EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Leon Draisaitl is expected to miss the rest of the NHL regular season because of a lower-body injury, the Edmonton Oilers said Tuesday, leaving the back-to-back defending Western Conference champions left to try to hold on to a playoff spot without one of the best hockey players in the world.
He will miss at least the remaining 14 games through April 16.
It was not immediately clear exactly what the injury was or whether Draisaitl will miss any time once the playoffs begin the weekend of April 18-19.
Draisaitl left his team's game Sunday against Nashville after getting bumped hard by the Predators’ Ozzy Wiesblatt during the first period. He did not return.
The Oilers after winning that game sat in third place in the Pacific Division, one point back of Vegas and two behind Anaheim, though the Golden Knights and Ducks each have an extra game left to play.
Draisaitl has been a big part of getting Edmonton to this point. The 30-year-old ranks fourth in the league in scoring with 97 points in 65 games, second on the team behind only Connor McDavid, atop the NHL with 114 points
Draisaitl won the Hart Trophy as MVP in 2020 and was the runner-up last season. Last month, he played at the Olympics and was Germany's leading scorer with seven points in five games.
Draisaitl is the second prominent player to be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. Toronto's Auston Matthews won't play again because of a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee.
Back-rower sustained calf injury during Six Nations
Alex Sanderson has warned that Tom Curry’s physical playing style will shorten his career and has suggested England should give him the summer off with the World Cup next year in mind.
The back-rower sustained a calf injury in the warmup for England’s Six Nations defeat by Italy in Rome. Sanderson, the Sale director of rugby, said on Tuesday that Curry has a grade-three calf tear and “he’ll be back this season” – but when remains unclear. “With Tom being superhuman the usual layoff times tend to be diminished because of his character and physique,” Sanderson said.
After playing just four teams with losing records over the last 17 games, the Detroit Pistons have four such teams in the next six, starting with a pair of games against the Washington Wizards this week.
The Wizards upset the Pistons on Feb. 6, so Detroit will not be looking past this pair of games.
My Pistons at Wizards predictions and NBA picks call for Detroit to roll to a lopsided cover on Tuesday, March 17.
Washington has lost 12 straight games, going 4-8 ATS. The Wizards have also lost their last 12 games as double-digit dogs, which they’ll be against Detroit.
Star Wizards guard Trae Young went down in the last game and is questionable, although he hasn’t traditionally bounced back quickly.
Detroit has gone 3-6 ATS in the last nine, against a tough schedule that included San Antonio twice and OKC once. The Pistons got Ausar Thompson back last game, and that should be enough to push them over the top.
Pistons vs Wizards same-game parlay
Detroit is No. 16 in pace, but Washington (No. 7) will speed things up. The Pistons have gone Over in the last two games with a points total this high and are riding a streak of four straight Overs. The Wizards have gone Over in four of five and seven of nine.
Jalen Duren has been red hot lately, scoring 20 or more in four of the last five, averaging 22.8 over that span. He’s also hit 45 of 55 shots (.818) in that stretch.
Pistons vs Wizards SGP
Pistons -19.5
Over 232.5
Jalen Duren Over 20.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Surfing the Injury Report
In 13 games against the seven teams with the NBA’s worst records, Cade Cunningham has been in double-digits in assists nine times. He’s also been in double figures four of his last five overall, averaging 12.4 over that span. Getting positive odds on his assists prop is a gift.
Duncan Robinson isn’t a prototypical rebounder, but he’s averaging 2.7 per game and hasn’t been below two in his last five games, averaging 3.4 over that span. Like Cunningham’s assists prop, we’re taking advantage of odds that seem too generous given his recent and overall history.
Over/Under: Over 232.5 (-110) | Under 232.5 (-110)
Pistons vs Wizards betting trend to know
The Washington Wizards have hit the Game Total Over in 15 of their last 21 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Wizards.
How to watch Pistons vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-Detroit, MNMT
Pistons vs Wizards latest injuries
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Central Division rivals clash for the fourth and final time this season as the Milwaukee Bucks host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Fiserv Forum tonight.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Donovan Mitchell tend to rise to the occasion in divisional matchups, and my Cavaliers vs. Bucks predictions set up for both stars to deliver big-time performances.
Here are my free NBA picks for this divisional throwdown on Tuesday, March 17.
