GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Clara Strack had 20 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks, Amelia Hassett scored 18 points and made six 3-pointers, and No. 17 Kentucky started the second half on an 18-2 run to help beat Arkansas 94-64 on Wednesday in an SEC Tournament opener.
It was the largest margin of victory in Kentucky's SEC Tournament history. The Wildcats (22-9), the No. 9 seed, advance to play 22nd-ranked Georgia in the second round on Thursday.
Tonie Morgan and Jordan Obi also had double-doubles for Kentucky. Morgan had 14 points, six rebounds and 10 assists, and Obi added 14 points and 10 boards. Starters Teonni Key chipped in with 12 points and Asia Boone had 10.
Taleyah Jones scored 21 points for Arkansas (12-20), which was coming off its first SEC win of the season to snap a 16-game losing streak with a 70-41 win over Auburn on Sunday. Freshman Bonnie Deas added 10 points.
Boone gave Kentucky its first double-digit lead of the game at 16-4 less than five minutes into the game. Then Hassett made two 3-pointers during an 11-0 run to extend the Wildcats' lead to 27-7.
Kentucky was limited to just 13 points in the second quarter but still held a 42-33 lead at the break.
Obi scored seven points and capped Kentucky's big third-quarter run for a 60-35 lead, while Arkansas missed nine of its first 10 shots after the break.
Morgan scored 10 points in the third quarter to match Arkansas' point total as the Razorbacks went 4 of 17 from the field.
The Razorbacks shot just 36% from the field, including 6 of 28 from 3-point range.
Up next
Arkansas: Season comes to an end under the direction of first-year coach Kelsi Musick.
Kentucky: Looks to avenge a 72-67 loss to Georgia on Jan. 24.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 3: Vj Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers is helped up by teammates after an injury against the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 3, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Spurs defeated the 76ers 131-91. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Only missing a game or two here is probably far from the worst case scenario.
The Sixers announced that VJ Edgecombe has suffered a lumbar contusion and will miss their upcoming contest against the Utah Jazz. The team says that he’ll be reevaluated before their next game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Sixers say MRI confirmed today that VJ Edgecombe suffered a lumbar contusion.
Edgecombe is out for tonight’s game against Utah and will be reevaluated ahead of the team’s next game at Atlanta.
This happened on the last play before halftime during a 40-point drubbing the Sixers received at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs. Edgecombe hit the deck hard when he was fouled by Carter Bryant attempting to block his shot from behind. Edgecombe made two of the three free throws he was awarded before being ruled out for the night at halftime. Here’s the play for anyone who missed it.
VJ Edgecombe lands hard on his back after this contest by Carter Bryant. Will be curious to see if he plays in the second half with the Sixers down 25 at halftime. pic.twitter.com/sfEOPKmy0j
Missing any time is not ideal for a Sixers team that needs to stack wins, but walking away from this with just a contusion feels like a good outcome long term.
In the short term, the Sixers are still facing an uphill battle to get back in the win column despite being slated to take on the tanking Utah Jazz. On top of Edgecombe and Joel Embiid, Kelly Oubre Jr. will also be out for this one with an illness. Oubre was scratched the day of the Spurs game and will miss at least two games now with this illness. In related news, Tyrese Maxey might play all 48 minutes in this one.
Utah will of course be without Jaren Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler, as well as Lauri Markkanen, Jusuf Nurkic and Vince Williams Jr., all of whom they’ve tried to shut down for the season in one way or another.
Get the popcorn ready, as the New York Knicks host the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday in a potential Finals preview.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shines at the Mecca, and my Thunder vs. Knicks predictions and NBA picks expect him to get the better of fellow superstar Jalen Brunson with a productive scoring performance.
Thunder vs Knicks prediction
Thunder vs Knicks best bet: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 30.5 points (-110)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks second in scoring average at 31.8, and he’s third in points per game on the road at 32.
SGA returned to action on February 27 after a three-week absence, and he scored 30 and 36 across his first two games back.
The reigning MVP has found success against the New York Knicks in recent matchups, going for 31+ in four of his last six head-to-head meetings, including two of his last three at MSG.
He sat out Tuesday for rest and should be fresh to shine under the brightest lights.
Thunder vs Knicks same-game parlay
The Knicks are an NBA-best 20-11 ATS at home and 2-0 as the home dog. The Oklahoma City Thunder, however, are 16-15 ATS on the road and just 15-14 as the road favorite.
Oklahoma City has won six straight at MSG, but a mostly-healthy Knicks team can keep this one close at home.
These are two strong defensive units, but they're also great offenses. New York has hit the Over in 15 of 31 at home, and Oklahoma City has gone Over in 18 of 31 on the road.
With both teams operating at nearly full strength, I'm betting the Over on a point total that's set a bit too low.
Thunder vs Knicks SGP
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 30.5 points
Knicks +4
Over 222.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Brunson Balls Out
Jalen Brunson has scored 25+ in 37 of 57 games overall and 17 of 29 at home. I expect him to thrive in front of the home crowd at Madison Square Garden and show out against the defending NBA champs.
