MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and forward Santi Aldama will miss the rest of the season after each had surgery on Tuesday.
Pippen had an operation on his right big toe and Aldama had a procedure and injection to address discomfort in his right knee. The team said both procedures were successful and the players will be ready for next season.
The Grizzlies (23-44) have lost eight straight games and entered Tuesday night nine games back in the race for the final play-in berth in the Western Conference. Star Ja Morant has played in only 20 games this season, missing the last 25 with a left elbow injury.
Pippen had a similar procedure in October and didn’t make his season debut until last month. In 10 games, he averaged 11.4 points.
Aldama was averaging 14 points and 6.7 rebounds this season.
The Chicago Blackhawks made multiple moves leading up to the 2026 NHL trade deadline. This was expected, as the Blackhawks are still rebuilding and are on the wrong side of the playoff line.
Due to this, the Blackhawks traded multiple of their former pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs), as Nick Foligno (Minnesota Wild), Connor Murphy (Edmonton Oilers), and Jason Dickinson (Oilers) were all moved.
However, one Blackhawks pending UFA who did not get moved ahead of the deadline is veteran defenseman Matt Grzelcyk. Now, the Blackhawks have a decision to make with the Massachusetts native because of it.
Grzelcyk has been a solid depth addition for the Blackhawks this season. Due to this, could the Blackhawks try to keep the 32-year-old defenseman beyond this season?
The Blackhawks have a young blueline with several promising defensemen. With this, it would not be the worst thing in the world if the Blackhawks extended Grzelcyk and kept him around as a veteran mentor for the club's younger defensemen. Grzelcyk could work well as the Blackhawks' seventh defenseman next season.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what the Blackhawks decide to do with Grzelcyk. In 66 games this season with the Original Six club, he has 12 assists and 30 penalty minutes.
Oct 8, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Boston Celtics guard Hugo Gonzalez (28), forward Baylor Scheierman (55) and center Luka Garza (52) react during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
HYDE PARK — A whole lot changed for the Celtics after the midseason trade deadline. It’s well-known that the team lost four players: Anfernee Simons, Xavier Tillman, Josh Minott, and Chris Boucher. But some of the players who weren’t traded saw their situations directly impacted, too.’
Luka Garza is one such example. Garza, who joined the team as a free agent last summer, had carved out a consistent role in the rotation when the Celtics opted to flip Simons for Nikola Vucevic in an effort to bolster their frontcourt.
At that point, Garza had played double-digit minutes in 25 consecutive games, establishing himself as Neemias Queta’s primary backup. Vucevic, a former All-Star and perennial NBA starter, was undoubtedly going to shoulder significant frontcourt responsibilities, and it was almost inevitable that Garza’s minutes would decline.
To Garza’s surprise, after the trade, teammates went out of their way to encourage and motivate him.
“When the Vooch trade happened, obviously, it was an amazing thing for our team, and he’s a great player,” Garza said on Tuesday afternoon at a court renovation in Hyde Park. “But obviously, guys know, as a team, that that would probably impact my minutes a little bit. And, I was just really surprised at some of the guys coming up to me and really just kind of giving me motivating thoughts and being like, ‘Hey, like, stay ready. We’re going to need you. You’ve done good things for us.’”
Garza was struck by the fact his teammates opted to so thoughtfully consider his situation in the aftermath of that trade.
“As people, as players, that’s the kind of guys that are in that locker room,” he said. “And for me, that really meant a lot. I’m always going to be the guy with a very positive mindset. But, when you hear things like that, it helps you a lot.”
Garza, who has been in the NBA since 2021, said the Celtics’ locker room stands out when it comes to off-court camaraderie.
Last week, for example, the team watched a movie together in Oklahoma City. And, players regularly grab food and discuss things unrelated to the game itself.
“Guys get more comfortable with each other as the season goes on — obviously, you’re on the road, you start going to dinner more, and just kind of learning more about each other.”
So, when adversity strikes, players know they can lean on one another.
“With this team, I think it’s honestly unique, just how close we are off the court,” he said. “Just everyone wanting to know about each other’s personal lives, and checking in, and all those kinds of things.”
The play was routine. In the third quarter of a Bucks win against the Pacers on Sunday, Giannis Antetokounmpo used a spin move then rose up for a slam, but when he landed, his left knee buckled a little underneath him. He pushed through it, and the next time down the court, he attempted another dunk, but it was clear he was in pain. Antetokounmpo shot his free throws and then went back to the locker room and did not return. Even so, after the game, Antetokounmpo didn't even think he'd need an MRI.
Things have changed in the last 48 hours. Now comes the word that Antetokounmpo is out Tuesday night with a left knee hyperextension and a bone bruise.
