The shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers head to Ball Arena to face the Denver Nuggets, who will look to get back on track following an overtime loss to the Lakers on Sunday.
Jamal Murray struggled to find his shot in his last game, but my 76ers vs Nuggets predictions call for him to bounce back and dominate Philly.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference showdown on Tuesday, March 17.
76ers vs Nuggets prediction
76ers vs Nuggets best bet: Jamal Murray Over 24.5 points (-112)
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray had a brutal showing against the Lakers, finishing with just five points on 1 of 14 shooting.
In eight games prior, he averaged 29.9 points and scored 25+ six times. He's averaging a career-best 25.1 points per game, and he’s scored 25+ in 30 of 63 games.
Injuries have taken their toll on the Philadelphia 76ers, and over the last 10 games, the Sixers rank 22nd in defensive rating (116.4).
With so many key players sidelined, Philly lacks depth, size, and the quality defenders needed to slow Murray.
76ers vs Nuggets same-game parlay
Over the last 10 games, the Philadelphia 76ers have surrendered 15.5 triples on 36.6% shooting. Murray is knocking down a career-best 3.1 triples at a 42.4% clip, and he should find his rhythm from beyond the arc at home.
In addition to his career-best scoring average, Murray is dishing a career-high 7.1 dimes. He's handed out seven assists in 33 of 63 contests, and he's gone for at least 25 points and seven assists 15 times. Philadelphia has allowed the seventh-most assists per game this season.
76ers vs Nuggets SGP
Jamal Murray Over 24.5 points
Jamal Murray Over 2.5 made threes
Jamal Murray Over 6.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Someone's Gotta Score!
The 76ers will be without four of their Top-5 scorers with all of Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. sidelined. Someone’s got to pick up the scoring slack for Philly.
Quentin Grimes has averaged better than 23 points across his last six games, scoring 21+ four times, including each of his last two. Justin Edwards has started three straight games, and he’s scored 12, 19, and 28 points while running with the first unit.
Cameron Payne has averaged 15.2 points across his last five games with Maxey sidelined, and he’s scored 11+ four times in that span. Dominick Barlow has been a starter for most of the season, but he’s been more productive on offense as of late, scoring 10+ in four straight contests.
76ers vs Nuggets SGP
Quentin Grimes Over 20.5 points
Justin Edwards Over 12.5 points
Cameron Payne Over 10.5 points
Dominick Barlow Over 10.5 points
76ers vs Nuggets odds
Spread: 76ers +15.5 (-110) | Nuggets -15.5 (-110)
Moneyline: 76ers +700 | Nuggets -1100
Over/Under: Over 236 (-110) | Under 236 (-110)
76ers vs Nuggets betting trend to know
The Denver Nuggets have hit the Game Total Over in 32 of their last 50 games (+12.20 Units / 22% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Nuggets.
How to watch 76ers vs Nuggets
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC/Peacock
76ers vs Nuggets 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.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 14: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first half against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on March 14, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images
BOSTON — Jaylen Brown always knew he could do this.
In July, on the last day of his annual educational camp for Boston youth — the Bridge program — I spoke with the Celtics star.
The team had just lost Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday to trades and Al Horford and Luke Kornet to free agency. Jayson Tatum was on crutches, and for the first time in years, the feeling around basketball in Boston was somber.
In that lengthy conversation, Brown shared how, over the years, he sometimes took a back seat, something he felt most players of his caliber in the NBA haven’t had to do. But, as he stressed multiple times, he was okay with it: it was all in pursuit of a championship, the thing that was most important to him in the world.
“I’m extremely grateful that we won a championship,” Brown said then. “I’m extremely grateful that we’ve been able to have success, and that’s what it’s about.”
But, when it came down to leading a Celtics roster devoid of superstars for the very first time, Brown had no doubt that he was up for the challenge.
We sat across a round table at the MIT building where the Bridge camp was based. Dozens of high school students filed out as the day’s sessions concluded; some gave Brown a fist bump on their way out, others a wave.
After the room emptied, Brown cleared his throat and unexpectedly broached the topic of the year ahead.
“I feel like I’m very talented,” he said. “I’m one of the talented people in this league, on this planet, I feel like. I’m looking forward to showing the world more.”
What would more look like?
I wasn’t even sure.
The Celtics star already had a Finals MVP under his belt, a Second Team All-NBA selection, and four All-Star appearances. He’d averaged at least 20 points per game for six consecutive seasons, while often taking on the Celtics’ most difficult defensive assignments.
As my mind wandered, I took note of how he had phrased that sentence: “I’m one of the talented people in this league.”
He skipped over the word most, likely an intentional choice, but though he omitted it, it still hung in the air, framing our conversation. Brown didn’t need to say it for me to know exactly what he meant.
It was clear as day that Brown had long felt like he was one of the world’s best basketball players, even coming off a season in which his shooting numbers substantially declined as he played through a partially torn meniscus. So, though outside expectations around the Celtics lowered, Brown was eager to show everyone else what he already knew to be true.
Not everyone believed.
The conversation around the 2025-2026 Celtics season was framed around the organization taking a “gap year” with Jayson Tatum sidelined. The word “tanking” came up for the first time in over a decade. Even the most optimistic fans struggled to envision how the Celtics could again find themselves near the top of the Eastern Conference, let alone be one of the NBA’s best teams.
But, just like he said he would, Brown has pridefully steered the ship. On the season, he is averaging 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists — all career-highs. His shooting numbers across the board are up from last year, and his 79.2% clip from the free-throw line is the best mark of his career. He’s locked down some of the league’s top stars, taken over in the clutch, and set a franchise record for most consecutive 30+ point games (9).
Brown has tallied six 40+ point games this season, the latest coming on Monday night in a 120-112 win over the Phoenix Suns.
Once again, he was the best player on the floor, outdueling another one of the NBA’s brightest stars. That’s something he’s done countless times in a season filled with masterclass performances.
