Two teams heading in opposite directions will face off on Tuesday night as the Dallas Mavericks visit the Atlanta Hawks.
Dallas has been struggling for over a month, and I like Atlanta to cover tonight in my Mavericks vs. Hawks predictions.
Let’s dive into how bettors can approach tonight’s game in my free NBA picks for Tuesday, March 10.
Mavericks vs Hawks prediction
Mavericks vs Hawks best bet: Hawks -9.5 (-110)
While the Dallas Mavericks have lost seven straight games and 17 of their last 19 overall, the Atlanta Hawks come into tonight’s game riding a six-game winning streak. Most importantly for bettors, Atlanta has covered in each of those six wins.
Dallas is struggling to score points. The Mavs are averaging 101.3 ppg over their last nine games, and have scored 100 points or less in four of those contests. That’s led to a series of blowouts, as they’ve lost by double digits in five of those games.
I see it happening again tonight, and I’m taking the Hawks to cover.
Mavericks vs Hawks same-game parlay
Dallas has hit the Under in six consecutive games, due mostly to an inability to consistently score points. I’m going to take the Under for my SGP, while throwing in a bet on Dyson Daniels to hit his PRA Over. Daniels has put up at least 24 PRA in each of his last four contests.
Mavericks vs Hawks SGP
Hawks -9.5
Under 240.5
Daniels Over 23.5 P/R/A
Our "from downtown" SGP: Hawks offense shows out
I’m sticking with my Hawks and Under picks for my longshot parlay tonight, but I’m going to find a couple of Hawks prop bets that have good value to pair with them.
That starts with taking Onyeka Okongwu to record a double-double, something he’s done in four of his last six games. I’m also backing Nickeil Alexander-Walker to hit Over 2.5 threes, a target he’s hit in five out of his last six contests.
Mavericks vs Hawks SGP
Hawks -9.5
Under 240.5
Okongwu double-double
Alexander-Walker Over 2.5 threes
Mavericks vs Hawks odds
Spread: Mavericks +9.5 | Hawks -9.5
Moneyline: Mavericks +325 | Hawks -426
Over/Under: Over 240.5 | Under 240.5
Mavericks vs Hawks betting trend to know
Atlanta is 6-0 ATS in its last six games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Hawks.
How to watch Mavericks vs Hawks
Location
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Date
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
KFAA, FDSN Southeast-Atlanta
Mavericks vs Hawks latest injuries
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CINCINNATI, OHIO - MAY 14: Terry Francona #77 of the Cincinnati Reds speaks with Hunter Greene in the dugout during a memorial ceremony for former player Pete Rose on Pete Rose Night prior to a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on May 14, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There’s a good chance that the Cincinnati Reds will have their ace pitching every fifth day down the stretch of the 2026 season. That’s the best possible way to spin the news that dropped on Tuesday, which contains the important caveat that Hunter Greene will have surgery to remove bone chips in his ailing right elbow and will miss between 14-16 weeks while recovering.
So relayed MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon earlier in the day on Bluesky.
Sheldon later spoke with Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall who confirmed that Greene’s surgically repaired UCL “looked intact and good,” so there’s hope this arthroscopic procedure will be nothing more than cleanup to get him right back to 100%. Given that we’d already known about his elbow pain and stiffness and the MRI that came after it, that means that today’s news is more or less best case scenario within the framework of bad news we were already operating.
Still, it’s a major setback for both the Reds and Greene himself, who only started 19 games in 2025 due to various other ailments and who has never pitched more that 150.1 IP in any season of his career.
As for the Reds, they’ll lean on the envious starting pitching depth they’d accumulated over the last few seasons to bridge the gap until they get their ace back at some point during the summer. We already learned that All Star Andrew Abbott will get the ball on Opening Day to lead the unit, and he’ll be backed by Nick Lodolo and Brady Singer in some order, too. After those two, though, the Reds will be leaning heavily on the likes of Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Brandon Williamson even though Lowder and Williamson both missed all (or most of) the 2025 season.