Cavaliers vs Bucks prediction
Cavaliers vs Bucks best bet: Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 28.5 points (-115)
At 27.6 points per game, Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging his fewest points since the 2017-18 campaign. He’s been limited to 36 games due to injuries, but has scored 29+ in 19 of them.
Giannis has historically played well against his division foe, averaging 32.6 points over his last seven matchups with the Cleveland Cavaliers and scoring 30+ points six times.
Cleveland has allowed the 12th-most points in the paint across its last 10 games, and 67.7% of Giannis’ points come from that range.
With no Jarrett Allen tonight, that will allow for the Greek Freak to attack Evan Mobley more and cause havoc in the paint.
Cavaliers vs Bucks same-game parlay
The Cavs have struggled to cover the spread with consistency this season. Cleveland is 7-15 against the spread as the road favorite and 4-14 when favored by 10 points.
The Milwaukee Bucks are 2-1 ATS vs. Cleveland, and I’ll take them to cover as big home underdogs, thanks to the play of Giannis.
The Cavs are 20-13 to the Over on the road and 15-7 as the road favorite. The Bucks have hit the Over in 19 of 34 home games and 12 of 20 games as the home underdog. The teams also hit the Over when they last met on February 25.
Cavaliers vs Bucks SGP
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 28.5 points
Bucks +10.5
Over 229
Our "from downtown" SGP: Superstar saga
Giannis has pulled down 10+ boards in six of his last seven matchups against Cleveland, and with no Allen for the visitor tonight, the Greek Freak can crash the boards with ease.
Milwaukee’s defense has allowed the fourth-most points (120.1) and most 3-pointers per game across its last 10 games. In that span, the Bucks have surrendered the third-most rebounds (46.9) and most assists (30.7).
That's music to the ears of Donovan Mitchell, who has nailed at least four threes in two of three. He's also eclipsed this R+A line in three straight.
Cavaliers vs Bucks SGP
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 28.5 points
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 9.5 rebounds
Donovan Mitchell Over 25.5 points
Donovan Mitchell Over 9.5 rebounds+assists
Cavaliers vs Bucks odds
Spread: Cavaliers -10.5 | Bucks +10.5
Moneyline: Cavaliers -500 | Bucks +375
Over/Under: Over 229 | Under 229
Cavaliers vs Bucks betting trend to know
The Cavaliers have hit the team total Over in 13 of their last 17 away games (+8.35 Units / 42% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Bucks.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Bucks
Location
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC/Peacock
Cavaliers vs Bucks latest injuries
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TORONTO -- A pair of New York Islanders rookies are back where it all began. No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer and 2025 Trade Deadline acquisition Calum Ritchie will face off against their hometown Toronto Maple Leafs in front of family and friends for the first time in their NHL careers.
Schaefer is from Hamilton, Ontario, while Ritchie hails from Oakville, Ontario.
"It's awesome," Schaefer told local reporters following Tuesday's morning skate. "You are coming back to the roots a little bit. I came to games growing up with my dad and friends and things like that. So just be good to be here, have family be in the building, and things like that."
Schaefer said following Monday's practice that there would be close to 1,000 people in attendance.
One of those guests is his grandmother, Marianne, who is currently in a wheelchair.
"In Ottawa, my grandparents on my mom's side got to come watch me play. And then now my nana on my dad's side will be able to come watch me play," Schaefer said. "I think this actually could be her first NHL game ever. I think it is, and it'll be her first time watching me in the NHL. So I mean, she's come to a couple of minor hockey games going up and things like that, but that'll be pretty, pretty special for me and her for tonight."
While it will be an exciting night for Schaefer, the result matters immensely for the Islanders' playoff race. They begin the night holding down the third seed in the Metropolitan Division, two points back of the second-place Pittsburgh Penguins and one point up on the Columbus Blue Jackets.
"Any game from here on out is just a battle, because everyone's in the race for playoffs and things like that," Schaefer said. "So it just makes it that much more fun when it's close to your hometown, with lots of family in the building. But it's just like every other game. We want to get to two points. I mean, we believe in what we've got going on in this room, and we've got something really good. So we're going to keep focusing on what we've got going on and keep trying to get as many wins as we can."
While Ritchie isn't expecting close to 1,000 people, he's amped up to have his people in the stands.
