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Best NBA Player Props Today for February 24: Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Bane

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It’s an absolutely jam-packed day of hoops action with 11 games on the schedule, which means a seemingly endless supply of NBA player props.

I’ve sorted through the odds and found my three favorites for the day, including Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane casting a spell on the Los Angeles Lakers defense.

That and more NBA picks for Tuesday, February 24.

Best NBA player props today

PlayerPickbet365
Hornets  Kon KnueppelOver 17.5 Points-120
Bucks  Myles TurnerOver 5.5 Rebounds+100
Magic  Desmond BaneOver 20.5 Points-112
MORE NBA FREE PICKS

Prop #1: Kon Knueppel Over 17.5 Points

-120 at bet365

Rookie Kon Knueppel sure is creating a buzz around the Charlotte Hornets.

The former Duke standout is averaging 19.2 points per game while shooting an impressive 43.5% from three. He’s also on fire, going for 23 PPG while shooting 50% from downtown over his last seven.

Tonight, he gets a great matchup against a rebuilding Chicago Bulls team that is winless in February and ranks next to last in defensive rating. 

Yet, we’re still getting a modest 17.5 point total for Knueppel, a number he’s topped in six of his last seven.

  • Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast-Charlotte, WSOC

Prop #2: Myles Turner Over 5.5 Rebounds

+100 at bet365

As long as the Miami Heat are playing basketball games, I will be fading them on the boards.

The Heat aren’t the worst rebounding team, but Miami leads the NBA in pace and, as a result, takes the most shots per game. 

Lots of shots mean lots of rebounds, and it’s the Milwaukee Bucks' turn to crash the boards. My favorite candidate to cash their rebounding Over is Myles Turner.

The Bucks' big man averages 5.7 rebounds per game, and he’s hauled down six or more in four of his last five. 

  • Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network South, FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin

Prop #3: Desmond Bane Over 20.5 Points

-112 at bet365

The Orlando Magic are playing better basketball, thanks in part to Desmond Bane shooting the lights out.

The Magic guard has scored 31 or more points in three of his last four games, and is averaging 25 while shooting a crazy good 54% from three over his last 10.

I’m betting he stays hot against the Los Angeles Lakers.

It’s hard to have faith in the Lakers, given their 24th-ranked defensive rating and ranking 27th in opponent effective field goal percentage.

Keeping Bane Under 20.5 points will be tough, as he’s topped it in nine of his last 11.

  • Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Florida, SPECSN

These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.

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Elephant Rumblings: Cactus League Continues

Three games into the Cactus League and the A’s have collected twenty-five hits, resulting in only four runs and zero wins. Their run differential currently sits at negative nineteen, better than the Detroit Tigers by a single run. The only team with more losses are the Milwaukee Brewers, and that’s only because they’ve played more games.

There’s no reason to panic just yet, but you can’t help but eye roll. Hovering around mediocrity is the minimum we’d wish for in Spring Training. Nobody wants to go into Opening Day after getting kicked around all spring. Especially a young and impressionable A’s team like this one, who have proven to be easily shaken when faced with adversity.

The battle of the winless clubs takes place today between the A’s and the Brewers. Shall this be the day the tides turn in our favor? I’m choosing to feel optimistic. Watching David S. Ward’s Major League last night helped curb the angsty doubts that start to roll in when the W’s aren’t stacking up. Let’s not forget that that those Cleveland Indians struggled out of the gate in their own Spring Training jaunt. Plus, nothing as embarrassing as Willie Mays Hays attempting to steal second base and coming up five feet short, has yet to happen – – so there’s that.

I guess I’m just hoping the A’s get a little more rowdy this spring. I want Hohokam to be all worked up in a frenzy by the end of March. Every bar in Mesa, Arizona should be full of reverse teetotalers holding court, talking about how the 2026 A’s are going to be a problem. That’s the energy I want. Maybe players should start picking fights with other teams? There hasn’t been a really good Spring Training brawl since that Piazza vs. Mota incident back in 2003. For this reboot, I nominate Michael Kelly to go after Zac Veen. That way the Las Vegas series against the Rockies in June has a little buzz behind it.

