Kansas basketball earned a statement win over Houston on Feb. 23, taking down the fourth-ranked Cougars 69-56 at home. They also received another win in terms of star guard Darryn Peterson's availability, as he has now played in 30 or more minutes in back-to-back games, which has only happened two other times this season.
The projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft scored 14 points in the win on 5-of-14 shooting. He was also made available in the postgame press conference, which hasn't happened much this season.
Peterson was asked after the game for his view of the situation regarding his playing time, given he has missed 11 of Kansas' 28 games this season, including when he subbed himself out early against Oklahoma State on Feb. 18. The former five-star recruit has dealt with cramps from a lingering hamstring injury, and said he's been blocking out the noise as of late.
“It’s kind of normal this year,” Peterson said of the national attention. “Somebody’s had something to say, probably, after every game this year. So, I don’t really pay attention to it anymore.”
Peterson later added: "I’ve kind of been an anti-social loner my whole life, kind of, so I kind of just deal with it on my own.”
Fellow Kansas guard Tre White, who scored a game-high 23 points in the win over Houston, said after the game he tries to help lift up Peterson, especially amid the heightened interest in the future lottery pick.
“I definitely just try to, whenever I see him, just try to keep him right,” White said. “But he’s been in the spotlight all his life, so he definitely knows how to handle it and we tell him all the time, ‘We’re with you. We’re your brothers. We understand what the outside world thinks, but we don’t care about none of that. What’s inside the locker room.’ That’s pretty much how we do it.”
Peterson has been one of the best players in college basketball this season when healthy, as he's averaging 19.9 points with 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game on 47.2% shooting. He's also shooting 40.2% from 3-point range on the year.
Kansas has shown it can be competitive without Peterson this season, even beating Arizona at home without its star guard. Still, the Jayhawks' ceiling is a national championship contender with the true freshman firing on all cylinders.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 20: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics embrace after the game on January 20, 2025 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors, fresh off their shocking win over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday afternoon, are looking for their first back-to-back wins since wrapping up a four-game winning streak on January 19 … the same day that Jimmy Butler III tore his ACL, effectively ending whatever slim chance the Warriors had this season.
There’s good news and bad news for the Warriors, as they seek a road win tonight. The good news is that they’re facing the New Orleans Pelicans; in addition to employing old friends Kevon Looney and Jordan Poole, the Pelicans are dreadful, with a 16-42 record. The bad news is that the Pelicans are mostly healthy, while the Warriors … well, they very much are not. Here’s the full injury report.
Warriors
Out — Steph Curry (right patellofemoral pain syndrome)
No new news here. Curry will miss his eighth consecutive game … and ninth, if you include the All-Star Game. Hopefully a return is soon.
Out — Kristaps Porziņģis(illness)
Porziņģis was a late scratch on Sunday, after waking up extremely sick. So sick, in fact, that he didn’t join the Warriors on their two-city road trip. Whether this is a generic flu, or something related to his POTS diagnosis is unknown, but hopefully he feels better soon.
Out — Al Horford (left toe injury management)
As we all know by now, Horford doesn’t play back-to-backs. So he’s getting today’s game off, and will play on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Out — Jimmy Butler III (right ACL surgery)
Sadly I’m going to write “Out — Jimmy Butler III” for a very long time before he’s back on the court.
Out — Seth Curry (left sciatic nerve irritation)
More of the same for the younger Curry, who will be re-evaluated — again — before long. He’s still only played in two games this year, and has yet to share the court with his brother.
Probable — Draymond Green (left low back injury management)
Green was scratched a few minutes before the start of Sunday’s game, when his back flared up. Thankfully it seems like he’s OK, and we’ll get to a see a fun matchup against Zion Williamson.
Available — De’Anthony Melton (left knee injury management)
Melton was considered a question mark on the off day, but is good to go now. He should start.
Pelicans
Out — Trey Murphy III (right shoulder contusion)
There was some talk before the trade deadline that the Warriors were targeting Murphy, but that obviously never happened. The fifth-year wing is averaging a career-high 22.1 points per game, but will miss his third consecutive game.
Out — Yves Missi (left calf strain)
The Warriors won’t see NOLA’s second-year center, who is scheduled to miss his fourth straight game with a calf injury.