As MVP chants echoed across a raucous TD Garden, Brown erupted for 18 fourth-quarter points, finishing the night with 41 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
“It’s pretty cool, not gonna lie,” Brown said on Monday night. “It’s pretty awesome to be at my this point in my career and be able to get that love from the fans.”
This year, Brown was named an All-Star starter for the first time in his career. He also earned his first Player of the Month selection, collecting the award for his strong play in January. Those accolades aren’t what drive him, but they indicate the outside world sees what he’s long felt: he’s among the best players in all of basketball.
What has driven Jaylen Brown’s career season?
Most players don’t make a leap at age 29, but Jaylen Brown is now a proven exception.
“I’ve always felt like I could be one of the top players in the world, given the opportunity,” Brown said Monday. “And I feel like I got to display that this season.”
One major factor behind this leap is that this season, Brown has overwhelmingly been the Celtics’ primary creator for the first time.
“I’ve been able to be in this in a role where I’ve been able to control things, and everybody’s kind of playing off me,” Brown said. “I’ve been in those roles seldom over the years, but this year, for an extended amount of time, I’ve been able to be in that position.”
To viewers at home, the difference between being the primary creator and the secondary creator might not look as stark as it feels. But, for Brown — a player who sometimes very clearly enters a flow state on the offensive end— it’s night and day.
“People are going to have their critiques and their criticism, but it’s just a completely different flow when people play off you, or when you play off others,” he said. “It’s two completely different things. For people watching the game, you just think, like, ‘just roll the ball out, and everything’s supposed to work great. Players are all supposed to fit together.’ It doesn’t always work like that. Sometimes, you got to take a backseat, or sometimes you got to play more off-ball. So, everything shifts.”
Asked Jaylen Brown if he feels like he’s been able to improve individually this season:
“For sure. And I've been able to be in this in a role where I'd be able to kind of control things, and everybody's kind of playing off me. I've been in those roles seldom over the years, but… pic.twitter.com/5vJtxWJDMm
“I’ve been able to play at my own pace. And I’ve been able to control my own destiny.”
Still, as well as things have gone, he feels like he has a lot of room to grow.
“I feel like even now, over the last couple of games, I’ve adjusted my game,” he said. “And I’m still continuing to get better in my playmaking ability, seeing the floor, taking my time, all of that stuff is still continuing to improve.”
Brown’s offensive production may soon take a hit — and that’s okay
With Jayson Tatum back in the lineup, he’ll once again share the floor with his co-star. Brown is candid: accepting that his role will change as a result takes humility, and isn’t always easy.
But he understands that what’s at stake is a championship.
“JT is extremely important to us for what we want to do,” Brown said. “Obviously, I’m having a great season, but then I have to just think: what’s the big picture?”
And, just like he told me back in July, as much as he feels confident in his own abilities, individual accolades aren’t what drive him.
“I always put the team first and what the bigger picture is first,” Brown said.
Only 14 games remain in the Celtics’ season. They currently sit at 45-23, good for the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. Already, they’re the betting odds favorites to come out of the East.
But Brown still feels like his team has another gear it can reach.
“Everybody has to be patient,” he said. “This is not the best version you’re watching right now.”
NBA fans may want to take heed of that warning — because Jaylen Brown has been right before.
Only those legendary Hall of Fame coaches reached 600 wins as head coaches faster than Steve Kerr, who hit the milestone on Monday night when the Warriors beat the Washington Wizards.
"It's surreal to hear my name in that group, but I can tell you that it's one thing that bonds us all together, those names and mine," Kerr said after the win, via NBC Sports Bay Area. "It's talent. It's talent. I mean, you can't win in this league without great players, and I was blessed from the day I took this job with incredible talent with Steph [Curry] and Klay [Thompson] and Andre [Iguodala] and Andrew Bogut and down down the list ...
"All these guys are just amazing, and so I owe the honor to incredible talent and a great organization. Just to work for the Warriors, to be part of this amazing group of people that [Warriors owners] Joe Lacob and Peter Guber put together. Just to be a part of this, I'm so blessed, and most organizations are not this strong and this aligned, and I'm very, very lucky."
There are 28 coaches who have reached 600 wins, but Kerr does it with four titles and coaching the team of a generation. Kerr won rings as a player for Jackson and Popovich and served as a bridge from that era to the modern game — which his Warriors helped form.
This current Warriors team — with both Jimmy Butler (ACL) and Stephen Curry (knee) — out injured is struggling to hold its position in the West and appears headed for the play-in. The Warriors did get Kristaps Porzingis and Draymond Green back for the win in Washington.
Kerr is in the final year of his contract but has put off discussing his future with the team until this season ends. That said, around the league, the expectation is that he will be back coaching the Warriors next season.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 13: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks walks off the court after the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 13, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With just 13 games left to go in the regular season, it’s go time for the New York Knicks. The boys in orange and blue have won their last three outings, and after a lengthy west coast road trip, should be excited to stick around the eastern time zone for their next few games.
As the playoffs become more and more in focus, it’s imperative that the Knicks are playing the best ball towards the end of the year. You want to be peaking at the right time. Brunson, Towns, and Anunoby have all been playing up to their standards. Mitchell Robinson has been attacking the glass hard. The bench has had a lot of different contributors as of late.
The most noticeable absence from that list, of course, is Mikal Bridges. And what a glaring absence it is.
Over his last six games, Bridges is averaging 6.5 points per outing.
That’s not a typo. Soak it up. 6.5 points. That’s nearly a first-rounder given up per point at that rate. Are we serious?
No Mikal Bridges down the stretch in the 4th. No matter where you stand on it, it’s a massive problem that a guy the franchise emptied the clip for has been benched multiple times in crunch time this season.
Bridges, shooting 32% from the floor and 21% from three over that span, has been playing just over 26 minutes per night over the same period of time. He’s been benched in the fourth quarter multiple times. While he still delivers a steadying presence on the defensive end, the man who once averaged over twenty points per game has now turned into an offensive afterthought.
