BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 27: Luka Garza #52 of the Boston Celtics attempts a layup against forward Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at the TD Garden on March 27, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Sometimes it feels like you know how 80% of a Celtics game is going to go.
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are going to do half of the heavy lifting. Payton Pritchard and Derrick White will cover about another third. But it’s that other 15-20% that you’re going to get from your 5th, 6th, and down to your 9th or 10th man that’s unpredictable. Those role players just might swing a game and that game might just swing a series in the playoffs.
The Celtics roster is littered with guys like that. All year, everybody from Neemias Queta to Jordan Walsh to Hugo Gonzalez to Baylor Scheierman have won the Tommy Award.
And then there’s Luka Garza.
It wasn’t that long ago that Garza was the consensus National Player of the Year in college basketball. In 2020, he averaged 24 and 10 in his junior season at Iowa and followed that up with a First Team All-American selection.
Unfortunately, the college game doesn’t necessarily translate to the NBA. Garza persevered through four seasons with the Pistons and Timberwolves and has finally carved out a spot in Joe Mazzulla’s rotation.
With Nikola Vucevic, Boston’s major pickup at the trade deadline, on the mend, Garza is back terrorizing opposing teams’ frontcourts with his relentless work ethic in the paint, savvy screening above the break, and the occasional three-pointer that harkens back to Al Horford’s catapult-ish shot from behind the arc.
And even when Vooch returns, Celtics fans have resoundingly voted to keep Garza in the fold when the playoffs start next month. Maybe it’s just a two-minute stint in a double big lineup with Queta. Maybe Vucevic gets into early foul trouble. Maybe Mazzulla just wants to shake up the energy with the Garzilla roaming the baseline. Regardless, it’s clear that Luka has found a home in Boston.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 09: Assistant coach Charles Lee (L) of the Boston Celtics speaks to head coach Joe Mazzulla during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at TD Garden on May 09, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When the Celtics and Hornets face off on Sunday night, it will be a match-up between two of the Eastern Conference’s hottest teams. And, in many ways, the two franchises are interconnected — both due to their personell and emerging styles of play.
Earlier this month, ESPN analyst Jay Williams drew the connection himself: “They’re like a younger version of the Boston Celtics,” he said of the Hornets. “Their games actually mirror each other.”
The parallels between the Celtics and Hornets are striking.
Both teams are heavily reliant on three-pointers — the Hornets have made the most threes in the NBA this season (1193), and the Celtics have made the third-most (1113). Both teams routinely win the margins, meaning they get up more shots than their opponents; the Celtics average the 4th-most offensive rebounds per game, the Hornets average the 7th-most.
And, both franchises have been a part of two of the most extreme midseason turnarounds the league has seen in recent years. The Hornets were 12 games below .500 on January 22nd. Since then, they’ve gone 23-7, completely turning their season around.
The Celtics underwent a similar turnaround in 2022 en route to their first Finals appearance of the Jayson Tatum/Jaylen Brown era. That season, they entered the All-Star break with a 20-21 record, and ended up going 31-10 the rest of the way.
What’s fueled Charlotte’s turnaround? And, why does it feel like the Celtics organization’s tentacles are all over the Hornets?
CelticsBlog caught up with Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, to dive into that question. [The conversation was part of Knueppel’s new partnership with Cheez-It; the rookie star has launched the Double Double Cheez-It Bundle, as an ode to his favorite snack flavor].
Knueppel is averaging 19 points per game and shooting 43.6% from three. He’s already set the record for most three-pointers made in a rookie season (256) and has established himself as one of the most lethal shooters in the game.
The Charlotte Hornets organization is filled with ex-Celtics
Knueppel credited Hornets head coach Charles Lee for powering the team’s success this season. Lee was Joe Mazzulla’s lead assistant during the 2024 championship, and is in his second year as Charlotte’s head coach.
“Charles has been great,” Knueppel said. “He really preaches daily improvement. So even when you know the losses were stacking up early in the season, it was really just about continuing to get better each day. And I think going into each day with that mindset, living in the present, is really good, especially for our young team.”
Lee headlines a long list of critical Hornets personnel who were previously part of the Celtics organization.
