Cricket board and eight franchises issue joint statement
ECB sent email to teams warning against discrimination
The England and Wales Cricket Board and all eight of the Hundred teams have jointly insisted the competition is “inclusive and open to all” amid claims Pakistan players could be frozen out by the Indian-owned franchises.
It had been reported by the BBC that Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds would not consider any Pakistan cricketers at the Hundred auction in March.
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 24: Jamaree Bouyea #17 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Boston Celtics on February 24, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Nothing really jumps off the page with a quick glance at the box score of the Celtics’ total eclipse of the Suns. The team shot just 40% from the field, including a dismal 13-of-47 from beyond the arc. They shot just nine free throws, with Payton Pritchard making all four of his trips after hitting just two of his 13 shots on the night.
And yet, the 97-81 win might be one of their most impressive and definitive victories of the season.
Disregard the fact that Jaylen Brown (and obviously, Jayson Tatum) didn’t play. They weren’t around three weeks ago when the Celtics grounded the Rockets in Houston either.
No, what the Celtics did to the Suns on Tuesday night has become their calling card throughout the entire season. If you were to boil down Boston’s approach, head coach Joe Mazzulla will tell you that it’s all about winning the margins, particularly limiting turnovers, generating more possessions with offensive rebounding, getting up threes, and defending like hell.
The latter two have always been staples of Mazzulla ball. In his first two seasons at the helm including the championship year in 2024, the Celtics were top-2 in defensive rating and three-point field goal attempts. Boston, with its star-studded roster, could bury teams with math.
This year, with several newcomers and young players, further refined the formula to include offensive rebounding and taking care of the ball.
“We just have to fight for perspective,” Mazzulla said after the team was down 26-21 despite winning the offensive rebounding battle, taking several open 3s, and turning the ball over just once. “We need to do a better job on the defensive glass, but we ended up getting more shots than they did and the shots finally came, but credit to the guys. Even when we’re not shooting well, we’re still defending. We gotta keep that up.”
At the buzzer, Boston ended up taking sixteen more field goals because of 22 offensive rebounds. At one point in the third quarter, they were up 28 points.
It may seem like an elementary basketball theory — take care of the ball, maximize your shots by taking threes, and get more shots off the glass — but it’s a novel approach in recent history. The Thunder were #1 in turnovers and defense, but didn’t hit the offensive glass as much and weren’t a prolific three-point shooting team. The Nuggets of three seasons ago ranked 20th in turnovers, 25th in 3FAs, 15th in defensive efficiency, and 12th in offensive rebounding percentage.
There are many ways to skin a cat and raise a banner for sure, but the Celtics this season might have the most unique technique. Considering they average the fewest possessions per game with a 95.55 pace, Mazzulla is betting that Boston will be more disciplined and more consistent in what is in effect a shorter game. The 81 points that the Suns mustered against the Celtics was their second lowest point total of the year. More so, it’s the fifth time in February that Boston has held a team under 100. They haven’t the lowest scoring defense in the league at 107.6 points per game and the lowest defensive efficiency in the month of February.
The 2026 men's NCAA tournament starts in Dayton for the First Four and ends in Indianapolis for the Final Four. Below is a list of the March Madness venues in between.
First- and second-round games will be held at eight cities spanning across four time zones. Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games will be held at regional sites before the final four teams converge on Indianapolis in early April.
Chicago Blackhawks (22-26-9, in the Central Division) vs. Nashville Predators (26-24-7, in the Central Division)
Nashville, Tennessee; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Blackhawks travel to the Nashville Predators looking to stop a three-game road losing streak.
Nashville is 26-24-7 overall with an 8-9-3 record in Central Division games. The Predators have a 20-6-2 record in games they score at least three goals.
Chicago has gone 22-26-9 overall with a 7-4-2 record in Central Division play. The Blackhawks have committed 217 total penalties (3.8 per game) to rank 10th in league play.
The matchup Thursday is the third time these teams square off this season. The Blackhawks won 3-0 in the previous meeting.
TOP PERFORMERS: Steven Stamkos has 28 goals and 16 assists for the Predators. Filip Forsberg has seven goals and five assists over the past 10 games.
Tyler Bertuzzi has 25 goals and 17 assists for the Blackhawks. Ilya Mikheyev has three goals and six assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Predators: 3-4-3, averaging 3.3 goals, six assists, 3.3 penalties and 7.7 penalty minutes while giving up 4.2 goals per game.