Thunder vs Knicks SGP
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 30.5 points
Knicks +4
Over 222.5
Jalen Brunson Over 24.5 points
Thunder vs Knicks odds
Spread: Oklahoma City -4 (-110) | New York +4 (-110)
Moneyline: Oklahoma City -170 | New York +145
Over/Under: Over 222.5 (-110) | Under 222.5 (-110)
Thunder vs Knicks betting trend to know
The Knicks have covered the spread in 31 of their last 50 home games for +11.20 units and a 20% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Knicks.
How to watch Thunder vs Knicks
Location
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Date
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Thunder vs Knicks latest injuries
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TORONTO, ON - February 4 Kevin Jonas at the Raptors v Knicks game. The Toronto Raptors took on the New York Knicks in NBA basketball action at the Scotiabank Arena. February 4 2025. (Photo by Michelle Mengsu Chang/Toronto Star via Getty Images) | Toronto Star via Getty Images
The Knicks decided they’d rather beat the in-conference Raptors than gamble on a win over the Thunder.
Coach Brown used Mitch against Toronto, keeping him under wraps for the what-if matchup against the reigning champions.
As KAT said, “Count your eggs.”
Mike Brown on KAT D: "Everybody looks at KAT like 'Oh he can't do it blah blah blah'––well he can do it & he's showing he can do it…been fantastic…Also been really good communicating…I can hear him talking very loud & early & continuous…Lot of credit for stepping up his game" pic.twitter.com/DNRBHi3McN
On hanging defensively in a low-scoring third quarter against Toronto:
“We came out the third quarter… couldn’t score the ball like we did in the first half, but we hung in there defensively. And to hold a team like that that kicks out and runs in transition the way they do to 37 points in the second half, is a pretty good half defensively. We got to hang our hat on that end of the floor and our guys are doing it, they’re doing it with physicality first and then trying to go get that ball off the glass second.”
On Josh Hart’s defensive performance:
“Josh Hart was phenomenal in a lot of different areas. 50-50 balls, guarding different guys. Skills, deflections, you name it. Josh seemed like he was everywhere tonight on that end of the floor.”
On Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive impact:
“It’s been huge. Again, I say this all the time, one guy can’t guard one other guy in the league. It’s almost impossible, especially when they do call fouls. And in the way the floor is spaced. It’s tough to do that, and so you have to have five guys on a string. The game right now is space and pace, and everybody looks at KAT like, ‘oh, you can’t do it.’ Well, he can do it. He’s showing he can do it, and we need him to continue to do it. Whether it’s in the pick-and-roll, coming back in transition, coming over to help from the weak side or guarding this guy in a one-on-one situation. He’s been fantastic.”
On the need for relying on defense when shots aren’t falling:
“We feel like we can score. It was a good offensive game, shooting 56 percent from the floor, 32 assists, but we didn’t play well, especially offensively in the second half. To be able to know that you can hang your hat on that end of the floor is going to be huge for us because the ball doesn’t always go in the hoop.”
On seeing the Thunder matchup as an opportunity to grow:
“If they beat us, at the end of the day, or if we beat them at the end of the day, what does it mean? But they do a lot of things at that end of the floor. From the standpoint of this is a really good defense, a really good offense, they got an MVP candidate (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander), they have two bigs (Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren), they have two individual defenders. So how are we going to handle the stuff they do on both ends of the floor? If we get stuck here, or stuck there, it’s an opportunity to continue to grow.”
On prioritizing the Raptors game in the back-to-back:
“[The Raptors] are in our conference and all that stuff. Oklahoma City is in the Western Conference.”
On crediting the medical staff for Robinson’s availability:
“We love the medical group that we have. [Vice president of sports medicine] Casey [Smith] and [senior vice president of player performance] Quentin [Dolan] and [head athletic trainer] Anthony [Goenaga], they’ve done a nice job heading it with our doctors. They’ve spearheaded this, so I’ve gotta give those guys a ton of credit. And starting with Mitch because he’s bought into this plan and he’s tried to execute it at the highest of high levels. So I give all those guys a ton of credit because I’m just kind of jumping on the bandwagon and following their lead. To see him out there, because the best thing almost anybody can have is their availability, so to see him out there as much as he’s been out there has been really good for us.”
Mitchell Robinson is not only leading the NBA in offensive rebounds per 36 minutes — but his current pace would be the best in NBA (or ABA) history. pic.twitter.com/PZywFw0djy
On letting coaches decide his back-to-back availability:
“It wasn’t my choice. I let coaches decide which game they want me to play.”
On sticking with the current load management plan:
“I feel great. It’s awesome. This plan we’re on, we should just stick to it.”
On returning after tweaking his ankle:
“I came in here, re-taped, sat my ass right here [in the locker room] and listened to coach and went right back out.”
On whether his ankle will be examined:
“They’ll look at it probably [Wednesday]. But I’m straight.”
On why his free-throw percentage has dropped:
“I don’t get shots up like that (in practice). I just do a lot of lay-ups, hook shots, stuff like that. If you don’t get shots, you don’t know how it is. You’re not comfortable with it. So it’s just like — you got to get some shots up. I do it in the summertime, and I’m straight. And I just get away from it.”
On his rookie-year shooting compared to now:
“Like I said before, when I was getting up shots, rookie year, I was 60 percent. So if I get shots up, everything will be alright. Until then, it is what it is.”
On needing shooting reps for confidence:
“If you’re not shooting shots — even if you’re not going to shoot them in the game, it’s still good to have that muscle memory like that. And also confidence (comes) with it, too. It goes hand in hand.”