Two members of the Hornets coaching staff — Blaine Mueller and Jermaine Bucknor — also hail from that Celtics championship team. Mueller, who was the head coach of the Maine Celtics in 2023-2024, is one of Lee’s lead assistant in Charlotte.
And Bucknor, who was a player development coach in Boston, is also on the staff. Bucknor leads Hornets guard Sion James’ player development work, and oftentimes cosplays some of the NBA’s best players when the Hornets are going through scouts (Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero is an example of a player Bucknor cosplays).
“He’s a good guy to have around,” Knueppel said. “He’s still a bucket, so whenever we need a scout team, he’s in there getting buckets. He’s great.”
The connections don’t end there: last summer, the Hornets named Patrick Chasse as new vice president of Medical and Performance. Chasse had previously been the Celtics’ head athletic trainer since 2022, and began with the organization in 2020.
Knueppel said the Hornets’ midseason turnaround could primarily be attributed to guys getting healthy.
“Brandon [Miller] missed a lot of games,” Knueppel said. “He dislocated his shoulder, or separated his shoulder, in the second game of the season. So, he missed about 20 games early, and LaMelo [Ball] missed 10 games early. So having those guys out of the lineup, obviously super important players for us. And then when they come back, they’re on they’re on minutes restrictions, and they’re not playing back-to-backs. So, getting those guys back healthy, playing full-time, was really important. And then getting guys like Grant Williams and Josh Green back back healthy as well, who are big-time role players for us, was huge.”
And, the Hornets veterans include two former Celtics: Grant Williams and Xavier Tillman. Williams was traded to Charlotte in 2024, and quickly became a key locker room presence. Knueppel named him as one of the most welcoming guys on the roster. He, Williams, and Pat Connaughton use the sauna together after every home game and chat.
“He’s been really, really good for us rookies, really good to us, making us feel comfortable, taking us out to dinner, paying for dinner when he doesn’t have to, making us feel welcome,” Knueppel said. “So, he’s been phenomenal. He’s been a really good friend.”
Grant Williams has emerged as a key locker room presence in Charlotte. | Getty Images
The Hornets are now making a playoff push, and Williams has routinely drawn from his own experiences making playoff runs with the Celtics in order to advise the younger guys who haven’t been there before.
“He talks about it a lot – just the standard that we have to hold ourselves to, and how it’s going to be in the playoffs, committing to what we do, and our identity on a nightly basis is important,” Knueppel said. “He really, really talks about that a lot.”
The most recent ex-Celtics addition?
Tillman, who was traded from the Celtics to the Hornets at the trade deadline. Knueppel said Tillman has been a great veteran presence, and that the team has really enjoyed having his family around.
“He’s one of the best locker room presences you can have in the league,” Williams said of Tillman earlier this month. “I bet you everyone here in Boston would say the same.”
As they gear up to face the Celtics, on Sunday the Hornets are currently 39-35, good for the 10th-best record in the Eastern Conference. But, they’re only 2.5 games behind the Toronto Raptors for the 5th seed, with 7 games left to play.
And, they’ve become an increasingly daunting first-round opponent.
“We have a chance to get out of the play-in,” Knueppel said. “And so that’s really the goal at the end of the day – we have a couple of tie-breakers with teams in our division. So it’d be great to get into that.”
The Columbus Blue Jackets are back at home for the second of three straight games in the friendly confines of Nationwide Arena. This game features the Boston Bruins.
Boston Bruins - 41-24-8 - 90 Points - 6-2-2 in the last 10 - Won 2 - 4th in the Atlantic
Columbus Blue Jackets - 38-24-11 - 87 Points - 6-3-1 in the last 10 - Lost 2 - 4th in the Metro
Team Notes Per CBJ PR
The Blue Jackets began a three-game homestand with a 3-2 loss to San Jose on Saturday. It snapped the club's 12-game home points streak (9-0-3), which was tied for the longest home points streak in club history (12; 9-0-3 from Feb. 11-Mar. 31, 2013). The team failed to collect points for just the second time in 18 games at Nationwide Arena in 2026 (12-2-4).
The club has earned points in 24 of its last 29 contests (20-5-4, 44 pts) to lead the league points pct. (.759) and goals against per game (2.45), and rank second in wins (tied) and points and eighth in goals-for per game (3.45) since Jan. 11.
