It was a homecoming night for Ivica Zubac on Wednesday. He had been a fan favorite with the Clippers since 2019, but was traded at the deadline to Indiana, and there was plenty of love for him among the Intuit Dome faithful.
Zubac did not play in this game, he hasn't taken the court since Feb. 2 due to a left ankle sprain. Before the game, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Zuback will eventually play this season, but there is no timeline, via Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.
The Pacers will be slow to bring Zubac back because he's good and they can't afford to start winning games — if they do, it's the Clippers who benefit. As part of the Zubac trade, Indiana's first-round pick this year goes to the Clippers, but it's top-four protected. At 15-47, Indiana has the second-worst record in the league, but with the lottery odds that makes it just a coin-flip Indy gets to keep the pick: 52.2% it is top four and goes to the Pacers, 47.8% it is five or six and goes to the Clippers. Indiana, Brooklyn and Washington are in a tight "race" to the bottom — they are all within 1.5 games of each other in the standings — and if the Pacers fall to the fourth-worst record, then they end up on the wrong side of those coin flip odds.
Next season, when a healthy Zubac is running pick-and-roll with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton (out for the season with a torn Achilles), a lot of fans who may not have understood just how good Zubac is are going to find out. He's going to thrive in that role. This season, it sounds like he will play some, but the Pacers have a fine line to walk.
Blowouts and bad shooting have skewed De’Aaron Fox’s recent output, with his points production fluctuating more than cryptocurrencies.
Fox has scored 14 points or fewer in four of his last five showings, but the San Antonio Spurs need their All-Star guard to lock in for a huge non-conference collision with the Detroit Pistons.
This potential NBA Finals matchup sets the tone for a daunting stretch of San Antonio's schedule, and my Pistons vs. Spurs predictions and NBA picks are optimistic that Fox will find his form.
Pistons vs Spurs prediction
Pistons vs Spurs best bet: De’Aaron Fox Over 16.5 points (-105)
In the seven games since the All-Star break, De’Aaron Fox has averaged only 13.6 points in 27.2 minutes — a stark dip from the 19.4 points over 32 minutes ahead of the annual hiatus.
One-sided wins and a few bad shooting nights have impacted his output, which naturally slims his scoring props. Fox’s points totals were as high as 18.5 O/U, but we’re getting an opportunity to buy back a discounted total in a marquee matchup.
Player projections have Fox logging his standard 30+ minutes and putting up 18 points versus the Detroit Pistons, with some sharper books pricing Over at -131.
Pistons vs Spurs same-game parlay
The San Antonio Spurs are the hottest team in the league and host the Pistons for their second straight road game after a loss at Cleveland. The Spurs are 12-1 straight up and 10-3 against the spread since February 1.
Fox’s points prop has dropped since the All-Star break, with limited minutes in blowouts and some bad shooting nights hurting his output. He’s expected to get more than 30 minutes and put up 18 points vs. the Pistons, accounting for an off night against Detroit last month (10 points on 4-for-17 shooting).
Dylan Harper is another Spurs standout with an optimistic evaluation tonight. He’s projected for double digits, with a ceiling of 11.5 points. He’s scored 10 or more in nine of the last dozen games.
Pistons vs Spurs SGP
Spurs -3.5
De’Aaron Fox Over 16.5 points
Dylan Harper Over 9.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: The Fantastic Mr. Fox
We’re expecting Fox to find his scoring stride and power the Spurs to a high-scoring resume win over the Pistons, but his playmaking will take a hit because of it. Fox projects for Under 6.5 dimes against a Detroit defense allowing the fewest assists per game.
Pistons vs Spurs SGP
Spurs -3.5
Over 228.5
De’Aaron Fox Over 16.5 points
De’Aaron Fox Under 6.5 assists
Pistons vs Spurs odds
Spread: Pistons +3.5 (-110) | Spurs -3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Pistons +135 | Spurs -160
Over/Under: Over 228.5 (-110) | Under 228.5 (-110)
Pistons vs Spurs betting trend to know
The San Antonio Spurs are 12-1 SU and 10-3 ATS since February 1, including 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS at home in that stretch. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Spurs.