If there’s any consolation to this prognosis, it’s that Greene will almost certainly be placed on the team’s 60-day IL, and that will free up a spot on the 40-man roster for someone else should the Reds like to add someone not currently on the roster. Someone like, say, Nathaniel Lowe.
Mario Lemina’s early goal gave Cim Bom the first-leg advantage … and the hosts could have had more
Galatasaray get the ball rolling. Liverpool desperately hoping to improve on the events of last September.
The teams are out! And there’s some BREAKING NEWS: the atmosphere is hella hot at the Ali Sami Yen†. Cim Bom Bom! Galatasaray wear their classic red and yellow halves, Liverpool are in third-choice bottle green, a colour that may send shivers down the spine of the Candy generation. We’ll be off in a couple of Zadok-the-Priest-soundtracked minutes.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MAY 27: Joe Ryan #41 of the Minnesota Twins pitches in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on May 27, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
First Pitch (CT):12:05 TV: None Radio: MLB App via TB Audio Know Yo’ Foe: DRaysBay
What to watch: Joe Ryan finally makes his long-awaited debut! Unfortunately this game appears to be lost to the void.
The stage is set for a potential NBA Finals preview as a pair of No. 2 seeds square off at Frost Bank Center tonight.
My Celtics vs. Spurs predictions put faith in the dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in a game that should be epic.
Here are my free NBA picks for this premier matchup on Tuesday, March 10.
Celtics vs Spurs prediction
Celtics vs Spurs best bet: Celtics moneyline (+125)
The Boston Celtics are 22-11 straight up on the road, winning five of their last six outside Boston.
A major part of that success was their Top 5 defensive rating, which held the Cavaliers' No. 4-ranked offense to 98 points in Cleveland.
A one-bucket spread shows oddsmakers expect a close game, and in close games, it's hard not to trust Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum over the San Antonio Spurs' young stars.
This defense will flex its muscles once more to remain undefeated since Tatum returned.
Celtics vs Spurs same-game parlay
These are two of the best defenses in the Association, and the C's have been even more effective on the road, boasting a 110.6 defensive rating. Tonight's matchup will be a hard-fought, defensive battle.
Jayson Tatum posted 34 and 25 PRA in his first two games of the season, miraculously returning to the court ahead of schedule without much rust.
He doesn't need to score a ton of points to hit the Over on this line, as he went for 15/12/7 in his season debut.
Celtics vs Spurs SGP
Celtics moneyline
Under 222.5
Jayson Tatum Over 31.5 points+rebounds+assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dynamic duo
Jaylen Brown's career-best 28.7 points per game have been a huge part of Boston's success this season, and the return of Tatum won't knock Brown's scoring average down significantly.
The 2024 NBA Finals MVP has scored 25+ in 41 of 57 appearances, and I expect him to step up against a formidable opponent in prime time.
Celtics vs Spurs SGP
Celtics moneyline
Under 222.5
Jayson Tatum Over 31.5 points+rebounds+assists
Jaylen Brown Over 24.5 points
Celtics vs Spurs odds
Spread: Celtics +3.5 | Spurs -3.5
Moneyline: Celtics -150 | Spurs +125
Over/Under: Over 222.5 | Under 222.5
Celtics vs Spurs betting trend to know
The Boston Celtics have hit the game total Under in 30 of their last 40 games (+19.00 Units / 43% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Spurs.
How to watch Celtics vs Spurs
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Celtics vs Spurs 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.
Feb 16, 2026; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Victor Scott II (11) during spring training workouts at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
The St. Louis Cardinals are traveling to the New York Mets Spring Training home at Clover Park. According to MLB.com, the Cardinals will have Jared Shuster take the mound while the New York Mets are expected to start David Peterson. The game today will not be televised.