Columbus has allowed two goals or less in eight of the last 10 games since Mar. 10 (1.90 GA/GP, 3rd in NHL).
CBJ conclude their 15th of 16 back-to-back sets (18-7-4, .690 pts pct.) today vs. Boston. The club has won five of the last six second games of a back-to-back and earned points in seven of the past eight (6-1-1; 9-4-1 overall in second games).
The Jackets lead the NHL with a franchise-record 55 goals scored by defensemen in 2025-26 (55-131-186, 73 GP).
Player Notes Per CBJ PR
Adam Fantilli collected an assist vs. San Jose and has points in eight of the last 10 games (3-7-10) and 14 of the last 18 contests (8-11-19). He has set a single-season career high in assists and points (tied) with 21-33-54 in 73 contests.
Jet Greaves has earned points in 14 of his last 16 starts since Jan. 11 (12-2-2, 2.23 GAA, .915 SV% in 16 GP), while G Elvis Merzlikins has recorded points in 10 of his past 13 starts over that span (8-3-2, 2.54 GAA in 14 GP).
Boone Jenner has registered 1-3-4 in the last six games and is slated to play in his franchise-record 800th career game (209-207-416, 799 GP) today against the Bruins.
Mathieu Olivier, who leads the club in hits (207), ranks 11th-T in the NHL in goals since Jan. 28 (11-4-15 in 22 GP).
Cole Sillinger, who notched a goal yesterday, has posted 2-5-7 in the last seven contests and has set career highs in assists and points (tied) with 8-25-33 in 72 appearances in 2025-26.
Zach Werenski has notched 21-56-77 and 25 multi-point efforts in 66 games in 2025-26 to lead NHL blueliners in points-per-game (1.17), multi-point efforts and shots on goal (229) and sit second in points and third in goals.
Blue Jackets Stats
Power Play - 19.9% - 18th in the NHL
Penalty Kill - 77.9% - 24th in the NHL
Goals For - 228 - 15th in the NHL
Goals Against - 221 - 16th in the NHL
BruinsStats
Power Play - 23.3% - 9th in the NHL
Penalty Kill - 76.7% - 27th in the NHL
Goals For - 243 - 9th in the NHL
Goals Against - 224 - 22nd in the NHL
Series History vs. TheBruins
Columbus is 17-18-10 all-time, and 10-8-5 at home vs. Boston.
CBJ have earned points in eight of the last 11 games against Boston at Nationwide Arena since Dec. 27, 2016 (6-3-2).
The home team has won three-straight games and earned points in 19 of the last 23 meetings dating back to Nov. 10, 2016 (15-4-4).
The winning team has scored four goals or more in five consecutive meetings overall and eight times in the last 10 matchups, as well as each of the past four at Nationwide Arena.
The winning team has won by multiple goals in seven-straight contests in the series and nine of the past 10 meetings, along with by three-plus in each of the past four at Columbus.
The Blue Jackets are 17-of-81 on the power play (21.0 pct.), and 58-of-68 on the penalty kill (85.3 pct.) against the Bruins in 23 all-time meetings at Nationwide Arena.
Who To Watch For The Bruins
David Pastrnak leads the Bruins with 63 assists and 92 points.
Morgan Geekie leads Boston with 34 goals.
Joonas Korpisalo is 12-9-4 with a SV% of .891.
CBJ Player Notes vsBruins
Boone Jenner 13 points in 24 career games against Boston.
Zach Werenski has 15 points against the Bruins.
Mason Marchment has 7 points in 9 games vs. Boston.
Injured Reserve & Other Injuries
Brendan Smith - Lower Body - Missed 35 Games IR - Out for the rest of the regular season.
Damon Severson - Missed 1 Game - Upper Body - Week-to-week
Dmitri Voronkov - Upper Body - Left game early against San Jose
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 182
How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on FanDuel Sports Network. The radio broadcast will be on 97.1 The Fan, with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play.
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The Milwaukee Bucks are getting a glimpse into a grim Giannis-less future, and a nightmare week wraps up with a visit from the Los Angeles Clippers this afternoon.