How to watch Pistons vs Spurs
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Detroit, FDSN Southwest
Pistons vs Spurs latest injuries
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The NBA season has reached a wonky stage, with teams like the Chicago Bulls effectively playing out the string.
That shows up in all sorts of ways, and tonight it will benefit the Phoenix Suns as they try to escape the Play-In Tournament despite a bevy of injuries.
My Bulls vs. Suns predictions and NBA picks expect an ugly slog on Thursday, March 5.
He has gone back and forth this season between the starting lineup and the bench, returning to the former in the last two games. Jones may be there the rest of the season, as Chicago's roster was thinned at the trade deadline.
Jones is just one part of why theBulls have cashed five straight Unders ahead of tonight's matchup with the Phoenix Suns.
Chicago’s rotation is so limited that a bench piece is now tasked with initiating the offense — and it hasn’t gone well.
Bulls vs Suns same-game parlay
Jones is a competent floor general, but this role is simply too big for him these days.
He has cleared these points prop just twice in the seven games since the All-Star Break, though he handed out six assists three times in those seven games.
In fact, this exact SGP would have cashed twice in that stretch.
Bulls vs Suns SGP
Under 225
Tre Jones Under 13.5 points
Tre Jones Over 5.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Suns Cruise
The Bulls have lost 12 of their last 13 games outright.
Bulls vs Suns SGP
Under 225
Tre Jones Under 13.5 points
Tre Jones Over 5.5 assists
Suns moneyline
Bulls vs Suns odds
Spread: Bulls +10.5 (-110) | Suns -10.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Bulls +375 | Suns -500
Over/Under: Over 225 (-110) | Under 225 (-110)
Bulls vs Suns betting trend to know
The Bulls have not only cashed five straight Unders; they have done so by an average of 11.1 points compared to bookmakers’ expectations. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Suns.
How to watch Bulls vs Suns
Location
Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
CHSN, KTVK
Bulls vs Suns latest injuries
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NEW YORK — It’s no secret that Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a reputation for baiting opposing players into contact to get to the line. Add Knicks coach Mike Brown to the list of opposing coaches who bemoan it.
After New York’s 103-100 loss against the Thunder Wednesday, March 4, Brown expressed his displeasure with officiating during the game, and in particular the crew’s management of Gilgeous-Alexander’s play.
“SGA, he’s a tough cover,” Brown told reporters after the game. “And he does a great job of convincing the referees — probably better than anybody in the league — that he’s getting hit.”
Brown’s criticism, in part, stemmed from a controversial no-call that prompted Brown to be called for his first technical foul since he joined the Knicks in July.
The play came with 2:02 left in the first quarter, when Gilgeous-Alexander cut to the basket and crashed into Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, before gathering his dribble and putting in an uncontested layup.
Brunson appeared to have a clear, established position, but officials did not call any foul — offensive or defensive — on the play. Gilgeous-Alexander, at the time, had already picked up his second foul and the no-call would’ve been his third, possibly prompting him to sit extended minutes on the bench.
Immediately after the play, Brown gestured emphatically and berated the closest official, Brian Forte. Play continued and Brown didn’t relent with his arguing, eventually drawing the technical foul with 1:40 left to play. Brown appeared to make light contact with Forte during the interaction, but he remained in the game.
“You guys saw the play,” Brown said. “SGA had two fouls, and Jalen was there. And he ran him over … I just don’t understand why that wasn’t a no-call. But that should’ve been his third, the bucket shouldn’t have counted, and we should’ve gone the other way with the basketball.
“To see that, knowing that Jalen is standing there, and he’s putting his body on the line, and our guys are fighting their asses off to try to win the ball game — it didn’t sit well with me, obviously.”