Out — Micah Peavy (right great toe sprain)
Peavy is the Pelicans’ version of Will Richard. He was a second-round pick in 2025, but has played a sizable role for New Orleans. But he’s been out for about two weeks with a toe injury.
Available — Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture)
He’s back! Murray, who was an All-Star in 2021-22, is making his return to the court tonight. It’s his first game since injuring his Achilles nearly 13 months ago. It will be great seeing him on the court again.
Enjoy the game, Dub Nation! It tips off at 5:00 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Bay Area.
RICHMOND, Texas (AP) — A Texas grand jury has declined to indict former NBA guard Patrick Beverley after he was arrested last year on an accusation that he had assaulted his sister.
Authorities in Fort Bend County, southwest of Houston, had arrested Beverley in November after his sister told investigators he grabbed her by the neck, slammed her against a wall and punched her in the face, according to court records.
The grand jury on Monday declined to indict Beverley on one count of assault of a family member. Beverley had been free on a $40,000 bond.
Beverley's sister had told authorities the alleged assault happened after she sneaked out of her mother's home to see her boyfriend.
Shortly after his arrest, Beverley had posted an unsigned statement on X saying he had unexpectedly found his sister, a minor, alone with an 18-year-old man.
Beverley's attorneys, Rusty Hardin and Letitia Quinones-Hollins, said in a statement that Beverley "would never do anything to harm his sister and that he is very grateful that the grand jury has recognized that."
I am deeply grateful for all thoughts and prayers for the family. We must continue to protect our children, especially our young girls. This ordeal has truly made our family stronger. ❤️Thank you for your continued support and prayers. ❤️
After the grand jury's decision, Beverley said in a post on X that he was "deeply grateful for all thoughts and prayers for the family" and "we must continue to protect our children, especially our young girls."
Beverley played for 12 seasons in the NBA, starting his career with the Houston Rockets. He last played for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2023-24 season.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The New York Jets don't plan to let running back Breece Hall hit the open market at the start of the league year, while the futures of other top running backs such as Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and David Montgomery remain more in flux.
Jets general manager Darren Mougey said Tuesday at the NFL scouting combine that the team plans to use either the franchise tag or the transition tag on Hall if the two sides can't reach a new deal before the tag deadline on March 3.
Hall would be guaranteed a salary of about $14.5 million next season with the franchise tag and about $11.7 million with the transition tag. Another team could sign Hall to an offer sheet with the Jets having five days to match the offer or receive two first-round picks as compensation with a franchise tag or no compensation with a transition tag.
“The tags are an option,” Mougey said. “Ideally we find a way to get a deal done to keep Breece around. I think I’ve said that for the last year since I got here. Breece is a good player, we want to find a way to keep him around. We’ve been going through that process and are still doing so and we have a week to find out if we can’t get to an agreement, which way we’ll go.”
Hall was drafted in the second round in 2022. He rushed for a career-high 1,065 yards last season for New York and ranks 12th in the NFL with 2,935 yards rushing the past three seasons.
Only one running back in the NFL is scheduled to make at least $14 million in cash next season with 2024 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley set to be paid $16.75 million from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Walker's status is more uncertain after he capped his fourth season in the NFL by winning Super Bowl MVP for Seattle when he rushed for 135 yards in the win earlier this month over New England.
Walker is coming off the second 1,000-yard rushing season of his career and averaged 104.3 yards per game rushing in the playoffs when he showed he could carry a heavy load after Zach Charbonnet went down with a season-ending knee injury in the divisional round.
General manager John Schneider declined on Tuesday to answer whether the team would use a tag to keep Walker locked up for 2026.
"We’d love to have Ken back, we’d love to have everybody back,” Schneider said. “But he knows this better than anybody, it’s about our 70, our collective, and what it’s going to look like. And we’ll have those meetings down here. We’ll start, you know, talking to all the agents and, yeah, we’ll have a better feel of where we’re going to go toward the end of the week. But, obviously, we’d love that (having Walker back). When you get something special like that, let’s run it back.”
Montgomery is still under contract in Detroit through the 2027 season and is owed about $6 million in 2026, but could be on the trade market as Jahmyr Gibbs has emerged as the featured back for the Lions.
Montgomery, who turns 29 in June, is coming off career lows of 158 carries for 716 yards last season as Detroit's offense revolved more around Gibbs, who is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.