Milwaukee has lost its last three games by a combined 96 points, including a thumping against Kawhi Leonard & Co. at Intuit Dome, and my Clippers vs. Bucks predictions and NBA picks explain why a similar script is brewing for this rematch, with Darius Garland continuing his hot streak.
Clippers vs Bucks prediction
Clippers vs Bucks best bet: Darius Garland Over 18.5 points (-120)
Maybe Darius Garland has just been healthier this month. Maybe there’s some extra juice after the Cavaliers gave up on him at the trade deadline. Either way, his strong March numbers have solidified the Los Angeles Clippers as a dangerous potential first-round playoff opponent — assuming they get there.
With that in mind, the Garland points prop is the standout pick for me today. He poured in 30 points for L.A. on Friday against the Pacers, making 10 of his 19 shots, including six 3-pointers, and he’s gone past this O/U number in eight of his last 10 outings.
I’m buying into the crafty point guard’s 21.8 ppg average in March, and a lackluster Milwaukee squad is an ideal opponent. Garland is shooting better than 50% from downtown as a Clipper, and, while that’s not sustainable in the long run, don’t count on him slowing down this afternoon. After all, the Bucks have allowed 120+ points in seven of their past eight contests.
The hosts’ woeful defense isn’t likely to get any better on the second day of a back-to-back set, and we saw Stephon Castle toy with Milwaukee on the way to 22 points and a triple-double yesterday. Garland is a different kind of guard, but there’s a blueprint for attacking a Milwaukee Bucks team that’s seemingly counting the days until the offseason.
This game has blowout written all over it, but the prop line is low enough that Garland can do his damage in limited minutes.
Clippers vs Bucks same-game parlay
A healthy Garland next to Kawhi gives the Clippers a new ceiling, and I’m wagering on more hot shooting from the former Cav, who’s drilled 22 threes across his last four games.
The Clippers cruised to a 129-96 victory over the Bucks on Monday, so there’s appeal for laying the points, especially with Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma on the injury report for Milwaukee. Plus, the hosts are 3-7 ATS in their past 10 contests.
Clippers vs Bucks SGP
Darius Garland Over 18.5 points
Darius Garland Over 2.5 threes
Clippers -14
Our "from downtown" SGP: A wrong Turn!
The Myles Turner contract is looking like a major blunder for the Bucks, and he’s shown very few signs of carrying Milwaukee during Antetokounmpo’s latest spell on the sidelines.
He had 15 points yesterday, but he’s averaging just 8.3 ppg and 3.8 rpg in March. The hosts could have done worse than stick with Brook Lopez, who’s scored 10+ points in four straight games.
Clippers vs Bucks SGP
Myles Turner Under 10.5 points
Myles Turner Under 4.5 rebounds
Brook Lopez Over 9.5 points
Clippers -14
Clippers vs Bucks odds
Spread: Clippers -14 | Bucks +14
Moneyline: Clippers -1000 | Bucks +650
Over/Under: Over 221.5 | Under 221.5
Clippers vs Bucks betting trend to know
The Bucks are 1-5 ATS in their last six games without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Bucks.
How to watch Clippers vs Bucks
Location
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Date
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Tip-off
3:30 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN SoCal, FDSN Wisconsin
Clippers vs Bucks latest injuries
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Jan 30, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) reacts with Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rockets fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This week’s Rockets question asked you who thought was the biggest player loss for the Rockets. The choices were Fred VanVleet, for his effect on the offense, Dillon Brooks for the defense and as the heartbeat of the team, or Steven Adams for his toughness and offensive rebounding. Here’s your answer:
As you can see, the vast majority of you picked Fred VanVleet, and that wasn’t entirely unexpected. Houston’s offense has looked disjointed all season, and not having an experienced point guard was a big reason why. I was curious to see the percentages though, because I still maintain that losing Brooks was the biggest. Houston’s entire identity as a hard-nosed defensive force is no longer. Tari Eason and Amen Thompson are no longer the Terror Twins, there’s no in-your-face attitude, and the Rockets have gone soft. They’re KD’s team now. I don’t think that’s necessarily the case if Brooks is still in town. He got my vote.