Blackhawks: 3-5-2, averaging 2.2 goals, 3.7 assists, 2.7 penalties and six penalty minutes while giving up 3.1 goals per game.
INJURIES: Predators: None listed.
Blackhawks: None listed.
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
New York Islanders (32-21-5, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Montreal Canadiens (32-17-8, in the Atlantic Division)
Montreal, Quebec; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Montreal Canadiens and the New York Islanders take the ice in Eastern Conference action.
Montreal is 16-11-1 in home games and 32-17-8 overall. The Canadiens have a 29-6-7 record when scoring at least three goals.
New York has a 32-21-5 record overall and a 16-11-3 record in road games. The Islanders have gone 23-3-3 when scoring at least three goals.
The matchup Thursday is the first meeting of the season between the two teams.
TOP PERFORMERS: Nicholas Suzuki has scored 18 goals with 47 assists for the Canadiens. Lane Hutson has two goals and 11 assists over the last 10 games.
Mathew Barzal has 17 goals and 34 assists for the Islanders. Jean-Gabriel Pageau has scored four goals with two assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Canadiens: 6-3-1, averaging four goals, 7.3 assists, four penalties and 8.3 penalty minutes while giving up 3.1 goals per game.
Islanders: 6-4-0, averaging 2.8 goals, 4.8 assists, 3.2 penalties and 6.7 penalty minutes while giving up 2.5 goals per game.
INJURIES: Canadiens: None listed.
Islanders: None listed.
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Feb 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
LOS ANGELES — While the Lakers have their big three of LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves healthy and available, it hasn’t been smooth sailing.
The game ended in heartbreaking fashion with Luka passing up an open look and tossing the ball to LeBron, who had to heave a shot to beat the buzzer that bounced off the rim.
This sequence, featuring some poor offensive execution, has been far too common in Los Angeles. It’s a prime example of how the team hasn’t been able to find an offensive rhythm lately.
With LA needing every win possible in the crowded Western Conference, better offense is necessary, especially on a night where the other aspects of their game were good enough to earn the result.
“I thought we played well enough to win tonight,” Redick said postgame. “[We] certainly had the edge and played hard enough to win. We played together. We did our best to play the right way and share the basketball.”
With 24 assists on 40 makes, Redick is right that the ball was moving. And with Dendre Ayton finding a rhythm during the first half, things were looking up for LA early on.
“Well, my playmakers were feeding me the ball, and they just kept telling me do the same thing over and over,” Ayton said. “So, I just was making sure I was physical and I tried my best to score closest to the rim as much as possible so I can keep getting it down there. Tonight, they believed in their switches a lot, so I’m glad I got a chance to punish that just to switch it up a little bit and give them a different look.”
But Los Angeles slowly died in this game. Through three quarters, they took a double-digit lead and turned it into a home loss. They couldn’t take advantage of Orlando shooting 24% from deep because they were outrebounded 48-40.
And as individuals, none of their big three stepped up.
Reaves is known for being an aggressive player who gets inside the paint and to the free-throw line. He only took five shot attempts in the first half and didn’t score until the third quarter.
Luka is the team’s bestplayer and on-ball creator. Against the Magic, he went 8-24 from the field and converted on just two of his ten3-point attempts. Perhaps that poor shooting is why he became passive on that final possession.
"I know I was open, I just thought I was a little bit far." Luka Dončić on the final play of the game.
And LeBron had a respectable game, scoring 21 points, but most of that damage came during his first six minutes of play, where he scored 10 points. After that, he was rather pedestrian,and that’s not going to be enough when his co-stars are struggling.
LA needed more from their starson Tuesday night and no one was able to respond.
It’s clear the Lakers’ strength isn’t defense. They are ranked 24th in the league in defensive rating. So, they have to win games with their offense. That shouldn’t be as much of a problem with two All-Stars and Reaves, who is also known for putting the ball in the hoop.
However, they posted their second-lowest point total of the season against the Celtics and shot horrendously from three against Orlando, going 9-29 as a team.
Whether it’s because of a lack of time working together, their opponents throwing different defensive coverages at them or just a cold streak, the fact is they haven’t been able to, as a collective, consistently score since the All-Star break.