Last season, Mikal Bridges became the first player in NBA history to log more than 3,000 minutes and attempt fewer than 125 free throws.
This season, Bridges is on pace to finish with fewer than 100 FT attempts.
In general, it’s indicative of a season-long regression. Bridges’ average points have decreased from 17.6 to 14.8 between his two years as a Knick – still very solid, but for the blockbuster price New York paid for him, they just had to be expecting more. He has little to no aggression with the ball in his hands, and when the fadeaway jumpers aren’t falling, things get ugly fast.
Remember, Bridges was hailed as the missing piece when New York traded for him. He was the last of the Nova Knicks, destined to become a part of Madison Square Garden lore and propel the Knicks into championship contention.
Yes, New York may be viewed as a contender, but the reality of the situation is that it’s not because Bridges came in and elevated the level of play.
After last year’s playoffs, we’ve seen Bridges show up in the biggest of moments while under immense scrutiny. I’ll take any opportunity I can get to link these.
MIKAL BRIDGES STEAL TO SEAL GAME 1 FOR THE KNICKS!!
You could argue that the two plays above made the trade worth it alone. I don’t know if you’d be right, but you certainly could argue it, and I certainly would have to smile as I imagined the first two games of the Knicks-Celtics series last year. Bridges is a dog. He has it in him. We all know it. However – and most importantly – if this year’s Knicks want to win a championship, they’ll need Bridges to at least revert to the levels he played at last postseason to go on a true run.
The fate of New York may be in his hands, and a championship push might ultimately be dependent on which version of Mikal Bridges shows up in the playoffs. He has thirteen more games to figure it out before we see for ourselves.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 13: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks and T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers battle for the ball during the second quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 13, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images
They’re back at it again. Thankfully, for the fourth and final time this season, the Knicks (44*-25) will face the Pacers (15-53). Just two games ago, New York had to extert more effort than expected to knock of these cellar dwellers in Indiana. Tonight, they take the floor at Madison Square Garden in the first of seven remaining regular season home games.
Over their last 10 games, the Knicks have gone 7-3. The Pacers have lost 13 straight.
In their last meeting, on March 13, 2026, the Knicks won 101-92. Jalen Brunson led New York with 29 points and nine assists, while Mitchell Robinson hauled down a career-high 22 boards and OG Anunoby added 25 points. Jarace Walker led the Pacers with 18 points and nine rebounds.
The Pacers have had a dismal season defined by poor efficiency on both ends. Their offensive rating is last in the league and their defensive rating rates 25th. They average 111.2 points per game (27th in the league) and rank in the bottom 10 for wins, points allowed, field goal percentage, and net rating.
The best player on the Pacers is Pascal Siakam, who averages 24 points per game and shoots 36.2% from three while adding 6.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists. He’s missed four straight games, though, and Indiana might be inclined to shut him down for the remainder of the campaign. Andrew Nembhard contributes 17 points and leads the team with 7.3 assists per game. Bennedict Mathurin provides scoring punch at 17.8 points per game with 37.2% from downtown in limited appearances.[Editor’s Note: D’oh.] Aaron Nesmith adds 13.5 points and solid defense.
The Pacers are already without Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) and Johnny Furphy (ACL) for the season, and could be even more shorthanded Tuesday with Pascal Siakam (doubtful) and a long list of rotation players—McConnell, Nembhard, Nesmith, Toppin, Zubac, Sheppard, Jackson, and Potter—listed as questionable. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson is listed as a game-time decision as he’s managing an ankle sprain and neck pain. And I have my suspicions about Landry Shamet’s neck.
Prediction
Quoth Vermont Knicks Fan, “I call BS on the Pacers injury report.” Indeed. It’s Indiana’s special duty to make our lives miserable every time they face the Knicks, and tonight will be no exception. ESPN.com gives the Knicks an 87% chance of winning, but if I were a betting man, I’d count on the Hoosiers to cover the spread.
Coach Mike Brown should rest Brunson. We’ll need Cap’s gas tank as full as possible when the playoffs start, and this would be a prime opportunity for the other point guards on the bench (Tyler Kolek, Jose Alvarado) to show what they can do. We don’t doubt that the Knicks will win, given that the Pacers focused on tanking. It just might not feel like a sure thing until midway through the fourth. The Kolek Game? The Diawara Game? The McCullar Game? Carpe diem, gents. Knicks by 12.
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks (44*-25) vs Indiana Pacers (15-53) Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Time: 7:30 PM ET Place: Madison Square Garden, NYC TV: MSG Network Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
* Should be one more, but NBA Cup wins lurk in the shadows
Kevin Durant was his own harshest critic following Monday's deflating loss.
Kevin Durant was his own harshest critic Monday night.
The Rockets star was brutally honest with reporters after getting neutralized by late-game defensive adjustments, blaming himself for the Houston’s 100–92 home loss to the Lakers.
With its offensive engine hindered by a flurry of double-teams, Houston scored just 12 points on 4-for-16 shooting while committing nine costly turnovers in the final period.
Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant blamed himself for Monday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Getty Images
“I just felt like I lost the game for us tonight,” said Durant, who scored just two of his 18 points in the second half and accounted for seven of Houston’s 24 turnovers. “It’s that simple. Of course we probably could make more 3s, but it’s on me. I mean, to be honest, I’m the offense and the opposing team is going to use all their resources and not let me get comfortable.
“First half, I got comfortable in iso, comfortable coming off of pindowns, pick-and-rolls and they decided not to let me get comfortable no more,” he added. “So I got to be smarter, better with the ball. I got to maybe shoot over some of them double-teams, but space out, be ready to catch and shoot, be ready to be a screener, just be in a dunker spot, just being able to be there as a resource for my teammates to provide space. I didn’t need to have the ball as much as I did tonight.”
The Rockets (41–26) have frequently struggled late in games when teams send reinforcements at Durant, but were further strained Monday night as All-Star center Alperen Sengun was sidelined to nurse lower back pain.