On finding rhythm and comfort with his new Knicks role:
“If you ain’t comfortable with your shot you know what the result is gonna be. When I’m not in New York in my offseason I get up shots not just layups all day. I make 10 in a row sometimes even 20 in a row but that’s after I get done running and shooting. It’s a big difference than just doing layups and also let’s face the fact usually it takes maybe 11-16 (times up and down the court) before I touch the ball. I’m not complaining about it. I expected it for what it is.”
On his role bringing energy off the bench:
“That’s like my job. That’s my job on this team. Bring energy off the bench. That’s what I try to do every night when I play. So continue to do that.”
On rejecting the idea of shooting underhand free throws:
On the need for accountability and sticking together:
“We have a goal in mind. We’re striving every day for that goal. There’s gonna be days where we take steps back. There’s gonna be days where we take steps forward. It’s all about how we trust each other and stick with each other. I know that sounds like a bunch of BS but it’s important for us to stick together.”
On closing the Raptors game with defense:
“It started with stops. I think it’s always big-time when you hold a team to 100 points, especially a team like that that plays so fast, gets downhill and creates opportunities for each other. They’ve been playing great all year, and in that fourth quarter, we found a way to string some stops together.”
On the late-game defensive push:
“We got stops. We were able to run late. We were trying to get as many easy baskets as much as possible. Made a couple key shots as well. But it really started with our defense.”
On piecing things together heading into the playoffs:
“There may be times during a game when things aren’t going our way but we find a way to put the pieces together at the right time. So we just have to continue to do that.”
"When you start the game defensively…a lot opens up…It's actually the defense…getting those stops, putting some pace & flow into the game–it allows us to do a lot more, feel good, more confident"
“I mean, when our team is rolling and playing at a level defensively I know we can play at, we’re pretty damn good. We need to be that if we expect to have a chance to have a deep playoff run. Obviously every round is a challenge in itself and you don’t want to count your ducks too far ahead and count your eggs, but for us to be the best version of ourselves, it’s going to have to happen on that end of the basketball.”
On the Knicks’ defensive standard this season:
“I mean, when our team is rolling and playing at a level I know we can play at we’re pretty damn good. … We’ve been No. 1 [defensively]. That’s what we need. We need to be that if we expect to have a chance to have a deep playoff round. Obviously, every round is a challenge in itself and you don’t want to count your ducks too far ahead and count your eggs, but for us to be the best version of ourselves it’s going to have to happen on that end of the basketball.”
“Obviously, each game you want to build and learn. And we know that some games are tougher than others in terms of travel, back-to-back, things like that. [Wednesday] is going to be tough, a back to back playing a great team. But we’ve got to make sure we bring it, find where we can build off of and keep it moving. We let you guys [in the media] kind of argue and converse about the record and the teams.”
On defense fueling offense on Tuesday:
“We look at our defense spurring our offense. So games like this where we have little spurts of not scoring the ball we have to make sure we lock in and focus on creating easy opportunities, not letting them score, but getting our offense off our defense. I think we’ve done a good job with that.”
On his shooting slump and fluctuating confidence:
“The frustrating thing for me [is I’m] in a slump. The confidence is coming and going.”
On adjusting when shots aren’t falling:
“I ain’t make a damn thing, so I gotta do something else. That’s all I’m thinking about. … I’m putting the work in; I gotta make sure I play my game, shoot my shots with confidence and those kinds of things. But if you can’t hit the side of a barn, you gotta do something different. Wemby’s in a deep drop against me, I gotta make sure I have the opportunity to get guys wide-open shots on some of those handoffs, pitch backs, stuff like that.”
On his recent rough stretch from deep:
“Shooting, it was probably, obviously, one of my worst games of the season, worst three– or four-game stint.”
“Yeah, regular season means a lot. You build habits. That’s the biggest thing. You build habits an more time to learn to play off of each other. And to not let people think, let it be second nature when we’re out there. So that’s why we’ve got 82 games. Not going to get it Game one. You might not get it Game 40. Just continue to keep growing and bring that into the playoffs.”
David Fizdale
On regretting not fighting the tanking directive supposedly imposed on him:
“If I was doing it over again, I would’ve fought more to build a team early on and not cash in my record. That’s the hard part for coaches when you agree to the tanking.”
On missing out on star free agents and having to do with Bobby Portis and Julius Randle:
“That s–t didn’t work out.”
On the toll of losing in New York:
“Losing all those damn games. Donating my record.”
A first-round playoff series between the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets would be a real treat, and we get a preview of that potential matchup tonight at TD Garden.
Charlotte is making a move up the standings and arrives on a five-game win streak, but my Hornets vs. Celtics predictions favor a relentless Boston squad here, especially with Derrick White rediscovering his shooting stroke.
Get the lowdown on this March 4 battle with my free NBA picks.
Hornets vs Celtics prediction
Hornets vs Celtics best bet: Derrick White Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists (-105)
Derrick White ranks behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in total +/- this season, and his steady play elevated the Boston Celtics even when mired in a shooting slump.
White is back to firing on all cylinders now. He’s nailed this combo Over in four of his last five outings, and he’s dished 7+ assists in seven of his past eight games.
Still, it’s White’s scoring that will power this pick.
He’s drilled 4+ 3-pointers in five straight contests, and he’s finished with 18+ points four times since the All-Star break.
