COLUMBUS, GA - SEPTEMBER 04: T.J. Nichols #13 of the Montgomery Biscuits pitches during the game between the Montgomery Biscuits and the Columbus Clingstones at Synovus Park on Thursday, September 4, 2025 in Columbus, Georgia. (Photo by Natalie Buchanan/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
BASEBALL IS BACK…sort of
The Tampa Bay Rays are set to play their first game of the Grapefruit League as they’ll take on the Atlanta Braves at Charlotte Sports Park.
Taking the mound for Tampa Bay is T.J. Nichols, who had a breakout season in 2026 and emerged as one of the Rays top pitching prospects. The 23-year old has been ranked as the Rays 5th best prospect entering the season by Baseball America.
Meanwhile, this how the Rays will lineup: 1. Jacob Melton, LF 2. Junior Caminero, 3B 3. Carson Williams, SS 4. Jonathan Aranda, 1B 5. Richie Palacios, 2B 6. Nick Fortes, C 7. Jonny DeLuca, CF 8. Dominic Keegan, DH 9. Ryan Vilade, RF
The lineup features a pair of the Rays All-Stars from 2025, Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda, both of whom will be leaving the Rays shortly to participate in the World Baseball Classic. Also suiting up for the Rays are two of the team’s top prospects as Jacob Melton will lead off and Carson Williams bats third. Dominic Keegan, who was added to the 40-man roster in November and is one of the team’s top catching prospects, also gets a start.
First pitch is slated for 1:05 and can be seen live for free on MLB.tv
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox is tagged out by Devon Travis #29 of the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning of a game on September 12, 2018 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
One of my all-time favourites, Devon Travis, turns 35 today.
Travis joined the Blue Jays in a trade with the Tigers on November 13, 2014, with Anthony Gose heading to Detroit.
Travis ranked #84 on Baseball America’s top 100 prospects list. Gose, though speedy, had been a disappointment for us, hitting .247/.315/.363 with 34 stolen bases over 202 games across three seasons.
In 2015, Travis arrived at spring training as a long shot to make the roster. The team expected he’d need more time in Triple-A. But, true to form, Maicer Izturis got hurt, and Travis became our opening day second baseman.
His season began brilliantly. He hit .325/.393/.624 in April and earned AL Rookie of the Month honors. But in mid-May, a shoulder injury landed him on the DL. He returned in late June, batting .357/.402/.488 before reinjuring the shoulder.
He played just 62 games and hit .304/.361/.498 with 8 home runs, missing out on the Blue Jays’ first playoff appearance in 22 years.
The shoulder trouble followed him into 2016. After a minor league rehab stint in late April, Travis rejoined the Jays in late May and played out the season. In 101 games, he hit .300/.332/.454 with 11 home runs. This time, he made the playoffs—though limited by a bone bruise, he managed just 1 hit in 12 at-bats.
Devon began the 2017 season in the lineup but struggled through April, hitting just .130/.193/.195. May was a resurgence (.364/.373/.646), but another injury struck. What was first called a bone bruise in his knee turned out to be worse, requiring surgery and costing him the remainder of the season.
In 2018, Travis played a career-high 103 games, but posted career lows at the plate: .232/.275/.381. His defense also declined. He finally avoided the DL for a season, but clearly wasn’t fully healthy.
Spring 2019 brought another surgery, this time for a torn meniscus in his knee. Travis missed the season, and after being outrighted off the Jays’ roster, chose free agency.
Devon was always a favourite of mine. I bought his jersey early (sorry, Devon—that’s usually a curse). He had that effortless .300 swing, with a beautiful line-drive approach. His defense was solid, if not spectacular, and he turned a quick double play. Sometimes, I questioned if the Jays rushed his returns; I often felt frustrated with the team’s training staff.
Injuries took their toll on both his bat and glove.
“What could have been” is a line too often written in baseball biographies. Second base is a tough spot for injury-prone players. It’s safer now than it used to be—rule changes have helped—but middle infielders were frequent targets for hard slides. Second basemen, facing away from the runner to receive throws, are especially vulnerable. Shortstops can be hurt too (see Tony Fernandez), but they generally watch the play and can brace or evade. Second basemen are often defenseless.