"I'm just glad to have all my family here, my friends," Ritchie said. "It's gonna be a blast. Growing up here, I came to a lot of games growing up, so it's going to be a special night."
How special will it be for Ritchie to skate on Scotiabank ice?
"Yeah, it's crazy. I was at dinner with my parents yesterday. My sister was talking about how crazy it is that I'm playing in this building and in the NHL," Ritchie said. "Growing up as a kid, you come to so many games. It'll be pretty cool to play on the ice tonight."
Tonight's Coast 2 Coast Tuesday features another thrilling lineup of NBA excitement. The action starts at 8:00 PM ET when the Cleveland Cavaliers face the Milwaukee Bucks. Then, at 10:00 PM ET, it's the Philadelphia 76ers vs Denver Nuggets. Live coverage tonight begins at 7:00 PM with NBA Showtime on NBC and Peacock. See below for additional information on how to watch tonight's games. Follow all of the NBA action on NBCSN and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview:
Entering tonight's matchup, the Cavaliers currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference. Although they've lost three of their last five games, including a 130-120 loss to the Mavericks on Sunday, Cleveland boasts a 70.8 % win percentage since January 21.
Donovan Mitchell leads the team in scoring (28.2 ppg), assists (5.9 apg), and steals (1.6 spg) this season. The seven-time All-Star is currently fifth in the league in scoring offense (118.1 ppg).
The Bucks are currently 11th in the East and in jeopardy of missing the postseason for the first time since the 2015-2016 season. The health of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo will be a key factor in how the Bucks close out the season. Antetokounmpo, who leads Milwaukee in scoring (27.6 ppg) and rebounding (9.8 rpg), is listed as a game-time decision tonight with an ankle injury, following an early exit after an awkward landing in Sunday’s win against Indiana.
Tonight's contest is the fourth and final meeting between the Cavaliers and Bucks this season. Cleveland won two of the first three games.
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. Sunday Night Basketball coverage will also be available on NBC and Peacock. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
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This rollercoaster Minnesota Timberwolves season has hit another dip, and they’ll be without Anthony Edwards for tonight’s bounceback mission against the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix continues to apply pressure in the race for the Top 6 in the West, but my Suns vs. Timberwolves predictions and college basketball picks signal a strong outing for Minnesota, with Julius Randle embracing a bigger offensive role.
Suns vs Timberwolves prediction
Suns vs Timberwolves best bet: Timberwolves -3.5 (-110)
If ever there was a night for the Minnesota Timberwolves' depth to shine through, this is it. They'll have to do it without Edwards, but there’s a lot to like about their 22-12 record at Target Center this season.
The hosts are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings between these teams, and a defense anchored by Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels should make life tough for Devin Booker.
This is a tricky spot for the Phoenix Suns, who lost in Boston last night, and the visitors are 4-10 SU this year when they have a rest disadvantage.
Suns vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
Julius Randle gets the keys to the Minnesota offense tonight, and he’s still capable of game-winning outings as a No. 1 option. I view his 32-7-6 stat line in Monday’s loss in OKC as a preview of what to expect tonight, and his playmaking will be critical for a Timberwolves squad that’s relied heavily on Ant to create open looks.
Suns vs Timberwolves SGP
Timberwolves -3.5
Julius Randle Over 22.5 points
Julius Randle Over 4.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Paint patrol
Both teams have peppered the Under this season, so this SGP leans into a defensive battle. Gobert is the headliner, ranking fourth in the NBA in rebounds per game, but don’t sleep on Ighodaro, who grabbed eight boards against the Celtics last night.
Suns vs Timberwolves SGP
Rudy Gobert Over 11.5 rebounds
Rudy Gobert Over 1.5 blocks
Oso Ighodaro Over 5.5 rebounds
Under 222
Suns vs Timberwolves odds
Spread: Suns +3.5 | Timberwolves -3.5
Moneyline: Suns +135 | Timberwolves -160
Over/Under: Over 222 | Under 222
Suns vs Timberwolves betting trend to know
The Under is 7-2 in Minnesota's last nine games. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Suns vs Timberwolves
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-North, KTVK
Suns vs Timberwolves latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Vanderbilt baseball players celebrate a home run by Vanderbilt's Korbin Reynolds (18) during their game against Marist at Vanderbilt’s Hawkins Field Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. | Alan Poizner/For The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
2pm CT on SECN+.
