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.

After the team’s loss against the Celtics on Sunday, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said they were “awful” offensively. In their encore on Tuesday, LA had another poor performance, losing to the Magic 110-109.

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.

— Edwin Garcia (@ECreates88) February 25, 2026

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.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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

Hugo scores right after pic.twitter.com/CvP1XY9jan

— NikNBA🏀 (@NIKNBAYT) February 25, 2026

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.

Teamwork pic.twitter.com/4OooA8Iipt

— Wildes (@kevinwildes) February 25, 2026

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.

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.

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 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 James

32 minutes, 21 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 5 turnovers, 2 fouls, 8-13 FG, 2-6 3PT, 3-4 FT, -1

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.

Grade: B

Marcus Smart

23 minutes, 3 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 1-2 FG, 1-2 FT, +8

A ho-hum game from Smart, who didn’t have much of an impact in the game.

Grade: C+

Deandre Ayton

32 minutes, 21 points, 13 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 3 fouls, 8-11 FG, 5-5 FT, -2

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.

Grade: A

Austin Reaves

35 minutes, 18 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, 6-16 FG, 2-5 3PT, 4-4 FT, -4

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.

Grade: B-

Luka Dončić

38 minutes, 22 points, 9 rebounds, 15 assists, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 3 fouls, 8-24 FG, 2-10 3PT, 4-9 FT, +1

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.

Grade: C-

Jake LaRavia

16 minutes, 3 points, 2 rebounds, 3 fouls, 1-4 FG, 1-3 3PT, +0

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.

Grade: C

Rui Hachimura

26 minutes, 10 points, 2 steals, 1 block, 2 fouls, 4-7 FG, 2-5 3PT, -3

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.

Grade: C

Luka Kennard

15 minutes, 9 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3-4 FG, 3-4 FT, +1

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.

Grade: B+

Jarred Vanderbilt

12 minutes, 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, 1-2 FG, -6

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.

Grade: C

Tuesday’s DNPs: Kobe Bufkin, Dalton Knecht, Drew Timme

Tuesday’s inactives: Jaxson Hayes, Nick Smith Jr., Bronny James, Adou Thiero, Chris Mañon

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

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).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Oklahoma City Thunder (45-14, first in the Western Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (42-14, first in the Eastern Conference)

Detroit; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Pistons -7.5; over/under is 218.5

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).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Miami Heat (31-28, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (32-26, sixth in the Eastern Conference)

Philadelphia; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers host Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat in Eastern Conference play.

The 76ers are 20-19 against Eastern Conference opponents. Philadelphia ranks seventh in the Eastern Conference with 16.4 fast break points per game led by Maxey averaging 5.6.

The Heat are 16-17 against Eastern Conference opponents. Miami ranks third in the league scoring 18.0 fast break points per game led by Norman Powell averaging 3.6.

The 76ers are shooting 46.0% from the field this season, 0.2 percentage points higher than the 45.8% the Heat allow to opponents. The Heat average 120.0 points per game, 4.1 more than the 115.9 the 76ers give up to opponents.

The teams square off for the second time this season. The Heat won 127-117 in the last matchup on Nov. 23. Powell led the Heat with 32 points, and Maxey led the 76ers with 27 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Maxey is shooting 46.7% and averaging 29.1 points for the 76ers. Kelly Oubre Jr. is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Adebayo is averaging 18.3 points and 9.8 rebounds for the Heat. Andrew Wiggins is averaging 15.1 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: 76ers: 5-5, averaging 116.0 points, 42.2 rebounds, 23.6 assists, 10.5 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.7 points per game.

Heat: 5-5, averaging 121.0 points, 52.1 rebounds, 30.0 assists, 9.6 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.3 points.

INJURIES: 76ers: Johni Broome: day to day (knee).

Heat: Nikola Jovic: day to day (back).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Cleveland Cavaliers (37-22, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (25-31, 11th in the Eastern Conference)

Milwaukee; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Cavaliers -9; over/under is 227.5

BOTTOM LINE: Ryan Rollins and the Milwaukee Bucks host Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Bucks have gone 7-4 against division opponents. Milwaukee gives up 115.4 points to opponents and has been outscored by 3.1 points per game.

The Cavaliers are 7-3 against the rest of their division. Cleveland is fourth in the NBA scoring 119.5 points per game while shooting 47.7%.

The Bucks score 112.3 points per game, 2.7 fewer points than the 115.0 the Cavaliers allow. The Cavaliers are shooting 47.7% from the field, 1.3% higher than the 46.4% the Bucks' opponents have shot this season.

The teams play for the third time this season. The Cavaliers won the last meeting 118-106 on Nov. 18. Mitchell scored 37 points to help lead the Cavaliers to the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Rollins is shooting 46.7% and averaging 17.2 points for the Bucks. AJ Green is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Mitchell is averaging 28.5 points, 5.8 assists and 1.6 steals for the Cavaliers. Jarrett Allen is averaging 20.5 points and 11.4 rebounds over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Bucks: 7-3, averaging 114.2 points, 44.4 rebounds, 24.7 assists, 6.3 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.4 points per game.