Montgomery had rushed for 1,790 yards and 25 touchdowns his first two seasons with the Lions as the team's starter but came off the bench in all 17 games last season.
“I’ve been in touch with David’s agent, his representation," Lions GM Brad Holmes said. "We love David. He’s a great player. We’d love to have him. Kind of want to put last year in the rear view and just move forward. But, obviously, a player has to want to be in a certain place as well. So those conversations are still fluid and we’re just trying to see how it goes.”
BROOKLYN, NY - JANUARY 23: The sneakers worn by Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
To see the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense digress the way it did during Sunday’s loss to the Celtics — despite their prolific individual offensive talent — shouldn’t have been a surprise.
The Celtics poked at one of the Lakers’ tactical weaknesses that’s been evident for the last few months.
And Lakers coach JJ Redick took ownership of his team underperforming in those situations.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick took ownership of his team underperforming. MediaNews Group via Getty Images
The Celtics had multiple big men play in deep drop coverage against the Lakers’ pick and rolls, which stifled their offense just two days after it had one of its better performances of the season in Friday’s home win over the Clippers.
“When teams play the deep drop, we have our counters and we just got to [execute],” Redick said. “Sometimes when the ball’s just changing ends quick, it’s easy to just get into drag after drag after drag. So, I took ownership of that. We have our counters for deep drop. We got to do a better job of that.”
The Lakers did poorly against the Celtics.
Too often, their offense would bog.
Coach Redick believes the drop in potential assists is one of the many reasons why the Lakers hasn’t sustained a level of excellence that’s expected with Dončić, James and Reaves at the helm. MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Get stuck in a pattern of running set plays. Or not using the power of the pass to shift the defense, instead trying to rely on the individual offensive strengths of Luka Dončić, LeBron James or Austin Reaves to create advantages against a Celtics team that wasn’t allowing many.
The Lakers became predictable. And their struggles were, too.
The issues they faced were similar to the ones they had in their Dec. 1 home loss to the Suns, when they struggled offensively against a Phoenix team that had Mark Williams in a deep drop.
The Lakers take on the Celtics Feb. 22 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. NBAE via Getty Images
“Our lowest potential assist games are all against the deep drop,” Redick said. “So I got to do a better job.
The drop in potential assists is the result of a lack of ball movement — an issue that also isn’t new for the Lakers.
It’s one of the many reasons why their offense hasn’t sustained a level of excellence that’s expected with Dončić, James and Reaves at the helm.
“It mostly depends on the team we play against,” Rui Hachimura responded when asked how the Lakers can have a consistently great offense. “There are some teams that play really good team defense. Against that, we have to be sharing the ball, trusting each other. We got to have ball movement. [Having] ball movement is going to be the key.”
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This Lakers team shouldn’t be expected to play like the “Beautiful Game” Spurs, which featured high-spaced ball movement and player movement.
Nor should they be expected to not allow their best players to freelance the offense from time to time.
But what should be expected is to consistently have better execution when defenses are in a drop.
As a prolific pull-up shooting team with high-caliber ball-handlers, they have the personnel to flip a tactical weakness into a strength. And they’ve shown they have the counters in their playbook, especially earlier in the season.
Now it’s about being consistent — which would be a new surprise within itself.
It’s very clearly checks over stripes for Kevin Durant.
The NBA superstar — a longtime Nike athlete — railed against Adidas during a conversation with an influencer at an All-Star week party in Los Angeles earlier this month, and his rant against the shoe giant was captured on video.
The Rockets forward’s teardown of the massive apparel company began when his pal, content creator Kpreme, told him he was going to leave the event the two were at to head to an Adidas bash.
Durant questioned why he would go to that, asking, “Do you wear Adidas?”
Rockets forward Kevin Durant has a lifetime deal with Nike. NBAE via Getty Images
When Kpreme responded no, Durant said, “Exactly.”
“Who the f—k wears Adidas?” the future Hall of Famer said. “Nah. Real s—t. If you’re not hooping, who wears Adidas?”
Durant went on to ask further, “So why you going to a f—king Adidas party?”
Kevin Durant told Kpreme at an NBA All-Star week party, “F—k Adidas.” Instagram/@kpreme
The shade didn’t stop there. Several minutes later, after Kpreme asked Durant if he could get him some of his shoes, Durant continued to go in on Adidas.