Injury Update: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Left Knee Hyperextension; Bone Bruise) is out for tonight’s game vs. Cleveland. https://t.co/FYbVWk9fN1
"The good news was it was a really good image, so there was no damage. Nothing. It was really just good news. But I don't know the next part (re: a timeline)."
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Antetokounmpo out for the season, although he will push back against that. The harsh reality is that the Bucks are 5.5 games out of the play-in with 15 games left in the season. Even with Antetokounmpo in the lineup, it is a long shot at best that the Bucks will make the postseason. The smart play would be to rest him and not risk further injury.
When healthy this season, Antetokounmpo has played at an MVP level, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists a game, shooting 62.4% from the floor. The problem is that he has played in just 36 games this season due to an assortment of knee, groin, and calf injuries.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 13: Head coach Mike Brown of the New York Knicks reacts against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 13, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Knicks (44*-25) return home to face the struggling Pacers (15-53), who enter on a 13-game losing streak. New York beat them just days ago behind big showings from Jalen Brunson, Mitchell Robinson, and OG Anunoby. Indiana has been one of the league’s worst teams on both ends and is dealing with major injuries. As of this writing, Brunson is ruled OUT and Robinson is available.
Tip-off is 7:30 pm EST on MSG. This is your game thread. This is Indy Cornrows. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Enjoy each other’s company, respectfully. And go Knicks!
* Should be one more, but NBA Cup Finals wins blow away like dandelions.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 08: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns in the first quarter at Target Center on December 08, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 108-105. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Rutger McGroarty is a prospect who the Pittsburgh Penguins are hoping will be a big part of their future. The 2022 first-round pick has yet to blossom into a full-time NHL player, but he has been showing promise during his second professional season at the AHL level.
In fact, as the season rolls on, McGroarty is only continuing to stay hot with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
McGroarty has been making a real impact offensively with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, as he has two goals and five points over his last five games with the AHL squad. He also has 16 points over his last 15 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, so he has done a good job staying consistent.
Due to his hot streak, McGroarty has seven goals, 17 assists, 24 points, and a plus-7 rating in 22 games this season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. With numbers like these, it is clear that he is taking his game to a new level this season at the AHL level. He is producing at over a point-per-game pace in the AHL this season after he had 39 points in 60 games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this past campaign.
It will now be interesting to see how McGroarty continues to perform from here. In 20 NHL games this season with Pittsburgh, the 6-foot-1 winger has two goals, five points, and 21 hits.
Watford inflicted Wrexham’s first league defeat of the year with a 3-1 victory to maintain their Championship playoff push. Goals from Marc Bola and Edo Kayembe did the damage for the Hornets and, although Max Cleworth pulled a goal back, Edoardo Bove scored his first Watford goal in stoppage time.
The hosts made four changes from their defeat at Stoke, with Mattie Pollock, Luca Kjerrumgaard, Nestory Irankunda and Pierre Ekwah, for his full debut, coming in. Wrexham made one change from their Welsh derby victory against Swansea, with Ryan Longman replacing Issa Kaboré.
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 5: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on February 5. 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This is officially the doggiest of dog days. The Detroit Pistons face a bad Washington Wizards team that is also out most of its impactful players — Anthony Davis is out, of course, but so is Trae Young, veteran D’Angelo Russell, and a sliver of its young core in Kyshawn George, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly and Cam Whitmore. Detroit will again be without Isaiah Stewart, who is likely to miss at least the next week with a left calf strain. It will also be the second game back for Ausar Thompson, who looked rusty in a loss to the Toronto Raptors after a five-game absence. There isn’t much to say about a game like this other than that perhaps it will be interesting to monitor the rotation. Caris LeVert is given so much and provides so little. Will there continue to be baby steps forward for Kevin Huerter? Will it be another DNP-CD for the struggling Daniss Jenkins? How much more does Marcus Sasser to solidify himself a spot in the rotation? Is there enough talent around Ron Holland to let him do all the dirty work? This is also Detroit’s first game against the Wizards since a disheartening 126-117 loss on Feb. 5. And it is the first of two straight in D.C. I’m imagining Detroit will want to put this game away early. Can they actually do it?
Game Vitals
When: 7 p.m. ET Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit Odds: Pistons -19.5
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 19: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Golden State Warriors on February 19, 2026 at Chase Center 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Celtics will face an extremely shorthanded Golden State Warriors team on Wednesday night at TD Garden.
Nikola Vucevic will miss his sixth straight game as he recovers from a right fing finger fracture he suffered last month, but the rest of the Celtics are available. Jayson Tatum will play in his sixth game of the season after making his return from an Achilles rupture earlier this month; so far this season, he’s averaging 20 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.
The Warriors, meanwhile, continue to be extremely shorthanded. Jimmy Butler is out for the season after tearing his ACL, while Steph Curry has been sidelined since before the All-Star break as he deals with a knee injury.
