Out Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out Jaylen Brown (knee) available
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Nuggets Reserves Bruce Brown Tim Hardaway, Jr DaRon Holmes II Spencer Jones Zeke Nnaji Jonas Valanciunas
2-Way Players Tamar Bates Curtis Jones KJ Simpson Injuries/Out Tamar Bates (foot) out Aaron Gordon (hamstring) out Jalen Pickett (knee) out Peyton Watson (hamstring) out Julian Strawther (toe) probable Jamal Murray (hamstring) probable
Head Coach David Adelman
Key Matchups Neemias Queta vs Nikola Jokic Jokic is has won 3 MVP’s and is in the conversation for MVP every season for a reason. He is averaging 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, 10.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He is shooting 58.4% from the field and 42.1% from beyond the arc. Over his career, against the Celtics, he averaged 22.8 points, 10.5 rebounds 6.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He missed the first game this season in Boston. He is a handful and the Celtics need to try to slow him down by any means necessary.
Derrick White vs Jamal Murray Murray is averaging 25.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game. He is shooting 48.3% from the field and 42.3% from beyond the arc. The Celtics will need to defend Murray very well both on the perimeter and in the paint as he can put up points in a hurry. In the first game against the Celtics this season, he finished with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 17 assists and 1 steal. He shot 44.4% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. Honorable Mention Sam Hauser vs Cam Johnson Johnson is averaging 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. He is shooting 46.1% from the field and 41.7% from beyond the arc. He didn’t play in the game against the Celtics in Boston in January. He is a good shooter and so the Celtics need to defend him, especially on the perimeter.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is the key to winning every game. The Celtics are 7th with a defensive rating of 112.2. The Nuggets have a defensive rating of 116.3, which is 22nd. The Celtics are 2nd in the league with an offensive rating of 120.1 but the Nuggets are 1st with an offensive rating of 120.9. The Nuggets are first in the league, shooting 39.4% from beyond the arc as a team so the Celtics have to especially defend the perimeter. They are capable of playing lock down defense but they have to commit to it and put in the effort to do so.
Rebound – Rebounding is another key to winning every game. The Celtics are 8th in the league, averaging 45.7 rebounds per game. The Nuggets are 22th in the league with 43.0 rebounds per game. Rebounding takes effort and the Celtics have to work harder to grab rebounds to limit the Nuggets second chance points and fast breaks. The Celtics are 28-8 when they have more or the same rebounds as their opponents. They are just 9-11 when they are out-rebounded. They have to put in the effort to best the Nuggets on the boards.
Effort and Energy for 48 Minutes – The Celtics must be the more aggressive team. They have to fight for loose balls, defend aggressively, be aggressive in driving to the basket, and just play harder than the Nuggets for the entire game. They have to be the team that wants it more and plays like it. They especially have to begin the game with energy and not allow the Nuggets to race out to a big lead and they can’t let up throughout the game. They also have to come out strong in the 3rd quarter and play hard until the final buzzer. As shown against the Lakers on Sunday, the team that is more aggressive and that plays harder usually gets the benefit of more calls from the refs as well.
Move the Ball Carefully – The Celtics need to keep moving the ball to find the open man and make it much harder to guard them. However, they have to be careful with their passes and they also need to be careful when they dribble the ball and not drive into a crowd and turn the ball over. The Celtics are usually very good at taking care of the ball but at times they lose focus and get sloppy. They can’t afford to do that against the Nuggets.
X-Factors Mile High on the Road– It’s tough to win in Denver because of the altitude that the teams are playing at. Denver is called the Mile High City because it is 5,280 feet above sea level. Nuggets players are used to the altitude but visiting teams often struggle with playing there and often are fatigued before the end of the game. It is a very unique home court advantage. The Celtics also have to shake off the distractions of travel and playing in front of a hostile crowd.
Last Game Back to Back – Along with playing at altitude, the Celtics are playing on the second night of back to back games and in the 3rd game in 4 nights. They usually pay well in back to back games but they have a lot going against them in this one with the altitude and travel and it’s also the final game of a long road trip and usually those are the toughest games. The Celtics need to keep their focus and hopefully they won’t be fatigued from playing back to back and at the end of the trip.
Officiating – I know that I say this every game, but the officiating can always be an x-factor. Every crew calls the game differently whether they call every little ticky tack foul or they let a lot of contact go and let the teams play. We have already seen games where the officiating made a difference in the outcome, both good and bad. The Celtics have got to adjust to the way the game is being called and not let the calls affect their focus or their play.
Oct 27, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) dribbles past Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Welcome to the Game Thread. Veterans of the Game Thread know how we do things around here, but for all you newbies we have a few rules. Our community guidelines apply and basically say be cool, no personal attacks, don’t troll and don’t swear too much.