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 16: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets warms up during spring training workouts at Clover Park on February 16, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mets lineup
Marcus Semien – 2B
Juan Soto – LF
Bo Bichette – 3B
Tyrone Taylor – CF
Ronny Mauricio – SS
MJ Melendez – RF
Austin Barnes – C
Jose Rojas – 1B
Chris Suero – DH
Brandon Waddell – LHP
Marlins lineup
Jakob Marsee – CF
Agustin Ramirez – C
Christopher Morel – 1B
Griffin Conine – RF
Connor Norby – 3B
Heriberto Hernandez – LF
Javier Sanoja – 2B
Maximo Acosta – SS
Ryan Ignoffo – DH
Robby Snelling – LHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 1:10 PM EST TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
James Milner showed he can still contribute during his record-breaking 654th Premier League appearance as Brighton won at Brentford. Milner’s inclusion meant he moved past Gareth Barry’s record tally in the competition and it proved an occasion to remember for the Seagulls after first-half goals by Diego Gómez and Danny Welbeck.
The pressure had mounted on Fabian Hürzeler after one league win in 13 games and he turned to the veteran midfielder in an attempt to arrest a worrying run of results after a recent start at Aston Villa. The 40-year-old produced an accomplished display on a landmark occasion before his 90th-minute substitution was marked with applause from both sets of supporters.
Unknown date and location; USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Bill Mazeroski (9) poses for a portrait on the field. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network.
The Pittsburgh Pirates and Major League Baseball community learned of the passing of second baseman, Bill Mazeroski, on Saturday morning after he passed away on Friday evening. Mazeroski was 89.
Mazeroski leaves behind a legacy as one of the most accomplished defensive second baseman in baseball history, and of course lives on in the minds of fans for having one of the greatest hits of all time. Make no mistake, “Maz” was not known for being a world renowned slugger, but in the biggest moments of the postseason, he always seemed to show up for his Pirates over his 17-year career.
The Wheeling, West Virginia native was the model of consistency at second base for the Pirates where he would play out his entire Hall of Fame Career. As a youth he was a three-sport star, excelling in baseball, football and basketball. Maz showed enough promise in baseball to be drafted by Pittsburgh at age 17 in 1954, originally as a shortstop. He would make the switch to second base after his rookie season, and was then a primary fixture in the Pirates’ lineup from 1956-1972.
It is with a heavy heart that we relay the news of the passing of legendary Pirates and National Baseball Hall of Famer, Bill Mazeroski. Maz was a 7-time All-Star who hit the greatest home run in baseball history. He was a beloved member of the Pirates family and he will be… pic.twitter.com/515ZhPgqxe
Mazeroski was voted into Cooperstown in 2001 as a member of the Veterans Committee. His lack of offensive accolades kept him out of the Hall of Fame for years, as he never quite had the numbers that most others at his position had to be considered worthy of induction. Mazeroski had the lowest on-base percentage and batting average of any second baseman inducted into Cooperstown while also having the lowest amount of stolen bases. Maz finished his playing career with a slash line of .260/.299/.367 along with 2016 hits and 138 home runs.
“Defensive wizard” and “hard nosed hustle” is instead was Maz was known for, and made it a point to show that those qualities proved he belonged in the Hall of Fame during his induction speech.
“I think defense belongs in the Hall of Fame,” Mazeroski said. “Defense deserves as much credit as pitching, and I’m proud to be going in as a defensive player.”
Despite the knocks against his offense, Mazeroski is widely considered one of the greatest defenders in the history of the game. He holds the major league record for most double plays turned as a position player, led the National League nine times in assists as a second baseman and was an eight-time Gold Glove defender. When he retired in 1972 he had an all time fielding percentage of .983, was a ten time All-Star and two time World Series champion.
Mazeroski’s career for most is highlighted by one play that made him a baseball legend. The 1960 World-Series between the Pirates and New York Yankees went all the way to a Game Seven, hosted at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. The Pirates had their share of high caliber players, but this truly was a lopsided matchup on paper. Roberto Clemente was just beginning to come into his prime and Dick Groat was the NL MVP that season. However, the Yankees had an all-time great roster that included the likes of Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Bobby Shantz and Elston Howard; all of these players were former or future MVPs with Maris being the MVP of the American League in 1960.
Sad to hear about the passing of Bill Mazeroski. The man responsible for the biggest home run in baseball history.
