Both the Orlando Magic and the Minnesota Timberwolves are playing their fourth game this week, so there may be some fatigue at the early 3:00 p.m. ET tip.
But my Magic vs. Timberwolves predictions and these NBA picks see value in Minnesota’s depth on Saturday, March 7.
Magic vs Timberwolves prediction
Magic vs Timberwolves best bet: Ayo Dosunmu Over 11.5 points (+100)
The Minnesota Timberwolves stumbled their way into bench depth, now turning to Naz Reid, Ayo Dosunmu, and Kyle Anderson as their first three reserves, with Mike Conley and Joan Beringer adding variable pieces.
But Anderson is listed as questionable against the Orlando Magic, and the Timberwolves’ rotation may be knocked off kilter again.
If Anderson’s minutes are at all reduced, that should lean to more for Dosunmu, who has already cleared this prop in his last two games, three of his last four, and six of his 10 games with Minnesota.
Magic vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
Dosunmu has hit multiple threes in just one of his last eight games, yet he has cleared this points prop in five of those eight games.
His best impact for Minnesota is in driving to the hoop, particularly in transition. Those drives helped this exact same-game parlay cash twice in the last eight games.
Magic vs Timberwolves SGP
Ayo Dosunmu Over 11.5 points
Ayo Dosunmu Under 1.5 threes
Timberwolves -6.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Timberwolves Set The Terms
The Timberwolves have cashed the Under in each of their last four games, their defense aided by identifying offensive wrinkles and thus slowing opponents’ transition opportunities.
Magic vs Timberwolves SGP
Ayo Dosunmu Over 11.5 points
Ayo Dosunmu Under 1.5 threes
Timberwolves -6.5
Under 224.5
Magic vs Timberwolves odds
Spread: Magic +6.5 | Timberwolves -6.5
Moneyline: Magic +220 | Timberwolves -270
Over/Under: Over 224.5 | Under 224.5
Magic vs Timberwolves betting trend to know
Minnesota’s last four games have all gone Under their totals and by an average of 17 points per game. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Magic vs Timberwolves
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Tip-off
3:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Magic vs Timberwolves 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.
Welcome to Inside the Suns, your weekly deep-down analysis of the current Phoenix Suns team. Each week the Fantable — a round table of Bright Siders — give their takes on the Suns’ latest issues and news.
Fantable Questions of the Week
Q1: Some fans are adamant in their belief that the Suns will not be able to significantly improve the team in the near future without trading away some of their better players to obtain more draft picks and/or younger players with higher potential for growth. Do you agree or disagree with this?
GuarGuar: We are very limited with our assets, so if we are gonna improve this team, it’s either through internal development or trading our current players. I’d like to see if this group can make the playoffs and do some damage first before leaning either way on what to do, but the only real moves we can make are player trades this offseason.
Diamondhacks: It’s difficult to ‘significantly improve’ and more difficult to pull it off two years in a row, irrespective of rebuilds or resets conjured from the confines of adamant fans’ basements. Many theoretical strands inform that difficulty, under an umbrella perhaps too broadly labeled “regression”.
Yes, the Suns are the ninth oldest roster (basketball reference) but also feature physically promising novices and, as this above .500 season illustrates, there are unexpected paths toward ‘significant improvement’. It’s just that once you get there, fueled largely by moxie, there are typically more paths toward everything else, regardless of anyone’s best laid plans.
Ashton: I assume that is a question on Jalen Green’s trade return value. I have already put myself on the record within previous Fantable discussions. I would support Green’s development around a solid starting five.
But, as a nod to some commentators, I would not take him off the trade table until I am actually able to see Green’s value with a starting lineup and what role he is actually expected to play. Facilitator? Driver?
Or he recently just tried to put the Suns team on his shoulders and failed miserably at it. Let’s just see what he does with starter-caliber players.
Beyond that? What? Mark Williams is in a bit of a slump, but still respect that he shows up to basically every single game. I did not expect that. And no poster would trade Brooks and his technical fouls.
Suns just need to secure MW and CG contracts.
OldAz: Dunn was a late first, Fleming was an early 2nd. I have often said that the NBA draft is a total crap shoot and a team’s commitment to developing young players has always been more important. For years, the Suns have been terrible at this, while teams like the Miami Heat have often had multiple undrafted free agents contributing to winning.