Just throwing it out there.

I see it to be particularly crucial that the A’s capitalize on any bit momentum for the next month, as the first six series out of the gate are all against the Blue Jays, Braves, Astros, Yankees, Mets, and Rangers :/

Now I’m not saying that this stretch will determine how the 2026 A’s will fair by season’s end, but if the last two season have taught us anything, it’s that no early first half game should go undervalued. The last thing anyone wants is another season where we’re looking back at April and May as the reason we didn’t get a shot at a playoff bid.

So let’s right the ship! It all starts today against the Milwaukee Brewers.

In Mason Barnett we trust.

A’s Coverage:

MLB News and Interest:

Best of X:

Day #1 of the Jump Dynasty is in the books!

Couldn’t agree more. Would love to see him in a “Yusmeiro Petit with 97” type role.

Juuuuuust a little off :/

A DFA notification by June.

He always looked great in A’s colors…

I am never not thinking about his thumb injury in the 2014 AL Wild Card game.

Let’s just throw him in the there to kick off the season and see what happnes.

Is it just me, or does Jeff McNeil not feel like he’s actually on the A’s yet? I just don’t believe it.

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Predict the AL East standings

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 29: A general view of the AL East standings before a game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on June 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Man, the AL East could be wild this year. Outside of the Rays, it isn’t hard to see any team winning it. And let’s face it: it’s never a good idea to overlook the Rays.

So how do you see the strongest division in baseball shaking out? I change my mind on this nearly every day. Today, it’s hard for me to overlook the high-end talent at the top of the Yankees roster. I’m convinced that the Orioles will have a bounce-back season and I liked their offseason moves, but I’m thoroughly unconvinced of their pitching depth. The Blue Jays will regress, I think, but they have enough talent to stay in contention all year.

As of today, I’ll go with:

  1. Yankees
  2. Orioles
  3. Red Sox
  4. Blue Jays
  5. Rays

Ask me again this afternoon and I may have changed my mind.

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NHL Rumors: Sharks Defender Linked To Central Club

Now that the Olympics are over, trade talk around the NHL should be picking up. The 2026 NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and the San Jose Sharks will certainly be a team to keep an eye on.

With the Sharks currently in the playoff race, it would be understandable if they looked to add to their roster. However, some of their pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) have also come up as trade candidates. The most notable is defenseman Mario Ferraro.

Ferraro would have the potential to get the Sharks a nice return in a move. This is because he is a hard-nosed top-four defenseman who plays a steady game. 

Now, Ferraro is continuing to be linked to one of the NHL's best teams.

In The Fourth Period's most recent trade board, Ferraro was linked to the Colorado Avalanche. 

It would make a lot of sense for the Avalanche to make a major push for a defenseman like Ferraro. When looking at their current blueline, it is fair to argue that they could use another impactful left-shot defenseman. Acquiring Ferraro would provide them with just that. 

If the Avalanche landed Ferraro, he could slot nicely on their second pairing with former Sharks blueliner Brent Burns. Yet, even if Ferraro played on the Avalanche's bottom pairing, there is no question that he would give their blueline a nice boost. 

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Timberwolves vs. Trail Blazers predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for February 24

This is the third meeting of the season between the Timberwolves (35-23) and Trail Blazers (28-30) as Minnesota won both meetings. Portland attempts to get their first win over Minnesota in the second game of a double-header on Peacock.

Minnesota is 8-4 over the last 12 games, but coming off a 135-108 loss to Philadelphia that broke a three-game winning streak. In February, the Timberwolves have the 6th-best offensive rating, but 24th-ranked defensive rating.

The Trail Blazers come in right behind the Timberwolves this month with the 25th-ranked defensive rating and 15th offensively. Portland ranks last in February regarding turnover percentage (19.2%) and 28th in assist to turnover ratio (1.39).