The non-call drew a sharp reaction from social media, with actor and comedian Ben Stiller, a notable Knicks fan, leading the charge.
“This is abhorrent,” Stiller wrote in a message posted shortly after the no-call.
Gilgeous-Alexander would convert the technical free throw and finished the game with 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including a perfect 7-of-7 from the line.
Last year’s Most Valuable Player, Gilgeous-Alexander is tied for third this season in free throw attempts per game, with 9.2.
“That early in the game, I trust Coach, just because there’s still so much time to decide the game, so if I need to come out, I’d come out,” Gilgeous-Alexander said when asked about playing with the two early fouls. “Nothing’s worse than having three fouls in the first quarter, so usually, they’ll take me out if I get two quick ones.
“But, yeah, I was able to control my foul count the rest of the game.”
To be clear, just being bad is preferable to tanking. Even terrible basketball can yield quality results, while clearing out a rotation of all trusted contributors largely produces only deflating losses.
New Orleans has won four of seven games since the All-Star Break, including going 2-1 outright as a favorite. Sacramento has managed an admirable 2-5 outright in the same stretch, though both wins came against teams that were also tanking.
Westbrook is incapable of playing at anything less than 100% effort and intensity at all times, and he has cleared this points prop in three of his last four games.
Pelicans vs Kings SGP
Pelicans -5.5
Under 234.5
Russell Westbrook Over 15.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Russ Gonna Russ
This SGP shouldn’t jump more than 130% just by factoring in Westbrook’s struggles from deep.
This exact combination cashed last week, as Westbrook went 1-of-7 from beyond the arc while scoring 22 points in a 31-point loss.
Pelicans vs Kings SGP
Pelicans -5.5
Under 234.5
Russell Westbrook Over 15.5 points
Russell Westbrook Under 2.5 threes
Pelicans vs Kings odds
Spread: Pelicans -5.5 (-110) | Kings +5.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Pelicans -200 | Kings +165
Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)
Pelicans vs Kings betting trend to know
The Kings are 3-6 ATS in their last nine contests. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Kings.
How to watch Pelicans vs Kings
Location
Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
GCSEN, NBC Sports California
Pelicans vs Kings latest injuries
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DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 23: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs and Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons look on during the game on February 23, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons take on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs again, a few games after Wemby stifled their offense. Stephon Castle deserves credit for his pressure on Cade Cunningham, but everything changes with Wemby on the backline.
A 2005 Finals rematch is a real possibility. Both Detroit and San Antonio are top 10ish offenses and top 5 defenses. Detroit has some playoff experience with their showing last year, but not too many on either team have been a major contributor on a deep run. Harrison Barnes has been, but he is out tonight after waking up with a sore ankle a few days ago.
Both teams are live dogs to make the NBA Finals. Improvement was expected for both teams, but they’ve smashed expectations. Detroit will travel to San Antonio to test their mettle against one of the league’s best.
Game Vitals
Where: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas
When: 8:00 PM
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons (+3.5)
Analysis
The Pistons had two tight games with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the last week, who were without their star, Donovan Mitchell. Detroit split those games, but there are moments they’d want back. Here’s a great opportunity to get back on track against a Spurs team that has won 14 of its last 17 games, including a dub over Detroit.
Figuring out the Wemby challenge as an offense is no easy task. Teams have taken him out of the game scoring-wise, but he still ends up a +41 because he is that impactful as a defender.
Cade turned down some solid looks with Wemby in his vicinity in the last matchup. Wemby, being the pest he is, plus Castle’s relentless intensity, didn’t make things easier for the MVP candidate.
It was a rough shooting night in Cade’s last outing in Cleveland. His overall impact was there with the 33 points he created off assists, but Detroit will need his shot-making tonight. And that goes for everyone. Players need to take advantage of the attention Cade draws tonight.