The Lakers (43–25) — who have won nine of their last 10 games behind an emerging defensive identity — planned accordingly, deploying several different coverages to disrupt Houston’s sole source of offense.
It proved a winning strategy for Los Angeles, which offset its own offensive struggles — save for Luka Doncic’s 36 points — by holding Houston to just 35 points and 15 forced turnovers, including six from Durant, after intermission.
Kevin Durant was hit with several double-teams during the second half of Monday’s loss to the Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images
“[Durant’s] one of the greatest players we’ve ever seen play obviously, so you’ve just got to try to show him different looks, try to keep him off balance,” said LeBron James, who scored 18 points.
“And when he shoots, hope he misses. He don’t miss many shots. So I thought we did a good job of having a game plan, but also just switching up our pitches. Can’t show a great like that too many of the same coverages just throughout the whole game.”
The Rockets — now 1 1/2 games behind Los Angeles for third place in the Western Conference — will host the Lakers again Wednesday night.
Durant, who finished 8-for-16 from the floor but shot just 1-for-5 during the second half, would seemingly like to see Houston implement a different strategy in the rematch — questioning his effectiveness as the primary ball handler down the stretch.
“I just feel like it just makes us stagnant,” Durant said. “When I come across half [court] and then they waited on me to drive, but I know they’re coming to double, so I wait a split second. I just think the whole process is too slow.
“And I just think that it’s all on me, because the team, when they see me, it just feels like one-on-five, to be honest,” he added. “You know what I’m saying? Because I see two guys coming up out the corner to help at the elbows and guys at the boxes. It’s almost like a zone when I get the ball up top. When I try to post up anywhere, it’s going to be double-teams. So I’m just trying to find out ways to open myself up, open my teammates up.”
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 16: Kristaps Porzingis #7 and De'anthony Melton #8 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate in the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Effective field goal percentage:Despite the loss, the Wizards still had a higher shooting percentage here thanks to a better three point shooting night.
Three Wizards players scored 21 points: Will Riley, Bilal Coulibaly and Trae Young scored this magic number each and at a good efficiency.
And the cons:
Kristaps Porzingis: There was no Stephen Curry or Jimmy Butler. Draymond Green was the assist and rebounding power. But Porzingis came off the bench and scored 30 points.
Turnovers: Washington gave up 21 turnovers last night compared to 17 for Golden State. Against a more established team, that’s how things work against the Wizards.
12 straight losses? I’d like to see a win every now and then.
No rest for the weary. The Detroit Pistons are in tonight so let’s hope the Wizards don’t lose 13 in a row.
Amid their win-streak, they’ve beaten multiple teams atop the NBA standings, including the Knicks, Timberwolves, Nuggets and Rockets.
It’s time to accept the reality you’ve been dreading: The Lakers are contenders.
On Saturday, Charles Barkley antagonized Lakers fans by saying he hoped they didn’t beat the Nuggets. He said that would be his “worst nightmare” because then he’d have to hear sports shows calling them contenders.
Getty Images NBAE via Getty Images
Not only did the Lakers beat the Nuggets in overtime, 127-125, but they then won their next game against the Rockets on Monday, 100-92, holding Kevin Durant to nearly as many field goals (eight) as turnovers (seven).
Over the past two weeks, the Lakers have piled on increasingly impressive wins. It’s time to accept the fact that a pattern has formed.
The Lakers win over the Knicks in which they never trailed wasn’t an anomaly. Their victory over the Timberwolves wasn’t because Anthony Edwards was having an off night, shooting 2-for-15 from the field. Their nail-biter over the Nuggets wasn’t luck. And their grind-it-out win over the Rockets wasn’t a one-off victory.
The Lakers are good. Perhaps they’re even really good.
Something has changed for the team.
Luka Doncic is playing MVP-caliber basketball for the second time this season after his sizzling performance amid the Lakers’ 15-4 start. Over the month of March, he’s averaging 34.3 points, 9 rebounds and 7.7 assists.
Deandre Ayton is playing with force. Marcus Smart is reminding everyone that he’s a former Defensive Player of the Year.
Lakers coach JJ Redick can finally exhale. His long nights in his dark basement poring over film have paid off. Everyone has bought in.
The Lakers are in third place in the Western Conference. They’ve hit their stride at just the right time. WIth only 14 games remaining, they’re one of the top teams in the NBA.
Those are whiplash-inducing sentences considering they were counted out mere weeks ago. After going 4-4 on their eight-game homestand, a purple and gold-stained natural disaster had officially struck Los Angeles.
You know, Doncic wasn’t a winner. James was a blight on the Lakers. Reaves was a disappearing act. And former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton didn’t even compare to Rockets’ center Clint Capela.
Oh, how things have changed.
Now, Doncic is a legitimate MVP-contender. James is a selfless winner for playing behind Doncic and Reaves. Reaves is a sensation. Ayton has looked like DominAyton recently. And Smart has become the hard-nosed defender the Lakers needed.
Of course, it remains questionable whether the Lakers could beat the crème de la crème of the West in a seven-game series. The reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder made them look old and tired last time they met. And it’s uncertain whether the Lakers have answers for the 7-foot-4 alien that is Victor Wembanyama and his Spurs.
But the Lakers can no longer be counted out.
They’re tough. They’re able to adapt. They tallying wins against the best teams in the league.
It’s no longer hyperbolic to call them contenders. If everyone keeps starring in their roles, the Lakers could really make some noise in the playoffs.
The four-time NBA champion James obviously knows a thing or two about winning. Doncic carried Dallas to the Finals in 2024 and is desperate to make former Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison regret the day he put his signature on the most shocking trade in NBA history.
Reaves is anxious to play well in the playoffs following his 2025 postseason struggles, especially with a potential max contract awaiting him. Ayton wants to prove he’s not a bust. And Smart is ready to show the world what he can do again.
The Lakers aren’t just a group of mismatched stars who can’t jell anymore. They’ve sacrificed to make The Big Three shine. They’ve filled their holes on the defensive end and from beyond the arc, masking their deficits with unyielding effort.