LAKELAND, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: Spencer Torkelson #20 of the Detroit Tigers rounds first base after hitting a double in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the Grapefruit League spring training game at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 09, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Detroit Tigers vs. Boston Red Sox
Time/Place: 1:05 p.m., JetBlue Park – Ft. Myers, FL SB Nation Site: Over the Monster Media: MLB+ Audio (Red Sox broadcast)
Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas dives into dugout suites to catch a foul fly ball by the Baltimore Orioles' Adam Jones in the sixth inning in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014. The Royals won, 2-1, for a 3-0 series lead. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
The amazing plays by Bobby Witt Jr. in the World Baseball Classic yesterday had me thinking about Royals defense. He has dazzled us just a few years into his playing career, but Royals fans have really been spoiled by great defense over the years. There was Amos Otis, then Willie Wilson flying around the outfield. Frank White winning Gold Gloves at second by playing at the edge of the infield. We had Bo Jackson throwing guys out from the warning track. Carlos Beltran making dazzling catches at the wall. Alex Gordon learning how to play left field and firing guys out. Salvy gunning guys from behind the plate.
But what was your favorite defensive play in Royals history? A few come to mind:
Was there a moment you caught live that stands out to you? Was there a play that may not be the best, but just the one you aesthetically appreciate, or perhaps one that came in a clutch moment? What was your favorite defensive play in Royals history?
SARASOTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Dylan Beavers #12 of the Baltimore Orioles poses for a photo during Spring Training photo day at Ed Smith Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The O’s are making the 3.5-hour trip across Florida to West Palm Beach this afternoon, taking on the Astros at CACTI Park. Most of the regulars are staying in Sarasota, but the Birds’ lineup today includes four projected Opening Day starters — Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, Samuel Basallo, and Coby Mayo — along with a bunch of randos. Interestingly, Beavers is starting in center, with Cowser sliding over to right.
Mayo, who started at third base yesterday, gets a semi-breather with DH duty this afternoon. Samuel Basallo starts behind the plate, where he hasn’t looked stellar this spring. I guess that’s why you practice. They’ll face veteran Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr.
The Orioles’ expected pitchers today are all guys who won’t be breaking camp with the team. Levi Wells makes the start, with Andrew Magno, Eric Torres, and Josh Walker scheduled to follow. Prospects like Wells, Trey Gibson, and Luis De León have all made starts in the past few days, which is nice to see, but I’m sort of wondering where all the actual O’s starting pitchers are. None of the Orioles’ top six guys have started since Chris Bassitt last Friday the 6th. Dean Kremer has the excuse of being away at the World Baseball Classic, but it’s been a minute since we’ve seen any of the others. I assume they’re getting their work in on the back fields and simulated games.
Orioles lineup:
CF Dylan Beavers RF Colton Cowser C Samuel Basallo 3B Bryan Ramos DH Coby Mayo 1B Ryan Noda SS José Barrero 2B Willy Vasquez LF Will Robertson
SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 04: Pitcher Jacob deGrom #48 of the Texas Rangers looks on from the dugout during the World Baseball Classic exhibition game against Team Brazil at Surprise Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Rangers led all of baseball in run prevention in 2025. Behind a full, healthy season from Jacob deGrom, a career-best and injury-shortened season from Nathan Eovaldi, and a big step forward from Jack Leiter, the starting rotation was among the best in baseball and the bullpen was deceptively deep. Even though the team led the majors in ERA, their peripherals didn’t necessarily back up that performance; they were just fifth by FIP, tenth by xFIP, and 16th by xERA.
Facing an exodus of a significant portion of their depth this offseason, Texas’s pitching staff looks a lot weaker than the elite unit from last year. Yes, deGrom and Eovaldi still form a formidable pair atop the rotation, and the team made one huge move to bolster that unit behind those two stars, but there were just too many pieces they needed to replace across the entire staff. The run prevention should still be very good, just not as good as it was a year ago.