Thanks for participating. Make sure you check out our friends over at FanDuel. The Rockets are +8000 to win the NBA Title. That’s an 8k payout on a $100 bet.
The Orlando Magic snapped a six-game losing skid on Thursday and will look to stay in the win column tonight when they visit the Toronto Raptors.
Tristan da Silva has stepped up in a big way for Orlando, and I’m looking for the forward to keep producing in my Magic vs. Raptors predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, March 29.
Magic vs Raptors prediction
Magic vs Raptors best bet: Tristan da Silva Over 10.5 points (-120)
Injuries have hampered the Orlando Magic this season, with Franz Wagner out indefinitely due to a high ankle sprain and Anthony Black also on the injury list with an abdominal strain.
But injuries often come with silver linings in the form of opportunities for other players, and Tristan da Silva has seized his.
The sophomore forward was averaging 20 minutes and change before the All-Star break, but he’s playing over 30 minutes per game this month.
Increased playing time often translates to increased confidence, and the 24-year-old is a prime example. Da Silva has seen his field-goal attempts per game jump from 6.8 in February to 9.9 in March, while his scoring has doubled to 14.3 ppg this month.
Orlando’s 2024 first-round pick has scored Over 10.5 points in four straight games and 11 of his 15 appearances this month. Considering da Silva has scored 18+ points in each of his last three contests, tonight’s line feels way too low.
Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane have been great for the Magic of late, averaging about 26 and 20 ppg, respectively, but da Silva is arguably their third-best player right now.
He’ll top 10.5 points with ease tonight in Toronto.
Magic vs Raptors same-game parlay
The Magic have been scoring with ease of late, cashing the Over in nine of their last 11 games, and that push has largely been led by Banchero and da Silva.
Banchero has scored 30+ points in three straight games and Over 23.5 points in 10 of 15 contests this month. The Magic forward is averaging 26.4 ppg over that span.
Magic vs Raptors SGP
Tristan da Silva Over 10.5 points
Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Double-double trouble
Both teams could be down two starters today, with the Toronto Raptors' Immanuel Quickley (out) and Brandon Ingram (questionable) also on the injury list. That means key players on both sides will need to step up in a variety of roles.
Banchero has 24 double-doubles this season, including six this month. On the Raptors side, Jakob Poeltl has three in his last six outings, while Scottie Barnes has two in his last three games.
Magic vs Raptors SGP
Paolo Banchero double-double
Jakob Poeltl double-double
Scottie Barnes double-double
Magic vs Raptors odds
Spread: Magic +2.5 (-115) | Raptors -2.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Magic +115 | Raptors -135
Over/Under: Over 225.5 | Under 225.5
Magic vs Raptors betting trend to know
Tristan da Silva has scored Over 10.5 points in four straight games. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Raptors.
How to watch Magic vs Raptors
Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Tip-off
6:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Florida, TSN
Magic vs Raptors 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.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - MARCH 28: Masataka Yoshida #7 of the Boston Red Sox during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on March 28, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Red Sox still don’t seem to have a long-term plan for what to do with the five outfielders they have for four outfield/DH spots, to say nothing of what happens when Triston Casas enters the DH picture. But they do have a short-term plan. Alex Cora announced that, starting today, Masataka Yoshida would play three of the next five games, and he’ll even get some game time in left field, where he has made just six appearances over the last two seasons.