On the Mound
Tuesday @ 2:00pm SECN+
Vanderbilt #77 Jr. RHP Alex “The Kranz” Kranzler (1-2; 9.49 ERA)
vs. Indiana #28 Grad LHP Conner “Linnsanity” Linn (0-0; 9.28 ERA)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 16: Jalen Johnson #1 reacts with Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at State Farm Arena on March 16, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In case you have been stuck under a rock for the better part of three weeks, the Atlanta Hawks have rattled off a recent streak of winning not seen since the days of Paul Millsap and Al Horford.
With their 10th straight win over the Orlando Magic on Magic City Night Monday night, Atlanta has laid claim to the longest win streak since the end of January 2015 — 4,065 days ago from today as I write this on Tuesday.
Clearly, many things are now working for this team that just a few weeks ago sat at 27-31.
Here are my top 10 reasons why the Hawks are streaking.
Jalen Johnson, closer
Jalen Johnson made his first All-Star Game this season, and deservedly so for his absolutely bonkers numbers so far.
Those numbers bear revisiting: per-game averages of 23.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 8.1 assists on 59% true shooting. Only four players in NBA history have ever hit those points, rebounds, and assists per game benchmarks in a season: Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Russell Westbrook, and Nikola Jokic.
But his biggest contribution of late has been in finishing off opponents within sniffing distance in fourth quarters. Johnson is sixth in the league in points in the fourth quarter on 60.3% true shooting. His real superstar turn may be in taking over when the brightest lights are on him.
Dyson Daniels’ hustle and grit
Dyson Daniels doesn’t need a three-point shot to absolutely wreck opposing teams’ gameplans. So far this season, he’s fourth in deflections per game with 4.2, third in total deflections with 269, and second in loose balls recovered with 62 (all stats per the NBA’s tracking numbers).
Plays like this one last night where he goes all out for the ball are almost a nightly basis:
But these haven’t been the product of simply standing in the corner. Rather, he works hard for these looks by moving off the ball to find openings. Watch him sprint from the strong side corner for this look — an effort level that Desmond Bane simply doesn’t match:
How he does this for 33 minutes a game in 65 games to this point while handling the ball more than ever, giving tons of effort on the defensive end, and generally excelling in a much larger role than he’s ever had, I’ll never know.
The new starting unit gelled immediately
Inserting CJ McCollum into the starting lineup for Zaccharie Risacher raised some eyebrows initially, but the Hawks immediately rattled off on their winning streak ever since. It’s beyond fair to say that move has worked.
With the talk about Charlotte's starters, I haven't seen as much on Atlanta's starters. They are currently the best lineup in the league, outscoring opponents by ~30 pts/100 poss. Last night, it was +22 on 43 poss. – Every starter is better on both sides when with the starters. pic.twitter.com/rEGBCpWfS7
The Hawks are in the middle of a historical season in terms of sharing the ball. Currently, they are second in assist percentage (the percentage of made field goals that are assisted) with 70.2%, second in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.13), and tops in assist ratio (the percentage of possessions that ended with an assist) at 20.5%.
The teams’ offensive ethos has been ‘random basketball’ where dribble-handoffs and off-ball screens create tons of confusion for defenses, and the many willing passers on this team have cashed in tons opportunities to create easy looks for each other.
Bench depth
The in-season additions of Gabe Vincent, Corey Kispert, Jonathan Kuminga, and Jock Landale have given the bench many options to mix and match as needed. Gone are the days of the dreaded Keaton Wallace-Luke Kennard-Vit Krejci lineups. Now the Hawks can stagger one of the starting guards with bigger and more physical presences at hand.
Offensive rebounding
The Hawks had difficulties extending possessions early in the season, and it was clear the tradeoff of bodies back in transition defense wasn’t quite worth it. Prior to the All-Star break, the Hawks were 27th in the NBA in offensive rebound rate (the percent of available offensive rebounds secured) at 27.3%
Now, with the likes of Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher crashing the glass relentlessly, post-All-Star break the team has been fourth in the entire league over that stretch with an offensive rebounding rate of 34.4%.
Defensive rebounding
The story is similar on the defensive side of the ball. The week layoff and homestand has helped the Hawks put up more of a physical fight for box outs and positioning on the glass as of late.