“F—k no,” Durant said. “You’re going to an Adidas party. F—k Adidas.”
Durant first signed a contract with Nike when he was a rookie with the Supersonics in 2007. In 2023 — following over a decade of signature shoe releases — he agreed to a lifetime deal with the Swoosh that’s apparently come with a side of vitriol for its biggest competitors.
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 04: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball against Oso Ighodaro #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at the TD Garden on April 04, 2025 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who: Phoenix Suns (33-25) vs. Boston Celtics (37-19)
When: 7:00 pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports, Suns+
Listen: KMVP 98.7
Tonight presents a demanding challenge for the Phoenix Suns yet again after an ugly loss to Portland on Sunday night. They’ll need to have a short memory after scoring just 77 points on Sunday night.
The Suns welcome a Boston team that has looked every bit like a contender, carrying a 37-19 record and a three-game win streak into the Mortgage Matchup Center. The Celtics sit near the top of the Eastern Conference for a reason, bringing depth, structure, and defensive discipline every night despite being down Jayson Tatum.
Phoenix enters at 33-25, clinging onto the seventh spot in the West, but the circumstances make this one steeper than usual. Injuries have thinned the rotation, forcing younger players and reserves into expanded roles against one of the league’s most complete rosters. Will we see more of the rookies? We might have to.
The Suns have managed to stay competitive through stretches like this before. Doing it against Boston will require poise, execution, and collective effort across the board, which has been their mantra all season long.
This is a game they are “supposed” to lose. We’ll see if Jordan Ott and company can deliver another surprise this season.
Probable Starters
Suns
Mark Williams
Ryan Dunn
Royce O’Neale
Jalen Green
Collin Gillespie
Celtics
Neemius Queta
Sam Hauser
Derrick White
Baylor Scheierman
Payton Pritchard
Injury Report
Suns injury report vs. Celtics:
QUESTIONABLE: Grayson Allen (right knee/right ankle injury management).
OUT: Devin Booker (right hip strain), Dillon Brooks (left hand fracture), Jordan Goodwin (left calf strain), Haywood Highsmith (right knee injury management), Cole Anthony…
Boston has one of the best defensive units in the NBA this season. They disrupt passing lanes, force turnovers, and make you uncomfortable, similar to Phoenix’s style. The Celtics traveled to the Bay Area and Los Angeles on consecutive games and defeated them with ease. Phoenix needs to bring a different energy to the game tonight to have a chance and eliminate the West Coast momentum they’ll carry in.
This Suns team ranks among the league’s best in offensive rebounding (13.1 per game), with Mark Williams particularly active crashing the glass. That extra possession could be crucial against a Boston squad that loves to clear defensive rebounds and push in transition. If Phoenix can secure extra chances and keep the ball alive, they stay in these tight moments.
PORTLAND, OR – FEBRUARY 3: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns grabs the rebound during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 3, 2026 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Without Booker, Brooks, and possibly Allen, Phoenix needs shots from unlikely places. Collin Gillespie has been a quiet but steady source of scoring lately, and role players like Royce O’Neale, Ryan Dunn, and others must help keep Boston honest on the perimeter. The Suns have shown the ability to knock down threes at a strong rate this season, but consistency from role players will be huge tonight. Could tonight be the Amir Coffey game?
Boston is not just guards and wings. They pound the glass and play physical basketball. Phoenix’s interior defense needs to rotate smartly, communicate, and limit second-chance points. Williams and the Suns’ frontline must make it hard for Boston in the paint if this game is going to feel competitive down the stretch. Even without Jaylen Brown, the Celtics are built for that “next man up” style of play with players who fit their system flawlessly.
Slowing Payton Pritchard down will be a key for Phoenix, and this is a game they are going to miss Jordan Goodwin in desperately.
Key to a Suns Win
Score points. Please? Someone? Anyone? The Suns are going to need “the others” to step up in a big way tonight.
Compete every possession. Boston is disciplined and rarely lets up. Phoenix needs to mirror that effort level from tipoff through the final buzzer.
Clean decision-making. Turnovers against a team like Boston are costly. The Suns must protect the ball and maximize every possession.
Exploit mismatches. With Boston potentially short on wings, ball movement and pin-down actions can create easy looks if Phoenix executes.
