PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 9: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz dribbles the ball against Justin Edwards #19 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half at the Wells Fargo Center on March 9, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Utah Jazz will head to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers with a chance to improve their draft positioning even more. The Sixers will be without some key players so it makes this a little interesting for the Jazz.
76ers are going to be pretty shorthanded tonight without Embiid, George, or Edgecombe. https://t.co/Zn27aAx820
The big takeaway here is that Keyonte George is available. That alone means the Jazz have a chance to take this one. George has had an outstanding season and is showing, with every game, that he’s an pace for a big season next year.
How to watch
Who: Utah Jazz vs Philadelphia 76ers
When: 5:30 PM MT
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena – Philadelphia, PA
How to watch Utah Jazz vs Philadelphia 76ers: Jazz+, KJZZ
Eddie Howe accepts his Newcastle side are at their best when they create chaos and no one in black and white is better at conjuring it than Will Osula.
The maverick Denmark Under-21 striker is, to say the least, unpredictable. No one, least of all Osula himself, ever seems quite sure what he will do at any given moment. Here though he stepped off the substitutes’ bench to score a fabulous, virtuoso 90th-minute winner for a home team reduced to 10 men by Jacob Ramsey’s controversial 45th-minute sending off for a perceived dive.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 25: José Tena #8 of the Washington Nationals turns a double play over Kenedy Corona #87 of the New York Yankees in the second inning during a Grapefruit League spring training game at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 25, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tonight, the Nationals are taking part in an exciting and unique exhibition. They are facing Team Venezuela as they get ready for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The Venezuelans have a stacked roster, especially offensively. Tonight will be a good test for the young Nats, who are rolling out a strong lineup.
Speaking of that lineup, it is the closest thing we have seen to a potential Opening Day lineup. I don’t think it will look exactly like this, but it will be close. James Wood, CJ Abrams, Dylan Crews, Daylen Lile and Brady House all feature. Interestingly, Luis Garcia Jr. will be playing first base for the first time this spring. We will also get to see Foster Griffin for the first time. The crafty lefty signed with the Nats after three highly successful seasons in Japan.
The Venezuelan lineup is loaded with well-known names. Ronald Acuna Jr., Salvador Perez and Luis Arraez are just a few notable names in this star studded lineup. While Jose Altuve will not be playing this WBC, the Venezuelans have more than enough fire power to make a surprise run in the competition. On the mound, Venezuela will be featuring Eduardo Rodriguez. The veteran lefty has not been the same since signing a big contract in Arizona, but he is still a serviceable big league innings eater.
Lineup de Venezuela 🇻🇪 hoy vs. Washington:
Ronald Acuña Jr. RF Javier Sanoja CF Luis Arráez 2B Salvador Pérez C Jackson Chourio BD Eugenio Suárez 3B Wilyer Abreu LF Willson Contreras 1B Ezequiel Tovar SS
Eduardo Rodríguez P
— German Augusto Cartaya (@germancartaya) March 4, 2026
This is a really exciting game that I am really looking forward to. It will be interesting to see how Foster Griffin fares against such a strong lineup. I am also interested to see how the boys can match up with a really solid Venezuela team. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
Feb 27, 2026; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) hits a two-run single during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
In the cage match known as the American League East, the Tampa Bay Rays stand apart — and not for a good reason. After more than half a decade as regular contenders in the Junior Circuit, including two AL East titles and a trip to the 2020 World Series, the Rays have fallen to the wayside over the past two years. Only unexpected disaster seasons from the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024 and the Baltimore Orioles in 2025 have saved them from the division basement the last two years, as the Rays finished these seasons with just 80 and 77 wins, respectively.
That being said, this is the Rays we’re talking about, and even if they hadn’t finished the 2025 season with a run differential giving a projected record of 84-78, only a fool would truly count them out.
2025 record: 77-85 (4th, AL East) 2026 FanGraphs projection: 81-81 (5th, AL East)
The Tampa Bay Rays run the organization like they’re playing Out of the Park Baseball, shipping out established Major League vets for prospects right at the moment they’re about to start costing money, all in the effort to keep the payroll down and keep the farm system stocked. This winter was absolutely no different, as they flipped Brandon Lowe, Josh Lowe, Jake Mangum and Shane Baz, a quartet of players who were major contributors to last year’s squad. Meanwhile, their three major free agent acquisitions — Steven Matz, Cedric Mullins, and Jake Fraley — don’t exactly break the bank financially. Furthermore, they inserted themselves into a pair of three-team trades in January, reeling in Gavin Lux from the Reds to play second base and Ben Williamson from the Mariners to back up Junior Caminero at the hot corner.