Cavaliers: 8-2, averaging 120.8 points, 43.7 rebounds, 29.2 assists, 10.6 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.6 points.

INJURIES: Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo: day to day (calf), Taurean Prince: out (neck).

Cavaliers: Max Strus: out (foot).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

New Orleans Pelicans (17-42, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (18-40, 13th in the Western Conference)

Salt Lake City; Thursday, 9 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Utah looks to end its three-game slide when the Jazz play New Orleans.

The Jazz are 10-27 in Western Conference games. Utah is fifth in the Western Conference with 11.8 offensive rebounds per game led by Walker Kessler averaging 4.6.

The Pelicans are 10-26 in conference games. New Orleans is the league leader in inside scoring, averaging 57.6 points per game in the paint this season. Zion Williamson leads the team with 16.0 points per game in the paint.

The Jazz average 12.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.6 fewer makes per game than the Pelicans give up (14.5). The Jazz average 114.8 points per game, 11.1 fewer points than the 125.9 the Jazz give up.

TOP PERFORMERS: Keyonte George is shooting 45.8% and averaging 23.8 points for the Jazz. Brice Sensabaugh is averaging 2.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Trey Murphy III is averaging 22.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pelicans. Williamson is averaging 21.7 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 3-7, averaging 114.0 points, 46.3 rebounds, 27.5 assists, 10.7 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.6 points per game.

Pelicans: 5-5, averaging 116.7 points, 42.3 rebounds, 25.5 assists, 8.1 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.4 points.

INJURIES: Jazz: Vince Williams Jr.: out for season (acl), Keyonte George: day to day (ankle), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder), Jusuf Nurkic: out for season (nose), Jaren Jackson Jr.: out for season (knee).

Pelicans: Yves Missi: day to day (calf), Trey Murphy III: day to day (shoulder), Micah Peavy: day to day (toe).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Portland Trail Blazers (28-31, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (24-35, 12th in the Eastern Conference)

Chicago; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Chicago comes into the matchup against Portland as losers of 10 games in a row.

The Bulls have gone 15-16 at home. Chicago is eighth in the Eastern Conference scoring 115.8 points while shooting 46.8% from the field.

The Trail Blazers have gone 12-16 away from home. Portland ranks third in the Western Conference with 45.8 rebounds per game led by Donovan Clingan averaging 11.5.

The Bulls are shooting 46.8% from the field this season, 0.8 percentage points lower than the 47.6% the Trail Blazers allow to opponents. The Trail Blazers' 45.2% shooting percentage from the field this season is 2.6 percentage points lower than the Bulls have given up to their opponents (47.8%).

The teams play for the second time this season. The Bulls won the last matchup 122-121 on Nov. 20. Isaac Okoro scored 13 points to help lead the Bulls to the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Matas Buzelis is shooting 47.4% and averaging 15.3 points for the Bulls. Guerschon Yabusele is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Clingan is averaging 11.9 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the Trail Blazers. Jerami Grant is averaging 18.3 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Bulls: 0-10, averaging 106.2 points, 41.1 rebounds, 23.5 assists, 8.7 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 42.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.3 points per game.

Trail Blazers: 5-5, averaging 118.8 points, 46.8 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 7.8 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 121.8 points.

INJURIES: Bulls: Anfernee Simons: day to day (wrist), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Jaden Ivey: out (knee), Zach Collins: out for season (toe), Jalen Smith: day to day (calf).

Trail Blazers: Deni Avdija: out (back), Shaedon Sharpe: out (calf), Robert Williams III: out (foot), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

San Antonio Spurs (41-16, second in the Western Conference) vs. Toronto Raptors (34-24, fifth in the Eastern Conference)

Toronto; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Spurs -7.5; over/under is 229.5

BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio is looking to build upon its nine-game win streak with a victory against Toronto.

The Raptors have gone 16-14 at home. Toronto scores 113.7 points while outscoring opponents by 1.9 points per game.

The Spurs have gone 20-10 away from home. San Antonio is the Western Conference leader with 35.3 defensive rebounds per game led by Victor Wembanyama averaging 9.3.

The Raptors score 113.7 points per game, 1.8 more points than the 111.9 the Spurs allow. The Spurs are shooting 47.8% from the field, 1.8% higher than the 46.0% the Raptors' opponents have shot this season.

The teams play for the second time this season. The Spurs won the last matchup 121-103 on Oct. 28. Wembanyama scored 24 points to help lead the Spurs to the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Brandon Ingram is averaging 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists for the Raptors. Immanuel Quickley is averaging 17.8 points over the last 10 games.

Wembanyama is averaging 24.2 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks for the Spurs. Harrison Barnes is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Raptors: 5-5, averaging 112.4 points, 41.3 rebounds, 27.9 assists, 9.8 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.2 points per game.

Spurs: 9-1, averaging 124.3 points, 48.6 rebounds, 31.0 assists, 7.7 steals and 7.4 blocks per game while shooting 50.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.8 points.

INJURIES: Raptors: Jakob Poeltl: day to day (injury management), Scottie Barnes: day to day (quad).

Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Mason Plumlee: out (reconditioning).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.