Finish at the rim. Boston’s length is a deterrent, but attacking closeouts and finishing strong is what allows a young Phoenix squad to stay within striking distance.
Prediction Time
If Phoenix can stay connected on both ends of the floor, who knows? This could be one of those nights where the Suns shock a contender and remind the league they belong in every conversation. I’m not counting on that, but would love to be wrong. I think Boston overwhelms them from start to finish.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 30: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors look on during the game on October 30, 2024 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors begin their road back-to-back with Tuesday night’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM PT in New Orleans and can be watched on NBC Sports Bay Area.
The Warriors snapped a two-game losing streak on Sunday with a win over the Denver Nuggets, 128-117. Playing without Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis — and with Draymond Green ruled out as a late scratch — Golden State had just nine available players against a strong Denver team led by three-time league MVP Nikola Jokic.
But despite being shorthanded, the Dubs competed hard for all 48 minutes, leaning on physical defense and a collective effort on offense to grind out the win. It was a classic “Strength in Numbers” performance, but perhaps the biggest contribution came from Brandin Podziemski. The third-year guard delivered a huge fourth quarter where he shot 6-of-6 from the field and scored 15 of his 18 points to help seal the victory.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said Brandin Podziemski was “phenomenal” and noted Golden State game planned to wear Denver — playing its third game in four days — out down the stretch.
“We were rested and they were not. But we’ll take it.”
Golden State is expected to remain undermanned for Tuesday’s game in New Orleans. Curry remains out with a knee injury, while Porzingis did not travel with the team. Al Horford is also expected to be held out for load management on the second night of a back-to-back.
Warriors are 1.5-point favorites tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Curry (runner’s knee) out with Kristaps Porzingis (illness) Al Horford (left toe management) and Seth Curry (sciatica) for Golden State. Draymond Green probable.
Fortunately, tonight’s matchup against the Pelicans should be in the Warriors’ favor. New Orleans sits near the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a record of 16–42 and has struggled on both ends of the floor, ranking sixth-worst in offensive rating (112.5) and fourth-worst in defensive rating (118.1). Not to mention, their most recent starting lineup featured four players who are shooting below 30 percent from the three-point line this season.
If you’re building your betting card, these are the NBA picks the model likes most for Tuesday, February 24.
Knicks vs Cavaliers computer picks for February 24
Knicks
Cavaliers
Towns u19.5 points -112
Mitchell u27.5 points -112
Hart o4.5 assists -155
Harden o2.5 3-pointers +135
Brunson o2.5 3-pointers -112
Allen o8.5 rebounds -112
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Knicks computer picks
Karl-Anthony Towns Under 19.5 points (-112)
Projection: 18.9 points
Compared to last year's 23.8 mark, Karl-Anthony Towns' points per game have dipped to 19.6.
The New York Knicks have played at the fifth-lowest up-tempo pace in the league over the last 15 games.
Whereas the Cleveland Cavaliers have played at the 10th-lowest up-tempo pace in the NBA over the last five games, which ought to reduce possessions for the Knicks.
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Josh Hart Over 4.5 assists (-155)
Projection: 4.6 assists
Josh Hart has a strong path to clearing 4.5 assists because he’s not just a wing who spots up. He pushes the ball in transition, initiates sets in the halfcourt, and thrives as a connector who keeps the offense flowing. When the ball swings, he’s often the guy making the extra pass that leads directly to a bucket.
Another big factor working in his favor is New York’s dominance on the offensive glass. The Knicks are the NBA's fourth-ranked offensive rebounding team, which creates second-chance possessions and extended plays.
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Jalen Brunson Over 2.5 3-pointers (-112)
Projection: 2.7 3-pointers
This game against the Cavaliers sets up nicely for threes since opposing starting point guards have attempted the second-highest rate of triples in the NBA this season (41.4%) against them.
That kind of defensive tendency gives an elite guard like Jalen Brunson plenty of room to capitalize.
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Cavaliers computer picks
Donovan Mitchell Under 27.5 points (-112)
Projection: 26.5 points
Donovan Mitchell has hit the Under 27.5 points in six of his last 10 games, and the trend makes sense when you look at how he’s been used and the defensive matchups he’s faced.
Over this stretch, Mitchell has seen more balanced scoring roles, with teammates stepping up offensively and defenses collapsing on him in key spots, limiting his efficiency and high-volume scoring opportunities.