The Trail Blazers are 5-4 this month and looking to get their first win over the Timberwolves. Minnesota won 118-114 in Portland and 133-109 at home this season. The last meeting came right before the All-Star break on Feb. 11.

Let’s take a closer look at the 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: Timberwolves at Trail Blazers

  • Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
  • Time: 10 PM EST
  • Site: Moda Center
  • City: Portland, OR
  • Network/Streaming: Peacock

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: Timberwolves at Trail Blazers

The latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Houston Rockets (-850), Utah Jazz (+575) 
  • Spread: Rockets -13.5
  • Total: 228.5 points

This game opened Rockets -13.5 with the Total set at 228.5.

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: Timberwolves at Trail Blazers

Minnesota Timberwolves

  • PG Donte DiVincenzo
  • SG Anthony Edwards
  • SF Jaden McDaniels
  • PF Julius Randle
  • C Rudy Gobert

Portland Trail Blazers

  • PG Jrue Holiday
  • SG Toumani Camara
  • SF Jerami Grant
  • PF Cidy Cissoko
  • C Donovan Clingan

Injury Report: Timberwolves at Trail Blazers

Minnesota Timberwolves

  • Naz Reid (shoulder) is questionable for tonight’s game

Portland Trail Blazers

  • Shaedon Sharpe (calf) is listed as OUT for tonight’s game
  • Deni Avdija (back) is listed as OUT for tonight’s game

Important stats, trends and insights: Timberwolves at Trail Blazers

  • Minnesota is 29-29 to the Over
  • Minnesota is 18-9 to the Over on the road, ranking 2nd-best
  • Minnesota is 12-7 to the Over as a road favorite, ranking 7th-best
  • Minnesota is 25-33 ATS, ranking 5th-worst
  • Minnesota is 12-15 ATS as the road team, ranking 10th-worst and 8-11 ATS as the road favorite
  • Portland is 31-27 ATS and 17-13 ATS at home, ranking 7th-best
  • Portland is 11-8 ATS as a home underdog
  • Portland is 31-27 to the Over, ranking 6th-best
  • Portland is 19-11 to the Over at home, ranking tied for 3rd-best
  • Portland is 10-9 to the Under as a home underdog, ranting 8th-best to the Under

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 Timberwolves and Trail Blazers’ game:

  • Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Timberwolves’ Moneyline
  • Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Trail Blazers +6.5 ATS 
  • Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 237.5

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

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  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
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Magic vs Lakers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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The Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers meet for the first time this season in tonight’s nightcap at Crypto.com Arena.

Desmond Bane has been on a heater, and my Magic vs. Lakers predictions expect him to stay hot against a vulnerable perimeter defense.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference showdown on Tuesday, February 24.

Magic vs Lakers prediction

Magic vs Lakers best bet: Desmond Bane Over 20.5 points (-112)

Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane’s scoring prowess will be front and center tonight against a Los Angeles Lakers defense that has allowed the 10th-highest 3-point percentage (36.5%) and 13th-most points (116.1). 

Franz Wagner is out again, and Bane has averaged 21.8 points across 28 games with him sidelined.

Bane is enjoying his best scoring streak of the season, with 30+ points in three of his last four. He’s averaged 23.9 points across his last 14 appearances, knocking down 3.2 triples at a 51.7% clip and scoring 21+ 10 times.

Magic vs Lakers same-game parlay

The Magic are 2-0-1 ATS across their last three road games. After a heartbreaking double-OT loss to the Suns on Friday, Orlando delivered a two-point victory over the Clippers. The Lakers should get the win tonight, but they're just 3-4 ATS across their last seven at home, so I'll take the Magic and the points.

The Lakers posted a dud on offense against the visiting Celtics on Sunday, but I expect a bounce-back performance from L.A.'s Big 3. Orlando is capable of putting up points with Paolo Banchero and Bane. Los Angeles is 18-9 to the Over at home.

