Indiana Pacers (15-48, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (30-34, 10th in the Western Conference)
Portland, Oregon; Sunday, 9 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Indiana is looking to stop its eight-game slide with a win against Portland.
The Trail Blazers have gone 16-15 at home. Portland ranks eighth in the league with 45.7 rebounds led by Donovan Clingan averaging 11.5.
The Pacers are 5-26 on the road. Indiana is 6-5 in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Trail Blazers are shooting 45.0% from the field this season, 4.0 percentage points lower than the 49.0% the Pacers allow to opponents. The Trail Blazers average 111.4 points per game, 6.7 fewer points than the 118.1 the Trail Blazers give up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Deni Avdija is shooting 46.3% and averaging 24.4 points for the Trail Blazers. Jrue Holiday is averaging 3.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Jarace Walker is scoring 11.1 points per game and averaging 5.0 rebounds for the Pacers. Micah Potter is averaging 14.1 points and 5.9 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 4-6, averaging 109.6 points, 44.7 rebounds, 24.5 assists, 8.9 steals and 6.5 blocks per game while shooting 44.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.6 points per game.
Pacers: 2-8, averaging 115.8 points, 40.1 rebounds, 29.3 assists, 7.6 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 127.2 points.
INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Kris Murray: day to day (illness), Deni Avdija: day to day (back), Shaedon Sharpe: out (calf), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).
Pacers: Johnny Furphy: out for season (knee), Ivica Zubac: out (ankle), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
New York Knicks (41-23, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (38-25, sixth in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Sunday, 3:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles hosts the New York Knicks after Luka Doncic scored 44 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 128-117 win against the Indiana Pacers.
The Lakers have gone 19-12 at home. Los Angeles is fifth in the Western Conference with 51.6 points per game in the paint led by LeBron James averaging 11.2.
The Knicks are 18-14 on the road. New York scores 117.2 points and has outscored opponents by 6.6 points per game.
The Lakers make 49.9% of their shots from the field this season, which is 4.2 percentage points higher than the Knicks have allowed to their opponents (45.7%). The Knicks are shooting 47.3% from the field, 1.1% lower than the 48.4% the Lakers' opponents have shot this season.
The teams play for the second time this season. The Knicks won the last meeting 112-100 on Feb. 2, with OG Anunoby scoring 25 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Doncic is averaging 32.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.5 steals for the Lakers. Austin Reaves is averaging 17.4 points over the last 10 games.
Karl-Anthony Towns is scoring 19.7 points per game and averaging 11.9 rebounds for the Knicks. Anunoby is averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 6-4, averaging 116.5 points, 40.0 rebounds, 27.5 assists, 8.2 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.3 points per game.
Knicks: 7-3, averaging 115.0 points, 45.1 rebounds, 30.0 assists, 9.5 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 101.7 points.
INJURIES: Lakers: LeBron James: out (elbow), Maxi Kleber: out (back), Deandre Ayton: out (knee).
Knicks: Miles McBride: out (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 5: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during the game on March 5, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors just beat the Houston Rockets in overtime, and the most interesting thing about it isn’t the win. It’s who won it.
And last night there was no *takes a deep breath* StephJimmyKristapsMoses. This was Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos and De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford and Draymond Green walking into Toyota Center shorthanded, undermanned, and completely unbothered. Against the team they had humiliated in a first round upset last year, after humiliating them throughout the entire James Harden era.
And when you really sit with that, a question starts forming that is bigger than one game: who exactly are the Golden State Warriors winning with? And the answer is directly connected to who they’ve decided they can win without.
I feel fairly confident to say nobody understands that better than Kevin Durant, who has spent the better part of a decade serving as one of the most transformative figures in Warriors history.
Think about everything he gave this franchise in that jersey! He arrived in 2016 as the most audacious free agent signing in NBA history and immediately made Golden State into something the league had never seen before: the league’s version of a flying death machine. He willed the Warriors two championships and won back-to-back Finals MVP’s by burying the LeBron James “Cleveland This is For You!” era Cavaliers deep under Oracle Arena where their souls will forever rest. KD had nights with the Warriors where he was so good it felt unfair to even watch. I owe much of my satisfaction in journalism to covering the Warriors at their absolute apex when KD and those monsters were going from city to city either converting stunned enemy fans to join Dub Nation or embarrassing them into submission. The day they unveil his statue in deep East Oakland (he never played in San Francisco as a Warrior) I will be there in the front row, clapping and selling mixtapes.
But most importantly, let’s never forget that off the court Durant poured himself into the Bay Area community with the kind of generosity that doesn’t make headlines because it isn’t performed for cameras. I truly believe Kevin Durant loved this place, and this place loved him back, and that will never change. Never forget he literally helped build Chase Center with his bare hands.