Consistently hitting outside shots can combat Wemby’s nutty rim protection. They love to play him on a non-shooter to allow him to hover in the lane. Someone has to make him pay for sagging.
That’s not going to be Ausar Thompson or Jalen Duren making Wemby pay from 3 tonight. Duren is capable of going at Wemby. He should be aggressive early to potentially get Wemby in foul trouble. Ausar often offsets his shooting woes with timely cuts, aggression on the offensive glass, and secondary playmaking duties.
If Ausar is the player Wemby sags off of, crashing the glass should skyrocket on his priority list. That’s not as good as sinking open 3s, but it can lead to winning basketball. Wemby won’t be matched up with the likes of Duncan Robinson or Tobias Harris, most likely, but those guys still need to deliver from 3. Maybe it’s a tryout game for Kevin Huerter? Someone has to help keep the Spurs honest and make them pay for gapping up on Cade and Duren.
Besides Wemby’s paint protection and Castle’s all-around solid game, San Antonio burned Detroit from 3. They buried a season-high 18 triples. While Detroit’s own lack of shooting has been a constant conversation that I participate in, it should be noted that teams usually don’t torch them from deep.
Opponents only make 34.7 percent of their 3s against this lockdown Pistons defense. That’s third best in the association, according to Cleaning the Glass. Teams shoot a decent amount of 3s against the Pistons, but the Spurs’ explosion hasn’t been a regular theme.
The Cavs did get up a ton of deep balls last game, too, though. Tonight is an opportunity for Detroit to beat one of the hottest teams in basketball and get back to its chaotic defense that forces shooters to take contested shots or drive into their top-tier rim protection.
Devin Vassell (28 pts – 7 3s) and Julian Champagnie (17 pts – 5 3s) got it going in the last matchup. Those two need to be limited. Isaiah Stewart is around for this one. It’s not an easy night for anyone when he and Duren come into town.
Wemby is averaging 16 points with a 54 true shooting percentage over the last five games. He has struggled as a scorer, and Detroit could keep those struggles alive. It remains to be seen how Detroit can respond to Wemby on the other end.
In a potential NBA Finals preview, the Oklahoma City Thunder went into Madison Square Garden and beat the Knicks 103-100 behind an MVP-like performance from Shai Gilgous-Alexander, who scored 26 points with eight assists and hit the deciding step-back 3-pointer late in the game.
After the game, Knicks coach Mike Brown sounded like he was lobbying the referees for that potential Finals.
“He does a great job of convincing the referees, probably better than anybody in the league that, you know, he's getting hit.” -Mike Brown on SGA pic.twitter.com/9hcGR0kG53
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) March 5, 2026
"SGA, he's a tough cover, and he does a great job of convincing the referees — probably better than anybody in the league — that he's getting hit."
Playing into the "foul merchant" narrative is a pretty lazy talking point for a coach, but it will play well with at least some of the fan base.
Here's the problem, though: Gilgeous-Alexander had just seven free throws for the game, and one of those came because of a Mike Brown technical. SGA getting to the line was not the deciding factor in this game. Brown was still pretty heated postgame over the play that led to the technical, a late first-quarter play where Jalen Brunson tried to draw a charge on Gilgeous-Alexander, but the referees gave it a no-call and SGA got the bucket. That would have been a third foul for Gilgeous-Alexander in one quarter and would have changed Mark Daigneault's rotations and maybe the game.
It's something Mike Brown can worry about in the NBA Finals, if the Knicks can get there.
The Los Angeles Lakers (37-24) travel to Ball Arena for a game against the Denver Nuggets (38-24) tonight. Luka Doncic and the Lakers take the court on a three-game winning streak while Nikola Jokic has the Nuggets treading water but maintaining a Top 4 seed in the West despite injuries to key rotation pieces including Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson. That 4-seed will be put on the line tonight as the Lakers sit just a half game behind Denver.