Magic vs Lakers SGP

  • Desmond Bane Over 20.5 points
  • Magic +5
  • Over 230

Our "from downtown" SGP: Ayton eats

Deandre Ayton has scored 10+ points in 34 of 48 games this season, including all eight games with Jaxson Hayes sidelined. With Hayes expected to sit, Ayton should have no problem clearing this line with even money.

Magic vs Lakers SGP

  • Desmond Bane Over 20.5 points
  • Magic +5
  • Over 230
  • Deandre Ayton Over 9.5 points

Magic vs Lakers odds

  • Spread: Magic +5 (-105) | Lakers -5 (-115)
  • Moneyline: Magic +170 | Lakers -205
  • Over/Under: Over 230 (-110) | Under 230 (-110)

Magic vs Lakers betting trend to know

The Los Angeles Lakers have hit the 2Q Game Total Over in 25 of their last 35 games at home (+13.60 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Lakers.

How to watch Magic vs Lakers

LocationCrypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
DateTuesday, February 24, 2026
Tip-off10:30 p.m. ET
TVFDSN Florida, SPECSN

Magic vs Lakers latest injuries

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Good Morning San Diego: Padres beat Brewers, use ABS to perfection

Peoria, Ariz. - February 10: Ethan Salas #90 of the San Diego Padres throws at the Peoria Sports Complex on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 in Peoria, Ariz.. (Photo by Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

The San Diego Padres had a banner day on the baseball field on Monday. They came back from a 5-1 deficit with a six-run bottom of the eighth inning. That was great, but not necessarily the big story. That honor went to a perfect usage of the new ABS challenge system. Catcher Freddy Fermin had three calls overturned from balls to strikes with the system. Two calls were at the bottom of the strike zone, and one was at the top. Ethan Salas followed suit when he replaced Fermin and had one call overturned. Jose Miranda completed the challenges when he got a called strike overturned to a ball resulting in a walk in the six-run eighth. The system seemed to held the home plate umpire accountable for his calls and worked just as was described by Major League Baseball.

Padres News:

  • Randy Vasquez looked sharp in his first action of Spring Training against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. He allowed one hit and walked one in two scoreless innings. Lincoln Zdunich of Gaslamp Ball thinks that could be a preview of a big season from Vasquez as he looks to solidify his position in the rotation and on the San Diego roster.
  • Joe Musgrove returning after a lost season after Tommy John surgery. Luis Campusano looking to prove he can compete at the major league level. Nick Castellanos changing positions while trying to show he has more in the tank after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies. These are just a few of the players AJ Cassavell of Padres.com says are the most important to watch this spring.
  • Garrett Hawkins impressed at the lower levels of the Padres system and now has his sights set on making the big-league roster with San Diego. The roster spots available for position players is tight as well due what appears to be a surprising amount of depth according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
  • JP Sears struggled in his first spring outing and did not get through the first inning and Miguel Andujar hit his first home run in a Padres uniform in an eventful day on and around the diamond in Peoria, Ariz., which included an early morning meeting to discuss MLBPA business.
  • Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune gives a progress report for the Padres to discuss the financials of the team as well as the importance of additions to the roster.
  • The Padres designated outfielder Tirso Ornelas for assignment on Feb. 17, and he cleared waivers today which meant a return to the San Diego organization. He is back in camp with the Padres.

Baseball News:

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Left-hander Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves agree to contract that adds $27 million for 2027 season

ATLANTA — Left-hander Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves agreed to a contract on Tuesday adding $27 million for the 2027 season.

A 36-year-old who won the 2024 NL Cy Young Award in his first season with Atlanta, Sale agreed to a deal that includes a $30 million team option for 2028.

Atlanta acquired Sale from Boston in December 2023 and he agreed to a reworked $38 million, two-year contract that included an $18 million club option for 2026. The Braves exercised the option in November.

Sale is 25-8 with a 2.46 ERA in 49 starts and one relief appearance with the Braves. He made the All-Star team twice, raising his total to nine.