But here is the thing about KD and the Warriors. His relationship to helping the Warriors win spans cities, jerseys, and even a full decade of time. Was it not 10 years ago that KD helped the Dubs win what the NBA called The Greatest Regular Season Game ever, also known as the Double Bang Game? KD stepped up for the Dubs in the clutch: with 14 seconds left and Oklahoma City clinging to a tiny lead, he threw a prayer to half court that Golden State intercepted. Then he fouled Iguodala, who swished the ensuing free throws with ease to send the game into overtime. Then Durant fouled out in OT, which as Draymond alluded to in the documentary, basically guaranteed the Thunder were going to lose. TO THE VIEWING GLOBE:
But on Thursday did you see the Durantula try to dagger De’Anthony Melton with one of those cold blooded three-point shot attempts that only he has mastered? With the game on the line? Man, it was one of those insane deep launches he does where it doesn’t matter who is in his face. He’s the 7-foot superhuman who catapults the ball from an unblockable height, and you just gotta hold your breath as it hurtles toward the inevitable bottom of the basket. It’s basically unguardable; ask Cleveland.
This time though thankfully Melton fouled him and knocked off the trajectory of the potentially tying shot, sending KD aka Slim Reaper to the charity stripe, down three points at home. He sank the first, splashed the second. The score, 113-112 Warriors. Next FT ties. Kevin rimmed out the tying free throw attempt and the Warriors recovered.
The gasp from the crowd signified in their heart of hearts it wasn’t just a missed free throw to tie the game. Nooo no this was the latest bit of proof that apparently the Houston Rockets just don’t deserve to beat the Dubs as long as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr are breathing air.
The Warriors had their signature win of the season, wounded and in enemy territory against a franchise that truly has severe GSW related trauma. And that hometeam was led by the superstar who left Golden State in the middle of a dynasty.
This game wasn’t supposed to go Golden State’s way on paper. Those Bay Bandits have a crazy confidence despite their multitude of problematic injuries. Was it a bit of that confidence behind what led Draymond years ago to tell Durant: “We don’t need you. We won without you”?
Let me jump into my Lay-Z-Boy and activate armchair psychology. If I may presume: Draymond was really articulating the deepest truth about what Golden State has always been. Strength In Numbers isn’t just a cute, catchy slogan!
It’s a philosophy fueled by magic, sparked by Stephen Curry’s greatness, grounded in a gritty brotherhood of competitive ballers, and elevated by Steve Kerr’s experience in building systems that strive to make every player their best for the team. If you believe in this brand of basketball, in a perfect world the Warriors don’t need any single player to be the answer. They need everyone to be part of it.
But ain’t it nice when somebody just takes over though? Paging the young guard Podz. Brandin Podziemski played 40 minutes, scored 26 points, hauled in 9 rebounds, and made the go-ahead three in overtime when the Rockets were breathing down their necks. That’s “Put Some Respect On My Name” activity from a hooper who is maximizing every second of Stephen Curry’s rehab process. The effort on the boards is what really stands out; a guard consistently rebounding like this has a chip on his shoulder. You can’t teach effort.
And who gave more effort than Gui Santos who logged 42 minutes at a +20, finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. During this overtime battle in Houston he gave another indicator that he can become everything this organization hoped a wing in their system would be, the Iguodalian swiss army knife who makes the right play so quietly and consistently that you only notice him when you check the box score after and wonder how that happened.
De’Anthony Melton, fresh off an ACL recovery, goes 10-for-22 from the field, adds 3 steals and 2 blocks, and tips in the winning bucket late because he’s perpetually standing on business. The front office made a solid move in picking up Melton, who is serving up absolute filth on anyone unlucky enough to catch him on an island. Melton’s post-injury confidence level is apparent in every cobra-like step he takes towards his defender, getting around them or through them repeatedly with a nonchalance that lets them know it’s not gonna quit.
Also give a shout out to Al Horford, roughly as old as me, killing them for 17 points on 7-for-15 shooting including three from deep, and hits the cold-blooded basket late that took the air out of Toyota Center. When I look at Al I think of everyone I balled in high school with; Horford carries the legacy on for us who came of age when Facebook came out and MySpace was cooking.
And Draymond Green finishes with 10 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and a +12 in 35 minutes, orchestrating all of it, scratching and clawing and refusing to let this group believe for a single second that losing is an option. This team, even without their most potent players, are learning how to grow from survival to revival. We know Steph Curry is still the load-bearing wall of this entire structure. He has missed over a month of games with a knee injury. Next to him in the training room is Porzingis who is a 7-foot-3 monster waiting to return, and need I remind you that sharpshooter Moses Moody is really becoming a thing? The pieces are gathering.