As it currently stands, the Rays lineup depends on three players: the 22-year-old Caminero (128 projected wRC+), the 27-year-old Jonathan Aranda (119 projected wRC+), and the 35-year-old Yandy Diaz (128 projected wRC+). Besides this trio, FanGraphs only expects Lux to have an above-average bat, and even there, he’s projected to only have a 101 wRC+; the rest of the lineup is filled out with players who have their best baseball in the rearview mirror (e.g., Mullins) or those who have made Anthony Volpe look like a dominant hitter (e.g., shortstop Taylor Walls).
Of course, the Rays have never been built on offensive prowess, but on pitching, and that remains the same this year. Even after trading Baz to the Orioles, Tampa Bay has quite a bit of depth here, as Drew Rasmussen and Ryan Pepiot give them a pair of quality starters atop the rotation. If Shane McClanahan is healthy—something which hasn’t been the case since August 2, 2023—that ostensibly gives the team a trio of quality starters 30 years of age or younger — something that few teams would say no to. Behind them, Nick Martinez and Matz should be quality depth. And despite losing Pete Fairbanks in free agency, the bullpen — headlined by Griffin Jax — has considerable veteran depth, albeit no truly dominant relievers.
All in all, the Tampa Bay Rays are a solid team, and in any other division, would likely be in a position to win enough games to challenge for a Wild Card spot. But as Dan Szymborski said back in January, “this is a tough division,” and because of that, the Rays “need some good fortune” to sneak into the playoffs.
At least this year, they’ll be able to play in their own stadium, and not the Yankees’ minor league complex.
More Pinstripe Alley MLB team season previews can be found here.
ROME (AP) — Lazio and Atalanta traded four second-half goals in a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Italian Cup semifinals Wednesday.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru took advantage of a through pass from former Atalanta midfielder Daniel Maldini to put Lazio ahead two minutes after the break.
Mario Pasalic equalized four minutes later for Atalanta by knocking in a rebound.
Boulaye Dia took advantage of a defensive error by Pasalic and quickly found the target from the center of the area in the 87th. Then United States international Yunus Musah equalized again for Atalanta in the 90th.
The second legs are scheduled for April 21-22 and the final is May 13.
Atalanta has reached the final three times in the last seven seasons but has won the trophy only once — back in 1963. Lazio is a seven-time champion, having beat Atalanta for its most recent title in 2019.
The San Jose Sharks strengthened their lineup and added instant impact by locking up Kiefer Sherwood to a five-year deal.
Sherwood, who has already made a noticeable impact in his first games with the Sharks—including scoring his first goal off a gorgeous feed from Phillip Kurashev and adding a slick assist last night—brings the rare combination of goal-scoring ability, physicality, and relentless energy that makes him a perfect fit for the team’s evolving core.
“We are very excited to have Kiefer remain in San Jose and be part of the group that we are building,” said Grier. “The ingredients he brings to our line-up on a nightly basis blend extremely well with the skillsets of his teammates and we look forward to his contributions in the years to come.”
The 30-year-old Sherwood was acquired by the Sharks on Jan. 19, 2026, from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for prospect Cole Clayton and San Jose’s 2026 and 2027 second-round picks. Since debuting with the Sharks on Feb. 4 against the Colorado Avalanche, he has led the team in hits (28) and tied a team-high with nine hits on Mar. 1 versus the Winnipeg Jets, showcasing the physical edge that makes him a two-way threat.
Prior to joining San Jose, Sherwood tallied 23 points (17 goals, six assists) in 44 games for Vancouver, leading the team in goals and ranking third in overall points. At the time of the trade, he also ranked second in the NHL in hits (210). Sherwood has already recorded two hat tricks this season—Oct. 30, 2025 at St. Louis, and Dec. 19, 2025 at the New York Islanders—and is coming off three consecutive 10-goal seasons, just two shy of his career-best 19 goals from last year.
Sherwood Proved His Worth Against Montreal
Sherwood is a dynamic, high-energy forward who brings a relentless physical presence to the ice. Known for his hard hits, tenacious forechecking, and competitive drive, he also possesses an effective shot and has demonstrated solid hands and passing ability.