He is 145-88 with a 3.01 ERA is 15 major league seasons with the Chicago White Sox (2010-16), Boston (2017-23) and Atlanta, striking out 2,579 in 2,084 innings. His 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings are the most among pitchers with 1,500 or more innings.

Sale has thrived with the Braves after making nine trips to the disabled and injured lists with the Red Sox, mostly with shoulder and elbow ailments. He had Tommy John surgery on March 30, 2020, and returned to a big league mound on Aug. 14, 2021.

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Cavaliers vs. Knicks predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for February 24

Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference meet in Cleveland when the Knicks (37-21) and Cavaliers (36-22) meet on Peacock.

Cleveland's seven-game winning streak was snapped on Sunday in a 121-113 loss to Oklahoma City. Since James Harden arrived, Cleveland is 4-1 and averages 120.0 points per game. The Cavaliers are 4th in the Eastern Conference, but have the chance to tie the Knicks with a home win. In February, the Cavaliers own the No. 1 rated offense and come in at 9th on defense.

New York is 12-3 over the past 15 games and like Cleveland, are positing top rankings in offensive and defensive ratings this month. The Knicks sport the 12th-best offense and 8th-best defense in February with a 7-3 record. These squads have met twice this season and the Knicks won both meetings at home, 119-111 and 126-124. This is the third and final meeting between Cleveland and New York.

Let’s take a closer look at the 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 DraftKingsrecent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content. 

Game Details and How to Watch Live: Knicks at Cavaliers

  • Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
  • Time: 7:30 PM EST
  • Site: Rocket Arena
  • City: Cleveland, OH
  • Network/Streaming: Peacock

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: Knicks at Cavaliers

The latest odds as of Tuesday courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Cleveland Cavaliers (-170), Utah Jazz (+142) 
  • Spread: Cavaliers -3.5
  • Total: 231.5 points

This game opened Cavaliers -3.5 with the Total set at 230.5.

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: Knicks at Cavaliers

New York Knicks

  • PG Jalen Brunson
  • SG Josh Hart
  • SF Mikal Bridges
  • PF OG Anunoby
  • C Karl-Anthony Towns

Cleveland Cavaliers

  • PG James Harden
  • SG Donovan Mitchell
  • SF Dean Wade
  • PF Evan Mobley
  • C Jarrett Allen

Injury Report: Knicks at Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Max Strus (foot) is OUT for tonight’s game

New York Knicks

  • Miles McBride (hernia) is OUT until the postseason

Important stats, trends and insights: Knicks at Cavaliers

  • Cleveland is 24-33 ATS, ranking 2nd-worst
  • Cleveland is 11-19 ATS as the home team, ranking 2nd-worst and 11-17 ATS as a home favorite
  • Cleveland is 30-28 to the Under
  • Cleveland is 18-12 to the Under as the home team, ranking 6th-best and 17-11 as a home favorite
  • New York is 31-28 ATS
  • New York is 10-17 ATS as the road team, ranking 3rd-worst and 4-5 ATS as a road underdog
  • New York is 30-29 to the Under
  • New York is 15-12 to the Under as the road team
  • New York is 6-3 to the Under as a road underdog, ranking 5th-best

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 Cavaliers and Knicks’ game:

  • Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Cavaliers’ Moneyline
  • Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Cavaliers -3.5 ATS 
  • Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 231.5

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

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Mavericks’ Khris Middleton weighing buyout option

Feb 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Khris Middleton (20) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Dallas Mavericks forward Khris Middleton arrived to town from the Washington Wizards, in the deal that sent Anthony Davis (and others) back east. At face value, the motive was to move off Davis’ future money and reset the books. The team accomplished that as the contracts of three of the four players, including Middleton, expire this summer. Many assumed that the 34 year-old would immediately negotiate a buyout with the Mavericks front office, opening up the opportunity to join a contender for a playoff run.

