Premier League champions have looked slow and lacked tempo with the spotlight on their wingers
Winger is “the hardest position to play” in modern football, according to Arne Slot, and Liverpool’s wide men would find it hard to disagree. A lot of Liverpool’s problems this season can be attributed to their attacking flair being stifled, leaving the champions 19 points adrift of Premier League leaders, Arsenal.
Liverpool return to Molineux on Friday, three days after a stoppage-time defeat by Wolves in the league. The FA Cup fifth-round fixture will be an opportunity for Slot to test his bullpen of wingers and see whether they can do better. Liverpool have scored 48 goals in 29 league matches, the average of 1.66 a game a long way short of the 2.26 when winning last season’s title.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 26: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 26, 2025 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After dropping Thursday’s game to the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers will immediately return to Los Angeles where they will begin a five-game home stand, starting with the Pacers on Friday.
This is the first meeting between the two teams this season.
The Lakers will be greeted back at Crypto.com Arena by a Pacers team that’s currently struggling. The Pacers are lottery-bound and there’s really no reason for them to aim for anything but a top pick at this point of the season. It’s understood league-wide that this season was a gap year for them after Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles in the Finals.
That said, the Lakers will still have to earn this one. In fairness to them, they’ve been performing well on the second night of back-to-backs as of late, winning three of their last four. They should win this one simply because they’re the better team. It’s also the perfect opportunity to quickly bounce back after losing a close game in Denver.
Without Haliburton, Indiana ranks dead last in the league in offense. They average just 111.4 points per game and don’t rebound the ball very well. Outside of Pascal Siakam, they don’t have much of a consistent threat on offense. Their defense doesn’t make up for their offense either because they don’t have the pieces to protect the rim, especially with Ivica Zubac out. More notably, Indiana doesn’t have an answer for Los Angeles’ main guys.
That’s why it would be nice to see the Lakers put together a nice bounceback game, one that will begin this crucial five-game home stand on a strong note. Hopefully, they shoot better than they did on Thursday night, especially if this one goes down to the wire.
The Lakers should be able to feast in the paint even more and defend without fouling so much. It’s the defense’s responsibility to make sure that Siakam, Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard don’t play extraordinary well.
One of the perks of the NBA regular season is that there’s always an opportunity to bounce back, especially after losing such a winnable game. Let’s see if the purple and gold can do just on Friday against the Pacers.
Notes and Updates
This is the Lakers’ 11th back-to-back this season. After this one, they will play three more.
Since the Lakers played on Thursday, there’s no injury report yet.
As for the Pacers, Tyrese Halliburton (Achilles injury), Johnny Furphy (right ACL tear), Ivica Zubac (left ankle sprain) are all out.
Pascal Siakam (left wrist sprain), Aaron Nesmith (right ankle and lower back sprain) and Andrew Nembhard (lower back and neck soreness) are probable.
Luka Dončić was called for his 15th technical foul of the season on Thursday against the Nuggets. If he gets called for one more, he will be automatically suspended for one game.
Carlson, 36, has been a career Capital, appearing in 1,143 games for the franchise over 17 seasons after he was selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft. He owns basically every major franchise record for a defenseman — games played, goals (166), assists (605) and points (771) — and was a key component of the franchise's breakthrough Stanley Cup win in 2018. He finished in the top five in Norris Trophy voting three times, including a runner-up finish in 2019-20.
"Since joining our organization 17 years ago, John Carlson has exemplified what it means to be a Washington Capital every day,” Capitals GM Chris Patrick said in a statement. “John’s determination, leadership, persistence and skill helped our franchise reach new heights and cemented him as a cornerstone and one of the greatest players in Capitals history. His contributions to our organization and the Washington, D.C., community both on and off the ice have been immeasurable.
"We are incredibly grateful for everything John has given to our team and wish him and his family nothing but the best moving forward with Anaheim.”
So ... who won the deal?
