Worldwide Sports News

Celtics survived Magic without Queta, but what if he misses more time? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

It might feel like hyperbole to suggest Neemias Queta is the most irreplaceable player on the Boston Celtics roster given what Jaylen Brown is doing on a nightly basis. But for a team lacking pure size in an overhauled frontcourt, it sometimes feels like a healthy Queta is vital to Boston’s overall success.

The numbers through the first 17 games of the 2025-26 season seem to confirm as much. 

Queta owns the best net rating on the team, with the Celtics outscoring opponents by 16.8 points per 100 possessions in his 396 minutes of court time. Perhaps more noteworthy: Boston has been outscored by 6.3 points per 100 possessions in Queta’s 372 minutes off the court. He’s the only player on Boston’s roster in the negative for off-court net rating.

Which, stated more simply, suggests the Celtics play their best basketball with Queta on the court, and their worst basketball without him.

The team’s rebounding percentages plummet without Queta, while Boston’s defensive rating spikes by 20.3 points per 100 possessions when he’s not on the floor.

So, when Queta limped off the court after landing awkwardly trying to block a shot early in Boston’s win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday, it put the Celtics in a precarious spot.

With Orlando operating without key frontcourt personnel, the Celtics were able to lean into small-ball lineups, often featuring Josh Minott at the center position. Boston built a 26-point first-half lead, then held on at the finish line for a 138-129 triumph at TD Garden.

A lineup featuring Minott alongside the remaining starters of Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Jordan Walsh was a team-best +9 in just under eight minutes together. Another lineup that paired Minott, Pritchard, and Brown with Anfernee Simons and Hugo Gonzalez was also +6 in just under four minutes together.

Mazzulla admitted the Celtics were able to get away with going small given the limited personnel that Orlando had available. If Queta were to miss any additional time, the ability to stay small gets a bit more daunting, especially with size-filled teams like Detroit, Minnesota, Cleveland, and New York looming on the schedule.

The Celtics essentially have five “bigs” on their roster this season. Queta is the only pure 7-footer in the bunch. Luka Garza, Chris Boucher, Xavier Tillman and Minott have filled minutes at center, too.

Here’s how the top-used big combinations (20+ minutes) have fared this season, per PBPStats tracking: 

Queta’s impact, regardless of lineup, is emphasized yet again. The Celtics elected to keep Garza on the bench Sunday and just ride the smaller lineups with Minott. The soon-to-be 23-year-old forward (his birthday is Tuesday) produced one of his best outings of the season with 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting with seven rebounds over 19:30.

If Queta misses additional time, the Celtics will face tough choices. They could try to stay small and ride the trio of Minott, Garza, and Boucher. They could consider recalling 6-foot-11, two-way big man Amari Williams, who is averaging 12.7 points and 10.6 rebounds per game in seven appearances for Maine this season but has seen just seven minutes of NBA floor time. 

The injury to Queta, regardless of how long it keeps him out, stresses again just how razor-thin the margins are for the Celtics. Last season, it didn’t matter if Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford were getting rest days, as the team could navigate with Queta and Luke Kornet.

Now, things get tricky even with just one starter absent.

Blazers coach Chauncey Billups pleads not guilty in rigged poker games case originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Portland Trail Blazers coach and basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and at least one other former NBA player.

The five-time All Star, who won a championship with the Detroit Pistons, was arraigned in a federal court in New York City on money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy charges, both of which carry a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. Some of Billups’ co-defendants are also charged with running an illegal gambling business and engaging in an extortion conspiracy.

Chris Heywood, his attorney, has said Billups is a “man of integrity” and denies the charges.

“To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall of Fame legacy, his reputation and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game,” Heywood said after Billups appeared in federal court in Portland, Oregon, when prosecutors first announced the indictment on Oct. 23.

Billups wore a dark gray suit during the brief arraignment and spoke only to answer the judge’s yes or no questions. He has been free on bond since his initial court appearance in Oregon.