Al Horford (right calf strain), Moses Moody (wrist), and Seth Curry (left adductor strain) will all miss Wednesday’s match-up. Quenten Post (right foot injury management) and LJ Cryer (left hamstring injury management) are questionable, while Gary Payton II is probable with a left tibial contusion.
Kristaps Porzingis has dealt with illness on and off throughout the year, but he’s expected to play on Wednesday. The former Celtics big man has only appeared in 22 games this season.
How the Celtics, Warriors stack up
The Celtics and Warriors have faced off once this season — in January at the Chase Center — and Boston came away with an 11-point win. Both Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis played in that game, with the latter making his Warriors debut.
The Celtics are 45-23, and are 3.5 games behind the Detroit Pistons for first place in the Eastern Conference.
The Warriors are 33-35 and have the 9th-best record in the Western Conference. With Curry sidelined, they’ve dropped 7 of their last 10 games, and are currently fighting for positioning in the play-in tournament.
Celtics-Warriors tips off on Wednesday night at 7pm.
“In football anything is possible,” was Pep Guardiola’s rallying cry and while Manchester City failed to pull off a Lazarus act for the ages, this was a definite one-off wonder of a contest that thrilled all witnesses.
Particularly, the first 45 minutes of mayhem headlined by Vinícius Júnior apparently being ruled offside by the referee, Clément Turpin, then onside, which meant Bernardo Silva was then penalised for handball, sent off, and the Brazilian then scored from the spot. Further entertainment also derived from a Guardiola yellow card, Erling Haaland’s equaliser, and a slew of goalmouth incident that mostly continued after the break – including late finishes from Rayan Aït-Nouri and Fede Valverde that were ruled offside, and one from Vinícius that counted.
Hughes told ESPN on Tuesday that he wants the puck so he can give it to his father, Jim. The New Jersey Devils center previously said when asked about the puck during other media appearances that had no idea where it was other than that it wasn't in his possession.
The Hall of Fame has had it all along.
“These donated items represent defining moments on the world’s biggest stage and carry powerful stories of national pride and hockey history at its highest level,” Hall of Fame President and CEO Jamie Dinsmore said in a statement Monday about the Olympic showcase. “The Olympics ’26 display will help ensure that these unforgettable Olympic moments are preserved for our guests from around the world to experience.”
A stick from American Brady Tkachuk and gloves from teammate Jack Eichel, along with jerseys from Canada captain Sidney Crosby and Sweden forward William Nylander, are among the more than 70 items that will be on display for a limited time.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 16: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 16, 2026 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. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Deandre Ayton era in Los Angeles has been a rollercoaster ride. In the best moments, Ayton has been as joyful as anyone on the team and a walking double-double.
The lows, however, include games in which he seems disinterested in playing and reports of his dissatisfaction with his role on the team.
Despite the frustration that watching Ayton can bring, his talent level is so high that you have to respect it and use it to help you win games.
After being a big factor in Saturday’s win over the Nuggets, Ayton was equally impressive in Houston on Monday, stepping up in the fourth quarter to help the Lakers earn their sixth straight win.
Ayton’s performance wasn’t a shock, but it was a surprise given that he went to the bench midway through the third and didn’t start during the opening minutes of the fourth.
But Lakers head coach JJ Redick went to him during clutch time, and Ayton delivered. He was a perfect 3-3 from the field, grabbed a handful of offensive boards and his back-to-back baskets in the final minutes were the exclamation points on this statement win.
After the game, Redick talked about why he brought Ayton back and how it paid off.
“We all recognized that he had not played in a significant portion of the game and then you factor in the real-time effect of that,” Redick said. “I was pretty adamant that I wanted him in the game. [Assistant coach] Greg [St. Jean] went over to him and made sure that he was ready to go and then he helped us win the game and that’s what I told him.
“We walked off the court together and he was in good spirits. But, he did. His offensive rebounding and the couple of buckets he got down the stretch were huge.”
When Ayton is a monster on the boards, the Lakers win games. He had six offensive rebounds against the Rockets and ended the night with 11. The Lakers are 14-2 when Ayton has 11 or more rebounds.
Ayton sitting down for such a long stretch in the second half could have set him up for failure when he checked into the game late in the fourth. He was ready for the moment, though and that didn’t go unnoticed by LeBron James.
“He was amazing,” LeBron said. “I mean just the fact he was sitting over there for as long as he did and stayed locked in on the game and come in and finish the game. [He was] able to get a tip dunk, couple of jump hooks around the rim, a couple rebounds around the rim. He helped us finish the game.”
Ultimately, Ayton was brought to the Lakers to help them win games of this magnitude. All of LA’s biggest hopes and dreams are still in play this season. If Ayton plays well this spring and summer, then everything else will be forgiven and forgotten.
So far during these recent big moments against the best in the West, Ayton has shown he’s more than capable of being a peak performer.
