New Orleans Pelicans (18-42, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (18-41, 13th in the Western Conference)
Salt Lake City; Saturday, 9:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: New Orleans visits the Utah Jazz after Saddiq Bey scored 42 points in the Pelicans' 129-118 victory over the Utah Jazz.
The Jazz are 10-28 against conference opponents. Utah has a 4-7 record in one-possession games.
The Pelicans are 11-26 in Western Conference play. New Orleans gives up 120.3 points to opponents and has been outscored by 5.2 points per game.
The Jazz average 118.0 points per game, 2.3 fewer points than the 120.3 the Pelicans allow. The Pelicans average 11.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 4.3 fewer made shots on average than the 15.5 per game the Jazz allow.
The teams play for the second time this season. In the last matchup on Feb. 27 the Pelicans won 129-118 led by 42 points from Bey, while Ace Bailey scored 23 points for the Jazz.
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.
Derik Queen is averaging 12.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and four assists for the Pelicans. Bey is averaging 22.2 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 3-7, averaging 115.9 points, 46.7 rebounds, 27.7 assists, 11.5 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.6 points per game.
Pelicans: 5-5, averaging 118.2 points, 42.1 rebounds, 26.8 assists, 8.1 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.6 points.
INJURIES: Jazz: Lauri Markkanen: day to day (ankle), 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).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Los Angeles Lakers (34-24, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Golden State Warriors (31-28, eighth in the Western Conference)
San Francisco; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles visits the Golden State Warriors after Luka Doncic scored 41 points in the Lakers' 113-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
The Warriors are 21-17 in conference matchups. Golden State is the league leader averaging 16.4 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 36.2% from downtown. Moses Moody leads the team averaging 2.5 makes while shooting 40.5% from 3-point range.
The Lakers are 23-15 in Western Conference play. Los Angeles has a 6-2 record in one-possession games.
The Warriors are shooting 46.2% from the field this season, 2.4 percentage points lower than the 48.6% the Lakers allow to opponents. The Lakers are shooting 49.8% from the field, 2.6% higher than the 47.2% the Warriors' opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the third time this season. The Lakers won the last meeting 105-99 on Feb. 8. LeBron James scored 20 points to help lead the Lakers to the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brandin Podziemski is averaging 12.3 points and 3.7 assists for the Warriors. Moody is averaging 15.8 points over the last 10 games.
James is averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and seven assists for the Lakers. Austin Reaves is averaging 17.6 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Warriors: 4-6, averaging 112.5 points, 42.8 rebounds, 30.9 assists, 10.2 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.8 points per game.
Lakers: 5-5, averaging 112.4 points, 38.8 rebounds, 25.7 assists, 8.0 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 50.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.8 points.
INJURIES: Warriors: LJ Cryer: out (hamstring), Kristaps Porzingis: out (achilles), De'Anthony Melton: day to day (knee), Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Draymond Green: day to day (illness management), Stephen Curry: out (knee), Seth Curry: out (back).
Lakers: Rui Hachimura: day to day (illness).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Dallas looks to break its six-game home slide with a victory over Memphis.
The Mavericks are 3-9 against opponents in the Southwest Division. Dallas is ninth in the Western Conference with 25.1 assists per game led by Cooper Flagg averaging 4.1.
The Grizzlies are 5-6 against opponents in the Southwest Division. Memphis allows 118.1 points to opponents and has been outscored by 2.7 points per game.
The Mavericks average 10.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.6 fewer makes per game than the Grizzlies give up (14.3). The Grizzlies average 13.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.2 more made shots on average than the 12.3 per game the Mavericks give up.
The two teams match up for the third time this season. The Grizzlies defeated the Mavericks 102-96 in their last matchup on Nov. 23. Santi Aldama led the Grizzlies with 20 points, and Klay Thompson led the Mavericks with 22 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Flagg is shooting 48.2% and averaging 20.4 points for the Mavericks. Thompson is averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Cam Spencer is averaging 11.2 points and 5.6 assists for the Grizzlies. GG Jackson is averaging 17 points and 6.2 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Mavericks: 2-8, averaging 115.9 points, 42.5 rebounds, 23.7 assists, 7.0 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.4 points per game.
Grizzlies: 3-7, averaging 119.4 points, 37.9 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 11.7 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 125.2 points.
INJURIES: Mavericks: Daniel Gafford: day to day (ankle), Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Kyrie Irving: out for season (knee), Cooper Flagg: day to day (foot), P.J. Washington: day to day (ankle).
Grizzlies: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: out for season (finger), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Zach Edey: out (ankle), Cedric Coward: day to day (knee), Santi Aldama: day to day (knee), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Brooklyn aims to break its six-game slide with a victory over Boston.
The Celtics are 7-5 against division opponents. Boston is ninth in the NBA with 33.1 defensive rebounds per game led by Nikola Vucevic averaging 6.7.
The Nets are 3-9 against the rest of their division. Brooklyn averages 14.8 turnovers per game and is 4-14 when winning the turnover battle.
The Celtics average 15.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.9 more made shots on average than the 12.4 per game the Nets give up. The Nets average 13.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.4 fewer makes per game than the Celtics allow.
The two teams play for the fourth time this season. The Celtics defeated the Nets 130-126 in overtime in their last matchup on Jan. 24. Payton Pritchard led the Celtics with 32 points, and Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 30 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jaylen Brown is averaging 29.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists for the Celtics. Pritchard is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Day'Ron Sharpe is scoring 8.6 points per game and averaging 6.7 rebounds for the Nets. Porter is averaging 15.8 points and 5.3 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 8-2, averaging 105.5 points, 51.1 rebounds, 25.2 assists, 5.8 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 96.7 points per game.