The Hornets are rightly getting a lot of love, but the visitors are on the second night of a back-to-back set here against a Celtics squad that’s 20-9 SU at home this year. Boston has also won nine of the last 10 meetings between these teams.
It’s been feast or famine at times for Payton Pritchard, but he poured in five 3-pointers in Milwaukee on Monday and shot 44% from downtown in February.
Hornets vs Celtics SGP
Derrick White Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists
Celtics moneyline
Payton Pritchard Over 2.5 3-pointers
Our "from downtown" SGP: Boston three party
Boston and Charlotte both rank in the Top 5 in 3-point attempts per game, so expect a barrage from the perimeter tonight. With that in mind, I’m jumping on the Over for these sharpshooters, including Brandon Miller, who’s 28-for-56 from beyond the arc in his last six games.
Hornets vs Celtics SGP
Payton Pritchard Over 2.5 3-pointers
Derrick White Over 2.5 3-pointers
Brandon Miller Over 3.5 3-pointers
Miles Bridges Over 1.5 3-pointers
Hornets vs Celtics odds
Spread: Hornets +7.5 | Celtics -6.5
Moneyline: Hornets +210 | Celtics -255
Over/Under: Over 213.5 | Under 213.5
Hornets vs Celtics betting trend to know
The Celtics are 26-19 ATS as favorites this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Celtics.
How to watch Hornets vs Celtics
Location
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Southeast-Charlotte, NBC Sports Boston
Hornets vs Celtics 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.
On an incredibly deep, contending team in Denver, Aaron Gordon is the one guy they can't do without.
Gordon has missed 17 games with a strained hamstring, but is targeting a Friday return when the Nuggets take on the Knicks, reports Sam Amick of The Athletic. While Gordon may miss a little more time than that — Denver will be cautious with his return — but his return is close.
Which is good for the Nuggets — they need him.
Denver has gone 7-9 in this stretch without Gordon, although it wasn't just him missing time — Nikola Jokic missed games in this stretch and Payton Watson missed many well. Jokic has already returned to the lineup.
Gordon initially strained his right hamstring in November and sat out 19 games, then returned to the lineup in early January. He played nearly three weeks before aggravating the injury again, leading to this absence. With how crucial Gordon is to any Nuggets playoff run, the team will be cautious with this return to keep him healthy for the playoffs.
Gordon is averaging 17.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. He has a connection with Jokic as a cutter and a pressure-release valve who can get buckets. However, the bigger issue is on the defensive end, where the Nuggets are 7.1 points worse per 100 possessions when Gordon is out this season.
Before the Wizards' loss to the Rockets on Monday, point guard Trae Young announced that he will make his debut for the team on Thursday against the Jazz. He's been recovering from knee and quad injuries suffered before his move from Atlanta to the nation's capital, and as expected, "Ice Trae" will be restricted when he takes the court.
Wizards head coach Brian Keefe said on Monday that Young will play between 17 and 20 minutes. How long that will be the case is unknown. However, given the Wizards' desire to retain their 2026 first-round pick, which is top-8 protected, and the team's current standing, it would not make much sense for Young to play starter's minutes at any point this season. He's capable of providing decent fantasy value in 17-20 minutes, so Young should be slotted into lineups once available. But managers will need to keep their expectations in check.
Below are some of the other injuries affecting fantasy basketball during Week 19.
Dëmin, a fixture in the Nets' starting lineup since early November except for back-to-backs, has missed the last two games due to plantar fascia injury management. While his production was limited in the games played before being sidelined, the rookie guard has been the most productive member of Brooklyn's five-man draft class thus far. The question for the Nets, who are also focused on player development and their draft lottery odds, is how much more do they need to see from Dëmin?
While a full shutdown may not be in the cards, his playing time could decrease to ensure that he's healthy going into the offseason. Terance Mann (one percent rostered, Yahoo!) was the replacement in the starting lineup, but he has not done enough to merit streaming. Nolan Traoré (11 percent) hasn't offered much fantasy value, but he's playing starters' minutes and has made some strides after a poor start to his rookie campaign.
F/C Jalen Smith, Chicago Bulls
Smith has missed the last four and seven of Chicago's last 10 games with a strained right calf. As of February 26, he was due to be re-evaluated in one week, so the forward/center may be off the board for Week 19. Guerschon Yabusele (seven percent) has served as the starting center, but his production has been limited in that role. Nick Richards (four percent) played well in Sunday's win over the Bucks, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, one steal and two blocks in 27 minutes, but inconsistency has been an issue.
G Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Mitchell has missed Cleveland's last four games with a strained right groin, opening a massive hole in the team's starting lineup. The good news for the Cavaliers is that James Harden returned from a fractured right thumb over the weekend, playing 36 minutes in Sunday's win over the Nets. As for Mitchell's spot in the starting lineup, Sam Merrill (11 percent) continues to fill that void, but he doesn't offer much value beyond three-pointers. Jaylon Tyson (20 percent), who has been starting for the injured Dean Wade, is the superior streaming option in category leagues, whether he starts or comes off the bench.
F Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
Due to a left midfoot sprain, Flagg has not appeared in Dallas's last eight games. His injury is one of many the Mavericks have had to deal with since the All-Star break. P.J. Washington (38 percent) returning from a sprained left ankle gives the Mavericks a boost, and he's worth rostering with Flagg and Naji Marshall sidelined.