10 Gold Gloves 8 All-Star Game appearances 2x World Series Champion Hall of Fame
The Yankees would go on to score 55 runs in the series, the most by any one team in World Series history. Meanwhile Pittsburgh scored a lowly 27 runs and were on the losing end of three blowouts in the series, but would come out victorious in the close games and of course in game seven.
The Pirates don’t go on to win the World Series without their defensive leader, Mazeroski. In the bottom of the ninth inning, pitcher Ralph Terry took the mound and up came Maz, the score was 9-9. With a 1-0 count, Mazeroski turned on a pitch and smashed the historic long drive over the left field wall of Forbes Field and raced around the bases as the Pittsburgh Pirates were World Series Champions. The historic home run is still the only walk off home run to decide a Game Seven in World Series history. It is widely considered one of the greatest hits of all time and turned in to the perfect dinner party story for Mazeroski, one that he said he never got tired of telling.
“I don’t know it’s out. I don’t know it’s a home run. But I know I’m going to end up on third if he misplays that ball off the wall,” Mazeroski recalled in 2015. “So I’m busting my tail getting around there, and by the time I hit second base, I looked down the line and the fans went crazy. From second base, I didn’t touch the ground all the way in.”
“Because it’s a fun thing. I could’ve been on the other end of it and struck out or something, Mazeroski said in 2015. “I’m glad I wasn’t on that end of it. I was on the good end of it.”
University of Pittsburgh students overlooking Forbes Field celebrating Bill Mazeroski’s Game 7 walk-off home run from atop the Cathedral of Learning. pic.twitter.com/dMHYD54xDv
— Baseball’s Greatest Moments (@BBGreatMoments) January 31, 2026
Following Mazeroski’s retirement in 1972, he spent a brief time coaching the Seattle Mariners and as an infield instructor at Pirates’ Spring Training in Bradenton, somewhere that he would make annual visits to following his playing career. In 1987 the Pirates retired Mazeroski’s number nine and in 2010 on the 50th anniversary of his historic home run, Maz was immortalized in bronze as Pittsburgh unveiled a statue in his honor depicting his race around the bases following his iconic walk off.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred released a statement upon learning of the news that Maz had passed.
“Bill Mazeroski was synonymous with one of the greatest home runs in baseball history for more than 65 years,” Manfred said. “While his bat delivered the first walk-off, series-ending home run in the history of our Fall Classic in 1960, it was Bill’s glove that earned him recognition from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001. The career Pirate was an eight-time Gold Glove second baseman, a position he played upon the guidance of Hall of Fame executive Branch Rickey. Bill understood that a run saved in the field was as important as a run driven in. Bill’s lifetime of hard work and humility was a perfect illustration of the city he represented on the diamond. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Bill’s family, his friends across our game, and all the loyal fans of Pittsburgh.”
Mazeroski will forever be a prominent figure on the game of baseball and certainly in the city of Pittsburgh as one of the greatest Pirates of all time. His career accolades speak for themselves, and the heroics of the World Series are forever sealed in the memories of those who were there and the stories they tell their descendants about the day they saw or listened to Mazeroski go deep in Forbes Field to win the World Series.
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 8: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic on December 8, 2024 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Who: Orlando Magic (29-25) vs. Phoenix Suns (32-24)
When: 3:00pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center— Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports
Listen: KMVP 98.7
The Phoenix Suns look to dust the rust off heading back home after a disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs the other day. Both teams coming into this contest have injuries to consider: in the previous contest, Devin Booker exited the game and did not return due to hip soreness.