Nets: 2-8, averaging 106.5 points, 41.1 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 8.4 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.7 points.
INJURIES: Celtics: Jayson Tatum: out (achilles).
Nets: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
The Kings' (23-21-14) worst fears against their divisional rival came back to haunt them in a brutal fashion Thursday night. After entering this matchup following last night's embarrassing loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles followed up with an absolute meltdown on defense, losing 8-1 to the Edmonton Oilers (29-23-8).
Edmonton scored twice in the first period and added three more in the second and third to further bury the Kings in the coffin in a very lopsided performance that exposed the Kings' defensive breakdowns, puck battles, face-offs, and lollygagging on offense.
First Period: Early Damage
The warning signs appeared immediately. Edmonton opened the scoring at 12:05 of the first when Ty Emberson finished the clean 3-on-2 rush, beating Darcy Kuemper high glove side to make it 1-0.
EDM Goal - Another one in transition. Emberson from the right-hand circle, scores high glove side. 1-0 Oilers.
Just over a minute later, the Oilers notched in another goal, banking the shot off Kuemper's arm and in for a 2-0 lead. The Kings were handed a power-play opportunity a few minutes later after Darnell Nurse was assessed the double minor for high-sticking Brian Dumoulin, drawing blood. It was a prime chance to build off that physical play.
Instead, LA failed to convert on the power-play, finishing the night 0/2, while the Oilers went 2/3. Los Angeles still managed to score in the period, despite several defensive lapses, when Joel Edmundson's shot from the left side was deflected by Warren Foegle, which found its way through the net, cutting the deficit to 1 and ending the first period with the score 2-1.
LAK Goal - Whoa!
Edmundson's shot from the left point looked like it was deflected by Foegele on the way through, finds a way past Ingram! 2-1.
If the first period showed any hints of where this game was going, the second and third periods were even worse. In a span of six minutes, Edmonton scored three goals, extending their lead to 5-1 just like that. By the time the horn sounded and the second intermission ended, the boos were raining down in Crypto.com Arena.
Fans rightfully boo the Kings off the ice as the second period comes to an end.
The Kings defesnive zone coverage was disorganized, and breakouts were sloppy. Edmonton was taking advantage of all the defensive breakdowns by the Kings, outshooting LA 37-22 and controlling 66.7% of the faceoffs.
Darcy Kuemper, who hasn't played since Feb. 4, was awful tonight, the rust clearly evident, giving up four goals before being benched for Anton Forsberg, who also gave up four goals, both goaltenders combining to give up eight goals.
Third Period: Avalanche Continues
Any hope of ending the game with pride evaporated quickly. Leon Draisaitl scored 31 seconds into the third period, pushing the lead to 6-1, ending the night with his 30th goal of the season.
Jake Walman got on the action a few minutes later, striking twice in a span of two minutes to extend the lead to 8-1, further embarrassing the Kings in front of their home crowd.
Overall, the Oilers stars were dominant, continuing to prove why they're always going to be a problem against the Kings. Connor McDavid also had a great night, finishing with one goal, one assist, and two points, recording 100 points in just 60 games.
The Kings, meanwhile, unraveled and were already defeated by the time the second period ended. Los Angeles lost two players tonight to injury, including Joel Armia and Dew Doughty, but it didn't matter because the scoreboard was already out of control.
The Kings are now trailing 8-1, and the Oilers have stopped really celebrating their goals because it's even embarrassing for them at this point.
This is like when a football up by 35 points is just running the ball up the middle every play and the defense still can't stop them.
Los Angeles clearly has a big issue with their defense; no matter how many forwards they acquire, it's not gonna change a thing until they can improve their defensive line.
A Concering Loss
This has arguably been the worst stretch the Kings have been on this season, and that's saying a lot, considering how bad they've been this season. Coming out of the Olympic break, when they needed to build momentum against their divisional rivals, the Golden Knights and Oilers, playing both games at home, the Kings have so far given up 14 goals and are off to a terrible start to reach the playoffs.
Kings in the Artemi Panarin era:
- 6-4 loss to the heavily depleted Knights - 8-1 loss to the Oilers
If the Kings don't regroup and focus defensively, their season can already be over in a week because of how much separation they're now putting themselves into with these losses. Los Angeles will next play on Saturday at 7:00 pm EST against the Calgary Flames at Crypto.com Arena.
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It just seems fitting that Kon Knueppel has this record.
With a third quarter 3-pointer, Knueppel moved past the Kings' Keegan Murray and took over the record for the most 3-pointers by a rookie in NBA history.
KON MAKES HISTORY ‼️
With this three, Kon Knueppel has set the new NBA rookie record for 3-pointers made in a season! pic.twitter.com/CoaK09QIQY
Knueppel is in the mix for Rookie of the Year, averaging 19.3 points a game while shooting 43.6% from beyond the arc. His shooting was expected, but what has stood out has been his playmaking and offensive diversity, things he didn't get to show off as much at Duke next to Cooper Flagg (the guy he is in the race with for ROY). Knueppel's other advantage in the Rookie of the Year race: He's playing in meaningful games for a Hornets team that appears headed to the play-in in the East.
Knueppel finished with 28 points in Charlotte's win in Indiana on Thursday.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards wasn't afraid to put Thursday's game in his own hands ... and wasn't afraid to let everyone know about it, including Minnesota head coach Chris Finch.
Edwards made a huge shot to give the Timberwolves a 92-88 lead over the Los Angeles Clippers with 42.9 seconds left in the fourth quarter, before getting in Finch's face.