Notable Transactions
Out: RHP Tyler Mahle, RHP Merrill Kelly, RHP Jon Gray, LHP Patrick Corbin, RHP Phil Maton, RHP Shawn Armstrong, LHP Hoby Milner, LHP Danny Coulombe, RHP Jacob Webb In: LHP MacKenzie Gore, LHP Jordan Montgomery, RHP Jakob Junis, LHP Tyler Alexander, RHP Alexis Díaz, RHP Carter Baumler, RHP Michel Otañez, RHP Ryan Brasier, LHP Austin Gomber, RHP Cal Quantrill Italics = Minor League Deals with Spring Training Invite
The biggest move the Rangers made this offseason was sending a ton of prospects to the Nationals in exchange for MacKenzie Gore. After being one of the centerpieces in the Juan Soto trade a few years ago, Gore established himself as a solid, if inconsistent, starter in Washington. He’s still got two years of team control remaining which fits the Rangers’ contention window pretty neatly.
The team also restocked the bullpen with a mix of veteran arms and reclamation projects. None of those relievers look like they’re up to the level of Maton, Armstrong, or Milner, but relief performance is notoriously volatile so maybe they’ll get lucky with a few of the new arms.
The Rotation
Player
Age
Throws
IP
K/BB
ERA
FIP
WAR
Jacob deGrom
38
R
169
4.75
3.51
3.46
3.7
Nathan Eovaldi
36
R
173
3.64
3.78
3.77
2.9
MacKenzie Gore
27
L
160
3.05
3.83
3.71
2.9
Jack Leiter
26
R
148
2.32
4.29
4.29
2.0
Kumar Rocker
26
R
106
2.92
4.18
4.02
1.2
Jacob Latz
30
L
111
1.98
4.42
4.45
0.8
Cody Bradford
28
L
71
3.56
4.36
4.25
0.5
FanGraphs Depth Charts Projections
After pitching just 265.1 total innings over the previous five seasons, deGrom dialed things back a bit in 2025 in an attempt to stay healthy for an entire season. The effort was a great success; he made 30 starts for the first time since 2019 and crossed the 150 IP threshold for just the fifth time in his career. The tradeoff from a small amount of elite production on a per inning basis to pretty good results over a full season was the right call. Yes, he posted his lowest strikeout rate since 2016 and the highest FIP of his career, but as the saying goes, the best ability is availability.
Eovaldi made some pretty significant changes to his pitch mix last year, fueling his fantastic season. He dropped the usage of his four-seam fastball by nearly 15 points, added a sinker to his repertoire, and increased the usage of his cutter and curveball. The result was a pitch mix that was a lot less predictable and a lot less dependent on his deteriorating fastball velocity. Unfortunately, an elbow issue forced him to miss a month of the season in June and then he was sidelined in September with a shoulder strain and underwent surgery in October for a sports hernia.
Leiter finally took a big step forward last year behind his excellent raw stuff. His command still leaves a lot to be desired, but he’s got the look of a mid-rotation arm now with some ceiling to grow into if he can get his walk rate under control. The fifth spot in the rotation is a bit up in the air. Kumar Rocker hasn’t been able to harness his raw stuff like Leiter did last year but the talent is still very apparent. He’s battling with Jacob Latz for that final spot in the rotation this spring. For his part, Latz is attempting to evolve from his swingman role last year but needs to bring down his walk rate to really take a step forward.
And then there are the injured arms who could make an impact later on in the season. Cody Bradford had a really promising stint in the rotation back in 2024 but was sidelined for all of 2025 after undergoing elbow surgery in the spring. He’s working his way back from that injury and should be a factor in May or June. And then there’s Jordan Montgomery who was a huge part of Texas’s 2023 championship run, but hasn’t pitched since late 2024 and is still recovering from Tommy John surgery. I have no idea what to expect from him and I don’t think the Rangers do either.