Capitals trade grade: A-
Sentimentality aside, getting a first-round pick — either this summer if the Ducks make the playoffs or next year — and third-round pick for a 36-year-old defenseman who will be a free agent this summer is a tidy bit of business. The Capitals are just four points out of the playoffs, but they are tied for the most games played in the conference. They made a shrewd decision to throw in the towel in what seems to be a seller's market, earlier on Thursday trading another veteran in Nic Dowd.
The Capitals now have 22 picks in the next three NHL drafts and clearly have their eyes on the future ... which could also see franchise icon Alex Ovechkin depart this summer with the 40-year-old's contract set to expire. A trade of a franchise icon is never fun, but this move helps set the Capitals up for more winning down the road.
Ducks trade grade: B+
This trade feels very much like a win-win as the Ducks are adding a defenseman who can still get it done, particularly on the offensive end. Carlson has been quite productive again this season, scoring 10 goals and dishing 36 assists for 46 points in 55 games. He carries a plus-11 rating.
He also brings loads of playoff experience for a team that hasn’t played spring hockey in a while, having appeared in 137 postseason contests, winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. That's the last year the Ducks made the playoffs. Maybe you'd like to keep your first-round pick, but getting a player like Carlson comes at a price; plus, Anaheim is already oozing with young talent thanks to its years in the wilderness.
DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 5: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a layup against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Ball Arena on March 5, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers might just be cursed to always have an injury.
After a short string of games where they had a clean injury report, they came away from Thursday’s game against the Nuggets with plenty of bumps and bruises to go along with their loss. Two starters did not finish the game, one being LeBron, who suffered an elbow injury late in the contest.
The other, perhaps more serious injury was Deandre Ayton, who only played the opening 4:30 of the game before leaving with a knee injury. Ayton was eventually ruled out at halftime.
From the Lakers — Deandre Ayton (knee) will not return to tonight’s game at Denver.
After being asked to clarify, Redick reiterated that it was left knee soreness. That’s relevant because in early February, Ayton dealt with right knee soreness that limited him to one appearance in the team’s four games prior to the All-Star break.
It’s possible this is the same injury resurfacing, but either way, it’s concerning. As much as Ayton has struggled in recent weeks, when he was at his best early in the season, the team was at its best.
That being said, in his absence, Jaxson Hayes looked fantastic against the Nuggets. Maxi Kleber has also had some solid showings in recent games, though he’s been dealing with a back injury. The Lakers found success in Denver with a small ball lineup as well.
While the Lakers do clearly have options they can turn to, any hit to the team’s depth is a blow, especially as they look to make their playoff push.
DENVER, CO - MARCH 5: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 5, 2026 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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 Morgan Engel/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Don’t let the score fool you. The Lakers never had a shot in this one.
The Nuggets started the game on an 11-0 and never trailed. Anytime LA made a push, Denver responded and closed the door.
When Deandre Ayton played, he was bad, and when Lakers head coach JJ Redick went to players he hadn’t used in a while like Jarred Vanderbilt, it didn’t work.
Besides LeBron James, few Lakers can hold their heads high when looking back at how they played in this game.
So, let’s dive into the loss. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
Luka was offensively aggressive in this game and played at his typical level. It was good to see him taking some shots late, though Marcus Smart took a few that would’ve been nice to see Luka or LeBron attempt. Beyond that, though, he was adequate.
On the one hand, Smart played hard and was one of the Lakers who showed up the entire game. On the other hand, the flopping was a bit much and the threes he missed in the final quarter sealed LA’s fate.
Still, other players underperformed and Smart was the only starter who was a positive in the plus-minus.
It was another slow start for Reaves. He had just four points at the half. Reaves improved in the third and fourth quarters, but this was still another game where he had underperformed. This has been a trend over the past seven games, and an end does not seem in sight.
Perhaps since LA plays Indiana next, he’ll look good in a low-stakes contest.
If LaRavia isn’t going to knock down his shots, continue to be passive when he’s open and get burnt on defense, then he can take a seat.