Billups was arguably the most prominent name among more than 30 charged in last month’s sprawling federal takedown of illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports. The other defendants were also expected to appear in the Brooklyn court for Monday’s proceedings, in which the judge, prosecutors and defense lawyers will likely discuss next steps in the case.

Prosecutors say the 49-year-old Denver native, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame last year, was involved in a scheme to rig Mafia-backed illegal poker games in Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons.

Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones was also nabbed in that alleged scheme, which prosecutors say utilized a range of sophisticated technology that allowed the gambling to be rigged, such as altered card-shuffling machines, hidden cameras in poker chip trays, special sunglasses and even X-ray equipment built into the table to read cards.

Jones was also charged along with Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in a separate scheme at the same time that allowed gamblers to exploit insider information about players to win bets on NBA games.

Prosecutors say the poker scheme Billups was involved in defrauded victims of an estimated $7 million starting in at least 2019.

They say he served as a celebrity “face card” that could draw wealthy, unsuspecting players to the games. Prosecutors said during one game, the scheme’s organizers exchanged messages saying one of the victims “acted like he wanted Chauncey to have his money” because he was “star struck.”

Prosecutors say Billups, who earned about $106 million from his playing days, received a portion of the ill-gotten gains. After one rigged game in October 2020, for example, they say he was directly wired $50,000.

The scheme organizers also had to share a portion of their proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno mob families for operating within the illegal poker games run by the New York criminal enterprises, prosecutors said.

Mafia members, in turn, helped commit violent acts, including assault, extortion and robbery, to ensure repayment of debts and the continued success of the operation, they said.

Billups was selected as the third overall pick in the 1997 draft by the Boston Celtics after starring in college for the Colorado Buffaloes. He played 17 years in the NBA, with stints with the Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.

But he is perhaps most beloved in the Motor City, where he earned the nickname “Mr. Big Shot” for his knack of making clutch shots.

Billups was named the NBA Finals MVP during the Pistons’ title run in 2004 and had his No. 1 jersey retired by the team.

After retiring in 2014, Billups embarked on a career as a TV analyst before pivoting to coaching.

He was hired as Portland’s coach in 2021 and signed a multiyear extension with the Trail Blazers earlier this year after the team missed out on the playoffs for the fourth straight season in 2024. Billups previously served as an assistant coach on the Clippers.

After his arrest, he was placed on unpaid leave and the Trail Blazers named assistant coach and former NBA player Tiago Splitter as interim coach.

Blazers coach Chauncey Billups pleads not guilty in rigged poker games case originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Portland Trail Blazers coach and basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and at least one other former NBA player.

The five-time All Star, who won a championship with the Detroit Pistons, was arraigned in a federal court in New York City on money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy charges, both of which carry a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. Some of Billups’ co-defendants are also charged with running an illegal gambling business and engaging in an extortion conspiracy.

Chris Heywood, his attorney, has said Billups is a “man of integrity” and denies the charges.

“To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall of Fame legacy, his reputation and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game,” Heywood said after Billups appeared in federal court in Portland, Oregon, when prosecutors first announced the indictment on Oct. 23.

Billups wore a dark gray suit during the brief arraignment and spoke only to answer the judge’s yes or no questions. He has been free on bond since his initial court appearance in Oregon.

Billups was arguably the most prominent name among more than 30 charged in last month’s sprawling federal takedown of illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports. The other defendants were also expected to appear in the Brooklyn court for Monday’s proceedings, in which the judge, prosecutors and defense lawyers will likely discuss next steps in the case.

Prosecutors say the 49-year-old Denver native, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame last year, was involved in a scheme to rig Mafia-backed illegal poker games in Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons.

Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones was also nabbed in that alleged scheme, which prosecutors say utilized a range of sophisticated technology that allowed the gambling to be rigged, such as altered card-shuffling machines, hidden cameras in poker chip trays, special sunglasses and even X-ray equipment built into the table to read cards.

Jones was also charged along with Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in a separate scheme at the same time that allowed gamblers to exploit insider information about players to win bets on NBA games.

Prosecutors say the poker scheme Billups was involved in defrauded victims of an estimated $7 million starting in at least 2019.