The team went from 21st in defensive rebounding rate (68.9%) prior to the break all the way to first in the NBA (76.4%) since. Now that’s what I call a turnaround.
Coaching adjustments
I wrote about Quin Snyder putting Dyson Daniels on Giannis Antetokounmpo when it was clear the matchup was problematic. Two games ago, Snyder inserted Mouhamed Gueye in Jock Landale’s place in the second half bench unit against the Brooklyn Nets.
And last game, he used double big lineups with Jalen Johnson at the 3 (although to not a great effect).
The coaching staff has had to constantly tinker during a season of wild roster turnover, and they’ve now found solution after solution during this latest stretch.
The vibes are immaculate
After every big play, you see locker room vet Buddy Hield and others engaged and cheering. The home crowds in State Farm Arena are providing ample energy.
After the game yesterday, Jalen Johnson said it himself, “I think the best way to describe it is we’re resilient. We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs. Team has looked different at times. But at the end of the day, we remain together. With us remaining together, that allows us to stack these types of wins, go on a winning streak like this, get a big win like tonight against Orlando. Just the little things that’s we’ve been doing off the court, in practice, have a created a sum. This is the result.”
Jonathan Loaisiga poses for a photo for MLB media day. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images | Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Inspiration.
“We’ve got to start honing in on the pitching side of things, and we’re wanting to see guys commanding the baseball, commanding their secondary stuff, attacking the zone, filling up the zone.” — Torey Lovullo, 7 March
To the extent that Torey Lovullo’s comment reflects Diamondbacks’ pitching that is less than what it’s got to be, (and he is a straight-shooter), bullpen battles are incendiary. Spring training may add fuel to the fires. Let’s look at spring training data through 10 March.
Approach.
To increase comparability between pitchers, pitches are segregated into fastballs, breaking balls, and off-speed pitches.
To shed light on “filling the zone’ and ‘commanding the baseball’, let’s look at two things. First, what percentage of pitches are in the attack zone, and what percentage of pitches are in the combined attack zone / shadow zone per Baseball Savant? Second, what percentage of those pitches do not become balls in play? Instead, they are called strikes, whiffs, foul balls, and sometimes called balls (based on umpire judgement).
After this comparison, to add insights the pitchers will be also compared on more common (and all-inclusive for all pitch types) measures such as on-base percentage (OBP), slugging (SLG), wOBA, and hard hit percentage (HH%).
Compared two bullpen pitchers, who were acquired in the off-season.
The two pitchers were Jonathan Loaisiga and Kade Strowd. There are good reasons to be confident that Loaisiga will be on the opening day roster per this AZ Snake Pit article.
5 Bullpen Metrics. Kade Strowd’s hard hit percentage is one of the best in the Majors. In 2025 Strowd was better than Loaisiga in 4 of 5 metrics, per this AZ Snake Pit article.
For a second time, comparing those 5 metrics (in spring training through 10 March instead of last season), the picture is very different. The two pitchers were close to equal, with possibly Loaisiga having a slight edge. The following table shows the five metrics:
Filling the Zone. In spring training through 10 March, Loaisiga had higher percentages of fastballs and breaking balls that filled the zone. Also, Loaisiga when fastballs and breaking balls filled the zone, Loaisiga had less of those become balls in play. Details are in the following table.
4 Pitching Metrics. In addition, in spring training Loaisiga was better than Strowd in four more common metrics. For details see the following table.
Based on the comparisons, both pitchers are great with Loaisiga showing best in spring training.
Compared three left-handed bullpen pitchers.
Let’s look at Brandyn Garcia, Mitch Bratt, and Kohl Drake. Although the last two players were optioned to the minors on 8 March, the comparison may shed light on which pitcher is more likely to be called up if Garcia is injured or traded. Although Bratt and Drake might eventually be rotation pitchers, that doesn’t preclude them being called up to pitch in the bullpen.
Filling the Zone. Perhaps surprisingly, in spring training the three pitchers filled the zone close to the same percentages for both fastballs and breaking balls. Looking at whether those pitches became balls in play, there were differences. For fastballs, they were all great, but for in the attack zone they ranked Garcia (best), Drake, and Bratt. For in the combined attack zone and shadow zone, the rankings of Drake and Bratt switched. For breaking balls, Garcia and Bratt were great, with Drake at the bottom. Details are in the following table. It includes data from spring training through 10 March.