The individual battle between superstars Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić remains the headline attraction. Dončić, the league's leading scorer at 32.4 points per game, has been the catalyst for the Lakers' recent surge, which includes dominant wins over the Warriors and Kings. Meanwhile, Jokić continues his MVP-caliber campaign, averaging a triple-double (28.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 10.3 assists).
These teams met earlier this season on January 20 with the Lakers winning at home, 115-107. Luka Doncic had a triple-double and LeBron James chipped in with 19 points. Nikola Jokic missed the game due to injury. A win tonight clinches the season series for the Los Angeles.
This matchup is widely considered a "prove-it" game for the Lakers, who have struggled against the elite teams in the West. A win tonight would not only mark a four-game streak but also give the Lakers the No. 4 seed and the potential tiebreaker advantage in the conference standings if one is needed.
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.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: Lakers at Nuggets
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Time: 10PM EST
Site: Ball Arena
City: Denver, CO
Network/Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
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: Lakers at Nuggets
The latest odds as of Thursday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Los Angeles Lakers (+164), Denver Nuggets (-198)
Spread: Nuggets -4.5
Total: 240.5 points
This game opened Nuggets -4.5 with the Total set at 238.5.
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: Lakers at Nuggets
Los Angeles Lakers
PG Luka Doncic
SG Marcus Smart
SF Austin Reaves
PF LeBron James
C Deandre Ayton
Denver Nuggets
PG Jamal Murray
SG Christian Braun
SF Julian Strawther
PF Jonas Valanciunas
C Nikola Jokic
Injury Report: Lakers at Nuggets
Los Angeles Lakers
Maxi Kleber (back) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Denver Nuggets
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Peyton Watson (hamstring) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Spencer Jones (shoulder) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Cam Johnson (ankle) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Important stats, trends and insights: Lakers at Nuggets
The Nuggets are 16-12 at home this season
The Lakers are 19-12 on the road this season
The Nuggets are 34-28 ATS this season / 13-15 at home
The Lakers are 32-28-1 ATS this season / 17-14 on the road
The OVER has cashed in 32 of the Lakers’ 61 games this season (32-29)
The OVER has cashed in 39 of the Nuggets’ 62 games this season (39-23)
The Thunder are 7-3 in their last 10 games ATS against the Knicks and 8-2 on the Moneyline in those
Since the All-Star Break (7 games), Jamal Murray is averaging 25.2 points per game and that is including a game against the Celtics on February 25 when he scored just 2 points
Austin Reaves has scored 18 or fewer points in 6 straight and 9 of the Lakers’ last 10 games
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 Lakers and Nuggets’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Lakers on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Lakers +5.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 240.5
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Houston Astros sent All-Star shortstop Jeremy Peña to see a hand specialist on Thursday for further examination of an injury to his right ring finger that has made his immediate availability for the World Baseball Classic unclear.
Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters at the team's spring training complex that Peña had some damage to the nail area on the finger after fielding a hard groundball for the Dominican Republic national team during an exhibition game on Wednesday. Peña was pulled after that.
The Dominican Republic plays its first game of the WBC on Friday in Miami against Nicaragua.
The 28-year-old Peña is coming off a career-best season in 2025, when he made his first All-Star team and batted .304 with an .840 OPS and 20 stolen bases.
TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 4: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles against Brandon Ingram #3 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 4, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Toronto Raptors, by just about any measure, are enjoying a highly successful season. At 35-26, they’ve surpassed all reasonable expectations for a team that picked up just 30 wins last year. They have two All-Stars, and are well on their way to a playoff appearance.
And yet, Tuesday’s loss to the New York Knicks cemented a concern that’s been on many Raptors fans’ minds: They can’t seem to beat good teams.
The Raptors are currently just 4-16 against the 10 teams ahead of them in the NBA standings. Three of those four wins came early on against the then-struggling Cleveland Cavaliers who had not yet added James Harden. Four of the losses, meanwhile, have come against the Knicks, each by a margin of 16 or greater.