We saw all of that against the Canadiens. While scoring his first goal as a Shark was certainly a highlight, the real story was his energy on every shift. Sherwood’s effort and intensity were palpable, showing that he not only wanted this new deal but had truly earned this contract through his play.
With the Sharks expected to fight for a playoff spot, this was a huge win for the organization.
New Zealand’s Finn Allen blasted the fastest century in T20 World Cup history in Kolkata on Thursday morning AEDT as his side hammered South Africa by nine wickets to reach the final.
Steve Kerr is in the final year of his contract, but he's not exactly stressing about it. After a dozen years and four rings coaching Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, Kerr's reaction whenever asked about his contract is some variation of what he said before the season, that he likely would want to continue coaching Curry "for another few years, but I think it makes sense for the organization and for me just to see where this thing is at the end of the year, where they are, where I am."
Warriors General Manager Michael Dunleavy Jr. said he expects him to come back, during an appearance on “The TK Show,” featuring long-time Bay Area writer Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard.
"I don't see why not. I think Steve's mentioned wanting to get to the end of the season and figure it out. I think things, for him, are going well. We'll figure all that out when it comes. I think it's been interesting, like the focus for us internally between myself, (team owner) Joe (Lacob), the players, Steve, has really been on like getting this thing right the rest of the season. So we haven't put a whole bunch of thought into it.
"But you know, obviously, on a personal level, (I) love having Steve here. Yeah, I would project that he's our coach next year. But again, we're going down to absolute certainties, and a lot of it's in his court, so we'll have to see."
Nobody is stressing about this.
While Kerr would have his choice of jobs, the expectation in league circles is that he will only coach the Warriors, then step away whenever the 37-year-old Curry does, likely moving into the Warriors front office in some capacity. But nothing is certain, so everyone's eyes will be on Kerr this summer.
Just expect him to be back on the Warriors' sideline next season.
Mar 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) throws a pass beside Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) in the third quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers took down the conference-leading Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, thanks in part to 22 points from Jaylon Tyson and how well he defended MVP candidate Cade Cunningham. Tyson stepped up admirably on defense as he was physical at the point of attack and did a good job of shadowing Cunningham everywhere he went on the court.
There was, however, one exception to this.
The league office took offense at a second-quarter play where Tyson comically embellished some contact from Cunningham. Tyson threw his head back and staggered from just inside the free-throw line to the baseline, trying to get a call that didn’t come. Fortunately for the Cavs, Evan Mobley was there to provide a late contest.
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The league office deemed that Tyson’s embellishment of the contact rose to the level of a “flop.” He was fined by the league $2,000 on Wednesday evening. It’s worth noting that Tyson’s antics weren’t rewarded with an offensive foul in the moment.
It was a ridiculous flop from Tyson, but whether or not it was worthy of the $2,000 fine is up for debate. Tyson obviously oversold the call, but not in a believable way. Would he have been fined if he were slightly better at flopping? Is that the lesson here? And if so, is that what we should be enforcing?
HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Two of Bayer Leverkusen's young players combined for a breakthrough goal to beat Hamburger SV 1-0 in the Bundesliga on Wednesday and boost the team's fading challenge for Champions League qualification.
Leverkusen was having a frustrating game, with a goal ruled out for handball and a penalty decision overturned on video review, before 20-year-old midfielder Ibrahim Maza and 19-year-old forward Christian Kofane combined for the only goal in the 73rd minute.
Maza drew in Hamburg players before flicking the ball on for Kofane, who lashed it into the top-left corner.
Hamburg's own young star Luka Vušković threw his boots against the bench in frustration at the end. The 19-year-old defender, on loan from Tottenham, had a shot blocked by Leverkusen goalkeeper Janis Blaswich in the final seconds and headed the rebound onto the crossbar. Hamburg is 11th and winless in three games.
Leverkusen remained sixth in the Bundesliga but cut the gap to fourth-place Stuttgart, the last team in the Champions League places, to three points.
Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand made five changes to his lineup, partly due to injuries, and handed a first senior start to 18-year-old German-American winger Montrell Culbreath, who played 80 minutes.
The game was originally meant to be played in January but it was rescheduled when Hamburg’s stadium roof suffered structural damage following heavy snow and required urgent repairs.