They say he served as a celebrity “face card” that could draw wealthy, unsuspecting players to the games. Prosecutors said during one game, the scheme’s organizers exchanged messages saying one of the victims “acted like he wanted Chauncey to have his money” because he was “star struck.”

Prosecutors say Billups, who earned about $106 million from his playing days, received a portion of the ill-gotten gains. After one rigged game in October 2020, for example, they say he was directly wired $50,000.

The scheme organizers also had to share a portion of their proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno mob families for operating within the illegal poker games run by the New York criminal enterprises, prosecutors said.

Mafia members, in turn, helped commit violent acts, including assault, extortion and robbery, to ensure repayment of debts and the continued success of the operation, they said.

Billups was selected as the third overall pick in the 1997 draft by the Boston Celtics after starring in college for the Colorado Buffaloes. He played 17 years in the NBA, with stints with the Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.

But he is perhaps most beloved in the Motor City, where he earned the nickname “Mr. Big Shot” for his knack of making clutch shots.

Billups was named the NBA Finals MVP during the Pistons’ title run in 2004 and had his No. 1 jersey retired by the team.

After retiring in 2014, Billups embarked on a career as a TV analyst before pivoting to coaching.

He was hired as Portland’s coach in 2021 and signed a multiyear extension with the Trail Blazers earlier this year after the team missed out on the playoffs for the fourth straight season in 2024. Billups previously served as an assistant coach on the Clippers.

After his arrest, he was placed on unpaid leave and the Trail Blazers named assistant coach and former NBA player Tiago Splitter as interim coach.

DeMar DeRozan reportedly drawing trade interest from Western Conference rival originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

From now until February, trade speculation will hover over the Kings after their rough start to the 2025-26 NBA season.

Just one month into the season, one of Sacramento’s star players already is drawing trade interest from a Western Conference rival.

The Los Angeles Clippers reportedly have shown “some interest” in 36-year-old forward DeMar DeRozan, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported in a column published Monday, citing league sources.

Sacramento acquired DeRozan during the 2024 offseason via a sign-and-trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls. After a “difficult” debut season with the Kings in 2024-25, DeRozan was committed to bouncing back and competing in his second season with the team.

But so far, not so good.

The Kings currently are 4-13, just one spot ahead of the last-place New Orleans Pelicans in the Western Conference standings. DeRozan recently didn’t hold back on the state of the team, stating the Kings are in a “s—-y place” and that “everything right now for us is just s—-y” after the Kings dropped their eighth game in a row.

In his 17th NBA season, DeRozan is averaging 17.9 points on 49.5 percent shooting, with 3.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 32.8 minutes.

The Clippers are seeking another scorer capable of lifting the burden from James Harden, who has been doing his best to keep the franchise afloat in the Western Conference after the season-ending injury to Bradley Beal and Kawhi Leonard’s inconsistent availability. Los Angeles (5-12) has gotten off to an underwhelming start to the season after initially being widely considered a contender in the West.

DeRozan has a partial guarantee on his deal for the 2026-27 season for nearly $10 million of his $25.7 million salary.

A Compton, Calif. native, DeRozan could return close to his hometown this season.

Download and follow The Deuce & Mo Podcast

DeMar DeRozan reportedly drawing trade interest from Western Conference rival originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

From now until February, trade speculation will hover over the Kings after their rough start to the 2025-26 NBA season.

Just one month into the season, one of Sacramento’s star players already is drawing trade interest from a Western Conference rival.

The Los Angeles Clippers reportedly have shown “some interest” in 36-year-old forward DeMar DeRozan, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported in a column published Monday, citing league sources.

Sacramento acquired DeRozan during the 2024 offseason via a sign-and-trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls. After a “difficult” debut season with the Kings in 2024-25, DeRozan was committed to bouncing back and competing in his second season with the team.

But so far, not so good.

The Kings currently are 4-13, just one spot ahead of the last-place New Orleans Pelicans in the Western Conference standings. DeRozan recently didn’t hold back on the state of the team, stating the Kings are in a “s—-y place” and that “everything right now for us is just s—-y” after the Kings dropped their eighth game in a row.