On the flip side, the Raptors are a dominant 31-10 against the 18 teams beneath them in the league standings. Beating bad/mediocre teams is not a useless exercise: Those results make a big difference when it comes to fighting for playoff seeding.
But as the playoffs draw closer, the Raptors’ woes against top teams are becoming an increasingly worrying indicator that they’ll struggle in the postseason.
Their recent results bear out this trend. Toronto is 3-3 in their last six games: The losses all came against teams in a playoff spot, while each win was against a team outside of the playoff picture.
Tonight, the Raptors will have their work cut out for them as they head to Minnesota to take on the 39-23 Timberwolves, at 8 p.m. EST on Sportsnet.
These two teams last faced each other about a month ago, when the Wolves won 128-126 led by a 30-point performance by Anthony Edwards. The Wolves have been especially hot since the All-Star break, winning seven of their last eight games. Meanwhile, the Raptors could be without their top scorer as Brandon Ingram is questionable with a thumb injury.
Ingram scored 25 and was a +2 in their loss against the Wolves. And following Tuesday’s loss to the Knicks, in which Toronto came within two points with six minutes left only to end up losing by 16, Ingram spoke about the need to overcome their persistent issues executing in the fourth quarter.
“I think every time we play a good team, they know exactly where they want to go in the fourth quarter, and they do it over and over again,” Ingram said.
He added, “The good thing is, we’re in the games. But we got to figure out how to finish the game.”
That fourth quarter execution issue was on full display when the Wolves overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Raptors in February.
The Raptors may be down their top scorer in their rematch against the Wolves, but they’ll have a new weapon for the rematch: Jakob Poeltl missed that first game and will be active tonight. While sometimes looking diminished as he returns from his back injury, Poeltl has been valuable for the offense as a screener, and his size will be key in matching up against Rudy Gobert. Collin Murray-Boyles remains out.
The Raptors have some things to clean up outside of fourth quarter execution. Their defense looked at times lethargic against the Knicks, and they made a number of mistakes and miscommunications that led to rapid scoring opportunities that may very well have cost them the game.
The Timberwolves have the league’s sixth-rated defense which features Gobert, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate/winner down low, and Jaden McDaniels, one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders. The Timberwolves have also added guard Ayo Dosunmu since their last matchup.
Scottie Barnes may need to shoulder a larger offensive load if Ingram is out – and he may also draw the assignment of guarding Edwards, one of the league’s most dynamic and athletic scorers.
It won’t be easy for the Raptors. But if they want to change the narrative about facing good teams, they’ll have to win some tough ones.
Joining the Golden State Warriors hasn’t been as glamorous as Al Horford hoped.
The veteran was supposed to be a complementary piece on a championship contender, but with injuries ravaging the Dubs, Horford is carrying more of the load lately.
My Warriors vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks for Thursday, March 5 bank on “Big Al” to battle on the boards.
Don't miss tip-off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
Warriors vs Rockets prediction
Warriors vs Rockets best bet: Al Horford Over 5.5 rebounds (-112)
Al Horford’s floor time jumped in the past seven outings, logging more than 26 minutes and hauling in an average of 5.2 rebounds.
He’s snagged six or more boards in four of those showings, and his rebounding chances spiked to 9.2 in that frame — up from 7.7 before that uptick in action.
He could face less competition on the glass vs. a Houston Rockets frontcourt missing a ton of size, with its top four rebounders either questionable or out Thursday.
Projections sit north of six rebounds from Horford, with Over 5.5 priced as high as -130 at other books.
Warriors vs Rockets same-game parlay
Houston is back home after a road-heavy schedule. The Rockets are trying to hold on to the No. 3 seed in the West, while the Golden State Warriors are sinking like a stone with two wins in the last seven games and little motivation to make the postseason cut.