The Lakers have arrived.
Sorry, Sir Charles. We all know the narrative that the Lakers are good is as abhorrent to you as setting foot in San Antonio.
This postseason, looks like you’re going to be in for a lot of grief.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 25: Ryan Rollins #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against Dennis Schröder #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on February 25, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a back-to-back where the Milwaukee Bucks lost to the fiery-hot Hawks on the road and beat the Pacers at home, they’ll take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday. The last time these two Central Division teams met, KPJ iced the game with a clean fadeaway over Jarrett Allen in one of the more memorable plays of the season. Since then, Milwaukee’s momentum has been halted by a difficult stretch of games, while Cleveland continues to wrestle for playoff positioning. Tuesday will mark the last time Milwaukee plays Cleveland this season.
Where We’re At
After a difficult stretch of games where Milwaukee has won just two games (Utah, Indy) in their last ten, they seem primed to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The Bucks are struggling with consistency in scoring and concede an uncomfortable amount of three-pointers. Milwaukee’s shootout against the 15-53 Pacers marked a burst of offensive firepower Milwaukee has missed for most of the season. After shooting north of 50% from three through the efforts of players like Bobby Portis and Ryan Rollins, the Bucks will look to continue their solid shooting in their home matchup against Cleveland.
Cleveland, much like Milwaukee, is looking for some steadiness after a tumultuous stretch of games. The Cavaliers are mired in a difficult playoff race, and recent losses to the likes of Boston and Orlando have knocked them down to fourth place, 7.5 games behind first-place Detroit. They travel to Fiserv Forum coming off an “embarrassing” 130-120 loss to Dallas, where they’ll try to fix their defensive mishaps and careless turnovers.
Injury Report
For the Bucks, Giannis is questionable with a sprained ankle. His ankle has been bugging him recently, and a potential hyperextended knee that took him out of Sunday’s game against the Pacers hasn’t helped. Although Giannis downplayed the scary leg injury, his ankle troubles make playing him a risky bet against the Cavs, especially with low stakes in a relatively meaningless game. Ousmane Dieng (illness) and Myles Turner (calf strain) are also marked as questionable.
The Cavs will miss Jarrett Allen, who averages north of 15 points per game, with tendonitis in the knee. Allen has missed the last five games with the injury and will miss Cleveland’s three-game road trip to undergo treatment. Craig Porter Jr. (groin) and Tyrese Proctor (quad) are also out, while Sam Merrill (questionable, hamstring) and Jaylon Tyson (probable, ankle) round out their injury list.
Player to Watch
Cam Thomas has logged 19 minutes across the last three games, even sitting out the entirety of the Bucks’ Sunday win over Indiana. Thomas is a gifted scorer whose main strength comes from his ability to create separation off the dribble and convert tough jumpers. However, struggles with efficiency and an inability to mesh with the established Bucks rotation have left Thomas in the dust when it comes to playing time. Thomas is averaging 7.4 points in 13.4 minutes per game, posting shooting splits of .375/.278/.667 in March. Could Doc take another chance on such an unpredictable scorer, especially against a floundering Cavaliers defense?
How To Watch
Watch on NBC/Peacock or FanDuel Sports Network at 7 p.m. CDT.
The 76ers (37-31) travel to the Mile High City to take on the Nuggets (41-27) in the nightcap of a doubleheader on Peacock.
Philadelphia will be without multiple starters in the start of this three-game road trip. The 76ers have won back-to-back games and three of the past four with a lone loss to the Pistons. Philadelphia has climbed to 1.5 game back from the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference and are tied with the Hawks for the 8th spot.
Denver is tied with Minnesota for the No. 5 spot and 0.5 game back from Houston for the No. 4 seed. The Nuggets are 5-5 in the last 10 games and are at home in six of the next eight games. The Nuggets won 126-125 in OT of the only meeting versus the 76ers this season.
Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content.
Game Details and How to Watch Live: 76ers at Nuggets
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Time: 10 PM EST
Site: Ball Arena
City: Denver, CO
Network/Streaming: Peacock/NBC Sports
Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Game Odds: 76ers at Nuggets
The latest odds as of Tuesday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Denver Nuggets (-1200), Philadelphia 76ers (+750)
Spread: Denver -15.5
Total: 235.5 points
This game opened Nuggets -12.5 with the Total set at 228.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups: 76ers at Nuggets
Denver Nuggets
PG Jamal Murray
SG Christian Braun
SF Cameron Johnson
PF Aaron Gordon
C Nikola Jokic
Philadelphia 76ers
PG VJ Edgecombe
SG Quentin Grimes
SF Justin Edwards
PF Dominick Barlow
C Adam Bona
Injury Report: 76ers at Nuggets
Denver Nuggets
Peyton Watson (hamstring) is listed as OUT for tonight’s game
Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Maxey (tendon) is listed as OUT for tonight’s game
Kelly Oubre Jr (elbow) is listed as OUT for tonight’s game
Joel Embiid (oblique) is listed as OUT for tonight's game
Jabari Walker (illness) is listed as OUT for tonight's game
Important stats, trends and insights: 76ers at Nuggets
Denver is 38-30 ATS and 15-16 ATS at home
Denver is 11-12 ATS as a home favorite
Denver is an NBA-best 43-25 to the Over
Denver is 16-15 to the Over at home
Philadelphia is 36-32 ATS and 35-33 to the Over
The 76ers are 17-15 to the Over on the road
The 76ers are 10-9 ATS as the road underdog
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s 76ers and Nuggets’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Nuggets’ Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Nuggets -15.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 235.5
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
The fantasy playoffs are here! An uncharacteristically subpar or a surprisingly exceptional game or two can make all the difference in the world during this time of the year. For fantasy managers, here’s a look at which players could fall into those categories.
Let's get started!
→ Watch the NBA Coast 2 Coast Tuesday on NBC and Peacock: The Cavaliers and Bucks tip things off at 8 p.m. ET before the 76ers and Nuggets square off at 10 p.m. ET. Both games are available on Peacock. Check your local listings for the NBC game in your area.
