Former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta is on the move.
The Utah Mammoth have traded Maatta, Jonathan Castagna, and three 2026 second-round picks to the Calgary Flames in exchange for star defenseman MacKenzie Weegar.
Maatta is in the first season of his three-year, $10.5 million contract, so he will be more than a rental for the Flames if they elect to keep him. However, with the Flames rebuilding and Maatta being 31 years old, he could also be a decent trade chip for them.
Maatta has played in 22 games this season, where he has recorded one assist, one hit, 17 blocks, and a minus-5 rating. This is after he had two goals, 18 points, 124 blocks, and a plus-7 rating in 77 games split between the Detroit Red Wings and Utah this past season.
Maatta was selected by the Penguins with the 22nd overall pick of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. From there, he played his first six NHL seasons with Pittsburgh, where he recorded 25 goals, 107 points, and a plus-61 rating in 362 games. He also won the Stanley Cup twice during his time in Pittsburgh.
The Utah Jazz continue their road swing tonight in D.C. against the Washington Wizards. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.
Keyonte George is thriving as the main option right now for Utah, and I’m eyeing him to keep it rolling this evening in my Jazz vs. Wizards predictions.
Jazz vs Wizards best bet: Keyonte George Over 25.5 points (-115)
No Lauri Markkanen for the Utah Jazz means Keyonte George is the top guy at the moment, and he’s running with the opportunity. The Baylor product has cashed the Over in back-to-back games with ease.
On Monday, George put together a 36-point game against the Nuggets in a tight loss. The Jazz then fell by just four points on Wednesday evening versus the 76ers, but George put his best foot forward, balling out for 30.
The Washington Wizards are in the gutter of the East and sit 29th in defensive rating. George will go off again.
Jazz vs Wizards same-game parlay
Utah is in the midst of a seven-game losing skid, but a win is right around the corner. Their last two games against two solid teams have been incredibly close, and they’ve won four of their last five meetings with Washington
After giving Philly a run for their money, the Jazz will finally end the losing run tonight.
Kyle Filipowski is averaging 6.7 rebounds this season, but he’s been a larger presence on the boards lately. The big man has cashed the Over in boards in back-to-back contests.
The Duke product had 11 rebounds in Philadelphia, and grabbed eight boards against the Nuggets on Monday.
Jazz vs Wizards SGP
Keyonte George Over 25.5 points
Jazz moneyline
Kyle Filipowski Over 9.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Another big number for Jazz
Utah scored 125 points against Denver, and Washington has allowed Over 120.5 points in four straight contests.
Jazz vs Wizards SGP
Keyonte George Over 25.5 points
Jazz moneyline
Kyle Filipowski Over 9.5 rebounds
Jazz team total Over 120.5 points
Jazz vs Wizards odds
Spread: Jazz +2.5 | Wizards -2.5
Moneyline: Jazz +125 | Wizards -150
Over/Under: Over 243.5 | Under 243.5
Jazz vs Wizards betting trend to know
The Jazz have hit the Over in 30 of their last 50 games (+8.00 Units / 15% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Jazz vs. Wizards.
How to watch Jazz vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
KJZZ, MNMT
Jazz vs Wizards 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.
In some ways, history is repeating itself. In 1982 Chelsea and Wrexham met in the FA Cup after they had beaten Hull City and Nottingham Forest, respectively, in previous rounds. The same has happened in 2026; but this is where the similarities end.
When the clubs met 44 years ago they were both in the second tier and had huge debts. With Chelsea reportedly £1.6m in the red, the future of Stamford Bridge was in doubt as property developers hovered. Relegation-threatened Wrexham spent the majority of the 1980s merely trying to survive.
British former champion hits out at former colonial rulers
‘I’m hoping countries unite and take Africa back’
Lewis Hamilton has called for a movement to “take Africa back”, claiming the continent is being “controlled” by European powers. On the eve of the new Formula One season in Melbourne, the seven-time champion outlined his ambition to compete in a grand prix on African soil.
But the 41-year-old, F1’s first black race driver, did not stop there. He suggested former colonial rulers still exerted undue power in the region and called for action to reverse that influence. “I’ve got roots from a few different places there, like Togo and Benin,” he said. “I’m really proud of that part of the world.