“We’re a championship organization and there’s a standard. You have to play hard.”
Draymond Green on why the Warriors, undermanned as they are, refuse to roll over against stronger opponents. pic.twitter.com/WiH7hq1Bau
So yes, Kevin Durant helped the Warriors win again last night, which at this point is less surprising than it should be. But the real story is the answer to the question that opened this whole thing.
Who are the Warriors winning with? These guys. Right here. Right now.
They believe. Imagine what they are capable of if the stars align. Just ask the Rockets.
SAN ANTONIO, TX -MARCH 6: Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after putting his team ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half at Frost Bank Center on March 6, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For much of the night, it felt like the San Antonio Spurs were simply trying to survive. Shots weren’t falling. The defense was a step slow. And the Los Angeles Clippers looked firmly in control, building a lead that swelled to 25 points and silencing the home crowd.
But basketball games, especially ones involving this young Spurs team, have a way of turning quickly.
What started as a frustrating night slowly transformed into one of the wildest comebacks of the season. By the final buzzer, the Spurs had erased that massive deficit and stunned the Clippers with a 116-112 victory Friday night, sending the crowd at the Frost Bank Center into a frenzy.
Early on, the Clippers dictated everything. Los Angeles carved up San Antonio’s defense with ease, knocking down open shots and controlling the pace. The Spurs struggled to find any offensive rhythm, missing open looks and committing turnovers that only fueled the Clippers’ transition attack. By the second quarter, the scoreboard told the story: a growing Clippers lead that eventually turned into a 20-point lead at halftime.
The Spurs looked flat. The Clippers looked comfortable as the third quarter began and Los Angeles’ lead swelled to 25 points.
And yet, the game was far from over.
“We weren’t at our best,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said. “You probably would have not ever booked that or stamped out for your perfect execution in that moment. And sometimes you just need the wherewithal and the fight and that thing in there to finish the job.”
The shift began quietly. San Antonio came out of the locker room with renewed energy, pushing the tempo and attacking the rim. The biggest jolt came from Julian Champagnie, who suddenly caught fire. Champagnie buried jumpers, attacked the basket, and delivered a flurry of points that quickly chipped away at the deficit. Possession by possession, the Spurs clawed back.
“I always say this, and we always say it, and I don’t want the fans or anybody to think that we say this because we have to, because we don’t, but I genuinely think that we have the best fans in the NBA,” said Champagnie, who credited the fans with fueling their comeback.
The crowd, once restless, began to believe. By the end of the third quarter, the once massive Clippers lead had shrunk dramatically down to 11 points, and the building was alive again. With momentum fully on their side, the Spurs turned to their star. Victor Wembanyama controlled the game in the fourth quarter, impacting nearly every possession. He altered shots at the rim, grabbed key rebounds, and delivered timely scoring when San Antonio needed it most.
Then came the moment that sealed it.
With the game hanging in the balance, Wembanyama slipped away on the break, took a pass from De’Aaron Fox, and hammered home a dunk that pushed the Spurs ahead in the closing seconds. The arena erupted as San Antonio completed the improbable comeback.
“The best thing that I see is that nobody gives up on anything or anybody,” Wembanyama said. “Everybody gets everybody’s back. That’s why I have blind trust in these guys. I love them so much.”
The Clippers had one last chance, but the Spurs’ defense slammed the door shut. What began as a nightmare turned into a statement win. The Spurs didn’t just survive a rough start; they erased a 25-point deficit and outplayed a veteran Clippers team down the stretch. It was a performance fueled by resilience, grit, and the growing confidence of a young roster learning how to close games.
“That was one of the best games of my basketball life,” Wembanyama said. “That was the best 30 hours of basketball in my life.”
For the fans inside the arena, it was a night that felt impossible just a few hours earlier.
For the Spurs, it was proof that no deficit is too big — and no game is truly out of reach.
Game Notes
Carter Bryant may have just secured himself a spot in the rotation in the NBA Playoffs. The box score may show just five points, but his impact on both ends showed how valuable he is. He had a huge block in the third quarter and an alley oop slam that fueled the fans and pumped up his team. “I give him a lot of credit tonight. I don’t think we win this game without him,” Champagnie said of the rookie.
This might make me very unpopular, but can we stop booing Kawhi Leonard? It’s been eight years. Yes, I understand what he did hurt, and it’s the reason for the rebuild. But he’s also a reason why the Spurs are in the position they are in now. If he did not leave, the Spurs don’t get Wemby, and who knows what today would look like. Just food for thought.
Mitch Johnson’s decision to go small in the third quarter was scary, but it worked. It shows when the Spurs are on fire, nothing is impossible. In that moment, speed, pace, and defense mattered. He forced Brook Lopez to beat them, and the plan worked.