The veteran mid-range technician has come alive just in time for the fantasy playoffs, even if it’s played a role in costing the Kings to lose some ground in top-3 NBA Draft pick projections this upcoming offseason. Sacramento has won four of its last five games, and although DeRozan missed one of those contests, he’s averaging 29.8 points and 6.3 assists per game in that stretch, which includes 41-point and 39-point outings. Fittingly, he’s made just one three-pointer during this run of high-scoring performances. Injuries to Keegan Murray (ankle) and Malik Monk (ankle) have eaten into the Kings’ depth and scoring, making DeRozan all the more likely to maintain his workload and production. Stock up!
A back injury kept Edgecombe on the sideline for three games early in March, but in the four games since his return, he’s played some very good basketball. Specifically, Edgecombe is averaging 16.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 33.5 minutes per game since making his way back to the rotation. Arguably, the lone weakness over that stretch has been three-point shooting — he’s gone 2-of-18 from deep over his last four appearances. The rookie guard isn’t doing anything otherworldly from a numbers standpoint, but he’s trending in the right direction and helping the Sixers get back on track. He should continue to progress here in the fantasy playoffs.
Dejounte Murray — PG/SG, Pelicans
Speaking of returns from injury, Murray’s strong play has caught many by surprise. He returned from an Achilles injury and made his season debut in late February, immediately produced, and has only become more productive since. The veteran combo guard has scored 35 and 27 points in his past two appearances and is averaging 6.5 boards and 5.0 assists across six games in March. Murray’s nightly contributions across the stat sheet have quickly made him one of New Orleans’ most reliable and intriguing fantasy options. He’s been able to log close to 30 minutes per game consistently; if that number increases, so could the production, which would make him one of the better late-season roster additions across fantasy leagues.
A strong fantasy season has stalled at the completely wrong time, from a fantasy basketball perspective. The third-year guard has totaled seven points and eight assists over his past three games after averaging 16.0 points and 6.3 assists over the three games prior. The good news for fantasy managers is that the minutes and opportunities haven’t evaporated — the recent slowed production seems to boil down to inefficient shooting more than anything else, which seems like a simple fix. However, with the fantasy basketball playoffs already underway in most leagues, those fantasy managers with Gillespie rostered are hoping he can shake out of this funk quickly.
Rudy Gobert — C, Timberwolves
The Timberwolves are struggling, and not many of their players have consistently played well enough to get the team back on track. That includes Gobert, whose recent numbers haven’t led to much fantasy production either. The four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year has totaled one blocked shot and two steals over the past four games, and although his defensive impact stretches far beyond something as simple as blocked shots, in the fantasy world, his inability to erase shots at the rim lately has cost him some production. Additionally, Gobert has scored in single digits and brought down fewer than 10 rebounds in three of his last four appearances. Both the Timberwolves and fantasy managers alike will need Gobert to produce numbers that more closely resemble the 18/9/2/1/1 line against the Warriors than the 2/7/2/0/1 line in the Wolves’ most recent loss to the Thunder.
Nic Claxton — C, Nets
The month of March has not been one of Claxton's better months, if we’re strictly looking at statistics. Before Monday’s 12-point, 11-rebound double-double against the Trail Blazers, he had scored in single figures four games in a row, averaging 5.5 rebounds over that span. The lack of production came as a surprise, given that the seventh-year center had averaged 14.2 points in February, marking his most productive and efficient scoring month of the season. How and why did things suddenly take a turn? Hard to say. And maybe his double-double against Portland can serve as a turning point. But I, presumably like many, will need to see more production before becoming optimistic about Claxton for the rest of the season.
Cleveland (41-27) and Milwaukee (28-39) meet on Peacock in the first of a doubleheader. The Cavaliers are 2-1 versus the Bucks this season with Milwaukee taking the previous matchup, 118-116.
The Cavaliers lost its previous matchup with the Mavericks and are 4-3 since the start of March. Cleveland is sitting at 4th in the Eastern Conference and 2.5 games behind the Knicks. This is the first of a three-game road trip for Cleveland as they take on Milwaukee, Chicago, and New Orleans — a more than manageable three-game stretch.
Milwaukee beat the Pacers in their last outing to end their four-game losing streak. The Bucks are 2-8 over the last 10 games and close to being eliminated from playoff contention. Milwaukee is 5.5 games behind Charlotte for the final spot and begins a rough four-game road trip after this home outing at Utah, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Portland.
Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content.
Game Details and How to Watch Live: Cavaliers at Bucks
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Time: 8 PM EST
Site: Fiserv Forum
City: Milwaukee, WI
Network/Streaming: Peacock/NBC
Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Game Odds: Cavaliers at Bucks
The latest odds as of Tuesday courtesy of DraftKings:
This game opened Cavaliers -9.5 with the Total set at 228.5
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups: Cavaliers at Bucks
Cleveland Cavaliers
PG James Harden
SG Donovan Mitchell
SF Dean Wade
PF Dean Wade
C Evan Mobley
Milwaukee Bucks
PG Kevin Porter Jr.