With 25 games left, time is running out for them to figure things out.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns controls a rebound over Ron Harper Jr. #13 and Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
PHOENIX — Late in the third quarter of the Celtics 97-81 win over the Phoenix Suns, Payton Pritchard turned the ball over. Suns two-way player Jamaree Bouyea dribbled furiously down the court, while Baylor Scheiermman stayed in front of him, keeping his arms raised, but avoiding any contact.
Ron Harper Jr, amid his second-ever NBA start, trailed the play, but sprinted back and ultimately swatted Bouyea’s layup. Hugo Gonzalez secured the rebound and finished a layup on the other end. The Celtics led by 23.
The block was pretty cool.
But in the split second after Harper’s massive block came the play of the game. Before they ran back on offense, Harper and Scheierman enthusiastically high-fived, celebrating their collective big-time stop.
WHAT A PLAY by the Celtics
Baylor Scheierman does a GREAT job going straight up allowing Ron Harper Jr time to catch up and absolutely smack this layup attempt
The dap up afterwards is a true mark of what happened : a collective effort
Harper got credit for the block on the box score, but Scheierman’s role in the play was just as important — he stayed vertical, avoided a foul, and ultimately helped force Bouyea into a difficult look.
“We talk about that a lot,” Joe Mazzulla said after the game. “Those plays are super important, because a lot of times that guy that goes up for the block may foul, and then you don’t get a chance to contest it. And so we do focus on a lot, it’s not just that guy that gets the block — it’s just as important to protect the rim.”
A Ron Harper Jr — Baylor Scheierman defensive sequence perfectly captures the magic of this Celtics season
Ron Harper Jr. and Baylor Scheierman first met when they played on the Celtics’ Summer League team in 2024. Scheierman had just been drafted days prior, while Harper was coming off a serious shoulder injury that abruptly ended his season.
Both players spent most of the 2024-2025 season in the G League; Harper began his year with the Maine Celtics and finished it with the Motor City Cruise after getting a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons, while Scheierman spent it in Maine.
Now, both players are impacting winning with the parents club, and both got the start in Tuesday’s matchup against the Suns. (Scheierman has started the last five games for the Celtics, while Harper started in place of Jaylen Brown, who missed the game with a knee contusion).
Harper, who remains on a two-way contract, added 8 points, 5 rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block in 30 minutes.
Afterwards, Sam Hauser — who also started en route to a 16-point night — praised his performances.
“Nothing changes when he gets out there,” Hauser said of Harper. “There’s no skipping of the beats, and he’s a great player. He’s a great defender, and he helps us in a lot of different ways. And tonight he was great.”
Scheierman, meanwhile, tallied 11 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal in 32 minutes — and also earned Hauser’s praise.
“He can kind of can do a little bit of everything, and he’s shown it,” Hauser said. “And he, again, is another guy who just kind of got thrust into the lineup — and he’s made the most of it. At times, it’s really hard to take him off the floor, for obvious reasons, because he’s a really well-rounded player, and he’s been defending his butt off, and it’s been fun to watch.”
Harper will likely go back to the bench when Jaylen Brown returns to the lineup in the coming days, and Scheierman’s minutes will likely diminish when (or if) Jayson Tatum makes his season debut.
But on Tuesday night, for a brief moment, those two 25-year-old, former G League standouts were invincible.
And in the middle of live action, they high-fived one another, taking a moment to recognize just how great a defensive possession it was. It’s that kind of synergy that’s allowed the Celtics to have the NBA’s best defense over the past month, and the 8th-best defensive rating in the league this season.
That Harper-Scheierman sequence stood out to Derrick White, too.
“It’s huge,” said White. “Baylor does a good job of occupying, kind of slowing him down a little bit, and Ron sprints back and makes a play. That’s the kind of thing we talk about all the time — it’s a team effort, every time down the court. Even in transition, you try to get nothing easy. Big time for both of them to sprint back and make that big play, and it was a big momentum swing for us.”
The duo’s reaction perfectly captured what kind of season it’s been.
The Colorado Avalanche general manager has built a reputation for uncovering value on the margins, and early signs suggest his latest move could be another savvy addition. The winger acquired in the trade that sent defenseman Ilya Solovyov out of the organization is already making an impression with the Colorado Eagles — 26-year-old Valtteri Puustinen.