4 Pitching Metrics.
In spring training, Garcia had by far the best OBP, SLG, and wOBA. Bratt had the best HH%. So that may be a factor in why Garcia looks like he will be on the opening day roster.
Comparing Bratt and Drake, Bratt had the better SLG and HH%, while Drake had the better OBP. About equal was wOBA.
Details are in the following table. It includes data from spring training through 10 March.
Based on the comparisons, during the season it’s not clear to me whether I would call up Bratt or Drake. Maybe it would depend on which team the Diamondbacks were playing against, with one having the better matchups against opposing batters.
Looked at Philip Abner.
Despite being a left-handed He was not included in the 3-pitcher comparison. Last season, after an incredible rise from a+ to AA to AAA to MLB, he pitched 3.2 innings in the Majors with a 4.91 ERA.
Details are in the following tables. They include data from spring training through 10 March.
Summary.
Bullpen battles are incendiary, with filling the zone a factor.
Arguably, Jonathan Loaisiga and Kade Strowd will be in the opening day bullpen. Based on several comparisons, both pitchers are great with Loaisiga showing best in spring training.
Brandyn Garcia will likely be the left-handed pitcher in the bullpen on opening day.
If the team goes with two left-handed pitchers in the bullpen, Philip Abner could be in the bullpen on opening day.
Based on the comparisons, during the season it’s not clear which left-handed pitcher (Bratt or Drake) will be called up if needed.
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 16: Kevin Durant #7, Reed Sheppard #15, Jabari Smith Jr. #10, Dorian Finney-Smith #2, and Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets celebrate during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 16, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The fact that the Sixers trying to keep their own pick this year has become a real conversation is astounding.
To say it’s been a rough couple of weeks for Philadelphia is an understatement. Thanks in large part to having four different starters go down for an extended period of time with injury, they’ve plummeted down the Eastern Conference standings into the Play-In tournament.
The skid, combined with the uncertainty of when those guys may be back, has made the topic of the Sixers trying to retain their top-4 protected first round something seriously considered.
The good news is unlike last season, the Sixers won’t be completely screwed if they happen to fall into the lottery and the slim odds don’t break their way. They of course own the Houston Rockets’ first-round pick from a trade you might have heard about.
Build Your Winning Bracket!
SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory!
Thursday 9am-12pm: Chris Dobbertean and Mike Rutherford
Houston had another tough week in which they posted another 1-2 record. They squeaked out a win over the New Orleans Pelicans but dropped their games against the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers.
Unfortunately for the Sixers, that hasn’t resulted in any movement for the pick — it’s still 24th overall, where it was a week ago. The early 20s remains a very tight bunch though. The Rockets are just a half game behind three teams that are tied for the 21st spot.
Another reason to think about the draft is March Madness is about to start. This very blog may have something in the works about prospects to keep an eye on in the tournament. For now, Iowa State, Alabama, Arizona and Michigan may all be teams worth keeping an eye on from a Sixers perspective. All four of those teams are high seeds as well, with the potential to make a deep tournament run.
The Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild are set to square off for the third time this season. Each of the first two went beyond regulation, but the Wild won both 4-3.
The Blackhawks were beaten soundly by the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night, and this is their opportunity to bounce back against another good team. Although the Wild have had a magical season so far, they are currently in a slump, going just 4-4-2 in their last 10.
As an angry team also looking to get back on track, the Wild presents a great challenge to a young Blackhawks team trying to have a strong finish to another developmental year.
Scouting Minnesota
The Minnesota Wild are making their first visit to the United Center with Quinn Hughes. Hughes was on the team when the two met up in St. Paul in January, but this will be his first trip to Chicago since the trade.
Kaprizov - Yurov - Boldy
Zuccarello - Hartman - Tarasenko
Johansson - McCarron - N Foligno
Trenin - Sturm - Fabbri
Hughes-Faber
Brodin-Spurgeon
Middleton-Petry
Gustavsson
The Minnesota Wild are going to start Filip Gustavsson in net against the Blackhawks. They run an elite duo in goal, and Gustavsson will get the nod in this one.
Their top center, Joel Eriksson Ek, is out with a lower-body injury. This gives the Blackhawks an edge down the middle of the ice.