Grade: F
Deandre Ayton, Jarred Vanderbilt,
This pair didn’t play long enough to earn a grade, and if they did, it wouldn’t be positive.
JJ Redick
If the Lakers weren’t ready to start this game, that’s going to fall on the coach. Ayton has been making a case to get benched and he hasn’t been. Before he exited the game with a knee injury, he was terrible. These games are tests for the Lakers and they failed.
Grade: D
Thursday’s DNPs: Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero, Kobe Bufkin, Bronny James
Thursday’s inactives: Maxi Kleber, Chris Mañon, Nick Smith Jr, Drew Timme,
It's NHL Trade Deadline day. A couple prominent players have already changed locations, including a couple late blockbusters on Thursday and probably a lot more activity going into the 3 p.m. ET cutoff.
Sit down. Strap in. And get ready for some excitement. Or not.
So while you're waiting for your favorite team to complete a couple trades that will surely please/surprise/anger/confuse most fans, you can kill at least 10 minutes (15, tops) reading through the following waiver wire recommendations.
(Rostered rates as of Mar. 6)
Forwards
Gabriel Landeskog, COL (Yahoo: 52%): It's incredible that Landeskog is still around 50% coverage. The only logical explanation for this is his extensive injury history, but that just means most poolies aren't taking advantage of a player who's gone off for six points, 15 shots and a plus-7 in the five games since coming back from the Olympics while skating alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas at both five-on-five and the power play. The mission — should you choose to accept it — is to get Landeskog well over the halfway mark.
Tyler Bertuzzi, CHI (Yahoo: 46%): Bertuzzi has already equaled his personal-best with 20 power-play points that put him even with Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust, Sebastian Aho and Miro Heiskanen entering Thursday's action. He's also set to approach his top scoring campaign at only four goals under his peak of 30 and another 17 points required to match his 2021-22 output. The latter may be too much to ask for, though you know Bertuzzi will give it his all to try and get there.
Jordan Eberle, SEA (Yahoo: 27%): Eberle was first mentioned at the end of October after starting off great, and he's back here having consistently produced since. He went on a six-week run across December/January where he found the scoresheet in 17 of 21 outings. And even after a couple lulls, Eberle registered two goals on three shots with a PPA Saturday and often logs major minutes. There's no shame adding someone from a bottom-third offense who can immediately help.
Chris Kreider, ANH (Yahoo: 23%): The Ducks boasted a top-10 attack for a while and are currently just below that, though they've scored at least four goals eight times over their last 11 outings. During that same span, Kreider has accumulated five goals, five assists, three PPPs and 20 shots at nearly 17 minutes per game. He's been reunited with Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier on the lead trio and man-advantage. As long as Kreider is favorably positioned, he'll continue to help the Ducks as they attempt to reach their first playoffs since 2017-18.
Cole Perfetti, WPG (Yahoo: 22%): Winnipeg has turned it around enough where the lineup probably won't be dismantled by the deadline. Perfetti has also gotten back on track thanks to seven points through eight matchups to go with 29 shots on a 17:32 ice time average, with 4:00-plus of that on the first PP. He may not be achieving what was projected for him as a former top-10 pick, though he is on a solid run while maintaining the skills and responsibilities to keep it going.
Luke Evangelista, NSH (Yahoo: 11%): Evangelista is similar to Eberle in that he's regularly been hot on a weaker scoring side. The fourth-year pro has already blown past his career high for points at 47 and PPPs with 15 — including PPAs from three of the last four games. Evangelista won't do much when it comes to secondary stats but can contribute in scoring and shots (over two per outing) as a fixture in the upper-half of Nashville's depth chart.
Taylor Hall, CAR (Yahoo: 9%): Let's discuss another positive-trending over-30 forward. Hall may not have achieved anything while up a man since mid-January and the ice time is somewhat lower than recent campaigns, yet is once again on the fantasy radar via two goals, four assists and 10 shots across the last four appearances. He's also been helped by having talented linemates like Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake. Carolina has been lethal of late for finding the back of the net and will be facing a couple weaker defenses the next week (Oilers, Blues), so Hall could be set to pile on some more points.