A player to watch for the rest of this season is Ryan Nembhard (one percent), who was signed to a standard deal over the weekend. In Sunday's loss to the Thunder, his first appearance since February 5, the rookie played 24 minutes off the bench. Given how much he played in late November and the first few weeks of December, it would be unsurprising if Nembhard were to play significant minutes the rest of the way.
F Cameron Johnson and F Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets
Johnson, who had a rough outing in Sunday's loss to the Timberwolves, was held out of Monday's win over the Jazz due to right ankle inflammation. The Nuggets don't play again until Thursday, which may be enough time for the forward to return. On Monday, Jonas Valančiūnas (five percent) was inserted into the starting lineup. However, the 7-footer only played 17 minutes in the win over the Jazz, which isn't enough time to make him a streaming option. Tim Hardaway Jr. (13 percent) and Bruce Brown (three percent) exceeded 30 minutes off the bench on Monday, and they're the players worth a look in deeper leagues if Johnson misses more time.
As for Gordon, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that he's targeting Friday's game against the Knicks for his return from a strained hamstring. Julian Strawther (two percent) has moved into the starting lineup, and he's likely the odd man out once Gordon is cleared. However, Johnson's injury could leave Strawther in the starting lineup for the time being.
Source: The Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon is targeting a Friday return (against NY) from the hamstring injury that sidelined him Jan. 23.
It remains to be seen if he gets cleared by then, but Denver desperately needs him - again.
G Stephen Curry and F/C Kristaps Porziņģis, Golden State Warriors
Unfortunately for fantasy managers, they're going to have to wait a bit longer for Curry to return to action. On Sunday, it was announced that his right knee will be re-evaluated in ten days, which takes him off the board for Week 19 at a minimum. Gui Santos (25 percent) has been the most productive of the Warriors' streaming options in Curry's absence, while De'Anthony Melton (15 percent) and Brandin Podziemski (42 percent) also possess added fantasy value.
As for Porziņģis, his illness remains an issue, and as of Monday, head coach Steve Kerr did not know if the 7-foot-3 forward/center would travel with the team for a road trip that begins on Thursday in Houston. Al Horford (10 percent) has seen his playing time increase recently, and the good news for him is that the Warriors won't have a back-to-back to contend with in Week 19. However, their Week 20 schedule opens with a back-to-back on Monday and Tuesday, and the 39-year-old has yet to play both ends of one this season (that's been the norm for Horford in recent years).
G/F Amen Thompson and F Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
The Rockets have not played since Monday's win over the Wizards and return to action on Thursday against the Warriors. And the starting lineup could be back to full strength, as Smith is expected to be available after spraining his right ankle last Thursday in Orlando. Reed Sheppard (42 percent) has provided excellent value as the replacement in the starting lineup, but with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka saying on Monday that he'll likely go back to his usual first five when Smith returns, the second-year guard is likely headed to the bench.
However, that could change depending on Thompson's status. He exited Monday's victory during the fourth quarter after spraining his right ankle. An absence for Thompson likely keeps Sheppard in the starting lineup, but he'll be valuable to fantasy managers in a reserve role as well.
F/C Obi Toppin, Indiana Pacers
Sidelined for four months due to a stress fracture in his right foot, Toppin returned to the Pacers' rotation in a February 26 loss to the Hornets. And he did so as a starter, as the Pacers have been without star forward Pascal Siakam due to a sprained left wrist. However, being a starter does not guarantee starters' minutes. Toppin logged eight minutes in his first appearance and 11 in the second, with Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle saying that he'll likely be under a minutes limit for the rest of the season. There isn't enough value to be gained in rostering Toppin under those circumstances, making Jarace Walker (33 percent) the more appealing option, especially if Siakam remains out.
G Darius Garland, LA Clippers
Garland made his Clippers' debut on Monday, playing 23 minutes off the bench in a win over the Warriors. Shooting 4-of-9 from the field and 2-of-2 from the foul line, he finished with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and two three-pointers while also recording five turnovers. The turnovers should improve as Garland gets more comfortable with his teammates and vice versa. However, the rest of Week 19 isn't great for him, as the Clippers' remaining three games include a back-to-back. That likely limits Garland to two games. Kobe Sanders (less than one percent) was the fifth starter on Monday but offered limited production in 22 minutes of action.
C Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
When the Grizzlies announced on Sunday that Edey would need another surgery on his left ankle, many assumed it was only a matter of time before the team shut him down for the rest of the season. That happened on Tuesday, following the procedure, so the fantasy managers who still have the center rostered can move on. A healthy Santi Aldama (36 percent) would be the most popular fantasy target, but he has appeared in one game since January 26. Announced as a starter ahead of Tuesday's loss to the Timberwolves, Aldama's right knee flared up, leading to him being a late scratch.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper (12 percent) has served as the starting "center" but did not provide much value in what was a challenging matchup. He and GG Jackson (32 percent) will have added fantasy value for the rest of the season, with the latter being the preferred target. Also of note, injury-wise, Cedric Coward (21 percent) returned from a knee injury after Tuesday's game. Appearing in a game for the first time since February 9, the rookie played 24 minutes, finishing with 10 points, two rebounds, four assists, one steal and one three-pointer. Depending on his health and how the Grizzlies handle his availability, Coward can be a factor in fantasy basketball during the playoff weeks.