Montreal Canadiens prospect and 81st overall pick at the 2025 draft, Bryce Pickford, had himself a game on Wednesday night, scoring a hat trick in the Medicine Hat Tigers’ 6-3 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings. In 49 games, the right-shot defenseman has 41 goals, the second-highest total in the league behind right-winger Cameron Smith, who has 43 goals, but he’s scored his in 63 games.
With seven games left in the Tigers’ regular season, it’s far from out of the question that Pickford could reach the 50-goal milestone, a feat only accomplished twice in league history by a defenseman. Blueliner Troy Mick scored 63 goals in 1987-88 and 60 in 1989-90 and was drafted in the seventh round of the 1988 draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, but never made it to the NHL, which goes to show that success in the WHL doesn’t necessarily guarantee success in the NHL.
As things stand, Pickford has 76 points in just 49 games, the 10th highest total in the league and the second highest amongst defensemen, two points behind leader Jonas Woo, who plays with him on the first pairing in Medicine Hat.
The 19-year-old Pickford was passed over in the 2024 draft, but his 47 points in 48 games performance in 2024-25 convinced the Canadiens to draft him, and so far, that has proven to be an excellent decision. On Christmas Eve, the Habs even signed him to a three-year entry-level contract, which kicks in at the start of the 2026-27 season.
There’s no denying that the Canadiens have a lot of depth when it comes to left-shot defensemen, but the situation is far from ideal when it comes to right-shot ones. Martin St-Louis only has two right-shot rearguards on his roster right now: Noah Dobson and Alexandre Carrier, which forces him to use Kaiden Guhle on his off-side. Down with the Laval Rocket, David Reinbacher is the only right-shot defenseman who seems to have NHL upside, and his development hasn’t exactly gone according to plan so far. Could Pickford be used as part of a package to secure some immediate help?
Yesterday, news broke that the New Jersey Devils could be willing to part with right-shot blueliner and second overall pick at the 2022 draft, Simon Nemec, Juraj Slafkovsky’s teammate at the Olympics. Given the fact that Martin St-Louis seems to have little trust in Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble, one must wonder if Kent Hughes shouldn’t pounce on this opportunity. The Devils are struggling to find the back of the net this season, and perhaps an offer featuring rookie Oliver Kapanen, who has 19 goals so far, Pickford, who’s showing great potential in the WHL, and a draft pick could tempt Tom Fitzgerald.
Pickford is still some time away from being ready for the NHL, and acquiring Nemec would help the team now. He could slot right into the lineup and reestablish the balance between right-shot and left-shot defensemen, allowing everyone to play on their right side.
MUMBAI, India (AP) — Captain Harry Brook called correctly at the coin toss and England opted to bowl first against India in their Twenty20 World Cup semifinal on Thursday.
India was unchanged from its win against the West Indies on Sunday. England made one change, bringing back pacer Jamie Overton for spinner Rehan Ahmed.
The pitch at the iconic Wankhede Stadium should aid batters and a high-scoring contest was on the cards. Evening dew should aid the chasing side.
The winner will take on New Zealand in the final on Sunday at Ahmedabad.
England and India are playing their third straight T20 World Cup semifinal.
England beat India by 10 wickets in Sydney in 2022 and ultimately won its second title. India then beat England by 68 runs in the 2024 semifinal at Georgetown and went on to its second title, too.
Defending champion India's only loss in the tournament so far was against South Africa.
England has lost only once, too, against the West Indies in the first round, also at Mumbai.
England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (captain), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
Ben Kindel is having an impressive rookie season for the Pittsburgh Penguins and has stepped up in Sidney Crosby's absence.
My Sabres vs. Penguins predictions and NHL picks expect the young pivot to put forth another strong offensive performance in a high-paced matchup against Buffalo.
Sabres vs Penguins prediction
Sabres vs Penguins best bet: Ben Kindel Over 2.5 shots (+135)
Ben Kindel is centering the Pittsburgh Penguins' top line without Sidney Crosby in the lineup. He has taken full advantage of the opportunity, averaging 3.8 shots on 6.3 attempts over four games.