O Canada! The Spurs are on a nine game winning streak, they’re in the midst of the Rodeo Road Trip, and they just beat the best team in the Eastern Conference on their home court. They took the best punch from the Pistons, maintained their composure, and fought back by playing their own game instead of getting into the physical style of play of the opponent. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that the win over Detroit in their arena was the best victory of the season for the Silver and Black, where they not only showed they skill at basketball, but their mental resilience and toughness as a team. It was playoff-style basketball, and the Spurs aced their first test.
Tonight they face a team that’s not quite on the same level as the Pistons, but one that’s very talented and well-coached and should provide another test for San Antonio, and the name of tonight’s test is to see if they can consistently play with the effort and focus they showed on Monday night. The Raptors lost last night to the Thunder, so the Spurs will have to beat Tolronto to keep pressure on OKC as they try to stay in first.
Scottie Barnes can score points in bunches, Jamal Shead is turning into a solid player in his second year. Former Spur Jakob Poeltl can be a force in the paint, and should be well-rested after sitting out last night’s game. Speaking of former Spurs, Sandro Mamukelashvili will be playing his first game as a Raptor against his former team, and hopefully he won’t have a scoring explosion like he did against the Knicks last year, where he scored 34 points and celebrated with Flavor Flav after the game. It’s gonna be fun to watch, and GO SPURS GOO!!
Game Prediction:
Grady Dick and Stephon Castle will exchange dunk attempts, but Stephon will win the exchange by blocking Dick.
San Antonio Spurs at Toronto Raptors February 25, 2026 | 6:30 PM CT Streaming: NBA League Pass TV: FanDuel Sports Southwest Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 11: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 11, 2026 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Alex Goodlett/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
According to Kevin Reynolds, Lauri Markkanen was injured in practice and will receive an MRI.
Source: Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen injured in practice, to get MRIhttps://t.co/DcWKJhH0UB
Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen could miss some time after suffering an injury in practice on Wednesday.
Markkanen will be evaluated for a right ankle and right hip injury, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The 7-footer will get an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.
The source is being granted anonymity because they had not been cleared to speak publicly on the matter.
Obviously, this will create jokes online about the amount of injuries the Jazz are having, especially with an important tanking loss needed tonight against the Pelicans. That said, the Jazz have no reason to put their players in harms way. They have already lost Vince Williams Jr. to a season ending ACL tear and the last thing they need is to lose Markkanen to a meaningless injury on-court cause they’re trying to push players to play, like the NBA apparently wants teams to do. No word on whether Silver will send “his doctors” to check on Markkanen yet.
It may be just a matter of time that we hear that Markkanen will be shut down the rest of the season.
Harden suffered a broken right thumb during the team's win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday. The injury was not discovered until after the game.
Harden, famously a left-handed shooter, could theoretically play through the injury. In fact, per ESPN's Shams Charania, Harden intends to do just that. However, that might be out of his control for now. Here's what to know about James Harden's latest injury.
Will James Harden play tonight?
Harden is currently listed as questionable for Wednesday night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. His status for future games is still up in the air, although, as stated earlier, Harden intends to play through it.
Feb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Boston Celtics guard Ron Harper Jr. (13) celebrates a three point shot against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
On the front-half of a back-to-back, the Boston Celtics faced off against a short-handed Phoenix Suns team, securing a commanding 97-81 victory. The Celtics weren’t at full-strength themselves, though, Jaylen Brown missing the game with a knee contusion. It was a night where the offense was dragging, but the defense picked up all the slack.
This was Boston’s 7th time holding their opponent under 100 points in their last 12 games. It was also the second lowest point total that the Celtics allowed in a game this season, the lowest being a win over Milwaukee in a game which the Bucks only scored 79 points.
Everyone in Boston has been stepping up their intensity as of late, and the man who stepped up into JB’s spot in the starting lineup against Phoenix was a huge part of that. That man was Ron Harper Jr., who, as of now, is still on a two-way contract. This was only Ron’s 24th game of his four-year career, and just his second start, both coming this year.
He certainly stepped up to the moment, bringing every bit of intensity the Celtics needed against a gritty team like Phoenix right from the tip. In the first quarter alone, Ron picked up four rebounds, all on the offensive glass. All of them were contested, too, but he simply outworked everyone else to wrangle in every loose ball.
Ron Harper Jr had 4 offensive rebounds in that 1st quarter. His length in comparison to other guys at his position is a huge plus. When you couple that with activity you get this production pic.twitter.com/yqXIFiXXnD
Not only that, but he did an excellent job of “guarding his yard,” holding his matchups to just 3-12 shooting for the game. He also picked up a steal, and an emphatic chase-down block in what might have been the highlight of the night.