"That's what I do," Edwards could be seen telling Finch on the broadcast after the 3-point shot.
The Timberwolves went on to win 94-88 and Edwards was asked about that moment during his postgame interview with Amazon Prime.
"I told him, you don't want me to pass the ball, you want me to shoot it." 🗣️
“The play before, when I took the midrange over two (players), (Finch) said to pass the ball and I told him, 'You don't want me to pass the ball, you want me to shoot it,'" Edwards said.
Edwards had 31 points, five assists and three rebounds for the Timberwolves. He shot 12-of-24 from the field, including 2-for-6 from the 3-point line.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
How many “worst losses of the season” in a row could the Lakers string together in the coming week, because it seems like they’re trying to do as much.
After a lifeless loss to the Celtics and handing a game away to the Magic, the Lakers went to Phoenix against an undermanned Suns team and blew a double-digit second half lead to lose a third straight. When could this streak end? If they lose to a Steph-, Jimmy-, Kristaps- and, potentially, Draymond-less Warriors team on Saturday, that would be worse.
They then host the tanking Kings and Pelicans in the next two games. We could only be halfway through an impressive run, guys!
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.
We were long overdue for a good Marcus game, and he delivered in a couple of ways. He knocked down a couple of important shots in the fourth, but his biggest play was a block at the rim that somehow didn’t count in the box score.
These are symptoms of bigger issues offensively, but LeBron has been a bystander more often than not of late. It doesn’t help that his 3-point shot has absolutely cratered this year.
Most of his baskets in this one came in the third quarter when he punished an undersized Suns team with simple baskets at the rim. Those were nice, but he didn’t do much else.
He made countless defensive mistakes by not getting out on shooters early enough on screens, resulting in one flagrant foul and six-point Suns possession.
Ironically, his only basket was a pretty Capela-esque lob.
Similar to LeBron, Reaves has been relegated to ball-watching too much offensively. He did hit a huge shot to tie the game late, but missed the look to tie the game at the buzzer at the same time.
Without a single caveat, Luka was the reason the Lakers got back into the game at the end with his offensive brilliance. He had one of his 3-point shooting games of the season with multiple of those coming down the stretch. Just a brilliant performance offensively from him and the Lakers needed every bit of it.
But I can’t just not mention how bad he was defensively. He lost Colin Gillespie multiple times for threes. Grayson Allen was hunting him in the pick and roll and Luka couldn’t stay in front of him. Don’t get me wrong, he was much, much more good than bad. But there was bad, which is why I can’t give it an A+.
It remains extremely funny how positively impactful Luke Kennard has been without taking threes. It’s now just six threes over his last four games and one in the last two. He’s been good for the Lakers and a big upgrade over Gabe Vincent. It’s just funny as to how and why he’s been an improvement.
A very nice return game for Hayes, who brought a level of energy and activity that Ayton did not. Grabbing eight rebounds in any amount of minutes is a big positive for Hayes, too.
Another role player who was due for a good game that had one. LaRavia’s 3-point shooting just isn’t going to come around this year it seems and he still made some mistakes defensively, but he also had a big steal late and was overall good in this one.
Grade: B+
Jarred Vanderbilt
Vando was already teetering on even getting two shifts per night, then he had a horrid sequence in the second quarter where he had a bit of miscommunication defensively with Kennard that allowed Jalen Green to get off a clean, even if very deep, look from three that banked in at the shot clock buzzer. Vando’s ensuing inbound was lackadaisical and stolen, leading to another three from Phoenix.
He did not play after that.
I’m back to the point that I think Thiero should get a couple of games to see if he can provide something.
Maxi Kleber
He logged one second, but set one hell of a screen to free up Reaves for the near game-tying shot.
JJ Redick
JJ made some mistakes in this one. I didn’t think the play he used his challenge on was worth it and he lost it. I also felt he waited multiple possessions too long to call some timeouts, especially in the third quarter.
But I saw criticism of his defensive scheme because of the open looks the Suns had from three. The Lakers did not play zone because they wanted to try to limit Phoenix’s outside shooting. They also wanted the bigs to come out higher to stop the Suns from shooting off screens, too.
Ayton struggled badly on that coverage though, evidenced by his foul on a closeout that led to a six-point possession. Redick then tried to go to a switching lineup, but the Suns would just find Luka and pick on him. There were a couple of instances of overhelping from the Lakers as well, but that’s a trait of a bad defensive team that knows its teammates can’t stay in front of the opponent.
The Lakers have a team that can’t shoot and can’t defend. JJ isn’t innocent but he didn’t build this team.
Grade: C
Thursday’s DNPs: Kobe Bufkin, Dalton Knecht
Thursday’s inactives: Rui Hachimura, Drew Timme, Nick Smith Jr., Bronny James, Adou Thiero, Chris Mañon
ST.
LOUIS – For
one night, the St. Louis Blues overlooked their record.
Losers
of three in a row and eight of nine (1-7-1), the Blues found a silver
lining in what has been a lost season when they came off the Olympic
break with a thorough win, 5-1 against the Seattle Kraken at
Enterprise Center on Thursday.
Dylan
Holloway scored his second NHL hat trick and had a career high four
points with an assist, and combined with Pius Suter (one goal, two
assists) and Jonatan Berggren (two assists), that line combined for
nine points in the game.
Jordan
Kyrou scored and Justin Faulk added two assists for the Blues, who
improved to 21-27-9 on the season. Joel Hofer made 23 saves.