Kindel has logged 17+ minutes in two of the last three, well above his season average of 15:24. He has clearly earned the trust of head coach Dan Muse.
The Buffalo Sabres rank first in pace and 31st in shot suppression at 5-on-5 over the past 10 games. They’re playing fast, high-event hockey and giving up a ton of shots.
That bodes well for Kindel in his first-line center role.
Sabres vs Penguins same-game parlay
Evgeni Malkin has seen an uptick in shot volume without Crosby, averaging more than a full extra shot attempt each night. He has also picked up three points over two games on home ice. In a high-paced matchup with more on his plate, Malkin will make noise.
Let’s round out the parlay with another player benefiting from injury. Jack Quinn has registered 2+ shots on goal in 73% of his appearances without Jiri Kulich and eight straight overall.
Ben Kindel has recorded 13 shots over his last three games, generating at least three in each. Find more NHL betting trends for Sabres vs. Penguins.
How to watch Sabres vs Penguins
Location
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Sabres vs Penguins latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. 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.
Eight games are on the slate tonight across the National Hockey League, and I’ve found the very best NHL player props to cash in.
My NHL picks include Nikita Kucherov, Tim Stutzle, and Erik Karlsson, all having strong offensive showings on Thursday, March 5.
Best NHL player prop bets today
Player
Kucherov anytime goal
+120
Stutzle Over 0.5 assists
-120
Karlsson Over 0.5 points
-115
img alt="Get a first bet encore up to $800 with the BET99 promo code COVERSNHL" width="100%" loading="lazy" src="https://img.covers.com/promo-articles/bet99nhlcreative2526.jpeg"Get a first bet encore up to $800 with BET99 bonus code COVERSNHL. (not available in Ontario)
Our best NHL player props for Thursday, March 5
Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.
Prop #1: Nikita Kucherov anytime goal
+120 at BET99
Nikita Kucherov has notched 96 points overall, including 32 goals. The Russian ranks second in the NHL in that category. Kucherov just found the back of the net on Tuesday against the Wild.
In fact, the Tampa Bay Lightning superstar has scored in three of his last four games since the league hit pause for the Winter Olympics.
While the Bolts haven’t faced the Winnipeg Jets yet this season, Kucherov has potted 19 goals in 28 road games, and Tampa is in Manitoba this evening to take on the Jets.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: The Spot, TSN3
Prop #2: Tim Stutzle Over 0.5 assists
-120 at BET99
Tim Stutzle continues to deliver the goods for the Ottawa Senators, with 28 goals and 37 assists. Stutzle has cashed the Over in helpers in three straight contests.
During that span, Stutzle has four assists. Despite a loss to the Oilers on Tuesday, he did his part, registering a pair of helpers. The Sens are visiting the Calgary Flames tonight, and Stutzle has already notched an assist against them this season in one meeting.
Also, he has collected 17 helpers in 31 road appearances.
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: TSN5, Sportsnet West
Prop #3: Erik Karlsson Over 0.5 points
-115 at BET99
Erik Karlsson isn’t the point producer he once was, but the veteran is still contributing for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Swede has notched five goals and 34 assists, and he’s cashed the Over in three straight.
During that three-game stretch, he’s scored a goal, registered two helpers against Vegas, and also set up another against the Rangers over the weekend.
Karlsson has 21 assists in 27 home games, and the Pens welcome the Buffalo Sabres to town this evening.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. 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.
NEWARK, N.J. — Many Toronto Maple Leafs players fully expected to have the same lineup they practiced with during their morning skate. However, when they arrived at Prudential Center for gametime later that evening, they discovered that teammates Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson would all be held out of the lineup for roster management purposes.
According to reports, there is nothing imminent to suggest a deal is on the table for any of these players at the time of this writing. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman used the term “bubble wrap” to describe the situation, as the Leafs try to avoid an injury to any player while also acknowledging that trade talks are heating up.
The timing is unsurprising, as the NHL trade deadline is 3 p.m. ET this Friday.
“It would be very tough to see them go,” William Nylander said of the three players. “It’s something you don’t want to think about too much”.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton are out of the lineup tonight for the Maple Leafs.@FriedgeHNIC stopped by #NHLNow to provide the latest as the #NHLTradeDeadline approaches.