Devin Booker is out due to right hip soreness, per Suns
For the Magic, they have seen an abundance of injuries this year, similarly to Phoenix, and this time, Franz Wagner is out.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner will be sidelined indefinitely after recent tests showed that he requires additional time and rehabilitation for soreness in his left high ankle sprain, sources tell ESPN. The Magic will evaluate Wagner's progress in three weeks. pic.twitter.com/ATPfPQQm1O
This leaves both teams fighting for a must-win, one for the Suns to start this nice home stretch, and for the Magic, a win would aid their efforts to climb out of the play-in race out east. With them both meeting for the first time and being physical defensive teams, expect a fun afternoon game that you certainly do not want to miss. Dillon Brooks is also back from serving his one-game suspension, benefiting this team on the defensive end.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
Grayson Allen — QUESTIONABLE (Right Ankle Sprain)
Devin Booker — OUT (Right Hip Strain)
Haywood Highsmith — OUT ( Right Knee Injury)
Cole Anthony — OUT (Not With Team)
Magic
Jalen Suggs — QUESTIONABLE (Back Spasms)
Franz Wagner — OUT (Left High Ankle Sprain)
Alex Morales — OUT (G-League Assignment)
Colin Castleton — OUT (G-League Assignment)
What to Watch For
I mentioned this earlier, but the physicality and defense will be worth keeping an eye on. Both teams are very physical on that end and love to get under their opponents’ skin, playing with toughness and aggression on every play. With recent games in Phoenix leading to lengthy reviews of physical play, altercations, and ridiculous foul calls, I expect this to happen again this afternoon.
If the Suns get blessed with a subpar officiating crew (a hard ask in Adam Silver’s NBA), then we could see a classic. With Brooks also coming back, he will have some juice he wants to expend early on both ends. Therefore, I do expect him to be that relentless pest on defense and to take a big load offensively with no Booker.
Oh, I also cannot forget that the Magic just signed former Phoenix Sun Jevon Carter after the Bulls bought him out. This will be cool for him to return to the Valley (in an actual role) and for all his old fans to show out for him too!
Key to a Suns Win
The Suns are making their threes and taking command in that regard. The Magic are in the bottom third of the league for shooting threes as a team. Even with the addition of Desmond Bane, it was not enough to help them completely change their biggest weakness from last year, which still lingers.
Yes, the Suns have struggled from beyond the arc as of late, but I do think that the shooting will eventually even out, hopefully, with a necessary avalanche of threes in this game. With some three-point scorers out, big games from Gillespie and Brooks will be needed, but also Jalen Green, who looked comfortable in his latest contest.
Prediction Time
The Suns shake off the rust from Texas and come home to represent the home crowd the right way, with a hard-fought win.
Yup, this one’s on NESN again. First pitch at 1:05 PM.
What’s the lineup?
What should we watch out for?
There’s a lot to pick from in this one. Payton Tolle will be must-watch all spring, though no one should read too much into his performance this early on. With the WBC kicking off soon, we won’t have a lot of chances to see Roman Anthony, Willson Contreras, and Wilyer Abreu playing for the Sox, so I’ll probably be focused on them.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 28: Chase Burns #26 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park on July 28, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cincinnati Reds return to baseball action today at 3:05 PM ET, kicking off their 2026 Cactus League campaign in the cozy home confines of Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Arizona. They’ll do so as the away team, however, as it will be the Cleveland Guardians claiming the home game from the dugout on the other side of their own home complex, too.
Chase Burns will get the start for the Reds in his first in-game quest to earn the fifth and final spot in Cincinnati’s starting rotation come Opening Day, though I’d be shocked if he pitched more than two innings – if that.
The game will be carried by Reds.tv in market, or you can watch it out of market per usual via MLB.tv. Or, if you prefer, the Cleveland broadcast will be carried on Guardians.tv if you reside in the Cleveland media market.
Feb 11, 2026; Clearwater, FL, USA; Members of the Philadelphia Phillies warm up before the start of the workout during spring training at BareCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
What a glorious day for baseball! Here are the lineups. For the Phillies:
Phillies lineup vs. Blue Jays in Dunedin. 1:07 p.m. on NBCSP/94WIP.
Crawford 8 García 9 Sosa 6 Kemp 7 De La Cruz DH Marchán 2 Moore 4 Cairo 5 Anthony 3
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - FEBRUARY 5: Grant Nelson #22 of the Long Island Nets shoots a free throw during the game against the Windy City Bulls on February 5, 2026 at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. 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 Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It was a mixed day Friday, as it often is, in the development game as the Long Island Nets lost at the buzzer to the Squadron in Birmingham, 104-102. With 0.6 seconds remaining Trey Alexander’s game-winner sent the Nets back to Long Island.
Neither of the two Brooklyn players assigned to the G League affiliate played that much of a role, particularly after they had looked so good Thursday. The three two-ways played solid ball as they often do and Grant Nelson, on a G League contract, registered his first double-double of the season adding to the intrigue around his future.