SG Ousmane Dieng (questionable)
SF Kyle Kuzma
PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (questionable)
C Myles Turner (questionable)
Injury Report: Cavaliers at Bucks
Cleveland Cavaliers
Jarrett Allen (knee) is listed as OUT for tonight’s game
Sam Merrill (hamstring) is listed as QUESTIONABLE for tonight's game
Jaylon Tyson (ankle) is listed as QUESTIONABLE for tonight's game
Milwaukee Bucks
Myles Turner (calf) is listed as QUESTIONABLE for tonight’s game
Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) is listed as QUESTIONABLE for tonight’s game
Ousmane Dieng (illness) is listed as QUESTIONABLE for tonight's game
Important stats, trends and insights: Cavaliers at Bucks
Cleveland is 28-40 ATS, ranking tied for worst
Cleveland is 15-18 ATS on the road
Cleveland is 20-13 to the Over on the road, ranking 3rd-best
Cleveland is 35-33 to the Under overall
Milwaukee is 29-38 ATS, ranking 6th-worst
Milwaukee is 19-15 to the Over at home, ranking 7th-best
Milwaukee is 38-29 to the Under, ranking 8th-worst
Milwaukee is 15-19 ATS at home
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s Cavaliers and Bucks’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Cavaliers’ Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Cavaliers - 10.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 228.5
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
INGLEWOOD, CA - MARCH 16: Stephon Castle #5, Victor Wembanyama #1, De'Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs look on during the game against the LA Clippers on March 16, 2026 at Intuit Dome 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
At this point in the season, each win has to feel like finding gold. Monday night in Los Angeles wasn’t the prettiest, but it kept the goal alive to snatch the first seed, which would at least give them a seventh game at home against all West opponents in the playoffs. On top of that, Stephon Castle is only in year two, but if he keeps having these types of impressive performances, especially on national TV, he’ll be among the league’s best soon. That could mean more favorable calls from refs.
It can simply be summarized as a weird night. Players didn’t have the same early juice because Kawhi Leonard wasn’t playing, and it got close in the second half. Still, finding a way to win ugly is what separates the great teams from the good ones. Some of these highlights should help erase the shaky finish from memory.
Think of how many times you’ve seen Victor Wembanyama’s rejection lead to something quickly on the other side. The way Castle dribbled behind his back was sick, and it was the play of the night since Brook Lopez is so much bigger than him. These days, many players would have hoisted a 3-pointer in transition, which wouldn’t have been a bad option, but Castle’s inclination to attack the lane makes him special.
This happened during the Spurs’ tsunami. The lob to Wemby was reminiscent of Randy Moss going down the middle in the end zone because he was just too skilled and talented for everyone else.
Wemby’s isolation that led to an and-one should make those who have seen every minute of his Spurs journey smile. There was once a time when he would bail out much smaller defenders with a jumper, and now he rarely flinches when going at them. Additionally, two years ago, the bump Bennedict Mathurin gave him before the spin may have stopped him from advancing. Lots of teams will be hopeless if their physicality can’t get to him.
This side-step triple is simple, but it was hilarious since Derrick Jones Jr. first committed the sin of biting on a fake, then he somehow thought he could block or disrupt a release point that high. His coaches probably looked at each other, thinking, “How many times do we have to tell him?”
The clip is too short, but this stemmed from two of Carter Bryan’t offensive rebounds in one possession, one coming off his own missed free throw. His intensity is vital for the team because it inspires others.
Darius Garland is twitchy with a quick first step. It says a lot about Castle that he embraces getting on island with him, and in this case, his timing was impeccable.
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 16: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics is fouled by Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns as he hits him in the face during the second half at TD Garden on March 16, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
#1 – Call your team, the Jay’s are back
Slowly but surely, the synergy between Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum is coming back. There hasn’t been a big highlight with an alley-oop yet, but some plays are showing that they can both be so impactful together.
This pick-and-roll manipulation from Tatum with Luka Garza’s screen breaks the Suns’ defensive shell and, despite having three players in front of him, JT finds JB in the corner. The defense collapses even more, Brown swings it to Garza, and that’s an easy one.
Over Jaylen Brown’s six assists, three were for Jayson Tatum. Having JT pass away from JB, with all his improvement in reading two-vs-one situations, is just too much to handle for the defense.
Because JT isn’t just a regular shooter next to JB. If the defense closes too hard, or sends two players by mistake, he can already drive and make sure to use the gap in the defense to capitalize on JB’s first drive.
Both Jay’s had a great night against a fierce defense, and it all started with Brown’s willingness to get to the line no matter what.
#2 – Brown energy shifted early
At the end of the first quarter, Jaylen Brown had made just one field goal, yet he was up to 11 points. The Celtics’ leading scorer quickly understood that the calls would be made last night, so he drove to the rim. Relentlessly.
This level of aggression was particularly oriented towards Jalen Green, probably one of the worst defenders among the Phoenix Suns’ core rotation. The 2024 Finals MVP went at this mismatch, forced great positions for himself in the post, and just went after the former Rocket.
This most impressive drive came a little later and was concluded by a beautiful pass to Pritchard, who swung it to Baylor Scheierman for a corner three. With great gravity comes great responsibility, and Brown is showing how much he has learned to deal with the space he creates for his teammates.
As he kept on driving, Jaylen finished with 41 points, 21 free-throw attempts, and well-deserved MVP chants that echoed with the chants he got in South Boston a couple of days ago.
Jaylen Brown on hearing MVP chants from the home crowd:
"It's pretty cool, I'm not gonna lie. It's pretty awesome to be at this point in my career and get that love from the fans…I got some MVP chants in Southie. I think that might've been a little cooler."
Who wouldn’t dream of a player who can play both the ball-handler and the roll man in a pick-and-roll situation? Well, the Celtics have him, and he is just getting started.
On this first bucket from the Celtics, Neemias Queta plays the roll man and sets a beautiful flare screen for Tatum, who uses his speed with the ball. His gravity forces a second defender to help, and he finds the Portuguese big man on the roll. Well done.
A few possessions later, Tatum becomes the screener in the pick-and-roll. His screen quality creates a switch, and he gets the mismatch he was looking for. He traps the defender on his back before getting the ball, rolls to the rim, and that’s a layup.
Two buckets at the rim he generated, once as a ball-handler, once as a roll man. It doesn’t get much better than that.
#4 – Derrick White’s Celtics
When the second quarter started, both Jaylen and Jayson were sitting on the bench, leaving the creation to White. And you know what? He scored 13 of the first 16 points in that quarter. It all started with a good old pull-up from three above a mismatch created by Queta’s screen.
Then, the Celtics use Queta as a ball-handler to put pressure on the Suns’ off-ball defense. As the big man gets the ball, Sam Hauser sets a slip screen for White. His quick cut to the rim attracts two defenders with him, and there you go, an open three for the Defensive Player of the Month.