The abrupt change in the lineup opened the door for Easton Cowan to get his biggest opportunity with the Leafs yet, playing on the first line alongside Nylander and captain Auston Matthews. Cowan logged 17:03 of ice time and recorded an assist in Toronto’s 4-3 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils.
Cowan was particularly feeling down about the possibility of Laughton being dealt.
“He’s been nothing but good to me,” Cowan said. “Honestly, I haven’t known him long, but I probably wouldn’t be the person I am right now without him. Just a great teammate. Yeah, it’s unfortunate [that he was scratched]. It obviously sucks”.
All three players attended the game on Wednesday. It is likely they will be scratched again on Thursday when the team visits the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden —that is, if they haven’t been dealt by then.
According to Friedman, Laughton is currently drawing interest from the Colorado Avalanche. Meanwhile, Ekman-Larsson has drawn interest from teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins, and several teams remain interested in McMann.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 22: Hampus Lindholm #27 of the Boston Bruins skates against Jonathan Marchessault #81 of the Nashville Predators during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on October 22, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Ryan O’Reilly: 22G-37A-59PTS; Filip Forsberg: 27G-23A-50PTS; Steven Stamkos: 30G-17A-47PTS
Juuse Saros: 21-18-6, 3.19 GAA, .892 save percentage
Game notes
The Bruins visit Nashville for a brief, one-game road trip prior to Friday’s trade deadline. I don’t know if you can even call it a road trip if it’s for one game. Day trip? Outing?
After a trying start to the season, the Predators are hanging around the wild card race in the Western Conference. Nashville is five points behind Seattle, who currently occupy the second spot. There are two teams (Los Angeles and San Jose) between Nashville and Seattle.
Having said that, they are fading a bit as of late. Nashville is 1-2-1 coming out of the Olympic break, with three losses in a row. They’re 3-3-4 in their last ten games.
These two teams played at TD Garden in late January, a 3-2 OT win for the Bruins. That was the OT game where David Pastrnak scored off of a set play just 15 seconds into the extra session.
It sounds crazy to say it for a guy who has been so consistent for so long, but that was actually the last goal Pastrnak scored for the B’s. He’s gone goalless in six games, though he does have three assists in that span.
Steven Stamkos is well on his way to eclipsing his production during his first year in Nashville. The longtime Lightning captain had 53 points in 82 games for Nashville last season; this year, he’s already up to 47, including 30 goals, in just 61 games.
The Predators are 3-0 in games that have gone to a shootout this season, one of six teams with an unblemished shootout record.
On the Bruins front, we’re mostly just waiting to see what happens at the trade deadline at this point. Big deal? Small deal? No deal? Time will tell, I guess.
If you’re interested in scoreboard watching tonight, there are a few games that will impact the Eastern Conference wild card/playoff race: Utah vs. Philadelphia, Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh, Florida vs. Columbus, and Ottawa vs. Calgary.
HAINAN ISLAND, China (AP) — Zhang Weiwei chipped in on her last two holes, one for eagle and the other for birdie, giving her a 6-under 66 and a three-way tie for the lead in the Blue Bay LPGA on Thursday.
Zhang, one of 20 players in the field from the China Golf Association, was tied with Mary Liu of China and Youmin Hwang of South Korea. All three of them were solid on a day of strong wind at Jian Lake Blue Bay.
Auston Kim, the American who tied for third last week in the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore, shot a 67.
Zhang took advantage of a shorter tee box on the par-5 17th that allowed her to get close enough to the green in two to chip in for eagle. She finished with a chip just off the 18th green about 30 feet from the cup.
“I hit it a bit heavy,” she said of her chip on the 17th. “But the landing spot was perfect and it rolled straight into the hole. That really got me excited and energized.”
Liu birdied four of her last six holes for a 66, while Hwang did her best work around the turn with five birdies in a six-hole stretch in the middle of her round.
Kim had nine birdies, offset by four bogeys, that put her in a tie for third.
“I’m just hitting a couple shots here and there that are really costing me,” Kim said. “Couple three-putts today, and just a couple bad shots off the tee. Overall the rest of it was more solid than before.”