Here
are Thursday’s observations:
*
Holloway looked refreshed – Forget the hat trick … well, wait,
let’s not, but aside from adding the offense in what was his most
productive NHL game, Holloway looked as refreshed and healthy as he
has since the end of last season, when the injury bug derailed what
was a banner year that carried over to the 2025-26 season.
He
was skating with fluidity, he was hounding pucks, laying hits and
ready to pounce when given the opportunity.
He
finished the game a plus-4 with five shots on goal in 16:04 of ice
time after
missing 23 of the past 24 games – including the last eight – with
a right high ankle sprain.
“It
was great just to be back,” Holloway
said.
“I just wanted to enjoy it. Honestly, if I didn’t have an impact
now, I’m just grateful to be able to play. But it’s obviously
nice to have an impact on the scoresheet.”
Holloway’s
goal at 7:58 of the first period got the ball rolling for the Blues
in a 1-0 lead, a play that started with a Tyler Tucker rim into the
O-zone, an overskated puck by Brandon Montour, the puck was put back
down low to Berggren, who quickly found Holloway in the left circle
for the quick shot past Philipp Grubauer:
“I
liked his game a lot,” Holloway
said of Berggren, who was his linemate for the first time.
“He’s a super-smart player, always trying to make plays. From
watching these past 20 games, I was kind of able to get a good grasp
on his game. I knew he would always be looking to make the right
play. He’s got a lot of patience out there too. I was trying to
find open spots.
“That
first pass he made to me in the first period was a great pass. It’s
a special play there.”
Holloway
made it 3-1, 23 seconds after Kyrou gave the Blues the lead, when he
first hunted down and forechecked a puck behind the net and got it to
the point for Logan Mailloux to get the shot to the goal. Suter
curled it back to the front in the crease where Berggren was, getting
a redirection that was stopped but Holloway was on the spot to pounce
on the rebound.
And
when he backhanded in the empty-netter to make it 5-1 at 16:59 of the
third period, it completed a terrific game:
“His
speed, his tenacity, his ability to add depth scoring and main
scoring,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said. “When he’s playing
like he did tonight and we saw it a lot right before he got injured
(on Dec. 14 in practice), he’s a difference maker.”
Berggren
added, “I’ve never played with [Holloway], but you can see in
practice how skillful he is and fast. Really fiun to play with him.”
*
The Holloway-Suter-Berggren line led the way – Holloway earned his
cookies, but Suter and Berggren were also on the prowl.
They
finished with four goals, five assists and a plus-10.
“Those
two are really skillful players,” Berggren said of his linemates.
“I think we think the game pretty similar.”
Montgomery
had the best description of the trio in this game
“I
thought they hounded pucks really well, I thought they used their
speed and
they created a lot of turnovers on the forecheck,” St.
Louis coach Jim Montgomery said of the Holloway-Suter-Berggren line,
“and
then in the offensive zone, they were connected in triangles and
they won races and
they had a great net front presence. You
look at the Suter goal was the best example of it.”
And
the Suter goal that made it 4-1 at 1:56 of the third was two guys
driving the net after Faulk’s initial shot, Holloway makes a hit,
gets up and get the rebound and finds Suter in the interior of the
slot and right circle:
“We
were moving our feet well and holding into pucks and kind of reset if
needed,” Suter said of the line. “And just kind of be around the
net. The bounces kind of worked out.”
*
Quick strike in the second period helps Blues gain control –
Seattle found its legs midway through the first period when the Blues
led 1-0 and had an 8-0 edge in shots. But when Jake Neighbours was
whistled for tripping at 9:59 of the period, the Kraken were able to
gain an edge that started with a power play that had territorial edge
for the entire two minutes and ultimately led to a goal.
The
Blues reset after the period and Kyrou’s goal was a thing of beauty
at 1:12 when he started the play breaking up things in the D-zone,
moving into transition and starting a tic-tac-toe play with first,
Colton Parayko, then Pavel Buchnevich:
*
Winning another challenge – Things could have gotten dicey when
Ryker Evans thought he had cut the Blues’ lead to 3-2 on a shot
from the point that had eyes and ricocheted off the ice and past
Hofer at 10:19 of the second, but the Blues immediately challenged
and won an offside challenge when Frederick Gaudreau failed to keep a
puck alive and in the zone prior to it.
“I
didn’t see it in real time, no,” Montgomery said. “(Video
coach) Elliott Mondou and (assistant video coach) Ryan Stacey … as
they scored, it was already radioed into us that this was offside.
Thank God they has the view. I was wondering what was taking so long.
(The referees) came over and I’m like, ‘You’ve got to have the
view from the other angle.’ I’m like, ‘It’s pretty
distinctive.’”
* Finley's debut – The numbers won't look gaudy, but for Jack Finley, who made his Blues debut after being claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning on Feb. 7, it was effective enough.
Like father, like son.
Jeff Finley wore No. 37 during his five-year stint with the St. Louis Blues.
The 6-foot-6, 227-pound center gained his first Blues point on Holloway's empty-netter, was a plus-1 and won five of 13 face-offs in 13:17 of ice time, but he was used in a penalty kill role, which was 3-for-3, playing on the fourth line with Alexey Toropchenko and Nathan Walker.
Former Blue Jeff Finley is so proud to be in the building and see his son wear the 'Note for the first time 💙 #stlbluespic.twitter.com/8TnTd81Toq
"I thought his defensive stick was really good," Montgomery said. "He won two huge face-offs down the stretch. One on the PK and one on the pulled goalie situation. I thought he was in really good support position. That line created momentum for us, so overall, a really good start and I think it's only going to get better as he gets comfortable with the way we play and more importantly, comfortable being in the lineup."