On the next play, he is off-ball while Scheierman and Hauser go into a two-man action. The drive and Queta’s cut create an imbalance in the Suns’ defense, and guess who is open for three again?
The last play of that run might be my favorite. The Celtics are in a horns situation with the ball in Queta’s hands again. White goes to the ball for a handoff, and in the meantime, Brown cuts to the rim. These movements create space for White as Brown seals his defender on his back.
A wonderful display of how the Celtics can have a lot of different approaches on offense. And if you look closely, Neemias Queta is one of the reasons why.
#5 – Queta the hub
How do you trick a defense that loves to put a lot of pressure on the ball-handler with their wings? You put the ball into your center’s hands – and pray he can execute. Great news for the Celtics: Neemias Queta keeps showing promise as a passer. Last night, he finished with a team-high 6 assists in 33 minutes.
This play above, and the one we looked at earlier in this article with Derrick White’s off-ball movement, are clear indicators that the Celtics’ coaching staff is confident relying on Neemias to have the ball in his hands and on his decision-making to make the right play when needed. That development is great for the Celtics, who can play some 5-out offense even with him on the court.
#6 – No center, no problem?
To close the second quarter, the Celtics went small-ball with Jayson Tatum as their tallest player (not their center, just the tallest guy out there). The reason I emphasize that he is not a center is because the Celtics use that lineup to really spread the floor as much as possible, and it created chaos in the Suns’ defense.
On the play below, Phoenix players look a bit lost. White cuts, and JT finds him with a gorgeous pass in the paint. Pritchard sees it and cuts right away for an easy layup. No center, more space, more speed to attack the rim.
But no center also means a lot less rim protection, and the Suns quickly figured it out with high pick-and-rolls to stretch the Celtics’ defense early in the rotation.
What the Celtics gained on offense with that lineup, they lost on defense, and the score remained pretty even during this stretch.
#7 – The Suns tried to avoid half-court situations
What stood out pretty early was that the Suns were here to steal the ball and run as fast as possible. Before the game, Jordan Ott told us he preferred to avoid having to attack the Celtics in half-court situations as much as possible. So, to do so, they went for the ball aggressively.
Overall, they succeeded with 13 forced turnovers, but it wasn’t enough to win it all. Plus, contrary to the previous game, the Celtics were very disciplined in transition defense and allowed only 1 point per possession in transition.
#8 – The possession battle
Before the game, Jordan Ott mentioned that the Celtics had 15 more possessions than the Suns in their last matchup, and that was something he wanted to fix.
For @celticsblog, I asked Both Joe Mazzulla and Jordan Ott the importance of the possession battle tonight.
They both talked about the importance of it but also their different approaches.
Coach Ott highlighted that the Celtics add 15 more possessions in their last matchup. pic.twitter.com/eq8WHK4tk3
Well, the Suns definitely came prepared and were able to win the possession battle thanks to turnovers but also far better box-outs. After allowing 22 offensive rebounds the last time they faced Boston, the Celtics only got 7 extra chances tonight, leading to a much closer game.
That was a rare occasion where the Celtics lost the possession battle and still won the game, showing the gap in talent between the Suns and the Celtics, especially with Jayson Tatum back in the roster.
#9 – The Celtics were okay giving mid-range shots
It felt like Joe Mazzulla and the coaching staff wanted the Phoenix Suns to have those mid-range opportunities. With 20% of their shots attempted between 14 feet and the three-point line, the Suns were forced (or invited?) to shoot from the middy a lot. What might not have been expected was how efficient they would be from that zone.
Indeed, on average this season, the Suns are making 42.6% of their long mid-range shots – last night, it was up to 58.8%! That shooting variance allowed Booker and his teammates to stay in the game despite the Celtics taking away the rim, with only 14 shots allowed in that zone.
So, when clutch time arrived, the Celtics wanted to make sure they weren’t leaving the game result in the hands of lady variance.
#10 – Until they were not
As Nik breaks down for us in the post below, the Celtics changed their coverage in the final minutes to take the ball away from Devin Booker. Instead of the usual drop, they switched and even doubled him, leaving the weakside corner open and making sure the decision would have to be made under pressure.
Boston gave DBook open pull ups all game just to switch the coverage in clutch time and it has stifled the Suns
When Queta comes up it’s not to switch but for him to stay for as long as he can until the primary defender comes back. Here Pritch just chases Book and crowds pic.twitter.com/E33yG424qD
A great adaptation in the final minutes of the game, where every bucket matters. Overall, it made sense to leave the pull-up mid-range shots open because it invites players to take inefficient shots that don’t generate fouls and lack collective synergy. Booker almost won it from the middy, but the Celtics closed that zone right when they needed to.”
PERTH, Australia (AP) — Sam Kerr broke a second half deadlock and Australia edged defending champion China 2-1 for a spot in the Women’s Asian Cup final on Tuesday.
The veteran Chelsea forward started the attacking movement on halfway and finished it off with a left-foot shot from a tight angle in the 58th minute, the decisive moment of a semifinal that was tied 1-1 at halftime.
The Australians will play the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between Japan and South Korea. Australia last won the continental championship in 2010.
Caitlin Foord gave the host the lead in the 17th when she finished off an attacking raid that started with Mary Fowler combining with Ellie Carpenter on the right. Carpenter crossed back into the area, where Fowler cut the ball back for Foord to fire.
China equalized in the 26th through Zhang Linyan from the penalty spot. Zhang won the penalty after she swooped on a defensive blunder and was felled in the area by goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.
All of the semifinalists qualified automatically for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The losing quarterfinalists go into playoffs for two more guaranteed places in Brazil.
Iran’s exit
The two Iran players who remained in Australia on protection visas following their team's group-stage exit joined a practice session Monday with a professional club in Brisbane in their first publicly shared appearance since it emerged they were given asylum.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were pictured smiling and wearing the club’s training uniform as they posed alongside a women’s elite squad in photos posted to social media by the Brisbane Roar.
Raphielle Johnson