Fans may give De’Aaron Fox crap for what they feel isn’t “living up to his contract” but his fourth quarter proves why the Spurs brought him over in a trade last season. He scored 10 of his 19 points in the final frame, six assists and no turnovers. “He took over the game in terms of how he was managing and dictating,” Johnson said.
Boston Celtics (42-21, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (39-24, fourth in the Eastern Conference)
Cleveland; Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Cleveland hosts Boston looking to prolong its seven-game home winning streak.
The Cavaliers have gone 25-15 against Eastern Conference teams. Cleveland ranks eighth in the NBA with 28.4 assists per game. James Harden leads the Cavaliers averaging 8.1.
The Celtics are 27-14 in conference matchups. Boston is at the bottom of the NBA scoring 11.7 fast break points per game.
The 119.1 points per game the Cavaliers average are 12.1 more points than the Celtics allow (107.0). The Celtics average 114.5 points per game, 0.4 fewer than the 114.9 the Cavaliers allow.
The teams square off for the third time this season. In the last matchup on Nov. 30 the Celtics won 117-115 led by 42 points from Payton Pritchard, while Evan Mobley scored 27 points for the Cavaliers.
TOP PERFORMERS: Donovan Mitchell is shooting 48.3% and averaging 28.5 points for the Cavaliers. Sam Merrill is averaging 3.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Jaylen Brown is scoring 28.8 points per game with 7.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Celtics. Derrick White is averaging 17.3 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 41.3% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Cavaliers: 7-3, averaging 116.3 points, 43.4 rebounds, 26.9 assists, 8.5 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.3 points per game.
Celtics: 8-2, averaging 111.6 points, 51.6 rebounds, 27.9 assists, 5.7 steals and 6.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 99.6 points.
INJURIES: Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell: day to day (groin), Max Strus: out (foot), Dean Wade: day to day (ankle), Jarrett Allen: day to day (knee).
Celtics: Nikola Vucevic: day to day (finger), Jordan Walsh: day to day (illness).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Chicago Bulls (26-37, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (14-50, 15th in the Western Conference)
Sacramento, California; Sunday, 9 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Sacramento aims to end its three-game skid when the Kings play Chicago.
The Kings are 9-22 in home games. Sacramento ranks last in the Western Conference shooting 33.4% from 3-point range.
The Bulls are 10-19 on the road. Chicago is ninth in the NBA with 44.7 rebounds per game led by Jalen Smith averaging 7.0.
The Kings average 10.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.9 fewer makes per game than the Bulls allow (13.9). The Bulls average 14.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.4 more made shots on average than the 13.2 per game the Kings allow.
The teams meet for the second time this season. In the last meeting on Oct. 30 the Bulls won 126-113 led by 27 points from Matas Buzelis, while Zach LaVine scored 30 points for the Kings.
TOP PERFORMERS: DeMar DeRozan is averaging 18.2 points and 3.9 assists for the Kings. Malik Monk is averaging 1.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Josh Giddey is scoring 17.7 points per game and averaging 8.2 rebounds for the Bulls. Buzelis is averaging 2.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Kings: 2-8, averaging 108.3 points, 44.3 rebounds, 26.3 assists, 9.0 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.9 points per game.
Bulls: 2-8, averaging 107.4 points, 43.6 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 8.8 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.6 points.
INJURIES: Kings: Domantas Sabonis: out for season (back), Dylan Cardwell: out (ankle), De'Andre Hunter: out for season (eye), Zach LaVine: out for season (finger), Keegan Murray: out (ankle).
Bulls: Anfernee Simons: day to day (wrist), Josh Giddey: day to day (ankle), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Matas Buzelis: day to day (ankle), Jaden Ivey: out (knee), Patrick Williams: day to day (quadriceps), Zach Collins: out for season (toe), Jalen Smith: day to day (calf).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Houston Rockets (39-23, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (46-17, second in the Western Conference)
San Antonio; Sunday, 8 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio heads into a matchup against Houston as winners of three consecutive games.
The Spurs have gone 10-3 against division opponents. San Antonio ranks seventh in the league allowing only 111.4 points per game while holding opponents to 45.0% shooting.
The Rockets are 6-5 against division opponents. Houston ranks third in the Western Conference shooting 36.9% from 3-point range.
The Spurs average 13.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.0 more made shot on average than the 12.3 per game the Rockets allow. The Rockets average 114.5 points per game, 3.1 more than the 111.4 the Spurs allow.
The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Spurs won the last matchup 111-99 on Jan. 29, with Victor Wembanyama scoring 28 points in the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Wembanyama is scoring 23.8 points per game with 11.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists for the Spurs. De'Aaron Fox is averaging 17.0 points and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 50.7% over the past 10 games.