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Clippers guard Kris Dunn drives to the basket in front of Minnesota's Donte DiVincenzo during the Clippers' 94-88 loss Thursday at Intuit Dome. (Kyusung Gong / Associated Press)
Anthony Edwards scored 31 points, Donte DiVincenzo added 18 and the surging Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Clippers 94-88 on Thursday night.
Jaden McDaniels and Ayo Dosunmu each scored 12 points and Rudy Gobert had 13 rebounds to help the Timberwolves improve to 5-1 since Feb. 9 and 3-1 since the All-Star break.
Edwards, returning to the site of the All-Star Game, where he was the MVP, was 12 for 24 from the floor and sealed the victory with a step-back three-pointer over two defenders for a 92-88 lead with 42.9 seconds left.
Derrick Jones Jr. scored 18 points and Bennedict Mathurin added 14 for the Clippers, who struggled from the outset with a season-low 38 points in the first half. Kris Dunn had 11 points for the Clippers (27-31), who have lost three consecutive games for the first time since December.
The Clippers struggled on offense without star Kawhi Leonard, out because of ankle soreness. The Clippers shot 40.5% from the floor, including 18.2% (four for 22) in the second quarter. Minnesota shot 43.4% in the game.
The Timberwolves (37-23) scored just 15 points in the second quarter and still topped the Clippers, who had 11. Minnesota led 44-38 at halftime behind 12 points from DiVincenzo and 11 from Edwards.
The Clippers led by six in the third quarter and were up 68-63 heading into the fourth. Edwards' drive and reverse layup put the Timberwolves up for good at 76-74 with 7:40 remaining.
The Clippers pulled within one three times in the last 2½ minutes, but Edwards answered each time. He scored the Timberwolves' last nine points.
Up next for Clippers: vs. New Orleans on Sunday night.
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 20: Olivier-Maxence Prosper #18 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the game against the Utah Jazz on February 20, 2026 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks (21-37) will play for the second consecutive night with a game Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies (21-36) that tips at 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center. Dallas snapped a two-game winning streak in losing 130-121 to the Kings Thursday. Naji Marshall scored 36 in the effort and the team was once again without Cooper Flagg, who missed his fourth straight game with a foot injury. As of this writing Flagg’s availability for Friday has not been announced.
Led in scoring by veteran swingman Ty Jerome, the Grizzlies enter this game on a three-game skid and having dropped seven of their last eight; they beat the Mavericks in each of these teams’ first two meetings, winning 118-104 at home Nov. 7 and in Dallas Nov. 22, 102-96. Since then both clubs have undergone major changes at the trade deadline. Although the bar for “surprising trade” is pretty high around these parts, the Grizzlies’ Feb. 3 deal with Utah sending Jaren Jackson Jr. and others away in a change for guard Walter Clayton Jr., forward Taylor Hendricks, guard Kyle Anderson, and three first round draft picks represented an abrupt change in direction for Memphis.
The post-trade Grizzlies, already without Jackson’s fellow building blocks Ja Morant (elbow) and Zach Edey (ankle) for much of this season, are giving their entire remaining roster a long look to see who to keep around for a likely rebuild, with wing Rayan Rupert, who arrived last week in a trade with Portland, the only Grizzly not to have yet started a game. For this approach, they have the right coach in Tuomas Iisalo, whose coaching style involves frequent substitutions and high demands on reserves. Since returning from the All-Star break, the only Memphis player to appear in a game and play fewer than 20 minutes has been Anderson, who left Feb. 20 against Utah with a knee injury after playing 18.
Next up
While it will take years to fully determine whether the Jazz or Grizzlies won the Feb. 3 trade, one of the deal’s clear early winners has been GG Jackson, a starter at power forward in eight of the nine games since. The third-year player has used the increased playing time to go on a 20-of-39 bender from long range, a stunning turnaround that has brought his season average up to 34.7 percent. Already an excellent finisher through contact at the rim, his shooting from deep has opened up the floor for him to operate and for his teammates. On a Grizzlies team that’s suddenly one of the smallest in the league he’s still looking for his first double-digit rebounding game of the season. The four-year contract he signed after making the team as a second-round pick in 2023 looks like quite a bargain now; the Grizzlies have a $2.4M option on him for 2026-27 but he is earning himself a lot of leverage at the negotiating table.
Welcome back, O-Max
Former Maverick Olivier Maxence-Prosper has also made hay with the opportunity afforded him lately; he had a rough scoring night Wednesday against the Warriors, with a late three-pointer his only scoring output, but has posted a couple of 20-point games since the break. The Mavericks drafted Prosper in 2023 for his athleticism, and in Memphis he has shown more refinement in his offensive game, with the ability to handle the rock in transition and put the ball on the floor to drive. He’s also had some nice nights shooting from three, including a seven-of-eight effort against Portland Feb. 7.
The Grizzlies are not a good team but they do have an intriguing collection of young, talented players, including Hendricks, another third-year player whose offense is gradually catching up to his defense. In the backcourt, guard Javon Small responded to his first start of the season Wednesday with a four-of-eight three-point performance, and Scotty Pippen is turning into a valuable pest with quick hands and a nose for the ball. Guard Walter Clayton Jr., on a title run with Florida this time a year ago, now finds himself taking his lumps in the pros alongside shooting guard Jaylen Wells, the Grizzlies’ leader in starts, though both show signs of being pretty good players in the long haul.