Horford is getting more run with the Dubs roster depleted, and Houston’s frontcourt could be running thin, with several forwards dealing with ailments.
Gui Santos is enjoying an uptick in offensive touches due to the Warriors’ injury issues. Before a bad outing vs. the Clippers, he scored 13 or more points in nine of his last 10 games and is projected for 14.4 points tonight.
Warriors vs Rockets SGP
Rockets moneyline
Al Horford Over 5.5 rebounds
Gui Santos Over 12.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Draymond vs. Durant
There’s no love lost between these former teammates. Draymond Green gets the Golden State offense going while Kevin Durant comes up short on his scoring total, but helps pick up the slack on the glass.
Houston is the best home Under bet in the NBA, going 9-17-1 Over/Under inside Toyota Center. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Rockets.
How to watch Warriors vs Rockets
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Warriors vs Rockets latest injuries
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It’s a jam-packed night of hoops action with nine games on the board, full of NBA player props for bettors to dive into.
I’ve found my three favorites for today, which include Devin Booker staying hot for the Phoenix Suns and Nikola Jokic dishing out the dimes against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Those and more NBA picks below on Thursday, March 5.
Prop #1: Wendell Carter Jr. to record a double-double
+290 at bet365
The Orlando Magic are fighting to avoid the Play-In, and that means taking care of business against a banged-up Dallas Mavericks team.
The Mavericks' injury list is long and includes No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, who is questionable with a foot injury. It’s also devastated their depth in the frontcourt, and teams have taken advantage.
Dallas ranks dead last in opponent points in the paint per game.
So, I’m targeting Wendell Carter Jr. He’s averaging 10 points and 10 rebounds over his last seven games, so getting him to record a double-double at +290 is great value tonight.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: KFAA, FanDuel Sports Network Florida
Prop #2: Devin Booker Over 2.5 made threes
+140 at bet365
Devin Booker returned after missing 12 of 15 games and immediately let it fly against the Sacramento Kings, going 4-for-9 from 3-point range.
I’m betting the Phoenix Suns’ star guard stays hot in another great matchup against the Chicago Bulls.
The Bulls’ defensive effort has waned, as they rank 28th in defensive rating over the last 15 games. They are also surrendering the sixth-most opponent-made threes per game over that stretch.
At this price, I love backing Booker to have another big night from beyond the arc.
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CHSN, KTVK
Prop #3: Nikola Jokic Over 10.5 assists
+105 at bet365
The Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets are similar teams, which is probably why they’re battling in the Western Conference standings.
These are two excellent offensive rosters that aren’t giving the same effort at the other end. The Lakers, in particular, rank 22nd in defensive rating and allow the fourth-worst opponent effective field goal percentage.
The Nuggets obviously move the ball well, and the Lakers also rank 26th in opponent assists per possession. So, let’s not overthink this. Nikola Jokic averages 10.3 assists per game, and we are getting plus money for him to go Over a number he’s topped in five of his last 10.
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The Utah Jazz continue their road swing tonight in D.C. against the Washington Wizards. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.
Keyonte George is thriving as the main option right now for Utah, and I’m eyeing him to keep it rolling this evening in my Jazz vs. Wizards predictions.
Jazz vs Wizards best bet: Keyonte George Over 25.5 points (-115)
No Lauri Markkanen for the Utah Jazz means Keyonte George is the top guy at the moment, and he’s running with the opportunity. The Baylor product has cashed the Over in back-to-back games with ease.
On Monday, George put together a 36-point game against the Nuggets in a tight loss. The Jazz then fell by just four points on Wednesday evening versus the 76ers, but George put his best foot forward, balling out for 30.
The Washington Wizards are in the gutter of the East and sit 29th in defensive rating. George will go off again.
Jazz vs Wizards same-game parlay
Utah is in the midst of a seven-game losing skid, but a win is right around the corner. Their last two games against two solid teams have been incredibly close, and they’ve won four of their last five meetings with Washington
After giving Philly a run for their money, the Jazz will finally end the losing run tonight.