We have acquired Valtteri Puustinen and Pittsburgh's own 7th Round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft in exchange for Ilya Solovyov. pic.twitter.com/zegVaNPIgW
Before arriving in Loveland, Puustinen recorded seven goals and 19 assists for 26 points in 35 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Since joining the Eagles, he hasn’t missed a beat.
In just 11 games with Colorado, Puustinen has tallied three goals and three assists for six points, quickly establishing himself as a reliable offensive contributor. At his current scoring rate with the Eagles, he is on pace to reach seven goals by his 26th game with the club. That would put him roughly nine games ahead of the pace it took to reach seven goals in his previous 35-game stint — a clear sign that his offensive touch is translating seamlessly with his new team.
Given the Avalanche made a headline-grabbing trade on Tuesday, sending their longest-tenured defenseman, Sam Girard, and a second-round pick to Pittsburgh for defenseman Brett Kulak, it’s clear Colorado is actively managing its roster. But come playoff time, Puustinen could emerge as a valuable, underrated depth piece for the organization.
Puustinen Fits the System
Puustinen is a naturally skilled winger with excellent puck control and sharp playmaking ability. He reads the ice intelligently, finds seams in the defense on the power play, and possesses a quick, deceptive release that keeps goaltenders guessing. His consistent production at the AHL level shows he can generate offense in multiple ways.
One of his most underrated strengths is his ability to move the puck seamlessly through the neutral zone. He supports breakouts with poise, makes smart passes, and is exceptionally difficult to dislodge from the puck. Calm and composed under pressure, Puustinen’s game meshes perfectly with Colorado’s up-tempo, possession-based style.
And dare I say, his ability to carry the puck and facilitate transition play could give the Avalanche the spark their power-play unit has lacked this season — an area that arguably cost them in last year’s playoffs.
With his vision, skill, and composure, Puustinen has the tools to make an immediate impact on both the Eagles and, eventually, the Avalanche.
Kon Knueppel scored his 200th three-pointer in only his 58th NBA game [Getty Images]
Rookie Kon Knueppel became the fastest player to reach 200 three-pointers in NBA history as the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Chicago Bulls 131-99.
The 20-year-old American scored 21 points, including three three-pointers, while Brandon Miller added 23 as the visiting Hornets condemned the Bulls to a 10th consecutive defeat for the first time since the 2018-19 season.
Knueppel needed only 58 games to tally up his 200th three-pointer - 11 less than previous record holder Duncan Robinson - and is also just the second rookie to reach the milestone.
With a league-leading 201 three-pointers, Knueppel only needs six more to break Keegan Murray's record of 206 in 2022-23 for the Sacramento Kings for the most threes made by a player in their first season.
Having played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils, Knueppel was drafted as a fourth overall pick by the Hornets in the 2025 draft.
"It is exciting and refreshing [to coach Knueppel]," said head coach Charles Lee after the Hornets' eighth straight win on the road.
"It elevates our whole culture when you have a guy who is that good but that humble and has no ego, and it becomes contagious throughout the whole organisation."
Meanwhile, new signing James Harden scored 20 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers returned to winning ways with a 109-94 victory over the New York Knicks.
The result helped them draw level on 37 wins and 22 losses with the Knicks, who are third in the Eastern Conference.
Harden, who left the Los Angeles Clippers this month, is an 11-time NBA All-Star and regarded as one of the greatest guards in history, but the 36-year-old has never won an NBA title.
"We're working to build something special, and each game is an opportunity to get better," said Harden. "Tonight was a good step for us."
The Boston Celtics consolidated second place with a 97-81 win over the Phoenix Suns while the Philadelphia 76ers posted a 135-114 win against the Indiana Pacers, who are bottom of the Eastern Conference after reaching the NBA Finals last year.
Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City Thunder overcame the Toronto Raptors 116-107 while sixth-placed Los Angeles Lakers were edged by Orlando Magic 110-109 and the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 124-121.
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 23: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons 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
Every game after the All-Star break feels like it carries more weight, especially for a team that is within striking distance of the first seed, and another that can still secure home-court advantage in the first round.
The San Antonio Spurs are the hottest team in the NBA with nine straight wins, five of which have come on the road. They may not be champions, but they have a target on their backs because of their talent and the noise they’ve made so far.