With the success of players like Colin Gillespie and Jamaree Bouyea, along with the developmental focus applied to Oso, Dunn, Fleming, and Maluach give me a lot of hope that the Suns now get this. If so, then getting more or better draft picks is less important than hitting on those picks they do have and maximizing the minimum signing made to fill out the team.
Trading established players just for picks is just not a path I am a fan of. Maybe I will be more in favor of this path once they prove to be successful (on a sustained basis) in developing that drafted talent.
Rod: As John Voita pointed out a few days ago, Brian Gregory has already done a really good job rebuilding/retooling the Suns since his arrival and I don’t expect him to suddenly lose his knack or finding hidden/overlooked treasures. While there is no guarantee that he will continue to be as successful in the future, that in itself is no reason to suddenly shift coarse and head off in a different direction.
Their success this year has largely been due to how well they’ve functioned as a team rather than relying upon any one or two players to carry the majority of the load. They’re maybe one or two pieces away from becoming an even better team and I think it makes more sense to ride this strategy out for at least another year, especially since one of those missing pieces (PF) may already be on the team (Fleming).
Q2: Dillon Brooks is expected to be out until at least March 28 and possibly even two weeks more than that. If it’s left up to him to make the decision, what’s your best guess at when he’ll return?
GuarGuar: I think he will return right before the regular season ends. I’m expecting an early April start back from him as it’s his off hand, not his shooting hand. He’s a competitor, and when he heals enough that playing isn’t a risk of reinjury, he will immediately be back. He’s too competitive.
Diamondhacks: This question has several parts, none of which capitalize on my catalog of imagined insights. I’m not an orthopedist, nor do I understand what makes Dillon tick. Perhaps someone more sold on Brooks might speak to his “return policy”?
Ashton: Oh, this is an easy question.
Brooks will enter the regular season two games before the Play-In or playoff designation for the NBA teams.
He can grab two more technicals and have it all wiped out on post season. He will use them. Unless he breaks his hand again.
OldAz: Since this question was asked before Friday’s news, but published after, I would say it will be about 2 days later than Dillon Brooks “decides”. In answer to the question, if it is solely left up to him, he will be back as soon as possible and even declare himself ready a few games early just so he can serve whatever suspension the league hands down. I believe it will probably be close to the March 28th date to give him 9 games or so to get back into game shape and ready for any playoff run. Players always want to play, regardless of the health questions. This is especially true when it comes to playoff time.
Rod: My impression of Brooks leads me to believe that he’ll be back sooner rather than later, and he’ll probably be pushing the medical staff to clear him even before March 28. There was a scene in Black Hawk Down in which the soldiers were preparing to head back into Mogadishu and one guy with a broken arm ripped off his cast before returning to the fight with his buddies. I just get that kind of vibe from Brooks and feel as though it’s going to be hard to keep off the court any longer than is absolutely necessary.
Q3: Who do you consider to be the most undervalued Suns player by the fans?
GuarGuar: This is a tough question. I’m not quite sure who we underrate in this fanbase exactly, but I’ll go with Royce O’Neale. Yes, his defense is really bad at times, and he can be a liability when the shot isn’t falling. But it’s super valuable to have a stretch forward with deep catch and shoot range, and isn’t lacking confidence. Not to mention he’s shooting a great percentage, too. He’s experienced and brings some stability to this team night in and night out, and fits really well offensively next to Booker.
Diamondhacks: Despite an alarming performance drop-off, I’d say fans’ most undervalued Sun over the entire season is still Mark Williams, whose most verifiable sin to date is miserably failing to be Hakeem Olajuwon. Instead, all this lethargic disappointment’s managed to cobble together is to lead the entire team in Win Shares, Offensive Rating, Defensive Rating, and get to the line more per FG attempt than anyone not named Booker. Oh, and he’s our best offensive rebounder and best defensive rebounder, by sheer volume and rate (TRB%), and gets more steals per minute than Brooks, Booker, or Fleming.
But to hear some, Mark needs to make way more angry faces, bark like a dog, and take three times as many bad shots – like their intrepid hero, Dillon Brooks – to be considered anywhere quite so central to our success.
Ashton: Probably the one person I have not commented on a lot is Rasheer TyLee Fleming. The fans like him, but he was in a seven-team trade involving the Wolves. That is seven teams that took a pass, except the Suns.
A second round pick out of A-10s conference, and raise your hand if you watched Saint Joseph’s, he also gained conference accolades…
You know let me just wiki it.