G Norman Powell, Miami Heat
Powell suffered a Grade 1 groin strain during Thursday's loss to the 76ers and is considered to be week-to-week. His absence opened up a spot in the starting lineup, with Tyler Herro filling the void after coming off the bench in his first few games back from a rib injury that sidelined him for a month. This also means that Pelle Larsson (12 percent) continues to start, and he's provided modest value in that role. Managers in 10-team formats should scour the waiver wire for Andrew Wiggins (56 percent), as he may still be available. The scoring output isn't always the best, but he has been solid as a rebounder and defender on most nights.
C Joel Embiid and G VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid has not appeared in a game since February 26, and on Saturday, it was announced that the 7-footer would miss at least three more games before his strained right oblique is re-evaluated. As has been the case throughout the season, Andre Drummond (15 percent) has served as the starting center in Embiid's absence, with Adem Bona (one percent) retaining his usual backup role. Drummond is worth a look for managers needing rebounding and field goal percentage, but he has not brought much else to the table in fantasy basketball.
Also of concern to the 76ers was Edgecombe exiting Tuesday's loss to the Spurs at halftime with lower back soreness. Cam Payne (less than one percent) started the third quarter, but the 76ers not having Kelly Oubre Jr. due to an illness was also a factor in that decision. If Oubre is available and Edgecombe isn't, Quentin Grimes (22 percent) would be the replacement and worth the streaming risk. Grimes started on Tuesday because Oubre was unavailable.
G/F Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers
Avdija's lower back continues to be an issue, with the All-Star wing having missed Portland's last four games. He's considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Grizzlies, so there is a chance that Avdija plays. While Kris Murray (one percent) has been his replacement in the starting lineup, an illness forced him to leave Sunday's loss to the Hawks. Vit Krejčí (one percent) moved into the lineup to begin the third quarter and can provide three-point production in that role. However, Murray is questionable for Wednesday's game, and Krejčí does not provide enough value across the board to be worth the risk in most leagues.
F Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings
Murray aggravated the sprained left ankle that sidelined him for most of January during the Kings' February 25 loss to the Rockets, and was given a two-week re-evaluation timeline. His absence has opened a spot in the starting lineup for Nique Clifford (26 percent), who boasts silly-season standout potential. A double-digit scorer in five straight and nine of his last 12 games, the rookie has averaged 16.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.7 blocks and 0.7 three-pointers in his last three. Clifford has not shot the three well, making 15.4 percent of his attempts, but the ability to put up numbers in multiple categories makes him an intriguing option for the rest of the season.
F/C Collin Murray-Boyles, Toronto Raptors
Murray-Boyles aggravated his sprained left thumb during Toronto's February 25 loss to the Spurs and has been day-to-day since. Interestingly, he started that game against San Antonio despite Jakob Poeltl (82 percent) being available. Poeltl has moved into the starting lineup since CMB's injury, with Sandro Mamukelashvili's (10 percent) going unchanged. The issue with Mamu is that his playing time has decreased as Poeltl's has increased, with Mamu playing between 14 and 16 minutes in each of Toronto's last four games.
F Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
Markkanen suffered hip and ankle injuries during a Jazz practice on February 25, and it was announced that he would be re-evaluated in two weeks. His replacement in the starting lineup has changed by the game, making it challenging to pinpoint any of them as streaming options. John Konchar (three percent), Blake Hinson (less than one percent) and EJ Harkless (two percent) have been the starters in Utah's last three games. For managers in leagues where Kyle Filipowski (40 percent) and Ace Bailey (37 percent) aren't available, Brice Sensabaugh (18 percent) may be the best streaming option despite coming off the bench.
G/F Kyshawn George, Washington Wizards
George sprained his left elbow during Monday's loss to the Rockets and did not play the following night in Orlando. His absence opened up a spot in the starting lineup for Will Riley (16 percent), who logged 33 minutes and finished with 19 points, three rebounds, five assists, two steals and two three-pointers. Even if George is available for Thursday's game against the Jazz, Riley will be worth holding onto for the rest of the season. Justin Champagnie (nine percent) was also productive against the Magic, but his silly season outlook has lost some luster recently due to him playing 25 minutes or more just twice since February 1.
LEXINGTON, KY - DECEMBER 13: Basketball Hall of Fame member and commentator Charles Barkley walks to the floor with legendary announcer Dick Vitale before a game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Kentucky Wildcats on December 13, 2025, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. (Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Dick Vitale is a college basketball legend, but somehow the 86-year-old announcer has never called a March Madness game. That’s about to change: Vitale will be on the call for a First Four game in the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament next to Charles Barkley thanks to a partnership between ESPN and Turner Sports.
Turner has long owned the rights to March Madness, and that means Vitale, an ESPN employee, wouldn’t call games during college basketball’s spotlight event. An emerging partnership between ESPN and Turner formed when Turner lost the NBA rights in the latest TV deal, but ESPN swooped in to save the beloved ‘Inside the NBA’ featuring Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. It’s nice to see the two sides working together to get Dickie V on the call for a tournament game.
— March Madness Men’s Basketball TV (@MM_MBB_TV) March 4, 2026
Vitale and Barkley were also on the call together for the Indiana vs. Kentucky game on Dec. 13 earlier this season. Let’s hope these two sports broadcasting icons get a good game to call when the bracket is announced.