A new leaf
While the Grizzlies turned themselves into a two-month open mic at the trade deadline, the Mavericks have been reshaped into a team with size and veteran experience by the deal that sent Anthony Davis to Washington and brought Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, Tyus Jones, and others to Dallas. They beat the Nets Tuesday with a balanced attack in which the team’s success getting into and controlling the paint led to success in the backcourt, where Klay Thompson made 5-of-10 threes and Brandon Williams connected on 9-of-11 from the field and racked up 10 assists.
One might expect a team like that to chew up the young developing Grizzlies if that team had not just gotten thumped by the worst team in the league, Sacramento, the night before, making 10 three-pointers and turning the ball over 17 times. The Kings beat the Grizzlies this week too, winning 123-114 Monday by outmuscling Memphis in the paint; if the Mavericks are healthy they’ve got the size to impose their will. One downside to the Mavericks’ recent infusion of veterans is that playing on consecutive nights becomes a much taller order; if the team needs young legs they can see if guard AJ Johnson can reprise his impressive 4-4 effort against the Kings. Up until the last two games, the Mavericks appeared to have solved their turnover woes; Friday’s game presents a good opportunity to get back on track.
How to watch/listen
You can watch the game on KFAA Channel 29 or MAVS TV (streaming), or listen at 97.1FM KEGL (English), and 99.1FM KFZO (Spanish).
The Detroit Red Wings improved to 3-0 against the Ottawa Senators this season with a 2-1 overtime victory at Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday night. Dylan Larkin scored the winner on a breakaway at 1:50 of OT, his second goal of the night, sliding a gentle backhander through Linus Ullmark's pads.
Along with some controversy, gold medal karma also seems to have followed the American Olympians back to their respective NHL teams. They accounted for all the scoring in this one, their first game back since winning gold at the Winter Olympics.
Even Team USA's video coach got in on the act.
The Red Wings appeared to open the scoring at 8:11 of the first period when Michael Rasmussen sprinted up the ice on a 2-on-1 and fired a wrist shot past Ullmark. But Sens video coach Mike King, just back from Milan with a gold medal, called down to the bench to let the coaches know that an overanxious Elmer Söderblom had jumped over the blue line too soon. The Sens got the goal overturned on an offside challenge.
Brady Tkachuk got the Sens on the board at 18:44 of the first, firing home a wrist shot through traffic in front of John Gibson. That would be the only blemish of the night for Gibson, who made 26 saves and seems to have the Sens' number this year. In just his third start since Dec. 27, Ullmark countered with 18 saves on the night.
5:24 into the second period, with Ridly Greig off for hooking, Lucas Raymond gathered the puck in the corner, backhanded a pass into the slot, and Larkin one-timed a snapshot past Ullmark to tie the game at one.
That was it for the scoring on the night, at least in regulation.
One notable moment came at the 7:40 mark of the second period when Greig backhanded the puck out of the Ottawa zone, way over everyone's head. Simon Edvinsson stepped up and shouldered Tkachuk, who would have had no reason to expect contact there.
Tkachuk was left with a bloody nose from his own stick coming up on the collision. It looked like textbook interference, but Edvinsson seemed to contend that he was holding the blue line and Tkachuk, who wasn't looking where he was going, skated into him.
Dylan Cozens fought Edvinsson right after the collision, and that didn't go so well either, while Tkachuk was given a ten-minute misconduct for his protests.
With no scoring in the third, the two teams headed for overtime, where the Senators lost an offensive zone faceoff. After head-manning the puck to Raymond in the neutral zone, Larkin caught Shane Pinto flat-footed in the race up ice.
Not realizing Larkin was home free, Thomas Chabot veered out of position to challenge Raymond at the boards with a stick check. Raymond then easily tapped the puck past Chabot for a Larkin breakaway, and he made no mistake, winning it in overtime.
After Canada's gold medal loss on Sunday, Sens fans have probably had enough of 3-on-3 overtime for one week.
Ottawa still ends up with a point out of it, but with the Boston Bruins (WC2) pulling two points out of their game against Columbus on Thursday, the Senators now stand seven points out of a playoff spot in the East.
The Chicago Blackhawks have their first post-Olympic game in the books. A road game against the Nashville Predators is an entirely different viewing experience than Canada vs the United States in the Gold Medal Game, but the Blackhawks must remain focused on developing their roster.
It was a back-and-forth affair, as each team traded goals throughout the game. After two periods of play, they were tied up at one goal apiece.
After exchanging goals again in the early stages of the third period, a wild finish was in store. At 16:44 of the final frame, Ryan O'Reilly scored to give Nashville a 3-2 lead. Steven Stamkos eventually added an empty net goal, and the Predators sent the Blackhawks packing with a 4-2 loss.
Chicago's goals were scored by Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi. Each of these two players is working on scoring 30 goals with a long shot of reaching 40. Bertuzzi's was the 26th of his season while Bedard set a new career high with 24.
Speaking of Bedard, he was the best-looking Blackhawk in this game by a wide margin. He looked like a player who had to sit at home and watch Team Canada lose a heartbreaker in overtime to Team USA.
Bedard was one of their top snubs, and it didn't feel good to see them lose without him being there to help. You never know how things would have turned out for them had he made the team.
A motivated Bedard is a great thing for the Blackhawks. In a game that the team didn't play particularly well, on either side of the puck, he stood out.
If Bedard plays like that in most of their remaining 24 games, he will blow past 30 goals and set a career high in points, despite missing some time with his shoulder injury. He was a little bit lethargic coming back when he first returned to the lineup in January, but now he looks healthy and ready to make a difference.
The Blackhawks are back in action on Saturday evening when they take on the Colorado Avalanche in Denver. A matchup against the class of the league is a great test for this team, looking to bounce back from a tough loss in Nashville.