This will be the second and final matchup between these teams, with the Spurs having claimed the first in San Antonio on Oct. 27 without their All-Star point guard. Similar to the Spurs, the Toronto Raptors are tough to cover because they move the ball well and average a low time of possession and seconds per touch.
Notably, the Raptors have been vulnerable at home this year, logging a 16-14 record in Scotiabank Arena. They are an average-to-below-level rebounding team, so the Spurs will have an opportunity to punish them by coming up with extra possessions.
San Antonio Spurs (41-16) at Toronto Raptors (34-24)
Feb. 24, 2026 | 6:30 PM CT
Watch: FanDuel | Listen: WOAI 1200
Spurs injuries: Harrison Ingram (G-League- Two-Way) Out, David Jones Garcia (G-League- Two-Way) Out, Emmanuel Miller (G-League- Two-Way) Out, Mason Plumlee (Return to competition reconditioning) Out
Raptors injuries: Not due until noon CT
What to watch for
The Raptors will be on the second night of a back-to-back, yet they are a fast, long and athletic team that can collapse on the paint quickly, like the Spurs. But teams can have success attacking from the outside, then in. Toronto has poor three-point defense, allowing opponents to make 39.2 percent of wide-open shots, making it the perfect opportunity for the snipers.
Scottie Barnes is Toronto’s biggest player with quick foot speed to put on Victor Wembanyama. He had the second-most defensive minutes on Wemby in their first matchup, and that shouldn’t change on Wednesday. Still, the release point will be too high for him to disrupt, and the Spurs could make life easier for their big man by getting Barnes off of him through an inverted pick-and-roll.
The Raptors only run screen rolls for 17.1 percent of their time on offense. They understand better than most that the pass is faster than the dribble to expose openings, and their offense includes a steady dose of attacking through transition. Notably, they are second in the NBA in potential assists created (53.3).
Could this be Sandro Mamukelashvili’s revenge? He was practically invisible the last time they played, but the public should always be on the lookout for guys who want to remind their old teams of what they are missing. If he gets significant time, he’ll be a threat because defenses usually let him roam while helping on others. This makes him dangerous off the catch. Keep in mind that Mamu has logged double-figure points in five of his last seven games.
Despite Toronto’s eagerness to shut off the lane, they have the bad habit of fouling too often. Castle even got to the line for 14 attempts, making nine, in the first matchup, as well. Don’t be surprised if there’s an encore, or if De’Aaron Fox lives at the line because of his inclination to attack the body.
The pause of the 2025-26 NHL campaign for the Winter Olympics results in a condensed schedule across the league for the final stretch of the season. Fantasy hockey managers have a great deal to consider over that time, including the potential for difficult roster decisions. Beginning preparations based on warning signs could be a wise approach, and we will cover some players whom poolies should be wary of as the regular season reaches what could be a frenetic conclusion.
Brad Marchand, LW/RW, Panthers (89% rostered)
Marchand has been hampered by an undisclosed injury for most of the 2025-26 campaign. He missed 10 of Florida's final 15 games before the Olympic break while logging under 12 minutes of ice time in each of his last two appearances. He also sat out two of Canada's three preliminary round contests. When he returned during the medal round, he was noticeably slower than his peers, and it appears as though he is still dealing with a nagging issue. He had 23 goals on 115 shots before he missed seven straight games in January. His 20.0 shooting percentage over that span is comfortably above his career average of 15.3. The 37-year-old could have his playing time managed for the remainder of the season, and if Florida's playoff hopes grow dimmer, he might be a candidate to shut down completely if he can't shake his injury problem.
Karel Vejmelka, G, Mammoth (87% rostered)
Vejmelka entered the Olympic break with a share of the league lead with 27 wins. He has faced the second-most shots (1,130) this season while posting a solid 2.58 goals-against average and a serviceable .903 save percentage. He is also tied for the most games played this campaign at 44. Utah doesn't have a daunting strength of schedule, which could work in Vejmelka's favor, or it could open the door for additional Vitek Vanecek starts. However, with the Mammoth battling for a playoff spot, Vejmelka will probably be leaned on heavily. That could be a problem if his fourth quarter of the 2024-25 season is anything to go on, as he went 10-6-4 in 20 games down the stretch with a 2.83 GAA and .890 save percentage.