The win over Hamburg is part of a crucial run of games for Leverkusen, which faces Arsenal in the Champions League round of 16 next week and is struggling to qualify for next season's Champions League after winning one of its previous four Bundesliga games prior to Wednesday.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 19: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors looks on while standing for the national anthem prior to the start of the game against the Boston Celtics at Chase Center on February 19, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Kristaps Porzingis won’t be playing in Thursday’s game against the Houston Rockets, but his presence on the team plane opens the door to the big man taking the court during the team’s three-game road trip.
Kristaps Porzingis is on the Warriors’ flight for their upcoming three-game road trip pic.twitter.com/X7uhSFeTce
Just look at that guy! He’s got a drink, a fun checkered cap, a sassy Adidas jacket, and a winning smile! Forget POTS — this guy is H-O-T-Stuff!
He’s not playing against the Rockets, however, joining Steph Curry (knee), Moses Moody (wrist), Will Richard (ankle), Seth Curry (back), Jimmy Butler (ACL), and Paul Arizin (deceased in 2006) as Warriors not playing Thursday. Gary Payton II remains questionable with an ankle injury and is considered day-to-day, while Sean Keane is probable for the recap (hangnail, Xfinity internet connection).
For the Rockets, the injury news is essentially reversed. They’re getting two starters back, as All-Defensive guard Amen Thompson and forward/Kevin Durant burner target Jabari Smith, Jr. are both returning from ankle ailments Thursday. They’ve won four of their last five games and are playing on two days rest after surviving a Sharife Cooper scoring explosion to defeat the Washington Wizards, who signed Angel Reese’s brother Saturday and made him their starting center. They were clearly spooked by accidentally winning twice against the Indiana Pacers.
How does Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy feel about the health struggles of Porzingis, who was acquired at the trade deadline for Jonthan Kuminga and Buddy Hield in a deal that was 100% not a salary dump? He clarified that the team was confident about their medical information on Porzingis in an appearance on Tim Kawakami’s podcast, “The TK Show.”
That’s a great question, it’s a fair question. I think it’s really, really complicated. This is a unique situation. I’d say from our end, I feel good about, from the information we had, I feel good about our evaluation of what that was on the medical side. And for that reason, that’s why we made the trade.
Thanks for clearing that up, MDJ! Glad he feels good about his “mysterious” illness (as per Steve Kerr).
On a totally unrelated note, Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 21.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals for the Atlanta Hawks. However, he is questionable for Wednesday’s Hawks game with knee inflammation, so he’s still a Warrior at heart.
You can lead a player out of a Warriors uniform in 2026, but you can’t make him healthy. But at least you can get him a delicious drink for the plane.
Mar 3, 2026; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Team USA pitcher Paul Skenes against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Ask any Pittsburgh Pirates fan about the team this season and there’s likely a different tone to the conversation then years before.
The Pirates finished 2025 as a 71-91 club, depressing by five wins from the previous two seasons.
Don Kelly was promoted to manager to replace Derek Shelton, but the front office remained the same.
It set in motion the most crucial offseason of Ben Cherington’s Pirates career entering his seventh season as general manager.
Cherington was the most active he’s ever been and provided the Pirates with their most exciting offseason in over a decade.
The Pirates added two All-Star position players and signed a designated hitter who finished 4th in NL MVP voting in 2024.
Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, and Marcell Ozuna have added 69 home runs from a year ago to a Pirates lineup that only hit 117.
The Bucs retained Mitch Keller, instead of trading him for a bat, and acquired relievers Mason Montgomery and Gregory Soto to their bullpen.
No. 1 prospect Konnor Griffin is waiting in the wings and leads the team with three home runs… as a 19-year-old shortstop who hasn’t played more than 21 games above High-A.
It feels different. It feels refreshing. It feels like the Pirates have a realistic chance to make the postseason.
The atmosphere at spring training in Bradenton is also different, at least for Paul Skenes.
Coming off winning NL Rookie of the Year and NL Cy Young the last two years, Skenes is excited for what the Pirates can do this year.
“It’s a different vibe in camp right now,” Skenes said on The Pat McAfee Show at USA Baseball camp on Monday.
Skenes is pleased by what the Bucs did in the offseason. He’s joined Team USA in preparation for the World Baseball Classic this week, but misses the preparation and camaraderie taking place for the Pirates.
“As excited as I am to be here right now, I’m a little upset that I’m not in camp,” Skenes said. “Kinda missing out.”
He threw three innings for Team USA in its exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday.
Skenes allowed one run on one hit in the first inning and struck out four total batters. Skenes retired the final nine batters he faced in his second spring outing.