Blue Bay LPGA wraps up a three-tournament swing through Asia for the LPGA with the weakest field of the three. It follows a week in Singapore that had nine of the top 10 in the women's world ranking, missing only Nelly Korda, who again skipped the Asia swing.
Ruoning Yin of China (No. 10) is the only player from the top 10 at Hainan Island. Ruoning, a former Women's PGA champion, opened with a 68.
Florida Panthers - 30-28-3 - 63 Points - 2-8-0 in the last 10 - Lost 3 - 8th in the Atlantic
Columbus Blue Jackets - 31-21-8 - 68 Points - 8-1-1 in the last 10 - Won 2 - 4th in the Metro.
Blue Jackets Stats
Power Play - 19.6% - 20th in the NHL
Penalty Kill - 77.2% - 24th in the NHL
Goals For - 187 - 17th in the NHL
Goals Against - 190 - 22nd in the NHL
PanthersStats
Power Play - 19.3% - 21st in the NHL
Penalty Kill - 82.4% - 8th in the NHL
Goals For - 182 - 19th in the NHL
Goals Against - 204 - 25th in the NHL
Series History vs. ThePanthers
Columbus is 26-25-3 all-time, and 16-9-2 at home vs. Florida.
Columbus has lost 7 straight games to the Panthers overall, and three straight at home.
Who To Watch For ThePanthers
Sam Reinhart leads the Panthers with 28 goals, 29 assists, and 57 points.
Brad Marchand 27 goals and 53 points.
Sergei Bobrovsky is 22-19-1 with a SV% of .873.
Daniil Tarasov is 8-9-2 with a SV% of .903.
CBJ Player Notes vs.Panthers
Charlie Coyle has 16 points in 31 games vs. the Panthers.
Zach Werenski has 16 career points against Florida.
Mason Marchment has 4 points in 6 games against Florida.
Injured Reserve
Brendan Smith - Lower Body - Missed 22 Games IR - Out for the rest of the regular season.
***Zach Werenski missed the last 2 games due to illness.
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 161
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Jacob Bethell’s excellence was still not enough to carry England over the line as India set up a final showdown with New Zealand
England’s first task is to stop Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson getting off to a flyer. As Finn Allen showed yesterday, an opener can win a semi-final all by himself.
Will Jacks belts out God Save The King like a peroxide version of a Chelsea pensioner. As soon as it finishes, Harry Brook pops a piece of chewing gum into his mouth. The young chaperones look on with mild curiosity from under their yellow bucket hats.
Mavericks vs Magic best bet: Mavericks team total Under 109.5 (-110)
The Orlando Magic defense can strand the Dallas Mavericks in the half-court for long stretches, and the visitors aren't explosive enough to score more than 110 points.
Even if the Mavericks hang around, their scoring comes in spurts, and Orlando is good at taking away easy points, as evidenced by their 109 points-per-game allowed across their last five contests.
Orlando’s defense is stout, and its snail-paced offense won’t allow Dallas to jack up the tempo or to have enough successful offensive possessions to clear its team total.
Marshall must score against a physical Magic perimeter and interior defense, and if Flagg plays, he’s likely on a minutes restriction, which makes it hard to reach 19+ points against Orlando.
Mavericks vs Magic SGP
Mavericks team total Under 110.5
Naji Marshall Under 16.5 points
Cooper Flagg Under 18.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Suggs to be You
Jalen Suggs went 0-for-2 from three against Washington, but he’s hit at least two deep balls in three of his previous five games.
Mavericks vs Magic SGP
Mavericks team total Under 110.5
Naji Marshall Under 16.5 points
Cooper Flagg Under 18.5 points
Jalen Suggs Over 1.5 made threes
Mavericks vs Magic odds
Spread: Mavericks +8.5 (-110) | Magic -8.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Mavericks +280 | Magic -360
Over/Under: Over 228.5 (-110) | Under 228.5 (-110)
Mavericks vs Magic betting trend to know
The Dallas Mavericks have hit the 2H Game Total Under in 13 of their last 18 away games (+7.41 Units / 36% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Magic.