Vitale beat several different types of cancer in recent years, including melanoma, lymphoma, and vocal cord cancer. He’s one of the best ambassadors for the sport, and he deserves a shot to call March Madness after giving us so many iconic regular season calls over the years.
That means the ACC tournament begins next week, with a chance for 14 teams to potentially win an automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Even in the final week, seeding is up for grabs, except for the No. 1 overall seed. That, of course, will go to Duke, which clinched the regular season title outright on Monday, Feb. 2.
With 14 of the 18 conference teams making the conference tournament, we already know Boston College and Georgia Tech will be watching from home. However, Notre Dame and and Pittsburgh can win their way into the tournament, along with losses from Syracuse and Wake Forest.
The ACC tournament this season is being played at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Games kick off on Tuesday, March 10, with the championship game scheduled for Saturday, March 14.
Here's how the bracket looks as of Wednesday, March 4.
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ACC tournament bracket live projection (March 4)
All times EST.
First round
Tuesday, March 10
G1: No. 12 Stanford vs. No. 13 Wake Forest
G2: No. 10 Florida State vs. No. 15 Pittsburgh
G3: No. 11 Virginia Tech vs. No. 14 Syracuse
Secound round
Wednesday, March 11
G1: No. 8 Cal vs. No. 9 SMU
G2: No. 5 Clemson vs. Game 1 winner
G3: No. 7 NC State vs. Game 2 winner
G4: No. 6 Louisville vs. Game 3 winner
Quarterfinals
Thursday, March 12
G1: No. 1 Duke vs. Game 4 winner
G2: No. 4 UNC vs. Game 5 winner
G3: No. 2 Virginia vs. Game 6 winner
G4: No. 3 Miami vs. Game 7 winner
Semifinals
Friday, March 13
G1: Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner
G2: 10 winner vs. Game 11 winner
Final
Saturday, March 14
Championship game, 3:30 p.m. (CBS)
ACC basketball remaining schedule
All times EST.
Wednesday, March 4
Miami at SMU, 6 p.m. (ACC Network)
California at Georgia Tech, 6 p.m. (ESPNU)
Florida State at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m. (ACC Network)
Stanford at Notre Dame, 8 p.m. (ESPNU)
Saturday, March 7
Virginia at Virginia Tech, 11 a.m. (The CW Network)
Notre Dame at Boston College, 11 a.m. (ESPNU)
Georgia Tech at Clemson, 11 a.m. (ACC Network)
Louisville at Miami, 1 p.m. (ESPNU)
SMU at Florida State, 1 p.m. (ACC Network)
Stanford at NC State, 1:15 p.m. (The CW Network)
California at Wake Forest, 3 p.m. (ACC Network)
Pittsburgh at Syracuse, 3:30 p.m. (The CW Network)
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s hopes of World Cup qualification are being impacted by the Iran war because players cannot get visas for the playoff tournament in Mexico and the team's coach is stranded in the United Arab Emirates.
“Because of airspace closures, our head coach, Graham Arnold, is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates,” the Iraqi soccer federation said in a statement on Instagram on Wednesday. “In addition, several embassies remain closed at the present time, preventing several professional players, technical and medical staff members from obtaining entry visas to Mexico.”
Iraq is scheduled to play either Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey, Mexico on March 31 for one of the last two qualification places for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The federation said it is in “constant communication with FIFA regarding the arrangements for our national team’s participation” in the match. It said the Asian Football Confederation is also “fully aware of every development regarding our team’s situation.”
If Iraq fails to qualify through the playoff, it could take another path if Iran is unable to take part in the tournament because of the U.S. and Israeli attacks on the country.
“We cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Iran’s top soccer official Mehdi Taj said.
Should Iran pull out — still hugely speculative — Iraq or the United Arab Emirates would be likely replacements as the ninth and 10th-ranked Asian teams in qualifying.
But FIFA’s legal regulations are vague and appear to give FIFA president Gianni Infantino wide powers to shape any decision.
Iraq’s most certain hope of qualifying remains winning the playoff later this month.
The Big 12 is loaded with teams capable of making a run in the NCAA Tournament. Perhaps a run in the conference tournament can be the boost a few teams need heading into March Madness.
Arizona is all but a lock for one of four No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament. Could Houston or Iowa State sneak onto the final No. 1-seed spot with a Big 12 championship win?
Kansas is also capable of making a run for a Big 12 title, especially with Darryn Peterson fully available, which he has been as of late. Peterson, one of the top projected picks of the 2026 NBA Draft, has played 30 or more minutes in each of his last four games.
The Big 12 tournament could also have huge seeding implications for TCU, UCF, Cincinnati and others vying for an at-large bid.
Here's how the Big 12 bracket looks as of March 4 with one game left in the regular season:
Big 12 tournament projected live bracket (March 4)
All times Eastern.
Tuesday, March 10
Game 1: No. 12 Arizona State vs. No. 13 Oklahoma State | 12:30 p.m.
Game 2: No. 9 West Virginia vs. No. 16 Utah | 3 p.m.
Game 3: No. 10 BYU vs. No. 15 Kansas State | 7 p.m.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are so deep that a guy like Isaiah Joe gets overlooked. Joe has seen an expanded role since the start of February, and he’s taken advantage.