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James Harden Over 2.5 3-pointers (+135)
Projection: 2.6 3-pointers
James Harden has been scorching from deep lately, hitting the Over 2.5 made 3-pointers in six of his last 10 games.
Tonight, the conditions are ideal for Harden to keep that hot streak alive.
The Knicks have struggled to contain elite perimeter scorers this season, often leaving shooters open in catch-and-shoot situations and giving up extra possessions through their defensive schemes.
Combine that with Harden’s ability to create his own shot or pull defenders out of the paint, and he has multiple paths to knock down three or more from beyond the arc.
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Jarrett Allen Over 8.5 rebounds (-112)
Projection: 9.2 rebounds
Jarrett Allen has been a rebounding machine, hitting the Over 8.5 rebounds in nine of his last 10 games.
He’s consistently active on both ends of the floor, using his size, timing, and positioning to snatch boards over smaller or slower opponents. Allen’s ability to read the ball off the rim and box out effectively gives him multiple chances to control the glass, and his motor ensures he’s always around the action.
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How to watch Knicks vs Cavaliers tonight
Location
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Date
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
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Los Angeles, CA - February 22: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers react against the Boston Celtics in the second half of a NBA basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 22, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
While everyone constantly argues about officiating and calls in basketball, the goaltending rule feels pretty clear. A defender can not touch the ball on its descent or interfere with the rim.
So, in the third quarter of the Lakers-Celtics matchup, when Neemias Queta stuck his entire hand through the basket on a Deandre Ayton shot attempt and there was no goaltend called, it seemed like an error by the officials.
On the NBC broadcast, the announcers said live that it was missed and, upon reviewing the replay, doubled down on that take.
Head coach JJ Redick was so irate by this call that he earned a technical foul because of it. After the loss, he expressed shock that a defender had been able to touch the net like that and said he would follow up through the appropriate channels to get clarification.
“Queta stuck his entire hand through the rim,” Redick on Sunday. “Not just grab the net. He stuck it through the cylinder. That’s typically a goaltend. Not tonight, obviously. They recognized that he did that and said that’s not a goaltend. I’ll get some clarification on the rule on that because, honestly, that’s a great way to defend floaters.”
Well, Redick did just that, and at Lakers practice on Monday, he said that Monty McCutchen, the NBA’s SVP of ref development, told him that the call was right.
JJ Redick spoke with Monty McCutchen, the NBA’s SVP of ref development, Monday to discuss the Lakers-Celtics game. He remains perplexed why Neemias Queta was not called for goaltending for sticking his hand through the rim. “If I was Wemby I would literally [do it] every time” pic.twitter.com/L5HmhhUBWp
A player can actually put their hand through the rim, and that’s not interference?
According to the NBA’s official rulebook, it wasn’t interference since it didn’t disrupt the ball. The closest the official statements come to discussing this scenario is Section H of Rule No. 111.
h. Vibrate the rim, net or backboard so as to cause the ball to make an unnatural bounce, or bend or move the rim to an off-center position when the ball is touching the ring or passing through.
I guess since Neemias didn’t cause the ball to make an “unnatural bounce,” it’s not a goaltend, but I’m not so sure he can be absolved so easily. How can we be sure that his putting his hand through the rim and the nets being moved so much didn’t move the rim at all?
After all, the ball was on the rim and bounced off while the net was moving due to Neemias’ interference. It was a dicey play to say the least and a very confusing call for the NBA to make this way.
Given how the NBA tends to review things like tanking and cap circumvention, perhaps it should be expected that their answers will only raise more questions for the rest of us.
While this call felt egregious, there were plenty of other decisions by the refs that were perplexing on Monday.
Austin Reaves still doesn’t understand why he got a technical foul called on him during the game and there was a lot of physicality allowed in the contest, but consistency on what was a foul remained a mystery.
PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks had surgery Monday to repair a fractured left hand and will miss at least the next four-to-six weeks before being re-evaluated, the team said Tuesday.