Matt Savoie, EDM (Yahoo: 6%): It became immediately obvious Savoie was too good for the AHL, yet it took a season to fully integrate him on the Edmonton roster. The first month or so didn't amount to much (1G/1A through 17 matchups), and it wasn't until a regular even-strength partnership with Leon Draisaitl that things got going. Savoie is riding a four-game scoring streak where he's posted a PPG, six assists and nine shots. It probably doesn't hurt to take a chance on him and see how long this upswing can last.
Defensemen
Simon Edvinsson, DET (Yahoo: 19%): In case you missed it, Edvinsson is back after a brief spell on the sidelines. And in the four games since, he's recorded two goals, an assist, six shots, five hits and nine blocks while averaging 23:04 of ice time. While Edvinsson doesn't appear on the power play, he'll be able to supply enough stats across multiple categories to boost any fantasy squad.
Dmitry Orlov, SJ (Yahoo: 16%): The Sharks remain a solid source of scoring where any of their more prominent players will be able to benefit. Orlov immediately clicked to start his tenure with the club by racking up 11 assists from the first 16 contests and four of those coming on the man-advantage. He continued to do well before his offensive stats dipped and temporarily lost the PP1 QB gig to John Klingberg, but he's back on that unit and produced a PPA on Tuesday (now at 12 overall). With that type of upside and a decent haul of shots, hits and blocks, Orlov needs to be on more rosters.
Zayne Parekh, CGY (Yahoo: 15%): Parekh was originally brought up here in early January as it was assumed he'd soon be able to join the Flames after the World Junior Championship, yet it took him a few weeks and a minor-league conditioning stint to return to the NHL. And even though no offense has come during the six appearances, he participates on Calgary's top power play. That placement should hold after MacKenzie Weegar's departure and the fact Parekh totaled 87 goals and 153 assists in three OHL seasons with another two and three over an abbreviated AHL run.
Philip Broberg, STL (Yahoo: 5%): Broberg is a key piece of the Blues' 24-and-under core. He recently signed a six-year deal and is also in line for more responsibilities the rest of the way, as the team isn't competing for a playoff spot. Broberg is already logging 23 minutes a night while providing sufficient — though not spectacular — stats. He has also picked up the point pace with five of them over his last eight outings and an increased man-advantage role that's guaranteed to get him additional coverage.
Goaltenders
Akira Schmid, VGK (Yahoo: 28%): Schmid's 5-4-2 record in 2026 may not look great, though he's only allowed more than three goals once during that stretch. Meanwhile, Adin Hill has posted a 3.68 GAA and .850 save percentage since returning from injury. The duo has more or less been alternating starts, so Schmid should be receiving enough action behind a solid offense on a Vegas side looking to keep the top spot in the Pacific.
Joel Hofer, STL (Yahoo: 21%): Jordan Binnington has lost his last eight appearances, in which he's compiled a 4.19/.844 line. Since Jan. 13, Hofer has gone 6-2-1 alongside a 2.41 and .909 that includes a shutout over the 'Canes and back-to-back impressive wins at Minnesota and Seattle. As Binnington has been slumping and the subject of trade talk with St. Louis looking to the future, Hofer's time as the No. 1 could come sooner than expected.
BOTTOM LINE: Dallas comes into the matchup with Boston as losers of five games in a row.
The Celtics are 20-10 in home games. Boston is fifth in the NBA with 12.9 offensive rebounds per game led by Neemias Queta averaging 3.0 offensive boards.
The Mavericks are 7-22 on the road. Dallas is 5-7 in one-possession games.
The Celtics average 114.5 points per game, 3.1 fewer points than the 117.6 the Mavericks give up. The Mavericks are shooting 47.0% from the field, 2.9% higher than the 44.1% the Celtics' opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Celtics won 110-100 in the last matchup on Feb. 4. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 33 points, and Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with 36 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Derrick White is shooting 39.2% and averaging 17.3 points for the Celtics. Brown is averaging 20.3 points over the last 10 games.