Gabriel Landeskog, LW/RW, Avalanche (32% rostered)
Landeskog missed 14 straight games before the Olympic break because of an upper-body injury. Despite a slow start offensively to the season, he suited up in 41 consecutive contests before getting hurt three games into January. He had been alleviating some of the worry about his health being a problem following a lengthy absence due to a knee issue. However, his extended absence before playing for Sweden raises some concerns. He is already averaging a career-low 15:51 of ice time per game this season and could see his role reduced further if Colorado pads its impressive lead for the No. 1 overall seed in the NHL.
Mark Stone, RW, Golden Knights (88% rostered)
Aside from the 16 games he missed early in the year because of a wrist injury, Stone has been all over the scoresheet in 2025-26. However, the pace he established will be challenging to maintain, especially if wear and tear strikes again for the oft-injured forward. His point-production rates at even strength and on the power play have been the highest of his career. Stone also has a personal-best shooting percentage of 22.8%, well above his 15.7% average, and has reached the 30-goal mark only once before. His 1.48 points per game have him on pace for 97 points, and he has just one season with more than 70 points on his resume. The 33-year-old forward will be at risk of injury with the schedule set for a taxing stretch, and his pace could slow as the season progresses.
Jared McCann, C/LW, Kraken (53% rostered)
McCann was rolling along offensively before the Olympic break, but the time off might hinder his momentum. Additionally, Seattle's scoring difficulties could lead to inconsistent performances. While he has been the team's top producer in total points since the 2023-24 campaign, the 29-year-old forward has also missed significant chunks of this season due to injuries. A busy end to the schedule could aggravate existing issues or create new ones, especially since he will probably continue to log heavy minutes.
Anthony Mantha, LW/RW, Penguins (35% rostered)
Mantha has been a resurgent success for Pittsburgh this season. He is on pace to surpass the 60-point plateau, even though he hasn't even reached the 50-point mark before at the NHL level. However, his reaching 60 points probably depends on his playing in all 82 games. Injuries have been a considerable stumbling block for Mantha in the past, which could become a problem again during a crowded stretch of games. Pittsburgh also has the toughest strength of schedule remaining, which may slow Mantha's scoring rates.
Morgan Geekie, C/LW/RW, Bruins (91% rostered)
Geekie has done an incredible job of proving his doubters wrong thus far. However, skepticism remains that he can maintain his current pace for the rest of the 2025-26 season. He has a league-best 24.8 shooting percentage, towering over his career average of 16.7%. He scored 33 times on 150 shots in 2024-25 and already has 32 goals on 129 shots this campaign. Boston has the second-toughest strength of schedule, which could make it more challenging for Geekie to continue his torrid goal-scoring success.
Jordan Binnington, G, Blues (46% rostered)
Binnington performed well for Canada at the Winter Olympics, but has struggled mightily this season with the Blues. He still has a long way to go to earn back the trust of fantasy managers, and isn't returning to a cozy situation. St. Louis has the second-worst record in the league, and Joel Hofer will probably continue to cut into Binnington's playing time. The 25-year-old Hofer has been the better option of the two this campaign. Binnington could get a boost with a change of scenery, but his 14-team no-trade list might be a hindrance, and his inconsistent efforts would still make him a risky bet to rebound.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 24: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers waits at the free-throw line during the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Crypto.com Arena on February 24, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers had one of the more odd streaks come to an end this season. Despite being a very average team for the season, the Lakers were undefeated when leading into the fourth. They also still sported a sterling 16-3 record in clutch games.
Both stats were outliers that took a hit on Tuesday. LA led by one entering the final frame and was in a back-and-forth game down the stretch before losing. While they still have the best win percentage in the league in clutch games, it brings them a little closer to what this team actually is, which is mid.
So, let’s dive into the loss. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
LeBron opened the game with 10 points in the first six minutes and looked on pace for a great night. Instead, he was quiet for the next two-and-a-half quarters and missed a free throw late that proved costly. A really promising start turned into a pretty disappointing game.
One of Ayton’s best games in a really long time went to waste. He spent the second quarter punishing the Magic for switching a smaller defender onto him. He was also strong on the boards for most of this one.
While he’s had some standout performances against the Sixers and Clippers since returning from injury, it doesn’t feel like Reaves has really found his rhythm. He was a complete bystander in the first half before hitting some big shots in the second half.