The problem for the Blackhawks will be the stars, including Hughes, that the Wild have elsewhere. Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy drive the bus offensively, and Vladimir Tarasenko, Mats Zuccarello, Ryan Hartman, and Marcus Johansson provide depth.
Nick Foligno, projected to play on the fourth line, will make his first return to Chicago since being traded to Minnesota. As a guy who played with the Hawks for just a few years, he will get a warm welcome for the impact he had.
Paired with Hughes will be Brock Faber, also a US Olympian who won gold in Milan. He can shut people down, create offense, and impact the game up and down the ice. Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin are the veterans on the blue line to support them, so creating a strong forecheck will be a key to victory.
Projected Lines, Defense Pairs, & Goalie For Chicago
The Blackhawks had an optional morning skate on Tuesday, so we will see if they go with 11/7 or a traditional lineup during warmups.
Greene-Bedard-Burakovsky
Bertuzzi-Nazar-Teravainen
Mangiapane-Donato-Mikheyev
Lardis-Lafferty-Slaggert
Vlasic-Levshunov
Kaiser-Rinzel
Del Mastro-Crevier
Grzelcyk
Knight
Soderblom
Based on the way practice was conducted, Matt Grzelcyk may be the healthy scratch if they dress 12 forwards. If they go with 11 forwards, Sam Lafferty is the best bet for the scratch.
Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom are each rested enough to start, so we will also see what they decide there during warmups.
Sacha Boisvert is not ready to make his NHL debut yet due to visa issues. If he is able to clear that before their next game, also against the Wild, he should be ready to play if he gets a practice in.
How To Watch
The game can be heard locally on AM 720 WGN in the Chicagoland area. To view this game, it can be found on TNT and HBO MAX. The puck will drop shortly after 6:30 PM CT.
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The Charlotte Hornets have clearly turned the corner from also-ran to up and comer. Getting past the Miami Heat might be another step in that development.
The Heat visit Charlotte Tuesday night, looking for their fifth straight win over the Hornets, and their eighth win in nine games overall.
Despite that dominance, injuries to the visitors have my Heat vs. Hornets predictions and free NBA picks backing the home team on March 17.
Heat vs Hornets prediction
Heat vs Hornets best bet: Hornets -3.5 (-110)
Miami is punching at the door of the East’s top six, starting the day just a half game back of both the Raptors and Magic.
The Miami Heat are scoring 124.1 points per game on their current 7-1 streak, which ranks second in the NBA.
But Bam Adebayo (calf) is questionable Tuesday, while Andrew Wiggins (toe) has already been ruled out.
That might be enough for the Charlotte Hornets to end their skid vs. Miami. They have just three losses in their last 11, and are holding teams to 105.1 points per game, which is third in the NBA over that time.
Heat vs Hornets same-game parlay
Kon Knueppel has topped his 18.5 scoring line in four of his last six starts, and he’s gone for at least 27 in each of his last two starts against the Heat.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has led the team in assists in four straight games, and he’s had five or more assists in four straight, and in two of his last three against Charlotte.
Heat vs Hornets SGP
Hornets -3.5
Kon Knueppel Over 18.5 points
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Over 4.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Ride with Knueppel until the wheels fall off
Let’s ride the rookie to fill out this SGP.
Knueppel has grabbed six boards in back-to-back games, and had an 8-rebound game against the Heat earlier this season.
His 2.5 assist line is gettable: Knueppel has hit the Over in all three games vs the Heat, and has had at least three dimes in five of his last seven games.
Heat vs Hornets SGP
Hornets -3.5
Kon Knueppel Over 18.5 points
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Over 4.5 assists
Kon Knueppel Over 5.5 rebounds
Kon Knueppel Over 2.5 assists
Heat vs Hornets odds
Spread: Miami +5.5 (-110) | Charlotte -5.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Miami +180 | Charlotte -220
Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)
Heat vs Hornets betting trend to know
Charlotte is 18-13-0 ATS at home this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Heat vs. Hornets.
How to watch Heat vs Hornets
Location
Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Date
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-Sun, FDSN-Charlotte
Heat vs Hornets latest injuries
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It didn't take long for Aaron Judge's WBC comments to reverberate through the Bronx.
It didn’t take long for Aaron Judge’s WBC comments to reverberate through the Bronx.