The Bullpen
Role
Player
Age
Throws
IP
K/BB
ERA
FIP
WAR
Closer
Robert Garcia
30
L
64
3.10
3.54
3.52
0.9
Setup
Chris Martin
40
R
54
4.66
3.38
3.42
0.8
Setup
Cole Winn
26
R
63
1.78
4.64
4.67
-0.3
Middle
Jakob Junis
33
R
65
3.34
4.08
3.95
0.4
Middle
Josh Sborz
32
R
48
2.42
4.07
4.01
0.1
Middle
Tyler Alexander
31
L
69
3.11
4.68
4.49
0.1
Middle
Ryan Brasier
38
R
48
2.85
3.99
3.97
0.1
Long
Carter Baumler
24
R
52
1.84
4.63
4.54
0.0
FanGraphs Depth Charts Projections
The Rangers’ bullpen was pretty strong last year thanks to unheralded seasons from guys like Phil Maton, Shawn Armstrong, and Hoby Milner. That trio of veteran arms is out the door while guys like Jakob Junis, Tyler Alexander, and Ryan Brasier take their place. The most important roles in the ‘pen will be manned by two veteran holdovers. The ninth inning should be handled by Robert Garcia; he spent a few months as the team’s closer last year, compiling nine saves and 15 holds with a 2.95 ERA. He was a bit home run prone which pushed both his FIP and xERA nearly a run higher than his ERA. Texas also re-signed the ageless Chris Martin to continue serving as a setup man. Even as he enters his age-40 season, he’s shown very few signs of decline and would be the next man up in the pecking order if Garcia falters.
Cole Winn is a former first round pick who flamed out as a starter but has taken to short-stint relieving pretty well. He’s got a lively fastball and a nasty slider but has a tough time with his command. Josh Sborz has spent the last five years with the Rangers but missed all of last year with a major shoulder injury. He re-signed with Texas this offseason on a minor league deal, and given his familiarity with the organization, he probably has an inside track on a backend bullpen role if he can prove he’s healthy. Carter Baumler is a Rule 5 pick and will need to stick on the major league roster or risk being sent back to Baltimore. He’s dealt with both elbow and shoulder injuries but was finally healthy last year. He’s got an explosive fastball and a big, bendy curveball, but profiles as a pretty generic middle relief arm.
William Nylander, like most of the Toronto Maple Leafs' players during this last stretch of games, looks dejected.
It's a brand new situation for Nylander, who, like Auston Matthews and a few others on the team, hasn't experienced missing the playoffs in the NHL yet. As it stands, Toronto is 11 points out of a playoff spot, with 18 games remaining in its season.
They've also lost their last seven games coming out of the Olympic break. To put it into more of a perspective, though: Toronto has lost 13 of its last 16 games, dating back to Jan. 13 against the Utah Mammoth.
"I mean, hard to really stay optimistic in this situation," a down Nylander said on Tuesday, ahead of the Maple Leafs' game against the Montreal Canadiens. "But yeah, just try to get a win."
This year has been difficult for Nylander for a multitude of reasons.
(A positive is that, despite missing games, Nylander still leads the Maple Leafs with 21 goals and 59 points in 47 games this season.)
Now, for the first time in his career, Nylander's season will end in mid-April, while half of the NHL gears up for the postseason.
"At the beginning there, after the break, it was a lot of frustration and everything," Nylander continued.
"But now, I mean, it's not going to help being frustrated. I think the mood in the locker room has changed a little bit, and I think that's made it a better environment for everybody."
If there's any positive in this situation, it's that the Maple Leafs aren't too far off from being a playoff team once again. They've still got the core pieces, like a Matthews, a Nylander, a John Tavares.
"Yeah, of course. I mean, I remember the Lightning missed the playoffs one year, and then the next year they're back at the top of the division competing. I look at a team like Boston this year that had a down year, and same thing, like they're in the mix," Toronto's captain said.
"Sometimes that happens, and we've been fortunate to be in the playoffs for the last nine years or so. And you kind of hope that it's a one-off and we can continue to build and continue to be in contention.
"Obviously, the focus is on right now and trying to get our game back and trying to get in the win column. But obviously, it's something you think about."
As mentioned, this is a unique situation for several Maple Leafs players. They've never been in this position, nor will they want to be in it again after this season.
However, you've got to attempt to finish the year on a positive note. While fans might want the team to get as close to the bottom of the standings for draft purposes, head coach Craig Berube and his players are likely looking in the opposite direction.
It's a difficult balance for a team. But battling through it is the only way to get back on track positively, says Berube.