He is scheduled to face Mexico in pool play and pitch in the semifinals, if Team USA advances.
It’s a chance for the former Air Force pitcher and catcher to represent his country and wear the red, white, and blue.
“I'm from America, I love America… There's no bigger stage or no greater honor than wearing USA across your chest.” 🇺🇸@Pirates ace Paul Skenes discusses the pride he takes in playing for @USABaseball. pic.twitter.com/bTl8zebd3b
The Pirates have the best record of any team in spring training, tied with the Yankees at 10-2. Team USA begins the WBC on Friday night at 8 p.m. against Team Brazil.
This will mark the first WBC since 2023, with Paul Skenes representing the Pirates on the national stage after starting the last two All-Star Games. Cinema unfolding for the USA.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Capitals have signed forward Ethen Frank to a two-year, $4 million contract extension.
The team announced the move Wednesday. The 28-year-old Frank has provided good depth scoring this season with 11 goals and 12 assists in 52 games. He is tied for seventh in the NHL in goals among players averaging under 13:00 of ice time.
In 76 career games with the Capitals, he has 15 goals and 15 assists. Washington signed him as a free agent in March 2023.
Washington is four points behind Boston for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Capitals face the Bruins in Boston on Saturday, the day after the trade deadline.
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Christian Scott #45 of the New York Mets pitches during the game between the Miami Marlins and the New York Mets at Clover Park on Saturday, February 21, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Phebe Grosser/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
In their second of two games against WBC teams, the Mets (2-0 in WBC play) defeated Israel (1-1) at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie.
Carson Benge got the scoring started today, hitting an opposite field home run solo home run in the fifth third inning.
David Peterson went three innings, allowing one hit, two walks, and striking out four.
Christian Scott threw two and two-thirds innings, allowing two hits, no walks, and striking out five. The best named player in Mets’ camp, Hoss Brewer, finished out the sixth inning for the Mets, relieving Scott.
Adbert Alzolay and Nick Burdi each gave up a run in their respective inning of work, but each also notched two strikeouts. Joey Gerber and Saul Garcia combined for a scoreless ninth.
Zach Levenson homered in the top of the seventh to tie the game and one inning later, an RJ Schreck double put Israel up 2-1.
While the scoring started with dingers, it was singles that ultimately decided the game for the Mets. In the bottom of the eighth, Ji Hwan Bae singled in two runs, followed by a Jacob Reimer RBI single, and the scoring closed out with a Yohairo Cuevas single, plating Reimer.
The Mets resume Grapefruit League play tomorrow with a 1:05 game in West Plam Beach against the Nationals. Justin Hagenman will take the ball for the Mets.
Does defense really win championships?
A good defense is important, but in the modern NBA, where spacing, pace, and shot-making dominate — elite offense has increasingly become a prerequisite to be a true title contender.
Consider the last three champions. The 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder ranked third in offensive rating, the 2024 Boston Celtics finished first, the 2023 Denver Nuggets ranked fifth. In fact, only one of the six teams to reach the NBA Finals during that span finished outside the league’s top 10 in offensive efficiency.
As the regular season enters its final month, the Eastern Conference has largely consolidated into four legitimate contenders – the Pistons, Celtics, Knicks and Cavaliers.
Using FTN’s NBA StatsHub, we can take a deeper look at those teams through the lens of shot-making efficiency — identifying which of the East’s top seeds is best positioned to reach the NBA Finals.
Detroit Pistons
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, deservedly well-respected for his ability to develop young talent, has engineered one of the most impressive turnarounds in the league in the Motor City, guiding the Pistons toward the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference after the team won just 14 games two years ago. He had a similar impact in his time with the Cavaliers, taking them from a lottery team and transforming them into a playoff contender in short order.
The question surrounding Bickerstaff’s teams, however, has never been about regular-season success. The larger critiques have always been about whether the offensive formula that drives those regular season wins can hold up in the postseason – something that hasn’t happened to date.
Using NBA StatsHub, it’s not difficult to see those same concerns rising to the forefront of Bickerstaff’s team once again – particularly after losing to the short-handed Cavaliers Tuesday.
The Pistons have only three players posting a Field Goal Percentage Over Expectation above +3% this season, and that list doesn’t include their No. 1 or No. 3 scoring options:
Jalen Duren: +4.9% FGOE
Duncan Robinson: +4.7% FGOE
Isaiah Stewart: +3.0% FGOE
As a team, the Pistons rank just 25th in three-point percentage and rely heavily on converting shots inside the arc to generate offense.