Beyond his 14 points and 12 rebounds in 25 minutes, there was another milestone. This was also his 14th straight start, matching the number of games he missed to a knee injury since resolved. The 25 minutes was most he’s played on a minutes restriction since his return. In those 14, he’s played 288 minutes or 20.6 per game. On a per-36 basis, he’s averaged 24.2 points and 11.6 rebounds while shooting better than 60% from the floor.
How long will the restrictions last? Nelson said recently that he doesn’t know, but there has been progress from 16 to 18 minutes early on to 22 to 25 now. Also unresolved is who, if anyone, will fill the 15th and final roster spot in Brooklyn. That will likely have after-effects on Long Island.
His 14 points were tied for second on the team. While he only connected on three of his seven shots from the field, he was perfect from the foul stripe, going five-for-five. He missed on his only try from 3-point land. This is something that he’s been trying to integrate more into his game. He’s shot 2-of-13 from three this season.
Perhaps Nelson’s best trait was his ability to rebound the ball. Nelson hauled in 12, which led the team and was tied for the game-best. It also marked a career-high. Nelson brought in seven boards offensively. On top of his rebounds, Nelson also had three assists and one block. Nelson’s one Achilles heel in this one was his turnovers, in which he had four.
As for the Brooklyn rookie, Ben Saraf, he was one of the stars in Thursday’s Long Island win. His performance looked to be one he could build on and get back on the right path. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Saraf finished the game with just seven points. To make matters worse, he shot an abysmal 25%, connecting on just three of his 12 tries, only making one of his five tries from deep.
As for Josh Minott, he too shone Thursday in Long Island’s win, making a statement debut with Long Island. Sadly, in this one, Minott also proved to be a non-factor. Minott also connected on just three of his 12 shot attempts, including going two-for-seven from deep. He finished this one with nine points.
Minott also had four rebounds and two assists. One aspect of the game where Minott continued to do very well is shot blocking. The 6’8” finished Friday’s game with three blocks. His three blocks not only led the team, but were the most in the game.
EJ Liddell flirted with a double-double, connecting on five of his 12 tries, for 14 points, and brought in eight rebounds. Liddell also had one assist, one steal, and two blocks.
As for Tyson Etienne,he tallied 10 points in this one, connecting on just three of his seven tries. He went two-for-four from deep and also went two-for-three from the foul stripe. From the onset of this game, Etienne’s shots just weren’t looking as sharp as normal, which caused him to take substantially less than normal. Etienne also had four rebounds and three assists.
The Long Island bench looked better than the starters for almost the whole game. The third and final two-way player on hand for Long Island in this one, Chaney Johnson, scored 10 points off the bench. Johnson also hauled in 10 rebounds, giving him him a double-double. Malachi Smith led the team in scoring, tallying 17 points in his 30 minutes, as Hunter Cattoor came alive in the fourth quarter, finishing with 12 points.
Next Up
The Long Island Nets (14-10) return to the court on Monday, February 23rd, for a showdown with their former friend, Kendall Brown, and the Maine Celtics. This marks Long Island’s first of four straight home games as they make their return to the Nassau Coliseum. The game tips off at 7:00 p.m. EST and can be watched on the NBA G League website, as well as on the Gotham Sports app.
Polar opposites take the court Saturday as the 12-win Sacramento Kings travel to Texas to face the No. 2 seed San Antonio Spurs.
The end of the season can’t come fast enough for the visitors, and my Kings vs. Spurs predictions expect a blowout of epic proportions in favor of San Antonio.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this one-sided matchup on Saturday, February 21.
Kings vs Spurs prediction
Kings vs Spurs best bet: Spurs -18.5 (-110)
The 18.5-point spread is one of the highest I’ve seen for any game all season, but the lopsided lean is warranted.
The Sacramento Kings have struggled to play competitively with a healthy roster, but the losses of Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and De’Andre Hunter will make it even tougher for the Kings to compete.
The San Antonio Spurshave won seven straight and covered in six of them, while Sacramento has lost three straight by an average margin of 30.3 points while scoring no more than 94 points. The Spurs are 15-10-1 ATS at home, and the Kings are 9-19 on the road.