"I mean, [Nylander has] always been in [the playoffs] and it's new for him, for sure. But, you know, every player and team goes through adversity at one point in their career, and this is some adversity that he's normally not used to. And like I said, he's got to work his way out of it."
William Nylander, like most of the Toronto Maple Leafs' players during this last stretch of games, looks dejected.
It's a brand new situation for Nylander, who, like Auston Matthews and a few others on the team, hasn't experienced missing the playoffs in the NHL yet. As it stands, Toronto is 11 points out of a playoff spot, with 18 games remaining in its season.
They've also lost their last seven games coming out of the Olympic break. To put it into more of a perspective, though: Toronto has lost 13 of its last 16 games, dating back to Jan. 13 against the Utah Mammoth.
"I mean, hard to really stay optimistic in this situation," a down Nylander said on Tuesday, ahead of the Maple Leafs' game against the Montreal Canadiens. "But yeah, just try to get a win."
This year has been difficult for Nylander for a multitude of reasons.
(A positive is that, despite missing games, Nylander still leads the Maple Leafs with 21 goals and 59 points in 47 games this season.)
Now, for the first time in his career, Nylander's season will end in mid-April, while half of the NHL gears up for the postseason.
"At the beginning there, after the break, it was a lot of frustration and everything," Nylander continued.
"But now, I mean, it's not going to help being frustrated. I think the mood in the locker room has changed a little bit, and I think that's made it a better environment for everybody."
If there's any positive in this situation, it's that the Maple Leafs aren't too far off from being a playoff team once again. They've still got the core pieces, like a Matthews, a Nylander, a John Tavares.
"Yeah, of course. I mean, I remember the Lightning missed the playoffs one year, and then the next year they're back at the top of the division competing. I look at a team like Boston this year that had a down year, and same thing, like they're in the mix," Toronto's captain said.
"Sometimes that happens, and we've been fortunate to be in the playoffs for the last nine years or so. And you kind of hope that it's a one-off and we can continue to build and continue to be in contention.
"Obviously, the focus is on right now and trying to get our game back and trying to get in the win column. But obviously, it's something you think about."
As mentioned, this is a unique situation for several Maple Leafs players. They've never been in this position, nor will they want to be in it again after this season.
However, you've got to attempt to finish the year on a positive note. While fans might want the team to get as close to the bottom of the standings for draft purposes, head coach Craig Berube and his players are likely looking in the opposite direction.
It's a difficult balance for a team. But battling through it is the only way to get back on track positively, says Berube.
"I mean, [Nylander has] always been in [the playoffs] and it's new for him, for sure. But, you know, every player and team goes through adversity at one point in their career, and this is some adversity that he's normally not used to. And like I said, he's got to work his way out of it."
William Nylander, like most of the Toronto Maple Leafs' players during this last stretch of games, looks dejected.
It's a brand new situation for Nylander, who, like Auston Matthews and a few others on the team, hasn't experienced missing the playoffs in the NHL yet. As it stands, Toronto is 11 points out of a playoff spot, with 18 games remaining in its season.
They've also lost their last seven games coming out of the Olympic break. To put it into more of a perspective, though: Toronto has lost 13 of its last 16 games, dating back to Jan. 13 against the Utah Mammoth.
"I mean, hard to really stay optimistic in this situation," a down Nylander said on Tuesday, ahead of the Maple Leafs' game against the Montreal Canadiens. "But yeah, just try to get a win."
This year has been difficult for Nylander for a multitude of reasons.
(A positive is that, despite missing games, Nylander still leads the Maple Leafs with 21 goals and 59 points in 47 games this season.)
Now, for the first time in his career, Nylander's season will end in mid-April, while half of the NHL gears up for the postseason.
"At the beginning there, after the break, it was a lot of frustration and everything," Nylander continued.
"But now, I mean, it's not going to help being frustrated. I think the mood in the locker room has changed a little bit, and I think that's made it a better environment for everybody."