The result is an offense that has been effective, but not elite in terms of efficiency. Detroit currently ranks 11th in offensive rating, making them the only top contender in the Eastern Conference sitting outside the league’s top five in that category — a potential warning sign with the playoffs approaching.
Boston Celtics
When it was announced that Jayson Tatum would miss significant time to begin the 2025-26 season, expectations for the Celtics were understandably tempered. After playing alongside Kyrie Irving in his first two years in the NBA, Jayson Tatum had since led the Celtics in scoring in each of his six subsequent seasons. Naturally, when it was announced that Tatum would miss significant time to begin the 2025-2026 campaign, expectations for Boston were tempered – they entered the new campaign with a preseason win total of just 43.5 wins.
Fast forward to March, and head coach Joe Mazzulla has Boston sitting at 41-20 and firmly in control of the No. 2 seed. A major reason for that success has been the Celtics’ depth of elite shot-makers.
According to StatsHub, Boston has six players posting a 3%-plus Field Goal Percentage Over Expectation this season.
Luka Garza: +6.6%
Payton Pritchard: +4.3%
Jaylen Brown: +3.7%
Sam Hauser: +3.6%
Jordan Walsh: +3.5%
Nikola Vučević: +3.0%
Unlike Detroit, Boston’s primary scorers are all on this list, absent Derrick White, who has been more valuable as the team’s top facilitator this year. Jaylen Brown has taken a step forward as a lead option, while players like Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser have provided efficient perimeter scoring in complementary roles.
The Celtics could have more help on the way, too. Reports indicate that Tatum is nearing a return from his Achillies injury, which would further strengthen the Celtics’ spacing and add another high-level shooter to an already efficient offense.
The Celtics rank second in the NBA in three-point attempts per game, leaning heavily into their perimeter shooting and trusting that their collective shot-making will consistently put them in a position to win. This is a group that is more than capable of making a deep playoff run.
New York Knicks
After winning the NBA Cup, the Knicks spent the next month looking like one of the worst teams in the league. They went 7-11 across their subsequent 18 contests, ranking 25th in net rating in that span.
New York has since found their groove, however, winning 15 of their last 19 games. They lead the NBA in net rating since Jan. 20 (+13.9). They rank seventh in offensive rating and have allowed the fewest points per 100 possessions during their recent hot streak.
Much of their success can be attributed to having an efficient superstar running the show in The Big Apple. Jalen Brunson owns a +4.2% Field Goal Percentage Over Expectation this season. He’s been even better of late, at 8.4% FGOE across the last month. New York’s other top offensive contributors, Mikal Bridges (+9.4% FGOE) and Karl-Anthony Towns (+6.4% FGOE) have also been playing excellent basketball as we approach the homestretch of the schedule.
The Knicks are peaking at the right time of year and look as capable as any team in the Eastern Conference right now.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are the biggest wild card in the Eastern Conference this season. They entered the new campaign as the odds-on favorite to win the East, but injuries and a lack of consistent availability from their core four led to a tumultuous first half of their schedule.
In early February, they abandoned their traditional core-four, trading Darius Garland to the Clippers in exchange for James Harden – a gamble that has worked brilliantly to date.
Cleveland is 8-3 since the trade, ranking seventh in the NBA in net rating during that span, despite Donovan Mitchell and other key players continuing to miss time due to various ailments.
Tuesday, the Cavaliers defeated the No. 1 seed Pistons without Mitchell and Dean Wade, the latter of whom is their best perimeter defender.
Harden has fully unlocked Jarrett Allen on the offensive end of the floor, evident from the fact that he leads the entire NBA in Field Goal Percentage Over Expectation during the last 30 days (min. 5 games played, 10 FGA/game).
This roster doesn’t have the chemistry or cohesion of other contenders in the East, but they have re-emerged as the odds-on favorites to win the conference for valid reasons. The ceiling for the Cavaliers is arguably higher than any of Detroit, Boston, or New York.
The Takeaway
Among Eastern Conference contenders, Boston’s offensive profile appears most sustainable to make a deep postseason run. They have a clear No. 1 scorer in Jaylen Brown, who is surrounded by a number of high-quality shot-makers.
If Field Goal Percentage Over Expectation is any indication, we could be seeing the Celtics back in the NBA Finals this June.