Kings vs Spurs same-game parlay
San Antonio’s defense is one of the best in the Association, and Sacramento’s offense is bereft of quality scoring options due to recent trades and season-ending injuries. Sacramento ranks 29th in scoring offense (109.9), while San Antonio ranks fifth in scoring defense (111.8).
Maxime Raynaud can hold his own, but the rookie will have very little support while trying to nab rebounds from Victor Wembanyama. Domantas Sabonis and Dylan Cardwell are out, and Wemby should have his way with the shorthanded Kings’ frontcourt.
Kings vs Spurs SGP
Spurs -18.5
Under 228.5
Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Harper Heats Up
Dylan Harper has scored 12+ in six of his last eight while averaging 14.6 points.
San Antonio should cruise to victory in this one, allowing Harper to see some extra run off the bench and easily clear this scoring line.
Kings vs Spurs SGP
Spurs -18.5
Under 228.5
Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds
Dylan Harper Over 11.5 points
Kings vs Spurs odds
Spread: Kings +18.5 (-110) | Spurs -18.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Kings +1000 | Spurs -2000
Over/Under: Over 228.5 (-115) | Under 228.5 (-105)
Kings vs Spurs betting trend to know
The Sacramento Kings have hit the team total Under in 32 of their last 50 games (+11.50 Units / 20% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Kings vs. Spurs.
How to watch Kings vs Spurs
Location
Moody Center, Austin, TX
Date
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSCA, KENS
Kings vs Spurs latest injuries
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Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers head to The Big Easy tonight to take on the struggling New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center.
My 76ers vs. Pelicans predictions are eyeing Maxey to get hot from deep against a poor NOLA perimeter defense.
Read more in my NBA picks for Saturday, February 21.
76ers vs Pelicans prediction
76ers vs Pelicans best bet: Tyrese Maxey Over 3.5 threes (+110)
Tyrese Maxey is knocking down 3.4 three-pointers per game on 8.9 attempts, and he returned from the All-Star break by hitting 4 of 11 from beyond the arc. Although that marked his first Over in five games, there are signs he’s poised to heat up again.
Maxey has also been far more efficient on the road, shooting 40.2 percent from deep while averaging 3.5 makes per contest, making this matchup a favorable spot for another strong perimeter performance.
76ers vs Pelicans same-game parlay
Quentin Grimes is shooting 34.4% from three-point range this season, averaging 1.8 makes on 5.3 attempts per contest.
He’s cashed the Over in three of his last five games, going 2-for-4 on Thursday against Atlanta. Each of those appearances where he hit the Over was on the road.
While the Sixers lost their first game after the ASG break, they did beat the Pelicans by 10 points on January 31. New Orleans is also a horrendous 6-21 at home this season, while Philly has actually played well on the road, compiling a 15-10 record.
76ers vs Pelicans SGP
Tyrese Maxey Over 3.5 threes
Quentin Grimes Over 1.5 threes
76ers moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Drummond in rhythm
Andre Drummond has cashed the Over in points in three of his last four appearances, finishing in double digits in each game.
76ers vs Pelicans SGP
Tyrese Maxey Over 3.5 threes
Quentin Grimes Over 1.5 threes
76ers moneyline
Andre Drummond Over 8.5 points
76ers vs Pelicans odds
Spread: Philadelphia -3.5 (-115) | New Orleans +3.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Philadelphia -165 | New Orleans +140
Over/Under: Over 232 (-110) | Under 232 (-110)
76ers vs Pelicans betting trend to know
The Philadelphia 76ers have covered the Spread in 17 of their last 25 away games (+9.30 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Pelicans.
How to watch 76ers vs Pelicans
Location
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Date
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSP, GCSEN
76ers vs Pelicans 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.
LONDON (AP) — The rumors of Ireland's demise have been exaggerated.
Ireland revived its Six Nations title hopes and killed off England's after a shocking 42-21 blowout win at Twickenham on Saturday.
The script was expected to go the other way. England had not lost at home since autumn 2024, and a fiery retort after losing to Scotland at Murrayfield last weekend was expected to celebrate captain Maro Itoje's 100th England cap.
But England was flat and sloppy while Ireland looked and played like the No. 1-ranked team from 2023; energetic, efficient and fearless. Having slipped to No. 5, the Irish beat a team ranked higher than themselves for the first time since July 2024.
And it was historic: Ireland's highest score and biggest margin against England at Twickenham with a bonus point from scoring five tries to three.