It’s not exactly clear to me what the goal is here. The “showcase him for a trade” rationale doesn’t carry water — everyone in baseball knows who he is as a player and no team is going to decide they want him based on a few games in March and April. Moreover, no one really needs much rest at this point in the season; he doesn’t provide an offensive upgrade over any of the players he’d be replacing except for, perhaps, Ceddanne Rafaela; and he’s a definite defensive downgrade over all of them. Players will get injured, of course, and players will need rest, but playing Yoshida three times over the next five games just means the Sox won’t be putting their best team on the field three times over the next five games. It’s long past time to get whatever they can for Yoshida and move on. (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
Another thing to keep in mind regarding the outfield/DH rotation: defensively, the Red Sox outfield was far and away the best in baseball last year. On a relative basis, it was the strongest component of the team. Roman Anthony is probably the weakest of the four primary outfielders, but he is working hard to improve his defensive game. (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
Another thing Anthony is working on right now (as are all big league hitters) is ABS strategy. A poor challenge decision in the third inning of yesterday’s game cost the Sox in a big way. (Christopher Smith, MassLive)
But Anthony didn’t have the worst day yesterday. That dishonor went to Sonny Gray. (Sean McAdam, MassLive)
Or maybe it was CB Bucknor who had the worst day as the home plate umpire. “He has one job to do, it’s call balls and strikes,” Alex Cora said, leading me to wonder what exactly the purpose of ABS is if it isn’t actually relieving us of bad calls. (Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic)
One person who did have a good day, though, was reliever Ryan Watson, who became the third pitcher in Sox history to work more than two innings without giving up a hit in his MLB debut. (Mark Inabinnet, AL.com)
ATLANTA — Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith’s mother died less than two weeks ago. He said the team has picked him up the last few weeks, and he returned the favor Saturday night.
Smith became the first player in MLB history to hit a walk-off grand slam in his debut with a new team, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He finished off the Braves’ six-run ninth inning in a 6-2 win over the Kansas City Royals.
“It’s just amazing,” said Smith, who was one of the last players to make the Braves’ opening day roster. “Played against the Braves for a long time, and being on the other side a lot of these endings kind of hurt, so to be on the right side of it this time was so fun.”
Smith told reporters after the game the Braves had been very supportive during spring training when his mother was ill. She was diagnosed with cancer in September and almost died at the start of camp. Smith said he left the team for a little over a week when she had a “scare,” and returned because he was fighting for a job. He was not with her in California when she passed away.
“This team is just so awesome,” Smith said. “I’m so blessed because of the love they showed me, the support every day. They’re asking about her, asking about her well-being, my well-being, and that’s all they really cared about. They didn’t care about baseball.”
Smith was able to show his thanks in the ninth inning off Royals closer Carlos Estévez, who led MLB in saves last season with 42. The Braves erased a 2-0 deficit on RBI singles by Mike Yastrzemski and Michael Harris II and had the bases loaded with one out. On a 3-2 pitch, after calling timeout to gather himself, Smith lifted a fly ball into the right field seats that sent the sold-out crowd into a frenzy.
Smith said he felt his mom’s presence in the celebration, and he looking forward to the Braves road trip to Anaheim next week where he will be able to see family and “say his goodbyes.”
“I got choked up a bunch of times, and it’s, you know, I’m trying to hold back tears now,” he said. “I feel her every day. I miss her dearly. It’s not a moment I don’t think about her. And like I said, I’m just so thankful because this team knows what I’m going through. So they really, you know, picked me up the last few weeks.”
For the negative segments of the fanbase and bloviators in the media, Thursday night’s loss to the Charlotte Hornets will serve as enough of a sample size to write the Knicks off for the umpteenth time this season. However, true observers won’t let it distract from the simple fact that New York’s been one of, if not the most dominant team in the league over the past two months.
Ugly games against deep lottery teams and Stephen A. Smith rants may take up the noise, but the Knicks are 23-8 since their embarrassing rock bottom blowout to the Dallas Mavericks in late January. They are tied for the second-highest net rating in the NBA in that span, outscoring opponents by 11.7 points per 100 possessions.
They also went on separate seven- and eight-game win streaks, beating the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs along the way. What spurred this turnaround, and how have the Knicks been able to stay the hottest team in the NBA?
The life of a contender can be very boom-or-bust over an 82-game season. New York is equally susceptible, hitting a major wall after starting the season 23-9 and winning the NBA Cup.
They stumbled into the new year with a 2-9 skid, dropping games to dreg after dreg, as their defense plummeted to near-worst in the league during this span. The team completely lacked energy, focus, and seemingly chemistry, capping the losses with a 17-point home drubbing to the lowly Mavericks.
But contenders have bad months - the real ones can shake them off and not string two back-to-back. So the Knicks did, rattling off eight in a row to kick into high gear.
It started, first and foremost, with the defense. Even when the Knicks looked strong in the early season, their defense was good-to-average, passable if not worrying for a team with championship aspirations.