Joe is averaging 15.6 points over his last 14 games and has been a deadly 3-point shooter, draining a crazy good 46.6% of his 7.4 attempts per game during that stretch. I like him to light up the scoreboard at Madison Square Garden when OKC visits the New York Knicks tonight.
The Knicks have struggled with their perimeter defense, ranking 20th in opponent made threes per game, and are playing the second half of a back-to-back. Joe has hit three or more threes 10 times over this 14-game run.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ESPN
Prop #2: Brandon Miller Over 3.5 made threes
+125 at bet365
Brandon Miller’s development might be the biggest reason the Charlotte Hornets are becoming a good basketball team. Miller is having a great season and is on fire from beyond the arc.
He’s averaging 23.4 points and shooting 41.3% from 3-point range on 10.2 attempts over his last nine games, and you can expect Miller to keep letting it fly tonight against the Boston Celtics.
The Celtics live and die by the 3-ball. They are one of the best long-range shooting teams while ranking 22nd in opponent made threes per game.
Miller has hit four or more threes in seven of his last nine games. At this price, I love backing him to do it again.
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast-Charlotte, NBCSB
But, even with Giannis, this Bucks team has too many issues, including on the glass. Even with one of the best rebounders in the game, Milwaukee owns the fourth-worst rebounding rate.
Meanwhile, Hawks big man Onyeka Okongwu has been putting in extra work on the boards. Okongwu is averaging 9.2 rebounds in his last six games, hauling down 10 or more five times. Over 7.5 should be light work against the Bucks tonight.
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The New York Knicks (40*-22) host the Oklahoma City Thunder (48–15) tonight at Madison Square Garden, both on the second night of back-to-backs. Yesterday in Toronto, the Knicks fought the Raptors to the end for victory, while the Thunder beat the Bulls in Chicago. Both teams have won three in a row.
They last met on January 10, 2025, when Oklahoma City rolled to a 126–101 victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 39 points and controlled the game from start to finish. Josh Hart grabbed 13 rebounds in the loss.
The Thunder hold the league’s best record and have been a juggernaut all season. They rank near the top of the NBA in both offensive and defensive efficiency, scoring roughly 119 points per game while allowing about 108, giving them the league’s best net rating. The engine behind that success is MVP candidate Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging around 31.8 points and 6.4 assists per game. Chet Holmgren provides interior defense and versatility, contributing about 17 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks per night. Jalen Williams (17.5 PPG) has been another dynamic scoring option despite poor long-range shooting, while Luguentz Dort supplies the defense and trips.
OKC is expected to start SGA at guard alongside Cason Wallace (9 PTS), Dort, Holmgren, and Isaiah Joe (11 PPG, 42% 3P%) if Isaiah Hartenstein (10.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG) sits with a calf issue.
On the injury front, Miles McBride remain out for the home team. The Thunder enter somewhat banged up: SGA, iHart, and Ajay Mitchell are listed day-to-day, while Jalen Williams is sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Prediction
ESPN’s matchup predictor gives the Knicks a 52% edge at home. We’ll take it. SGA, Hartenstein, and Jalen Williams all rested last night in Chicago, and I can’t think of a compelling reason why coach Mark Daigneault would rush anyone back for this interconference matchup. On our side, the Knicks have been locked in defensively and possessed by the spirit of cooperation of late, with all five starters scoring in double figures over the last three games. Factor in solid bench contributions from Landry Shamet, Mohamed Diawara, and Jose Alvarado, and the ‘Bockers look ready to challenge the mighty Thunder. Expect a little early fatigue, but watch our heroes catch fire mid-second quarter, grab the lead after halftime, and hold off a late push for a four-point win.
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks (40*-22) at Oklahoma City Thunder (48-15) Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Time: 7 PM ET Place: Madison Square Garden, NYC TV: ESPN and MSG Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
* Should be one more, but NBA Cup wins evaporate in water.
There are only two gamedays left in the regular season for SEC men's basketball.
Defending national champion Florida has already wrapped up the No. 1 seed for next week's SEC tournament in Nashville (March 11-15). But the rest of the positions are up for grabs.
Tuesday saw a number of unexpected results as Georgia beat Alabama to improve its case to get off the NCAA tournament bubble, while Missouri lost at Oklahoma and Texas A&M beat Kentucky to muddle up the middle of the conference.
Brazilian defender Matheus Thuler headed in the only goal as Vissel Kobe of Japan defeated FC Seoul of South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Elite's round of 16.
Leonardo Ruiz had a chance to equalize for Seoul but missed a penalty in the second half.
“I’m a little disappointed that we didn’t win,” Seoul coach Kim Ki-dong said. “We showed our fight to turn it around but the round of 16 is not over yet and I am confident that we will win the next game.”
Benjamin Mazzeo’s strike in injury time earned Australia’s Melbourne City a 1-1 draw with Buriram United ahead of next week’s second leg in Thailand, while Johor Darul Tazim of Malaysia beat Japanese side Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3-1.
In the remaining fixture in the eastern half of the competition, South Korea’s Gangwon FC and Japan’s Machida Zelvia played out a 0-0 draw.
All matches from the quarterfinal stage onward are scheduled to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from April 16–25 but it's unclear when games in the western zone can resume.
Raphielle Johnson
Isaiah Joe
Brandon Miller
Onyeka Okongwu