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Feb 26, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) drives to the basket during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images
This game felt like the Rockets season in microcosm. Amen Thompson returned from being out in the previous game, and the Rockets traveled to Orlando for the second game of a back to back. Orlando was at home, and last played Tuesday in Los Angeles. After a game of beating the woeful Kings easily with a more spacing friendly lineup, the Rockets were back to the usual, with Amen as the point guard.
The Rockets size and athleticism do them much less good against a team like Orlando. The Magic can counter the Rockets size and, mostly, athleticism at every position. Like the Rockets, the Magic struggle with offensive execution, and the addition of a single good shooter, Desmond Bane, hasn’t fixed the problem. Like the Rockets, great things were expected of the Magic this season, with the addition of Bane, similar to the Rockets with Durant. Some might have favored the Magic’s young talent over that on the Rockets, in the preseason. Again, like the Rockets, that talent has somewhat duplicative skill sets, and most of them require getting into the paint to be most effective.
Like the Rockets, a certain inflexibility of ideas regarding how to play, and further, a lack of shooting and spacing beyond Desmond Bane, has held Orlando back, even when healthy. Also similar to the Rockets, injuries have bent the initial concept of the team out of shape this season. Both are teams with a defense first (last and only?) identity, and neither has done much to address that issue, beyond hoping a new addition will fix it, while doing everything else much as before.
You’re probably wondering about the game, I don’t blame you. I very much believe the mirror image conceit is important in what follows.
The Old Look Rockets did not exactly light up the Orlando Magic with their Amen, Tari, Durant, Jabari, Sengun lineup. Considering potential spacing and general offense issues, one might look at this lineup and think “Wow, that’s all forwards, and one center. Sure, you can SAY Amen and Tari are guards, but they aren’t. Only Durant is a shooter anyone must respect and must go out to guard. Even so, Durant prefers to operate in the paint mostly. And Sengun never gets a pass made to him in the paint. He has to get to the rim somehow, from the 3pt line, every time. You know what I’d do? What everyone else does, harass Durant and pack the paint.”
Guess what? That’s what Orlando did. It worked. The Rockets lost the first quarter 22-29, while looking, frankly, dreadful on offense. Sure, it’s bad to surrender points, but it’s worse to surrender them and not score, to boot. It was very much a lather, rinse, repeat, no movement, spacing for a drive and kick that rarely happens, to supposed shooters nobody comes out to guard.
So, in true Udokan fashion, the Rockets tightened up on defense. And they somehow got even worse on offense. Orlando only scored 24 points. That’s great defense. The Rockets? They scored 21. That is simply losing NBA offense.
Kevin Durant looked, frankly, tired, maybe old, and why not? He’s a 37 year old player, playing big minutes routinely on the second night of a B2B on the road. Sengun couldn’t operate, the shooters you’d want to take 3pt shots weren’t taking them. Orlando wasn’t shooting threes at a great rate at that point, but they were taking, at one point, three times as many.
The score at halftime was a Wayback Machine 54-43. The Rockets were On Pace to score 86 points. That’s a losing score most nights in 1994. The battle of inept offenses continued, until 5:18 remaining in the 3rd quarter, with Orlando leading 76-57. What follows next was a strong an argument for shooting, for spacing, for point guard play, basically for the idea of offense in basketball, as I’ve ever seen. Of course the Rockets had to play good defense to make that happen, but somehow, despite the presence of Reed Sheppard, Kevin Durant and Clint Capela, that’s exactly what they did.
At 5:18 remaining, Reed Sheppard came in for Amen Thompson. Clint Capela came in for Alperen Sengun. Tari Eason stayed in the game, and we saw, finally, Josh Okogie take the place of Dorian Finney-Smith (and Jabari Smith).
The Rockets would go on the score the next 21 points. In roughly 4 minutes. Kevin Durant, Reed Sheppard, and Josh Okogie would score all those points, off a far better spaced Rockets offense. Most of those points, unlike earlier, were assisted. Most of them by Sheppard.
At 1:15 remaining in the third, with the Rockets taking a 78-76 lead, the Magic finally scored again. After that it would be a back and forth affair. Durant and a returning Sengun lead the Rockets down the stretch against a Magic team that suddenly found shooting with deadline acquisition Jevon Carter and Desmond Bane, who was amazing tonight. Jabari Smith returned, and with 9 minutes remaining, took, and made, his first three point attempt of the game. Mostly though it was the Rockets playing great defense, an energized Durant splashing tough shots, and finally, Reed Sheppard making two big threes in the last two minutes. Also credit to Josh Okogie. The Rockets finally put him on Desmond Bane, and he helped close him down. Okogie has been everything we hoped DFS would be, including making 3pt shots. It’s baffling he hasn’t played much lately.
I really can’t think of a better example of a game to emphasize the points I’ve been trying to make here. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that spacing, provided by two shooters defenses must respect, and point guard play turned this game, and brought the Rockets up to NBA average scoring in a bit less than a quarter and a half. Remember, they were on a pace to score 86 points, playing The Ime Way.
The Rockets basically have to play perfect defense to win the Ime Way. Why not play very good defense, and good offense, instead of requiring perfection? It might look like the Magic had a scoring outburst, but again, they were under NBA average. The Rockets really didn’t run an offense per se, the spacing just gave players like Durant, like Sengun, the space to be their best. It gave players like Okogie and Smith looks they can make.
Life doesn’t have to be as hard as it has been for the Rockets. Why does it seem like they only play reasonable offense when they have almost no other option?