The 30-year-old Brooks was hurt during Saturday's game against the Orlando Magic. He's averaging a career-high 20.9 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
The Suns have been one of the NBA's surprise teams this year with a 33-25 record, but have suffered a recent rash of injuries. The team's top three leading scorers — All-Star guard Devin Booker (strained hip), Brooks and Grayson Allen (knee/ankle) — were sidelined for a 92-77 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
Also on Tuesday, the Suns said reserve guard Jordan Goodwin is out for a least one-to-two weeks with a left calf strain. Goodwin is averaging 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Tiley is leaving his post as the head of Tennis Australia and the tournament director of its Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open.
The USTA said in a news release that Tiley will start the new job in the coming months.
He replaces Lew Sherr, who left the USTA last year to join the New York Mets as their president of business operations. Sher had been the USTA's CEO since 2022.
Tiley, who is from South Africa, was the head coach of men's tennis team at the University of Illinois from 1994 to 2005, including an NCAA championship and 32-0 record in 2003.
He was the Australian Open's tournament director since 2006 and oversaw its expansion to a 15-day event, breaking attendance and revenue records. Tiley became the CEO of Tennis Australia in 2013.
“Craig brings a rare combination of global credibility at the highest level of the sport and a proven commitment to growing the game at the grassroots. That balance is exactly what this moment requires," said Brian Vahaly, the USTA Board chair and the USTA's interim co-CEO.
The gold-medal-winning U.S. men's Olympic hockey team landed at Joint Base Andrews and visited President Donald Trump at the White House before attending his State of the Union address on Tuesday night.
Forward Matthew Tkachuk posted pictures on social media of members of the team celebrating on what appears to be a U.S. government plane and a group shot of them deplaning.
The U.S. beat Canada 2-1 in overtime on Sunday at the Milan Cortina Olympics. It was the Americans' first gold medal in men’s hockey since the “Miracle on Ice” group won in Lake Placid, New York, in 1980.
The team received a State of the Union invitation from Trump following the game. A video that circulated on social media appeared to show Trump inviting the team on a phone call in the locker room, as he joked that he'd also have to invite the women's team, which also won gold over Canada.
The men took a chartered plane to Miami on Monday night before traveling to the nation's capital in the morning.
Videos and photos of the team’s White House visit were shared on social media by Trump administration aides. Team members posed for a photograph in front of the South Portico after they arrived. They also walked along the West Wing colonnade where Trump has posted portraits of every U.S. president just steps away from the Oval Office, where they were welcomed by Trump.
As they approached the Oval Office, some of the players popped into the press office's open door to flash their medals. Staffers applauded and shouted, “We love you!”
“I recognize every one of you. I know every one of you,” Trump said as the players entered the Oval Office, which he has redecorated with numerous flourishes of gold that matched the players’ medals.
“Big guys,” he said, standing near his desk and shaking hands with the players, who wore dark tops with “USA,” the American flag and the Olympic rings on the front and light colored pants.
The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered one of their worst performances of the season on Sunday, but with multiple rotation players available tonight, those worries should be rectified against the Portland Trail Blazers.
My Timberwolves vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks expect redemption on Tuesday, February 24.
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers prediction
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers best bet: Timberwolves -6.5 (-110)
The Minnesota Timberwolves were embarrassed on Sunday, losing by 27 to a shorthanded 76ers team that shot 21-of-37 (57%) from deep.
Two days of intense film study typically spark a renewed defensive effort from the Timberwolves, which will be to the Portland Trail Blazers’ detriment tonight.
Strong defense fuels offense, creating transition and secondary transition opportunities. Minnesota’s roster has steadily embraced this mindset, with the bench leading the charge.
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay
Naz Reid’s absence was felt on Sunday due to a nagging shoulder keeping him out.
While Reid is available tonight, his shooting rhythm could still be affected by that lingering issue.
A less effective Reid, combined with Minnesota’s defensive emphasis, should open up more offensive opportunities for Ayo Dosunmu.
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers SGP
Timberwolves -6.5
Naz Reid Under 2.5 threes
Ayo Dosunmu Over 11.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Big Ru Goes Brrrr
Rudy Gobert’s absence was distinct on Sunday, as Minnesota’s defense became unmoored.
Gobert's defensive excellence should be complemented tonight by a bevy of offensive rebounds that lead to his 12th double-double in his last 21 games.
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know
Portland is just 2-4 against the spread at home this month, including 0-2 as an underdog. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Trail Blazers.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers
Location
Moda Arena, Portland, OR
Date
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers latest injuries
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