Kevin Durant is scoring 26.1 points per game and averaging 5.5 rebounds for the Rockets. Reed Sheppard is averaging 4.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Spurs: 9-1, averaging 119.3 points, 46.6 rebounds, 30.7 assists, 7.7 steals and 7.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.2 points per game.
Rockets: 6-4, averaging 112.6 points, 46.5 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 8.2 steals and 6.6 blocks per game while shooting 49.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.1 points.
INJURIES: Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Harrison Barnes: out (ankle), Mason Plumlee: out (reconditioning).
Rockets: Jae'Sean Tate: out (knee), Jabari Smith Jr.: day to day (ankle), Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Memphis hosts Los Angeles looking to break its three-game home losing streak.
The Grizzlies are 18-25 in Western Conference games. Memphis averages 14.7 turnovers per game and is 12-16 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents.
The Clippers are 19-19 against conference opponents. Los Angeles ranks fourth in the Western Conference shooting 36.1% from 3-point range.
The Grizzlies average 115.6 points per game, 3.5 more points than the 112.1 the Clippers give up. The Clippers are shooting 48.1% from the field, 0.9% higher than the 47.2% the Grizzlies' opponents have shot this season.
The two teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Grizzlies defeated the Clippers 121-103 in their last meeting on Dec. 16. Cam Spencer led the Grizzlies with 27 points, and Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 21 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Cedric Coward is averaging 13.3 points and 6.1 rebounds for the Grizzlies. GG Jackson is averaging 17.0 points over the last 10 games.
Leonard is averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and two steals for the Clippers. Brook Lopez is averaging 1.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Grizzlies: 3-7, averaging 117.1 points, 37.1 rebounds, 29.2 assists, 12.4 steals and 5.4 blocks per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.2 points per game.
Clippers: 5-5, averaging 112.7 points, 42.5 rebounds, 23.3 assists, 9.7 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.9 points.
INJURIES: Grizzlies: Santi Aldama: out (injury management), Taj Gibson: out (reconditioning), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: out for season (finger), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Zach Edey: out for season (ankle), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).
Clippers: Yanic Konan Niederhauser: out for season (foot), Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), John Collins: out (arm), Darius Garland: out (toe).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Charlotte Hornets (32-32, 10th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (36-27, seventh in the Western Conference)
Phoenix; Sunday, 10 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Charlotte hits the road against Phoenix aiming to prolong its 10-game road winning streak.
The Suns are 21-13 in home games. Phoenix is 7-7 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Hornets are 18-15 in road games. Charlotte is fifth in the Eastern Conference allowing only 112.5 points while holding opponents to 46.9% shooting.
The Suns average 14.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.9 more made shots on average than the 12.8 per game the Hornets give up. The Hornets average 5.0 more points per game (116.2) than the Suns give up to opponents (111.2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Devin Booker is averaging 24.8 points and six assists for the Suns. Collin Gillespie is averaging 3.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Kon Knueppel is averaging 19.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the Hornets. LaMelo Ball is averaging 4.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 5-5, averaging 104.2 points, 46.1 rebounds, 23.8 assists, 8.4 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 41.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.1 points per game.
Hornets: 7-3, averaging 118.1 points, 48.1 rebounds, 27.1 assists, 9.1 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.0 points.
INJURIES: Suns: Jordan Goodwin: out (calf), Dillon Brooks: out (hand), Mark Williams: out (foot).
Hornets: Tidjane Salaun: day to day (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Washington Wizards (16-46, 13th in the Eastern Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (20-45, 13th in the Western Conference)
New Orleans; Sunday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Washington comes into the matchup against New Orleans after losing seven straight games.
The Pelicans are 11-21 in home games. New Orleans leads the NBA with 57.5 points in the paint. Zion Williamson leads the Pelicans averaging 15.8.
The Wizards are 5-24 on the road. Washington averages 15.1 turnovers per game and is 9-9 when committing fewer turnovers than opponents.
The Pelicans are shooting 46.3% from the field this season, 1.6 percentage points lower than the 47.9% the Wizards allow to opponents. The Pelicans average 112.2 points per game, 8.0 fewer points than the 120.2 the Pelicans allow.
The two teams match up for the second time this season. The Pelicans defeated the Wizards 128-107 in their last meeting on Jan. 10. Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 35 points, and Kyshawn George led the Wizards with 15 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Derik Queen is shooting 48.3% and averaging 11.9 points for the Pelicans. Saddiq Bey is averaging 21.1 points over the last 10 games.
George is scoring 14.8 points per game with 5.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Wizards. Bilal Coulibaly is averaging 13.3 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 50.0% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pelicans: 5-5, averaging 117.9 points, 45.9 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 8.3 steals and 6.5 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.3 points per game.