If there's any positive in this situation, it's that the Maple Leafs aren't too far off from being a playoff team once again. They've still got the core pieces, like a Matthews, a Nylander, a John Tavares.
"Yeah, of course. I mean, I remember the Lightning missed the playoffs one year, and then the next year they're back at the top of the division competing. I look at a team like Boston this year that had a down year, and same thing, like they're in the mix," Toronto's captain said.
"Sometimes that happens, and we've been fortunate to be in the playoffs for the last nine years or so. And you kind of hope that it's a one-off and we can continue to build and continue to be in contention.
"Obviously, the focus is on right now and trying to get our game back and trying to get in the win column. But obviously, it's something you think about."
As mentioned, this is a unique situation for several Maple Leafs players. They've never been in this position, nor will they want to be in it again after this season.
However, you've got to attempt to finish the year on a positive note. While fans might want the team to get as close to the bottom of the standings for draft purposes, head coach Craig Berube and his players are likely looking in the opposite direction.
It's a difficult balance for a team. But battling through it is the only way to get back on track positively, says Berube.
"I mean, [Nylander has] always been in [the playoffs] and it's new for him, for sure. But, you know, every player and team goes through adversity at one point in their career, and this is some adversity that he's normally not used to. And like I said, he's got to work his way out of it."
The Minnesota Timberwolves laid an absolute egg on Saturday, a loss that should refocus them to such an extent that it should worry the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.
My Timberwolves vs. Lakers predictions and these NBA picks recognize Minnesota’s greatest edge in this matchup on Tuesday, March 10.
Timberwolves vs Lakers prediction
Timberwolves vs Lakers best bet: Under 234.0 (-110)
When the Minnesota Timberwolves dispatched the Los Angeles Lakers with ease in last year’s first round, it was largely a credit to how easily their defense mitigated the Lakers’ post game. Removing rim runners from Luka Doncic’s peripheral vision reduces Doncic’s overall effectiveness.
Thus, LA fell short of 105 points in four of the five games.
As Minnesota’s offense currently undergoes fits and starts, the best bet tonight should be doubting both it and Doncic’s ability to find teammates. A few botched drives because Jaxon Hayes and DeAndre Ayton cannot capitalize should be enough to doom this total.
Timberwolves vs Lakers same-game parlay
While these two met in the second game of the season, and Doncic tallied eight assists, that has been his only chance against the Timberwolves since last postseason. In those five games, Doncic averaged 5.8 assists. Minnesota knows how to slow his tosses to big men like DeAndre Ayton.
Timberwolves vs Lakers SGP
Under 234
Luka Doncic Under 7.5 assists
DeAndre Ayton Under 8.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Gobert's control
Rudy Gobert’s defense needs to become a Minnesota emphasis, and oftentimes, the Timberwolves reward his defense with added offense, part of how Gobert cleared this prop in each of his last two games.
Timberwolves vs Lakers SGP
Under 234
Luka Doncic Under 7.5 assists
DeAndre Ayton Under 8.5 points
Rudy Gobert Over 10.5 points
Timberwolves vs Lakers odds
Spread: Timberwolves -3 | Lakers +3
Moneyline: Timberwolves -150 | Lakers +125
Over/Under: Over 234 | Under 234
Timberwolves vs Lakers betting trend to know
Minnesota’s last five games have all gone Under their totals and by an average of 22.3 points. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Lakers.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Lakers
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Tip-off
11:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Timberwolves vs Lakers latest injuries
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Feb 28, 2025; Dunedin, Florida, USA; a general view of the stadium during a spring training game between the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
After an off-day, the Jays are back at it, hosting the Braves.
I’m putting this together Monday night, so I don’t have the lineups.
But the Jays have Dylan Cease making his second spring start. I’d guess they would want 3-4 innings out of him.
The Braves are starting JR Ritchie, who pitched in the Braves minor league system last year, when he could get away from Southfork (sure Tom, use a reference that no one under 60 will get), starting in A ball and finishing in Triple-A, with a 2.64 ERA in 26 starts, 140 innings with 140 strikeouts.