How to watch Mavericks vs Magic
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
KFAA, FDSN Florida
Mavericks vs Magic 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.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 04: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reach for the ball during the second half at the TD Garden on March 04, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
BOSTON — Jaylen Brown wasn’t at his sharpest Wednesday night against the Hornets. He missed four of his first six shots and four of his final six as the Celtics suffered a lopsided 118–89 defeat at TD Garden.
“I take accountability,” Brown said. “I gotta be better at the rim and play with more energy.”
Brown’s first three shots were all within 12 feet of the rim, and all three missed. He proceeded to miss six more from within six feet before finishing 7-for-19 with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and three turnovers. Both Brown’s scoring and playmaking proved unreliable, turning what began as a first-quarter 7-for-23 Celtics slump into a contagious burden that prevented anyone from finding a rhythm.
Charlotte’s defense smothered Boston so effectively that it held the Celtics to fewer than 23 points for three quarters.
“That wasn’t Celtics basketball,” Brown said. “They had more energy than us. Usually, that doesn’t happen a lot all season long. Today wasn’t the best example of Celtics basketball, and we all can be better. Being the leader, I take accountability.”
Brown tried to revive the Celtics. In the second quarter, he poster-dunked over 6-foot-10 center Moussa Diabaté in an attempt to motivate the rest of the team. The energy lift lasted only a few moments before Charlotte closed the frame with a 64-43 halftime lead. Brown’s latest dunk-of-the-year submission wasn’t enough to swing the pendulum in Boston’s favor. The shooting woes, turnovers, and unlikely brand of basketball that prompted halftime boos among the over 19,000 fans in attendance remained stuck to the Celtics.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 04: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics passes the ball past Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at the TD Garden on March 04, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In the third quarter, Brown’s right-handed layup attempt was blocked by Ryan Kalkbrenner. Brown immediately looked toward the officials, shouting while holding his right arm. Seconds later, he was charged with a his career-high ninth technical foul of the season, allowing Colby White to visit the charity stripe and extend Charlotte’s lead to 20 points with 11.4 seconds remaining.
No matter where the Celtics looked, they couldn’t find an answer.
Hornets coach Charles Lee’s offense, on the other hand, never took its foot off the gas. Charlotte recorded 26 assists to Boston’s 18 and scored 22 fast-break points, while the Celtics finished with nine.
Part of Boston’s internal makeup that has made the Celtics one of the most dominant teams in the NBA this season is their ability to outwork opponents. Regardless of who’s healthy, they’ve been able to rely on their all-or-nothing commitment to make up for any star-power gap or unfavorable matchup. This time, that wasn’t the case, and Brown called it out.
“We weren’t the harder-playing team tonight on either side of the ball,” Brown said. “Uncharacteristic of us.”
In addition to getting outworked, key contributors to Boston’s offense became complete non-factors. Payton Pritchard went scoreless for the second time in three games, this time shooting 0-for-6, including 0-for-5 from three. Nikola Vučević scored only eight points, shooting 2-for-10 with only four rebounds. Everyone on Charlotte’s sideline whom Lee played registered a positive plus-minus, as the Hornets outscored the Celtics 44-26 in bench points.
“We just didn’t have it tonight,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said.
Failing to convert at the rim wasn’t just Brown’s problem; it plagued Boston’s entire offense.
“We went 4-for-18 from layups, so I don’t really know what else to tell you,” Mazzulla said. “That was in the first half. We went 11-for-33 in the game, and brought it up to 33 percent.”
As Mazzulla saw it, Boston’s misses constantly turned into fast-break opportunities for Charlotte, who capitalized on easy baskets. The Celtics committed 15 turnovers, which the Hornets converted into 21 points. Poor ball protection and the inability to finish at the rim quickly caught up to Boston. Charlotte had little trouble maintaining its double-digit lead, as the Celtics were unintentionally blueprinting their own undoing.
Nobody in the locker room was overly concerned with the loss. They were more focused on learning from their mistakes. That’s the Mazzulla way.
“I think we had a lot of good looks,” Derrick White said. “There’s a lot of layups we missed, a lot of open looks that we missed, and honestly, we’re gonna look back and see some things that we should’ve done better. But I think overall it was pretty good. We just gotta execute better.”
Kucherov anytime goal
Stutzle Over 0.5 assists
Karlsson Over 0.5 points