Tonight KD played a real Game of Two Halves. In the end he scored 40 points, on 14-28 shooting. He was 2 for 10 from three point range, and that’s where maybe we saw tired legs. He hardly seemed to miss late, and showed why he was one of the greats of all time. But late game? Durant benefited from spacing, and from passing to him. The difference between a swarmed, harassed, KD, and one with room to work was enormous.
Sheppard scored 20 points on 7-11 shooting, in 31 minutes. He added 3 boards, 4 assists, 2 steal, 2 blocks, against a turnover. He’s far perfect, he’s still essentially a 21 year old rookie PG in terms of minutes. Judging him like an established veteran is lunacy. But he is simply the only player on the roster that can provide what they need. The only other player, besides Durant, to give them any shooting gravity, to take defenses out of their packline defense, essentially, and give both Alpie and KD a bit of room to operate.
Maybe it’s also time to stop being stubborn about lineups that cannot provide space to operate for Rockets players on offense? Are they THAT much better defensively? Or at all? The scoring for Orlando seemed about the same either way. What changed was the Rockets offense.
The difference between the Reed lineup late, and everything before it, was that stark. It seems blasphemous to suggest that Amen maybe shouldn’t be on the court in certain situations, but that’s exactly what’s happening to his brother in Detroit. It’s very difficult to simply defend your way to a comeback. Scoring is required. You just can’t have a player in a guard role that just can’t shoot it, combined with a non shooting center, and two other offensive players that simply haven’t earned the respect of defenses, for good reason. It just doesn’t work in the pace and space, three point shooting, modern NBA.
You may have another viewpoint, and this is just one game, but the Rockets didn’t even run some sort of offense late. It was the same old motionless, hanging around the 3pt line stuff, just with a PG who could shoot it, and one defenses must respect for that shooting.
Feb 26, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) and pitcher Bryce Miller (50) walk to the dugout before the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
This recap is late because it is being typed out on the bar of a lovely establishment in Twin Falls, Idaho, called Scooter’s. I am on my way to spring training and listened to this game – even though it was televised – while driving up and down various mountain passes. This country hilly as heck, y’all. I thus did not have time before stopping for the evening to recount what happened in today’s game, which you have likely already seen, but in case you, too, were consumed with other things, here is what happened in today’s game, another back-and-forth spring training affair where the Mariners eventually came out on top, 8-7.
Bryce Miller
Miller made his season debut and went 1.1 innings, allowing three hits and punching out one on a pitch the broadcast crew was divided between being a splitter or a curveball (Gameday says splitter now, although Gary Hill initially announced it as a curve). Miller came out firing in his spring debut, touching 98.4 on his four-seam – he did give up a double on that pitch, but it was located well across the plate and David Fry sort of stuck his bat out at it and got lucky. Shannon Drayer said on the broadcast that Miller opted not to get the surgery for his bone spur because he found a gel injection that has been working for managing the pain should it crop up, which it hasn’t; he’s not concerned, and therefore I’m not concerned.
The WBC Guys Are Getting Their Hacks In
Julio Rodríguez leaves on Saturday to join Team Dominican Republic and they’ll be happy to have him; he had a double but also worked two walks in his four plate appearances. Not to be outdone, Cal Raleigh had two doubles, although he didn’t catch seven innings this time. Randy Arozarena, who will also leave soon for the WBC, also had a double in a particularly fun first inning that saw that trio go back-to-back-to-back with doubles.
Luke Raley-Dominic Canzone: Heated Rivalry
In the position battle I’m watching most closely this spring, the healthy revenge tour of Luke Raley continues; he added another hard-hit double today off former Mariner Matt Festa, smoked at 109.8 mph. Dominic Canzone also had a hit, a line-drive single to center on a pitch inside that he fought off and got to drop.
The Spring Awakening Continues
Continuing to see a lot of playing time at second base, Michael Arroyo collected another pair of hits today, including his second double of the spring, and worked a walk. He also initiated another successful challenge; this kid really knows the strike zone. Meanwhile, Colt Emerson had two hits of his own, including a triple.
Brocketship to the Moon
While I was driving up a mountain in eastern Oregon to what felt terrifyingly close to driving onto the moon’s surface itself, Brock Rodden was checking in with his first home run of the spring. Yes it was a middle-middle first-pitch cutter that he ambushed, but still, we love healthy Brock Star.
Pitching Pile Update
It was a mixed bag for the bullpen hopefuls today. One of the best lines was posted by a pitcher I had no idea was a Mariner, one Abdiel Mendoza, who came in during to relieve Miller and polished off the second inning cleanly. Casey Legumina also had a solid outing, working a clean fifth inning with a strikeout. Cooper Criswell didn’t have as dazzling an outing as he did in his spring debut, giving up two runs on two hits and two walks, but showcased his ability as a swingman or multi-inning reliever, going two innings. Ryan Loutos struggled again, getting himself into some trouble and surrendering a big hit in the form of a three-run homer to Kate Fave Petey Halpin. Maybe the most intriguing outing for me today was Cole Wilcox, who again showcased his big stuff; he does have trouble commanding it at times, issuing a free pass, but he also collected a strikeout. It’s…so…tantalizingly…close with Wilcox.
Also close: spring training, for me. I’ll unfortunately just miss a bunch of the WBC guys as they’re leaving but will have plenty up about everyone else over the coming weeks. Make sure you’re following us on Bluesky (@LookoutLanding) for the video content and let me know if there’s anything in particular you want to hear about. I’m aiming for my first day there to be Saturday, Kade Anderson’s professional debut, so unless I fall into a canyon there will be lots of content about that come the weekend.