Voice of the Yankees Michael Kay was admittedly surprised to learn that New York’s captain said the World Baseball Classic was “bigger and better than the World Series,” following Team USA’s 2–1 semifinal victory over the Dominican Republic in Miami.
Yankees and Team USA captain Aaron Judge Getty Images
“I am somewhat taken aback when they go that ‘this is bigger than winning a World Series,’” the longtime play-by-play voice said during Monday’s episode of “The Michael Kay Show.”
“I’m just saying that I’m not advanced enough or evolved enough to wrap my mind around it,” he added.
Judge, 33, swapped out the Pinstripes for the Stars and Stripes this spring, captaining the U.S. juggernaut in his first ever run with the national team.
The reigning back-to-back American League MVP played a starring role in Sunday’s nail-biting victory between two of the greatest lineups ever assembled, firing a 96-mph rocket from right field that nabbed Fernando Tatis Jr. on his dash to reach third base.
As one Connecticut caller outlined to Kay, what Judge was referring to wasn’t the competition, nor was it the prize at the end of the road.
It was the weight of the WBC — the marriage between baseball and national identity — that surges through a nation like the D.R. but can often be lost on Americans.
Yankees play-by-play voice Michael Kay AP
While hardwired into viewing the World Series as baseball’s apex, Kay appreciated the perspective and repeatedly praised the WBC as a “great, great” tournament that underscores baseball’s persisting global impact.
But he also raised a counterargument in the most literal sense, claiming that the WBC stage can’t be “bigger” than Judge’s Fall Classic experience because loanDepot Park’s capacity of 36,000 pales in comparison to that of Yankee Stadium or Dodger Stadium.
Judge wasn’t talking about paid attendance, but spectacle — the unmatched intensity from a crowd, roaring with the passion of an entire nation.
To No. 99, that’s something that can’t be topped.
Judge and the U.S. will compete for their first WBC title since 2017 in Tuesday’s championship game against Venezuela.
Now, after a season filled with inconsistency, the pressure’s on second-year Kentucky coach Mark Pope to achieve something in March Madness — or, at least last as long as Calipari does.
On this basketball-themed episode of “SEC Football Unfiltered,” a podcast from the USA TODAY Network, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams weigh in on the SEC teams facing the most pressure in this NCAA Tournament, plus teams that were “snubbed.”
Then, they offer first-round upset picks, and they highlight a sleeper team from the SEC that could reach the Elite Eight. Finally, they give their Final Four picks! In a surprise twist, neither host picks an SEC team to reach the Final Four.
Which SEC basketball team faces most March Madness pressure?
Adams: Kentucky. Ask me again next year, and my answer will be the same. Ask me again the year after that, well, you get the idea. It’s always Kentucky. You want to be Kentucky’s coach? You get the reins of a tradition-rich program with an elite fan base and excellent resources. You also get the maximum pressure. Calipari’s success at Arkansas does Pope no favors. This first-round draw does Kentucky little favor, either. No. 10 Santa Clara is good enough to slay a blue blood.
Toppmeyer: Of course it’s Kentucky. Big Blue Nation demands banners, not participation ribbons. Pope will have a new boss soon, with Mitch Barnhart retiring as athletic director and moving into a golden parachute role. Pope is good for now, but an early exit paired with new leadership spells Year 3 heat. Better to win a few games this March and show a hint of momentum.
Beyond the obvious of Kentucky, though, how about Missouri facing some first-round pressure after drawing a de facto home game as a 10-seed in St. Louis, against No. 7 Miami? The last time the Tigers appeared in St. Louis, they got embarrassed by Illinois. Missouri basketball took a bleak turn after joining the SEC. Instead of dominating a bunch of football-crazed Southerners, the Tigers went into a hoops tailspin. They’ve produced just one NCAA Tournament win in 14 years as an SEC member. Now, here’s a golden draw in front of a home crowd.
SEC sleeper team to make the Elite Eight?
Adams: Arkansas. Get hot, stay hot. Darius Acuff is the SEC’s best player. He’s exactly the type of dynamic freshman you’d expect from a Calipari lineup.
Toppmeyer: Vanderbilt. The Commodores beat Florida in the SEC Tournament, a flash of what they can achieve when their shooters are hitting. Vanderbilt is fueled by multiple 3-point marksmen, including star guard Tyler Tanner. If their jumpers are falling, they could go deep.
Kurt Helin
Vaughn Dalzell