“He was named First Team All-Atlantic 10 after averaging 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.”
And this is why NBA hoop heads (Word tried to auto-correct me to hop-heads. Not wrong based on game chat conversations) should pay attention to the college game and the draft picks. Even if the Suns do not have a pick in the first round, it is worth monitoring on future player trades.
OldAz: Currently, it is Mark Williams, but then again, the starting center always seems to be undervalued by this fanbase. We also tend to fall in love with the backup, and build them up in our minds to be the second coming of Kareem or Bill Russell. Everyone wants to see counting stats from the center, but that is not how modern basketball works. Because of this Fans clamor for 5 players who can put up the most individual stats, when in reality the most important thing is how the team performs.
As long as the Suns are going to play so small, they need a center like Williams to anchor the middle and allow Oso to be a main hub with the bench unit. Neither of their counting stats are going to get them in the All-NBA conversation, but their contributions to winning are vital. That’s all that matters to me.
Rod: I’m going with Royce O’Neale on this one. He’s been asked to play out of position all season long and, while it hasn’t been a roaring success, it hasn’t been a dismal failure either. Royce has had his good moments and his bad, but he’s soldiered on without a complaint. I think he’s been a good teammate and mentor to some of the younger guys too. Just the fact that Jordan Ott trusts him in the role he plays also says a lot to me. Say whatever you want about him but he’s led the Suns in total minutes played this season (1808) which isn’t bad for the team’s “old guy”.
As always, many thanks to our Fantable members for all their extra effort this week!
Quotes of the Week
“The biggest thing for me when I’m out there is just to remind myself to have fun. It’s basketball at the end of the day. That kind of relieves any thoughts I’m thinking about, if I’m worried about making any mistakes.” – Rasheer Fleming
“He (Rasheer Fleming) works hard every day and I think you’re going to see more and more each time that he steps on the floor.” – Jalen Green
I feel like it’s coming back slowly but surely. That’s all part of it. People been talking about missing shots and that’s all just part of it. Just got to keep shooting.” – Jalen Green
“We’ve focused on winning in the margins this year. Doing all the little things over the course of a whole season led to getting some good wins. Happy with where we’re at, but I think we’ve shown that we kind of belong. So we need to win some more games.” – Grayson Allen
“Nothing better than playing basketball, man. It’s tough watching.” – Devin Booker
“He’s (Khaman Maluach) been thrown into the fire at a young age. He can do nothing but grow from here.” – Devin Booker
Suns Trivia/History
On March 8, 2020, Ricky Rubio had his second triple-double of the season (25 pts, 13 rebs & 13 asts) in possibly his best game as a Sun as Phoenix beat the Milwaukee Bucks 140-131. The Suns had four players who scored 20+ points in the game (Rubio 25, Booker 36, Mikal Bridges 21 & Aron Baynes 24) plus two more in double figures (Dario Saric 11 & Jevon Carter 12).
On March 9, 2003, three-time All-Star “Thunder Dan” Majerle was placed in the Phoenix Suns’ Ring of Honor. Majerle played 8 seasons for the Suns, 7 at the beginning of his NBA career, and the 8th was his last in the league following stints in Cleveland (1 season) and Miami (5 seasons). He averaged 13.5 pts, 4.7 rebs, 3.1 asts, and 1.4 steals per game for the Suns and hit 36.4% from three for the Suns and is 11th on the Suns’ All-Time leaders in points scored (8,034), 5th in steals (811), and 3rd in three-pointers made (800).
On March 11, 2008, Shaq cleared the Suns’ bench while going after a loose ball.
On March 12, 2020, the NBA suspended the season due to the coronavirus pandemic. The season would not resume until July in the Orlando “bubble” where the Suns would go 8-0 and just barely miss making the playoffs/play-in tournament.
On March 14, 2007, the 49-14 Suns met the 52-10 Dallas Mavericks in a match-up where both teams were fighting for the top seed in the Western conference and Steve Nash was going for his third consecutive MVP award against Dirk Nowitzki. Though the Suns won the game in double overtime, the Mavericks would finish with the West’s top seed at 67-15, and Nowitzki would narrowly win the MVP award over of Nash.