Jamaree Bouyea was running a 1-on-1 fastbreak for Phoenix, Baylor Scheierman the lone defender in front of the play. Baylor did an excellent job staying upright and not fouling to slow Bouyea down as he went up for a layup, and that gave Ron just enough time to catch up to the play and spike the shot against the backboard, igniting a fastbreak for Boston which resulted in a Hugo Gonzalez layup on the other end, and a Baylor-Ron dap up mid-play.
Ron finished the night with 8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block. After the game, Coach Mazzulla was asked about what allowed him to trust Ron in these moments: ““He cares about the details. Obviously, the offensive stuff — he can make shots, he can think, he can play. But defensively, just competing, understanding the details, executing the game plan, taking pride in defense… He just loves basketball… Just another guy who — We can count on him… And he’s earning that.”
Sam Hauser shared some similar praise for Harper, saying “he makes the most of it, that’s for sure. He fits right in like nothing… And he’s a great player. He’s a great defender, and he helps us in a lot of different ways.”
Harper is still working towards a standard contract, which almost feels inevitable given his play as of late, along with the Celtics financial situation for this season. If he were to get a standard deal, he would come relatively cheap and help Boston stay under the Luxury Tax while bringing in a high-impact player. The Celtics won’t be making a standard signing for some time, though, as they try to wait as long as possible to make it a pro-rated deal that keeps some money off the books.
With Ron’s two-way status, he remains eligible to appear in all 23 of Boston’s remaining games this season, though he won’t be eligible for the playoffs unless he gets a standard deal. He’s been bringing excellent vibes both on and off the court, and would be a worthy addition to the roster, even if he doesn’t see much playing time.
Jayson Tatum’s return to the court is getting closer.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Celtics star has progressed to full 5-on-5 scrimmage work in recent practices, marking a significant step in his recovery from a torn Achilles. Boston has held multiple workouts during its recent road swing, with Tatum steadily increasing his on-court activity in controlled settings.
“Right now, it’s about him continuing to put in the time, continuing to get his conditioning up, and that comes through a number of practices and scrimmages,” Charania said. “There are two elements right now at play. One is increasing the strength in both of his calves off of that Achilles tendon injury, and the big hurdle of all this is getting 100 percent there on the mental side — getting the confidence in his leg fully when he’s back.”
The shift to live action, even in practice, is one of the final hurdles in the rehab process. Conditioning, lateral movement and game-speed reps are difficult to simulate without full competition. Now, Tatum is getting those reps.
The Celtics have consistently emphasized that Tatum will dictate the pace of his return. There is still no official timetable, and neither the team nor Tatum has attached a target date to his debut. As Charania described it, the Celtics are allowing Tatum to control the timeline.
40 weeks🙏🏽 I’ve really grown to appreciate this journey I’ve been on and allow time for me to pat myself on the back for showing up everyday!
“The common theme that I’ve gotten around Jayson Tatum is he will be back on the floor when ‘JT feels like JT,’” Charania said. “The Celtics have continued to let him lead that process. He’s in the driver’s seat. They will take Jayson Tatum’s lead as far as when he feels like he’s ready and cleared.”
Boston has managed well in his absence, winning nine of its last 10 games and climbing near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. The team has leaned heavily on its defense, rebounding, and depth development, with young wings and role players stepping into larger responsibilities.
Still, Tatum’s eventual return changes the equation. Selected to the All-NBA 1st Team each of the last four seasons, his scoring gravity, late-game shot creation and two-way versatility remain central to Boston’s ceiling.
For now, it’s a milestone. Full 5-on-5 participation is progress. The next phase will be sustaining that workload, building stamina and clearing the final medical and performance benchmarks.
There is no date circled publicly on the calendar. But we now know the Celtics are one step closer to getting their franchise cornerstone back on the floor.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 24: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after scoring against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on February 24, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors will not have Draymond Green available to play in Wednesday night’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. While Green had been listed as questionable earlier in the day, the team later announced that the four-time All-Star was downgraded. So, the Dubs will face the Grizzlies without Green, Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, De’Anthony Melton, Kristaps Porzingis, or Seth Curry available for head coach Steve Kerr. Green has appeared in 48 games this season and is averaging 8.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 41.0%/32.0%/70.7% shooting.
The Dubs should still have a fighting chance for victory despite the absences since they are facing a tanking Grizzlies squad that is arguably missing just as sizable a portion of its rotation. The Grizzlies injury report listed Ja Morant, Zach Edey, Santi Aldama, Cedric Coward, Brandon Clarke, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as out. Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson is also listed as questionable.
Despite Green’s pedigree, the Warriors have often looked far more fluid offensively with him on the sidelines this season. Green’s already limited offensive game has been even more diminished in his mid-30s and has empowered opposing defenses to focus attention elsewhere. With Draymond out, the Warriors will primarily rely on Al Horford and Quinten Post at the center position, two legitimate three-point shooting threats.