In his 17th NBA season, DeRozan is averaging 17.9 points on 49.5 percent shooting, with 3.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 32.8 minutes.

The Clippers are seeking another scorer capable of lifting the burden from James Harden, who has been doing his best to keep the franchise afloat in the Western Conference after the season-ending injury to Bradley Beal and Kawhi Leonard’s inconsistent availability. Los Angeles (5-12) has gotten off to an underwhelming start to the season after initially being widely considered a contender in the West.

DeRozan has a partial guarantee on his deal for the 2026-27 season for nearly $10 million of his $25.7 million salary.

A Compton, Calif. native, DeRozan could return close to his hometown this season.

Download and follow The Deuce & Mo Podcast

Blazers coach Chauncey Billups pleads not guilty in rigged poker games case originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Portland Trail Blazers coach and basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and at least one other former NBA player.

The five-time All Star, who won a championship with the Detroit Pistons, was arraigned in a federal court in New York City on money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy charges, both of which carry a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. Some of Billups’ co-defendants are also charged with running an illegal gambling business and engaging in an extortion conspiracy.

Chris Heywood, his attorney, has said Billups is a “man of integrity” and denies the charges.

“To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall of Fame legacy, his reputation and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game,” Heywood said after Billups appeared in federal court in Portland, Oregon, when prosecutors first announced the indictment on Oct. 23.

Billups wore a dark gray suit during the brief arraignment and spoke only to answer the judge’s yes or no questions. He has been free on bond since his initial court appearance in Oregon.

Billups was arguably the most prominent name among more than 30 charged in last month’s sprawling federal takedown of illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports. The other defendants were also expected to appear in the Brooklyn court for Monday’s proceedings, in which the judge, prosecutors and defense lawyers will likely discuss next steps in the case.

Prosecutors say the 49-year-old Denver native, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame last year, was involved in a scheme to rig Mafia-backed illegal poker games in Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons.

Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones was also nabbed in that alleged scheme, which prosecutors say utilized a range of sophisticated technology that allowed the gambling to be rigged, such as altered card-shuffling machines, hidden cameras in poker chip trays, special sunglasses and even X-ray equipment built into the table to read cards.

Jones was also charged along with Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in a separate scheme at the same time that allowed gamblers to exploit insider information about players to win bets on NBA games.

Prosecutors say the poker scheme Billups was involved in defrauded victims of an estimated $7 million starting in at least 2019.

They say he served as a celebrity “face card” that could draw wealthy, unsuspecting players to the games. Prosecutors said during one game, the scheme’s organizers exchanged messages saying one of the victims “acted like he wanted Chauncey to have his money” because he was “star struck.”

Prosecutors say Billups, who earned about $106 million from his playing days, received a portion of the ill-gotten gains. After one rigged game in October 2020, for example, they say he was directly wired $50,000.

The scheme organizers also had to share a portion of their proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno mob families for operating within the illegal poker games run by the New York criminal enterprises, prosecutors said.

Mafia members, in turn, helped commit violent acts, including assault, extortion and robbery, to ensure repayment of debts and the continued success of the operation, they said.

Billups was selected as the third overall pick in the 1997 draft by the Boston Celtics after starring in college for the Colorado Buffaloes. He played 17 years in the NBA, with stints with the Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.

But he is perhaps most beloved in the Motor City, where he earned the nickname “Mr. Big Shot” for his knack of making clutch shots.

Billups was named the NBA Finals MVP during the Pistons’ title run in 2004 and had his No. 1 jersey retired by the team.

After retiring in 2014, Billups embarked on a career as a TV analyst before pivoting to coaching.

He was hired as Portland’s coach in 2021 and signed a multiyear extension with the Trail Blazers earlier this year after the team missed out on the playoffs for the fourth straight season in 2024. Billups previously served as an assistant coach on the Clippers.

After his arrest, he was placed on unpaid leave and the Trail Blazers named assistant coach and former NBA player Tiago Splitter as interim coach.