Luka’s night is going to be remembered for the shot he didn’t take at the end of the game, though if his stat line is anything to go off, he would have missed it anyway. It was a pretty inefficient shooting night made better by great playmaking, many of those to Ayton after switches.
But completely passing up the three to win it is just too much to overcome in my books.
LaRavia’s three in the second half of this one was just his second made three since the All-Star break. His 3-point shot absolutely cratering this season has been a really tough blow.
Grade: D
Maxi Kleber
11 minutes, 3 rebounds, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, +1
With Hayes out, Kleber got some short stints in this one. Orlando’s size in the front court was a pretty tough matchup.
Another player whose night might be defined by the shot he didn’t make. Rui had a chance late to put the Lakers up after Luka found him open in the corner for three. The shot wasn’t even close.
It overshadowed him hitting a pretty big three two minutes prior, but even then, it was too quiet of a night from Rui.
Kennard has had a pretty funny start to his Lakers career. Most viewed him as a 3-point weapon when the Lakers acquired him, yet he didn’t take a single shot from range on Tuesday. So far, he’s taken 22 twos and 16 threes with the Lakers.
His shots are going in at a crazy clip (65.8%) so you can’t complain too much. It’s just not been what anyone expected.
Vando’s minutes are going down again and so is his impact, creating a chicken-and-the-egg conundrum. So long as teams can sag off Vando and force him to shoot threes, the more his minutes will fluctuate based on matchup.
Grade: D
JJ Redick
Redick drew up a couple of plays late that led to open threes to take the lead. One was an airball and one wasn’t even taken. The Lakers had no answer for Paolo Banchero defensively and the zone defense was a mess at times.
The default trade deadline for Yahoo fantasy basketball leagues is March 5. With only about one week left to make deals, now is the time to get your roster ready for a playoff run. Let's discuss some players to consider buying, selling or holding onto in fantasy basketball based on their current situations.
Buy
Bennedict Mathurin, Los Angeles Clippers
Early returns suggest that Mathurin is one of the biggest winners of the trade deadline. He was on a Pacers team that had among the worst records in the league and was already starting to rest key players to try and improve its lottery odds. Had he stayed on the team, we might not have seen much of him in March and April. Now, he's on a Clippers team that is well on its way to making the Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference.
With James Harden now in Cleveland and Darius Garland (toe) considered week-to-week, the Clippers need Mathurin's scoring. He hasn't let them down, averaging 22.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.0 3-pointers over his first five games with the team. That's despite him only shooting 25.0% from 3. For the season, he shoots 35.8% from behind the arc. Now is the time to try to acquire Mathurin for a playoff push.
Jalen Green, Phoenix Suns
Green has seen his season limited by a recurring hamstring injury. He has been limited to just 11 games and has only averaged 20 minutes across them. With him playing so infrequently, he has averaged just 13.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He has had a difficult time getting into a groove, shooting 36.9% from the field and 71.4% from the free-throw line.
Despite his horrific campaign, there have been some promising signs for Green lately. He has played six of the last seven games for the Suns, which included a game against the Magic in which he logged 37 minutes. With Dillon Brooks (hand) out for at least four weeks, the Suns need Green to play more and help lead their scoring attack. Those who currently roster him might be frustrated to the point where he can be had in a trade for a discount.
Sell
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
The Bulls were one of the biggest sellers at the trade deadline. Their new disjointed roster has contributed to them losing 10 straight games. Their chances of making the Play-In Tournament are slipping away, with the Hornets and Bucks having passed them in the standings. At this point, the Bulls would probably like to rack up losses to help improve their lottery odds.
If the Bulls want to lose games, one way to do that is by limiting Giddey's minutes. He has appeared in four games since returning from a hamstring injury, but didn't top 27 minutes in any of them. He hasn't played at least 30 minutes in a game since the day after Christmas. His overall numbers for the season are excellent, so try to sell high on him now before more limitations come his way. Rest days could also be in the near future.
DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento Kings
The Kings have the worst record in the NBA. Domantas Sabonis (knee) and Zach LaVine (finger) are out for the rest of the season, leaving DeRozan as the last man standing from their top trio. The veteran has played in 59 games, putting him on pace to appear in at least 70 games for the fifth straight season. However, his production is down with him averaging 18.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
As the Kings continue to flounder, DeRozan has averaged just 26 minutes over their last eight games. They are getting blown out often, which has contributed to him sitting out significant portions of the fourth quarter. That could be a trend that continues, so even if the Kings don't flat-out sit him, more muted stat lines could be coming. If anyone in your league is willing to give up something of value for him, it might be wise to make the deal.