This Week’s Game Schedule
Sunday, March 8 – Suns vs Charlotte Hornets (8:00 pm) Peacock Tuesday, March 10 – Suns @ Milwaukee Bucks (6:00 pm) Thursday, March 12 – Suns @ Indiana Pacers (5:00 pm) Friday, March 13 – Suns @ Toronto Raptors (5:30 pm)
This Week’s Valley Suns Game Schedule
Saturday, March 7 – Valley Suns @ Rip City Remix (4:00 pm) Monday, March 9 – Valley Suns @ Wisconsin Herd (5:30 pm) Prime Video Thursday, March 12 – Valley Suns @ Windy City Bulls (6:00 pm)
Important Future Dates
March 28 – NBA G League Regular Season ends March 31 – 2026 NBA G League Playoffs begin April 12 – Regular season ends (All 30 teams play) April 13 – Rosters set for NBA Playoffs 2026 (3 p.m. ET) April 14-17 – SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament April 18 – NBA Playoffs begin
The Calgary Flames were busy ahead of this week’s NHL deadline, shipping away several key players like Nazem Kadri and MacKenzie Weegar.
That opens the door for players to step up into bigger roles, and I’ll break down why Matt Coronato will do just that for Calgary.
Find out more in my Hurricanes vs. Flames predictions and NHL picks for Saturday, March 7.
Hurricanes vs Flames prediction
Hurricanes vs Flames best bet:Matt Coronato Over 2.5 shots (+100)
The Calgary Flames lineup is looking pretty barren after the trade deadline, but Matt Coronato is one of the few bright spots remaining.
Coronato leads the team with 14 goals and 151 shots, and he’ll be relied upon even more heavily with Kadri shipped off to Colorado.
Coronato has logged Over 2.5 shots in three of his last four games, as well as eight of his last 10 outings.
The Flames don’t have many natural scorers left, so expect Coronato to lean into his shoot-first mentality.
Hurricanes vs Flames same-game parlay
The Carolina Hurricanes have won 12 of their last 15 games, winning seven of those contests by at least two goals. Meanwhile, the Flames have lost 10 of their last 13 and are 10-3 ATS over that span.
Nikolaj Ehlers is red hot for Carolina with points in three straight and six of his last seven outings.
The Under is 12-4 in the last 16 meetings. Find more NHL betting trends for Hurricanes vs. Flames. Find more NHL betting trends for Hurricanes vs. Flames.
How to watch Hurricanes vs Flames
Location
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB
Date
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Puck drop
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-South, Sportsnet
Hurricanes vs Flames 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.
The Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings face off in a crucial game on Saturday night as both clubs fight for playoff spots.
Cole Caufield has been the NHL’s hottest goal scorer for nearly two months, and I’ll break down how he fits into my Canadiens vs. Kings predictions and NHL picks for Saturday, March 7.
Canadiens vs Kings prediction
Canadiens vs Kings best bet:Cole Caufield anytime goal (+130)
The Montreal Canadiens fell in a shootout to the Anaheim Ducks last night, but Cole Caufield was all over the score sheet once again.
The Habs winger scored two goals and added an assist to boost his impressive totals over the past couple of months. Since January 17, Caufield has led the NHL with 16 goals in just 14 games.
The Canadiens star has been incredibly consistent, finding the back of the net in 10 of his last 14 contests.
The Los Angeles Kings have won just two of their last eight, allowing 4 gpg over that span – third-worst in the league.
Canadiens vs Kings same-game parlay
Not only are the Canadiens the better team tonight, but they’ve also been road warriors this season. Montreal owns a .645 points percentage as the visitor – good for sixth-best in the NHL.
The Kings are also 3-8 in their last 11 games on home ice.
The Over is 10-5 in Los Angeles’ last 15 home games and 5-1 in Montreal’s last six games overall. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Kings.
How to watch Canadiens vs Kings
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-West, Sportsnet East
Canadiens vs Kings 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.
Senators vs Kraken best bet:Senators moneyline (-140)
The Ottawa Senatorshave picked up points in five straight, winning three, to move within four points of Boston for the second and final Wild Card spot in the East.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken hold down the final Wild Card spot out West, but they've lost three of their last five, scoring two or fewer goals in four of those contests.
Ottawa has taken five of the last six against Seattle, and they've shut them out in three of those games.
A Top 10 scoring team, I like Ottawa to keep the trend going in its playoff push.
Senators vs Kraken same-game parlay
Tim Stutzle has been on a tear for the Senators. His empty net goal last game in a win over Calgary gave him at least a point in 11 straight games, and he's tallied seven goals over that stretch.