Since January 21, they’ve had the best defense in the league, holding opponents to 106.7 points per 100 possessions, a full point ahead of Oklahoma City. A key to the shift was the coaching staff simplifying the defensive system, as well as emphasizing protecting the middle and corners.
While the change empowered each individual player to step up their defensive games, including the vaunted wing defensive combo of OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, one in particular deserves added credit for his leadership on this end, and that’s Karl-Anthony Towns.
Despite the coaching and system changes, Towns has consistently brought it defensively throughout the season, even through injury and a slower offensive season. He’s been asked to jump between different schemes more, and taken on the challenge to success, now having one of his best defensive years.
The Knicks have still maintained a robust offense during this tear - good for sixth in the league. But this may be even more impressive than the defense, given some of the shooting woes of their key scorers.
New York has won all these games with Jalen Brunson averaging 23.8 points on 50 percent shooting from two and 35 percent from three. Those are well below his usual numbers, yet he’s stayed grounded as the floor general, picking up his assist count and off-ball play to make up for the drop-off.
Mikal Bridges is also in a dry spell of his own, failing to crack 15 points in the last 11 games. He’s averaged 13 points on 55 percent shooting from two and 33 percent from three since the Knicks started winning again - one can only imagine what the offense looks like once these two get going again.
It’s been Towns once again on this end, shaking off his rough start to the year to average 21 points on 63 percent shooting from two and 41 percent from three his last 20 games. Head coach Mike Brown once again had to find some midseason solutions to get KAT going, and did so in the nick of time.
The bolstering of New York’s depth has been another big factor. Mohamed Diawara went from creeping into to demanding a spot in the rotation, the Knicks acquired Jose Alvarado and Landry Shamet got healthy, all in this span, no small developments.
It can be easy to get lost in the day-by-day of the regular season, but the further you zoom out, the more impressive and ready for the playoffs this Knicks team looks. No matter what the doubters may say about a single loss, New York has been atop the league since before the trade deadline, and that means a little more.
The Denver Nuggets, ranked fourth in the Western Conference, will host the Golden State Warriors, who are 10th in the Western Conference. Denver, favored by 12.5 points with a moneyline of -650, has a 47-28 record, while Golden State stands at 36-38. The over/under for the game is set at 238.5 points.
How to Watch Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets
The Charlotte Hornets host the Boston Celtics a day after having their five-game winning streak — both straight up and ATS — snapped by Philadelphia on Saturday.
Just a half game separates teams No. 8 through 10 in the Eastern Conference Play-In race, so this game will be critical for Charlotte, currently in the 10th spot.
It doesn’t seem as critical for Boston, which has a lengthy injury report heading into the showdown. That’s why my Celtics vs. Hornets predictions and NBA picks look for the Hornets to cover as home dogs.
Celtics vs Hornets prediction
Celtics vs Hornets best bet: Hornets +1 (-110)
The Charlotte Hornets have stepped up against highly rated opponents this season. The Hornets are 12-8 ATS as a home dog and 27-17 ATS in all games as an underdog. The Hornets also recorded covers against No. 3 New York, No. 8 Orlando, and No. 9 Miami on their recent hot streak.
The Boston Celtics, meanwhile, enter coming off back-to-back covers, but the Celtics seem to be treating Sunday’s game as a load management day. Starting a four-game road trip, as well as this being the first night of a back-to-back, Boston has three of its top four scorers listed as questionable.
Jayson Tatum will be a game-time decision as the team manages his recovery from the major injury. All-Star Jaylen Brown (28.6 points) missed Friday’s game with Achilles tendonitis and is questionable again Sunday.
Derrick White (17.1 points) played after being questionable with a knee contusion on Friday. He has the same status as does 9.8-point scorer Neemias Queta, who also played Friday.
The short-handed Celtics could have trouble on the perimeter. Charlotte has made the most 3-pointers in the NBA and has the third-best accuracy from three. Boston’s defense is in the bottom half of the league in both categories, even when everyone is suited up and healthy.
Charlotte has covered its last three against the Top-4 seeds in the East, including a 29-point win in Boston earlier this month.