Flagg is averaging 20.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Mavericks. Naji Marshall is averaging 14.9 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 7-3, averaging 108.5 points, 50.2 rebounds, 27.2 assists, 5.5 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 100.7 points per game.
Mavericks: 2-8, averaging 110.0 points, 42.7 rebounds, 23.0 assists, 6.7 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 47.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.6 points.
INJURIES: Celtics: Jayson Tatum: day to day (achilles).
Mavericks: Brandon Williams: day to day (quadriceps), Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Kyrie Irving: out for season (knee), Marvin Bagley III: day to day (neck).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Golden State Warriors (32-30, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (49-15, first in the Western Conference)
Oklahoma City; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Oklahoma City will try to earn its 50th win of the season when the Thunder play the Golden State Warriors.
The Thunder are 34-9 in conference matchups. Oklahoma City has a 3-6 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Warriors are 22-19 in conference matchups. Golden State is third in the league with 29.2 assists per game led by Draymond Green averaging 5.2.
The Thunder average 118.9 points per game, 4.8 more points than the 114.1 the Warriors allow. The Warriors are shooting 46.1% from the field, 2.5% higher than the 43.6% the Thunder's opponents have shot this season.
The teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Thunder won the last meeting 131-94 on Jan. 3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points to help lead the Thunder to the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Cason Wallace is scoring 8.9 points per game and averaging 3.2 rebounds for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 14.2 points and 3.1 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Green is averaging 8.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists for the Warriors. Brandin Podziemski is averaging 16.7 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 8-2, averaging 113.3 points, 45.2 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 9.0 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.5 points per game.
Warriors: 4-6, averaging 112.3 points, 43.5 rebounds, 31.5 assists, 9.9 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.3 points.
INJURIES: Thunder: Alex Caruso: day to day (hip), Ajay Mitchell: day to day (abdomen), Branden Carlson: day to day (back), Jalen Williams: out (hamstring), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee), Isaiah Hartenstein: day to day (calf).
Warriors: Kristaps Porzingis: day to day (illness), Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Gary Payton II: day to day (ankle), Stephen Curry: out (knee), Moses Moody: day to day (wrist), Seth Curry: day to day (back), Will Richard: day to day (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: The Phoenix Suns host the New Orleans Pelicans in Western Conference action Friday.
The Suns are 24-18 against Western Conference opponents. Phoenix ranks last in the Western Conference scoring 43.5 points per game in the paint.
The Pelicans are 13-28 in Western Conference play. New Orleans is 10-20 in games decided by at least 10 points.
The Suns are shooting 45.2% from the field this season, 2.5 percentage points lower than the 47.7% the Pelicans allow to opponents. The Pelicans average 11.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.8 fewer makes per game than the Suns allow.
The teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Suns won the last matchup 123-114 on Dec. 28. Devin Booker scored 20 points to help lead the Suns to the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Collin Gillespie is averaging 13.5 points and 4.8 assists for the Suns. Jalen Green is averaging 12.9 points over the last 10 games.
Trey Murphy III is averaging 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pelicans. Saddiq Bey is averaging 2.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 4-6, averaging 102.7 points, 46.0 rebounds, 23.3 assists, 8.3 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 40.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.4 points per game.
Pelicans: 6-4, averaging 118.3 points, 45.6 rebounds, 27.1 assists, 8.3 steals and 6.7 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.9 points.
INJURIES: Suns: Jordan Goodwin: out (calf), Dillon Brooks: out (hand), Mark Williams: out (foot).
Pelicans: Dejounte Murray: day to day (reconditioning).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Orlando Magic (33-28, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (40-23, third in the Western Conference)
Minneapolis; Saturday, 3 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota is looking to keep its five-game win streak alive when the Timberwolves take on Orlando.