Wizards: 2-8, averaging 112.6 points, 40.3 rebounds, 24.4 assists, 9.3 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.0 points.
INJURIES: Pelicans: None listed.
Wizards: Jamir Watkins: day to day (foot), Anthony Davis: out (finger), Tristan Vukcevic: day to day (thigh), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Kyshawn George: day to day (elbow), D'Angelo Russell: day to day (not injury related), Alex Sarr: out (hamstring).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Dallas Mavericks (21-42, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. Toronto Raptors (35-27, fifth in the Eastern Conference)
Toronto; Sunday, 6 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Dallas will aim to break its three-game road slide when the Mavericks take on Toronto.
The Raptors are 16-16 on their home court. Toronto is the league leader with 18.8 fast break points per game led by RJ Barrett averaging 3.9.
The Mavericks are 7-23 on the road. Dallas ranks fourth in the NBA scoring 17.9 fast break points per game. Cooper Flagg leads the Mavericks averaging 3.5.
The Raptors score 113.5 points per game, 4.2 fewer points than the 117.7 the Mavericks give up. The Mavericks average 113.3 points per game, 1.3 more than the 112.0 the Raptors allow.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Mavericks won the last meeting 139-129 on Oct. 26. Flagg scored 22 points to help lead the Mavericks to the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Scottie Barnes is averaging 18.9 points, eight rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.6 blocks for the Raptors. Brandon Ingram is averaging 21.6 points and 4.2 assists over the past 10 games.
Flagg is scoring 20.3 points per game with 6.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Mavericks. Brandon Williams is averaging 13.9 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 50.0% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Raptors: 5-5, averaging 112.2 points, 40.2 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 9.1 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.6 points per game.
Mavericks: 2-8, averaging 108.9 points, 43.0 rebounds, 23.5 assists, 6.2 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.6 points.
INJURIES: Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles: day to day (thumb).
Mavericks: Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Kyrie Irving: out for season (knee), Daniel Gafford: day to day (ankle), Marvin Bagley III: day to day (neck).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 6: Jayson Tatum #0 and Nick Sang of the Boston Celtics smiles before the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 6, 2026 at TD Garden 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
BOSTON — One day before Jayson Tatum made his season debut, he opted to address his Celtics teammates and coaches. Before he could return to the floor after 298 days sidelined, he wanted to express his gratitude to everyone who allowed him to get to the point where coming back was a possibility.
First, Tatum address his teammates, who held it down all season en route to the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Following his return game, Tatum said this year’s Celtics team was probably the most fun team to watch around the league — and that watching them from the sidelines made him want to work harder in pursuit of a comeback.
“The joy and competitive nature that they displayed — I wanted to be a part of that,” Tatum said.
So, Tatum accompanied the Celtics for nearly every film session, practice, shootarond, and game — home or away. That allowed him to stay connected with the guys even through months of his being sidelined.
“Going through rehab and being injured is lonely,” Tatum said. “It’s not intentional. I couldn’t practice for a while, I couldn’t be in the game. When they were on the court, I was in the weight room, having to do my own thing. So you feel isolated, in a sense. But I just expressed that being around as much as possible, going to games, being on the plane, really made me feel like I was still very much a part of the team, and how thankful to the group for just being themselves.”
Jayson Tatum on his message of gratitude to the team yesterday:
“It was one, just being vulnerable, showing my appreciation to the team, of how they have played this season, how they motivated me every single day. The joy and competitive nature that they displayed, I wanted to… pic.twitter.com/qLWUZ8RpDR
In that same Thursday address, Tatum went out of his way to thank the coaching staff for going the extra mile throughout his recovery; the Celtics star would often be seen working with assistant coaches like Amile Jefferson and Tony Dobbins after practice, among others. And, before he began playing 5-on-5 with teammates, he oftentimes played with, and against, a slew of Celtics coaches.
“I was thankful to the coaches that extended their days a lot by helping me during rehab and on the court and pick-up games [for] my conditioning,” Tatum said. “I really just kind of telling everybody in the room that they all played a part in essentially helping me get to this moment.”
Joe Mazzulla himself brimmed with pride as he reflected on Tatum’s speech.
“He came on the other side of this better person,” Mazzulla said.
Jayson Tatum especially grateful for longtime trainer, Nick Sang
But, of all the gratitude he expressed, there was one person who he credited most for his recovery: his trainer, Nick Sang.
Sang, who has been working with Tatum and the Celtics since 2017, was in many ways the mastermind of Tatum’srecovery.
“He’s had the biggest role,” Tatum said. “For the last 10 months, I haven’t went 48 hours without seeing Nick. He was there, obviously, when I got injured. He’s been with me every step of the way. I’m very fortunate to have someone that is as selfless and dedicated as he is.”
Asked Jayson Tatum about the role Nick Sang has played in his recovery:
“He’s had the biggest role. For the last 10 months, I haven't went 48 hours without seeing Nick. He was there, obviously, when I got injured. He's been with me every step of the way. I'm very fortunate to… pic.twitter.com/66aNes407Y
On top of being Tatum’s dedicated trainer, Sang doubles one of Tatum’s closest friends.
“That’s a bonus,” Tatum said. “[He’s] somebody that I know cares about me as a person and is invested as much as anyone you know.”
Tatum’s rehab began almost immediately after he underwent surgery in May. As such, Sang accompanied Tatum to all his offseason travels, and dove deep into the Achilles tendon recovery world to ensure that Tatum’s recovery plan was as optimal as it could possibly be.
“I’ve seen Nick work countless hours to research and call specialists and dot every I, cross every T, to make sure we were doing the right things, and make sure we didn’t skip any steps,” Tatum said. “Held me accountable every single day, pushed me when I didn’t necessarily want to be there, or when I doubted myself.”
In his first game back in nearly 10 months, he talled 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists en route to a 120-100 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The Celtics outscored the Mavs by 20 points in his 27 minutes on the floor.
And, while Tatum’s recovery journey doesn’t end here — he made clear of that — taking the TD Garden parquet was a critical step he’s long been dreaming of. And, he credits Sang for helping him get there.
“I can never say thank you enough to him,” Tatum said. “He’s been with me every single day since I got injured. He’s a big reason why I was able to recover as fast as I did and make it to this point. It was on him. I can’t say enough good things about him, and I can’t thank him enough.”
Lakers star Luka Doncic celebrates after making a three-pointer during a win over the Indiana Pacers at Crypto.com Arena on Friday night. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Luka Doncic scored 44 points despite not playing the fourth quarter, and the Lakers defeated the struggling Indiana Pacers 128-117 on Friday night with LeBron James and Deandre Ayton out because of injury.
Doncic showcased his offensive wizardry, joining Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West as the only players in Lakers history to record at least 40 points in a season 10 times.
Doncic was 14 for 25 from the field, seven for 14 from three-point range and nine for 10 from the free-throw line. He also had nine rebounds and five assists.
“I always want to be productive. But it’s just next-man-up mentality," Doncic said. "We have great guys on the bench. So, they help us win this game."
He had 22 points on seven-for-nine shooting in the first quarter, making all five of his three-pointers. It marked the fifth time in his career he scored at least 20 in the first quarter.
“I felt great,” Doncic said. “I felt like I had my legs working. But definitely needed to win this game, so we came out aggressive.”
The Lakers led 64-51 at halftime and Doncic had 29 points.
Doncic ended the third quarter by banking in a three-pointer with 5.3 seconds left and then pointing to his teammates on the bench. The shot gave the Lakers a 19-point lead.
“He can make every shot,” coach JJ Redick said. “I mean, he can make a step-back, left-wing bank shot that line drives and barely goes above the rim. He can make floaters. He can make floaters going left, right. He’s a shot-maker, but he’s also a playmaker.”
Doncic also had a solid game on defense, recording three steals and two blocks.
“I know people are not going to talk about it,” Doncic said. “So, I’m just trying to do my job, trying to be more aggressive, be more engaged. So, just trying to do better defensively.”
Luka Doncic shoots a three-pointer over Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker in the first half Friday. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Austin Reaves had 19 points and five assists before fouling out with 4:58 left. Luke Kennard had 15 points and Rui Hachimura scored 13 points as the Lakers (38-25) bounced back from a tough loss at Denver on Thursday.
Pascal Siakam led Indiana (15-48) with 26 points, five rebounds and three assists.
James did not play after sustaining a left elbow injury against the Nuggets. Redick said James was “still banged up" but said the Lakers think he will play Sunday against the New York Knicks.
Ayton (knee) and reserve center Maxi Kleber (back) also are day to day, Redick said.
As long as the Lakers have Luka Doncic on the court, they always have a chance of winning, regardless of the opponent.
And regardless of the circumstances.
The Lakers’ 128-117 Friday night win over the Pacers at Crypto.com Arena, which was the second night of a back-to-back and witnessed star forward LeBron James and starting center Deandre Ayton watching from the bench in street clothes, was a quick reminder.
As long as the Lakers have Luka Doncic on the court, they always have a chance of winning, regardless of the opponent. NBAE via Getty ImagesThe Lakers’ 128-117 Friday night win over the Pacers at Crypto.com Arena, which was the second night of a back-to-back and witnessed star forward LeBron James and starting center Deandre Ayton watching from the bench. NBAE via Getty Images
Doncic, who entered Friday leading the league in first-quarter scoring (11.5 points), got off to one of his signature hot starts, scoring 22 points in the first quarter to give the Lakers an early advantage they didn’t relinquish.
“Some ridiculous shot-making,” coach JJ Redick said. “And a lot of ridiculous shotmaking against a lot of really good defenders.”
Friday marked Doncic’s league-leading fifth 20-point first quarter outing of the season, which is the most by any player in the play-by-play era (1996-97), according to ESPN.
“When you see a guy like him kind of getting to his spots, hitting his shots, it definitely just brings a different level to our group,” Luke Kennard said of Doncic. “Credit to him. Tough back-to-back. He played really well, gave us a chance to win in Denver. Got in late. He still came out and did what he does, and it got me ready to play. I know everybody else kind of fed into that, and he definitely set the tone for us.”
Already the league’s scorer, Doncic finished with 44 points on 14-of-25 shooting, including 7 of 14 on 3s, to go with nine rebounds and five assists in the 32 minutes he played in the first three quarters.
Doncic closed out the third by banking in a 29-footer over Quenton Jackson, giving the Lakers a 99-80 entering the final frame.
“I had my legs,” Doncic said. :They were working. But we definitely needed to win this game so we came out aggressive and made a statement.”
Austin Reaves (19 points, five assists) and Kennard (15 points, seven rebounds off of the bench) picked up the slack in the fourth so Doncic didn’t have to play in the final quarter.
Reaves picked up his sixth foul in the fourth, just the second time in his career he’s fouled out of a game.
Doncic, who entered Friday leading the league in first-quarter scoring (11.5 points), got off to one of his signature hot starts, scoring 22 points in the first quarter to give the Lakers an early advantage they didn’t relinquish. NBAE via Getty ImagesAustin Reaves (19 points, five assists) and Luke Kennard (15 points, seven rebounds off of the bench) picked up the slack. NBAE via Getty Images
What it means
Just one day after losing ground in the Western Conference standings with Thursday’s loss in Denver, the Lakers made up for it by beating the Pacers.
The Lakers, who improved to 38-25 on the season and are sitting at No. 6 in the West, moved to half a game behind the No. 5 Nuggets.
The Lakers, who improved to 38-25 on the season and are sitting at No. 6 in the West, moved to half a game behind the No. 5 Nuggets. NBAE via Getty Images
Turning point
When Doncic hit a catch-and-shoot 3 at the 7:48 mark in the first quarter.
Doncic’s second 3 of the game started a personal 6-0 run the Lakers needed to prevent themselves from having another slow start.
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The 27-year-old Slovenian guard scored 13 of the Lakers’ final 15 points of the first to give them a 35-27 lead going into the second.
MVP: Luka Doncic
Friday was Doncic’s 10th 40-point game of the season.
Doncic broke a tie with Timberwolves star guard Anthony Edwards for the most 40-point games this season.
Friday was Doncic’s 10th 40-point game of the season. NBAE via Getty Images
Stat of the game: 12
Friday was Doncic’s 12th 40-point game as a Laker, passing Gail Goodrich (11) for the ninth-most in franchise history, according to the team.
Doncic is the fourth player in franchise history to record 10 or more 40-point games in a season, joining Kobe Bryant (four times), Elgin Baylor (three) and Jerry West (three).
Up next
The Lakers’ homestand will continue when they host the Knicks on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena.
Mar 6, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) points to the out of bounds line while Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) throws...
What began as a comfortable night — Los Angeles once led by 25 points — ended in one of the strangest collapses of the season, punctuated by a stunning mental error from veteran guard Nicolas Batum.
What began as a comfortable night — Los Angeles once led by 25 points — ended in one of the strangest collapses of the season, punctuated by a stunning mental error from veteran guard Nicolas Batum. Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
With 16 seconds remaining and the San Antonio Spurs holding a 113–112 lead, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue inserted Batum into the game to inbound the ball. Batum found Brook Lopez at the top of the key, and Lopez quickly returned the pass.
There was one glaring problem.
Batum never stepped onto the court.
Still standing out of bounds, he caught the ball and was immediately whistled for a turnover — erasing the Clippers’ chance at a game-winning shot and forcing them to foul.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue inserted Batum into the game to inbound the ball. AP
The Spurs nearly gave the game back. Julian Champagnie missed two free throws, but San Antonio grabbed the offensive rebound. Rookie Stephon Castle later split a pair, the Spurs secured another offensive rebound, and a quick layup sealed the comeback.
For Batum, an 18-year veteran, it was a moment that will linger — a single step forgotten that turned a comeback opportunity into a collapse.
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