Celtics vs Hornets same-game parlay
Both teams rank in the Bottom 6 in pace of play, and their recent games have shown that they aren’t speeding up for the stretch run. Boston has gone Under in three of the last four. Charlotte is on a streak of four straight Unders and has gone Under in seven of 10.
Knueppel, a rookie of the year candidate, leads the NBA in 3-pointers made and has already set the rookie record. He’s also fifth in 3-point percentage. He should have a big day against a Boston team that struggles defending the perimeter and could be missing some wings.
Celtics vs Hornets SGP
Hornets +1.5
Under 215.5
Kon Knueppel Over 17.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Sting like a bee!
Knueppel has made 18 threes in his last five games and 13 in his last three. Miller has made 22 in his last five and has hit at least half his 3-point attempts in three of those games. They're well-positioned to torch the Celtics on the outside.
Meanwhile, Ball and White should be able to slash and score, with Boston likely missing at least a few of the injured wings and bigs. Ball has scored 20+ in his last six games.
White is shooting 27 percentage points better from the field and 36 points better from three since joining Charlotte at the deadline. He’s scored at least 15 in four of the last five.
Celtics vs Hornets SGP
LaMelo Ball Over 20.5 points
Kon Knueppel Over 3.5 threes
Brandon Miller Over 3.5 threes
Coby White Over 14.5 points
Celtics vs Hornets odds
Spread: Celtics -1 | Hornets +1
Moneyline: Celtics -115 | Hornets -105
Over/Under: Over 215.5 | Under 215.5
Celtics vs Hornets betting trend to know
The Celtics have gone Under the total in 35 of their last 50 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Hornets.
How to watch Celtics vs Hornets
Location
Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Date
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Tip-off
6:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBCS-Boston, FDSN-Charlotte
Celtics vs Hornets latest injuries
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The Oklahoma City Thunder, ranked #1 in the Western Conference, host the New York Knicks, ranked #3 in the Eastern Conference. Oklahoma City is favored with a spread of -8.5 and a moneyline of -350, indicating a 74.7% implied probability of winning, while New York's moneyline is 280.
How to Watch New York Knicks vs Oklahoma City Thunder
The Cleveland Guardians, ranked #1 in the AL Central, face the Seattle Mariners, ranked #4 in the AL West. The Mariners are favored with a moneyline of -170 and a spread of -1.5. Cleveland's Slade Cecconi (ERA: 4.30) will start against Seattle's Emerson Hancock (ERA: 4.90).
How to Watch Cleveland Guardians vs Seattle Mariners
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 28: Ronald McDonald, the McDonald's mascot throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers on March 28, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Good morning, folks…
The Texas Rangers beat the Philadelphia Phillies yesterday by a score of 5-4.
Evan Grant laments that the Rangers’ closer situation is still a problem, though Skip Schumaker says Robert Garcia and Chris Martin made their pitches and will continue to be run out there in save situations.
Schumaker explained his controversial decision to have Ezequiel Duran pinch hit for Josh Smith in the ninth inning of the opener.
The Rangers were able to keep Mark Canha around on his minor league deal by allowing him to stay in extended spring training.
The Rangers also re-signed veteran reliever Ryan Brasier to a minor league deal, after Brasier had opted out last week.
Caden Scarborough will miss the first 4-6 weeks of the minor league season as he recovers from an offseason melanoma.
In ABS news, CB Bucknor had six — SIX! — pitches overturned through the challenge system yesterday in the Boston/Cincinnati matchup that featured BoSox manager Alex Cora getting ejected.
Kozzy-conscious Blues left pointing fingers, shaking heads and bumping into one another as Melbourne celebrate Max Gawn’s 250th in style
Carlton games usually come with a sense of impending doom. They’ll ping the gates. They’ll crash and they’ll bang. They’ll do all the things the coach values. But their opponents know, and the Blues fans certainly know, that the key to beating Carlton is to absorb what they throw at you, to lay back on the ropes, to let them tire themselves out and to unleash.
The evidence has been there for years now – their failure to run out games, their woeful skills under fatigue, and their ongoing inability or unwillingness to adapt when the opposition gets a run on. On Sunday, in their 11.11 (77) to 15.10 (100) loss to Melbourne, you could add another factor to the mix – the presence, the power and the raw talent of Kysaiah Pickett.