Hold
Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have won nine games in a row to not only grab hold of the second seed in the Western Conference, but also put them within striking distance of the Thunder for the top spot. They have beaten up some weak teams during their winning streak, including two games against the Mavericks, one against the Kings and one against the injury-riddled Warriors. With them blowing out so many teams, Castle has only averaged 24 minutes over his last eight games.
When the Spurs were locked into a close game against the Pistons on Monday, Castle produced 16 points, four rebounds, 11 assists, one steal and one block over 30 minutes. Don't let his recent muted stat lines cloud your judgment. He's still a very valuable fantasy option who should get back on track as the Spurs play in more competitive games.
RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors
Coming off the best campaign of his career, injuries have put a damper on Barrett this season. He has appeared in only 34 games. He was also on minute restrictions when he initially returned from a couple of ailments, which has contributed to him averaging a career low of 29 minutes.
The good news is, despite his limitations, Barrett averages 18.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 3-pointers, while shooting 47.3% from the field. In three of the last five games, he logged at least 30 minutes. The other two were blowouts, which could have contributed to his limited run. The Raptors are fighting for seeding in the Eastern Conference, so rest days won't be an issue for Barrett. His best stretch could be ahead of him, so don't trade him away at a discount now.
Los Angeles Lakers (34-23, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (33-26, seventh in the Western Conference)
Phoenix; Thursday, 9 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles faces Phoenix in Western Conference action Thursday.
The Suns have gone 22-18 against Western Conference opponents. Phoenix is 16-13 in games decided by 10 or more points.
The Lakers are 6-6 against the rest of their division. Los Angeles is eighth in the Western Conference with 25.3 assists per game led by Luka Doncic averaging 8.6.
The Suns average 14.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.3 more made shots on average than the 13.2 per game the Lakers allow. The Lakers are shooting 49.8% from the field, 2.9% higher than the 46.9% the Suns' opponents have shot this season.
The teams play for the fourth time this season. In the last meeting on Dec. 24 the Suns won 132-108 led by 25 points from Dillon Brooks, while LeBron James scored 23 points for the Lakers.
TOP PERFORMERS: Collin Gillespie is shooting 43.1% and averaging 13.4 points for the Suns. Royce O'Neale is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Doncic is averaging 32.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists for the Lakers. James is averaging 18.8 points and 7.5 assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 3-7, averaging 101.7 points, 43.5 rebounds, 22.5 assists, 8.6 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 41.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.9 points per game.
Lakers: 5-5, averaging 111.4 points, 38.5 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 7.7 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.7 points.
INJURIES: Suns: Cole Anthony: out (not injury related), Jordan Goodwin: out (calf), Devin Booker: out (hip), Dillon Brooks: out (hand), Haywood Highsmith: out (knee).
Lakers: Jaxson Hayes: out (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Oklahoma City will try to extend its three-game win streak with a victory over Detroit.
The Pistons are 22-7 in home games. Detroit is the top team in the Eastern Conference averaging 57.2 points in the paint. Jalen Duren leads the Pistons with 13.7.
The Thunder are 21-7 in road games. Oklahoma City is 2-6 in one-possession games.
The Pistons make 47.8% of their shots from the field this season, which is 4.3 percentage points higher than the Thunder have allowed to their opponents (43.5%). The Thunder average 10.0 more points per game (119.4) than the Pistons allow their opponents to score (109.4).
TOP PERFORMERS: Cade Cunningham is averaging 25.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 14.3 points over the last 10 games.
Chet Holmgren is averaging 17.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 16.6 points and 1.6 steals over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pistons: 8-2, averaging 119.8 points, 46.7 rebounds, 27.3 assists, 11.0 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.2 points per game.
Thunder: 7-3, averaging 115.1 points, 44.8 rebounds, 26.0 assists, 9.8 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.6 points.
INJURIES: Pistons: None listed.
Thunder: Ajay Mitchell: out (abdomen), Jalen Williams: out (hamstring), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: out (abdomen), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