And we'll take Brady Tkachuk to pick up an assist. He's been more set up man than trigger man of late, picking up at least one assist in four of his last five games.
Five of Seattle's last six home games against Atlantic Division opponents have gone Over the total. Find more NHL betting trends for Senators vs. Kraken.
How to watch Senators vs Kraken
Location
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
Date
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Puck drop
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
KHN, Sportsnet
Senators vs Kraken 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.
The LA Clippers started the season 6-21 and looked dead in the water, but since then have played inspired basketball to get back into the play-in and with a legitimate chance to be a top-eight seed.
Then there are moments the Clippers remind you of the 6-21 team. The final 15 seconds against the Spurs on Friday were one of those moments.
Los Angeles trailed San Antonio 113-112 with 16 seconds left, and Tyronn Lue drew up a potential game-winning play. The goal was to get the ball to Kawhi Leonard, but he was at one point triple-teamed, so inbounder Nicolas Batum passes the ball to a release valve in Brook Lopez, who quickly passed it back to a shot creator in Batum, except Batum never fully stepped onto the court.
Lue slamming the scorer's table in frustration spoke for every Clippers fan.
Still, the Clippers had a chance to tie. The Clippers were down 114-112 with 6.1 seconds left and Stephon Castle was at the free throw line for the Spurs. If he makes it, the Clippers can send an intense game to overtime with a 3-pointer; if Castle misses it, the Clippers just need to secure the rebound and then have a chance to tie or win. Except Castle got his own miss for the putback.
Stephon Castle misses the clutch free throw, gets the rebound and scores- Spurs win!
Let's not take anything away from the Spurs' ability to pull out a tough win on the second night of a back-to-back, it was so emotional that Victor Wembanyama was in tears after the game.
Still, the Clippers helped the Spurs out here, and it was ugly.
It’s a mismatch in Motor City tonight, and the Detroit Pistons likely won’t need to get out of first gear against a Brooklyn Nets team that’s lost 10 in a row.
Despite back-to-back losses, Detroit is a huge favorite here, and my Nets vs. Pistons predictions point to Michael Porter Jr. as the only reason that Brooklyn may hang around at Little Caesars Arena.
Check out my free NBA picks for this March 7 matchup.
Nets vs Pistons prediction
Nets vs Pistons best bet: Michael Porter Jr. Over 21.5 points (-112)
As the Brooklyn Nets jockey for lottery balls, Michael Porter Jr. is seizing the chance to showcase his offensive arsenal. He’s averaging a career-best 24.2 PPG, and he’ll have the green light again as the Nets’ best source of buckets.
MPJ has gone past this O/U points number in five of his last eight outings, and he nailed seven triples on the way to 27 points in Miami on Thursday.
The Detroit Pistons are without Ausar Thompson, so there should be just enough cracks in the hosts’ defense — and more than enough volume — for Porter Jr. to nail this Over.
Nets vs Pistons same-game parlay
The Under is a combined 69-54 for these teams this season, and this has been a winning ticket in the Pistons’ last three contests. With the Nets averaging just 106.9 PPG, last in the NBA, and Cade Cunningham on the injury report for Detroit, brace yourself for a rock fight.
That should pump up the rebounding numbers, and Jalen Duren is averaging 12.7 RPG in his past seven outings. Brooklyn’s Nolan Traore has cashed this Over in four of his last five games.
Nets vs Pistons SGP
Under 215.5
Jalen Duren Over 10.5 rebounds
Nolan Traore Over 1.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: "Beef Stew" brings it
The Nets have some young players in their rotation, and they’re about to be introduced to the Isaiah Stewart experience. "Beef Stew" continues to be a key cog off the bench for Detroit, and he’s coming off an 18-point effort in San Antonio on Thursday.
Stewart could see extended minutes here if the scoreline gets out of hand and the Pistons take a cautious approach with Cade and Duren.
Nets vs Pistons SGP
Isaiah Stewart Over 9.5 points
Isaiah Stewart Over 5.5 rebounds
Isaiah Stewart Over 1.5 blocks
Pistons -14.5
Nets vs Pistons odds
Spread: Nets +14.5 | Pistons -14.5
Moneyline: Nets +730 | Pistons -1150
Over/Under: Over 215.5 | Under 215.5
Nets vs Pistons betting trend to know
The Nets are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Pistons.