Kyle Filipowski is averaging 6.7 rebounds this season, but he’s been a larger presence on the boards lately. The big man has cashed the Over in boards in back-to-back contests.
The Duke product had 11 rebounds in Philadelphia, and grabbed eight boards against the Nuggets on Monday.
Jazz vs Wizards SGP
Keyonte George Over 25.5 points
Jazz moneyline
Kyle Filipowski Over 9.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Another big number for Jazz
Utah scored 125 points against Denver, and Washington has allowed Over 120.5 points in four straight contests.
Jazz vs Wizards SGP
Keyonte George Over 25.5 points
Jazz moneyline
Kyle Filipowski Over 9.5 rebounds
Jazz team total Over 120.5 points
Jazz vs Wizards odds
Spread: Jazz +2.5 | Wizards -2.5
Moneyline: Jazz +125 | Wizards -150
Over/Under: Over 243.5 | Under 243.5
Jazz vs Wizards betting trend to know
The Jazz have hit the Over in 30 of their last 50 games (+8.00 Units / 15% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Jazz vs. Wizards.
How to watch Jazz vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
KJZZ, MNMT
Jazz vs Wizards latest injuries
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MUMBAI, India (AP) — Captain Harry Brook called correctly at the coin toss and England opted to bowl first against India in their Twenty20 World Cup semifinal on Thursday.
India was unchanged from its win against the West Indies on Sunday. England made one change, bringing back pacer Jamie Overton for spinner Rehan Ahmed.
The pitch at the iconic Wankhede Stadium should aid batters and a high-scoring contest was on the cards. Evening dew should aid the chasing side.
The winner will take on New Zealand in the final on Sunday at Ahmedabad.
England and India are playing their third straight T20 World Cup semifinal.
England beat India by 10 wickets in Sydney in 2022 and ultimately won its second title. India then beat England by 68 runs in the 2024 semifinal at Georgetown and went on to its second title, too.
Defending champion India's only loss in the tournament so far was against South Africa.
England has lost only once, too, against the West Indies in the first round, also at Mumbai.
England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (captain), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
HAINAN ISLAND, China (AP) — Zhang Weiwei chipped in on her last two holes, one for eagle and the other for birdie, giving her a 6-under 66 and a three-way tie for the lead in the Blue Bay LPGA on Thursday.
Zhang, one of 20 players in the field from the China Golf Association, was tied with Mary Liu of China and Youmin Hwang of South Korea. All three of them were solid on a day of strong wind at Jian Lake Blue Bay.
Auston Kim, the American who tied for third last week in the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore, shot a 67.
Zhang took advantage of a shorter tee box on the par-5 17th that allowed her to get close enough to the green in two to chip in for eagle. She finished with a chip just off the 18th green about 30 feet from the cup.
“I hit it a bit heavy,” she said of her chip on the 17th. “But the landing spot was perfect and it rolled straight into the hole. That really got me excited and energized.”
Liu birdied four of her last six holes for a 66, while Hwang did her best work around the turn with five birdies in a six-hole stretch in the middle of her round.
Kim had nine birdies, offset by four bogeys, that put her in a tie for third.
“I’m just hitting a couple shots here and there that are really costing me,” Kim said. “Couple three-putts today, and just a couple bad shots off the tee. Overall the rest of it was more solid than before.”
Blue Bay LPGA wraps up a three-tournament swing through Asia for the LPGA with the weakest field of the three. It follows a week in Singapore that had nine of the top 10 in the women's world ranking, missing only Nelly Korda, who again skipped the Asia swing.
Ruoning Yin of China (No. 10) is the only player from the top 10 at Hainan Island. Ruoning, a former Women's PGA champion, opened with a 68.
Wendell Carter Jr.
Devin Booker
Nikola Jokic