That didn’t happen, and Middleton has played in four games with the Mavericks since the trade. But it doesn’t mean it won’t happen. According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, the team has left it up to Middleton whether he would like a release. The catch is he’ll need to be waived by March 1, Sunday, to be eligible for the playoffs. In his piece for The Stein Line he also notes, “the 34 year-old scored 25 points in the Mavericks’ win Sunday at Indiana and — as has been conveyed to Middleton — Dallas will certainly still have a need for shooting next season”.

The former second round pick (selected 39th in 2012) has an accomplished career, nearly all of it spent with the Milwaukee Bucks. There he was a three-time all star and 2021 NBA Champion. In his prime he was a two-way, do-it-all forward who balanced Giannis Antetokounmpo in impactful ways. And up through his championship season, was mostly available and playing all season long.

Injuries have marred the back part of his career however, and after 11.5 seasons with the Bucks he was moved to Washington at the 2025 trade deadline in a deal that sent Kyle Kuzma to Milwaukee. The 6’7 forward played just 48 games in Washington, all as a starter, but is certainly limited in his contribution compared to the height of his career.

That doesn’t mean he has nothing to offer. As evidenced by Sunday’s game referenced by Stein, Middleton can still be a shooter off the bench, one who plays within himself and can be a key contributor as spot starter. In his four games in Dallas, Middleton is averaging 16 points, 4.8 rebounds, three assists, while shooting 40-percent from three in 25.5 minutes per game.

While it’s unknown how many seasons Middleton has left, it appears he still has a little juice in the tank for a limited role. As he becomes a free agent this summer he’ll need to weigh whether he’d like to play a reserved role on a contender with assumed less opportunity on the floor, or get more space to show his future ability in Dallas where he’ll likely receive more minutes but with zero stakes in the games. If Dallas is truly offering a future for him next season it is worth monitoring. He has a history with head coach Jason Kidd from early Milwaukee days. And the Mavericks will be trying to turn things around next season with Cooper Flagg being joined by Kyrie Irving, a top ten pick, and the return of Dereck Lively II. Expect a decision on this soon as the eligibility cutoff looms this weekend.

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Left-hander Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves agree to contract adding $27 million for 2027 season

ATLANTA (AP) — Left-hander Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves agreed to a contract on Tuesday adding $27 million for the 2027 season.

A 36-year-old who won the 2024 NL Cy Young Award in his first season with Atlanta, Sale agreed to a deal that includes a $30 million team option for 2028.

Atlanta acquired Sale from Boston in December 2023 and he agreed to a reworked $38 million, two-year contract that included an $18 million club option for 2026. The Braves exercised the option in November.

Sale is 25-8 with a 2.46 ERA in 49 starts and one relief appearance with the Braves. He made the All-Star team twice, raising his total to nine.

He is 145-88 with a 3.01 ERA is 15 major league seasons with the Chicago White Sox (2010-16), Boston (2017-23) and Atlanta, striking out 2,579 in 2,084 innings. His 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings are the most among pitchers with 1,500 or more innings.

Sale has thrived with the Braves after making nine trips to the disabled and injured lists with the Red Sox, mostly with shoulder and elbow ailments. He had Tommy John surgery on March 30, 2020, and returned to a big league mound on Aug. 14, 2021.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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Tuesday Morning Texas Rangers Update

Feb 23, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter (22) throws in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images | Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

Good morning.

Shawn McFarland writes about the Texas Rangers winning their Cactus League game yesterday and hitting their first home run of the spring.

McFarland writes about yesterday’s starter Jack Leiter and how the Rangers hope more efficient innings will be the next step in further unlocking his full potential.

Kennedi Landry writes about Evan Carter and his quest to stay healthy and change the narrative about his availability.

Evan Grant writes that Wyatt Langford appears to be on the cusp of superstardom so the clock is ticking for the Rangers to lock him up long term.

Jeff Wilson takes an initial stab at predicting the roster that we could see the Rangers roll with come Opening Day in March.