How to watch Nets vs Pistons
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Tip-off
6:00 p.m. ET
TV
YES, FDSN DT
Nets vs Pistons 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.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 01, 2026 in New York City. 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 Jordan Bank/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers drastically shook up their roster at the trade deadline by swapping out former two-time All-Star Darius Garland for James Harden. That move wasn’t exactly popular among long-term fans at the time of the deal. After a month and a string of impressive play, opinions have shifted.
Earlier this week, we asked how Cavs fans would grade the Harden experience so far. And based on that survey, most fans couldn’t be happier. Almost three-quarters of Cavs’ fans surveyed said they would grade the experience an “A” so far, with nearly the rest grading it a “B.”
It’s easy to see why that’s been the result. He’s fit in nearly perfectly with his new teammates, and the Cavs are 8-1 in games he’s played. You can’t ask for much more at this point.
The addition of Harden, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis, in addition to getting healthier, has the Cavs vaulting up the standings. Currently, Cleveland is fourth in the conference, a game behind the New York Knicks for third. But, they aren’t far off the Boston Celtics for second.
According to Cavs fans, they believe the group is going to jump at least one of the teams in front of them.
The Cavaliers could also benefit from the schedule lightening up. They have the second-easiest remaining schedule in the league, with their hardest game coming up against the Celtics on Sunday. A significantly lighter schedule down the stretch could help the Cavs leapfrog one of the teams ahead of them.
FanDuel currently lists the Cavs as having the fifth-best odds to win the NBA Finals at +950. They have the second-best odds to win the Eastern Conference, narrowly behind the Celtics.
A stunning victory for Scotland in a thirteen try classic at Murrayfield.
4 mins. It’s advantage Scotland as Ramos fumbles a Russell kick forward off his chest. He was under no pressure at all, but the sun is fierce on that side of the pitch and hindered him. Scotland scrum coming in the France half.
2 mins. Some textbook take, recycle, kick periods from both sides; each probing for an opening via the boot and kick chasers. So far nothing doing for either.
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Isaac Paredes #15 of the Houston Astros at bat during a spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on February 28, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Houston Astros (3-7-3) host the Miami Marlins (6-6) in Grapefruit League play.
RHP Jason Alexander will make his third start of the Spring opposite RHP Chris Paddack for the Marlins.
Isaac Paredes will make his first appearance at second base this spring.
TODAY’S STARTER: Today will be the third start of the Spring for RHP Jason Alexander. He was strong in his last outing, tossing 2.0 scoreless innings vs. the Mets on March 1 at Clover Park. Alexander proved to be a valuable in-season pickup for the Astros in 2025 when claimed off waivers on May 18 after being DFA’d by the Athletics. In his 14 appearances (13 starts) with HOU, he was 4-2 with a 3.66 ERA (29ER/71.1IP) with a save.
TODAY’S POTENTIAL RELIEVERS: RHP Sam Carlson, RHP Michael Knorr, RHP Anthony Maldonado, RHP Roddery Muñoz and RHP Alimber Santa.
VS. THE MARLINS: Today will mark the third of six Grapefruit League matchups between the Astros and Marlins this Spring. The clubs will also meet for a Spring Breakout exhibition on March 19 at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. The Astros are 1-1 vs. the Marlins this Spring.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVE: The Astros have signed veteran C Christian Vázquez to a minor league contract with an invite to Major League Spring Training. Vázquez, 35, has played in 11 Major League seasons (2014, 2016-25) and has batted .250 (810×3244) with 71 home runs and 349 RBI in 993 career games. He batted .271 (36×190) in 65 games with the Twins last season.
This will mark his second stint with the Astros, as he was acquired ahead of the 2022 Trade Deadline, starting in the club’s combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the World Series, as well as the series-clinching Game 6. Vázquez is currently playing for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Saturday, March 7, 11:05 a.m. CST
Location: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach, FL.
EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — Scotland blew open the Six Nations title race after an astonishing 50-40 win against France at Murrayfield on Saturday.
An estimated 15,000 French supporters came to see their team retain the title with a game to spare but France was beaten up at the gainline and cut to pieces out wide by a fearless Scotland side whose every gamble appeared to pay off.
Instead of France marching to a Grand Slam, Scotland was in position to win the title for the first time since 1999, when it was the Five Nations.
France and Scotland were tied at the top of the table on points, two ahead of Ireland, which has also come back into contention.
France still has the advantage in the final round next Saturday. Scotland plays Ireland in Dublin and France follows knowing what it has to do against England in Paris in the last match of the championship.
“Considering how this tournament started for us ( lost to Italy 18-15 ), we believe now, the tournament is not over for us,” Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu told the BBC. “I could not be prouder to be captain of this team. We've got ourselves an opportunity next week.”
An extraordinary day for Scotland started with a sunny afternoon in Edinburgh. Scotland dazzled in its highest ever score against a flattered France with seven of the game's 13 tries.
It should have been even better. Scotland led 47-14 but allowed France to score four tries in the last 14 minutes to secure a try bonus point and boost its points difference in the table, both important in the context of the title race.
“That game was crazy,” Scotland two-try-scorer Darcy Graham told the BBC. “You know what (France) are like, such a big unit, such a quality team, and we knew what they'd bring today and we did well to stop it. It's a special win for us.”
France had been untested and unflappable but came to Murrayfield duly worried. Gregor Townsend's Scotland had won five of 13 games against France. Both teams like to roll the dice and France was behind inside five minutes.
The French buried Ireland, Wales and Italy early with dominant starts but, for the first time in the championship, they trailed when a break by Huw Jones was finished by Graham, his 36th try making him Scotland's sole record try-scorer.
“It was all about making sure we fired the first shot,” Scotland player of the match Kyle Steyn said. “I was more worried about how much we were celebrating. We needed to get our feet on the ground and keep going.”
France was sloppy until captain Antoine Dupont stripped counterpart Tuipulotu in the Scottish 22 and the ball flashed wide for left winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey to touch down in a record-extending ninth consecutive Six Nations match.
Moments later, Bielle-Biarrey set up fellow winger Theo Attissogbe to score. With Thomas Ramos typically lethal off the tee, France was 14-7 ahead and seemingly back on track.
But four of Scotland’s tries came after waiving off kickable penalties, and the first was finished by winger Steyn from a classic scissors move. Then prop Pierre Schoeman crashed over to regain the lead in the 32nd at 19-14 and France trailed at halftime in the Six Nations for the first time since the Murrayfield game two years ago.
Scrumhalf Ben White started the second half with Scotland's bonus-point fourth try from an unguarded ruck and Townsend punched the air.
White then jolted Dupont's pass into the hands of Steyn, who ran 55 meters untouched for his second try.
Murrayfield was ecstatic and France was disintegrating and on a second yellow card warning. The first warning put playmaker Matthieu Jalibert in the sin-bin before halftime and the second caught Lenni Nouchi collapsing a maul.
By then Graham scored his second try of the match and 37th for Scotland from an offload by Blair Kinghorn. Then Tom Jordan flew over between the posts and Russell's sixth conversion made it 47-14.
Desperation and embarrassment drove France to finish strong. Tries by Dupont, Ramos (twice) and Oscar Jegou gave the visitors an undeserved gloss to the scoreline. Jegou faced a potential post-match citing for a hand in the eye of Scotland's Ewan Ashman.
Teenage French sensation Paul Seixas finishes second
Swiss wins women’s race in a thrilling finish
Tadej Pogacar won a record fourth Strade Bianche title as he made a triumphant start to his 2026 season, with the teenage French sensation Paul Seixas second. The world champion made a typically devastating long-range break around 80km from the finish, after which it was a procession to the line in Siena for his third win in a row.
In doing so, the four-time Tour de France winner proved once again that his appetite to triumph – and dominantly – has not diminished despite his myriad successes. One of the 27-year-old Slovenian’s main targets for this season comes in a week’s time at the Milan-San Remo one-day classic, one of only two of the five Monument races he is yet to win.
The Penguins have won two of the first three meetings and will try to win the season series when the Flyers visit PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins enter this game on a two-game losing streak, while the Flyers have won three of their last four.
Travis Konecny leads the Flyers in scoring with 23 goals and 57 points in 58 games, but has missed the last two games with an injury. It would be a big loss for the team if he can't go in this one.
Trevor Zegras is also having a great season, racking up 21 goals and 50 points in 61 games. He's a pending restricted free agent and is making a very strong case for the Flyers to bring him back.
Matvei Michkov has been having an up-and-down season with 15 goals and 31 points in 60 games, but when he's on, he's a ton of fun to watch. The Flyers also still have Owen Tippett, who is one goal away from his fourth 20-goal season.