The Timberwolves are 22-11 on their home court. Minnesota is seventh in the Western Conference with 50.2 points per game in the paint led by Julius Randle averaging 10.3.
The Magic are 13-16 in road games. Orlando is ninth in the Eastern Conference scoring 114.8 points per game and is shooting 46.2%.
The Timberwolves average 14.1 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.5 more made shots on average than the 11.6 per game the Magic give up. The Magic are shooting 46.2% from the field, 0.1% lower than the 46.3% the Timberwolves' opponents have shot this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Randle is averaging 21.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists for the Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards is averaging 3.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Paolo Banchero is scoring 22.0 points per game with 8.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists for the Magic. Desmond Bane is averaging 25.1 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 59.1% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Timberwolves: 8-2, averaging 116.4 points, 43.4 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 9.7 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 50.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.0 points per game.
Magic: 6-4, averaging 112.9 points, 42.4 rebounds, 27.0 assists, 9.1 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.2 points.
INJURIES: Timberwolves: Joe Ingles: day to day (personal).
Magic: Franz Wagner: out (ankle), Jonathan Isaac: day to day (knee), Colin Castleton: out (thumb).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Indiana comes into the matchup against Los Angeles as losers of seven games in a row.
The Lakers are 18-12 on their home court. Los Angeles is fifth in the Western Conference with 51.5 points per game in the paint led by LeBron James averaging 11.2.
The Pacers are 5-25 on the road. Indiana is 6-5 in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Lakers are shooting 49.9% from the field this season, 1.0 percentage point higher than the 48.9% the Pacers allow to opponents. The Pacers' 45.0% shooting percentage from the field this season is 3.5 percentage points lower than the Lakers have given up to their opponents (48.5%).
TOP PERFORMERS: Luka Doncic is averaging 32.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists for the Lakers. James is averaging 18.0 points over the last 10 games.
Pascal Siakam is averaging 24 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists for the Pacers. Micah Potter is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 5-5, averaging 114.5 points, 39.1 rebounds, 27.3 assists, 8.4 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.2 points per game.
Pacers: 2-8, averaging 114.5 points, 40.1 rebounds, 28.6 assists, 7.2 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 126.6 points.
INJURIES: Lakers: LeBron James: day to day (elbow), Maxi Kleber: day to day (back), Deandre Ayton: day to day (knee).
Pacers: Pascal Siakam: day to day (wrist), Andrew Nembhard: day to day (back), Johnny Furphy: out for season (knee), Aaron Nesmith: day to day (ankle), Ivica Zubac: out (ankle), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Philadelphia 76ers (34-28, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (32-31, 10th in the Eastern Conference)
Atlanta; Saturday, 6 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Atlanta hosts Philadelphia aiming to extend its four-game home winning streak.
The Hawks have gone 18-21 against Eastern Conference teams. Atlanta ranks third in the Eastern Conference with 51.8 points per game in the paint led by Jalen Johnson averaging 12.3.
The 76ers are 21-20 against conference opponents. Philadelphia ranks sixth in the Eastern Conference with 16.5 fast break points per game led by Tyrese Maxey averaging 5.6.
The Hawks average 14.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.3 more made shots on average than the 13.2 per game the 76ers give up. The 76ers average 115.8 points per game, 1.5 fewer than the 117.3 the Hawks allow to opponents.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Hawks won 117-107 in the last matchup on Feb. 20.
TOP PERFORMERS: Johnson is shooting 49.1% and averaging 22.7 points for the Hawks. Onyeka Okongwu is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Maxey is averaging 28.9 points, 6.7 assists and two steals for the 76ers. VJ Edgecombe is averaging 15.4 points and 5.5 rebounds over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Hawks: 6-4, averaging 118.2 points, 47.8 rebounds, 28.8 assists, 9.9 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.1 points per game.
76ers: 4-6, averaging 111.4 points, 41.6 rebounds, 22.6 assists, 10.3 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 43.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.2 points.
INJURIES: Hawks: Jonathan Kuminga: day to day (knee).
76ers: Johni Broome: out (knee), Joel Embiid: out (oblique), VJ Edgecombe: day to day (back), Kelly Oubre Jr.: day to day (illness).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio will try to keep its six-game home win streak intact when the Spurs play Los Angeles.
The Spurs are 26-13 against Western Conference opponents. San Antonio ranks third in the Western Conference with 16.5 fast break points per game led by Stephon Castle averaging 2.9.
The Clippers are 19-18 in Western Conference play. Los Angeles ranks fourth in the Western Conference shooting 36.1% from 3-point range.
The 118.2 points per game the Spurs average are 6.2 more points than the Clippers give up (112.0). The Clippers are shooting 48.1% from the field, 3.1% higher than the 45.0% the Spurs' opponents have shot this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Victor Wembanyama is averaging 23.7 points, 11.2 rebounds and three blocks for the Spurs. Devin Vassell is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Kris Dunn is averaging eight points, 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals for the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard is averaging 25.8 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 49.7% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Spurs: 9-1, averaging 121.3 points, 45.9 rebounds, 31.2 assists, 8.5 steals and 7.2 blocks per game while shooting 49.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.8 points per game.
Clippers: 6-4, averaging 113.0 points, 42.1 rebounds, 23.6 assists, 9.6 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.9 points.
INJURIES: Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Harrison Barnes: day to day (ankle), Mason Plumlee: day to day (reconditioning).
Clippers: Yanic Konan Niederhauser: out for season (foot), Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), John Collins: out (arm), Darius Garland: out (toe).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Thursday, Mar. 5, 2026, was a big day for the Anaheim Ducks. First, they locked down speedy forward Ryan Poehling to a four-year contract extension. But their biggest move of the day would come several hours later, when they acquired longtime Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson.
Carlson, 36, is in the final year of an eight-year deal that has an AAV of $8 million. The Capitals are receiving a conditional first-round pick in either the 2026 or 2027 NHL Draft and a 2027 third-round pick in exchange for Carlson. There is no salary retention involved in the deal and a contract extension has yet to be discussed. Anaheim was also not on Carlson's 10-team no-trade list.
The conditions on the first-round pick are as follows:
The conditional first-round pick shall be Anaheim’s 2026 first-round pick. If Anaheim fails to qualify for the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, then Anaheim will retain its 2026 first-round pick and shall instead transfer its 2027 first-round pick to Washington (subject to the Option below).
If Anaheim fails to qualify for the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, then Anaheim shall have the option to transfer its 2026 first-round pick to Washington instead of Anaheim’s 2027 first-round pick. To exercise this option, Anaheim shall notify Washington of the option exercise no later than immediately after the selection of the draft pick preceding Anaheim’s first-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Jan 5, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (74) celebrates with teammates after scoring an empty net goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Carlson's acquisition solidifies the right side of Anaheim's blue line, giving them three veterans with substantial playoff experience in Carlson, Jacob Trouba and captain Radko Gudas. Combined, the trio has amassed 267 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Trouba has been to three Conference Finals, while Gudas was part of the Florida Panthers team that lost in the Cup Final to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. Carlson, of course, won a Cup in 2018 against those Golden Knights during their inaugural season.
"John Carlson brings leadership, character, a high hockey IQ and a presence to our lineup," Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said in a press release. "We are very excited to add a Stanley Cup winner to complement our group and make a big push down the stretch."
Carlson immediately slides in as the Ducks' No. 1 right-handed defenseman and will help stabilize both the power play and penalty kill. At 5v5, his ability to find teammates with outlet passes will be extremely beneficial for head coach Joel Quenneville's squad, who is at their best when they can get into open ice and create off the rush.
One of the league's top defensemen from the past decade, Carlson concludes his Capitals career as their leader in games played, goals and points among defensemen in franchise history.
Carlson's availability for Anaheim's game against the Montréal Canadiens on Friday is unclear. More will be known following their morning skate.