Ireland shot to 22-0, led 22-7 at halftime, scored straight after the break and piled on. Jack Crowley booted seven from 10 for a personal 17 points in his second Six Nations start in two tournaments.
The clash of British and Irish Lions — 13 on Ireland's side and nine on England's — was a reminder of why Ireland dominated the successful squad in Australia last year.
Two consecutive losses have knocked out England from contending for the title. England finishes at Italy and, on the final weekend, defending champion France. Ireland goes home to welcome Wales and Scotland and hoping unbeaten France has an off-day somewhere.
An opening night hammering from France followed by an unconvincing win over Italy plunged Ireland into despair that a generational team was on the wane. But coach Andy Farrell's decision to give starts to Jamison Gibson-Park, Tadhg Beirne, Tadhg Furlong, Josh van der Flier and Crowley came up trumps.
Ireland was relieved early by England errors, highlighted by George Ford twice missing touch-finders into the left corner.
Injured winger James Lowe was replaced by Tommy O'Brien, whose first touch was to support a long break by fellow wing Robert Baloucoune. Gibson-Park quick-tapped, caught England sleeping and dashed over for the opening try that Crowley converted from the touchline.
England was suddenly full of holes. Ireland center Stuart McCloskey slipped off opposite Ollie Lawrence and Baloucoune was scoring. In a double blow for England, fullback Freddie Steward was yellow-carded for illegally trying to slow Gibson-Park.
Referee Andrea Piardi hurt his left leg and had to be replaced by Pierre Brousset, then Baloucoune was scoring off an O’Brien break for 22-0 after 30 minutes.
England coach Steve Borthwick pulled off Luke Cowan-Dickie and Steward for a spark from Jamie George and Marcus Smith and they finally pierced Ireland's magnificent scrambling defense a minute into injury time through Fraser Dingwall.
But the boost was short-lived.
Ireland used a yellow card to Henry Pollock in his first England start to get hooker Dan Sheehan over and Farrell was all smiles.
Pollock returned from the sin-bin to help Lawrence score a try and Ireland fullback Jamie Osborne was yellow-carded.
Itoje usually goes 80 minutes but in his milestone match he was replaced in the 55th.
Crowley added two penalties and a conversion to a try by Osborne straight out of the sin-bin. Ireland's hunger was relentless: McCloskey chased down Marcus Smith from behind to save a try in the 73rd. That earned a fist-pump by Farrell in the coaches' box.
Sam Underhill claimed England's third converted try but moments later Ireland was doing a lap of honor at Twickenham, celebrating a sixth win at England's home in the Six Nations era. No other Six Nations team since 2000 has more than two wins.
Ruthless Ireland scored a record-breaking 42 points at Twickenham to deepen Steve Borthwick’s woes
2 mins. The clearing kick from Ireland is returned by England with some carries up to the Irish 22. Ford floats a cross-kick to the right touchline where Steward claims it, but he’s quickly wrapped up by Lowe and two phases later a knock-on in midfield hands a scrum to the visitors.
First test for what has been a very creaky Irish scrum in the tournament so far.
TURIN, Italy (AP) — Juventus’ damaging week continued in Serie A on Saturday with a 2-0 loss at home to Como that dents the Italian power’s hopes of Champions League qualification.
The defeat comes days after the Bianconeri’s 5-2 loss at Galatasaray in the first leg of the playoffs in this season’s Champions League. Juventus welcomes the Turkish team for the second leg on Wednesday.
Mërgim Vojvoda scored early for Como with a shot that Michele Di Gregorio should have saved after getting his arm to ball. The chance came about after Juventus’ Weston McKennie lost the ball in midfield.
There were whistles from frustrated Juve fans at the break, and it didn’t get any better for their team after the restart.
Lucas da Cunha broke through to set up Maxence Caqueret for Como’s second in the 61st.
It's Juventus' third straight defeat across all competitions and its fifth game in a row without a win.
Luciano Spalletti's team remained fifth, a point behind Roma before the capital club hosts Cremonese on Sunday. Como stayed sixth, a point behind Juve. Only the top four qualify for Europe’s premier competition.
League leader Inter Milan could open a 10-point gap with a win at Lecce later, before Lazio was to visit Cagliari for the late game.