The Flyers come into this game eight points behind the Penguins and six points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the Penguins will be without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin for this game. Crosby is still recovering from the injury that he suffered at the Olympics, while Malkin is serving a five-game suspension after slashing Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin in the head on Thursday.
This means that Ben Kindel will likely move into the top six for a little bit.
Stuart Skinner will likely get the start in goal after Arturs Silovs started on Thursday.
Puck drop is set for 5:30 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Fans can also listen to the game on 105.9 'The X.'
On a night when Jayson Tatum's return had spirits sky high in Boston, there was one dark cloud:
Just-acquired center Nikola Vucevic broke the ring finger on his right hand and underwent surgery for it on Saturday, and likely will miss about a month, the team announced.
Nikola Vucevic today underwent successful ORIF surgery to stabilize a fracture in his right ring finger.
He will be reevaluated in 3-4 weeks and further updates will be provided as appropriate.
ORIF stands for “open reduction and internal fixation,” and it's the kind of surgery for displaced or other serious fractures where the surgeon opens up the body part and inserts metal fasteners into the bone to hold the pieces together (it is not just fingers, it can be any body part).
Vucevic suffered the injury in the first quarter of Boston's win over Dallas and did not return to the game. Boston acquired Vucevic at the trade deadline to add front-court depth and optionality heading into the playoffs, and since coming over from the Chicago Bulls, Vucevic has averaged 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Expect to see more Luka Garza with Vucevic out for the next month.
Vucevic is on an expiring $21.5 million contract with Boston and will be a free agent after this season unless he signs an extension with the team before July 1.
Western Conference foes collide on Saturday as the Memphis Grizzlies host the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum.
Jaylen Wells has been a steady presence on offense for a team plagued by injuries, and my Clippers vs. Grizzlies predictions expect him to clear his scoring line in a favorable matchup.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this inner-conference matchup on Saturday, March 7.
Clippers vs Grizzlies prediction
Clippers vs Grizzlies best bet: Jaylen Wells Over 13.5 points (-112)
Jaylen Wells is scoring a career-best 12.7 points per game on the season, though his scoring average is up over the last month. Across his last 14 games, Wells has averaged 15.9 points, and he’s dropped 20.3 across his last three.
In that span, Wells scored 14+ eight times overall and in three of six at home. In three matchups with the Los Angeles Clippers, Wells posted scoring totals of 16, 17 and 13. The Memphis Grizzlies are sharing the love on offense, but Wells has been the most consistent scoring option over the last five weeks.
Clippers vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
The Grizzlies are giving most of their players 25-26 minutes per game, and a number of young options have emerged as scoring threats. With the Los Angeles Clippers playing the second leg of a back-to-back set on the road, their defense could be less effective against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Gregory Jackson II has scored 18.2 points per game across his last nine appearances, going for 14+ six times. He’s reached 14+ points in four straight home games and in five of his last six at FedExForum.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper is enjoying a revival in Memphis. He’s averaged 14.2 points across his last 11 contests, going for 10+ in eight of them. O-Max has started seven straight games, and he should see enough playing time to reach double digits tonight.
Clippers vs Grizzlies SGP
Jaylen Wells Over 13.5 points
Gregory Jackson II Over 12.5 points
Olivier-Maxence Prosper Over 9.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Points Prop Aplenty
Kawhi Leonard is averaging a career-best 27.9 points per game this season, and he’s found success against Memphis. In three tilts with the Grizzlies, Leonard finished with 21, 24 and 39 points.
After a challenging matchup with the San Antonio Spurs’ elite defense on Friday, Leonard gets a favorable matchup with a Grizzlies’ unit ranked 11th in defensive rating this season.
Clippers vs Grizzlies SGP
Jaylen Wells Over 13.5 points
Gregory Jackson II Over 12.5 points
Olivier-Maxence Prosper Over 9.5 points
Kawhi Leonard Over 26.5 points
Clippers vs Grizzlies odds
Spread: Los Angeles -6 (-110) | Memphis +6 (-110)
Moneyline: Los Angeles -270 | Memphis +220
Over/Under: Over 227 (-110) | Under 227 (-110)
Clippers vs Grizzlies betting trend to know
The Memphis Grizzlies have hit the Team Total Over in 13 of their last 15 games (+10.70 Units / 62% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Clippers vs Grizzlies
Location
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Date
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN SC, FDSN, SE-MEM
Clippers vs Grizzlies latest injuries
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