With clubhouse culture a big topic this spring, Grant provides an anecdote about Corey Seager playing for laughs by imitating Brandon Nimmo during yesterday’s game.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Buster Olney ranks Seager as the game’s fifth best shortstop heading into the upcoming season.

CBS Sports’ Matt Snyder has the rotation for the Rangers as the fourth best in the game heading into the 2026 campaign.

Grant notes that the Rangers added to their international signing class via a loophole that allowed them to sign Breyner Figuereo, brother of Gleider Figuereo.

And, McFarland writes about outfield farmhand Braylin Morel as the 29th best prospect on the DMN top 30 prospects list.

Have a nice day!

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Orange in the NBA: Buddy’s back

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 12: Buddy Boeheim #14 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder high five during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 12, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Since our last update, two more former Orange have made appearances in the NBA. Buddy Boeheim was signed to a two-way deal by the Oklahoma City Thunder in early February and Kadary Richmond joined the Wizards on a 10-day contract.

Buddy has appeared in 3 games with OKC making 2 of his 6 shots (all from 3) for the defending NBA Champions. Minutes will certainly be limited, but sticking with a franchise that is going to need to keep looking for value to fill out their roster isn’t a bad spot. Especially when you get to be on a team that will be a threat to win a title for the upcoming future.

Richmond has also played 3 games, but on a Wizards team in full-tank mode, he’s gotten a lot more playing time. Kadary is averaging 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists. In his last game against Indiana, he picked up 6 steals in 31 minutes.

The duo joins Jerami Grant as former Orange to see minutes in NBA games this year. Grant is currently averaging 18.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for Portland. The TrailBlazers are looking like they will make the Play-In games so there’s a good chance Grant sees post-season action this spring.

We’ll keep tabs on these players as the NBA season starts to wind down.

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Amon-Ra St Brown to play in mother's home of Germany as Detroit set for NFL Munich game

MUNICH (AP) — Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown says a long-time dream will come true after his team was confirmed to play in the NFL game in Munch this year.

St. Brown's mother was born in Germany and his career has been closely followed by the NFL's large German fan base.

“It has been a dream of mine to play a game in my mother’s home country of Germany since coming to the league,” St. Brown said in a league statement on Tuesday.

“I cannot wait to play in front of the incredible fans that I’ve gotten to know through my visits and football camps in the country. Their support for me and the country’s instant connection to the Lions brand is inspiring, and I’m looking forward to our team getting to showcase Detroit football on an international scale.”

Detroit's opponent will be confirmed later. The Munich game is part of a record schedule of nine international games in 2026 including new host cities in France, Australia and Brazil.

The NFL is heading back to Munich for its third game at a stadium better known as the home of German soccer champion Bayern Munich. The city hosted the NFL's first game in Germany in 2022 and another in 2024. Frankfurt and Berlin have also hosted games.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

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Pakistan opts to bat first against England at T20 World Cup

PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Pakistan won the toss against England and elected to bat first in the Twenty20 World Cup Super Eights game on Tuesday.

“It looks like a good pitch. We want to put up an above-par score and defend that,” Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said.

England started the second round with a resounding 51-run win over co-host Sri Lanka at the same venue last Sunday while Pakistan’s opening game against New Zealand was washed out in Colombo.

England has a lot of knowledge about the conditions in Pallekele, where it has won all four T20s over the last few weeks, including a 3-0 series win against Sri Lanka before the tournament.

Pakistan batters have been struggling in the tournament and, except for opener Sahibzada Farhan, the World Cup leading run-scorer with 220, no one else has scored more than 100 runs.

Pakistan left out allrounder Faheem Ashraf and brought back fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi while mystery spinner Usman Tariq was preferred over leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.

England captain Harry Brook hoped the “fresh pitch” would play better for chasing.

England named the same XI for the fifth match in a row in the tournament, staying faithful to struggling opener Jos Buttler.

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Lineups:

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.

England: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (captain), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket